Rheumatoid Arthritis: Skomsvoll JF

Skomsvoll JF, Wallenius M, Koksvik HS, Rødevand E, Salvesen KA, Spigset O, Kvien TK. · Department of Obstetrics, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. · Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. · Pubmed #17334338 No free full text.

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are widely used to reduce disease activity and joint damage, and to improve health-related quality of life in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis. To date, no increased risk of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity, or adverse pregnancy outcome (such as birth defects, premature birth, and low birth weight) has been reported in patients with inflammatory arthropathies treated with anti-TNF therapy, compared with the general population. However, the available data are limited, and methotrexate, which is commonly used in combination with anti-TNF drugs, is teratogenic. Until more data are available, no firm conclusions can be reached regarding the safety of anti-TNF therapy in pregnancy. Nevertheless, in selected cases where there is high disease activity, anti-TNF therapy might be recommended, depending on the results of individual risk-benefit analyses. Fully informed consent from the mother is needed in such cases. Anti-TNF agents are not usually used during lactation, although the risk of toxicity is probably negligible.

Jemtland Enger K, Bjørnstad K, Rødevand E, Skomsvoll JF. · Avdeling for fysioterapi, Revmatologisk avdeling, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim. · Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. · Pubmed #12822009 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This report considers the relationship between the effect of training on pain and joint manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: A review of randomized controlled trials published from 1997 to February 2001. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials confirm results from previous research indicating that exercise leads to unchanged or reduced self-reported pain and unchanged or reduced tender joint counts in patients in ACR functional classes I or II with low to moderate disease activity. This effect may possibly be generalized to patients with higher disease activity. The effect is less clearly demonstrated in patients with serious joint destruction and loss of function. INTERPRETATION: The results indicate that exercise leads to unchanged or reduced self-reported pain and joint tenderness for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies are needed in order to demonstrate to what extent and how different kinds of exercise influence pain and joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Wallenius M, Skomsvoll JF, Koldingsnes W, Rødevand E, Mikkelsen K, Kaufmann C, Kvien TK. · Department of Rheumatology, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. · Scand J Rheumatol. · Pubmed #18991183 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To compare work disability (WD) and health status between males and females with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the age group 18-45 years, and to compare health status between patients with and without WD within each gender, and finally to identify factors independently associated with WD in this age group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of RA patients at the time starting with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy and/or biological treatment. Patients receiving a permanent, national WD pension corresponding to >or= 50% were defined as work disabled. We examined gender differences with regard to disease characteristics, health status and WD. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson's chi(2)-test were applied for group comparisons. Multiple logistic regression analyses with adjustments for duration of education, disease duration, age, erosive disease, disability score [using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ)], Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) mental health score and gender were used to identify variables associated with WD. RESULTS: Out of 474 (372 females) patients, the number (%) of work-disabled females/males was 91 (24.7)/8 (8.1) (p<0.001). WD was associated with worse health status in both genders. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) [OR (95% CI)] for WD in females vs. males was 4.84 (1.85-12.65) in the multivariate analyses. Other factors independently associated with WD were worse mental health, disease duration and low level of education. CONCLUSION: Females with RA had a fourfold increased risk of WD compared to men. Low level of education, disease duration and worse mental health were also independently associated with WD.

Haga HJ, Gjesdal CG, Koksvik HS, Skomsvoll JF, Irgens LM, Ostensen M. · Department of Rheumatology, Esbjerg Central Hospital, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark. · J Rheumatol. · Pubmed #16142869 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of pregnancy in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: A questionnaire covering demographic data and the outcome of pregnancies was answered by 58 patients with pSS and 157 controls. For 36 patients and 93 controls, we analyzed detailed data about pregnancy, birth, and status of the newborn from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MFR) for birth order one, 2, and 3. Thirty-two of 36 patients registered in MFR were diagnosed with pSS after the last birth. RESULTS: Pregnancy outcomes were not different in patients compared to controls. Two patients (3.4%) reported giving birth to a child with congenital heart block. CONCLUSION: PSS had no impact on pregnancy outcome before disease onset. The most important condition associated with pSS in anti-SSA positive mothers was congenital heart block in the offspring.

