AB0417 SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF METHOTREXATE ON APOLIPOPROTEINS AND LIPID PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) forms the first line therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cardioprotective effect of MTX is well established, but whether this is just due to control of inflammation, or is also via an effect on serum lipoproteins, is unclear. Although a few studies have studied the effect of the MTX on the traditional lipid profile in RA1, there is no data on the effect of MTX on apolipoproteins (Apo A1, Apo B, ApoB/ApoA1), which are considered better cardiovascular risk predictors than the traditional lipid profile.

Objectives

To determine the short-term effect of MTX on apolipoproteins and traditional lipid profile in patients with active RA.

Methods

DMARD-naïve patients with active RA (SJC≥2 and TJC≥4) who had been enrolled in the multicentre, RCT comparing two different MTX escalation strategies in RA (MEIRA)2 and for whom paired serum samples were available before and after MTX treatment were included. All these patients received MTX monotherapy started at 15 mg/week and escalated to 25 mg/week by 4-8 weeks. Serum levels of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were measured before starting MTX and after 16 weeks of MTX monotherapy. Proatherosclerotic indices (TC/HDL and ApoB/ApoA1) were also calculated.

Results

A total of 103 patients [mean age 40 (8) years, 93 (90%) females, mean BMI 25.1 (4.8) kg/m2, all non-smokers and non-alcoholics] were included. No study participant had comorbid diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease; none of them were taking glucocorticoids or hypolipidemic drugs. An increase in Apo A1 levels [by a mean of 5.6 mg/dL (p=0.02)], and HDL levels [by a mean of 1.6 mg/dL (p=0.04)] was seen after 16 weeks of MTX monotherapy. Although a numerical increase in levels of TC (mean 4.6 mg/dL, p=0.07), LDL (mean 2 mg/dL, p=0.34) and TG (mean 6.6 mg/dL, p=0.35) was also noted, none of these were statistically significant. No obvious change in Apo B levels and TC/HDL ratio occurred due to MTX therapy. However, the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio decreased significantly from 0.8 to 0.7 (p=0.002) with 16 weeks of MTX therapy (Table 1).

Table 1.

Baseline and end of treatment values of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and proatherosclerotic indices (TC/HDL and ApoB/ApoA1).

Parameter (mg/dL)BaselineAfter 16 weeks of MTX therapyp-valueApo A1126.0 (25.1)131.6 (23.4)0.02Apo B92.3 (18.9)92.0 (20.9)0.84ApoB/ApoA10.8 (0.2)0.7 (0.2)0.002TC164.5 (32.4)169.1 (36.8)0.07HDL40.9 (9.8)42.5 (9.7)0.04TC/HDL4.2 (1.1)4.1 (1.1)0.34LDL88.8 (25.2)90.8 (29.8)0.34TG139.8 (69.6)146.4 (91.3)0.35

All values represented as mean (SD).

Apo A1=apolipoprotein A1, ApoB=apolipoprotein B, TC=total cholesterol, LDL=low-density lipoprotein, HDL=high-density lipoprotein, TG=triglycerides

Conclusion

MTX therapy led to a mild but significant increase in HDL, ApoA1 and a reduction in ApoB/ApoA1 over short-term. This could potentially represent one of the mechanisms by which MTX exerts its cardioprotective effect; however, these changes need to be carefully interpreted over longer term and in context of the lipid paradox operating in RA.

References

[1]Navarro-Millán I, Charles-Schoeman C, Yang S, et al. Changes in lipoproteins associated with methotrexate or combination therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis: results from the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65(6):1430-1438.

[2]Jain S, Dhir V, Aggarwal A, et al. Comparison of two dose escalation strategies of methotrexate in active rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80(11):1376-1384.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0566 PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE MONOTHERAPY IN ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM A MULTICENTRE, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (MEIRA)

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) is the gold standard, first-line therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, not all patients respond to MTX, and the predictors of its response or non-response have not yet been reliably identified. Identification of these predictors will facilitate personalized therapeutic choices, and improve patient outcomes.

Objectives

To identify the clinico-laboratory predictors of response to MTX monotherapy in active RA.

