O-005 Mullerian anomalies overview

Mullerian Duct Anomalies- An Overview

Prof. Sudha Prasad

President Indian Fertility Society, Director, Matritava Advanced IVF & Training Centre, New Delhi, India

Congenital anomalies of the mullerian duct system is one of the complex disorder encountered in gynecological practice. Mullerian ducts are paired embryological structures which undergo fusion and resorption in utero to form the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and upper two-thirds of the vagina. Disruption in the mullerian duct development throughout embryogenesis could result a large spectrum of inherent abnormalities identified as mullerian duct anomalies (MDAs).

There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MDAs across various studies, ranging from 1–10% in the general population to 2–8% among infertile women and 5–30% among women with a history of miscarriage. These discrepancies in the reported prevalence are mainly attributed to lack of a universal classification system.

Different varieties of malformations can occur when this system is not well developed. It ranges from absence of uterus, cervix or vagina, septum/duplication of vagina to of the uterus and vagina to minor uterine cavity abnormalities. Mullerian malformations are frequently associated with abnormalities of the renal and axial skeletal systems. Therefore, on initial examination of MDAs patients, these points should be kept in mind.

Most mullerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are associated with functioning ovaries and age-appropriate external genitalia. These abnormalities are often recognized after the onset of puberty. After the onset of puberty, young women often present to the gynecologist with menstrual disorders. Late presentations include infertility and obstetric complications.

A meta-analysis of nine studies comprising 3805 women with congenital uterine anomalies reviewed the obstetric outcome. The study reported that canalization defects such as septate and partial septate uteri had reduce fertility and increase rates of miscarriage and preterm delivery. None of the unification defects (bicornuate, unicornuate and didelphic uteri) reduce fertility but some are related to miscarriage and prematurity. Arcuate uteri are specifically associated with second-trimester miscarriage. All uterine abnormalities increase the risk of fetal malformation during delivery1.

A retrospective longitudinal study concluded that reproductive performance of the unicornuate and didelphys uteri was poor (20–30% chance of carrying a pregnancy to term), while that of the septate and bicornuate uteri (live birth rate of 62%) was better than expected. The arcuate uterus had no impact on reproductive performance of women2.

Agenesis of uterus and vagina requires surgical techniques, such as the Vecchietti and McIndoe procedures, have enabled many women to have normal sexual relations. Uterine transplant has changed the perspective of all other surgical advances and assisted reproductive technologies to improve fertility and obstetric outcomes3, 4,5.

AB0785 REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE OF METHOTREXATE BASED DUAL COMBINATION DMARDS IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS- RESULTS FROM KARNATAKA PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS COHORT (KPsAC)

Background:

Biologics have been the focus of recent treatment guidelines and ‘Treat to Target’ strategies for both psoriasis (PsO) & psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). However, in day-today practice, combination DMARDs anchored around methotrexate are mainstay in majority of patients.

Objectives:

To describe experience and effectiveness of Methotrexate in combination with conventional DMARDs in Karnataka Psoriatic Arthritis Cohort.

Methods:

Treatment information was extracted from KPsAC (n=549) which is a cross sectional, non-interventional study conducted across 17 rheumatology practicing centres in Karnataka, India using a structured proforma. This study was approved by respective Ethical committee. Information on efficacy was extracted for various csDMARDs in combination with methotrexate. Standard disease activity outcome measures were used for assessing the response to therapy (DAPSA, PASI, HAQ, MDA5). All participating rheumatologists underwent training to calculate PASI and other outcome scores.

Results:

Nearly half of the patients in our cohort were on methotrexate (44%) monotherapy. Proportion of patients who received combination csDMARD anchored on methotrexate were 29%. The choice of add on csDMARD was as per clinician discretion or subject preference. Patients were divided in to three groups based on treatments they were receiving at the time of study: Methotrexate (Mtx)+Leflunomide (Lef), Mtx+Sulfasalazine (SSz) and Mtx+Apremilast(Apr). Their characteristics along with outcome measures are depicted in table 1. In Mtx+Apr group: remission or low disease activity was present in 42%, HAQ score of <0.5 was seen in 82%, and only one patient had a PASI of > 10. PASI was significantly lower in the Mtx+Apr group compared to Mtx+Lef group (p<0.009) and Mtx +Ssz group (p < 0.020)

