The profiling of axial spondyloarthritis patient candidate to a biologic therapy: Consensus from a Delphi-panel of Italian experts

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Ennio Giulio Favalli, Andrea Becciolini, Roberto Caporali, Monica Todoerti, Florenzo Iannone, Liliana Dinoia, Marco Sebastiani, Amelia Spinella, Elisa Gremese, Francesco Cianci, Fabiola Atzeni, Francesca Bandinelli, Gianfranco Ferraccioli, Giovanni Lapadula, GISEA Study Group

Abstract

Objective

The project aimed to collect expert consensus statements for the profiling of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) candidate to biologic agents (bDMARDs) treatment, in order to better define the drivers for the best treatment choice.

Methods

The 6 more interesting topics about axSpA patient profiling were identified by the project steering committee and a panel of axSpA Italian experts. A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed for each of the selected topics according to the PICO format. Two rounds of a modified Delphi process were conducted. In the 1st round, the steering committee evaluated the results of the SLR in order to formulate statements for each topic. In the 2nd round, the experts panel discussed, rephrased when needed, and voted the level of agreement (on a 5-point Likert-type scale) for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥66% agreement.

Results

The topics selected for the analysis were the differential efficacy of available bDMARDs on enthesitis/dactylitis, uveitis, radiographic progression and cardiovascular involvement, and the clinical response in non radiographic-axSpA and in patients receiving a second-line bDMARD. The Delphi rounds formulated 19 statements, all reaching the defined level of consensus in a second round including 25 rheumatologists highly skilled in the management of axSpA.

Conclusion

Identified consensus statements can help clinicians to apply to routine-care settings the results from clinical studies and international recommendations, providing a guide for individualization of treatment strategy in axSpA patients.

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