Effect of nutritional supplementation on bone mineral density in children with sickle cell disease: protocol for an open-label, randomised controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Children with sickle cell disease show a significant decrease in bone mineral density, an increase in resting energy expenditure of more than 15%, a decrease in fat and lean mass as well as a significant increase in protein turnover, particularly in bone tissue. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an increase in food intake on bone mineral density and the clinical and biological complications of paediatric sickle cell disease.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study is designed as an open-label randomised controlled clinical trial conducted in the Paediatrics Unit of the Orléans University Hospital Centre. Participants aged 3-16 years will be randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group will receive oral nutritional supplements (pharmacological nutritional hypercaloric products) while the control group will receive age-appropriate and gender-appropriate nutritional intake during 12 months. Total body less head bone mineral density will be measured at the beginning and the end of the trial. A rigorous nutritional follow-up by weekly 24 hours recall dietary assessment and planned contacts every 6 weeks will be carried out throughout the study. A school absenteeism questionnaire, intended to reflect the patient's school productivity, will be completed by participants and parents every 3 months. Blood samples of each patient of both groups will be stocked at the beginning and at the end of the trial, for future biological trial. Clinical and biological complications will be regularly monitored.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by the French ethics committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Ouest et Outre-Mer 2, Toulouse; approval no: 2-20-092 id9534). Children and their parents will give informed consent to participate in the study before taking part. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals or international academic conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04754711.

Fracture risk based on HR-pQCT measures does not vary with age in older adults - the bone microarchitecture international consortium (BoMIC) prospective cohort study

Fracture risk increases with lower areal BMD (aBMD); however, aBMD-related estimate of risk may decrease with age. This may depend on technical limitations of 2-dimensional (2D) DXA which are reduced with 3D high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Our aim was to examine whether the predictive utility of HR-pQCT measures with fracture varies with age. We analyzed associations of HR-pQCT measures at the distal radius and distal tibia with two outcomes: incident fractures and major osteoporotic fractures. We censored follow-up time at first fracture, death, last contact or 8 years after baseline. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95%CI for the association between bone traits and fracture incidence across age quintiles. Among 6835 men and women (ages 40-96) with at least one valid baseline HR-pQCT scan who were followed prospectively for a median of 48.3 months, 681 sustained fractures. After adjustment for confounders, bone parameters at both the radius and tibia were associated with higher fracture risk. The estimated HRs for fracture did not vary significantly across age quintiles for any HR-pQCT parameter measured at either the radius or tibia. In this large cohort, the homogeneity of the associations between the HR-pQCT measures and fracture risk across age groups persisted for all fractures and for major osteoporotic fractures. The patterns were similar regardless of the HR-pQCT measure, the type of fracture, or the statistical models. The stability of the associations between HR-pQCT measures and fracture over a broad age range shows that bone deficits or low volumetric density remain major determinants of fracture risk regardless of age group. The lower risk for fractures across measures of aBMD in older adults in other studies may be related to factors which interfere with DXA but not with HR-pQCT measures.

Short-term variations in trabecular bone texture parameters associated to radio-clinical biomarkers improve the prediction of radiographic knee osteoarthritis progression

The present study aims to examine whether the short-term variations in trabecular bone texture (TBT) parameters, combined with a targeted set of clinical and radiographic data, would improve the prediction of long-term radiographic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression. Longitudinal (baseline, 24 and 48-month) data, obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort, were available for 1352 individuals, with preexisting OA (1 < Kellgren-Lawrence < 4) at baseline. KOA progression was defined as an increase in the medial joint space narrowing score from the 24-months to the 48-months control point. 16 regions of interest were automatically selected from each radiographic knee and analyzed using fractal dimension. Variations from baseline to 24 months in TBT descriptors as well as selected radiographic and clinical readings were calculated. Different logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the progression prediction performance when associating TBT variations with the selected clinical and radiographic readings. The most predictive model was mainly determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The proposed prediction model including short-term variations in TBT parameters, associated with clinical covariates and radiographic scores, improved the capacity of predicting long-term radiographic KOA progression (AUC of 0.739), compared to models based solely on baseline values (AUC of 0.676, p-value < 0.008).

A Fracture Risk Assessment Tool for High Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography

Most fracture risk assessment tools use clinical risk factors combined with bone mineral density (BMD) to improve assessment of osteoporosis; however, stratifying fracture risk remains challenging. This study developed a fracture risk assessment tool that uses information about volumetric bone density and three-dimensional structure, obtained using high-resolution peripheral quantitative compute tomography (HR-pQCT), to provide an alternative approach for patient-specific assessment of fracture risk. Using an international prospective cohort of older adults (n = 6802) we developed a tool to predict osteoporotic fracture risk, called μFRAC. The model was constructed using random survival forests, and input predictors included HR-pQCT parameters summarizing BMD and microarchitecture alongside clinical risk factors (sex, age, height, weight, and prior adulthood fracture) and femoral neck areal BMD (FN aBMD). The performance of μFRAC was compared to the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and a reference model built using FN aBMD and clinical covariates. μFRAC was predictive of osteoporotic fracture (c-index = 0.673, p < 0.001), modestly outperforming FRAX and FN aBMD models (c-index = 0.617 and 0.636, respectively). Removal of FN aBMD and all clinical risk factors, except age, from μFRAC did not significantly impact its performance when estimating 5-year and 10-year fracture risk. The performance of μFRAC improved when only major osteoporotic fractures were considered (c-index = 0.733, p < 0.001). We developed a personalized fracture risk assessment tool based on HR-pQCT that may provide an alternative approach to current clinical methods by leveraging direct measures of bone density and structure. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Effectiveness of Shiatsu on Fatigue in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Protocol for a Randomized Cross-Over Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a serious chronic inflammatory rheumatism implying different painful and crippling symptoms that require a multidisciplinary approach for the patient. Fatigue is one of the less well treated symptoms, even if its repercussion on everyday life is noticeable. Shiatsu is a Japanese preventive and well-being therapy that aims to promote better health. However, the effectiveness of shiatsu in SpA-associated fatigue has never been studied yet in a randomized study.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We describe the design of SFASPA (Etude pilote randomisée en cross-over évaluant l'efficacité du Shiatsu sur la FAtigue des patients atteints de SPondyloarthrite Axiale), a single-center, randomized controlled cross-over trial with allocation of patients according to a ratio (1:1) evaluating the effectiveness of shiatsu in SpA-associated fatigue. The sponsor is the Regional Hospital of Orleans, France. The two groups of 60 patients each will receive three "active" shiatsu and three sham shiatsu treatments (120 patients, 720 shiatsu). The wash-out period between the active and the sham shiatsu treatments is 4 months.

PLANNED OUTCOMES

The primary outcome is the percentage of patients responding to the FACIT-fatigue score. A response to fatigue is defined as an improvement, i.e., an increase of ≥ 4 points in the FACIT-fatigue score, which corresponds to the "minimum clinically important difference" (MCID). Differences in the evolution of activity and impact of the SpA will be assessed on several secondary outcomes. An important aim of this study is also to gather material for further trials with higher proof of evidence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05433168, date of registration, June 21st, 2022 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Novel insights into the anatomy and histopathology of the sacroiliac joint and correlations with imaging signs of sacroiliitis in case of axial spondyloarthritis

For a better understanding of the pathophysiology of spondyloarthropathy (SpA), a detailed anatomical description of the sacroiliac joint is required because sacroiliitis is the earliest and most common sign of SpA and an essential feature for the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Beyond the anatomy, the histopathology of sacroiliac entheses and immunological mechanisms involved in sacroiliitis are crucial for a better understanding of disease causation. In this narrative review, we discuss the core anatomical, histological, and immunohistological observations involved in the development of sacroiliitis, focusing particularly on imaging-based information associated with sacroiliitis. Finally, we try to answer the question of whether at the sacroiliac joint, enthesitis precedes synovitis and subchondral bone changes in SpA.

Radiographic Biomarkers for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review

Conventional radiography remains the most widely available imaging modality in clinical practice in knee osteoarthritis. Recent research has been carried out to develop novel radiographic biomarkers to establish the diagnosis and to monitor the progression of the disease. The growing number of publications on this topic over time highlights the necessity of a renewed review. Herein, we propose a narrative review of a selection of original full-text articles describing human studies on radiographic imaging biomarkers used for the prediction of knee osteoarthritis-related outcomes. To achieve this, a PubMed database search was used. A total of 24 studies were obtained and then classified based on three outcomes: (1) prediction of radiographic knee osteoarthritis incidence, (2) knee osteoarthritis progression and (3) knee arthroplasty risk. Results showed that numerous studies have reported the relevance of joint space narrowing score, Kellgren-Lawrence score and trabecular bone texture features as potential bioimaging markers in the prediction of the three outcomes. Performance results of reviewed prediction models were presented in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves. However, fair and valid comparisons of the models' performance were not possible due to the lack of a unique definition of each of the three outcomes.

The disability associated with hand osteoarthritis is substantial in a cohort of post-menopausal women: the QUALYOR study

OBJECTIVES

Our primary aims were to assess current prevalence of HOA and the disability associated with this condition, in the group usually most affected, i.e., women older than 55.

METHODS

We performed hand radiographs, clinical examination, grip strength measurement, AUSCAN and COCHIN questionnaires in a cohort of postmenopausal women aged at least 55. Radiographic hand OA (RHOA) was defined as at least 2 affected joints among 30, grading 2 or more using the Kellgren Lawrence score but without any HOA symptom. Symptomatic HOA (OA ACR) was defined according to ACR criteria for hand OA. Moderate to severe symptomatic HOA was defined as having OA ACR and AUSCAN total score of >43/100.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1,189 participants. The mean age was 71.7 years. Inter-reader reliability of radiographs reading was good (ICC = 0.86) and intra-reader reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.97). Among the 1,189 women, 333 (28.0%) had RHOA, 482 (40.5%) patients fulfilled the ACR criteria for symptomatic HOA and 82 of these (17% of OA ACR population) had moderate to severe symptomatic HOA. The prevalence of symptomatic erosive osteoarthritis was 11.8%. Mean AUSCAN and Cochin scores were higher and grip strength lower in patients with symptomatic HOA compared to patient without HOA. Differences were more noticeable in patients with moderate to severe HOA.

