Formulation and characterization of lornoxicam-loaded cellulosic-microsponge gel for possible applications in arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe joint pain. Herein, we report lornoxicam loaded cellulosic microsponge gel formulation with sustained anti-inflammatory effects that are required to manage arthritic pain. The microsponges were formulated using quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion method employing four different surfactant systems, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Tween80, Gelucire 48/16 and Gelucire 50/13. All the lornoxicam loaded microsponge formulations were extensively characterized with a variety of analytical tools. The optimized microsponge formulation was then converted into gel formulation. The lornoxicam loaded microsponge gel formulation had adequate viscosity and sufficient pharmaceutical properties as confirmed by the texture analysis and the drug release followed Super case II transport. It is noteworthy that we described the preparation of a new cellulosic polymers based microsponge system for delivery of lornoxicam to provide quick as well as lasting (sustained) anti-inflammatory effects in rats using carrageenan induced rat paw edema model. We were able to demonstrate a 72% reduction in inflammation within 4 h using the optimize transdermal gel formulation utilizing Transcutol P as permeation enhancer and with the aid of skin micro-piercing by microneedles, hence, demonstrating the potential of this microsponge gel formulation in arthritis management.     

Gait parameters,functional performance and physical activity in active and inactive Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

BackgroundChildren with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) may adopt different movement patterns and participate in physical activity during different states of disease.Research questionWhich specific features of gait and physical function performance differ among children with active or inactive JIA compared to healthy children?MethodsForty-three children participated (14.5 ± 4.2 yrs; 60 % female). 3D-motion analysis methods were coupled with force measures from an instrumented treadmill captured gait mechanical measures. The 30-second Chair Rise Test (repetitions) and stair ascent-descent tests were performed, and the 11-point Wong-Baker face scale assessed pain after each test.ResultsCompared to healthy controls children with active and inactive JIA had worse outcomes (12–21 % slower self-selected and fast walking speeds, 28–34 % slower stair navigation times, 28 % fewer chair rise repetitions in 30 s; all p < .05). Children with active JIA had 8–13 % slower gait speeds, 4 % fewer chair rise repetitions and 14–16 % slower stair navigation times. At faster walking speed, children with active JIA had less hip joint flexion/extension excursion in the sagittal plane during the gait cycle, produced higher leg stiffness, and demonstrated greater interlimb asymmetry in GRF vertical impulse during loading than healthy children (all p < .05). The Pedi-FABS subscore of “Duration: performing athletic activity for as long as you would like without stopping” was rated lower in children with active JIA compared to controls (p < .05).ConclusionGait speed, specific load-bearing functional tasks and leg stiffness features of gait may be informative ‘functional biomarkers’ for assessing JIA burden and tracking treatment efficacy. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine how these features change over time with pain change, and understand impact on quality of life and physical activity participation.     

Cost evolution of biological drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in a tertiary hospital: Influential factors on price

ObjectiveTo assess the evolution of cost per patient/year and the cost per patient/year/drug in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving biological treatments. To analyze and quantify the factors influencing this evolution, such as the optimization of the biological drugs, the use of biosimilars, and official discounts and discounts obtained after negotiated procedures. In addition, to assess specific clinical parameters of disease activity in these patients.MethodsRetrospective, observational study conducted in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Adult patients diagnosed with RA under treatment from 2009 to 2017 were included.Results320, 270 and 389 patients were included in 2009, 2013 and 2017, respectively. The patient/year cost decreased from 10,789€ in 2009, 7491€ in 2013 to 7116€ in 2017. In 2017, due to the established competition, discounts of 14% and 29.5% were achieved on etanercept and its biosimilar; 11.5%, 17.8%, 17.9%, 17.3% on adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab and tocilizumab IV respectively, and 24.6% and 43.1% on infliximab and its biosimilar. The percentage of patients optimized in 2017 was 35.2%. The annual saving in 2017 was 1,288,535€ (830,000€ due to dose optimization and/or administration regimens, 249,666€ corresponding to 7.5% of the official discount and 208,868€ after negotiated procedures).ConclusionThe annual cost per patient in RA decreased considerably due to different factors, such as discounts on the purchase of drugs due to official discounts and negotiated procedures, together with the optimization of therapies, the latter being the factor that contributed most to this decrease.     

