Two-component nematic superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS2

Most superconductors have an isotropic, single component order parameter and are well described by the standard (BCS) theory for superconductivity. Unconventional, multiple-component superconductors are exceptionally rare and are much less understood. Here, we combine scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved macroscopic transport for studying the candidate chiral superconductor, 4Hb-TaS2. We reveal quasi-periodic one-dimensional modulations in the tunneling conductance accompanied by two-fold symmetric superconducting critical field. The strong modulation of the in-plane critical field, Hc2, points to a nematic, unconventional order parameter. However, the imaged vortex core is isotropic at low temperatures. We suggest a model that reconciles this apparent discrepancy and takes into account previously observed spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking at low temperatures. The model describes a competition between a dominating chiral superconducting order parameter and a nematic one. The latter emerges close to the normal phase. Our results strongly support the existence of two-component superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS2 and can provide valuable insights into other systems with coexistent charge order and superconductivity.

Social media and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy during pregnancy: a mixed methods analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy.

DESIGN

We used regular expressions to identify publicly available social media posts from pregnant people expressing at least one reason for their decision not to accept COVID-19 vaccine.

SETTING

Two social media platforms - WhatToExpect and Twitter.

SAMPLE

A total of 945 pregnant people in WhatToExpect (1017 posts) and 345 pregnant people in Twitter (435 tweets).

METHODS

Two annotators manually coded posts according to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) working group's 3Cs vaccine hesitancy model (confidence, complacency and convenience barriers). Within each 3Cs we created subthemes that emerged from the data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subthemes were derived according to the people's posting own words.

RESULTS

Safety concerns were most common and largely linked to the perceived speed at which the vaccine was created and the lack of data about its safety in pregnancy. This led to a preference to wait until after the baby was born or to take other precautions instead. Complacency surrounded a belief that they are young and healthy or already had COVID-19. Misinformation led to false safety and efficacy allegations, or even conspiracy theories, and fed into creating confidence and complacency barriers. Convenience barriers (such as availability) were uncommon.

CONCLUSION

The information in this study can be used to highlight the questions, fears and hesitations pregnant people have about the COVID-19 vaccine. Highlighting these hesitations can help public health campaigns and improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

COVID-19 containment measures impact utilization and provision of healthcare in Europe

Background

The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health of children and adolescents by numerous pathways. We present the impact on health care utilization and provision.

Methods

A systematic review on secondary health impact is ongoing (PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase). Literature is screened (title, abstract, full-text) by 2 researchers, and data of interest extracted systematically.. Inclusion criteria are age (0 - 25 yrs.), exposure: containment measures, outcome: secondary health outcome, and European data origin.

Results

Jan. 2020 - Aug. 2021 10112 studies were identified, 337 were included. n = 60 were on health care utilization and provision. Utilization studies relied on objective hospital or registry data, care provision studies more often on survey data (professionals, parents). Data yields a large but varying decrease in emergency department visits during the lockdown: Italy ∼75%, Spain ∼65%, France ∼60%, and Germany ∼64%, and a substantial change in case mix and severity compared to comparable pre-COVID. Specialized and primary pediatric practices report that elective interventions were postponed, state of the art diagnostics withheld, and rehabilitation services disrupted. Vaccinations in infants, children, and adolescents dropped during the lockdown inversely proportional to children's age. Studies repeatedly suggest patients’ health services avoidance out of fear of infection and stay-at-home rules.Results on catch-up utilization and provision to follow (ongoing study).

Conclusions

COVID-19 measures exerted a measurable impact on health utilization and provision in children and adolescents. The utilization was comparatively lower and service provision disrupted across Europe. So far little can be said about a potential recovery in terms of catch-up of visits, diagnostics, or treatments. Analyses of the long-term health impact of the observed effects is recommended and can serve to improve future pandemic preparedness.

Key messages

• COVID-19 confinement measures had measurable secondary health impact on children and adolescents.

• Data on catch-up healthcare is important to establish long term impact and learnings.

A PMM2-CDG caused by an A108V mutation associated with a heterozygous 70 kilobases deletion case report

Background

Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) are a large group of inborn errors of metabolism with more than 140 different CDG types reported to date (1). The first characterized, PMM2-CDG, with an autosomal recessive transmission, is also the most frequent. The PMM2 gene encodes a phosphomannomutase. Here, a novel genetic variation causing PMM2-CDG is reported. 

Case presentation

We report the case of a French child, from healthy and unrelated parents, presenting congenital ataxia with hypotonia, hyperlaxity, inverted nipples, as well as altered coagulation parameters and liver function. Transferrin isoelectrofocusing revealed a typical type I CDG profile. Direct Sanger sequencing and quantitative PCR of PMM2 revealed a unique and novel genotype. On one allele, the patient was heterozygote with a known missense variant NM_000303.3(PMM2):c.323C > T, p.Ala108Val in exon 4. On the second allele, whole genome sequencing (WGS) indicated the presence of a novel heterozygous 70 kb deletion.

Conclusion

We report in the present paper the largest known heterozygous deletion of a PMM2 gene. The observation reveals the impact of a precise diagnostic on genetic counselling: by using WGS, an erroneous conclusion of homozygosity in the case of a relatively rare variant could be avoided, and an index patient with healthy and unrelated parents correctly identified.