Methods

This study included patients with active RA (SJC≥2 and TJC≥4) aged 18-55 years, with disease duration <5 years, who were not receiving DMARDs (except HCQ and low-dose prednisolone) and had been enrolled in the multicentre, parallel group RCT comparing two different MTX escalation strategies in RA (MEIRA)1. All these patients received MTX monotherapy which was started at 15 mg/week, escalated to 25 mg/week by 4-8 weeks, and continued till 16 weeks. MTX response was defined as EULAR good or moderate response (based on DAS28-CRP-3v) at 16 weeks. Stepwise, multivariable logistic regression was done using key demographic (age, gender, BMI, comorbidities), clinical (disease duration, DAS28, HAQ), and laboratory parameters (RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP, RBC MTX-polyglutamates 1-4, IL-6, MMP-3) as independent variables to identify predictors of MTX response. A two-tailed p-value <0.05 was used for defining statistical significance. (Trial Reg: CTRI/2018/12/016549)

Results

Out of a total of 178 included patients [84% females, mean age 40 (9) years, mean DAS28-CRP=5.4 (1.1)], 113 (63.5%) were classified as MTX responders at 16 weeks. Age (OR=0.95, p=0.01), BMI (OR=1.12, p=0.006), and RF (OR=0.34, p=0.045) were found to be independent predictors of MTX response on multivariable analysis (Table 1). On sensitivity analysis with DAS28-ESR-based EULAR response, age (OR=0.94, p=0.003) and RF (OR=0.42, p=0.059) were replicated as independent predictors of MTX response, in addition to pre-treatment swollen joint count (OR=0.94, p=0.05).

Table 1.

Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis for prediction of response (as defined by DAS28-CRP-based EULAR good or moderate response) to methotrexate monotherapy in RA

VariableOR (unadjusted)Unadjusted p-valueOR (adjusted)Adjusted p-valueAge0.97 (0.93-1.002)0.060.95 (0.91-0.99)0.01Male sex0.78 (0.35-1.76)0.55-BMI1.1 (1.02-1.19)0.011.12 (1.03-1.22)0.006Presence of comorbidities0.67 (0.31-1.44)0.31-Disease duration0.98 (0.79-1.22)0.87-Baseline DAS281.1 (0.81-1.49)0.54-Baseline HAQ1.04 (0.66-1.64)0.86-Baseline TJC1.01 (0.96-1.05)0.72-Baseline SJC0.97 (0.91-1.02)0.24-Baseline ESR1.01 (1.00-1.02)0.27-Baseline CRP1.00 (0.99-1.01)0.85-RF positive0.31 (0.11-0.85)0.020.34 (0.12-0.98)0.045Anti-CCP positive0.73 (0.27-1.99)0.54-MTX PG1 (16 weeks)0.99 (0.94-1.04)0.69-MTX PG2 (16 weeks)0.98 (0.95-1.02)0.37-MTX PG3 (16 weeks)0.99 (0.96-1.02)0.43-MTX PG4 (16 weeks)0.99 (0.95-1.03)0.62-Serum IL-6 (baseline)0.98 (0.95-1.02)0.33-Serum MMP-3 (baseline)1.00 (1.00-1.00)0.48-

BMI= Body Mass Index, CCP= Cyclic Citrullinated Peptides, CRP= C-reactive protein, DAS= Disease Activity Score, ESR= Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, HAQ= Health Assessment Questionnaire, MTX= Methotrexate, PG= polyglutamate, OR=Odds Ratio, RF=Rheumatoid Factor, SJC= Swollen Joint Count, TJC= Tender Joint Count

Note: Only variables with p-value <0.2 on univariable analysis were included in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Younger age, RF negativity, higher BMI, and lower pre-treatment swollen joint count are potential predictors of response to MTX monotherapy in RA.

References

[1]Jain S, Dhir V, Aggarwal A, et al. Comparison of two dose escalation strategies of methotrexate in active rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80(11):1376-1384.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

The Association of Clinical Characteristics and Tumour Markers With Image-Defined Risk Factors in the Management of Neuroblastoma in South Africa

AIMS

Image-defined risk factors (IDRFs) in neuroblastoma predict surgical complications and management outcomes. As there is a lack of data regarding the association of IDRFs with clinical and pathological factors, this study evaluated the prognostic value of IDRFs to predict neuroblastoma survival outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study including 345 patients and reviewed diagnostic imaging for 20 IDRFs, pleural effusions and ascites. The IDRFs were grouped into five 'primary IDRFs' cohorts with vascular encasement, involvement of multiple body compartments, organ infiltration, airway obstruction and intraspinal extension. The association between clinical, histopathological and biological characteristics of neuroblastoma and management was evaluated.

RESULTS

More patients without IDRFs had operations compared with patients with IDRFs, with a trend towards significance (64.4% versus 35.6%, P = 0.082). Patients with multiple compartment tumour involvement (P = 0.003) and organ infiltration (P < 0.001) had a higher risk of surgical complications. The 5-year overall survival of the group with more than one IDRF was 0.0% and those with pleural effusions or ascites 6.7%, associated with the worst outcome (P = 0.005). The total number of IDRFs was not predictive of the metastatic remission rate (P = 0.585) or overall survival (P = 0.142), with no conclusive association found between IDRF groups and clinical or biological markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with more than one IDRF had the shortest survival time, whereas those with pleural effusions and ascites at diagnosis had a poor outcome. Standardised reporting of IDRFs is crucial for predicting prognosis.