CONCLUSIONS

We have assessed disability associated with HOA in greater detail than previously and found that a third of postmenopausal women had RHOA, two fifths had symptomatic HOA and one sixth of symptomatic patients had moderate to severe HOA related disability and a tenth had symptomatic erosive osteoarthritis, representing a substantial burden of disease in our population-based cohort.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Bone Health: An Update Narrative Review

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are an antacid drug often used in acid-related disorders. They decrease acid secretion in the stomach by blocking an enzyme called H+/K+ ATPase which controls acid production. Introduced to the market in 1989, their use has increased rapidly worldwide and they are now among the top 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States. As of 2015, the FDA has already approved six drugs of this class (omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole). Recently, the risks and benefits of long-term PPI use were questioned and many studies indicated that their use should be carefully considered, especially in young patients, whose treatment with these drugs could last many years. Even greater concerns have been raised about a potential positive association between PPIs and osteoporotic fracture risk including the hip, spine and wrist. Although based on observational studies, there is substantial evidence associating the long-term use of PPIs and fracture. This relationship is only partially admitted due to the lack of consistent effects of PPIs on bone mineral density loss. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to discuss the recent findings pertaining to the risk of osteoporotic fracture associated with PPIs, in particular prolonged use, and to call for further research to elucidate the mechanisms associated with this bone fragility.

Comparative performance of composite measures from two phase III clinical trials of ixekizumab in psoriatic arthritis

Background/objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate relative performance of composite measures in psoriatic arthritis and assess the impact of structural damage and functional disability on outcomes during ixekizumab treatment.

Methods

Data from SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2 were analysed to evaluate the effect of ixekizumab on achievement of low disease activity (LDA) and remission with the minimal disease activity (MDA) and very low disease activity (VLDA) composite, Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score, GRAppa Composite ScorE and modified Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (mCPDAI). Performance was compared by quantifying residual symptom burden and the impact of structural damage and functional disability.

Results

Significantly more ixekizumab-treated patients achieved treatment targets at week 24 versus placebo assessed with all composites. More patients achieved targets assessed by mCPDAI and DAPSA than other composites. Residual disease activity was similar between composites, but residual high patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and functional disability were more frequent when assessed with mCPDAI and DAPSA. Achievement of treatment targets was reduced by high baseline levels of structural damage and functional disability.

Conclusion

Residual disease activity was similar in patients achieving treatment targets assessed with all composites, but residual high PROs and functional disability were more common when assessed with mCPDAI and DAPSA, most likely due to the absence/attenuated functional assessment in these composites. High baseline levels of structural damage and functional disability attenuated response rates with all composites, affecting MDA/VLDA most prominently; LDA may be the most appropriate target in these patients.

Trial registration number

NCT01695239.

Real-life golimumab persitence in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: post-hoc results of the prospective observational cohort study, GO-PRACTICE

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate in clinical practice the persistence and safety of golimumab, together with the evolution of disease activity and patient reported outcomes, in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). This article focuses on the outcomes of golimumab treatment in axSpA patients.

METHODS

Golimumab persistence 24 months after initial prescription (primary outcome) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Secondary outcomes included evaluations of disease activity evolution (ASDAS and BASDAI), patient-reported outcomes (EQ-5D, SF-12 and HAQ), and golimumab's safety profile.

RESULTS

Of 478 axSpA patients, 60.9% were biologic-naïve. Mean age and proportion of females were higher in biologics-pretreated patients (46.8 vs. 40.2 years, p<0.001 and 62.0% vs. 49.8%, p=0.009, respectively). Golimumab persistence at 24 months was 52.6% [95% CI 47.9-57.1%] in the axSpA cohort. It was 59.2% [95% CI 53.1-64.8%] and 42.7% [95% CI 35.3-49.8%] respectively, for biologics-naïve and biologics-pretreated patients (p<0.01), and 65.9% [95% CI 58.9-72.0%] and 41.5% [95% CI 35.2-47.6%], respectively for males and females (p<0.01). Reasons for golimumab discontinuation were primary non-response (37.4%), secondary non-response (24.8%) and intolerance (21.5%). Disease activity and patient reported outcomes improved significantly for those who persisted at 24 months and were higher for biologics-naïve patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Golimumab persistence at 2 years in axSpA patients was 52.6%. Previous treatment with another biologic and female gender were associated with earlier discontinuation. Golimumab was a well-tolerated therapy for axSpA, with no new safety signals observed.

POS1053 LONG-TERM RETENTION, EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF SECUKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS OR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: RESULTS FROM THE OBSERVATIONAL SERENA STUDY

Background

SERENA is an ongoing, longitudinal, observational study of more than 2900 patients (pts) with moderate to severe psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) conducted at 438 sites across Europe with an expected duration of up to 5 years.1,2

Objectives

We report long-term results (at least 3 years follow up) on secukinumab (SEC) retention, effectiveness and safety in pts with active PsA or AS from the SERENA study.

Methods

This analysis includes data of 524 PsA and 473 AS pts enrolled in the study and followed up for at least 3 years. Pts (aged ≥18 years) with active PsA or AS were required to have received at least 16 weeks of SEC treatment before enrolment in the study. Retention rate was defined as the percentage of pts who have not discontinued SEC treatment. Effectiveness assessments included swollen and tender joint counts (SJC and TJC) in pts with PsA, and BASDAI score in pts with AS. Safety assessments included the number of pts with any adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs, treatment-emergent AEs, AEs of special interest and their incidence rates.

Results

The mean (SD) treatment duration prior to enrolment in the study for PsA and AS pts was 1.0 (0.5) years and 0.9 (0.5) years, while time since diagnosis was 8.7 (7.4) and 9.8 (9.5) years, respectively. Prior to SEC initiation, 67.4% of pts with PsA and 63.0% of pts with AS received a biologic therapy, with lack of efficacy reported as major reason for discontinuation (PsA: 89.5%; AS: 87.6%). SEC retention rates after at least 3 years since enrolment in the study were 67.3% for pts with PsA and 72.1% for pts with AS. Survival probabilities for individual indications are presented in Figure 1. Over 3 years of observation, SEC showed sustained effectiveness in pts with PsA [SJC, mean (SD): baseline, 3.2 (5.6); Year 3, 1.7 (2.7) and TJC: baseline, 6.4 (9.4); Year 3, 4.9 (6.4)] and AS [BASDAI, mean (SD): baseline, 3.2 (2.3); Year 3, 2.7 (2.2)]. No new or unexpected safety signals were reported; 11.0% of pts with PsA (N=574) and 12.9% of pts with AS (N=505) reported serious AEs (Table 1).

Table 1.

Overall safety profile within the study period (Safety set)

Variable, n (%) unless otherwise specifiedPsA (N=574)AS (N=505)Pts with AE (≥1)327 (57.0)291 (57.6)Pts with SAE (≥1)63 (11.0)65 (12.9)AE leading to death3 (0.5)3 (0.6)AE leading to discontinuation119 (20.7)81 (16.0)Treatment emergent AE leading to discontinuation (in >1% pts in any group)n (%)IRn (%)IRGeneral disorders and administration site conditions74 (12.9)4.9050 (9.9)3.75Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders13 (2.3)0.863 (0.6)0.22Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders26 (4.5)1.729 (1.8)0.67Infections and infestations2 (0.3)0.137 (1.4)0.52Gastrointestinal disorders2 (0.3)0.133 (0.6)0.22Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)4 (0.7)0.263 (0.6)0.22Injury, poisoning and procedural complications002 (0.4)0.15Treatment emergent AE of special interest (PT)n (%)IRn (%)IRCandida infections2 (0.3)0.134 (0.8)0.30Malignancy8 (1.4)0.535 (1.0)0.37MACE3 (0.5)0.204 (0.8)0.30Injection site reaction002 (0.4)0.15Inflammatory bowel disease1 (0.2)0.072 (0.4)0.15

Safety set consisted of pts who received at least one dose of SEC treatment after signing the informed consent

AE, adverse event; AS, ankylosing spondylitis; IR, incidence rate; MACE, major adverse cardiac events; N, total number of pts; n, number of pts; PsA, psoriatic arthritis; pts, patients; PT, preferred term; SAE, serious adverse event; SEC, secukinumab

Conclusion

After more than 3 years of observation in the SERENA study, SEC showed sustained retention rates, indicating high persistence in a real-world setting. Responses across effectiveness assessments in both PsA and AS cohorts were maintained or improved during the 3 years of follow up in the study. SEC showed a favourable safety profile, consistent with previous reports.

References

[1]Kiltz, U et al. Adv Ther 2020;37:2865–83

[2]Kiltz, U et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;80:337–38

Disclosure of Interests

Uta Kiltz Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Nicola Gullick Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, PELAGIA KATSIMPRI Speakers bureau: AbbVie, UCB, Genesis Pharma, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, UCB, Genesis Pharma, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB, Genesis Pharma, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Anastassios Kotrotsios: None declared, Jan Brandt-Juergens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Eric Lespessailles Speakers bureau: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, and research grants from Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB, Consultant of: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, and research grants from Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB, Nicola Maiden Consultant of: Eli-Lilly and UCB, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Daniel Peterlik Employee of: Novartis, Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Piotr Jagiello Employee of: Novartis

Effect of Denosumab Compared With Risedronate on Bone Strength in Patients Initiating or Continuing Glucocorticoid Treatment

In a randomized clinical trial in patients initiating glucocorticoid therapy (GC-I) or on long-term therapy (GC-C), denosumab every 6 months increased spine and hip bone mineral density at 12 and 24 months significantly more than daily risedronate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of denosumab compared with risedronate on bone strength and microarchitecture measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in GC-I and GC-C. A subset of 110 patients had high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans of the distal radius and tibia at baseline and at 12 and 24 months. Cortical and trabecular microarchitecture were assessed with standard analyses and failure load (FL) with micro-finite element analysis. At the radius at 24 months, FL remained unchanged with denosumab and significantly decreased with risedronate in GC-I (-4.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.4, -1.8) and, in GC-C, it significantly increased with denosumab (4.3%, 95% CI 2.1, 6.4) and remained unchanged with risedronate. Consequently, FL was significantly higher with denosumab than with risedronate in GC-I (5.6%, 95% CI 2.4, 8.7, p < 0.001) and in GC-C (4.1%, 95% CI 1.1, 7.2, p = 0.011). We also found significant differences between denosumab and risedronate in percentage changes in cortical and trabecular microarchitectural parameters in GC-I and GC-C. Similar results were found at the tibia. To conclude, this HR-pQCT study shows that denosumab is superior to risedronate in terms of preventing FL loss at the distal radius and tibia in GC-I and in increasing FL at the radius in GC-C, based on significant differences in changes in the cortical and trabecular bone compartments between treatment groups in GC-I and GC-C. These results suggest that denosumab could be a useful therapeutic option in patients initiating GC therapy or on long-term GC therapy and may contribute to treatment decisions in this patient population. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Bariatric Surgery and Osteoporosis

It has been increasingly acknowledged that bariatric surgery adversely affects skeletal health. After bariatric surgery, the extent of high-turnover bone loss is much greater than what would be expected in the absence of a severe skeletal insult. Patients also experience a significant deterioration in bone microarchitecture and strength. There is now a growing body of evidence that suggests an association between bariatric surgery and higher fracture risk. Although the mechanisms underlying the high-turnover bone loss and increase in fracture risk after bariatric surgery are not fully understood, many factors seem to be involved. The usual suspects are nutritional factors and mechanical unloading, and the roles of gut hormones, adipokines, and bone marrow adiposity should be investigated further. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was once the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide, but sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has now become the predominant bariatric procedure. Accumulating evidence suggests that RYGB is associated with a greater reduction in BMD, a greater increase in markers of bone turnover, and a higher risk of fracture than SG. These findings should be taken into consideration in determining the most appropriate bariatric procedure for patients, especially those at higher fracture risk. Before and after all bariatric procedures, sufficient calcium, vitamin D and protein intake, and adequate physical activity, are needed to counteract negative impacts on bone. There are no studies to date that have evaluated the effect of osteoporosis treatment on high-turnover bone loss after bariatric surgery. However, in patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, anti-resorptive agents may be considered.

