EULAR points to consider for minimal reporting requirements in synovial tissue research in rheumatology

Abstract

BackgroundSynovial tissue research has become widely developed in several rheumatology centres, however, large discrepancies exist in the way synovial tissue is handled and, more specifically, how data pertaining to biopsy procedure, quality check and experimental results are reported in the literature. This heterogeneity hampers the progress of research in this rapidly expanding field. In that context, under the umbrella of European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, we aimed at proposing points to consider (PtC) for minimal reporting requirements in synovial tissue research.MethodsTwenty-five members from 10 countries across Europe and USA met virtually to define the key areas needing evaluation and formulating the research questions to inform a systematic literature review (SLR). The results were presented during a second virtual meeting where PtC were formulated and agreed.ResultsStudy design, biopsy procedures, tissue handling, tissue quality control and tissue outcomes (imaging, DNA/RNA analysis and disaggregation) were identified as important aspects for the quality of synovial tissue research. The SLR interrogated four databases, retrieved 7654 abstracts and included 26 manuscripts. Three OPs and nine PtC were formulated covering the following areas: description of biopsy procedure, overarching clinical design, patient characteristics, tissue handling and processing, quality control, histopathology, transcriptomic analyses and single-cell technologies.ConclusionsThese PtC provide guidance on how research involving synovial tissue should be reported to ensure a better evaluation of results by readers, reviewers and the broader scientific community. We anticipate that these PtC will enable the field to progress in a robust and transparent manner over the coming years.

A reference single-cell map of freshly dissociated human synovium in inflammatory arthritis with an optimized dissociation protocol for prospective synovial biopsy collection

“…We obtained synovial tissue by the ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy using the Quick core 18G x 6cm or Quick Core 16G 9cm biopsy needles and GE Logiq S7 ultrasound instrument 28 . The biopsied joints were evaluated for synovitis immediately before the biopsy, and synovial tissue fragments were utilized for immunohistology, dissociation protocol optimization, scRNA-seq analysis or other downstream applications.…”

“…We obtained synovial tissue by the ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy using the Quick core 18G x 6cm or Quick Core 16G 9cm biopsy needles and GE Logiq S7 ultrasound instrument 28 .…”

Levelling the playing field of RMD research across Europe to address patients’ needs: the emerging EULAR Research Centre

“…Synovial tissue research, for example, has become widely developed, but large discrepancies exist in the way synovial tissue is handled, and how data pertaining to biopsy procedure, quality check and experimental results are reported in the literature. This heterogeneity hampers the progress of research 26. Through EULAR’s ATA Initiative, investigators can request advice on research proposals from a network of experts in the field who will promote the accurate application of ATA technologies and methods.…”

“…This heterogeneity hampers the progress of research. 26 Through EULAR’s ATA Initiative, investigators can request advice on research proposals from a network of experts in the field who will promote the accurate application of ATA technologies and methods. Importantly, they will also be able to leverage the necessary expertise and technology resources available at these institutions to strengthen the competitiveness of their research proposals.…”

Prediction of histology by B-mode and PD-mode ultrasound across different joint locations and diseases

“…Ultrasound guided synovial biopsy (USGB) and histological examination were performed according to EULAR guidelines4 5 including questionnaires on tolerability and side effects before and after the procedure; ethical approval as well as informed consent was obtained (KEK2021-00092). Histology included quality control, Krenn Score,6 synovial pathotype according to Humby et al ,7 and vascularisation based on the mean number of ERG positive blood vessels over five randomly selected visual fields (×20 magnification).…”