Project description:BackgroundMobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have surged in popularity in recent years, generating numerous possibilities for their use in health care as mobile health (mHealth) tools. One advantage of mHealth is that it can be provided asynchronously, signifying that health care providers and patients are not communicating in real time. The integration of asynchronous mHealth into daily clinical practice might therefore help to make health care more efficient for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The benefits have been reviewed in various medical conditions, such as diabetes and asthma, with promising results. However, to date, it is unclear what evidence exists for the use of asynchronous mHealth in the field of RA.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to map the different asynchronous mHealth interventions tested in clinical trials in patients with RA and to summarize the effects of the interventions.MethodsA systematic search of Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and PsycINFO was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were initially screened and later assessed by two independent researchers. Disagreements on inclusion or exclusion of studies were resolved by discussion.ResultsThe literature search yielded 1752 abstracts. After deduplication and screening, 10 controlled intervention studies were included. All studies were assessed to be at risk for bias in at least one domain of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. In the 10 selected studies, 4 different types of mHealth interventions were used: SMS reminders (to increase medication adherence or physical activity; n=3), web apps (for disease monitoring and/or to provide medical information; n=5), smartphone apps (for disease monitoring; n=1), and pedometers (to increase and track steps; n=1). Measured outcomes varied widely between studies; improvements were seen in terms of medication compliance (SMS reminders), reaching rapid remission (web app), various domains of physical activity (pedometer, SMS reminders, and web apps), patient-physician interaction (web apps), and self-efficacy (smartphone app).ConclusionsSMS reminders, web apps, smartphone apps, and pedometers have been evaluated in intervention studies in patients with RA. These interventions have been used to monitor patients or to support them in their health behavior. The use of asynchronous mHealth led to desirable outcomes in nearly all studies. However, since all studies were at risk of bias and methods used were very heterogeneous, high-quality research is warranted to corroborate these promising results.
Project description:BackgroundLow participation rates (1-31%) and unique barriers to strength training (e.g., specialized knowledge, equipment, perceived complexity) suggest effective strength training interventions may differ from effective aerobic or general physical activity interventions. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine interventions used to improve strength training participation through mapping theory, intervention characteristics, prescription parameters, and behaviour change techniques.MethodsRecommendations by Levac et al. (2010) and PRISMA-ScR were followed in the conduct and reporting of this review, respectively. Patients and exercise professionals participated in developing the research question and data extraction form, interpreting the findings, and drafting the manuscript. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed databases (inception-December 2020) were searched. The inclusion criteria were (a) original peer-reviewed articles and grey literature, (b) intervention study design, and (c) behavioural interventions targeted towards improving strength training participation. Two reviewers performed data screening, extraction, and coding. The interventions were coded using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1. Data were synthesized using descriptive and frequency reporting.ResultsTwenty-seven unique interventions met the inclusion criteria. Social cognitive theory (n = 9), the transtheoretical model (n = 4), and self-determination theory (n = 2) were the only behaviour change theories used. Almost all the interventions were delivered face-to-face (n = 25), with the majority delivered by an exercise specialist (n = 23) in community or home settings (n = 24), with high variability in exercise prescription parameters. Instructions on how to perform the behaviour, behavioural practice, graded tasks, goal setting, adding objects to the environment (e.g., providing equipment), and using a credible source (e.g., exercise specialist delivery) comprised the most common behaviour change techniques.ConclusionsOur results highlight gaps in theory, intervention delivery, exercise prescription parameters, and behaviour change techniques for future interventions to examine and improve our understanding of how to most effectively influence strength training participation.
Project description:ObjectiveSocioeconomic status (SES) influences disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Differences in medication use may partly explain this association. A scoping review was used to identify research conducted on this topic and determine what knowledge gaps remain.MethodsMedline, Embase, and PsychInfo were searched from their inception until February 2022 for studies that assessed SES and medication use as an outcome variable. Data was extracted on the use of specific SES measures, medication use, and whether differences in SES variables were associated with differences in medication use.ResultsWe identified 2,103 studies, of which 81 were selected for inclusion. Included studies originated most frequently from the US (42%); the mean ± SD age of participants was 55.9 ± 6.8 years, and most were female (75%). Studies measured a median of 4 SES variables (interquartile range 3-6), with educational, area-level SES, and income being the most frequent measurements used. Patients' race and/or ethnicity were documented by 34 studies. Studies primarily assessed the likelihood of prescription of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or dispensation, medication adherence, or treatment delays. A majority of studies documented at least 1 SES measure associated with a difference in medication use.ConclusionThere is some evidence that SES affects use of medications in patients with RA; however, multiple definitions of SES have been utilized, making comparisons between studies difficult. Prospective studies with consistently defined SES will be needed to determine whether differences in medication use accounts for the poorer outcomes experienced by patients of lower SES.
