OP0035 ASSESSMENT OF THE INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS USING COLONIC TISSUES AND SERA

Background:

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) (1-3). This microbiota interacts with intestinal epithelium which can lead to an increased intestinal permeability, responsible for the passage of antigens and inflammatory molecules, and can therefore promote systemic inflammation. Gut microbiota tends to normalize with disease control (2), suggesting that systemic inflammation may directly influence the composition of microbiota and the gut barrier. It was shown in many inflammatory diseases that intestinal permeability is impaired, but to date there is very little data in RA.

Objectives:

In the present study, we evaluate the intestinal permeability in RA patients by analyzing tight junctions in colonic biopsies and serum markers.

Methods:

Colonic biopsies from 20 RA patients who underwent coloscopy for screening with normal histology were compared with those from 20 age and sex matched controls. ZO-1, occludin and claudin 2 junction proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The staining intensity was assessed by two blinded independent readers. The serum concentrations of LPS-binding protein (LBP), CD14s and zonulin were evaluated by ELISA in 25 patients naive of DMARDs, 41 patients before and after introduction of a DMARDs and 21 controls. Elevated zonulin in serum indicates an increase in intestinal permeability while LBP and CD14s indicate bacterial translocation.

Results:

ZO-1 expression was significantly lower in biopsies from patients with RA than controls (mean score ± SD of 1.6 ± 0.56 vs 2.0 ± 0.43; p = 0.01). Age, sex, disease duration and immunological status did not significantly influence the expression of colonic junction proteins. LBP and CD14s were higher in serum from RA patients naive of DMARDs than controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003). LBP, CD14s and zonulin levels significantly correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.61, p = 0.005; r = 0.51, p = 0.030 and r = 0.46, p = 0.049, respectively). After treatment, unlike non-responders, LBP and CD14s were significantly reduced in DMARD responders and variations in LBP and CD14s significantly correlated with changes in DAS28 (r = 0.46, p = 0.002 and r = 0, 33 and p = 0.030, respectively).

Conclusion:

This work is one of the first to explore intestinal permeability in RA and to show altered tight junction in colonic tissue from RA. This increased intestinal permeability appears to be related to the systemic inflammation. Improving the gut microbiota through food or probiotics could enhance the effect of treatments by limiting this amplification loop of inflammation.

References:

[1]Horta-Baas G, Romero-Figueroa MDS, Montiel-Jarquin AJ, Pizano-Zarate ML, Garcia-Mena J, Ramirez-Duran N. Intestinal Dysbiosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Link between Gut Microbiota and the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Immunol Res. 2017;2017:4835189.

[2]Zhang X, Zhang D, Jia H, Feng Q, Wang D, Liang D, et al. The oral and gut microbiomes are perturbed in rheumatoid arthritis and partly normalized after treatment. Nat Med. 2015;21(8):895-905.

[3]Maeda Y, Kurakawa T, Umemoto E, Motooka D, Ito Y, Gotoh K, et al. Dysbiosis Contributes to Arthritis Development via Activation of Autoreactive T Cells in the Intestine. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68(11):2646-61.

Disclosure of Interests:

Rachel Audo: None declared, Pauline Sanchez: None declared, Julie Mielle: None declared, Laurence Macia: None declared, Benjamin Rivière: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Bernard Combe: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Claire Daien Speakers bureau: Pfizer roche chugai fresenius BMS msd Novartis galapagos, Consultant of: Abivax abbbvie BMS roche chugai, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, roche-chugai, fresenius, msd

POS0566 CATASTROPHIZING IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Catastrophizing is conceptualized as a negative cognitive–affective response to an anxiety-provoking stimulus, especially anticipated or actual pain. Catastrophizing can be assessed quickly using a validated questionnaire: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)1. Catastrophizing plays a role in maintaining chronic pain and is associated with several pain-related outcomes in osteoarthritis and low back pain.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence of catastrophizing and associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

We performed an observational, prospective, bi-centric study. All patients aged 18 or over with RA and fulfilling the ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria were consecutively included. Sociodemographic data, information on the disease and its treatments were collected as well as questionnaires for disease activity (DAS28), function (HAQ), quality of life (SF12, EQ5D), anxiety and depression (HADS, GAD7), fibromyalgia (FiRST), insomnia (ISI) and catastrophizing scores (PCS). Statistical analysis included the samples t-test, one-way variance analysis, the Spearman’s correlation test, the Chi2 test, Fisher’s exact test, the Wilcoxon test, multivariate linear regression (considering catastrophizing as a continuous variable) and multivariate logistics regression (considering catastrophizing as a categorical variable: PCS ≥ 20 = high level catastrophizing).

Results:

From September 2019 to March 2020, 201 patients with RA were included: 78.1% were women and the median age was 63.0 years. In all, 64.1% of patients were RF+, 65.7% ACPA+, and 46% had erosive disease. Median DAS28 CRP was 2.9 [2.1-4.0]. with 45% of patients in remission, 14.8% with low, 31.2% moderate and 9 % high activity. The majority of patients (92 %) had a disease lasting for more than 2 years.

The prevalence of a PCS score ≥20 was 48.0% [41.0;54.9]. The median PCS score was 18 [7-28]. In multivariate logistics regression, high-level catastrophizing was significantly associated with DAS28-CRP (OR= 1.61 [1.18-2.20]), HADS anxiety score (OR=1.25 [1.11-1.40]) and the HADS depression score (OR=1.19 [1.07-1.33]). In multivariate linear regression, catastrophizing was significantly associated with the HADS anxiety score (p< 0.0001), HADS depression score (p=0.0055), HAQ (p=0.0015) and the ISI insomnia score (p=0.005).

