Phenotypic characteristics of patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional cluster analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore whether phenotypic characteristics of patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM) can be aggregated into definable clusters that may help to tailor treatments.

METHOD

Baseline variables (sex, age, education, marital/employment status, pain duration, prior CWP/FM diagnosis, concomitant rheumatic disease, analgesics, tender point count, and disease variables derived from standardized questionnaires) collected from 1099 patients (93.4% females, mean age 44.6 years) with a confirmed CWP or FM diagnosis were evaluated by hierarchical cluster analysis. The number of clusters was based on coefficients in the agglomeration schedule, supported by dendrograms and silhouette plots. Simple and multiple regression analyses using all variables as independent predictors were used to assess the likelihood of cluster assignment, reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Only one cluster emerged (Cluster 1: 455 patients). Participants in this cluster were characterized as working (OR 66.67, 95% CI 7.14 to 500.00), with a medium-term/higher education (OR 16.80, 95% CI 1.94 to 145.41), married/cohabiting (OR 14.29, 95% CI 1.26 to 166.67), and using mild analgesics (OR 25.64, 95% CI 0.58 to > 999.99). The odds of being an individual in Cluster 1 were lower when having a worse score on the PDQ (score ≥ 18) (OR < 0.001, 95% CI < 0.001 to 0.02).

CONCLUSION

We identified one cluster, where participants were characterized by a potentially favourable clinical profile. More studies are needed to evaluate whether these characteristics could be used to guide the management of patients with CWP and FM.

Treatment-related changes in serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in psoriatic arthritis: results from the PIPA cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Obesity and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a complicated relationship. While weight alone does not cause PsA, it is suspected to cause worse symptoms. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is secreted through various cell types. Our objective was to assess the changes and trajectories in serum NGAL and clinical outcomes in patients with PsA during 12 months of anti-inflammatory treatment.

METHOD

This exploratory prospective cohort study enrolled PsA patients initiating conventional synthetic or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs/bDMARDs). Clinical, biomarker, and patient-reported outcome measures were retrieved at baseline, and 4 and 12 months. Control groups at baseline were psoriasis (PsO) patients and apparently healthy controls. The serum NGAL concentration was quantified by a high-performance singleplex immunoassay.

RESULTS

In total, 117 PsA patients started a csDMARD or bDMARD, and were compared indirectly at baseline with a cross-sectional sample of 20 PsO patients and 20 healthy controls. The trajectory in NGAL related to anti-inflammatory treatment for all included PsA patients showed an overall change of -11% from baseline to 12 months. Trajectories in NGAL for patients with PsA, divided into treatment groups, showed no clear trend in clinically significant decrease or increase following anti-inflammatory treatment. NGAL concentrations in the PsA group at baseline corresponded to the levels in the control groups. No correlation was found between changes in NGAL and changes in PsA outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, serum NGAL does not add any value as a biomarker in patients with peripheral PsA, either for disease activity or for monitoring.

Effectiveness of patient education as a stand-alone intervention for patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

OBJECTIVE

Patient education is recommended as an integral component of the therapeutic plan for the management of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM). The key purpose of patient education is to increase the patient's competence to manage his or her own health requirements, encouraging self-management and a return to desired everyday activities and lifestyle. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the benefits and potential harms associated with the use of patient education as a stand-alone intervention for individuals with CWP and FM through randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHOD

On 24 November 2021 a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, American College of Rheumatology, European League Against Rheumatism, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform identified 2069 studies. After full-text screening, five RCT studies were found to be eligible for the qualitative evidence synthesis.

RESULTS

Patient education as a stand-alone intervention presented an improvement in patients' global assessment (standardized mean difference 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 1.46). When comparing patient education with usual care, no intervention, or waiting list, no differences were found for functioning, level of pain, emotional distress in regard to anxiety and depression, or pain cognition.

CONCLUSION

This review reveals the need for RCTs investigating patient education as a stand-alone intervention for patients with FM, measuring outcomes such as disease acceptance, health-related quality of life, enhancement of patients' knowledge of pain, pain coping skills, and evaluation of prioritized learning outcomes.

A decade of change - lessons learned from prenatal diagnostics in Central Denmark region in 2008-2018

INTRODUCTION

In 2011, it was decided to implement chromosomal microarray in prenatal testing in the Central Denmark Region, mainly due to the expected higher diagnostic yield. Chromosomal microarray was introduced gradually for an increasing number of pregnancies and without a transition period where both karyotyping and chromosomal microarray were performed: first malformations (2011), then large nuchal translucency (2013), then high risk at combined first trimester risk screening (2016) and finally for all indications (2018). This retrospective study summarizes 11 years of using chromosomal microarray in invasive prenatal testing and presents the effect on diagnostic yield and turnaround time. Furthermore, the concerns when introducing chromosomal microarray are presented and discussed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Registry data from the Danish Fetal Medicine Database, the regional fetal medicine database, the Danish Cytogenetic Central Register and the local laboratory database at Department of Clinical Genetics were all combined, and a cohort of 147 158 singleton pregnancies with at least one ultrasound examination was established RESULTS: Of the 147 158 pregnancies, invasive sampling was performed (chorionic villi or amniocytes) in 8456, corresponding to an overall invasive rate of 5.8%. Between 2016 and 2018, 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-4.2%; n = 86) of the invasive samples (n = 2533) had a disease causing copy number variant and 5.3% (95% CI 4.4-6.2%; n = 133) had trisomies and other aneuploidies. The turnaround time more than halved from 14 days to an average of 5.5 days for chorionic villus sampling.

CONCLUSIONS

Chromosomal microarray identified 5.3% trisomies and 3.4% copy number variants, thereby increased the diagnostic yield by more than 64% compared with karyotype only and it also more than halved the turnaround time. Some preliminary concerns proved real, eg prenatal counseling complexity, but these have been resolved over time in a clinical path with expert consultations.

Prevalence of survey-based criteria for fibromyalgia and impact on hospital burden: a 7 year follow-up study from an outpatient clinic

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of survey-based criteria for fibromyalgia (FM) among newly referred patients in a rheumatic outpatient clinic, and to compare the use of secondary healthcare services between survey-based FM and non-FM cases.

METHOD

Newly referred patients to an outpatient clinic were screened for the fulfilment of the 2011 FM survey criteria during a 6 month period in 2013 in this observational cohort study. Demographic data were obtained at baseline. Patients' medical files were evaluated and comparisons between groups were made regarding the use of hospital healthcare facilities during the 7 year observation period.

RESULTS

Out of 300 invited patients, 248 (83%) completed the questionnaire; 90 patients (36%) fulfilled survey-based criteria for FM at enrolment. FM cases were primarily women (80% vs 54% of non-FM cases), and received more medications (median 4 vs 3 drugs) and public economic support (62% vs 20%). At the 7 year follow-up, crude analyses showed that FM cases had a higher number of hospital courses (median 10 vs 8) and had undergone more invasive procedures (78% vs 60%). Neurologists (42% vs 28%), gastroenterologists (30% vs 13%), endocrinologists (40% vs 21%), pain specialists (13% vs 3%), psychiatrists (20% vs 7%), and abdominal surgeons (43% vs 30%) were consulted more often by FM than by non-FM cases.

CONCLUSION

Fulfilment of FM survey criteria among newly referred patients to a rheumatic outpatient clinic is frequent. Our study findings show that FM continues to present a challenge for healthcare professionals as well as for patients.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

● Fulfilment of FM survey criteria among newly referred patients to a rheumatic outpatient clinic is frequent.● The burden on the secondary healthcare system for these patients is significant.● This study suggests the need for increased awareness about the diagnosis of FM among certain medical and surgical specialties.

Disease activity-guided tapering of biologics in patients with inflammatory arthritis: a pragmatic, randomized, open-label, equivalence trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether disease activity-guided tapering of biologics compared to continuation as usual care enables a substantial dose reduction while disease activity remains equivalent.

METHOD

In this pragmatic, randomized, open-label, equivalence trial, adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondyloarthritis in low disease activity on stable-dose biologics for ≥ 12 months were randomized 2:1 into either the tapering group, i.e. disease activity-guided prolongation of the biologic dosing interval until flare or withdrawal, or the control group, i.e. maintaince of baseline biologics with a possible small interval increase at the patients request. The co-primary outcome in the intention-to-treat population was met if superiority in ≥ 50% biologic reduction at 18 months was demonstrated and disease activity was equivalent (equivalence margins ± 0.5).

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were randomized to tapering and 47 to control, of whom 37% (35/95) versus 2% (1/47) achieved ≥ 50% biologic reduction at 18 months. The risk difference was statistically significant [35%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24%-45%], while disease activity remained equivalent [mean difference 0.05, 95% CI -0.12-0.29]. A statistically significant flare risk was observed [tapering 41% (39/95) vs control 21% (10/47), risk difference 20%, 95% CI 4%-35%]; but, only 1% (1/95) and 6% (3/47) had persistent flare and needed to switch to another biological drug.

CONCLUSIONS

Disease activity-guided tapering of biologics in patients with inflammatory arthritis enabled one-third to achieve ≥ 50% biologic reduction, while disease activity between groups remained equivalent. Flares were more frequent in the tapering group but were managed with rescue therapy.

How does cell-based NIPT perform against chorionic villous sampling and cell-free NIPT in detecting trisomies and copy number variations? A clinical study from Denmark

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare cell-based NIPT (cbNIPT) to chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and to examine the test characteristics of cbNIPT in the first clinical validation study of cbNIPT compared to cell-free NIPT (cfNIPT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Study 1: Women (N=92) who accepted CVS were recruited for cbNIPT (53 normal and 39 abnormal). Samples were analyzed with chromosomal microarray (CMA).Study 2: Women (N=282) who accepted cfNIPT were recruited for cbNIPT. cfNIPT was analyzed using sequencing and cbNIPT by CMA.

RESULTS

Study 1: cbNIPT detected all aberrations (32/32) found in CVS; trisomies 13, 18 and 21 (23/23), pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) (6/6) and sex chromosome aberrations (3/3). cbNIPT detected 3/8 cases of mosaicism in the placenta.Study 2: cbNIPT detected all trisomies found with cfNIPT (6/6) and had no false positive (0/246). One of the three CNVs called by cbNIPT was confirmed by CVS but was undetected by cfNIPT, two were false positives. cbNIPT detected mosaicism in five samples of which two were not detected by cfNIPT. cbNIPT failed in 7.8% compared to 2.8% in cfNIPT.

CONCLUSION

Circulating trophoblasts in the maternal circulation provides the potential of screening for aneuploidies and pathogenic CNVs covering the entire fetal genome. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Exercise and education vs intra-articular saline for knee osteoarthritis: a 1-year follow-up of a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the longer-term effect of the Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLAD) exercise and education program relative to open-label placebo (OLP) on changes from baseline in core outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

In this 1-year follow-up of an open-label, randomized trial, patients with symptomatic and radiographically confirmed knee OA were monitored after being randomized to either the 8-week GLAD program or OLP given as 4 intra-articular saline injections over 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire (KOOS) pain subscale after 1 year in the intention-to-treat population. Key secondary outcomes were the KOOS function and quality of life subscales, and Patients' Global Assessment of disease impact.

RESULTS

206 adults were randomly assigned: 102 to GLAD and 104 to OLP, of which only 137 (63/74 GLAD/OLP) provided data at 1 year. At one year the mean changes in KOOS pain were 8.4 for GLAD and 7.0 for OLP (Difference: 1.5 points; 95% CI -2.6 to 5.5). There were no between-group differences in any of the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this 1-year follow-up of individuals with knee OA, the 8-week GLAD program and OLP both provided minor longer-term benefits with no group difference. These results require confirmation given the significant loss to follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03843931.

Who are likely to benefit from the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLAD) exercise and education program? An effect modifier analysis of a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To identify contextual factors that modify the treatment effect of the 'Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark' (GLAD) exercise and education programme compared to open-label placebo (OLP) on knee pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Secondary effect modifier analysis of a randomised controlled trial. 206 participants with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA were randomised to either the 8-week GLAD programme (n = 102) or OLP given as 4 intra-articular saline injections over 8 weeks (n = 104). The primary outcome was change from baseline to week 9 in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire (KOOS) pain subscale (range 0 (worst) to 100 (best)). Subgroups were created based on baseline information: BMI, swollen study knee, bilateral radiographic knee OA, sports participation as a young adult, sex, median age, a priori treatment preference, regular use of analgesics (NSAIDs or paracetamol), radiographic disease severity, and presence of constant or intermittent pain.

RESULTS

Participants who reported use of analgesics at baseline seem to benefit from the GLAD programme over OLP (subgroup contrast: 10.3 KOOS pain points (95% CI 3.0 to 17.6)). Participants with constant pain at baseline also seem to benefit from GLAD over OLP (subgroup contrast: 10.0 points (95% CI 2.8 to 17.2)).

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply that patients who take analgesics or report constant knee pain, GLAD seems to yield clinically relevant benefits on knee pain when compared to OLP. The results support a stratified recommendation of GLAD as management of knee OA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03843931. EudraCT number 2019-000809-71.

Novel homozygous CD46 variant with C-isoform expression affects C3b inactivation in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy that may lead to organ failure. Dysregulation of the complement system can cause aHUS, and various disease-related variants in the complement regulatory protein CD46 are described. We here report a pediatric patient with aHUS carrying a hitherto unreported homozygous variant in CD46 (NM_172359.3:c.602C>T p.(Ser201Leu)). In our functional analyses, this variant caused complement dysregulation through three separate mechanisms. First, CD46 surface expression on the patient's blood cells was significantly reduced. Second, stably expressing CD46(Ser201Leu) cells bound markedly less to patterns of C3b than CD46 WT cells. Third, the patient predominantly expressed the rare isoforms of CD46 (C dominated) instead of the more common isoforms (BC dominated). Using BC1 and C1 expressing cell lines, we found that the C1 isoform bound markedly less C3b than the BC1 isoform. These results highlight the coexistence of multiple mechanisms that may act synergistically to disrupt CD46 function during aHUS development.

OP0295-HPR THE EFFECT OF GROUP-BASED COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background

Insomnia is highly prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may exacerbate symptoms and burdens, such as fatigue, depressive symptoms, and pain1. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to produce positive effects on sleep in other clinical populations2,3. However, CBT-I has not previously been investigated in patients with RA.

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare the effect of nurse-led group-based CBT-I to usual care on sleep efficiency, measured by polysomnography (PSG) immediately after the intervention (i.e. seven weeks after baseline) in patients with RA. Secondary objectives included comparing the longer-term effect of CBT-I on sleep and RA-related outcomes at 26 weeks’ follow-up.

Methods

In a randomised controlled trial, using a parallel group design, the experimental intervention was six weeks’ CBT-I; the control comparator was usual care. CBT-I was delivered face-to-face by a CBT-I trained nurse. The primary analyses were based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) population; missing data were statistically handled using repeated-measures linear mixed effects models adjusted for the level at baseline.

Results

The ITT population consisted of 62 patients (89% women), with an average age of 58 years (SD 10), DAS28-CRP of 3.4 (SD 1.0), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of 18.9 (SD 4.4) and median Patient Global Assessment score of 55 (IQR 28;71).

When primary outcome was measured by PSG at week seven, sleep efficiency was 88.7% in the CBT-I group, compared to 83.7% in the control group (difference: 5.0 [95% CI -0.4 to 10.4]; p=0.068) (See Table 1). Secondary outcomes measured by PSG had not improved at week 26 either. However, for all secondary sleep and RA-related patient-reported outcomes, there were statistically highly significant differences between CBT-I and usual care e.g. insomnia (ISI: -9.8 [95% CI -11.8 to -7.9]), RA impact of disease (RAID: -1.4 [95% CI-1.9 to -0.80]) and Patient Global Assessment (-13.0 [95% CI -20.9 to -5.1]) at 26 weeks’ follow-up.

