Ann Bremander

Population-based estimates of common comorbidities and cardiovascular disease in ankylosing spondylitis.

To study the rate of common comorbidities and cardiovascular disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with the general population seeking health care.

Prevalence of spondyloarthritis and its subtypes in southern Sweden

Objective To estimate the prevalence of spondyloarthritis and its subtypes. Methods The Swedish healthcare organisation comprises a system where all inpatient and outpatient care is registered by a personal identifier. For the calendar years 2003–7, all residents aged ≥15 years in the southernmost county of Sweden (1.2 million inhabitants) diagnosed by a physician with spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (Aa-IBD) or undifferentiated spondylarthritis (USpA)) were identified. To obtain valid point estimates of prevalence by the end of 2007, identification numbers were cross-referenced with the population register to exclude patients who had died or relocated. Results The authors estimated the prevalence of spondyloarthritis (not including chronic reactive arthritis) as 0.45% (95% CI 0.44% to 0.47%). The mean (SD) age of patients with prevalent spondyloarthritis by the end of 2007 was 53 (15) years. Among the component subtypes, PsA accounted for 54% of cases, AS 21.4%, USpA 17.8% and Aa-IBD 2.3% with a prevalence of 0.25%, 0.12%, 0.10% and 0.015%, respectively. The remaining 6.4% had some form of combination of spondyloarthritis diagnoses. The prevalence of spondyloarthritis at large was about the same in men and women. However, the subtype PsA was more prevalent in women and AS was more prevalent in men. Conclusion In Sweden the prevalence of spondyloarthritis leading to a doctor consultation is not much lower than rheumatoid arthritis. PsA was the most frequent subtype followed by AS and USpA, and the two most frequent subtypes PsA and AS also display some distinct sex patterns.

Validity and reliability of functional performance tests in meniscectomized patients with or without knee osteoarthritis.

Aims: Reduced functional performance and muscular dysfunction after knee injury and in knee osteoarthritis (OA) is suggested to be a factor in OA development. Validated functional performance tests applicable in the clinic and large‐scale studies are lacking. The aim was to study the reliability and validity of 10 functional performance tests.

Change in self-reported outcomes and objective physical function over 7 years in middle-aged subjects with or at high risk of knee osteoarthritis

Objective: In the present work, we describe the clinical course and predictors of change in self-reported outcomes and objectively assessed physical function over time in middle-aged subjects at high risk of, or with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: We examined 259 subjects (mean (SD) age 52.6 (10.4)) at mean 18 and 25 years after previous meniscectomy and 50 population-based age- and sex-matched reference subjects with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), one-leg hop for distance and number of knee-bendings in 30 s. Radiographic OA was defined as equivalent to Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or worse. Results: At first assessment, meniscectomised subjects reported worse pain, function and quality of life compared with the reference group (p<0.001). They also performed fewer knee-bendings per 30 s (27 vs 31, p = 0.02). The meniscectomised patients worsened over the 4–10-year observation time in all measured outcomes (p<0.001), and to a greater extent than the reference group in pain (−5, 95% CI −10 to 0) and one-leg hop (−11, 95% CI −18 to −3). Being a woman, or having radiographic knee OA, enhanced the worsening in self-reported and objectively assessed outcomes. Older age and a higher body mass index (BMI) influenced objectively assessed physical function, but not self-reported outcomes. Conclusion: Worsening over time in knee-related pain and function is greater in meniscectomised subjects compared with reference subjects. Rehabilitative efforts may be warranted in middle-aged meniscectomised patients, especially in women and those who have developed radiographic knee OA, who are at greater risk of worsening.

Validation of the Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS) for the lower extremity

BackgroundPatients with inflammatory joint diseases tend due to new treatments to be more physically active; something not taken into account by currently used outcome measures. The Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS) is an adaptation of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and evaluates functional limitations of importance to physically active people with inflammatory joint diseases and problems from the lower extremities. The aim of the study was to test the RAOS for validity, reliability and responsiveness.Methods119 in-patients with inflammatory joint disease (51% RA) admitted to multidisciplinary care, mean age 56 (±13), 73% women, mean disease duration 18 (±14) yr were consecutively enrolled. They all received the RAOS, the SF-36, the HAQ and four subscales of the AIMS2 twice during their stay for test of validity and responsiveness. Test-retest reliability of the RAOS questionnaire was calculated on 52 patients using the first or second administration and an additional mailed questionnaire.ResultsThe RAOS met set criteria of reliability and validity. The random intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1) for the five subscales ranged from 0.76 to 0.92, indicating that individual comparisons were possible except for the subscale Sport and Recreation Function. Inter-item correlation measured by Cronbachs alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.95. When measuring construct validity the highest correlations occurred between subscales intended to measure similar constructs. Change over time (24 (± 7) days) due to multidisciplinary care was significant for all subscales (p < 0.001). The effect sizes ranged from 0.30–0.44 and were considered small to medium. All the RAOS subscales were more responsive than the HAQ. Some of the SF-36 subscales and the AIMS2 subscales were more responsive than the RAOS subscales.ConclusionIt is possible to adapt already existing outcome measures to assess other groups with musculoskeletal difficulties in the lower extremity. The RAOS is a reliable, valid and responsive outcome instrument for assessment of multidisciplinary care. To fully validate the RAOS further studies are needed in other populations.

Differences in physical activity patterns in patients with spondylarthritis

To study patient‐reported physical activity in patients with spondylarthritis (SpA) and possible differences in physical activity patterns between the SpA subtypes and sexes.

Validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) in forefoot, hindfoot, and ankle disorders

Background and purpose — The self-reported foot and ankle score (SEFAS) is a questionnaire designed to evaluate disorders of the foot and ankle, but it is only validated for arthritis in the ankle. We validated SEFAS in patients with forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle disorders. Patients and methods — 118 patients with forefoot disorders and 106 patients with hindfoot or ankle disorders completed the SEFAS, the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), SF-36, and EQ-5D before surgery. We evaluated construct validity for SEFAS versus FAOS, SF-36, and EQ-5D; floor and ceiling effects; test-retest reliability (ICC); internal consistency; and agreement. Responsiveness was evaluated by effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) 6 months after surgery. The analyses were done separately in patients with forefoot disorders and hindfoot/ankle disorders. Results — Comparing SEFAS to the other scores, convergent validity (when correlating foot-specific questions) and divergent validity (when correlating foot-specific and general questions) were confirmed. SEFAS had no floor and ceiling effects. In patients with forefoot disorders, ICC was 0.92 (CI: 0.85–0.96), Cronbachs α was 0.84, ES was 1.29, and SRM was 1.27. In patients with hindfoot or ankle disorders, ICC was 0.93 (CI: 0.88-0.96), Cronbachs α was 0.86, ES was 1.05, and SRM was 0.99. Interpretation — SEFAS has acceptable validity, reliability, and responsiveness in patients with various forefoot, hindfoot, and ankle disorders. SEFAS is therefore an appropriate patient- reported outcome measure (PROM) for these patients, even in national registries.

Comparison of the Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS)

Background: The Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) is a patient-reported outcome measure, while the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) is a clinician-based score, both used for evaluation of foot and ankle disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of these 2 scoring systems. Methods: A total of 95 patients with great toe disorders and 111 patients with ankle or hindfoot disorders completed the 2 scores before and after surgery. We evaluated time to complete the scores in seconds, correlations between scores with Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs), floor and ceiling effects by proportion of individuals who reached the minimum or maximum values, test–retest reliability and interobserver reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency by Cronbach’s coefficient alpha (CA), and responsiveness by effect size (ES). Data are provided as correlation coefficients, means, and standard deviations. Results: SEFAS was completed 3 times faster than AOFAS. The scores correlated with an rs of .49 for great toe disorders and .67 for ankle/hindfoot disorders (both P < .001). None of the scores had any floor or ceiling effect. SEFAS test–retest ICC values measured 1 week apart were .89 for great toe and .92 for ankle/hindfoot disorders, while the corresponding ICC values for AOFAS were .57 and .75. AOFAS interobserver reliability ICC values were .70 for great toe and .81 for ankle/hindfoot disorders. SEFAS CA values were .85 for great toe and .86 for ankle/hindfoot disorders, while the corresponding CA values for AOFAS were .15 and .42. SEFAS ES values were 1.15 for great toe and 1.39 for ankle/hindfoot disorders, while the corresponding ES values for AOFAS were 1.05 and 1.73. Conclusion: As SEFAS showed similar or better outcome in our tests and was completed 3 times faster than AOFAS, we recommend SEFAS for evaluation of patients with foot and ankle disorders. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis have increased sick leave—a registry-based case–control study over 7 yrs

Objectives. Using prospectively collected registry data to investigate sick leave (sickness benefit and sickness compensation) over a 7-yr period in patients with AS in comparison with population-based controls matched for age, sex and residential area. Methods. We investigated 122 (21 women and 101 men) outpatients with AS in South Sweden, born 1942 or later, from rheumatology specialist care for their sick leave during a 7-yr period. Mean (s.d.) age was 43 (11) yrs and mean (s.d.) disease duration was 20 (11) yrs. Two controls per case, matched for age, sex and residential area were selected from the Swedish National Population Register. Data concerning sick leave for cases and controls, based on the subjects’ unique 10-digit personal identification number, were retrieved from the national register of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Results. More AS patients than controls were registered for sickness benefit (52 vs 36%, P < 0.01) and sickness compensation (42 vs 11%, P < 0.001). Cases had an increased risk for sick leave compared with controls with a relative risk of 1.8; 95% CI 1.5, 2.1; and cases had more days with sick leave than controls (median number of more days per year 30; 95% CI 2, 72). Conclusions. Using the Swedish Social Insurance Agencys registers for sick leave, we found that patients with AS in rheumatology specialist care in South Sweden have an increased level of sick leave compared with controls. These population-based registers have a great potential for studies of the effects of different interventions on sick leave.

The risk for depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a population-based cohort study

IntroductionDepression is frequent in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. However, epidemiological data about the potential increase in risk are lacking. This study compares the rate of doctor-diagnosed depression in a well defined cohort of AS patients to the general population seeking care.MethodsThe Skåne Healthcare Register comprises healthcare data of each resident in Region Skåne, Sweden (population 1.2 million), including ICD-10 diagnoses. Using physician coded consultation data from years 1999 to 2011, we calculated depression consultation rates for all AS patients. We obtained standardized depression-rate ratios by dividing the observed depression rate in AS patients by the expected rate based on the corresponding age- and sex-specific rates of depression in the general population seeking care. A ratio >1 equals a higher rate of depression among AS patients.ResultsThe AS cohort consisted of 1738 subjects (65% men) with a mean age of 54 years. The reference population consisted of 967,012 subjects. During the 13-year observation period 10% (n = 172) of the AS cohort had a doctor-diagnosed depression compared to 6% (n = 105) to be expected. The standardized estimate of depression-rate ratio was 1.81 (95% confidence interval 1.44 to 2.24) in women men and 1.49 (1.20 to 1.89) in men.ConclusionsThe rate of doctor-diagnosed depression is increased about 80% in female and 50% in male AS patients. Future challenges are to timely identify and treat the AS patients who suffer from depression.