POS0427 PRE-INFLAMMATORY MESENCHYMAL (PRIME) CELLS IDENTIFIED BY MASS CYTOMETRY IN THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background

Experimental evidence suggests that synovial fibroblasts (SFs) may play a central pathogenetic role in chronic inflammatory arthritis in humans. RNA of the mesenchymal marker cadherin-11 characterising SFs is overexpressed in the peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to healthy donors and correlates with established polyarthritis [1]. Recently, Orange et al. using RNA sequencing and flow cytometry have identified in the peripheral blood of RA patients PRIME (PRe-Inflammatory MEsenchymal) cells, considered as the precursors to inflammatory sublining SFs, that could be used as predictors of RA flares [2].

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that circulating PRIME cells can be identified by mass cytometry in patients with active RA, as well as in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

The expression of markers suggestive of PRIME cells, namely, cadherin-11 and/or podoplanin (both expressed on SFs), and/or CD90 (Thy-1, expressed on sublining SFs), and/or Notch-3 (expressed on endothelial cells and sublining SFs), and/or CD34 (expressed on stem cells and SFs) was evident in all 10 RA and 5 PsA-derived blood samples. Circulating PRIME cell levels were elevated in patients (0.019%±0.003%) than healthy donors (0.008%±0.002%, p=0.004). The increased PRIME cell levels were more pronounced in PsA (0.023%±0.007%, p=0.003) than RA (0.017%±0.003%, p=0.03), when compared to healthy donors. PRIME cells were also present in 2 RA synovial fluid samples, being at three-fold higher levels than in the paired blood samples. Interestingly, a fraction of circulating PRIME cells exhibited expression of HLA-DR, suggestive of antigen-presenting capacity.

Results

The expression of markers suggestive of PRIME cells, namely, cadherin-11 and/or podoplanin (both expressed on SFs), and/or CD90 (Thy-1, expressed on sublining SFs), and/or Notch-3 (expressed on endothelial cells and sublining SFs), and/or CD34 (expressed on stem cells and SFs) was evident in all 10 RA and 5 PsA-derived blood samples. Circulating PRIME cell levels were elevated in patients (0.019%±0.003%) than healthy donors (0.008%±0.002%, p=0.004). The increased PRIME cell levels were more pronounced in PsA (0.023%±0.007%, p=0.003) than RA (0.017%±0.003%, p=0.03), when compared to healthy donors. PRIME cells were also present in 2 RA synovial fluid samples, being at three-fold higher levels than in the paired blood samples. Interestingly, a fraction of circulating PRIME cells exhibited expression of HLA-DR, suggestive of antigen-presenting capacity.

Conclusion

Rare circulating mesenchymal cells with antigen-presenting properties may be of pathogenetic importance in patients with RA and PsA. Whether their measurement is clinically relevant, as well their function during chronic inflammatory arthritis, merits further studies.

References

[1]Sfikakis PP, Christopoulos PF, Vaiopoulos AG, et al. Cadherin-11 mRNA transcripts are frequently found in rheumatoid arthritis peripheral blood and correlate with established polyarthritis. Clinical Immunology, 2014,155(1):33–41.

[2]Orange DE, Yao V, Sawicka K, Fak J, et al. RNA Identification of PRIME cells predicting rheumatoid arthritis flares. New Engl J Med, 2020,383(3):218.

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge support of this work by the project “The Greek Research Infrastructure for Personalised Medicine (pMedGR)” (MIS 5002802) which is implemented under the Action “Reinforcement of the Research and Innovation Infrastructure”, funded by the Operational Programme “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” (NSRF 2014-2020) and co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Regional Development Fund).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

AB0567 SHORT AND LONG-TERM RENAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH PROLIFERATIVE LUPUS NEPHRITIS: DATA FROM A SINGLE INSTITUTE INCEPTION COHORT

Background

Renal involvement in SLE is associated with high risk of morbidity with proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) having the worst prognosis. Although advances in immunosuppressive treatment led to better renal survival rates, response to treatment and short- and long-term outcomes differ among cohorts.

Objectives

To evaluate short and long term renal outcomes in an inception cohort of patients with PLN. We also aimed to define clinical, laboratory, histological and treatment determinants of partial (PR) or complete response (CR), flare, and long-term renal and patient survival.

Methods

An inception cohort of 83 patients with biopsy-proven PLN (class III, IV, or III/IV+V)(diagnosed between 1992 and 2019) was retrospectively studied. Data collected included histologic characteristics at baseline, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic parameters at baseline, 6-9-12-18-24-36-72 months after PLN diagnosis, time of renal flare and last follow-up visit.

Univariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate response to treatment, flare and long-term renal survival. Variables found to be significant in the univariate analyses were included in the multivariate models.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 43±12 years, 78% were women, 96% were Caucasians and median duration of SLE before PLN diagnosis was 12 months (IQR 60).Mean SLEDAI score at PLN diagnosis was 12.8±4 and mean proteinuria was 3.69±3.3g/d. At baseline, 73.5% (61/83) had eGFR>60ml/min/1.73m2, 15.5% (13/83) eGFR 30-60 and 11% (9/83) eGFR<30. 32% (27/83)of patients had class III LN, 46% (38/83) IV, and 22% (18/83) III/IV+V. Median follow-up time was 107 months(IQR 94).

Induction immunosuppressive treatment consisted of cyclophosphamide (CYC) in 71% (59/83) of patients (12/59 in combination with rituximab (RTX)), mycophenolic acid (MPA) in 25% (21/83)(2/21 in combination with RTX) and RTX alone in 2 patients. 1 patient did not receive any immunosuppressive treatment due to ESRD. Patients treated with CYC had a higher baseline SLEDAI score, lower C3 and C4 levels, higher biopsy activity index and higher proteinuria levels than those treated with MPA. 76% (63/83) received MPA as maintenance treatment, 8% (7/83) azathioprine, 7% (6/83) CYC and 8% (7/83) did not receive any maintenance regimen (3/7 due to ESRD, 2/7 received RTX as induction and continued with steroids only, 1/7 due to non-compliance, 1/7 lost to follow-up after 6months). Median duration of treatment was 43.6 months (IQR 44.6).

66% of patients had response (CR or PR) at 6 months (43% CR, 23% PR), 73% at 9 months (46%CR, 27% PR), 77% at 12 months (61%CR, 16%PR) and 91% at the end of follow-up (80%CR, 11%PR)(Figure 1). Median time to complete remission was 9 months (IQR 14) and median time to partial remission was 4 months (IQR 7). In multivariate analysis, baseline eGFR>60ml/min correlated with shorter time to remission (HR 1.7, p=0.05). No clinical, laboratory or histological (PLN class, activity/chronicity index, number of crescents) parameters or any of induction immunosuppressives could predict time to remission.

Figure 1.

38.5% of patients (32/83) had ≥1 renal flare in a median time of 40.5 months (IQR 44). In multivariate analysis, proteinuria >1g/d at 12 months correlated significantly with risk of flare (OR 3.65, p=0.039), while induction treatment with MPA was associated with lower risk of flare compared to CYC (OR 0.21, p=0.031) (in combination or not with RTX).

At a median follow-up time of 107 months, 2 patients died, 15.6% (13/83) developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) (<60ml/min/1.73m2), and 9.6% (8/83) ESRD. In multivariate analysis, baseline eGFR<60ml/min (OR 14.0, p=0.02) and 12-month proteinuria >1g/d (OR 12.0, p=0.02) were the only predictors of CKD.

