Defining remission in childhood-onset lupus: PReS-endorsed consensus definitions by an international task force

OBJECTIVE

To derive childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) specific remission definitions for future treat-to-target (T2T) trials, observational studies, and clinical practice.

METHODS

The cSLE International T2T Task Force conducted Delphi surveys exploring paediatric perspectives on adult-onset SLE remission targets. A modified nominal group technique was used to discuss, refine, and agree on the cSLE remission target criteria.

RESULTS

The Task Force proposed two definitions of remission: 'cSLE clinical remission on steroids (cCR)' and 'cSLE clinical remission off steroids (cCR-0)'. The common criteria are: (1) Clinical-SLEDAI-2 K = 0; (2) PGA score < 0.5 (0-3 scale); (4) stable antimalarials, immunosuppressive, and biologic therapy (changes due to side-effects, adherence, weight, or when building up to target dose allowed). Criterion (3) in cCR is the prednisolone dose ≤0.1 mg/kg/day (maximum 5 mg/day), whereas in cCR-0 it is zero.

CONCLUSIONS

cSLE definitions of remission have been proposed, maintaining sufficient alignment with the adult-SLE definition to facilitate life-course research.

Aromatase inhibitors: a useful additional therapeutic option for slowing down advanced bone age in boys with growth hormone deficiency

INTRODUCTION

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been used to slow down estrogen-dependent skeletal maturation in pubertal boys with short stature. In the literature, few data evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AIs in boys with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This study aimed to evaluate the auxologic effects and short-term laboratory profiles of combined AI and rhGH therapy for 1 year in adolescent males with GHD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Male subjects between the ages of 10 and 16 with GHD from two different centers were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: (i) those who only used recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy (Group I; G-I) and (ii) those who also used AI therapy (anastrozole or letrozole) along with rhGH (Group II; G-II).

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (G-I, 46%; G-II, 54%) were included in the study. All the subjects had isolated GHD. At the beginning of the treatment, the chronological ages (CAs) of the patients in the G-I and G-II groups were 11.8 (10.9-13.7) and 12.8 (12.0-14.3) years, respectively. The ratios of bone age (BA)/CA for the two groups were 0.8 (0.8-0.9) and 1.0 (0.9-1.1), respectively (p < 0.001). After the treatment, the height standard deviation (SD) scores and predicted adult height (PAH) significantly increased from baseline in all subjects in the G-I and G-II groups (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant change in the ratio of BA/CA post-therapy in the G-I group (p = 0.1), while there was a significant decrease in the G-II group (p < 0.001). The growth velocities of the patients in the G-I and G-II groups were 9.1 (7.4-10.1) cm/year [1.5 (0.8-5.0) SD score] and 8.7 (7.5-9.9) cm/year [1.1 (0.3-3.1) SD score], respectively (p = 0.6). While post-therapy serum testosterone concentrations were seen to increase in the G-II group, none of the patients exhibited hematocrit above 50 percent, and the fasting glucose concentrations were normal.

CONCLUSIONS

When used in addition to rhGH therapy in boys with GHD and advanced BA, AIs were observed to slow down the tempo of BA maturation after 1 year, compared to those who received rhGH treatment alone. AI therapy was found to be safe during the 1-year observation period and thus could be considered for preserving growth potential in these patients.

The investigation of community-acquired and nosocomial respiratory syncytial virus and other viral respiratory tract infections in children

Although respiratory viruses are known as the major causes of community-acquired respiratory tract infections all over the world, they can also cause serious nosocomial respiratory infections and hospital outbreaks. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of community-acquired and nosocomial RSV and other viral respiratory tract infections in children hospitalized at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken from 100 children aged 0-16 years with suspected community-acquired (60) and nosocomial (40) respiratory tract infections from September 2018 to June 2021. The Multiplex real-time PCR test was used for the diagnosis of respiratory viruses. Of children with community-acquired respiratory tract infections, 65% (39/60) were positive for at least one virus and the rate of coinfection in this group was 35.9% (14/39). In children with nosocomial respiratory tract infection, positivity was detected to be 62.5% (25/40) and the coinfection rate was 40% (10/25). The most predominant virus in community-acquired respiratory tract infections was influenza A virus (25%), followed by ADV (18.3%), hBoV (15%), RSV (11.7%), and RhV (10%). In nosocomial viral respiratory tract infections, the most common virus was RSV (20%), followed by influenza A virus (12.5%), RhV (12.5%), ADV (12.5%), hMpV (10%), and hBoV (10%). Early diagnosis of respiratory viral infections with real-time PCR test is important in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality, applying control methods to prevent the spread of nosocomial viruses, shortening the hospitalization period, preventing the use of unnecessary antibiotics, and giving appropriate antiviral treatment.

BK Virus Infections and Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

BK virus (BKV) associated with hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the most important complication that develops after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with hematological malignancies. This study aims to investigate BKV infections and HC in pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Between November 2018 and November 2019, a total of 51 patients between the ages of 11 months and 17 years were included in the study. BKV Bosphore ® v1 quantification kit (Geneworks Anatolia, Turkey) was used for the detection of BKV DNA in urine and blood samples. Among the total of 51 patients, the incidence of BKV infection was found to be 86.3%. Allogeneic HSCT was performed in 40 patients and autologous HSCT in 11 patients. BK viruria and/or viremia were detected in 85% (44) of patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT and in 90% in the autologous group. High-level BK viruria (>107 copies/mL) was found in 41% (9) of 22 patients who were BKV positive before transplantation, while in 27.5% (8) of 29 patients who were BKV negative before transplantation; thus, BKV positivity before transplantation was considered a risk factor for high-level BK viruria. Acute GVHD developed in 6 of 40 patients in the allogeneic group. HC was prevented in 12 (67%) of 18 patients who received preemptive treatment, while HC developed in 6 (33%). HC occurred at a median of 35 days (17-49 days) post-transplant. Despite preemptive treatment, 6 (15%) patients who developed HC associated with BKV were in the allogeneic group but not in the autologous group. Of these patients with HC, 5 received a myeloablative treatment regimen, and 1 patient was given a reduced-intensity treatment regimen. The viral load in urine was found to be 107-9 copies/mL within 2 weeks before the development of HC and has been identified as a prognostic indicator. In conclusion, early diagnosis of viral infections by monitoring BKV viral load in HSCT patients will be effective in preventing the progression of complications such as BKV-associated HC by providing timely initiation of preemptive treatment.

POS0765 IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE CLINICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOMES OF PROLIFERATIVE AND NON-PROLIFERATIVE FORMS OF LUPUS NEPHRITIS PROVEN BY BIOPSY?

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN), which occurs in 60-70% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality. There still are many uncertain aspects in clinical, pathological, and prognostic characteristics about LN.

Objectives

We aimed to compare clinical features, outcomes, and to define the predictive factors of complete renal response (CRR) in patients with proliferative and non-proliferative LN.

Methods

Patients with SLE followed between 2014 and 2020 at Hacettepe University Hospitals and who had a kidney biopsy were the subject of the study. One hundred and sixteen patients whose kidney biopsy reported as LN were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical features, laboratory values at the time of kidney biopsy, histopathological forms of LN, and renal response (complete or partial) were recorded. The predictive factors for CRR during the two-year follow-up after induction therapy were analyzed.

Results

Of 116 (93 females, 23 males) patients, 95 (81.9%) were in the proliferative (class III and IV) and 21 (18.1%) were in the non-proliferative group (class II and V). In the proliferative group, elevated basal creatinine, median daily proteinuria, anti-dsDNA positivity, low C3 and C4, the presence of active urinary sediment, and median renal SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores at the time of kidney biopsy were significantly higher than non-proliferative group. During the two-year follow-up after LN diagnosis, 70 patients achieved CRR and time-to-CRR was similar for the groups (p=0.64, log-rank). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that achieving CRR was associated with female gender [HR: 2.15 (1.19-3.89 95% CI), p=0.011], newly diagnosed SLE with renal biopsy [2.15 (1.26-3.67), p=0.005], hypertension [0.40 (0.27-0.94), p=0.032], eGFR increase [1.01 (1.00-1.01), p=0.046], and presence of active urinary sediment [0.46 (0.22-0.96), p=0.039].

Conclusion

Achieving CRR was similar in both the proliferative and non-proliferative LN patients although certain laboratory parameters differed at onset. Our results indicated the importance of kidney biopsy in the decision-making of treatment of SLE patients with renal involvement and that the defined factors associated with CRR achievement help to predict good renal response.

Table 1.

Demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of the patients with LN

Variables*All patientsProliferative LNNon-Proliferative LNpn=116n=95n=21Age at SLE diagnosis, years18.3 (16)19.2 (15)16 (16)0.32Sex, female93 (80.2)75 (78.9)18 (85.7)0.48Age at kidney biopsy, years21 (17.7)22 (17)18 (15)0.19Patients newly diagnosed SLE with renal biopsy65 (56)53 (55.8)12 (57.1)0.91Follow-up time for LN, years5.5 (8)5.1 (8.2)6.2 (5.1)0.80SLE disease duration8 (8.7)8.1 (9.6)7.9 (7.3)0.53Hypertension31 (26.7)26 (27.4)5 (23.8)0.74Laboratory values on the kidney biopsy Creatinine level (mg/dL)0.7 (0.5)0.8 (0.5)0.56 (0.1)0.006 Creatinine > UNL37 (32.5)34 (36.6)3 (14.3)0.04 eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2)113 (54)107 (54)129 (45)0.04 Albumin (g/dL)3.3 (1.1)3.1 (1.2)3.5 (1)0.09 24-hour urine protein, gr/day2.3 (3.3)2.4 (3.6)0.9 (1.8)0.03 Anti-dsDNA positivity94 (81)80 (87.9)14 (70)0.04 Low C3 and C4 levels93 (80.2)81 (88)12 (57.1)0.001 Active urinary sediment91 (83.5)78 (89.8)12 (57.1)<0.001Renal SLEDAI12 (8)12 (8)4 (4)<0.001During the two-year follow-up after LN diagnosis Complete renal response70 (70.7)56 (70.9)14 (70)0.99 Partial renal response23 (23.2)17 (21.5)6 (30)0.64 No response6 (6.1)6 (7.6)0NA Relapse20 (21.5)15 (20.5)5 (25)0.84 ESRD4(4)4 (4.2)0NA Death3 (3)3 (3.2)0NA

* n (%), if otherwise specified; median (IQR) for numeric values

ESRD: End-stage renal disease, GFR: Glomerular filtration rate, LN: Lupus nephritis, SLE: Systemic lupus erythematosus, SLEDAI: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index; UNL: Upper normal limit

Figure 1.

Kaplan-Meier survival curve for complete renal response (CRR) achievement during the two-year follow-up according to the kidney biopsy results

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0595 INFANTILE TAKAYASU: CLINICAL FEATURES AND LONG TERM OUTCOME

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis rarely reported in children, and its incidence is extremely low in infants. Most articles on pediatric TA have not focused on infants. We present the largest case series of infantile TA aiming to characterize demographic and clinical data and compare it with existing data on older children.

Objectives

Characterize demographic and clinical data reagrding TA and compare it with existing data on older children

Methods

We conducted an international multi-center retrospective cohort study. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from patient charts by doctors from six centers.

Results

Twelve patients (50% female) meeting the ACR criteria of TA were included. Median age of symptom onset was 11 months, with a diagnostic delay of 4 months and median time of follow up of 7.5 years. The most common symptoms at presentation were hypertension, BP difference between upper and lower limbs, and fever. The arteries most commonly involved at diagnosis were the abdominal aorta, renal artery, and superior mesenteric artery. Different medications used included steroids, conventional and biological DMARDS, and other immunosuppressive therapies. Half of the patients received biologic agents of which infliximab had the highest complete remission rate (40%). Other medications resulting in complete remission were cyclophosphamide (40%) and methothrexate (38%). Invasive procedures were needed in 58% of patients. The most common complications were cardiac (50%), strokes (42%) and serious infections (33%). None of the patients died.

Conclusion

This study presents the largest series of infantile TA. Compared to reported series on older children, infants with TA were more likely to receive biologic agents, develop complications and require invasive interventions.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1372 THE 2021 EULAR AND ACR POINTS TO CONSIDER FOR DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING OF THE IL 1 MEDIATED AUTOINFLAMMATORY DISEASES: CAPS, TRAPS, MKD, AND DIRA

Background

The Interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediated systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs), including the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), and deficiency of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA) belong to a group of rare immunodysregulatory diseases that primarily present in early childhood with variable multiorgan involvement. When untreated, patients with severe clinical phenotypes have a poor prognosis, and diagnosis and management of these patients can be challenging. However, recently-approved treatments targeting the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 have been life-changing and have significantly improved patient outcomes.

Objectives

We aimed to establish evidence-based recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring to standardize the management of these patients.

Methods

A multinational, multidisciplinary task force consisting of physician experts including rheumatologists, patients or caregivers, and allied health care professionals was established. Evidence synthesis including systematic literature review and expert consensus (Delphi) via surveys were conducted. Consensus methodology was utilized to formulate and vote on statements to guide optimal patient care.

Results

The task force devised five overarching principles, 14 statements related to diagnosis, 10 on therapy, and 9 focused on long-term monitoring that were evidence and/or consensus-based for patients with IL-1 mediated diseases. An outline was developed for disease-specific monitoring of inflammation-induced organ damage progression and reported therapies of CAPS, TRAPS, MKD, and DIRA.

Conclusion

The 2021 EULAR/ACR points to consider provide state-of-the-art knowledge based on published data and expert opinion to guide diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and monitoring of patients with CAPS, TRAPS, MKD and DIRA, and inform the various stakeholders about optimized patient care to improve disease outcomes.

References

[1]Masters SL, Simon A, Aksentijevich I, et al. Horror autoinflammaticus: the molecular pathophysiology of autoinflammatory disease (*). Annu Rev Immunol 2009;27:621-68.

Disclosure of Interests

micol romano: None declared, Zehra Serap Arici: None declared, David Piskin: None declared, Sara Alehashemi: None declared, Daniel Aletaha Speakers bureau: Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, SoBi, Sanofi, Karyl Barron: None declared, Susa Benseler: None declared, Roberta Berard Consultant of: Sandoz and Roche, Lori Broderick Grant/research support from: Novartis and Regeneron, Fatma Dedeoglu Consultant of: Novartis, Michelle Diebold: None declared, Karen Durrant: None declared, Polly Ferguson Consultant of: Novartis, Grant/research support from: NIH, CARRA, Inc, Dirk Foell Speakers bureau: Novartis, Peer Voice and SoBi, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai-Roche, Merck, Novartis, SoBi, Grant/research support from: Novartis and SoBi, Jonathan Hausmann Consultant of: Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: CARRA, SoBi, Olcay Jones: None declared, Daniel Kastner: None declared, Helen J. Lachmann: None declared, Ronald Laxer Consultant of: SoBi, Novartis, Sanofi, Dorelia Rivera: None declared, Nicolino Ruperto Speakers bureau: Eli-Lilly, GSK, Pfizer SoBi and UCB, Consultant of: Ablynx, Amgen, Astrazeneca-Medimmune, Aurinia, Bayer, Bristol Myers and Squib, Cambridge Healthcare research, Celgene, Domain therapeutic, Eli-Lilly, EMD Serono, GSK, Idorsia, Janssen, Novartis, SoBi, Pfizer and UCB, Anna Simon: None declared, Marinka Twilt: None declared, Joost Frenkel: None declared, Hal Hoffman Consultant of: Novartis, Regeneron, SoBi, Aclaris, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Meyer-Squib, Jecure, Takeda and Zomagen, Adriana de Jesus: None declared, Jasmin Kuemmerle-Deschner Speakers bureau: Novartis and SoBi, Consultant of: Novartis and SoBi, Grant/research support from: Novartis and SoBi, Seza Özen Speakers bureau: Novartis and SoBi, Marco Gattorno Speakers bureau: Novartis and SoBi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Raphaela goldbach-mansky: None declared, Erkan Demirkaya Grant/research support from: Sobi

AB0548 A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC INVOLVEMENTS IN ADULT-ONSET AND CHILDHOOD-ONSET SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Background

Neuropsychiatric(NP) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) encompass a wide spectrum of neurologic and psychiatric features.The nervous system is frequently affected by adult-onset and childhood-onset SLE patients,but disease course and clinical features may differ between both groups.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare NP manifestations in adult-onset and childhood-onset SLE patients.

Methods

The study included a retrospective analysis of medical records of adult-onset SLE patients and childhood-onset SLE patients following at Hacettepe University from Jan 2015 to Jan 2021.NP events were identified using the ACR established case definitions seen in SLE.Additionally, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, cerebral venous thrombosis, small fiber neuropathy and pseudotumor cerebri were evaluated as having NPSLE in this study.NP were also divided into three categories:neurologic syndromes of the central nervous system, neurologic syndromes of the peripheral nervous system,and diffuse neuropsychological syndromes.

Results

1062 adult-onset and 161 childhood-onset SLE patients were followed-up median 150 (84-227) months.At least one neuropsychiatric event occurred in 101 (9.51%) adult-onset and 29 (18.01%) childhood-onset SLE patients (p=0.002). NP events were present before or around the time of SLE diagnosis 64.6% of the adult-onset patients and 72.4% of the childhood-onset patients.One-third of the patients in both groups were diagnosed with NPSLE during the follow-up.At the time of NPSLE diagnosis, 60.4% of adult-onset and 86.2% of childhood-onset patients had additional involvement other than neurologic manifestations and overall disease activity(SLEDAI-2k)was higher in childhood-onset patients (17vs.14p=0.036).

Almost all patients in the pediatric group and half of the adult patients were given pulse corticosteroids.Cyclophosphamide was the most preferred regimen and was given to 36.6% of the adult patients and 75.9% of the pediatric patients.Rituximab (11.9% and 27.6%) and mycophenolate mofetil (13.9% and 3.4%) were other induction treatments.The adult-onset and childhood-onset NPSLE patients were followed-up median 105(54-165) and 80(40-132) months, respectively.On the last follow-up visit, disease damage scores (SLICC) were similar in both groups,with a median score of 2.

Conclusion

The nervous system was more commonly involved in childhood-onset patients, and disease presentations vary significantly between adult-onset and childhood-onset NPSLE patients.Disease activity appeared to be more severe in children at diagnosis, but permanent organ damage was similar in both groups on follow-up.

Table 1.