P254 Secukinumab retention and safety in patients with active psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis: two-year interim results of the observational SERENA study

Background/Aims

SERENA is an ongoing, prospective, non-interventional study evaluating retention, effectiveness, safety/tolerability and quality of life in &gt; 2,900 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with secukinumab at 438 sites across Europe for up to 5 years. We present interim results reporting secukinumab treatment retention and safety data through two years in PsA and AS patients.

Methods

This interim analysis presents data from 534 PsA and 470 AS patients enrolled (target population fulfilling eligibility criteria) and followed for at least two years. Patients (≥18 years) with active PsA or AS should have received at least 16 weeks secukinumab treatment before enrolment in the study. Retention rate was defined as percentage of patients who did not discontinue secukinumab treatment. Treatment break was defined as interruption of therapy for at least three months after last injection.

Results

The mean treatment duration prior to enrolment in the study was 1.0 year and 0.91 year for PsA and AS, respectively. The retention rates for secukinumab after one year since enrolment and since initiation of treatment were: PsA, 85.2% (n = 519, CI: 82.01-88.32) and 96.8% (n = 528, CI: 95.18-98.38); AS, 85.8% (n = 452, CI: 82.52-89.17) and 94.2% (n = 464, CI: 91.94-96.42), respectively. After two years since enrolment and since initiation of treatment, the retention rates were: PsA, 74.9% (n = 498, CI: 70.99-78.81) and 87.0% (n = 515, CI: 83.99-89.99); AS, 78.9% (n = 437, CI: 75.01-82.88) and 84.8% (n = 454, CI: 81.39-88.21), respectively. At baseline, the majority of PsA (79.5%; n/N=423/532) patients were receiving secukinumab 300 mg, while 97.0% (n/N=456/470) of AS patients were receiving secukinumab 150 mg. The majority of patients continued their initial secukinumab dose; “no dose change” in secukinumab treatment was reported after one and two years in the study (year one: PsA, 93.4% [n = 499] and AS, 92.6% [n = 435]; year two: PsA, 89.7% [n = 479] and AS, 87.9% [n = 413]). Secukinumab treatment break was recorded for 31 PsA patients (median [min, max] treatment break duration in days: 125.0 [61-461]) and for 42 AS patients (118.0 [61-813]), mainly due to adverse events reported in 58.1% (n = 18) and 45.2% (n = 19) of patients, respectively. The retreatment started with monthly dosing in most of the cases: PsA, 80.6% (n/N=25/31) and AS, 76.2% (n/N=32/42). No new or unexpected safety signals were reported.

Conclusion

Secukinumab retention rates in a real-world setting after more than two years since initiation of treatment and after two years since study enrolment indicate high persistence rates. Safety data collected prospectively for up to two years confirm the favorable safety profile of secukinumab.

Disclosure

K. Gaffney: Consultancies; AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, UCB. Member of speakers’ bureau; AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Pfizer. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, UCB. U. Kiltz: Consultancies; AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB. P. Sfikakis: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer. N. Gullick: Consultancies; AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB. Member of speakers’ bureau; AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB. A. Theodoridou: Consultancies; UCB, Amgen, Novartis. J. Brandt-Juergens: Consultancies; AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, Medac. Member of speakers’ bureau; AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, Medac. E. Lespessailles: Consultancies; Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly, MSD. Member of speakers’ bureau; Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly, MSD. Grants/research support; Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD, UCB,. J. Fang: Other; Employee of Novartis. E. Pournara: Shareholder/stock ownership; Novartis. Other; Employee of Novartis. B. Schulz: Other; Employee of Novartis. P. Jagiello: Other; Employee of Novartis.

Is there still a place for methotrexate in severe psoriatic arthritis?

The management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has long been equated with that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly because methotrexate (MTX) was found efficient in RA in the 1990s. However, results of collective evidence-based medicine, included and argued in this narrative review, do not currently support the use of MTX as first-line therapy in severe PsA. A recent Cochrane systematic review examining the efficacy of MTX in PsA concluded that low-dose MTX was only slightly more effective than placebo. Questions about a structural effect of MTX in PsA remains non-elucidated. Even if tolerance data on MTX are more consensual and adverse events generally non-severe, subjective side effects such as fatigue might lead to MTX withdrawal based on the patient’s decision. PsA patients with axial disease, radiographic lesions, and extensive and disabling skin or joint involvement should receive early treatment with targeted therapy and no longer with MTX. Finally, the usefulness of MTX combined with targeted therapies is limited. MTX does not affect efficacy but only seems to increase the therapeutic maintenance of monoclonal TNF inhibitors. This narrative review may help clarify the place of MTX in PsA management. It allows for reflection on the evolution of current concepts and practices.

Prediction of knee osteoarthritis progression using radiological descriptors obtained from bone texture analysis and Siamese neural networks: data from OAI and MOST cohorts

Background

Trabecular bone texture (TBT) analysis has been identified as an imaging biomarker that provides information on trabecular bone changes due to knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In parallel with the improvement in medical imaging technologies, machine learning methods have received growing interest in the scientific osteoarthritis community to potentially provide clinicians with prognostic data from conventional knee X-ray datasets, in particular from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) cohorts.

Patients and methods

This study included 1888 patients from OAI and 683 patients from MOST cohorts. Radiographs were automatically segmented to determine 16 regions of interest. Patients with an early stage of OA risk, with Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade of 1 < KL < 4, were selected. The definition of OA progression was an increase in the OARSI medial joint space narrowing (mJSN) grades over 48 months in OAI and 60 months in MOST. The performance of the TBT-CNN model was evaluated and compared to well-known prediction models using logistic regression.

Results

The TBT-CNN model was predictive of the JSN progression with an area under the curve (AUC) up to 0.75 in OAI and 0.81 in MOST. The predictive ability of the TBT-CNN model was invariant with respect to the acquisition modality or image quality. The prediction models performed significantly better with estimated KL (KLprob) grades than those provided by radiologists. TBT-based models significantly outperformed KLprob-based models in MOST and provided similar performances in OAI. In addition, the combined model, when trained in one cohort, was able to predict OA progression in the other cohort.

Conclusion

The proposed combined model provides a good performance in the prediction of mJSN over 4 to 6 years in patients with relevant KOA. Furthermore, the current study presents an important contribution in showing that TBT-based OA prediction models can work with different databases.

Bone Microarchitecture Phenotypes Identified in Older Adults Are Associated With Different Levels of Osteoporotic Fracture Risk

Prevalence of osteoporosis is more than 50% in older adults, yet current clinical methods for diagnosis that rely on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) fail to detect most individuals who have a fragility fracture. Bone fragility can manifest in different forms, and a "one-size-fits-all" approach to diagnosis and management of osteoporosis may not be suitable. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides additive information by capturing information about volumetric density and microarchitecture, but interpretation is challenging because of the complex interactions between the numerous properties measured. In this study, we propose that there are common combinations of bone properties, referred to as phenotypes, that are predisposed to different levels of fracture risk. Using HR-pQCT data from a multinational cohort (n = 5873, 71% female) between 40 and 96 years of age, we employed fuzzy c-means clustering, an unsupervised machine-learning method, to identify phenotypes of bone microarchitecture. Three clusters were identified, and using partial correlation analysis of HR-pQCT parameters, we characterized the clusters as low density, low volume, and healthy bone phenotypes. Most males were associated with the healthy bone phenotype, whereas females were more often associated with the low volume or low density bone phenotypes. Each phenotype had a significantly different cumulative hazard of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and of any incident osteoporotic fracture (p < 0.05). After adjustment for covariates (cohort, sex, and age), the low density followed by the low volume phenotype had the highest association with MOF (hazard ratio = 2.96 and 2.35, respectively), and significant associations were maintained when additionally adjusted for femoral neck aBMD (hazard ratio = 1.69 and 1.90, respectively). Further, within each phenotype, different imaging biomarkers of fracture were identified. These findings suggest that osteoporotic fracture risk is associated with bone phenotypes that capture key features of bone deterioration that are not distinguishable by aBMD. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (actiTENS®) is effective and safe for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain: a randomized controlled trial versus weak opioids

INTRODUCTION

Despite their poor tolerance, especially in the elderly, weak opioids (WO) remain commonly prescribed for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We compared the efficacy and safety of a new wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (W-TENS) device with WO for the treatment of moderate-to-severe, nociceptive KOA chronic pain.

METHODS

The study was a non-inferiority, multicentric, prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled, 2-parallel groups Trial. A total of 110 patients with KOA were included (Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grade ⩾2; American College of Rheumatology criteria), with chronic moderate-to-severe nociceptive pain (mean 8-day pain intensity (PI) ⩾ 4 on an 11-point numerical rating scale), in failure to non-opioid analgesics, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients with neuropathic pain were excluded. The co-primary endpoints were mean PI at 3 months (M3) and number of potentially treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Secondary outcomes included Western Ontario MAC Master University function subscale (range, 0-68), additional pain and quality of life measures, and responder rates.

