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Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Feb 2023
Meta-Analysis
Response: Co-occurrence of giant cell arteritis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Reply letter to Castañeda and González-Gay (Letter to the Editor: Concurrent baseline diagnosis of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis...
Topics: Humans; Giant Cell Arteritis; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Diagnosis, Differential; Sexual and Gender Minorities
PubMed: 36580855
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152155 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Feb 2023Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic fungal infection that affects immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to describe the...
BACKGROUND
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic fungal infection that affects immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of PJP among patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study of incident cases of GCA and PMR was conducted using claims data from the TriNetX database to describe the incidence of PJP during the first 6 months of therapy. Additionally, a systematic review was performed to identify other publications describing PJP among patients with GCA or PMR.
RESULTS
During 547 patient-years of follow-up time, no cases of PJP were identified among 1,168 cases of GCA (incident rate 0 per 1,000 person-years); during 7,446 patient-years of follow up time, one case of PJP was identified out of 15,575 cases of PMR (incident rate 0.07 cases per 1,000 patient-years). This patient was alive at last follow up. Our systematic review identified 1 case-control study, 4 cohort studies, and 18 case series / case reports of PJP among patients with GCA or PMR. The incident rate of PJP was reported from one additional study for GCA and was estimated at 0.08 cases per 1,000 person years; no additional cohort studies were identified for patients with PMR. Over the entirety of the published literature, the total number of cases identified among case series and case reports was 33, from which 4 total deaths were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with newly diagnosed GCA or PMR rarely develop PJP. Existing data does not support routine prescribing of PJP prophylaxis for either group of patients.
Topics: Humans; Giant Cell Arteritis; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Pneumocystis carinii; Case-Control Studies; Retrospective Studies; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
PubMed: 36563422
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152154 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2022Several studies showed inconsistencies in the relationships between inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, we...
BACKGROUND
Several studies showed inconsistencies in the relationships between inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to investigate the associations between different IRDs and PD risk.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was undertaken on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to June 2022. Studies reporting the relationships between IRDs and PD risk were included. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using random-effects models.
RESULTS
Twenty-two publications covering seven IRDs containing data from 833,004 patients were identified for quantitative analysis. The pooled results indicated that ankylosing spondylitis (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.31-1.83, I = 32.1%, < 0.001), Sjögren's syndrome (RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.22-1.47, I = 58.5%, < 0.001), and Behcet's disease (RR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.07-3.49, I = 57.6%, = 0.030) were associated with an increased PD risk. However, no significant associations were observed between gout, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as polymyalgia rheumatica and the subsequent development of PD.
CONCLUSION
Ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren's syndrome, and Behcet's disease may increase PD risk.
PubMed: 36438950
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.999820 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Oct 2022Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) can be concurrent diseases. We aimed to estimate the point-prevalence of concurrent GCA and PMR.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) can be concurrent diseases. We aimed to estimate the point-prevalence of concurrent GCA and PMR. Additionally, an incidence rate (IR) of GCA presenting after PMR diagnosis in patients was estimated.
METHODS
Two authors performed a systematic literature search, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. Studies assessing cohorts of patients presenting with both GCA and PMR were included. The outcomes were point-prevalence of concurrent GCA and PMR and IR for development of GCA after PMR diagnosis. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate a pooled prevalence of concurrent PMR and GCA.
RESULTS
We identified 29 studies investigating concurrent GCA and PMR. Only two studies applied imaging systematically to diagnose GCA and none to diagnose PMR. GCA presenting after PMR diagnosis was assessed in 12 studies but imaging was not applied systematically. The point-prevalence of concurrent GCA present at PMR diagnosis ranged from 6%-66%. The pooled estimate of the point-prevalence from the meta-analysis was 22%. The point-prevalence of PMR present at GCA diagnosis ranged from 16%-65%. The pooled estimate of the point-prevalence from the meta-analysis was 42%. The IR ranged between 2-78 cases of GCA presenting after PMR per 1000 person-years.
CONCLUSION
This review and meta-analysis support that concurrent GCA and PMR is frequently present at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, we present the current evidence of GCA presenting in patients after PMR diagnosis. These results emphasize the need for studies applying imaging modalities to diagnose GCA.
Topics: Diagnostic Imaging; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Incidence; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Prevalence
PubMed: 35858507
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152069 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Aug 2022To determine the prevalence and predictors of subclinical giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with newly diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence and predictors of subclinical giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with newly diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched (date of last search July 14, 2021) for any published information on any consecutively recruited cohort reporting the prevalence of GCA in steroid-naïve patients with PMR without cranial or ischemic symptoms. We combined prevalences across populations in a random-effect meta-analysis. Potential predictors of subclinical GCA were identified by mixed-effect logistic regression using individual patient data (IPD) from cohorts screened with PET/(CT).