Demographics, clinical features of adult-onset and childhood-onset NPSLE patients

Adult-onset NPSLE (n=101)Childhood-onset NPSLE (n=29)P valueCerebrovascular disease63 (62.4)8 (27.6)0.001Arterial cerebrovascular events44 (43.6)5 (17.2)0.007Central nervous system vasculitis25 (24.8)10 (34.5)0.209Parenchymal involvement18 (17.8)3 (10.3)0.256Demyelinating syndrome14 (13.9)2 (6.9)0.221Transient ischemic attack5 (5.0)-0.277Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis4 (4.0)6 (20.7)0.008Meningeal involvement5 (5.0)-0.277Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome3 (3.0)2 (6.9)0.310Pseudotumor cerebri7 (6.9)3 (10.3)0.393Idiopathic intracranial hypertension2 (2.0)3 (10.3)0.073Lupus headache38 (37.6)18 (62.1)0.017Acute confusional state13 (12.9)4 (13.8)0.555Cognitive dysfunction9 (8.9)1 (3.4)0.299Seizure disorders31 (30.7)11 (37.9)0.302Movement disorder (chorea)4 (4.0)2 (6.9)0.402Myasthenia gravis3 (3.0)-0.466Cranial neuropathy7 (6.9)3 (10.3)0.393Optic neuritis4 (4.0)1 (3.4)0.690Peripheral polyneuropathy9 (8.9)5 (17.2)0.173Mononeuritis multiplex1 (1.0)-0.777Myelopathy5 (5.0)2 (6.9)0.489Autonomic dysfunction---Small fiber neuropathy1 (1.0)-0.777Figure 1.

Distribution of adult-onset and childhood-onset NPSLE patients

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0166 POLYARTICULAR JIA HAS A DISTINCT CO-INHIBITOR RECEPTOR PROFILE AMONG OTHER JIA SUBTYPES

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease in children, driven by continuous T-cell activation.[1] T cell activation is counter-balanced by signals generated by co-inhibitory receptors (co-IRs) such CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3.[2]

Objectives

We aimed to identify the role of co-IRs in the pathogenesis of different subtypes of JIA.

Methods

In total, we included 107 patients with oligoarticular JIA (n=67), polyarticular JIA (n=12), enthesitis related arthritis (n=17), systemic JIA (n=11) and healthy controls (HC, n=10). We collected plasma samples from the patients during the active phase of their disease. We measured the soluble plasma levels of co-IRs by commercial pre-defined cytometric bead array kits and their cellular expression by flow cytometry in blood mononuclear cells. We compared the plasma levels and cellular expressions of different coIRs within different JIA subgroups.

Results

IL-2 levels were lower than HC in all JIA subgroups. The polyarticular JIA group distinguished from the four different JIA subgroups, by having different co-IR pattern. In this specific subgroup, CTLA4, PD-1 and 4-1BB levels were higher than other groups. Polyarticular JIA is the more chronic and severe form of JIA, especially when compared to oligoarticular JIA. (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

We investigated the correlations between disease activity markers and plasma co-IRs. Plasma TIM3 levels correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive proteins and JADAS in the polyarticular JIA group. In oligoarticular JIA group, JADASs correlated with plasma PD-1 levels, C-reactive protein with PD-L1 plasma levels. Erythrocyte sedimentation rates correlated with IL-2, CD86, PD-L1 and PD-1 plasma levels. There was no correlation between disease activity markers and co-IRs levels in the systemic JIA group and enthesitis related arthritis group.

Finally, we analysed the cellular surface expression of different co-IRs on the PBMCs of different JIA subtypes. Similar to plasma levels, both the percentage and the MFI (mean fluorescence intensity) of CTLA4 expression was higher in polyarticular JIA subgroup.

Conclusion

This is the first report studying the effects of different co-IRs in different subtypes of JIA. Polyarticular JIA patients had a different coIR profile, having more CTLA-4, PD-1 and 4-1BB in their plasma than the other subtypes of JIA

References

[1]Wedderburn, L.R., et al., Int Immunol, 2001. 13(12): p. 1541-50.

[2]Wherry, E.J. and M. Kurachi, Nat Rev Immunol, 2015. 15(8): p. 486-99.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a research grant from FOREUM Foundation for Research in Rheumatology

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

OP0195 PLASMA CHECKPOINT PROTEIN LEVELS AND GALECTIN-9 IN JUVENILE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype for a systemic autoimmune disease. SLE is a disease of the adaptive immune system where T lymphocyte dysfunction has an important role as well. Checkpoint proteins have become an important topic in the study of Tcell. The balance of T cell co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors is important for the regulation of the adaptive immune system response.

Objectives:

In this study we aimed to assess the checkpoint proteins in childhood SLE patients

Methods:

Fourty-nine jSLE patients together with 15 age- and gender- matched controls were included. Clinical features, disease activity scores and laboratory parameters were recorded both retrospectively and at the time of samplimg. Patient samples were collected at their last visit, Plasma CD25 (IL-2Rα), 4-1BB, B7.2 (CD86), TGF-β1, CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG- 3, Galectin-9 levels were studied by the cytometric bead-based multiplex assay panel according to manufacturer’s instruction (LEGENDplex HU Immune Checkpoint Panel 1 (10-plex); catalogue number 740962, Biolegend) and analysed by Novocyte 3005 flow cytometer. Two-step cluster analysis procedure was conducted over the chosen 7 symptom status and 3 clusters were chosen for the final analysis

Results:

A total of 49 patients (71.4% female) diagnosed with SLE according to the SLICC criteria and 15 healthy controls (73.3% female) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 17.7 ± 2.6 years and the controls was 13.3±1.4 years. The median disease duration was 5.7 years. At the time of sampling fifteen of the patients had a SLEDAI score of zero (no activity), 21 of them had between 1-5 (mild activity), 7 of them had between 6-10 (moderate activity), 5 of them had between 11-19 (high activity), 1 of them had >20 (very high activity).

Galectin-9 and PD-L1 were significantly higher in SLE patients. Other checkpoint proteins and IL-2Rα were also higher but did not reach statistical significance. There were significant correlations between SLEDAI and IL-2Rα, Galectin-9 and PDL1. (Figure 1) There were three clinical clusters: Cluster 1 included patients with no major organ involvement, cluster 2 had predominantly haematological involvement (n=16) and cluster 3 (n=11) had predominantly renal involvement. Checkpoint proteins were not different among these three clusters.

Figure 1.Table 1.

Demographic, Clinical and Laboratory Features of Patients (n=49)

Female gender, n (%)35 (%71.4)Mean age at diagnosis, years (mean±SD)12.5±3.3Mean age at the time of inclusion, years (mean±SD)17.7±2.6Duration of illness, years (median/IQR)5.7 (3.0-7.0) yearsActive system involvement at study,n (%) Renal14 (28.5) Skin11 (22.4) Musculoskeletal9 (18.3) Hematologic9 (18.3) Neurologic1 (2.0) Serositis1 (2.0)Laboratory findings (median/minimum-maximum) Hemoglobin, gr/dl12.7 (7.3-18.3) WBC, /mm36.900 (2.600-26.200) Platelet, /mm3252.000 (39.000-529.000) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mm/hour10 (1-71) C-reactive protein, mg/dl0.1 (0-21.1) Complement 3, mg/dl87.6 (25.4-186.0) Complement 4, mg/dl15.3 (0-45.8) Anti-ds DNA, IU/ml12.8 (0-741.7) SLEDAI score (mean±SD)4.69±6.69

Conclusion:

Our data supports that Galectin 9 and IL-2Rα are good markers for disease activity in childhood SLE. We need larger series to evaluate differences between disease clusters in SLE. We failed to show a significant correlation with checkpoint proteins and SLEDAI except for PDL1.

References:

[1]Sharabi A and Tsokos GC. T cell metabolism: new insights in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis and therapy. Nature reviews Rheumatology 2020; 16: 100-112

[2]Nishimura H, Nose M, Hiai H, et al. Development of lupus-like autoimmune diseases by disruption of the PD-1 gene encoding an ITIM motif-carrying immunoreceptor. Immunity 1999; 11: 141-151.

[3]McKinney EF, Lee JC, Jayne DR, et al. T-cell exhaustion, co-stimulation and clinical outcome in autoimmunity and infection. Nature 2015

[4]Wherry EJ and Kurachi M. Molecular and cellular insights into T cell exhaustion. Nat Rev Immunol 2015; 15: 486-499

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0737 THE NAIL FOLD CAPILLAROSCOPIC FINDINGS OF ADOLESCENTS WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA AND BULIMIA NERVOSA

Background:

The nail fold video capillaroscopy (NVC) is usually performed on patients with microcirculation problems, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is also used to distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon and identify the scleroderma pattern.

Objectives:

To describe the acute phase nail fold capillaroscopic findings of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) and to compare these findings with adolescents diagnosed with primary Reynaud’s phenomenon (RP).

Methods:

We included 17 AN, 2 BN patients and 6 adolescents with primary RP as a control group. The nail fold video capillaroscopy (NVC) data of three study groups were compared. AN and BN patients were classified according to DSM-5. The participants in these two groups were assessed for the presence of Reynaud’s phenomenon/acrocyanosis and the weight loss history (amount and duration), daily calorie intake, vital signs, hydration status, amenorrhea presence and time, the presence and frequency of compensatory behaviors, and drug usage were recorded. Adolescents with primary RP were diagnosed according to ‘International consensus criteria for the diagnosis of RP. The initial NVC was performed at the acute phase of AN and BN. For AN acute phase is defined as the period where the nutritional rehabilitation has not yet taken place. The NVC analysis was be performed with a digital USB microscopy by an expert blinded to the participant’s clinical status and diagnosis. Eight fingers were evaluated for each patient and average of all fingers’ scores were used as quantitative measures.