Infections in primary total ankle replacement: Anterior approach versus lateral transfibular approach

Background

Total ankle replacement (TAR) represents an alternative to fusion for the treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively assess the frequency of infections between TARs with anterior and lateral transfibular approach at 12-months follow-up.

保留足趾的自体复合第2足趾关节移植治疗手指关节炎

目的 探讨保留足趾的自体复合第2足趾关节移植治疗手指关节炎的临床疗效.方法 2016年2月至2018年6月,共收治创伤性手指关节炎9例,其中男7例,女2例;年龄19~53岁,平均31.7岁;示指3例,中指6例;掌指关节(MP)关节炎4例,近侧指骨间关节(PIP)关节炎5例;均为创伤后继发的手指关节炎.采用游离带血供的自体复合第2足趾跖趾或趾骨间关节移植进行治疗,同时将受区废弃关节(7例)或切取自体髂骨移植(2例)修复供区骨缺损保留足趾长度,供区创面均直接关闭.术后观察手指和足趾骨折愈合情况、外形、移植关节活动度(ROM)、术后供区愈合情况和行走功能及相关并发症.结果 本组术后9例移植关节全部成活,1例足部供区行髂骨植骨微型钢板固定,术后1周伤口不愈合,考虑为内固定物排异反应,予拆除钢板改克氏针交叉固定,2周后创口顺利愈合.术后随访6~30个月,平均16.3个月.手指骨折平均愈合时间7~10周,平均8.3周,手指外观及功能良好.移植后的MP活动度为50°~75°,平均65.3°,PIP活动度为10°~85°,平均60.6°.根据中华医学会手外科学分会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评价手指功能:优5例,良3例,可1例,优良率为88.9%.足趾骨折平均愈合时间9~12周,平均10.2周,所有患者足趾外形良好,行走功能正常.2例取髂骨患者供区仅残留一条线形瘢痕,无疼痛、麻木等不适.结论 游离带血供的自体复合第2足趾关节移植治疗手指关节炎,同时应用受区废弃关节或切取自体髂骨移植修复供区骨缺损保留足趾,不仅能恢复手指关节的正常结构,使关节具有良好的功能,而且能保留足趾外形与功能,减少供区损伤,具有良好的治疗效果.     

二妙散对类风湿关节炎调控基因Toll样受体4和重组牛磷酸肌醇3激酶A表达的影响

目的研究二妙散对类风湿关节炎(RA)调控基因Toll样受体(TLR4)和重组牛磷酸肌醇3激酶A(PI3KA)表达的影响。方法通过构建Wistar大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)模型,不同浓度二妙散灌胃治疗,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清中炎症因子的表达,苏木精-伊红(HE)染色进行病理学分析,实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)分析TLR4和PI3KA的表达特性。结果二妙散组与CIA模型组相比,脾脏指数差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);CIA模型组与对照组相比,脾脏指数显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);二妙散组滑膜组织炎性细胞较少;较正常组白细胞介素(IL)-6和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α表达量极显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01,P<0.05),较模型组显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);随二妙散浓度增加IL-37表达量显著增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。模型组大鼠关节中IL-6、TLR4和PI3KA mRNA水平表达量极显著高于对照组和甲氨蝶呤组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论本实验成功构建CIA大鼠模型,TLR4和PI3KA在不同实验组大鼠关节组织中均有不同程度的表达,说明TLR4和PI3KA参与CIA大鼠炎性反应的形成,介导RA炎性因子的形成和发展,二妙散对于减少炎症因子和增加抑炎因子的表达具有重要作用,具体作用机制需进一步研究证实。