Conclusion:

Apremilast is an orally administered, small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4)**. In this observational study, 3 groups of methotrexate plus csDMARD- leflunomide, sulphasalazine and apremilast fared similarly for articular domain of PsA. However, in cutaneous domain, PASI was significantly lower in apremilast + methotrexate group. To our knowledge, this is the first real life report of the use of combination DMARDs in unselected PsA patients demonstrating effectiveness of apremilast in cutaneous domain. Methotrexate remains anchor DMARD for treatment of PsA in 2/3rdof PsA patients. Addition of apremilast to methotrexate inadequate responders appears to be beneficial in PsA with persistent cutaneous disease. However, being an observational study, this needs to be confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

References:

**Apremilast: A Review in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, Drugs March 2017, Volume 77, Issue 4.

Table.

Characteristics and comparison of combination csDMARDs

MTX+SSZ(N=39)MTX+LEF (n=77)MTX+APR(N=45)Median Age (years)373935Median disease duration (months)96101112Enthesitis (Ever)6(15%)21(27%)4(8%)Dactylitis (Ever)9((23%)28(36%)12 (26%)DAPSA < 46(15%)9(11%)10(22%) 4-1414(36%)25(32%)13(29%) 14-287(18%)24(31%)11(24%)PASI >107(18%) #14(18%) *1(2%) *#HAQ < 0.530(77%)60(78%)37(82%)MDA 5 achieved16(41%)25(32%)19(42%)

*P value < 0.009 #P value <0.02

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0790 CLINICAL PROFILING OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA): AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM A SOUTH INDIAN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS COHORT

Background:

Clinical patterns and disease burden of PsA varies in different parts of the world. Demographic studies from Indian subcontinent are sparse

Objectives:

To study the cutaneous, articular profile of PsA and describe their disease activity, disability and co-morbidities (CMs)

Methods:

This is a multicenter, cross-sectional, non-interventional study from Karnataka, India. All consecutive PsA patients defined by CASPAR or expert diagnosis were evaluated over 8 months from 17 Rheumatology centers across Karnataka using standard parameters such as PASI, DAPSA, Indian version of HAQ-DI1, psoriatic co-morbidity index2(Cidx) and MDA 5. Patient consent and EC obtained

Results:

549 PsA patients were evaluated and their disease characteristics are shown in Table 1 & 2. PsA preceded psoriasis in in 81 (14.7%).

Table 1.

Patient characteristics (n=549)

DEMOGRAPHICSPsACommonest age group of PsA (yrs)31-40PsA SubclassificationM:F6:5Symmetric polyarthritis216(40.7%)Type 1 PsoriasisType 2 Psoriasis279(55.8%)221(44.2%)Mean duration (yrs)Asymmetric oligoarthritis202(38.1%)Psoriasis8.8(±7.8)DIP predominant88(16.6%)PsA5.2(±6.3)Arthritis mutilans16(4.2%)PsA preceded psoriasis81(14.7%)Dactylitis182(33.9%)Family h/oPsoriasis107(19.7%)Enthesitis109(20.3%)PsA33(6%)Mean TJC686.3(±8.9)AS11(2%)Mean SJC683.5(±5.2)Uveitis5(0.9%)Type of PsoriasisPlaque253(59.9%)IBD3(0.5%)Erythrodermic 31(7.3%)

Type I & II psoriasis did not differ in PASI, DAPSA, HAQ-DI or having a family h/o psoriasis. Type II psoriasis had higher Cidx than type I (p=0.0001). Pt pain VAS, DAPSA, PhyGA, PtGA & SJC significantly correlated with higher HAQ-DI (p<0.0001). TJC, ESR, CRP & PASI had minor correlation with HAQ-DI. Females had higher HAQ-DI compared to males (p=0.02). Knee joint involvement caused disability most frequently. Cidx was higher in males (p=0.008). Minor correlation was found between Cidx with age, HAQ-DI & DAPSA. Mean BMI of our cohort was 26.8(±14.8) kg/m2. 56.5% were overweight. Higher BMI was not associated with age, duration of arthritis, DAPSA, PASI, HAQ-DI & Cidx.