Results:

Among adolescents with AN, 14 of them had enlarged capillaries (capillary diameter 20-50 μm) and 6 of them had mild tortuosity (<50%) which were considered as minor capillaroscopic changes. 5 patients had at least one giant capillary (>50μm), 3 of them had microhemorrhages, 4 of them had capillary ramifications, and 1 of them had capillary disorganization which were considered as major capillaroscopic changes. Two adolescents had capillary loss (6 capillaries/mm). None of them had active or late phase scleroderma findings. In the primary RP group, there were minor findings as five adolescents had mild capillary dilation (capillary diameter 20-50 μm), and 5 had mild tortuosity (<50%). However, none had scleroderma (early-active-late phase) findings. Microangiopathy assessment scores revealed no difference between the AN patients with and without RP and primary RP patients.(Table 1) A positive correlation was found between capillary ramification scores and initial daily calorie intake (r: -0.47; p=0.04).

Table 1.

Measurements of capileroscopy findings according to patient groups

AN+RP+n=4AN+RP-n=13BNn=2Primer RP kontroln=6pMicroangiopathy score0.84 (IQR 0.98)0.92 (IQR 0.96)0.710.65 (IQR0.23)0.62•Capillary loss score0.22 (IQR 0.62)0.06 (IQR 0.41)0.150.0 (IQR 0.26)0.58•Capillary ramification score0.18 (IQR 0.25)0.13 (IQR 0.25)0.090.09 (IQR 0.18)0.88•Disorganized capillaries score0.38 (IQR 0.48)0.56 (IQR 0.68)0.460.43 (0.32)0.98Enlarged capillaries score (20-50 μm)0.56 (IQR 0.78)0.31 (IQR 0.72)0.730.58 (IQR 0.42)0.60Giant capillaries score (>50 μm)0.06 (IQR 0.22)0.00 (IQR 0.03)0.180.03 (0.14)0.14Microhaemorrhage score0.000.000.000.010.67

Conclusion:

Preliminary results of our study suggest that adolescents with AN are at risk for vasculopathy especially during the acute phase of the disease.

References:

[1]Smith V, et al Autoimmun Rev. 2020 Mar;19(3):102458.

[2]American Psychiatric Association (2013) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Pub, Arlington

Acknowledgements:

Muserref Kasap-Cuceoglu and Melis Pehlivanturk-Kizilkan contributed equally.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1249 MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN TURKEY: FIRST REPORT FROM THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Background:

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe COVID-19 cases with excessive hyperinflammation have many overlap features with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Objectives:

We aimed to describe the typical clinical and laboratory features and treatment of children diagnosed with MIS-C and to understand the differences as compared to severe/critical pediatric cases with COVID-19 in an eastern Mediterranean country.

Methods:

Children (aged <18 years) who diagnosed with MIS-C and severe/critical pediatric cases with COVID-19, were admitted to hospital between 26 March and 3 November 2020 were enrolled in the study.

Results:

A total of 52 patients, 22 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with severe/critical disease course and 30 patients diagnosed with MIS-C. Although severe COVID-19 cases and cases with MIS-C share many clinical and laboratory features, MIS-C cases had longer fever duration and higher rate of the existence of rash, conjunctival injection, peripheral edema, abdominal pain, altered mental status, and myalgia than in severe cases (p<0.001 for each). Of all, 53.3% of MIS-C cases had the evidence of myocardial involvement as compared to severe cases (27.2%). Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) are the independent predictors for the diagnosis of MIS-C, particularly in the existence of conjunctival injection and rash. Corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and biologic immunomodulatory treatments were mainly used in MIS-C cases rather than cases with severe disease course. There were only 3 deaths among 52 patients, one of whom had Burkitt lymphoma and the two cases with severe COVID-19 of late referral.

Conclusion:

Differences between clinical presentations, acute phase responses, organ involvements, and management strategies indicate that MIS-C might be a distinct immunopathogenic disease as compared to pediatric COVID-19. Conjunctival injection and higher CRP and low WBC count seem good diagnostic parameters for MIS-C cases.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0168 THE ROLE OF VASCULAR INFLAMMATION MARKERS IN DEFICIENCY OF ADENOSINE DEAMINASE 2

Background:

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disease whose pathogenesis has not been clearly elucidated.

Objectives:

To investigate the role of vascular inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of DADA2, to compare the vascular inflammation profiles of DADA2 patients with different phenotypes, and to compare DADA2 patients with classic polyarteritis nodosa (PAN).

Methods:

The study included eighteen DADA2 patients, ten PAN patients, and eight healthy controls. Plasma levels of sST2, sRAGE, Tie-2, sCD40L, Tie-1, sFlt-1, LIGHT, TNF-α, PlGF, IL-6, IL-18, IL-10, MCP-1 were studied by cytometric bead-based multiplex assay panel.

Results:

Among the DADA2 patients, five had hematological manifestations, 13 had vasculitic findings, and accompanying immunological findings were present in seven patients. Nine patients had neurological findings, five of whom had neuropathy. Hematological findings were Diamond-Blackfan anemia-like phenotype in four patients and bicytopenia (anemia and thrombocytopenia) in one patient. Disease characteristics of DADA2 and PAN patients revealed that neurological involvement and livedo reticularis were more frequent in DADA2 patients (p=0.034 and p=0.009, respectively), while myalgia was more common in PAN patients (p:0.001).

Plasma levels of Tie-1 and sFlt-1 were higher in the overall DADA2 patients compared to healthy controls and PAN patients (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). DADA2 patients with PAN-like features had higher sRAGE, Tie-2, and TNF-α levels compared to PAN patients (p=0.013, p=0.003, and p=0.001, respectively).

There was no significant difference in the levels of vascular inflammation markers between DADA2 patients with vasculitis and hematological involvement except IL-18. The plasma IL-18 levels were higher in the DADA2 patients with hematological findings compared to vasculitic phenotype (p=0.001). Finally DADA2 patients with neuropathy had higher sRAGE concentrations than patients without neuropathy and healthy controls (p=0.03 and p=0.008, respectively).

Conclusion:

We suggest that the high plasma IL-18 levels may be associated with an activated IFN pathway, the pathogenesis of hematologic manifestations, and unresponsive to anti-TNF treatment. Higher concentrations of Tie-1, Tie-2, sFlt-1, sRAGE, and TNF-α distinguished DADA2 patients with PAN-like features from PAN patients. We identified sRAGE as a potential biomarker of neuropathy in DADA2 patients.

References:

[1]Pesciotta EN, Lam H-S, Kossenkov A, et al. In-Depth, Label-Free analysis of the erythrocyte cytoplasmic proteome in Diamond Blackfan Anemia identifies a unique inflammatory signature. PLoS One 2015;10(10):e0140036.

[2]Haslbeck KM, Bierhaus A, Erwin S, et al. Receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE)–mediated nuclear factor-κB activation in vasculitic neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2004;29(6):853-60.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1298 COMPARISON OF FMF CLINICAL FEATURES BETWEEN TURKISH AND CRIMEAN TATAR CHILDREN

Background:

Crimean Tatars is an ethnic group in Russia. The presence of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has been recognized since 2016.

Objectives:

The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical features as well as genetic aspects of FMF in children of Crimean Tatar (CT) origin and compare them with a cohort from Turkey.

Methods:

This retrospective study included all FMF cases in patients of CT origin (n=18) diagnosed in Children’s Regional Hospital in Simferopol since 2016. We included 40 consecutive FMF cases between February-March 2020, diagnosed and followed at Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. All children were less than 18 years old at the time of inclusion. The diagnosis of FMF was based on the EULAR criteria (2019). We excluded other autoinflammatory diseases and any doubtful cases. For assessment of MEFV alleles prevalence 127 healthy unrelated CT adults from different parts of Crimea peninsula were included. Sanger sequencing of MEFV exons 2 and 10 was performed in all the patients and controls.

Results:

FMF in CT was diagnosed with nearly 5 year-delay, despite the earlier age at onset. CT children had more frequent and prolonged fever, joint involvement (arthritis and arthralgia) and erysipeloid rash compared to Turkish, who had more attacks with chest pain and abdominal pain which last longer. (Table 1) CT had higher white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lower hemoglobin. It might be explained by the fact that the majority of Crimean Tatars were admitted to the clinic during an attack, which was not always the case with Turkish children. Distribution of MEFV pathogenic alleles p.M694V, p.M680I, p.V726A in CT children was 81%, 9.5% and 9.5%, respectively, while in Turks it was 68.6%, 14.3% and 12.9%. Among the CT patients, proportion of homozygotes, compound-heterozygotes and heterozygotes were 11%, 6% and 83%, and among Turkish patients were 45%; 30%; and 25%, respectively. MEFV pathogenic variants were detected in 10.2% of healthy CT donors: 7.1% individuals had p.M694V, 1.6% - p.M680I, 1.6% - p.V726A. Comorbid diseases including IgA vasculitis, sacroiliitis, JIA, autoimmune hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease were reported in 5.6% of CT and 10% of Turks. The colchicine treatment rate and regimen were similar, but CT received biologics more frequently (44%) than Turks (22.5%).