RESULTS

The non-inferiority of W-TENS was demonstrated in both the per protocol (PP) and intent-to-treat (ITT) populations. At M3, PI in PP population was 3.87 (2.12) compared with 4.66 (2.37) [delta: -0.79 (0.44); 95% CI (-1.65, 0.08)] in W-TENS and WO groups, respectively. A planned superiority analysis showed a significant superiority of W-TENS over WO on PI at M3 (p = 0.0124). The number of TRAEs was significantly lower in the W-TENS group (n = 7) than in the WO group (n = 36) (p < 0.001). Other secondary outcomes also favored W-TENS.

CONCLUSION

W-TENS was more effective and better tolerated than WO in the treatment of chronic nociceptive KOA pain and offers an interesting non-pharmacological analgesic alternative in the management of KOA.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03902340.

Animal Model for Glucocorticoid Induced Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review from 2011 to 2021

Clinical and experimental data have shown that prolonged exposure to GCs leads to bone loss and increases fracture risk. Special attention has been given to existing emerging drugs that can prevent and treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis GIOP. However, there is no consensus about the most relevant animal model treatments on GIOP. In this systematic review, we aimed to examine animal models of GIOP centering on study design, drug dose, timing and size of the experimental groups, allocation concealment, and outcome measures. The present review was written according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed electronic database via Mesh with the publication date set between April, 2011, and February 2021. A total of 284 full-text articles were screened and 53 were analyzed. The most common animal species used to model GIOP were rats (66%) and mice (32%). In mice studies, males (58%) were preferred and genetically modified animals accounted for 28%. Our work calls for a standardization of the establishment of the GIOP animal model with better precision for model selection. A described reporting design, conduction, and selection of outcome measures are recommended.

Free-fall landing and interval running have different effects on trabecular bone mass and microarchitecture, serum osteocalcin, biomechanical properties, SOST expression and on osteocyte-related characteristics

The effects of treadmill interval training (IT) and free-fall exercise were evaluated on bone parameters including osteocyte related characteristics. Thirty-eight 4-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control (C) group and exercise groups: IT, 10 free-fall impacts/day with a 10-s (FF10) or 20-s interval between drops (FF20), 5 days/week, for 9 weeks. We assessed bone mineral density (BMD); microarchitecture by µCT; mechanical strength by a 3-point bending test; density and occupancy of the osteocyte lacunae by toluidine blue staining; osteocalcin and NTx systemic levels by ELISA; and bone tissue Sost messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by RT-PCR. NTx levels were significantly lower in exercise groups as compared with the C group. In exercise groups the Sost mRNA expression was significantly lower than in C. Tb.N was significantly higher for IT and FF20 compared with the C group. Tb.Sp was significantly lower in FF10 compared with the C group. Both IT and FF20 were associated with higher tibial lacunar density as compared with FF10. compared with FF10, IT fat mass was lower, while tibial osteocyte lacunae occupancy and systemic osteocalcin level were higher. All exercise modes were efficient in reducing bone resorption. Both IT and free-fall impact with appropriate recovery periods, which may be beneficial for bone health and osteocyte-related characteristics. Novelty: Interval training is beneficial for bone mineral density. Exercises decreased both bone resorption and inhibition of bone formation (Sost mRNA). Longer interval recovery time favors osteocyte lacunae density.

Romosozumab Followed by Antiresorptive Treatment Increases the Probability of Achieving Bone Mineral Density Treatment Goals

Increases in bone mineral density (BMD) with osteoporosis treatment are associated with reduced fracture risk. Increasing BMD is therefore a goal of osteoporosis therapy. Here, we compare the probability of achieving a T-score of > -2.5 over 3 years at the total hip (TH) or lumbar spine (LS) in women with osteoporosis, ≥55 years of age, after the following treatment sequences: 1 year romosozumab followed by 2 years denosumab (FRAME and FRAME extension trials), 1 year romosozumab followed by 2 years alendronate, or alendronate-only for 3 years (ARCH trial). Probabilities of attaining the BMD target within 1 year of treatment were also determined. At both skeletal sites, in women with a baseline Tscore ≥ -2.7, there was >50% probability of achieving the BMD target with any 3-year regimen. The probability of achieving the target BMD in those with a baseline TH Tscore equal to -3.0 was 61% with romosozumab/denosumab, 38% with romosozumab/alendronate, and 9% with alendronate. In those with a baseline LS Tscore equal to -3.0, the probability of achieving a T-score > -2.5 was 93% with romosozumab/denosumab, 81% with romosozumab/alendronate, and 55% with alendronate. With 1 year of treatment, in patients with a baseline TH T-score equal to -2.7, the probability of reaching the target Tscore with romosozumab was 71% to 78% and 38% with alendronate. For patients with an initial LS T-score equal to -3.0, the probability of achieving the target T-score over 1 year was 85% to 86% with romosozumab and 25% for alendronate. Our findings suggest baseline BMD and the probability of achieving BMD T-score goals are factors to consider when selecting initial treatment for patients with osteoporosis. As baseline T-score falls below -2.7 (TH) and -3.0 (LS), alendronate has <50% likelihood of achieving a BMD goal above osteoporosis range, whereas these probabilities remain relatively high for regimens beginning with romosozumab. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Limb Muscular Strength and Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Subjects with Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Index

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between limb muscular strength and bone mineral density (BMD) in a group of elderly subjects with low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI).55 elderly Lebanese subjects (35 women and 20 men) participated in the current study. Handgrip, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) dumbbell curl (1-RM biceps), 1-RM lying one arm triceps (1-RM triceps), 1-RM calf raise, 1-RM leg extension and 1-RM leg curl were evaluated using validated methods.In both genders, 1-RM biceps, 1-RM triceps, 1-RM leg extension and 1-RM leg curl were positively correlated to total hip BMD. The current study shows that limb muscular strength is positively correlated to hip BMD in elderly subjects with low SMI. This may have clinical implications in the field of osteoporosis prevention in elderly subjects with low SMI.

The French multicentre elevated bone mass study: prevalence and causes

The purpose of this multicentric study was to evaluate the prevalence and causes of Elevated Bone Mass (EBM) in patients who underwent DXA scanning over a 10-year period. The prevalence of EBM was 1 in 100. The main causes of EBM were degenerative spine disorders and renal osteodystrophy.

INTRODUCTION

Reports of elevated bone mass (EBM) on routine dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning are not infrequent. However, epidemiological studies of EBM are few and definition thresholds are variable. The purpose of this French multicentric study was to evaluate the prevalence and causes of EBM in adult patients who underwent DXA scanning over a 10-year period.

METHODS

This multicentric, retrospective study was conducted in six French regional bone centres. DXA databases were initially searched for individuals with a bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score ≥ +4 at any site in the lumbar spine or hip from April 1st, 2008 to April 30st, 2018.

RESULTS

In all, 72,225 patients with at least one DXA scan were identified. Of these, 909 (322 men and 587 women) had a Z-score ≥ + 4, i.e. a prevalence of 1.26% [1.18-1.34%]. The DXA scan reports and imagery and medical records of the 909 EBM patients were reviewed and 936 causes were found. In 42 patients (4%), no cause could be determined due to unavailability of data. Artefactual causes of EBM were found in 752 patients (80%), in whom the predominant cause was degenerative disease of the spine (613 patients, 65%). Acquired causes of focal EBM-including Paget's disease (n = 7)-were found in 12 patients (1%), and acquired causes of generalized EBM-including renal osteodystrophy (n = 32), haematological disorders (n = 20) and hypoparathyroidism (n = 15)-in 84 patients (9%). Other causes were rare hereditary diseases and unknown EBM in 19 (2%) and 27 (3%) cases respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of EBM was approximately 1 in 100. These findings suggest that degenerative disease of the spine is the main cause of EBM, but that acquired or hereditary diseases are also causal factors.

Trabecular bone texture analysis of conventional radiographs in the assessment of knee osteoarthritis: review and viewpoint

BACKGROUND

Trabecular bone texture analysis (TBTA) has been identified as an imaging biomarker that provides information on trabecular bone changes due to knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Consequently, it is important to conduct a comprehensive review that would permit a better understanding of this unfamiliar image analysis technique in the area of KOA research. We examined how TBTA, conducted on knee radiographs, is associated to (i) KOA incidence and progression, (ii) total knee arthroplasty, and (iii) KOA treatment responses. The primary aims of this study are twofold: to provide (i) a narrative review of the studies conducted on radiographic KOA using TBTA, and (ii) a viewpoint on future research priorities.

METHOD

Literature searches were performed in the PubMed electronic database. Studies published between June 1991 and March 2020 and related to traditional and fractal image analysis of trabecular bone texture (TBT) on knee radiographs were identified.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 219 papers. After title and abstract scanning, 39 studies were found eligible and then classified in accordance to six criteria: cross-sectional evaluation of osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis knees, understanding of bone microarchitecture, prediction of KOA progression, KOA incidence, and total knee arthroplasty and association with treatment response. Numerous studies have reported the relevance of TBTA as a potential bioimaging marker in the prediction of KOA incidence and progression. However, only a few studies have focused on the association of TBTA with both OA treatment responses and the prediction of knee joint replacement.

CONCLUSION

Clear evidence of biological plausibility for TBTA in KOA is already established. The review confirms the consistent association between TBT and important KOA endpoints such as KOA radiographic incidence and progression. TBTA could provide markers for enrichment of clinical trials enhancing the screening of KOA progressors. Major advances were made towards a fully automated assessment of KOA.

POS0279 WEARABLE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION DEMONSTRATED BETTER EFFICACY AND SAFETY THAN WEAK OPIOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF MODERATE TO SEVERE, CHRONIC NOCICEPTIVE PAIN IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS. A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED, NON-INFERIORITY TRIAL

Background:

In knee osteoarthritis (KOA) recommendations, the first pharmacological analgesic line is paracetamol. However, its low efficacy, frequently leads to the use of weak opioids (WO) despite their poor tolerance, especially in elderly patients.

Objectives:

The primary objective was to compare analgesic efficacy and safety of a new wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (W-TENS) to those of WO in the treatment of moderate to severe, nociceptive, chronic pain in KOA patients.

Methods:

ArthroTENS study was a phase 3, non-inferiority, multicentric, prospective, randomized, single-blinded for primary efficacy outcome, controlled, in 2-parallel groups, clinical study comparing W-TENS versus WO on two periods: a 3-month controlled period and an additional, optional, non-controlled, 3-month follow-up for patients in W-TENS group.

Eligible participants were KOA patients, ≥55 years old, at Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grade ≥2, with moderate to severe nociceptive chronic (≥3 months) mean 8-day pain ≥4 on a 11-point numerical rating scale, and in treatment failure with non-opioid analgesics, including NSAIDs. Patients with neuropathic pain were excluded.