POS0170 EXPERIENCES WITH COVID-19 INFECTIONS IN GERMAN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY CENTERS

Background

Although the risk for severe COVID-19 progression in children is low, this may be aggravated by the underlying disease and/or immunosuppressive drugs.

Objectives

We analyzed clinical data of COVID-19 cases among paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases reported to the BIKER registry.

Methods

The main task of the German BIKER (Biologics in Pediatric Rheumatology) registry is to monitor the safety of biologics therapies in JIA. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was expanded with a standardized form to proactively interview all participating centers about the occurrence, presentation, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2- infections in children with rheumatic diseases. Interviews were conducted with 68 centers initially weekly and later biweekly.

Results

A total of 68 centres participated in the survey. Clinical data from 194 COVID-19 cases reported to the BIKER registry from 41 German and 1 Austrian pediatric rheumatology institutions between February 2020 and December 2021 were analyzed. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA, n=144) was the most common diagnosis followed by genetic autoinflammation (n=18; i.e. FMF, TRAPS, CAPS, HIDS, DADA2), systemic autoimmune diseases (n=11; i.e. SLE, dermatomyositis, vasculitis) and 16 with other rheumatic diseases (i.e. CRMO, Uveitis). 5 patients with no rheumatic disease were excluded. 104 (54%) patients were receiving conventional DMARDs, 81 (43%) received biologics, mainly TNF inhibitors (n=66 (35%)).

Of the 189 rheumatic patients with SARS-CoV2 infection, 123 (63%) were female. The mean age was 12.4+/-4.4 years in females and 13.2+/-4.1 in males. The duration of SARS-Co2 infection associated symptoms was 13.8+/-15.3 days (max. 113 days), in 35 (43%) patients they lasted for > 12 days. 46 (24%) were asymptomatic. Patients with autoinflammation and systemic autoimmunopathies reported more symptoms such as fever, head and throat ache. 4 patients only complained about dyspnea.

Only 3 patients were hospitalized and received Oxygen-supplementation. The only patients admitted to ICU, received ventilation but succumbed. This 3½-year-old patient, initially diagnosed with systemic JIA, developed fatal disease with intracranial edema and respiratory failure, as well as typical pulmonary texture changes. Prior to her SARS-CoV-2 infection, the patient was treated with MTX and low-dose steroids. Genetic testing revealed a so far unrecognized congenital immunodeficiency.

In the total JIA cohort, treatment with corticosteroids, conventional DMARDs, biologics or combinations did not influence the number of reported symptoms or the favorable outcome of the cohort. However, the duration of symptoms was lower in the TNF-treated cohort (10.4+/-6.4 days vs. 15.7 +/- 19.7 days). In the cohort with autoinflammation, fever was observed in 11 (61%). Those 6 who received IL-1-inhibitors did not show a different outcome than those 12 who did not. No case of PIMS/MISC in children with rheumatic diseases was reported.

Conclusion

Except for one patient with congenital immunodeficiency who died from her COVID-19 infection, no case of severe COVID-19 was reported in our cohort. At the time of infection, over 80% of patients in our cohort had been treated with conventional DMARDs and/or biologics. This did not appear to have a negative impact on the severity or outcome of SARS-CoV2 infection. Interestingly, no case of PIMS/MISC was observed.

Disclosure of Interests

Gerd Horneff Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, MSD, Frank Dressler Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Novartis, Abbvie, Paid instructor for: Advisory boards Novartis, Mylan, Daniel Windschall Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Novartis, Abbvie, MEDAC, Canon, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Sonja Mrusek: None declared, Toni Hospach: None declared, Alexander Kühn: None declared, Maria Haller: None declared, Philipp von Bismarck: None declared, Wolfgang Emminger: None declared, Peggy Ruehmer: None declared, Markus Hufnagel: None declared, Ariane Klein Speakers bureau: Novartis

OP0217 EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF IL-6 INHIBITION (TOCILIZUMAB) VERSUS TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITION IN POLYARTICULAR JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE OBSERVATIONAL BIKER STUDY

Background

Tocilizumab (TCZ) has been approved for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) for 10 years.

Objectives

Evaluation of 12-month efficacy and safety of TCZ compared to TNF inhibitors (TNFi).

Methods

BIKER WA 29358 is a 5-year multi-centre prospective, observational cohort study including polyarticular JIA patients in Germany starting treatment between 2015 and 2020 with TCZ and matched 1:1 by date of treatment start and region to patients starting an approved TNFi. Clinical disease activity (JADAS10), JADAS MDA (≦3.8)/remission (≦1.0), safety and drug adherence at 12 months were assessed and compared between cohorts.

Results

The analysis included 342 participants with 12-month treatment data (TCZ n=171; TNFi n=171). TCZ was used as 2nd line biologic in the majority of patients (84%) while TNFi were mostly 1st line biologics (86%). Patients starting TCZ had a longer disease duration. Efficacy was demonstrated by a marked decrease in JADAS10 in both cohorts (TCZ vs. TNFi at baseline: 15.0+/-6.7 vs. 14.6+/-6.3; at month 12: 3.8+/-5.1 vs. 3.4+/-4.5). Proportions of patients in TCZ/TNFi cohorts achieving JADAS remission at 12 months were 48%/41% in 1st line biologic users and 32%/33% in 2nd line biologic users. JADAS MDA was achieved in 64%/69% in 1st line and 52%/58% in 2nd line users of TCZ/TNFi.

