Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic delay in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

A monocentric cross-sectional study recruiting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients residing in the Lazio region, Italy, to assess factors related to diagnostic delay and treatment accessibility.

METHODS

Clinical/serological data, including the time between symptom onset, diagnosis, and the beginning of treatment, were collected. Residence, referral to a rheumatologic center, physician who made the diagnosis, and previous misdiagnosis were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A higher diagnostic delay (p=0.003), and time between symptom onset and the start of I-line therapy (p=0.006) were observed in PsA compared to RA. A delayed start of II-line therapy was observed in RA compared to PsA (p=0.0007). Higher diagnostic delay (p=0.02), and time between symptom onset and the start of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) (p=0.02) were observed among residents of small-medium cities for both groups. Patients who have been diagnosed by another physician rather than a rheumatologist had a longer diagnostic delay (p=0.034) and a delayed start of I-line therapy (p=0.019). Patients who received a different previous diagnosis experienced greater diagnostic delay (p=0.03 and p=0.003) and time of start of csDMARDs (p=0.05 and p=0.01) compared with those receiving RA or PsA as the first diagnosis. PsA had a delay in starting targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (p=0.0004) compared to RA. Seronegative RA had delayed diagnosis (p=0.02) and beginning of therapies (p=0.03; p=0.04) compared to seropositive ones.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, greater diagnostic delay was found in PsA compared to RA, in patients living in small-medium cities, in those who did not receive the diagnosis from a rheumatologist, in those who were previously misdiagnosed, and in seronegative RA.

Janus kinase inhibitors: between prescription authorization and reimbursability

Following the restrictions on the reimbursability of Janus kinase inhibitors introduced by the Italian Medicines Agency, the Italian Society of Rheumatology has drafted this document to shed light on the clinical conditions and reimbursability criteria set out in the prescription forms.

POS1266 MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EVALUATING THE SAFETY OF ANTI-SARS-CoV-2 VACCINE IN A COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS

Background

Vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 represent a fundamental tool in controlling the pandemic. To date, data on the safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with rare rheumatic diseases, such as systemic vasculitis, are limited.

Objectives

In this study we aimed at evaluating the safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in a multicentric cohort of patients with systemic vasculitis.

Methods

Patients with systemic vasculitis from two Rheumatology centres who had received anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were retrospectively examined. The primary outcome was to evaluate, in this multi-centric cohort, the occurence of a disease flare after the administration of the vaccine, defined as development of clinical manifestations related to vasculitis with a concomitant increase in serum inflammatory markers. As a secondary outcome we aimed at evaluating, in a monocentric cohort of patients with vasculitis, the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) following vaccine administration compared to healthy controls (HC).

Results

We examined 111 patients with systemic vasculitis (n=69 female, n=42 male), with a mean age of 64.3 (± 13) years. Sixty had ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), fourty-two had Giant-Cell Arterities (GCA), five had Periarteritis Nodosa, four had Takayasu’s arteritis. One-hundred and five patients received a mRNA vaccine and six a viral vector one. A disease flare occurred in only 2 patients (1.8%) after the first dose of a mRNA vaccine: both had AAV (microscopic poliangioitis) and developed a pulmunary disease flare (respiratory failure requiring hospitalization and treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids). Of note, one of these patients had multiple previous comorbidities, including a severe COPD. Multivaried analysis, adjusted for age and sex, performed in a single monocentric cohort of patients with systemic vasculitis [n=60 (39 AAV, 21 GCA), 37 female, 23 male, mean age 71 (± 12.5) years] demonstrated a statistically significant higher frequency of AEs in vasculitis patients compared to HC (p=0.015) after the first dose of vaccination. No significant differences in the frequency of AEs in vasculitis patients compared to HC after the second dose were detected. All the AEs were mild in both groups (malaise was the most frequently reported); no serious AEs were reported.

Conclusion

Our data show a very low incidence of disease flares after the administration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with systemic vasculitis. Patients with systemic vasculitis seem more prone to develop mild AEs after the first dose of the vaccine. Taken together, this data suggest a good risk profile for anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with systemic vasculitis.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0455 DRUGS, AUTOANTIBODIES AND GENES CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background

Genetic contribution to development of chronic damage have been scarcely investigated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fact, whereas most studies have looked for an association between genetic variants and SLE susceptibility or disease phenotypes, only few have focused on the relationship between these biomarkers and damage development.

Objectives

Moving from these premises, we firstly analyzed the distribution of organ damage in a cohort of SLE patients and secondly we evaluate the role of clinical and genetic factors in determining the development of chronic damage.

Methods

Caucasian SLE patients, diagnosed according with 1997 ACR criteria, were enrolled, and clinical and laboratory data were collected. Based on literature data, we selected a panel of 17 SNPs of following genes STAT4, IL10, IRAK1, HCP5, MIR146a, ATG16L1, IRGM, ATG5, MIR124, MIR1279, TNFSF4, CD40. Genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination assays. A phenotype-genotype correlation analysis was performed by evaluating specific domains of SLICC Damage Index (SDI).

Results

Among 175 Caucasian SLE patients, 105 (60%) exhibited damage (SDI ≥1) with a median value of 1.0 (IQR 3.0). The musculoskeletal (26.2%), neuropsychiatric (24.6%) and ocular domains (20.6%) were involved most frequently. The presence of damage was associated with higher age, longer disease duration, neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations, anti-phospholipid syndrome and the positivity of anti-dsDNA antibodies. Concerning therapies cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids resulted associated with the development of damage. The genotype/phenotype correlation analysis showed an association between renal damage, identified in 6.9% of patients, and rs2205960 of TNFSF4 (p=0.001; OR 17.0). This SNP resulted significantly associated with end-stage renal disease (p= 0.018, OR 9.68) and estimated GFR<50% (p=0.025, OR 1.06, Figure 1). The rs1463335 of MIR1279 gene was associated with the development of NP damage (p=0.029; OR 2.783). The multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the associations between TNFSF4 rs2205960 SNP and renal damage (p=0.020, r=2.53) and between NP damage and rs1463335 of MIR1279 gene (p=0.013, r=1.26)].

Figure 1.

Association between renal damage and rs2205960 of TNFSF4 (p=0.001). In addition, this SNP resulted significantly associated with the development of two specific items of SDI renal domain: estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <50% and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (p=0.025, p=0.018 respectively).

Conclusion

We showed the role of age, drugs, and autoantibody profile in determining chronic damage.

Our data suggest a possible role of genetic background in determining the development of renal and neuropsychiatric damage, as demonstrated by the association with polymorphisms of TFNSF4 and MIR1279, respectively. These results agree with previous studies suggesting the involvement of TNFSF4 in Lupus nephritis and microRNA in neuroinflammation.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0428 PATHOGENETIC ROLE OF MICROPARTICLES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Microparticles (MPs) are fragments of surface membranes of activated eukaryotic cells. They are characterized by different dimensions (from 0.1 to 1μm) and expression of surface antigens, depending on their origin. MPs are important mediators of cell-to-cell communication as they can be internalized in a dose-dependent manner by macrophages, endothelial cells and other cell types, influencing both functional and phenotypic characteristics of the target cells. Even if MPs formation is enhanced by cell activation or apoptosis, constitutive exocytosis is a continuous ongoing process in vivo for many cells, and MPs originating from different cells can be always found in the plasma. In various autoimmune diseases, it has been found an increased number of MPs derived from activated platelets, leukocytes, vascular endothelium cells and other cell types. In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) an excessive production of MPs may predispose to autoimmune manifestations. Moreover, it has been speculated that MPs can stimulate the production, secretion, and transport of inflammatory factors in RA.

Objectives

We investigated the presence on the surface of RA-MPs of antigens derived from post-translationally modified proteins (citrullinated peptides and carbamylated peptides). We assumed that these specific antigens carried on the surface of RA-MPs could participate in RA pathogenetic process.

Methods

We enrolled 20 RA patients naïve for biological therapy fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology RA criteria and 20 healthy controls (HC), matched for age and sex. For each patient, laboratory and clinical data were recorded and clinical indexes were measured (TJ, SJ, CDAI, VAS pain, CDAI, SDAI, DAS28). A fasting blood sample, obtained from RA patients and HC, was centrifugated in order to obtain platelet-poor plasma (PPP), rich in MPs. Thereafter, MPs in RA patients and HC were measured using nanoparticle tracking analysis. Later on, MPs were incubated with unconjugated anti-citrullinated/carbamylated proteins antibodies and processed by flow cytometry and western blot to evaluate the surface expression of citrullinated/carbamylated antigens.

Results

Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a significant increase of number of MPs in RA compared to HC. Moreover, densitometric analysis showed a significative higher expression of citrullinated antigens on MPs’ surface in RA than controls (p < 0.0001), while no substantial difference was found in the expression of carbamylated antigens. The data obtained were confirmed with the western blot which identified the cytoskeletal protein vimentin, the cytoplasmatic glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase1 and type II collagen as the main citrullinated and carbamylated proteins carried by MPs. Finally, a relevant correlation between the expression of citrullinated and carbamylated antigens and disease activity was found (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

The figure shows: (A) concentration of MPs in RA patients and HC (nanoparticle tracking analysis); (B) expression of citrullinated and carbamylated antigens on MPs’ surface in RA patients (flow cytometry analysis); (C) expression of citrullinated antigens in RA patients and HC and correlation between expression of citrullinated and carbamylated antigens on MPs’ surface in RA patients and DAS28, CDAI, SDAI; (D) cytoskeletal protein vimentin, cytoplasmatic glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase1 and collagen type II (western blot).

Conclusion

The results of this study confirm an important role of MPs in the pathogenesis of RA not only as markers of disease activity but also as possible inducers of autoimmunity.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS1058 BIOLOGICAL DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: PREDICTORS OF TREATMENT SURVIVAL IN A REAL-LIFE SETTING

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory arthropathy, distinctively involving joints and enthesis. The improved understanding of PsA pathogenesis has enabled the development of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDS) targeting specific cytokines and signalling pathways. The availability of these drugs deeply modified PsA history, by preventing disease progression and by improving quality of life. Nevertheless, bDMARDS are not effective in all the patients who may experience primary or secondary inefficacy or adverse events development.

Objectives

In a real-life scenario, we evaluated the bDMARDs retention rate in a large PsA cohort. In detail, we compared drug survival of the first and second biological drug and we investigated the presence of factors associated with the bDMARDs treatment withdrawal.

Methods

We longitudinally evaluated adult PsA patients (2016 CASPAR criteria) treated with at least one bDMARD during disease history. For each PsA patient, the clinical and laboratory data, including demographics, past medical history with the date of diagnosis and treatments, clinical disease phenotypes, were collected in a standardized, computerized and electronically filled form. The retention rate was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Predictors for bDMARDs withdrawal were investigated in univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, adjusted for relevant variables.

Results

The present analysis included 223 PsA patients [M/F 91/132; median age 57 years (IQR 17); median disease duration 120 months (IQR 132)]. Adalimumab and Etanercept were the most frequently prescribed bDMARDs (41.5% and 41.0%, respectively). The retention rate of the first prescribed bDMARD as reported in Figure 1A: in detail, we found a 12-months retention rate of 79.8%. The comparison between etanercept and adalimumab showed a similar 12-months retention rate, but significantly higher for etanercept at 24 months (82.4% versus 69.5%, p=0.0034, Figure 1B). Out of 223 enrolled PsA patients, 109 (48.9%) received only one bDMARDs, while the remaining 114 (51.1%) received at least 2 drugs. When comparing these two groups of patients, drug survival at 24 months was significantly higher in patients treated with one bDMARD in comparison with those treated with at least two drugs (67.7% versus 52.2%, p=0.03, Figure 1C). Finally, female sex and anxiety-depressive disorders were significantly associated with the treatment with at least two dDMARDs (p=0.005 and p=0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrated a higher retention rate in the first-line bDMARDs treatment in comparison with second-line. Female sex and anxiety-depressive disorders may negatively affect drug retention rate.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

OP0236 JAK-STAT INHIBITION RESTORES EPITHELIAL CELLS’ HOMEOSTASIS IN PRIMARY SJOGREN’S SYNDROME

Background

Although salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) are key players in the pathogenesis of autoimmune epithelitis that characterizes primary Sjӧgren’s Syndrome (pSS), the mechanisms sustaining SGECs activation in pSS remain largely undetermined. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to counteract SGECs activation in pSS are also lacking. In previous studies, we revealed that maladaptive autophagy sustains survival and pro-inflammatory activation of SGECs in pSS (1).

Objectives

To determine the therapeutic potential of JAK/STAT inhibition with baricitinib to restore homeostatic regulation of SGECs in pSS, by reducing autophagy, survival, and expression of adhesion molecules.

Methods

Primary SGECs were isolated from minor salivary glands (SG) of large cohort of patients with pSS or sicca syndrome and subjected to mechanistic and functional studies including flow-cytometry, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence to assess autophagy (autophagic-flux, LC3IIB, p62, LC3B+/LAMP1+ staining), apoptosis (annexin V/PI, Caspase-3) and activation (ICAM, VCAM). Focus score and germinal centers were determined in homologous SG biopsies to assess correlations of findings with histological disease severity. Primary SGECs of patients with pSS were treated with Baricitinib (1 mM) for 24 prior to assessment of autophagy, apoptosis and activation.

Results

SGECs from pSS patients (n=29) exhibited increased autophagy (as determined by autophagic-flux p=0.001; LC3IIB p=0.02; p62 p=0.064; LC3IIB/LAMP1+ staining), increased expression of anti-apoptotic molecules (Bcl2 p=0.006), and reduced apoptosis (Annexin-V/PI p=0.002, Caspase-3 p=0.057) compared to sicca (n=16). Induction of autophagy in pSS SGECs correlated with histologic disease severity. Treatment of pSS SGECs with baricitinib ex vivo suppressed autophagy, increased apoptosis, and reduced expression of adhesion molecules.

Conclusion

SGECs in the inflammatory milieu of pSS are characterized by induction of autophagy and pro-survival mechanisms, and by expression of adhesion molecules. These changes correlate with SG infiltration with immune cells and with histologic disease severity. Among clinically available therapies, the JAK/STAT inhibitor baricitinib effectively reduced autophagy, countered the state of maladaptive activation of SGECs, and restored epithelial cell homeostasis. Transcriptomics and metabolomics studies are ongoing to dissect the specific mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects.

References

[1]Colafrancesco S, et al. Maladaptive autophagy in the pathogenesis of autoimmune epithelitis in Sjӧgren’s Syndrome. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021.

Disclosure of Interests

Serena Colafrancesco Speakers bureau: Novartis

Sobi, Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly, cristiana barbati: None declared, Roberta Priori: None declared, Federico Giardina: None declared, angelica gattamelata: None declared, raffaella izzo: None declared, Bruna Cerbelli: None declared, Carla Giordano: None declared, Susanna Scarpa: None declared, Massimo Fusconi: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly

Pfizer

Abbvie, Giulio Cavalli: None declared, cristiano alessandri: None declared, Fabrizio Conti: None declared

AB0499 LYMPHOID ORGANIZATION IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS: EVALUATING POSSIBLEAUTO ANTIGENS

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) represent one of the most frequent organ manifestations and one the major cause of morbidity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. Tubule-interstitial infiltrate (TII) represents an independent prognostic factors of renal outcome1.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the inflammatory infiltrates organization in kidney biopsies obtained from LN patients and to investigate possible autoantigens for in situ immune response.

Methods

Paraffin embedded kidney specimens collected since 2017 from SLE patients who underwent a renal biopsy for diagnostic purpose were re-evaluated2. Clinical, laboratory and histological data were collected in a standardized, computerized and electronically filled form, including demographics and past medical history. Disease activity was assessed by using SLEDAI-2K and remission in response to therapy was defined as a score 0 of renal item of the SLEDAI3. The cellular infiltrate were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and by immunohistochemistry with a staining of sequential sections for monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD20, CD21. Staining for detections of LL-37, vimentin and citrulline was made4. Serological levels of CXCL13 and anti-vimentin antibodies (AVAs) were evaluated in a subgroup of patients.

Results

Eighteen paraffin embedded renal specimens with TII, from LN patients were re-evaluated (F:M = 17:1, median age at biopsy-SD years 37-23; median disease duration at date of biopsy-IQR 3-4 years). A histo-morphologic grading score was performed based on the total count of TI lymphocytes and the presence of ectopic lymphoid structures-ELSs (grade 3-G3) (Figure 1). A correlation was found between G3 structures and the absence of renal remission with conventional immunosuppressive therapy (P=0.0026). Samples with G3 foci showed significantly higher intensity of LL37 (P=0.013) and LL37 co-localization (P=0.006) compared to the other lymphocytic infiltrates. No correlation was found among the intensity of vimentin and citrulline and the grade of lymphoid aggregates. A statistically significant inverse correlation between AVAs serum levels and response to therapy was found (P=0.0048). Moreover, higher level of AVAs and CXCL13 were found in patients with G3 structures. To note, two patients underwent anti-CD20 therapy but renal remission was achieved only in the patients displaying G3 structure.

Figure 1.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that tubule-interstitium involvement is associated with the presence of lymphoid aggregation and poor renal outcome. For the first time we demonstrated that patients with G3 structures had a significant decreased response to immunosuppressant conventional therapies compared to those without ELSs. These results suggest a possible phatogenetic, prognostic and therapeutical role of lymphocytic aggregates. In addiction, LL37, thus NETosis, could have a possible role in inducing the formation of lymphocytic structures. Moreover, patients with a G3 foci showed high serological levels of AVAs and CXCL13, thus, promoting their possible role as circulating biomarkers of the presence of ELSs.

References

[1]Bajema, I. M. et al. Revision of the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification for lupus nephritis: clarification of definitions, and modified National Institutes of Health activity and chronicity indices. Kidney Int. 93,789–796 (2018).

[2]Weening JJ et al. International Society of Nephrology Working Group on the Classification of Lupus Nephritis; Renal Pathology Society Working Group on the Classification of Lupus Nephritis. The classification of glomerulonephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus revisited. Kidney Int. 2004 Feb;65(2):521-30.