Table 1.

Primary and key secondary outcomes at week 7 and week 26, and differences between treatment groups (based on the ITT population)

CBT-I n=31Usual care n=31Difference between groups (95% CI)P-valueAt week 7Sleep efficiency (PSG, %)188.7 (1.8)83.7 (2.0)5.0 (-0.4 to 10.4)0.068At week 26Sleep efficiency (PSG, %)84.8 (1.9)86.3 (2.0)-1.5 (-7.0 to 3.9)0.577Total sleep time (PSG, minutes)376.5 (11.8)394.6 (12.8)-18.1 (-52.5 to 16.4)0.302Sleep onset latency (PSG, minutes)14.2 (2.2)10.0 (2.4)4.2 (-2.2 to 10.7)0.197Wake after sleep onset (PSG, minutes)52.1 (10.7)41.5 (11.6)10.6 (-20.7 to 41.9)0.505Insomnia severity (ISI 0-28)27.6 (0.7)17.4 (0.7)-9.8 (-11.8 to -7.9)<0.0001Sleep quality global (PSQI 0-21)35.9 (0.5)11.1 (0.5)-5.2 (-6.6 to -3.8)<0.0001Fatigue (BRAF-MDQ 0-70)424.0 (1.4)36.4 (1.5)-12.4 (-16.5 to -8.4)<0.0001RA impact of disease (RAID 0-10)54.2 (0.20)5.5 (0.20)-1.4 (-1.9 to -0.80)<0.0001Depressive symptoms (HADS-D 0-21)63.8 (0.5)6.5 (0.5)-2.7 (-4.1 to -1.3)<0.0001

Values are reported as least squares means (standard errors) by group, while the differences between groups are reported with 95% confidence intervals.

1Polysomnography, 2Insomnia Severity Index, 3Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 4Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue - Multidimensional Questionnaire, 5Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease, 6Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression.

Conclusion

Nurse-led, group-based CBT-I for two hours per week for six weeks, did not improve objectively measured sleep efficiency or any other outcomes measured by PSG. However, CBT-I showed long-term improvement on patient-reported outcomes such as fatigue, impact of disease, depression, pain, and Patient Global Assessment – a finding that could have important clinical implications.

References

[1]PMID: 25620673

[2]PMID: 16804151

[3]PMID: 26434673

Acknowledgements

We thank the participants for their time and commitment and the patient research partners for valuable insight into the process and content of the trial.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

OP0195 PREVALENCE OF SURVEY-BASED CRITERIA FOR FIBROMYALGIA AND IMPACT ON HOSPITAL BURDEN: A 7 YEARS FOLLOW UP STUDY FROM AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC

Background

The prevalence of Fibromyalgia (FM) among newly referred patients to rheumatic outpatient clinics is unknown. It is well described that FM patients have increased use of the secondary healthcare facilities, however to what extent the presence of FM burdens the different medical specialties in the secondary health care sector is still unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of fulfilment of survey-based criteria for FM (1) among newly referred patients in a rheumatic outpatient clinic and to compare the use of secondary health care services between survey-based FM- and non-FM cases.

Methods

This is an observational cohort study. Newly referred patients with the suspicion of rheumatic inflammatory disease in an outpatient clinic were evaluated for fulfilment of 2011 FM survey criteria during a 6-month period in 2013. Demographic data were obtained at baseline. Seven years later, patients’ medical files were evaluated, and comparisons between groups were made regarding the use of hospital healthcare facilities during the observation period. Results were adjusted for sex, age, and multiplicity.

Results

248 patients of 300 invited (83%) completed the questionnaire; 90 patients (36%) fulfilled FM criteria at enrolment (Figure 1). FM cases were primarily women (80% vs. 54%) and received more public economical support (62% vs. 20%). At 7 years follow up, adjusted results shows that FM cases had higher number of hospital courses (13 vs. 9) and had undergone more invasive procedures (78% vs. 60%), however differences concerning number of diagnoses between groups were small. Neurologists (42% vs. 28%), gastroenterologists (30% vs. 13%), endocrinologists (40% vs. 21%), pain-specialists (13% vs 3%), psychiatrists (20% vs. 7%), and abdominal surgeons (43% vs. 30%) were consulted more often by FM cases than non-FM cases.

Conclusion

Fulfilment of FM survey criteria among newly referred patients with the suspicion of a rheumatic inflammatory disease to a rheumatic outpatient clinic is frequent. The burden to the secondary healthcare system in these patients is significant. The finding of a minimal difference between groups regarding the number of resulting diagnoses underlines that prolonged and excessive use of healthcare services with referral to multiple specialists should be avoided. Our study findings also support that FM continues to present a challenge for healthcare professionals as well as for patients. A timely and coordinated effort across medical specialties, including rheumatologists, could reduce diagnostic delay, facilitate management, and reduce healthcare utilisation in this patient population.

References

[1]Ferrari, R. and A.S. Russell, A Questionnaire Using the Modified 2010 American College of Rheumatology Criteria for Fibromyalgia: Specificity and Sensitivity in Clinical Practice. Journal of Rheumatology, 2013. 40(9): p. 1590-1595.

Table 1.

Highlighting primary baseline data, primary and secondary endpoints, main differences regarding invasive procedures and medical specialists consulted during seven years follow up.

Fibromyalgia, n= 86Non-fibromyalgia, n=151P-value*Age (years), mean (SD)52.5 (13.7)52.8 (18.6)0.432Female, %8054< 0.001Social economic support of any kind, %6220< 0.001Rheumatic inflammatory disease, %28420.028Number of different courses at hospital, Mean (SD)12.7 (0.9)9 (0.6)< 0.001Number of diagnoses, Mean (SD)5 (0.3)4 (0.2)0.003Numbers of admissions to hospital, Mean (SD)2.1 (0.3)1.9 (0.2)0.550Number of Medications, Mean (SD)7.1 (0.5)6.1 (0.3)0.057Number of Pain Medications, Mean (SD)1.6 (0.1)1.2 (0.1)0.004Invasive procedures total, %78600.003Joint surgery other (including arthroscopies), %30170.026Gastroscopy, %3714< 0.001Colonoscopy, %38210.004Psychiatry, %2070.006Abdominal Surgery, %43300.042Pain centre, %1330.015Endocrinology, %40210.003Gastroenterology, %30130.003Neurology, %42280.029

Acknowledgements

Study data were collected using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) electronic data capture tools hosted at OPEN (Open Patient Data Explorative Network), Odense University Hospital, Region of Southern Denmark

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

OP0116-HPR PATIENTS’ EXPERIENCES OF GROUP-BASED COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background

Despite disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, residual arthritis-related symptoms and burdens are still common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)1. In addition, insomnia – characterised by reduced sleep quantity and quality – is highly prevalent, occurring in up to 70% of patients with RA2. Insomnia is associated with increased pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia3 but has not been evaluated in patients with RA until now.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of CBT-I and how the components of CBT-I are incorporated in their sleep management.

Methods

Participants were patients with RA who had received CBT-I as experimental treatment for insomnia in a randomised controlled trial (RCT)4. Data were collected during an individual face-to-face interview using a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis was based on reflexive thematic method by Braun and Clarke5.

Results

Eleven participants (10 women and one man) from the intervention group of the RCT were interviewed. Prior to inclusion in the RCT, they had insomnia complaints for 8 years (median; interquartile range: 3;20 years).

Five themes emerged: 1) When knowledge contributes to an altered perception of sleep referring to the reduced misperception and increased motivation that followed sleep education, 2) Overcoming habits and perceptions to accelerate sleep onset referring to barriers related to sleep behaviour and mindset and how stimulus control was enabling them to find meaningful behaviour and rhythm, 3) The sleep window of challenges in learning how to sleep right referring to that payoff from sleep restriction did not come easily or by magic, and commitment led to progress and gave them confidence to continue, 4) Relaxation becomes a behavioural habit and goes beyond sleep referring to a means to achieve a relaxed body and mind and how they thereby coped better with RA-related symptoms, and 5) Break the cycle and regain control referring to how awareness of a vicious cycle was central to their perception of sleep and how trust in one’s own accomplishment was crucial to reducing worrying (See Figure 1).

Figure 1.

The five themes with quotes from participants

Overall, the participants experienced CBT-I as challenging and demanding but at the same time meaningful. The participants considered persistency, stringency, and inflexibility necessary to succeed. After the intervention, the participants had continued using those components that enabled them individually to further improve their sleep.

Conclusion

The process towards eliminating insomnia was a bodily experience and involved a changed mindset that altered behaviour and cognitions.

References

[1]PMID: 29251034

[2]PMID: 25620673

[3]PMID: 28875581

[4]PMID: 32471477

[5]https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants for generously sharing their experiences and the patient research partners for invaluable perspectives and contributions.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0182 WHO ARE LIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM THE GOOD LIFE WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DENMARK (GLAD) EXERCISE AND EDUCATION PROGRAM? AN EFFECT MODIFIER ANALYSIS OF A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background

EULAR clinical guidelines have identified moderators of knee osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes as an important research priority to optimize individualized treatment. In our recent trial the GLAD exercise and education program was proved equivalent to open-label placebo (OLP) in 206 people with knee OA, which calls for evaluation of factors that may predict differential treatment response to GLAD versus OLP.

Objectives

To identify contextual factors that might modify the treatment effect of the ‘Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark’ (GLAD) exercise and education programme on knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain compared to that of open-label placebo (OLP) in individuals with knee OA, i.e. explore who are likely to benefit from participating in exercise and education programs.

Methods

Secondary effect modifier analysis of a randomised controlled trial, in which 206 adults aged ≥ 50 years, with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA were randomised to either an 8-week exercise and education programme (GLAD; n=102) or OLP in the form of 4 intra-articular saline injections over 8 weeks (n=104). Primary outcome was change from baseline to week 9 in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire (KOOS) pain subscale (range 0 (worst) to 100 (best)). Subgroups were created based on baseline information: BMI, swollen study knee, bilateral radiographic knee OA, sports participation as a young adult, sex, median age, a priori treatment preference, regular use of analgesics (NSAIDs or paracetamol), radiographic disease severity, and presence of constant and intermittent pain using the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain questionnaire. Analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle with simple conservative non-responder imputation of missing outcome data.

Results

Participants who at baseline reported use of analgesics at baseline seem to benefit from the GLAD programme over OLP (subgroup contrast: 10.3 KOOS pain points (95% CI 3.0 to 17.6)). Further, participants with constant pain at baseline also seem to benefit from GLAD over OLP (subgroup contrast: 10.0 KOOS pain points (95%CI 2.8 to 17.2; P=0.007)). Further, a priori preference for GLAD also seemed to predict treatment effect in favour of GLAD. Presence of intermittent pain predicted beneficial effects of OLP, albeit the precision of the estimate was low. See Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Forest plot showing the results of the subgroup analyses based on the intention-to-treat population with missing outcome data at week 9 replaced with the baseline observation (non-responder imputation). The outcome is change from baseline in KOOS pain at week 9 (after 8 weeks of intervention). GLAD: The Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark exercise and education programme. OLP: Open-label placebo consisting of 4 intra-articular saline injections. K-L: Kellgren-Lawrence grading of radiographic disease severity.

The full vertical line indicates the overall treatment effect, and the dashed line indicates zero effect. *24 GLAD and 26 OLP had no preference and are not included in the analyses, and 8 GLAD and 5 OLP had missing data; †For study knee.

Conclusion

These results imply that GLAD should not be considered as a one-size-fits-all intervention. For patients who take analgesics for their knee pain or report constant knee pain, GLAD seems to yield clinically relevant benefits when compared to an open-label placebo. The results support a stratified recommendation of GLAD as management of knee OA.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Biomarkers in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Psychotic Disorders Compared to Healthy Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Biomarkers in CSF could provide etiological clues and diagnostic tools for psychotic disorders. However, an overview of all CSF findings in individuals with psychotic disorders compared to healthy controls is lacking.

Objectives

To analyse CSF findings from individuals with psychotic disorders compared to healthy controls.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and PsycINFO were searched November 3rd, 2021. Case-control studies including patients with non-affective, psychotic disorder compared to healthy controls measuring at least one biomarker in CSF are included. Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) and random-effects analyses were used.

Results

141 studies, covering 192 biomarkers, were included. 161 biomarkers have not previously been included in meta-analyses. Most markers measured showed no significant differences, including the dopamine metabolites HVA and DOPAC. Patients with psychotic disorders showed increased CSF levels of noradrenaline (SMD, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.15-0.90), MHPG (SMD, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.05-0.55), 5-HIAA (SMD, 0.11; 95 % CI, 0.01-0.21), kynurenic acid (SMD, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.26-2.91), kynurenine (SMD, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.58-1.42), IL-6 (SMD, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.77), IL-8 (SMD, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77), anandamide (SMD, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.53-1.02), albumin ratio (SMD, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.10-0.96), total protein (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14-0.48), and glucose (SMD, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.08-1.06). Neurotensin (SMD, -0.67; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.46) and GABA (SMD, -0.29; 95% CI, -0.50 to -0.09) were decreased.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that dysregulation of the immune and adrenergic system and blood-brain barrier dysfunction might play a role in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

OP0022 DISEASE ACTIVITY-GUIDED TAPERING OF BIOLOGICS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMISED, OPEN-LABEL, EQUIVALENCE TRIAL

Background

Traditionally, biologics are maintained lifelong at standard dose in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) when sustained low disease activity (LDA) is reached. However, evidence of possible tapering is emerging but data on the optimal approach is lacking.

Objectives

The primary outcomes at 18 months follow-up are:

Methods

The BIODOPT trial was a randomised, open-label, equivalence trial (EudraCT 2017-001970-41). Eligible patients were adults with RA, PsA, or axSpA in LDA on stable biologic doses during ≥12 months. The randomisation ratio was 2:1 (tapering:continuation) stratified by diagnosis, centre, and repeated biologic failures. In the tapering group, the biologic dosing interval was prolonged by 25% every four months until flare or discontinuation. The continuation group was kept on their baseline biologic dosing interval; however, a small increase was allowed (as usual practise) if requested by the patient. The sample size calculation was based on a pre-defined equivalence margin of ±0.5 disease activity points (<half of the minimal important difference in DAS28-CRP [>1.2] or ASDAS [>1.1]) yielding a power of 87% for 180 enrolled patients. All analyses were based on the intention-to-treat population. Continuous outcomes were analysed with repeated-measures linear mixed-effects models with group, diagnosis, centre, repeated biologic failures, time point, and the interaction between group and time as fixed factors and the baseline value of the relevant variable as a covariate. Categorical outcomes were analysed using logistic regression with missing data imputed as trial failures.

Results

Between May, 2018, and March, 2020, 142 patients were enrolled of which 95 were randomised to tapering and 47 to continuation; inclusion was closed in April 2020 due to national implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

At 18 months, significantly more patients in the tapering group (35 patients [(37%]) achieved a significant reduction in their biologic dose (≥50%) compared to the continuation group (one patient [2%]), absolute risk difference (RD) 35%, 95%CI: 24% to 45%, p<0.0001, Table 1. Furthermore, disease activity at 18 months was within the equivalence margins of ±0.5, mean difference between groups 0.08, 95%CI: -0.12 to 0.29; Table 1 and Figure 1. Flares were more frequent in the tapering group (39 [41%] vs 10 [21%], RD 0.20, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.35, p=0.011) but managed with rescue therapy (e.g. biologic dose escalation or glucocorticoids) as only one patient (1%) in the tapering group and three patients (6%) in the continuation group lost therapeutic response and were switched to another biological agent.

