Evaluation of the current use of MRI to aid the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis in the UK: results from a freedom of information request

AIM

To evaluate the impact of recommendations from the 2019 consensus exercise conducted by radiologists and rheumatologists on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A freedom of information (FOI) request was used to assess the use of MRI in the diagnosis of axSpA and radiologists' awareness of the 2019 guidance across all NHS Trusts and Health Boards in the UK, including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

RESULTS

The FOI request was sent to 150 Trusts/Health Boards, and 93 full responses were received. Of the 93 respondents (97%), 90 reported familiarity with the term axSpA and 70/93 (75%) reported familiarity with the 2019 recommendations. Awareness of recommendations regarding specific MRI features supportive of the diagnosis of axSpA was 74/93 (80%) for the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) and 66/93 (71%) for the spine. The median wait for MRI acquisition was 2-3 months. Fifty-two of the 93 (56%) reported at least some outsourcing of axSpA MRI (33%/29% for specialist/non-specialist outsourcing respectively); 32/93 (34%) reported some scans being reported in-house by non-musculoskeletal radiologists.

CONCLUSION

There have been several positive developments in the understanding and use of MRI for the diagnosis of axSpA in the UK since the 2017 survey, although substantial scope for further improvement remains. Several new challenges have also emerged, including the increase in waiting times, reliance on outsourcing, and the reporting of MRI by non-musculoskeletal radiologists.

AB0348 THE PROPER STUDY: A 48-WEEK ANALYSIS OF A PAN-EU REAL-WORLD STUDY OF SB5 BIOSIMILAR FOLLOWING TRANSITION FROM REFERENCE ADALIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS OR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background

SB5, a biosimilar to reference adalimumab (ADL), received EU marketing authorisation in 2017, based on pre-clinical and clinical phase I and III studies that demonstrated bioequivalence and comparable efficacy, safety and immunogenicity to ADL.

Objectives

The real-world study ‘PROPER’ is designed to provide insights into outcomes of the transition from ADL to SB5 outside the randomised, controlled, clinical trial setting.

Methods

Under an umbrella design, 1000 patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease were enrolled at centres in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the UK, and followed for 48 weeks post-transition. Eligible patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease had been transitioned to SB5 as part of routine treatment following a minimum of 16 weeks’ treatment with ADL. Data were captured from patient charts retrospectively for 24 weeks prior to and prospectively and/or retrospectively up to 48 weeks after SB5 initiation. This analysis of the rheumatology cohort reports clinical characteristics, disease scores, persistence on SB5, clinical management and safety up to the closing date of November 30th, 2021.

Results

Of the 496 patients included in this analysis, the majority were enrolled in UK (n=174), Germany (n=145) and Spain (n=73); Italy, Ireland and Belgium enrolled 45, 44 and 15 patients respectively. At study close, 487 patients had completed 48 weeks of follow-up; 397 of those remained on SB5 throughout.

Methotrexate was received as concomitant therapy by 37% of patients and 20% had received a biologic therapy prior to reference ADL. Most patients (89.3% of RA, 92.1% of axSpA, 97.3% of PsA) transitioned to SB5 at the same dose regimen received for ADL.

Clinical characteristics, SB5 dose and flare are detailed in Table 1, disease scores in Figure 1.

Table 1.

Patient clinical characteristics, SB5 dose, flare

RA (N=207)axSpA (N=127)PsA (N=162)Age at SB5 initiation (years), mean (SD); IQR60.1 (11.8)53.0, 68.050.3 (13.4)38.0, 61.053.3 (12.0)45.0, 62.0Duration of disease (years), mean (SD); IQR13.3 (11.4)5.0, 19.518.8 (13.5)9.0, 25.012.2 (9.9)4.0, 19.0n%n%n%Women15072.54031.57345.1Patients receiving SB5 40mg Q2WBaseline15273.411590.614992.0Week 4813272.59387.712491.9Episodes of Flare018790.310784.313985.81209.71814.22012.3200.021.631.9How was Flare diagnosedDisease score1155.0731.81038.5Patient-reported symptoms1995.022100.026100.0Secondary Loss of Response315.000.0726.9Action taken for FlareBiologic therapy dose adjusted420.029.1519.2Non-biologic therapy dose adjusted840.0313.6934.6Clinical investigation00.014.5311.5Other*945.01359.11661.5

*Includes cessation of therapy, prescription of corticosteroids, physical exercise, no action.

IQR, interquartile range; SD, standard deviation; Q2W once two-weekly.

Figure 1.

Disease scores (paired patients), mean (95% CI)

Fifteen patients each experienced one unrelated Serious Adverse Event (SAE): 2 in the axSpA cohort [tachycardia, intracranial haemorrhage]; 6 in the PsA cohort [myocardial infarct (2), breast carcinoma, COVID-19, gallbladder calculus, dyspnoea]; 7 in the RA cohort [facial numbness, depression, COVID-19, pneumonia, diverticulitis, parvovirus, coronary occlusion]. Two patients reported SAEs considered causally related to SB5: Herpes zoster and pneumonia (RA cohort), and ALS with worsening (PsA cohort).

Conclusion

This analysis of a large, contemporary cohort of EU patients with established RA, axSpA or PsA shows treatment effectiveness maintained at 48 weeks after switching from ADL to SB5, with most patients continuing on SB5 Q2W throughout. Episodes of flare were uncommon, and the importance of patient-reported symptoms in recognition of flare is evident. No new safety signals were observed.

Acknowledgements

Statistical services were provided by FGK Clinical Research GmbH, Munich, Germany. Data management services were provided by Worldwide Clinical trial, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. Funding was provided by Biogen International GmbH.

Disclosure of Interests

Ulf Müller-Ladner Consultant of: Biogen, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: Novartis, UCB, AbbVie, Lilly, Consultant of: Novartis, UCB, AbbVie, Lilly, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: NAAS, AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB, Novartis, Lilly, Cellgene, Celltrion, Janssen, Gilead, Biogen, Deepak Jadon Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Oxford University Press, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Oxford University Press, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Marco Matucci-Cerinic Consultant of: Chemomab, Biogen, Pfizer, Lilly, Behring, Janssen, MSD, Eugenio Chamizo Carmona Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Fresenius-Kabi, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Fresenius-Kabi, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Ulrich Freudensprung Shareholder of: May hold stock in Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Janet Addison Shareholder of: May hold stock in Biogen, Employee of: Biogen

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

POS0939 BIMEKIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE NON-RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: 24-WEEK EFFICACY & SAFETY FROM BE MOBILE 1, A PHASE 3, MULTICENTRE, RANDOMISED, PLACEBO‑CONTROLLED STUDY

Background

Bimekizumab (BKZ) is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits IL-17F in addition to IL-17A. BKZ has shown rapid and sustained efficacy and was well tolerated up to 156 weeks (wks) in a phase 2b study in patients (pts) with active ankylosing spondylitis.1,2

Objectives

To assess efficacy and safety of BKZ vs placebo (PBO) in pts with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) up to Wk 24 in the ongoing pivotal phase 3 study, BE MOBILE 1.

