Prognostic Significance of Hemodynamics in Patients With Transposition of the Great Arteries and Systemic Right Ventricle

BACKGROUND

Patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and systemic right ventricle often confront significant adverse cardiac events. The prognostic significance of invasive hemodynamic parameters in this context remains uncertain. Our hypothesis is that the aortic pulsatility index and hemodynamic profiling utilizing invasive measures provide prognostic insights for patients with TGA and a systemic right ventricle.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter cohort study encompasses adults with TGA and a systemic right ventricle who underwent cardiac catheterization. Data collection, spanning from 1994 to 2020, encompasses clinical and hemodynamic parameters, including measured and calculated values such as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, aortic pulsatility index, and cardiac index. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac index values were used to establish 4 distinct hemodynamic profiles. A pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of ≥15 mm Hg indicated congestion, termed wet, while a cardiac index <2.2 L/min per m2 signified inadequate perfusion, labeled cold. The primary outcome comprised a composite of all-cause death, heart transplantation, or the requirement for mechanical circulatory support.

RESULTS

Of 1721 patients with TGA, 242 individuals with available invasive hemodynamic data were included. The median follow-up duration after cardiac catheterization was 11.4 (interquartile range, 7.5-15.9) years, with a mean age of 38.5±10.8 years at the time of cardiac catheterization. Among hemodynamic parameters, an aortic pulsatility index <1.5 emerged as a robust predictor of the primary outcome, with adjusted hazard ratios of 5.90 (95% CI, 3.01-11.62; P<0.001). Among the identified 4 hemodynamic profiles, the cold/wet profile was associated with the highest risk for the primary outcome, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.83 (95% CI, 1.63-9.02; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A low aortic pulsatility index (<1.5) and the cold/wet hemodynamic profile are linked with an elevated risk of adverse long-term cardiac outcomes in patients with TGA and systemic right ventricle.

End-stage heart failure in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a multicentre study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

For patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), factors associated with progression to end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) remain largely unclear.

METHODS

This multicentre, retrospective cohort study included adults with ccTGA seen at a congenital heart disease centre. Clinical data from initial and most recent visits were obtained. The composite primary outcome was mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation, or death.

RESULTS

From 558 patients (48% female, age at first visit 36 ± 14.2 years, median follow-up 8.7 years), the event rate of the primary outcome was 15.4 per 1000 person-years (11 mechanical circulatory support implantations, 12 transplantations, and 52 deaths). Patients experiencing the primary outcome were older and more likely to have a history of atrial arrhythmia. The primary outcome was highest in those with both moderate/severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation (n = 110, 31 events) and uncommon in those with mild/less RV dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation (n = 181, 13 events, P < .001). Outcomes were not different based on anatomic complexity and history of tricuspid valve surgery or of subpulmonic obstruction. New CHF admission or ventricular arrhythmia was associated with the primary outcome. Individuals who underwent childhood surgery had more adverse outcomes than age- and sex-matched controls. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified older age, prior CHF admission, and severe RV dysfunction as independent predictors for the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ccTGA have variable deterioration to end-stage heart failure or death over time, commonly between their fifth and sixth decades. Predictors include arrhythmic and CHF events and severe RV dysfunction but not anatomy or need for tricuspid valve surgery.

IL1R1+ cancer-associated fibroblasts drive tumor development and immunosuppression in colorectal cancer

Fibroblasts have a considerable functional and molecular heterogeneity and can play various roles in the tumor microenvironment. Here we identify a pro-tumorigenic IL1R1⁺, IL-1-high-signaling subtype of fibroblasts, using multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) patient single cell sequencing datasets. This subtype of fibroblasts is linked to T cell and macrophage suppression and leads to increased cancer cell growth in 3D co-culture assays. Furthermore, both a fibroblast-specific IL1R1 knockout and IL-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra administration reduce tumor growth in vivo. This is accompanied by reduced intratumoral Th17 cell infiltration. Accordingly, CRC patients who present with IL1R1-expressing cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs), also display elevated levels of immune exhaustion markers, as well as an increased Th17 score and an overall worse survival. Altogether, this study underlines the therapeutic value of targeting IL1R1-expressing CAFs in the context of CRC.