Table 1.

Comparison at 18 months in the ITT population

OutcomeTapering group N = 95Continuation group N = 47Group difference (95%CI)p-valuePrimary outcome:Biologics reduced to ≤50%, n (%)35 (37%)1 (2%)0.35 (0.24 to 0.45)<0.001Disease activity, LSMeans (SE)1.84 (0.15)1.75 (0.16)0.08 (-0.12 to 0.29)0.428Key secondary outcomes:Remission1, n (%)63 (66%)33 (70%)-0.04 (-0.20 to 0.12)0.637Low disease activity2, n (%)79 (83%)41 (87%)-0.04 (-0.16 to 0.08)0.511Flares3, n (%)39 (41%)10 (21%)0.20 (0.04 to 0.35)0.011

N: number, CI: confidence interval, LSMeans: Least squares means, SE: Standard error.

1: RA or PsA: DAS28-CRP <2.6. AxSpA: ASDAS <1.3.

2: RA or PsA: DAS28-CRP <3.2. AxSpA: ASDAS <2.1.

3: RA or PsA: ΔDAS28-CRP >1.2 or ΔDAS28-CRP >0.6 AND current DAS28-CRP ≥3.2. AxSpA: inflammatory back pain AND ΔASDAS ≥0.9 and/or ≥1 swollen joint.

Conclusion

Across IA conditions, a significant reduction of biologic dose is possible with disease activity-guided tapering while maintaining a similar disease activity state compared to continuation of biologic as usual care.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank patients, research personnel, and the patient research partners for their contribution to the BIODOPT trial, data manager JHW for technical support and for uploading the concealed allocation sequence, and CCH for data management. The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital is supported by a core grant from the Oak Foundation (OCAY-18-774-OFIL).

Disclosure of Interests

Line Uhrenholt Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and Novartis, Robin Christensen: None declared, Lene Dreyer Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Galderma and Janssen, Grant/research support from: BMS (outside the present work), Ellen-Margrethe Hauge Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Sanofi, Sobi, and SynACT Pharma, Grant/research support from: Roche, Novartis, and Novo Nordic Foundation (outside the present work), Annette Schlemmer Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Anne Gitte Loft Speakers bureau: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Consultant of: Eli-Lilly, Janssen-Cilag, MSD, Novartis, and UCB, Mads Nyhuus Bendix Rasch Speakers bureau: Sobi, Hans Christian Horn: None declared, Katrine Gade: None declared, Peter C. Taylor Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Fresenius, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nordic Pharma, Pfizer Inc, Roche, and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Celgene, and Galapagos (outside the present work), Salome Kristensen: None declared.

Psychiatric Admissions, Referrals, and Suicidal Behavior Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Denmark: A Time-Trend Study

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health globally, but the impact on referrals and admissions to mental health services remains understudied.

Objectives

To assess patterns in psychiatric admissions, referrals, and suicidal behavior before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark.

Methods

Utilizing hospital and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) health records covering 46% of the Danish population, we compared psychiatric in-patients, referrals to mental health services and suicidal behavior in years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to levels during the first lockdown (March 11 – May 17, 2020), inter-lockdown period (May 18 – December 15, 2020), and second lockdown (December 16, 2020 – February 28, 2021) using negative binomial models.

Results

The rate of psychiatric in-patients declined compared to pre-pandemic levels (RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.94 – 0.96, p < 0.01). Referrals were not significantly different (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.92 – 1.10, p = 0.91) during the pandemic; neither was suicidal behavior among hospital contacts (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.94 – 1.14, p = 0.48) nor EMS contacts (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00 – 1.18, p = 0.06). In the age group <18, an increase in the rate of psychiatric in-patients (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.07 – 1.15, p < 0.01) was observed during the pandemic; however, this did not exceed the pre-pandemic, upwards trend in psychiatric hospitalizations in the age group <18 (p = 0.78).

Conclusions

The pandemic was associated with a decrease in psychiatric hospitalizations. No significant change was observed in referrals and suicidal behavior.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

POS0041-HPR OUTCOME MEASURES IN RHEUMATOLOGY APPLIED IN SELF-MANAGEMENT INTERVENTIONS TARGETING PEOPLE WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF OUTCOME DOMAINS AND MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS

Background

Self-management refers to the patient’s ability to manage a large range of consequences such as symptoms, medication, emotions, and preferable life-style changes coherent with living with a chronic disease. Evaluating the effect of interventions targeting to improve people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) self-management is a challenge because self-management interventions are complex and consensus on important outcomes is lacking. Solutions to these issues could be to consensus on a Core Outcome Set (COS) describing what outcomes are relevant and should be applied in future studies hereby lessening the heterogeneity between future studies. The purpose of this study was therefore to take the first actions in identifying possible candidate outcomes for such a COS.

Objectives

The aim was to identify, and map applied outcome domains and outcome measurement instruments from previous trials measuring the effect of self-management interventions targeting people with IA.

Methods

We performed an informative systematic literature review following guidance from the Handbooks described by ‘Outcome Measures in Rheumatology’ (OMERACT) and ‘Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials’ (COMET) initiatives. Randomized and non-randomized trials describing their experimental intervention as “self-management” and included a population of adults (≥18 years) with at least 50% diagnoses with IA (Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Spondylarthritis) was included. Both screening of possible trials and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Extracted data included: study characteristics, outcome domains and the corresponding measurement instruments. During analysis two reviewers simultaneously grouped and categorized domains and subdomains, and two senior researchers approved the categorization.

Results

Searches was performed 2021.02.08 on online databases, trial registers, conference abstracts and references of included trials. From a total of 2,502 records, we included 38 trials published between 1988 and 2021. The interventions were heterogenic and patients primarily female, diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a calculated mean age of 54 years. We identified 12 different outcome domains, covering 39 subdomains, collected with 119 different measurement instruments. The most frequently applied outcome domains were self-efficacy, pain, physical functioning/disability, anxiety and depression, quality of life, fatigue, global assessment/disease activity and coping. Please see Figure 1 for all outcome domains identified. The applied measurement instruments varied within each outcome domain with up to 10 different instruments applied to measure the same domain. Instruments were predominantly patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusion

The outcome domains and measurement instruments used in self-management trials were widely diverse and differ from the current general OMERACT Core Outcome Sets (COS) for IA conditions. Further steps towards the establishment of a COS to be reported in all self-management intervention trials will enhance the relevance and the subsequent impact on the body of evidence from these trials.

References

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42021238749).

[1]OMERACT Handbook 2019. Available at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fd3673fsma45qe0/OMERACT Handbook Chapter 4 Apr 16 2019.pdf?dl=0.

[2]Williamson PR, Altman DG, Bagley H, Barnes KL, Blazeby JM, Brookes ST, m.fl. The COMET Handbook: Version 1.0, 2017. Available at: https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-017-1978-4

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0550 LONG TERM EFFICACY OF A 2-YEAR MRI TREAT-TO-TARGET STRATEGY ON DISEASE ACTIVITY, MRI INFLAMMATION AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN CLINICAL REMISSION: FIVE YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE IMAGINE RA-COHORT

Background

Targeting MRI remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical remission may improve long term clinical, functional and MRI outcomes.

Objectives

To investigate whether a 2-year treat-to-target (T2T) strategy, based on structured MRI assessments targeting absence of osteitis combined with clinical remission, compared with a conventional clinical T2T strategy targeting clinical remission only, improves disease activity, physical function and suppresses MRI-inflammation over 5 years in RA patients.

Methods

The IMAGINE-more trial was designed as an extension protocol to the 2-year IMAGINE-RA randomised controlled trial (RCT). IMAGINE-RA included 200 RA patients, in clinical remission (DAS28-CRP<3.2 and no swollen joints), who received conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) and investigated whether an MRI T2T strategy targeting absence of osteitis in combination with clinical remission (DAS28-CRP≤3.2 and no swollen joints) could increase remission rates and prevent erosive progression compared with a conventional T2T strategy targeting clinical remission only. If target was not met, treatment was escalated according to a predefined treatment algorithm starting with increment in csDMARDs and then adding biologics. At the end of the study, participants were invited to participate in the IMAGINE-more follow-up study. Patients were managed in routine outpatient clinic and had three IMAGINE-more visits including clinical examination (year 3, 4 and 5) and contrast-enhanced MRI of the dominant wrist and 2nd-5th metacarpophalangeal joints (year 3 and 5). The primary clinical endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving DAS28-CRP remission (DAS28-CRP<2.6) at year 5. Predefined key secondary outcomes were disease activity (DAS28-CRP), and changes in MRI osteitis (OMERACT RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS)) and functional level (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)) from baseline to 5-years follow up. Endpoints were analysed by logistic regression models and repeated measures mixed effects models adjusted for propensity scores corresponding to (remaining in) group allocation.

Results

Fifty-nine patients in the MRI T2T arm and 72 patients in conventional T2T arm consented to participate. Of these, 47 patients (80%) in the MRI T2T group and 54 patients (75%) in the conventional T2T group reached the primary clinical endpoint (p=0.161) (Table 1 and Figure 1). No statistically significant differences between treatment strategies in key secondary outcomes were seen.

Table 1.

Primary and key secondary outcomes at 5 years

MRI T2TConventional T2TDifference between groupsP valueN=59N=72Primary endpointDAS28-CRP remission (DAS28-CRP<2.6), No. (%)47 (80%)54 (75%)2.00 (0.76 to 5.28)0.161Key secondary endpointsDAS28-CRP1.79 (0.08)1.94 (0.08)-0.15 (-0.38 to 0.07)0.176Change from baseline in MRI osteitis (RAMRIS)-0.17 (0.58)0.18 (0.54)-0.35 (-1.96 to 1.25)0.663Change from baseline in HAQ-0.02 (0.03)0.05 (0.03)-0.07 (-0.15 to 0.01)0.080

Group estimates are presented as No. (%) for dichotomous data and least squares means (SE) for continuous data. For the primary endpoint, adjusted odds ratio and 95%CI between groups were calculated from a logistic regression model including a fixed factor for treatment arm, and an adjustment for propensity score as a covariate. For endpoints with continuous data, least squares mean differences between groups were calculated based on repeated-measures mixed linear models adjusted for baseline values and propensity scores.

Conclusion

A 2-year MRI T2T strategy targeting absence of MRI osteitis combined with clinical remission as compared to a conventional clinical T2T strategy in RA patients had no effect on the long-term probability of achieving DAS28-CRP remission. These findnings do not support the use of an MRI-guided strategy for treating patients with RA.

References

[1]Møller-Bisgaard S et al: JAMA 2019, 321(5):461-472.

Disclosure of Interests

Signe Møller-Bisgaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Kim Hørslev-Petersen: None declared, Daniel Glinatsi: None declared, Bo Ejbjerg: None declared, Merete L. Hetland: None declared, Jakob Møllenbach Møller: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Sabrina Mai Nielsen: None declared, Mikael Boesen: None declared, Kristian Stengaard-Pedersen: None declared, Ole Madsen: None declared, Bente Jensen: None declared, Jan Alexander Villadsen: None declared, Ellen Margrethe Hauge: None declared, Oliver Hendricks: None declared, Hanne Merete Lindegaard: None declared, Niels Steen Krogh: None declared, Anne Grethe Jurik: None declared, Henrik Thomsen: None declared, Mikkel Østergaard Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Orion, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi and UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Merck, Celgene and Novartis.

OP0033 EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE WORK PARTICIPATION IN PEOPLE WITH RMDs: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

Work participation among people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) remains reduced when compared to the general population. A EULAR taskforce was established to agree on Points to Consider (PtC) to support people with RMD in healthy and sustainable work participation. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) could have an important role in improving work participation in RMDs. However, a comprehensive evidence synthesis of the effectiveness of NPIs in people with RMDs is lacking.

Objectives

To summarise the literature on effectiveness of NPIs on work participation in people with RMDs.

Methods

A search in four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL) was performed. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Longitudinal Observational Studies (LOS) assessing non-pharmacological/non-surgical interventions until August 2020 were screened. Studies including people with any RMD (except low back pain or work-related RMDs) and assessing a work participation outcome domain (sick leave, work status, presenteeism) were considered eligible. For qualitative evidence synthesis, RCTs and LOS were considered. For quantitative evidence synthesis, only RCTs were considered. For each randomized comparison, standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the three outcome domains and used as effect size in the meta-analyses; i.e. a negative SMD favouring the NPI over control. Next, Mixed Effects Meta-Regression Analyses were performed, with random effects for randomised comparisons, and a fixed effect factor for the stratified subgroups of clinical interest. Subgroups within diseases (musculoskeletal pain disorders vs. other types of RMDs), risk status for sick leave at baseline (on sick leave or at risk for sick leave; not at risk for sick leave; a combination; or not specified) and single vs. multiple component NPIs were pre-defined. Risk of Bias (RoB) of RCTs was assessed using the Cochrain tool.

Results

Out of 8,864 records, 64 studies (71 treatment comparisons) were included. Studies usually included a mixed population of several RMDs (42%). Most NPIs were conducted in a clinical setting (n=44, 62%) and NPIs usually had multiple components (n=57, 80%), such as vocational support combined with physical training (n=18, 25%). Sick leave was the most frequently reported outcome domain (n=56, 88%). In the qualitative syntheses, 30%/50%/29% of interventions were considered plausible in improving sick leave, work status and presenteeism, respectively.

In the quantitative synthesis, NPIs (37 RCTs, 42 comparisons with mostly moderate to high RoB) showed small to moderate effect sizes, favouring NPIs over comparators for sick leave (SMD=-0.23, 95%CI -0.33 to -0.13), work status (SMD=-0.38, 95%CI -0.63 to -0.12) and presenteeism (SMD=-0.25, 95%CI -0.39 to -0.12). The forest plot for sick leave is shown (Figure 1).

Subgroup analyses for sick leave revealed that, compared to control, NPIs were not effective in musculoskeletal pain disorders, in contrast to the other types of RMDs. For both other subgroup analyses (baseline risk for sick leave; single vs. multicomponent NPI), NPIs improved sick leave similarly in subgroups compared to the control. Subgroup analyses for work status and presenteeism had generally similar effects in subgroups, but the interpretation requires caution in view of the small number of comparisons. Of note, clinical and methodological heterogeneity between studies was substantial, with some concerns about methodological quality related blinding and completeness of follow up.

Conclusion

Overall, NPIs seem to have significant, but on the average population level only small to moderate effects on sick leave, work status and presenteeism in RMDs. However, effects on sick leave varied substantially between subgroups. This synthesis suggests that tailoring NPIs to individuals’ needs and context could be clinically valuable.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

Cell-Based NIPT Detects 47,XXY Genotype in a Twin Pregnancy

Background: The existing risk of procedure-related miscarriage following invasive sampling for prenatal diagnosis is higher for twin pregnancies and some women are reluctant to test these typically difficultly obtained pregnancies invasively. Therefore, there is a need for noninvasive testing options that can test twin pregnancies at an early gestational age and ideally test the twins individually.

Case presentation: A pregnant woman opted for cell-based NIPT at GA 10 + 5. As cell-based NIPT is not established for use in twins, the test was provided in a research setting only, when an ultrasound scan showed that she carried dichorionic twins.

Materials and Methods: Fifty mL of peripheral blood was sampled, and circulating fetal cells were enriched and isolated. Individual cells were subject to whole-genome amplification and STR analysis. Three fetal cells were analyzed by chromosomal microarray (aCGH).

Results: We identified 20 fetal cells all sharing the same genetic profile, which increased the likelihood of monozygotic twins. aCGH of three fetal cells showed the presence of two X chromosomes and a gain of chromosome Y. CVS from both placentae confirmed the sex chromosomal anomaly, 47,XXY and that both fetuses were affected.