Conclusion:

Almost half the patients with RA were high catastrophizers. Catastrophizing is linked to anxiety, depression, disease activity, function impairment and insomnia. It may be interesting to detect catastrophizing in order to improve the management of our patients.

References:

[1]Sullivan MJL. et al. Psychological Assessment. 1995;7(4):524–32

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0138 FEASIBILITY OF PROGRESSIVE ANTI-TNF TAPERING IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY: RESULTS FROM THE MULTICENTER NON-INFERIORITY PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL SPACING

Background:

Anti-TNF treatments (TNFi) have shown high efficacy in axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) with inadequate response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However their effect remains predominantly symptomatic, and their long-term tolerance as well as significant societal cost justify investigation about a potential reduction in drug dosage, or –most feasible and comfortable for the patient– increase in intervals between doses.

Objectives:

To assess if a progressive and monitored reduction of administered TNFi by increase of intervals between injections results in a comparable proportion of patients remaining after 12 months (m) in low disease activity state despite a decreased cumulative treatment dose received.

Methods:

Non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, having included adult patients with ax-SpA fulfilling ASAS criteria, already treated by anti-TNF, and in stable low disease activity for at least 6 m (current and at least 6 m old BASDAI<4/10), who were randomized into 2 groups: either keeping on their usual treatment with stable doses (“unchanged” group), or progressive spacing of injections of their treatment (“spacing” group). Follow-up was done every 3 m during 12 m, with regular monitoring of disease activity and, in patients from the group “spacing”, modification of the rhythm of injections according to disease activity and predefined standardized protocol (either increase or decrease (step-back) of intervals between injections). The primary endpoint was the difference of proportions of patients having a low disease activity state (BASDAI<4/10) after 12 m of follow-up between the 2 groups. It was estimated on the ITT population after multiple imputation. The 90% confidence interval associated was calculated using the Farrington-Manning method and the lower bound was compared to the non-inferiority margin of -20%. With an expected proportion of 85% patients remaining in low disease activity in the unchanged group, and α and β risks at respectively 5% and 90%, the required number of patients was calculated at 358, and thus 398 had to be included with a 10% expected proportion of patients with unavailable data.

Results:

398 patients were randomized in 23 French rheumatology units (197 and 201 in the spacing and unchanged groups respectively), and 389 included in analyses (9 did not receive the allocated treatment). Mean (SD) age was 44.3 (12.4) years, 71.2% were males. Mean (SD) BASDAI at inclusion was 1.45 (1.02). TNFi used were etanercept (35.7%), adalimumab (33.9%), infliximab (20.6%), golimumab (9.3%) and certolizumab (0.5%). For the 373 patients with complete follow-up (93.7%), 162/184 (88.0%) had a low disease activity in the “spacing” group vs. 173/189 (91.5%) in the “unchanged” group at 12 m. After multiple imputation for the 16 patients with missing data, the difference of proportion between the two groups was estimated to -4.18% [CI90% -10.0; 1.7], thus confirming the non-inferiority of the “spacing” procedure. In the “spacing” group at 12 m, 134/162 (82.7%) patients in low disease activity were still receiving a lowered TNFi dose.

Conclusion:

In ax-SpA patients with BASDAI<4 for at least 6 months under TNFi, it is possible to increase intervals between injections while maintaining a low disease activity by adjusting treatment with quarterly monitoring of SpA activity.

Disclosure of Interests:

Cédric Lukas Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis and Roche-Chugai, Anne Tournadre Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Fresenius, Janssen, MSD, Pfizer, Roche Chugai, Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Fresenius, Consultant of: Abbvie, Fresenius, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Fresenius, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Marie Christine Picot: None declared, Erika Nogué: None declared, Emmanuelle Dernis Speakers bureau: Roche chugai, UCB, BMS, Novartis, Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Celgène, Consultant of: UCB, MSD, BMS, Lilly, Novartis, Philippe Goupille Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Bernard Combe Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai, Jacques Morel Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Fresenius Kabi, Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Boerhinger Ingelheim, Galpaagos, GSK, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi

Mechanical ventilation preserves diaphragm mitochondrial function in a rat sepsis model

BACKGROUND

To describe the effect of mechanical ventilation on diaphragm mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cytochrome c oxidase activity and content, and their relationship to diaphragm strength in an experimental model of sepsis.

METHODS

A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) protocol was performed in 12 rats while 12 controls underwent sham operation. Half of the rats in each group were paralyzed and mechanically ventilated. We performed blood gas analysis and lactic acid assays 6 h after surgery. Afterwards, we measured diaphragm strength and mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP and ROS generation, and cytochrome c oxidase activity. We also measured malondialdehyde (MDA) content as an index of lipid peroxidation, and mRNA expression of the proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in diaphragms.

RESULTS

CLP rats showed severe hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and upregulation of diaphragm IL-1β mRNA expression. Compared to sham controls, spontaneously breathing CLP rats showed lower diaphragm force and increased susceptibility to fatigue, along with depressed mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production and cytochrome c oxidase activity. These rats also showed increased mitochondrial ROS generation and MDA content. Mechanical ventilation markedly restored mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production in CLP rats; lowered mitochondrial ROS production by the complex 3; and preserved cytochrome c oxidase activity.