Co-primary endpoints were, for efficacy, mean pain intensity (PI), assessed at M3 and, for safety, the number of adverse events (AE) during the 3-month follow-up period.

In W-TENS group, an advanced, mobile app enabled, wearable TENS was used. High (100 Hz) and low (2 Hz) frequency stimulations were delivered via electrodes with standardized positioning (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Electrode’s positioning

In WO group, investigators chose, for each patient, the best suitable WO and its daily dose, and could switch to another WO, and/or adapt its daily dose if necessary.

A non-inferiority analysis was performed on the primary efficacy endpoint using a pre-defined non-inferiority margin (0.825 point) on PI, below the minimal clinically significant improvement.

Results:

Demographic and baseline characteristics were balanced across both groups.

110 patients (55/group) were randomized and 48/55 (87.3%) and 44/55 (80.0%) patients completed the 3-month follow-up in W-TENS and WO groups, respectively. WO’s prescriptions were balanced between codeine, opium-powder, tramadol and WO-paracetamol combinations.

Non-inferiority of W-TENS was demonstrated in the PP and ITT populations (Table 1). Since the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the between-treatments difference was below 0 in the ITT population, a planned superiority analysis was performed showing that W-TENS was significantly superior to WO at M3 (p=0.0124) on PI. Additionally, the number of AEs was significantly lower (p<0.001) in W-TENS (n=7) group than in WO (n=36) group. In WO group, AEs were systemic AEs usually reported with WO while AEs in W-TENS group were local, related to the technique used, such as local cutaneous reaction (erythema).

Table 1.

Non-inferiority analyses on pain intensity at M3. ITT and PP populations. Least squares means for each study group and study group difference estimate and corresponding 95% CI

Group PopulationWithin-group changeBetween-group differenceW-TENSWOW-TENS - WOITT Population (n)5555Non inferiorityMean (SD)3.83 (0.28)<0.0014.74 (0.28)<0.001-0.92 (0.40)Non inferiority‡ demonstrated95% CI[3.27, 4.40][4.18, 5.30][-1.71, -0.12]PP Population (n)5247Mean (SD)3.87 (0.30)<0.0014.66 (0.32)<0.001-0.79 (0.44)Non inferiority‡ demonstrated95% CI[3.28, 4.46][4.03, 5.28][-1.65, 0.08]

‡ Noninferiority was demonstrated when 95% CI < 0.825

Thirty-nine (70.9%) patients wished to extend W-TENS treatment for 3 additional months. Only one patient discontinued this additional period and results obtained at M3 remained stable at M6.

Conclusion:

In this study, W-TENS was more effective and better tolerated than WO in the treatment of nociceptive KOA chronic pain and should represent an interesting non-pharmacological alternative to WO.

Acknowledgements:

We gratefully thank P. Fardellone (Amiens), E. Coudeyre (Clermont-Ferrand), Y. Donazzolo (Gieres), A. Amouzougan (Saint-Etienne), L. Grange (Grenoble), T. Conrozier (Belfort), E. Senbel (Marseille), J.P. Sanchez (Billere), R. Forestier (Aix-les-Bains), H. Bard (Paris) and E. Gibert (Ivry-sur-Seine) for their active contribution throughout arthroTENS study

Disclosure of Interests:

Emmanuel Maheu Speakers bureau: TRB chemedica, Consultant of: SUBLIMED, Moirans, FRANCE; Sandrine Soriot-Thomas Speakers bureau: Grunenthal, Consultant of: SUBLIMED, Moirans, FRANCE;

Grunenthal

Kyowa Kirin pharma, Grant/research support from: Grunenthal

Sanofi

Teva

Mylan

Therable, Eric Noel Consultant of: SUBLIMED, Moirans, FRANCE; Eric Lespessailles Consultant of: SUBLIMED, Moirans, FRANCE; Bernard Cortet Consultant of: SUBLIMED, Moirans, FRANCE;

POS0234 SECUKINUMAB RETENTION AND SAFETY IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS OR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: 2 YEAR INTERIM RESULTS OF THE OBSERVATIONAL SERENA STUDY

Background:

SERENA is an ongoing, prospective, non-interventional study evaluating retention, effectiveness, safety/tolerability and quality of life in more than 2900 patients (pts) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with secukinumab (SEC) at 438 sites across Europe for a period of up to 5 years1.

Objectives:

We present interim results reporting SEC treatment retention and safety data through 2 years in the PsA and AS pts enrolled in the study.

Methods:

This interim analysis presents data from 534 PsA and 470 AS pts who were enrolled (target population fulfilling all eligibility criteria) in the study and were followed up for at least 2 years. Pts (aged ≥18 years) with active PsA or AS should have received at least 16 weeks SEC treatment before enrolment in the study1. Retention rate was defined as the percentage of pts who have not discontinued SEC treatment. A treatment break was defined as interruption of therapy for at least 3 months after last injection.

Results:

The mean treatment duration prior to enrolment in the study was 1.0 year and 0.91 year for PsA and AS, respectively. The retention rates for SEC after 1 year since enrolment and since initiation of treatment were: PsA, 85.2% [n=519, CI: 82.01–88.32] and 96.8% [n=528, CI: 95.18–98.38]; AS, 85.8% [n=452, CI: 82.52–89.17] and 94.2% [n=464, CI: 91.94–96.42], respectively. After 2 years since enrolment and since initiation of treatment, the retention rates were: PsA, 74.9% [n=498, CI: 70.99–78.81] and 87.0% [n=515, CI: 83.99–89.99]; AS, 78.9% [n=437, CI: 75.01–82.88] and 84.8% [n=454, CI: 81.39–88.21], respectively. Survival probabilities for individual indications are presented in Figure 1. At baseline, the majority of PsA (79.5%; n/N=423/532) pts were receiving SEC 300 mg, while 97.0% (n/N=456/470) of AS pts were receiving SEC 150 mg. The majority of pts continued their initial SEC dose; “no dose change” in SEC treatment was reported after 1 and 2 years in the study (Year 1: PsA, 93.4% [n=499] and AS, 92.6% [n=435]; Year 2: PsA, 89.7% [n=479] and AS, 87.9% [n=413]). SEC treatment break was recorded for 31 PsA pts [median (min, max) treatment break duration in days: 125.0 (61, 461)] and for 42 AS [118.0 (61, 813)] pts mainly due to adverse events reported in 58.1% (n=18) and 45.2% (n=19) of pts, respectively. The retreatment started with monthly dosing in most of the cases: PsA, 80.6% (n/N=25/31) and AS, 76.2% (n/N=32/42). No new or unexpected safety signals were reported (Table 1).

Table 1.

Safety profile of treatment-emergent adverse events within the study period

AE summary, n (%)PsA N=575AS N=499Year 1Year 2Year 1Year 2Subject with any AE239 (41.6)289 (50.3)203 (40.7)247 (49.5)Subject with any serious AE29 (5.0)45 (7.8)29 (5.8)44 (8.8)Subject with AE leading to discontinuation55 (9.6)84 (14.6)47 (9.4)62 (12.4)Death0 (0.0)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)1 (0.2)AEs of special interest, n (IR per 100 subject-years)Serious infections and infestations5 (0.96)9 (0.95)8 (1.78)11 (1.33)Candida infections1 (0.19)2 (0.21)2 (0.44)2 (0.24)Malignancy5 (0.96)7 (0.74)N/R3 (0.36)Major adverse cardiovascular eventsN/R1 (0.11)2 (0.44)3 (0.36)Inflammatory bowel diseaseN/RN/R1 (0.22)1 (0.12)

N, total number of patients in the safety set; n, number of patients with event; AE, adverse events; IR, incidence rate; N/R, not reported.

Conclusion:

Secukinumab retention rates in a real world setting after more than 2 years since initiation of treatment and after 2 years since enrolment in the study indicate high persistence rates. Safety data collected prospectively for up to 2 years confirm the favorable safety profile of secukinumab.

References:

[1]Kiltz, U et al. Adv Ther 2020; 37:2865–83.

Disclosure of Interests:

Uta Kiltz Consultant of: AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Nicola Gullick Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB., Athina Theodoridou Consultant of: UCB, Amgen, Novartis, Jan Brandt-Juergens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Eric Lespessailles Speakers bureau: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, Consultant of: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB, Rasho Rashkov Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, UCB, Roche and Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, UCB, Roche and Janssen, Jenny Fang Employee of: Novartis, Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Piotr Jagiello Employee of: Novartis, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB.

P186 Secukinumab effectiveness and safety in patients with active psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis: interim analysis of an observational study in the real-world setting

Background/Aims 

SERENA is an ongoing, non-interventional study involving ∼400 European sites with an observation period of ≤ 5 years to evaluate retention, effectiveness, safety/tolerability and quality of life with secukinumab (SEC) in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the real world. We present effectiveness and safety data through 1 year in the 577 PsA and 507 AS patients enrolled, of which 533 PsA and 461 AS patients comprised the target study population (fulfilling all eligibility criteria).

Methods 

Patients (aged ≥18 years) with active PsA or AS who were treated for at least 16 weeks with SEC were enrolled. Effectiveness assessments included 78 tender joint count/76 swollen joint count, PGA, total pain (VAS, 0-100 mm), presence of enthesitis/dactylitis and PASI75/90/100 in patients with PsA, and BASDAI, PtGA, C-reactive protein, ASDAS and total spinal pain in patients with AS.