Wallenius M, Rødevand E, Skomsvoll JF. · Klinikk for ortopedi og revmatologi, Revmatologisk avdeling, St. Olavs Hospital, 7006 Trondheim. · Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. · Pubmed #15976836 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infliximab and etanercept, both tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, are proven to be effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in randomised controlled trials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were treated with infliximab (n = 29) or etanercept (n = 24) in clinical hospital practice. They were examined before and during treatment. All patients had tried at least one DMARD before. Details of disease activity were monitored by measuring tender and swollen joints, global and pain patient visual analogue scales, Disease Activity Index Score (DAS 28), the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, blood and urine samples, and adverse effects. The patients were monitored regularly for two years or until they stopped treatment. RESULTS: In the infliximab group we observed statistically significantly better values for all the registered variables after 6 weeks. At the other times of registration the variables were varying a lot; however, DAS 28 scores after baseline were all within the limits of moderate effect. In the etanercept group we observed statistically significantly better values for all the variables except for erythrocyte sedimentation rate after 6 weeks. At the other times of registration all the variables had significantly better values. Adverse effects were reported in 9 patients in the infliximab group and in 5 in the etanercept group, but no serious adverse effects were reported. 18 patients in the infliximab group (61%) and 10 in the etanercept group (42%) had stopped treatment within two years, either because of adverse effects or lack of effect. CONCLUSION: In this open study of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, most experienced a rapid effect of infliximab, but a varying effect later on. In the etanercept group the patients experienced both a rapid and sustained effect among those who tolerated the medication. Compared to what several others have reported, a large number of patients stopped treatment; this may reflect limited experience.

Haug ES, Skomsvoll JF, Jacobsen G, Halvorsen TB, Saether OD, Myhre HO. · Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway. · J Vasc Surg. · Pubmed #12947264 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that certain genetic risk factors indicative of an autoimmune mechanism can be identified in patients with inflammatory aortic aneurysm (IAA). We therefore investigated whether there was a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in patients with IAA. Further, we explored risk factors, need for in-hospital resources, and early results of treatment, in a case-control study in a university hospital setting.Material and methods From 1983 to 1994, 520 patients were operated because of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Thirty-one patients had IAA. Control subjects were matched for aneurysm rupture, emergency or elective hospital admission, and date of operation. Two noninflammatory AAA were included for every IAA. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients with IAA, 6 patients (19%) had autoimmune disease, compared with none of the control subjects (P =.0017). Two patients had rheumatoid arthritis, 2 patients had systemic lupus erythematosus, 1 had giant cell arteritis, and 1 patient had an undifferentiated seronegative polyarthritis diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Nineteen patients (61%) with IAA had involvement of the duodenum, and 8 patients (26%) had hydronephrosis with ureteral involvement. Operating time was longer in the IAA group, which also had a higher need for blood transfusion. Hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and 30-day mortality were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Except for longer operating time and more need for blood transfusions in the IAA group, use of hospital resources was similar after operations to treat IAA or noninflammatory AAA. The study findings indicate an association between IAA and autoimmune disease. This is in accordance with other reports that showed a genetic risk determinant mapped to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule in these patients. Further research is necessary to explore whether IAA might be a separate entity with a role of antigen binding in the origin of the disease.

Skomsvoll JF, Ostensen M, Irgens LM, Baste V. · Department of Rheumatology, Center for Mothers with Rheumatic Disease, University Hospital of Trondheim, Norway. · Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. · Pubmed #10857874 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess possible associations between inflammatory rheumatic disease and pregnancy complications/delivery practice. METHODS: In a population based study proportions were compared of obstetrical complications and interventions at delivery notified to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway during the years 1967-95 in women with (3,403) and without (671,221) rheumatic disease. RESULTS: Women with rheumatic disease had significantly higher rates of preeclampsia and cesarean section. The relative risk of preeclampsia was particularly high in women with connective tissue disease in the years 1977-86. In women with inflammatory arthritides, the relative risk of preeclampsia was particularly high during 1987-95. The relative risk of cesarean section was high in all patient groups throughout the observation period and particularly in women with connective tissue disease. CONCLUSION: High rates of preeclampsia and cesarean section in connective tissue disease pregnancies documented in a population based study emphasize the importance of monitoring and obstetrical interventions.