Clinical Outcomes of Adult Fontan-Associated Liver Disease and Combined Heart-Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The impact of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) on post-transplant mortality and indications for combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT) in adult Fontan patients remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of FALD on post-transplant outcomes and compare HT vs CHLT in adult Fontan patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective-cohort study of adult Fontan patients who underwent HT or CHLT across 15 centers. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Fontan; 2) HT/CHLT referral; and 3) age ≥16 years at referral. Pretransplant FALD score was calculated using the following: 1) cirrhosis; 2) varices; 3) splenomegaly; or 4) ≥2 paracenteses.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients (91 HT and 40 CHLT) were included. CHLT recipients were more likely to be older (P = 0.016), have a lower hemoglobin (P = 0.025), require ≥2 diuretic agents pretransplant (P = 0.051), or be transplanted in more recent decades (P = 0.001). Postmatching, CHLT demonstrated a trend toward improved survival at 1 year (93% vs 74%; P = 0.097) and improved survival at 5 years (86% vs 52%; P = 0.041) compared with HT alone. In patients with a FALD score ≥2, CHLT was associated with improved survival (1 year: 85% vs 62%; P = 0.044; 5 years: 77% vs 42%; P = 0.019). In a model with transplant decade and FALD score, CHLT was associated with improved survival (HR: 0.33; P = 0.044) and increasing FALD score was associated with worse survival (FALD score: 2 [HR: 14.6; P = 0.015], 3 [HR: 22.2; P = 0.007], and 4 [HR: 27.8; P = 0.011]).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher FALD scores were associated with post-transplant mortality. Although prospective confirmation of our findings is necessary, compared with HT alone, CHLT recipients were older with higher FALD scores, but had similar survival overall and superior survival in patients with a FALD score ≥2.

Morbidity and Mortality in Adult Fontan Patients After Heart or Combined Heart-Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of adult Fontan patients require heart transplantation (HT) or combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT); however, data regarding outcomes and optimal referral time remain limited.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to define survivorship post-HT/CHLT and predictors of post-transplant mortality, including timing of referral, in the adult Fontan population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of adult Fontan patients who underwent HT or CHLT across 15 centers in the United States and Canada was performed. Inclusion criteria included the following: 1) Fontan; 2) HT/CHLT referral; and 3) age ≥16 years at the time of referral. Date of "failing" Fontan was defined as the earliest of the following: worsening fluid retention, new ascites, refractory arrhythmia, "failing Fontan" diagnosis by treating cardiologist, or admission for heart failure.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients underwent transplant, including 40 CHLT, from 1995 to 2021 with a median post-transplant follow-up time of 1.6 years (Q1 0.35 years, Q3 4.3 years). Survival was 79% at 1 year and 66% at 5 years. Survival differed by decade of transplantation and was 87% at 1 year and 76% at 5 years after 2010. Time from Fontan failure to evaluation (HR/year: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.11-1.36]; P < 0.001) and markers of failure, including NYHA functional class IV (HR: 2.29 [95% CI: 1.10-5.28]; P = 0.050), lower extremity varicosities (HR: 3.92 [95% CI: 1.68-9.14]; P = 0.002), and venovenous collaterals (HR: 2.70 [95% CI: 1.17-6.20]; P = 0.019), were associated with decreased post-transplant survival at 1 year in a bivariate model that included transplant decade.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multicenter cohort, post-transplant survival improved over time. Late referral after Fontan failure and markers of failing Fontan physiology, including worse functional status, lower extremity varicosities, and venovenous collaterals, were associated with post-transplant mortality.

Successful Medical-Surgical Management of Intracardiac Thrombosis and Pulmonary Pseudoaneurysms in an Adolescent With Hughes-Stovin Syndrome

We present an adolescent male with a single intracardiac mass and pulmonary emboli, complicated by peripheral venous thrombosis and subsequent development of pulmonary pseudoaneurysms, leading to diagnosis of Hughes-Stovin syndrome. Remission was achieved with cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids, and pseudoaneurysm resection and maintained with infliximab and methotrexate.

Long-Term Outcomes After Atrial Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries

BACKGROUND

For patients with d-loop transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) with a systemic right ventricle after an atrial switch operation, there is a need to identify risks for end-stage heart failure outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to determine factors associated with survival in a large cohort of such individuals.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included adults with d-TGA and prior atrial switch surgery seen at a congenital heart center. Clinical data from initial and most recent visits were obtained. The composite primary outcome was death, transplantation, or mechanical circulatory support (MCS).