Conclusion:

CT is an ethnic group with a significant number of MEFV mutation carriers assuming the expected prevalence of FMF to be as high as 1:385. Thus, any periodic fever in CT patients should be considered as a sign of possible FMF. The clinical course of FMF has some peculiarities in CT patients.

This work supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant № 18-515-57001).

Table 1.

Comparative data of FMF patients with Turkish and Crimean Tatar origin

FMF featuresTurkish (n=40)Crimean Tatars (n=18)рFamily history of FMF, n (%)16 (40)9 (50)0.477Consanguinity, n (%)8 (20)6 (33)0.272Onset age, years3.3 (2; 5)1.3 (0; 4)0.040Age at FMF diagnosis, years4.7 (3; 8)9.6 (4; 14)0.005Diagnosis delay, years0.9 (0; 2)5.5 (2; 10)0.00001Fever, n (%)33 (83)18 (100)0.058Episode duration, days2.0 (2; 3)3.0 (3; 6)0.000003Fever duration, hours48.0 (48; 72)72.0 (72; 120)0.000002Chest pain, n (%)12 (30)1 (6)0.039Chest pain duration, hours48.0 (24; 72)0.0 (0; 0)0.000001Abdominal pain, n (%)30 (75)9 (50)0.061Abdominal pain duration, hours48.0 (24; 48)24.0 (24; 24)0.043Arthritis, n (%)10 (25)16 (89)0.000006Arthralgia, n (%)19 (48)17 (94)0.0007Erysipeloid rash, n (%)0 (0)9 (50)0.000001

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1320 DIFFERENCES IN CLINICAL MANIFESTATION AND DISEASE ACTIVITY OF PEDIATRIC BEHÇET DISEASE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL COHORT COMPARISON BETWEEN TURKEY AND UNITED STATES

Background:

Behçet disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disease which is rare in children. It is also known a higher prevalence along the ancient Silk Road and the eastern Mediterranean, especially in Turkey. Despite the presence of diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of pediatric BD is still difficult due to atypical findings and the heterogeneity of the disease. While descriptive cohort studies in pediatric BD exist, direct comparison studies of clinical manifestations and disease activity between patients from different countries are scarce.

Objectives:

We aimed to compare the main clinical features and activity of pediatric BD patients from Turkey versus United States (US).

Methods:

The BD was diagnosed before 18 years of age and based on expert opinion. Disease activity was assessed with Physician Global Assessment (PhGA), Parents/Patient Global Assessment (PWPGA) and Behçet’s Syndrome Activity Scale (BSAS) were administered to patients from both countries.

Results:

A total of 161 patients were included (61 from Turkey; 100 from US). Males were more prevalent among patients from Turkey than among patients from US (63.9% vs. 32%, respectively, p < 0.001). Disease duration at the diagnosis was significantly longer in US p=0.002). Oral aphthosis was the most common symptom in both groups (96.7% for Turkey and 73% for US), however a significant difference was found (p<0.001). Genital ulcers were documented in 47% of US patients and in 41.4% of Turkish patients (p=0.5). There were significant difference between two groups with regards to the ocular involvement: uveitis and posterior uveitis were more frequently in Turkish patients (p=<0.001 respectively) while retinal vasculitis was no seen in US patients (p<0.001). Erythema nodosum occurred more frequently in Turkish group (p<0.001). The pathergy test was reported as positive in 22 (37.3%) patients in Turkey and 2 (2.3%) in USA in our study (p<0.001). Gastrointestinal and neurological involvement did not differ between cohorts. The rate of colchicine and oral steroids was similar. Azathioprine, cyclosporine and methotrexate usage was more frequent in Turkey (p=0.005, p=0.007, p=0.033, respectively) and infliximab was administered just in the US cohort (p = 0.002). PhGA and BSAS scores were higher in patients from Turkey (p=0.003 and p=0.017 respectively) and no significant differences were seen in PWPGA scores.

Conclusion:

Disease activity and clinical features seem to be different between the two countries which may be linked to the environmental factors, referral patterns and immune system responses in the expression of this disease. The diagnosis of BD in the US was based on both fulfilling the ISBD criteria and in cases when criteria were not met, based on treating physician assessment, which can explain some of the differences in disease presentation. In addition, there were differences in regard to clinical practice and treatment patterns between two countries. Increasing knowledge about heterogeneity of BD will improve the ability of diagnosis, development of new diagnostic criteria, and management of BD.

References:

[1]Butbul Aviel Y et al, Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0074 CAN WE PREDICT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEPHRITIS IN PEDIATRIC IGA VASCULITIS PATIENTS?

Background:

IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is the most common systemic vasculitis of childhood, characterized by palpable purpura, arthritis, gastrointestinal and renal involvement 1. It is a relatively self-limited disease apart from the renal involvement which is associated with the long term morbidity.

Objectives:

We aimed to define a marker at disease onset to predict the renal involvement.

Methods:

In this pilot study, we analyzed a targeted panel of vascular inflammation markers (sT2, RAGE, TIE-2, sCD40L, TIE-1, sFlt-1, LIGHT, TNF-a, PlGF, IL6, IL18, IL10 and MCP-1) in the plasma samples of eight patients IgAV at the onset of the disease, before any treatment was initiated. At the time of sample collection, none of the patients had renal involvement; four of these patients subsequently developed nephritis and were defined as the IgAVN group. The levels of the markers were studied by a cytometric bead-based multiplex assay panel according to manufacturer’s instruction (LEGENDplex HU Vascular Inflammation panel 2 (13-plex); catalogue number 740966, Biolegend) and analyzed by Novocyte 3005 flow cytometer.

Results:

There were no significant differences in gender, age, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings between IgAV and IgAVN patients (Table 1). sCD40L levels were higher (median 1938.1 vs 754.9 pg/mL, p=0.04) whereas sST2 levels were lower (median 862.8 vs 2302.8 pg/mL, p=0.02) in the patients who developed IgAV nephritis (Figure 1). sRAGE levels were higher and IL18 levels were lower in IgAVN patients but did not reach statistical significance, probably due to the low number of patients. The other parameters did not show any specific pattern.

Table 1.IgAV (n=4)IgAVN (n=4)p valueGender2F, 2M1F, 3M0.49Age at disease onset9.0±5.410.3±3.40.68Arthralgia/arthritis50%75%0.49GIS involvement75%50%0.49Haemoglobine (gr/dL)12.4±2.312.3±0.60.95White blood cells, x109/L11150±19338525±14970.08Platelets x109/L290250±87328269250±387410.68Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/hr)10.5±9.121.0±140.26C-reactive protein (mg/dL)0.63±0.031.16±0.960.39

Data are given as mean±SD

Figure 1.

Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) is expressed on platelets and released on activation. It is proinflammatory for endothelial cells and promotes coagulation by inducing expression of tissue factor on monocytes and endothelial cells 2. It was investigated in acute coronary syndrome and was suggested as a risk factor for vascular damage. 2. Furthermore, the levels of sCD40L were shown to be correlated with disease activity in ANCA-associated vasculitis3. Thus in IgAV, sCD40L may be associated with the involvement of the kidney vasculature, which represents the more severe form of the disease. Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is another marker for endothelial damage and vasculitis which was higher in IgAVN, as well.

IL33 is expressed by epithelial and endothelial cells and overexpression of IL33 have been shown in large vessel vasculitis 4. sST2 acts as a decoy receptor and inhibits IL33 signalling4. It was interesting to see that the levels of the IL-18 and sST2, which are members of IL-1 family, were lower in IgAVN patients.

Conclusion:

Although the number of the patients were limited in this pilot study, we suggest that sCD40L and sRAGE might be used to predict the development of renal disease in IgAV patients. Further studies with larger number of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

References:

[1]Sag E, Batu ED, Ozen S. Childhood systemic vasculitis. Best practice & research Clinical rheumatology 2017;31(4):558-75.

[2]Heeschen C, Dimmeler S, Hamm CW, et al. Soluble CD40 ligand in acute coronary syndromes. The New England journal of medicine 2003;348(12):1104-11.

[3]Tomasson G, Lavalley M, Tanriverdi K, et al. Relationship between markers of platelet activation and inflammation with disease activity in Wegener’s granulomatosis. The Journal of rheumatology 2011;38(6):1048-54.

[4]Desbois AC, Cacoub P, Leroyer AS, et al. Immunomodulatory role of Interleukin-33 in large vessel vasculitis. Sci Rep 2020;10(1):6405.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

SAT0497 A PILOT PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF PLASMA BIOMARKERS IN IgA VASCULITIS

Background:

IgA vasculitis/ Henoch Schönlein Purpura (IgAV/HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood, characterized by the IgA1 immune deposits in the small vessels. Although it is very common, the understanding of its molecular pathogenesis is still very limited.

Objectives:

We aimed to analyse plasma proteomes of IgAV/HSP patients using nano liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) to investigate the disease pathogenesis.

Methods:

IgAV/HSP was diagnosed according to the Ankara criteria in 2008 (1). Five active IgAV/HSP patients and two age and gender-matched health controls were enrolled in this pilot study. Serum samples from subjects were collected on the same day of IgAV/HSP diagnosis and before steroid or other immunosuppressive treatment initiated. Sample preparation was carried out using PreOmics İST Kit. We investigated the alteration of serum proteome using the nano LC-MS/MS approach. Bruker raw files were analyzed using the proteomics software Max Quant (1.6.7.0). The human reference proteome set from UniProt was used to identify proteins. Proteomic data were analyzed with Perseus 1.6.7.0.