Project description:To support the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with tofacitinib, we designed the TuTOR (tailoring tofacitinib oral therapy in rheumatoid arthritis) mobile app. The impact of the app on medical adherence was evaluated using a crossover design alternating a paper-diary and the TuTOR App. Twenty patients with RA (mean age at inclusion, 59 ± 13 years) were included in the study. A statistically significant decrease in DAS28 was observed since the first month of therapy (mean DAS28 at baseline, 3.9 ± 1 vs. 1° month 3.1 ± 1, p = 0.0016). Similarly, the numerical rating scale (NRS) of perceived activity of disease and subjective fatigue progressively decreased. No differences were reported in DAS28 or NRS between the TuTOR app and the paper-diary groups. A significant decrease was observed in HAQ during the follow-up (baseline 1.38 ± 1.11 vs. six months 0.83 ± 0.9; p = 0.01). When filling out the self-reporting questionnaires, most of the patients (82%) preferred the TuTOR App helping them to remember to take the pills. Furthermore, 82% of patients used the app regularly (vs. 53% for the paper diary). Three patients suspended tofacitinib due to gastrointestinal intolerance. Both digital and paper devices can help maximize adherence to therapy; however, the TuTOR app was preferred by the patients for its simplicity and immediacy.
Project description:Introduction: Polyneuropathy (PNP) is a chronic progressive disease that over time can lead to damage of sensory, motor and/or autonomic peripheral nerves. Symptoms vary from predominantly sensory to severe sensorimotor affection both proximally and distally. This can result in considerable functional impairments that affect activities of daily living. In other neurological patients, strength training has shown to improve strength and functional outcomes. Since medical treatment only exists for very few percentages of the underlying causes it is obvious to consider if strength training could be a potential treatment for functional impairments. To date little is known on the effect of strength training in patients with PNP. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize research on strength training and outcomes on physical function in patients with PNP. Methods: We systematically searched five data bases; Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane library and Web of science. Studies on strength training (load ≥70% of 1RM) in patients with PNP were included. The search was carried out in November 2022. Results: 362 articles were screened by title and abstract, 101 articles were full text screened. Eight studies were included. Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy (CIDP) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) were represented in the studies (five RCTs, two case-series, and one cross-over trial). The methodological quality ranged from fair-poor in seven studies, one study reached good quality. Results from the studies indicated that strength training in CMT, CIDP and DPN may improve strength. However, various outcomes were used to evaluate strength training, so direct comparisons were difficult. Discussion: In this scoping review we summarized research on strength training and outcomes evaluated in interventions in patients with PNP. Eight studies were included, they indicated that strength training may be beneficial for patients with PNP. However, due to low methodological strength of most studies a recommendation for patients with PNP cannot be made. Thus, the low number of studies with relatively low quality, where various functional outcomes were used, underscores the importance of future studies to evaluate the effect of strength training on relevant functional outcomes and strength in patients with PNP.
Project description:BackgroundThis study aimed to provide an overview of ultrasonographic cartilage evaluation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify research gaps in the utilization of cartilage evaluation.MethodsThe study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for articles published up to July 2022 using the search term variations of "cartilage," "ultrasonography," and "rheumatoid arthritis." Studies that included patients with RA who underwent cartilage evaluation by ultrasonography were selected. Articles published in languages other than English and about juvenile idiopathic arthritis were excluded.ResultsTwenty-nine articles were identified. Most were cross-sectional studies (86%), mainly involving the metacarpophalangeal (55%) and knee (34%) joints. Assessments were performed using quantitative, binary, and semi-quantitative methods in 15, 10, and 15 studies, respectively. Reliability assessments were conducted in 10 studies, which showed feasible reliability but were limited to the finger joints. The validity assessment was validated in one study each that compared cartilage thickness measurements with cadaveric specimens and histological and semi-quantitative methods with surgical specimens, respectively. Comparisons with conventional radiography were also performed in six studies, which showed significant correlations. However, there was heterogeneity in the examination and assessment methods, and no adequate longitudinal evaluation was conducted.ConclusionThis review highlights the need for further research and validation of ultrasonographic cartilage assessment in patients with RA.
Project description:We report gene expression profiles of blood neutrophils from (1) people newly-diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (early RA) before commencement of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy, (2) DMARD-refractory RA (severe RA) before commencement of anti-TNF therapy and (3) healthy controls.
