Gender equity in academic rheumatology, current status and potential for improvement: a cross-sectional study to inform an EULAR task force

OBJECTIVES

Evidence on the current status of gender equity in academic rheumatology in Europe and potential for its improvement is limited. The EULAR convened a task force to obtain empirical evidence on the potential unmet need for support of female rheumatologists, health professionals and non-clinical scientists in academic rheumatology.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised three web-based surveys conducted in 2020 among: (1) EULAR scientific member society leaders, (2) EULAR and Emerging EULAR Network (EMEUNET) members and (3) EULAR Council members. Statistics were descriptive with significance testing for male/female responses assessed by χ² test and t-test.

RESULTS

Data from EULAR scientific member societies in 13 countries indicated that there were disproportionately fewer women in academic rheumatology than in clinical rheumatology, and they tended to be under-represented in senior academic roles. From 324 responses of EULAR and EMEUNET members (24 countries), we detected no gender differences in leadership aspirations, self-efficacy in career advancement and work-life integration as well as the share of time spent on research, but there were gender differences in working hours and the levels of perceived gender discrimination and sexual harassment. There were gender differences in the ranking of 7 of 26 factors impacting career advancement and of 8 of 24 potential interventions to aid career advancement.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gender differences in career advancement in academic rheumatology. The study informs a EULAR task force developing a framework of potential interventions to accelerate gender-equitable career advancement in academic rheumatology.

Unmet need for patient involvement in rheumatology registries and observational studies: a mixed methods study

Objective

The contribution of patient research partners (PRPs) is well established in EULAR recommendation development. However, in observational and registry studies, PRP involvement is not well-defined and remains limited.

Methods

Based on a round table discussion during the EULAR Registries and Observational Drug Studies (RODS) meeting in 2019, a mixed methods study was undertaken, including a survey to RODS participants and EULAR PRPs and focus groups with volunteers from the survey. An inductive thematic analysis approach was applied to qualitative data and descriptive statistics to survey data.

Results

We retrieved 45 survey responses and ran 3 focus groups with a total of 17 participants. The notion of PRP involvement in research was positively perceived by PRPs and the wider academic rheumatology community. There is universal agreement that PRP involvement in registry research is low and inclusion in different parts of the research cycle is limited. Potential benefits of PRP involvement include: input on the research objectives based on patients’ needs, advice and support regarding recruitment and retention strategies, obtaining patient views on analysis and interpretation, and assistance in disseminating results. Researchers and PRPs highlighted that education, inclusion of PRPs with diverse backgrounds and a welcoming environment as important facilitators for PRP involvement. On the other hand, preconceptions of researchers and insufficient budget allocation have been identified as barriers.

Conclusion

There is an unmet need to involve PRPs in registries and observational studies and to better define their required input during all research stages. This study provides suggestions for successful PRP integration.

COVID‐19 Vaccination In Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) Study: Vaccine Safety In Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Introduction/Aims

In this study we investigated COVID‐19 vaccination–related adverse events (ADEs) 7 days postvaccination in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and other systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (SAIDs).

Methods

Seven‐day vaccine ADEs were collected in an international patient self‐reported e‐survey. Descriptive statistics were obtained and multivariable regression was performed.

Results

Ten thousand nine hundred respondents were analyzed (1227 IIM cases, 4640 SAID cases, and 5033 healthy controls [HCs]; median age, 42 [interquartile range, 30‐455] years; 74% female; 45% Caucasian; 69% completely vaccinated). Major ADEs were reported by 76.3% of the IIM patients and 4.6% reported major ADEs. Patients with active IIMs reported more frequent major (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; interquartile range [IQR], 1.04‐7.3) and minor (OR, 1.5; IQR, 1.1‐2.2) ADEs than patients with inactive IIMs. Rashes were more frequent in IIMs (OR, 2.3; IQR, 1.2‐4.2) than HCs. ADEs were not impacted by steroid dose, although hydroxychloroquine and intravenous/subcutaneous immunoglobulins were associated with a higher risk of minor ADEs (OR, 1.9; IQR, 1.1‐3.3; and OR, 2.2; IQR, 1.1‐4.3, respectively). Overall, ADEs were less frequent in inclusion‐body myositis (IBM) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer) vaccine recipients.

Discussion

Seven‐day postvaccination ADEs were comparable in patients with IIMs, SAIDs, and HCs, except for a higher risk of rash in IIMs. Patients with dermatomyositis with active disease may be at higher risk, and IBM patients may be at lower risk of specific ADEs. Overall, the benefit of preventing severe COVID‐19 through vaccination likely outweighs the risk of vaccine‐related ADEs. Our results may inform future guidelines regarding COVID‐19 vaccination in patients with SAIDs, specifically in those with IIMs. Studies to evaluate long‐term outcomes and disease flares are needed to shed more light on developing future COVID‐19 vaccination guidelines.

Designing Infographics: Visual Representations for Enhancing Education, Communication, and Scientific Research

Infographics are graphic visual representations of educational content, used to deliver complex information, disseminate scientific research, and drive behavioral change. Herein, we review some of the factors pertinent to designing infographics and the potential for automation in the future. To guide high-impact design, it is vital to clearly define the objectives of the infographic and its target audience. Designing an effective infographic necessitates careful consideration of the layout, colors, font, and context. More recently, technical support to develop infographics are increasingly available through online software (Canva, Adobe, and Venngage) and emerging artificial intelligence programs. References can also become a visual representation of trends in scientific discovery. It is crucial for clinicians, researchers and scientists to have the knowledge and skills to design compelling infographics. In the era of social media, the uptake and effects of infographics for disseminating scientific research and public health education need to be further studied to understand their full potential.

The impact of consecutive COVID-19 lockdowns in England on mental wellbeing in people with inflammatory arthritis

Background

During the first UK COVID-19 lockdown, studies identified over half of inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients in the UK reported a worsening of emotional distress. Given the prolonged nature of the pandemic, and the strict ‘shielding’ restrictions imposed on ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ populations, it is likely that the implementation of the second lockdown period in England, during November 2020, may also have had a negative impact on the mental health of IA patients. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of consecutive lockdown periods on mental wellbeing in people with IA.

Methods

Nine IA patients took part in semi-structured telephone interviews at both baseline (June/July 2020) and follow-up (November 2020). The interview schedule, which was developed and piloted with a Patient Research Partner, explored patient experiences and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown periods. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Five males and four females, with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or spondylarthritis, aged between 24–79 years (mean = 49.9, SD = 20.9) were included in the sample. Four main themes impacting on mental wellbeing were identified from the data: (1) Pandemic fatigue versus pandemic acclimatisation, (2) Social interaction and isolation, (3) Clarity of information, (4) Seasonal changes.

Conclusion

The first two COVID-19 lockdown periods in England had an ongoing impact on the mental health of patients with IA. Healthcare professionals, in conjunction with government support, should ensure that adequate information and mental health resources are available to support IA patients during periods of ongoing restrictions, whilst also continuing to encourage behaviours which promote good mental health and wellbeing.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41927-022-00266-y.

