Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Improves Local Control in the Treatment of Adnexal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Adnexal carcinoma (AC) is a rare subset of cutaneous malignancies derived from skin adnexa. There are limited data on the role of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). This study investigates outcomes associated with adjuvant RT at our high-volume referral center.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Using an institutional pathology database we identified 45 patients with locoregionally-confined AC treated between 2001-2020 with curative intent surgery and RT at initial diagnosis or at the time of locoregionally-confined recurrence. Clinicopathologic variables were described and time to relapse events were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Median age was 64 yrs (IQR 57-71). Primary tumors were in the head and neck (H&N, n = 36, 80%), trunk/extremities (n = 8, 18%) or unknown (n = 1). The most common histologic subtypes were: sebaceous-14 (31%), microcystic adnexal carcinoma-9 (20%), eccrine-6 (13%), and trichilemmal-5 (11%). Twenty-two (50% of known primaries) had PNI. All patients had primary tumor excision. Six had clinically evident lymphadenopathy (13%), all of whom had lymph node dissection (LND). Five patients without evidence of nodal disease (13%) had sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with one having SLN+ disease. Thirty patients (67%) received adjuvant locoregional RT at initial diagnosis with the following targets: 21 (30%) primary only, 4 (13%) nodal only, and 5 (17%) both. Of those receiving nodal RT, 7 (78%) had LN+ LND with 2 of those receiving concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation. Sixteen were treated at recurrence with the following targets: 4 (25%) primary only (1 having had prior adjuvant nodal RT), 4 (25%) nodal only, and 8 (50%) both. Across the full cohort, median RT dose was 60 Gy in 30 fractions. Median follow-up from initial surgical resection was 60 months (IQR 30-160). 5-year LC, NC, DFS and DSS were 71%, 86%, 66%, and 91% respectively. The only evaluated factor associated with better outcome was adjuvant primary site RT (5-yr LC 83% vs. 56%, p = 0.01 and 5-yr DFS 83% vs. 46%, p = 0.0003). All 15 patients with local recurrence (LR) had salvage surgery with median subsequent follow-up of 75 months (IQR 2-94). Overall, 5 patients receiving adjuvant primary site RT at any time (initial or salvage) developed subsequent local recurrence (13%). Of the 8 patients who developed nodal recurrence (NR) during follow-up, 1 received adjuvant nodal RT at initial diagnosis. Six of 7 who did not receive prior RT then received adjuvant nodal RT after LND and only 1 developed subsequent NR.

CONCLUSION

AC is a rare skin cancer with a primarily locoregional recurrence pattern. In our experience, adjuvant RT was associated with improved LC which, depending on the tumor location, may help prevent morbid or cosmetically-impactful salvage surgery. Patients with AC would benefit from radiation oncology referral to discuss adjuvant treatment.

AB0594 ULTRASOUND INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS CUT-OFF VALUES FOR CRANIAL AND EXTRACRANIAL ARTERIES IN PATIENTS WITH GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

Background

Ultrasound (US) is a valid imaging tool to detect signs of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Although the halo sign has always been considered the most useful finding for GCA diagnosis, modern high frequency transducers are able to precisely measure the intima-media thickness (IMT) of cranial and extracranial arteries. However, data on optimal cut-off values for IMT to differentiate patients and controls in clinical practice are limited.

Objectives

To determine the optimal cut-off value for IMT of cranial and extracranial arteries in patients with suspected GCA.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of patients referred to our US fast-track clinic with suspected GCA. All patients underwent bilateral US examination of the cranial and extracranial (carotid, subclavian and axillary) arteries within 24 hours per protocol. The exam was performed using an EsaoteMyLab8 with a 12-18 MHz frequency transducer for cranial arteries and an 8-14 frequency transducer for extracranial arteries. The IMT was measured in gray scale mode and the presence of a non-compressible halo sign was checked in all arteries. The gold standard for GCA diagnosis was clinical confirmation by the referring rheumatologist after 6 months follow-up. Mean IMT values of each artery were compared between patients with and without GCA by independent samples T-test. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was performed and the Youden index was used to determine the optimal cut-off value for IMT of each artery.

Results

Of the 157 patients with suspected GCA (67.5% female, mean age 73.7 years) referred to the fast-track clinic, 47 (29.9%) had GCA clinical confirmation after 6 months. 41 (87.2%) patients with GCA had positive US findings (61.7% had cranial involvement, 44.7% extracranial involvement and 19.1% a mixed pattern of cranial and extracranial arteries). The following IMT cut-off values showed the highest diagnostic accuracy: 0.44mm for the common superficial temporal artery; 0.34 mm for the frontal branch; 0.36 mm for the parietal branch; 1.1 mm for the carotid artery: 1 mm for the subclavian and axillary arteries. The area under the ROC curve of the IMT for a clinical diagnosis of GCA was 0.984 (95% CI 0.959 - 1) for common superficial temporal artery, 0.989 (95% CI 0.976 -1) for frontal branch, 0.991 (95% CI 0.980 - 1) for parietal branch, 0.977 (95% CI 0.961 – 0.993) for carotid, 0.99 (95% CI 0.979 - 1) for subclavian and 0.996 (95% CI 0.991 -1) for axillary arteries (Table 1).

Table 1.

Optimal IMT cut-off values for cranial and extracranial arteries

ArterySidePatients without GCAPatients with GCACut-off (mm)AUC (CI 95%)Sensitivity (%)Specificity (%)Common superficialtemporal artery mm, mean (SD)Right0.33 (0.06)0.68 (0.28)0.430.997 (0.988 -1)10097.1Left0.35 (0.11)0.57 (0.21)0.450.966 (0.905 -1)10092.3Both0.34 (0.08)0.63 (0.25)0.440.984 (0.959 -1)94.795.1Frontal branch mm, mean (SD)Right0.26 (0.05)0.4 (0.18)0.340.994 (0.983 -1)10097.1Left0.27 (0.05)0.4 (0.18)0.340.985 (0.962 -1)10096.1Both0.26 (0.05)0.4 (0.18)0.340.989 (0.976 -1)10096.6Parietal branch mm, mean (SD)Right0.27 (0.05)0.43 (0.18)0.360.994 (0.981 -1)10098.9Left0.27 (0.05)0.41 (0.16)0.360.987 (0.967 -1)10097.6Both0.27 (0.05)0.42 (0.17)0.360.991 (0.980 -1)10098.3Carotid mm, mean (SD)Right0.8 (0.17)0.88 (0.29)10.974 (0.949 – 0.999)10092.6Left0.82 (0.15)1 (0.42)1.20.982 (0.961 - 1)90.996.2Both0.81 (0.16)0.96 (0.36)1.10.977 (0.961 – 0.993)9094Subclavian mm, mean (SD)Right0.74 (0.18)0.99 (0.44)10.987 (0.97 - 1)10093.4Left0.67 (0.17)0.9 (0.35)1.10.991 (0.975 - 1)10098.3Both0.7 (0.18)0.94 (0.4)10.99 (0.979 - 1)10096Axillary mm, mean (SD)Right0.69 (0.16)0.99 (0.5)10.992 (0.982 - 1)10096Left0.67 (0.17)0.99(0.49)10.998 (0.995 -1)10098.3Both0.68 (0.17)0.99 (0.49)10.996 (0.991 -1)10097.1

Conclusion

Different IMT cut-off values for each artery are necessary to establish a correct US diagnosis of GCA. These proposed IMT cut-off values may help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of US in clinical practice.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Association between overcrowded households, multigenerational households, and COVID-19: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The role of overcrowded and multigenerational households as a risk factor for COVID-19 remains unmeasured. The objective of this study is to examine and quantify the association between overcrowded and multigenerational households and COVID-19 in New York City (NYC).

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

We conducted a Bayesian ecological time series analysis at the ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) level in NYC to assess whether ZCTAs with higher proportions of overcrowded (defined as the proportion of the estimated number of housing units with more than one occupant per room) and multigenerational households (defined as the estimated percentage of residences occupied by a grandparent and a grandchild less than 18 years of age) were independently associated with higher suspected COVID-19 case rates (from NYC Department of Health Syndromic Surveillance data for March 1 to 30, 2020). Our main measure was an adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of suspected COVID-19 cases per 10,000 population. Our final model controlled for ZCTA-level sociodemographic factors (median income, poverty status, White race, essential workers), the prevalence of clinical conditions related to COVID-19 severity (obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthma, smoking status, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and spatial clustering.