CONCLUSION

In an experimental model of sepsis, early initiation of mechanical ventilation restores diaphragm mitochondrial function.

A longitudinal study of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients reveals a high correlation between neutralizing antibodies and COVID-19 severity

Understanding the immune responses elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection is critical in terms of protection against reinfection and, thus, for public health policy and vaccine development for COVID-19. In this study, using either live SARS-CoV-2 particles or retroviruses pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 S viral surface protein (Spike), we studied the neutralizing antibody (nAb) response in serum samples from a cohort of 140 SARS-CoV-2 qPCR-confirmed infections, including patients with mild symptoms and also more severe forms, including those that required intensive care. We show that nAb titers correlated strongly with disease severity and with anti-spike IgG levels. Indeed, patients from intensive care units exhibited high nAb titers; conversely, patients with milder disease symptoms had heterogeneous nAb titers, and asymptomatic or exclusive outpatient-care patients had no or low nAbs. We found that nAb activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients displayed a relatively rapid decline after recovery compared to individuals infected with other coronaviruses. Moreover, we found an absence of cross-neutralization between endemic coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2, indicating that previous infection by human coronaviruses may not generate protective nAbs against SARS-CoV-2. Finally, we found that the D614G mutation in the spike protein, which has recently been identified as the current major variant in Europe, does not allow neutralization escape. Altogether, our results contribute to our understanding of the immune correlates of SARS-CoV-2-induced disease, and rapid evaluation of the role of the humoral response in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is warranted.

Relationship between intensive care unit-acquired weakness, fatigability and fatigue: What role for the central nervous system?

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive review of studies that have investigated fatigue in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and questions the potential link between intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW), fatigability and fatigue. We also question whether the central nervous system (CNS) may be the link between these entities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A narrative review of the literature that investigated fatigue in ICU survivors and review of clinical trials enabling understanding of CNS alterations in response to ICU stays.

RESULTS

Fatigue is a pervasive and debilitating symptom in ICU survivors that can interfere with rehabilitation. Due to the complex pathophysiology of fatigue, more work is required to understand the roles of ICUAW and/or fatigability in fatigue to provide a more holistic understanding of this symptom. While muscle alterations have been well documented in ICU survivors, we believe that CNS alterations developing early during the ICU stay may play a role in fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue should be considered and treated in ICU survivors. The causes of fatigue are likely to be specific to the individual. Understanding the role that ICUAW and fatigability may have in fatigue would allow to tailor individual treatment to prevent this persistent symptom and improve quality of life.

FRI0353 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DISCORDANCE BETWEEN PATIENT AND RHEUMATOLOGIST ASSESSMENT OF DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS CONSIDERED IN REMISSION

Background:

Assessment of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires evaluation of multiple aspects. Perception of disease activity by patient and physician is frequently discordant.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to evaluate factors associated with persistence of disease activity evaluated by patients yet considered in remission by their rheumatologist.

Methods:

We performed a transversal monocentric study. PsA patients were included if they met the CASPAR criteria and if they were considered in remission. Disease activity was evaluated by scores: Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP), Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Minimal Disease Activity (MDA), modified Boolean remission criteria for PsA. We collected multiple Patient’s Reported Outcomes (PROs): Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Discordance was defined by a difference between patient’s and rheumatologist’s global assessment ≥30/100 on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with the presence of discordance.

Results:

62 PsA patients were included. 40.3 % were women and the mean (SD) age was 55 (14) years. 61% patients were in remission (rheumatologist definition) for more than 12 months and 19% for less than 3 months. 50% met MDA, 63% DAS28-CRP < 2,6, 39% SDAI and CDAI remission, 27% DAPSA remission. 39% had a discordant disease activity assessment from their rheumatologist. In univariate analysis, factors associated with discordance were a history of depression, an associated fibromyalgia, a history of clinical enthesitis and a history of corticosteroid use (Table 1). All disease activity scores and PROs were higher in discordant group and were associated with discordance in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, discordance was associated with no previous corticosteroid use (OR 24.5 (95%CI 2.9-203.7), p=0.003), a higher BDI scale (OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.1-1.8) by supplementary point, p=0.017) and a higher DAPSA score (OR 1.5 (95%CI 1.2-2), p<0.001) by supplementary point.

Conclusion:

In this PsA cohort, discordance between patient and rheumatologist is very common. Discordance in assessment of disease activity was associated with no previous corticosteroid use, probably reflecting a less severe disease, presence of depressive symptoms and an increase of DAPSA, reflecting a more active disease.

Disclosure of Interests:

Marie Moly: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Gael Mouterde: None declared

Table 1.

Factors associated with discordance: Univariate analysis

Discordant group n=24Concordant group n=38OR (95%CI)PHistory of depression, n (%)9 (37.5)1 (2,6)22 (2.58-190.84)<0.001Fibromyalgia (ACR criteria), n (%)5 (20.8)1 (2.6)9.74 (1.06-89.4)0.028At least one enthesitis on the Leeds Enthesitis Index, n (%)14 (58.3)34 (89.5)0.17 (0.04-0.61)0.006TreatmentsPrevious corticosteroid use, n (%)8 (33.3%)26 (68.4%)0.23 (0.08-0.69)0.007Disease activity scores et Patients Reported Outcomes PROsDAS28-CRP > median (2.3), n (%)19 (79.2)12 (31.6)8.23 (2.48-27.32)<0.001SDAI > median (5.09), n (%)21 (87.5)10 (26.3)19.6 (4.79-80.18)<0.001DAPSA > median (7.97), n (%)22 (91.7)9 (23.7)35.4 (6.9-180.8)<0.001BDI > median (3), n (%)14 (58.3)10 (26.3)3.92 (1.32-11.62)0.012FiRST > median (2), n (%)17 (70.8)11 (28.9)5.95 (1.94-18.37)0.001BASDAI > median (2.45), n (%)19 (79.2)12 (31.6)8.23 (2.48-27.32)<0.001HAQ> median (0.1), n (%)16 (66.7)11 (28.9)4.91 (1.63-14.76)0.004PCS > median (9), n (%)18 (75)11 (28.9)7.36 (2.3-23.5)<0.001PsAID > median (2.1), n (%)18 (75)13 (34.2)5.77 (1.84-18.06)0.002