Conclusion

In our inception cohort of patients with PLN, 66% of patients achieved response at 6 months, 77% at 12 months and 91% at the end of follow-up. Proteinuria >1g/d at 12 months emerged as an important risk factor of renal flare and CKD, while MPA treatment was associated with lower risk of renal flare.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0462 HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE REDUCES THE TITERS OF ANTI-DOMAIN 1 ANTIBODIES OVER TIME IN PATIENTS WITH PERSISTENTLY POSITIVE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES: RESULTS FROM THE APS ACTION CLINICAL DATABASE AND REPOSITORY (“REGISTRY”)

Background

Data on fluctuation of antibodies directed against domain 1 (anti-D1) of β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) are scarce. Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and all three criteria tests for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) display higher titers of anti-D1, which correlate with anti-β2GPI levels.

Objectives

This project aims at evaluating predictors of the variation of anti-D1 titers over time in a large international cohort of persistently aPL positive patients.

Methods

AntiPhospholipid Syndrome Alliance For Clinical Trials and InternatiOnal Networking (APS ACTION) Registry was created to study the course of persistently aPL-positive patients with or without autoimmune disorders over at least 10 years. Inclusion criteria are positive aPL by Updated Sapporo Criteria tested within one year prior to enrolment. Patients are followed every 12±3 months with clinical data and blood collection. Patients with available blood samples from at least three time points were included in this analysis. Anti-β2GPI and anti-D1 IgG were tested by chemiluminescence (BioFlash, Werfen) at APS ACTION core laboratories. Positive results were defined as >20 CU, according to the manufacturer. Clinical data were retrieved from APS ACTION online database. Anti-D1 titers within the same subject were compared by Friedman’s test. A mixed linear model was built to identify predictors of the fluctuation of anti-D1 antibody titers over time.

Results

In this longitudinal study, 230 patients with anti-D1 tested at 4 time points were included (Table 1). Patients with thrombotic APS had anti-D1 titers significantly higher than those without thrombosis (p=0.022). Among 135 patients with at least one anti-D1 positive result, anti-D1 titers varied significantly over time (Friedman statistics: 508.5, p<0.0001; anti-D1 geometric mean at baseline 189.0; T1 132.3 [-15%]; T2 113.8 [-17%]; T3 109.2 [-6% versus T2, -38% versus T1]). Anti-D1 titers were significantly higher at baseline compared to T3 (p=0.029). In the 4 years of follow-up, 18 new thrombotic events occurred. Patients with double/triple aPL positivity displayed 12.5 fold increase [95%CI 7.4-20.0] in baseline anti-D1 titers. After adjustment for age, gender and number of positive aPL tests, the fluctuation of anti-D1 titers was associated with treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) at each time-point. In particular, treatment with HCQ, but not those with conventional immunosuppressors, was associated with a 1.3-fold decrease in anti-D1 titers [95%CI 1.1-1.5]. In the same multivariable model, incident vascular events were associated with a 1.5 fold increase of anti-D1 titers. A concomitant diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus did not affect the fluctuation of anti-D1 titers.

Table 1.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of 230 APS ACTION Registry Patients with anti-D1 tested ≥3 time points during the follow-up

Anti-D1 pos samplesAnti-D1 neg samplesp-valueOverall sample(n=135)(n=95)(n=230)Age [years] mean (SD)42.3 (11.8)48.8 (13.0)0.000145.0 (12.7)%Female (n)71.9 (97)65.3 (62)0.35869.1 (159)Associated systemic autoimmune disease39.3 (53)44.2 (42)0.53941.3 (95)aPL without APS19.3 (26)34.7 (33)0.01025.7 (59)Thrombotic APS54.1 (73)53.7 (51)53.9 (124)Obstetric APS11.9 (16)5.3 (5)9.1 (21)Thrombotic/+obstetric APS14.8 (20)6.3 (6)11.3 (26)aCL IgG89.5 (119/133)25.5 (24/94)<0.000163.0 (143/227)aCL, IgM36.1 (48/133)27.7 (26/94)0.23432.6 (74/227)Anti-2GPI, IgG93.2 (124/133)39.4 (37/94)<0.000170.9 (161/227)Anti-2GPI, IgM34.6 (46/133)21.3 (20/94)0.04329.1 (66/227)LA82.8 (82/99)59.5 (44/74)0.00172.8 (126/173)

Conclusion

Treatment with HCQ and vascular events during follow-up were identified as significant predictors of the fluctuation of anti-D1 antibody titers over time.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS0894 ANTI-IL-6 THERAPY EFFECT FOR REFRACTORY JOINT AND SKIN INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: A REAL-WORLD, SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Background:

Emerging evidence during the last two decades supports a pivotal role of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Standard immunosuppressive agents are often inadequate to control disease activity in SSc patients and treatment failure of multiple regimens is frequent in real-world practice.

Objectives:

To examine the efficacy and safety of interleukin-6 receptor inhibition by tocilizumab in selected real-world patients with SSc.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients (20 women, 16 diffuse SSc, mean age: 52±10 years, mean disease duration: 6.4±3.7 years, all with negative rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies, none with overlap syndrome with RA) with active joint and skin involvement refractory to corticosteroids (n=21), methotrexate (n=17), cyclophosphamide (n=10), mycophenolate (n=7), rituximab (n=1), leflunomide (n=2), hydroxychloroquine (n=2), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n=2) who received weekly tocilizumab (162 mg subcutaneously) in an academic center, were monitored prospectively. Changes in Eustar modified activity index (MAI), modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), disease activity score (DAS)28, lung function tests (LFTs) and patient reported outcomes (PROs) were analyzed at one year of treatment and at the end of follow-up.

Results:

One patient discontinued tocilizumab after 3 months due to inefficacy. During the first year of treatment, 12 patients achieved low disease activity (mean MAI change -2.9±1.8, p<0.001) and significant clinical improvement was evident in 12 patients regarding skin involvement (mean mRSS change: -6.9±5.9, p<0.001) and in 16 patients regarding polyarthritis (mean DAS28 change: -1.9±0.8, p<0.001); Accordingly, improvements were recorded for all PROs (all p<0.001) (Table 1). Lung function tests’ stabilization was also observed in 16/20 patients. During the second year, 3 patients discontinued tocilizumab (cytomegalovirus infection in 1, inefficacy in 2) and one died. Beneficial effects were sustained in all 16 patients at follow-up end (mean duration of Tocilizumab treatment 2.2 ± 1.1 years), apart from LFTs deterioration in 3. Except for recurrent digital ulcer infection in 3 patients, tocilizumab was well-tolerated.

Conclusion:

Tocilizumab was effective in refractory joint and skin involvement irrespective of SSc disease duration or subtype. Long-term retention rates and disease stabilization for most real-world patients suggest that tocilizumab might be a valuable choice for difficult-to-treat SSc.

Table 1.