The impact of gender and sex on diagnosis, treatment outcomes and health-related quality of life in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic condition, historically considered a predominantly male disease. However, increasing evidence suggests a more equal prevalence between men and women. Of the limited research conducted to date, it is apparent that gender differences exist in terms of time to diagnosis, treatment outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite this, women are underrepresented in clinical trials and most studies do not stratify by gender to identify potential differences in terms of disease manifestations and treatment response. In this perspectives article, we reflect on the potential biological and social factors contributing to these differences and propose three key areas of education and research that should be prioritised in order to address the unmet needs of female patients with axSpA, namely: (1) to identify ways to increase awareness of disease occurrence in female patients among healthcare professionals (HCPs), (2) to improve understanding of gender differences in disease manifestation and outcomes, and (3) to conduct gender-stratified clinical trials with a representative sample of female patients.

POS1179 SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE SCREENING AND PROPHYLAXIS OF CHRONIC AND OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

Background

Opportunistic and chronic infections can arise in the context of treatment used for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (ARDs). Although it is recognized that screening procedures and prophylactic measures must be followed, clinical practice is largely heterogeneous, with relevant recommendations not currently developed or disparately located across the literature.

Objectives

To conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) focusing on the screening and prophylaxis of opportunistic and chronic infections in ARDs. This is preparatory work done by members of the respective EULAR task force (TF).

Methods

Following the EULAR standardised operating procedures, we conducted an SLR with the following 5 search domains; 1) Infection: infectious agents identifed by a scoping review and expert opinion (TF members), 2) Rheumatic Diseases: all ARDs, 3) Immunosuppression: all immunosuppressives/immunomodulators used in rheumatology, 4) Screening: general and specific (e.g mantoux test) terms, 5) Prophylaxis: general and specific (e.g trimethoprim) terms. Articles were retrieved having the terms from domains 1 AND 2 AND 3, plus terms from domains 4 OR 5. Databases searched: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane. Exclusion criteria: post-operative infections, pediatric ARDs, not ARDs (e.g septic arthritis), not concerning screening or prophylaxis, Covid-19 studies, articles concerning vaccinations and non-Εnglish literature. Quality of studies included was assessed as follows: Newcastle Ottawa scale for non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs), RoB-Cochrane tool for RCTs, AMSTAR2 for SLRs.

Results

5641 studies were initially retrieved (Figure 1). After title and abstract screening and removal of duplicates, 568 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 293 articles were included in the SLR. Most studies were of medium quality. Reasons for exclusion are shown in Figure 1. Results categorized as per type of microbe, are as follows: For Tuberculosis; evidence suggests that tuberculin skin test (TST) is affected by treatment with glucocorticoids and conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) and its performance is inferior to interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). Agreement between TST and IGRA is moderate to low. Conversion of TST/IGRA occurs in about 10-15% of patients treated with biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Various prophylactic schemes have been used for latent TB, including isoniazide for 9 months, rifampicin for 4 months, isoniazide/rifampicin for 3-4 months. For hepatitis B (HBV): there is evidence that risk of reactivation is increased in patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. These patients should be referred for HBV treatment. Patients who are positive for anti-HBcore antibodies, are at low risk for reactivation when treated with glucocorticoids, cDMARDs and bDMARDs but should be monitored periodically with liver function tests and HBV-viral load. Patients treated with rituximab display higher risk for HBV reactivation especially when anti-HBs titers are low. Risk for reactivation in hepatitis C RNA positive patients, treated with bDMARDs is low. However, all patients should be referred for antiviral treatment and monitored periodically. For pneumocystis jirovecii: prophylaxis with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (alternatively with atovaquone or pentamidine) should be considered in patients treated with prednisolone: 15-30mg/day for more than 4 weeks. Few data exist for screening and prophylaxis from viruses like EBV, CMV and Varicella Zoster Virus. Expert opinion supports the screening of rare bugs like histoplasma and trypanosoma in patients considered to be at high risk (e.g living in endemic areas).

Figure 1.

SLR flowchart

Conclusion

The risk of chronic and opportunistic infections should be considered in all patients prior to treatment with immunosuppressives/immunomodulators. Different screening and prophylaxis approaches are described in the literature, partly determined by individual patient and disease characteristics. Collaboration between different disciplines is important.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all members of the EULAR Task Force for the screening and prophylaxis of chronic and opportunistic infections in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0855 IMPAIRED PROMIS PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHY PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE MULTICENTER COVAD PATIENT REPORTED E-SURVEY

Background

Evaluation of physical function is fundamental in the management of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a National Institute of Health initiative established in 2004 to develop patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with improved validity and efficacy. PROMIS Physical Function (PF) short forms have been validated for use in IIMs [1].

Objectives

To investigate the physical function status of IIM patients compared to those with non-IIM autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and healthy controls (HCs) utilizing PROMIS PF data obtained in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study, a large-scale, international self-reported e-survey assessing the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in AID patients [2].

Methods

The survey data regarding demographics, IIM and AID diagnosis, disease activity, and PROMIS PF short form-10a scores were extracted from the COVAD study database. The disease activity (active vs inactive) of each patient was assessed in 3 different ways: (1) physician’s assessment (active if there was an increased immunosuppression), (2) patient’s assessment (active vs inactive as per patient), and (3) current steroid use. These 3 definitions of disease activity were applied independently to each patient. PROMIS PF-10a scores were compared between each disease category (IIMs vs non-IIM AIDs vs HCs), stratified by disease activity based on the 3 definitions stated above, employing negative binominal regression model. Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and ethnicity was performed clustering countries, and the predicted PROMIS PF-10a score was calculated based on the regression result. Factors affecting PROMIS PF-10a scores other than disease activity were identified by another multivariable regression analysis in the patients with inactive disease (IIMs or non-IIM AIDs).

Results

1057 IIM patients, 3635 non-IIM AID patients, and 3981 HCs responded to the COVAD survey until August 2021. The median age of the respondents was 43 [IQR 30-56] years old, and 74.8% were female. Among IIM patients, dermatomyositis was the most prevalent diagnosis (34.8%), followed by inclusion body myositis (IBM) (23.6%), polymyositis (PM) (16.2%), anti-synthetase syndrome (11.8%), overlap myositis (7.9%), and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) (4.6%). The predicted mean of PROMIS PF-10a scores was significantly lower in IIMs compared to non-IIM AIDs or HCs (36.3 [95% (CI) 35.5-37.1] vs 41.3 [95% CI 40.2-42.5] vs 46.2 [95% CI 45.8-46.6], P < 0.001), irrespective of disease activity or the definitions of disease activity used (physician’s assessment, patient’s assessment, or steroid use) (Figure 1). The largest difference between active IIMs and non-IIM AIDs was observed when the disease activity was defined by patient’s assessment (35.0 [95% CI 34.1-35.9] vs 40.1 [95% CI 38.7-41.5]). Considering the subgroups of IIMs, the scores were significantly lower in IBM in comparison with non-IBM IIMs (P < 0.001). The independent factors associated with low PROMIS PF-10a scores in the patients with inactive disease were older age, female gender, and the disease category being IBM, PM, or IMNM.

Conclusion

Physical function is significantly impaired in IIMs compared to non-IIM AIDs or HCs, even in patients with inactive disease. The elderly, women, and IBM groups are the worst affected, suggesting that developing targeted strategies to minimize functional disability in certain groups may improve patient reported physical function and disease outcomes.

References

[1]Saygin D, Oddis CV, Dzanko S, et al. Utility of patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) physical function form in inflammatory myopathy. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2021; 51: 539-46.