RESULTS

From 1,168 patients (38% female, age at first visit 29 ± 7.2 years) during a median 9.2 years of follow-up, 91 (8.8% per 10 person-years) met the outcome (66 deaths, 19 transplantations, 6 MCS). Patients experiencing sudden/arrhythmic death were younger than those dying of other causes (32.6 ± 6.4 years vs 42.4 ± 6.8 years; P < 0.001). There was a long duration between sentinel clinical events and end-stage heart failure. Age, atrial arrhythmia, pacemaker, biventricular enlargement, systolic dysfunction, and tricuspid regurgitation were all associated with the primary outcome. Independent 5-year predictors of primary outcome were prior ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure admission, complex anatomy, QRS duration >120 ms, and severe right ventricle dysfunction based on echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS

For most adults with d-TGA after atrial switch, progress to end-stage heart failure or death is slow. A simplified prediction score for 5-year adverse outcome is derived to help identify those at greatest risk.

POS1199 IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS A RISK FACTOR FOR SEVERE COVID -19 INFECTION? DATA FROM THE ARGENTINIAN REGISTRY SAR-COVID

Background

Comorbidities, particularly cardio-metabolic disorders, are highly prevalent in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and they were associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which have been associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Whether PsA enhances the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or affects the disease outcome remains to be ascertained.

Objectives

To describe the sociodemographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of patients with PsA with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from the SAR-COVID registry and to identify the variables associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes, comparing them with those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study including patients ≥18 years old, with diagnosis of PsA (CASPAR criteria) and RA (ACR / EULAR 2010 criteria), who had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (RT-PCR or serology) from the SAR-COVID registry. Recruitment period was between August 13, 2020 and July 31, 2021. Sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, and treatments were analyzed. To assess the severity of the infection, the ordinal scale of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)1 was used, and it was considered that a patient met the primary outcome, if they presented criteria of categories 5 or higher on the severity scale. For this analysis, Chi2 test, Fisher’s test, Student’s test or Wilcoxon test, and binomial logistic regression using NIAID>=5 as dependent variable were performed.

Results

A total of 129 PsA patients and 808 with RA were included. Clinical characteristics are shown in Table 1. Regarding PsA treatment, 12.4% of PsA were receiving IL-17 inhibitors, 5.4% IL12-23 inhibitors, one patient apremilast and one abatacept. The frequency of NIAID≥5 was comparable between groups (PsA 19.5% vs RA 20.1%; p=0.976). (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Characteristics of patients with PsA and RA who presented COVID-19 in the SAR-COVID registry.

Psoriatic arthritis (n=129)Rheumatoid arthritis (n=808)P valueTotal (n=937)Age (years), mean (SD)51.7 (12.7)53.1 (12.9)0.23952.9 (12.9)Female72 (55.8)684 (84.7)<0.001756 (80.7)Comorbidities65 (50.4)355 (43.9)0.203420 (44.8) Obesity (BMI ≥30)19 (15.2)102 (13.4)0.692121 (13.7) Morbid obesity (BMI ≥40)1 (0.8)10 (1.3)111 (1.25) Hypertension35 (28.5)205 (26.8)0.783240 (27.0) Diabetes16 (13.0)67 (8.8)0.18883 (9.39) Dyslipidemia24 (19.5)102 (13.5)0.106126 (14.4) Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease5 (11.4)32 (3.9)0.03337 (4.2)Two or more comorbidities55 (42.6)219 (27.1)<0.001274 (29.2)Current smoking4 (3.6)60 (8.4)0.7964 (7.7)High disease activity0 (0)29 (3.8)0.02729 (3.23)Glucocorticoids treatment5 (20.0)95 (60.1)<0.001100 (54.6)Conventional DMARDs47 (36.4)443 (54.8)<0.001490 (52.3)Biologic DMARDs60 (46.5)193 (23.9)<0.001253 (27.0)JAK inhibitors4 (3.10)72 (8.9)0.03876 (8.1)Full recovery of COVID-19105 (84.0)644 (81.7)0.127749 (82.0)COVID-19 complications16 (12.5)68 (8.7)0.22784 (9.2)Death due to COVID-191 (0.8)34 (4.3)0.07435 (3.8)

Notes=values n (%) unless otherwise indicated; BMI: Body Mass Index; DMARDs: disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; JAK inhibitors: Janus kinase inhibitors.

