Patient reported outcomes and safety in patients undergoing synovial biopsy: comparison of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, ultrasound-guided portal-forceps and arthroscopic-guided synovial biopsy techniques in five centers across Europe

Journal article

Background We present a European multicenter study, comparing safety data and patient reported outcomes (PRO) from patients undergoing synovial biopsy using either ultrasound guided needle biopsy (US-NB), ultrasound guided portal and forceps (US-P&F;) or arthroscopic guided (AG) procedures. Objectives To describe safety and PRO data on joint indices of pain, stiffness and swelling before and after biopsy, procedural discomfort, joint status compared to before biopsy and willingness to undergo a second biopsy for each technique and compare the three techniques. To evaluate the impact on PRO and safety data of corticosteroid therapy as part of the biopsy procedure and sequential biopsy procedures. Methods Data were collected on the day of biopsy and 7 to 14 days post-procedure. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness indices were recorded as 0-100mm VAS; qualitative outcome variables on 5-point Likert scales. Groups were compared with linear regression, adjusting for disease activity, corticosteroid therapy and pre-biopsy PRO value, and accounting for repeated measurements. Results A total of 524 synovial biopsy procedures were documented (402 US-NB, 65 US-P&F; and 57 AGSB). There were 8 adverse events (1.5%) with no difference between biopsy methods (p=0.55). All PROs were improved two weeks post-procedure, and there were no differences in post biopsy change in PROs between biopsy methods. Corticosteroid administration, whether intramuscular (n=62) or intra-articular (n=38), did not result in more adverse events (p=0.81), and was associated with reduction in post-biopsy swelling (p<0.01). Sequential biopsy procedures (n=103 patients) did not result in more adverse events (p=0.61) or worsening in PRO data. Conclusion Overall, our results do not suggest a significant difference in safety or patient tolerability between US-NB, US-P&F; or AGSB sampling. Further, corticosteroid therapy as part of the biopsy procedure and sequential biopsies is safe and well tolerated in patients.

Authors: Just, SA; Humby, F; Lindegaard, H; De Bellefon, LM; Durez, P

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Journal: RMD Open
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Article number: e000799
• Publication date: 2018-10-26
• Acceptance date: 2018-09-22
• DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000799
• EISSN: 2056-5933
• Keywords: Patient Reported Outcomes; ultrasound guided portal and forceps (US-P&F); arthroscopy; Synovial Biopsy; ultrasound guided needle biopsy (US-NB)