THU0282 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CUTANEOUS INVOLVEMENT IN SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME: DATA FROM THREE FRENCH POPULATIONS OF PSS (TEARS, ASSESS, DIAPSS)

Background:

Cutaneous involvement is common during primary Sjogren’s Syndrome (pSS) but prevalence and characteristics are difficult to establish precisely because of the limited number of patients studied in most cohorts, the variability of the disorders evaluated in each cohort, the rarity of some of them, and the heterogeneity of evaluations from previous studies (1).

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence and significance of dermatological disorders in primary Sjogren Syndrome.

Methods:

We use 2 French cohorts (ASSESS, in which prevalence of skin disorders in 395 pSS patients was evaluated, and diapSS in which 91 consecutive pSS patients had an examination by a dermatologist) and baseline data of the TEARS randomized trial (110 patients with recent or active pSS, treated with rituximab or placebo, and evaluated for skin dryness using a visual analogue scale out of 100).

Results:

Skin manifestations included in the ESSDAI were rare in the ASSESS cohort (n=16/395, 4.1%, mainly purpuras; only 3 had high activity) but associated with activity in the other ESSDAI domains (peripheral neurological (p<0.001), muscular (p=0.01), hematological (p=0.017) and biological (p=0.017)), history of arthritis (p=0.008), splenomegaly (p=0.024) and higher gamma globulin level (p=0.008)) (Table). Compared to pSS patients not receiving a dermatological consultation, the pSS patients who had a dermatological consultation had significantly more dermatological involvement outside ESSDAI score [42% (29/69) versus 19.6% (11/56); p=0.008]. The TEARS study showed a high prevalence of cutaneous dryness (VAS>50; 48.2%) and that these dry skin patients had higher pain VAS (61.5+/-28.2 vs 46.8+/-27.0; p=0.003) and drought (79.4+/-15.2 vs 62.5+/-21.7; p<0.0001).

Cutaneous involvementNo Cutaneous involvementTotalp values*Muscular3/16 (18.8)10/373 (2.7)13/389 (3.3)0.001Peripheral nervous system PNS4/16 (25)34/373 (9.1)38/389 (9.8)0.00001Biological8/16 (50)138/371 (37.2)146/387 (37.7)0.017Hematologic7/16 (43.8)55/373 (14.7)62/389 (15.9)0.017History of arthritis12/16 (75)154/374 (41.2)166/390 (42.6)0.008History of splenomegaly2/16 (12.5)10/3762.7)12/392 (3.1)0.024History of lymphoma0/16 (0)18/379 (4.7)18/395 (4.6)0.372Mean (SD) ESSDAI score14.5 (6.8)4.4 (5.1)0.00001Mean (SD) ESSDAI score after excluding the points awarded by skin manifestations8.1 (6.2)4.4 (5.1)0.014Gammaglobulin levels (mean +/- SD)23.1 +/-7.318.5 +/-8.1-0.006

Conclusion:

The most common skin disorder is dryness, which is associated with a higher level of pain and overall subjective dryness. ESSDAI skin activity is rare, associated with hypergammaglobulinemia and ESSDAI activity. Systematic dermatological examination is informative for non-specific pSS lesions

References:

[1]Orgeolet L, Foulquier N, Misery L, Redou P, Pers J-O, Devauchelle-Pensec V, et al. Can artificial intelligence replace manual search for systematic literature? Review on cutaneous manifestations in primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Rheumatol Oxf Engl. 2019 Aug 31;

Disclosure of Interests:

Camille Villon: None declared, Laure Orgeolet: None declared, Anne-Marie Roguedas-Contios: None declared, Laurent Misery: None declared, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Grant/research support from: BMS, Pfizer, Consultant of: BMS, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Co., Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Divi Cornec: None declared, Sandrine Jousse-Joulin: None declared, Raphaèle Seror Consultant of: BMS UCB Pfizer Roche, Jean-Marie Berthelot: None declared, Philippe Dieudé: None declared, Jean-Jacques Dubost: None declared, anne-laure Fauchais: None declared, Vincent Goeb: None declared, Eric Hachlla: None declared, Pierre-Yves Hatron: None declared, Claire Larroche: None declared, Gilles Hayem: None declared, Véronique LE GUERN Grant/research support from: UCB for GR2 study (to our institution), Aleth Perdriger: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Olivier VITTECOQ: None declared, Xavier Mariette Consultant of: BMS, Gilead, Medimmune, Novartis, Pfizer, Servier, UCB, Valerie Devauchelle-Pensec: None declared, alain saraux: None declared

THU0050 CXCL13 IS A KEY DRIVER FOR MIGRATION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF REGULATORY B CELLS

Background:

Regulatory B cells in human still need to be characterized. Given the absence of a phenotypical definition of these cells, a functional definition based on their ability to secrete IL-10 is often used (corresponding to B10+ cells). Chemokine receptors (CKR) profiles are useful to characterize some populations of T cells but have never been explored among B10+cells. Moreover, very little is known about B10+cell migration. Chemokines (CK) have also been implicated in the differentiation of naïve T cells towards regulatory T cells.