RESULTS
We included 13 cohorts with 566 patients from studies published between 1965 to 2020. Subclinical GCA was diagnosed by temporal artery biopsy in three studies, ultrasound in three studies, and PET/(CT) in seven studies. The pooled prevalence of subclinical GCA across all studies was 23% (95% CI 14%-36%, I=84%) for any screening method and 29% in the studies using PET/(CT) (95% CI 13%-53%, I=85%) (n=266 patients). For seven cohorts we obtained IPD for 243 patients screened with PET/(CT). Inflammatory back pain (OR 2.73, 1.32-5.64), absence of lower limb pain (OR 2.35, 1.05-5.26), female sex (OR 2.31, 1.17-4.58), temperature >37° (OR 1.83, 0.90-3.71), weight loss (OR 1.83, 0.96-3.51), thrombocyte count (OR 1.51, 1.05-2.18), and haemoglobin level (OR 0.80, 0.64-1.00) were most strongly associated with subclinical GCA in the univariable analysis but not C-reactive protein (OR 1.00, 1.00-1.01) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.01, 1.00-1.02). A prediction model calculated from these variables had an area under the curve of 0.66 (95% CI 0.55-0.75).
CONCLUSION
More than a quarter of patients with PMR may have subclinical GCA. The prediction model from the most extensive IPD set has only modest diagnostic accuracy. Hence, a paradigm shift in the assessment of PMR patients in favour of implementing imaging studies should be discussed.
Topics: Biopsy; Female; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Prevalence
PubMed: 35537222
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152017 -
Measurement Properties of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica Activity Score: A Systematic Literature Review.The Journal of Rheumatology Jun 2022To perform a COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN)-based systematic literature review of measurement properties of the...
OBJECTIVE
To perform a COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN)-based systematic literature review of measurement properties of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica Activity Score (PMR-AS).
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were broadly searched. English full-text articles, with (quantitative) data on ≥ 5 patients with PMR using the PMR-AS were selected. Seven hypotheses for construct validity and 3 for responsiveness, concerning associations with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, physical function, quality of life, clinical disease states, ultrasound, and treatment response, were formulated. We assessed the structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, and measurement error, or the hypotheses on construct validity or responsiveness of the PMR-AS based on COSMIN criteria.
RESULTS
Out of the identified 26 articles that used the PMR-AS, we were able to use 12 articles. Structural validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness were assessed in 1, 2, 8, and 3 articles, respectively. Insufficient evidence was found to confirm structural validity and internal consistency. No data were found on reliability or measurement error. Although 60% and 67% of hypotheses tested for construct validity and responsiveness, respectively, were confirmed, there was insufficient evidence to meet criteria for good measurement properties.
CONCLUSION
While there is some promising evidence for construct validity and responsiveness of the PMR-AS, it is lacking for other properties and, overall, falls short of criteria for good measurement properties. Therefore, further research is needed to assess its role in clinical research and care.
Topics: Blood Sedimentation; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 35232811
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.211292 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Feb 2022Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease that is common in elderly people. Its classification in the spectrum of autoinflammatory and autoimmune... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease that is common in elderly people. Its classification in the spectrum of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases is difficult because of its only partially understood immune-mediated mechanisms. The literature concerning the innate and adaptive immune system activation in PMR was systematically reviewed highlighting the relative weight of autoinflammation and autoimmunity in its pathogenesis and disease progression.
METHODS
A literature search on PubMed Central and Embase scientific databases was performed by two independent reviewers. To be eligible, the studies needed to fully satisfy our initial PICO framework: a primary diagnosis of PMR as a population, the search for immune/inflammatory cells, cytokines and autoantibodies as an intervention, a control group consisting in healthy controls, patients with other inflammatory rheumatic diseases or PMR patients in remission after treatment and as outcomes the results of the investigations in the analyzed tissue samples. The most relevant data of the included papers were extracted by using a standardized template.
RESULTS
Of the 933 screened abstracts, 52 papers were included in the systematic review and categorized depending on their primary research objectives. The hyper-activity of neutrophils and monocytes, expressing toll-like receptor 7 in active disease, an impaired phagocytosis and endothelial dysfunction, as well as an increased count of innate T cells in patients with remission emerged among the major derangements of the innate immune response in PMR. Among the cytokines profile, interleukin-6 plays a key role but other pro-inflammatory mediators and angiogenesis markers such as chemokines, B-cell activating factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietins seem to be involved in refractory or glucocorticoid-resistant PMR. The aberrant adaptive immune response was documented by tissue and serum findings of polarized T cells towards T helper 1 and 17 phenotypes, an increased expression of immunosenescent surface markers and a downregulated immunoregulatory response. The altered distribution of peripheral B cells, detected during active disease, suggested their peripheral migration towards unidentified sites. The interaction between innate and adaptive immune response was documented by a synovial infiltrate of macrophages and T cells. Despite multiple autoantibodies have been detected in PMR patients, none proved to correlate with disease activity seeming to be reactive to the marked inflammation or antigenic determinants provided by environmental triggers or tissue/cell damage.
CONCLUSIONS
The complex network between innate and adaptive immune system in PMR is supported by findings at molecular and cellular levels. By considering both the ends of the pathophysiological spectrum of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases, PMR may be regarded as an inflammatory immune-mediated disease with mixed mechanisms in a background of genetic and epigenetic factors together with immunological and endocrine senescence.