[3]Gladman DD et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000. J Rheumatol 2002; 29:288-91.

[4]Bombardieri M et al. Ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2017 Mar;13(3):141-154.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0436 EFFECTIVENESS OF BELIMUMAB IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS: A REAL-LIFE ANALYSIS

Background

Efficacy and safety of belimumab (BLM) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients with active disease have been demonstrated by RCTs [1,2] and confirmed by several observational studies [3-8]. Most of these data have been obtained by the use of BLM intravenous formulation (IV); on the contrary, very few findings are available on the use of the drug subcutaneous formulation (SC).

Objectives

Efficacy and drug survival of BLM have been assessed in a monocentric cohort of SLE patients, exploring any difference between the two routes of administration, IV or SC.

Methods

A longitudinal study on SLE patients (according to ACR 1997 classification criteria [9]) candidates for treatment with BLM has been performed. Demographic, clinical-laboratory and therapeutic data - including glucocorticoid dosage in prednisone-equivalent - have been collected. Disease activity has been assessed by SLEDAI-2k [10]; in patients with inflammatory articular involvement, DAS28-PCR [11] has been used. In compliance with the study protocol, patients were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after starting treatment.

Results

A total of 85 patients treated with BLM were enrolled, most of whom were female (male/female 2/83), with a median age of 48 years (IQR 13) and a median disease duration of 127 months (IQR 151). Fifty-one patients (60%) were treated with IV formulation and the remaining 34 (40%) with SC route. BLM was prescribed due to the following clinical manifestations: joint involvement (61.2%), cutaneous manifestations (20.0%), renal involvement (for residual proteinuria, 5.9%), haematological modifications (5.9%), constitutional involvement (3.5%), pericarditis (1.2%), headache (1.2%). In both the formulations, joint involvement was the most frequent indication of BLM (IV: 64.7%, SC: 58.8%). Median treatment duration was 15 months (IQR 24). Moving on drug efficacy, after 3 and 12 months of follow-up BLM has determined a significant reduction of SLEDAI-2k median values (p=0.001, p<0.001 respectively, Figure 1A) as well as of daily prednisone dose (p=0.009, p<0.0001 respectively, Figure 1B). In patients treated because of musculoskeletal manifestations, DAS28-PCR reduced significantly at 3 and 12 months after treatment (p<0.0001). Drug survival at 12 months was 70% in the total cohort (Figure 1C) and was higher in patients treated with SC formulation than with IV route (75.8% versus 66.5%, p=ns). During the period of follow-up, 39 patients (45.9%) discontinued BLM: 38.4% of patients due to adverse events, 41% for primary or secondary inefficacy, 15% lost to follow-up, 5.1% for pregnancy. BLM withdrawal for adverse events was more frequent in the group of patients treated with IV formulation than SC one (25.9% versus 5.9%, p=0,0001). 11 patients switched from IV formulation to SC one after a median period of 40 months (IQR 20) without loss of efficacy or adverse events.

Conclusion

Our results confirm BLM efficacy also in a real-life setting. Notably, our data highlight a better drug survival in patients treated with SC formulation, mainly secondary to a less frequency of adverse events.

References

[1]Furie R et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2011;63(12):3918-3930.

[2]Navarra SV et al. Lancet. 2011;377(9767):721-731.

[3]Andreoli L et al. Isr Med Assoc J. 2014;16(10):651-653.

[4]Hui-Yuen JS et al. J Rheumatol. 2015;42(12):2288-2295.

[5]Collins CE et al. Lupus Sci Med. 2016;3(1):e000118.

[6]Touma Z et al. Rheumatol Int. 2017;37(6):865-873.

[7]Iaccarino L et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(1):115-123.

[8]Gatto M et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(8):1314-1324.

[9]Hochberg M.C. Arthritis Rheum. 1997;40:1725.

[10]Gladman DD et al. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(2):288-291.

[11]Prevoo ML et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1995;38(1):44-48.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0087 THE EFFECT OF BARICITINIB ON STAT1 PHOSPHORYLATION IN MONOCYTES FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background

Baricitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)1-2. STAT proteins bind JAK kinase dimers coupled with cytokine receptors and regulate gene transcription. The JAK/STAT system is responsible for the intracellular signaling of different cytokines contributing to the activation process of the monocyte lineage, therefore the use of JAK inhibitors can affect cell functionality3-6.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of baricitinib on STAT phosphorylation in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients and to evaluate any correlation between STAT phosphorylation and response to therapy.

Methods

At baseline (BL) and after 4 weeks (w4) of treatment, we evaluated patients’ disease activity (DAS28PCR, CDAI and SDAI), dividing them into responders and non-responders according to the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for DAS28PCR (1.2 points) at w4. The phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT4 and STAT5 was analyzed at BL and w4 in gated monocytes, Treg, CD8 + and CD4 + lymphocytes from 4 responder and 4 non-responder patients through flow cytometry, at basal conditions and after IL2, IFNα and IL6 stimulation.

Results

Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of patients are reported in Table 1. We showed that monocyte count decreased from BL to w4 mostly in responders. Basal pSTAT1 phosphorylation tent to be higher in monocytes of non-responder patients; after 4 weeks of treatment, the reduction of the cytokine-induced pSTAT1 was significantly greater in monocytes from responders compared to non-responders (Figure 1). The phosphorylation of STAT4 and STAT5 was not affected by treatment in any cell type and at any time point. We further studied the STAT1 phosphorylation pathway isolating the effect of stimulation with IFNα and stratifying monocytes according to their surface marker expression of CD14 and CD16 in classical, intermediate and non-classical. We observed the same pattern with a significant greater reduction of pSTAT1 in monocytes from responder patients, compared to non-responders, after the treatment with baricitinib.

Table 1.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

Clinical and demographic characteristicsN=8Age (years), median (IQR)59 (8)Female:Male7:1Etnicity-Caucasian n (%)6 (75)-Hispanic n (%)2 (25)Disease duration (months), median (IQR)156 (201)Rheumatoid Factor, n (%)3 (37.5)ACPA, n (%)4 (50)Number of previous csDMARDs, n (%)-12 (25)-21 (12.5)-31 (12.5)-≥ 44 (50)Number of previous bDMARDs, n (%)-12 (25)-22 (25)-31 (12.5)-≥ 43 (37.5)Baricitinib in monoterapy, n (%)5 (62.5)Daily PDN dose, median (IQR)5 (6)

ACPA: anti-citrullinated protein antibodies; csDMARDs: conventional syntetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; bDMARDs: biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; PDN: prednisone.

Figure 1.

STAT1 phosphorylation in responder (R) and non-responder (NR) patients at basal conditions (before stimulation) (a), and after cytokine (IL2, IFNα and IL6) stimulation (b) at baseline and at T1 (week 4).

Conclusion

These results may suggest that monocyte count and STAT1 phosphorylation in circulating monocytes could represent early markers of response to baricitinib therapy.

References

[1]Gadina M, et al. Janus kinases to jakinibs: from basic insights to clinical practice. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2019

[2]Gadina M, et al. Translating JAKs to Jakinibs. J Immunol. 2020

[3]Kubo S, et al. The JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib, reduces the T cell stimulatory capacity of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014

[4]Kubo S, et al. Janus Kinase Inhibitor Baricitinib Modulates Human Innate and Adaptive Immune System. Front Immunol. 2018

[5]Ikari Y, et al. Peficitinib Inhibits the Chemotactic Activity of Monocytes via Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes. Cells. 2019

[6]Yang X, et al. Tofacitinib inhibits ox-LDL-induced adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to endothelial cells. Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2019

Disclosure of Interests

Cristina Garufi Consultant of: Lilly, Gloria Tucci: None declared, Ilenia Pacella: None declared, Marta Zagaglioni: None declared, Alessandra Pinzon Grimaldos: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Silvia Piconese: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Consultant of: Lilly, Fabrizio Conti Consultant of: Lilly

AB0507 IMPACT OF CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION ON ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITOR CELLS SURVIVAL IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Background

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are widely demonstrated biomarkers of endothelial function. Their frequency and function varied in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, with a significant association with subclinical atherosclerosis1. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and it seems to be able to activate autophagy2-3. In terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), data from the literature showed a U-shaped association between habitual coffee intake and CVD4. In this view, Spyridopoulos et al. demonstrated a significant improvement in endothelial cells and EPCs migration after coffee consumption in coronary artery disease both in mouse models and in patients5. Finally, we demonstrated the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity, in terms of SLEDAI2k values and serum cytokine levels. Moreover, patients with a low caffeine intake seemed to have a more severe disease phenotype6.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of caffeine intake on endothelial function in SLE patients, by assessing its effect on number and function of EPCs both ex vivo in SLE patients and in vitro in healthy donors (HD) treated with SLE sera.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling consecutive SLE patients (revised 1997 ACR criteria), referring to the Sapienza Lupus Clinic. Patients with history of traditional CV risks factors were excluded. Caffeine intake was evaluated using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. At the end of questionnaire filling circulating EPCs were detected by using a flow cytometry analysis defined as CD34+KDR+ cells. Subsequently, EPCs pooled from 6 HD were co-cultured with caffeine at 0.5 mM and 1 mM with and without SLE sera. After 7 days, we evaluated the cells morphology and the ability to form colonies. Moreover, we analyzed for the percentage of annexin V-positive (AV) apoptotic cells by flow cytometry analysis and for levels of autophagy and apoptotic markers LC3-II, p62 and Bcl2 by western blot.

Results

We enrolled 31 SLE patients (F:M 30:1, median age 43 years, IQR 18; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 180). The median intake of caffeine was 166 mg/day (IQR 194). We found a EPCs median percentage of 0.03% (IQR 0.04) observing a positive correlation between caffeine intake and EPCs percentage (p=0.03, r=0.4). Moving on in vitro experiments, after 7 days of cell cultures, HD EPCs treated with SLE sera and caffeine showed an improvement in morphology and in number of EPCs-CFU in comparison with those incubated with SLE sera without caffeine (p=0.0003). Moreover, the colonies treated with SLE sera were poorly organized in comparison with HD; the addition of caffeine restored the colony structure. After treated HD-EPCs with SLE sera we observed an increase in AV positive cells and p62 and LC3-II values and a reduction of Bcl2 values; the addition of caffeine was able to significantly reduce AV positive cells and p62 and LC3-II values and to significantly increased Bcl2 values, without any significant differences between caffeine 0.5 mM and 1 mM treatment (Figure 1A-D).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated the ability of caffeine in increasing the number of circulating EPCs in SLE patients. Moreover, in vitro experiments seem to suggest a protective role of caffeine on EPCs survival and vitality through the promotion of autophagy and the inhibition of apoptosis.

References

[1]Westerweel et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2007;

[2]Aronsen et al. Europ Joul of Pharm 2014;

[3]Li et al. Theranostics 2018;

[4]Ding et al. Circulation 2015;

[5]Spyridopoulos et al. Art. Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008;

[6]Orefice et al. Lupus 2020.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0553 NEW BIOMARKERS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: ROLE OF HOMOCYSTEINYLATED ANTI-ALPHA1 ANTITRYPSIN ANTIBODIES

Background

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial, chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease that can lead to progressive joint destruction (Alamanos et al, Autoimmun Rev 2005). Positivity for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and antibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPA) is useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Nevertheless, in about 20% of patients, it is not possible to detect the presence of these autoantibodies. This has led to the identification of new antibody specificities, such as antibodies directed against carbamylated proteins (Mastrangelo A et al, J Immunol Res 2015) and, more recently, against homocysteinylated alpha 1 antitrypsin (anti-HATA) (Colasanti T et al, J Autoimmun 2020).

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of anti-HATA in a large cohort of patients with RA and their correlation with serological, clinical and erosive bone damage assessed by musculo-skeletal ultrasound (US).

Methods

Consecutive outpatients with RA, diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, were enrolled. Demographic and clinical-laboratory data were recorded, including FR and ACPA determination. Disease activity was assessed by DAS28. The presence of anti-HATA antibodies was investigated by homemade ELISA using native alpha 1 antitrypsin modified in vitro to obtain homocysteinylated alpha 1 antitrypsin. US assessment was performed at the level of bilateral metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints; the presence of erosions and inflammatory features was identified according to OMERACT definitions (Wakefield RJ et al, J Rheumatol 2005).

Results

The present analysis included 91 RA patients (M/F 22/69; mean age 62 years; mean disease duration 12.5 years). Overall, the prevalence of anti-HATA was 69.2%. Anti-HATA antibodies were found in 63/91 (69.2%) of the entire patient cohort, whereas 68/91 (74.3%) patients were positive for ACPA and 63/91 (69.4%) for FR. 41.4% of patients had concomitant positivity for the three autoantibodies (FR, ACPA, anti-HATA). The analysis of patients with triple positivity for related arthritis antibodies (FR, ACPA, anti-HATA) was particularly interesting: indeed, in this subgroup, 80% of patients presented erosive damage, compared to 42.1% of patients who did not present simultaneously the three autoantibodies (p=0.0001). Patients with simultaneous positivity for RF, ACPA and anti-HATA showed a more aggressive disease phenotype (p=0.0001). Finally, a positive correlation was also found between disease activity (expressed by DAS28) and total inflammatory and erosive ultrasonographic score (p=0.005 and p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of the present study confirm a high prevalence of anti-HATA in RA patients; furthermore, patients with concomitant presence of anti-HATA, ACPA and RF showed a more aggressive disease phenotype, in terms of erosive damage. Our analysis underlines as the characterization of new antibody specificities in RA could help in the early diagnosis of this disease and in the characterization of the different severity degrees.

References

[1]Alamanos Y, Drosos AA. Epidemiology of adult rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmun Rev. 2005 Mar;4(3):130-6.

[2]Mastrangelo A, Colasanti T, Barbati C, Pecani A, Sabatinelli D, Pendolino M, Truglia S, Massaro L, Mancini R, Miranda F, Spinelli FR, Conti F, Alessandri C. The Role of Posttranslational Protein Modifications in Rheumatological Diseases: Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Immunol Res. 2015;2015:712490;

[3]Colasanti T, Sabatinelli D, Mancone C, Giorgi A, Pecani A, Spinelli FR, Di Giamberardino A, Navarini L, Speziali M, Vomero M, Barbati C, Perricone C, Ceccarelli F, Finucci A, Celia AI, Currado D, Afeltra A, Schininà ME, Barnaba V, Conti F, Valesini G, Alessandri C. Homocysteinylated alpha 1 antitrypsin as an antigenic target of autoantibodies in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Autoimmun. 2020 Sep;113:102470.

[4]Wakefield RJ, Balint PV, Szkudlarek M, et al. Musculoskeletal ultrasound including definitions for ultrasonographic pathology. J Rheumatol 2005; 32: 2485-2487.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

AB0119 ROLE OF COSTIMULATORY MOLECULES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: FOCUS ON CD137

Background

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a wide autoantibodies production. The traditionally concept of a B-cell driven disease has been changed in the last years due to the evidence demonstrating the crucial role of T cells in SLE pathogenesis. In particular, regulatory (Treg) and memory T cells seem act through co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules, such as CD137, PD1-1 and CTLA4. The over-expression of this molecules on lymphocytes may contribute to immune system dysregulation.

Objectives

The primary objective of the present case-control study was to evaluate the expression of CD137, PD1-1 and CTLA4 on T cell surface of SLE patients by using flow-cytometry. Secondly, we evaluated the percentage of Treg and memory T cells.

Methods

We enrolled patients SLE patients (2019 ACR/EULAR criteria) and sex/age-matched healthy subjects (HS). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected in a standardized computerized electronically filled form. Disease activity was assessed by SLEDAI-2k. Each subject underwent peripheral blood sample collection. By using flow-cytometry we evaluated the expression of FOXP3, CD137, PD1-1 and CTLA4, CD45, CD25, CCR7 to determine the percentage of Treg and memory T cells.

Results

The present analysis included 21 SLE patients [M/F 1/20 median age 48 years (IQR 17), median disease duration 144 months (IQR 204)]. The Treg percentage was significantly lower in SLE compared to HS [median 4.2 (IQR 0.32) versus 2.5 (IQR 2.44); p=0.001, Figure 1A]. Moving on effector Treg (eTreg), SLE patients with high disease activity (SLEDAI > 4) showed a significantly higher prevalence for these cells compared to patients with SLEDAI ≤ 4 [1.16 (IQR 0.51) versus 0.53 (IQR 0.8), p=0.014, Figure 1B]. Moreover, inverse correlation was found between eTreg percentage and SLEDAI-2k [p=0.029, r=-0.47 (CI 0.75 – 0.04) Figure 1C]. The evaluation of CD137 expression was significantly higher in SLE patients compared to HS on CD3+ cells [median 5.32 (IQR 6.11) versus 3.3 (IQR 1.7), p=0.001, Figure 1F]. On CD4+ cells, CD137 expression positively correlated with disease activity [p=0.0082, r=0.58 (CI 0.15-0.82)]. Finally, when analysing memory T cells subpopulations, inverse correlation has been found between effector memory T cells (TEM, CD45RA-CCR7-) and SLEDAI-2k when considering CD3+ [p=0.029, r=-0.56 (CI 0.81 – 0.12)] and CD4+ cells [p=0.016, R=-0.54 (CI -0.80 - -0.1)]. Of note, CD137 expression on T central memory cells (TCM, CD45RA-CCR7+) positively correlated with SLEDAI-2k [(p=0.019, r=0.52 (CI 0.09 – 0.79)].

Figure 1.

A) Comparison of the percentage of Treg in HS and SLE patients. B) Comparison of the percentage of eTreg in SLE patients with high disease activity and low disease activity C) Correlation between % eTreg and SLEDAI-2k. D) Comparison of the percentage of CD3+CD137+ cells in HS and SLE patients. E) Comparison of % of CD4+CD137+ cells in SLE patients with high disease activity and low disease activity F) Correlation between % of CD4+CD137+ cells and SLEDAI-2k.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a possible role of CD137-CD137L axis in SLE pathogenesis. The stimulatory role of this molecule is indicated by the positive correlation between SLEDAI-2k values and surface expression of CD137. Moreover, inverse correlation between SLEDAI-2k and eTreg percentage suggests a possible Treg dysregulation in SLE.

