Rheumatoid Arthritis: Maravic M

Maravic M, Daurès JP, Sany J. · No affiliation provided · Joint Bone Spine. · Pubmed #12477223 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Maravic M, Daurès JP, Boissier MC. · Service de rhumatologie, UPRES EA-3408, CHU Avicenne (AP-HP), Université Paris, Bobigny, France. · Joint Bone Spine. · Pubmed #12102273 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to review evaluations of current clinical practice among rheumatologists managing patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We reviewed articles retrieved through PubMed using the search terms 'rheumatoid arthritis', 'clinical practice', 'physician's practice patterns', and 'health service research'. We set the time limits at January 1990 and May 2001. Marked variability was found in initial tests, initial treatment, changes in clinical status by number of visits, second-line treatment prescription and monitoring, use of monitoring criteria, clinical outcomes by type of health care insurance, and management of a fictional case. The data were obtained by survey in some studies and by prospective collection in others. This literature review indicates a need for developing recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Maravic M, Bologna C, Daures JP, Jorgensen C, Combe B, Sany J. · Service d'Immuno-Rhumatologie, CHU Montpellier, Unité INSERM U475, France. · J Rheumatol. · Pubmed #9972956 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiologic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving methotrexate (MTX) as the first slow acting drug. METHODS: An open, prospective study of 29 patients with RA (21 F, 8 M, mean age 48.5+/-15.4 yrs). The mean duration of RA was 6.6 (2-60) months; and rheumatoid factor was present in 11 cases. Clinical, biological, and radiographic evaluations were done before the start of MTX treatment and after 13+/-3.8 months. Radiographs of hands and wrists were blindly studied by 2 physicians, using Larsen's and modified Sharp's methods. There was a significant correlation for the scores of the 2 physicians evaluated by kappa coefficient. Radiographic evolution was defined as an increase of 15 points in the radiologic score by each method used. RESULTS: Patients showed significant clinical improvement after one year of MTX treatment. Despite clinical and biological improvement, significant mean radiographic progression was noted, with Larsen's method (p = 0.001) and Sharp's method (p = 0.034), without reaching the maximum score. However, using the definition of radiographic progression, the radiologic scores indicated stabilization in 23 patients with Larsen's method and in 24 patients with Sharp's method. CONCLUSION: This study revealed mild radiographic progression in early RA patients treated with MTX for one year. Further controlled studies are needed.

Maravic M, Bergé C, Daurès JP, Boissier MC. · Service de Rhumatologie and UPRES 3408, Hôpital Avicenne (APHP) and Université Paris 13, Bobigny, France. · Clin Exp Rheumatol. · Pubmed #15789885 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the practices of rheumatologists in France for managing a flare in a patient being treated for long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to estimate the corresponding costs. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was sent to the 2485 practicing rheumatologists in France; 917 completed questionnaires were returned (37% response rate). The questionnaire collected information on the respondents and on their recommendations for managing a fictional patient with a 10-year history of RA in flare, with a recent episode of neck pain, despite prednisone and methotrexate therapy. Investigational and treatment (first month) costs were estimated from the perspective of society in 2001 Euros. RESULTS: Over 80% of the respondents recommended measuring laboratory inflammation parameters, complete blood cell counts, liver enzymes, serum creatinine, and radiographs (hands, anteroposterior cervical spine view, wrists, knees); 50-70% recommended additional cervical spine incidences, elbow and chest radiographs, and bone absorptiometry. Adding anti-TNF therapy (24%) or another DMARD (10%), increasing the methotrexate dosage (24%), and substituting leflunomide for methotrexate were the main recommended treatments. Most respondents suggested continuing the glucocorticoid in the same dosage (61%) or a higher dosage (36%). Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were recommended by 65% and 41% of respondents and rehabilitation therapy by 83%. The median cost was 500 Euro (mean 1105 Euro; range 80-4089 Euro). CONCLUSION: We found a high level of agreement among French rheumatologists regarding the evaluation of established RA. Marked variations in recommended treatments were observed and translated into major cost differences.

Maravic M, Bergé C, Daurès JP, Boissier MC. · Service de Rhumatologie and UPRES 3408, Hôpital Avicenne (APHP) and Université Paris XIII, Bobigny, France. · Clin Exp Rheumatol. · Pubmed #15144126 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the practices of rheumatologists in France regarding the initial management of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to estimate the associated costs. METHODS: A questionnaire on the diagnosis and treatment of early RA was sent to the 2485 practicing rheumatologists in France. The results of the 917 completed questionnaires (37% response rate) were analyzed, and initial investigation and treatment costs, including the first month of treatment, were calculated from a socio-economic perspective. RESULTS: For the RA diagnosis, more than 80% of the respondents recommended the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complete blood count, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody and wrist radiographs. In 40% and 60% of the cases, antikeratin antibody, liver enzymes, serum creatine, serum protein electrophoresis and radiographs (chest, foot and knee) were advocated. Initial drugs administered were non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (88%), analgesics (76%), disease modifying anti-rheutmatic drugs (74% with methotrexate in 46% of cases, followed by hydroxychloroquine [13%], sulfasalazine [8%], leflunomide [7%], intramuscular gold therapy [6%]), and glucocorticoids (21%). Rehabilitation was recommended by 51% of the respondents. The median cost for this initial management was 273 euros (mean 301 euros, range 49-1,336 euros). CONCLUSION: Marked variations occur among French rheumatologists in the initial management of early RA. These data may be helpful in identifying obstacles to physician compliance with recommendations regarding everyday clinical practice and to set up more a specific evaluative study.

Maravic M, Bozonnat MC, Sevezan A, Gasqueres D, Pastor J, Péré M, Neil V, Roch-Bras F, Daures JP, Sany J. · Immuno-rheumatology Department, Lapeyronie Teaching Hospital, Montpellier, France. · Joint Bone Spine. · Pubmed #11143909 No free full text.

Abstract: A six-month, prospective descriptive study of medical outcomes (including quality of life) and costs was conducted in 20 incident cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Multidisciplinary management was started during an inpatient stay at the beginning of the study. Patients were evaluated on a day-hospital basis three and six months later. The following parameters were studied: quality-of-life scores on a generic scale (the Nottingham Health Profile [NHP]) and two specific scales (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] and the short-form Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale [AIMS]), pain severity, disease activity assessed by the patient and physician, painful and swollen joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level. The following costs were evaluated: laboratory tests, plain radiographs, other investigations, physician care (by rheumatologists or other specialists), second-line drug therapy and monitoring for its side effects, care by nurses, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. All patients showed significant improvement three months after initiation of multidisciplinary management. This effect was sustained through the sixth month. Quality-of-life scores improved, with the exceptions of the social isolation subscore on the NHP and the psychological impact, social activity, and occupational activity subscores on the short-form AIMS. Mean total cost for the six-month period was 3429 +/- 880 euros (1 euro = 6.6 FF). Laboratory tests contributed the largest portion of the total cost (39%), followed by rheumatologist care (16%); the other costs accounted for 7.6 to 9.2% of the total cost. This prospective medical and economic study is preliminary. Comparative studies are needed.