PsA patients with NIAID≥5 in comparison with NIAID<5 were older (58.6±11.4 vs 50±12.5; p=0.002), had more frequently hypertension (52.2% vs 23%; p=0.011) and dyslipidemia (39.1% vs 15%; p=0.017). In the multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02–1.11) was associated with a worse outcome of the COVID-19 (NIAID≥5) in patients with PsA, while those who received methotrexate (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.11–0.92) and biological DMARDs (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.09–0.78) had a better outcome.

Conclusion

Although PsA patients have a higher frequency of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities than those with RA, the COVID-19 severity was similar. Most of the patients had mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and a low death rate.

References

[1]Beigel JH, et al. Remdesivir for the Treatment of Covid-19 - Final Report. N Engl J Med. 2020 Nov 5;383(19):1813-1826.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1489-HPR ASSESSMENT OF TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN A COHORT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH SUBCUTANEOUS ANTI-TNF WHO WERE EXPOSED TO A COMPREHENSIVE CARE MODEL

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, chronic, and inflammatory disease, which can be treated with effective medications, but requires a high level of adherence to treatment. Offering a comprehensive care model by a multidisciplinary team could increase the adherence levels of these patients and improves disease outcomes.

Objectives

Compare the level of adherence to treatment before and after the implementation of a comprehensive care model in a cohort of patients with RA, treated with subcutaneous anti-TNF, in a reference center in Bogotá-Colombia.

Methods

An analytical study was conducted before and after the implementation of a comprehensive care model on a cohort of patients over 18 years of age, diagnosed with RA, who have been prescribed management with a subcutaneous anti-TNF by their doctor during the last 12 months. Convenience sequential sampling was performed to reach a defined sample size of 130 patients to estimate a baseline versus final adherence difference of 20%, at an alpha value of 5% and a beta value of 20%. The comprehensive care model (CCM) consisted of the approach by a multidisciplinary team, offering a comprehensive care not fragmented, based on evidence (guidelines and protocols) and proposing a treatment by objectives (T2T). Adherence was measured using the CQR-19 scale, with a cut-off point ≥80.7 to consider an adherent patient.

Results

The cohort consisted of 131 patients who were followed semiannually for 24 months, and who were incorporated into the CCM. 83.9% were women (n=110), in an age range between 30 and 84 years (Average: 62; DS: 9.9 years). 37.4% of patients were treated with etanercept (n=49), 29% with golimumab (n=38) and 33.6% with adalimumab (n=44). The median baseline of CQR-19 was 87.7 points (RIQ:84.2-91.2); while at month 24 it reached 91.2 points (RIQ: 87.7-94.7). The difference between the distributions was statistically significant (p<0.00). According to the cut-off point for CQR-19, the baseline percentage of adherent patients was 87.8% (n=115) and increased to a percentage of 96.2% at 24 months of follow-up (n=126). The difference between these two percentages of adherence was 8.39% (95% CI: 1.9-14.9%) (p: 0.012). The results of a generalized linear model binomial family, for the outcome of difference in proportions (PD) of basal and final adherence, are presented in Table 1. The estimator is adjusted for activity level (DAS28), disability level (HAQ) and anti-TNF. Golimumab appears to have an effect that increases adherence by 4.5% compared to adalimumab and etanercept, adjusting for the other predictors.

Table 1.

Model of the effect of MAI on adherence to treatment.

Dependent variable: Adhesion according to cut-off point CQR-19(≥80.7). Proportion Difference (DP) EstimatorVariableDPCI 95%P-valueIntervention: MAI9,4%3,2-15,5%0,003Golimumab vs. Etanercept-Adalimumab4,5%0,5-8,5%0,024DAS28(-)0,85%(-)3.2% to 14.9%0,47HAQ0,00(-)0.03% to 0.045%0,85

MLG-Binomial family. Identity function.

Conclusion

The CCM, after a follow-up of 24 months in patients with RA in treatment with subcutaneous anti-TNF increases the percentage of adherence by 9.4%, adjusting for treatment, activity level and degree of disability. Golimumab appears to have an effect that increases adherence by 4.5% compared to adalimumab and etanercept, adjusting for the other predictors.