Table 1.

SLE cohort features

Clinical and Laboratory FeaturesMucocutaneous80.9%Articular76.1%Serositis19.0%Kidney23.8%Haematological48.2%CNS/PNS9.5%Thrombotic events4.7%anti-dsDNA68.4%anti-SSA/anti-SSB47.6%anti-RNP19.0%anti-Sm33.0%Antiphospholipid antibodies14.2%Low C3/C457.1%Previous TherapyGlucocorticoid90.5%Hydroxychloroquine95.2%Methotrexate23.8%Mofetil Mycophenolate33.3%Ciclosporin28.5%Cyclophosphamide9.5%Azathioprine33.3%Rituximab14.3%Antiplatelet23.8%Anticoagulant therapy4.7%

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Tofacitinib Decreases Autophagy of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes From Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

The pathway of Janus tyrosine kinases (JAKs) has a central role in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) by regulating multiple immune functions and cytokine production. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib is effective in RA patients not responding to methotrexate or TNF-inhibitors. Since hyperactive autophagy has been associated with impaired apoptosis of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), we aimed to investigate the role of tofacitinib in modulating autophagy and apoptosis in these cells. FLS isolated from RA biopsies were cultured with tofacitinib in presence of autophagy inducer rapamycin and in serum deprivation condition. Levels of autophagy, apoptosis, and citrullinated proteins were analyzed by western blot, flow cytometry, immunocytofluorescence, and Real-Time PCR. Rapamycin induced an increase in RA-FLS autophagy while the levels of autophagy marker LC3-II were reduced after in vitro treatment with tofacitinib. The analysis of autophagic flux by specific fluorescence dye confirmed the reduction of autophagy in RA FLS. The treatment with tofacitinib did not influence apoptosis of RA FLS. Modulation of the autophagic process by tofacitinib did not significantly change citrullination. The results of this study demonstrate that tofacitinib is able to modulate autophagy of FLS contributing to its effectiveness in RA patients.

AB0079 ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS: IMPACT OF CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION ON ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITOR CELLS

Background:

As widely demonstrated, circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) could be considered biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. Their frequency and function varied in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, with a significant association with subclinical atherosclerosis1. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2. In terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), data from the literature showed a U-shaped association between habitual coffee intake and CVD3. In this view, Spyridopoulos et al. demonstrated a significant improvement in mature endothelial cells and EPCs migration in relation to coffee consumption in coronary artery disease both in mouse models and in patients4. Finally, caffeine seems to play a positive effect on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse association between its intake and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines5. At the best of our knowledge, there are no data about the effect of caffeine on cardiovascular risk in SLE patients.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of caffeine intake on endothelial function in SLE patients, by evaluating its effect on circulating EPCs.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling SLE patients, fulfilling the revised 1997 ACR criteria. According with the protocol study, we excluded patients with history of smoking, CVD, chronic kidney failure, dyslipidaemia, and/or diabetes. At recruitment, the clinical and laboratory data were collected and disease activity was assessed using the SLEDAI-2k. Caffeine intake was evaluated using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, previously employed in SLE cohort5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected. EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by a flow cytometry analysis and they were defined as early EPCs CD34+KDR+CD133+ cells and late EPCs CD34+KDR+CD133-, expressed as a percentage within the lymphocyte gate.

Results:

We enrolled 19 patients (F:M 18:1, median age 45 years, IQR 15; median disease duration 240 months, IQR 168). In this cohort, we observed a mean±SD SLEDAI-2k value of 1.3±3.3 and the most frequent disease-related feature was joint involvement (73.7%). Concerning treatment at the time of enrolment, the majority of patients were receiving treatment with hydroxychloroquine (78.9%) and seven with glucocorticoids (36.8%). The median intake of caffeine was 163 mg/day (IQR 138) and we used this value as cut-off to categorize SLE patients in 2 groups: group 1 (N=10, caffeine intake ≤ 163 mg/day) and group 2 (N=9, caffeine intake > 163 mg/day). Patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significantly more frequent history of lupus nephritis (p=0.03), haematological manifestations (p=0.0003) and anti-dsDNA positivity (p=0.0003). Moving on EPCs, a positive correlation between caffeine intake and EPCs percentage was observed (p=0.04, r=0.4) (Figure 1A). Moreover, patients with more caffeine intake showed higher levels of early EPCs (p=0.02) (Figure 1B).

Conclusion:

This is the first report analysing the impact of caffeine on EPCs frequency in SLE patients. We found a positive correlation between its intake and both early and late EPCs percentage, suggesting a caffeine influence on endothelial function in SLE patients. Nonetheless, these results support the possible impact of dietary habits on autoimmune diseases.

References:

[1]Westerweel et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2007.

[2]Aronsen et al. Europ Joul of Pharm 2014.

[3]Ding et al. Circulation 2015.

[4]Spyridopoulos et al. Art. Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008.

[5]Orefice et al. Lupus 2020.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0234 SURVIVAL OF ABATACEPT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: A REAL-LIFE STUDY

Background:

Abatacept (ABA) is a biological drug approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients that, by working on CTLA4, can inhibit T-cell activation. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated both the efficacy and a good safety profile, characterized by a lower infectious risk in comparison with other biological DMARDs, in RA patients. In a real-life setting, the drug retention rate could be considered as a surrogate of drug effectiveness. Data from the literature reported a retention rate of ABA ranging from 55 to 76% at 12 months and from 54 to 64% at 24 months (1-3).

Objectives:

In the present longitudinal analysis, we evaluated the retention rate of ABA in a large monocentric RA cohort.

Methods:

We enrolled consecutive RA patients starting treatment with intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) ABA according to the standard of care. All the patients fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA. For each patient, we collected demographic parameters, serological status, previous and concomitant treatments, and disease activity by DAS28 with C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). All the patients were assessed at baseline, and after 4 and 12 months (T4 and T12, respectively). The reasons for withdrawal of treatment were registered and classified as primary or secondary inefficacy or adverse events (AEs). Kaplan-Meier statistical analysis has been done to evaluate the survival of the treatment in patients with at least 12 months follow-up.

Results:

We evaluated 161 patients [M/F 21/140; median age 67 years (IQR 21.7), median disease duration 180 months (IQR 161)]. RF was positive in 70.3% of patients, ACPA in 66.4%. ABA was the first biological DMARD in 66 patients (41%). At baseline, the median DAS28-CRP was 4.3 (IQR 1.6) and ABA was administered in association with MTX in 96 patients (59.6%). One hundred-eleven patients (68.9%) started SC ABA [M/F 16/95; median age 64.5 years (IQR 21.5), median disease duration 156 months (IQR 132)], the remaining 50 IV ABA [M/F 5/45, median age 71 years (IQR 60.2), median disease duration 187 months (IQR 157)]. Median age and disease duration were significantly higher in patients receiving IV in comparison with SC ABA (p=0.008 and p=0.03, respectively). We found a significant reduction of DAS28-CRP values during the follow-up in comparison with baseline [4 months: median 3.5 (IQR 1.9), p<0.0001; 12 months: median 3.2 (IQR 1.4), p<0.0001]. Seven patients were lost to follow-up, in the remaining 154 patients a median treatment duration of 33 months (IQR 49) was registered. Data on drug survival are reported in Figure 1A: at 12 months, 92% of patients persisted on treatment; this percentage decreased to 78.2% at 24 months and to 67.9% at 36 months. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in drug survival either with respect to SC vs IV administration (12 months: 93.7% versus 88.6%; 24 months 78.9% versus 72.6%; 36 months 63.7% versus 72.6%; Figure 1B) or according to the association with MTX. Concerning the withdrawal reasons, 46 patients (29.9%) stopped ABA due to inefficacy (primary in 28, secondary in 18), 11 patients (7.1%) due to AEs, and 7 for inadequate adherence (4.5%). Finally, 10 patients switched from IV to SC administration, due to patient’s preference.

Conclusion:

In our monocentric RA cohort, we have observed a high retention rate of ABA at both 12 and 24 months, confirming the good profile of this drug in terms of effectiveness and safety, irrespective of the route of administration and association with MTX.

References:

[1]Cagnotto, Arthritis Res Ther 2020; (2) Salmon, J Clin Med 2020; Westhovens, Rheumatol Int 2020.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to acknowledge Dr. F. Ceccarelli, for her patience.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0783 LUPUS NEPHRITIS: HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES AND LONG TERM OUTCOMES IN A LARGE SINGLE-CENTRE COHORT

Background:

In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients the incidence of lupus nephritis (LN) is about 40% (1). The rate of progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD) is 4.3-10.1% (2) and renal involvement is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality.

Objectives:

To describe clinical, histological features and renal outcomes of LN patients included in our single-center registry reporting data from more than 30 years. Moreover, we examined the correlation between clinical features at LN diagnosis and therapeutic lines used during the course of a 24 years follow-up.

Methods:

A total of 71 patients were diagnosed with LN from 1989 to 2020. Demographic features and laboratory abnormalities (serum creatinine, 24 hours urine protein, urinary sediment, ds-DNA) at the time of LN diagnosis and at last available follow-up, were evaluated. We also examined renal biopsy performed and the histological classes (proliferative vs non-proliferative). We considered the increase number of therapeutic lines adopted as a negative prognostic factor in response to therapy.

Mean (SD) or median (IQR) were used according the variable distribution. T-test and Chi square and Mann-Whitney were used and p-value <0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

Among 71 patients with LN, 63 (88.7%) were females and 8 (11.3%) males, with a F/M ratio of 6. Median SLE duration was 180 (162) months. The median age at the onset of nephritis was 28 (19.5) years and occurred in median after 12 (60) months from SLE diagnosis.

Sixty patients underwent a biopsy: the histology showed class III or IV prolipherative glomerulonephritis in 49 patients (81.6%) and a non-proliferative class in 11 (18.3%) (p< 0.0001). Median serum creatinine value, 24 hours urine protein, urinary sediment, anti-ds-DNA at LN onset are reported in Table 1. Induction therapy was performed with cyclofosfamide in 14.5% of cases, mycophenolate in 21.1%, rituximab in 1.3%, cyclosporine A in 1.9% and azathioprine in 4.6%. The lines of therapies adopted during the follow-up ranged between a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 6 lines with a median value of 1.

Overall, the median follow-up was 180 (111) months and 30 (21.3%) patients had at least 120 months of follow-up. Median serum creatinine value, 24 hours urine protein, urinary sediment and eGFR last available follow-up are reported in Table 1.

Three patients underwent dialysis and 3 kidney transplantation.

Eight patients underwent a re-biopsy: 7 (87.5%) had a proliferative class and 1 (12.5%) had a membranous class (p=0.01). Median serum creatinine value, 24 hours urine protein, urinary sediment at re-biopsy are reported in Table 1. In re-bioptized subgroup patients, induction therapies were cyclofosfamide in 50% of cases, mycophenolate in 12.5%, cyclosporine A in 25% and azathioprine in 12.5%.

There were not statistically significant differences among the age on LN onset, the time from renal onset to the onset of the disease and the number of therapeutic lines adopted (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

Among patients with LN the proliferative classes are the most common. At the 15-year follow-up 2,1% had renal transplantation and 2,1% dyalisis. We did not detect any association between age at diagnosis, time from renal impairment and the number of therapeutic lines.

References:

[1]Fanouriakis A et al. Update EULAR/ERA–EDTA recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019.

[2]Hanly JG et al. The frequency and outcome of lupus nephritis: results from an international inception cohort study. Rheumatology 2016.

Table 1.

Laboratory features in SLE patients at LN onset, at last available follow-up and in re-bioptized patients.

LN onset(n 71)AFTER 10 years long FOLLOW-UP(n 30)P valueRe-bioptized patients(n 8)Serum creatinine (mg/dl)0.81 (+/- 0.4)0.87 (+/- 0.60)0,071.05 (0.45)24 hours urine protein (mg/24 h)3000 (+/- 3707)330 (+/- 793)<0,000015068 (2392)Active urinary sediment64 patients (45,44%)2 patients (6.66%)<0,000018 patients (100%)Anti-ds-DNA +30 patientseGFR <50ml/h12 patients (3.6%)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0685 MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS: FIVE-YEARS DRUG SURVIVAL IN RENAL AND NON-RENAL INVOLVEMENT

Background:

The updated EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) underline the use of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of different disease related manifestations (1). Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of MMF in lupus nephritis (LN) patients but only case series and open-labelled trials have analyzed the use of this drug in other than LN features. Moreover, no data are available about the MMF retention rate in a real-life setting.

Objectives:

The present study aims at evaluating the 5-years drug retention rate (DRR) of MMF in a large monocentric SLE cohort. Secondly, we investigated the influence of MMF in disease activity changes and chronic damage progression.

Methods:

We performed a longitudinal study including all the SLE patients (ACR 1997 criteria) starting MMF treatment in our Lupus Clinic. Data about indications, mean dosage, duration of treatment and reasons for drug withdrawal were registered. The DRR was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Disease activity and chronic damage were assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLICC Damage Index (SDI), respectively.

Results:

The present analysis included 162 SLE patients (M/F 22/140, median age at the disease diagnosis 25.5 years, IQR 13). At the beginning of MMF treatment, we registered a median age of 34 months (IQR 21) and a median disease duration of 72 months (IQR 123). The most frequent indications for prescribing MMF were LN (101 patients, 62.3%) and musculoskeletal manifestations (39, 24.1%), followed by neuropsychiatric involvement (10, 6.2%), and others disease related manifestations (12, 7.4%; in particular skin involvement, hematological features, myositis, vasculitis). MMF was administered at a mean daily dosage of 2.1±0.6 grams; no differences in dosage were found between the different indications (p=ns).

At the longitudinal analysis, we registered a median treatment duration of 30 months (IQR 55). Figure 1 reported data about DRR: in particular, at 60 months follow-up we observed a DRR of 61.1% for LN patients, which was similar to that registered for patients without renal involvement (NLN) (60.5%; p=ns). Interestingly, the DRR at 60 months was higher in the subgroup of patients treated for joint involvement (75.4%), even without reaching a statistically significant difference. During the observation period, 92 patients (59.2%) discontinued MMF (median treatment duration at discontinuation 25 months, IQR 35). Interestingly, the main cause of withdrawal was the achievement of persistent remission, observed in 20 patients (21.7%), followed by loss of efficacy (19 patients, 20.5%), drug intolerance and pregnancy planning (17 patients for both reasons, 18,4%). Furthermore, our analysis confirmed MMF efficacy, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in SLEDAI-2k values after 4, 12 and 24 months of treatment (p< 0.0001 for all the time-points in comparison with baseline). In addition, MMF resulted able to control chronic damage progression, as demonstrated by the lack of significant increase in SDI values (baseline: 0.6, IQR 1; last observation: 0.93, IQR 1; p=ns).

Conclusion:

The evaluation of a large SLE cohort demonstrated a good retention rate for MMF. In particular, our results demonstrated that MMF is also a safe and effective drug for SLE manifestation other than LN, in particular for joint involvement. Moreover, it is able to control disease activity and to prevent the progression of chronic damage.

References:

[1]Fanouriakis A et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019 Jun;78(6):736-745.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0704 TELEMEDICINE AT THE TIME OF COVID-19: THE EXPERIENCE WITH RA PATIENTS TREATED WITH JAK-INHIBITORS

Background:

The spread of COVID-19, the lockdown, the limited access to care reevaluated the role of tele-consultation and self-assessment.

Objectives:

Our aim was to evaluate in a cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients treated with JAK-inhibitors (JAKi): the self-assessed disease activity during lockdown, the lockdown impact on fatigue, anxiety, depression and the prevalence of Covid-19.

Methods:

We enrolled RA patients treated with baricitinib or tofacitinib. At baseline (BL) and follow-up we collected: patients’ demographic data, composite disease activity indices (CDAI, DAS28CRP), global assessment (PGA), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), FACIT (functional assessment of chronic illness therapy) and a self-rating scale for disease impact on anxiety and depression (Zung-A/D). Patients were instructed on how to perform self-assessment through video-material and fulfilled the online form of “Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease” (RAID)1 and “RA Disease Activity Index” (RADAI). To capture the pandemic effect, we compared patients in different status (remission, low, moderate and high-disease activity) at the last in-person visit (preCoV) through the DAS28CRP and CDAI, to the tele-health visit (THV), measured by the RAID. BL and pre-CoV ZUNG-A, ZUNG-D, FACIT questionnaires were compared with the online results during the pandemic. Exposure, tests and symptoms of Covid-19 were recorded. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation or median(IQR) according to distribution.

Results:

Twenty patients (median age 58.2±11.9 and mean disease duration 153.5 ± 112.7 months) were treated with tofacitinib and 27 with baricitinib. The median time-lapse between the pre-CoV visit and the THV was 12 (IQR 4) weeks. DAS28CRP and CDAI significantly decreased from BL to pre-CoV visit. During the last in-person visit, 21 patients (48.83%) were in remission, 9 (20.93%) in low disease activity; according to the RAID, 15 (31.91%) and 7 (14.89%) patients were respectively in remission and low disease activity during the THV (Table A). PGA and pain significantly decreased from BL to pre-Cov visit but worsened during the lockdown (Table A). FACIT remaining stable during THV. At THV, we detected a significant improvement of anxiety from BL (Zung-A) and a tendency to lower depression scores compared to BL (Table A). JAKi showed a good safety profile considering Covid-19 symptoms, none of the patients was diagnosed with SarsCoV2 infection.

Conclusion:

This is the first study on virtual assessment in RA patients treated with JAKi. The unique social experiment of the pandemic impaired the clinical response already achieved before the lockdown, without a collateral worseling of FACIT, anxiety and depression.

References:

[1]Gossec L, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009

[2]Stucki G, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1995

Table A.