AB0276 HOW FAST CAN METHOTREXATE BE ESCALATED IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS? A MULTICENTRE, PARALLEL-GROUP RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (MEIRA)

Background:

Literature regarding the optimal dose escalation strategy of methotrexate (MTX) in RA is scant and ambiguous (1). Concerns regarding the safety of rapid escalation may lead to delayed attainment of the optimal dose and treatment target.

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of fast versus usual dose escalation of oral MTX in RA.

Methods:

This multicenter, open-label (assessor blinded) RCT included patients with active RA (SJC≥2 and TJC≥4) aged 18-55 years, not on DMARDs (except HCQ and/or low-dose prednisolone) and with disease duration <5 years. Patients were randomized 1:1 into two groups with the same starting dose of oral MTX (15 mg/week), but escalated either by 5 mg every 2 weeks (fast escalation group) or 5 mg every 4 weeks (usual escalation group), till a maximum of 25 mg/wk. Primary outcome was proportion of EULAR good responders at 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes were change in DAS28-3 and EULAR responders (good or moderate) at 8 and 16 weeks, change in Indian HAQ at 16 weeks, and symptomatic (questionnaire based) and laboratory adverse effects over 16 weeks. RBC MTX polyglutamate-3 levels were measured using HPLC in both groups. There was an open-label extension phase till 24 weeks (use of other DMARDs was permitted beyond 16 weeks if target was not met), and DAS28-3 at 24 weeks was compared.

Trial Reg: CTRI/2018/12/016549

Results:

178 patients (mean age 39.8 (8.6) years, 84% females) with mean disease duration of 1.9 (1.4) years were randomized (89 in each group). Mean DAS28ESR-3 and DAS28CRP-3 at enrollment were 6.3 (0.9) and 5.4 (1.1). At 16 weeks, there was no significant difference in good EULAR response by DAS28ESR-3 (5.6, 7.9%, p=0.9) or DAS28CRP-3 (28.1, 22.5%, p=0.8) between the two groups (Figure 1). The change in DAS28-ESR-3 at 8, 16 and 24 weeks (or by DASCRP-3, not shown) and improvement in HAQ at 16 weeks were also not significantly different (Table 1). Notably, there was no significant difference in symptomatic GI or CNS adverse effects, incidence of cytopenia, transaminitis or rates of drug discontinuation. RBC MTX polyglutamate-3 levels at 8 and 16 weeks were also similar (Table 1).

Table 1.

Key secondary efficacy and safety outcomes

ParameterUsualFastp-valueEfficacyDelta DAS28-ESR-3 (Mean±SD) -8 wk  -ITT (n=178)-0.9 ± 1.0-0.8 ± 0.90.5  -PP (n=139)-1.2 ± 1.0-1.1 ± 1.00.5 -16 wk  -ITT-1.3 ± 1.1-1.3 ± 1.00.9  -PP-1.6 ± 1.1-1.6 ± 0.91 -24 wk  -ITT-1.6 ± 1.3-1.5 ± 1.10.3  -PP-2.1 ± 1.2-1.8 ± 1.10.14Delta Indian HAQ (16 wk)-0.7 ± 0.6-0.8 ± 0.60.2Adverse effectsSerious AE00-Death00-Symptomatic AE ever* n (%)Vomiting7 (8)7 (8)1Nausea22 (26)26 (30)0.5Stomach ache16 (19)17 (20)0.9Loss of appetite/bad taste21 (25)27 (31)0.3Lethargy20 (24)21 (25)1Dizziness19 (23)16 (19)0.5Irritability/anxiety14 (16)14 (16)1Laboratory AE ever* [n/N times done (%)]Transaminitis episodes (>40IU/L)52/224 (23)52/219 (24)0.9  -Significant (>80 IU/L)5/224 (2)8/219 (4)0.4Thrombocytopenia episodes (<150000/uL)10/224 (5)13/218 (6)0.5 -Significant (<100000/uL)2/224 (1)2/218 (1)1Leucopenia episodes (<4000/uL)2/224 (1)3/220 (1.5)0.8 -Significant (<3500/uL)1/224 (0.5)2/220 (1)0.8Methotrexate levelsMTX-polyglutamate-3 (nmol/L)-8 wk25.8 ± 10.526.9 ± 13.60.6-16 wk40.7 ± 20.940.1 ± 23.40.9

*Ever=any time during the study

ITT= intention-to-treat, PP=per-protocol, AE=adverse effect

Figure 1.