Conclusion: NIPT options can provide valuable genetic information to twin pregnancies that help the couples in their decision-making on prenatal testing. Little has been published about the use of cell-based NIPT in twin pregnancies, but the method may offer the possibility to obtain individual cell-based NIPT results in dizygotic twins.

Effect of initiating biologics compared to intensifying conventional DMARDs on clinical and MRI outcomes in established rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission: Secondary analyses of the IMAGINE-RA trial

Objectives: To compare the effect of treat-to-target-based escalations in conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and biologics on clinical disease activity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inflammation in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort in clinical remission.Method: One-hundred patients with established RA, Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 3.2, and no swollen joints (hereafter referred to as 'in clinical remission') who received csDMARDs underwent clinical evaluation and MRI of the wrist and second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints every 4 months. They followed a 2 year MRI treatment strategy targeting DAS28-CRP ≤ 3.2, no swollen joints, and absence of MRI osteitis, with predefined algorithmic treatment escalation: first: increase in csDMARDs; second: adding a biologic; third: switch biologic. MRI osteitis and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (co-primary outcomes) and MRI combined inflammation and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) (key secondary outcomes) were assessed 4 months after treatment change and expressed as estimates of group differences. Statistical analyses were based on the intention-to-treat population analysed using repeated-measures mixed models.Escalation to first biologic compared to csDMARD escalation more effectively reduced MRI osteitis (difference between least squares means 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.0-2.6), HAQ score (0.08, 0.03-0.1), MRI combined inflammation (2.5, 0.9-4.1), and SDAI scores (2.7, 1.9-3.5).Treat-to-target-based treatment escalations to biologics compared to escalation in csDMARDs more effectively improved MRI inflammation, physical function, and clinical disease activity in patients with established RA in clinical remission. Treatment escalation in RA patients in clinical remission reduces clinical and MRI-assessed disease activity.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01656278.

Using a novel smartphone application for capturing of patient-reported outcome measures among patients with inflammatory arthritis:A randomized, crossover, agreement study

Objectives: In Denmark, patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) have completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) via touchscreens in the outpatient clinic since 2006. However, current technology makes it possible for patients to use their own smartphone via an application (app) developed for the Danish Rheumatology Database (DANBIO). This study aims to evaluate the agreement of PROMs between the DANBIO app and outpatient touchscreen in patients with IA.Method: Patients with IA (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis) were enrolled in a randomized, crossover, agreement study. Participants answered PROMs through the two device types in a randomized order. Differences in PROM scores with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated for similarity according to prespecified equivalence margins.Results: The touchscreen invitation was accepted by 138 patients. Sixty patients (20 with each diagnosis) were included. The difference in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index between the two device types was -0.007 (95% CI -0.043 to 0.030); thus, equivalence was demonstrated. In addition, all other PROMs obtained with the two device types were equivalent, except for the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), which was within the limits of minimally clinically important difference (MCID). In total, 78.3% preferred the DANBIO app.Conclusion: In patients with IA, equivalence was demonstrated between two device types for all PROMs except BASDAI; however, BASDAI was within the limits of the MCID. Implementation of the DANBIO app is expected to optimize outpatient visits, thereby improving healthcare for the individual patient and society.

OP0010 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF FAECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION FOR ACTIVE PERIPHERAL PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMISED SHAM-CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

Although causality remains to be established, targeting dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota by faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proposed as a novel therapeutic option for treatment of extra-intestinal inflammatory diseases.1

Objectives:

In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated efficacy and safety of FMT in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).2

Methods:

In this double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled, superiority trial, we randomly allocated (1:1) adults with active peripheral PsA (≥3 swollen joints) despite ongoing treatment with methotrexate to one gastroscopic-guided FMT or sham transplantation into the duodenum. The transplants (50 g faeces) came from one of four healthy, thoroughly screened, anonymous stool donors.3 The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants experiencing treatment failure (i.e., needing treatment intensification) through 26 weeks. The first key secondary endpoint was change in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score from baseline to week 26. Safety was monitored throughout the trial. Trial registration number: NCT03058900, ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results:

Of 97 screened, 31 (32%) underwent randomisation (15 allocated to FMT), all received the assigned intervention, and 30 (97%) completed the 26-week clinical evaluation (Table 1). Treatment failure occurred more frequently in the FMT group than in the sham group (9 [60%] vs 3 [19%]; risk ratio, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.06 to 9.62; P=0.018). During the entire 26 weeks of observation, the rate of the treatment failures was significantly higher in the FMT than in the sham group, see figure 1. Improvement in HAQ-DI score differed between groups (0.07 vs 0.30) by 0.23 points (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.44; P=0.031) in favour of sham. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion:

In this first interventional randomised controlled trial of FMT in immune-mediated arthritis, FMT was inferior to sham in treating active peripheral PsA. FMT did not appear to result in serious adverse events.

Figure 1.

Time-to-event curves by intervention group from baseline to week 26. FMT, faecal microbiota transplantation.

Table 1.

Baseline demographics and disease characteristics.

CharacteristicFMT(n=15)Sham(n=16)Female sex, no. (%)8 (53%)12 (75%)Age, yr.48.9 (16.1)52.4 (11.0)Height, cm175.2 (7.0)169.8 (8.6)Weight, kg93.6 (15.4)92.4 (24.8)Time since diagnosis, yr.a2.6 (0.3 to 5.8)5.6 (0.5 to 8.8)Rheumatoid factor IgM negative, no. (%)b13 (93%)15 (94%)Anti-citrullinated peptide antibody negative, no. (%)b14 (100%)16 (100%)HLA-B27 negative, no. (%)15 (100%)13 (81%)C-reactive protein, mg/L4.98 (7.18)5.54 (5.87)HAQ-DI0.89 (0.51)0.78 (0.50)Swollen joint 66 count7.5 (3.0)6.7 (2.7)Tender joint 68 count14.9 (8.9)17.3 (8.8)SPARCC enthesitis index Score ≥1, no. (%)13 (87%)15 (94%) Score in patients with a score ≥18.1 (4.3)7.2 (3.3)

Data are mean (SD) or n (%) unless otherwise stated. FMT, faecal microbiota transplantation. a Time since diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). b Presence of rheumatoid factor (IgM) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody was not accessed in one patient from the FMT group.

References:

[1]Manasson J, Blank RB, Scher JU. The microbiome in rheumatology: Where are we and where should we go? Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:727-33.

[2]Kragsnaes MS, Kjeldsen J, Horn HC, et al. Efficacy and safety of faecal microbiota transplantation in patients with psoriatic arthritis: protocol for a 6-month, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open 2018;8:e019231.

[3]Kragsnaes MS, Nilsson AC, Kjeldsen J, et al. How do I establish a stool bank for fecal microbiota transplantation within the blood- and tissue transplant service? Transfusion 2020;60:1135-41.

Acknowledgements:

We thank all participants for their contribution. We thank CS Klinkby, trial nurse, for assistance in relation to the conduct of the trial visits. We also thank L Albjerg, biomedical laboratory technologist, AC Nilsson, consultant, KF Rasmussen, consultant, and J Georgsen, consultant, at the Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, for assisting in the implementation of the FMT stool bank.

Disclosure of Interests:

Maja Skov Kragsnaes Grant/research support from: Novartis 2017 (unrestricted research grant) to support 3 months PhD salary related to the conduct of the trial., Jens Kjeldsen: None declared, Hans Christian Horn: None declared, Heidi Lausten Munk: None declared, Jens Kristian Pedersen: None declared, Søren Andreas Just: None declared, Palle Ahlquist: None declared, Finn Moeller Pedersen: None declared, Maarten de Wit: None declared, Sören Möller: None declared, Vibeke Andersen: None declared, Karsten Kristiansen: None declared, Hanne Marie Holt: None declared, Dorte Kinggaard Holm: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Torkell Ellingsen Grant/research support from: Novartis 2017 (unrestricted research grant)

OP0159-HPR IMPACT OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS TARGETING SLEEP DISTURBANCES OR DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED TRIALS

Background:

Patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) often present limitations in daily life due to unpredictability, severity and chronicity of the disease, reduced functional ability and health-related quality of life. Moreover, sleep disturbances or disorders have been reported in up to 40-90% of patients with IA [1-3]. Sleep disturbances are further associated with pain, fatigue, mental well-being and disease activity [4]. As chronic us of hypnotic drugs are associated with tolerance and side effects, there is growing interest in non-pharmacological management to improve sleep.

Objectives:

With a systematic review and meta-analysis, our primary objective was to evaluate the evidence of non-pharmacological interventions targeting sleep in patients with IA. Primary outcome was sleep domains, while secondary objectives were based on the core outcome domains for IA trials and harms.

Methods:

Following protocol closure, a systematic search was undertaken in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, ACR and EULAR in September 2020. Eligible studies were randomised trials with adults with IA and concomitant sleep disturbances or disorders, comparing a non-pharmacological intervention targeting sleep disturbances or disorders to another non-pharmacological intervention, a pharmacological intervention or standard care. Screening of titles, abstracts, and subsequent full text assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Covidence tool. Randomisation, blinding, and adequacy of analyses was assessed using the Cochrane’s RoB tool and the overall quality of evidence was rated using GRADE methodology. Disagreements were resolved at consensus meetings with last authors. Effect sizes for continuous outcomes were based on the standardised mean difference (SMD), combined using standard random-effects meta-analysis (all with 95% CIs).

Results:

Six trials (308 patients) were included in the quantitative synthesis. Two trials included patients with the sleep disorder insomnia and the remaining four trials included patients with sleep disturbances. Sleep domains were measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) or Insomnia Severity index (ISI). Three trials reported improvement on sleep following foot reflexology, auricular plaster therapy, and exercise. The overall meta-analysis presented in the figure of forest plot for self-reported sleep suggests that non-pharmacological interventions have a potentially large effect size of -0.80 (95% CI, -1.33 to -0.28) on sleep. However, the quality of the evidence was assessed as corresponding to low, given that the body of the evidence was rated down twice, due to serious study limitations and inconsistency.

Conclusion:

Although the effect of non-pharmacological interventions targeting sleep disturbances or the sleep disorder insomnia was statistically highly significant, the implication for clinical practice is questionable because of the overall quality evidence. None of the core outcomes used in contemporary IA trials have indicated clinical benefit in favour of non-pharmacological interventions targeting sleep disturbances or disorders.

In conclusion, more rigorous research on non-pharmacological management of sleep disturbances and disorders is urgently needed, also aimed at specific sleep disorders, in order to fully reveal the clinical utility of these novel treatment options. At this point, non-pharmacological treatment of sleep disturbances or disorders is promising and potentially highly effective, and may have the potential to persistently decrease the symptom burden and increase the quality of life of patients with IA.

References:

[1]Li et al., Psychol Health Med. 2019 Sep;24(8):911-924

[2]Haugeberg et al., Arthritis Res Ther. 2020 Aug 26;22(1):198

[3]Wali et al., J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 Feb 15;16(2):259-265

[4]Løppenthin et al., Clin Rheumatol. 2015 Dec;34(12):2029-39

Disclosure of Interests:

Kristine Marie Latocha: None declared, Katrine Løppenthin: None declared, Safa Al-Bazy: None declared, Tannie Albrechtsen: None declared, Helle Jensen: None declared, Mikkel Østergaard Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi and UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Merck, Celgene, Novartis, Poul Jennum: None declared, Bente Appel Esbensen: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared

A Search for Undiagnosed Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Among Patients Registered with Unspecified Polyneuropathy in the Danish National Patient Registry

Purpose

In a recent study based on data from the Danish National Patients Registry (DNPR), we reported the prevalence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) in Denmark to be 22.5 per 100.000. This prevalence is most likely a minimum estimate, as many cases of CMT may be misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed due to the heterogeneous nature of the disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible number of undiagnosed CMT cases among patients registered with unspecified polyneuropathy (UP) diagnoses in the DNPR.

Patients and Methods

From the DNPR we extracted data on all patients given an UP diagnosis in the period 1977 to 2012. We selected all patients diagnosed with a primary UP diagnosis before age 40 at a department of neurology, neurophysiology, clinical genetics or pediatrics, and excluded all patients with a specified polyneuropathy diagnosis or with diagnostic codes related to alcohol and diabetes mellitus. To assess the proportion of possible CMT patients, we performed medical record review in a random sample of patients diagnosed in the Central Denmark Region. To further investigate the possible overlap between UP and CMT in the DNPR, we performed a series of searches for ICD-8 and ICD-10 codes related to CMT.

Results

Between 1977 and 2012, 30.903 patients were diagnosed with UP without also being diagnosed with CMT. A total of 940 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. We found that 21.5% (95% CI 13.1%–32.2%) of the cases in the random sample fulfilled our criteria for CMT. This estimate increases the prevalence of CMT in Denmark with 3.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 2.4%–5.5%).

Conclusion

This study illustrates how hitherto undiagnosed CMT patients may be identified in the DNPR and further reports the number of possible CMT cases. Our results support the hypothesis that the true prevalence of CMT is higher than recently reported.

Cell-based noninvasive prenatal testing (cbNIPT) detects pathogenic copy number variations

In two cases, cell-based noninvasive prenatal testing (cbNIPT) detected pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) in the fetal genome. cbNIPT may potentially be an improved noninvasive alternative for the detection of smaller CNVs.

Risk scoring by CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc as predictors for long-term outcomes after surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation

Background

Following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc have utility in predicting long-term outcomes. However, it is currently unknown if the same holds for patients undergoing surgical ablation.

Purpose

To determine whether CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc predict long-term outcomes after surgical ablation in concomitance with other cardiac surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, follow-up study, we included patients who underwent biatrial ablation - or pulmonary vein isolation procedure concomitantly with other cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2018. CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were assessed prior to surgery and categorized in groups as 0–1, 2–4 or ≥5. Outcomes were death, AF, and AF-related death. Follow-up was ended in April 2019.

Results

A total of 587 patients with a mean age of 68.7±0.4 years were included. Both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictors of survival p=0.005 and p&lt;0.001, respectively (Figure). For CHADS2, mean survival times were 5.9±3.7 years for scores 0–1, 5.0±3.0 years for scores 2–4 and 4.3±2.6 years for scores ≥5. For CHA2DS2-VASc mean survival times were 7.3±4.0 years for scores 0–1, 5.6±2.9 years for scores 2–4 and 4.8±2.1 years for scores ≥5. The incidence of death was 20.1% for CHADS2 0–1, 24.8% for CHADS2 2–4, and 35.3% for CHADS2 ≥5, p=0.186. The incidence of AF was 50.2% for CHADS2 0–1, 47.9% for CHADS2 2–4, and 76.5% for CHADS2 ≥5, p=0.073. The incidence of AF related death was 13.0% for CHADS2 0–1, 16.8% for CHADS2 2–4, and 35.3% for CHADS2 ≥5, p=0.031. The incidence of death was 16.8% for CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, 26.2% for CHA2DS2-VASc 2–4, and 45.0% for CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5, p=0.001. The incidence of AF was 49.6% for CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, 52.5% for CHA2DS2-VASc 2–4, and 72.5% for CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5, p=0.035. The incidence of AF related death was 12.2% for CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, 16.0% for CHA2DS2-VASc 2–4, and 42.5% for CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5, p&lt;0.001.

Conclusion

Both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict long-term outcomes after surgical ablation for AF. However, CHA2DS2-VASc was superior in predicting death, AF, and AF-related death.