[2]Sen P, Gupta L, Lilleker JB, et al. COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune disease (COVAD) survey protocol. Rheumatol Int. 2022; 42: 23-9.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all respondents for filling the questionnaire. The authors thank The Myositis Association, Myositis India, Myositis UK, the Myositis Global Network, Cure JM, Cure IBM, Sjögren’s India Foundation, EULAR PARE, and various other patient support groups and organizations for their invaluable contribution in the dissemination of this survey among patients which made the data collection possible. The authors also thank all members of the COVAD study group.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0899 HIGH FATIGUE SCORES IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES: A MULTIGROUP COMPARATIVE STUDY FROM THE COVAD E-SURVEY

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a rare, multisystem, heterogeneous diseases, and contribute to high psychological burden. The patients’ perception of physical health, deteriorating independence and social and environmental relationships may not always be a direct function of disease activity. To face with these aspects, several worldwide specialized organization have recommended the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) both in clinical trials and observational studies to highlight patient’s perception of the disease (1). Unfortunately, data on fatigue scores in IIM is limited.

Objectives

We compared fatigue VAS scores in patients with IIM, autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and healthy controls (HCs) and triangulated them with PROMIS physical function in a large international cohort made up of answers from the e-survey regarding the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study.

Methods

Data of 16327 respondents was extracted from the COVAD database on August 31th 2021. VAS fatigue scores were compared between AID, HC and IIM using univariate followed by multivariate analysis after adjusting for baseline differences. We further performed a propensity score matched analysis on 1827 subjects after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables, and Bonferroni’s correction was applied for the post hoc analyses considering IIMs as a reference group.

Results

We analyzed answers from 6988 patients, with a mean age of 43.8 years (SD 16.2). The overall percentage of female was 72% and the population ethnicity was mainly composed of White (55.1%), followed by Asian (24.6%), and Hispanic (13.8%). The overall fatigue VAS was 3.6 mm (SD 2.7). IIMs VAS was 4.8 mm (SD 2.6), AIDs 4.5 mm (SD 2.6), and HC 2.8 mm (SD 2.6) (P <0,001). VAS fatigue scores of IIMs were comparable with AIDs (P 0.084), albeit significantly higher than the HCs (P <0,001). Notably, fatigue VAS was lower in IIMs than AIDs in two distinct subsets: inactive disease as defined by the patient’s perception and the “excellent” general health condition group, where IIMs had worse scores (P <0,05). Interestingly, fatigue VAS was comparable in active disease defined by physician assessment, patient perception, based on general functional status, or when defined by steroid dose being prescribed. Notably, after propensity matched analysis of patients adjusting for gender, age and ethnicity (1.827 answers, i.e. 609 subjects per group, P =1) the differences disappeared and IIMs and AIDs had comparable fatigue levels across all levels of disease activity, although the fatigue discrepancies with HCs were substantially confirmed.

After application of a multivariate linear regression analysis we found that lower fatigue VAS scores were related to HC (P <0,001), male gender (P <0,001), Asian and Hispanic ethnicities (P <0,001 and 0,003).

Conclusion

Our study confirms that there is a higher prevalence of fatigue in all the AIDs patients, with comparable VAS scores between IIMs and other AIDs. We can also read our data commenting that females and/or Caucasians patients suffer a higher impact of this manifestation of chronic autoimmune diseases upon their lives. This is why these subjects, to our judgement, should be carefully evaluated during outpatients visits and to whom we should spend some extra time to discuss health related issues and how to improve them.

References

[1]Regardt, M. et al. OMERACT 2018 Modified Patient-reported Outcome Domain Core Set in the Life Impact Area for Adult Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies. J. Rheumatol.46, 1351–1354 (2019).

Figure 1.

distribution of Fatigue VAS scores in the three population evaluated. IIM idiopathic inflammatory myositis; AID autoimmune diseases; HC healthy controls; * P < 0,05.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1260 COVID-19 VACCINATION-RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS AMONG AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES (COVAD) STUDY

Background

COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in the healthy population at large. However, significant gaps remain in the evidence of their safety in patients with systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (SAIDs). Patients and rheumatologists have expressed concerns regarding vaccination triggered allergic reactions, thrombogenic events, and other adverse events (ADEs) contributing to vaccine hesitancy (1)

Objectives

This study aimed to assess and compare short term COVID-19 vaccination associated ADEs in patients with SAIDs and healthy controls (HC) seven days post-vaccination, as well as between patients with SAIDs receiving different vaccines.

Methods

We developed an comprehensive, patient self-reporting electronic-survey to collect respondent demographics, SAID details, COVID-19 infection history, COVID-19 vaccination details, 7-day post vaccination adverse events and patient reported outcome measures using the PROMIS tool. After pilot testing, validation, translation into 18 languages on the online platform surveymonkey.com, and vetting by international experts, the survey was circulated in early 2021 by a multicenter study group of >110 collaborators in 94 countries. ADEs were categorized as injection site pain, minor ADEs, major ADEs, and hospitalizations. We analyzed data from the baseline survey for descriptive and intergroup comparative statistics based on data distribution and variable type (data as median, IQR).

Results

10900 respondents [42 (30-55) years, 74% females and 45% Caucasians] were analyzed. 5,867 patients (54%) with SAIDs were compared with 5033 HCs. All respondents included in the final analysis had received a single dose of the vaccine and 69% had received 2 primary doses. Pfizer (39.8%) was the most common vaccine received, followed by Oxford/AstraZeneca (13.4%), and Covishield (10.9%). Baseline demographics differed by an older SAID population (mean age 42 vs. 33 years) and a greater female predominance (M:F= 1:4.7 vs. 1:1.8) compared to HCs.

79% had minor and only 3% had major vaccine ADEs requiring urgent medical attention overall. In adjusted analysis, among minor ADEs, abdominal pain [multivariate OR 1.6 (1.14-2.3)], dizziness [multivariate OR 1.3 (1.2-1.5)], and headache [multivariate OR 1.67 (1.3-2.2)], were more frequent in SAIDs than HCs. Overall major ADEs [multivariate OR 1.9 (1.6-2.2)], and throat closure [multivariate OR 5.7 (2.9-11.3)] were more frequent in SAIDs though absolute risk was small (0-4%) and rates of hospitalization were similarly small in both groups, with a small absolute risk (0-4%). Specific minor ADEs frequencies were different among different vaccine types, however, major ADEs and hospitalizations overall were rare (0-4%) and comparable across vaccine types in patients with SAIDs (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

A. Post Vaccination ADEs in SAIDs compared to HCs. B. Proportions of post COVID-19 vaccination ADEs in SAIDs by vaccine type.

Conclusion

Vaccination against COVID-19 is relatively safe and tolerable in patients with SAIDs. Certain minor vaccine ADEs are more frequent in SAIDs than HCs in this study, though are not severe and do not require urgent medical attention. SAIDs were at a higher risk of major ADEs than HCs, though absolute risk was small, and did not lead to increased hospitalizations. There are small differences in minor ADEs between vaccine types in patients with SAIDs.