Clinical and laboratory parameters and measures (mean ± SD) at baseline and after one year of treatment with tocilizumab in 20 patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Baseline1st yearchangepModified activity index4.9 ± 1.62.0± 1.2-2.9 ± 1.8<0.001mRSS 21.5 ± 9.5 14.6 ± 6.6-6.9 ± 5.9<0.001DAS28 5.3 ± 0.73.4 ± 0.6-1.9 ± 0.8<0.001FVC (% of predicted) 82 ± 19.5 79 ± 19.1-2.9 ± 12 0.389DLCO (% of predicted) 60.4 ± 16.361.1 ± 18.4 0.7 ± 12.3 0.844ESR (mm/1st hr)35.6 ± 17.212.9 ± 11.8 -22.8 ± 19.10.001CRP (mg/l)13.2 ± 12.51.2 ± 2.1 -12 ± 13.10.006SHAQ1.6 ± 0.81.0 ± 0.7 -0.6 ± 0.5<0.001VAS patient global score37.8 ± 16.860.5 ± 15.4 22.7 ± 20.3<0.001VAS physician global score33.4 ± 13.263.2 ± 13.9 29.8 ± 15.6<0.001

mRSS: modified Rodnan skin score; DAS28: disease activity score 28; FVC: forced vital capacity; DLCO: diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide; ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate; CRP: c-reactive protein; SHAQ: scleroderma health assessment questionnaire; VAS: visual analogue scale

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1073 AXIAL PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS. SAME OR DIFFERENT? A REAL-WORLD STUDY WITH EMPHASIS ON COMORBIDITIES

Background:

Axial involvement affects 25-70% of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, depending on the criteria used for its definition. Efforts are underway to clarify the similarities and differences between axial-PsA and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Objectives:

We aimed to compare, in a real-world setting, axial-PsA and AS, in terms of demographic, radiologic and clinical (musculoskeletal and extra-articular) characteristics, with a focus on comorbidities.

Methods:

All AS (New York criteria, n=128) and PsA patients (CASPAR criteria, n=78) with axial involvement who were regularly followed-up in the outpatients’ rheumatology clinics from two tertiary hospitals (December 2018-July 2020) were included. Axial-PsA was defined when both of the following were ever present: inflammatory axial symptoms and radiological findings in X-ray or MRI of the sacroiliac joints or the spine. The following findings were considered: sacroiliitis (unilateral ≥ grade 3 or bilateral ≥ grade 2), corner lesions or squaring in the vertebrae, syndesmophytes (marginal or para-marginal) and facet joints arthritis.

Demographic, radiologic and clinical characteristics including comorbidities were compared between AS and axial-PsA. For comorbidities (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events [MACE: combined coronary disease and cerebrovascular accidents], hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, depression, osteoporosis, and malignancies), adjustments were made for relevant confounders as follows: MACE were adjusted for: age, gender, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, disease duration, DM and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] use; depression for: age, gender and disease duration; malignancy for: age, gender, disease duration; hypertension for: age, sex, BMI, NSAIDs use, smoking for; DM: age, sex, BMI, glucocorticoids treatment; osteoporosis for: age, sex, glucocorticoids treatment. Statistical significance is considered for p-values less than 0.05 and 0.1 in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.

Results:

AS patients were younger (p=0.05) and were diagnosed at a younger age (p=0.002), more frequently of male gender (p=0.04), had lower BMI (p=0.006) and they were more frequently HLA-B27-positive (p=0.006). In AS patients, peripheral arthritis, dactylitis and nail involvement were less common (p=0.001 for all), in contrast to eye (p=0.001) and bowel involvement (p=0.004). Frequency of radiologic abnormalities in the spine was similar between the two groups while sacroiliitis was more often bilateral in AS and unilateral in axial-PsA (p<0.001 for both) Comorbidities, including MACE, were comparable between AS and axial-PsA, apart from depression which was more frequent in axial-PsA (Table 1. next page).

Table 1.

Comorbidities. Comparison between axial-PsA and AS. OR: odds ratio, MACE: Major cardiovascular events. * adjustments are reported in the text

Comorbiditiesaxial-PsA (n=79)AS(n=129)Crude OR(95%CI)Adjusted OR (95%CI)p-valueMACE* n (%)4 (5.1)6 (4.6)0.91 (0.25-3.34)1.73 (0.32-9.34)0.526Dyslipidemia n (%)37 (46.8)45 (34.9)0.61 (0.34-1.07)NA0.108Hypertension* n (%)27 (34.2)24 (18.6)0.44 (0.23-0.83)1.11 (0.38-3.21)0.843Diabetes mellitus* n (%)12 (15.2)10 (7.7)0.47 (0.19-1.14)1.65 (0.43-6.29)0.463Depression* n (%)19 (24.1)16 (12.4)0.44 (0.21-0.93)0.48 (0.22-1.07)0.07Osteoporosis* n (%)3 (3.8)10 (7.7)2.13 (0.57-7.98)2.40 (0.56-10.18)0.235Malignancies* n (%)3 (3.8)3 (2.3)0.60 (0.12-3.06)0.87 (0.16-4.70)0.870

Conclusion:

AS and axial-PsA have certain clinical and radiologic differences. Comorbidities were comparable, while depression was more common in axial-PsA.

Disclosure of Interests:

George E. Fragoulis: None declared, Maria Pappa: None declared, Gerasimos Evangelatos: None declared, Alexios Iliopoulos: None declared, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Roche, UCB, GSK, Novartis, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, GSK, Genesis, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB.

THU0271 PERFORMANCE OF THE EULAR/ACR 2019 CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS IN EARLY DISEASE, ACROSS SEXES AND ETHNICITIES

Background:

EULAR/ACR 2019 SLE Classification Criteria were validated in an international cohort.

Objectives:

To evaluate performance characteristics of SLE classification systems in sex, race/ethnicity, and disease duration subsets.

Methods:

Sensitivity and specificity of the EULAR/ACR 2019, SLICC 2012 and ACR 1982/1997 criteria were evaluated in the validation cohort.

Results:

The cohort consisted of female (n=1098), male (n=172), Asian (n=118), Black (n=68), Hispanic (n=124) and White (n=941) patients; and patients with an SLE duration of 1-3 years (n=196), 3-5 years (n=157), and ≥5 years (n=879). Among patients with 1-3 years disease duration, the EULAR/ACR criteria had better sensitivity than the ACR criteria (97% (95%CI 92-99%) vs 81% (95%CI 72-88%). The new criteria performed well in men (sensitivity 93%, specificity 96%) and women (sensitivity 97%, specificity 94%). The new criteria had better sensitivity than the ACR criteria in White (95% vs 83%), Hispanic (100% vs 86%) and Asian patients (97% vs 77%).

Conclusion:

The EULAR/ACR 2019 criteria perform well in patients with early disease, and across sexes and ethnicities.