Disclosure of Interests

Wilberto Rivero: None declared, GUILLERMO SÁNCHEZ: None declared, Fernando Rodriguez: None declared, Laura Villarreal: None declared, Diana Buitrago-Garcia: None declared, CARLOS CASTRO: None declared, Pedro Santos-Moreno Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly

AB1101 PREVALENCE OF LONG COVID IN RHEUMATIC DISEASE PATIENTS: ANALYSIS OF SAR COVID REGISTRY

Background

Persistent symptoms after acute COVID have been described previously. Main symptoms reported are fatigue, arthralgias, myalgias and mental sickness. Definition and methods vary widely.1

Objectives

To asses prevalence and related factors to long COVID in a retrospective cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases from Argentina.

Methods

A total of 1915 patients were registered from August 18th, 2020 to July 29th, 2021. Patients > 18 years old, with rheumatic disease and confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2 (antigen or RT-PCR) were included. Those dead, with unknown outcome, wrong date or missing data were excluded. Demographic data, comorbidities, rheumatic disease, and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded.

Long COVID was defined according to NICE guidelines (persistent symptoms for more than 4 weeks, without alternative diagnosis). Long COVID symptoms were defined by rheumatologist. Severity of infection was classified according to WHO ordinal scale.

We used descriptive statistics, univariate model (Student’s test, chi square test, ANOVA) and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

230 (12%) had long COVID. Median age was 51 (IQR 40-61]) years, 82% were females, 51% were not caucasian. Median of education was 13.3 years (IQR 12 – 16), 79 % had private health insurance and 55 % were employed. Nearly half (n=762, 46%) had comorbidities, the most prevalent was hypertension (n=396, 24%).

The most frequent rheumatic diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (n=719, 42%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n=280, 16 %). Most were in low activity/remission (79%), used Conventional DMARD (n=773 patients, 45%) and steroids (n=588, 34%) at low dose (n=415, 71%).

Main laboratory findings were abnormal D-dimer (n=94, 28%) and leukopenia (n=93, 26%). Most patients had a WHO ordinal scale < 5 (n=1472, 86%). Median of hospitalization at intensive care unit (ICU) was 8 days [IQR 5, 13]. Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection (steroids, anticoagulation, azithromycin, convalescent plasma) was used in 461 (27%) patients.

Most of long COVID (n= 152, 69%) reported 1 symptom, the most frequent was fatigue (n= 55, 22%). Figure 1.

Univariate analysis is presented in Table 1. In multivariate logistic regression analysis non-caucasian ethnicity OR 1.44 (1.07-1.95), years of education OR 1.05 (1-1.09), treatment with cyclophosphamide OR 11.35 (1.56-112.97), symptoms of COVID – 19 OR 13.26 (2.75-242.08), severity scale WHO ≥ 5 OR 2.46 (1.68-3.57), and ICU hospitalization days OR 1.09 (1.05-1.14) were factors associated to long COVID.

Table 1.

Univariate analysis of long COVID syndrome in SAR – COVID registry

VariableAcute COVID n=1486Long COVID n=221P valueAge, years, median [IQR]51 [40, 60]54 [42, 62]0.032Caucasian, n (%)744 (48)132 (53)0.227Female sex, n (%)1242 (80)215 (86)0.066Education, years, median [IQR]12 [10, 17]13 [12, 16]-Private health insurance, n (%)1161 (79)181 (82)0.325Smoking, n (%)381 (25)71 (29)0.224Comorbidities, n (%)650 (45)108 (52)0.066Dyslipidemia, n (%)173 (12)39 (19)0.008Hypertension, n (%)332 (23)60 (29)0.053Low activity/remission disease, n (%)1140 (80)179 (77)1Rheumatoid arthritis, n (%)623 (42)96 (42)1Systemic lupus erythematosus, n (%)243 (16)37 (16)0.996DMARD, n (%)664 (45)109 (47)0.486Cyclophosphamide, n (%)3 (0.2)3 (1)0.035Rituximab, n (%)19 (1)9 (34)0.008Lymphocyte66 (23)19 (30)0.011<1.500 / mm3, n (%)Ferritin > 2000 ng/ml, n (%)32 (11)16 (25)0.011ICU hospitalization, days,7 [4, 10]10 [8, 24]<0.001median [IQR]Treatment for COVID-19, n (%)394 (27)91 (41)<0.001

Conclusion

Prevalence of long COVID was 12%. Non-caucasian ethnicity, higher education, treatment with cyclophosphamide, symptoms of COVID – 19, severe disease and ICU hospitalization days were related to long COVID.