After 12 months of treatment JADAS10 (mean +/SD) was higher in the 2nd line TNFi cohort compared to the 1st line (4.5+/-5.6 vs. 3.2+/-4.3), similar to patients receiving 2nd or 1st line TCZ (4.0+/-5.2 vs. 2.9+/-4.4). Patients receiving TCZ or TNFi as first biologic reached JADAS10 remission and MDA numerically more frequently but not statistically significant compared to 2nd line users.

Safety was assessed based on adverse event (AE) reporting. 57 (33%) patients in the TCZ cohort and 43 (25%) patients in the TNFi cohort reported AE. The AE rate was significantly higher in the TCZ cohort (69 vs. 44.8/100 patient years, RR 1.5 [95%CI 1.1-2.0], p=0.006, Wald-test). There were 6 serious AE in the TCZ and 3 in the TNFi cohort. Injection site reactions were more common in the TNFi cohort (9 vs. 1, p=0.043). No further differences were identified to date. There was no death and no opportunistic infection.

In the TCZ cohort, 32 patients discontinued treatment, 27 due to lack of efficacy, while in the TNFi cohort only 6 patients discontinued treatment. Treatment discontinuation was more frequent among the 2nd biologic users (n=29; 17.4%) than in first line users (n= 9; 5.1%).

Conclusion

In this first interim analysis, treatment targets were reached with similar frequency after 12 months of treatment with TCZ or TNFi. TCZ was used predominantly as 2nd line biologic. Higher rates of remission /MDA were observed in 1st line compared to 2nd line biologic users. Although more AE were reported in the TCZ cohort, the occurrence of serious AE and infections was comparable in both cohorts. No new safety signals were identified. Observation is ongoing.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics and discontinuations with reasons.

Number, nTNFi 1st 147TNFi 2nd 24TNFi total 171TCZ 1st 27TCZ 2nd 144TCZ total 171Female, %119(81%)20 (83%)139(81%)20(74%)123(85%)143(84%)Disease duration, years2.7+/-2.76.5+/-3.33.2+/-3.12.5+/-2.75.9+/-4.15.4+/-4.1Pre-treatmentn.a.None=147 (86%)n.a.None=27 (16%)1 biologic14 (58%)14 (8%)80 (56%)80 (47%)2 biologics7 (29%)7 (4%)54 (38%)54 (32%)≥ 3 biologics3 (13%)3 (2%)10 (7%)10 (6%)CHAQ-DI, mean +/- SD0.67+/-0.640.31+/-0.450.63+/-0,630.43+/-0.440.65+/-0.650.61+/-0.62JADAS 10, mean +/- SD14.8+/-6.313.4+/-6.814.6+/-6.313.3+/-6.015.3+/-7.015.0+/-6.7ConcomitantMTX, n (%)120 (82%)13 (54%)133 (78%)17 (63%)75 (52%)92 (54%)Steroid, n (%)37 (25%)4 (17%)41 (24%)8 (30%)35 (24%)43 (25%)Discontinuations, n (%)5 (3.4%)1 (4.2%)6 (3.5%)4 (16%)28 (19%)32 (19%)-Inefficacy1 (0.7%)2 (1.2%)3 (12%)24 (17%)27 (16%)-Intolerance2 (1.4%)1 (4.2%)2 (1.2%)2 (1.4%)2 (1.2%)-Other2 (1.4%)2 (1.2%)1 (4%)4 (2.8%)5 (3.0%)

Disclosure of Interests

Ariane Klein Speakers bureau: Novartis fee chairing a lunch symposium, Angela Zimmer: None declared, Toni Hospach: None declared, Frank Weller-Heinemann: None declared, Sandra Hansmann: None declared, Jasmin Kuemmerle-Deschner: None declared, Maria Fasshauer: None declared, Kirsten Minden Speakers bureau: Honoraries from Novartis, Pfizer, Medac, Ivan Foeldvari: None declared, Christoph Rietschel: None declared, Daniel Windschall Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Novartis, Abbvie, MEDAC, Canon, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Ralf Trauzeddel: None declared, Markus Hufnagel: None declared, Dirk Foell: None declared, Rainer Berendes: None declared, Gundula Boeschow: None declared, Prasad Oommen: None declared, Frank Dressler Speakers bureau: Honoraries from Novartis, Pfizer, Abbvie, Consultant of: Advisory board Novartis, Mylan, Gerd Horneff Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, MSD

POS0171 A STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENT OF TREATMENT AND OUTCOME OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH JIA WITHIN THE PROKIND PROJECT – PATHWAYS FOR POLYARTICULAR JIA

Background

The ProKind Commission of the Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (GKJR) has developed evidence- and consensus-based protocols for the diagnosis and therapy of children and adolescents with defined rheumatic diseases (e.g., [1]). In the ProKind-Rheuma project, it is now investigated whether the protocols are followed in everyday clinical practice and what the treatment-associated outcomes are.

Objectives

To investigate the mode of treatment and treatment response in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA).

Methods

ProKind-Rheuma is a multicenter prospective non-interventional observational study. Patients with pJIA enrolled until 17/1/2022 were included into this analysis. Treatments and outcomes up to the 3-month follow-up visit (3FU) were analyzed. Disease states were categorized based on the 2021 cJADAS10 cutoffs [2].