Disclosure of Interests:

Sindhu Johnson Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Merck, Bayer, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ikaria, Ralph Brinks: None declared, Karen Costenbader Grant/research support from: Merck, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, David Daikh: None declared, Marta Mosca: None declared, Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman: None declared, Josef S. Smolen Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Roche – grant/research support, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca, Astro, Celgene Corporation, Celtrion, Eli Lilly, Glaxo, ILTOO, Janssen, Medimmune, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca, Astro, Celgene Corporation, Celtrion, Eli Lilly, Glaxo, ILTOO, Janssen, Medimmune, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB – speaker, David Wofsy: None declared, Dimitrios Boumpas Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant support from various pharmaceutical companies, Diane L Kamen Consultant of: Consulted on SLE survey development for Lilly and consulted on SLE trial protocol development for EMD Serono in 2019, David Jayne Grant/research support from: ChemoCentryx, GSK, Roche/Genentech, Sanofi-Genzyme, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, ChemoCentryx, GSK, InflaRx, Takeda, Insmed, Chugai, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Ricard Cervera: None declared, Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau Grant/research support from: UCB to my institution, Betty Diamond: None declared, Dafna D Gladman Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene Corporation, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene Corporation, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – consultant, Bevra H. Hahn Grant/research support from: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Falk Hiepe: None declared, Soren Jacobsen: None declared, Dinesh Khanna Shareholder of: Eicos Sciences, Inc./Civi Biopharma, Inc., Grant/research support from: Dr Khanna was supported by NIH/NIAMS K24AR063120, Consultant of: Acceleron, Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Horizon Therapeutic, Galapagos, Roche/Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Sanofi-Aventis/Genzyme, UCB, Kirsten Lerstrom: None declared, Elena Massarotti: None declared, William Joseph McCune: None declared, Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza: None declared, Jorge Sanchez-Guerrero: None declared, Matthias Schneider: None declared, Murray B Urowitz: None declared, George Bertsias Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: Novartis, Bimba F. Hoyer: None declared, Nicolai Leuchten: None declared, Chiara Tani: None declared, Sara Tedeschi: None declared, Zahi Touma: None declared, Gabriela Schmajuk Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Branimir Anic: None declared, Florence Assan: None declared, Tak Chan: None declared, Ann E Clarke: None declared, Mary K. Crow: None declared, László Czirják Consultant of: Actelion, BI, Roche-Genentech, Lilly, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Bayer AG, Andrea Doria Consultant of: GSK, Pfizer, Abbvie, Novartis, Ely Lilly, Speakers bureau: UCB pharma, GSK, Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Novartis, Ely Lilly, BMS, Winfried Graninger: None declared, Bernadett Halda-Kiss: None declared, Sarfaraz Hasni: None declared, Peter Izmirly: None declared, Michelle Jung: None declared, Gabor Kumanovics Consultant of: Boehringer, Teva, Speakers bureau: Roche, Lilly, Novartis, Xavier Mariette: None declared, Ivan Padjen: None declared, Jose M Pego-Reigosa: None declared, Juanita Romero-Diaz Consultant of: Biogen, Iñigo Rua-Figueroa: None declared, Raphaèle Seror Consultant of: BMS, Medimmune, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK, Lilly, Georg Stummvoll: None declared, Yoshiya Tanaka Grant/research support from: Asahi-kasei, Astellas, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Takeda, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers, UCB, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Pfizer, and Ono, Consultant of: Abbvie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Daiichi-Sankyo, Astellas, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AbbVie, YL Biologics, Bristol-Myers, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Eisai, Janssen, Sanofi, UCB, and Teijin, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Carlos Vasconcelos: None declared, Edward Vital Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Roche/Genentech, and Sandoz, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, GSK, Roche/Genentech, and Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Becton Dickinson and GSK, Daniel J Wallace: None declared, Sule Yavuz: None declared, Pier Luigi Meroni: None declared, Marvin Fritzler: None declared, Raymond Naden: None declared, Thomas Dörner Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Roche, Janssen, EMD, Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Roche, Samsung, Janssen, Martin Aringer Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche

SAT0630-HPR EFFECTS OF GOLIMUMAB ON WORK PRODUCTIVITY AMONG WORK-ACTIVE ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, NON-RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN GREECE: THE ‘GO-UP’ STUDY

Background:

Golimumab is a tumor necrosis inhibitor (TNFi) approved for the treatment of axial SpA (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), both falling under the Spondyloarthritis (SpA) domain. Real-world data regarding its effect on work productivity (WP) and activity impairment (AI) are limited

Objectives:

To assess the impact of golimumab on WP and AI over 12 months of treatment in patients with SpA, overall, and in the axSpA and PsA subpopulations

Methods:

A 12-month non-interventional, multicenter, prospective study performed in the routine clinical care. Data were collected at baseline (BL: prior to treatment onset), 3, 6 and 12 months. Adult work-active consented patients with axSpA [ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA)] or PsA, newly initiated on golimumab as per approved label, were concequetively enrolled by 20 sites. Patients prior in >1 biologic agent, or switched from another TNFi due to primary non-response or safety were excluded. WP and AI was assessed with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP) instrument

Results:

Between Apr-2017 and May-2018, 121 (51: PsA, 70: axSpA) eligible patients (mean age: 45.4 years; 49.6% males; 69.0% overweight/obese; median disease duration: 11.3 months), (Figure 1), were enrolled. Median study duration participation: 11.9 months. Overall, 60.3% of the patients had previously received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and 16.5% biologics. At BL, the mean (standard deviation: SD) DAS28-ESR of the SpA population and PsA and axSpA subpopulations was 4.0 (1.3), 4.5 (1.2), and 3.6 (1.2), while the mean (SD) BASDAI score of patients with axSpA was 5.6 (1.9). At BL 94.1 and 96.7% of the SpA population reported WP loss and AI due to their SpA respectively, and at 3 months 87.3, and 88.0% respectively. In SpA population, the median BL WP loss and AI were 70.0% and 65.0% and decreased by a median of 31.4% and 40.0% at 3 months, by 44.2% and 40.0% at 6 months and by 50.0% and 50.0% at 12 months, respectively (Table 1). Improvements in WP loss and AI were noted in patients with PsA, axSpA, AS and nr-axSpA (Table 1). 12-month golimumab retention rate: 91.7%. No new safety signals emerged

Table 1.

Decreases from BL at 3, 6 and at 12 months in WP loss and overall AI with the WPAI:SHP instrument

WP loss (%)AI (%)Decrease from BL,median (n)Decrease from BL,median (n)3 months6 months12 months3 months6 months12 monthsOverall SpA populationa31.4a(n=102)44.2a(n=94)50.0a(n=87)40.0a(n=107)40.0a(n=101)50.0a(n=92)PsA31.4b(n=46)51.4a(n=42)53.6a(n=40)40.0a(n=47)50.0a(n=44)60.0a(n=40)axSpA33.0b(n=56)30.4b(n=52)45.5b(n=47)40.0a(n=60)40.0b(n=57)40.0b(n=52)ASc25.1 (n=35)29.9 (n=32)39.8 (n=29)20.0 (n=39)30.0 (n=37)30.0 (n=34)nr-axSpAc47.4 (n=21)55.4 (n=20)53.2 (n=18)50.0 (n=21)55.0 (n=20)50.0 (n=18)

aSignificant decreases (p<0.001; Wilcoxon signed-ranked test)

bSignificant decreases (p<0.001; t-test)

cStatistical significance of the change from baseline was not examined due to the small observations’ number

Conclusion:

Patients in the SpA population and axSpA and PsA subpopulations treated with golimumab in a routine care setting experienced significant improvements in work productivity and daily activities at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation

Acknowledgments:

The authors thank the following investigators: Ampatziadis E., Voulgari P., Gazi S., Georgiou P., Georgountzos A., Karokis D., Mpotzoris V., Mpournazos E., Sakkas L., Sidiropoulos P., and Vassilopoulos D. The study was Sponsored by MSD, Greece.