DAS28, CDAI, RAID scores and patient-reported outcomes assessment at baseline and during the follow-up

BLpre-CoVTHVDISEASE ACTIVITYN (%)N (%)N (%)REMISSIONDAS280 (0%)21 (48.8%)CDAI0 (0%)10 (22.7%)RAID15 (31.9%)LOW DISEASEDAS281(2.1%)9 (20.9%)CDAI7(14.8%)23 (52.2%)RAID7 (14.9%)MODERATEDAS2833 (70.2%)12 (27.9%)CDAI17 (37.1%)8 (18.1%)RAID13 (27.6%)HIGHDAS2813 (27.6%)1 (2.3%)CDAI23 (48.9%)3 (6.8%)RAID12 (25.5%)GH70 (30)20 (49.5)*45 (45)*#Pain70 (28)25 (45.5)*40 (48.5)*#Zung A37 (9)37 (10.2)35 (14)*Zung-D39 (17)39 (13)*38 (12)FACIT11.5 (17.2)8 (19.5)7(15)

* p≤0.001 vs BL

# p ≤0.04vs preCoV

Data expressed as median (IQR)

Disclosure of Interests:

Cristina Garufi: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: Gilead/Galapagos, Eli Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Pfizer, Consultant of: Gilead/Galapagos

POS1240 HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE CARDIOTOXICITY: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY COMPARING PATIENTS WITH COVID19 AND PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Antimalarials have been associated with QT prolongation in COVID19 patients but are generally safe in patients with rheumatologic disease.

Objectives:

Aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of QTc prolongation between COVID19 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

Methods:

We included consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by nasopharyngeal swab and patients taking HCQ for SLE. A prolonged QTc was defined as an increase in QTc intervals >60 ms (compared with baseline) or as a QTc of ≥500 ms.

Results:

We enrolled 58 COVID19 patients (median age 70.5 years, IQR 25). HCQ, without or with azithromycin, was given to 26 (44.8%) and 15 patients (25.9%), respectively; 17 (29.3%) had not received either drug. The median baseline QTc was 432 (IQR 36) and prolonged QTc was observed in 15 (26%) patients (12 QTc≥500 ms and 3 patients ΔQTc>60 ms). We didn’t find significant differences in QTc prolongation among the three treatment groups. Baseline QTc (OR 111.5) and D-dimer (OR 78.3) were independently associated to QTc prolongation.

Compared to the 50 SLE patients (median age of 38.5 years, IQR 22), chronically treated with HCQ, patients with COVID19 showed significantly longer QTc (p < 0.001) (Table 1).

Conclusion:

This is the first study demonstrating that, differently from COVID19 patients, patients with SLE are not susceptible to HCQ-induced long QT syndrome and arrhythmia. The combined arrhythmogenic effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection and HCQ could account for the excess of QTc prolongation and fatal arrhythmias described in patients with COVID19.

Table 1.

Difference in clinical and demographic features between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and COVID19 patients.

Demographic FeaturesSLE patientsCovid-19 patientsp-ValueN°5058Female4323< 0.001Age (years)45 (17)70.5 (25)< 0.001Comorbidities N %Hypertension15 (30)24 (48)0.2Cardiovascular diseses8 (16)13 (22.4)0.4COPD1 (2)9 (15.5)0.016Thyroid disease8 (16)8 (13.8)0.75Chronic kidney disease4 (8)5 (8.6)0.91Population characteristics Median (IQR)HCQ (mg/die)400 (125)400< 0.001HCQ Time (days)3255 (5790)7< 0.001QTc (ms)SLEDAI-2KSDI432 (36.25)0 (4)0395 (80)--< 0.001--

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0269 ARE INTERFERON-GAMMA RELEASE ASSAYS RELIABLE TO DETECT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH JANUS KINASE INHIBITORS?

Background:

The therapeutic armamentarium for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has recently been enriched with the family of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Because the risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) following the use of these drugs seems to be similar to that seen with anti-TNF agents, screening for LTBI is recommended in patients with RA before starting treatment with JAK inhibitors. Interferon(IFN)-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are increasingly used for this purpose. However, JAK inhibitors tend to decrease the levels of IFNs, questioning the reliability of IGRAs during treatment with this novel class of drugs.

Objectives:

To compare the performance of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test with that of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT) assay in RA patients before and during treatment with JAK inhibitors.

Methods:

A longitudinal, prospective study has been performed in RA patients (ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria) candidates for tofacitinib or baricitinib treatment. All patients underwent QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT at baseline (T0), and after 3 (T3) and 9/12 months (T9/12) of treatment with JAK inhibitors. The agreement of the two tests was calculated at all timepoints. The agreement between IGRAs and tuberculin skin test (TST) or chest radiography at baseline was also determined. Lastly, the variability of QTF-Plus results was assessed during follow-up.

Results:

Twenty-nine RA patients (F/M 23/6; median age/IQR 63/15.5 years; median disease duration/IQR 174/216 months) were enrolled: among them, 22 were to start baricitinib (75.9%) and 7 tofacitinib (24.1%). A perfect agreement was found between QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT at all times of observation (κ=1). At baseline, no agreement was recorded between IGRAs and TST (κ=-0.08) and between TST and chest radiography (κ=-0.07), while a low agreement was found between QFT-Plus and chest radiography (κ=0.17). A variation of 33.3% in the results of the QFT-Plus test was recorded at T3 compared to T0, of 29.4% at T9/12 compared to T0, and of 11.8% at T9/12 compared to T3. The median levels of IFN-γ produced by lymphocytes in response to the mitogen of QFT-Plus decreased after 3 months of treatment (1.59/4.72 IU/ml vs 3.08/7.68 IU/ml at baseline), followed by an increase after 9/12 months (2.25/4.61 IU/ml), but these differences were not significant. No significant change in the median number of circulating lymphocytes such as to explain the variation of the QFT-Plus results after 3 months of JAK inhibitor therapy was documented (1815/690/mm3 vs 2140/750/mm3 at baseline). At baseline, both QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT showed positive results in 5 patients (17.2%), negative in 19 (65.5%), and indeterminate in 5 (17.2%). Glucocorticoids intake was associated with a higher probability of negative or indeterminate result of IGRAs at baseline (p<0.0001).

Conclusion:

Our data show that a response to IGRAs is detectable in the course of treatment with JAK inhibitors. However, similarly to what has been observed during treatment with TNF antagonists, the results of QFT-GIT and QFT-Plus show some variability when longitudinally repeated. These fluctuations occur in the absence of correlation with clinical outcome, thus challenging their interpretation. Since we do not have a sufficiently sensitive test capable of detecting TB infection, an integrated evaluation of risk factors, clinical manifestations and multiple diagnostic tests should be considered for a proper evaluation of the risk of TB infection in immunosuppressed patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1219 SARS-COV-2 VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES: A MESSAGE FOR RHEUMATOLOGISTS

Background:

Conflicting results have been published regarding the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and development of severe COVID-19 among patients affected by rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). [1-4] Taking into account the lack of effective drugs to treat the COVID-19 and despite the burdensome and costly lockdown measures adopted to counteract the spread of SARS-CoV-2, effective and safe vaccines appear reasonably to be the best strategy for fighting the virus. [6] Before vaccines availability, several reports showed that a non-negligible proportion of subjects, among the general population or within specific categories, would have refused vaccination against COVID-19 once possible;[6, 7] data on vaccination hesitation among patients with RMD are not available yet.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of patients with RMDs to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and explore the factors which may influence it.

Methods:

During the first weeks of Europe vaccination campaign, we proposed an online survey to Italian adult patients with RMDs followed up in the Rheumatology Unit. All patients fulfilled the most recent classification criteria for each disease. HCs were recruited using a “best friend” system. The informed consent was collected for all participants. The questionnaires included the following items: demographic features, presence of comorbidities, educational level, and ongoing therapy. The individual’s perception of the COVID-19 vaccination, as well as the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination with targeted questions was properly assessed.

For the statistical analyses, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were used. To account for baseline clinical differences among RMD-patients and controls, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used; covariates were selected according to a clinical criterion. The hypothesis that willingness for COVID-19 vaccine varied in specific subgroups of patients was tested using interaction terms at logistic regression analysis. All statistical tests were performed using the RStudio graphical interface and all tests were two-sided with a significance level set at p<0.05.

Results:

We provided an online survey to 830 adult RMD-patients and 370 healthy controls (HCs). Overall, 626 RMD-patients and 345 HCs completed the survey. Patients with RMDs were less willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination compared to HCs (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.24, 95% CI 0.17 – 0.34, p<0.0001) despite they perceived themselves as at higher risk both to get infected (OR 11.3, 95% CI 8 – 15.9, p<0.0001) and develop a severe COVID-19 (OR 11.06, 95% CI 7.8 – 15.6, p<0.0001) and even if they had been vaccinated for influenza and pneumococcus more frequently than controls (OR 1.60 95% CI 1.18 – 2.16, p=0.002; OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.34 – 3.73, p=0.002). However, our results reveal that RMD-patients are more willing to change their minds if properly informed by the rheumatologist (OR 3.08, 95% CI 2.19 – 4.34, p<0.0001) in comparison to controls.

Conclusion:

The results of our study indicate for the first time that patients with RMDs are less willing to receive COVID-19 vaccination compared to the general population, despite perceiving themselves as at higher risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 and develop severe COVID-19. However, our data underscored a meaningful aspect: patients with RMDs may change their attitude to COVID-19 vaccination if properly informed about risks and benefits by their trusted specialist.

The results of this study encourage the entire rheumatologist community to become more committed to patient education, increasing their willingness to COVID-19 vaccine, which is the most promising strategy to protect them from the virus.

References:

1]Favalli EG et al. Arthritis Rheumatol, 2020

[2]Fredi M, et al. Lancet Rheumatol, 2020.

[3]Giardina F et al. Rheumatol Int 2021.

[4]Pellegrino G et al. Clin Rheumatol 2020.

[5]Frederiksen LSF, et al. Front Immunol, 2020.

[6]La Vecchia C et al. Med Lav 2020.

[7]Qiao S, et al. medRxiv 2020.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1238 ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES AND COVID-19: TREND OVER TIME

Background:

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), a known thrombotic risk factor, have been studied in COVID-19 patients, in whom thromboembolic events have been associated with poor prognosis. To date, the pathogenetic role of aPL and the trend over time is still unknown.

Objectives:

Aim of the study was to investigate whether aPL positivity was correlated with thrombosis in COVID-19 patients and whether it was a transient or persistent.

Methods:

We included all consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome from April 1, 2020 to June 7, 2020. In these patients, serum levels of anti-cardiolipin (aCL) IgM, IgG, IgA, anti-β2glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) IgM, IgG were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) was detected with coagulatory tests in patients not in treatment with anticoagulant drugs.

Results:

Five out of 73 (6.8%) patients resulted positive for aCL IgM, 3 of them also tested positive for aβ2GPI IgM. aCL IgA were tested positive in 14 out of 46 patients (30.4%). Overall 18 patients resulted positive for at least one test. Seven (9.6%) patients developed thrombotic events during hospitalization, 3 of them resulting positive for aPL (Table 1. below).

Table 1.

Clinical and demographic features of the 7 Covid-19 patients that presented thrombotic events

FeaturesPatient 1Patient 2Patient 3Patient 4Patient 5Patient 6Patient 7Age - yr67788343707495SexfemalefemalefemalemalemalefemalemaleMedical HistoryMalignancy, HypertensionStrokeChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseNo medical historyChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HypertensionMalignancy,HypertensionInitial findingsSigns and symptomsDyspneaDyspneaDyspneaFever, ageusia/anosmia, chest painFever, coughDyspneaDyspneaHRCT chest: Bilateralground glass opacityyesyesyesyesyesyesyesBaseline laboratory valuesLymphocytecount, cells x 106/L2202102330158016806001390Lactatedehydrogenase, U/L223321199227226349199Ferritin mcg/L6143172133874622455197D-dimer mcg/L7301213291228268812981097PaO2:FIO2, mm Hg132120442534348493314Anticoagulant therapy at the time of the thrombotic eventTherapeutic dosageProphylactic dosageProphylactic dosageNot administeredTherapeutic dosageTherapeutic dosageTherapeutic dosageThrombotic eventsStrokePulmonary embolismPeripheral venous thrombosisMyocardial infarctionPulmonary embolismMyocardial infarction, peripheral arterial thrombosis, peripheral venous thrombosisPeripheral venous thrombosisAntiphospholipid antibodiesnegativeAnti-cardiolipin IgM low title, anti-β2glicoprotein I IgM low titlenegativenegativenegativeAnti-cardiolipin IgM low title, anti-β2glicoprotein I IgM low titleAnti-cardiolipin IgA low titleOutcomeExitusExitusSuicideDischargedDischargedDischargedExitusAntiphospholipid antibodies tested after at least 12 weeksNPNPNPNPNPNegativeNP

We observed that patients showing double positivity for aCL IgM and aβ2GPI IgM had a likelihood positive ratio of 6.3 for thrombotic events (p=0.012) and a likelihood positive ratio of 4.9 for increased D-dimer levels (p=0.027). aCL IgA, the most prevalent aPL in this cohort, was not associated with thrombosis. Of the 18 aPL positive patients, 5 died, 3 were lost to follow-up, and 10 were tested on a second occasion at least 12 weeks, two patients confirmed positivity without clinical signs suggestive of APS.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that double positivity for aCL and aβ2GPI IgM increases the risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients, unlike aCL IgA. APL positivity may be persistent and it is advisable to monitor it over time.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0677 THE ROLE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND IN PREDICTING THE RESPONSE TO JAK INHIBITORS: RESULTS FROM A LARGE MONOCENTRIC COHORT

Background:

In the management of chronic arthritis, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ultrasound (US) assessment can provide relevant information about the joint inflammatory status in the diagnostic phase and even more in the monitoring of disease activity and structural damage1,2.

Objectives:

In this longitudinal study, we aimed to assesse the role of US in predicting the efficacy of JAK-inhibitors (JAKi) in RA patients.

Methods:

We enrolled RA patients starting baricitinib or tofacitinib. All patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4, 12, 24, 48 weeks. Disease activity was calculated by DAS28CRP. US examination in 22 joints (I–V MCPs and PIPs, wrists) aimed at evaluating inflammatory features (synovial effusion and hypertrophy, power Doppler-PD), through a semi-quantitative scale (0-3). The total US (0-198) and PD (0-66) scores were calculated. We scanned bilateral flexor (I–V fingers of hands) and extensor compartments (1-6) tendons: tenosynovitis was scored as absent/present (0/1), resulting in a total score (0-22).

Results:

We studied 102 patients (M/F 15/87; median age 59.2 years, IQR 17.75; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 126), 61 treated with baricitinib and 41 with tofacitinib. At baseline, the median total US score was 18 (IQR 19) and the median PD score 2 (4). We observed a significant reduction in both total and PD US scores at all time-points (p<0.0001) (Figure 1). At baseline, 75.4% of patients showed tenosynovitis involving at least one tendon, with a median score of 2 (IQR 3.5) significantly decreasing after 24 weeks (p=0.02). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for baseline DAS28CRP and other concomitant treatments (including glucocorticoids and methotrexate treatment), confirmed the independent association between baseline US (PD and tenosynovitis) scores and the reduction of disease activity at follow-up evaluations.

Conclusion:

The present study confirmed the early efficacy of JAKi in RA patients by using US evaluation. Furthermore, power doppler and tenosynovitis scores could play a predictive role in response to treatment.

References:

[1]MUELLER RB, HASLER C, POPP F, et al. Effectiveness, Tolerability, and Safety of Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data from the St. Gallen and Aarau Cohorts. J Clin Med. 2019;8(10):1548.

[2]COLEBATCH AN, EDWARDS CJ, ØSTERGAARD M, et al. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging of the joints in the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(6):804-14.

Figure 1.

Ultrasound inflammatory score (a) and Ultrasound Power Doppler (PD) score (b) at baseline and follow-up.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of 414 RA patients.

WEEKS04122448US inflammatory score18 (19)11 (15.5)9.5 (11.7)7.5 (8)6 (11)US PD score2 (4)0 (2)0 (1)0 (1)0 (0.7)

Disclosure of Interests:

Cristina Garufi: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: Gilead/Galapagos, Eli Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Carmelo Pirone: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Pfizer, Consultant of: Gilead/Galapagos

AB0087 AUTOANTIBODIES DIRECTED AGAINST HOMOCYSTEINYLATED ALPHA 1 ANTITRYPSIN AS A POTENTIAL NEW BIOMARKER FOR ARTHRITIS IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Joint involvement represents one of the most frequent features in patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This manifestation is characterized by a great heterogeneity in phenotype and severity: the application of more sensitive imaging techniques identified an erosive damage in about 25% of patients (1). This damage has been associated with autoantibodies, such as anti-citrullinated (ACPA) and anti-carbamylated proteins (antiCarP), previously identified in patients Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. Recently, homocysteinylated alpha 1 antitrypsin (Hcy-1A1AT) has been identified as a new antigenic target of autoantibodies in seronegative RA patients: in detail, anti-homocysteinylated alpha 1 antitrypsin (anti – HATA) antibodies have been identified in 75.7% of patients (2).

Objectives:

In the present study, we aimed at determining the prevalence of anti – HATA in a cohort of SLE patients.

Methods:

We evaluated patients affected by SLE according to the 1997 ACR criteria. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected in a standardized computerized electronically filled form. Each subject underwent peripheral blood sample collection. Hcy-A1AT was obtained by in vitro modification of native A1AT and used as antigens by ELISA to test the presence of anti–HATA in sera obtained from enrolled subjects. Finally, we investigated the presence of ACPA and Rheumatoid Factor (RF) commercial ELISA kits and of anti-CarP (home-made ELISA) by a home-made ELISA in SLE patients’ sera. As control, we enrolled 40 patients affected by Osteoarthritis (OA) and 41 healthy subjects (HS).