EULAR response and change in DAS28ESR-3 over time

Conclusion:

A faster escalation of MTX (5 mg every 2 weeks) reaching 25 mg/week by 4 weeks did not have a significantly higher rate of adverse effects (symptomatic or laboratory) compared to an escalation by 5 mg every 4 weeks. Although not more efficacious, it may shorten the time to recognize MTX failure, and optimize treat-to-target.

References:

[1]Visser K, Katchamart W, Loza E, et al. Multinational evidence-based recommendations for the use of methotrexate in rheumatic disorders with a focus on RA: integrating systematic literature research and expert opinion of a broad international panel of rheumatologists in the 3E Initiative. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(7):1086–93

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0679 A NEW QUESTIONNAIRE AND SCORE (MISA) FOR ASSESSING METHOTREXATE INTOLERANCE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Methotrexate (MTX) intolerance refers to unpleasant symptoms that accompany use of MTX and may lead to its discontinuation. However, it lacks a validated score in RA patients; with the only option being to use the MISS score which was validated for use in children and not adults.

Objectives:

To develop and validate a questionnaire and score (s) for measuring MTX intolerance and its severity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

A 10-item questionnaire called ‘Methotrexate Intolerance and Severity assessment in Adults’ (MISA) was validated in 105 RA patients. A score was calculated by adding the scores of first 7 questions (0 to 3 based on severity on symptoms), to last 3 questions (0 or 1); it ranged from 0 to 24 (MISA score) and was assessed for correctly classifying MTX intolerance (compared to an interview) by ROC analysis. Its area-under-curve (AUC) was compared with ‘Methotrexate Intolerance Severity Score’ (MISS), developed for children. Subsequently, it was administered to 414 RA patients to assess the prevalence and associations of MTX intolerance. In addition, the MISA cross-products score, that was calculated by adding the cross-products (severity (1 to 3) x duration per week (0.5 to 7 days)) of symptoms, was compared to MISA and MISS for assessing severity of intolerance.

Results:

In the initial phase, 105 RA patients on MTX≥6 months were included, a majority were female (87%), mean age was 51 (13.4) years and methotrexate dose was 18.8±6 mg/week. Thirty-five (33%) were found to be intolerant to MTX based on interview. MISA score had a good predictive ability (AUC of 0.904), to correctly classify MTX intolerance, and was better than MISS score (AUC of 0.823) (Figure 1A). The optimal cut-off for MISA was ≥1, with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.4% and 84.3%. Using the MISA score (≥1), 38.4% of 414 RA patients were found to have MTX intolerance: with nausea, lethargy and irritability being common symptoms. (Figure 1B, C) On multivariable analysis, age (OR 0.972) and BMI (OR 1.061) were significant predictors of MTX intolerance. (Table 1) On assessing for severity of intolerance, MISA cross product score performed the best, with an area-under-curve of 0.899 (95% CI 0.831-0.966), being higher than AUC for MISS and MISA score which were 0.847 (95% CI 0.768-0.927) and 0.837 (95% CI 0.754-0.920).

Conclusion:

MISA is the first validated questionnaire for assessing methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis, with the MISA score having a good accuracy (at cut-off ≥1), to detect MTX intolerance. Methotrexate intolerance was present in more than one-third of RA patients, with nausea, lethargy and irritability being most common.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of 414 RA patients.

VariableAll(n=414)Tolerant(n=255)Intolerant(n=159)p-valuetol. vs ntol.P-valuemultivariablemodelFemales, n (%)370 (89)231 (91)139 (87)0.31Age, yrs, mean (SD)50 (12.5)51.2 (12.6)48.2 (12.2)0.016*0.008**Duration of RA, yrs, mean (SD)10.0 (7.0)10.8 (7.4)9.6 (6.3)0.168BMI, Kg/m2a, mean (SD)24.0 (4.9)23.6 (4.9)24.6 (4.7)0.1070.03*RF positiveb, n (%)300 (73)191 (82)109 (78)0.29CDAI, mean (±SD)14.0 (11.8)14 (12.1)14.1 (11.4)0.69Dose of MTX, mg/wk, mean (SD)18.6 (5.6)18.6 (5.5)18.7 (5.8)0.83Injectable MTX, n (%)47 (11)25 (10)22 (14)0.21Use of FA, n (%)395 (95)241 (95)154 (97)0.27Use of other DMARD, n (%)272 (66)160 (62)112 (70)0.11HCQ n (%)209 (51)123 (48)86 (54)0.25Prednisolone n (%)156 (38)87 (34)69 (43)0.0580.21Using antiemetics, n (%)12 (3)1 (0.5)11 (7)<0.001

a Available for 262 patients bAvailable for 372 patients

Figure 1.