References

[1]Boekel L, Kummer LY, van Dam KPJ, Hooijberg F, van Kempen Z, Vogelzang EH, et al. Adverse events after first COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases. Lancet Rheumatol. 2021 Aug;3(8):e542–5.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all members of the COVAD study group for their invaluable role in the collection of data. The authors thank all respondents for filling the questionnaire. The authors thank The Myositis Association, Myositis India, Myositis UK, the Myositis Global Network, Cure JM, Cure IBM, Sjögren’s India Foundation, EULAR PARE, and various other patient support groups and organizations for their invaluable contribution in the dissemination of this survey among patients which made the data collection possible. The authors also thank all members of the COVAD study group.

Disclosure of Interests

Parikshit Sen: None declared, Naveen R: None declared, Arvind Nune: None declared, James B. Lilleker: None declared, Vishwesh Agarwal: None declared, Sinan Kardes: None declared, Minchul Kim: None declared, Jessica Day Grant/research support from: JD has received research funding from CSL Limited., Marcin Milchert: None declared, Tamer A Gheita: None declared, Babur Salim: None declared, Tsvetelina Velikova: None declared, Abraham Edgar Gracia-Ramos: None declared, Ioannis Parodis Speakers bureau: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Consultant of: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Grant/research support from: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Albert Selva-O’Callaghan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Consultant of: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Grant/research support from: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, and holds research grants from Pfizer and Lilly., Tulika Chatterjee: None declared, Ai Lyn Tan Speakers bureau: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Consultant of: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Grant/research support from: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Lorenzo Cavagna: None declared, Miguel A Saavedra: None declared, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo: None declared, Nelly Ziade Speakers bureau: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript., Consultant of: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript., Grant/research support from: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript., Johannes Knitza: None declared, Masataka Kuwana: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Grant/research support from: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Hector Chinoy Speakers bureau: HC has served as a speaker for UCB, Biogen., Consultant of: HC has received consulting fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Orphazyme, Astra Zeneca, Grant/research support from: HC has received grant support from Eli Lilly and UCB, Vikas Agarwal: None declared, Rohit Aggarwal Consultant of: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from for the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, Kyverna, Janssen, Roivant, Boehringer Ingelheim, Argenx, Q32, Alexion, EMD Serono, Jubliant, Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant., Grant/research support from: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from for the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, Kyverna, Janssen, Roivant, Boehringer Ingelheim, Argenx, Q32, Alexion, EMD Serono, Jubliant, Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant., Latika Gupta: None declared

POS1552-HPR A SYNTHESIS OF GUIDANCE AVAILABLE FOR ASSESSING METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY AND GRADING OF EVIDENCE FROM QUALITATIVE RESEARCH TO INFORM CLINICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background

Qualitative research is crucial to understand key stakeholders experiences and perspectives of care and health services. However, there is a lack of explicit frameworks and guidelines about how best to use qualitative evidence to formulate clinical recommendations. Part of the problem includes uncertainties about the contributions of qualitative research to the evidence, and the empirical and theoretical basis for appraising and synthesizing qualitative evidence in a standardized manner. In addition, most existing grading systems of qualitative research originates from quantitative research, and there is no clear guidance about how to incorporate qualitative research into the evidence hierarchy.

Objectives

To conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to answer two research questions (RQ):

RQ1) What guidance (e.g., tools, checklists, frameworks) exists to assess the methodological quality of qualitative research employed to inform clinical recommendations?;

RQ2) What methods exist specifically to grade levels of evidence for qualitative research?

Methods

The protocol for this review was registered on www.researchregistry.com (reviewregistry1240). Electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, COCHRANE, Emcare, PsycINFO, ERIC, Academic Search Premier, Sociological Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global) were searched for published and unpublished studies. Searches were completed from inception to 23rd October 2020. No restrictions were applied to clinical population. Eligible studies for both questions included primary articles and guideline documents available in English, describing the: i) development; ii) application of validated tools (e.g., checklists); iii) guidance on how to assess methodological quality of qualitive research and iv) guidance on how to grade levels of qualitative evidence. Opinion pieces and conference abstracts were excluded. Manual searches of the reference lists of full text articles were conducted. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full text. A narrative synthesis was conducted to identify key aspects between the included studies.

Results

9071 records were retrieved (Figure 1). After de-duplication and title/abstract screening, 51 full-articles articles were assessed for eligibility yielding 15 included articles. For RQ1, six articles were included that described six tools (1) The society for Critical Care Medicine Family – Cantered Care Guidelines; 2) Nursing Management of the Second Stage of Labour evidence based clinical practice guidelines; 3) Jonna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Studies; 4) Critical Skill’s Appraisal Programme (CASP) and 6) the Modified CASP checklist). All tools ranged from 10 to 30 items, and evaluated research design, recruitment, ethical rigour, data collection and data analysis. Seven articles described one approach (GRADE CER-Qual) to assess methodological quality of qualitative research. This approach advised on the importance for assessing methodological limitations. For RQ2, two articles were included, one described a qualitative hierarchy of evidence, and another described a research pyramid that included a section on qualitative research.

Figure 1.

PRISMA diagram of included papers

Conclusion

This review highlights lack of consensus and limited availability of tools, checklists, and approaches to 1) appraise the methodological quality of qualitative research used to inform clinical recommendations and 2) grade levels of evidence for qualitative research. Current research agendas will need to determine the most relevant and appropriate method for the quality appraisal of qualitative research. This way, qualitative research could be more consistently and appropriately applied to the development of clinical recommendations.

References

N/A

Disclosure of Interests

Mandeep Sekhon: None declared, Annette de Thurah: None declared, George E. Fragoulis: None declared, Tanja Stamm: None declared, T.P.M. Vliet Vlieland: None declared, Bente Appel Esbensen: None declared, Heidi Lempp: None declared, Lindsay Bearne: None declared, Marios Kouloumas: None declared, Polina Pchelnikova: None declared, Thijs W. Swinnen: None declared, Chris Blunt: None declared, Ricardo J. O. Ferreira: None declared, Loreto Carmona: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapgos, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Eli Lilly

POS0201 COVID-19 SEVERITY AND VACCINE BREAKTHROUGH INFECTIONS IN IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES, OTHER SYSTEMIC AUTOIMMUNE AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES, AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS: RESULTS FROM THE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES (COVAD) STUDY

Background

Significant gaps are present in the evidence of the spectrum and severity of COVID-19 infection in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). IIM patients typically require immunosuppressive therapy, may have multiple disease sequelae, and frequent comorbidities, and thus may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection and complications (1). The possibility of attenuated immunogenicity and reduced efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines due to concomitant immunosuppressive medication is a major concern in these patients, and there is little data available on COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections (BI) in IIM (2).

Objectives

This study aimed to compare disease spectrum and severity and COVID-19 BI in patients with IIM, other systemic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (SAIDs) and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

We developed an extensive self-reporting electronic-survey (COVAD survey) featuring 36 questions to collect respondent demographics, SAID details, COVID-19 infection history, COVID-19 vaccination details, 7-day post vaccination adverse events and patient reported outcome measures using the PROMIS tool. After pilot testing, validation, translation into 18 languages on the online platform surveymonkey.com, and vetting by international experts, the COVAD survey was circulated in early 2021 by a multicenter study group of >110 collaborators in 94 countries. BI was defined as COVID-19 infection occurring more than 2 weeks after receiving 1st or 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We analyzed data from the baseline survey for descriptive and intergroup comparative statistics based on data distribution and variable type.