Objectives:

Therefore, the aims of our study were to first characterize the profile of CKR on B10+cells, and second to investigate CK implicated in their migration and differentiation, this, both in control (CTL) and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

B cells were isolated with Rosette Sep Human B cells enrichment followed by Ficoll separation. B cells were then activated 24 hours with CpG and CD40L to generate B10+cells. IL-10 secretion from B cells was assessed by FACs and ELISA. We compared the expression of several CKR between B10+and IL-10negB cells (B10neg) from CTL and RA patients by flow cytometry. For migration assay, B10+and B10negcells were sorted by FACSaria. Their ability to migrate, in response to ligand of CKR found differentially expressed in the first part (CCL21, CCL22, CXCL11, CXCL12 or CXCL13) or synovial fluid (SF) from RA patients, were evaluated by migration assay in 5μM Transwell chambers and expressed as fold increase compare to basal migration towards control media.

Results:

B10+cells expressed a different profile of CKR compared to B10negboth in CTL and RA patients and these profiles differed between B10+cells of CTL and RA patients. However, no CKR profile could phenotypically define B10+cells. Of note, CXCR5 was under-expressed on B10+cell surface compared to B10negin CTL (75% [IQR 72.9-81.4] positive cells among B10+vs 99.2% [98.4-99.4] positive cells among B10neg, p=0.006, n=10) and also in RA patients (78.3% [70.8-82.3] vs 98.2% [96.9-99.54, p=0.008, n=8). Nevertheless, mRNA expression of CXCR5 was higher among B10+versus B10negcells in CTL and RA patients. As CpG-stimulated cells over-expressed CXCL13, ligand of CXCR5, we hypothesized that the binding of its ligand induced the internalisation of CXCR5. Indeed, among all CK tested, only CXCL13, attracted significantly more B10+than B10negfrom CTL (9.1[5.6-14.6] fold increase migration of B10+vs 5.2 [3.1-7.5] fold increase migration of B10neg, p<0.0001, n=21). This was also true in RA patients (10.9 [3.6-29.9] fold increase migration of B10+vs 4.8[2.1-7.7] fold increase migration of B10neg, p=0.009, n=12). SF from RA patients induced a significant migration of B10+cells in CTL (7.3-fold increase [4.1-21.7], p=0.004, n=9) and RA patients (5.7-fold increase [2.3-7.9], p=0.008, n=10). This migration was correlated with the levels of CXCL13 in these SF, in CTL (r=0.7, p=0.05, n=9) but not in RA patients (n=10). Lastly, CXCL13 was also found to increase IL-10 secretion in B cells stimulated with CpG in CTL (1.5-fold increase [1.3-1.5], p=0.0002, n=13) and in RA patients (1.2-fold increase [1.1-1.3], p=0.005, n=12).

Conclusion:

We showed that CXCL13 is a key driver for migration and differentiation of B10+ cells in CTL and in RA patients. However, the migration of B10+cells in RA patients was not correlated with the level of CXCL13 in SF from RA patients, suggesting the implication of other CK in the migration of B10+cells in RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0022 RISK OF DIVERTICULITIS AND GASTRO-INTESTINAL PERFORATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH TOCILIZUMAB COMPARED TO RITUXIMAB AND ABATACEPT: A PROSPECTIVE PROPENSITY-MATCHED COHORT STUDY

Background:

There are discordant results regarding a potential increased risk of gastro-intestinal perforation (GIP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) compared to conventional synthetic disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) or TNF inhibitors (TNFis) (1–3).

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to compare the risk of diverticulitis and GIP in RA patients treated with TCZ compared to rituximab (RTX) and abatacept (ABA).

Methods:

We conducted a multicentric study of patients with RA, prospectively followed in 3 observational French registries evaluating the effectiveness and safety of RTX (Autoimmunity and Rituximab (AIR)), ABA (Orencia and Rheumatoid Arthritis (ORA)), and TCZ (REGistry–RoAcTEmra (REGATE)). Using a propensity score approach, we compared the risk of diverticulitis or GIP during treatment with TCZ vs RTX and ABA. The following covariates were included in the propensity score: age, sex, history of diabetes and neoplasia, Charlson Comorbidity Index, number of previous csDMARDs and TNFi, history of TNFi, daily dose of glucocorticoids (GCs) at baseline, co-treatment with a csDMARDs, average DAS28 during follow-up, duration of RA, and exposure time to the considered bDMARDs.