Results:

The data file includes peptide and protein identification, accession numbers, protein and gene names, sequence coverage and label free quantification (LFQ) values of each sample. 345 proteins were reported per sample. Identifications from the reverse decoy database, identified by site only and known contaminants were excluded. Data were log transformed. Two sample T-test was performed between groups. We identified 23 significantly different expressed proteins (Table 1). Mainly the differentially expressed proteins were in the Ig and complement pathway, innate immune inflammatory, and were among the structural cytoskeletal filaments. The levels of Complement C3, Apolipoprotein E, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, Filamin-A, Alpha-1B-glycoprotein, Tubulin beta-1 chain, Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, Ig mu chain C region were significantly higher in IGAV patients.

Table 1.

List of differentially expressed proteins identified in IgAV compared to healthy controls

Majority protein IDsProtein namesGene namesp-valueO75822Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit JEIF3J0,004P05106;H3BM21Integrin beta-3ITGB30,008P02743Serum amyloid P-componentAPCS0,015A0A0J9YX35unknown0,015A2NJV5;A0A075B6S2unknownIGKV A18;IGKV2D-290,021P02679Fibrinogen gamma chainFGG0,022A0A0C4DH36unknownIGHV3-380,024P0DP03;P01768Ig heavy chain V-III region CAM0,024O14791Apolipoprotein L1APOL10,025P01024Complement C3C30,030P02675Fibrinogen beta chain; Fibrinopeptide BFGB0,030P01860Ig gamma-3 chain C regionIGHG30,031A0A075B7D8unknownIGHV3OR15-70,034P02649Apolipoprotein EAPOE0,035P04406Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenaseGAPDH0,037A0A075B6R2;A0A087WW49unknownIGHV4-40,039P21333Filamin-AFLNA0,043P04217Alpha-1B-glycoproteinA1BG0,045P02790HemopexinHPX0,046A0A0C4DH25unknownIGKV3D-200,047Q9H4B7Tubulin beta-1 chainTUBB10,049P18428Lipopolysaccharide-binding proteinLBP0,049P01871Ig mu chain C regionIGHM0,050

Conclusion:

This pilot proteomic study may provide us a perspective in the pathogenesis of IgAV (HSP).

References:

[1]Ozen S, Pistorio A, Iusan SM, Bakkaloglu A, Herlin T, Brik R, et al. EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria for Henoch-Schonlein purpura, childhood polyarteritis nodosa, childhood Wegener granulomatosis and childhood Takayasu arteritis: Ankara 2008. Part II: final classification criteria. Ann Rheum Dis 2010;69(5):798e806.

Disclosure of Interests:

Selcan Demir: None declared, Melis Sardan: None declared, Idil Yet: None declared, Erdal Sag Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Yelda Bilginer Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Ömür Celikbicak: None declared, Seza Özen Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis

OP0197 THE INITIAL TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: AN INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION AMONG 10 REGISTRIES

Background:

The introduction of biologics has transformed care for children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Differences in treatment approaches between countries and how they have changed over time are not well studied.

Objectives:

We contrast the initial features, treatment and 12-month outcome in SJIA across 10 JIA registers in Europe and North America.

Methods:

Data were extracted locally from 10 Registers including manifestations at diagnosis, medication use over first year and outcomes (Physician Global Assessment (PGA), active joint count (AJC)) at 12 months. Data was compared before/after 2012 to assess change over time. Weighted (w) means were used to adjust for varying number of patients/Register.

Results:

1,149 patients; 553 had medication data for 2012-2018; primarily female and Caucasian; median age at diagnosis 5.3-8 years. Median duration of symptoms prior to first visit varied (0-3.3 months). Glucocorticoid (GC) use was common in the first year (w_average 72% (range 33-96%)). Biologic use included IL-1, IL-6 and TNF inhibitors. The proportion of patients treated with biologics, primarily anakinra, increased after 2012 (Table 1). W_mean PGA and AJC at the 12±3 month visit were 1.55 and 1.57, respectively (Table 2). At one year, the proportion of patients prescribed GC varied (w_mean 40%, range 26-60%).

Conclusion:

Analysis of SJIA patients across 10 countries show that time to first rheumatology visit was highly variable. Although local factors influence treatment decisions, biologic use increased after 2011; anakinra most common. Nearly 75% of patients were prescribed steroids within the first year but seemed to decrease after 1 year. More study is needed on long-term outcomes in SJIA patients within this modern era.

1: Medication Usage within First Year (pre/post 2012 where available)Glucocorticoids (IV+PO)%Methotrexate%Biologic%Anti-IL-1%Anakinra%Tocilizumab%USA2010-2011n=922563333330USA2012-2018n=91501771705717Canada2005-2010n=8876601710100UK2001-2011n=69787110330UK2012-2018n=31485829191919Portugal2008-2011n=7342364330Portugal2012-2018n=19744732161621Sweden2009-2015n=50964662302830Denmark1997-2011n=83864013662Denmark2012-2018n=325012.575636319Turkey2000-2011n=71937758423720Turkey2012-2018n=11498524032289Germany2000-2011n=27173621376<1Germany2012-2018n=249574727191020Norway1997-2011n=26816212448Norway2012-2018n=510060100202080Finland2006-2011n=12424217008Finland2012-2018n=1225880082: Clinical Outcomes at 12 Months -all yearsAJCMedian [IQR]PGAMedian [IQR]GC Use, %USA0 [0, 0]0 [0,0]47Canada0 [0, 2]0.1 [0, 2.7]41UK0 [0, 0]0.5 [0, 1.7]53Portugal0 [0, 0]0.3 [0, 1]53Sweden0 [0, 0.5]0 [0, 0.5]31Denmark0 [0, 0]-26Turkey4 [2, 7]4 [3, 7]60Germany0 [0, 1]0 [0,2]36Norway0 [0, 0]0.5 [0, 2]45Finland0 [0, 0]0 [0, 0]33

Disclosure of Interests:

Mary Beth Son: None declared, Yukiko Kimura Consultant of: Genetech, Kristiina Aalto: None declared, Lillemor Berntson: None declared, Johnathan Dallas: None declared, Ciaran Duffy: None declared, Mia Glerup: None declared, Jaime Guzman: None declared, Troels Herlin: None declared, Petteri Hovi: None declared, Kimme Hyrich Grant/research support from: Pfizer, UCB, BMS, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Jens Klotsche: None declared, Bo Magnusson: None declared, Vanessa McItyre: None declared, Ellen Nordal: None declared, Seza Özen: None declared, Maria Jose Santos Speakers bureau: Novartis and Pfizer, Betül Sözeri: None declared, Timothy Beukelman Consultant of: UCB, Novartis

OP0272 LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CANAKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH COLCHICINE-RESISTANT FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER: RESULTS FROM THE RANDOMISED PHASE 3 CLUSTER TRIAL

Background:

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease associated with mutations in theMEFVgene. Colchicine is the cornerstone of current therapy for FMF; however, a subset of patients are resistant or intolerant to it. Previously published results from the CLUSTER trial [NCT02059291] demonstrated that canakinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-1β monoclonal antibody, was effective in controlling and preventing flares in patients with colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever (crFMF).1

Objectives:

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of canakinumab to treat patients with crFMF during Epoch 4 of the CLUSTER study.

Methods:

Patients with active crFMF (baseline flare) were enrolled in the CLUSTER study. During Epoch 4 (weeks 40 to 113), patients received open-label canakinumab 150 or 300 mg, every 4 or 8 weeks (q4w or q8w). Patients started Epoch 4 on the same regimen that they were receiving at the end of Epoch 3, and stepwise up-titration of canakinumab was allowed in patients who experienced a flare, to a maximum dose of 300 mg q4w. We evaluated disease activity every 8 weeks using the physician global assessment of disease activity (PGA), counting the number of flares (defined as PGA ≥2 and CRP >30 mg/L), and measuring serum concentrations of C reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA). Safety was assessed by the determination and classification of adverse events (AEs). We analysed safety and efficacy separately in two subgroups of patients receiving a cumulative dose of canakinumab lower than 2700 mg, or equal or higher than 2700 mg.

Results:

Of the 61 patients with active crFMF who started the CLUSTER study, 60 entered Epoch 4 and 57 completed it. During the 72-week period, 35/60 (58.3%) patients experienced no flares, and 23/60 (38.3%) had one single flare, as compared with a median of 17.5 flares per year reported at baseline. The incidence of flares was similar in the two cumulative dose groups. PGA scores indicated no disease activity for the majority of patients throughout the study, in both cumulative dose groups. 23/57 (40%) of patients remained in the lower dosing group (150 mg q8w) until study end, whereas 9/57 (16%) required the highest dose allowed (300 mg q4w). Patients with higher body weight had an increased probability to require up-titration of canakinumab to control disease activity. Median CRP concentrations were lower than 10 mg/L at every time point in both cumulative dose groups, while median SAA concentrations remained in the 16-70 mg/L range, and were higher in the group receiving ≥2700 mg canakinumab (Figure 1). No opportunistic infections, renal disease caused by amyloidosis, new or unexpected AEs were reported.

Figure 1.

SAA and CRP blood levels in Epoch 4 of the CLUSTER study, in two subgroups of patients treated with a cumulative dose of canakinumab <2700 mg or ≥2700 mg

Conclusion:

Patients with crFMF treated with canakinumab during 72 weeks experienced a minimal incidence of flares and good control of clinical disease activity, with no new safety signals reported.