RESULTS

39,923 suspected COVID-19 cases were presented to emergency departments across 173 ZCTAs in NYC. Adjusted COVID-19 case rates increased by 67% (IRR 1.67, 95% CI = 1.12, 2.52) in ZCTAs in quartile four (versus one) for percent overcrowdedness and increased by 77% (IRR 1.77, 95% CI = 1.11, 2.79) in quartile four (versus one) for percent living in multigenerational housing. Interaction between both exposures was not significant (β_interaction = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Overcrowdedness and multigenerational housing are independent risk factors for suspected COVID-19. In the early phase of the surge in COVID cases, social distancing measures that increase house-bound populations may inadvertently but temporarily increase SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk and COVID-19 disease in these populations.

AB0706 ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES IN HOSPITALISED COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH BIOLOGICS AND JAK-INHIBITORS: A REPORT FROM A CENTER SPECIALISED IN IMMUNE-MEDIATED DISEASES

Background:

There’s little data of patients with immune diseases (ID) treated with biologic and JAK-inhibitors and COVID19. Current consensus is to keep treatment, however more studies are needed to ascertain the risk in these patients.

Objectives:

To describe the associated risk factors and outcomes in hospitalized patients with ID treated with biologics and JAK-inhibitors of a tertiary center.

Methods:

Observational retrospective study of patients with COVID19 from March 1st 2020 to January 31st 2021. Out of all the patients receiving subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) biologics and oral (PO) JAK-inhibitors, we selected those requiring hospitalization due to pneumonia for analysis. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, seasonal flu vaccination, smoking history and the outcome (discharge/admission in an intensive care unit (ICU)/death). We used a composite index (Charlston’s index) for comorbidities.

Results:

Of 153 patients, 29 (18.9%) were hospitalized. 18 (62%) were women with a median age of 61 (IQ 52-69). 14 (48.2%) had rheumatoid arthritis, 5 (17%) had axial spondylarthritis and 4 (13.7%) had Chron’s disease. The main IV was Rituximab in 3 (50%), and abatacept, infliximab and vedolizumab had one each. Of the SC, tocilizumab and adalimumab had 5 (22.7%) each, etanecept and golimumab had 3 (13.6%) each and secukinumab, ustekinumab and abatacept had 2 (9%) each. The PO was tofacitinib. There were no outcome differences for each treatment.

24 (82.7%) patients had at least 1 comorbidity with significative difference between patients (Table 1). There were 6 (20.6%) deaths, 3 (50%) in the ICU, 2 (33%) did not meet the ICU criteria, and 1 (16%) before ICU admission. None them had the same ID.

Table 1.

Baseline data.

Variables, (%)Total29 (100)Deaths 6 (20.6)Discharged23 (79.3)PWomen (%)18 (62)4 (66.6)14 (61)0.79Age, Median (IQ range)61 (52-69)69.5 (62-78.5)59.9 (51-65.5)0.09Flu vaccine (%)15 (51.7)5 (83.3)10 (43.7)0.08ICU (%)8 (27.5)3 (50)5 (22)0.16TreatmentIV (%)6 (20.1)4 (66.7)2 (8.7)0.001SC (%)22 (75.8)2 (33.3)20 (87)<0.0001PO (%)1 (3.4)0 (0)1 (4.3)0.6ComorbiditiesCharlston, Mean (standard deviation)2.72 (+/-1.6)5.16 (+/- 1.8)2.08 (+/-1.5)<0.0001Hypertension/HTA (%)16 (55)5 (83.3)11 (48)0.11Dyslipidemia/DL (%)12 (41.3)4 (66.7)8 (34.8)0.15Obesity (%)10 (34.5)1 (16.7)9 (39.1)0.30Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD (%)3 (10.3)3(50)0 (0)<0.0001Heart disease (%)8 (27.5)4 (66.6)4 (17.4)0.01Chronic kidney disease/CKD (%)7 (24.1)4 (66.6)3 (13)0.006Diabetes mellitus /DM (%)7 (24.1)3 (50)4 (17.4)0.001Previous or current smokers (%)9 (31)3 (50)6 (26)0.26

Conclusion:

The rate of COVID19 hospitalization in our patients was comparable to the general population’s (between 19-24% from 60 years plus) and the risk of in-patient death is also similar, around 24%1. Our study suggests that neither their ID nor their treatment influences their risk of a worse outcome.

COPD, DM and previous heart disease were associated with worse outcome; however it seems that the main prognostic factor was the overall impact of comorbidities associated; as measured by the Charlston’s index, being significantly higher in the patients with a fatal outcome.

A fatal outcome was more likely in IV biologics, however it could be explained by indication bias probably due to higher comorbidity and disability in these patients rather than an independent prognostic variable.

References:

[1]Mesas AE et al. Predictors of in-hospital COVID-19 mortality: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis exploring differences by age, sex and health conditions. PLoS One. 2020 Nov 3;15(11)

[2]Jovani, V et al.Incidence of severe COVID-19 in a Spanish cohort of 1037 patients with rheumatic diseases treated with biologics and JAK-inhibitors. ARD 2020–218152.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1264 IMMUNE-MEDIATED DISEASES (IMID) AND CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19): RESULTS FROM AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY

Background:

The novel coronavirus emerged in 2019 in Wuhan has caused a global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Immune-mediated diseases (IMID), as inflammatory arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have some special implications due to their pathogenesis and treatments. Some treatments employed in IMID are now being used in the treatment of severe COVID-19. There still exists controversy about IMID behavior and its complications.1, 2

Objectives:

To assess COVID-19 severity in IMID patients and its prognosis predictors.

Methods:

An observational retrospective multicenter study was performed in two Spanish Hospitals (Clinical University Hospital in Santiago de Compostela and Gregorio Marañón Hospital). Patients were selected if they were diagnosed of an IMID (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, espondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) and had COVID-19 infection between February and April 2020.

Demographic, clinical, analytical and treatment data were collected. Logistic regression was used to evaluate potential predictors.

Stata 15.1 was used to perform statistical analysis.

Results:

91 patients were recruited. 55 suffered from a rheumatic disease and 36 suffer IBD. Baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1.

Univariable analysis reached age, comorbidity, female gender, flu vaccine, arthropathy, basal classical synthetic anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARD), pneumonia and basal C-reactive protein (CRP) as potential predictors of non-severe (absence of death, respiratory insufficiency, intensive care unit admission or sepsis) COVID-19 disease (p < 0.2). After multivariable analysis, only female gender (OR 4.60 [CI95% 1.00, 21.2] p=0.050), lower age (OR 0.94 [CI95% 0.88, 1.00] p=0.042) and lower basal levels of CRP (OR 0.87 [CI95% 0.77, 0.97] p=0.010) were predictors for non-severe disease (p < 0.005).

Mean time of healing (symptoms solved in outpatient and hospital discharge in admitted) from COVID-19 was 13.8 days (SD 16.3). Univariable analysis showed arthropathy, COVID-19 symptomatic and basal glucocorticoids (GC) dose as potential predictors of higher time-to-healing from COVID-19 disease (p < 0.2). After multivariable analysis, only lower GC basal dose predicts higher time-to-healing (OR -1.83 [CI95% -2.81, -0.84] p=0.001).

11 patients deceased because of COVID-19. Univariable analysis reached age, basal csDMARD, pneumonia and basal CRP as potential predictors of COVID-19 mortality (p < 0.2). After multivariable analysis, only higher age was a predictor for mortality (OR 1.14 [CI95% 1.04,1.25] p=0.006).

Conclusion:

IMID patients showed similar predictors of mortality than general population involving COVID-19. Immune-modulating agents did not seem to overshadow the prognosis of COVID-19 infection. Female gender, lower age and lower basal CRP could select a cohort of “good” prognosis patients with mild COVID-19 disease as well higher age points out the worst prognosis. Even that, each case should be individiualized.

References:

[1]Ceribelli A, et al. Recommendations for coronavirus infection in rheumatic diseases treated with biologic therapy. J Autoimmun. 2020;109:102442.

[2]Micaela F, et al. COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases in northern Italy: a single-centre observational and case-control study. Lancet Rheumatol 2020;2:e549-56.

Table 1.

baseline characteristics between non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients.