Results

To date, 18 pediatric rheumatology facilities have participated in ProKind-Rheuma. Data from 203 patients with JIA are available. Of those, 44% have oligoarthritis, 36% polyarthritis, 9% systemic JIA, 6% enthesitis-related arthritis and 3% psoriatic arthritis.

In total, 76 patients were diagnosed with pJIA, 38 with already completed 3FU:

For 23 patients with pJIA and completed 3FU, we were able to analyze the protocol-defined [1] treatment goal of at least “minimal improvement”. In total, 18 (78%) achieved minimal improvement, 5 (22%) missed it. For 4 of those 5 patients, the underlying MTX therapy was escalated to a bDMARD (3 changed to MTX+bDMARD-combi, 1 to bDMARD-mono). In 3 other patients, therapy was also escalated to an MTX+bDMARD-combi.

Between baseline and 3FU, 72% achieved cJADAS10-disease state improvement (Table 1) by at least one category (range 1 - 2), 0% decreased.

Table 1.*based on non-missing valuesAt Baseline allAt Baseline with 3FUAt 3FUTotal7638Female, n (%)58 (76)30 (79)Age (years), Mdn (IQR)9 (3-12)7 (2-12)7.5 (3-12)Time since diagnosis (months), Mdn (IQR)0 (0-1)0 (0-1)4 (3-4)RF-positivity, n (%)8 (11)3 (8)Number of active joints (arthritis), Mdn (IQR)7 (4-12)7 (5-12)2 (0-4)JADAS10 (0-40), Mean (SD) (NBL+3FU= 23)18.6 (7.4)19.6 (7.6)7.2 (4.2)cJADAS10 (0-30), Mean (SD) (NBL+3FU= 29)16.3 (5.9)16.7 (6.1)7.1 (4.1)State of inactive disease (cJADAS10≤2.5), n (%*)0 (0)0 (0)4 (13)State of minimal disease activity (2.5<cJADAS10≤5), n (%*)1 (2)1 (3)9 (28)State of moderate disease activity (5<cJADAS10 ≤16), n (%*)33 (54)17 (50)18 (56)State of high disease activity (cJADAS10>16), n (%*)27 (44)16 (47)1 (3)CHAQ (0-3), Mean (SD)0.8 (0.8)0.9 (0.8)0.3 (0.5)Pain (NRS 0 - 10), Mean (SD)4.3 (3)4.7 (3)2.2 (2.7)PedsQL 4.0 total score, Mean (SD)66.3 (22.2)65.4 (21.8)78.4 (17.6)Intraarticular glucocorticoids > 4 joints (ever), n (%)12 (16)5 (13)7 (18)Glucocorticoid pulses (ever), n (%)22 (29)12 (32)13 (34)Methotrexate, n (%)56 (74)31 (82)34 (90)bDMARDs, n (%)7 (9)2 (5)9 (24)

Within the first 3 months after diagnosis, the treatment pathways proposed by the ProKind Commission [1] were followed in about three-quarters of patients: i) 5 (13%) received MTX and intra-articular glucocorticoid injections in more than 4 joints (IAGC), but no high-dose intravenous glucocorticoid pulse (HDGC) or bDMARD; ii) 8 (21%) received MTX and HDGC (no bDMARD, no IAGC); iii) 16 (42%) patients received MTX, of whom 4 received a bDMARD up to or at the 3FU (no HDGC, no IAGC). Nine (24%) patients were not treated with MTX or did not fit any of these categories, mostly due to starting bDMARD therapy in conjunction with HDGC or IAGC.

Conclusion

In the routine care of JIA patients with polyarthritis, the proposed treatment protocol and treat-to-target strategy are followed in most patients. At 3FU, improvements of JADAS10 and other outcomes were evident, with 41% having achieved inactive or minimal active disease.

ProKind is funded by the Innovation Fund “Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss”, FKZ: 01VSF18031

References

[1]Horneff et al. Pediatric Rheumatology 2017; 15:78

[2]Trincianti et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021 Nov; 73(11):1966-1975

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to all physicians, medical professionals and everyone else who has so far contributed and supported the ProKind-Rheuma project.

Moreover, we want to express special gratitude to all patients and their parents for their participation.

Disclosure of Interests

Sascha Eulert: None declared, Kristina Vollbach: None declared, Klaus Tenbrock: None declared, Jens Klotsche: None declared, Dirk Foell Speakers bureau: Speaker fees/honoraria from Boehringer, Novartis, Werfen and Sobi, Grant/research support from: Novartis and Sobi, Johannes-Peter Haas: None declared, Frank Weller-Heinemann: None declared, Sonja Mrusek: None declared, Prasad Oommen: None declared, Daniel Windschall Speakers bureau: Research support and speakers fee: Pfizer, Novartis, Abbvie, Medac, Sobi, Canon, Grant/research support from: Research support and speakers fee: Pfizer, Novartis, Abbvie, Medac, Sobi, Canon, Kirsten Moenkemoeller: None declared, Tilmann Kallinich: None declared, Markus Hufnagel: None declared, Ivan Foeldvari Consultant of: Addvisory board: Hexal, Novartis, Pfizer, Toni Hospach Consultant of: Advisory board: Sobi, Novartis, Moritz Klaas: None declared, Michael Rühlmann: None declared, Ralf Trauzeddel: None declared, Normi Brueck: None declared, Catharina Schütz: None declared, J. B. Kuemmerle-Deschner: None declared, Ariane Klein: None declared, Kirsten Minden Speakers bureau: Speaker: Pfizer, Novartis, Gerd Horneff: None declared

[Update on collaborative autopsy-based research in German pathology, neuropathology, and forensic medicine]

BACKGROUND

Autopsies are a valuable tool for understanding disease, including COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The German Registry of COVID-19 Autopsies (DeRegCOVID), established in April 2020, serves as the electronic backbone of the National Autopsy Network (NATON), launched in early 2022 following DEFEAT PANDEMIcs.