Methods

BE MOBILE 1 (NCT03928704) comprises a 16-wk double-blind, PBO-controlled period and 36-wk maintenance period. Pts were aged ≥18 yrs, had BASDAI ≥4 and spinal pain ≥4 at BL, and sacroiliitis on MRI and/or elevated CRP at screening. Pts were randomised 1:1, BKZ 160 mg Q4W:PBO. From Wk 16, all pts received BKZ 160 mg Q4W. Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were assessed at Wk 16.

Results

Of 254 randomised pts (BKZ: 128; PBO: 126), 244 (96.1%) completed Wk 16, 240 (94.5%) Wk 24. BL characteristics were comparable between groups: mean age 39.4 yrs, symptom duration 9.0 yrs; 54.3% pts male, 77.6% HLA-B27+, 10.6% TNFi-experienced. At Wk 16, the primary (ASAS40: 47.7% BKZ vs 21.4% PBO; p<0.001) and all ranked secondary endpoints were met (Table 1). Responses were rapid with BKZ, including in PBO pts who switched to BKZ at Wk 16, and increased to Wk 24 (Figure 1; Table 1). Substantial reductions of hs-CRP by Wk 2 and MRI SIJ inflammation by Wk 16 were achieved with BKZ vs PBO (Table 1). At Wk 24, >50% of pts initially randomised to BKZ had achieved ASDAS <2.1 (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Efficacy at Wks 16 and 24

BLWk 16Wk 24PBO N=126BKZ 160 mg Q4W N=128PBO N=126BKZ 160 mg Q4W N=128p valuePBO→BKZ 160 mg Q4W N=126BKZ 160 mg Q4W N=128Ranked endpoints in hierarchical orderASAS40* [NRI] n (%)--27 (21.4)61 (47.7)<0.00159 (46.8)67 (52.3)BASDAI CfB† [MI] mean (SE)6.7 (0.1)6.9 (0.1)–1.5 (0.2)–3.1 (0.2)<0.001–3.2 (0.2)–3.4 (0.2)ASAS20† [NRI] n (%)--48 (38.1)88 (68.8)<0.00187 (69.0)96 (75.0)ASAS PR† [NRI] n (%)--9 (7.1)33 (25.8)<0.00135 (27.8)37 (28.9)ASDAS-MI† [NRI] n (%)--9 (7.1)35 (27.3)<0.00137 (29.4)41 (32.0)ASAS 5/6† [NRI] n (%)--21 (16.7)49 (38.3)<0.00151 (40.5)57 (44.5)BASFI CfB† [MI] mean (SE)5.3 (0.2)5.5 (0.2)–1.0 (0.2)–2.5 (0.2)<0.001–2.3 (0.2)–2.8 (0.2)Nocturnal spinal pain CfB† [MI] mean (SE)6.7 (0.2)6.9 (0.2)–1.7 (0.2)–3.6 (0.3)<0.001–3.5 (0.2)–4.0 (0.3)ASQoL CfB† [MI] mean (SE)9.4 (0.4)9.5 (0.4)–2.5 (0.4)–5.2 (0.4)<0.001–4.8 (0.4)–5.7 (0.4)SF-36 PCS CfB† [MI] mean (SE)33.6 (0.8)33.3 (0.7)5.5 (0.7)9.5 (0.7)<0.00110.1 (0.8)10.6 (0.8)Other endpointsdEnthesitis-free state†a [NRI] n (%)--22 (23.9)b48 (51.1)c-40 (43.5)b45 (47.9)cASAS40 in TNFi-experienced [NRI] n (%)--2 (11.8)e6 (60.0)f---ASDAS-CRP CfB [MI] mean (SE)3.7 (0.1)3.8 (0.1)–0.6 (0.1)–1.5 (0.1)-–1.5 (0.1)–1.6 (0.1)hs-CRP, mg/L [MI] geometric mean (median)5.0 (6.5)4.6 (6.1)3.8 (4.1)2.0 (1.8)-2.3 (2.6)1.9 (1.8)MRI spine Berlin CfBg [OC] mean (SD)1.9 (3.2)h1.6 (2.9)i–0.1 (1.7)j–0.7 (2.2)k---SPARCC MRI SIJ score CfBg [OC] mean (SD)10.5 (13.8)l8.5 (10.3)m–1.5 (9.2)n–6.3 (10.0)o---

Randomised set. *Primary endpoint; †Secondary endpoint; aMASES=0 in pts with BL MASES >0; bn=92; cn=94; dNominal p values not shown; en=17; fn=10; gIn pts in MRI sub-study; hn=65; in=75; jn=58; kn=73; ln=68; mn=79; nn=60; on=77.

Over 16 wks, 80/128 (62.5%) pts had ≥1 TEAE on BKZ vs 71/126 (56.3%) on PBO; most frequent were nasopharyngitis (BKZ: 9.4%; PBO: 4.8%), upper respiratory tract infection (BKZ: 7.0%; PBO: 7.1%) and oral candidiasis (BKZ: 3.1%; PBO: 0%). No systemic candidiasis was observed. Up to 16 wks, incidence of SAEs was low (BKZ: 0.0%; PBO: 0.8%); no MACE or deaths were reported; 0 IBD cases occurred in pts on BKZ vs 1 (0.8%) in a pt on PBO.

Conclusion

Dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F with BKZ in pts with active nr-axSpA resulted in rapid, clinically relevant improvements in efficacy outcomes vs PBO. No new safety signals were observed.1,2

References

[1]van der Heijde D. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:595–604;

[2]Gensler L. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021;73(suppl 10):0491.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by UCB Pharma. Editorial services were provided by Costello Medical.

