Bone infarcts: Unsuspected gray areas?

Place: FranceThere is agreement to label as bone infarcts avascular necrosis (AVN) occurring in the metaphyses or diaphyses of long bones, the terms AVN or osteonecrosis being used at the epiphyses. One might expect bone infarction to hold no mysteries. Oddly enough, however, scientific evidence about bone infarcts is extraordinarily scant. The prevalence of bone infarcts is unknown. The main sites of involvement are the distal femur, proximal tibia, and distal tibia. In patients without sickle cell disease or Gaucher's disease, involvement of the upper limbs and lesions confined to the diaphysis are so rare as to warrant a reappraisal of the diagnosis. Although widely viewed as a generally silent event, bone infarcts causes symptoms in half the cases. Standard radiographs are normal initially then show typical high-density lesions in the center of the marrow cavity. A periosteal reaction is common and may be the first and only radiographic change. Magnetic resonance imaging consistently shows typical features and therefore, in principle, obviates the need for other investigations. Bone infarcts are multifocal in over half the cases and, when multifocal, are usually accompanied with multiple foci of epiphyseal avascular necrosis. Thus, bone infarcts, whose prognosis is good per se (with the exception of the very low risk of malignant transformation), are usually a marker for systemic avascular necrosis. Consequently, patients with bone infarcts must be investigated both for known risk factors and for other foci of avascular necrosis, which may, in contrast, have function-threatening effects

Patient e-health platform for Rheumatoid Arthritis: accuracy and adherence factors

Background: Personal health records (PHRs) are patient-controlled repositories, capturing health data entered by individuals and providing information related their care. These tools improve treatment adherence but data are scarce concerning tool adherence. The accuracy of the self-recorded data remains controversial. We assessed how support measures improve PHR adoption determined the factors that influence the accuracy of self-recorded data and tool adherence of RA patients.Methods: A controlled randomized study with a PHR tool with integrated electronic health records developed by SANOIA. RA patients with ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria with web access randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 patients were given written information to create and manage a PHR; Group 2 patients received written information and a web technician hotline 48 hours after inclusion; Group 3 patients began their PHR with their rheumatologist during the consultation.Results: 56 RA patients were included (female: 73%, mean age: 57.1, mean DAS28: 3.04, mean RAPID-3: 2.93). Self-reported data accuracy was significantly higher in Groups 2 (73.7%) and 3 (82.4%) than in Group 1 (45.0%), (P = 0.04). Patient adherence was higher in Group 2 (78.9%) compared with Groups 1 (55.0%) and 3 (58.8%) (P = 0.45). Accuracy was correlated to adhesion (P <0.0001). Gender, age, disease durationand activity, treatments, and patient level of interest were not correlated to data accuracy or patient adherence.Conclusion: Information accuracy collected with PHR was relevant and better when patients were initially assisted either by their physician or by non-medical phone support. We also observed better adherence when patients were initially assisted

Patient e-health platform for Rheumatoid Arthritis: accuracy and adherence factors

Background: Personal health records (PHRs) are patient-controlled repositories, capturing health data entered by individuals and providing information related their care. These tools improve treatment adherence but data are scarce concerning tool adherence. The accuracy of the self-recorded data remains controversial. We assessed how support measures improve PHR adoption determined the factors that influence the accuracy of self-recorded data and tool adherence of RA patients.Methods: A controlled randomized study with a PHR tool with integrated electronic health records developed by SANOIA. RA patients with ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria with web access randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 patients were given written information to create and manage a PHR; Group 2 patients received written information and a web technician hotline 48 hours after inclusion; Group 3 patients began their PHR with their rheumatologist during the consultation.Results: 56 RA patients were included (female: 73%, mean age: 57.1, mean DAS28: 3.04, mean RAPID-3: 2.93). Self-reported data accuracy was significantly higher in Groups 2 (73.7%) and 3 (82.4%) than in Group 1 (45.0%), (P = 0.04). Patient adherence was higher in Group 2 (78.9%) compared with Groups 1 (55.0%) and 3 (58.8%) (P = 0.45). Accuracy was correlated to adhesion (P <0.0001). Gender, age, disease durationand activity, treatments, and patient level of interest were not correlated to data accuracy or patient adherence.Conclusion: Information accuracy collected with PHR was relevant and better when patients were initially assisted either by their physician or by non-medical phone support. We also observed better adherence when patients were initially assisted

Patient e-health platform for Rheumatoid Arthritis: accuracy and adherence factors