Results:

The present analysis included 88 SLE patients (M/F 6/82 median age 47 years (IQR 17), median disease duration 156 months (IQR 180). Joint involvement was observed in 75 SLE patients (85.2%): in detail, 65 patients referred arthritis and the remaining 10 inflammatory arthralgias. We identified the presence of anti–HATA IgG in 38 SLE patients (43.2%). This prevalence was significantly higher in comparison with OA and HS subjects [15.0% (p<0.001) and 0% (p<0.0001), respectively; Figure 1A]. Focusing on the SLE cohort, no differences were observed between patients with and without joint involvement in anti–HATA IgG prevalence (41.3% versus 34.7%, respectively; p=0.34). However considering SLE patients according to the presence of arthralgia and arthritis, the prevalence of anti-HATA was significantly higher in patients with arthritis in comparison with those patients with arthralgias (46.1% versus 11.1%, p=0.02; figure 1B). Finally, no significant association between anti-HATA and the other tested autoantibodies (RF, ACPA, anti-CarP) was found.

Conclusion:

We evaluated the prevalence of anti-HATA in a cohort of SLE patients. The prevalence of these autoantibodies was significantly higher in SLE patients than in OA patients and in HS. The association with arthritis suggests a possible role for anti-HATA as biomarkers of SLE-related joint involvement.

References:

[1]Ceccarelli F. Perricone C. Cipriano E. et al. Joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: From pathogenesis to clinical assessment. Seminar in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 47(1), 53 – 64.

[2]Colasanti T. Sabatinelli D. Mancone et al. Homocysteinylated alpha 1 antitrypsin as an antigenic target of autoantibodies in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients. Journal of Autoimmunity 2020 Sep;113:102470.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0214 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND 10-YEAR RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS USING THE ERS-RA SCORE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE CORDIS COHORT

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA) estimates the 10-year risk of myocardial infarction, stroke or CVD-related death based on conventional and RA-specific (clinical disease activity index, CDAI, disease duration, glucocorticoid use) risk factors (1).

Objectives:

We evaluated the associations between ERS-RA 10-year risk of CVD, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations, and pharmacological treatment in 1,251 RA patients collected by the “Cardiovascular Obesity and Rheumatic Disease Study (CORDIS)” group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR).

Methods:

We assessed independent associations between ERS-RA risk score and each relevant variable using multivariate regression (ENTER approach; listwise deletion analysis). Given the relatively high number of missing hs-CRP data (n=385), regression analysis was also performed using multiple imputation (10 sets, Stata 16.1). Regression models were not adjusted for independent variables included in the ERS-RA score.

Results:

Among 1,251 RA patients [mean (SD) age 60.4(9.3), range (40-80) years; 78% female; mean (SD) disease duration, 11.6(8) years; mean (SD) CDAI, 9(9); mean (SD) HAQ, 0.77(0.7); mean (SD) hs-CRP, 6.8(12) mg/L] the estimated 10-year CVD risk was 11.6(0.9) % [mean (SD)]. Regarding treatment, 539(43%) received glucocorticoids, 676(54%) a biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD) (n missing=1), and 885(81%) at least one conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD). Ninety-three (7.4%) patients did not receive any treatment. After adjusting for the use of b/tsDMARD and csDMARD, hs-CRP concentrations were significantly associated with 10-year risk of CVD both in standard multiple regression (n=865; coefficient=0.005 for each 10 mg/L hs-CRP increment, 95% confidence interval (0.000-0.100), p=0.043) and after multiple imputation (n=1,251; coefficient=0.005 for each 10 mg/L hs-CRP increment, 95% confidence interval (0.000-0.114), p=0.035) (Table 1). This corresponds to an increase of 10-year CV risk of 1% for every 20 mg/L increase in hs-CRP concentrations.

Conclusion:

In a large cohort of RA patients, we observed a significant, positive, and independent association between hs-CRP concentrations and 10-year CV risk estimated by ERS-RA. The cross-sectional design of the study did not allow to establish a cause-effect relationship between hs-CRP and CV risk. Given that conventional CV risk factors and inflammation-related variables are accounted for in the ERS-RA risk score, other, unexplored, mechanisms may underlie the observed association between hs-CRP and CV risk.

References:

[1]Solomon, D. H., et al. “Derivation and internal validation of an expanded cardiovascular risk prediction score for rheumatoid arthritis: a Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America Registry Study.” Arthritis & rheumatology 67.8 (2015): 1995-2003.

Table 1.

Multiple regression models

Model 1n= 865Model 2n= 1, 251ERS-RA scoreCoefficient95% CI, pCoefficient95% CI, phs-CRP, every 10 mg/L increment0.0050.000 to 0.100, 0.0430.0050.000 to 0.011, 0.035b/tsDMARD use-0.002-0.005 to 0.001, 0.199-0.000-0.002 to 0.002, 0.963csDMARD use0.002-0.003 to 0.007, 0.3940.002-0.002 to 0.006, 0.371Prob >F, model with only CRP0.030.03Prob >F, full model0.070.08

A multiple linear regression (ENTER method) was performed for the dependent variable ERS-RA score using a listwise deletion analysis (Model 1) and a multiple imputation analysis (Model 2).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0555 MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND IN MONITORING RESPONSE TO JAKi IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Background:

Therapeutic approach of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients has been enriched by the introduction of small molecules. In particular Jak inhibitors (JAKi), baricitinib and tofacitinib, demonstrated their efficacy in patients naïve or resistant to biological treatments in randomized controlled trials. Moreover, these drugs seem to be able to prevent radiographic progression. To date few data are available from the real life context. Ultrasonographic (US) assessment has became a valid imaging tool in the management of RA patients in clinical practice, allowing the evaluation of joint inflammatory status. Together with clinimetric assessment, US could provide a comprehensive assessment of drug response.

Objectives:

In the present study we aimed at assessing the early response to JAKi treatment by using musculoskeletal US.

Methods:

In this prospective longitudinal study, we collected data about all consecutive active RA patients starting treatment with JAKi. RA was diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. At each visit, clinical and laboratory data were collected in a standardized and computerized form, including demographics, past medical history, co-morbidities, previous and concomitant treatments. According with study protocol, all patients underwent clinical and US assessment at the following time-points: baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1) and 12 weeks (T2). Clinical evaluation included tender and swollen joint counts (0-28), patients global health assessment. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were registered and disease activity was calculated by disease activity score (DAS) in 28 joints by using CRP (DAS28-CRP). A systematic multiplanar grey-scale and power Doppler (pD) US examination was performed by using MyLab Eight Exp Machine (Esaote, Florence, Italy) at level of 22 joints (bilateral I-V metacarpophalangeal, I-V proximal interphalangeal, wrist). According with OMERACT definitions (1) we assessed the presence of synovial effusion, hypertrophy and pD, that were scored according to a semi-quantitative scale (0-3). A total US inflammatory score (0-198) was obtained by their sum.

Results:

We enrolled 91 patients [F/M 77/14; median age 60.0 years (IQR 15.5); median disease duration 144 months (IQR 126)]. Of these patients, 54 (59.3%) were treated by baricitinib and the remaining 37 by tofacitinib. At baseline we found a median US inflammatory score of 20 (IQR 18.7) and a median DAS28-CRP of 5.0 (IQR 1.56). US assessment demonstrated significant reduction in the median values of inflammatory score already at T1 [median 13 (IQR 14.7), p<0.0001], that was maintained at T2 [median 10 (IQR 11), p<0.0001]. These results are represented in figure 1. Similar to US inflammatory score, a significant reduction was registered for DAS28-CRP median values [T1 3.5 (IQR 1.73), p<0.0001; T2 3.3 (IQR 1.8), p<0.0001]. No significant differences were found when subgrouping patients according with different JAKi drug, in terms US and clinimetric assessment.

Conclusion:

In the present study, specifically designed to evaluate the US-detected efficacy of JAKi in RA patients, we demonstrated in a real life setting a significant, early and sustained improvement of inflammatory joint status.

References:

[1]Wakefield et al, J Rheumatol 2005

Disclosure of Interests:

enrica cipriano: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, Cristina Garufi: None declared, Ilaria Duca: None declared, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Manuela Di Franco: None declared, Roberta Priori: None declared, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Rossana Scrivo: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Guido Valesini: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

FRI0134 EFFECT OF JAK INHIBITORS ON PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background:

Pain control is considered a treatment priority from most patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Despite the treat to target approach, residual pain is commonly reported by patients with RA. Treatment with JAK inhibitors (JAKi) has been associated to a rapid control of pain.

Objectives:

To investigate the effect of JAKi on pain and quality of life in a mono-centric real-life clinical setting.

Methods:

Patients candidate to baricitinib or tofacitinib were evaluated at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Disease activity was assessed by Disease Activity Score (DAS)28 with C reactive protein (CRP). A reduction of ≥ 50% of pain visual-analogue scale (VAS) 0-100 mm was recorded as “very much improved, substantially improved” (1). Pain VAS score ≤ 10 mm was considered “no/limited pain” (2). Patients’ satisfaction was assessed by the Patient Acceptable Symptom State question (3). Data were expressed as mean (SD) or median (interquartile range) according to the variables’ distribution. Mann Witney test was use and p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

Overall 108 patients started a JAK inhibitor (baricitinib n=67, tofacitinib n=41). Eighty-four patients (baricitinib n=51; tofacitinib n=33) were followed-up for at least 3 months and were included in the analysis. Table 1 summarizes demographic and clinical characteristic of the cohort. After 12 and 24 weeks of treatment we detected a significant reduction of DAS28 compared with baseline [from 4.7 (1.5) to 3.2 (1.7) 2.9 (1.5) and 2.7 (1.1), respectively; p<0.001; p<0.00001 and p<0.00001). At week 4, 27% and 51.8% of patients achieved remission and low disease activity, respectively; the percentages increase to 32.1% and 60.7% at week 12 and 42.2% and 70.3% at week 24. When evaluating the extent of reduction of the single items included in the DAS28 composite index we found that number of tender (TJ) and swollen joints (SJ) decreased from 9 (7.8) to 5 (3.5) to 4 (5) and 1 (3) at week 4, 2 (4) and 1 (3) at week 12, and 2 (4) and 1 (3) at week 24, respectively (p<0.00001 for all); the median reduction of TJC and SJC at week 4, 12 and 24 was 60%, 77% and 88%, and 81%, 86% and 100%, respectively. GH decreased from 70(30) to 40(40) at week 4, 40(30) at week 12 and 37(40) at week 24 (p<0.00001) with a median reduction of 37.5%, 44% and 46%. C reactive protein decreased by 54.5% at week 4, 47% at week 12 and 55% at week 24. VAS pain was significantly reduced at week 4, 12 and 24 [from 70(25) to 40(40,)30(40) at the three timepoints, p<0.00001] decreasing by 37.5%, 50% and 54%, respectively. A substantial reduction (≥50%) in VAS pain was reported by 41.3%, 54.4% and 53.9% of patients after 4, 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Limited/no pain was reported by 21.3%, 24.7% and 36.5% at weeks 4, 12 and 24, respectively. Overall, 81.8% of patients achieved the PASS after a median time of 10 (7-15) days.

Conclusion:

JAK inhibitors baricitinib and tofacitinib induce a rapid improvement of disease activity driven both by pain and inflammation control. Even if no/limited pain was described only by one third of the patients, most of them reported a rapid and sustained reduction of pain accounting for the achievement of a satisfactory health condition.

References:

[1]Dworkin RH et al. Pain 2008; 9:105–121.

[2]Well GA et al. J Rheumatol 2005; 32:2016–2024.

[3]Heiber T et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2008; 67:967-71.

Baricitinib (n=51)Tofacitinib (n=33)PF:M43: 826:7nsAge, mean (SD)59±1260±12nsDisease duration, mean (SD)163±101170±112nsBaseline DAS28(PCR), median (IQR)4.7 (4-5.6)4.7 (4.3-5.4)nsConcomitant methotrexate, n (%)27 (52.9)8 (24.2)<0.001Daily prednisone dose, median (IQR)5 (2.5-9.5)5 (1.88-9.9)nsN° of previous csDMRADs, median (IQR)3 (1-4)2.5 (2-3)nsN° of previous bDMRADs, median (IQR)2 (1-4)1 (0-2.5)ns

Disclosure of Interests:

Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Cristina Garufi: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Ilaria Duca: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Manuela Di Franco: None declared, Roberta Priori: None declared, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Rossana Scrivo: None declared, Guido Valesini: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

AB1265 GENDER DISTRIBUTION AND GENDER-RELATED ISSUES AMONG YOUNG RHEUMATOLOGISTS AND ACADEMIC POSITIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY: A SNAPSHOT OF THE CURRENT SITUATION IN ITALY

Background:

The Italian Society for Rheumatology (SIR) comprises committees for Rheumatologists under the age of 40 (SIRyoung) and for Women in Rheumatology (Reumatologhe Donne – ReDO). As female representation is increasing in rheumatology worldwide [1], there has been interest in assessing gender-related issues.

Objectives:

To describe the gender distribution among young members of SIR and academic positions in Rheumatology in Italy. To assess the expectations and needs of young rheumatologists with regard to their career.

Methods:

SIRyoung members developed a web-based survey which was distributed among SIR members under the age of 40 during the spring of 2019. Responses were collected and analysed anonymously. ReDO retrieved and analysed the data regarding academic positions in Italy in September 2019 from official data by “Ministry of Education, University and Research” (www.miur.it).

Results:

Out of 478 SIR members under 40 (66.5% F), 113 (23.7%) completed the SIRyoung survey (62.1% F). Regarding career plans, male and female members responded: hospital physician (36.9% vs 37.8%), outpatient clinic physician (18.5% vs 28.3%), academic career (23.9% vs 22.8%), private practice (16.3% vs 9.4%), and industry (4.3 vs 1.6%), respectively. When asked about their interest in doing a fellowship in another national center or abroad, 60.8% of male and 72.8% of female respondents were interested but thought they could not afford it. Reasons reported by males and females were: working reasons, namely barriers to temporarily leave the workplace (61.3% vs 50.7%), family reasons (16.1% vs 25.4%), financial reasons (22.6% vs 16.5%), respectively. As for academic rheumatology in Italy, 113 positions were retrieved. Men held 64 positions (57%) and women 49 (43%). Full professors were mostly men (92%), while assistant professors were women in 65% of the cases (58% of those with a permanent position; 72% of those with a temporary position) (Figure) [2].

Conclusion:

Our study explored for the first time gender distribution and related issues in Rheumatology in Italy. Female representation accounts for two thirds of SIR members under 40. This could reflect the general trend of medical school being chosen more often by women than men. No differences were observed in the career expectations of male and female rheumatologists. Interestingly, nearly one fourth of female respondents were interested in academic career, confirming the trend toward female predominance observed for assistant professors. Therefore, it is likely that the next generation of full professors will have a balanced gender distribution, as it is already for associate professors. The choice of a fellowship is still hampered by several problems, but it seems that reasons for not pursuing such opportunities are similarly distributed in males and females. Although family reasons tend to be more frequent in female rheumatologists, this is not significant as compared to men. This could indicate that family affects career choices of both male and female rheumatologists. It is important that national societies promote surveys for the assessment of gender specific issues among their members, in order to identify unmet needs and design interventions for career support regardless of gender.

References:

[1]Andreoli L, et al. Joint, Bone, Spine: Revue du Rhumatisme. 2019;86(6):669-672.

[2]Bosello SL, et al. Reumatismo 2020; in press.

Acknowledgments:

SIRyoung and ReDO wish to thank the Steering Committee of SIR

Disclosure of Interests:

Laura Andreoli: None declared, Stefano Alivernini: None declared, Alessia Alunno: None declared, Silvia Laura Bosello: None declared, Cecilia Chighizola: None declared, Paola Conigliaro: None declared, Elisa Gremese Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Jannsen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB, Cristina Iannuccelli: None declared, Luca Quartuccio Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, Marta Vadacca: None declared, Maria Sole Chimenti: None declared

THU0627-HPR JOINT INVOLVEMENT SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCES QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Joint involvement is one of the most common features observed in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), potentially involving up to 90% of patients [1]. Several patients’ reported outcomes (PROs) have been employed to measure Quality of life (QoL) in SLE patients, but frequently not specifically developed for SLE patients. More recently, the LupusQoL has been validated, a disease specific questionnaire[2,3].

Objectives:

We focused at assessing the relationship between musculoskeletal manifestations and QoL in a large SLE cohort, by using the LupusQoL.

Methods:

SLE patients with a clinical history of joint involvement (arthralgia/arthritis – group A) were enrolled in the present study. SLE diagnosis was performed according to the revised 1997 ACR criteria. As a control group, we enrolled SLE patients without history of joint involvement (group B).Disease activity was assessed by the SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2k). The activity of joint involvement was assessed by using the disease activity score on 28 joints (DAS28ESR). The LupusQoL was administered to the enrolled patients (Group A and Group B). It consists of 34 items referring to eight domains: physical health (PH), pain (P), planning (PL), intimate relationships (IR), burden to others (BO), emotional health (EH), body image (BI) and fatigue (F).

Results:

Group A included 110 patients [M/F 8/102; median age 49 years (IQR 13), median disease duration 156 months (IQR 216)], while group B included 58 patients [M/F 11/47; median age 40 years (IQR 15), median disease duration 84 months (IQR 108)]. Group A showed a significantly lower disease duration and mean age in comparison with group B (P< 0.001 for both comparisons). As represented in figure 1, group A showed significantly lower values in all LupusQoL domains except for “burden to others” domain. Moreover, we observed an inverse correlation between DAS28ESRand all the LupusQoL domains in group A patients [PH (r=-0.5, P>0.0001), P (r=-0.5, P<0.0001), PL (r=-0.5, P<0.0001), IR (r=-0.2, P=0.006), BO (r=-0.4, P=0.0004), EH (r=-0.3, P=0.0009), BI (r=-0.4, P=0.001), F (r=-0.4, P<0.0001)]. Conversely, SLEDAI-2k values inversely correlated only with PL (r=-0.3, P=0.006), IR (r=-0.25, P=0.02), EH (r=-0.3, P=0.02).

Figure 1.

Conclusion:

In the present study, by using a disease specific PRO, we found a poorer QoL in SLE patients with joint involvement in comparison with those without this manifestation. Moreover,DAS28ESRsignificantly correlated with all LupusQol domains, differently from SLEDAI-2k, suggesting the need to evaluate joint involvement with a specific activity index.

References:

[1]Cervera R et al. Medicine 1993

[2]McElhone K. et al. Arthritis Rheum 2007.