Topics: Autoimmunity; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Neutrophils; Polymyalgia Rheumatica
PubMed: 34798314
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102995 -
Clinical Rheumatology Jan 2022A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, according to the PRISMA methodology, to summarize current evidence on the prevalence and predictors of long-term... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Long-term glucocorticoid treatment and high relapse rate remain unresolved issues in the real-life management of polymyalgia rheumatica: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, according to the PRISMA methodology, to summarize current evidence on the prevalence and predictors of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment and disease relapses in the real-life management of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).Out of 5442 retrieved studies, 21 were eligible for meta-analysis and 24 for qualitative analysis. The pooled proportions of patients still taking GCs at 1, 2, and 5 years were respectively 77% (95%CI 71-83%), 51% (95%CI 41-61%), and 25% (95CI% 15-36%). No significant difference was recorded by distinguishing study cohorts recruited before and after the issue of the international recommendations in 2010. The pooled proportion of patients experiencing at least one relapse at 1 year from treatment initiation was 43% (95%CI 29-56%). Female gender, acute-phase reactants levels, peripheral arthritis, starting GCs dosage, and tapering speed were the most frequently investigated potential predictors of prolonged GC treatment and relapse, but with inconsistent results. Only a few studies and with conflicting results evaluated the potential role of early treatment with methotrexate in reducing the GC exposure and the risk of relapse in PMR.This study showed that a high rate of prolonged GC treatment is still recorded in the management of PMR. The relapse rate, even remarkable, can only partially explain the long-term GC treatment, suggesting that other and not yet identified factors may be involved. Additional research is needed to profile patients with a higher risk of long-term GC treatment and relapse and identify more effective steroid-sparing strategies. Key Points: • High rate of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is recorded in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), being 77%, 51%, and 25% of patients still on GCs after respectively 1, 2, and 5 years. • A pooled relapse rate of 43% at 1 year, even remarkable, can only partially explain the long-term GC treatment in PMR. • Several studies have attempted to identify potential predictors of prolonged treatment with GCs and relapse, but with inconsistent results. • Additional research is needed to profile patients with a higher risk of long-term GC treatment and relapse and identify more effective steroid-sparing strategies.
Topics: Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Giant Cell Arteritis; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Recurrence
PubMed: 34415462
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05819-z -
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal... 2021Activity monitors have been introduced in the last years to objectively measure physical activity to help physicians in the management of musculoskeletal patients. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Activity monitors have been introduced in the last years to objectively measure physical activity to help physicians in the management of musculoskeletal patients.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed at describing the assessment of physical activity by commercially available portable activity monitors in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from inception to June 11th, 2020. We considered as eligible observational studies with: musculoskeletal patients; physical activity measured by wearable sensors based on inertial measurement units; comparisons performed with other tools; outcomes consisting of number of steps/day, activity/inactivity time, or activity counts/day.
RESULTS
Out of 595 records, after removing duplicates, title/abstract and full text screening, 10 articles were included. We noticed a wide heterogeneity in the wearable devices, that resulted to be 10 different types. Patients included suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and fibromyalgia. Only 3 studies compared portable activity trackers with objective measurement tools.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, this systematic review showed that activity monitors might be considered as useful to assess physical activity in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, albeit, to date, the high device heterogeneity and the different algorithms still prevent their standardization.
Topics: Exercise; Fitness Trackers; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Reproducibility of Results; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 33935067
DOI: 10.3233/BMR-200348 -
Reumatologia 2020In 1979, Bird et al. proposed depression as a diagnostic criterion for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). More recently, the significance of depression in PMR patients has...
Depression and depressive symptoms in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica: discussion points, grey areas and unmet needs emerging from a systematic review of published literature.
OBJECTIVES
In 1979, Bird et al. proposed depression as a diagnostic criterion for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). More recently, the significance of depression in PMR patients has been re-proposed, , and some researchers have suggested that PMR may increase the risk of depression. The aim of our article is to evaluate the relationship between PMR and depression.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic literature searches were performed on 19 and 20 May 2020 based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was restricted to all studies and case reports with English abstract, published in any language, since 1979 (when depression was first proposed as a diagnostic criterion for PMR) describing the association of PMR with depression. Exclusion criteria were as follows: reviews, conference abstracts, comments, non-original articles; and articles discussing giant cell arteritis (GCA) and PMR when data and observations for the two conditions were not clearly subdivided.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 812 papers, of which 115 duplicates were removed. A total of 697 articles had a first screening and 506 were excluded based on title and abstract reviews; 117 articles underwent full-length scrutiny, and 99 full-text articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria (reviews and comments = 58; articles with outcome of interest not reported = 34; low-quality articles = 7). At least, 18 articles were included in this review.
CONCLUSIONS
The review did not find any studies that clarified the prevalence rates of depression in patients with PMR. Furthermore, the studies reviewed did not offer any clarity as to whether patients suffered from just depressive symptoms or clinical depression, and that accepted diagnostic criteria for depression had not been employed, indicating that a robust method for diagnosing depression had not been employed. Collaboration of different professionals should be improved through shared guidelines.
PubMed: 33456081
DOI: 10.5114/reum.2020.102003