Project description:Background: Frailty, an age-related decline in physiological reserve, is an increasingly important concept in the management of chronic diseases. The implications of frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis are not well understood. We undertook a systematic review to assess prevalence of frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and the relationship between frailty and disease activity or clinical outcomes. Methods: We searched four electronic databases (January 2001 to April 2021) for observational studies assessing the prevalence of frailty (any frailty measure) in adults (≥18 years) with rheumatoid arthritis, or analysing the relationship between frailty and disease activity or clinical outcomes (e.g. quality of life, hospitalisation or mortality) in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Study quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Screening, quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. We used narrative synthesis. Results: We identified 17 analyses, from 14 different populations. 15/17 were cross-sectional. Studies used 11 different measures of frailty. Frailty prevalence ranged from 10% (frailty phenotype) to 36% (comprehensive rheumatologic assessment of frailty) in general adult populations with rheumatoid arthritis. In younger populations (<60 or <65 years) prevalence ranged from 2.4% (frailty phenotype) to 19.9% (Kihon checklist) while in older populations (>60 or >65) prevalence ranged from 31.2% (Kihon checklist) to 55% (Geriatric 8 tool). Frailty was cross-sectionally associated with higher disease activity (10/10 studies), lower physical function (7/7 studies) and longer disease duration (2/5 studies), and with hospitalization and osteoporotic fractures (1/1 study, 3.7 years follow-up). Conclusion: Frailty is common in rheumatoid arthritis, including those aged <65 years, and is associated with a range of adverse features. However, these is heterogeneity in how frailty is measured. We found few longitudinal studies making the impact of frailty on clinical outcomes over time and the extent to which frailty is caused by rheumatoid arthritis unclear.
Project description:ObjectiveNatural product dietary supplements (NDS), defined as non-mineral, non-vitamin, ingested, natural product-derived, substances, are the most frequently used complementary and alternative medicine modality in the US, with musculoskeletal disease being the most frequent reason for their use. Because NDS usage is frequently unreported, and patients with RA may be at higher risk for NDS-related side effects due the underlying nature of the disease and frequent use of complex pharmaceutical regimens, a scoping review of the literature was undertaken to examine population-based patterns of NDS use for RA self-management.MethodsUsing guidelines for scoping reviews, Allied and Complementary Medicine, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify references presenting primary data related to the prevalence or patterns of use of NDS in RA populations.ResultsTwenty-three studies, which were published between 1980 and 2015 and conducted in 11 countries, met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of NDS use in patients with RA was 47% worldwide and did not differ by geographic region. On average, 47% of patients found NDS to be effective and 13% reported adverse side effects, with only 30% informing their physicians about the use of NDS, which in a majority of cases were used concomitantly with RA pharmaceuticals. Marine oils, glucosamine, vinegar, and chondroitin were among the most commonly reported NDS worldwide.ConclusionGiven the apparent communication gap between patients and providers regarding NDS use and higher potential risks associated with this usage in RA, ongoing surveillance of population-based practices may help facilitate RA management and direct future NDS research.
Project description:To create a mobile application able to help patients follow medical treatments properly. We designed and developed a custom Android/iOS App to remind patients of the pharmaceutical drugs to be taken, of the visits and exams to attend, and to detect their compliance with their personal therapeutic plan. In this paper we describe the App development, UX/UI design, Gamification. TuTOR is an Android and iOS application designed to remind patients of the drugs to be taken, giving them all the information related to their therapeutic plans in a simple and non-invasive way. Thanks to a dedicated back-office, specially designed to meet specific medical information needs, the App can also help physicians detect their patients' compliance with their treatments and modify prescriptions in real time. The App also ensures a state-of-the-art approach to data security and privacy protection. The main feature of TuTOR is the smart therapy assistant, which features dedicated alarms to remind users of taking their prescription drugs. Thanks to the automatic synchronization with a local database, the alert system works even without connection to the Internet. Particular attention was paid during the App's design process: we looked to create an intuitive interface to ensure absolute ease of use, with state-of-the-art visual design aimed at maximizing user experience. Other relevant features include the App's ability to givevisual evidence of the most important drugs to be taken and its note-taking feature, which gives patients the possibility to note down indications on why a specific drug was skipped. The App also keeps track of upcoming medical exams, laboratory tests, and visits on a devoted calendar. It also helps patients by listing therapy contacts, such as physicians' phone numbers, and indicates all medical references by showing, for example, locations of relevant clinics and pharmacies on a map. Thanks to specific visual progress indicators and an innovative gamification approach, the App encourages users to faithfully follow therapy guidelines. With TuTOR, assessing the therapy's state of completion is quick and easy.Thanksto the privacy-by-design approach used, all data managed by the system is compliant with the European Privacy Regulation and it is not available to third parties. A mobile App for medication adherence might increase objectively and subjectively measured adherence.