Results

10900 respondents [mean age 42 (30-55) years, 74% females and 45% Caucasians] were analyzed. 1,227 (11.2%) had IIM, 4,640 (42.6%) had other SAIDs, and 5,033 (46.2%) were HC. All respondents included in the final analysis had received a single dose of the vaccine and 69% had received 2 primary doses. Pfizer (39.8%) was the most common vaccine received, followed by Oxford/AstraZeneca (13.4%), and Covishield (10.9%). IIM patients were older, had a higher Caucasian representation and higher Pfizer uptake than other SAIDs, and HC. A higher proportion of IIM patients received immunosuppressants than other SAIDs.

IIMs were at a lower risk of symptomatic pre-vaccination COVID-19 infection compared to SAIDs [multivariate OR 0.6 (0.4-0.8)] and HCs [multivariate OR 0.39 (0.28-0.54)], yet at a higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 compared to SAIDs [univariate OR 2.3 (1.2-3.5)] and HCs [multivariate OR 2.5 (1.1-5.8)]. BIs were very uncommon in IIM patients, with only 17 (1.4%) reporting BI. IIM patients were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 prior to vaccination than ≤2 weeks of vaccination [univariate OR 8 (4.1-15)] or BI [univariate OR 4.6 (2.7-8.0)]. BIs were equally severe compared to when they occurred prior to vaccination in IIMs, and were comparable between IIM, SAIDs, and HC (Figure 1), though BI disease duration was shorter in IIMs than SAIDs (7 vs 11 days, p 0.027). 13/17 IIM patients with BI were on immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

IIM patients experienced COVID-19 infection less frequently prior to vaccination but were at a higher risk of hospitalization and requirement for oxygen therapy compared with patients with HC. Breakthrough COVID-19 infections were rare (1.4%) in vaccinated IIM patients, and were similar to HC and SAIDs, except for shorter disease duration in IIM.

References

[1]Brito-Zerón P, Sisó-Almirall A, Flores-Chavez A, Retamozo S, Ramos-Casals M. SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2021 Jun;39(3):676–87.

[2]Wack S, Patton T, Ferris LK. COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease: Review of available evidence. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Nov;85(5):1274–84.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all members of the COVAD study group for their invaluable role in the collection of data. The authors thank all respondents for filling the questionnaire. The authors thank The Myositis Association, Myositis India, Myositis UK, the Myositis Global Network, Cure JM, Cure IBM, Sjögren’s India Foundation, EULAR PARE, and various other patient support groups and organizations for their invaluable contribution in the dissemination of this survey among patients which made the data collection possible. The authors also thank all members of the COVAD study group.

Disclosure of Interests

Latika Gupta: None declared, Leonardo Santos Hoff: None declared, Naveen R: None declared, Parikshit Sen: None declared, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo: None declared, Jessica Day Grant/research support from: JD has received research funding from CSL Limited, James B. Lilleker: None declared, Vishwesh Agarwal: None declared, Sinan Kardes: None declared, Minchul Kim: None declared, Ashima Makol: None declared, Marcin Milchert: None declared, Tamer A Gheita: None declared, Babur Salim: None declared, Tsvetelina Velikova: None declared, Abraham Edgar Gracia-Ramos: None declared, Ioannis Parodis Speakers bureau: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Consultant of: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Grant/research support from: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Albert Selva-O’Callaghan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Consultant of: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Grant/research support from: EN holds research grants from Pfizer and Lilly., Tulika Chatterjee: None declared, Ai Lyn Tan Speakers bureau: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Consultant of: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Arvind Nune: None declared, Lorenzo Cavagna: None declared, Miguel A Saavedra: None declared, Nelly Ziade Speakers bureau: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript, Consultant of: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript, Grant/research support from: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript, Johannes Knitza: None declared, Masataka Kuwana: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Grant/research support from: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Hector Chinoy Speakers bureau: HC has been a speaker for UCB, Biogen., Consultant of: HC has received consulting fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Orphazyme, Astra Zeneca, Grant/research support from: HC has received grant support from Eli Lilly and UCB, Vikas Agarwal: None declared, Rohit Aggarwal Consultant of: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, and Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant., Grant/research support from: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, and Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant.

POS1554-HPR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE USE OF JANUS KINASE INHIBITORS TO TREAT PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS

Background

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are relatively new to the field of rheumatology and provide health professionals in rheumatology (HPRs) with more therapeutic options for treating inflammatory arthritis (IA), specifically rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) [1]. Aside from a different target, JAKi differ from often currently prescribed biologics by being administered orally. To date, there is a lack of evidence on what HPRs think about their real-world use and how the COVID-19 pandemic affects JAKi prescription.

Objectives

To explore UK-based HPRs’ perspectives towards JAKi use in IA patients, and in the context also of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A 15-item anonymous online survey, with both closed and open-ended questions, was designed and piloted on 5 HPRs with amendments made based on their feedback. The survey was advertised on Twitter and shared by email in September 2021. Data were exported from the online survey platform and analysed descriptively with the assistance of statistical software.

Results

Fifty-one HPRs responded to the survey: 37 Consultants, 7 Registrars, 5 Clinical Nurse Specialists, 1 Clinical Fellow and 1 ‘other rheumatology role’ (not stated). Responses were received from 11/12 UK regions. Most represented was Greater London (18%) and North-West England (16%). 69% of respondents worked in secondary care, with the remaining 31% in tertiary care. The majority (40%) spent 1-25% of their job role doing research, followed by 27% who were not research active.

60% of HPRs indicated that 1-5% of their RA and/or PsA patients take a JAKi (no HPRs had more than 15% of their RA/PsA patients on a JAKi). 96% of HPRs indicated that they prescribe JAKi in their clinical practice, with 91% of those who prescribe following their local guidelines. 72% of respondents who prescribe JAKi, prescribed them ‘frequently’ as a monotherapy. Figure 1 shows responses chosen for when JAKi therapy is usually started and for feeling less confident with JAKi prescription.

Of those HPRs who prescribe, 17% have continued JAKi in their patients. When discontinuation occurred, the most common reasons chosen (multiple responses allowed) were ‘due to inefficacy’ (60%), ‘due to other adverse events’ i.e., non-major adverse cardiovascular events (32%) and ‘due to herpes zoster infection’ (28%). 55% of HPRs would consider switching patients to another JAKi after initial failure.

Across prescribers, 49% indicated no impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their prescribing of JAKi. Common reasons chosen for a change in prescribing patterns for JAKi as a result of the pandemic (multiple responses allowed) included: prescribing them more as ‘an alternative to infusions, in order to reduce hospital visits’ (23%) and as ‘an alternative to injections, in order to reduce at-home training visits’ (21%). This was followed by ‘other reason’ (15%) with the free text from all 7 respondents highlighting the benefits of the shorter half-life of JAKi e.g., “Prescribed more as quick on and quick off so can be discontinued quickly in event of severe infection” (Registrar, Greater London).

Safety concerns around the use of JAKi were raised in 13/14 free text comments left at the end of the survey e.g., “I am concerned about recent reports of increased VTE [venous thromboembolism] and malignancies” (Consultant, Yorkshire and the Humber) and “Concerns about cardiovascular safety” (Clinical Fellow, Scotland).