Results:

4501 patients (1496 treated by TCZ, 1986 by RTX and 1019 by ABA) were included. 21 and 9 GIP occurred in the TCZ treated patients, compared to 10 and 8 in the RTX treated patients and 10 and 2 in the ABA treated patients (corresponding incidence rate (IR) are shown in table 1). Two deaths occurred in patients experiencing GIP: 1 (12.5%) due to undetermined rectal perforation among a RTX treated patient, and 1 (11.1%) due to a perforated ulcer among a TCZ treated patient. Based on inverse probability weighting (IPW), there was an increased risk of diverticulitis and GIP in the TCZ treated patients compared with RTX or ABA (table 1). In a subgroup analysis, we confirmed an increased risk of GIP due to diverticulitis but not to any other etiology. Older age (p=0.05), GCs at baseline (p=0.10) and average daily dose of GCs during follow-up (p=0.08) seemed associated with GIP only in univariate analysis. Compared to RTX and ABA, diverticulitis and GIP among TCZ patients occurred earlier after the last perfusion (p=0.01), with atypical clinical presentation (slow transit in 30%, p=0.04) and lower acute phase reactants when the event occurred (C-reactive protein: 31.2±58.4 vs 88.2±89.6 mg/L, p=0.005). Perforated diverticulitis seemed to have higher dose of GCs at the time of the event compared to diverticulitis without perforation in univariate analysis (p=0.06).

Table 1.

Incidence (/1000 PY) and risk of diverticulitis or GIP

AE (n)IRAE (n)IRAE (n)IRIPW analysisOR[95 CI]pOR[95 CI]pExposition (PY)TCZ (ref)3 990RTX6 322ABA2 389TCZ vs RTXTCZ vs ABADiverticulitis215.3101.6104.24.5[2.6-7.6]<0.00013.4[1.7-6.5]<0.0001GIP92.381.320.82.8[1.5-5.1]0.0015.4[1.4-19.9]0.01*Diverticular GIP61.530.520.83.8[1.7-8.5]0,0016.9[1.9-25.4]0.004*Due to another etiology30.750.8001.4[0.5-3.9]0.5--

AE=adverse events; PY=person-years

Conclusion:

TCZ was associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis, and GIP due to diverticulitis, compared to RTX and ABA. Our study confirms an increased risk of GIP in RA patients treated with TCZ, which might be explained by an increased risk of diverticulitis with misleading clinical presentation.

References:

[1]Strangfeld A et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Jul 12

[2]Xie F, Yun H et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 May 1

[3]Barbulescu A et al. OP0231, Ann Rheum Dis. 2018 Jun 1;77(Suppl 2):164–5.

Disclosure of Interests:

Claire Rempenault: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Thierry Schaeverbeke: None declared, Daniel Wendling: None declared, Thao Pham Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Xavier Mariette Consultant of: BMS, Gilead, Medimmune, Novartis, Pfizer, Servier, UCB, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Grant/research support from: BMS, Pfizer, Consultant of: BMS, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Co., Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Jacques Morel: None declared

FRI0101 EFFECTS OF IL6 INHIBITORS ON THE INCIDENCE OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META ANALYSIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a 2 fold increased risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) and mortality when compared to the general population. The systemic inflammation in RA seems to play a pivotal role by creating endothelial dysfunction and thus accelerating atherosclerosis. This long lasting inflammatory process potentiates the effects of additional classical cardiovascular risk factors. Since the 2000s, numerous therapeutic advances, in particular biologics, allow better control of this inflammation. Among these, IL6 inhibitors (IL6i) are known to provide rapid and sustained improvements in clinical, biological and radiographic outcomes. However, an increase in circulating lipid concentrations in patients treated with IL6i is usual. This raises the question of the risk -to -benefit ratio of IL6i.

Objectives:

The purpose of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of IL6i on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in RA patients in comparison with TNFalpha inhibitors (TNFi), non TNFi bDMARDs or csDMARDS.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases until February 2019 was performed. Included studies were observational studies or randomized controlled trials having reported relevant confirmed CVEs (death from CVE, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke) in patients with RA treated with IL6i, and a suitable control group. A meta-analysis of the relative risk for each CVE in RA patients treated with IL6i compared to patients in the control groups was performed. A random effect model was applied in case of substantial heterogeneity.

Results:

Of 6869 studies, 23 randomized controlled trials and 6 controlled cohorts could be included. IL6i were significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction in comparison with TNFi (OR, 0.73; 95% CI [0.56 to 0.96]). No other significant effects were observed with regard to the risks of stroke, heart failure (HF), and death from CVE in comparison with csDMARDs, TNFi, or non-TNFi bDMARDs (table 1).

Table 1.

Pooled relative risks of cardiovascular events in RA patients treated with IL-6 inhibitors and respective control groups

Cs DMARDSTNFiNon TNFi bDMARDSMyocardial infarction1.44 [0.50;4.17]0.73 [0.56; 0.96]0.81 [0.48; 1.36]Stroke1.08 [0.40; 2.91]1.20 [0.82; 1.77]0.73 [0.39; 1.37]Heart failure0.17 [0.01; 4.08]1.51 [0.61; 3.70]1.19 [0.71; 1.98]Cardiovascular death1.59 [0.62; 4.11]1.13 [0.72; 1.78]NA

Our findings of a potentially protective effect of IL6i use on the risk of MI are reassuring. Although several beneficial effects might be involved, like the effective control of systemic inflammation, the anti-arrhythmia effect or the improvement of endothelial and left ventricle dysfunction, a potential indication bias with a decreased likelihood to prescribe these drugs in patients with high cardiovascular risk cannot be excluded.

Conclusion:

This review of the literature with meta-analysis provides reassuring results about the association between use of IL6i and CVE in RA patients. Data from long-term observational studies is however needful to confirm and ascertain this result.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0538 IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS CONSIDERED IN REMISSION BY THEIR RHEUMATOLOGIST, CAN DISCORDANCE IN DISEASE ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT BETWEEN PATIENT AND RHEUMATOLOGIST BE EXPLAINED BY RESIDUAL INFLAMMATION AS MEASURED BY ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION?