Disclosure of Interests:

Panagiotis Athanassiou Grant/research support from: MSD, Genesis pharma, Janssen, Consultant of: Roche, Genesis pharma, Janssen, Speakers bureau: MSD, Janssen, Roche, Genesis pharma, Anastassios Kotrotsios Grant/research support from: MSD, Novartis, Roche, Consultant of: Bristol Myers Squibb, UCB pharma, Speakers bureau: Genesis pharma, UCB pharma, MSD, Ioannis Kallitsakis Grant/research support from: MSD, Speakers bureau: Genesis pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Andreas Bounas Grant/research support from: MSD, AbbVie, Novartis, Genesis pharma, Consultant of: MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB pharma, AbbVie, Speakers bureau: MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Alexandros Garyfallos Grant/research support from: MSD, Aenorasis SA, Speakers bureau: MSD, Novartis, gsk, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, GEORGIOS VOSVOTEKAS Grant/research support from: MSD, Janssen, Consultant of: MSD, Novartis, Roche, UCB pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie, Speakers bureau: UCB pharma, Menarini, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Evangelia Petrikkou Employee of: MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, Vianex SA, Gkikas Katsifis Grant/research support from: UCB Pharma, Janssen, Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Aenorasis, Genesis Pharma, Pfizer, Roche, Consultant of: UCB Pharma, Janssen, Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Aenorasis, Genesis Pharma, Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: UCB Pharma, Janssen, Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Aenorasis, Genesis Pharma, Pfizer, Roche

FRI0493 THE INTERLEUKIN-1B INHIBITOR CANAKINUMAB FOR REFRACTORY STILL’S DISEASE: LONG-TERM EXPERIENCE IN 50 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS

Background:

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a major mediator of the inflammatory cascade in Still’s disease and an established therapeutic target.

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of the IL-1b inhibitor canakinumab in adolescent and adult patients with refractory Still’s disease.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal outcome study of 50 consecutive patients aged 39 years (median, range 14-72), fulfilling the Yamaguchi disease classification criteria, with active disease despite treatment with corticosteroids (CS) (n=11) and/or methotrexate (n=9) and/or biologics (n=30) [tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (n=13), IL-6 blockade (n=7), abatacept (n=2), anakinra (n=24); ≥1 biologics (n=13)]. Canakinumab 150-300 mg was administered sc, starting every 4 (n=48) or 8 weeks (n=2), for a median of 24 months (range 3-84). Concomitant treatment included CS (n=41), methotrexate (n=12) and leflunomide (n=3).

Results:

Complete remission was initially achieved in 78% of patients within a median time of 3 months, irrespective of age at disease onset. Partial clinical and laboratory response was evident in 20%. Canakinumab was discontinued in one patient with resistant disease (primary failure) and in 6 out of 10 initial responders, who relapsed during treatment (secondary failure). Of 39 patients in complete remission, increase in drug administration interval and/or drug dose reduction was attempted in 7, of which only 1 relapsed, whereas drug discontinuation was attempted in 19 patients for a median time of 8 months (range 3-68), of which 8 relapsed. Overall, in half of all disease flares, canakinumab re-introduction or intensification was successful. Canakinumab had a significant CS sparing effect permitting weaning in 21 of 41 cases. Infections (20%, severe 4%) and leucopenia (6%) led to treatment cessation in one patient.

Conclusion:

In this largest so far real-life patient cohort with refractory Still’s disease, high rates of sustained remission were induced by canakinumab both in adolescent and adult patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

Katerina Laskari: None declared, Panagiotis Athanassiou Grant/research support from: MSD, Genesis pharma, Janssen, Consultant of: Roche, Genesis pharma, Janssen, Speakers bureau: MSD, Janssen, Roche, Genesis pharma, Athanasios Georgiadis: None declared, Charalampos Gerodimos: None declared, Georgia Gkoni: None declared, Dimitrios Daoussis: None declared, Theodoros Dimitroulas: None declared, Despoina Dimopoulou: None declared, Chrysoula Iliou: None declared, Ioannis Kallitsakis Grant/research support from: MSD, Speakers bureau: Genesis pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dimitrios Karamitsos: None declared, Christina Katsiari: None declared, Stamatis-Nick Liossis: None declared, Clio Mavragani: None declared, CHARALAMPOS PAPAGORAS: None declared, Dimitrios Pikazis: None declared, Ioannis Raftakis: None declared, Theodosios Sarikoudis: None declared, Loukas Settas: None declared, Prodromos Sidiropoulos: None declared, Despoina Soukera: None declared, Evangelos Theodorou: None declared, Panagiota Tsatsani: None declared, Eleni Tsiakou: None declared, Dimitrios Vassilopoulos: None declared, PANAYIOTIS VLACHOYIANNOPOULOS: None declared, Georgios Vosvotekas: None declared, Paraskevi V. Voulgari: None declared, Marina Zakalka: None declared, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB

FRI0338 SIMILAR CARDIOVASCULAR COMORBIDITY AND HIGHER DEPRESSION RATES IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS COMPARED TO AGE- AND SEX-MATCHED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS

Background:

Comorbidities are frequent in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) but it is not known how they differ from other high comorbidity burden diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objectives:

To compare the prevalence of comorbidities in PsA vs. RA and DM patients.

Methods:

215 PsA patients were age/gender-matched with 215 RA and 215 DM patients from two tertiary hospitals. Prevalence of comorbidities (hypertension, current smoking, hyperlipidemia, obesity (BMI≥30), coronary disease [CD], stroke, MACE [combined CD and stroke], depression, osteoporosis, history of malignancies) were compared across the three groups. Within PsA group, associations between comorbidities and demographic and clinical features (e.g entheitis), including PsA phenotypes (RA-like vs oligoarthritis pattern and Axial-involvment vs Non-Axial-involvement) were assessed.

Results:

Hyperlipidaemia, obesity and depression were more frequent in PsA vs. RA. Depression and osteoporosis were more common in PsA vs DM. In contrast, hypertension was more frequent in DM. All other comorbidities, including frequency of stroke, CD and major adverse cardiovascular events did not differ between groups. Results remain unchanged after adjustments (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparison of comorbidities between psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid (RA) arthritis and Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. OR: odds ratio, MACE: major adverse cardiovascular events. CI: Confidence Intervals

PsA vs RAPsA vs DMComorbidityPsAn=215n (%)RAn=215n (%)DMN=215n (%)Crude OR(95% CI)Adjusted OR(95% CI)Crude OR(95% CI)Adjusted OR(95% CI)Smoking76 (35.4)62 (28.8)85 (39.5)1.35(0.90-2.03)0.84(0.57-1.24)Obesity50 (29.4)24 (12.8)79 (36.7)2.83(1.65-4.86)0.72(0.47-1.10)Hyperlipidemia101 (47.0)67 (31.2)101 (47.0)1.96(1.32-2.90)-1-Hypertension62 (28.8)51 (23.8)97 (45.1)1.30(0.84-1.99)-0.49(0.33-0.74)-Coronary disease10 (4.7)10 (4.7)16 (7.4)1(0.41-2.45)0.97(0.34-2.79)*0.61(0.27-1.37)0.66(0.23-1.91)*Stroke8 (3.7)2 (0.9)7 (3.3)4.12(0.86-19.6)3.74(0.73-19.3)*1.15(0.41-3.22)1.20(0.35-4.12)*MACE12 (5.6)12 (5.6)22 (10.2)1(0.44-2.28)0.94(0.36-2.46)*0.52(0.25-1.08)0.42(0.16-1.10)*Osteoporosis9 (5.5)24 (11.2)2 (0.9)0.46(0.21-1.03)0.67(0.28-1.64)**6.22(1.33-29.2)-Depression42 (19.5)15 (7.0)12 (5.6)3.24(1.74-6.04)3.02(1.57-5.81)***4.11(2.10-8.05)4.85(2.37-9.93)***Malignancy12 (5.6)7 (3.3)-1.76(0.68-4.55)1.60(0.60-4.26)****--

* adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, body mass index, ** adjusted for steroids, *** adjusted for age, gender, disease duration, smoking, **** adjusted for age, disease duration

Within PsA group, depression was associated with female gender (p=0.02), older age (p=0.03), higher disease duration (p=0.04) and current smoking (p=0.04). MACEs in PsA, were associated with male gender (p=0.03), older age (p=0.0002), dyslipidaemia (p=0.003) and hypertension (p<0.0001). No differences were found between different phenotypes of PsA.