Survival curves

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The role of stem cell antigen-1/Lymphocyte antigen 6A-2/6E-1 knock out in murine epidermis

Stem Cell Antigen-1 (SCA-1) is a central positive marker for isolating stem cells in several tissues in the mouse. However, for the epidermis, this appears to be the opposite since lack of SCA-1 has been shown to identify keratinocyte populations with progenitor characteristics. This study investigates the effect of SCA-1 knockout in murine keratinocytes. We compared Sca-1^EGFP/EGFP knockout and wildtype mice with respect to the three-dimensional morphology of the epidermis, performed functional assays, and generated gene expression profiles on FACS sorted cells. There were no morphological abnormalities on skin, fur, or hair follicles in transgenic knockout mice compared to wild type mice. SCA-1 knockout keratinocytes showed significantly reduced colony-forming efficiency, colony size and proliferation rate in vitro, however, SCA-1 knockout did not alter wound healing efficiency or keratinocyte proliferation rate in vivo. Moreover, gene expression profiling shows that the effect from knockout of SCA-1 in keratinocytes is dissimilar from what has been observed in other tissues. Additionally, tumor assay indicated that SCA-1 knockout decreases the number of formed papillomas. The results indicate a more complex role for SCA-1, which might differ between epidermal keratinocytes during homeostasis and activated conditions.

Implementation of exome sequencing in fetal diagnostics-Data and experiences from a tertiary center in Denmark

INTRODUCTION

Applying whole-exome sequencing (WES) for the diagnosis of diseases in children has shown significant diagnostic strength compared with chromosomal microarray. WES may also have the potential of adding clinically relevant prenatal information in cases where a fetus is found to have structural anomalies. We present results from the first fetal exomes performed in a tertiary center in Denmark.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Couples/expectant parents were included in Central Denmark Region from July 2016 to March 2019. Inclusion was not systematic, but where one or more fetal malformations or severe fetal hydrops were detected, and a specific diagnosis had not been obtained by chromosomal microarray. WES was performed in ongoing pregnancies (N = 11), after intrauterine demise (N = 5), or after termination of pregnancy based on ultrasound findings (N = 19). In most cases, a trio format was applied comprising fetal and parental DNA.

RESULTS

WES was performed in 35 highly selected fetal cases. Pathogenic variants, or variants likely to explain the phenotype, were detected in 9/35 (26%). Variants of uncertain significance were detected in 7/35 (20%) and there was one secondary finding (3%). Out of the 11 ongoing pregnancies, four reached a genetic diagnosis (36%). Detection rate was highest in cases of multisystem anomalies (7/13, 54%). WES was completed in all three trimesters and both autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance were revealed.

CONCLUSIONS

We present data from 35 cases of exome sequencing applied in a setting of fetal malformations. Importantly, though, we wish to share our personal experiences with implementing WES into a prenatal setting. As a medical society, we must continue to share what we do not understand, what went wrong, what is difficult, and what we do not agree upon. A common understanding and language are warranted. We also advocate that more research is needed concerning the clinical value, as well as costs and patient perspectives, of using WES in pregnancy. We believe that WES will lead to improved prenatal and perinatal care.

SAT0558 THE IMPACT OF A STANDARDIZED TRAINING PROGRAM FOR IMPROVING THE RELIABILITY AND AGREEMENT – A STUDY OF VASCULAR ULTRASOUND FOR DIAGNOSING GIANT CELL ARTERITIS IN DENMARK

Background:

Due to a high level of evidence of good test performance, accessibility, minimal invasiveness, low cost, and good overall performance, EULAR recommends ultrasound (US) of the temporal and axillary arteries as primary diagnostic imaging test in patients suspected of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) (1).

Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of US in GCA, standardized training programs and their impact on reliability are lacking(1). In TABUL study (2), the only US study published to date using a standardised US training program, the interobserver agreement by 12 different sonographers was only moderate, illustrating the challenges presented in the education for US in GCA.

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of a standardized training program including equipment adjustment on the agreement and reliability of US in the diagnosis of GCA for experienced musculoskeletal (MSK)ultrasonographers, without previous experience on vascular US.

Methods:

Five rheumatologists with long-standing experience in MSK US were trained by a standardized training program including equipment adjustment (Box 1) prior to a prospective, non-interventional observational study in patients suspected having GCA.The rheumatologist performing the US subsequently evaluated the images blinded to the patients data. Thereafter the images were evaluated by a blinded external expert (i.e. considered the gold standard).

Results:

In three Danish centers 112 patients were included, 59% females, mean age 72.4 (SD) 7.9 years and median CRP 55 (IQR 21-100)mg/l. Median duration of prednisolone treatment prior to US examination was 0 (IQR 0 to 1) days. 92% of the patients reported a newly emerged localized headache.

The reliability between the performing ultrasonographer and the US expert for the overall GCA diagnosis, as for the diagnosis of cranial (c-GCA) and large-vessel GCA (Lv-GCA) was excellent. In addition, excellent reliability was also found for the US examination of all examined arteries (Table 1). According to the US expert, vasculitis changes were found in 66 patients with the pathological findings distributed as presented in table 1.

Table 1VariablesPathological findings (%)Interobserver agreement (%)Interobserver ReliabilityKappa Coefficient95% Confidence LimitsUS positive for GCA59%96%0.930.85-0.9966/112US positive for cGCA53%95%0.890.81-0.9859/112US positive for Lv-GCA19%96%0.890.78-0.99521/112Halo sign TA, all51%96%0.910.83-0.99segments57/112Compression sign TA,48%94%0.890.80-0.9851/107all segmentsHalo sign FA20%96%0.870.75-0.9823/112Compression sign16%96%0.860.73-0.99FA17/107Halo sign AA18%97%0.910.81-1.0020/112Halo sign AC4%100%1.001.00-1.006/11

TA: Temporal; FA: Facial; AA: Axillary; AC: common Carotid, artery

Conclusion:

Our training program resulted in excellent reliability of US findings in patients suspected of having GCA and for the final diagnosis. The training program could be used when implementing vascular US in clinical practice.

Box 1

References:

[1]Dejaco C et al. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice. Ann Rheum Dis 2018;77:636

[2]Luqmani R et al. The Role of Ultrasound Compared to Biopsy of Temporal Arteries in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis: a diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness study Health Technol Assess 2016;20:1_238

Disclosure of Interests:

stavros chrysidis: None declared, Lene Terslev Speakers bureau: LT declares speakers fees from Roche, MSD, BMS, Pfizer, AbbVie, Novartis, and Janssen., Robin Christensen: None declared, Ulrich Fredberg: None declared, Knud Larsen: None declared, Tove Lorenzen: None declared, Uffe Møller Døhn: None declared, Andreas Diamandopoulos: None declared

AB0194 VITAMIN D TRAJECTORIES IN EARLY DIAGNOSED, AGGRESSIVELY TREATED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: A 10 YEAR LONGITUDINAL COHORT STUDY BASED ON THE DANISH CIMESTRA TRIAL

Background:

Low vitamin D levels are common in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)1, and possibly associated with disease course,2but data on vitamin D levels during long-term disease course has not been reported previously.

Objectives:

To describe vitamin D trajectories from time of diagnosis through 10 years follow-up in early diagnosed RA patients.

Methods:

The CIMESTRA trial included 160 newly diagnosed RA-patients, treated aiming at remission with methotrexate and intraarticular steroid, further randomized to ciclosporine or placebo. Vitamin D supplementation was recommended according to national guidelines. Vitamin Dtotalwas measured at diagnosis, and year 1, 5 and 10 using LC-MS/MS. 1,25(OH)2D was measured at diagnosis and year 1 using RIA. Linear mixed effects models were used to study vitamin D levels serially. We had fixed effects for time, and patients modelled as a random effect. We tested the hypothesis that percentage of patients achieving Dtotal≥ 50 nmol/l during follow-up was 90%. Analyses of associations between Dtotaland DAS28-CRP during the disease-course were adjusted for age, sex, symptom-duration prior to diagnosis and season of diagnosis.

Results:

Median Dtotalat baseline was 53 nmol/l (IQR 36-567.8). Dtotalincreased significantly during follow-up, independently of level at diagnosis (p<0.001). Individuals achieving Dtotal≥50nmol/l during follow-up was 80-87%, but not as high as 90% at year 1 and 5, p<0.002. DAS28-CRP during disease-course was inversely associated with Dtotaltrajectories only in crude (β-coefficient (β) -0.0034, 95%CI (-0.007; -0.0002) p=0.039) and partially adjusted analyses (β -0.003, 95%CI (-0.007; -0.002) p=0.04). Estimate was left insignificant in fully adjusted analyses (β -0.003, 95%CI (-0.0006; 0.0001) p=0.06). 1,25(OH)2D levels did not change significantly during follow-up (p=1.00).

Conclusion:

Dtotalincreased significantly during follow-up, but fewer than 90% achieved the recommended 50 nmol/l at year 1 and 5. Disease activity during follow-up was associated with Dtotaltrajectories only in partially adjusted analyses, while adjustment for possible confounders left estimates insignificant. Results suggest vitamin D supplementation to be recommended in all RA patients.

References:

Reference List

[1]Herly M, Stengaard-Pedersen K, Vestergaard P, et al. The D-vitamin metabolite 1,25(OH)2 D in serum is associated with disease activity and Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies in active and treatment naive, early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.Scand J Immunol2018;88(3):e12704. doi: 10.1111/sji.12704

[2]Mouterde G, Gamon E, Rincheval N, et al. Association between Vitamin D deficiency and disease activity, disability and radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis. The ESPOIR cohort.J Rheumatol2019 doi: 10.3899/jrheum.190795

Disclosure of Interests:

Mette Herly Grant/research support from: Pfizer Denmark - “Unrestricted Grant” for PhD project

Danish Rheumatism Association, Research Grant, Speakers bureau: Speaker for Danish Rheumatism Association, Kristian Stengaard-Pedersen: None declared, Peter Vestergaard: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Sören Möller: None declared, Mikkel Ǿstergaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Peter Junker: None declared, Merete L. Hetland Grant/research support from: BMS, MSD, AbbVie, Roche, Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, CellTrion, Merck and Samsung Bioepis, Kim Hørslev-Petersen Grant/research support from: Pfizer (Travel expences), Torkell Ellingsen: None declared

OP0172 EFFECT OF WEIGHT LOSS AND LIRAGLUTIDE ON SERUM URATE LEVELS AMONG OBESE KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS: SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

There is a strong association between gout and obesity. Lowering urate is the cornerstone of gout management [1] and urate levels correlate strongly with central obesity. Previous studies suggest that weight loss has a positive effect on serum urate, however, the studies are sparse and small [2].

Objectives:

To assess the impact of an initial low-calorie diet-induced weight loss and subsequent randomisation to the body weight-lowering drug liraglutide (a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist) or placebo on serum urate levels.

Methods:

In the LOSE-IT trial (NCT02905864), a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group, single-centre trial [3], 156 obese individuals with knee osteoarthritis, but without gout, were offered an initial 8-week intensive diet intervention (week -8 to 0) on Cambridge Weight Plan (800-1000 kcal/day) followed by a weight loss maintenance period in which participants were randomised to either liraglutide 3 mg/day or placebo for 52 weeks. We conducted a secondary analysis of blood samples collected at week -8, 0 and 52. The primary outcome measure was change in serum urate. We used paired t-test for the change from week -8 to 0, and for change from week 0 to 52 we used an ANCOVA model adjusted for stratification factors (sex, age category and obesity class), and the level of the outcome at baseline. Data were analysed as observed (i.e. no imputation of missing data).

Results:

156 individuals were randomised and 155 had blood samples taken at baseline. In the initial intensive diet intervention period (week -8 to 0) they lost a mean of 12.5 kg (95% CI -13.1 to -11.9, n 156). In the following 52 weeks, the liraglutide group lost an additional 4.1 kg (SE 1.2, n 71) whereas the control group was almost unchanged with a weight loss of 0.2 kg (SE 1.2, n 66). Looking at the main outcome of serum urate levels change, the initial intensive diet resulted in a mean decrease of 0.21 mg/dL (95% CI 0.35 to 0.07, n 155) for the entire cohort. In the following year (week 0 to 52) the liraglutide group exhibited a further mean decrease in serum urate of 0.48 mg/dL (SE 0.11, n 69), whereas the placebo group exhibited a slight decrease in mean serum urate of 0.07 mg/dL (SE 0.12, n 65) resulting in a significant between-group difference of -0.40 mg/dL (95% CI -0.69 to -0.12, n 134) – see Figure 1. Four participants in each group experienced serious adverse events; no deaths were observed.

Conclusion:

This secondary analysis of the LOSE-IT trial suggests that liraglutide provides a potential novel serum urate lowering drug mechanism in obese patient populations, with potential implication for gout treatment.

References:

[1]Richette P et al. 2016.Ann Rheum Dis2017;76:29–42.

[2]Nielsen SM et al.Ann Rheum Dis2017 76(11):1870-1882.

[3]Gudbergsen H et al.BMJ2019. 71–2.

Disclosure of Interests:

Kristian Zobbe: None declared, Sabrina Mai Nielsen: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Anders Overgaard: None declared, henrik gudbergsen Speakers bureau: Pfizer 2016, Marius Henriksen: None declared, Henning Bliddal Grant/research support from: received research grant fra NOVO Nordic, Consultant of: consultant fee fra NOVO Nordic, Lene Dreyer: None declared, Lisa Stamp: None declared, Filip Krag Knop Shareholder of: Minority shareholder in Antag Therapeutics Aps, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Gubra, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Zealand Pharma, Consultant of: Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, MSD/Merck, Mundipharma, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Zealand Pharma., Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, MedImmune, MSD/Merck, Mundipharma, Norgine, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Zealand Pharma., Lars Erik Kristensen Consultant of: UCB Pharma (Advisory Board), Sannofi (Advisory Board), Abbvie (Advisory Board), Biogen (Advisory Board), Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Forward Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma

AB1255 AGREEMENT BETWEEN PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURES COLLECTED VIA A SMARTPHONE APPLICATION VS A TOUCHSCREEN SOLUTION IN AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC AMONG PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMISED, WITHIN-PARTICIPANT TRIAL

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential to understand the patient’s perception of arthritis activity. In Demark, PROMs are registered on a touchscreen in the outpatient clinic. However, some patients find it inconvenient due to e.g. waiting in queue, lack of privacy, uncomfortable seating position, reduced upper limb strength and dexterity with seeing the touchscreen due to deformity of the cervical spine. The widespread use of smartphones makes it possible for patients to register PROMs via an application (app) on their own device.

Objectives:

The primary aim is to evaluate the agreement (i.e. similarity) between the two devices assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) status among patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Methods:

The study was a randomised, crossover, agreement trial (NCT03486613) conducted at Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark. Participants were recruited through an invitation on the touchscreen in the outpatient clinic. Patients with an established diagnosis (≥ 12 months) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and experience with the PROM questionnaires (≥ 3 previous registrations) were enrolled and randomised in ratio 1:1 (stratified by diagnosis) to PROM registration through the DANBIO app and the touchscreen in random order. Figure 1A and 1B shows the two devices.

The sample size calculation was based on a prespecified equivalence margin of ±0.11 HAQ-DI points (i.e. ≤ half of the minimal important difference of 0.22 points) yielding a power of 99.2% for 60 enrolled patients. There was a wash-out period of 1-2 days between the two device registrations to minimise the potential carryover effect.

A paired t-test was used to calculate the mean HAQ-DI score for the two devices and the difference in HAQ-DI score with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A Bland-Altman plot was used to assess limits of agreement (LoA).

Results:

60 patients (20 with RA, 20 with PsA and 20 with axSpA) were randomised of whom 51.7% were male. Mean age was 53.7 years (range 22-77) and mean disease duration was 12.5 years (range 1.0-34.8).