References:

[1]De Benedetti F et al.N Engl J Med2018;378:1908–19.

Disclosure of Interests:

Seza Özen Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, Eldad Ben-Chetrit Speakers bureau: Novartis, Ivan Foeldvari Consultant of: Novartis, Gil Amarilyo Grant/research support from: Novartis, Speakers bureau: Novartis, Huri Ozdogan: None declared, Steven Vanderschueren: None declared, Katherine Marzan Grant/research support from: Novartis, J Michelle Kahlenberg Grant/research support from: Celgene, BMS, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingleheim, Elise Dekker Employee of: Novartis, Fabrizio De Benedetti Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, Novartis, Novimmune, Sobi, Sanofi, Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Roche, Sobi, Isabelle Koné-Paut Consultant of: Novartis, Chugai, Pfizer, LFB, AbbVie, Novimmune, SOBI

SAT0487 PREDICTIVE BIOMARKERS OF I IgA VASCULITIS WITH NEPHRITIS BY METABOLOMIC ANALYSIS

Background:

IgA vasculitis/ Henoch Schönlein Purpura (IgAV/HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood and renal involvement is the most serious long-term complication. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of the progression to kidney disease is required for better treatment to be achieved and current biomarkers of Ig A vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) lack the predictive value.

Objectives:

In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach was performed to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of disease pathogenesis and to find potential biomarkers of plasma samples from patients with IgAV and IgAVN.

Methods:

IgAV/HSP was diagnosed according to the Ankara criteria in 2008 (1). Forty-five patients, including 39 active IgAV patients (H), 6 IgAVN (N), and 6 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (C), were enrolled in the study. Plasma samples from subjects were collected on the same day of IgAV(HSP) diagnosis and before steroid or other immunosuppressive treatment initiated. This study has utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ Q-TOF) to investigate the alterations in plasma metabolomic profiles. Three separate pools, health controls, active IgAV, and IgAVN were created. Peak picking, grouping, and comparison parts were performed (metabolite profiling) via XCMS (https://xcmsonline.scripps.edu/) software.

Results:

Totally 2618 peaks were detected for group H, N and C. Among them 355 peaks were found to be statistically significant and reliable (p<0.05) and 155 of these peaks were found to be changed (fold change >1.5) between the groups C and H. On the other hand, 66 peaks were found to be changed (fold change >1.5) between the groups H and N. The number of the peaks on the intersection of the peaks found to be changed between the groups (C and H) and (H and N) was 39. This situation was illustrated in Figure 1. Based on putative identification results, 15 peaks were matched with 24 metabolites. The list of these metabolites is given in Table 1.

Table 1.

Putative identification of 15 peaks found to be statistically different and having fold changes.

PeakPutative IdentificationKEGG Codesrt (min)N/H15-AminopentanamideC009902,100,3615-Aminopentanoic acidC004312,100,3612-Keto-6-aminocaproateC032392,100,361(S)-5-Amino-3-oxohexanoateC036562,100,361D-1-Piperideine-2-carboxylic acidC040922,100,362OxalureateC0080215,520,503PorphobilinogenC0093114,789,624(+)-cis-3,4-Dihydrophenanthrene-3,4-diolC0446815,520,025(-)-trans-CarveolC0096412,691,826DHAP(18:0)C0380512,701,926N-Acetyl-b-glucosaminylamineC0123912,701,9275-Methyltetrahydrofolic acidC0044014,882,418N2-Succinyl-L-ornithineC0341515,520,058N6-Acetyl-LL-2,6-diaminoheptanedioateC0439015,520,059EstroneC0046812,711,9010N-Acetyl-4-O-acetylneuraminic acidC0401514,892,4110N-Acetyl-7-O-acetylneuraminic acidC0401614,892,4111Oleoyl-CoAC0051015,520,2612SaccharopineC0044915,520,2613Prostaglandin D2C0069617,812,0513Prostaglandin I2C0131217,812,0514Glycocholic acidC0192113,780,6115GalactosylsphingosineC0174724,410,4515GlucosylsphingosineC0310824,410,45Figure 1.

The number of the peaks found on datamining process

Conclusion:

Certain differences in metabolites were identified between controls and IgAV patients and between those with and without kidney involvement.

References:

[1]Ozen S, Pistorio A, Iusan SM, Bakkaloglu A, Herlin T, Brik R, et al. EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria for Henoch-Schonlein purpura, childhood polyarteritis nodosa, childhood Wegener granulomatosis and childhood Takayasu arteritis: Ankara 2008. Part II: final classification criteria. Ann Rheum Dis 2010;69(5):798e806.

Disclosure of Interests:

Selcan Demir: None declared, Mustafa Çelebier: None declared, Ozan Kaplan: None declared, Erdal Sag Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Yelda Bilginer Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Seza Özen Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis

OP0288 ANTI-IL1 TREATMENT IN COLCHICINE RESISTANT PEDIATRIC FMF PATIENTS-REAL LIFE DATA FROM THE HELIOS REGISTRY

Background:

FMF is a prototype of autoinflammatory diseases associated with excess IL1 production. Anti-IL1 treatments are the first-line alternatives in colchicine resistant/intolerant FMF patients.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-IL1 treatment in pediatric FMF patients in our local (HELIOS) registry.

Methods:

HELIOS (Hacettepe univErsity eLectronIc research fOrmS) is a web-based biological drug registry for pediatric rheumatology patients (helios.hacettepe.edu.tr). Data were recorded at biological treatment onset (month 0), at month 6 and yearly thereafter in patients. We have analysed the clinical features, disease activity parameters, treatment responses and safety outcomes in FMF patients treated with anti-IL1 agent.

Results:

Forty pediatric FMF patients were included to the study group (67% female).

Thirty-four patients received continous anti-IL1 treatment. The mean age at the start of the colchicine was 5.55±3.87 years. Age at onset of the anti-IL1 treatment was 11.47±5.41 with a mean follow-up duration of 3.87±1.96 years. Apart from two patients, all of them had biallelic exon-10 mutations.

We have also given anti-IL1 treatment on an on-demand basis in six adolescent patients. Five of them were having very severe attacks during menstrual periods and one was having attacks during extreme stress periods along with very high CRP levels. The quality of life has markedly improved and these patients no longer reveal any CRP elevation.

Anakinra was used as the first-line anti-IL1 treatment. During the last visit, six patients were treated with anakinra and 28 patients were treated with canakinumab. Anti-IL1 treatment decreased the CRP levels, number and severity of the attacks. (Figure 1.) There were three hospitalizations reported due to mild infections. Eleven patients had local skin reactions, two patients had leukopenia with anakinra and one patient had thrombocytopenia with canakinumab. We have discontinued anti-IL1 treatment until the cytopenia subsided. We have switched to on-demand therapy in one patient, started the same treatment and gradually increased the dose in the other two patients. There were no malignancy or other severe adverse reactions.

Figure 1.

Conclusion:

Anakinra and canakinumab are efficient and safe alternatives in colchicine resistant and intolerant pediatric FMF patients. We also for the first time, report on-demand use of anti-IL1 in pediatric FMF patients. We suggest that on-demand treatment should be considered under certain circumstances where the trigger is known and short-lasting (such as menstruation and periods of extreme stress)

Acknowledgments:

Authors would like to thank Elif Arslanoglu Aydin, Armagan Keskin, Kubra Yuksel and Emil Aliyev for their contribution to the HELIOS registry

Disclosure of Interests:

Erdal Sag Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Fuat Akal Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Erdal Atalay Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Ummusen Kaya Akca Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Selcan Demir Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Dilara Demirel Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Ezgi Deniz Batu Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Yelda Bilginer Grant/research support from: Novartis and SOBI financially supported the HELIOS registry during the establishment of infrastructure, Seza Özen Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis

SAT0243 SUBPHENOTYPES IN POLYARTERITIS NODOSA (PAN): TARGET ORGAN ASSOCIATIONS OF A WORLDWIDE COLLABORATION STUDY

Background:

There is a paucity of information on the current phenotypes, ethnic and geographic differences of PAN. A global PAN study group has been working for clinical subphenotype and GWAS studies.

Objectives:

This study is aimed to look for target organ associations in PAN.

Methods:

PAN patients fulfilling the EMA vasculitis classification algorithm were recruited. In addition to baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome data, occurrence of any of the clinical manifestations related to PAN during disease course was recorded.

Factor analysis was used to analyse target organ associations of 306 patients. Five factors were identified by factor analysis of variables sex, paediatric-onset, HBV, monogenic disease relationship, cutaneous features, musculoskeletal symptoms, constitutional symptoms and involved areas (abdominal, renal, neurologic, ENT, cardiac, pulmonary).

Results:

PAN cohort from 7 countries were used (Italy: n=59, Japan: n=39, Mexico: n=29, Slovenia: n=14, Sweden:11, TUR: n=106, UK: n=48). 306 (M/F: 171/135 and Caucasian 77.1%, Asian 13.4%, and Hispanic 9.5%) patients were included. 8 were HBV-related, and 22 of TUR patients had a monogenic form of disease (FMF n=15, DADA2 n=7). 21.8% of patients were cutaneous-only PAN patients. 48.4% of patients had radiologic, 64% had biopsy-proven PAN. Median age at disease onset was 40 (IQR 27.0-57.5) years. During a median 57 (16-120) months follow-up, 39 (13%) patients died.