Disclosure of Interests

Atul Deodhar Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Aurinia, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MoonLake, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Bayer, BMS, Cyxone, Eisai, Galapagos, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Employee of: Imaging Rheumatology BV (Director), Lianne S. Gensler Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Huji Xu: None declared, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and UCB Pharma, Hiroaki Dobashi Speakers bureau: BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, GSK, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Walter P Maksymowych Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Employee of: Chief Medical Officer for CARE Arthritis, Martin Rudwaleit Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Paid instructor for: Janssen, Novartis, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Novartis, and UCB Pharma, Marina Magrey Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie and UCB Pharma, Dirk Elewaut Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Novartis and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Novartis and UCB Pharma, Marga Oortgiesen Employee of: Employee of UCB Pharma, Carmen Fleurinck Employee of: Employee of UCB Pharma, Alicia Ellis Employee of: Employee of UCB Pharma, Thomas Vaux Employee of: Employee of UCB Pharma, julie smith Employee of: Employee of UCB Pharma, Xenofon Baraliakos Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma

The ASAS-OMERACT core domain set for axial spondyloarthritis

BACKGROUND

The current core outcome set for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has had only minor adaptations since its development 20 years ago. Considering the significant advances in this field during the preceding decades, an update of this core set is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

To update the ASAS-OMERACT core outcome set for AS into the ASAS-OMERACT core outcome set for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

METHODS

Following OMERACT and COMET guidelines, an international working group representing key stakeholders (patients, rheumatologists, health professionals, pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory agency representatives) defined the core domain set for axSpA. The development process consisted of: i) Identifying candidate domains using a systematic literature review and qualitative studies; ii) Selection of the most relevant domains for different stakeholders through a 3-round Delphi survey involving axSpA patients and axSpA experts; iii) Consensus and voting by ASAS; iv) Endorsement by OMERACT. Two scenarios are considered based on the type of therapy investigated in the trial: symptom modifying therapies and disease modifying therapies.

RESULTS

The updated core outcome set for axSpA includes 7 mandatory domains for all trials (disease activity, pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, physical function, overall functioning and health, and adverse events including death). There are 3 additional domains (extra-musculoskeletal manifestations, peripheral manifestations and structural damage) that are mandatory for disease modifying therapies and important but optional for symptom modifying therapies. Finally, 3 other domains (spinal mobility, sleep, and work and employment) are defined as important but optional domains for all trials.

CONCLUSION

The ASAS-OMERACT core domain set for AS has been updated into the ASAS-OMERACT core domain set for axSpA. The next step is the selection of instruments for each domain.

POS0059-PARE DELAY TO DIAGNOSIS IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS – TIME FOR A GOLD STANDARD APPROACH

Background:

In the UK, the average time to diagnosis of axial SpA is 8.5 years (1). There is little evidence this has improved, despite the acceptance of MRI use in diagnosis (2). A recent review identified significant clinical, economic and humanistic burden from delayed diagnosis (3). Urgent action is needed to ensure delayed diagnosis is not normalized.

Objectives:

We created a proposal for a Gold Standard time to diagnosis for axial SpA and a national implementation plan (4) through consensus development with patients, healthcare professionals and professional bodies.

Methods:

A.A scoping literature review identifying where delays occur, from first symptom onset to diagnosis by a rheumatologist, and potential solutions. From this, a summary report / draft plan was produced for consultation

B.A national consultation survey to elicit views on the proposals from clinicians, healthcare professionals, professional societies and patients

C.Structured feedback to written proposals via e-consultation with clinicians and patients

D.A consensus development workshop to finalise the Gold Standard and implementation plan.

Results:

The literature review identified four delays:

1. People do not know axial SpA may be a cause of their chronic back pain

2. Primary care practitioners may not recognise features of axial SpA

3. People may be referred to non-rheumatologists who may not recognise axial SpA promptly

4. Rheumatology and radiology teams may not optimally request or interpret investigations.

202 participants responded to the summary report (74% patients, 21% healthcare professsionals, 5% professional societies). All supported the principles behind the gold standard time to diagnosis. Qualitive analysis confirmed agreement with the proposed solutions, underscoring the importance of education and visibility for axial SpA within primary care and increased public awareness. Additional proposals were suggested, including a tool in primary care to run audits on IT systems.

40 clinicians contributed to the e-consultation and 55 clinicians, policy makers, social marketing experts, health journalists and patients attended the consensus workshop. Consensus was reached on a gold standard time to diagnosis of one year, and the principles, key components and phasing of the implemention plan. This included: public awareness about axial SpA symptoms; a primary care clinical champions programme; creating a referral pathway from primary care direct to rheumatology; a secondary care service educational programme.

Conclusion:

There is consensus from UK axial SpA clinicians, patients and professional societies on the need for a Gold Standard time to diagnosis of axial SpA of one year, so that patients can live happy, healthy and productive lives.

References:

[1]Hamilton L, Gilbert A, Skerett J, et al. Services for people with ankylosing spondylitis in the UK - a survey of rheumatologists and patients. Rheumatology 2011:50:1991

[2]Sykes MP, Doll H, R Sengupta, Gaffney, K. Delay to diagnosis in axial spondyloarthritis: are we improving in the UK? Rheumatology, July 2015

[3]Yi E, Ahuja A, Rajput T, et al. Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Burden Associated With Delayed Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Review. Rheumatol Ther. 2020 Mar;7(1):65–87.

[4]Webb D, Zhao S, Whalley S, et al. Gold Standard Time to Diagnosis in axial Spondyloarthritis: Consultation Document. 2020, NASS.

Disclosure of Interests:

Dale Webb Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, Grant/research support from: NASS receives grants from AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Novartis and UCB, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celltrion, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Raj Sengupta Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, Celgene, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: Advisory boards for Abbvie, Biogen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Celgene, Novartis, Sizheng Steven Zhao: None declared, Lisa Swingler Grant/research support from: NASS receives grants from AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Novartis and UCB.

POS0959 DIAGNOSTIC DELAY IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL EARLY INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS AUDIT

Background:

Diagnostic delay is a significant problem in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and there is a growing body of evidence showing that delayed axSpA diagnosis is associated with worse clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes.1 International guidelines have been published to inform referral pathways and improve standards of care for patients with axSpA.2,3

Objectives:

To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of newly-referred patients with axSpA in England and Wales in the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (NEIAA), with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and mechanical back pain (MBP) as comparators.

Methods:

The NEIAA captures data on all new patients over the age of 16 referred with suspected inflammatory arthritis to rheumatology departments in England and Wales.4 We describe baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of axSpA patients (n=784) recruited to the NEIAA between May 2018 and March 2020, compared with RA (n=9,270) and MBP (n=370) during the same period.

Results:

Symptom duration prior to initial rheumatology assessment was significantly longer in axSpA than RA patients (p<0.001), and non-significantly longer in axSpA than MBP patients (p=0.062): 79.7% of axSpA patients had symptom durations of >6 months, compared to 33.7% of RA patients and 76.0% of MBP patients; 32.6% of axSpA patients had symptom durations of >5 years, compared to 3.5% of RA patients and 24.6% of MBP patients (Figure 1A). Following referral, median time to initial rheumatology assessment was longer for axSpA than RA patients (36 vs. 24 days; p<0.001), and similar to MBP patients (39 days; p=0.30). The proportion of axSpA patients assessed within 3 weeks of referral increased from 26.7% in May 2018 to 34.7% in March 2020; compared to an increase from 38.2% to 54.5% for RA patients (Figure 1B). A large majority of axSpA referrals originated from primary care (72.4%) or musculoskeletal triage services (14.1%), with relatively few referrals from gastroenterology (1.9%), ophthalmology (1.4%) or dermatology (0.4%).