Mean HAQ-DI was 0.608 (95%CI 0.437;0.779) for the DANBIO app and 0.614 (95%CI 0.446;0.783) for the touchscreen (Table 1). Agreement between scores obtained with the two devices is illustrated with Bland-Altman plots in figure 2A and 2B. The paired mean difference of HAQ-DI between the two devices was -0.006 (95%CI -0.0424; 0.030); thus the 95% confidence interval for the mean difference was within the prespecified equivalence margin of ±0.11 HAQ-DI points.

Table 1.

HAQ-DI scores, difference and LoA for the two devices.

App, mean (SD)Touchscreen, mean (SD)Difference, mean (95%CI)LoAMissing valuesHAQ-DI (0-3)0.608 (0.656)0.614 (0.646)-0.006 (-0.042;0.030)-0.277;0.2641

Conclusion:

The current study showed no statistical or clinically important difference in HAQ-DI measurement captured by a smartphone app or outpatient touchscreen. Therefore, we feel confident that the two devices perform similarly enough to be used interchangeably in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Disclosure of Interests:

Line Uhrenholt Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Novartis (not related to the submitted work), Robin Christensen: None declared, Lene Dreyer: None declared, Annette Mortensen Speakers bureau: MSD and Eli Lilly (not related to the submitted work)., Ellen-Margrethe Hauge Speakers bureau: Fees for speaking/consulting: MSD, AbbVie, UCB and Sobi; research funding to Aarhus University Hospital: Roche and Novartis (not related to the submitted work)., Niels Steen Krogh: None declared, Mikkel Kramme Abildtoft: None declared, Peter C. Taylor Grant/research support from: Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Galapagos, and Gilead, Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly and Company, Fresenius, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nordic Pharma, Pfizer Roche, and UCB, Salome Kristensen: None declared

FRI0592 IMPACT OF INDIVIDUAL SYMPTOMS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS ON PHYSICAL COMPONENT SCORE AND MENTAL COMPONENT SCORE OF SF-36 AS A MEASURE OF HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL): AN OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY

Background:

Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) experience diverse symptoms including skin and nail psoriasis, swollen and tender joints, enthesitis, and fatigue that have shown to impair health related quality of life (QoL). We hypothesized that different elements of disease influence SF-36 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores differently.

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to assess the interaction between change in disease activity (DAS28CRP), PsA symptoms (psoriasis [PsO], nail PsO, enthesitis, fatigue, pain, and physical function) with changes in PCS and MCS scores in a PsA patient cohort exploring effect of treatment on clinical manifestations and patient-reported outcome (PRO).

Methods:

Data were obtained from the PIPA cohort (1) at baseline and after 4 months of treatment. Patients’ characteristics were described as medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs) and numbers with percentages. Data were presented as changes between baseline and follow-up with delta (Δ) values on xyz-plots. Associations between PCS and MCS scores, DAS28CRP, and PsA symptoms were described with fitted linear regression plane models. PCS and MCS were derived from 8 domains of SF-36 and ranged from 0-100 with lower values reflecting more impaired QoL.

Results:

71 PsA patients were included in the study. 40 (56%) patients were female with a mean age of 50 (IQR 41-60) years and disease duration of 2.15 (IQR 0.2-9) years. Figure 1 shows associations between PsA symptoms, DAS28CRP, and PCS (green regression plane) and MCS (blue regression plane). For all PROs; pain, fatigue and physical function, improvements in both ΔPCS and Δ MCS scores were associated with improvements in either Δpain, ΔPsAID fatigue, and/or ΔHAQ, and to a larger extent than improvements in ΔDAS28CRP. Improvements in Δnail PsO (regression coefficient (RC): -0.22) and ΔPASI (RC: -0.31) positively impacts ΔMCS, without a clear association in PCS scores (RC: 0.13 and 0.38 for Δnail PsO and ΔPASI, respectively). Improvement in inflammatory features SPARCC enthesitis and DAS28CRP showed improvement in both ΔPCS and ΔMCS.

Figure 1.

Association between disease activity, individual symptoms and PCS/MCS PCS; physical component summary (green regression plane), MCS; mental component summary (blue regression plane). Arrows indicate the positive improvement vector. SF-36: short form-36, CI: Confidence Interval, DAS28CRP: disease activity score with 28 joints and c-reactive protein, PASI: Psoriasis Area Severity Index, SPARCC: Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada enthesitis index, VAS: visual analogue scale, PsAID: Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease, HAQ: Health Assessment Questionnaire

Conclusion:

Pain and fatigue are well-known factors to impair QoL in PsA patient. Here we show that diminishing these factors, pain and fatigue, improved both PCS and MCS scores more than changes in DAS28CRP. Improvements in skin and nail manifestations impacted MCS scores and are as important as changes in joint manifestations which affect PCS and MCS scores equally.

References:

[1] Hojgaard P et al. Pain mechanisms and ultrasonic inflammatory activity as prognostic factors in patients with psoriatic arthritis (…) BMJ Open. 20

Disclosure of Interests:

Marie Skougaard: None declared, Tanja Schjødt Jørgensen Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, UCB, Biogen, and Eli Lilly, Mia Joranger Jensen: None declared, Christine Ballegaard: None declared, Jørgen Guldberg-Møller Speakers bureau: Novartis, Ely Lilly, AbbVie, BK Ultrasound, Alexander Egeberg Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, AbbVie, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the Danish National Psoriasis Foundation and the Kgl Hofbundtmager Aage Bang Foundation, Consultant of: UCB Pharma (Advisory Board), Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Almirall, Leo Pharma, Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd., Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Galderma, Dermavant, UCB Pharma, Mylan, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Robin Christensen: None declared, Joseph F. Merola Consultant of: Merck, AbbVie, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Sanofi, Regeneron, Arena, Sun Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, EMD Sorono, Avotres and LEO Pharma, Laura C Coates: None declared, Vibeke Strand Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America, Crescendo Bioscience, Eli Lilly, Genentech/Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, UCB, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, Lars Erik Kristensen Consultant of: UCB Pharma (Advisory Board), Sannofi (Advisory Board), Abbvie (Advisory Board), Biogen (Advisory Board), Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb,Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Forward Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma

THU0614-HPR ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF INTERVENTIONS FOR AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS ACCORDING TO THE ENDORSED ASAS/OMERACT CORE OUTCOME SET: A META-RESEARCH STUDY OF TRIALS INCLUDED IN COCHRANE REVIEWS

Background:

The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) has defined separate core sets for: i) symptom-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (SM-ARD), ii) clinical record keeping, and iii) disease-controlling anti-rheumatic therapy (DC-ART). These all include the following domains: ‘physical function’, ‘pain’, ‘spinal mobility’, ‘spinal stiffness’ and ‘patient global assessment’ (PGA). The core set for clinical record keeping further includes the domains ‘peripheral joints’ and ‘acute phase reactants’, and the core set for DC-ART further includes the domains ‘fatigue’, ‘spine/hip radiographs’.

Objectives:

To assess the effect of interventions for each of the 9 axSpA core domains.

Methods:

We investigated the efficacy across all interventions included in Cochrane reviews according to the core outcome set for axSpA, as reported in these eligible axSpA trials. We combined data using the standardized mean difference (SMD) to meta-analyze outcomes involving similar constructs. By meta-regression analysis, we examined the effect for each of the nine separate SMD measures on the primary endpoint across all trials.

Results:

Among 85 articles screened, we included 43 trials with 63 randomized comparisons. Mean (SD) number of core outcomes domains measured for SM-ARD trials was 4.2 (1.7). 6 trials assessed all 5 proposed domains. Mean (SD) for number of core outcome domains for DC-ART trials was 5.8 (1.7). Unfortunately, no trials assessed all 9 domains. 8 trials were judged to have high risk of selective outcome reporting. The most responsible core domains for achieving success in meeting the primary objective per trial were pain; OR (95% CI) 5.19 (2.28, 11.77) and PGA; OR (95% CI) 1.87 (1.14, 3.07).

Conclusion:

Overall outcome reporting was good for SM-ARD trials, and poor for DC-ART trials. None of the DC-ART trials assessed all 9 domains. Outcome-reporting bias and ‘missing data’ should be reduced by implementing the endorsed ASAS/OMERACT outcome domains in all clinical trials. Our findings suggest that PGA and pain likely provide a holistic assessment of disease beyond “objective measures” of spinal inflammation.

Disclosure of Interests:

Rikke Asmussen Andreasen: None declared, Lars Erik Kristensen Consultant of: UCB Pharma (Advisory Board), Sannofi (Advisory Board), Abbvie (Advisory Board), Biogen (Advisory Board), Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb,Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Forward Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, MSD, 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, Vibeke Strand Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America, Crescendo Bioscience, Eli Lilly, Genentech/Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, UCB, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, Maarten de Wit Grant/research support from: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Consultant of: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Speakers bureau: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Torkell Ellingsen: None declared, Inger Marie Jensen Hansen: None declared, Jamie Kirkham: None declared, George Wells: None declared, Peter Tugwell: None declared, Lara Maxwell: None declared, Maarten Boers: None declared, Kenneth Egstrup: None declared, Robin Christensen Grant/research support from: Dr. Christensen reports non-financial support from Board membership, grants from Consultancy (AbbVie, Amgen, Axellus A/S, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, MSD, Norpharma, Novartis, Orkla Health, Pfizer, Roche, Sobi, Takeda), personal fees from Employment (Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark), non-financial support from Expert testimony, grants from Grants/grants pending (Axellus A/S, AbbVie, Cambridge Weight Plan, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma, Novartis, and Roche), grants from Payment for lectures including service on speakers bureaus (Abbott, Amgen, Axellus, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Ipsen, Janssen, Laboratoires Expanscience, MSD, Mundipharma, Norpharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Rottapharm-Madaus, Sobi, and Wyeth), grants from Payment for manuscript preparation (Axellus, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Cambridge Weight Plan, Aleris-Hamlet (via Norpharma)), non-financial support from Patents (planned, pending or issued), non-financial support from Royalties, grants from Payment for development of educational presentations (Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Pfizer), non-financial support from Stock/stock options, grants from Travel/accommodations/meeting expenses unrelated to activities listed (Abbott, AbbVie, Axellus, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Celgene, Laboratoires Expanscience, Norpharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Rottapharm-Madaus, and Wyeth), non-financial support from Other (err on the side of full disclosure), outside the submitted work; and I am involved in many health-care initiatives and research that could benefit from wide uptake of this publication (including Cochrane, OMERACT, IDEOM, RADS, and the GRADE Working Group).

Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute is grateful for the financial support received from public and private foundations, companies and private individuals over the years. The Parker Institute is supported by a core grant from the Oak Foundation; The Oak Foundation is a group of philanthropic organizations that, since its establishment in 1983, has given grants to not-for-profit organizations around the world.., Consultant of: Dr. Christensen reports non-financial support from Board membership, grants from Consultancy (AbbVie, Amgen, Axellus A/S, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, MSD, Norpharma, Novartis, Orkla Health, Pfizer, Roche, Sobi, Takeda), personal fees from Employment (Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark), non-financial support from Expert testimony, grants from Grants/grants pending (Axellus A/S, AbbVie, Cambridge Weight Plan, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma, Novartis, and Roche), grants from Payment for lectures including service on speakers bureaus (Abbott, Amgen, Axellus, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Ipsen, Janssen, Laboratoires Expanscience, MSD, Mundipharma, Norpharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Rottapharm-Madaus, Sobi, and Wyeth), grants from Payment for manuscript preparation (Axellus, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Cambridge Weight Plan, Aleris-Hamlet (via Norpharma)), non-financial support from Patents (planned, pending or issued), non-financial support from Royalties, grants from Payment for development of educational presentations (Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Pfizer), non-financial support from Stock/stock options, grants from Travel/accommodations/meeting expenses unrelated to activities listed (Abbott, AbbVie, Axellus, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Celgene, Laboratoires Expanscience, Norpharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Rottapharm-Madaus, and Wyeth), non-financial support from Other (err on the side of full disclosure), outside the submitted work; and I am involved in many health-care initiatives and research that could benefit from wide uptake of this publication (including Cochrane, OMERACT, IDEOM, RADS, and the GRADE Working Group).

Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute is grateful for the financial support received from public and private foundations, companies and private individuals over the years. The Parker Institute is supported by a core grant from the Oak Foundation; The Oak Foundation is a group of philanthropic organizations that, since its establishment in 1983, has given grants to not-for-profit organizations around the world.., Speakers bureau: Dr. Christensen reports non-financial support from Board membership, grants from Consultancy (AbbVie, Amgen, Axellus A/S, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, MSD, Norpharma, Novartis, Orkla Health, Pfizer, Roche, Sobi, Takeda), personal fees from Employment (Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark), non-financial support from Expert testimony, grants from Grants/grants pending (Axellus A/S, AbbVie, Cambridge Weight Plan, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma, Novartis, and Roche), grants from Payment for lectures including service on speakers bureaus (Abbott, Amgen, Axellus, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Ipsen, Janssen, Laboratoires Expanscience, MSD, Mundipharma, Norpharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Rottapharm-Madaus, Sobi, and Wyeth), grants from Payment for manuscript preparation (Axellus, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Cambridge Weight Plan, Aleris-Hamlet (via Norpharma)), non-financial support from Patents (planned, pending or issued), non-financial support from Royalties, grants from Payment for development of educational presentations (Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Pfizer), non-financial support from Stock/stock options, grants from Travel/accommodations/meeting expenses unrelated to activities listed (Abbott, AbbVie, Axellus, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cambridge Weight Plan, Celgene, Laboratoires Expanscience, Norpharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Rottapharm-Madaus, and Wyeth), non-financial support from Other (err on the side of full disclosure), outside the submitted work; and I am involved in many health-care initiatives and research that could benefit from wide uptake of this publication (including Cochrane, OMERACT, IDEOM, RADS, and the GRADE Working Group).

Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute is grateful for the financial support received from public and private foundations, companies and private individuals over the years. The Parker Institute is supported by a core grant from the Oak Foundation; The Oak Foundation is a group of philanthropic organizations that, since its establishment in 1983, has given grants to not-for-profit organizations around the world.

FRI0019 MRI INFLAMMATION, DISEASE ACTIVITY AND FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT ARE MORE EFFECTIVELY REDUCED BY ESCALATION TO BIOLOGICS COMPARED TO CSDMARD-ESCALATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN CLINICAL REMISSION FOLLOWING A TREAT-TO-TARGET STRATEGY: SECONDARY ANALYSES OF THE IMAGINE-RA TRIAL

Background:

The effect of different treatment escalations on MRI inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients following an MRI treat-to-target (T2T) strategy has not previously been investigated.

Objectives:

To compare the effect of different treatment escalations on MRI inflammation, physical function and disease activity in RA patients in clinical remission, following an MRI T2T strategy.

Methods:

One hundred RA patients in clinical remission (DAS28-CRP<3.2 and no swollen joints), on conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs following an MRI T2T strategy targeting DAS28-CRP≤3.2, no swollen joints plus absence of MRI osteitis, were followed for 2 years with clinical and MRI (wrist and 2nd-5thMCP joints) evaluation every 4 months1. If target was not met, a predefined treatment escalation algorithm dictated: First: increase in csDMARDs (A), second: adding a TNF inhibitor (TNFi) (B), third and onwards: switch between biologics (C). If target was met, no change in baseline csDMARDs was done (D). Outcomes were assessed 4 months after treatment change. MRIs were evaluated with known chronology by one experienced reader. Repeated measures mixed linear models were used to express estimates of group differences on predefined co-primary outcomes (MRI osteitis, HAQ) and key secondary outcomes (MRI combined inflammation, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)).

Results:

Escalation to first TNFi (B) or to 2ndor later biologic (C) compared to csDMARDs (A) was consistently more effective on all outcomes (e.g. in group B osteitis was reduced with 1.8 units more than A) (Table). Unchanged (D) compared to escalation in csDMARD (A) treatment did not differ, except for HAQ-score. Escalation to a 2ndor later biologics (C) compared to the first TNFi (B) was more effective suppressing MRI inflammation. Escalation to TNFi treatment (B) or to 2ndor later biologic (C) compared to unchanged treatment (D) was more effective on all outcomes except from HAQ-score (no difference between groups).