[3]Conti F et al. Lupus 2014

Group (A)Group (B)pPH80,38 ± 21,4362,88 ± 23.28< 0.0001P82,36 ± 25.0862,30± 26.02< 0.0001PL83,04 ± 27.8270,58± 29.450.001IR84,49± 25.9965,36± 36.330.0005BO69,58 ± 28.4663,45± 28.950.129EH71,98 ± 24.6964,69± 23.050.0169F73,69 ± 24.2959,78±26.060.0004B78,14 ± 24.6156,28±30.14<0.0001

Disclosure of Interests:

Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, Simona Truglia: None declared, Francesca Miranda: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi, Guido Valesini: None declared

THU0227 CAFFEINE INTAKE MODULATES DISEASE ACTIVITY AND CYTOKINES LEVELS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting women of childbearing age. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis1. At today, no robust data are available about the possible contribute of diet in SLE. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2.In vitrodose-dependent treatment with caffeine seems to down-regulate mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes and similarly reduce levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines3.

Objectives:

We evaluated the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokines levels.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k)4. Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided in four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4)5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokines levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFN-γ, IFN-α and Blys.

Results:

We enrolled 89 SLE patients (F/M 87/2, median age 46 years, IQR 14; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 150). The median intake of caffeine was 195 mg/day (IQR 160.5). At the time of the enrollment, 8 patients (8.9%) referred a caffeine intake < 29.1 mg/day (group 1), 27 patients (30.3%) between 29.2 and 153.7 mg/day (group 2), 45 patients (51%) between 153.8 and 376.5 mg/day (group 3) and 9 patients (10.1%) >376.6 mg/day (group 4). A negative correlation between the levels of caffeine and disease activity, evaluated with SLEDAI-2K, was observed (p=0.01, r=-0.26). By comparing the four groups, a significant higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with less intake of caffeine (figure 1 A-E). Furthermore, patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significant more frequent use of glucocorticoids [group 4: 22.2%,versusgroup 1 (50.0%, p=0.0001), group 2 (55.5%, p=0.0001), group 3 (40.0%, p=0.009)]. Moving on cytokines analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p=0.03, r=-0.2) (figure 2A); furthermore, patients with more caffeine intake showed significant lower levels of IFNα (p=0.02, figure 2B), IL-17 (p=0.01, figure 2C) and IL-6 (p=0.003, figure 2D).

Conclusion:

This is the first report demonstrating the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2k values and cytokines levels. Moreover, in our cohort, patients with less caffeine consumption seems to have a more severe disease phenotype, especially in terms of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement. Our results seem to suggest a possible immunoregulatory dose-dependent effect of caffeine, through the modulation of serum cytokine levels, as already suggested byin vitroanalysis.

References:

[1]Kaul et alNat. Rev. Dis. Prim.2016; 2. Aronsen et alEurop Joul of Pharm2014; 3. Iris et alClin Immun.2018; 4. Gladman et al J Rheumatol. 2002; 5. Mikuls et alArth Rheum2002

Disclosure of Interests:

Valeria Orefice: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Ramona Lucchetti: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

FRI0159 EROSIVE ARTHRITIS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: APPLICATION OF CLUSTER ANALYSIS

Background:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) related arthritis has been traditionally defined non-erosive and then considered a minor manifestation. Thanks to the application of more sensitive imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography (US), erosive damage has been identified in up to 40% of SLE patients with joint involvement, suggesting the need for more appropriate treatment (1). Antibodies directed against citrullinated and carbamilated proteins (ACPA and anti-CarP, respectively) have been associated with erosive damage and then proposed as biomarkers for this more aggressive phenotype (2).

Objectives:

Here, we evaluated a large SLE cohort with joint involvement by using cluster analysis, in order to identify the disease phenotype associated with erosive arthritis.

Methods:

For this analysis, we enrolled consecutive SLE patients (ACR 1997 criteria) with a clinical history of joint involvement (arthritis/arthralgia). Clinical and laboratory data were collected in a standardized computerized electronically filled form, including demographics, past medical history with the date of diagnosis, co-morbidities, previous and concomitant treatments, serological status. The presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), ACPA and anti-CarP was investigated by ELISA test. Erosive damage was assessed by ultrasonography at level of metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints (MyLab Eight Exp, Esaote, Florence, Italy). Data have been analysed by hierarchic cluster analysis (SPSS program, IBM).

Results:

We enrolled 203 patients [M/F 12/191, median age 46.0 years (IQR 18); median disease duration 120.0 months (IQR 108)]. Erosive damage was identified in 53 patients (26.1%), all of them referring at least one episode of arthritis during disease course. Moving on autoantibodies status, RF was positive in 29.5%, anti-CarP in 28.5% and ACPA in 11.2%. The univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between US-detected erosive damage and anti-CarP (p=0.01), ACPA (p=0.03), and renal manifestations (p=0.03). In Figure 1 we reported the dendrogram obtained from cluster analysis, allowing the identification of four cluster. Positivity for ACPA, anti-CarP, erosive damage, Jaccoud’s arthropathy and renal manifestations were allocated in the same cluster. Interestingly, RF resulted allocated in a different cluster, including ENA, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies.

Conclusion:

The application of cluster analysis allowed the identification of a specific SLE phenotype, characterized by erosive damage, renal manifestations and positivity for anti-CarP and ACPA. We could speculate about the presence of a shared pathogenic mechanism, involving NETosis, contributing to nephritis and erosive arthritis.

References:

[1]Ceccarelli F et al. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017

[2]Ceccarelli F et al. Arthritis Res Ther 2018

Disclosure of Interests:

Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Carmelo Pirone: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, Tania Colasanti: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

AB0355 EFFECT OF TOFACITINIB IN TREG /TH17 BALANCE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic autoimmune disease that can cause progressive articular destruction (1). The imbalance between Tregs and Th17-cells - an effector T-cell subset acting as Treg antagonists – is closely linked to autoimmunity (2). A shift in the Th17/Treg balance towards the pro-inflammatory Th17 side has been reported in many autoimmune disorders including RA (4-5). Tofacitinib is the first janus kinases (JAK) inhibitor (JAKi) approved for the treatment of RA and it binds to and competitively inhibits the kinase domain of JAK3, JAK1 and, to a lesser degree, JAK2. Data on JAKi and Th17 cells/regulatory T cells (Tregs) are only available for ruxolitinib, a JAKi registered for myeloproliferative diseases (6).

Objectives:

Our project aimed at investigate the possible effect of Tofacitinib on the Treg/Th17 balance in RA patients.

Methods:

We isolated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from patients affected by RA at baseline (T0) and after one month of Tofacitinib therapy (T1). By flow cytometry we characterized Treg and Th17 at T0 and T1. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected in a standardized, computerized and electronically filled form. We assessed the disease activity by using DAS-28 (CRP). Data were expressed as mean(SD) or median (interquartile range, IQR) according to the variables’ distribution. Mann-Whitney and Spearman test were used. The values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

We isolated PBMCs from 9 patients with RA (F:M = 7:2, mean age±SD 60±17.4 years; mean disease duration±SD 20±6.6 years, DAS-28 median at T0 4.14 IQR 1.6; at T1 3.08 IQR 1.3). The median percentage of Treg and Th17 at T0 and T1 were respectively: T0 1.85 IQR 0.98 T1 3.12 IQR 1.37; T0 1.64 IQR 1.4, T1 0.6 IQR 1.1. Treg significantly increased after tofacitinib treatment while Th17 showed a tendency in decreasing without achieving a statistical difference (p= 0.003 and p=0.8, respectively) (figure 1). DAS-28 was negatively correlated with Treg number (r = -0.76565, p = 0.00021) and positively with Th17 numbers (r = 0.5816, p = 0.01135).

Conclusion:

This is the first study that investigated the role of JAKi on the Treg/Th17 balance in RA showing and increase in Treg cells with a concurrent tendency in decrease of Th17 cell population. The restore of the Treg/Th17 balance was associated with the reduction of DAS-28 (CRP).

References:

[1]McInnes IB et al. Lancet 2017

[2]Fasching P et al. Molecules 2017

[3]Han L et al. Front. Med. 2015

[4]Beringer A et al. Med. 2016

[5]Lippert E et al. Blood 2006

Disclosure of Interests:

viviana antonella pacucci: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Cristina Garufi: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

FRI0121 STEROID-SPARING EFFECT OF JAK INHIBITORS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS FOLLOWED UP IN A REAL LIFE SETTING

Background:

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a milestone of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) treatment; EULAR recommendations on the management of medium to high dose glucocorticoids remind to evaluate comorbidities and risk factors for adverse events when planning GCs treatment. Tofacitinib and Baricitinib are Janus kinases inhibitors (JAKi) registered for RA treatment. About 60% of patients enrolled in randomized clinical trials with JAKi were co-treated with GCs; however, little is known about tapering and percentage of withdrawal both in clinical trials and real life.

Objectives:

To evaluate the steroid-sparing effect of JAKi in patients with RA.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled consecutive adult patients with RA starting JAKi. At baseline and after 4, 12 and 24 weeks we calculated C-Reactive Protein based Disease Activity score 28 (DAS28CRP). Daily dose of GCs was recorded at each visit as prednisone (PDN)-equivalent dose. Data are expressed as median (IQR). Continuous variables were compared by Mann Whitney test while dichotomous ones by Chi-square test. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

Between January 2018 and January 2020, 108 patients started JAKi: 67 patients Baricitinib, 41 patients Tofacitinib. The analysis was restricted to 64 RA patients (50 female, 14 male) who had at least 6 months of follow-up. Table 1 shows the demographic, clinical and clinimetric characteristics of the cohort. Patients treated with baricitinib and tofacitinib were comparable for age, disease duration, PDN dose and previous number of csDMARDS and bDMARDS; 30 patients (47.6%) were treated with JAKi in monotherapy. At baseline, the median daily PDN dose was 5 (7.25) mg; after 4, 12 and 24 weeks the median daily dose significant decreased to 5 (6.25) mg, 2.5 (5) mg and 0 (5) mg, respectively (p<0.0001). The percentage of patients treated with GC decreased from 81.5% to 63.5% at week 4, and to 48.4% at week 12 and 24. After 4, 12 and 24 weeks we detected a significant reduction of DAS28 (p<0.00001 compared to baseline). A similar percentage of patients who withdrew PDN compared to those who were still on PDN achieved remission after 12 and 24 months. Similarly, the reduction in DAS28 was comparable between the two groups at week 4 [4.8 (4.2) in those who withdrew vs 4.1 (1) in those who did not] at week 12 [4.8(1.6) for both] and at week 24 [3.7 (1.4) in those who withdrew vs 2.3 (0.7) in those who did not].

Table 1.

Demographic, clinic and clinimetric characteristics of the 64 patients

Baricitinib= 41Tofacitinib=23P valueFemale:male33:817:6P=nsAge, median (IQR), years58 (15)66 (14.5)P=nsDisease duration, median (IQR), months144 (144)150 (120)P=nsN° of previous csDMARDS3 (3)3 (1)P= nsN° of previous bDMARDs2 (3)1 (3)P= nsDAS28CRPat baseline4.7 (1.6)4.8 (2)P=nsPDN dose at baseline, median (IQR), mg5 (7.5)5 (5)P=nsPDN dose at 4 weeks, median (IQR), mg5 (7.5)5 (5)P=nsPDN dose at 12 weeks, median (IQR), mg2 (5)2.5 (4.7)P=nsPDN dose at 24 weeks, median (IQR), mg0 (5)2.5 (0)P=ns

IQR: interquartile range; DAS28CRP: Disease Activity Score 28 using C-Reactive Protein, csDMARDS: conventional synthetic Disease Modyfing anti-rheumatics drugs, bDMARDS: biotheconological Disease Modifying anti-rheumatics drugs PDN= prednisone

Conclusion:

The rapid reduction of disease activity determined by JAK inhibitors allows a fast tapering of PDN, as suggested by the last EULAR recommendations for the management of RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ilaria Duca: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Cristina Garufi: None declared, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Rossana Scrivo: None declared, Roberta Priori: None declared, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Manuela Di Franco: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

AB0340 EFFECT OF BARICITINIB ON RANKL SERUM CONCENTRATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background:

RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand) and osteoprotegerin, the main regulators of bone metabolism, are involved in osteoblasts/osteoclasts balance in inflammatory disease, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (baricitinib and tofacitinib) can reduce the progression of structural damage in patients with moderate to severe RA. Previous studies suggest a link between JAK inhibition, production of RANKL and osteoclastogenesis1,2.

Objectives:

to investigate the effect of baricitinib on RANKL serum concentration in unselected RA patients.

Methods:

Patients affected by RA according to 2010 ACR criteria, starting treatment with baricitinib as clinically indicated, were consecutively enrolled. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline (T0) and after three months of therapy (T3). RANKL serum concentration was analyzed by ELISA at the same timepoints. All patients underwent ultrasound (US) examination at T0 and T3. According with OMERACT definitions, the presence of synovial effusion, hypertrophy and power Doppler were assessed and scored on a semi-quantitative scale (0=absent, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe), obtaining a total US score (0-198), representing the joint inflammatory status (15); erosions were registered. Data were expressed as median (interquartile range); Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests were performed for comparisons and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

We prospectively followed up 33 RA patients starting treatment with baricitinib [M/F 8/25; age 58(9) years; disease duration 165(150) months; 22/33 (67%) ACPA-anti-citrullinated protein antibody positive; 24/33 patients (73%) RF-rheumatoid factor positive]. After three months of therapy we observed a significant reduction of DAS28CRP, CDAI and SDAI compared to baseline (p<0.0001). The US inflammatory score showed a significant improvement at T3 (p<0.0001). The serum concentration of RANKL showed a significant decrease after three months of therapy from 44 (25.9) to 27.5 (35.3) pg/ml,p=0.0256 (Figure 1). While in 67% of patients RANKL decreased after treatment, in 33% of patients no decrease or an increase of RANKL was detected. Those patients showing an increase of RANKL had similar DAS28CRP, CDAI, SDAI, but had significantly less swollen joints, compared to those in which RANKL decreased (p=0.0364). At baseline, the concentration of RANKL significantly correlated with the swollen joint count (p=0.0117) and ESR (p=0.0482), but not with DAS28CRP, CDAI, SDAI nor with the US inflammatory score. Nevertheless, the reduction of RANKL was not significantly associated with the achievement of low disease/remission after three months of treatment, with ACPA/RF positivity or the presence of erosions detected by US.

Conclusion:

This is the first study demonstrating that baricitinib reducesin vivothe serum levels of RANKL, regardless the correlation with disease activity indices. The discrepancy between the levels of RANKL and the clinical response is in line with previous data in the literature, demonstrating that, under treatment with anti-TNF and anti-IL1, the decrease of RANKL did not influence the local or systemic inflammatory parameters, even if still preventing bone loss3.

References:

[1]LaBranche T P et al. JAK inhibition with tofacitinib suppresses arthritic joint structural damage through decreased RANKL production. Arthritis Rheum 2012

[2]Murakami, KA Jak1/2 inhibitor, baricitinib, inhibits osteoclastogenesis by suppressing RANKL expression in osteoblasts in vitro. PLOS ONE 2017

[3]Stolina M et al. RANKL inhibition by osteoprotegerin prevents bone loss without affecting local or systemic inflammation parameters in two rat arthritis models: comparison with anti-TNFalpha or anti-IL-1 therapies. Arthritis Res Ther 2009

Disclosure of Interests:

Cristina Garufi: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Tania Colasanti: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

THU0257 ESTIMATED 10-YEARS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM THE “CARDIOVASCULAR OBESITY AND RHEUMATIC DISEASE (CORDIS)” STUDY GROUP OF THE ITALIAN SOCIETY OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at high risk for CV events, and EULAR recommends assessing the 10-year CV-risk using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) [1]. The QRISK3, another score to assess CV-risk in UK population, considers different factors among which also SLE. The Progetto Cuore score (PCS) is validated to estimate CV risk in Italian people and largely replicates the SCORE project [2].

Objectives:

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate CV-risk using SCORE, QRISK3 and, for the first time, PCS in a multicentric cohort of Italian SLE patients.

Methods:

During 2019 we evaluated 173 SLE patients (87.7% female; age 40±16 years; disease duration 138±105 months), fulfilling the 1997 ACR classification criteria. Clinical and laboratory data were registered, and individual CV-risk was calculated using suitable algorithms for the SCORE, QRISK3 and PCS. Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Instat 8.0 (San Diego, CA-USA).

Results:

In 13 (7%) SLE patients a previous CV event was recorded. Hypertension was present in 60 (37.5%) and diabetes in 27 (16.9%) patients. Mean total cholesterol was 184±39 mg/dL, HDLc 58±18 mg/dL, LDLc 124±37 mg/dL, triglycerides 105±63 mg/dL; dyslipidaemia was reported in 58 (36.2%) patients and 29 (18.1%) were on statin. Mean BMI was 24.9±5.3 Kg/sm, 60 (37.5%) and 23 (14.3%) patients were overweight and obese, while 25 (15.6%) patients were smokers. 87 (54.3%) SLE patients had a SLEDAI<4, 91% of patients were taken HCQ and 65% were on prednisone (mean dose 5.4±5.9 mg/day), but only 7.5% took >7.5 mg/day. The CV-risk of SLE patients according to SCORE, QRISK3 and PCS was 1.1±2.1%, 10.5±12.3% and 3.7±5.4%, respectively. Stratifying patients at low, moderate or high CV risk according to the PCS and SCORE a double proportion of patients was at moderate (8% vs 3.9%) or high (1.9% vs 0.9%) CV risk (p=0.03). Finally, CV-risk according to QRISK3 was higher than 20% (high risk) in 32/160 (20%) patients.

Conclusion:

This multicentre study demonstrated that the mean estimated CV-risk in SLE patients is globally low using the SCORE, QRISK3 and PCS. The PCS seems to better intercept those patients at moderate/high risk, at least in Italian SLE patients, while QRISK3 predicts the highest CV risk. The lack of disease-specific CV-risk factors (such as autoantibodies profile or organ involvement) probably account for the underestimation of CV risk using the SCORE and PCS.