RESULTS

The NATON consortium's interconnected, collaborative autopsy research is enabled by an unprecedented collaboration of 138 individuals at more than 35 German university and non-university autopsy centers through which pathology, neuropathology, and forensic medicine autopsy data including data on biomaterials are collected in DeRegCOVID and tissue-based research and methods development are conducted. More than 145 publications have now emerged from participating autopsy centers, highlighting various basic science and clinical aspects of COVID-19, such as thromboembolic events, organ tropism, SARS-CoV‑2 detection methods, and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 at autopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating centers have demonstrated the high value of autopsy and autopsy-derived data and biomaterials to modern medicine. The planned long-term continuation and further development of the registry and network, as well as the open and participatory design, will allow the involvement of all interested partners.

Enhanced superconductivity and ferroelectric quantum criticality in plastically deformed strontium titanate

The properties of quantum materials are commonly tuned using experimental variables such as pressure, magnetic field and doping. Here we explore a different approach using irreversible, plastic deformation of single crystals. We show that compressive plastic deformation induces low-dimensional superconductivity well above the superconducting transition temperature (T_c) of undeformed SrTiO₃, with evidence of possible superconducting correlations at temperatures two orders of magnitude above the bulk T_c. The enhanced superconductivity is correlated with the appearance of self-organized dislocation structures, as revealed by diffuse neutron and X-ray scattering. We also observe deformation-induced signatures of quantum-critical ferroelectric fluctuations and inhomogeneous ferroelectric order using Raman scattering. Our results suggest that strain surrounding the self-organized dislocation structures induces local ferroelectricity and quantum-critical dynamics that strongly influence T_c, consistent with a theory of superconductivity enhanced by soft polar fluctuations. Our results demonstrate the potential of plastic deformation and dislocation engineering for the manipulation of electronic properties of quantum materials.

Subcutaneous injection of an immunologically tolerated protein up to 5 days before skin injuries improves wound healing

Oral tolerance blocks the development of specific immune responses to proteins ingested by the oral route. One of the first registries of oral tolerance showed that guinea pigs fed corn became refractory to hypersensitivity to corn proteins. Mice fed with chow containing corn are tolerant to zein, and parenteral injection of zein plus adjuvant blocks immunization to unrelated proteins injected concomitantly and reduces unspecific inflammation. Extensive and prolonged inflammatory infiltrate in the wound bed is one of the causes of pathological wound healing. Previous research shows that intraperitoneal injection of zein concomitant with skin injuries reduces the inflammatory infiltrate in the wound bed and improves wound healing. Herein, we tested if one subcutaneous injection of zein before skin injury improves wound healing. We also investigated how long the effects triggered by zein could improve skin wound healing. Mice fed zein received two excisional wounds on the interscapular skin under anesthesia. Zein plus Al(OH)₃ was injected at the tail base at 10 min, or 3, 5, or 7 days before skin injuries. Wound healing was analyzed at days 7 and 40 after injury. Our results showed that a zein injection up to 5 days before skin injury reduced the inflammatory infiltrate, increased the number of T-cells in the wound bed, and improved the pattern of collagen deposition in the neodermis. These findings could promote the development of new strategies for the treatment and prevention of pathological healing using proteins normally found in the common diet.

Health-related quality of life in patients with recurrent pericarditis: results from RHAPSODY, a phase 3 study of rilonacept

Background

Recurrent pericarditis (RP) patients report that painful, debilitating flares negatively impact their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RHAPSODY, the Phase 3 trial of rilonacept (IL-1α/IL-1β cytokine trap), included a daily pain diary and patient-reported outcome SF-36v2 to measure HRQoL throughout the trial.

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of rilonacept on HRQoL in relation to changes in pain for RP patients who have a recurrence.

Methods

RHAPSODY enrolled 86 patients with acute symptomatic RP to receive weekly rilonacept for a 12-week run-in (RI) period and randomized 61 patients (1:1) to receive placebo (n=31) or continue rilonacept (n=30) for the event-driven randomized-withdrawal (RW) period. Patients on placebo who experienced a qualifying recurrence during RW (return of pericarditis pain and increase in C-reactive protein) were rescued with bailout rilonacept. Patients reported daily pericarditis pain electronically, using a 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS), and completed the SF-36v2 at study visits prior to clinician interaction. Scores from RI Baseline (BL), RI Week 12 (RW BL), Recurrence visit, and RW up to Week 24 (or end of study; EOS) were evaluated for patients who experienced recurrence in RW. Analyses exclude one patient randomized to placebo who had a recurrence after Week 24 of the RW period.