Comparisons of treatment escalations1A: Increment in csDMARD mono/combination therapy (n=73)); B: Switch from csDMARD combination therapy to TNFi (n=39); C: Switch from TNFi to 2ndbiologic/switch between biologics (n=21); D: No change in csDMARDs from baseline (n=58)A vs BA vs CA vs DB vs CB vs DC vs DOutcomesPrimaryMRIOsteitis1.8 (1.0; 2.6) p<.00013.6 (2.3; 4.8) p<.00010.3 (−0.3; 1.0)p=.321.8 (0.8; 2.9) p=.0006−1.4 (−2.4; −0.5) p=.0045−3.3 (−4.6; −1.9) p<.0001HAQ0.081(0.033; 0.13) p=.00110.091(0.031; 0.15) p=.00320.054(0.014; 0.095) p=.00910.0092(−0.051; 0.070) p=.77−0.027(−0.082; 0.028) p=.33−0.037(−0.10; 0.031) p=.29Key secondaryMRI combined inflammationa2.5 (0.9; 4.1) p=.00185.4 (3.1; 7.7) p<.00010.4 (−0.9; 1.8)p=.522.9 (0.8; 4.9) p=.0064−2.1 (−4.0; −0.2) p=.032−5.0 (−7.5; −2.4) p=.0002SDAI2.7 (1.9; 3.5) p<.00012.4 (1.4; 3.4) p<.00010.5 (−0.2; 1.2)p=.14−0.3 (−1.3; 0.7)p=.60−2.2 (−3.1; −1.3) p<.0001−1.9 (−3.0; 0.8) p=.0006

1Estimates of group differences (least squares means (95% CI)).

aSum score of synovitis, osteitis and tenosynovitis

Conclusion:

T2T-based treatment escalations to biologics compared to csDMARD-escalations more effectively improved MRI inflammation, physical function and disease activity. Further optimization of the treatment in RA patients in clinical remission may improve long-term outcomes.

References:

[1]Møller-Bisgaard et al. JAMA 2019

Disclosure of Interests:

Signe Møller-Bisgaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Consultant of: BMS, Speakers bureau: BMS, Celgene, Pfizer, Kim Hørslev-Petersen: None declared, Bo Ejbjerg: None declared, Merete L. Hetland Grant/research support from: BMS, MSD, AbbVie, Roche, Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, CellTrion, Merck and Samsung Bioepis, Robin Christensen: None declared, Lykke Ørnbjerg: None declared, Daniel Glinatsi: None declared, Jakob Møllenbach Møller: None declared, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Kristian Stengaard-Pedersen: None declared, Ole Rintek Madsen: None declared, Bente Jensen: None declared, Jan Villadsen: None declared, Ellen Margrethe Hauge: None declared, Philip Bennett: None declared, Oliver Hendricks: None declared, Karsten Asmussen: None declared, Marcin Kowalski: None declared, Hanne Merete Lindegaard: None declared, Henning Bliddal Grant/research support from: received research grant fra NOVO Nordic, Consultant of: consultant fee fra NOVO Nordic, Niels Steen Krogh: None declared, Torkell Ellingsen: None declared, Agnete Nielsen: None declared, Anne Grethe Jurik: None declared, Lone Balding: None declared, Henrik Thomsen: None declared, Mikkel Ǿstergaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB

FRI0069 EFFECTS OF ADALIMUMAB ADDED TO TREAT-TO-TARGET STRATEGY WITH METHOTREXATE AND INTRA-ARTICULAR TRIAMCINOLONE ON LIPIDS IN EARLY- AND TREATMENT NAÏVE RHEUMATOID PATIENTS: SECONDARY ANALYSES FROM THE MULTICENTER DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED OPERA TRIAL

Background:

Systemic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with reduced serum lipid levels (LL) and treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs has been associated with increased serum LL [1]. It is unclear whether the changes in serum LL reported in association with adalimumab (ADA) treatment are due to suppressed inflammation or the ADA treatmentper se.

Objectives:

The primary objective was to compare the effect of ADA + methotrexate (MTX) to placebo (PBO) + MTX on changes in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline to month 12 in patients with early- and treatment naïve RA. Secondary objectives were to compare the treatment groups on changes in total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and non-HDL-C (=TC – HDL-C).

Methods:

We present secondary analyses from the OPERA trial, which was an investigator-initiated, multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled, treat-to-target trial of 180 early and treatment naïve RA patients, who were randomized (1:1) to oral MTX 20 mg once a week in combination with either PBO or ADA 40 mg SC EOW [2]. Any swollen joint was injected with triamcinolone hexacetonide. Lipid profiles of each patient were assessed at baseline and 12 months. All randomized patients with available LDL-C at baseline were included in Intention To Treat (ITT) analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed on the Per Protocol (PP) and the ITT population with baseline observations carried forward (BOCF). All analyses were based on repeated measurements using mixed linear models.

Results:

In total, 174 patients (97% of the original OPERA trial population) were included in ITT analysis (ADA n=86; PBO n=88) and 156 patients (ADA n=78; PBO n=78) completed the study with LDL-C measurements at both baseline and 12 months (PP). At baseline mean LDL-C was 2.9 mmol/L (SD 0.9) with 63 (36.2%) patients having an LDL-C above 3.0 mmol/L. There was no significant difference in LDL-C change between ADA+MTX and PBO+MTX groups after 12 months. A nearly statistically significant between-group difference in TC change was found. Other changes in LL were comparable across the two groups. Results in ITT, PP and ITT with BOCF populations were similar.

Conclusion:

In early RA patients treated to target with methotrexate and intra-articular triamcinolone, 12 months with the addition of adalimumab did not affect lipid levels.

References:

[1]England BRet al., Bmj2018;361:k1036

[2]Hørslev-Petersen Ket al.,Ann Rheum Dis2014;73:654–61

Disclosure of Interests:

Dzenan Masic: None declared, Kristian Stengaard-Pedersen: None declared, Brian Bridal Løgstrup: None declared, Kim Hørslev-Petersen Grant/research support from: Pfizer (Travel expences), Merete L. Hetland Grant/research support from: BMS, MSD, AbbVie, Roche, Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, CellTrion, Merck and Samsung Bioepis, Peter Junker: None declared, Mikkel Ǿstergaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Christian Ammitzbøl: None declared, Sören Möller: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Torkell Ellingsen: None declared

Table .

Change in primary and secondary outcomes in the ITT analysis

AB0737 MEASUREMENT PROPERTIES OF RADIOGRAPHIC OUTCOME MEASURES IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FROM THE GRAPPA-OMERACT INITIATIVE

Background:

Structural damage was identified as an important outcome domain in the Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Core Domain Set and should be assessed at least once in the development of a new therapeutic.

Objectives:

To conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify studies addressing the measurement properties (MPs) for ROIs and appraise the evidence through the OMERACT Filter 2.1 Framework Instrument Selection Algorithm (OFISA). [1]

Methods:

An SLR was conducted in EMBASE and MEDLINE to identify full-text English studies developing or assessing MPs of ROIs in PsA. Determination of eligibility, data extraction and methodology asssessment were performed by 2 reviewers. MPs were rated according to the ‘Provisional Standards’ and assigned a Red/Amber/White/Green (RAWG) rating (Figure 1). [1, 2]

Results:

3621 references were screened, 531 full-text articles reviewed, and 12 were included (Figure 2). Nine instruments assessing peripheral radiographs and six assessing axial radiographs were identified (Table 1). Three of the nine peripheral radiographic instruments had adequate evidence for reliability and some evidence for construct validity: the modified Steinbrocker, Ratingen, and modified Sharp van der Heijde scores. There was scant evidence for reliability, construct validity and responsiveness for the axial ROIs, compounded by the lack of a standardized definition of axial PsA.

Conclusion:

This SLR summarizes the MPs of ROIs and identifies relevant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed prior to endorsement of an instrument for the PsA Core Domain Set.

References:

[1]Richards P and De Wit M, editors. The OMERACT Handbook (March 2019)

[2]Mokkink LB and D’Agostino MA. Protocol for performing a systematic review on imaging techniques (unpublished)

Figure 1.

Criteria for the RAWG Rating

Figure 2.

PRISMA Diagram

Table 1.

Summary of Measurement Properties

ROIDomain MatchFeasibilityConstruct ValidityDiscriminationReliabilityResponsivenessInter-raterIntra-raterMeasurement ErrorLongitudinal Construct ValidityClinical Trial DiscriminationThresholds of MeaningOriginal Steinbrocker ScoreA[1]A[1]R[1]Modified Steinbrocker Score#G[2]G[2]A[1]A[2]Modified Larsen ScoreA[1]A[1]A[1]*Ratingen Score#A[1]G[3]G[3]A[3]A[1]mTSS-AA[1]A[1]A[1]mTSS-B#A[1]A[1]A[1]A[1]*mSvdHs#A[2]G[2]G[2]A[1]A[1]*ReXPsAR[0]SPARS#A[1]A[1]A[1]Axial PsA Definition 1MSASSS#A[2]R[0]BASRI - Total#A[2]R[0]PASRI#A[2]R[0]Axial PsA Definition 2MSASSS#A[1]R[1]A[1]A[1]BASRI - Spine#R[1]A[1]A[1]PASRI#A[1]A[1]A[1]Modified NYC#R[1]A[1]RASSS#R[1]A[1]A[1]

A = Amber, R = Red, G = Green

[Total available studies for synthesis following excluding studies with poor methodology]

* RCT data available but no published effect sizes

# Feasibility data available

Disclosure of Interests:

Anna Antony: None declared, Richard Holland: None declared, Wieneke Mokkink: None declared, Maria-Antonietta d’Agostino: None declared, Walter P Maksymowych Grant/research support from: Received research and/or educational grants from Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: WPM is Chief Medical Officer of CARE Arthritis Limited, has received consultant/participated in advisory boards for Abbvie, Boehringer, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Received speaker fees from Abbvie, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Heidi Bertheussen: None declared, Lori Schick: None declared, Niti Goel Shareholder of: UCB and Galapagos, Consultant of: VielaBio, Mallinckrodt, and IMMVention, Alexis Ogdie Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Novartis, Ana-Maria Orbai Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Horizon, Consultant of: Eli Lilly; Janssen; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB. Ana-Maria Orbai was a private consultant or advisor for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc, not in her capacity as a Johns Hopkins faculty member and was not compensated for this service., Pil Hoejgaard: None declared, Laura C Coates: None declared, Vibeke Strand Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America, Crescendo Bioscience, Eli Lilly, Genentech/Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, UCB, 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, Robin Christensen: None declared, Ying Ying Leung Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, William Tillett Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB

FRI0197 THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF VASCULAR ULTRASOUND IN PATIENTS SUSPECTED OF GCA: A DANISH MULTICENTRE PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background:

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is one of the most common systemic vasculitis. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) has been the standard test to confirm the diagnosis of GCA. However, TAB has a lower sensitivity than clinical diagnosis and up to 44% of biopsy-negative patients are clinically diagnosed as having GCA.

In a recent meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) in GCA the sensitivity was 77 % (1). The included studies were performed by expert groups in single centres. In the to date only multicentre study (TABUL) investigating the diagnostic accuracy of US compared to clinical diagnosis after 6 months the sensitivity was lower (54%) (2)

Objectives:

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of vascular US compared to TAB in a multicentre study.

Methods:

In three Danish centres patients suspected for GCA were included during a period of two years. At baseline, clinical and laboratory data were collected and vascular US of temporal, facial, common carotid and axillary artery were performed. The US examinations were performed with high frequency transducers (15-18 MHZ) and followed by a TAB. All ultrasongraphers had participated in the same standardized US educational program and were blinded to clinical and laboratory data. An external expert blinded to clinical and laboratory data evaluated all images and made the final US diagnosis.

A positive sign for vasculitis in cranial arteries was defined as a hypoechoic intima media complex (IMC) thickening (halo sign) and a positive compression sign. A homogeneous IMC increased thickness in axillary artery of ≥1mm and in common carotid artery ≥1.5mm was defined as vasculitis.

The consultant rheumatologist’s diagnosis at 6 months after initial presentation was considered as the reference standard for the diagnosis of GCA.

Results:

During the recruitment period, 112 patients were included, 59% females, mean (SD) age 72.4(7.9) years, among which 91(81.3%) fulfilled the ACR 1990 classification criteria for GCA. 92% of the patients reported a newly emerged localized headache, while 49 (43.8%) experienced polymyalgia rheumatic symptoms.

TAB was positive in 46(41.1%) and inconclusive in 6 patients, who were excluded from the analysis. Mean (SD) duration of glucocorticoid therapy prior to US and TAB was 0.91(1.55) and 4.02(2.61) days, respectively. In 62 patients, the final diagnosis was GCA.

In all patients with a positive TAB, the US of the temporal artery was also positive for GCA. Of 19 cases with positive US and negative TAB, 12 were clinically diagnosed with GCA of whom 6 had isolated large vessel involvement on US. Among 41 patients with both negative US and TAB, 4 were clinically diagnosed with GCA (Box 1)

US had a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 84% for the diagnosis of GCA, while the sensitivity for TAB was lower (74%) with a specificity of 100%. For the diagnosis of GCA, US had a PPV of 89.2 % and a NPV of 90.2%, while for TAB the PPV was 100% and the NPV 73.3%.

Conclusion:

US evaluation of the temporal, facial and selected supraaortic arteries performed by trained ultrasonographers can replace biopsy in the diagnosis of GCA.

Box.1

References:

[1]Duftner C, Dejaco C, et al. Imaging in diagnosis, outcome prediction and monitoring of large vessel vasculitis: a systematic literature review and metaanalysis informing the EULAR recommendations. RMD Open 2018;4:e000612.

[2]Luqmani R et al. The Role of Ultrasound Compared to Biopsy of Temporal Arteries in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (TABUL): a diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness study. Health Technol Assess 2016;20:1_238.

Disclosure of Interests:

stavros chrysidis: None declared, Uffe Møller Døhn: None declared, Lene Terslev Speakers bureau: LT declares speakers fees from Roche, MSD, BMS, Pfizer, AbbVie, Novartis, and Janssen., Ulrich Fredberg: None declared, Tove Lorenzen: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Per Søndergaard: None declared, Jakob Matthisson: None declared, Knud Larsen: None declared, Andreas Diamandopoulos: None declared

AB0794 CLINICAL TRIAL DISCRIMINATION OF PHYSICAL FUNCTION INSTRUMENTS FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background:

Physical function is a core domain to be measured in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The discriminative performance of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for physical function (PF) in RCTs has not been evaluated systematically.

Objectives:

In this systematic review, the GRAPPA-OMERACT working group aimed to evaluate the clinical trial discrimination of PF-PROMs in PsA RCTs.

Methods:

We searched PubMed and Scopus databases in English to identify all original RCTs conducted in PsA. We limited the review to RCTs of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. Groups of two researchers extracted data independently for PF-PROMs. We assessed quality in each article using the OMERACT good method checklist. Effect sizes (ES) for the PF-PROMs were calculated and appraised usinga priorihypotheses. Evidence supporting clinical trial discrimination for each PF-PROM was summarized to derive recommendations.

Results:

32 articles were included (Figure 1). Four PF-PROMs had data for evaluation: HAQ-Disability Index (DI), HAQ-Spondyloarthritis (S), Short Form 36-item Health Survey Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS), and the Physical Functioning domain (SF-36 PF) (Table 1). The ES for intervention versus (vs.) control arms for HAQ-DI ranged from -0.55 to -1.81 vs. 0.24 to -0.52; and for SF-36 PCS ranged from 0.30 to 1.86 vs. -0.02 to 0.63.