References:

[1]ARD 2019;78(6):736-745.

[2]ARD 2019;0:1–2.doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215715

Disclosure of Interests:

Fabio Cacciapaglia Speakers bureau: BMS; Roche; Pfizer; Abbvie, Andreina Manfredi: None declared, Gianluca Erre: None declared, Elena Bartoloni Bocci: None declared, Garifallia Sakellariou Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Ombretta Viapiana: None declared, Sergio Colella: None declared, Anna Abbruzzese: None declared, Marco Fornaro: None declared, Giacomo Cafaro: None declared, Maria Antonietta Fenu: None declared, Bianca Lucia Palermo: None declared, Martina Dessì: None declared, Adalgisa Palermo: None declared, Alessandro Giollo: None declared, Elisa Gremese Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fabiola Atzeni: None declared, Matteo Piga: None declared

OP0204 LUPUS COMPREHENSIVE DISEASE CONTROL IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS: APPLICATION OF A NEW INDEX

Background:

The main outcomes in SLE patients management are represented by the remission achievement and chronic damage prevention. Even though activity and damage are intimately connected, to date indices including both these outcomes are not available.

Objectives:

In the present study, we aimed at assessing the application of a new index, the Lupus comprehensive disease control (LupusCDC), including disease activity and chronic damage progression.

Methods:

We performed a longitudinal analysis, including SLE patients according to ACR 1997 criteria, followed-up in the period between January 2014 and December 2018, and with at least one visit per year. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and three different remission levels were evaluated, as reported in Table 1 (1).

Table 1.

Remission levels considered in the study (1).

Remission levelDefinitionComplete Remission(CR)No clinical and serological activity (SLEDAI-2K=0) in corticosteroid-free and immunosuppressant-free patients (antimalarials allowed)Clinical remission off-corticosteroids(ClR-GCoff)Serological activity with clinical quiescent disease according to SLEDAI-2K in corticosteroid-free patients (stable immunosuppressive therapy and antimalarials allowed)clinical remission on-corticosteroids(ClR-GCon)Clinical quiescent disease according to SLEDAI-2K in patients on prednisone 1–5 mg/day (stable immunosuppressants and antimalarials allowed)

Chronic damage was registered according to SLICC damage index (SDI). All the patients were evaluated at baseline (T0) and every 12 months (T1, T2, T3, T4). At each time-point, we calculated the prevalence of LupusCDC, defined as remission achievement plus absence of chronic damage progression in the previous one year. We calculated this outcome including separately the different remission levels.

Results:

According with inclusion criteria, 172 SLE patients were evaluated in the present analysis [M/F 16/156, median age 49 years (IQR 16.7), median disease duration 180 months (IQR 156)]. At first assessment, we observed a mean±SD SDI value of 0.7±1.1. In details, 56 patients (32.5%) showed damage in at least one organ/system and the presence of damage was significantly associated with age (p<0.0001, r=0.3) and disease duration (p=0.0003, r=0.3). During the follow-up, we observed a significant increase in SDI values compared with T0 (T1: mean±DS 0.8±1.3, p<0.0001; T2: 0.8±1.4, p<0.0001; T3: 0.9±1.4 p=0.0001; T4: 1.0±1.5 p<0.0001).

In figure 1A and 1B we reported the proportion of patients achieving the different levels of remission and LupusCDC, respectively. In particular, the LupusCDC definition including CR was the most frequently detected in all time-points evaluated (T1: 18.0%; T2: 31.9%; T3: 27.9%; T4: 24.4%), with a significant difference at T2 [LupusCDC(CR)versusLupusCDC(ClR-GCoff), p=0.0002; LupusCDC(CR)versusLupusCDC(ClR-GCon) p=0.0002)], T3 [LupusCDC(CR)versusLupusCDC(ClR-GCoff), p=0.03; LupusCDC(CR)versusLupusCDC(ClR-GCon) p=0.006], T4 [LupusCDC(CR)versusLupusCDC(ClR-GCon), p=0.002]. No significant differences were found when comparing the prevalence of different remission levels and the prevalence of LupusCDC including the corresponding remission.

Conclusion:

In the present analysis we proposed for the first time a new index including disease activity and chronic damage, in order to evaluate the proportion of SLE patients reaching a comprehensive disease control. We found that CR is most frequently associated with the absence of damage progression.

References:

[1]Zen M et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017.

Disclosure of Interests:

Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, Lorenzo Dominici: None declared, Alessandra Ida Celia: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Cristina Garufi: None declared, Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Valeria Orefice: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Carmelo Pirone: None declared, viviana antonella pacucci: None declared, Francesca Morello: None declared, Simona Truglia: None declared, Francesca Miranda: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

SAT0092 CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE RHEUMATIC DISEASES: AN ITALIAN RHEUMATOLOGISTS’ SURVEY

Background:

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with inflammatory arthritis. The growing attention to the CV risk characterizing patients with autoimmune inflammatory disease led EULAR to provide recommendations on CV risk management (1). To date, there are no data on the adherence to EULAR recommendation among Italian rheumatologists.

Objectives:

Our objective was to measure the level of awareness and the attitude to manage CV risk.

Methods:

Italian rheumatologists were invited to anonymously answer a web-based questionnaire designed by the steering committee of the Cardiovascualr and Obesity in Rheumatic Diseases (CORDIS) study group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology. The first part of the questionnaire concerned demographic information; the subsequent questions concerned the attitude to assess CV risk and the limitations for not assessing, the specific CV risks considered in the clinical practice and their management. Data are presented using standard summary statistics and were expressed as mean+/-standard deviation or median (interquartile range) according to variables’ distribution.

Results:

One thousand-three hundred rheumatologists (of whom 500 are under 40 and 100 over 70 years of age) have been invited by email to complete the survey. The questionnaire has been filled by 102 rheumatologists (7.85%) (53 females and 49 males) with a median age of 38 years (32-48) and a median of 4 (0-15) years of specialization. Most of the physician who answered the questionnaire works in University Hospitals (67/102; 65.7%), 22 out of 102 (21.6%) in non-academic Hospitals, and the remaining 12,7% in territorial outpatient clinics.

When asked if they usually evaluate CV risk in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, 67/102 (67.2%) answered positively, 18 no (17.6%) and 7 did not answer the question; 82% of those who routinely assess the CV do it by themselves. The barriers limiting the assessment of CV risk included: i) lack of time (79%); ii) complex management (12%); inadequate training (9%).

As for the CV risk factors, lipid profile, hypertension and diabetes are assessed by most of the rheumatologists (90%, 89% and 88%, respectively), family history by 78% and body mass index by 75.3% and waist circumference only by 25% of those who completed the survey.

Finally, only 18.6% stated that they manage by themselves CV risk in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases while 50% refer patients to other specialists and 23.4% to general practitioner.

Conclusion:

Despite the growing awareness on the CV risk characterizing patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease, about one third of young Italian rheumatologists does not strictly adhere to the EULAR recommendations on CV management, mostly due to insufficient time during the routine care visits.

References:

[1] Agca R et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76: 17-28.

Disclosure of Interests:

Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fabio Cacciapaglia Speakers bureau: BMS; Roche; Pfizer; Abbvie, Fabiola Atzeni: None declared, Gianluca Erre: None declared, Andreina Manfredi: None declared, Elena Bartoloni Bocci: None declared, Matteo Piga: None declared, Garifallia Sakellariou Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Ombretta Viapiana: None declared, Elisa Gremese Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Jannsen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB

SAT0228 PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A MONOCENTRIC COHORT ANALYSIS

Background:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, affecting prevalently women in childbearing age. Thanks to pre-gestational counseling and multi-disciplinary approach, adopted in daily clinical practice, SLE patients are experiencing even more uncomplicated pregnancies.

Objectives:

Here, we evaluated pregnancy outcome in a large SLE cohort, compared to a control group including pregnant women without autoimmune diseases.

Methods:

Pregnant SLE patients (diagnosis made according to ACR 1997 criteria) were included in the present study, conducted in the context of a joint rheumatology/gynecology multi-disciplinary team. For each patient we collected demographic information, medical history, treatments, disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) chronic damage (SLICCdamage index), clinical and laboratory data, including serum complement level and autoantibodies. Pregnancy outcomes were reported longitudinally as well as disease relapses occurring during pregnancy and puerperium. Flares were defined as new onset or worsening disease-related manifestation in any organ/system.

Results:

Since 2008, 70 consecutive pregnancies occurred in 50 SLE patients [(median age at diagnosis 25 years (IQR 12.2), median age at first pregnancy 33 years (IQR 7), median disease duration 72 months (IQR 120)]. As controls, we evaluated 100 consecutive pregnancies in 100 women without autoimmune diseases [(median age 31 years (IQR 9)]. Table 1 reports the obstetric, fetal and neonatal outcomes of SLE patients compared to control group. A positive outcome in terms of live born infants was experienced in 88.6% of SLE pregnancies and in 88% of control group (p=NS). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the pregnancy outcomes evaluated; however, the percentage of small for gestational ages (SGA) was significantly higher in SLE group (22.8%versus11.0% P=0.003). A statistical association was found between SGA and positivity for anti-dsDNA, anti-SSA ed anti-SSB (p=0.0001, p=0.01, p=0.04 respectively). Miscarriage was significantly associated with disease-related serologic abnormalities [anti-dsDNA (p=0.0001), low C3 (p=0.0001) and low C4 (p=0.006)] and past smokinghabitus(p=0.0001); preterm birth was associated with anti-dsDNA, anti-CL and anti-B2GPI (p=0.001, p=0.0005, p=0.01 respectively). A disease flare was reported in 28 pregnancies (40%) and in 31 puerperium (44.3%). Figure 1 reports SLE relapses divided according to organ involvement. Flare during pregnancy was associated with positivity for anti-SSA (p=0.001), anti-SSB (p=0.01) and a-CL (p=0.006), whilepuerperiumrelapses were associated with previous renal involvement (p=0.0005), flare during pregnancy (p=0.01) and chronic damage (p=0.0001).

Table 1.

Pregnancy outcomes in 50 SLE and 100 controls.

LES(Pregnancies N=70)Controls(Pregnancies N=100)POBSTETRIC OUTCOMEPreterm birth N/%18/25.719/19NSGestational hypertension N/%5/7.13/3NSGestational diabetes N/%5/7.15/5NSPre-eclampsia N/%2/2.91/1NSFETAL OUTCOMEMiscarriages N/%8/11.412/12NSPR interval elongation N/%4/6.4––IUGR N/%3/51/1NSNEONATAL OUTCOMESGA< 10° centile N/%16/22.811/110.003Weight at birth median-I.Q.R.2850-6883250-8140.003Apgar 1’ median-I.Q.R.8-18-1NSApgar 5’ median-I.Q.R.9-110-1NSFigure 1.

Disease flares during and after 70 SLE pregnancies divided according to organ involvement.

Conclusion:

The present study confirms the role of pre-gestational counseling and a multi-disciplinary approach in the outcome of SLE pregnancies. Moreover, the high prevalence of disease relapse even more justifies the need for a combined rheumatology/gynecology multi-disciplinary approach.

Disclosure of Interests:

Carmelo Pirone: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Aikaterini Selntigia: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Simona Truglia: None declared, viviana antonella pacucci: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Giuseppina Perrone: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

THU0281 EXPLORING THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: ASSOCIATION WITH DISEASE-RELATED FEATURES AND ACTIVITY

Background:

Infective factors play a central role in autoimmune diseases pathogenesis. It is possible to speculate that the host genotype could interact with genetic background of infective agents. We previously evaluated a large SLE cohort, observing the association between theS. Aureus(SA) carriage status and presence of a more active disease in terms of autoantibodies positivity.

Objectives:

We evaluated epidemiological, molecular characterization, genetic diversity and evolution of SA isolated from SLE patients by means of phylogenetic analysis.

Methods:

Consecutive SLE patients (ACR 1997 criteria) were enrolled: clinical/laboratory data were collected and nasal swab for SA identification was performed. On the basis of translation elongation factor (tuf) gene, a phylogenetic analysis was performed to investigate phylogenetic relationships and to assess significant clades in patients with persistent carriage status (nasal swab positive in two consecutive evaluation, performed 1 week apart). The first dataset was composed by seven SA tuf gene isolated from non-SLE individuals from different countries (downloaded from the GenBank database,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/) and tuf gene SA collected from SLE patients enrolled in the present study.

Results:

We enrolled 118 patients (M/F 10/198; median age 45.5 years, IQR 13,2; median disease duration 120 months, IQR 144). Skin involvement is the most frequent disease manifestation (86 patients, 72.9%), followed by joint involvement (78 patients, 66.1%). Twenty-four patients (20.3%) were SA carriers (SA+), three of them resulted MRSA. SA+ patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of joint involvement (79.2%versus62.7%, P=0.01) and anti-dsDNA positivity (75.0%versus55.3%, P=0.004). Moreover, SA+ SLE showed a more active disease, in terms of SLEDAI-2k values [SA+: median 2 (IQR 3.75)versusSA-: median 0 (IQR 2), P=0.04). The phylogenetic analysis has been restricted on the 21 non-MRSA SA+ patients. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of the first dataset revealed a statistically supported larger clade (A, N=17) and a smaller one (B, N=4; figure 1A). SLE patients located in the clade A showed a significantly higher prevalence of joint involvement (88.2%) in comparison with clade B (50.0%, P<0.0001) and SA- (62.7%, P<0.0001, figure 2B). Moreover, haematological manifestations were significantly more frequent in clade A patients (64.7%) compared with B (50.0%, P=0.004, figure 2C).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study confirmed the association between SA carriage status and disease activity, in terms of SLEDAI-2k values and anti-dsDNA positivity. The phylogenetic analysis ontufgene show a clustering ofSA+patients in two major clade (A and B). Interestingly thetufgenotype of clade A is significantly associated with a specific disease phenotype, characterized by joint involvement and positivity for anti-dsDNA. These findings support the hypothesis that bacterial genetic variants may be associated with specific disease features.

References:

[1]Rigante et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2015;

[2]Wertheim et al Lancet Infect Dis. 2005;

[3]Conti et al Arthritis Res Ther 2016;

[4]Tong et al Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;

[5]Rhee et al Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2015

Disclosure of Interests:

Giulio Olivieri: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Alessandra Lo Presti: None declared, silvia angeletti: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Giancarlo Iaiani: None declared, Lucia De Florio: None declared, francesca antonelli: None declared, Luigino Amori: None declared, Cristina Garufi: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, cristiano Alessandri: None declared, Guido Valesini: None declared, Massimo Cicozzi: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

AB0085 MODULATION OF CIRCULATING SKELETAL STAMINAL CELLS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH TOFACITINIB

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (AR) is an autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease characterized by chronic synovial inflammation resulting in bone damage and erosions, with consequently functional disability. Currently, attempts for regenerative therapies for osteo-cartilage pathologies have proved unsuccessful. Recently, a “pool” of skeletal stem cells (hSSCs: human skeletal stem cells) able to generating bone cells, has been identified in human bone (1).

Objectives:

In light of these observations, we aim at characterizing skeletal stem cells in peripheral blood from RA patients candidate to Tofacitinib treatment.

Methods:

In this pilot study 4 RA patients [4F; mean age 65 years; mean disease duration 19 years] candidate to Tofacitinib treatment and 4 healthy donors (HD), matched by gender and age, were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from each subject of the study, at baseline (T0) and for RA patients, after 1 month of Tofacitinib (T1), to evaluatinghSSC(CD45-, CD146-, CD73+, PDPN+, CD164+) by flow cytometry. For this purpose, we performed on whole blood a negative magnetic selection for CD45 cells. Then, the eluate was labeled with antibodies anti CD146-PE, anti CD73-APC, anti CD164 - FITC and anti-Podoplanin (PDPN) PerCP/Cyanine5.5. The acquisition was performed using a FACS Calibur, which included 100,000 events per sample (Figure 1).

Results:

ThehSSCspercentage was significantly lower in RA patients than in HD (p = 0.0286). At T1, after treatment with Tofacitinib, meanhSSCspercentage significantly increased from 1.8% to 4.2 % (p = 0.016 vs RA T0) (Figure 2A). Correlation analysis showed a significant indirect relation between the percentage ofhSSCand disease activity measured by DAS28ESR, SDAI and CDAI (Figure 2B).

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, circulating skeletal stem cells and their reduced expression in active RA patients. Tofacitinib treatment leads to a significant increase inhSSCspercentage. This evidence opens up new perspectives on bone repair mechanisms and on deepening of current therapeutic strategies.

References:

[1]Chan CKF, Gulati GS, Sinha R, Tompkins JV, Lopez M, Carter AC, Ransom RC, Reinisch A, Wearda T, Murphy M, Brewer RE, Koepke LS, Marecic O, Manjunath A, Seo EY, Leavitt T, Lu WJ, Nguyen A, Conley SD, Salhotra A, Ambrosi TH, Borrelli MR, Siebel T, Chan K, Schallmoser K, Seita J, Sahoo D, Goodnough H, Bishop J, Gardner M, Majeti R, Wan DC, Goodman S, Weissman IL, Chang HY, Longaker MT.Identification of the Human Skeletal Stem Cell.Cell. 2018 Sep 20;175(1):43-56.e21. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.07.029.

Acknowledgments:

none

Disclosure of Interests:

cristiana barbati: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristina garufi: None declared, Ilaria Duca: None declared, fulvia ceccarelli: None declared, Tania Colasanti: None declared, Marta Vomero: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

SAT0223 TUBULO-INTERSTITIAL INFILTRATES IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Background:

Lupus nephritis (LN) occurs in up to 60% of patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The presence of inflammatory infiltrates in glomeruli and/or in tubulo-interstitium (TI) plays an important role in terms of prognosis (1). Ectopic lymphoid structures (ELSs) are clusters of organized lymphoid infiltrates forming at sites of chronic inflammation in non-lymphoid organs (2). Data on ELSs in kidneys of SLE patients are scant (3-5).

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the tubule-interstitial infiltrates (TI-I) organization and to investigate the presence of ELSs.