Factor analysis revealed 5 factors that explained 54.1% of the original information on the matrix as follows:Factor 1,represented the association between gastrointestinal and renal involvement, male gender and negatively associated with cutaneous features;Factor 2,the association between monogenic relationship with paediatric onset disease;Factor 3,any of musculoskeletal findings with positive constitutional symptoms;Factor 4any neurologic involvement was associated with ENT and pulmonary findings;Factor 5cardiac involvement in non-HBV patients (Table).

The eigenvalues of the 5 factors were 2.034, 1.470, 1.427, 1.079 and 1.030, in decreasing order, i.e., the highest contribution to the overall variance in the matrix came from the togetherness of the 4 clinical and demographic characteristics that made up Factor 1.

Conclusion:

Target organ associations could support distinctive subphenotypes in PAN. Factor 1 seems the most severe form. Patients with FMF or DADA2 have distinct target organ associations. The jury is out to decide whether these patients should be classified as ‘vasculitis associated with probable etiology’ just as HBV-related-PAN. Factor 4 might define a different subphenotype (ANCA- medium vessel vasculitis?).

Disclosure of Interests:

Omer Karadag: None declared, Ertugrul Cagri Bolek: None declared, Shunsuke Furuta: None declared, Giacomo Emmi: None declared, ALOJZIJA HOCEVAR: None declared, Andrea Hinojosa-Azaola: None declared, Aladdin J Mohammad Speakers bureau: lecture fees from Roche and Elli Lilly Sweden, PI (GiACTA study), Serdal Ugurlu: None declared, Fatma Alibaz-Oner: None declared, Ayten Yazici: None declared, Luca Quartuccio: None declared, Enrica Bozzolo: None declared, Lorenzo Dagna Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, SOBI, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, and SOBI, Giuseppe Alvise Ramirez: None declared, Luca Cantarini: None declared, Gina Gregorini: None declared, Jeannin Guido: None declared, Sara Monti: None declared, Eduardo Martin-Nares: None declared, Franco Schiavon: None declared, Roberto Padoan: None declared, Hajime Kono: None declared, Augusto Vaglio: None declared, Saadettin Kiliçkap: None declared, Ali İhsan Ertenli: None declared, Haner Direskeneli: None declared, Seza Özen Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, David Jayne Grant/research support from: ChemoCentryx, GSK, Roche/Genentech, Sanofi-Genzyme, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, ChemoCentryx, GSK, InflaRx, Takeda, Insmed, Chugai, Boehringer-Ingelheim

Genotype-phenotype correlation, gonadal malignancy risk, gender preference, and testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio in steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency: a multicenter study from Turkey

BACKGROUND

Studies regarding genetic and clinical characteristics, gender preference, and gonadal malignancy rates for steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD2) are limited and they were conducted on small number of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To present genotype-phenotype correlation, gonadal malignancy risk, gender preference, and diagnostic sensitivity of serum testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio in patients with 5α-RD2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with variations in the SRD5A2 gene were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, phenotype, gender assignment, hormonal tests, molecular genetic data, and presence of gonadal malignancy were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were included in the study. Abnormality of the external genitalia was the most dominant phenotype (92.9%). Gender assignment was male in 58.8% and female in 29.4% of the patients, while it was uncertain for 11.8%. Fourteen patients underwent bilateral gonadectomy, and no gonadal malignancy was detected. The most frequent pathogenic variants were p.Ala65Pro (30.6%), p.Leu55Gln (16.5%), and p.Gly196Ser (15.3%). The p.Ala65Pro and p.Leu55Gln showed more undervirilization than the p.Gly196Ser. The diagnostic sensitivity of stimulated T/DHT ratio was higher than baseline serum T/DHT ratio, even in pubertal patients. The cut-off values yielding the best sensitivity for stimulated T/DHT ratio were ≥ 8.5 for minipuberty, ≥ 10 for prepuberty, and ≥ 17 for puberty.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant genotype-phenotype correlation in 5α-RD2. Gonadal malignancy risk seems to be low. If genetic analysis is not available at the time of diagnosis, stimulated T/DHT ratio can be useful, especially if different cut-off values are utilized in accordance with the pubertal status.

Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness, Choroidal Vascularity Index and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Patients with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed ophthalmological examination in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE), including choroidal thickness (ChT), choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Methods

The study included all jSLE patients ( n = 21) diagnosed according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria between January 2017 and April 2017, and an age- and gender-matched control group ( n = 21). The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was used to assess disease activity. After routine eye examinations, ChT at five points (750 µ and 1500 µ from the center of the fovea both in the temporal and nasal quadrants and under the fovea), total subfoveal choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), CVI and RNFL thickness at the optic disc were evaluated.

Results

One patient had active ocular involvement in the form of episcleritis. Another patient had corticosteroid-induced cataract. The median age of the patients was 16 years (6-19 years). ChT at five points, TCA, LA and SA were found to be higher in patients with jSLE, whereas RNFL thickness and CVI were similar to those of the healthy control individuals. No correlation was determined between optical coherence tomography findings, SLEDAI and the immunological parameters (antinuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA, complements 3 and 4, extracted nuclear antigen antibody, antiphospholipid antibody). Intraretinal and subretinal fluid was not present in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The choroid was thicker in patients with jSLE than in the control group. The study results suggest that jSLE may affect the choroid. Ophthalmological evaluation is important in SLE patients, even in the absence of relevant complaints.

Comparing immunoglobulin A vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) in children and adults: a single-centre study from Turkey

OBJECTIVE

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis/Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgAV/HSP) is a systemic vasculitis involving small vessels with the deposition of immune complexes containing IgA. It is the most common primary systemic vasculitis of childhood and is much less common in adults. Our aim was to investigate the differences and similarities between adult and paediatric patients with IgAV/HSP.

METHOD

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 35 adult and 159 paediatric (˂ 18 years old) patients with a clinical diagnosis of IgAV/HSP who were seen at the Departments of Rheumatology and Pediatric Rheumatology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. The paediatric and adult patients were classified with IgAV/HSP according to the Ankara 2008 and American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria, respectively.

RESULTS

Upper respiratory tract infection was a common predisposing factor for both adults (34.3%) and children (21.4%). Creatinine and C-reactive protein were higher; and skin biopsy, hypertension, renal involvement, haematuria, proteinuria, and renal insufficiency at diagnosis were more frequent in adults than in children. Thrombocyte count was higher in children than in adults. Follow-up without treatment and complete recovery were more frequent in children, while persistent haematuria, chronic renal failure, relapse, and the use of corticosteroids/azathioprine were more frequent in adults. The only independent predictive factor for relapse was persistent haematuria.

CONCLUSION

Various clinical and laboratory characteristics differ between children and adults with IgAV/HSP. Overall, IgAV/HSP has a self-limiting course in children but represents a more severe form of disease in adults, with more severe renal involvement. Persistent haematuria is a predictive factor for relapse.

Effects of intravitreous sodium hydrosulfide on intraocular pressure and retinopathy in ocular hypertensive rats

We investigated the possible neuroprotectant and intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects of intravitreous injection of sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH) in a rodent model of experimental glaucoma. Glaucoma currently is treated by controlling IOP using medications and/or surgery. These methods are not entirely adequate for all patients. We divided 24 rats into three groups. For the control group, the right eye was treated with intravitreous saline. For the glaucoma group, ocular hypertension was induced by photocoagulating three episcleral veins and the limbal plexus of the right eye using an argon laser, then saline was injected into the vitreous of these eyes during the third week. For the NaSH group, rats were treated with intravenous NaSH 3 weeks after photocoagulation. IOP was measured each week during the 6 week experimental period. Coagulating the episcleral veins rapidly increased the IOP of rat eyes. Intravitreous injection of NaSH significantly reduced IOP. Intravitreous NaSH prevented degeneration of the retina and decreased the number of apoptotic cells. Intravitreous NaSH appeared to reduce IOP and to prevent IOP induced retinopathy in rats.

Assessment of the HScore for reactive haemophagocytic syndrome in patients with rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVES

Reactive haemophagocytic syndrome (RHS) is a hyperinflammatory disorder often occurring in the background of several disorders such as infections, malignancies, and rheumatic diseases. Recently, a score known as the HScore was developed for the diagnosis of RHS. In the original study, most of the patients had underlying haematological malignancy or infection and the best cut-off value for the HScore was 169 (sensitivity 93%; specificity 86%). In this study we aimed to analyse the performance of the HScore in rheumatic disease-related RHS.

METHOD

The patients with rheumatic disorders evaluated in the Departments of Rheumatology and Paediatric Rheumatology at Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The first group (n = 30) consisted of patients with RHS; the control group (n = 64) included patients with active rheumatic diseases without RHS.

RESULTS

In the RHS group, 14 (46.7%) had adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), 10 (33.3%) systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), and six (20%) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The control group (n = 64) consisted of 32 (50%) AOSD, 13 (20.3%) SJIA, and 19 (29.7%) SLE patients. Applying the HScore to the RHS patients, the best cut-off value was 190.5 with a sensitivity of 96.7% and specificity of 98.4%. When we excluded the patients from the control group who had not had bone marrow aspiration (n = 23), the same cut-off (190.5) performed best (sensitivity 96.7%; specificity 97.6%). Applying the 2004 haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH-2004) criteria gave a sensitivity of 56.6% and a specificity of 100% in the whole study group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, a cut-off value for the HScore different from the original study performed better. Further studies are warranted to determine optimum cut-off values in different studies.