VariablesNon-severe (67)Severe (24)p-valueAge, mean (SD)56.8 (14.6)70.2 (13.7)0.000Female, n (%)38 (63.3)10 (41.7)0.070HLA-B27 +, n (%)9 (17.7)2 (10.0)0.423Disease evolution (years), median (IQR)12.5 (5;24)14 (9;20)0.891Comorbidity, n (%)35 (59.3)21 (87.5)0.013Flu vaccine, n (%)51 (85.0)23 (95.8)0.166Basal GC, n (%)18 (30.0)12 (50.0)0.084csDMARD, n (%)32 (47.8)16 (66.7)0.111b/tsDMARD, n (%)35 (52.2)11 (45.8)0.590COVID-19 symptoms, n (%)55 (93.2)24 (100)0.191Pneumonia, n (%)31 (51.7)21 (87.5)0.002Admission, n (%)30 (50.0)23 (95.8)0.000CRP, median (IQR)3.5 (2;9)10.0 (3;20)0.005

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Efficacy of complementary treatment with autologous platelet concentrates and/or mesenchymal stem cells in chemical osteonecrosis of the jaw. Systematic review of the literature

The aim of this systematic review was to establish the current status of the subject and find out what scientific evidence we have on the use of autologous plasma concentrates (APCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as complementary therapies at the management of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). We performed a literature search of articles published between December 2019 to January 2020 in electronic databases, in accordance to PRISMA system. The variables analyzed were: the number of patients, age, sex, medical history, origin of MRONJ, imaging studies, treatment performed, and evolution of MRONJ. The articles included in the review were grouped into two groups (Group A "Therapy with APCs" and Group B "Therapy with APCs and MSCs"). Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the articles. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate eventual differences between groups. Of the 306 patients who were included, 297 belonged to Group A and 9 to Group B. In our sample, women predominated against men and no significant differences in age were observed. Osteoporosis was the most frequent underlying disease in both groups. The most common origin of MRONJ was oral surgery in group A. Conservative surgery was performed in all patients, but complementary treatment was applied in different ways in each group. The resolution of the pathology was achieved in 90% of cases in both groups without significant differences between them. The mean score of the reviewed studies at NOS was 4. There are currently no published scientific data that can sufficiently support the use of APCs and MSCs for the treatment of established MRONJs.

Relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and markers of cutaneous melanoma aggressiveness: an observational multicentric study in 443 patients with melanoma

BACKGROUND

Some studies have suggested a relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increased incidence of melanoma. Efforts are under way to identify preventable and treatable factors associated with greater melanoma aggressiveness, but no studies to date have examined the relationship between T2DM and the aggressiveness of cutaneous melanoma at diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

To explore potential associations between T2DM, glycaemic control and metformin treatment and the aggressiveness of cutaneous melanoma.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional multicentric study in 443 patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. At diagnosis, all patients completed a standardized protocol, and a fasting blood sample was extracted to analyse their glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin concentration and markers of systemic inflammation. Melanoma characteristics and aggressiveness factors [Breslow thickness, ulceration, tumour mitotic rate (TMR), sentinel lymph node (SLN) involvement and tumour stage] were also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the patients was 55·98 (15·3) years and 50·6% were male. The median Breslow thickness was 0·85 mm. In total, 48 (10·8%) patients were diagnosed with T2DM and this finding was associated with a Breslow thickness > 2 mm [odds ratio (OR) 2·6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·4-4·9; P = 0·004)] and > 4 mm (OR 3·6, 95% CI 1·7-7·9; P = 0·001), TMR > 5 per mm² (OR 4·5, 95% CI 1·4-13·7; P = 0·009), SLN involvement (OR 2·3, 95% CI 1-5·7; P = 0·038) and tumour stages III-IV (vs. I-II) (OR 3·4, 95% CI 1·6-7·4; P = 0·002), after adjusting for age, sex, obesity, alcohol intake and smoking habits. No significant associations emerged between glycated haemoglobin levels, metformin treatment and melanoma aggressiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM, rather than glycaemic control and metformin treatment, is associated with increased cutaneous melanoma aggressiveness at diagnosis.

Gold Chain Formation via Local Lifting of Surface Reconstruction by Hot Electron Injection on H2(D2)/Au(111)

The hexagonal close packed surface of gold shows a 22 × 3 "herringbone" surface reconstruction which makes it unique among the (111) surfaces of all metals. This long-range energetically favored dislocation pattern appears in response to the strong tensile stress that would be present on the unreconstructed surface. Adsorption of molecular and atomic species can be used to tune this surface stress and lift the herringbone reconstruction. Here we show that herringbone reconstruction can be controllably lifted in ultrahigh vacuum at cryogenic temperatures by precise hot electron injection in the presence of hydrogen molecules. We use the sharp tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) for charge carrier injection and characterization of the resulting chain nanostructures. By comparing STM images, rotational spectromicroscopy and ab initio calculations, we show that formation of gold atomic chains is associated with release of gold atoms from the surface, lifting of the reconstruction, dissociation of H₂ molecules, and formation of surface hydrides. Gold hydrides grow in a zipper-like mechanism forming chains along the [11̅0] directions of the Au(111) surface and can be manipulated by further electron injection. Finally, we demonstrate that Au(111) terraces can be transformed with nearly perfect terrace selectivity over distances of hundreds of nanometers.

CO0003 TREATMENT WITH BIOLOGICAL THERAPIES AND RISK OF BEING ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR COVID19 INFECTION

Objectives:

To analyze the risk of admission for COVID19 infection and outcome of patients treated with bDMARD or tsDMARD from our biologic therapy center, to compare with all patients admitted for COVID-19 infection in our hospital.

Methods:

Records of the patients from our center admitted for COVID-19 infection between March 8 and May 8, 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Age, gender, and outcome of all patients admitted for COVID19 infection to our hospital on the same dates were collected. Chi-square, Student’s t and Man-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons when appropriate.

Results:

1,668 patients with inflammatory diseases treated with bDMARD or tsDMARD were included. Median age 53.0 years (range 17-91), 52.4% women. Diagnoses and DMARD distribution are shown in tables 1 and 2. 19/1668 (1.1%; 6.8 patient-years) were admitted for severe COVID19 infection. Mortality ratio: 4/19 (21.1%). Median age of the admitted patients was higher: 61.0y (SD 14.2) vs 53.0y (SD 15.0); p <0.009. Median age of deceased patients was also higher 69.5y (SD 20.3) vs 53.0y (SD 15.0); p: NS. Female gender had a worse prognosis trend: 52.4% of all group, 68.4% of those hospitalized, 75.0% of those who died. Females had a higher median age than men: 55.0y (SD 14.9) vs. 50.0y (SD 14.9); p <0.001.

When comparing patients treated with DMARD admitted for COVID19 infection with all patients hospitalized for the same reason (4,601patients), no differences were found neither in age (61.0y [SD 14.2] vs 58.3y [SD 18.1]; NS) nor gender (female: 68.4% vs 54.7%; NS). However, DMARD group seemed to have higher mortality: 4/19 (21.1%) vs 551/4601 (12.0%); p: NS, at a younger age: 69.5y (SD 20.3) vs 82.4 (SD 11.4); p: NS.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients were admitted more frequently: (9/392 (2.3%) vs 10/1276 (0.8%); p <0.025. And were older: median 62y (SD 13.5) vs 50.0y (SD 14.4); p <0.001.

Patients treated with anti-TNF suffered less admissions: 6/1055 (0.6%) vs 13/613 (2.1%); p<0.001 and were younger: median 51.0y (SD 15.0) vs 55.0y (SD 14.7); p <0.001. Anti-TNF were less used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 188/392 (48.0%) vs 867/1276 (67.9%); p<0.001.

DiseaseN (%)AdmitteddeathsRheumatoid arthritisSpondylarthritisPsoriatic arthritisJIACTDVasculitisIBDPsoriasisOthers392 (23.5%)277 (16.6%)124 (7.4%)30 (1.8%)31 (1.9%)20 (1.2%)582 (34.9%)202 (12.1%)10 (0.6%)9/392 (2.3%)2/277 (0.7%)1/124 (0.8%)0/30 (0.0%)1/31 (3.2%)0/20 (0.0%)4/578 (0.7%)2/202 (1.0%)0/10 (0.0%)110010100TOTAL1,668 (100%)19/1668 (1.1%)4/19 (21.1%)

JIA: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis; CTD: Connective Tissue Disease; IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

TreatmentN (%)AdmitteddeathsAnti-TNFAnti-CD20Anti-IL6CTLA4-IgAnti-IL17Anti-IL12/23Anti-integrinJAK inhibitorPDE4 inhibitorAnti-IL231055 (63.2%)79 (4.7%)96 (5.8%)44 (2.6%)92 (5.5%)143 (8.6%)79 (4.7%)34 (2.0%)32 (1.9%)14 (0.8%)6/1055 (0.6%)3/79 (3.8%)3/96 (3.1%)3/44 (6.8%)2/92 (2,2%)1/143 (0.7%)0/79 (0.0%)1/34 (2.9%)0/32 (0.0%)0/14 (0.0%)2101000000TOTAL1,668 (100%)19/1668 (1.1%)4/19 (21.1%)

Conclusion:

It seems reasonable that patients with inflammatory diseases treated with bDMARD or tsDMARD continue their treatment during the COVID19 epidemic. The different rates of hospitalization based on the diagnosis or DMARD may be due to comorbidity, confounding by indication and other bias. The study is not powerful enough to study these confounders.