Conclusion

A large proportion of HPRs indicate confidence in prescribing JAKi to their patients with IA, adhering to local guidelines. JAKi are largely prescribed as monotherapy, with the most frequent reason for discontinuation being inefficacy. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have positively impacted JAKi prescription, however, safety concerns over JAKi use remain for some HPRs.

References

[1]Bechman, K. et al. Pharmacol. Res. (2019) 147, 104392.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all health professionals who piloted, completed and shared the survey. This study received funding from the Pfizer Inflammation ASPIRE 2020 Rheumatology International Developed Markets Competitive Grant Programme.

Disclosure of Interests

Savia de Souza: None declared, Andrew Bassett: None declared, Ruth Williams: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer and Lilly.

OP0161 TREATMENT PATTERNS OF IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES: RESULTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL COHORT OF OVER 1,400 PATIENTS

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of heterogeneous autoimmune disorders with limited standardization of treatment protocols.

Objectives

To evaluate frequency and patterns of various treatments used for IIM based on disease subtype, world region, and organ involvement.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the international CoVAD self-report e-survey1 was extracted on Sep 14th, 2021. Patient details included demographics, IIM subtypes (dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD), necrotizing myositis (NM) and overlap myositis (OM)), clinical symptoms, disease duration and activity, and current treatments. Treatments were categorized in corticosteroids (CS), antimalarials, immunosuppressants (IS), intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), biologics, and others. Typical clinical symptoms (dyspnea, dysphagia) were used as surrogate for organ involvement. Factors associated with IS were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for IIM subtype, demographics, world region, disease activity, and prevalent clinical symptoms (>10%).

Results

In 1418 patients with IIM, median age was 61 years [IQR 49-70], 62.5% were females, median disease duration was 6 years [IQR 3-11], most common subset was DM (32.4%).

The most used treatments were IS (49.4%, including Methotrexate 19.6%, Mycophenolate Mofetil 18.2%, Azathioprine 8.8%, Cyclosporine 2.7%, Tacrolimus 2%, Leflunomide 1.6%, Sulfasalazine 1%, and Cyclophosphamide 0.6%), followed by CS (40.8%), antimalarials (13.8%) and IVIG (9.4%). Biologics were used in 4.3% of patients.

Treatment patterns differed significantly by IIM subtypes with a higher frequency of IS (77.7%) and CS (63.4%) use in ASSD; antimalarials (28.6%) and biologics (9.8%) use in OM and IVIG use in NM (24.6%) (Table 1). Also, treatment patterns were different in regions of the world (Figure 1), with a higher frequency of CS use in Europe (60.5%) and IS use in South America (77.2%). Antimalarials were most used in Asia (19.4%), while IVIG use was most common in Oceania (16.9%). Dyspnea was associated with higher use of IS (69.9%) and CS (65.8%) (p<0.001), whereas dysphagia was negatively associated with IS (39.7%) and CS (32.7%) likely due to a higher proportion in IBM patients reporting dysphagia.

Table 1.

Current Treatments for IIM, Stratified by Disease Subtypes

DermatomyositisPolymyositisInclusion Body MyositisAnti-synthetase syndromeNecrotizing myositisOverlap syndromeAll IIMp-valueNumber of patients459182348148572241418Immunosuppressants*269 (58.6)107 (58.8)39 (11.2)115 (77.7)40 (70.2)130 (58.0)700 (49.4)<0.001Corticosteroids208 (48.0)81 (46.8)32 (9.7)90 (63.4)32 (59.3)103 (50.0)546 (40.8)<0.001Antimalarials99 (21.6)7 (3.8)0 (0.0)25 (16.9)1 (1.8)64 (28.6)196 (13.8)<0.001Intravenous Immunoglobulins54 (11.8)16 (8.8)19 (5.5)10 (6.8)14 (24.6)20 (8.9)133 (9.4)<0.001Biologics**17 (3.7)7 (3.8)0 (0.0)13 (8.8)2 (3.5)22 (9.8)61 (4.3)<0.001Others***6 (1.3)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)1 (0.7)0 (0.0)5 (2,2)12 (0.8)0.098

*Methotrexate (278), Mycophenolate Mofetil (258), Azathioprine (125), Cyclosporine (38), Tacrolimus (28), Leflunomide (23), Sulfasalazine (14), Cyclophosphamide (9)

. **Rituximab (44), Abatacept (5), TNF inhibitors (4), Tocilizumab (3), Belimumab (3), Secukinumab (1)

. ***JAK(10) and PDE4 inhibitors (2)

Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed an association of IS with the IIM subtype (least used in IBM (OR 0.07 [95%CI 0.04-0.13] compared to DM), world region (most used in South America (OR 2.35 [1.12-4.91] compared to North America), active and worsening disease activity (OR 3.49 [1.76-6.91] compared to remission), and some clinical features (dyspnea, fatigue, and muscle weakness).

Conclusion

IIM treatment patterns differ significantly by disease subtypes, world regions and organ involvement, highlighting the need for unified international consensus-driven guidelines.

References

[1]Parikshit S. et al. Rheumatol Int. 2022 Jan;42(1):23–9.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0156 PATIENT INVOLVEMENT IN REGISTRIES BASED RESEARCH

Background

Patient research partners (PRPs) are increasingly included in research as well as guideline development task forces in rheumatology. In observational and registry studies the role and involvement of PRPs is not clear.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate current PRP involvement in registry research as well as benefits and barriers of implementation in practice.

Methods

Based on a round table discussion during the EULAR Registries and observational drug studies meeting (RODS) in 2019 we used mixed methods methodology (survey and focus groups) to study the role of PRPs and involvement in research. The survey was sent to investigators of registries across Europe, participants of RODS meetings and members of the EULAR PARE (People with Arthritis / Rheumatism across Europe) network. Interested survey participants were further invited to one of three focus groups. The conduction of the focus groups (FG) was guided by a semi-structured guide based on the survey results. An inductive thematic analysis approach was applied to qualitative data.

Results

We received 45 survey responses with around half of them from patients. The mean importance of PRP involvement was scored VAS±SD: 75±24mm (on a 100mm VAS), but the actual involvement was rather low (VAS: 32±20mm) and 12 participants had no experience with PRPs. The most common current practice was patient involvement in design of studies (32%), cooperation with patient organisation for recruitment (32%) and involvement of PRPs in the management board (32%). The most important need of PRP integration was attributed in the stages of design and preparation before recruitment. 11 survey participants even indicated that PRPs should be involved in all stages/tasks of research. During the focus groups 5 main themes (Table 1) could be identified. Complementary perspectives lead to greater synergy between researchers and patients and further the aim of deriving more valid outcomes. For successful involvement of PRPs, ideally PRPs should be heterogeneous in regard to their lived experience, education ought to be provided and researchers are responsible to offer an environment where PRPs feel comfortable. All FGs elaborated on different roles that PRPs can take on, although the researcher FGs outlined more different tasks of involvement than the PRP group. One theme summarised different barriers for PRP involvement, which have not been a topic of discussion in the FG composed of PRPs only.

Table 1.

Overview of themes, sub-themes, and presence of theme according to which focus group discussion.