Table 1.

Summary of Measurement Properties Table for clinical trial discrimination

ArticlesHAQ-DIHAQ-SSF-36 PCSSF-36 PFAntoni 2005 (IMPACT); Gottlieb 2009 (UST)+Antoni 2005 (IMPACT2)++Kavanaugh 2006 (IMPACT2)+Mease 2005 (ADEPT); Genovese 2007 (ADA); Mease 2010 (ETN); Kavanaugh 2009 (GO-REVEAL); Kavanaugh 2017 (GO-VIBRANT); Gladman 2014 (RAPID-PsA); Mease 2015 (FUTURE1); McInnes 2015 (FUTURE2); Kavanaugh, 2016 (FUTURE2)-subgroup; Nash 2018 (FUTURE3); Mease 2017 (SPIRIT-P1); Nash 2017 (SPIRIT-P2); Deodhar 2018 (GUS); Mease 2016 (CLZ)++Mease 2000 (ETN); McInne, 2013 (PSUMMIT 1); Ritchlin 2014 (PSUMMIT 2); Araugo 2019 (ECLIPSA)++Gniadecki 2012 (PRESTA)+Mease 2019 (SEAM-PsA)+/-+McInnes 2014 (SEC)++Mease 2014 (BRO)++Mease 2011 (ABT)+/-+Mease 2017 (ASTRAEA)++Mease 2006 (ALC)+/-Mease 2017 (OPAL Broaden); Gladman 2017 (OPAL Beyond)++Mease 2018 (EQUATOR)++Mease 2018 (ABT-122)+Total available articles311244Total articles for evidence synthesis291232Overall rating+++

Color code in each box indicate study quality by OMERACT good methods. GREEN: “likely low risk of bias”; AMBER: “some cautions but can be used as evidence”; RED: “don’t use as evidence”. WHITE (empty boxes): absence of information from that study. (+): findings had adequate performance of the instrument; (+/-): equivocal performance; (-): poor performance (less than adequate).

Conclusion:

Clinical trial discrimination was supported for HAQ-DI and SF-36 PCS in PsA with low risk of bias; and for SF-36 PF with some caution. More studies are required for HAQ-S.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ying Ying Leung Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Richard Holland: None declared, Ashish Mathew: None declared, Christine Lindsay Employee of: Previously employed (worked) for pharmaceutical company., Niti Goel Shareholder of: UCB and Galapagos, Consultant of: VielaBio, Mallinckrodt, and IMMVention, Alexis Ogdie Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer – grant/research support, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda – consultant, Ana-Maria Orbai Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Horizon, Consultant of: Eli Lilly; Janssen; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB. Ana-Maria Orbai was a private consultant or advisor for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc, not in her capacity as a Johns Hopkins faculty member and was not compensated for this service., Pil Hoejgaard: None declared, Jeffrey Chau: None declared, Laura C Coates: None declared, Vibeke Strand: 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, Robin Christensen: None declared, William Tillett: None declared, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau

AB1223 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS INCLUDED IN GLUCOCORTICOID TRIALS MOSTLY RESEMBLE THOSE SEEN IN OBSERVATIONAL COHORTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background:

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard in clinical research. Their results, however, may not be generalizable to patients in routine care.1Together with methotrexate, glucocorticoids (GCs) constitute the mainstay of therapy for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it is unclear whether trial evidence is actually generalizable to real-world patients.

Objectives:

This review assesses to what extent RA patients participating in GC-RCTs differ from RA patients taking GCs in routine care.

Methods:

This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019134675). MEDLINE was searched for RCTs and, as comparators, cohort studies in RA evaluating systemic GC therapy. Cohorts were not allowed to exhibit apparent selection mechanisms concerning gender or age. Random-effects meta-analyses combined descriptive baseline characteristics that may modify the benefit-risk-ratio of various RA therapeutics. Meta-analyses were stratified by study type (RCT and CS). Stratified estimates were subsequently compared.

Results:

55 RCTs and ten cohort studies (21,657 participants overall) were included. Twelve characteristics (related to general demographics and disease activity) were reported frequently enough to allow for comparative analysis. Compared to cohorts, RCT participants were younger (-4.7 [-7.2 to -2.1] years) and had somewhat higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates (12 [6 to 18] mm/h) (Table 1). In the other ten characteristics, estimates did not differ significantly. Numerically, cohort patients had more longstanding disease and slightly more favourable disease levels in core set variables. Comorbidities could not be assessed.

Table 1.

Pooled estimates

OutcomeRCTkCohortkContrast(95% CI)pGeneral demographics Age (years)54.25058.910–4.7(–7.2 to –2.1)<0.001 Female (proportion)0.70520.73100.89(0.68 to 1.16)0.38 Current or previous smokers (proportion)0.5930.5121.38(0.61 to 3.14)0.44 BMI (kg/m2)25.9525.930.0(–1.9 to 1.9)0.98 Disease duration (months)56.54385.17–28.6(–85.6 to 28.4)0.33Disease activity ESR (mm/h)40.13128.2311.8(5.7 to 18.0)<0.001 DAS5.3244.950.4(–0.1 to 0.9)0.12 RF+, (proportion)0.67320.6361.19(0.80 to 1.78)0.39 ACPA+, (proportion)0.6470.5631.38(0.64 to 3.00)0.41 HAQ1.3311.140.2(–0.1 to 0.5)0.15 Pain (0-10)5.2264.820.4(–0.8 to 1.6)0.52 Patient global assessment (0-10)5.2174.930.3(–0.9 to 1.5)0.58

Conclusion:

The results of our study suggest that evidence from RA GC-RCTs can be generalized to most patients in routine practice. We note that comorbidities – a frequent exclusion criterion for trial participation – could not be evaluated due to insufficient reporting. Our findings contrast with a similar study on RCTs investigating biologics in RA: There, trial participants were found to differ significantly in 4 out of 8 investigated baseline characteristics.2

References:

1]Palmowski A et al. Applicability of trials in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of trial populations showing adequate proportion of women, but underrepresentation of elderly people.Semin Arthritis Rheum2018 doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.10.017 and

[2]Kilcher G et al. Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated in trial and real world settings: comparison of randomized trials with registries.Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017 doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex394

Acknowledgments:

Part of the GLORIA project and trial, funded by the EU (Horizon 2020, Grant No 634886)

Disclosure of Interests:

Andriko Palmowski: None declared, Sabrina Mai Nielsen: None declared, Thomas Buttgereit: None declared, Yannick Palmowski: None declared, Maarten Boers: None declared, Robin Christensen: None declared, Frank Buttgereit Grant/research support from: Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Generic Assays, GSK, Hexal, Horizon, Lilly, medac, Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: protocol for the randomised, single-blinded, parallel-group Sleep-RA trial

BACKGROUND

More than half of patients with rheumatoid arthritis complain of insomnia, which is predominantly treated with hypnotic drugs. However, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is recommended as the first-line treatment in international guidelines on sleep. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, which can also be linked to sleep disturbance. It remains to be determined whether cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia can be effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the Sleep-RA trial is to investigate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on sleep and disease-related symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The primary objective is to compare the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia relative to usual care on changes in sleep efficiency from baseline to week 7 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The key secondary objectives are to compare the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia relative to usual care on changes in sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, insomnia, sleep quality, fatigue, impact of rheumatoid arthritis and depressive symptoms from baseline to week 26 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

The Sleep-RA trial is a randomised controlled trial with a two-group parallel design. Sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia and low-to-moderate disease activity will be allocated 1:1 to treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia or usual care. Patients in the intervention group will receive nurse-led, group-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia once a week for 6 weeks. Outcome assessments will be carried out at baseline, after treatment (week 7) and at follow-up (week 26).

DISCUSSION

Data on treatment of insomnia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are sparse. The Sleep-RA trial is the first randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Because symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and insomnia have many similarities, we also find it relevant to investigate the secondary effects of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on fatigue, impact of rheumatoid arthritis, depressive symptoms, pain, functional status, health-related quality of life and disease activity. If we find cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia to be effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis this will add weight to the argument that evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia in rheumatological outpatient clinics is eligible in accordance with the existing international guidelines on sleep.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03766100. Registered on 30 November 2018.

Impact of season on the association between vitamin D levels at diagnosis and one-year remission in early Rheumatoid Arthritis

The study evaluates associations between serum vitamin D metabolites at diagnosis and one-year remission, in early diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis(RA). The CIMESTRA-cohort comprised 160 newly diagnosed RA patients, treated aiming at remission. Vitamin D supplementation was recommended according to national guidelines. D_total(25OHD₂ + 25OHD₃) was dichotomized at 50 nmol/L, 1,25(OH)₂D was categorized in tertiles. Primary outcome was remission(DAS28-CRP ≤ 2.6) after one year. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression, further adjusted for pre-specified potential confounders: Age, sex, symptom-duration before diagnosis, DAS28-CRP and season of diagnosis. Results are presented as Odds Ratios(OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals(95%CIs). In univariate analyses, neither D_total nor 1,25(OH)₂D were associated with remission. In adjusted analyses, low D_total was associated with higher odds for remission; OR 2.6, 95%CI (1.1; 5.9) p = 0.03, with season impacting results the most. One-year remission was lower in patients with diagnosis established at winter. In conclusion, low D_total at diagnosis was associated with increased probability of achieving one-year remission in early RA when adjusting for covariates. Diagnosis in winter was associated with lower odds for one-year remission. Results suggest that season act as a contextual factor potentially confounding associations between vitamin D and RA disease-course. The finding of low D_total being associated with higher one-year remission remains speculative.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Italian of the self-administered FLARE-RA questionnaire for rheumatoid arthritis

The aim was to provide a translation into Italian with cross-cultural adaptation of the French FLARE-Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) questionnaire, and to test its acceptability, feasibility, reliability and construct validity in a single-centre cohort study. The French version of the FLARE-RA questionnaire was cross-culturally adapted and translated into Italian following an established forward-backward translation procedure, with independent translations and backtranslations. To validate the Italian version we tested the internal validity with Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient, agreement between assessments with Bland-Altman plots and construct validity with Spearman's correlation coefficients. The questionnaire was tested on 283 consecutive RA outpatients (mean age 56.1±13.9 years, 226/283 females, median disease duration 12.6 years ranging from 0.2 to 70.6). For the global score (11 items) the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.94. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76-0.96). The correlation of FLARE-RA global score was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.50-0.66) with the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.55-0.71) with the Simplified Disease Activity Index, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.83) with the RA Impact of Disease and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.59-0.73) with the Health Assessment Questionnaire. The Italian version of the FLARE-RA is feasible, brief and easy to administer. The translated and cross-cultural adapted showed accordingly to be valid and reliable. This questionnaire has some practical advantages, such as clarity, comprehensiveness, simplicity, and a minimum filling time. The development of cross-cultural adapted questionnaires in different languages is of pivotal importance to obtain standardized and comparable data across countries.

Interlaboratory Study of a Thermospray-Liquid Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric Method for Selected N-Methyl Carbamates, N-Methyl Carbamoyloximes, and Substituted Urea Pesticides

A thermospray-liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric (TS-LC/MS) method was evaluated in an interlaboratory study for determining 3 N-methyl carbamates (bendiocarb, carbaryl, and carbofuran), 3 N-methyl carbamoyloximes (aldicarb, methomyl, and oxamyl), 2 substituted urea pesticides (diuron and linuron), and 1 ester of a substituted carbamic acid (carbendazim). The purpose of this study was to establish whether these 9 compounds can be reliably detected and quantitated with this method, and to establish the interlaboratory precision and accuracy of the method with currently available instrumentation. The study design was based on AOAC INTERNATIONAL’S blind replicate design with balanced replicates. The samples consisted of solutions of the 9 test compounds in methanol at 3 concentrations that were unknown to the participating laboratories and that covered the linear range of the method. Nine volunteer laboratories participated in the study. Linear regression equations are presented that calculate the accuracy of the method, i.e., the percent recovery of each of the 9 compounds at any concentration within the range of concentrations tested (5–90 (μg/mL for each compound, except carbendazim, for which the range was 1.25–22.5 μg/mL). The intra laboratory precisions of the TS-LC/MS method ranged from 6.5 to 33.1 % relative standard deviation, depending on the compound. The interlaboratory method precisions ranged from 29.8 to 98.2% relative standard deviation over the concentration range tested. Analysis of variance indicates that for all compounds tested, the variation from laboratory to laboratory is greater than that attributed to analytical error displayed within laboratories. There are many operational parameters that could contribute to interlaboratory variability; one of them, the thermospray tip temperature, can play a major role in adduct formation and ion fragmentation in the case of thermally labile carbamate pesticides and, therefore, needs to be monitored and controlled carefully. The correlation of mass spectral data with the thermospray tip temperature was attempted using principal component analysis.

Socio-economic inequalities in fragility fracture outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic observational studies

Individuals with low socio-economic status (SES) have a higher risk of dying following hip fracture compared with individuals with high SES. Evidence on social inequalities in non-hip fractures is lacking as well as evidence on the impact of SES on health-related quality of life post fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Fragility fractures, especially of the hip, cause substantial excess mortality and impairment in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between socio-economic status (SES) and post-fracture mortality and HRQoL.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to the last week of November 2018 for studies reporting an association between SES and post-fracture mortality and/or HRQoL among people aged ≥ 50 years. Risk ratios (RRs) were meta-analyzed using a standard inverse-variance-weighted random effects model. Studies using individual-level and area-based SES measures were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies from 15 different countries and involving more than one million patients with hip fractures were included. The overall risk of mortality within 1-year post-hip fracture in individuals with low SES was 24% higher than in individuals with high SES (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.29) for individual-level SES measures, and 14% (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.19) for area-based SES measures. The quality of the evidence for the outcome mortality was moderate. Using individual SES measures, we estimated the excess HRQoL loss to be 5% (95% CI - 1 to 10%) among hip fracture patients with low SES compared with high SES.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a consistently increased risk of post-hip fracture mortality with low SES across SES measures and across countries with different political structures and different health and social care infrastructures. The impact of SES on post-fracture HRQoL remains uncertain due to sparse and low-quality evidence.

The effects of weight loss on imaging outcomes in osteoarthritis of the hip or knee in people who are overweight or obese: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the structural effects of weight loss on hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to summarize which structural joint pathologies have been examined and the evidence for the outcome measurement instruments applied.

DESIGN

Based on a pre-specified protocol (available: PROSPERO CRD42017065263), we conducted a systematic search of the bibliographic databases, Medline, Embase and Web of Science identifying longitudinal articles reporting the effects of weight loss on structural imaging outcomes in OA of the hip or knee in people who are overweight or obese.

RESULTS

From 1625 potentially eligible records, 14 articles (from 6 cohorts) were included. 2 cohorts were derived from RCTs. Evaluated pathologies were: articular cartilage (n = 7), joint space width (n = 3), bone marrow lesions (n = 5), synovitis (n = 2), effusion (n = 1), meniscus (n = 3), bone marrow density (n = 1) and infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP; n = 2). Cartilage showed conflicting results when evaluating cartilage thickness by direct thickness measurements. Compositional dGEMRIC and T2 mapping measures in early knee OA showed trends towards reduced cartilage degeneration. Joint space width on conventional radiographs showed no change. Weight loss reduced the size of the IPFP. Synovitis and effusion were not affected. Following weight loss DXA showed bone loss at the hip.

CONCLUSION

We did not find consistent evidence of the effects of weight loss on OA structural pathology in people who are overweight or obese. There is a need to achieve consensus on which structural pathologies and measurements to apply in weight loss and OA research.