Figure showing the ROC curve for MISA and MISS questionnaires for MTX intolerance (A), Bar diagram showing the prevalence of various symptoms of intolerance in 414 RA patients (B), and Box-and-whiskers plot showing the duration of unpleasant symptoms (C).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0545 COMPARISON BETWEEN METHOTREXATE AND APREMILAST IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS-A SINGLE BLINDED RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (APREMEPsA STUDY)

Background:

Both methotrexate and apremilast were found to be effective in controlling joint disease in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients [1-4]. However, there are no head-to-head trials comparing the efficacy of these two drugs in PsA.

Objectives:

Primary outcome measure was rate of major cDAPSA response (>85% change in cDAPSA score from baseline) at week 24 and secondary outcome measures were ACR 20 response, change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Maastricht enthesitis score, Leeds dactylitis index, and health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) and number of adverse events at week 24 between methotrexate and apremilast groups.

Methods:

Single blinded (physician), parallel group, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single centre in India between October 2019 and December 2020. Adult PsA patients (age>18 years), fulfilling CASPAR criteria, not receiving methotrexate/apremilast in last 3 months and never receiving bDMARDs or, JAK inhibitors, having active articular disease (one or more swollen joint or, having one or more tender entheseal point) were recruited in this study.

Results:

A total of 31 patients were recruited (15 in apremilast arm and 16 in methotrexate arm) amongst whom 26 patients completed 24 weeks follow up (13 patients in apremilast arm and 13 patients in methotrexate arm). At baseline, median (IQR) swollen joints were 2 (1) in apremilast group and 2.5 (4) in methotrexate group. Median cDAPSA score at baseline was 23 (9) in apremilast group and 20 (21) in methotrexate group. Major cDAPSA response at week 24 was achieved in three (20%) subjects in apremilast arm and six (37.5%) subjects in methotrexate arm (p=0.433). Seven (46.67%) subjects in apremilast group and nine (56.25%) subjects in methotrexate group achieved ACR 20 response at 24-weeks (p=0.724). The change of PASI score from baseline was significant in apremilast group (2.0, p=0.003) and methotrexate group (0.35, p=0.003), but when compared between the two groups, there was no significant difference(p=0.378). Change in enthesitis score was not significant in both the groups (0.0 in apremilast group, p=0.285; 0.0 in methotrexate group, p=1.0). The median change in dactylitis score [0.0 (9.1), p=0.028] and HAQ-DI score (0.33, p=0.01) were significant in methotrexate group only. However, when compared to the change in apremilast group, the difference was not significant for both the parameters. A total of 9 minor adverse events, 3 with apremilast and 6 with methotrexate, were observed with transaminitis (number of events) being the commonest event noted with methotrexate. There were no serious adverse events noted in either of the groups.

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference between methotrexate and apremilast in terms of efficacy as measured by cDAPSA and ACR20 responses. Both the drugs were well tolerated by the study population. A larger study with head-to-head comparison between methotrexate and apremilast is needed to conform these findings.

References:

[1]Baranauskaite A, Raffayová H, Kungurov NV, et al; RESPOND investigators. Infliximab plus methotrexate is superior to methotrexate alone in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in methotrexate-naive patients: the RESPOND study Ann Rheum Dis. 2012;71:541-8.

[2]Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Collier DH, et al. Etanercept and Methotrexate as Monotherapy or in Combination for Psoriatic Arthritis: Primary Results From a Randomized, Controlled Phase III Trial. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019;71:1112-24.

[3]Gladman DD, Kavanaugh A, Gómez-Reino JJ, et al. Therapeutic benefit of apremilast on enthesitis and dactylitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a pooled analysis of the PALACE 1-3 studies. RMD Open. 2018;4(1):e000669.

[4]Wells AF, Edwards CJ, Kivitz AJ, et al. Apremilast monotherapy in DMARD-naive psoriatic arthritis patients: results of the randomized, placebo-controlled PALACE 4 trial. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018;57:1253-63.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

AB0570 MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE: NOT THAT UNCOMMON, A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE FROM INDIA

Background:

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is considered to be uncommon; specifically there is sparse data on MCTD from developing countries like India.

Objectives:

This study examines the clinical and serological features of these patients in a single center in North-India.

Methods:

This was a retrospective single-center study of patients diagnosed as MCTD in last 20 years. The patients included fulfilled at least one of the diagnostic criteria namely Alarcón-Segovia, Kasukawa, and Kahns. Demographic details, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory parameters, treatment and outcome were extracted from medical records and clinic files in a pre-designed proforma.