Results

Analyses focused on the 22 of 30 patients (73%) in the placebo group who experienced a recurrence before Week 24 of RW (median time from RW BL to recurrence: 8.6 weeks). During RI, daily pain scores decreased while on rilonacept (Cohen's effect size [ES] d=−2.0), and SF-36v2 scores improved, with scores at RI BL (Fig. 1 red line) below the general population average of 50 and near or above average at RI Week 12 (Fig. 1 blue line); ES were all large (d&gt;0.8), ranging from 0.917 (Mental Component Summary) to 2.021 (Bodily Pain). At recurrence, pain scores increased (d=6.5; Fig. 2) and SF-36v2 scores were below the population average (Fig. 1 orange line), with largest reductions between RI Week 12 (RW BL) and recurrence for Bodily Pain (−13.4) and Physical Component Summary (−10.6). Following rilonacept bailout, average pain decreased (d=−2.1; Fig. 2), and by RW Week 24/EOS, SF-36v2 scores returned to similar levels as at the end of the RI period (Fig. 1 green line).

Conclusion

Impaired RI BL SF-36v2 scores indicate negative impact of RP on HRQOL in RP patients. While receiving rilonacept, HRQoL scores improved to near or above population averages, in conjunction with patient-reported pain. After discontinuing rilonacept during RW, HRQoL scores worsened at recurrence and improved upon receipt of bail-out rilonacept, similar to pain. These results provide support for the broader benefit of rilonacept treatment beyond pain, when administered on top of conventional therapies and as mono-therapy, providing evidence of its potential to improve HRQoL in this patient population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

Left atrial strain evaluation and prognostic value in constrictive pericarditis patients undergoing pericardiectomy

Background

Left Atrial (LA) phasic volumes analyses is flawed with geometrical assumption requiring high endocardial border definition. LA strain analysis is an emergent technique that overcome some of these technical limitations. Prior studies of LA mechanics in pericardiectomy patients found improvement in LA strain at follow-up and manifested as symptomatic improvement, however their relationships with survival have not been investigated.

Purpose

We assessed LA strain before and after pericardiectomy and its association with all- cause mortality.

Methods

Consecutive patients with constrictive pericarditis who underwent pericardiectomy from 2000–2017 were retrospectively analyzed, analyzing pre-operative and post-operative (at 12 months) echocardiography. Exclusion criteria included atrial fibrillation, previous left sided valve surgery, concomitant valvular surgery at the index pericardiectomy, more than mild left sided valvulopathy and poor echocardiographic windows. Strain analyses was performed with Vector velocity imaging independent software. Univariate and multivariable analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with reduced survival.

Results

Amongst 190 patients included in the analyses, mean age was 58.5±12.7 years and 37 (19.5%) were female. The etiology of constriction was deemed idiopathic in 61.6% of the cases, median time interval surgery-postoperative echo was 67 days (IQR 6, 312 days). During median follow up of 3.3 years (IQR 0.73, 5.9 years) there were 37 deaths. After surgery, there was a significant decrease in LA reservoir, conduit and regional wall strains. (Table 1). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that postoperative 4C AL strain reservoir was independently associated with all-cause mortality (Table 2).

Conclusions

In pericardiectomy patients, postoperative 4C LA strain reservoir is independently associated with all-cause mortality. Perhaps, compensatory changes of septal and antero-posterior walls during constriction explain why after surgery these walls become less dynamic, negatively impacting the overall function. Overall, LA quantification and strains may become a useful clinical tool for risk stratification in pericardiectomy patients

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. Left atrial variables.Table 2. All-cause mortality predictors

RESONANCE Registry: rationale and design of the retrospective and prospective longitudinal, observational registry in pediatric and adult patients with recurrent pericarditis

Background

Annually in the United States (US), an estimated 80–90,000 patients are diagnosed with acute pericarditis and 15–30% experience recurrent pericarditis (RP), resulting in increased morbidity and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine. Corticosteroids (CS) are often added to the treatment plan in RP despite CS-associated adverse events and inherent potentiation of recurrence with long-term treatment. A recent Phase 3 clinical trial RHAPSODY (NCT03737110) demonstrated efficacy and safety of rilonacept, an interleukin-1 α and β cytokine trap, in patients with RP. RHAPSODY data helped support FDA approval of the first therapy for RP. With the emergence of this targeted therapy, there is increased interest to learn more about this disease with the goal to better inform treatment and management decisions and improve long-term outcomes.

Purpose

RESONANCE Registry aims to evaluate the natural history of RP by collecting retrospective and prospective, longitudinal physician- and patient-reported outcomes data in real-world clinical practice across the US.

Methods

RP patients with active disease (recurrence within 3 years) will have both retrospective and prospective data collected (Figure 1) for as long as their RP is managed up to 5 years. For patients with inactive disease (no recurrence within 3 years), data collection will be retrospective (Figure 2). Up to 500 patients in the US are planned for enrollment at pediatric and adult medical centers, with the potential for expansion to European sites. Additionally, patients will be recruited through a novel, internet-based technology platform and screened for eligibility at a “decentralized” trial site. The registry will include variables obtained from health records, including baseline characteristics and medical history, as well as patient reported outcome (PRO) measures collected every 3 months. The RESONANCE protocol is designed to include a broad population of pediatric and adult patients, regardless of etiology or treatment course, including patients treated with rilonacept. Data will be analyzed to understand disease heterogeneity, variability in treatment and management, and impact on HRQoL. The protocol and Case Report Forms (CRFs) were developed in collaboration with physicians, patients, and patient advocates.