Background: Personal health records (PHRs) are patient-controlled repositories, capturing health data entered by individuals and providing information related their care. These tools improve treatment adherence but data are scarce concerning tool adherence. The accuracy of the self-recorded data remains controversial. We assessed how support measures improve PHR adoption determined the factors that influence the accuracy of self-recorded data and tool adherence of RA patients.Methods: A controlled randomized study with a PHR tool with integrated electronic health records developed by SANOIA. RA patients with ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria with web access randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 patients were given written information to create and manage a PHR; Group 2 patients received written information and a web technician hotline 48 hours after inclusion; Group 3 patients began their PHR with their rheumatologist during the consultation.Results: 56 RA patients were included (female: 73%, mean age: 57.1, mean DAS28: 3.04, mean RAPID-3: 2.93). Self-reported data accuracy was significantly higher in Groups 2 (73.7%) and 3 (82.4%) than in Group 1 (45.0%), (P = 0.04). Patient adherence was higher in Group 2 (78.9%) compared with Groups 1 (55.0%) and 3 (58.8%) (P = 0.45). Accuracy was correlated to adhesion (P <0.0001). Gender, age, disease durationand activity, treatments, and patient level of interest were not correlated to data accuracy or patient adherence.Conclusion: Information accuracy collected with PHR was relevant and better when patients were initially assisted either by their physician or by non-medical phone support. We also observed better adherence when patients were initially assisted

Osteoporosis prevention among chronic glucocorticoid users: results from a public health insurance database.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term glucocorticoid therapy is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. The management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) seems to be inadequate in many European countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of screening and treatment of GIOP. DESIGN: Information was collected from a national public health-insurance database in our geographic area of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur and in Corsica, from September 2009 through August 2011. PATIENTS: We identified participants aged 15 years and over starting glucocorticoid therapy (≥7.5 mg of prednisone equivalent per day during at least 90 days consecutive). This cohort was compared with an age-matched and sex-matched population that did not receive glucocorticoids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone mass, prescription of bone antiresorptive medication and use of calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. RESULTS: We identified 32 812 patients who were prescribed glucocorticoid therapy, yielding 1% prevalence. Incidence of glucocorticoid therapy was 2.8/1000 inhabitants/year. Males represented 44%, the mean age was 58 years. The median prednisone-equivalent dose was 11 mg/day (IQR 9-18 mg/day). 8% underwent bone mass measurement. Calcium and/or vitamin D, and bisphosphonates were prescribed in 18% and 12%, respectively. Results were lower for the control population: 3% underwent bone mass measurement and 3% received bisphosphonate therapy. The rates of osteodensitometry and treatments were higher in women over 55 years of age than in men and women 55 years of age and younger, and also when glucocorticoid therapy was initiated by a rheumatologist versus other physician specialty. CONCLUSIONS: The management of GIOP remains very inadequate, despite the availability of a statutory health insurance system. Targeted interventions are needed to improve the management of GIOP

Frailty in HIV infected people: a new risk factor for bone mineral density loss

International audienceObjective: The study aims to assess the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and frailty in a cohort of HIV-infected patients. Design: A cross-sectional study in an HIV outpatient unit where nearly 1000 patients are monitored. Methods: Study participants undergoing bone densitometry were proposed an evaluation of frailty using criteria of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF). Frailty markers were weight-loss, self-reported exhaustion , physical activity, grip strength, chair stands, and slow gait. Patients' characteristics were collected from an electronic medical record. Associations of frailty with BMD and osteoporosis were tested using multivariate linear and logit regression models, respectively. Results: In total, 175 HIV-infected patients, 121 (69.14%) men, were analyzed. Prevalence of frailty markers, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were comparable among sexes. Despite a younger age, spinal and femoral neck BMD were lower in women (P < 0.05). Linear regression model adjusting by age, duration of HIV follow-up, BMI, smoking status, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis treatment, and the age at menopause showed a negative association of spinal and femoral BMD with frailty according to SOF criteria in women (P < 0.05). In men, SOF-defined frailty was associated with osteoporosis (odds ratio 28.79; 95% confidence interval 2.15-386.4) in a model adjusting for age, duration of HIV follow-up, CD4 þ nadir, CD4 þ T-cell count, tobacco consumption, exposure to tenofovir (TDF) and protease inhibitors. No significant associations were found between BMD and CHS-defined frailty. Conclusion: Our study shows that frailty according to SOF criteria is associated with low spinal BMD values in female and osteoporosis in male HIV-infected patients

Osteoporosis prevention among chronic glucocorticoid users: results from a public health insurance database

INTRODUCTION: Long-term glucocorticoid therapy is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. The management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) seems to be inadequate in many European countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of screening and treatment of GIOP. DESIGN: Information was collected from a national public health-insurance database in our geographic area of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur and in Corsica, from September 2009 through August 2011. PATIENTS: We identified participants aged 15 years and over starting glucocorticoid therapy (≥7.5 mg of prednisone equivalent per day during at least 90 days consecutive). This cohort was compared with an age-matched and sex-matched population that did not receive glucocorticoids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone mass, prescription of bone antiresorptive medication and use of calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. RESULTS: We identified 32 812 patients who were prescribed glucocorticoid therapy, yielding 1% prevalence. Incidence of glucocorticoid therapy was 2.8/1000 inhabitants/year. Males represented 44%, the mean age was 58 years. The median prednisone-equivalent dose was 11 mg/day (IQR 9–18 mg/day). 8% underwent bone mass measurement. Calcium and/or vitamin D, and bisphosphonates were prescribed in 18% and 12%, respectively. Results were lower for the control population: 3% underwent bone mass measurement and 3% received bisphosphonate therapy. The rates of osteodensitometry and treatments were higher in women over 55 years of age than in men and women 55 years of age and younger, and also when glucocorticoid therapy was initiated by a rheumatologist versus other physician specialty. CONCLUSIONS: The management of GIOP remains very inadequate, despite the availability of a statutory health insurance system. Targeted interventions are needed to improve the management of GIOP