Results 

Mean disease duration from diagnosis to enrolment was 8.6 and 9.8 years for PsA and AS patients. Patients received SEC for a mean duration of 1 year prior to enrolment (range: 0.90-1.00). In total, 64.7% (N = 533) of PsA and 60.7% (N = 461) of AS patients received other biologic drugs prior to SEC treatment, with 59.7% and 52.7% of PsA and AS patients receiving at least two different biologic drugs. Most patients pre-treated with biologics discontinued biologic treatment due to lack of efficacy (88.0% PsA; 86.8% AS). Retention rates for SEC after 1 year were 85.9% and 86.5% in PsA and AS patients. Responses across all effectiveness assessments in both cohorts were maintained or improved after 1 year of observation (Table 1). No new or unexpected safety signals were reported. P186 Table 1:Effectiveness outcomes in patients with PsA or AS at enrolment and Year 1Characteristic, mean±SD (M), unless otherwise specifiedPsA (N = 533)PsA (N = 533)AS (N = 461)AS (N = 461)EnrolmentYear 1EnrolmentYear 1Total pain (VAS 0-100 mm)31.80±24.28a (432)30.77±24.57a (322)34.68±24.23b (350)34.16±24.49b (228)Presence of tender or swollen joint, n/M (%)280/520 (53.8%)158/373 (42.4%)--Tender joint count, mean [min-max] (m)6.5 [0-68] (203)6.8 [0-78] (140)--Swollen joint count, mean [min-max] (m)3.3 [0-38] (203)2.8 [0-23] (140)--Presence of dactylitis, n/M (%)33/516 (6.4%)13/370 (3.5%)--Enthesitis index0.4±1.0c (276)c0.3±0.9c (243)c0.7±1.70d (246)0.6±1.7d (170)HAQ-DI0.83±0.70 (398)0.83±0.72 (268)--BASDAI--3.20±2.28 (436)3.24±2.36 (270)ASDAS-CRP--2.25±0.94 (229)2.27±0.97 (173)hsCRP, mg/L--8.53±13.42 (285)8.10±14.72 (218)PtGA (NRS) (VAS 0-10 cm)--4.18±2.32 (366)4.07±2.37 (246)aTotal pain;bTotal back pain;cLeeds enthesitis index;dMaastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score. AS, ankylosing spondylitis; ASDAS-CRP, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein; BASDAI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index; HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index; hsCRP, high sensitivity C-reactive protein; m, number of patients with detailed assessments of tender or swollen joints; M, number of patients with evaluation; n, number of patients with a positive response; N, number of patients in the study population; NRS, numeric rating scale; PsA, psoriatic arthritis; PtGA, Patient’s Global Assessment; SD, standard deviation; VAS, visual analogue scale.

Conclusion 

Patients in SERENA had long-standing disease with more than half previously treated with biologics, most of whom had discontinued treatment due to lack of efficacy. SEC showed sustained effectiveness, a high retention rate and favourable safety profile in PsA and AS patients in the real world over 1 year of observation. Incomplete data due to lack of rigorous monitoring (an intrinsic weakness of observational studies) must be considered when interpreting real-world findings.

Disclosure 

K. Gaffney: Grants/research support; Research grants, consultancy fees and/or speaker fees from AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB. N. Gullick: Grants/research support; Research support, consultancy fees and/or speakers fees from AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB. U. Kiltz: Grants/research support; Research grants, support and/or consultancy fees from AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB. P. Sfikakis: Grants/research support; Research grants, support and consultancy fees from AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer. A. Theodoridou: Honoraria; Consultancy fees from UCB, Amgen, Novartis. J. Brandt-Jürgens: Honoraria; Consultancy fees and speaker honoraria from AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen and Medac. E. Lespessailles: Honoraria; Received speaker and consultant fees from Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, and research grants from AbbVie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB. C. Perella: Other; Novartis employee. E. Pournara: Shareholder/stock ownership; Novartis shareholder. Other; Novartis employee. B. Schulz: Other; Novartis employee. J. Veit: Other; Novartis employee.

Does the Severity of Obesity Influence Bone Mineral Density Values in Premenopausal Women?

The aim of this study was to compare bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and geometric indices of hip bone strength among 3 groups of adult obese premenopausal women (severely obese, morbidly obese, and super morbidly obese). This study included 65 young adult premenopausal women whose body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m². They were divided into 3 groups using international cut-offs for BMI. Body composition and bone variables were measured by DXA. DXA measurements were completed for the whole body (WB), lumbar spine, total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN). Geometric indices of FN strength (cross-sectional area, cross-sectional moment of inertia [CSMI], section modulus [Z], strength index [SI], and buckling ratio) were calculated by DXA. Results showed that age and height were not significantly different among the 3 groups. WB BMC values were higher in super morbidly obese women compared to severely and morbidly obese women. WB BMD, L1-L4 BMD, total hip BMD, FN BMD, cross-sectional area, CSMI, Z, and buckling ratio values were not significantly different among the 3 groups. SI values were lower in super morbidly obese compared to morbidly and severely obese women. In the whole population (n = 65), body weight, BMI, lean mass, fat mass, and trunk fat mass were positively correlated to WB BMC and negatively correlated to SI. Weight and lean mass were positively correlated to WB BMD and CSMI. Our findings suggest that the severity of obesity does not influence BMD values in premenopausal women.

Cumulative Effects of Strontium Ranelate and Impact Exercise on Bone Mass in Ovariectomized Rats

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of physical exercise (EXE), strontium ranelate (SR), or their combination on bone status in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

DESIGN

Sixty female Wistar rats were randomized to one of five groups: sham (Sh), OVX (O), OVX+EXE (OE), OVX+SR (OSR), and OVX+EXE+SR (OESR). Animals in EXE groups were subjected to 10 drops per day (45 cm in height); rats in SR groups received 625 mg/kg/day of SR, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), mechanical strength of the left femur (three-point bending test), and femur microarchitecture of (micro-computed tomography imaging, microCT) analyses were performed to characterize biomechanical and trabecular/cortical structure. Bone remodeling, osteocyte apoptosis, and lipid content were evaluated by ELISA and immunofluorescence tests.

RESULTS

In OVX rats, whole-body BMD, trabecular parameters, and osteocalcin (OCN) levels decreased, while weight, lean/fat mass, osteocyte apoptosis, and lipid content all increased. EXE after ovariectomy improved BMD and BMC, trabecular parameters, cross-sectional area (CSA), moment of inertia, and OCN levels while decreasing osteocyte apoptosis and lipid content. SR treatment increased BMD and BMC, trabecular parameters, CSA, stiffness, OCN, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Furthermore, fat mass, N-telopeptide (NTX) level, osteocyte apoptosis, and lipid content significantly decreased. The combination of both EXE and SR improved bone parameters compared with EXE or SR alone.

CONCLUSION

EXE and SR had positive and synergistic effects on bone formation and resorption.

Emerging Natural-Product-Based Treatments for the Management of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex degenerative disease in which joint homeostasis is disrupted, leading to synovial inflammation, cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, and resulting in pain and joint disability. Yet, the development of new treatment strategies to restore the equilibrium of the osteoarthritic joint remains a challenge. Numerous studies have revealed that dietary components and/or natural products have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bone-resorption, and anabolic potential and have received much attention toward the development of new therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. In the present review, we provide an overview of current and emerging natural-product-based research treatments for OA management by drawing attention to experimental, pre-clinical, and clinical models. Herein, we review current and emerging natural-product-based research treatments for OA management.

Ixekizumab treatment of biologic-naïve patients with active psoriatic arthritis: 3-year results from a phase III clinical trial (SPIRIT-P1)

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of up to 156 weeks of ixekizumab (an IL-17A antagonist) treatment in PsA patients.

METHODS

In a phase III study, patients naïve to biologic treatment were randomized to placebo, adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks (ADA; active reference) or ixekizumab 80 mg every 2 weeks (IXEQ2W) or every 4 weeks (IXEQ4W) after an initial dose of 160 mg. At week 24 (week 16 for inadequate responders), ADA (after 8-week washout) and placebo patients were re-randomized to IXEQ2W or IXEQ4W. Outcomes were evaluated using a modified non-responder imputation [linear extrapolation for radiographic progression (modified total Sharp score = 0)] during extended treatment until week 156.

RESULTS

Of 417 patients, 381 entered the extension, and 243 of 381 (63.8%) completed the 156-week study. Incidence rates of treatment-emergent and serious adverse events, respectively, were 38.0 and 5.2 with IXEQ2W (n = 189) and 38.1 and 8.0 with IXEQ4W (n = 197). One death occurred (IXEQ4W). With IXEQ2W and IXEQ4W, respectively, the response rates persisted to week 156 as measured by the ACR response ≥20% (62.5 and 69.8%), ≥50% (56.1 and 51.8%) and ≥70% (43.8 and 33.4%), psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75 (69.1 and 63.5%), PASI 90 (64.5 and 51.2%) and PASI 100 (60.5 and 43.6%). Inhibition of radiographic progression also persisted to week 156 in 61% of IXEQ2W and 71% of IXEQ4W patients.

CONCLUSION

In this 156-week study of ixekizumab, the safety profile remained consistent with previous reports, and improvements in signs and symptoms of PsA were observed, including persistent low rates of radiographic progression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01695239, EudraCT 2011-002326-49.

Psychometric validation of a patient-reported outcome questionnaire (Qualipsosex) assessing the impact of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis on patient perception of sexuality

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis (Pso) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) frequently have a negative impact on patients' sexual health. We have developed a specific questionnaire assessing the impact of Pso and PsA on patient perception of sexuality: the QualipsoSex Questionnaire (QSQ). The aim of the present study was to further validate this questionnaire by checking its psychometric properties including validity, reliability, and responsiveness.A cross sectional observational study with a longitudinal component for responsiveness and test-retest reliability was performed in 12 centers in France including 7 dermatologists and 5 rheumatologists. Psychometric properties were examined according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) check-list.At baseline, 114 patients had Pso and 35 patients had PsA including 17 peripheral arthritis, 4 axial disease, 13 patients with both axial disease and peripheral arthritis and one patient with an undifferentiated phenotype. The mean Pso Area and Severity Index score was 12.5. Genital organs were involved in 44.7% of Pso cases. Internal consistency, construct validity, and reliability were good with Cronbach's α coefficient, measure of sampling adequacy and intraclass correlation coefficient respectively at 0.87, 0.84, and 0.93. The QSQ also demonstrated acceptable sensitivity to change.The QSQ has demonstrated good psychometric properties fulfilling the validation process relative to the recommendations of the COSMIN check list. The QSQ is simple to score and may hopefully be valuable in clinical practice and in clinical trials.

DXA body composition corrective factors between Hologic Discovery models to conduct multicenter studies

BACKGROUND

Dual X-ray absorptiometry body composition measurements are widely used for clinical and research settings. It is well known that measurements vary across instruments, needing caution for longitudinal monitoring or multicentric studies. This study was to quantify intra- and inter-center variability of bone mineral content, bone mineral density, fat and lean body composition measurements between Hologic Discovery models in order to calculate the corrective factors to be applied for multicenter research projects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A whole body phantom composed of materials representing the thickness and percentage of bone, lean and fat mass in the human physiological range was analyzed ten times in three different centers using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scanners (Two Hologic Discovery QDR A and one QDR W). In addition, we used a morphometric vertebral phantom to monitor stability and a three steps block phantom to check accuracy.