References

[1]Cabrera Martimbianco AL, Pacheco RL, Bagattini ÂM, Riera R. Frequency, signs and symptoms, and criteria adopted for long COVID-19: A systematic review. Int J Clin Pract.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1491-HPR THE USEFULNESS OF THE PATIENT ACTIVITY SCORE-PASS-II TO ASSESS DISEASE ACTIVITY DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Many measurement tools are designed to assess disease activity for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. One of the most used tools is the Disease Activity Score- DAS28 which assesses the number of painful joints, erythrocyte sedimentation, and a patient’s global assessment. The assessment is performed by a clinician and requires laboratory exams. Unfortunately, from March to August 2019, Colombia had one of the strictest responses to the COVID-19 pandemic according to the COVID-19 stringency Index(1). One of the main restrictions was the preventive isolation of older populations, especially those with comorbidities. These restrictions challenged the rheumatology practice because face-to-face consultations were not possible. Due to the above, measurements like the PAS-II score should be used to assess disease activity during the pandemic.

Objectives

To describe disease activity according to the Patient Activity Score- PAS-II score patients with RA and compare its results to the most recent DAS28 assessment before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive study; patients were followed during the COVID-19- lockdown in a video consultation. The PAS-II score was applied to assess disease activity as an alternative to the DAS28 assessment. The patients were part of an educational program, clinical charts were reviewed to collect the study variables. We collected demographic data and DAS28 before the pandemic started. We present a descriptive analysis of DAS28 severity and the results obtained by the PASS-II score.

Results

The educational program enrolled 250 participants; 196 patients had complete data. 93% of participants were women, mean age was 64 years IQR (54-67). 43% of participants were married or had a civil union, 26% were single, 20% divorced, and 11% were widowed. Regarding educational level, 25% had finished elementary school and 39% high school; the remaining 36% had higher education. When we compared the last DAS28 assessed by a rheumatologist between January, and March 2019, 67% of patients were in remission, while in July 2019, the PASS-II score reported that 7% of patients were in remission and 75% had low or minimal activity. Figure 1- Table 1.

Figure 1.

Table 1.DISEASE ACTIVITIYDAS28PASS-IIRemission67%6%Low (Minimal)14%75%Moderate15%18.5%High/Severe4%0.5%

Conclusion

The PASS score is a helpful tool to assess disease activity in patients with RA, especially in situations where the patient cannot see a rheumatologist in a face-to-face consultation; however, patients in severe disease activity should not delay the consultation with a clinician. As other studies have demonstrated, patient-reported outcome measures should be adopted in clinical practice as an alternative for treat- to- targe strategies(2). Further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of the pandemic in countries with high levels of restrictions in the course of RA.

References

[1]Hale T, Angrist N, Goldszmidt R, Kira B, Petherick A, Phillips T, et al. A global panel database of pandemic policies (Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker). Nature Human Behaviour. 2021;5(4):529-38.

[2]Salaffi F, Di Carlo M, Farah S, Marotto D, Atzeni F, Sarzi-Puttini P. Rheumatoid Arthritis disease activity assessment in routine care: performance of the most widely used composite disease activity indices and patient-reported outcome measures: Comparison of disease activity indices in RA. Acta Biomedica Atenei Parmensis. 2021;92(4):e2021238.

Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation MINCIENCIAS. Grant number: 695180763684

Disclosure of Interests

Fernando Rodriguez: None declared, Diana Buitrago-Garcia: None declared, GUILLERMO SÁNCHEZ: None declared, Pedro Santos-Moreno Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly

POS1459 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM TO IMPROVE PHARMACOLOGICAL ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. RESULTS FROM A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background

Pharmacological therapy is the principal intervention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Currently, adherence to DMARDs therapy is a challenge that needs to be addressed[1]. On the other hand, educational programs have shown an improvement in the health status of RA patients[2].