Disclosure of Interests:

Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Luis Alberto Menchén Viso Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Janssen, MSD, Takeda, Consultant of: Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, MSD, Medtronic, Tillotts, Pfizer, Dr. Falk Pharma, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, MSD, General Electric, Tillotts, Pfizer, Ferring, General Electric, Fresenius, Ofelia Baniandrés Rodríguez: None declared, Ana Herranz Alonso: None declared, Carmen Lobo Rodríguez: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi, Indalecio Monteagudo Sáez: None declared, Ignacio Marín Jiménez: None declared, Amparo López: None declared, Ana López: None declared, Arantza Ais Larisgoitia: None declared, Esther Chamorro de Vega: None declared, Paloma Morales de los Ríos: None declared, Maria Jesus Lizcano: None declared, Jose Maria Alvaro Gracia: None declared, Sonia García de San José: None declared

AB0506 GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: IS ROUTINE CLINICAL PRACTICE COMPREHENSIVE ENOUGH?

Background:

Recommendations to collect the most relevant information on disease course, treatment and outcomes in giant cell arteritis (GCA) has been proposed by EULAR to facilitate clinical research and to improve clinical care.

Objectives:

To assess the quality of data collection in routine clinical practice according to EULAR recommendations and to describe baseline and follow-up characteristics of a retrospective cohort of patients with GCA.

Methods:

We reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with GCA in a tertiary academic center between 2004-2018. We included patients with available data at diagnosis and one year of follow-up. Data extraction included: demographics, diagnosis, GCA-related signs and symptoms, laboratory, imaging modalities, comorbidities and treatment. Data in the chart was then compared with the core set of parameters proposed for GCA registries and databases by EULAR. Major relapse, according to the EULAR 2018 definition, was independently assessed by two rheumatologists.

Results:

58 patients were identified, 39 met predefined inclusion criteria with 151 visits during first-year follow-up. Headache (100%; 80.4%), ocular symptoms (89.7%; 81.2%), constitutional symptoms (89.7%; 80.4%), polymyalgia rheumatica (89.7%; 82%) and jaw claudication (87%; 81.2%) were the most frequently collected items at baseline and follow-up. Weight and height (2.6%; 2.6%), peripheral pulses (8%; 4.5%), smoking status (41%; 21%), and blood pressure (61.5%; 4.5%) were the less frequently collected. Most patients lacked differential pressure measurement. Myocardial infarction, malignancy, serious infections, arterial hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis were collected in every patient (39, 100%). Only 2 mayor relapses were identified (5%). Two (2) patients died during the one-year follow-up period. Table 1 provides information on GCA-related signs and symptoms, laboratory and therapeutic data.

Table 1.

GCA-related signs and symptoms, laboratory and therapeutic data.

ItemPerformed BaselineBaselinen=39Performed Follow-upFollow-upn=112Ocular symptoms35/39 (89.7%)15/35 (42.9%)91/112 (81.2%)29/91 (31.9%)Permanent ocular symptoms34/39 (87%)9/34 (26.5%)92/112 (82%)28/92 (30.4%)Headache39 (100%)30/39 (77%)90/112 (80.4%)13/90 (14.4%)Scalp tenderness31/39 (79.5%)9/31 (29.8%)88/112 (78.6%)4/88 (4.5%)Jaw claudication34/39 (87%)19/34 (55.85)91/112 (81.2%)6/91 (6.6%)Cranial artery abnormality27/39 (69.2%)17/27 (63%)69/112 (61.6%)3/69 (4.3%)Constitutional symptoms35/39 (89.7%)19/35 (54.3%)90/112 (80.4%)11/90 (12.2%)PMR35/39 (89.7%)18/35 (51.4%)92/112 (82%)9/92 (9.8%)ESR mean (SD)33/39 (84.6%)58.7 (32.1)83/112 (74%)14.6 (18.8)CRP mean (SD)31/39 (79.5%)8.4 (7.9)70/112 (62.5%)1.3 (3.3)Haemoglobin mean (SD)38/39 (97.4%)12.0 (1.7)90/112 (80.4%)12.9 (1.5)Peripheral pulses9/39 (8%)3/9 (33.3%)5/112 (4.5%)2/5 (40%)Large vessel involvement8/39 (20.5%)5/8 (62.5%)7/112 (6.25%)3/7 (42.8%)Glucocorticoids median (IQR)39 (100%)102.5 (50-250)112 (100%)10.0 (5-15)Synthetic DMARD39 (100%)8/39 (20.5%)111/112 (99%)17/39 (43.6%)Biological DMARD39 (100%)0/39 (0%)111/112 (99%)3/39 (7.7%)Antiplatelet agents39 (100%)6/39 (15.4%)110/112 (98%)25/110 (22.7%)

PMR: polymyalgia rheumatica, ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP: C-reactive protein, SD: standard deviation, IQR: interquartile range, DMARD: disease modifying antirheumatic drugs

Conclusion:

Although data collection in routine care is usually comprehensive enough according to EULAR proposed data set, key components in physical exam mostly those aiming to detect large vessel involvement, should be addressed more carefully.

References:

[1]Ehlers L, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;78(9):1160–6.

[2]Hellmich B, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;1–12.

Disclosure of Interests:

Julia Martínez-Barrio Consultant of: UCB Pharma, Belén Serrano Benavente: None declared, Tamara Del Río Blasco: None declared, Alfonso Ariza: None declared, Juan Ovalles: None declared, Juan Molina Collada: None declared, Teresa González: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Isabel Castrejon: None declared, Jose Maria Alvaro Gracia: None declared

AB0357 USE OF TOFACITINIB AND REASONS FOR DISCONTINUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Tofacitinib is an oral JAK 1 and 3 inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults with inadequate response or intolerant to one or more conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs). Since its approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), there is limited data about its use in daily practice in Europe.

Objectives:

To describe rates and reasons for discontinuation of Tofacitinib in patients with RA and other inflammatory conditions

Methods:

We identified patients with a prescription for tofacitinib at our academic center from January 2017 to January 2020. Patients were treated according to their rheumatologist evaluation following standards of care. The following variables were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical chart: age, gender, diagnosis, date of treatment initiation, date and reasons for treatment discontinuation, the use of concomitant or previous cDMARDs and of biologics. A comparison between patients continuing and stopping tofacitinib was performed through chi2or t-test for qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan-Meier method

Results:

Ninety patients receiving tofacitinib were identified, 81 with RA, 6 with PsA, 1 with Dermatomyositis, 1 with Sjögren´s and 1 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Table 1 shows the baseline characteristics. 84% percent patients were women and the mean (SD) age was 58.5 (14.2) years. 51% patients started tofacitinib in monotherapy. When used, methotrexate was the most frequent cDMARD (61.3%); 10% patients used tofacitinib as first line after cDMARD and the majority used it after 1 or 2 previous biologics (46.7%).

Table 2.

Clinical coutcome of patients who developed HZ at initiation of baricitinib

All patients(n=90, 100%)Continue Tofacitinib(n=58; 64%)Not continue Tofacitinib(n=32; 35.5%)p-valueFemale (%)76 (84.4)48 (82.7)28 (87.5)0.55Age (year) – mean (SD)58.5 (14.2)58 (12.9)59.5 (16.5)0.63Diagnosis0.66Rheumatoid arthritis81 (90)52 (89.6)29 (90.6)Psoriatic arthritis6 (6.7)4 (6.8)2 (6.2)Other3 (3.3)2 (3.4)1 (3.1)Treatment duration (months) – mean (SD)10.6 (6.9)11.9 (7.3)8.2 (5.5)0.02Prednisone (mg) – mean (SD)1.75 (3.2)1.20 (2.5)2.73 (4.1)0.03Monotherapy (%)46 (51.1)28 (48.2)18 (56.2)0.244Concomitant csDMARDs (%)44 (48.8)30 (51.7)14 (43.7)0.62Methotrexate (%)27 (30)17 (29.3)10 (31.2)Leflunomide (%)10 (11.1)8 (13.7)2 (6.2)Other (%)7 (7.7)5 (8.6)2 (6.2)Prior biologic treatment0.13None (%)9 (10)6 (10.3)3 (9.3)1-2 (%)42 (46.6)28 (48.2)14 (43.7)≥3 (%)39 (43.3)24 (41.3)15 (46.8)

Survival rates when used as first or second line were 85% at 6 months and 70% at 12 months; when used as third line or further, 76% and 70%, respectively (graphic 1).