Methods:

Kidney sections of SLE patients undergoing a renal biopsy for diagnostic purpose were studied; LN was diagnosed according to the 2003 International Society of Nephrology / Renal Pathology Society classification criteria. Clinical, laboratory and histological data were collected in a standardized, computerized and electronically filled form, including past medical history. The presence of lymphoid aggregates and ELS in the kidney sections were firstly evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE). By using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we characterized the infiltrates by identification of T cells (CD3), B cells (CD20) and follicular dendritic cells (CD21).

Results:

By HE we evaluated 53 kidney samples from LN patients (F:M = 51:2, mean age at biopsy ± SD years 35±7.7; mean disease duration at date of biopsy ± SD 8±8.3 years). TI-I were found in 33 kidney specimens. By HE we identified a well-defined infiltrate pattern resembling ELS in 13 renal samples. In these samples, we confirmed the presence of organized infiltrates by IHC, with evidence of segregated T and B cells areas in most of them. In one sample, the CD21 staining was positive confirming the presence of ELS (Figure 1). Interestingly, this last patient, who failed ciclophosphamide and mycofenolate, responded to rituximab administration and is now in complete LN remission. Moreover TII was negatively correlated with renal remission after induction therapy (P=0.03) independent of the histological class and the induction treatment.

Figure 1.

Biopsy specimens showing tubulo-interstitial ELS by IHC (10x).

Conclusion:

Assessment and management of LN patients are greatly facilitated by information obtained by renal biopsy. In the present study the evaluation by HE of 53 kidney samples from patients with LN showed TI-I in 62% of the specimens and a well-defined infiltrate pattern with GC-like features in 39% of those specimens with TI-I, confirmed in IHC. The presence of TII was associated with a worse outcome in response to therapy. Our preliminary results obtained by IHC suggest that ELS could be considered as a biomarker of renal response to B-cell depleting therapy supporting the importance of TI disease.

References:

[1]Giannakakis K. & Faraggiana T. Histopathology of Lupus Nephritis. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol 2011

[2]Bombardieri M et al. Ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017

[3]Chang A et al. In situ B cell-mediated immune responses and tubulointerstitial inflammation in human lupus nephritis. J Immunol 2011

[4]Shen Y et al. Association of intrarenal B-cell infiltrates with clinical outcome in lupus nephritis: a study of 192 cases. Clin Dev Immunol 2012

[5]Neusser MA et al. Intrarenal production of B-cell survival factors in human lupus nephritis. Mod Pathol 2011

Disclosure of Interests:

viviana antonella pacucci: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Konsantinos Giannakakis: None declared, Serena Colafrancesco: None declared, Simona Truglia: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Cristina Garufi: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

FRI0376 EFFECT OF CARBAMYLATED LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS ON BONE CELLS HOMEOSTASIS

Background:

Carbamylation is a post-translational modification occurring under several conditions such as uremia, smoking and chronic inflammation as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) represent a target of carbamylation. Carbamylated-LDL (cLDL) have an increased inflammatory and atherogenic potential. Growing evidence supports an influence of modified lipids on bone cells homeostasis. However, the role of cLDL on bone cells physiology is still unknown.

Objectives:

Considering the rate of carbamylation and the role of anti-carbamylated proteins antibodies as markers of erosive disease in RA, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cLDL on bone homeostasis.

Methods:

In-vitrocarbamylation of LDL was performed as previously described by Ok et al. (Kidney Int. 2005). Briefly, native LDL (nLDL) were treated with potassium cyanate (KOCN) for 4 hours, followed by excessive dialysis for 36 hours to remove KOCN. Both osteoclasts (OCs) and osteoblasts (OBLs) were treated at baseline with 20 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml of cLDL or nLDL. To induce osteoclast differentiation, CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors by magnetic microbeads separation and then cultured on a 96-wells plate in DMEM media supplemented with RANKL and M-CSF. After 10 days cells were fixed, stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), a marker of OC differentiation, and counted. OBLs were isolated from bone specimens of 3 patients who had undergone to knee or hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and treated for 5 days with different concentrations of cLDL and nLDL. OBLs were fixed and stained for alkaline phosphatase positive activity (ALP), a marker of osteogenic differentiation. Total RNA was extracted from cell lysates. Copies of single-stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) were synthesized and analyzed by real-time PCR to evaluate RANKL and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA expression levels.

Results:

In OCLs culture, cLDL significantly decreased the number of OC compared to untreated cells (200 μg/ml p=0,0015) and nLDL treated cells (200 μg/ml p= 0,011; 20 μg/ml p= 0,0014) (Fig 1). Moreover, treatment with cLDL induced an increase of not terminally differentiated OCs, reduced dimensions of OCs, less intense TRAP staining and vacuolization (Fig 2). In OBLs culture, cLDL (20, 100 μg/ml) significantly reduced the ALP activity of OBLs compared with untreated cells (p<0.05) (Fig 3). nLDL did not affect the ALP expression. Treatment with cLDL stimulated RANKL mRNA expression in osteoblasts increasing the RANKL/OPG ratio (Fig 4).

Fig 1.Fig 2.Fig 3.Fig 4.

Conclusion:

cLDL induce a significant depression of OC and OBL differentiation. Moreover, cLDL increase RANKL expression in OBL, unbalancing bone tissue turnover towards bone resorption. Accordingly, cLDL could be implicated in the bone loss characterizing several conditions associated to an increased carbamylation, such as RA

Disclosure of Interests:

Bruno Lucchino: None declared, Martina Leopizzi: None declared, Tania Colasanti: None declared, Valeria Di Maio: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi, Manuela Di Franco: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly

THU0127 Estimated cardiovascular risk in a large cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients from the “Cardiovascular Obesity and Rheumatic DISease (CORDIS)” Study Group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients present high cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and EULAR recommends estimating their CV-risk [1]. The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm is suggested if National Guidelines are lack, but few data are available about different strategies.

Objectives:

To estimate the 10-years CV-risk using different algorithms in RA compared to osteoarthritis (OA) patients, as control group.

Methods:

A total of 1467 RA patients (78.3% female; mean age 59.8±11.5 years; mean disease duration 131±109 months), fulfilling the 2010 EULAR/ACR classification criteria, and 342 age and sex matched patients with OA (79.8% female; mean age 58.7±11.5 years) were enrolled in this multicentre cross-sectional study during 2019. Clinical and laboratory data were registered, and individual CV-risk was calculated using: SCORE chart, “Progetto Cuore” model (PCM), QRisk3, Reynolds Risk Scores (RRS) and Expanded Risk Score in RA (ERS-RA), as stated by suitable algorithms. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical System Graphpad Instat 8.0 (San Diego, CA-USA).

Results:

In 46 (3%) RA patients a previous CV event was observed. Among traditional CV-risk factors, RA patients presented higher frequency of diabetes (9.9% vs 6.4%; p=0.04) and lower prevalence of dyslipidaemia (21.7% vs 32.5%; p<0.0001) compared to OA patients. Prevalence of hypertension was similar in both groups (40% vs 39.2%). Mean BMI (25.6±4.8 vs 26.6±4.4; p<0.0001) and prevalence of obesity (15% vs 21%; p=0.003) were significantly lower in RA patients. Finally, RA patients were more frequently smokers (20.4% vs 12.5% - p=0.002). 441 (30%) RA patients were in CDAI remission, 998 (68%) patients were on csDMARDs while a biologic agent was used in 617 (42%) patients. About 43% of RA patients were on a mean prednisone-dose of 4.5±3.5 mg/day. The 10-years CV-risk resulted 2 to 3-fold higher in RA compared to OA patients using the different algorithms. The QRisk3 estimated the highest CV risk in our cohort of patients, while the ERS-RA and RRS were significantly higher than PCM and SCORE.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates a higher estimated CV-risk in RA compared to OA patients. The commonly used algorithms to estimate CV-risk in clinical practice perform differently, evaluating different traditional CV-risk factors and disease specific characteristic, as for QRisk3 or ERS-RA. Rheumatologist should impact on both traditional and RA related modifiable CV-risk factors.

References:

[1]Agca R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:17–28.

Disclosure of Interests:

Fabio Cacciapaglia Speakers bureau: BMS; Roche; Pfizer; Abbvie, Matteo Piga: None declared, Gianluca Erre: None declared, Andreina Manfredi: None declared, Elena Bartoloni Bocci: None declared, Garifallia Sakellariou Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Ombretta Viapiana: None declared, Sergio Colella: None declared, Anna Abbruzzese: None declared, Martina Dessì: None declared, Caterina Vacchi: None declared, Floriana Castagna: None declared, Giacomo Cafaro: None declared, Bianca Lucia Palermo: None declared, Alessandro GIollo: None declared, Marco Fornaro: None declared, Elisa Gremese Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fabiola Atzeni: None declared

FRI0145 FOLLOW-UP OF A MONOCENTRIC COHORT OF SERONEGATIVE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Background:

Seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome (SN-APS) is the term proposed to describe patients with clinical signs highly suggestive of APS but persistently negative for conventional antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) assays. Therefore, new antigenic targets or different methodological approaches have been investigated to detect aPL in SN-APS [1].

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical follow-up of a monocentric cohort of SN-APS patients.

Methods:

The study included all consecutive SN-APS patients examined from 2014 to 2018. In all patients other possible causes of thrombosis or obstetric morbidity were ruled out. APL were investigated through two tests: 1. anti-cardiolipin/vimentin antibodies (aCL/Vim) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 2. anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-immunostaining.

Results:

We enrolled 121 patients (all Caucasian except one Asian and one Hispanic women). Clinical and demographic characteristics are reported in Table 1.

Table 1.

Clinical and demographic characteristics

FeaturesSN-APSn= 121 (%)Male/Female14/107Mean age in years (from-to)42.58 (16-78)PAPS/SAPS78/43 (64.5/35.5)SLE28 (23.1)Others autoimmune diseases15 (12.4)Pregnancy morbidity56/107 (52.3) Spontaneous abortions49 (45.8) Normal fetus deaths22 (20.6) Premature births7 (6.54)Thrombosis72 (59.5) Arterial thrombosis36 (29.8) Venous thrombosis48 (39.7) Recurrent thrombosis28 (23.1)Thrombosis + Pregnancy morbidity8 (6.6)Non-criteria APS features45 (37.2) Livedo reticularis18 (14.9) Thrombocytopenia12 (9.9) Migraine19 (15.7) Seizures5 (4) Others11 (9)Cardiovascular risk factors50 (41.3) Hypercholesterolemia8 (6.6) Smoking22 (18.2) Hypertension22 (18.2) OC/HRT7 (5.8) Diabetes4 (3.3)

Sixty-nine out 121 patients (57%) resulted positive for at least one non-conventional test in two occasions more than 12 weeks apart (Figure 1). The agreement between first and second test resulted respectively of K=0,703 e K=0,655 (Cohen’s K test). Figure 2 shows the prevalence of aCL (TLC-immunostaining) and aCL/Vim. We found a significant correlation between aCL (by TLC-immunostaining) and aCL/Vim (p= 0.027), brain MRI ischemic changes (p= 0.012) and age (p= 0.023). ACL/Vim was significantly correlated with livedo reticularis (p = 0.015).

Patients with double positivity showed a higher prevalence of mixed thrombotic and obstetrical features than patients with single positivity (p < 0.001, likelihood positive ratio 8.2).

Non-conventional aPL positivity better supported the diagnosis of APS and, following the therapeutic changes implemented, in a median follow up of 41 months (IQR 39.5) only 3 cases of recurrent thrombosis (2 cases of arterial thrombosis during treatment with antiaggregant therapy and one case of venous thrombosis in treatment with new oral anticoagulant therapy) were observed. During the follow-up, 35 patients with obstetric morbidity who resulted positive for the tests had 20 pregnancies; 12 of them (60%) experienced a good outcome under conventional treatment for classical APS.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that new methods – TLC-immunostaining – or new antigens - CL/Vim – allow to detect aPL in so-called “SN-APS” patients and, consequently, to prescribe the most appropriate therapy.

References:

[1]Conti F et al. The Mosaic of “Seronegative” Antiphospholipid Syndrome. J Immunol Res. 2014;2014:389601

Disclosure of Interests:

Silvia Mancuso: None declared, Simona Truglia Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Serena Recalchi: None declared, Gloria Riitano: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, Maurizio Sorice: None declared, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, fabrizio conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

Gender equality in Rheumatology

Not available.

Anti-D4GDI antibodies activate platelets in vitro: a possible link with thrombocytopenia in primary antiphospholipid syndrome

Background

Thrombocytopenia is a manifestation associated with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS), and many studies have stressed the leading role played by platelets in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Platelets are highly specialized cells, and their activation involves a series of rapid rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. Recently, we described the presence of autoantibodies against D4GDI (Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor beta, ARHGDIB) in the serum of a large subset of SLE patients, and we observed that anti-D4GDI antibodies activated the cytoskeleton remodeling of lymphocytes by inhibiting D4GDI and allowing the upregulation of Rho GTPases, such as Rac1. Proteomic and transcriptomic studies indicate that D4GDI is very abundant in platelets, and small GTPases of the RHO family are critical regulators of actin dynamics in platelets.

Methods

We enrolled 38 PAPS patients, 15 patients carrying only antiphospholipid antibodies without clinical criteria of APS (aPL carriers) and 20 normal healthy subjects. Sera were stored at − 20 °C to perform an ELISA test to evaluate the presence of anti-D4GDI antibodies. Then, we purified autoantibodies anti-D4GDI from patient sera. These antibodies were used to conduct in vitro studies on platelet activation.

Results

We identified anti-D4GDI antibodies in sera from 18/38 (47%) patients with PAPS, in sera from 2/15(13%) aPL carriers, but in no sera from normal healthy subjects. Our in vitro results showed a significant 30% increase in the activation of integrin αIIbβ3 upon stimulation of platelets from healthy donors preincubated with the antibody anti-D4GDI purified from the serum of APS patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we show here that antibodies anti-D4GDI are present in the sera of PAPS patients and can prime platelet activation, explaining, at least in part, the pro-thrombotic state and the thrombocytopenia of PAPS patients. These findings may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of APS.

CD44v3 and CD44v6 isoforms on T cells are able to discriminate different disease activity degrees and phenotypes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

BACKGROUND

Adhesion molecule CD44 contributes to T cell migration into target organs. A higher expression of CD44v3 and v6 isoforms has been identified on T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CD44v3/v6 on T cells of SLE patients in order to evaluate their correlation with clinical features.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy subjects (HSs) and 33 SLE female patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients were in remission (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) = 0) and 18 patients had an active disease (SLEDAI-2K ≥ 4). Experiments were conducted by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Expression of CD44v3 on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells was higher in active patients compared to HSs ( p = 0.0097 and p = 0.0096). CD44v3 on CD8⁺ T cells was also higher in active patients compared to patients in remission ( p = 0.038). CD44v6 was higher on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells from active patients compared to HSs ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.0036) and to patients in remission ( p = 0.01 and p = 0.02). In active patients the ratio CD44v3/v6 was unbalanced towards isoform v6 on both T cell populations. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, CD44v6 on CD4⁺ T cells was the most sensitive and specific one (specificity of 81.8%, sensitivity of 75%). Expression of CD44v6 on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells correlated with the SLEDAI-2K ( p = 0.03, r = 0.38 and p = 0.02, r = 0.39). CD44v6 and CD44v3 on CD8⁺ T cells associated with nephritis and arthritis ( p = 0.047 and p = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

CD44v3/v6 can be used as biomarkers of disease activity and phenotypes; isoform v6 on CD4⁺ T cells can be useful as a diagnostic biomarker.

Usefulness of composite indices in the assessment of joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: correlation with ultrasonographic score

Specific indices are not available to evaluate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) joint involvement; indeed, the application of indices validated for rheumatoid arthritis has been suggested. We evaluated the usefulness of organ specific composite indices, i.e. the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and the ratio of swollen to tender joints (STR), to assess SLE joint activity by analyzing the correlation between these indices and ultrasonography (US) inflammatory status. We evaluated SLE patients with arthralgia and/or arthritis: the above-mentioned indices were calculated and the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k) was applied to assess global disease activity. US of I-V metacarpophalangeal, I-V proximal interphalangeal, wrist, and knee bilateral was performed. Synovial effusion/hypertrophy and power Doppler findings were scored according to a semi-quantitative scale (0-3) to obtain an inflammatory total score (0-216). One hundred and six patients (M/F 7/99, median age 49.5 years (IQR 17.0), median disease duration 8.5 years (IQR 17.0)) were enrolled. We identified a positive correlation between US score and DAS28-CRP ( r = 0.3, p = 0.007), STR ( r = 0.42, p = 0.0005), SDAI ( r = 0.33, p = 0.02), CDAI ( r = 0.29, p = 0.03); US score reflected different levels of clinimetric joint activity. In conclusion, we suggest the ability of composite indices in detecting SLE joint inflammation and their possible real-life use.

Reduction of autophagy and increase in apoptosis correlates with a favorable clinical outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-TNF drugs

Background

Autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism in the survival and function of T and B lymphocytes, and its activation was involved in apoptosis resistance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To investigate whether the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis may impact the response to the therapy, we analyzed ex vivo spontaneous autophagy and apoptosis in patients with RA subjected to treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs and in vitro the effects of TNFα and anti-TNF drugs on cell fate.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 25 RA patients treated with anti-TNF drugs were analyzed for levels of autophagy marker LC3-II by western blot and for the percentage of annexin V-positive apoptotic cells by flow cytometry. The same techniques were used to assess autophagy and apoptosis after in vitro treatment with TNFα and etanercept in both PBMCs and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with RA.

Results

PBMCs from patients with RA responsive to treatment showed a significant reduction in LC3-II levels, associated with an increased apoptotic activation after 4 months of therapy with anti-TNF drugs. Additionally, the expression of LC3-II correlated with DAS28. TNFα was able to induce autophagy in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h of culture in RA PBMCs and FLS. Moreover, etanercept caused a significant reduction of autophagy and of levels of citrullinated proteins.

Conclusions

Our results show how the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis can sustain the survival of immune cells, thus influencing RA progression. This suggests that inhibition of autophagy represents a possible therapeutic target in RA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1818-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.