RESULTS

We found a good long-term stability and accuracy for the three devices. Intra-center coefficients of variation were within the range of the manufacturer acceptable values (bone mineral density: 1.40%, bone mineral content: 1%, area: 1.50%, fat mass: 0.89%, lean mass: 0.76%, total mass: 0.12%). Whereas the inter-center coefficient of variation exceeded 8% (bone mineral density: 8.18%, bone mineral content: 3.03%, area: 8.63%: fat mass: 3,92%, lean mass: 7.89%, total mass: 2.85%).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the discrepancies across centers remain a major concern, particularly with regard to body composition results. Our study highlight the need of cross calibration between densitometers and proposes corrective factors evaluated from a whole body phantom to lead multicentric studies adjustment.

Cost-effectiveness of treatment of women aged 70 years and older with both osteopenia and microstructural deterioration

OBJECTIVE

Treatment is usually withheld from women with osteopenia even though they are the source of over 70% of all women having fragility fractures. As microstructural deterioration increases fracture risk and zoledronate reduces it, we aimed to determine whether identifying and treating women with osteopenia and severe microstructural deterioration is cost-effective. We also compared the health economic outcomes of 'global' versus 'targeted' treatment using SFS of women aged ≥70 years with osteopenia.

DESIGN

We assessed the cost-effectiveness from using a Markov model that simulated 10-year follow up of women with osteopenia. Decision analysis compared measurement of distal radial microstructure using high resolution peripheral computed tomography (at a cost of USD $210) to target women with severe microstructural deterioration for zoledronate treatment, compared to standard care defined as measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) with treatment recommended when femoral neck BMD T score is ≤-2.5 SD with or without a prevalent fracture. In the 'global' treatment approach, high resolution peripheral quantitative tomography (HRpQCT) was not undertaken.

SETTING

US healthcare system.

PARTICIPANTS

A hypothetical cohort of 1000 women aged ≥70 years with osteopenia and no previous fractures was studied.

MEASURES

Fractures, deaths, years of life lived, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lived and costs. Data inputs were obtained from published sources. A 3% annual discount rate was applied to future health benefits and costs.

RESULTS

Women in the standard care group incurred 327 fractures during 7341.0 years and 4914.2 QALYs lived. Women in the intervention group incurred 300 fractures (number needed to treat 37) during 7359.2 years and 4928.8 QALYs lived. Net costs were USD $4,862,669 and $4,952,004, respectively, equating to 18.1 years of life saved and 14.6 QALYs saved, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $4992 per year of life saved and $6135 per QALY saved. These ratios are well within the threshold considered to be cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses indicated the results were robust. Relative to standard of care, 'global' and 'targeted' treatment respectively resulted in 0.0364 vs. 0.0181 years of life (YoLS) saved per person, and 0.0292 and 0.0146 QALYs saved per person. The net costs per person for the respective approaches were $US 359 and $US 89. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $9864 per YoLS and $12,290 per QALY saved for the 'global' approach and $4992 per YoLS and $6135 per QALY saved for the 'targeted' approach.

CONCLUSION

Identifying and treating women ≥70 years of age with osteopenia and microstructural deterioration with zoledronate cost-effectively reduces the morbidity and mortality imposed by fragility fractures. This 'targeted' approach is more cost-effective than a 'global' approach and incurs only 25% of total costs.

IMPLICATION

Women with osteopenia with bone fragility due to microstructural deterioration should be identified and targeted for treatment.

SUMMARY

Women with osteopenia have 70% of fractures. Treating those with microstructural deterioration conferred an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4992/year of life saved and $6135 per QALY saved.

Real-World 1-Year Retention Rate of Subcutaneous Tocilizumab Treatment in Patients with Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: TANDEM Study

Introduction

Drug retention is particularly relevant to assess long-term treatments. This real-world study mainly aimed to describe 1-year retention rate (RR) of subcutaneously administered tocilizumab (TCZ-SC) in patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study (NCT02608112) was conducted in patients with RA initiating TCZ-SC treatment, with an 18-month follow-up. RR was estimated at month 12 in the overall population and baseline subgroups (combination with a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) or not, age, body mass index, methotrexate dose), using the Kaplan–Meier method. Patient compliance to TCZ-SC was described using the 5-item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR5).

Results

At inclusion 75% of the 285 analyzed patients were women, mean RA duration was 9 ± 9 years, previous RA treatments included biological agents (63%) and/or csDMARDs (94%), mean Disease Activity Score 28 joints-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) was 4.8 ± 1.2. TCZ-SC RR at month 12 was estimated to be 64% (95% CI 58%–69%) with no statistical differences between subgroups. Clinical results improved with TCZ-SC; the proportion of patients treated with combined glucocorticoids decreased from 49% to 22% at month 12. At each follow-up time, at least 80% of patients were high adherers to TCZ-SC (at least 80% of theoretical injections). Among the 286 patients with at least one TCZ-SC injection, 25 patients (9%) experienced serious adverse events related to TCZ-SC with no differences according to patient age.

Conclusions

This real-world study corroborates the RR at month 12 previously shown in interventional studies on TCZ-SC. Our data suggest there are no differences according to patient’s profile (age, BMI), methotrexate doses, and TCZ-SC use.

Trial Registration

NCT02608112.

Ixekizumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous chronic rheumatic disorder with numerous phenotypic facets. A better in deep understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to psoriasis and PsA has contributed to the introduction of novel therapeutic agents. IL-17 is at the heart and a critical factor in the onset of PsA. Ixekizumab, a high-affinity monoclonal antibody against IL-17 A, has been approved by the US FDA in March 2016 for baseline psoriasis and Dec 2017 for PsA; by the EMA in April 2016 and January 2018, respectively. This article reviews the published data relating to ixekizumab efficacy and safety in the PsA treatment.

Efficacy of teriparatide compared with risedronate on FRAX®-defined major osteoporotic fractures: results of the VERO clinical trial

FRAX^® calculates the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF), which are considered to have a greater clinical impact than other fractures. Our results suggest that, in postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis, those treated with teriparatide had a 60% lower risk of FRAX^®-defined MOF compared with those treated with risedronate.

INTRODUCTION

The VERO trial was an active-controlled fracture endpoint clinical trial that enrolled postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis. After 24 months, a 52% reduction in the hazard ratio (HR) of clinical fractures was reported in patients randomized to teriparatide compared with risedronate. We examined fracture results restricted to FRAX^®-defined major osteoporotic fractures (MOF), which include clinical vertebral, hip, humerus, and forearm fractures.

METHODS

In total, 1360 postmenopausal women (mean age 72.1 years) were randomized to receive subcutaneous daily teriparatide (20 μg) or oral weekly risedronate (35 mg). Patient cumulative incidence of ≥ 1 FRAX^®-defined MOF and of all clinical fractures were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses, and the comparison between treatments was based on the stratified log-rank test. Additionally, an extended Cox model was used to estimate HRs at different time points. Incidence fracture rates were estimated at each 6-month interval.

RESULTS

After 24 months, 16 (2.6%) patients in the teriparatide group had ≥ 1 low trauma FRAX^®-defined MOF compared with 40 patients (6.4%) in the risedronate group (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.23-0.68; p = 0.001). Clinical vertebral and radius fractures were the most frequent FRAX^®-defined MOF sites. The largest difference in incidence rates of both FRAX^®-defined MOF and all clinical fractures between treatments occurred during the 6- to 12-month period. There was a statistically significant reduction in fractures between groups as early as 7 months for both categories of clinical fractures analyzed.

CONCLUSION

In postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis, treatment with teriparatide was more efficacious than risedronate, with a 60% lower risk of FRAX^®-defined MOF during the 24-month treatment period. Fracture risk was statistically significantly reduced at 7 months of treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01709110 EudraCT Number: 2012-000123-41.

High fracture risk patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis should get an anabolic treatment first

Long-term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy induces glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and its associated fractures. Most specialty organizations recommend bisphosphonates as first-line therapies based only on bone mineral density efficacy data. Effective treatment of GIOP based on head-to-head trials with fracture endpoint has not yet been established. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of GIOP that lead to the detrimental effects on bone are not yet fully elucidated. Although GCs in an early and transitory period promote osteoclastic activity, in the current paper, we outline why GIOP is in fact a disease of the bone formation and then provide the rationale for the use of bone-forming agents as first-line therapy for patients with high fracture risk in GIOP.

Discriminative Regularized Auto-Encoder for Early Detection of Knee OsteoArthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OsteoArthritis (OA) is the most common disorder of the musculoskeletal system and the major cause of reduced mobility among seniors. The visual evaluation of OA still suffers from subjectivity. Recently, Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems based on learning methods showed potential for improving knee OA diagnostic accuracy. However, learning discriminative properties can be a challenging task, particularly when dealing with complex data such as X-ray images, typically used for knee OA diagnosis. In this paper, we introduce a Discriminative Regularized Auto Encoder (DRAE) that allows to learn both relevant and discriminative properties that improve the classification performance. More specifically, a penalty term, called discriminative loss is combined with the standard Auto-Encoder training criterion. This additional term aims to force the learned representation to contain discriminative information. Our experimental results on data from the public multicenter OsteoArthritis Initiative (OAI) show that the developed method presents potential results for early knee OA detection.

Gastric Bypass But Not Sleeve Gastrectomy Increases Risk of Major Osteoporotic Fracture: French Population-Based Cohort Study

The objective of this work was to investigate the risk of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; hip, proximal humerus, wrist and distal forearm, and clinical spine) in bariatric surgery patients versus matched controls. Bariatric surgery is associated with an increase in fracture risk. However, it remains unclear whether the same degree of fracture risk is associated with sleeve gastrectomy, which has recently surpassed gastric bypass. Records from the French National Inpatient database were used from 2008 to 2018. Bariatric surgery patients, aged 40 to 65 years, with BMI ≥40 kg/m² , hospitalized between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014, were matched to one control (1:1) by age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, year of inclusion, and class of obesity (40 to 49.9 kg/m² versus ≥50 kg/m² ). We performed a Cox regression analysis to assess the association between the risk of any MOF and, respectively, (i) bariatric surgery (yes/no) and (ii) type of surgical procedure (gastric bypass, gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty, and sleeve gastrectomy) versus no surgery. A total of 81,984 patients were included in the study (40,992 in the bariatric surgery group, and 40,992 matched controls). There were 585 MOFs in the surgical group (2.30 cases per 1000 patient-year [PY]) and 416 MOFs in the matched controls (1.93 cases per 1000 PY). The risk of MOF was significantly higher in the surgical group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.39). We observed an increase in risk of MOF for gastric bypass only (HR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.46-1.98) compared with the matched controls. In patients aged 40 to 65 years, gastric bypass but not sleeve gastrectomy or the other procedures increased risk of major osteoporotic fractures. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of Apremilast Versus Placebo in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Pooled Safety Analysis of Three Phase III, Randomized, Controlled Trials

Objective

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires long‐term treatment, yet safety concerns and monitoring requirements make maintenance a challenge. This analysis of pooled Psoriatic Arthritis Long‐term Assessment of Clinical Efficacy (PALACE) 1, 2, and 3 data describes 3‐year apremilast safety and tolerability in PsA.