Conclusion:

PsA patients had higher BMI and hyperlipidaemia compared to RA but not to DM. MACE is comparable between PsA and RA or DM, while depression is more common in PsA. Taking into account certain risk factors, screening for and management of comorbidities in PsA is important in the clinical setting.

Disclosure of Interests:

George E. Fragoulis: None declared, Gerasimos Evangelatos: None declared, Nikolaos Tentolouris: None declared, Kalliopi Fragkiadaki: None declared, Stylianos Panopoulos: None declared, George Konstantonis: None declared, Alexios Iliopoulos: None declared, Katerina Chatzidionysiou Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Lilly., Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer

AB1201 INCREASING RATES OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION COVERAGE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: DATA FROM A MULTICENTER, LONGITUDINAL COHORT STUDY OF 1,406 PATIENTS

Background:

Despite the increased incidence of influenza infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, vaccination coverage has been shown to be suboptimal. Prospective data regarding the current rate and predictors of influenza vaccination adherence in RA patients are limited.

Objectives:

To calculate the current rate and predictors of influenza vaccination in a real-life, prospective, longitudinal RA cohort.

Methods:

Data regarding demographics, disease characteristics, treatments and co-morbidities from a multi-center, longitudinal cohort of Greek RA patients were collected at baseline and ~ 3 years later. Disease and patient characteristics were compared between patients with at least one influenza vaccine administration and non-vaccinated ones, during the 3 year follow-up period.

Results:

From a cohort of 1,569 RA patients, 1,406 with available vaccination data at baseline and 3 years later (mean interval: 2.9 years) were included; (women: 80.4%, mean age: 61.8 years, mean disease duration: 9.7 years, RF and/or anti-CCP positive: 50.4%, mean DAS-28 = 3.33, mean HAQ: 0.44, bDMARD use: 44.8%). At baseline, 54.2% of patients reported influenza vaccination in the past (31.8% during the previous season), while during the 3 year follow-up period, 81% had ≥1 influenza vaccinations (p=<0.001). Patients who received ≥1 influenza vaccine were older (63.5 vs. 54.7 years, p<0.001), were more likely to be seropositive (59.2% vs. 45.2%, p<0.001), had higher HAQ (0.46 vs. 0.36, p=0.02) and BMI (27.7 vs. 26.9, p=0.02) at baseline, more likely to be treated with bDMARDs (46.8% vs. 36.4%, p<0.001) and more likely to have chronic lung disease (9.7% vs. 5.3%, p=0.02), dyslipidemia (36.4% vs. 24.2%, p<0.001), hypertension (46.1% vs. 29.2%, p<0.001) and to report vaccination against influenza the previous season before baseline evaluation (34.9% vs. 18.2%, p<0.001). By multivariate analysis, history of influenza vaccination during the last season before baseline (OR=1.87, CI: 1.27-2.74, p=0.001), bDMARD treatment (OR=1.51, CI: 1.07-2.13, p=0.018) and age (OR=1.05, CI: 1.04-1.06, p<0.001) were independent predictors of influenza vaccination.

Conclusion:

In this ongoing, longitudinal, prospective, real-life RA cohort study, a significant increase in the influenza vaccination coverage was noted (from 53% to 81%). Influenza vaccination was independently associated with recent history of influenza vaccination, older age, and bDMARD treatment.

Acknowledgments:

Supported by grants from the Greek Rheumatology Society and Professional Association of Rheumatologists.

Disclosure of Interests:

Konstantinos Thomas: None declared, Argyro Lazarini: None declared, Evripidis Kaltsonoudis: None declared, Alexandros Drosos: None declared, ARGYRO REPA: None declared, Prodromos Sidiropoulos: None declared, Kalliopi Fragkiadaki: None declared, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB, Panagiota Tsatsani: None declared, Sousana Gazi: None declared, Pelagia Katsimbri: None declared, Dimitrios Boumpas: None declared, Evangelia Argyriou: None declared, Kyriaki Boki: None declared, Gerasimos Evangelatos: None declared, Alexios Iliopoulos: None declared, Konstantina Karagianni: None declared, Lazaros Sakkas: None declared, Konstantinos Melissaropoulos: None declared, Panagiotis Georgiou: None declared, Eleftheria Grika: None declared, PANAYIOTIS VLACHOYIANNOPOULOS: None declared, Theodoros Dimitroulas: None declared, Alexandros Garyfallos Grant/research support from: MSD, Aenorasis SA, Speakers bureau: MSD, Novartis, gsk, Constantinos Georganas: None declared, Periklis Vounotrypidis: None declared, Konstantinos Ntelis: None declared, Maria Areti: None declared, George D Kitas: None declared, Dimitrios Vassilopoulos: None declared

FRI0147 PREVALENCE OF COMORBIDITIES IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME VERSUS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A MULTICENTRE, AGE- AND SEX-MATCHED STUDY

Background:

Comorbidities in rheumatic diseases (RDs) have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Evidence on prevalence of comorbidities in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and its difference from high comorbidity burden RDs is limited.

Objectives:

To compare the prevalence of common comorbidities between APS [primary (PAPS) and Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-APS] and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods:

326 APS patients from the Greek registry (237 women, mean age 48.7±13.4 years, 161 PAPS) were matched 1:2 for age and sex with 652 RA patients from Greek RA Registry. Prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus (DM), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression and neoplasms were compared between APS and RA using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Regarding CV burden, hyperlipidemia and obesity (ΒMI≥30) were comparable while hypertension, smoking, CAD and stroke were more prevalent in APS compared to RA patients (Table 1). Osteoporosis and depression were more frequent in APS while DM, COPD and neoplasms were comparable between two groups. Comparison of APS subgroups to 1:2 matched RA patients revealed that smoking and stroke were more prevalent in PAPS and SLE-APS vs RA. Hypertension, CAD and osteoporosis were more prevalent only in SLE-APS vs. RA while DM was less prevalent in PAPS vs. RA patients.

Table 1.