Infections (any time) were recorded in 10.8%, of which skin was the commonest site in 38.9%; 30.5% of these needed hospitalizations.

Conclusion:

Despite mild skin disease in majority, more than half of the patients have moderate to severe joint activity. Mild to moderate functional disability in nearly half of our cohort indicate high burden of damage. High incidence of co-morbidities in PsA compared with general population is in line with published literature. In addition to aggressive control of articular activity, detection and control of co-morbidities must be an integral part of PsA management.

References:

[1]https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/41.12.1457

[2]http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.4598

Table 2.

Disease characteristics

DISEASE ACTIVITYDISABILITYCO-MORBIDITIESMean PASI: 3.8(7.4)Mean HAQ-DI: 0.3(0.45)Mean Cidx: 0.98(1.6)Mild (PASI 0-5)480(80%)Mild-mod disability260(48.2%)N with 1 or more CMs232(42.3%)Severe (>10)57(10.6%)ADL with most frequent disabilityClimbing a flight of stairs 189(35%)HTNT2DMSmokingPsA severity19.8%16.6%5.4%3.2%Mean DAPSA: 18.8(16.6)ADL with highest disability scoreSitting cross-legged/squattingAnxietyIHDDyslipidemiaOthers3.1%2.3%2%<2% eachRemission100(19.9%)Low DA145(28.8%)Moderate DA137(27.2%)High DA123(24.5%)Family h/o CV dis/stroke72(15.2%)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

C00006 PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS - A WEB BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL MULTICENTRE SURVEY

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in uncertainty and negative psychological outcomes for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases for several reasons.1The anxiety is due to “underlying conditions” that are expected to increase the risk of infection and / or severe complications. Patients with rheumatological disorders fall into this group as they are believed to be immunosuppressed due to disease or the treatment. It is essential to understand the level of anxiety among the rheumatic disease patients at the current situation of COVID-19.

Objectives:

To study difference in Anxiety score (Mean/Avg Score) among following groups-underlying rheumatic disease, age, gender, marital status, educational status, employment status, medications, those who were on steroids/not, those who are Biologicals / Not.

Methods:

A web-based cross-sectional multi-centre survey was done across 5 rheumatology centres in India. The study duration was between 9th May and 16th May 2020.The questionnaire included consent, demographic details, medication history, opinion about tele rheumatology services and anxiety score measured by Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)2.

Results:

The survey was sent to 2987 patients, there were 933 responses and 581 were complete (Male =175). Complete responses were considered for data analysis. Most respondents were less than 50 years of age (70.6%). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the most frequent (50.6%) diagnosis followed by other conditions. Most of the patients (43%) were on combination DMARD therapy, 12.7% of patients were on biological drugs and 23.9% of patients were on glucocorticoids. Statistically significant higher anxiety scores were observed in females, patients suffering from fibromyalgia, patients on glucocorticoids and biological agents. There was no difference in the anxiety scores with regard to age, educational status, and employment status.Difficulty in meeting rheumatologists and getting medications was expressed by 327 (56.2%) and 73 (29.7%) respondents respectively. Majority of respondents (86.6 %) agreed/strongly agreed regarding use of telemedicine to access health care during the crisis.

Conclusion:

The findings of the study revealed that anxiety is a major concern in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Fibromyalgia patients and those who were on glucocorticoids and biological drugs were found to have more anxiety levels compared to other groups of patients. In such periods of public health crises, telemedicine is a great tool for patients to access healthcare without fear of going to hospital. There is a need to intensify the awareness and address the mental health issues of rheumatology patients during this COVID-19 pandemic.

References:

[1]Pope, J.E. What Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Mean for Rheumatology Patients?. Curr Treat Options in Rheum (2020).https://doi.org/10.1007/s40674-020-00145-y.