Efficacy and safety of combination targeted therapies in immune-mediated inflammatory disease: the COMBIO study

International audienceBACKGROUND: Use of a combination of targeted therapies (COMBIO) in patients with refractory/overlapping immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) has increased, but reported data remain scarce. We aimed to assess effectiveness and safety of COMBIO in patients with IMIDs. METHODS: We conducted a French ambispective multicenter cohort study from September 2020 to May 2021, including adults' patients with 1 or 2 IMIDs and treated at least 3-month with COMBIO. RESULTS: Overall, 143 patients were included. The most common IMIDs were Crohn's disease (63.6%), axial spondyloarthritis (37.7%), and ulcerative colitis (14%). Half of patients had only one IMID, of which 60% were Crohn's disease. Mean duration of COMBIO was 274.5±59.3 weeks, and COMBIO persistence at 104 weeks was estimated at 64.1%. The most frequent COMBIOs combined anti-TNF agents with vedolizumab (30%) or ustekinumab (28.7%). Overall, 50% of patients achieved significant and 27% mild-to-moderate improvement in patient-reported outcomes. Extended duration of COMBIO (aOR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.14; p=0.002) and diagnoses of two IMIDs (aOR=3.46; 95%CI: 1.29-9.26; p=0.013) were associated with significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. Incidence of serious infection during COMBIO was 4.51 per 100 person-years (95% CI 2.20-8.27) and 5 COMBIOs were discontinued due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: COMBIO can be effective and safe in patients with refractory/overlapping IMIDs

Severity of COVID-19 and survival in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases: data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort of 694 patients

International audienceObjectives: There is little known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMD). We examined epidemiological characteristics associated with severe disease, then with death. We also compared mortality between patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with and without iRMD.Methods: Individuals with suspected iRMD-COVID-19 were included in this French cohort. Logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of severe COVID-19. The most significant clinically relevant factors were analysed by multivariable penalised logistic regression models, using a forward selection method. The death rate of hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 (moderate-severe) was compared with a subset of patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19 from a French hospital matched for age, sex, and comorbidities.Results: Of 694 adults, 438 (63%) developed mild (not hospitalised), 169 (24%) moderate (hospitalised out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and 87 (13%) severe (patients in ICU/deceased) disease. In multivariable imputed analyses, the variables associated with severe infection were age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10), female gender (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.25-0.80), body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12), hypertension (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and use of corticosteroids (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.54), mycophenolate mofetil (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 1.47-29.62) and rituximab (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 1.61-10.98). Fifty-eight patients died (8% (total) and 23% (hospitalised)). Compared with 175 matched hospitalised patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19, the OR of mortality associated with hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.42) (n=175 each group).Conclusions: In the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, as already identified in the general population, older age, male gender, obesity, and hypertension were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Patients with iRMD on corticosteroids, but not methotrexate, or tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 inhibitors, should be considered as more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Unlike common comorbidities such as obesity, and cardiovascular or lung diseases, the risk of death is not significantly increased in patients with iRMD

Severity of COVID-19 and survival in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases: data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort of 694 patients

International audienceObjectives: There is little known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMD). We examined epidemiological characteristics associated with severe disease, then with death. We also compared mortality between patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with and without iRMD.Methods: Individuals with suspected iRMD-COVID-19 were included in this French cohort. Logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of severe COVID-19. The most significant clinically relevant factors were analysed by multivariable penalised logistic regression models, using a forward selection method. The death rate of hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 (moderate-severe) was compared with a subset of patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19 from a French hospital matched for age, sex, and comorbidities.Results: Of 694 adults, 438 (63%) developed mild (not hospitalised), 169 (24%) moderate (hospitalised out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and 87 (13%) severe (patients in ICU/deceased) disease. In multivariable imputed analyses, the variables associated with severe infection were age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10), female gender (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.25-0.80), body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12), hypertension (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and use of corticosteroids (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.54), mycophenolate mofetil (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 1.47-29.62) and rituximab (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 1.61-10.98). Fifty-eight patients died (8% (total) and 23% (hospitalised)). Compared with 175 matched hospitalised patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19, the OR of mortality associated with hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.42) (n=175 each group).Conclusions: In the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, as already identified in the general population, older age, male gender, obesity, and hypertension were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Patients with iRMD on corticosteroids, but not methotrexate, or tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 inhibitors, should be considered as more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Unlike common comorbidities such as obesity, and cardiovascular or lung diseases, the risk of death is not significantly increased in patients with iRMD