Conclusions

Registries utilize real-world data to fill knowledge gaps in the management of less common diseases such as RP. The RESONANCE Registry is the first RP registry designed to collect data across a broad range of patients regardless of treatment. The registry will also serve as a connection point for physicians to further educate and empower patients with information about their disease. In addition, PRO data may enable greater insights into the understanding of the burden of RP from the patient's perspective.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals

Anti-interleukin 1 agents for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis

Background

Corticosteroid-dependent and colchicine-resistant recurrent pericarditis (RP) is a challenging management problem, in which conventional anti-inflammatory therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, corticosteroids) is unable to control the disease. Recent data suggest a potential role for anti-interleukin-1 (IL-1) agents for this condition.

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of anti-IL-1 agents in this setting.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies assessing pericarditis recurrences and drug-related adverse events in patients receiving anti-IL-1 drugs for pericarditis.

Results

The meta-analysis assessed 7 studies including 397 pooled patients with RP. The median age was 42 years, 60% were women and the aetiology was idiopathic in 87%. After a median follow-up of 14 months (IQR,12–39), patients receiving anti-IL-1 agents (anakinra or rilonacept) had a significantly reduction in pericarditis recurrences (incidence rate ratio 0.06, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.14, see figure), compared with placebo and/or standard medical therapy. Anti-IL-1 agents were associated with increased risk of adverse events compared with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 5.38, 95% CI 2.08 to 13.92): injection-site reactions occurred in 15/41 (36.6%) vs. none (RR 14.98, 95% CI 2.09 to 107.09), infections occurred in 13/51 (25.5%) vs. 3/41 (7.3%; RR 3.65, 95% CI 1.23 to 10.85). Anti-IL-1 agents were not associated with increased risk of severe adverse events.

Conclusions

In patients with RP, anti-IL-1 agents (anakinra and rilonacept) are efficacious for prevention of recurrences, without severe adverse events.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

POS1202 EXPERIENCE WITH COVID-19 IN GERMAN PAEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY CENTRES

Background:

COVID-19 is a major challenge worldwide. Although the risk for a severe disease course is low among children with COVID-19, symptoms may be exacerbated by underlying disease and/or immunosuppressive medication. We analysed clinical data from COVID-19 cases in among pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Germany reported to the BIKER registry.

Objectives:

This is an analysis of clinical data for 56 COVID-19 cases reported to the German BIKER registry from 29 German pediatric rheumatology centers and clinics from February 2020 to January 2021.

Methods:

The major task of the German BIKER (Biologics in Paediatric Rheumatology) Registry is surveillance of biologics used in pediatric rheumatology patients. Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, a survey was established to proactively interview all participating centers regarding the occurrence, presentation and outcome of SARS-CoV-2-infected children with rheumatic diseases. Initially, the interviews were conducted in weekly intervals, later bi-weekly.

A standardized Adverse Event of Special Interest form was developed requesting biographic data, pre-treatment, current medication, data on clinical presentation, course, treatment and outcome of COVID-19 pediatric rheumatology patients.

Results:

In all, 56 patients with JIA and SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported (Table 1). Of these patients, 71% were 12 or more years old.

Table 1.

Patient characteristics. COVID-19 positive patients.

JIA patients, n=56n (%)Age 0-5 years / 6-11years / 12-18years3 (5.4) / 13 (23.2) / 40 (71.4)JIA category•Systemic JIA5 (8.9)•Oligoarthritis JIA9 (16)•Polyarticular JIA32 (57)•Enthesitis-related JIA2 (3.6)•Psoriatic JIA1 (1.8)•Unknown7 (12.5)Uveitis (concomitant)4 (7.1)Treatment•DMARD / MTX23/ 22 (41/39)•Biologics29 (52)•TNF inhibitors20 (36)•Tocilizumab5 (8.9)•Abatacept1 (1.8)•Anakinra1 (1.8)•Ustekinumab1 (1.8)•JAK inhibitors1 (1.8)•Steroids5 (8.9)Asymptomatic13 (23.2)Hospitalized/ICU/Ventilation/Death1/1/1/1 (1.8)

At the time of infection, 41% of the patients received conventional DMARDs and 52% received biologics (Table 1). Forty-four patients (79%) received either a conventional DMARD or a biologic. Most patients had a polyarticular course of their JIA (57%).

In 49 of the 56 cases (88%) COVID-19 was detected directly by PCR (n=46), by antigen test only (n=1) or an undisclosed method (n= 2). Six patients had detectable SARS-CoV2 antibodies and reported to have had typical symptoms. One patient tested negative but developed typical symptoms at approximately the same time a positive SARS-CoV-2 test was returned for a family member.

Symptoms were reported in 43 of the 56 patients (77%): fever n=15, rhinitis n=14, cough n=12, headache n=10, loss of sense of taste and/or smell n=9, pharyngitis n=8, fatigue n=5, musculoskeletal pain n=5, GI symptoms n=2 (abdominal pain n=1, diarrhoea n=1), dizziness n=3, encephalitis/seizure/respiratory failure/death n=1. Thirteen patients (23%) were asymptomatic.