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if a 12-month educational program developed for patients with RA can improve medication adherence.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design was conducted. Patients who attend a specialized center in RA were invited to participate in an educational program. The program was called UNIVERSITAR: PATIENT UNIVERSITY. An interdisciplinary team provided educational workshops for the patients; we included coaching sessions and leisure activities such as yoga and art lessons to avoid a conventional classroom program and provide a dynamic program. A rheumatologist with experience in centers of excellence for RA led the team. Patients attended during a year. Follow-up was planned at 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Medication adherence was assessed using the self-reported 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Patients were considered adherent when they scored 8 points, moderately adherent with a score of 6 or 7, and non-adherent with less than 6 points. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate differences in MMAS-8 scores between baseline and 16 and 12-months. We also assessed if there were changes in DAS 28 in the participants who improved the level of adherence.

Results

In total, 252 patients were enrolled in the study, and 206 completed the follow-up at 6 and 12 months (82%). The median age was 60 years IQR (54-67), 94% were female. In our study, 54% of patients received conventional and 46% Biological therapy. The proportion of patients with high adherence at baseline was 11%, at 6-months was 17% and at 12-month was 19%. At the end of the follow-up, 49% of the participants moved from being non-adherent to a moderate or high adherence level. When we compared the MMAS scores at baseline and follow-up, they showed a significant improvement (P<0.05) Figures 1-2. The majority of participants (65%) were in remission at baseline, according to DAS28. Therefore, we found no differences between the level of adherence and DAS28.

Conclusion

Our educational program improved medication adherence among patients with RA. Educational interventions are helpful to sustain remission in patients with RA. Further studies focused only on patients with moderate and high disease activity are necessary to assess the impact on clinical outcomes.

References

[1]Monchablon C, Gondé H, Pouplin S, Varin R, Vittecoq O, Lequerré T. Assessment of adherence to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2020;39(1):207-16.

[2]Tan YK, Teo P, Saffari SE, Xin X, Chakraborty B, Ng CT, et al. A musculoskeletal ultrasound program as an intervention to improve disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs adherence in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Scand J Rheumatol. 2022;51(1):1-9.

Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation MINCIENCIAS. Grant number: 695180763684

Disclosure of Interests

Pedro Santos-Moreno Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Diana Buitrago-Garcia: None declared, Fernando Rodriguez: None declared, GUILLERMO SÁNCHEZ: None declared

Learning to implement Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments

To develop trainings on the implementation of smart healthy age-friendly environments for people who aim to support, for example, their parents, their neighbours or local community, there are precautionary measures that have to be taken into account: the role of the facilitator (volunteer or self-employed), the level of skills, the needs of the end-users, training content and methodologies together with the sustainability of the learning. This article examines these aspects, based on desk research and expert interviews in the Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (SHAFE) fields.

Recurrent sustained atrial arrhythmias and thromboembolism in Fontan patients with total cavopulmonary connection

Background

Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is associated with a lower risk of incident atrial arrhythmias as compared to atriopulmonary Fontan, but the risk of recurrent atrial arrhythmias is unknown in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for recurrent atrial arrhythmias and thromboembolic complications in patients with TCPC.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicenter study conducted by the Alliance for Adult Research in Congenital Cardiology (AARCC), 2000-2018. The inclusion criteria were TCPC patients (age > 15 years) with prior history of atrial arrhythmia.

Results

A total of 103 patients (age 26 ± 7 years; male 58 [56%]) met inclusion criteria. The mean age at initial arrhythmia diagnosis was 13 ± 5 years, and atrial arrhythmias were classified as atrial flutter/tachycardia in 85 (83%) and atrial fibrillation in 18 (17%). The median duration of follow-up from the first episode of atrial arrhythmia was 14.9 (12.1-17.3) years, and during this period 64 (62%) patients had recurrent atrial arrhythmias (atrial flutter/tachycardia 51 [80%] and atrial fibrillation 13 [20%]) with annual incidence of 4.4%. Older age was a risk factor for arrhythmia recurrence while the use of a class III anti-arrhythmic drug was associated with a lower risk of recurrent arrhythmias. The incidence of thromboembolic complication was 0.6% per year, and the cumulative incidence was 4% and 7% at 5 and 10 years respectively from the time of first atrial arrhythmia diagnosis. There were no identifiable risk factors for thromboembolic complications in this cohort.

Conclusions

Although TCPC provides superior flow dynamics and lower risk of incident atrial arrhythmias, there is a significant risk of recurrent arrhythmias among TCPC patients with a prior history of atrial arrhythmias. These patients may require more intensive arrhythmia surveillance as compared to other TCPC patients.