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous disease and its assessment is sometimes difficult. Perception of disease activity by patient and physician is frequently discordant in patients in clinical remission. Ultrasound (US) is an imaging technique, which can detect inflammation in PsA.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to assess whether persistence of disease activity evaluated by the patient, considered in remission by his rheumatologist, was associated with inflammation measured by US.

Methods:

We performed a transversal monocentric study. PsA patients were included if they met the CASPAR criteria and were considered in remission by their rheumatologist. Demographic data, characteristics of the disease and treatments were collected. Discordance was defined by a difference between patient’s and rheumatologist’s global assessment ≥30/100 on a Visual Analogic Scale. An US examination was performed on 50 joints, 28 tendons and 14 entheses by an independent investigator. Synovial or tendon sheath hypertrophy and PD signal were evaluated on a semi-quantitative scale, B Mode and PD signal abnormalities on entheses were searched, according to the EULAR-OMERACT scoring system. US remission was defined by no power Doppler (PD) signal on joints, tendons and entheses and minimal US activity by maximum one PD signal on the same sites. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with US abnormalities.

Results:

Sixty-two PsA patients were included. 40.3% were women, the mean (SD) age was 55 (14) years, 42% were in US remission and 71% in minimal US activity (Table 1), 19.4% had ≥1 PD synovitis and 88.7% had a B mode synovitis, 95.2% had a B mode abnormality on entheses and 51.6% had ≥1 PD signal on entheses. Thirty nine percent had a discordant disease activity assessment with their rheumatologist. In univariate analysis, discordance was not associated with US remission (OR=1.71 (95%CI 0.61-4.83), p=0.224) or US minimal disease activity (OR=0.99 (95%CI 0.32-3.05), p=0.602). In multivariate analysis, US remission was independently associated with female gender (OR=3.94 (95%CI 1.20-12.9), p=0.024) and younger age (OR=0.95 (95%CI 0.91-0.99), p=0.027). Minimal US activity was associated with history of enthesis lesion (OR=11.26 (95%CI 1.34-94.93), p=0.026) and age (OR=0.95 (95%CI 0.90-1), p=0.044).

Table 1.

Ultrasound characteristics of the 62 PsA patients.

N (%)Ultrasound remission26 (41.9)Ultrasound minimal disease activity44 (71)Patients with ≥1 grey scale synovitis55 (88.7)Patients with ≥1 Power Doppler synovitis12 (19.4)Patients with ≥1 grey scale tenosynovitis15 (24.2)Patients with ≥1 Power Doppler tenosynovitis1 (1.6)Patients with ≥1 grey scale enthesitis lesion (thickness, hypo echogenicity, calcification, enthesophyte, erosion, bursitis)59 (95.2)Patients with ≥1 Power Doppler enthesitis32 (51.6)

Conclusion:

Our study showed persistent inflammation evaluated by US in PsA patients considered in remission by their rheumatologist. However, prevalence of residual inflammation evaluated by US was not higher in patients with self-assessment of their disease discordant from their rheumatologist.

Disclosure of Interests:

Marie Moly: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Gael Mouterde: None declared

Interplay of nasal and rectal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in intensive care unit patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nasal and rectal Staphylococcus aureus carriage in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and the occurrence of ICU-acquired infections related to S. aureus carriage. Three hundred and ninety-five patients admitted in ICU were screened for S. aureus nasal and rectal carriages and followed to record S. aureus infections during their stay. S. aureus strains were genotyped by arbitrarily primed PCR, spa-typing, microarray and whole genome sequencing. At ICU admission, 112 of 363 (30.9%) patients carried S. aureus including 61 (16.8%) exclusive nasal carriers, 40 (11.0%) combined nasal and rectal carriers and 11 (3.0%) exclusive rectal carriers. The 152 S. aureus isolates from nasal and rectal swabs belonged to 19 clonal complexes (CCs). Patients colonized in both nose and rectum harboured different strains in at least 40% of cases according to arbitrarily primed PCR data. Nasal carriers of CC5 S. aureus had an increased risk of rectal carriage (RR = 1.85, P < .05). S. aureus nasal and rectal carriage was a risk factor of S. aureus ICU-acquired infection (RR = 4.04; 95%CI [1.38-11.76]). Incidence rates of endogenous ICU-acquired infections in exclusive nasal carriers, exclusive rectal carriers and in both nasal and rectal carriers were 0.08 (5/61), 0.09 (1/11) and 0.03 (1/40), respectively (p = 0.47). Rectal swabbing increased the detection of S. aureus carriage and revealed an important diversity of S. aureus strains in ICU patients. Further studies are needed to understand how S. aureus rectal carriage increases the risk of endogenous ICU-acquired infections.

An audit of mammographic screen detected lesions of uncertain malignant potential (B3) diagnosed on initial image guided needle biopsy: how has our practice changed over 10 years?