Results:

This study included 41 MCTD patients. There was a marked female preponderance (F: M=40:1), and mean age of disease onset and diagnosis was 33.8 ± 10.7 and 39.3 ± 10.2 years. 39 (92%) of the patients fulfilled both Kahn and Kasukawa criteria, while 31 (76%) fulfilled Alarcon-Segovia criteria. Initially patients had been (mis)diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (or UCTD) (in five patients each), overlap syndromes or myositis (in 4 patients). ANA was commonly high-titer and specked, U1RNP was positive in all. (Table 1) Other autoantibodies on immunoblot included SSA and Ro52 in half the patients. Raynaud’s was seen in three-fourth at presentation and all the patients over time. Digital gangrene and puffy fingers were seen in 8 (20%) and 18 (46%) patients. Other clinical features included arthritis in 33 (81%), sclerodactyly in 23 (56%) and proximal weakness in 20 patients (49%). Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension were seen in 20 (57%) and 15 (44%) patients. All patients (except one) received prednisolone, and it was currently used in almost 90%. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was used in one-third, commonly for ILD.

Table 1.

Laboratory features of patients with MCTD

Labs n (%)Leucopenia9 (22)Thrombocytopenia10 (24)Raised globulinsb22 (69)Mean globulins, mean (SD)a5±3.4Elevated CPKb10 (31)CPK Levels U/L, median (IQR)256 (57.5-1036)ANA Speckled Pattern N (%)31d(82)U1RNP N (%)b32 (100%)U1RNP Blot Intensity1+8 (25%)2+1 (3.2%)3+7 (21.8%)4+16 (50%)U1RNP EIA, mean(SD), n=19141.3 ± 82.4Raised RF Titersh10 (35.7%)Low C3 mg/dlf8 (40%)Low C4 mg/dlf3 (15%)FVC, mean (SD) n=2082.4 ± 18.9 ILD on HRCTg20 (57) Dilated PA on CTf10 (50)PAHeon ECHO15 (44.1%)RA/RV Dilated5 (18)

SD-standard deviation, IQR- Interquartile range, CPK- Creatinine phosphokinase,, ILD- Interstitial lung disease, PAH- Pulmonary arterial hypertension, ANA- Anti nuclear antibody, IIF- Indirect Immunofluorescence, PA- pulmonary artery, RA/RV- Right atrium/Right Ventricle,a34b32d38e34f20g34h28

Conclusion:

MCTD was not uncommon in the single-center in North India. Kahn and Kasukawa criteria were found to be the most sensitive for its diagnosis. Digital gangrene was relatively common and sometimes the presenting feature; whereas puffy fingers was present in only half the patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0108 RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF ORAL CORTICOSTEROIDS IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHROPATHY: MODIFIED COBRA REGIME

Background:

There is an unmet need of anti-inflammatory agents in AxSpA after NSAID failure. This is especially true for patients with persisting high disease activity and not having access to anti-TNFα. In this regard, corticosteroids may be helpful as a short-term measure. However, current guidelines recommend against oral corticosteroids citing insufficient evidence of efficacy.1. Also, there is an assumption that the dose required for benefit is much higher than RA, and thus untenable. It is unclear whether starting with a high dose followed by rapid taper would be effective (like the COBRA regime in RA)2.

Objectives:

To study the efficacy of the COBRA regime of oral corticosteroids in axial SpA over 24 weeks.

Methods:

This was a double blind placebo controlled randomized trial. Patients with active axial SpA (BASDAI ≥ 4) despite NSAIDs were randomized to either receive oral prednisolone or placebo as per COBRA regime, started on oral prednisolone at a dose of 60 mg, rapidly tapered weekly to reach a dose of 10 mg by 6 weeks and subsequently maintained on a low dose of 5 mg till 24 weeks. Primary end point was 50% improvement in BASDAI at week 24. Secondary end points were improvement in ASDAS and BASFI. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Trial Registration# CTRI/2018/01/011342

Results:

This study enrolled 65 patients (62 males) who were randomized to corticosteroid (n=32) or placebo (n=33) with mean ± SD age 28.5 ± 8.4 years and BASDAI 5.4 ± 1.0. Primary end point was reached in 12 (37.5%) and 3 (9%) patients treated with steroids and placebo respectively (p=0.007). On repeated measures analysis by general linear model, there was a significant difference between the two-groups in BASDAI (p= 0.03) (Figure-1). Patients in the corticosteroid group had significant improvement in BASDAI, ESR, CRP, ASDAS ESR and ASDAS CRP at 24 weeks (Table-1). Clinically important improvement in ASDAS CRP was achieved by significantly higher number of patients in steroid group (17 (55%) vs 6 (18%), p= 0.002). Major improvement in ASDAS ESR and ASDAS CRP was also higher in the steroid group (Figure-2). At 24 weeks, patients in the steroid group had significant reduction in IL-6 levels compared to that in placebo group (p= 0.007, data for 41 patients). Patients in the steroid group had more weight gain and facial puffiness, however no serious adverse events were noted in both the groups.

