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To explore patient priorities and ranking of factors influencing patient decision-making concerning treatment escalation in the management of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc).Patients with SSc were invited to participate in an online survey disseminated through patient-led organizations and social media platforms.Responses from 747 individuals with self-reported SSc-RP were evaluable with broad international representation. The mean ± SD age (54.7 ± 12.1 years), clinical phenotype, and disease subsets distribution (limited cutaneous SSc [402 of 747, 53.8%], diffuse cutaneous SSc [260 of 747, 34.8%], and overlap disease [85 of 747, 11.4%]) were consistent with expected demographic information. Around one-half (56.3%) of patients reported that their SSc-RP symptoms were adequately controlled. The 5 highest ranked factors (of 13) that would prompt treatment escalation for SSc-RP were as follows: 1) inability to use the fingers properly; 2) emergence of new digital ulcer on ≥1 fingers; 3) worsening pain or discomfort from RP; 4) more severe attacks; and 5) if it may help with internal problems. Despite symptoms not being adequately controlled, 47.1% were concerned about potential treatment side effects and were more likely to accept mild (~20-40%) versus severe (2%) side effects. Patients were open to different management strategies for uncontrolled RP that included adding new treatment in combination with existing treatment (52.8%), drug substitution (40.9%), increasing the current dose (28.8%), or focusing on nonpharmacologic approaches (29.7%).We have identified the relative importance of different factors influencing patient preferences for treatment decision-making regarding SSc-RP. Side-effect profiles influence acceptability of drug treatments, and many patients report a preference for nonpharmacologic management of SSc-RP.

OBJECTIVES: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is the commonest manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). RP is an episodic phenomenon, not easily assessed in the clinic, leading to reliance on self-report. A thorough understanding of the patient experience of SSc-RP is essential to ensuring patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments capture domains important to the target patient population. We report the findings of an international qualitative research study investigating the patient experience of SSc-RP.METHODS: Focus groups (FGs) of SSc patients were conducted across 3 scleroderma centers in the US and UK, using a topic guide and a priori purposive sampling framework devised by qualitative researchers, SSc patients and SSc experts. FGs were audio recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. FGs were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved.RESULTS: Forty SSc patients participated in 6 focus groups conducted in Bath (UK), New Orleans (US) and Pittsburgh (US). Seven major themes were identified that encapsulate the patient experience of SSc-RP: physical symptoms, emotional impact, triggers & exacerbating factors, constant vigilance & self-management, impact on daily life, uncertainty and adaptation. The inter-relationship of the 7 constituent themes can be arranged within a conceptual map of SSc-RP.CONCLUSION: We have explored the patient experience of SSc-RP in a diverse and representative SSc cohort and identified a complex interplay of experiences that result in significant impact. Work to develop a novel PRO instrument for assessing the severity and impact of SSc-RP, comprising domains/items grounded in the patient experiences of SSc-RP identified in this study is underway. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Objectives. Anti-tumour necrosis factor antibody (anti-TNF) has revolutionised the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and remission is now a realistic possibility for patients. Despite widespread use of anti-TNFs, predicting which patients are most likely to attain a sustained good response to these treatments remains challenging. Our objective was to undertake a systematic review of the literature to evaluate existing evidence for demographic and clinical factors associated with the achievement of sustained remission in individuals with RA treated with anti-TNF. Methods. EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched along with studies identified from reference lists. Quality of studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. Meta-analysis was undertaken where unadjusted odds ratios were available for the same demographic or clinical factors from at least three studies. Results. Six studies were identified. Concomitant methotrexate use was associated with an increased likelihood of achieving sustained remission. Greater baseline disease activity, tender joint count, age, disease duration, baseline functional impairment and female gender were associated with reduced likelihood of achieving sustained remission. Conclusions. Factors predicting sustained remission are seldom reported. Evidence identified in this review supports current recommendations for methotrexate co-prescription and highlights the negative impact of particular clinical and demographic features on the likelihood of achieving optimal response to anti-TNF treatment. Sustained remission is clinically more relevant than point remission in RA. More widespread reporting of sustained remission will help clinicians set realistic expectations on likely long-term treatment efficacy and could be an important tool for identifying patients suitable for dose optimisation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.