Factors associated to tofacitinib discontinuation were treatment duration and baseline prednisone dose. In contrast concomitant csDMARD and number of previous biologics were not. Reasons for tofacitinib discontinuation were: lack/loss of efficacy 46.9%, adverse events 50% (including intolerance -22%- herpes zoster -16%-, other infections 12%) and others.

Conclusion:

Tofacitinib in our experience is mostly used in RA patients after biologic failure. Overall survival rate at 12 months was good regardless line of therapy. Adverse event rates were similar to other biologic treatments. Herpes zoster was the most common infectious AE.

Graphic 1:

References:

[1]Wollenhaupt J, Lee EB, Curtis JR, et al. Safety and efficacy of tofacitinib for up to 9.5 years in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: final results of a global, open-label, long-term extension study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2019;21(1):89.

Disclosure of Interests:

Christian Y Soleto: None declared, Belén Serrano Benavente: None declared, Luis A Torrens Cid: None declared, Julia Martínez-Barrio Consultant of: UCB Pharma, Juan Molina Collada: None declared, Javier Rivera: None declared, Teresa González: None declared, Indalecio Monteagudo: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Isabel Castrejon: None declared, Jose-Maria Alvaro-Gracia Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB, Paid instructor for: Elli-Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, Gedeon Richter, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB

AB0205 PREDICTORS OF ULTRASOUND DETECTED INFLAMMATORY FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRALGIA

Background:

Patients with inflammatory arthralgia (IA) are considered to be at increased risk for progression to RA. US has shown high sensitivity to detect synovitis compared with physical examination. Thus, US is recommended to identify subclinical synovitis in patients without clinical signs of inflammation.

Objectives:

The objective of our study is to determine the frequency and pattern of US detected inflammatory findings in patients with IA and investigate factors contributing to predict these findings.

Methods:

An US clinic is scheduled in an academic center running three days every week. A retrospective analysis of our US unit cohort during a period of 6 months was undertaken. Patients with IA and no previous diagnosis of inflammatory arthropathies were included for analysis. Inclusion criteria of IA definition included: severe symptoms presenting in the morning, duration of morning stiffness ≥60 min, symptoms predominantly located in MCP joints and abscense of clinically detected synovitis by the referral rheumatologist. The following routinely collected variables were included in the analysis: demographics, clinical features and laboratory tests. Patients underwent bilateral US examination in GS and PD mode of hands and/or feet according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines. The presence of synovitis, tenosynovitis and enthesitis was assessed on a semi quantitative scale (0–3) for Grey Scale(GS)/Power Doppler(PD) or using enthesitis OMERACT definition, respectively. Patients were stratified in two groups based on the presence of US inflammatory findings (synovitis, tenosynovitis or enthesitis with PD signal). First, differences between groups were tested using chi-squared and Student-t tests in the univariate analysis. Second, multivariate logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association between possible predictive factors of US detected inflammatory findings.

Results:

A total of 57 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 55.8±15.2 years, 41 (71.9%) were females, and mean symptoms duration was 11.4±10.4 months (Table 1). A total of 42 (73.7%) patients presented with a polyarticular arthralgia pattern. US inflammatory findings were present in 20 (35.1%) patients (26.3% PD synovitis, 21.1% PD tenosynovitis and 3.5% PD enthesitis). Hands were most commonly involved with PD synovitis at wrists in 19.3% and at MCP in 12.3% of patients (Table 2). For PD tenosynovitis, the flexor MCP 2-5 (5.3%) and compartment IV tenosynovitis (1.8 %) were the most frequent affected locations. Only two patients had PD enthesitis at feet and 6 (10.5%) had erosions in hands or feet at baseline examination. In the univariate analysis, the higher ESR values and the shorter time from symptoms onset were significantly associated with US detected inflammatory findings (p=0.044 and 0.049, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only ESR values (OR=1,04; 95%CI 1,002-1,078), remained significantly associated with the presence of US inflammatory findings (Table 3).

Table 3.

Independent predictors of US detected inflammatory findings

pOdds ratio95% C.I.LowerUpperESR (mm/h)0.0391.041.0021.078Time (months) from symptoms onset0.10.9240.8411.015

Conclusion:

PD US inflammatory findings are found in 1 over 3 patients with IA being PD synovitis the most common finding, specially at the wrists and MCP joints. Higher ESR values were significantly associated with the presence of US inflammatory findings. Our data highlights how the use of PD US may be useful to detect subclinical synovitis in patients with IA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Katerine López Gloria: None declared, Isabel Castrejon: None declared, Laura Trives Folguera Speakers bureau: ROCHE, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi, Belén Serrano Benavente: None declared, Julia Martínez-Barrio Consultant of: UCB Pharma, Javier Rivera: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Indalecio Monteagudo: None declared, Jose-Maria Alvaro-Gracia Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB, Paid instructor for: Elli-Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, Gedeon Richter, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB, Juan Molina Collada: None declared

SAT0607-HPR MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE CLINIC FOR PATIENTS WITH IMMUNITY MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES. FIRST YEAR OF COORDINATED MANAGEMENT

Background:

Patients with immunity mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) often have clinical manifestations and comorbidity in the field of various medical specialties. A center has been created in our hospital for the comprehensive care of patients with IMID who are being treated with biological therapies (BT) or targeted synthetic molecules (TSM). It is an innovative healthcare model, that incorporate patients into its governance. Physicians, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses (APN), collaborates in consultation or in the day hospital (DH).

Objectives:

To analyze the activity developed during the first year of operation of the center, with special attention to effectiveness, efficiency, interdisciplinary relationships and patient satisfaction.

Methods:

Observational analysis with indicators of management and monitoring of patients, care activity, effectiveness, adverse effects, resource consumption and patient satisfaction using the hospital’s own information systems.

Results:

Center staff during 2019: two admission assistants, one nursing assistant, six nurses, seven part-time doctors and three pharmacists. 1,490 patients were included: 694 (46.6%) Rheumatology (Rheu), 585 (39.3%) Digestive (Dig) and 211 (14.1%) Dermatology (Der) generated 11,363 medical consultations, 14,850 APN consultations and 3,920 treatment sessions in the DH. IV treatment 529/1490 (35.5%) patients (45.0% Reu, 53.9% Dig, 1.1% Der). Patients with rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis: 339/694, 48.8%; Spondyloarthritis: 226/694, 32.6%; psoriatic arthritis: 117/694, 16.9%; and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: 12/694, 1.7%. 217/1490 (14.6%) patients needed multidisciplinary consultations.

Table 1. shows the most relevant indicators and table 2 shows the patient satisfaction survey for 2019.

Table 1.

relevant indicators

RHEUDIGDEROn demand consultations 2019 %21.0%34.2%14.3%Teleconsultations 2019 %17.8%41.9%0.0%BT, TSM tapering. %201931.9%0.2%45,5%201818.9%0.2%13.4%BT, TSM intensification. %20195.8%35.2%0.5%20182.6%36.5%0.5%Biosimilars %201943.1%48.5%15.9%201830.4%4.0%12.1%Adherence>90% 2019 %89.4%91.7%86.4%Remission 2019 %47.8%67.3%78.5%hospital admission, any cause pat-years20191.41.70.120181.51.50.04emergency admission, any cause pat-years20192.12.11.620182.12.01.5Table 2.

patient satisfaction survey

CategoríaMean and (DS) 1-5General aspects of the center4.3 (0.9)Physicians4.5 (1.1)DH and APN4.5 (1.2)Pharmacy4.6 (0.9)Health proffesional coordinaton4.4 (0.9)Hospital global satisfaction4.3 (0.8)

Conclusion:

From previous situation there is an increase in interdisciplinary consultations and HD activity maintenance without an increase in human resources. Efficiency (tapering, biosimilars) and patient and staff satisfaction have improved. However, no improvement in adverse effects has been observed, which is an area of improvement. Effectiveness is good, waiting to compare with the previous year. Nutrition and preventive medicine consultations has not been evaluated because have been recently established. Other indicators are being analyzed at the end of the submission deadline.