A 3½ -year-old female patient initially diagnosed with systemic JIA developed intracranial oedema and respiratory failure. Her SARS-CoV2 PCR test was positive and pulmonary imaging displayed typical changes in lung texture. Before her SARS-CoV-2 infection, the patient was treated with methotrexate and low-dose steroids. Unfortunately, she died three days following hospital admission. Genetic testing revealed an inborn immunodeficiency. Except for this one patient, all other cases were treated as outpatients and no deaths were reported.

Conclusion:

Apart from one patient with an inborn immunodeficiency who died from her COVID-19 infection, no case of hospitalization or severe COVID-19 was reported in our cohort of JIA patients. At the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, nearly 80% of patients in our cohort had been treated with conventional DMARD and/or biologics. This seemed not to have a negative effect on severity or outcome of SARS-CoV2 infection.

Acknowledgements:

Thanks also for contributing Reports for this analysis to: Normi Brück, Frank Dressler, Ivan Foeldvari, Tilman Geikowski, Hermann Girschick, Johannes-Peter Haas, Tilmann Kallinich, Bernd-Ulrich Keck, Eggert Lilienthal, Anna-Hedrich Müller, Ulrich Neudorf, Nils Onken, Peggy Rühmer.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS1301 DRUG SURVIVAL OF BIOLOGICS WITH RESPECT TO COMBINATION WITH METHOTREXATE IN TREATMENT OF POLYARTICULAR JIA

Background:

In polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) biologic therapies are often combined with methotrexate (MTX). This combination was shown to increase efficacy in adult rheumatoid arthritis patients. MTX may also have a protective effect on the formation of anti-drug antibodies and thus may prolong drug survival. In pJIA, there are few and sometimes controversial data available.

Objectives:

To compare the effect of combination treatment with MTX on discontinuation due to inefficacy and on drug survival discontinuation of biologics approved for first line treatment of pJIA.

Methods:

Patients from the German BIKER registry with their first treatment course with Adalimumab, Etanercept, Golimumab or Tocilizumab were selected. Rates of ineffectiveness-related withdrawal were analysed and compared using χ2-test, Wald-test and Kaplan-Meier analysis of patients receiving biologic monotherapy or concomitant methotrexate. Cases were censored if MTX was discontinued before the biologic.

Results:

2173 pJIA patients were identified who for the first time received a biologic. Etanercept (ETA) was by far the most frequently used biologic for first line biologic treatment in pJIA (77%) followed by Adalimumab (ADA, 16%). Patients on Golimumab (GOL) received most frequently a combination with MTX (86.5%), while patients on Tocilizumab (TOC) had the lowest rate of combination treatment (53%).

ETA/ADA/GOL/TOC was given as monotherapy in 500(30%)/89(26%)/5(13.5%)/46(47%) and combined with MTX in 1179 (70%)/259(74%)/32(86.5%)/51(53%) cases. More patients with rheumatoid-factor negative (54 vs 50%; p=0.04) and rheumatoid-factor positive pJIA (13 vs 10%, p=0.04) received combination with MTX, while more patients in the monotherapy cohort had extended oligoarthritis (40 vs 32%, p<0.001). Patients with MTX had a shorter disease duration (4 vs 5.5years, p<0.001) and received concomitant steroid more often (34 vs 24%), p<0.001). There was no statistical difference regarding disease activity parameters (active joint count, patient assessment and physician assessment of disease activity, ESR, CRP, CHAQ-DI, JADAS10). Discontinuation due to ineffectiveness was reported for ETA/ADA/GOL/TOC in 20%/18%/14%/28% of patients, respectively in 3.7/4.9/6/10.5 patients/100 treatment years. Thus discontinuation due to inefficacy was reported less frequently with ETA compared to ADA (p=0.046) and TOC (p<0.001) and with ADA compared to TOC (p<0.001).

Patients on ETA and ADA had a slightly, but not statistically significant lower rate of withdrawal for ineffectiveness if on methotrexate (Figure 1). There was no difference regarding baseline disease activity parameters in patients with ETA/ADA monotherapy compared with combination with MTX, apart from patients with ETA+MTX receiving more often systemic steroids at baseline (36vs 24%,p<0-001). For both GOL and TOC treatment, no baseline differences in disease activity between cohorts with monotherapy and MTX combination could be shown. The combination with MTX led to significantly lower rates of discontinuation due to inefficacy (p<0.05) with GOL and TOC (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

Patients with pJIA mostly were treated with a combination of the biologic and MTX rather than with biologic monotherapy. Treatment was discontinued due to lack of efficacy in 14% to 28%. No statistically significant effect of combination treatment with MTX versus monotherapy could be observed regarding the rate of treatment failures in patients treated with ETA or ADA. However, combination treatment with MTX significantly prolonged the survival of GOL and TOC in patients with polyarticular JIA. The results are limited by low patient numbers in the GOL cohort and possible bias by JIA category.

Figure 1.

Kaplan Meier plot of drug survival in patients with monotherapy or with combination with MTX of the indicated biologic

Disclosure of Interests:

Gerd Horneff Speakers bureau: MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Roche, Chugai, MSD, Daniel Windschall: None declared, Kirsten Minden Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Toni Hospach: None declared, Frank Dressler: None declared, Frank Weller-Heinemann: None declared, Boris Huegle: None declared, Ivan Foeldvari Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Ariane Klein: None declared