Of the subset of patients with peripheral arthritis requiring EIA pathway follow-up, fewer axSpA than RA patients had disease education provided (77.5% vs. 97.8%; p<0.001), and RA patients reported a better understanding of their condition (p<0.001). HAQ-DI scores were lower at baseline in axSpA EIA patients than RA EIA patients (0.8 vs 1.1, respectively; p=0.004), whereas baseline Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) scores were similar (25 vs. 24, respectively; p=0.49). The burden of disease was substantial across the 14 domains comprising MSK-HQ in both axSpA and RA (Figure 1C).

Conclusion:

We have shown that diagnostic delay remains a major challenge in axSpA, despite improved disease understanding and updated referral guidelines. Patient education is an unmet need in axSpA, highlighting the need for specialist clinics. MSK-HQ scores demonstrated that the functional impact of axSpA is no less than for RA, whereas HAQ-DI may underrepresent disability in axSpA.

References:

[1]Yi E, Ahuja A, Rajput T, George AT, Park Y. Clinical, economic, and humanistic burden associated with delayed diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7:65-87.

[2]NICE. Spondyloarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management. 2017.

[3]van der Heijde D, Ramiro S, Landewe R, et al. 2016 update of the ASAS-EULAR management recommendations for axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(6):978-91.

[4]British Society for Rheumatology. National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (NEIAA) Second Annual Report. 2021.

Acknowledgements:

The National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, funded by NHS England and Improvement, and the Welsh Government, and carried out by the British Society for Rheumatology, King’s College London and Net Solving.

Disclosure of Interests:

Mark Russell Grant/research support from: UCB, Pfizer, Fiona Coath: None declared, Mark Yates Grant/research support from: UCB, Abbvie, Katie Bechman: None declared, Sam Norton: None declared, James Galloway Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Celgene, Chugai, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Jo Ledingham: None declared, Raj Sengupta Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Biogen, Celgene, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Karl Gaffney Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Biogen, Cellgene, Celltrion, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB.

AB0204 THE PROPER STUDY: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A PAN-EU REAL-WORLD STUDY OF SB5 BIOSIMILAR FOLLOWING TRANSITION FROM REFERENCE ADALIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS, OR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

SB5, a biosimilar to reference adalimumab (ADL), received EU marketing authorisation in August 2017, based on the totality of evidence from pre-clinical and clinical Phase I and III studies that demonstrated bioequivalence, similar efficacy, and comparable safety and immunogenicity to the reference. This real-world study provides data on outcomes of the transition from reference to biosimilar ADL outside the controlled, randomised, clinical trial setting.

Objectives:

To evaluate candidate predictors of persistence on SB5 in EU patients (pts) across multiple indications.

Methods:

This ongoing observational study enrolled 1000 pts with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease who initiated SB5 as part of routine clinical practice following a minimum of 16 weeks’ treatment with reference ADL, at clinics in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Data are captured from clinic records retrospectively for the 24 weeks prior to transition, and prospectively and/or retrospectively for 48 weeks following transition. Primary outcome measures include baseline clinical characteristics, disease activity scores and clinical management over time; data on COVID-19 infection has recently been captured. This interim analysis (IA) provides an overview of baseline characteristics, disease scores and dose regimen up to 48 weeks post-initiation of SB5, and COVID-19 infection reported to date, in subjects with RA, axSpA, or PsA enrolled at 35 specialist sites and followed up to the data extract date of 18th December 2020.

Results:

Of the 504 pts included in this IA, 201 have RA, 169 have PsA, and 134 axSpA. At time of data extract, 216 pts had completed 48 weeks on SB5, 73 pts had discontinued SB5, and 8 had discontinued the study.

RA (N=201)axSpA (N=134)PsA (N=169)Mean (SD)Q1, Q3Mean (SD)Q1, Q3Mean (SD)Q1, Q3Age at SB5 initiation (years)60.2 (11.7)53, 6850.5 (13.6)38, 6153.0 (12.2)43, 62Duration of disease (years)13.5 (11.7)4.5, 2018.7 (13.2)9, 2512.7 (9.9)4, 20n%n%n%Women14471.64130.67745.6SB5 Dosing regimen:Baseline 40 mg Q2W14974.112089.615692.3Week 48 40mg Q2W6977.56785.99892.5Baseline Other*5225.91410.4137.7Week 48 Other*2022.41114.187.5Disease Score(paired patients)DAS28FFbHBASDAITender Joint CountSwollen Joint CountBaseline, n, mean (95% CI)692.5 (2.3–2.7)2273.9 (65.6–82.1)422.8 (2.3–3.4)491.8 (0.1–3.0)490.6 (0.2–0.9)Week 48, n, mean (95% CI)692.6 (2.3–2.8)2272.1 (64.0–80.2)423.0 (2.4–3.7)491.9 (0.5–3.3)490.6 (0.1–1.1)Patient diagnosed with COVID-19 at any time on-study, n (%)No14295.39688.114098.6Yes32.010.910.7Unknown42.71211.010.7Imraldi regimen stopped or changed due to COVID-19, regardless of diagnosis, n (%)No13098.510697.2134100Yes21.532.800

SD standard deviation; Q1 1st quartile, Q3 3rd quartile; CI Confidence Interval

*Other includes all other reported doses and/or dosing intervals: 40mg QW, 80mg Q2W, and unspecified frequency

DAS28 Disease Activity Score 28; FFbH Hanover Functional Ability Questionnaire; BASDAI Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index

Conclusion:

This IA provides a first insight into clinical management of pts over 48 weeks, in a contemporary cohort of EU pts with established RA, axSpA and PsA, switched from reference to biosimilar ADL SB5 in clinical practice. The majority of pts showed no meaningful difference in disease score or dose regimen of SB5 by Week 48 post-transition. As of data extract date, the proportion of pts with a known positive COVID-19 test was low (1.3%) and a small minority (1.3%) had SB5 treatment changed or interrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With follow-up of pts ongoing to Q4 2021, the study will continue to provide pertinent information about clinical outcomes of transition from reference to biosimilar ADL in real-world practice and in indications not investigated in controlled studies.