Figure 1.

Change in mean BASDAI

Table 1.

Changes in disease indices and inflammatory markers at 24 weeks

Changes in Parameters (24 weeks-baseline)PlaceboCorticosteroidP valueESR, Median (IQR)0 (-11 to 21)-13 (-37 to 4)0.01CRP mg/LMedian (IQR)0 (-8.8 to 13)-9 (-22.7 to 0)0.03BASDAI (mean ± SD)- 0.51 ± 1.6- 1.88 ± 2.50.03BASMI (mean ± SD)-0.25 ± 0.8-0.56 ± 0.90.23BASFI (mean ± SD)-0.35 ± 2.3-1.48 ± 3.10.28BAS-G (mean ± SD)-1.02 ± 2.7-1.86 ± 2.50.32ASDAS-ESR (mean ± SD)-0.13 ± 1.0-1.11 ± 1.10.001ASDAS-CRP (mean ± SD)-0.24 ± 1.1-1.17 ± 1.30.006Figure 2.

Clinically important and Major improvement at 24 weeks

Conclusion:

Oral prednisolone given by COBRA regime was associated with significant improvement in disease activity scores in axial SpA at 24 weeks. This extends and supports results from a previous short term study.3Thus, corticosteroids may be an option for patients not having access to biologics, atleast for the short-term.

References:

[1]Ward M W, Deodhar A, Gensler L S et al 2019 Update of the American College of Rheumatology/ Spondylitis Association of America/Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network Recommendations for the Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatology; 71:1599-1613(2019).

[2]Landewé RB, Boers M, Verhoeven AC et al. COBRA combination therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: long-term structural benefits of a brief intervention. Arthritis Rheum.Feb;46(2):347-56 (2002).

[3]H Haibel, C Fendler,J Listing et al. Efficacy of oral prednisolone in active ankylosing spondylitis: results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled short-term trial. Ann Rheum Dis;73:243–6 (2014).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Fixation Versus Replacement in Geriatric Hip Fractures: Does Functional Outcome and Independence in Self-Care Differ?

Introduction:

Although there is evidence of improved functional outcomes with our “integrated care pathway” for geriatric hip fractures, we do not know if there is a significant difference in functional recovery of activities of daily living and attainment of independence in self-care between patients who underwent fixation and those treated with arthroplasty.

Objective:

To determine whether such a difference exists in surgically fixed hip fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with hip fracture treated surgically were divided into group A (internal fixation, n = 213) and group B (arthroplasty, n = 199). Demographic data, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, time to surgery, and length of stay were recorded. Inpatient complications and mortality rates were also documented. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores were recorded for the following intervals: prefall, discharge, 6-month, and at 1-year follow-up.

Results:

The mean age (A: 80 years and B: 81years), CCI (A: 5.41 and B: 5.43), and length of stay (A: 13.6 days and B: 15.2 days) were not significantly different. However, there was a significant difference (P < .05) in time to surgery (A: 102.2 hours and B: 86.6 hours). Complication rates were about 6% in both groups (A = 6.57%: urinary infections = 13, wound infections = 1 and B = 6.03%: urinary infections = 10, wound infections = 1, pressure ulcer = 1). The preinjury MBI scores were significantly different (P < .05; A: 91.65 and B: 88.19), however, there was no significant difference in scores measured at discharge (A: 60.79 and B: 59.39), 6 months (A: 77.65 and B: 77.47) and 1 year (A: 80.71 and B: 83.03). Patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture had overall recovered 90.9% of their preinjury function (overall MBI at 1 year: 81.83).

Conclusion:

The MBI scores reflect the extent of attainment of independence in self-care, and actual functional recovery is gauged from the percentage of recovery of preinjury function at 1 year postsurgery. We conclude that the type of surgery may not be a significant factor in determining independence in self-care although patients who had arthroplasty had recovered more function at 1 year postsurgery than those who underwent fixation (percentage recovery of preinjury function—A: 88.1% and B: 94.1%).

Functional Improvement in Geriatric Hip Fractures: Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect the Functional Outcome of Patients With Surgically Treated Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Introduction:

The “Integrated Care Pathway” for geriatric intertrochanteric (IT) fractures in Singapore’s Tan Tock Seng Hospital has shown significant functional recovery in patients’ activities of daily living. However, the influence of preoperative vitamin D on functional recovery remains equivocal. This retrospective study therefore aims to determine whether patients with preoperative vitamin D deficiency have poorer functional outcomes.

