Post-chikungunya chronic arthritis--our experience with DMARDs over two year follow up

Abstract

Aim: 1) To study clinical features and laboratory findings in patients of post chikungunya chronic arthritis (PCCA). 2) To study effectivity of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in treatment of post-chikungunya chronic arthritis.

Materials and methods: Sixteen Chikungunya IgM positive patients having arthritis lasting more than 3 months in spite of NSAIDs and Hydroxychloroquine therapy were selected. Their clinical, laboratory and radiological features were noted. Disease activity was assessed by clinical parameters and Disease Activity Score System (DAS 28). Functional status was assessed by HAQ Questionnaire on follow-up visits over next 2 years. Effectivity of treatment with Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate was assessed.

Results: Chronic inflammatory polyarthritis does occur following chikungunya infection. It involves large and small joints of hands and feet and is erosive and deforming. It is rheumatoid factor negative. AntiCCP antibody was positive in majority. Synovial biopsy revealed nongranulomatous chronic synovitis with infiltration with lymphocytes and plasma cells. It was negative for chikungunya RNA. Treatment with Sulfasalazine with and without methotrexate produced good response in 71.4 % and 12.5% respectively.

Conclusions: Chronic inflammatory, erosive and rarely deforming polyarthritis does occur after acute chikungunya infection in some (5.6%). It is seronegative and AntiCCP positive in majority. DMARDs like sulfasalazine and methotrexate are required and effective in treatment of PCCA.