American College of Rheumatology

About: American College of Rheumatology is a nonprofit organization based out in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Guideline & Population. The organization has 141 authors who have published 117 publications receiving 33521 citations.

Patterns of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor (TNFi) Biosimilar Use Across United States Rheumatology Practices

Abstract: Author(s): Bansback, Nick; Curtis, Jeffrey R; Huang, Jie; He, Zeling; Evans, Michael; Johansson, Tracy; Michaud, Kaleb; Schmajuk, Gabriela; Liao, Katherine P | Abstract: ObjectiveIt is unclear if biosimilars of biologics for inflammatory arthritis are realizing their promise to increase competition and improve accessibility. This study evaluates biosimilar tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) utilization across rheumatology practices in the United States and compares whether patients initiating biosimilars remain on these treatments at least as long as new initiators of bio-originators.MethodsWe identified a cohort of patients initiating a TNFi biosimilar between January 2017 and September 2018 from an electronic health record registry containing data from 218 rheumatology practices and over 1 million rheumatology patients in the United States. We also identified a cohort of patients who initiated the bio-originator TNFi during the same period. We calculated the proportion of biosimilar prescriptions compared with other TNFi's and compared persistence on these therapies, adjusting for age, sex, diagnoses codes, and insurance type.ResultsWe identified 909 patients prescribed the biosimilar infliximab-dyyb, the only biosimilar prescribed, and 4413 patients with a new prescription for the bio-originator infliximab. Biosimilar patients tended to be older, have a diagnosis code for rheumatoid arthritis, and covered by Medicare insurance. Over the study period, biosimilar prescriptions reached a maximum of 3.5% of all TNFi prescriptions. Patients persisted on the biosimilar at least as long as the bio-originator infliximab (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, P = 0.07).ConclusionThe uptake of biosimilars in the United States remains low despite persistence on infliximab-dyyb being similar to the infliximab bio-originator. These results add to clinical studies that should provide greater confidence to patients and physicians regarding biosimilar use.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Inflammatory Back Pain: Known or Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis: 2021 Update.

Abstract: Inflammatory back pain is a hallmark feature of axial spondyloarthritis, a heterogeneous group of inflammatory disorders which affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Imaging plays a key role in diagnosis of this disease and in facilitating appropriate treatment. This document provides evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate use of imaging studies during multiple stages of the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected or known axial spondyloarthritis. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Contributions of OMERACT to rheumatic disease research.

Abstract: The goal of our editorial entitled Development of Classification and Response Criteria for Rheumatic Diseases, published in a recent issue of Arthritis Care & Research, was to help move forward rheumatic disease research (1). We regret, however, that in so doing we failed to acknowledge the many seminal contributions of OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) towards this end. Since its inception in 1992, OMERACT has met biennially to address issues of measurement of outcome in the rheumatic diseases. These meetings have produced many key publications closely related to the topic of our editorial (2–4). We want to publicly acknowledge the important contributions of OMERACT, and continue to build collaborations that will enable the science and practice of rheumatology to advance.