Method:

A total of 171 patients who had surgical treatment for IT fractures were recruited in the study. They were categorized into group A (vitamin D deficient) and group B (normal vitamin D). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and nutritional parameters including hemoglobin, albumin, and adjusted calcium levels on admission were recorded. The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score was used to measure functional recovery at the following time intervals: at pre-fall, at discharge after surgery, at 6 months, and at 1-year follow-up.

Results:

The mean age of both the groups (A: 79.7 years, n = 45; B: 83.0 years, n = 126) was statistically different (P < .05). However, the mean CCI (A: 9.42 and B: 10.13), hemoglobin (A: 12.4 and B 11.1), adjusted calcium (A: 2.39 and B: 2.38), and mean albumin (A: 33.6 and B: 33.0) of the groups were not significantly different. Furthermore, the MBI scores were not significantly different for both groups at preinjury (A: 91.5 and B: 89.4), at discharge (A: 55.2 and B: 58.9), at 6 months (A: 70.9 and B: 75.1), and at 1 year (A: 75.8 and B: 79.4).

Conclusion:

In our cohort, patients with vitamin D deficiency were younger. However, vitamin D deficiency at time of injury had no significant influence on functional recovery in patients with surgically treated hip fracture in our Integrated Care Pathway. In addition, patients who had a normal vitamin D levels had similar functional scores and improvement postoperatively and at 1 year (A: 82.8% and B: 88.9%).

Skull bone infarctive crisis and deep vein thrombosis in homozygous sickle cell disease- case report and review of the literature

Here we describe an 8-year old male child with homozygous sickle cell disease who presented with left parietal skull bone infarction and, during his stay in hospital, developed a right femoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), both uncommon complications of the disease. He initially presented with severe headache and generalised tenderness of the calvarium, which did not respond to simple analgesics. Scalp swelling in and around the left frontal (including left orbit) and parietal regions developed 24 h after presentation. The differential diagnosis included incipient stroke, acute sickle bone crisis and osteomyelitis, with a possible complication of epidural haematoma, or orbital compression syndrome. An initial exchange blood transfusion did not lead to appreciable reduction in opiate requirements. Significant symptomatic relief was attained only after a second exchange transfusion. The DVT developed at the site of catheterisation (right femoral vein), and this was treated with maximal doses of enoxaparin followed by warfarin. The child is now well and off anti-coagulants. In this article we present a review of the literature and discuss possible mechanisms of these complications in our patient.

Psychosocial aspects of immune thrombocytopenia and secondary human immunodeficiency virus-related pediatric immune thrombocytopenia in the Republic of South Africa

Developing countries with an uncontrolled AIDS epidemic have new challenges to meet in ITP. Secondary ITP, HIV related, becomes an increasing problem, which has many aspects that need addressing, including medical, effective counseling, psychosocial and unresolved management issues. Assistance in developing treatment guidelines is urgently needed.

Falciparum malaria--present day problems. An experience with 425 cases

Clinical details and present day problems encountered in 425 cases of falciparum malaria (PF) are reported. 10.11% had taken chloroquine prior to reporting to us. Parasitic count done in 23.05% cases lacked correlation with severity of disease. Pattern of fever varied markedly but 5.4% were afebrile throughout and presented only with bodyache and malaise. Apyrexial spell was noted in 5.64%. 28.70% had typical facial looks of anaemia and sallow complexion. Cerebral symptoms were noted in 3.05%. Other symptoms were severe headache 33.4%, pain abdomen 3.29%, gastroenteritis 5.64%, jaundice 2.58% and bronchitis in 7.50%. We encountered subconjunctival haemorrhages with purpura and/or urticaria in four cases, symptoms suggestive of shock lung in 3, pulmonary oedema in 2, severe anaemia (HB less than 4 g%) in seven pregnant ladies, extrapyramidal symptoms in follow up period in 5 and congenital malaria in 2 cases. 83.25% were cured with chloroquine and oxytetracycline. 8.47% (who deteriorated despite the above treatment) were treated with quinine for 6 days. 5.17% (with severe disease) were also given quinine as first line drug. 2.82% (unresponsive to chloroquine and oxytetracycline but with mild disease) were treated with pyrimethamine-sulphamezathine combination for 5 days. One case who did not respond to quinine was treated with quinidine. Recrudescence was seen in 3.67% of patients treated with chloroquine and oxytetracycline. There was no case with renal failure, haemolysis due to G6PD deficiency and black water fever. There was only one death (0.23%) in our series. Self-medication, haphazard therapy and the slogan "Fever may be malaria-take chloroquine" can lead to problems in falciparum malaria.