Acknowledgements:

Statistical services gave been provided by FGK Clinical Research GmbH, Munich, Germany. Data management services were provided by Worldwide Clinical trial, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; funding was provided by Biogen International GmbH.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ulf Müller-Ladner Consultant of: Biogen, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Karl Gaffney Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Gilead, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Gilead, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Deepak Jadon Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Oxford University Press, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Oxford University Press, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Ulrich Freudensprung Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Janet Addison Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen

POS0919 BIMEKIZUMAB SHOWS SUSTAINED LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS IN PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: 3-YEAR RESULTS FROM A PHASE 2B STUDY

Background:

Bimekizumab (BKZ), a monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F, has demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated over a period up to 96 weeks.1,2

Objectives:

To report 3-year interim patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with active AS treated with BKZ in a phase 2b dose-ranging study (BE AGILE; NCT02963506) and its open-label extension (OLE; NCT03355573).

Methods:

BE AGILE study design has been described previously.1 Patients treated with BKZ 160 mg or 320 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) at Week 48 in BE AGILE were eligible for OLE entry. All OLE patients received BKZ 160 mg Q4W. Outcome measures are reported for the OLE full analysis set (patients who entered the OLE and had ≥1 dose of BKZ and ≥1 valid efficacy variable measurement in the OLE), and include: BASDAI, BASDAI50 responder rate, BASFI, fatigue (BASDAI Q1), morning stiffness (mean of BASDAI Q5 + 6), total spinal pain (numeric rating scale [NRS]), SF-36 PCS and MCS, and ASQoL. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation (MI; based on the missing at random assumption) for continuous variables and non-responder imputation (NRI) for dichotomous variables.

Results:

262/303 (86%) patients randomised at BE AGILE study baseline (BL) completed Week 48 on BKZ 160 mg or 320 mg, of whom 255/262 (97%) entered the OLE (full analysis set: 254). From baseline to Week 48 in BE AGILE, BKZ-treated patients showed clinically relevant improvements in disease activity (BASDAI, BASDAI50), physical function (BASFI), fatigue, morning stiffness, spinal pain, and quality of life (SF-36 PCS and MCS, ASQoL) (Figure 1). Group-level improvements in all reported continuous efficacy measures exceeded published minimally important difference (MID), minimum clinically important improvement (MCII), and/or minimum clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds (Figure 1).3,4 Efficacy in all reported outcome measures was maintained or continued to improve from Week 48 to Week 144 or 156 (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

BKZ treatment was associated with sustained and consistent efficacy in patients with active AS over 3 years, including patient-reported disease activity, physical function, fatigue, morning stiffness, spinal pain, and quality of life.

References:

[1]van der Heijde D. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:595–604.

[2]Baraliakos X. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020;72 (suppl 10).

[3]Ogdie A. Arthritis Care Res 2020;72 (S10):47–71.

[4]Maruish ME. User’s manual for the SF-36v2 Health Survey (3rd ed). 2011; Lincoln, RI: QualityMetric Incorporated.

Acknowledgements:

This study was funded by UCB Pharma. Editorial services were provided by Costello Medical.

Disclosure of Interests:

Xenofon Baraliakos Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Maxime Dougados Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Raj Sengupta Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, UCB Pharma, Marina Magrey Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Natasha de Peyrecave Employee of: UCB Pharma, Marga Oortgiesen Employee of: UCB Pharma, Thomas Vaux Employee of: UCB Pharma, Carmen Fleurinck Employee of: UCB Pharma, Valerie Ciaravino Employee of: UCB Pharma, Atul Deodhar Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma

POS0035 ONE IN TWENTY INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT ABDOMINOPELVIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY HAVE UNDIAGNOSED AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background:

The diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging and hindered by delay. There may be an opportunity to identify sacroiliitis for further rheumatology review in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients who undergo Computed Tomography (CT) for non-musculoskeletal (MSK) indications.

Objectives:

To identify what proportion of IBD patients who underwent abdominopelvic CT for non-MSK indications have axSpA and to explore the role of an imaging strategy for identifying axSpA.

Methods:

Abdominopelvic CT scans of verified IBD patients were identified retrospectively from eight years of imaging archive. Patients between 18-55 yrs. were selected as having the highest diagnostic yield for axSpA. CT review (using criteria from a validated CT screening tool developed by Chan1) was undertaken by a trained radiology team for presence of CT-defined sacroiliitis (CTSI). All CTSI patients were sent a screening questionnaire. Those with self-reported chronic back pain (CBP), duration > 3 months, onset < 45 years were invited for rheumatology review. This included a medical interview, physical examination (joint count, MASES, dactylitis count, BASMI), patient reported outcomes (BASDAI, BASFI, BASGI, Harvey-Bradshaw-Index, Partial-Mayo-Index), relevant laboratory tests (CRP, ESR, HLA-B27), axSpA protocol MRI, and remote review by a panel of experienced rheumatologists with a special interest in axSpA.

Results:

CTSI was identified in 60 of 301 patients. Thirty-two (53%) responded to the invitation to participate and 27 (84%) were enrolled. Of these, eight had a pre-existing axSpA diagnosis and five did not report chronic back pain. Fourteen patients underwent rheumatological assessment; three of 14 (21.4% [95% CI: 4.7%, 50.8%]) had undiagnosed axSpA. In total, 11 of 27 (40.7% [95% CI: 22.4%, 61.2%]) patients had a rheumatologist verified diagnosis of axSpA.

Conclusion:

One in five patients (60/301) with IBD who underwent abdominopelvic CT for non-MSK indications have CTSI and at least one in five (11/60) have axSpA. Five percent (3/60) were previously undiagnosed. This highlights a hidden disease burden and a potential strategy for identifying new cases.

References:

[1]Chan J, Sari I, Salonen D, Inman RD, Haroon N. Development of a Screening Tool for the Identification of Sacroiliitis in Computed Tomography Scans of the Abdomen. J Rheumatol 2016; 43(9); 1687-94.

Acknowledgements:

We are indebted to Baljeet Dhillon and Shin Azegami for their assistance in the scoring of the CTSI.

Disclosure of Interests:

Chong Seng Edwin Lim Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Louise Hamilton: None declared, Samantha Low: None declared, Andoni Toms: None declared, Alex MacGregor: None declared, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma.

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.

SAT0380 ENHANCING RHEUMATOLOGY REFERRALS AMONG INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background:

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD patients, the clinical probability of axSpA increases in those with chronic back pain (CBP) whose symptoms started before the age of forty-five years old. In practice, this should trigger a rheumatology review especially if accompanied by other symptoms suspicious of inflammatory disease. However, in any health system, the goal of identifying all possible cases need to be balanced with the practical realisation of the finite resources available.

Objectives:

The study aimed to define the clinical characteristics of a subgroup of IBD patients who are routinely managed in secondary care who have an increased clinical probability for axSpA. Identification of these characteristics may help improve the quality and specificity of referrals to Rheumatology from Gastroenterology clinics.