[2]Oh H, Park K, Yoon S, Kim Y, Lee SH, Choi YY, et al. Clinical utility of beck anxiety inventory in clinical and nonclinical Korean samples. Front Psychiatry.2018;9:666.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00666

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Analytical assessment of maize kernels for Fe, Zn, and β-carotene dense cultivars with low phytate contents

The present paper reports that significant genetic variability was evident in Fe, Zn, β-carotene, and phytic acid (phytate, PA) contents in a set of 39 diverse maize genotypes collected from maize breeding programme of hill agriculture, India. The Fe, Zn, β-carotene, and PA concentrations were found to be in the range 19.31–50.64 mg kg−1, 12.60–37.18 mg kg−1, 0.17–8.27 µg g−1, and 6.59–7.13 g kg−1, respectively. The genotypes V335, V420, V393, V416, V414, V372, and V351 were identified to have higher concentration of β-carotene, Fe, and Zn but lower amount of PA. Possible availability of the minerals Fe and Zn was determined using molar ratio between PA as inhibitor and β-carotene as promoter for their absorption. The micronutrient molar ratio showed that Fe and Zn traits could be dependent of each other. Low R2 value revealed relation between β-carotene and kernel colour. The selected genotypes could be considered as potential sources of favourable genes for further breeding programs to develop micronutrient enriched maize cultivars.

P1747 Left atrial strain identifies diastolic dysfunction in children with cardiomyopathies and correlates with invasive LV end-diastolic pressure

Background

2-dimensional (2-D) left atrial (LA) strain accurately categorizes DD in adults but its diagnostic performance in children is unknown.

Aim of this study is to investigate whether LA strain and strain rate are able to diagnose and classify DD in children with dilated (CMD), hypertrophic (HCM) and restrictive (RCM) cardiomyopathies (CM).

Methods

The study includes 136 children (aged 8.8 ± 6 years): 44 with DCM, 40 with HCM, 7 with RCM and 45 healthy controls (CTRL). They underwent standard echocardiography and 2-D speckle-tracking analyses (LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LS), LA peak systolic strain and strain rate). Cardiac catheterization was performed within 24 hours after the echocardiographic study in 9 children (mean age 9 ± 7 years) with clinical indication and the LV end-diastolic pressure was measured.

Results

No significant differences in mitral E/A, E/E’, pulmonary S/D ratios and indexed left atrial volumes were observed among the 3 CM groups.

LA peak systolic strain and strain rate values showed a steady and significant decrease with worsening of DD. ROC curves showed area under the curve of 0.976 (p &lt; 0.001) for LA strain and 0.946 (p &lt; 0.001) for LA strain rate, to distinguish CTRL from CMs.

Moreover, univariate regression analysis demonstrated that peak LA strain had a strong significant inverse correlation with invasive LV end-diastolic pressure (r -0.892, p &lt; 0.001). On the other hand, invasive LV end-diastolic pressure had non-significant correlations with E’ avg (r -0.139, p = 0.721), E/E’ avg (r 0.238, p = 0.537), MV DT (r 0.485, p = 0.186) and LAVi (r 0.514, p = 0.157).

Conclusions

LA strain is able to recognize and classify DD in children with cardiomyopathies and accurately correlates with invasive LV end-diastolic pressures.

Abstract P1747 Figure.

Joint 3D localization and classification of space debris using a multispectral rotating point spread function

We consider the problem of joint three-dimensional (3D) localization and material classification of unresolved space debris using a multispectral rotating point spread function (RPSF). The use of RPSF allows one to estimate the 3D locations of point sources from their rotated images acquired by a single 2D sensor array, since the amount of rotation of each source image about its x, y location depends on its axial distance z. Using multispectral images, with one RPSF per spectral band, we are able not only to localize the 3D positions of the space debris but also classify their material composition. We propose a three-stage method for achieving joint localization and classification. In stage 1, we adopt an optimization scheme for localization in which the spectral signature of each material is assumed to be uniform, which significantly improves efficiency and yields better localization results than possible with a single spectral band. In stage 2, we estimate the spectral signature and refine the localization result via an alternating approach. We process classification in the final stage. Both Poisson noise and Gaussian noise models are considered, and the implementation of each is discussed. Numerical tests using multispectral data from NASA show the efficiency of our three-stage approach and illustrate the improvement of point source localization and spectral classification from using multiple bands over a single band.