The impact of this pioneering management model, with a holistic approach and incorporating patients into its governance, is difficult to measure until its implementation is completed. Uveitis and psychology consultations and patient school starting in 2020 will improve the quality of IMID patient care, as well as their satisfaction and that of their relatives.

Disclosure of Interests:

Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Luis Alberto Menchén Viso Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Janssen, MSD, Takeda, Consultant of: Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, MSD, Medtronic, Tillotts, Pfizer, Dr. Falk Pharma, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, MSD, General Electric, Tillotts, Pfizer, Ferring, General Electric, Fresenius, Ofelia Baniandrés Rodríguez: None declared, Ignacio Marín-Jiménez Consultant of: AbbVie,Chiesi,FAES Farma,Falk-Pharma,Ferring,Gebro Pharma, Hospira,Janssen,MSD,Otsuka Pharmaceutical,Pfizer,Shire,Takeda,Tillots and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie,Chiesi,FAES Farma,FalkPharma,Ferring,Gebro Pharma,Hospira,Janssen,MSD,Otsuka Pharmaceutical,Pfizer,Shire,Takeda,Tillots and UCB Pharma, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi, Indalecio Monteagudo: None declared, Arantza Ais Larisgoitia: None declared, Esther Chamorro de Vega: None declared, Elena Lobato Matilla: None declared, Rosa Romero Jiménez: None declared, Ana Herranz Alonso: None declared, Carmen Lobo Rodríguez: None declared, María Prado Simón Moreno: None declared, Jose-Maria Alvaro-Gracia Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB, Paid instructor for: Elli-Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, Gedeon Richter, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB, Sonia García de San José: None declared

AB0333 CLINICAL AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC RESPONSE TO SUBCUTANEOUS METHOTREXATE IN EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Background:

Metotrexate (MTX) is usually the first line therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) because of its favorable efficacy-toxicity ratio. However the exact mechanism and treatment response time in both a clinical and ultrasonographic setting are still uncertain.

Objectives:

To describe the clinical and ultrasound response to MTX during the first 6 months of treatment in early RA patients who started subcutaneous methotrexate as the first disease-modifying drug (DMARD).

Methods:

Ongoing prospective cohort of patients with early RA (ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria), over 18 years and starting MTX-SC. Patients had a clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months. We collected demographic data, C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], rheumatoid factor [FR], anti-citrullinated protein antibody [ACPA]), inflammatory activity indexes (DAS28esr and DAS28crp) and EULAR’s response to treatment (delta value of -1.2 in DAS28 scores). Joints explored with ultrasound were elbows and wrists (radio-carpal and inter-carpal joint) counted as a single joint, 1st-5th metacarpophalangeal (MCF), proximal interphalangeal (IFP), knees, tibio-talar and subtalar joints and 2nd-5th metatarsophalangeal (MTF) joints. Bone erosions were evaluated in 2nd and 5th MCF, styloid, distal ulna and 5th MTF. Synovitis was graduated semi-quantitatively from 0 to 3 (OMERACT) and calculated on B mode and Doppler.

Results:

35 patients were included (mean age 61.2 years, 65.7% women) with a median of 0.8 (+/-8) months delay to diagnosis. 34 patients (97.1%) started 15mg MTX-SC/weekly. A higher DAS28esr was found in baseline data for the group that had a response by month 1 (DAS28esr baseline 5.5 vs 4.2 p=0.01), no other significant differences were found. During the first month, a significant response was achieved in 13 (41%) patients and remission in 11 (35%) (Table 1). 17 patients have 6thmonth data. 11 (64.7%) have achieved EULAR response compared to baseline(P=0.0005) out of which 7 (54.5%) had already reached it by month 1. A difference in MTX dose (month1 14.8 vs month6 17.1 p=0.003) was found between month 1 and 6, with no differences in disease activity. In the ultrasonographic baseline data; 8 patients (22.9%) had erosions, with a mean of 2,75 erosions/patient (22 of the 280 locations). During the follow up the global rating lowered, with no differences in B mode but significant differences in Doppler at the 6 month mark (Table 2). As of this report, 10 patients (28.5%) had stopped MTX treatment due to lack on response or adverse effects and 8 (22.9%) are waiting 6thmonth evaluation.

Table 2.

Ultrasound synovitis global rating.

BaselineMonth 1P ValueEULAR response013 (41)0.00005MTX Dose mg (SD)14.8 (+/-0.8)14.8 (+/-1.6)1Prednisone Dose mg(SD)5.9 (+/-6.5)2.9 (+/-3)0.02DAS28crp (SD)4.3 (+/-1.5)3,4 (+/-1.4)0.02DAS28esr (SD)(4.8 (+/-1.5)3.7 (+/-1.4)0.006Remission (DAS28<1.2)3(9.6)11(35.5)0.04Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of the patients with RA (n=102).

BaselineN=351 monthN=313 monthsN=256 monthsN=17B Mode:Median (interquartile range)8 (3.5-12)8 (3-12.5)6 (4-11)5 (2-11)p 0,16Doppler Mode: Median (interquartile range)2 (0.5-6)2 (0-6)2 (0-6)0 (0-2)p 0,005

Conclusion:

In this cohort half of the patients that responded to treatment had achieved this by month 1. A higher baseline inflammatory profile was related to the response. Little difference is found between month 1 and 6 on clinical data, however ultrasonographic results suggest that at least 6 months are needed for Doppler improvement. Perhaps MTX has a faster effect over joint pain and lowers DAS28 scores requiring longer to completely suppress inflammatory activity.

References:

[1]Braun, J. et al. Comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety of subcutaneous versus oral administration of methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2008

Disclosure of Interests:

Liz R. Caballero Motta: None declared, Ana Melissa Anzola Alfaro: None declared, Luis A Torrens Cid: None declared, Christian Y Soleto: None declared, Belén Serrano Benavente: None declared, Iustina Janta: None declared, Juan Molina Collada: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Indalecio Monteagudo: None declared, Jose Maria Alvaro Gracia: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi

AB0431 SALIVARY GLAND ULTRASOUND IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and marked B-lymphocytic cell hyperreactivity involving a variety of serum autoantibodies.1Salivary Gland Ultrasound (SGU) is a simple, fast, and well- tolerated examination, wich provides information about glandular structure and has proven to be very useful in the Sjögren Syndrome diagnosis2. A prognostic value has also been proposed due to its posible relationship with lymphomas and extra-glandular manifestations.

Objectives:

The objective of our study is to evaluate ultrasound results in patients who went through an SGU in clinical practice, its usefulness in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome and the presence of complications (lymphomas, extra-glandular manifestations or factors related to increased lymphoma risk).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study with review of clinical records that included all those patients coded as SGU in the Ultrasound unit of Rheumatology Department from 2016 to December 2019. Information collected included final diagnosis, laboratory results, clinical manifestations and ultrasound results. We performed an analysis on the frequency of pathological SGU and on the relationship between this lesions in patients with final SS diagnosis and the presence of lymphoma, extra-glandular manifestations and the laboratory values related with increased lymphoma risk (low complement levels, cryoglobulinemia, positive autoimmunity).

Results:

SGU was performed in 171 patients in four years, 162 women (94.7%). The previous diagnoses, reason for the request and final diagnosis are shown in Table 1. The vast majority of the SGU were normal, only 28 (16,3%) were pathological, 13 with a grade II and 8 with a grade III. In the other 7 patients grading was not available. Of the 28 patients with pathological SGU, none had lymphoma, only 3 had recurrent parotitis and 15 had had extra-glandular manifestations, mainly arthralgia / arthritis (12). Only 1 patient, with rheumatoid arthritis, had had a lymphoma and the SGU was normal. Antibody positivity was frequent in pathological SGU, 16/23 antinuclear antibodies, 13/22 anti-Ro and 9/23 rheumatoid factor. Of the 86 patients without previous diagnosis, 18 were diagnosed with Sjogren syndrome, 9 with pathological SGU and the rest were normal. No patient diagnosed with a dry non-autoimmune syndrome presented pathological SGU.

Table 1.

Previous diagnoses, reason for request and final diagnoses.