Comparison of comorbidities between Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) vs. matched Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and between primary APS (PAPS) or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-APS (SLE-APS) vs matched RA patients

APSRAOR*PAPSRAORSLE-APSRAORn (%)326652161322165330Hypertension97 (29.8)136 (21)1.61 (1.19-2.18)40 (25)75 (23.3)1.09 (0.70-1.69)57 (34.6)61 (18.5)2.33 (1.52-3.56)Smoking175 (53.7)264 (40.5)1.70 (1.30-2.22)87 (54)142 (44)1.49 (1.02-2.18)88 (53.3)122 (37)1.95 (1.33-2.85)Hyperlipidemia79 (24.2)135 (20.7)1.23 (0.89-1.68)40 (24.8)62 (19.3)1.39 (0.88-2.18)39 (23.6)73 (22)1.09 (0.70-1.70)Obesity48 (20.5)105 (19.5)1.06 (0.73-1.56)20 (17)51 (19)0.86 (0.49-1.52)28 (24)54 (19.7)1.28 (0.76-2.15)Stroke±66 (20.3)9 (1.4)13.8 (6.5-29.1)36 (22.4)4 (1.2)19.9 (6.6-59.9)30 (18.2)5 (1.5)7.8 (2.7-22.6)Coronary disease±16 (4.9)13 (2)3.14 (1.17-8.45)2 (1.2)7 (2.2)0.46 (0.04-4.77)14 (8.5)6 (1.8)10.9 (2.7-44.3)Osteoporosis×66 (20.3)92 (14)1.45 (1.01-2.06)19 (11.8)42 (13)0.96 (0.54-1.73)47 (28.5)50 (15)1.91 (1.20-3.05)Diabetes×18 (5.5)58 (9)0.58 (0.33-1.01)5 (3)29 (9)0.34 (0.13-0.89)13 (8)29 (9)0.88 (0.44-1.79)COPD≠11 (3.4)14 (2.2)1.26 (0.56-2.84)3 (1.9)6 (2)0.96 (0.23-4.0)8 (5)8 (2.4)1.28 (0.44-3.72)Depression#53 (16.3)66 (10)1.70 (1.15-2.53)23 (14)30 (9.3)1.69 (0.93-3.05)30 (18.2)36 (10.9)1.65 (0.96-2.84)Neoplasms˅14 (4.3)27 (4.1)1.05 (0.54-2.06)5 (3)12 (3.7)0.84 (0.28-2.52)9 (5.5)15 (4.6)1.31 (0.55-3.1)

*OR: Odds ratio, crude or adjusted for:

 ± age, sex, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, BMI, corticosteroid (Cs) duration

 × Cs duration

 ≠ smoking, Cs duration

 #sex, disease duration, Cs duration

 ˅ age, disease duration

Conclusion:

Comorbidity burden in APS (PAPS and SLE-APS) is comparable or even higher to that in RA, entailing a high level of diligence for CV risk prevention, awareness for depression and corticosteroid exposure minimization.

Disclosure of Interests:

Stylianos Panopoulos: None declared, Konstantinos Thomas: None declared, Georgios Georgiopoulos: None declared, Dimitrios Boumpas Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant support from various pharmaceutical companies, Christina Katsiari: None declared, George Bertsias Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: Novartis, Alexandros Drosos: None declared, Kyriaki Boki: None declared, Theodoros Dimitroulas: None declared, Alexandros Garyfallos Grant/research support from: MSD, Aenorasis SA, Speakers bureau: MSD, Novartis, gsk, Charalambos Papagoras: None declared, PELAGIA KATSIMPRI: None declared, Apostolos Tziortziotis: None declared, Christina Adamichou: None declared, Evripidis Kaltsonoudis: None declared, Evangelia Argyriou: None declared, GEORGIOS VOSVOTEKAS Grant/research support from: MSD, Janssen, Consultant of: MSD, Novartis, Roche, UCB pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie, Speakers bureau: UCB pharma, Menarini, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB, Dimitrios Vassilopoulos: None declared, Maria Tektonidou Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer

Factors associated with first thrombosis in patients presenting with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the APS Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking Clinical Database and Repository: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the subsequent rate of thrombosis among women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (Ob-APS) in a multicentre database of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients, and the clinical utility of the adjusted Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (aGAPSS), a validated tool to assess the likelihood of developing new thrombosis, in this group of patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

The Antiphospholipid Syndrome Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking Clinical Database and Repository.

POPULATION

Women with Ob-APS.

METHODS

Comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics and measurement of aGAPSS in women with Ob-APS, with or without thrombosis, after initial pregnancy morbidity (PM).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Risk factors for thrombosis and aGAPSS.

RESULTS

Of 550 patients, 126 had Ob-APS; 74/126 (59%) presented with thrombosis, and 47 (63%) of these women developed thrombosis after initial PM, in a mean time of 7.6 ± 8.2 years (4.9/100 patient years). Younger age at diagnosis of Ob-APS, additional cardiovascular risk factors, superficial vein thrombosis, heart valve disease, and multiple aPL positivity increased the risk of first thrombosis after PM. Women with thrombosis after PM had a higher aGAPSS compared with women with Ob-APS alone [median 11.5 (4-16) versus 9 (4-13); P = 0.0089].

CONCLUSION

Based on a retrospective analysis of our multicentre aPL database, 63% of women with Ob-APS developed thrombosis after initial obstetric morbidity; additional thrombosis risk factors, selected clinical manifestations, and high-risk aPL profile increased the risk. Women with subsequent thrombosis after Ob-APS had a higher aGAPSS at entry to the registry. We believe that aGAPSS is a valid tool to improve risk stratification in aPL-positive women.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

More than 60% of women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome had thrombosis after initial pregnancy morbidity.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance detects silent heart disease missed by echocardiography in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

Accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains challenging, due to limitations of echocardiography. We hypothesized that cardiovascular magnetic resonance can detect cardiac lesions missed by echocardiography in SLE patients with atypical symptoms.

Aim

To use cardiovascular magnetic resonance in SLE patients with atypical symptoms and investigate the possibility of silent heart disease, missed by echocardiography.

Patients/methods

From 2005 to 2015, 80 SLE patients with atypical cardiac symptoms/signs (fatigue, mild shortness of breath, early repolarization and sinus tachycardia) aged 37 ± 6 years (72 women/8 men), with normal echocardiography, were evaluated using a 1.5 T system. Left and right ventricular ejection fractions, T2 ratio (oedema imaging) and late gadolinium enhancement (fibrosis imaging) were assessed. Acute and chronic lesions were defined as late gadolinium enhancement-positive plus T2>2 and T2<2, respectively. Lesions were characterized according to late gadolinium enhancement patterns as: diffuse subendocardial, subepicardial and subendocardial/transmural, due to vasculitis, myocarditis and myocardial infarction, respectively.

Results

Abnormal cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings were identified in 22/80 (27.5%) of SLE patients with normal echocardiography, including 4/22 with recent silent myocarditis, 5/22 with past myocarditis (subepicardial scar in inferolateral wall), 9/22 with past myocardial infarction (six inferior and three anterior subendocardial infarction) and 4/22 with diffuse subendocardial fibrosis due to vasculitis. No correlation between cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings and inflammatory indices was identified.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in SLE patients with atypical cardiac symptoms/signs and normal echocardiography can assess occult cardiac lesions including myocarditis, myocardial infarction and vasculitis that may influence both rheumatic and cardiac treatment.

EULAR recommendations for women's health and the management of family planning, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and menopause in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome

Objectives

Develop recommendations for women's health issues and family planning in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

Systematic review of evidence followed by modified Delphi method to compile questions, elicit expert opinions and reach consensus.