Methods:

An analytical cross-sectional study was undertaken. Consecutive IBD patients attending routine Gastroenterology clinics were sent a modified validated back pain questionnaire. The questionnaire included the presence or absence of a previous diagnosis of axSpA; components of validated inflammatory back pain criteria; diagrams to indicate the location of back pain and other musculoskeletal pain; personal and family history of known axSpA manifestations; and details of their IBD course, activity and treatment.

IBD patients, with back pain duration > 3 months with onset before 45 years were considered to have a medium diagnostic probability (MDP) for axSpA. MDP-positive IBD patients were compared with MDP-negative IBD patients and logistic regression was used to model the association with clinical features.

Results:

Four hundred and seventy consecutive IBD patients (mean age 54 years; 46% male) were surveyed. Two hundred and nine patients (59%) replied, of whom 191 patients (69%) consented to participate. One hundred and seventy-three (91%) of those who consented had a valid completed questionnaire and were included for data analysis. Of these, 74% had Ulcerative Colitis and 26% had Crohn’s disease. Their mean age was 58 years, 39% male. Mean age at IBD diagnosis was 39 years, mean IBD disease duration 19 yrs. CBP (back pain greater than three months) was reported by 76%. Inflammatory back pain fulfilling Calin, Berlin, ASAS criteria was seen in 23%, 29%, and 15% respectively. In addition, 80% reported peripheral musculoskeletal pain. Self-reported personal history of enthesitis, reactive arthritis (ReA), acute anterior uveitis (AAU), skin psoriasis (PSO) and dactylitis were 50%, 30%, 24%, 15% and 0% respectively. Self-reported family history of IBD, ReA, PSO, axSpA and AAU were 60%, 36%, 22%, 11%, and 1% respectively.

Ninety-one (53%) patients were MDP-positive and 82 (47%) patients were MDP-negative. The clinical characteristics associated with MDP (adjusted for age at invitation) were: the presence of inflammatory back pain using ASAS criteria [OR 8.84 (1.61,48.67); p=0.01], longer interval between symptom onset and gastroenterologist diagnosis of IBD [OR 1.09 (1.03,1.16); p=0.005], and use of rectal topical 5-aminosalicylic acid [OR 3.27 (1.11,9.68); p=0.03].

Conclusion:

Chronic back pain and peripheral musculoskeletal pain are common in a secondary care IBD population. In IBD patients, with back pain duration > 3 months and onset before 45 years, the presence of inflammatory back pain, longer diagnostic delay of IBD and the use of rectal topical 5-aminosalicylic acid were associated with a higher clinical probability of axSpA. The identification of these clinical features may not only improve the quality and specificity of Rheumatology referrals from Gastroenterology in this subgroup of patients but also lends real world evidence to current ASAS-endorsed recommendations for early referral of patients with a suspicion of axial spondyloarthritis.

Disclosure of Interests:

Chong Seng Edwin Lim Grant/research support from: AbbVie - Research support/grant but NOT for this study., Mark Tremelling: None declared, Louise Hamilton: None declared, Alexander Macgregor: None declared, Karl Gaffney Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma

AB0311 THE PROPER STUDY: RESULTS OF THE FIRST INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A PAN-EU REAL-WORLD STUDY OF SB5 BIOSIMILAR FOLLOWING TRANSITION FROM REFERENCE ADALIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS OR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

SB5, a biosimilar to reference adalimumab (ADA), received EU marketing authorisation in August 2017, based on the totality of evidence from pre-clinical and clinical Phase I and III studies that demonstrated bioequivalence, similar efficacy, and comparable safety and immunogenicity to the reference. There are few published data on the transition from reference to biosimilar ADA outside the controlled, randomised, clinical trial setting.

Objectives:

To evaluate candidate predictors of persistence on SB5 in EU patients across multiple indications.

Methods:

This ongoing observational study will enrol approximately 1200 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who initiated SB5 as part of routine clinical practice following a minimum of 16 weeks’ treatment with reference ADA, at clinics in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the UK. Data are captured from clinic records retrospectively for the 24 weeks prior to transition, and prospectively and/or retrospectively for 48 weeks following transition. The primary objective is to evaluate candidate predictors of persistence, and primary outcome measures include baseline clinical characteristics, disease activity scores, clinical management and patient satisfaction over time. This interim analysis provides an overview of baseline characteristics for subjects enrolled and followed up by the data extract date of 20thDecember 2019.

Results:

Of the 123 patients included in this interim analysis, 43 suffer from RA, 42 from axSpA and 38 from PsA.

Table 1.

Patient baseline characteristics

RA (N=43)axSpA (N=42)PsA (N=38)Mean (SD)Q1, Q3Mean (SD)Q1, Q3Mean (SD)Q1, Q3Age (years)58.7 (11.3)53, 6452.3 (13.3)41, 6353.7 (14.1)48, 63Duration of disease (years)6.8 (9.5)1, 622.0 (14.4)12.5, 32.513.8 (9.4)5.5, 22n%n%n%Women3172.11638.11642.1Dosing regimen ADA to SB5: 40mg Q2W: 40mg Q2W3485.03685.73489.5 Other*615.0614.3410.5Stable disease (physician opinion)3491.92765.93085.7Disease Activity Score:Mean (SD)95% CIMean (SD)95% CIMean (SD)95% CI DAS28 (n = 26)2.71 (0.88)2.36, 3.06---- BASDAI (n = 31)--3.71 (2.89)2.65, 4.77-- PsA scores (n = 23)0.3 (0.9)  Swollen joint2.9 (5.7)-0.1, 0.8  Tender joint0.4, 5.4Patient Awareness:n%n%n%Instructed in self-administration43100.03790.23594.6Know to remove SB5 from fridge 30 minutes pre-injection43100.03895.03697.3Know SB5 can be stored out of fridge <25oc for 28 days4297.73382.52875.7

DAS-28 Disease Activity Score 28; BASDAI Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index; SD standard deviation; Q1 1stquartile, Q3 3rdquartile; CI Confidence Interval

‘Other’ includes all other reported doses and/or dosing intervals: 40mg QW, 80mg Q2W, and unspecified frequency

Conclusion:

This interim analysis provides a first insight into a contemporary cohort of EU patients with established RA, axSpA and PsA, switched from reference to biosimilar ADA in clinical practice. The majority of patients have stable disease at transition, 85% or more of each cohort transitioned to the same dose regimen of biosimilar as received for the reference prior to transition, and most are aware of correct storage and self-administration of their biosimilar medication. With ongoing enrolment and longer follow-up, the study will provide pertinent information about clinical outcomes of transition from reference to biosimilar adalimumab in real-world practice and in indications not investigated in controlled studies.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ulf Müller-Ladner Speakers bureau: Biogen, Karl Gaffney Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Deepak Jadon: None declared, Ulrich Freudensprung Shareholder of: Biogen International GmbH, Employee of: Biogen International GmbH, Janet Addison Shareholder of: Biogen Idec, Employee of: Biogen Idec

OP0103 DOES GENDER, AGE OR SUBPOPULATION INFLUENCE THE MAINTENANCE OF CLINICAL REMISSION IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS FOLLOWING CERTOLIZUMAB PEGOL DOSE REDUCTION?