AIM

To review all cases of B3 lesion diagnosed at initial image-guided needle biopsy over two 5-year cohorts to identify upgrade rates to malignancy and the effect of changing guidance on the management of such lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected retrospectively. Mammographic features, biopsy type and management were recorded for each lesion. Upgrade rates for each B3 histological category were quantified. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

RESULTS

There were 224 cases in 2005-2010 and 240 cases in 2010-2015. Mammographically 211 lesions were microcalcifications, 182 masses, 65 distortions and six asymmetric densities with no difference in the mammographic features in the two cohorts. Two hundred and eight 14 G core biopsies and 256 initial vacuum-assisted biopsies were performed. There was a statistically significant reduction in benign surgical biopsies and an increase in second-line vacuum biopsy/excision in the latter cohort, with no significant change in the upgrade rate. There was an overall 6% upgrade to invasive malignancy and 13% upgrade to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The upgrade rates for the following histological categories were atypical intraductal epithelial proliferation (AIDEP) 33.2% (21/63); classical (not pleomorphic) in situ lobular neoplasia (ISLN) 18.2% (6/33); flat epithelial hyperplasia (FEA) 21.7% (20/92); papilloma with atypia 53.8% (7/13), without atypia 12.1% (8/66); and radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion with atypia 16.7% (2/12), and without atypia 7.9% (6/76).

CONCLUSION

Upgrade rates remain high for some histological categories even with first-line use of vacuum biopsy. Management of borderline lesions should be considered carefully in a multidisciplinary meeting. In many cases, the need for diagnostic surgical excision has been replaced by image-guided vacuum sampling.

Venous leiomyosarcoma arising from the radiocephalic vein

Vascular leiomyosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue neoplasma. We are reporting a vascular leiomyosarcoma case arising from an unusual site: the radiocephalic vein. Despite a poor prognosis, after surgery and radiotherapy, the patient was alive without signs of recurrence two years later.

Risk of fracture and low bone mineral density in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are associated with a decreased bone mineral density, but the impact on fractures is unknown. In our study, global risk of fracture is increased for patients with IBDs versus controls. This result will help to determine the appropriate assessment with early screening and management of osteoporosis. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are associated with a decreased bone mineral density (BMD). However, the impact on fracture risk is unknown and data are contradictory across studies. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the risk of fracture and presence of low BMD in patients with IBDs compared to healthy controls. A systematic search of literature was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and abstracts from appropriate scientific congresses. Studies were selected if they compared the incidence of fractures and/or BMD measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in patients with IBDs and healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Data were extracted by two independent investigators. Meta-analysis was performed with the inverse variance approach to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. On the basis of nine studies, global risk of fracture was increased for patients with IBDs versus controls (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.11-1.73; p = 0.005). Fracture risk with IBDs was significantly increased for vertebral fractures (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.04-4.90; p < 0.001), but not for any other site. The analysis of 16 studies evaluating BMD showed a significant decrease in mean BMD and Z-scores for IBD patients versus controls at all sites. In our meta-analysis, patients with IBDs have an increased risk of fractures, especially in the spine, and significant decreased BMD at all sites, which suggests the need for identifying high-risk individuals among this population.

Performance of Doppler-based resistive index and semi-quantitative renal perfusion in predicting persistent AKI: results of a prospective multicenter study

PURPOSE

The Doppler-based resistive index (RI) and semi-quantitative evaluation of renal perfusion using color Doppler (SQP) have shown promising results for predicting persistent acute kidney injury (AKI) in preliminary studies. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of RI and SQP to predict short-term renal prognosis in critically ill patients.

METHODS

Prospective multicenter cohort study including unselected critically ill patients. Renal Doppler was performed at admission to the intensive care unit. The diagnostic performance of RI and SQP to predict persistent AKI at day 3 was evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 371 patients were included, of whom 351 could be assessed for short-term renal recovery. Two thirds of the included patients had AKI (n = 233; 66.3%), of whom 136 had persistent AKI (58.4%). Doppler-based RI was higher and SQP lower in AKI patients and according to AKI recovery. Overall performance in predicting persistent AKI was however poor with area under ROC curve of respectively 0.58 (95% CI 0.52-0.64) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.54-0.65) for RI and SQP. Optimal cutoff was respectively 0.71 and 2 for RI and SQP. At optimal cutoff, sensitivity and specificity were 50% (95% CI 41-58%) and 68% (62-74%) for RI and 39% (32-45%) and 75% (66-82%) for SQP.

CONCLUSION

Although statistically associated with AKI occurrence, RI and SQP perform poorly in predicting persistent AKI at day 3. Further studies are needed to adequately describe factors influencing Doppler-based assessment of renal perfusion and to delineate whether these indicators may be useful at the bedside. CLINICALTRIAL.GOV: NCT02355314.

MACVIA-LR (Fighting Chronic Diseases for Active and Healthy Ageing in Languedoc-Roussillon): A Success Story of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing

The Région Languedoc Roussillon is the umbrella organisation for an interconnected and integrated project on active and healthy ageing (AHA). It covers the 3 pillars of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA): (A) Prevention and health promotion, (B) Care and cure, (C) and (D) Active and independent living of elderly people. All sub-activities (poly-pharmacy, falls prevention initiative, prevention of frailty, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic diseases with multimorbidities, chronic infectious diseases, active and independent living and disability) have been included in MACVIA-LR which has a strong political commitment and involves all stakeholders (public, private, patients, policy makers) including CARSAT-LR and the Eurobiomed cluster. It is a Reference Site of the EIP on AHA. The framework of MACVIA-LR has the vision that the prevention and management of chronic diseases is essential for the promotion of AHA and for the reduction of handicap. The main objectives of MACVIA-LR are: (i) to develop innovative solutions for a network of Living labs in order to reduce avoidable hospitalisations and loss of autonomy while improving quality of life, (ii) to disseminate the innovation. The three years of MACVIA-LR activities are reported in this paper.