Results

Family planning should be discussed as early as possible after diagnosis. Most women can have successful pregnancies and measures can be taken to reduce the risks of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Risk stratification includes disease activity, autoantibody profile, previous vascular and pregnancy morbidity, hypertension and the use of drugs (emphasis on benefits from hydroxychloroquine and antiplatelets/anticoagulants). Hormonal contraception and menopause replacement therapy can be used in patients with stable/inactive disease and low risk of thrombosis. Fertility preservation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues should be considered prior to the use of alkylating agents. Assisted reproduction techniques can be safely used in patients with stable/inactive disease; patients with positive antiphospholipid antibodies/APS should receive anticoagulation and/or low-dose aspirin. Assessment of disease activity, renal function and serological markers is important for diagnosing disease flares and monitoring for obstetrical adverse outcomes. Fetal monitoring includes Doppler ultrasonography and fetal biometry, particularly in the third trimester, to screen for placental insufficiency and small for gestational age fetuses. Screening for gynaecological malignancies is similar to the general population, with increased vigilance for cervical premalignant lesions if exposed to immunosuppressive drugs. Human papillomavirus immunisation can be used in women with stable/inactive disease.

Conclusions

Recommendations for women's health issues in SLE and/or APS were developed using an evidence-based approach followed by expert consensus.

Morbidity and mortality in the antiphospholipid syndrome during a 10-year period: a multicentre prospective study of 1000 patients

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of the main causes of morbi-mortality in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) during a 10-year-follow-up period and to compare the frequency of early manifestations with those that appeared later.

Methods

In 1999, we started an observational study of 1000 APS patients from 13 European countries. All had medical histories documented when entered into the study and were followed prospectively during the ensuing 10 years.

Results

53.1% of the patients had primary APS, 36.2% had APS associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and 10.7% APS associated with other diseases. Thrombotic events appeared in 166 (16.6%) patients during the first 5-year period and in 115 (14.4%) during the second 5-year period. The most common events were strokes, transient ischaemic attacks, deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolism. 127 (15.5%) women became pregnant (188 pregnancies) and 72.9% of pregnancies succeeded in having one or more live births. The most common obstetric complication was early pregnancy loss (16.5% of the pregnancies). Intrauterine growth restriction (26.3% of the total live births) and prematurity (48.2%) were the most frequent fetal morbidities. 93 (9.3%) patients died and the most frequent causes of death were severe thrombosis (36.5%) and infections (26.9%). Nine (0.9%) cases of catastrophic APS occurred and 5 (55.6%) of them died. The survival probability at 10 years was 90.7%.

Conclusions

Patients with APS still develop significant morbidity and mortality despite current treatment. It is imperative to increase the efforts in determining optimal prognostic markers and therapeutic measures to prevent these complications.

Evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and long-term management of thrombosis in antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients: report of a task force at the 13th International Congress on antiphospholipid antibodies

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by the presence of thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in combination with the persistent presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies in medium to high titers. The management of thrombosis in patients with APS is a subject of controversy. This set of recommendations is the result of an effort to produce guidelines for therapy within a group of specialist physicians in Cardiology, Neurology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, with a clinical and research focus on APS.

EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations: report of a task force of the EULAR standing committee for clinical affairs

OBJECTIVES

To develop recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) manifestations.

METHODS

The authors compiled questions on prevalence and risk factors, diagnosis and monitoring, therapy and prognosis of NPSLE. A systematic literature search was performed and evidence was categorised based on sample size and study design.

RESULTS

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at increased risk of several neuropsychiatric manifestations. Common (cumulative incidence > 5%) manifestations include cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and seizures; relatively uncommon (1-5%) are severe cognitive dysfunction, major depression, acute confusional state (ACS), peripheral nervous disorders psychosis. Strong risk factors (at least fivefold increased risk) are previous or concurrent severe NPSLE (for cognitive dysfunction, seizures) and antiphospholipid antibodies (for CVD, seizures, chorea). The diagnostic work-up of suspected NPSLE is comparable to that in patients without SLE who present with the same manifestations, and aims to exclude causes unrelated to SLE. Investigations include cerebrospinal fluid analysis (to exclude central nervous system infection), EEG (to diagnose seizure disorder), neuropsychological tests (to assess cognitive dysfunction), nerve conduction studies (for peripheral neuropathy) and MRI (T1/T2, fluid-attenuating inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted imaging, enhanced T1 sequence). Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive therapy are indicated when NPSLE is thought to reflect an inflammatory process (optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, peripheral neuropathy, refractory seizures, psychosis, ACS) and in the presence of generalised lupus activity. Antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy is indicated when manifestations are related to antiphospholipid antibodies, particularly thrombotic CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE patients should be first evaluated and treated as in patients without SLE, and secondarily attributed to SLE and treated accordingly.

Microvascular abnormalities in Sjögren's syndrome: nailfold capillaroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To describe microvascular abnormalities by nailfold capillaroscopy in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with or without Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and those with anticentromere antibodies (ACA).

METHODS

Forty patients with SS (14 without RP, 16 with RP, 10 with ACA), 20 patients with scleroderma (SSc) (10 with limited and 10 with diffuse disease) (disease control group) and 40 healthy controls (control group) were evaluated by nailfold capillaroscopy.

RESULTS

Capillaroscopic abnormalities in SS ranged from non-specific findings (crossed capillaries) to more specific findings (confluent haemorrhages and pericapillary haemorrhages) or scleroderma-type findings. SS patients with RP presented capillary abnormalities in higher frequency than patients without RP. The majority of SS patients with ACA (80%) presented scleroderma-type findings.

CONCLUSION

Nailfold capillaroscopy can be used as a simple non-invasive method to evaluate the microvascular abnormalities in SS patients, especially in those with RP and those with ACA.

Antibodies to beta 2-glycoprotein-I: urea resistance, binding specificity, and association with thrombosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the urea resistance and binding characteristics of anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I (anti-beta 2GPI) antibodies using standard anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta 2GPI enzyme immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Sera from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (n = 22) and non-APS (n = 24), positive in a standard aCL ELISA, were tested in an anti-beta 2GPI ELISA performed in polystyrene-irradiated ELISA plates. Urea resistance aCL and anti-beta 2GPI ELISAs were performed by measuring the ability of antibodies to recognize antigen in the presence of 2 M urea. The serum dilution after urea treatment (D) expressed as a percentage of the serum dilution without urea treatment (D(o)) corresponding to the same optical density was defined as residual activity (RA = 100 D/D(o)). The higher the RA, the higher the resistance of the antibodies to urea. APS compared to non-APS sera had higher aCL binding (absorbance values ranging between 0.180 and 1.400; median, 0.717 vs 0.120-1.273; median, 0.250, respectively; P < 0.004). Six APS patients' sera had low aCL levels but they expressed RA > or = 30%. Anti-beta 2GPI antibodies were detected in 15 of 22 APS vs 3 of 24 non-APS patients (P < 0.03); RA > or = 30% was detected in 15 of 22 APS vs 1 of 23 non-APS patients (P < 0.004). Using a CL affinity column, antibodies were purified from three APS anti-beta 2GPI negative and three non-APS anti-beta 2GPI-positive patients and tested in a aCL ELISA, using highly purified bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a blocking agent (modified ELISA); reactivity was not detected in two APS and one non-APS sera. On the contrary, the reactivity of the purified antibodies was high when beta 2GPI was incubated with CL in the ELISA plates; thus some anti-beta 2GPI negative sera from APS patients recognized the CL/beta 2GPI complex, rather than CL or beta 2GPI alone. In conclusion, anti-beta 2GPI antibodies are common in the APS patients, but a number of such patients recognize the CL/beta 2GPI complex and not CL or beta 2GPI. Antibodies to either beta 2GPI or the CL/beta 2GPI complex derived from APS sera present a high resistance to urea. Anti-beta 2GPI antibodies of low urea resistance exist in a minority of non-APS patients with autoimmune disease.