Background:

Previous studies have shown that withdrawing tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients (pts) with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who have achieved sustained remission often leads to relapse.1However, none have formally tested TNFi dose reduction strategies in a broad axSpA population or evaluated whether relapse following TNFi dose reduction and withdrawal is associated with a specific demographic subgroup.

Objectives:

C-OPTIMISE evaluated the percentage of pts without flare after TNFi dose continuation, reduction or withdrawal in adults with early axSpA treated with the Fc-free, PEGylated TNFi certolizumab pegol (CZP). Here, we analyse whether responses to reduced maintenance dose were comparable in pts stratified by axSpA subpopulation, gender and age.

Methods:

C-OPTIMISE (NCT02505542) was a multicentre, two-part phase 3b study in adults with early (<5 years’ symptom duration) active axSpA (stratified for radiographic [r]- and non-radiographic [nr]- axSpA). Pts received CZP 200 mg every 2 weeks (wks) (Q2W; 400 mg loading dose at Wks 0, 2 and 4) during the open-label induction period. At Wk 48, pts in sustained remission (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS] <1.3 at Wk 32 or 36 [if ASDAS <1.3 at Wk 32, it must be <2.1 at Wk 36, or vice versa] and at Wk 48) were randomised to double-blind full maintenance dose (CZP 200 mg Q2W); reduced maintenance dose (CZP 200 mg every 4 wks [Q4W]) or placebo (PBO) for a further 48 wks (maintenance period). The primary endpoint was the percentage of pts not experiencing a flare (ASDAS ≥2.1 at two consecutive visits or ASDAS >3.5 at any timepoint) during Wks 48–96. Analyses were conducted on subgroups according to axSpA subpopulation, gender and age ≤/> the median age of the randomised set (32 years).

Results:

During the 48-wk induction period, 43.9% of patients (323/736) achieved sustained remission and 313 pts entered the 48-wk maintenance period (r/nr-axSpA: 168/145 pts; males/females: 247/66 pts; age ≤32/>32: 165/148 pts). During the maintenance period, responses in r- and nr-axSpA pts were comparable across all three randomised arms. 83.9% r-axSpA and 83.3% nr-axSpA pts receiving the full CZP maintenance dose did not experience a flare, and in the reduced maintenance dose arm 82.1% r-axSpA and 75.5% nr-axSpA pts did not experience a flare. In the PBO group this was reduced to 17.9% and 22.9%, respectively. Similar responses were seen in pts stratified by gender or age, with substantially higher percentages of pts randomised to CZP full or reduced maintenance dose remaining free of flares compared to PBO in all subgroups (Figure).

Conclusion:

The results of C-OPTIMISE indicate that a reduced maintenance dose is suitable for pts with axSpA who achieve sustained remission following 1 year of CZP treatment, regardless of axSpA subpopulation, gender or age. Complete treatment withdrawal is not recommended due to the high risk of flare.

References:

[1]Landewe R. Lancet 2018;392:134–44.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by UCB Pharma. Editorial services were provided by Costello Medical

Disclosure of Interests:

Robert B.M. Landewé Consultant of: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Eli Lilly & Co.; Galapagos NV; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB Pharma, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma; Director of Imaging Rheumatology BV, Maxime Dougados Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma, Xenofon Baraliakos Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Filip van den Bosch Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Karl Gaffney Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Lars Bauer Employee of: UCB Pharma, Bengt Hoepken Employee of: UCB Pharma, Natasha de Peyrecave Employee of: UCB Pharma, Karen Thomas Employee of: UCB Pharma, Lianne S. Gensler Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, UCB

AB1178 AN AUDIT OF ORIGINATOR ADALIMUMAB TO BIOSIMILAR SWITCH IN TWO HOSPITALS

Background:

Biological drugs have revolutionized the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Current guidelines reserve these drugs for patients with severe refractory disease.

Biologic drugs are expensive, but as they reach patent expiry, the introduction of lower-cost biosimilars reduces their impact on health care budgets. It is estimated that NHS England could save £300 million by 2021 following the recent launch of adalimumab biosimilars [1]. As part of this process, there has been a mandatory switch of originator adalimumab to biosimilar adalimumab throughout the U.K.

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of the switch to biosimilar adalimumab in individuals with inflammatory arthritis at two NHS trusts in the East of England and calculate the proportion and reasons for switch back to originator adalimumab or a second biosimilar at 12 weeks.

Methods:

Both hospitals ran dedicated ‘switch’ clinics. All patient records were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:

855 patients with different IMID switched from originator to biosimilar over 13 months. At 12 weeks, 730 patients (85%) maintained the switch, 71 patients (8.7%) switched back to the originator, and 54 patients (6.3%) switched to other biosimilars of the same drug.

Table 1.

Primary outcome analysis of switching from originator to adalimumab biosimilar

DiagnosisTotal patient switched from originatorAverage duration (year) of use of originator before bio switch (for patients continue using bio switch)Total patients continuing (At 12 weeks)Average duration (year) of use of originator before bio switch (for patients switched back to originator)Total patients switched back to originator or other biosimilarRheumatoid Arthritis3567.9314 (88%)4.942 (12%)Axial Spondyloarthritis2606.4213 (82%)4.547 (18%)Psoriatic Arthritis2185.9187 (86%)2.931 (14%)Juvenile Arthritis163.714 (88%)4.52 (12%)Others52.22 (40%)0.83 (60%)Total8557.0730 (85%)4.2125 (15%)Table 2.

Reasons for back to originator or another biosimilar

Reasons for back to originator or another biosimilarNumber back for IntoleranceNumber back for InefficacyPainful injection69BASDAI/Spinal Pain13Pain/Others19TJC, SJC, VAS4Rash/Allergic reaction5DAS3Headache5PsARC2Nausea4No Detail1Total102Total23%82%18%

Conclusion:

Switching to a biosimilar was successful in the vast majority of patients and is associated with significant saving. The list prices for originator Adalimumab is £9,155/person/year and £8,238/person/year for biosimilar Adalimumab respectively [2]. By switching we will save approximately £719,402 per annum (9.2% cost reduction).