ThemeSub themeFocus GroupsResearcherResearcher and ProfessionalsPRPs1.Current experiences of PRPs involvement in researchResearcher experiences of involving PRPsXXPatient experiences of being involved as PRPsXX2.The role of PRP in registries and researchComplementary perspectives between researchers and PRPsXXXThe aim of patient involvement in researchX3.Points to consider for involving PRPs in researchConsider professional and social backgroundsXProvide PRPs education and trainingXXA welcoming environment for PRPs to contributeXX4.PRP involvement in different phases of the research processGive PRPs a voice in research committeesXXIdentify questions that are most relevant to patientsXXSelect the most relevant outcomes to patientsXXImprove recruitment strategiesXanalysis, interpretation and dissemination of resultsXX5.Barriers to involving PRPs in researchRecruiting PRPs from ethnic minoritiesXResearchers’ preconceptions of patients’ ability to be involved in researchXChallenging to ask patients to help analyse quantitative dataXLimited financial resourcesXFigure 1.

the empirical research cycle - basis for discussion of the role, opportunities & challenges for patient research partners in registry and observational drug study research. X/Y indicates the number of votes for including PRPs at the respective stage.

Conclusion

There is room and much appreciation of PRP involvement in registry research. Researchers and PRPs could use the strategies proposed in this study to define PRP roles and plans of ongoing and future studies.

Disclosure of Interests

Paul Studenic: None declared, Mandeep Sekhon: None declared, Loreto Carmona: None declared, Maarten de Wit: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galpagos, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Eli Lilly

P198 The role of comorbidities alongside patient and disease characteristics on long-term disease activity in RA using UK inception cohort data

Background/Aims

Control of disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is crucial to prevent long-term joint damage and disability. European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) guidelines recommend focus on disease activity when measuring health outcomes in people living with RA. Particularly, one of their four overarching principles targets clinical remission, defined as the absence of significant inflammatory disease activity, or low disease activity an acceptable alternative. In EULAR’s most recent guidelines (2014), attention was drawn to the role of comorbidities in RA disease management noting the “potential to preclude treatment intensification”. Besides this, recent work by the EULAR Task Force on difficult-to-treat RA recognises that comorbidities can influence the assessment of inflammatory activity in individuals with RA. This study aimed to identify early predictors of poor disease activity at five and 10 years, focussing on comorbidities alongside clinical/sociodemographic factors at first presentation.

Methods

Patients were recruited from two UK-based RA cohorts; Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Study (ERAS, 1986-2001) and Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Network (ERAN, 2002-2012). Participants were classified into two groups; low (&lt;3.2) and moderate/high (≥3.2) Disease Activity Score (DAS28) at 5/10 years. Clinical information (e.g., rheumatoid nodules, erosions), sociodemographic factors (e.g., ethnicity, deprivation) and comorbidity burden (measured using the Rheumatic Diseases Comorbidity Index [RDCI]) were recorded at baseline and yearly thereafter. Multivariable logistic regression models (outcome; low versus DAS28≥3.2) were fitted using multiple imputation.

Results

2,701 patients with RA were recruited (mean age 56.1 years, 66.9% female); 5-year follow-up data were available for 1,718 (63.4%) and 10-year for 820 (30.4%) patients. A higher proportion of individuals had DAS28≥3.2 values at 10 years than five (65.6% vs 59.7%). In multivariable analyses, baseline RDCI was not associated with DAS28 at five (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.22) or 10 years (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.31). Sociodemographic factors (female gender, worse deprivation) and poorer baseline HAQ were associated with DAS28≥3.2 at both timepoints, with no association found with age at onset. Being seropositive was associated with DAS28≥3.2 at 5 but not 10 years of follow-up. Conversely, a relationship existed between presence of erosions at baseline and 10-year DAS28 (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.85).

Conclusion

This study found no association between baseline comorbidity burden and long-term RA disease activity. However, in models adjusted for comorbidity burden, associations with sociodemographic and clinical factors were demonstrated. These results build upon those relating to functional outcome and will accelerate the identification of those RA patients at increased risk of worse outcomes at initial rheumatology appointment. Additionally, these findings suggest that tailored intervention can be implemented in a timely manner, in line with national and international recommendations, potentially limiting permanent joint damage and disability to improve quality of life for individuals with RA.

Disclosure

A.D. Busby: None. J. Wason: None. A.G. Pratt: None. A. Young: None. J. Isaacs: None. E. Nikiphorou: None.

P186 The association between social deprivation and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review

Background/Aims

It is clear that physical and mental illnesses are driven by ethnicity, social, environmental and economic determinants. Novel theoretical frameworks in RA focus on links between biological and non-biological (social) factors and adverse interactions within specific social contexts. This review aimed to summarise the existing evidence on associations between social deprivation and RA disease activity, and implications for research going forward.

Methods

Articles studying the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and RA disease activity were included, published from 1946 until March 2021. Initial scoping reviews were performed to optimise the search strategy, especially with regards to the exposure and outcome variables. The focus of the review was on the effect of “socioeconomic status” or similar database indexing terms, on disease activity (and similar indexing terms). The databases Medline, Embase, International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment, PsychInfo and Cochrane Databases were searched. The research question, using the ‘Patients, Intervention, Comparator or Control, Outcome, Type of study’ format was as follows: Is there an association between social deprivation and disease activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis? The search was restricted to English-language articles only. Articles deemed eligible were: observational studies, qualitative studies and randomised controlled trials. Titles and abstracts were screened to assess eligibility. The full articles which met inclusion criteria were then examined in detail by one author. For validation, 10% of articles were screened at the abstract and full paper stage by a second author. Disagreements were resolved through discussion and input from a third reviewer. Information was extracted on definition/measure of SES, ethnicity, education, employment comorbidities, disease activity and the presence/absence of association between social deprivation and disease activity.

Results

In the initial search, 1750 articles and 797 conference abstracts were identified. After deduplication, this was reduced to 1299 full papers. After screening title and abstract, 1268 papers were excluded, with 31 proceeding to full-text screening. Ultimately, 30 articles (all observational studies) were included in the review. There was marked variation in definition of SES, with ten articles using a formal scale or measure, the majority using educational attainment as a proxy. Most studies controlled for lifestyle factors including smoking and BMI, as well as comorbidities. 25 articles concluded an association between SES and RA disease activity, two articles were unclear, and three found no association.

Conclusion

Our review highlights the association between low SES and worse disease outcomes in patients with RA, consistent with previous work in this area. We have demonstrated the complex multifaceted relationships giving rise to this association. There is a need for increased application of mixed-methods methodology and consideration of syndemic frameworks to understand bio-bio and bio-social interactions, to examine drivers of disease and poor clinical outcomes more holistically.

Disclosure

M. Dey: None. A. Busby: None. H. Elwell: None. H. Lempp: None. A. Pratt: None. J.D. Isaacs: None. E. Nikiphorou: None.

P202 Impact of ‘moderate' active RA on patient lives

Background/Aims

The objective of this survey was to highlight the everyday impact of living with active Rheumatoid Arthritis for people not meeting the eligibility criteria (pre-July 2021), to be treated with advanced therapies.

Methods

NRAS wanted to reach people living with RA for more than 2 years but not being treated with any advanced therapies with a national survey to gauge if they had active disease that was not well controlled and the impact of that active disease on their lives. The survey was designed to capture demographics, current treatment, frequency of RA flares, impact of disease (utilising the validated tool of RAID) as well as work status and restrictions on lifestyle. The national online survey was distributed via all NRAS social media platforms as well as email.