Methods

Patients with active PsA were randomized (1:1:1) to placebo, apremilast 30 mg twice daily, or apremilast 20 mg twice daily. Placebo patients were re‐randomized to apremilast 30 mg twice daily or 20 mg twice daily at week 16 (early escape) or 24. Double‐blind treatment continued to week 52; patients could continue apremilast during an open‐label, long‐term treatment phase.

Results

In total, 1493 patients received at least one dose of study medication and were included in the safety population (placebo: n = 495; apremilast 30 mg: n = 497; apremilast 20 mg: n = 501). Among patients receiving apremilast, 53.2% (767/1441) completed 3 years of treatment. Greater rates of adverse events (AEs) were reported with apremilast (61.1%; exposure‐adjusted incidence rate [EAIR]/100 patient‐years, 265.1) versus placebo (47.5%; EAIR/100 patient‐years, 200.7) in the placebo‐controlled period. During weeks 0 to ≤52, the most common AEs occurring in apremilast‐exposed patients were diarrhea (13.9%; EAIR/100 patient‐years, 18.6), nausea (12.3%; EAIR/100 patient‐years, 16.0), headache (9.4%; EAIR/100 patient‐years, 12.1), upper respiratory tract infection (9.1%; EAIR/100 patient‐years, 11.5), and nasopharyngitis (6.2%; EAIR/100 patient‐years, 7.7). Most AEs were mild/moderate with apremilast exposure ≤156 weeks. Rates of depression remained low (EAIR/100 patient‐years, 1.8). Major adverse cardiac events (EAIR/100 patient‐years, 0.5), malignancies (EAIR/100 patient‐years, 0.9), and serious opportunistic infections (EAIR/100 patient‐years, 0.0) were infrequent over the 3‐year exposure period. Discontinuation rates due to AEs were low (<7.5%) across all apremilast‐exposure periods. Incidences of clinically meaningful abnormalities in postbaseline laboratory values was low; most values returned to baseline levels with continued treatment and without intervention.

Conclusion

Apremilast demonstrated a favorable safety profile and was well tolerated up to 156 weeks.

FRI0274 HISTORY OF BIOLOGICS AND FEMALE GENDER ARE LINKED TO GOLIMUMAB DISCONTINUATION IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: A SUB-ANALYSIS OF THE GO-PRACTICE STUDY

Background:

Golimumab (GLM) is the latest anti-TNFα to be indicated for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The GO-PRACTICE study was performed in France at the request of the French Health Authorities, for the reevaluation of GLM in real-life.

Objectives:

The primary objective was to estimate GLM persistence at 2 years from initial prescription. This abstract focuses on a post-hoc analysis of the factors linked to GLM discontinuation in axSpA patients.

Methods:

Observational, prospective, multicenter study, that consecutively recruited adult patients with RA, PsA and axSpA who were newly prescribed GLM. Patients were followed-up for 2 years and outcomes data were collected at baseline (BL), 1 and 2 years. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, disease history, comorbidities and treatment history were also collected at BL. Persistence was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess factors associated with persistence. Selected BL characteristics were studied in univariate models, where those associated withp-value <0.20 were included in multivariate analysis. Significance level was set atp<0.05.

Results:

478 patients with axSpA were included from Jan 2015 to Mar 2016. Mean age was 43 years and 55% were female; 61% of patients were biologic-naïve (BN, n=291) and 39% (n=187) were biologic-pretreated (BP). Median time-elapsed in years since axSpA diagnosis was 1.7 (range 0–45.1) and 6.9 (range 0.2–51.8) in BN and BP patients, respectively (P<0.001); 97% patients were prescribed 50 mg GLM monthly and co-treatments included DMARD (34%), corticosteroids (17%) and NSAIDs/analgesics (90%).

Cumulative persistence probability of GLM at 2-years was 52.6% (Fig 1). Table 1 details the binary variables associated with GLM discontinuation atp<0.20. Among continuous variables, BL CRP level was associated withp<0.20. A multivariate analysis of these factors revealed that being female (HR 1.92, 95%CI 1.43–2.56,P<0.001) and being BP (HR 1.45, 95%CI (1.11–1.90),P=0.007) were risk factors for GLM discontinuation (Table 1).

Table 1.

Logistic model results for variables of interest and their link to GLM discontinuation in axSpA

FactorModalitiesχ2(p)Hazard ratio (HR)95% CIHR following univariate analysis (p>0.20)AgeContinuous variable0.5201.000.99–1.02Disease duration0.4011.010.99–1.03Inflammatory bowel diseaseYes vs. No0.2770.740.43–1.28Gastrointestinal disease0.3441.270.78–2.06Uveitis0.2370.800.55–1.16Psoriasis0.2380.920.64–1.31     HR following multivariate analysis (variables with p<0.20 at univariate analysis)GenderFemale vs. Male< 0.0011.921.43–2.56Biologics historyPretreated vs. naïve0.0071.451.11–1.90Serum CRPContinuous variable0.1770.990.98–1.00DMARD historyYes vs. No0.0621.370.99–1.90Ongoing corticosteroids0.6931.080.73–1.61Anemia0.1701.820.78–4.24Kidney Disease0.5081.500.45–4.97Other physical illness0.4351.280.69–2.34

Conclusion:

2-year GLM persistence in axSpA patients was 52.6%. Females and those who were biologics-pretreated were at greater risk for discontinuing GLM before 2 years.

Disclosure of Interests:

Philippe Bertin Consultant of: MSD France, Philippe Goupille Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Florence Tubach Grant/research support from: Florence TUBACH is head of the Centre de Pharmacoépidémiologie (Cephepi) of the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris and of the Clinical Research Unit of Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, both these structures have received research funding, grants and fees for consultant activities from a large number of pharmaceutical companies, that have contributed indiscriminately to the salaries of its employees. Florence Tubach didn’t receive any personal remuneration from these companies., Eric Lespessailles Consultant of: Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, MSD France, Novartis, UCB, Speakers bureau: Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, MSD France, Novartis, UCB, Naoual HARID Employee of: MSD France, Saannya Sequeira Consultant of: MSD France, Jean-Marie Fayette Consultant of: MSD France, Bruno Fautrel Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Medac MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi Aventis, SOBI and UCB, René-Marc Flipo Consultant of: Johnson and Johnson, MSD France, Novartis, Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Johnson and Johnson, MSD France, Novartis, Sanofi

Secukinumab Use in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in Real-World Setting in Europe: Baseline Data from SERENA Study

INTRODUCTION

Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that directly inhibits interleukin-17A, has demonstrated robust efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with a rapid onset of action, sustained long-term clinical responses and a consistently favourable safety profile across phase 3 trials. Here, we report the clinical data at enrolment from SERENA, designed to investigate the real-world use of secukinumab across all three indications.

METHODS

SERENA is an ongoing, longitudinal, observational study conducted at 438 sites across Europe in patients with moderate to severe plaque PsO, active PsA or active AS. Patients should have received at least 16 weeks of secukinumab treatment before enrolment in the study.

RESULTS

Overall 2800 patients were included in the safety set; patients with PsA (N = 541) were older than patients with PsO (N = 1799) and patients with AS (N = 460); patients with PsO had a higher mean body weight than patients with PsA and patients with AS; and patients with PsO and patients with AS were predominantly male. Time since diagnosis was longer in patients with PsO compared with patients with PsA and patients with AS, and about 40% of patients were either current or former smokers. The proportion of obese patients (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) was similar across indications. Patients were treated with secukinumab for a mean duration of 1 year prior to enrolment (range 0.89-1.04). The percentages of patients with prior biologics exposure were 31.5% PsO, 59.7% PsA and 55% AS. The percentages of patients prescribed secukinumab monotherapy were 75% (n = 1349) in PsO, 48.2% (n = 261) in PsA and 48.9% (n = 225) in AS groups.

CONCLUSION

Baseline demographics of the study population are consistent with existing literature. This large observational study across all secukinumab indications will provide valuable information on the long-term effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in the real-world setting.

Deterioration of Cortical and Trabecular Microstructure Identifies Women With Osteopenia or Normal Bone Mineral Density at Imminent and Long-Term Risk for Fragility Fracture: A Prospective Study

More than 70% of women sustaining fractures have osteopenia or "normal" bone mineral density (BMD). These women remain undetected using the BMD threshold of -2.5 SD for osteoporosis. As microstructural deterioration increases bone fragility disproportionate to the bone loss producing osteopenia/normal BMD, we hypothesized that the structural fragility score (SFS) of ≥70 units, a measure capturing severe cortical and trabecular deterioration, will identify these women. Distal radial images were acquired using high-resolution peripheral quantitative tomography in postmenopausal French women, mean age 67 years (range 42-96 years); 1539 women were followed for 4 years (QUALYOR) and 561 women followed for 8 years (OFELY). Women with osteopenia or normal BMD accounted for ~80% of fractures. Women ≥70 years, 29.2% of the cohort, accounted for 39.2% to 61.5% of fractures depending on follow-up duration. Women having fractures had a higher SFS, lower BMD, and a higher fracture risk assessment score (FRAX) than women remaining fracture-free. In each BMD category (osteoporosis, osteopenia, normal BMD), fracture incidence was two to three times higher in women with SFS ≥70 than <70. In multivariable analyses, associations with fractures remained for BMD and SFS, not FRAX. BMD was no longer, or weakly, associated with fractures after accounting for SFS, whereas SFS remained associated with fracture after accounting for BMD. SFS detected two-to threefold more women having fractures than BMD or FRAX. SFS in women with osteopenia/normal BMD conferred an odds ratio for fracture of 2.69 to 5.19 for women of any age and 4.98 to 12.2 for women ≥70 years. Receiver-operator curve (ROC) analyses showed a significant area under the curve (AUC) for SFS, but not BMD or FRAX for the women ≥70 years of age. Targeting women aged ≥70 years with osteopenia indicated that treating 25% using SFS to allocate treatment conferred a cost-effectiveness ratio < USD $21,000/QALY saved. Quantifying microstructural deterioration complements BMD by identifying women without osteoporosis at imminent and longer-term fracture risk. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.