title: Ultrasound-detected joint inflammation and B cell count: related variables for rituximab-treated RA patients?
abstract: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to explore the relationship between B cell count and ultrasound (US)-detected synovitis, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab. Thirty-seven consecutive RA patients treated with RTX were recruited for the study. The patients underwent clinical [i.e., Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS28)], laboratory, and US assessment of 12 joints. Each joint was semiquantitatively (0-3) scored on B-mode and power Doppler mode. The scores were summed, and a global index was created for BM (BMS) and PD scores (PDI) synovitis. BM subclinical synovitis was evident in all patients, with PD synovial signal detected in 16 patients (43.2 %). No correlation was found between DAS28 and US scores. B cells were detected in 27 (72.9 %) patients, but there was no association in the mean B cell count and disease activity as measured by DAS28 (DAS28 < 2.6 = 34.53, DAS28 > 2.6 = 49.45, p = 0.52) and PDI score (PDI < 1 = 49.48, PDI > 1 = 35.44, p = 0.54). There was no correlation between the B cell count and DAS28, BMS, and PDI (r = 0.020, p = 0.907; r = -0.151, p = 0.371; r = -0.099, p = 0.558, respectively). In RTX-treated RA patients, no relationship could be established between US-detected synovitis and peripheral blood B cell count.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain. lvalor.hgugm@salud.madrid.org.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Valor
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martínez-Estupiñán
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Iustina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Janta
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Juan Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Nieto
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Juan Gabriel
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ovalles-Bonilla
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: González-Fernández
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Del Rio
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hernández-Flórez
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Indalecio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Monteagudo
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco Javier
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: López-Longo
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Esperanza
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Naredo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D000069283:Rituximab / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013585:Synovitis / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000069283:Rituximab
keywords: B cells; Biological therapies; DMARDs; Rheumatoid arthritis; Ultrasonography