Results

612 responses from across the UK with a mean age of 59 years were gathered. 88% were female and 37.7% had a disease duration of 2-5 years with a further 27.9% with disease duration of 5-10 years. 90% declared having RA flare in the previous 12 months with 23% reporting having had six or more flares within the year. A total RAID score was calculated for 611 respondents. A RAID patient acceptable state was recorded in only 12.4%. 74.3% scored sleep problems and 72% fatigue in the high range. Working hours alteration was reported by 70% of respondent. The RAID scores were significantly predictive of number of flares.

Conclusion

Patients not currently treated with biologics/biosimilars or targeted synthetic DMARDs experience profound difficulties affecting their health, emotional state, work and families. NRAS advocate that patient reported measures be used to facilitate holistic care, addressing inflammation and other consequences of RA on everyday life. Since this piece of work was carried out the threshold for accessing some advanced therapies has been lowered by NICE meaning that in England and Wales many of these people will now have access to being treated on an advanced therapy however there still exists issues in Scotland and Northern Ireland in being able to offer such treatments to those with RA disease activity score of less than 5.1 as well as cost barriers.

Disclosure

C. Jacklin: None. E. Nikiphorou: None. P. Kiely: None. H. Jacklin: None. A. Bosworth: None.

Association between social deprivation and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review

Physical and mental illnesses are driven by ethnicity, social, environmental and economic determinants. Novel theoretical frameworks in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) focus on links and adverse interactions between and within biological and social factors. This review aimed to summarise associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and RA disease activity, and implications for future research. Articles studying the association between SES and RA disease activity were identified, from 1946 until March 2021. The research question was: Is there an association between social deprivation and disease activity in people with RA? Articles meeting inclusion criteria were examined by one author, with 10% screened at abstract and full paper stage by a second author. Disagreements were resolved with input from a third reviewer. Information was extracted on definition/measure of SES, ethnicity, education, employment, comorbidities, disease activity and presence/absence of association between SES and disease activity. Initially, 1750 articles were identified, with 30 articles ultimately included. SES definition varied markedly-10 articles used a formal scale and most used educational attainment as a proxy. Most studies controlled for lifestyle factors including smoking and body mass index, and comorbidities. Twenty-five articles concluded an association between SES and RA disease activity; two were unclear; three found no association. We have demonstrated the association between low SES and worse RA outcomes. There is a need for further research into the mechanisms underpinning this, including application of mixed-methods methodology and consideration of syndemic frameworks to understand bio-bio and bio-social interactions, to examine disease drivers and outcomes holistically.

Exploring the disparity between inflammation and disability in the 10-year outcomes of people with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To identify groups of people with RA with different disability trajectories over 10 years, despite comparable levels of inflammation.

METHODS

Data for this analysis came from three European prospective cohort studies of people with RA [Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR), Early RA Network (ERAN), Étude et Suivi des Polyarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes (ESPOIR)]. Participants were assessed regularly over 8 (ERAN) to 10 (NOAR/ESPOIR) years. Inclusion criteria were: recruited after 1 January 2000, <24 months baseline symptom duration, and disability (HAQ) and inflammation [two-component DAS28 (DAS28-2C)] recorded at baseline and at one other follow-up. People in each cohort also completed patient-reported outcome measures at each assessment (pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms). Group-based trajectory models were used to identify distinct groups of people with similar HAQ and DAS28-2C trajectories over follow-up.

RESULTS

This analysis included 2500 people with RA (NOAR: 1000, ESPOIR: 766, ERAN: 734). ESPOIR included more women and the participants were younger [mean (standard deviation) age: NOAR: 57.1 (14.6), ESPOIR: 47.6 (12.5), ERAN: 56.8 (13.8); women: NOAR: 63.9%, ESPOIR: 76.9%, ERAN: 69.1%). Within each cohort, two pairs of trajectories following the hypothesized pattern (comparable DAS28-2Cs but different HAQs) were identified. Higher pain, fatigue and depressive symptoms were associated with increased odds of being in the high HAQ trajectories.

CONCLUSION

Excess disability is persistent in RA. Controlling inflammation may not be sufficient to alleviate disability in all people with RA, and effective pain, fatigue and mood management may be needed in some groups to improve long-term function.

The untapped potential of Instagram to facilitate rheumatology academia

Instagram allows for graphical and visual information exchange. This paper aims to explore the current landscape of rheumatology on Instagram and analyse the accounts available based on their objectives and level of engagement. The search term "#rheumatology" reveals 62 results, leaving 55 after careful exclusion. On grouping into "educational", "broadcasting", "support", and a combination of all three, an analysis is carried out using the total number of posts, follower counts, number of caption characters (last 10 posts), likes per post (last 10 posts), archived stories, reels, IgTV (Instagram Television) videos, hashtags, and links in bio. The analysis reveals that 29 accounts (52.7%) disseminate educational content, 36 (65.4%) are run by organisations, and 22 (40.0%) are of an institute or clinic. Character counts (rho 0.44, p = 0.0006) and videos (likes for ten posts 149 vs. 54, p = 0.006) positively correlate with the number of likes, while hashtag use and post count have no statistical significance with likes. Reels and IgTV videos are infrequently used (18.18%, 3.6%). The rheumatology social media landscape is in its nascency and currently split into educational and broadcasting accounts with a significant overlap between the two. The positive correlation of character counts and videos and the negative correlation of hashtag use and post count with likes lay the case for quality content to improve engagement. Social media editors may ensure quality content for rheumatology education using Instagram. Key Points • The current landscape of Instagram use in rheumatology is limited and largely orientated towards educative content. • Likes on Instagram are positively correlated with caption character counts and videos. • Using currently underutilised tools like videos, engaging captions, and infographics may enhance the utility of Instagram in rheumatology education.

The impact of COVID-19 on clinical care, self-management and mental health of patients with inflammatory arthritis

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and ongoing restrictions in the UK affected access to clinical care, self-management and mental health for many patients with inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of lockdown on inflammatory arthritis clinical care, self-management, disease outcomes and mental health.

Methods

In total, 338 people with inflammatory arthritis participated in a prospective study, completing a series of online questionnaires. The questionnaires assessed demographics, inflammatory arthritis condition and management, clinical care, quality of life and mental health. Visual analogue scales (VASs) were completed at each assessment. Linear regression, controlling for confounders, was conducted to determine factors associated with physical and mental health outcomes.

Results

More than half of participants reported worsening VAS by >10 points for patient global assessment (PGA), pain, fatigue and emotional distress during the initial lockdown. Changes in clinical care were associated with worse PGA (b = 8.95, P = 0.01), pain (b = 7.13, P = 0.05), fatigue (b = 17.01, P < 0.01) and emotional distress (b = 12.78, P < 0.01). Emotional distress and depression were also associated with worse outcomes in PGA, pain and fatigue, whereas loneliness was not. In contrast, physical activity seemed to mitigate these effects. Loneliness did not show any associations with outcomes. Over time, these effects decreased or disappeared.

Conclusion

Changes to clinical care owing to lockdown were associated with worse disease outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis. There has also been a clear impact on mental health, with possibly complex relationships between mental health and psychosocial factors. Physical activity emerged as a key influence on disease outcomes and mental health.