Previous diagnoses (n: 171)Reason for request (n: 171)Final diagnosis (n: 78)Without prior diagnosis (n: 86)Dry non- autoinmune syndrome (n: 127)Dry non-autoimmune syndrome (n: 60)Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (n: 11)Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (n: 12)Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (n: 18)Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (n: 9)Lymphoma (n: 0)Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (n: 0)Rheumatoid arthritis (n: 24)Control (n: 13)Other diagnoses (n: 7)Other diagnoses (n: 18)Other reasons (n: 11)

Conclusion:

The impact of the SGU is low and its use cannot, for now, displace other methods (e.g. salivary gland biopsy) in the diagnosis of SS. Also our low number of patients with pathological SGU together with the low prevalence of the complications studied (e.g. lymphomas = 1) prevents the expected comparisons.

References:

[1]Ramos-Casals M, Solans R, Rosas J, et al. Primary Sjogren syndrome in Spain: clinical and immunologic expression in 1010 patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2008; 87: 210–219.

[2]Damjanov N, Milic V, Nieto-Gonzalez JC, et al. Multiobserver Reliability of Ultrasound Assessment of Salivary Glands in Patients with Established Primary Sjogren Syndrome. J Rheumatology 2016; 43: 1858–1863.

Disclosure of Interests:

Fernando Montero: None declared, Karen Carpio: None declared, Iustina Janta: None declared, Juan Molina Collada: None declared, Belén Serrano Benavente: None declared, Julia Martínez-Barrio Consultant of: UCB Pharma, Alfonso Ariza: None declared, Javier Rivera: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Indalecio Monteagudo: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi

AB1117 CLINICAL IMPACT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN ROUTINE CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is a useful tool to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, it has not yet been established if its use would change treatment decisions within a treat to target strategy or whether it would lead to better outcomes in RA patients

Objectives:

Our aim was to determine the impact of MSUS in the clinical management of RA patients and investigate factors associated with subsequent clinical actions by the referring rheumatologist

Methods:

A prospective analysis of RA patients seen at an MSUS clinic over a 6-month period was undertaken. Pre- and post-US follow-up data (± 3 months) were analyzed. Baseline assessment included clinical features, physical examination and laboratory tests. All MSUS examinations were performed according to EULAR guidelines and using an Esaote MyLab 8 (Esaote, Genoa) with a high frequency (8-15 MHz) transducer. Patients were stratified in groups based on the clinical impact of the MSUS visit: 1) No clinical impact and 2) US findings leading to subsequent clinical action by the referring rheumatologist (including changes in dosages of current rheumatologic treatments, addition/substraction of medications or interventional procedures based on the MSUS results). First, differences between groups were tested using chi-squared and Student-t tests in the univariate analysis. Second, multivariate logistic regression models were employed to investigate factors associated to a change in clinical management

Results:

A total of 61 RA patients were included for analysis. Mean age was 61.9± 11.4 years and 51 (83.6%) were female. Disease activity assessment was the most frequent referral reason (43; 70.5%). Overall, MSUS led to a subsequent therapeutic action by the referring rheumatologist in 39 (63.9%) patients, and to a change in the underlying diagnosis and/or in the clinical impression of the chief complaint that generated the referral in 7 (11.5%) patients. Baseline characteristics between both groups are compared in Table 1. In the univariate analysis, the detection of Power Doppler (PD) synovitis/tenosynovitis and 28 swollen joint count were significantly associated with a subsequent clinical action. In the multivariate analysis only PD synovitis/tenosynovitis (OR=3.28; 95%CI 1.06-10.27) remained significantly associated with a change in clinical management (Table 2)

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of RA patients

Total n= 61Change in clinical management n= 39 (63.9%)No change in clinical management n= 22 (36.1%)pAge61.9±11.461.5±12.562.6±9.20.7SexFemale51(83.6%)35(89.7%)16(72.7%)0.09SmokingNon smoker33(54.1%)17(43.6%)16(72.7%)0.08Smoker13(21.3%)11(28.2%)2(9.1%)Former smoker15(24.6%)11(28.2%)13(21.3%)Radiographic erosions29(48.3%)22(57.9%)7(31.8%)0.0528 Tender Joint Count2.3±3.42.7±3.91.6±2.40.228 Swollen Joint Count2±32.6±3.51.1±1.6<0.05ESR (mm/h)28.1±20.626.1±15.531.7±27.40.4CRP (g/L)1±1.51±1.40.9±1.70.7RF (IU/mL)175.8±452.8139.9±249.5243.9±697.40.4ACPA (IU/mL)775.6±998.6619.4±797.11079.9±1,275.90.2US PD synovitis/tenosynovitis37(60.7%)28(71.8%)9(40.9%)<0.05Table 2.

Independent factors associated with a change in clinical management based on logistic regression model

pOdds ratio95% C.I.LowerUpper28 Tender Joint Count0.131.240.941.64US PD synovitis/tenosynovitis0.043.281.0610.17

Conclusion:

The most common indication of MSUS examination in RA patients was disease activity assessment. MSUS findings led frequent changes in therapeutic management and even to a change in the diagnosis in some of cases. The presence of PD synovitis/tenosynovitis was significantly associated to a change in the therapeutic management. These data highlight the impact of MSUS inflammatory findings in RA patients in daily clinical practice

Disclosure of Interests:

Juan Molina Collada: None declared, María Pérez: None declared, Isabel Castrejon: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi, Teresa González: None declared, Javier Rivera: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Consultant of: Gilead, Janssen, Novartis,, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Indalecio Monteagudo: None declared, Jose-Maria Alvaro-Gracia Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB, Paid instructor for: Elli-Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen-Cilag, Elli-Lilly, Gedeon Richter, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tigenix, Roche, UCB

Follow-up study of 67 first episode schizophrenic patients and their involvement in religious activities

We studied the characteristics of religious practice in a cohort of 67 first admission schizophrenic patients over 5 years. Thirty percent of these patients were involved in religious activities, either with an established religion or in a marginal group. They were mostly women, who had a good premorbid psychosocial adaptation and tended not to be substance abusers. Their social adaptation was improved at year 5. They were as compliant with their ambulatory treatment as the other patients. However, when controlling for the inclusion characteristics, a similar outcome was shown between the group of practicing patients and the nonpracticing group. Religious activity may not be by itself the cause of this favorable outcome, as it is probable that only the patients who are less symptomatic and relatively well adapted could actually join a religious movement. The fact that many schizophrenic patients find an occupation and relationships in religious activities that they would not find elsewhere should encourage the psychiatric community target its occupational goals.

Coupled Sublattice Melting and Charge-Order Transition in Two Dimensions

Two-dimensional melting is one of the most fascinating and poorly understood phase transitions in nature. Theoretical investigations often point to a two-step melting scenario involving unbinding of topological defects at two distinct temperatures. Here, we report on a novel melting transition of a charge-ordered K-Sn alloy monolayer on a silicon substrate. Melting starts with short-range positional fluctuations in the K sublattice while maintaining long-range order, followed by longer-range K diffusion over small domains, and ultimately resulting in a molten sublattice. Concomitantly, the charge order of the Sn host lattice collapses in a multistep process with both displacive and order-disorder transition characteristics. Our combined experimental and theoretical analysis provides a rare insight into the atomistic processes of a multistep melting transition of a two-dimensional materials system.

Microplastic ingestion cause intestinal lesions in the intertidal fish Girella laevifrons

We exposed juvenile intertidal fish to different amounts of Poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) microplastics in their diet. We fed ten individuals with pellets containing 0.01 g, another ten fish with pellets containing 0.1 g of PS, and ten fish without plastic as control. After 45 days of treatment, the whole intestine was removed, and the histological evaluation started immediately. We evaluated inflammation due to leukocyte infiltration (Lk), circulatory disorders like Hypermeia (Hyp), and regressive changes in the intestinal tissue, assessing Crypt cell loss (Ccl) and Villi cell loss (Vcl). The severity of the lesions increased according to the microplastic concentration. In the fish group feeding on microplastics, we found that leukocyte infiltration and hyperemia were more severe in the higher exposure group compared to the lower exposure; and crypt cell loss and villi cell loss increased significantly due to Poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) microplastic physical abrasion.

Determination and Degradation of Methomyl in Tomatoes and Green Beans Grown in Greenhouses

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method using UV detection at 233 nm was used to study the degradation of methomyl in tomatoes and green beans grown in greenhouses. A liquid-liquid extraction with CH2CI2-methanol (90 + 10, v/v) and a cleanup step with Florisil were combined with LC to isolate, recover, and quantitate the pesticide. Average recoveries obtained at spike levels of 0.03 and 0.40 mg/kg were 83.2-84.7% for tomatoes and 83.387.5% for green beans. Determination limits were 0.03 mg/kg for tomatoes and 0.01 mg/kg for green beans. Levels of methomyl residues were studied in tomatoes and green beans grown in an experimental greenhouse to establish the effect of the kind of greenhouse, application dose, species grown, and climatic conditions on the degradation of this pesticide. Analysis of variance showed that doses did not affect the response. The half-life, however, is greater in a flat-roof greenhouse than in an asymmetric-roof greenhouse and is significantly longer for green beans than for tomatoes and longer in winter than in spring. A preharvest time of about 5 days may be suitable for green beans sprayed with methomyl. Tomatoes show residue levels at the time of application lower than Spanish minimum residue levels.

Surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy: A non invasive alternative procedure for early detection in childhood asthma biomarkers in saliva

The early detection of bronchial inflammation in asthma, through a non-invasive, simple method and under a subclinical state, could lead to a more effective control of this condition. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of bronchial inflammation in the saliva of children with asthma through immunoassay and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 44 children ages 6-12; the diagnosis of asthma was made according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) standards. The children's saliva was analyzed by immunoassay for the quantification of 37 cytokines, as well as SERS analysis in a confocal Raman microscope at 785 nm. We found a significant association between bronchial obstruction and IL-8 (p = 0.004), IL-10 (p = 0.008) and sCD163 (p = 0.003). The Raman spectra showed significant amplification in the region of 760 to 1750 cm^-1. The Principal Component Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis (PCA-LDA) method has a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 82% and an accuracy of 84% for the diagnosis of asthma. These results demonstrate the presence of a subclinical inflammatory state, suggestive of bronchial remodeling in the population studied. The SERS method is a potential tool for identifying bronchial inflammation and its endotype, allowing for a highly sensitive and specific diagnosis.

Anthropic impacts on Sub-Saharan urban water resources through their pharmaceutical contamination (Yaoundé, Center Region, Cameroon)

Sub-Saharan urban centers have to tackle high population growth, lack of sanitation infrastructures and the need for good quality water resources. To characterize the impacts of anthropization on the water resources of the capital of Cameroon (Yaoundé), a multi-disciplinary approach was used in ten sub-watersheds (peri-urban and urban) of the Méfou watershed. Pharmaceutical residues were used as tracers of surface and groundwater contamination caused by the release of domestic wastewater from pit latrines and landfills. A water use survey was conducted in the vicinity of the sampling sites to better assess water use, treatment and management. Available land use and hydro-geomorphological data completed characterization of the sub-watersheds. The combined data showed that natural features (elevation, slope, and hydrography) and human activities (land use) favor rainfall-runoff events and hence surface water contamination. Pharmaceutical monitoring revealed contamination of both surface and groundwater especially in the urban sub-watersheds. Analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-epileptic carbamazepine were the most frequently found compounds (in up to 91% of water samples) with concentrations of acetaminophen reaching 5660 ng/L. In urban sub-watersheds, 50% of the groundwater sites used for drinking water were contaminated by diclofenac (476-518 ng/L), carbamazepine (263-335 ng/L), ibuprofen (141-276 ng/L), sulfamethoxazole (<2-1285 ng/L) and acetaminophen (110-111 ng/L), emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the interactions between surface and groundwater. The use of groundwater as drinking water by 68% of the total population surveyed raises concerns about population exposure and potential health risks. This case study highlights the need for strategies to limit contamination of the water resource given the predicted future expansion of Sub-Saharan urban centers.

Hybrid transgastric approach for the treatment of gastroesophageal junction pathologies

Flexible endoscopy has evolved to the point that it includes many endoluminal procedures that once required open or laparoscopic surgery, for instance, antireflux surgery, pyloromyotomy, mucosal and submucosal tumor resections, and even full-thickness resection. However, these procedures remain technically demanding due to flexible technology issues: difficult imaging, limited energy devices, lack of staplers, unsatisfactory suturing abilities, and so on. Transgastric laparoscopy or hybrid laparoscopy/flex endoscopy has been described for almost two decades as an alternative to a pure endoluminal approach, mainly for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage and full-thickness and mucosal resection of various lesions. The approach has never been widely adopted mostly due to cumbersome and difficult to maintain methods of gastric access. We propose to expand the indications of transgastric laparoscopy by using novel endoscopically placed ports to replicate endoscopic procedures particularly in the difficult to access proximal stomach such as endoluminal antireflux surgery. Under general anesthesia, five female pigs (mean weight: 27.6 kg) had endoscopic placement of 3, 5 mm intragastric ports (Endo-TAGSS, Leakwood KS, USA) using a technique similar to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. A 5-mm laparoscope was used for visualization. Laparoendoscopic-assisted plication of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) was performed using 3-0 interrupted sutures (Polysorb®, Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA). A functional lumen imagine probe (EndoFLIP®, Crospon, Inc., Galway, Ireland) was used to measure diameter, cross sectional area (CSA), distensibility, and compliance of GEJ before and after intervention. Once the TAGSS ports were removed, the gastrotomies were closed by using endoscopic over-the-scope clips. At the end of the procedure, animals were euthanized. Five laparoendoscopic-assisted endoluminal plications were performed. The mean operative time was 65.6 min (Endoscopic evaluation: 3.2 min, TAGSS Insertion: 11 min, EndoFLIP evaluation + GEJ Plication: 43.25 min, gastric wall closure: 15 minutes). In all cases, this technique was effective and allowed to achieve an adequate GEJ plication by endoscopic grading and EndoFLIP measurements. Median pre-plication GEJ diameter (D) and median pre-plication GEJ cross-sectional area (CSA) were 11.42 mm (8.6-13.6 mm) and 104.8 mm2 (58-146 mm2). After the procedure, these values were decreased to 6.14 mm (5.7-6.6 mm) and 29.8 mm2 (25-34 mm2) respectively (p = 0.0079). Median pre-plication distensibility (d) and compliance (C) were 7.87 mm2/mmHg (2.4-22.69 mm2/mmHg) and 190.56 mm3/mmHg (70.9-502.8 mm3/mmHg). After the procedure, these values decreased to 1.5 mm2/mmHg (0.7-2.2 mm2/mmHg) and 52.17 mm3/mmHg (21.9-98.7 mm3/mmHg) respectively (p = 0.0317). No intraoperative events were observed. Endoscopically, all valves were felt to be transitioned from a Hill grade 3 (normal state for the animal model) to a Hill grade 1 at the procedure completion. A hybrid laparoendoscopic approach is a feasible alternative for performing intragastric procedures with the assistance of conventional laparoscopic instruments; especially in cases where the intervention location limits the access to standard endoscopy or where endoscopic technology is inadequate. Further evaluation is planned in survival models and clinical trials.

Routine HIV Screening in Cancer Patients in the Emergency Department

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) in cancer patients improves outcomes and reduces transmission of this oncogenic virus. HIV testing rates of cancer patients are similar to the general population (15-40%), despite the association with cancer. Our aim was to increase HIV screening in the Emergency Department(ED) of a comprehensive cancer center through a quality initiative. Testing increased significantly during the intervention (p<0.001; 0.15/day to 2.69/day). Seropositive HIV rate was 1.4% (12/852), with incidence of 0.3%. All patients were linked to care. Incident cases were between 36 and 55 years of age. Barriers encountered included confusion regarding the need for written consent for HIV testing, failure to consider ordering the test, and concerns regarding linkage to care.

Temperature changes in 2% chlorhexidine gluconate using two activation methods with different intensity levels

Background

Chlorhexidine is an irrigant solution widely used in root canal treatment because of its good antimicrobial properties. However, its mixture with sodium hypochlorite results in the appearance of substance called p-chloroaniline, a cytotoxic substance. This is also found when chlorhexidine is heated. The use of passive ultrasonic irrigation is related to an irrigant thermal increase, which can cause the appearance of p-chloroaniline. Thus, the objective is to establish the influence of ultrasonic and sonic activation, with the use of different intensities, upon the temperature of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX).

Material and Methods

The following groups were established: control (without activation), ultrasonic activation and sonic activation. A 0.5-ml volume of CHX was placed in an Eppendorf tube in a thermo-static bath at 37ºC. Both methods resulted in immediate CHX activation. The temperature was recorded every 30 seconds between 60 and 180 seconds. The statistical analysis was performed based on the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results

Both groups subjected to activation showed higher temperatures than the control group, and increased activation intensity was associated to greater temperature increments in both activated groups.

Conclusions

Both ultrasonic and sonic activation are correlated to temperature increase in CHX.

Key words:Chlorhexidine, p-choroaniline, PUI, sonic irrigation, temperature.