First name
Richard
Middle name
K
Last name
Vehe

Title

Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance consensus treatment plans for new-onset polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Year of Publication

2014

Number of Pages

1063-72

Date Published

2014 Jul

ISSN Number

2151-4658

Abstract

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>There is no standardized approach to the initial treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) among pediatric rheumatologists. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of the diverse therapeutic options available will result in better health outcomes for polyarticular JIA. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for use in clinical practice to facilitate such studies.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>A case-based survey was administered to CARRA members to identify the common treatment approaches for new-onset polyarticular JIA. Two face-to-face consensus conferences employed modified nominal group technique to identify treatment strategies, operational case definition, end points, and data elements to be collected. A core workgroup reviewed the relevant literature, refined plans, and developed medication dosing and monitoring recommendations.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The initial case-based survey identified significant variability among treatment approaches for new-onset polyarticular JIA. We developed 3 CTPs based on treatment strategies for the first 12 months of therapy, as well as case definitions and clinical and laboratory monitoring schedules. The CTPs include a step-up plan (nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD] followed by a biologic DMARD), an early combination plan (nonbiologic and biologic DMARD combined within a month of treatment initiation), and a biologic only plan. This approach was approved by 96% of the CARRA JIA Research Committee members attending the 2013 CARRA face-to-face meeting.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Three standardized CTPs were developed for new-onset polyarticular JIA. Coupled with data collection at defined intervals, use of these CTPs will enable the study of their comparative effectiveness in an observational setting to optimize initial management of polyarticular JIA.</p>

DOI

10.1002/acr.22259

Alternate Title

Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken)

PMID

24339215
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Title

2013 update of the 2011 American College of Rheumatology recommendations for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: recommendations for medical therapy of children with systemic JIA and TB screening among children receiving biologic medications.

Year of Publication

2013

Number of Pages

2499-512

Date Published

2013 Oct

ISSN Number

1529-0131

DOI

10.1002/art.38092

Alternate Title

Arthritis Rheum.

PMID

24092554
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Title

Consensus treatment plans for new-onset systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Year of Publication

2012

Number of Pages

1001-10

Date Published

2012 Jul

ISSN Number

2151-4658

Abstract

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>There is wide variation in therapeutic approaches to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) among North American rheumatologists. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of the diverse therapeutic options available for treatment of systemic JIA can result in better health outcomes. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans and standardized assessment schedules for use in clinical practice to facilitate such studies.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Case-based surveys were administered to CARRA members to identify prevailing treatments for new-onset systemic JIA. A 2-day consensus conference in April 2010 employed modified nominal group technique to formulate preliminary treatment plans and determine important data elements for collection. Followup surveys were employed to refine the plans and assess clinical acceptability.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The initial case-based survey identified significant variability among current treatment approaches for new-onset systemic JIA, underscoring the utility of standardized plans to evaluate comparative effectiveness. We developed 4 consensus treatment plans for the first 9 months of therapy, as well as case definitions and clinical and laboratory monitoring schedules. The 4 treatment regimens included glucocorticoids only, or therapy with methotrexate, anakinra, or tocilizumab, with or without glucocorticoids. This approach was approved by &gt;78% of the CARRA membership.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Four standardized treatment plans were developed for new-onset systemic JIA. Coupled with data collection at defined intervals, use of these treatment plans will create the opportunity to evaluate comparative effectiveness in an observational setting to optimize initial management of systemic JIA.</p>

DOI

10.1002/acr.21625

Alternate Title

Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken)

PMID

22290637
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