References:

[1]NHS England. NHS set to save record £300 million on the NHS’s highest drug spend 2018 [cited 2018 November 30].https://www.england.nhs.uk/2018/11/nhs-set-to-save-record-300-million-on-the-nhss-highest-drug-spend/

[2]https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicinal-forms/adalimumab.html

Disclosure of Interests:

Rifat Mazumder: None declared, Marianne Loke: None declared, Chetan Mukhtyar: None declared, Karl Gaffney Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Emese Balogh: None declared, Emerald Sekaran: None declared, Mushfika Sultana: None declared, Mabel Odonkor: None declared, Karen Miles: None declared

Standardized grip strength as an outcome measure in early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer progressive loss of hand function and have weaker hand grip than the healthy population. In this study we aimed to validate hand grip strength standardized by age and gender (z score) against currently accepted clinical measures of disease activity.

METHOD

Electronic records of patients with a diagnosis of RA seen between April 2007 and December 2011 were screened for the documentation of tender and swollen joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), along with patient global activity score and grip strength. Bilateral grip strengths were converted to z scores on the basis of previously published age- and gender-corrected normative data for grip strength. The z scores were then correlated against components of disease activity scores.

RESULTS

Ninety patients diagnosed with RA had been seen 602 times within 2 years of diagnosis. Hand grip data were available for 204 visits. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between grip strength z scores and the tested variables. The sensitivity and specificity of a hand grip z score of -1.5 for predicting remission were, respectively, 70% and 76% for the right hand and 82% and 69% for the left hand.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand grip testing and subsequent conversion to z scores corrected for age and gender correlate with disease activity in early RA. We have shown that the grip strength z scores can discriminate between various disease states, and the strength seems to return to near normative data when the disease is in remission.

Pyloric gland metaplasia and pouchitis in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomoses

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and management of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis and Crohn's disease of the pouch can be challenging. Pyloric gland metaplasia is a histological feature indicative of chronic mucosal inflammation. Its value in diagnosis and prognosis of pouch disorders has not been investigated.

AIM

To assess the prevalence, diagnostic and prognostic value, and risk factors of pyloric gland metaplasia in pouch patients.

METHODS

Patients were identified from our prospectively maintained Pouchitis Database. Pouch biopsy specimens were re-reviewed for pyloric gland metaplasia and other histological features. Two cohorts of patients were studied: a historical cohort (n = 111) and the second, a validation cohort (n = 100). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors for pyloric gland metaplasia.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pyloric gland metaplasia in the historical cohort and validation cohort was 45 (40.1%) and 24 (24.0%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of pyloric gland metaplasia for the diagnosis of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis or Crohn's disease were 70.7% and 92.5%, respectively, for the first cohort and 39.0% and 86.4%, respectively, for the 2nd validation cohort. In multivariate analysis of the first cohort, patients with refractory pouchitis or Crohn's disease were 28 times (95% CI, 7.3-107.1) more likely to have pyloric gland metaplasia than those with a normal pouch or irritable pouch syndrome. The factor of refractory pouchitis or Crohn's disease remained in the model for the 2nd validation cohort with odds ratio of 4.58 (95% CI, 1.6-13.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Pyloric gland metaplasia is associated with diagnosis of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis or Crohn's disease of the pouch and appears to be a specific marker for both disease entities.

Rituximab therapy in patients with resistant rheumatoid arthritis: real-life experience

OBJECTIVES

Rituximab has recently been shown to be effective in suppressing disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who fail anti-TNF therapy. We present our experience of treating patients with long-standing, multi-DMARD and anti-TNF resistant RA with rituximab in 'real-life' setting.

METHODS

Patients with RA resistant to more than two anti-TNF drugs and with persistent disease activity (DAS28 > 5.1) were considered for treatment with rituximab (two infusions 1000 mg each, a fortnight apart). DAS28 and HAQ scores were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Response to rituximab was defined as per the EULAR response criteria. Re-treatment with a second cycle of rituximab was offered if they had responded to the earlier one but flared.

RESULTS

Twenty patients received rituximab. Median disease duration was 16 yrs (range 5-39) and 90% were rheumatoid factor positive. Median number of biologics received pre-treatment was two (range 2-4). Rituximab treatment led to a significant reduction in DAS28 score (P < 0.0001) at 3 months and various other disease parameters. The benefit was sustained at 6 months. Moderate-to-good EULAR response was seen in 85% of patients at 3 months and 60% at 6 months. No significant side effects were observed. 50% of the patients flared and received re-treatment. Interval to re-treatment varied from 6 to 18 months. The majority of the RA patients responded to re-treatment with rituximab and no major side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Rituximab was effective in controlling disease activity in anti-TNF therapy resistant RA patients in 'real-life' setting. Rituximab was safe with no major side effects. Re-treatment with rituximab was safe and efficacy was maintained.

Low-dose infliximab treatment for ankylosing spondylitis--clinically- and cost-effective

OBJECTIVES

Infliximab has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) when treated in a dose of 5 mg/kg at 6 weekly intervals. This dose of infliximab has not been determined by any structured randomized trials and has significant cost implications. We describe our experience of treating AS with low-dose infliximab (3mg/kg at 8 weekly intervals). The efficacy and cost implications are discussed.

METHODS

Patients who had active AS [Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) > or = 4] were treated with infliximab 3 mg/kg at 0, 2, 6 weeks and thereafter at 8 weekly intervals. Response to treatment was defined as 50% improvement in BASDAI. Other response criteria such as ASAS 20, 40 and five of the six criteria were also assessed. Direct drug costs for infliximab were determined.

RESULTS

Twenty-two consecutive AS patients received infliximab. All 22 completed treatment for 3 months, 15 patients for 6 months and 14 for 12 months. Mean age was 45 years (range 21-62) and mean disease duration 14.5 years (range 2-43). Of the patients, 54% achieved a 50% BASDAI response at 3 months and the benefit was sustained at 12 months in 63%. Similar response rate was seen with the other assessment criteria. Direct drug costs were significantly lower when low-dose infliximab regimen was used.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose infliximab (3 mg/kg at 8 weekly infusions) is effective in the treatment of AS. Higher doses are required in a small proportion of patients when treatment is only partially effective. Titrating the dose and frequency of infusions may be required in individual patients to achieve optimal response. Using low-dose infliximab has significant economic implications.

Chronic periaortitis

Chronic periaortitis commonly involves the infrarenal portion of the abdominal aorta. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm and perianeurysmal retroperitoneal fibrosis are its various clinical presentations. They present as a non-specific systemic inflammatory disorder and may lead to ureteric obstruction and consequent renal failure. An exaggerated inflammatory response to advanced atherosclerosis has been thought to be the main pathogenetic process. Autoimmunity has also been proposed as a contributing factor. Contrast-enhanced CT scanning is the diagnostic test of choice. Steroids and immunosuppressive agents are successfully used in the treatment of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and selected cases of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm, and surgery is used in others. Early diagnosis is important in order to reduce morbidity from complications such as renal failure and mortality from aortic rupture.