The development and acceptability of an educational and training intervention for recruiters to neonatal trials: the TRAIN project

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal or slow recruitment affects 30-50% of trials. Education and training of trial recruiters has been identified as one strategy for potentially boosting recruitment to randomised controlled trials (hereafter referred to as trials). The Training tRial recruiters, An educational INtervention (TRAIN) project was established to develop and assess the acceptability of an education and training intervention for recruiters to neonatal trials. In this paper, we report the development and acceptability of TRAIN.

METHODS

TRAIN involved three sequential phases, with each phase contributing information to the subsequent phase(s). These phases were 1) evidence synthesis (systematic review of the effectiveness of training interventions and a content analysis of the format, content, and delivery of identified interventions), 2) intervention development using a Partnership (co-design/co-creation) approach, and 3) intervention acceptability assessments with recruiters to neonatal trials.

RESULTS

TRAIN, accompanied by a comprehensive intervention manual, has been designed for online or in-person delivery. TRAIN can be offered to recruiters before trial recruitment begins or as refresher sessions during a trial. The intervention consists of five core learning outcomes which are addressed across three core training units. These units are the trial protocol (Unit 1, 50 min, trial-specific), understanding randomisation (Unit 2, 5 min, trial-generic) and approaching and engaging with parents (Unit 3, 70 min, trial-generic). Eleven recruiters to neonatal trials registered to attend the acceptability assessment training workshops, although only four took part. All four positively valued the training Units and resources for increasing recruiter preparedness, knowledge, and confidence. More flexibility in how the training is facilitated, however, was noted (e.g., training divided across two workshops of shorter duration). Units 2 and 3 were considered beneficial to incorporate into Good Clinical Practice Training or as part of induction training for new staff joining neonatal units.

CONCLUSION

TRAIN offers a comprehensive co-produced training and education intervention for recruiters to neonatal trials. TRAIN was deemed acceptable, with minor modification, to neonatal trial recruiters. The small number of recruiters taking part in the acceptability assessment is a limitation. Scale-up of TRAIN with formal piloting and testing for effectiveness in a large cluster randomised trial is required.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: Data from the Australasian Diabetes Data Network registry

AIM

To determine low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) screening frequency and levels, and factors associated with elevated LDL-C, in Australasian youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN), a prospective clinical quality registry, on all T1D healthcare visits attended by young people aged 16-25 years (with T1D duration of >1 year) between January 2011 and December 2020. The primary outcomes were elevated LDL-C > 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) and threshold for treatment: >3.4 mmol/L (130 mg/dL), according to consensus guidelines. Multivariable Generalised Estimated Equations (GEE) were used to examine factors associated with elevated LDL-C across all visits.

RESULTS

A cohort of 6338 young people (52.6% men) were identified, of whom 1603 (25.3%) had ≥1 LDL-C measurement documented. At last measurement, mean age, age at T1D diagnosis and T1D duration were 18.3 ± 2.4, 8.8 ± 4.5 and 8.9 ± 4.8 years, respectively. LDL-C was elevated in 737 (46.0%) and at the treatment threshold in 250 (15.6%). In multivariable GEE elevated LDL-C continuously was associated with older age (OR = 0.07; 0.01-0.13, p = 0.02), female sex (OR = 0.31; 0.18-0.43; p < 0.001), higher HbA1c (OR = 0.04; 0.01-0.08; p = 0.01) and having an elevated BMI (OR = 0.17, 0.06-0.39, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LDL-C screening and levels are suboptimal in this cohort, increasing future cardiovascular complication risk. There is an urgent need to understand how healthcare services can support improved screening and management of dyslipidaemia in this population.

Performance of 5-Strand Hamstring Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the STABILITY Study: A Subgroup Analysis

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions (ACLRs) with graft diameters <8mm have been shown to have higher revision rates. The 5-strand (5S) hamstring autograft configuration is a proposed option to increase graft diameter.

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in clinical outcomes between 4-strand (4S) and 5S hamstring autografts for ACLR in patients who underwent ACLR alone or concomitantly with a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Data from the STABILITY study were analyzed to compare a subgroup of patients undergoing ACLR alone or with a concomitant LET procedure (ACLR + LET) with a minimum graft diameter of 8mm that had either a 4S or 5S hamstring autograft configuration. The primary outcome was clinical failure, a composite of rotatory laxity and/or graft failure. The secondary outcome measures consisted of 2 patient-reported outcome scores (PROs)-namely, the ACL Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QoL) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at 24 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of the 618 patients randomized in the STABILITY study, 399 (228 male; 57%) fit the inclusion criteria for this study. Of these, 191 and 208 patients underwent 4S and 5S configurations of hamstring ACLR, respectively, with a minimum graft diameter of 8mm. Both groups had similar characteristics other than differences in anthropometric factors-namely, sex, height, and weight, and Beighton scores. The primary outcomes revealed no difference between the 2 groups in rotatory stability (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 0.77-1.84; P = .42) or graft failure (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.51-2.50; P = .76). There was no significant difference between the groups in Lachman (P = .46) and pivot-shift (P = .53) test results at 24 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes revealed no differences in the ACL-QoL (P = .67) and IKDC (P = .83) scores between the 2 subgroups.

CONCLUSION

At the 24-month follow-up, there were no significant differences in clinical failure rates and PROs in an analysis of patients with 4S and 5S hamstring autografts of ≥8mm diameter for ACLR or ACLR + LET. The 5S hamstring graft configuration is a viable option to produce larger-diameter ACL grafts.

Meniscal repair at the time of primary ACLR does not negatively influence short term knee stability, graft rupture rates, or patient-reported outcome measures: the STABILITY experience

PURPOSE

To assess how meniscal repair and excision impact short term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), knee stability, and early graft rupture rates following primary hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with or without lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) in a group of young active patients where meniscal repair is commonly advocated.

METHODS

Six hundred and eighteen patients under 25 years of age at high-risk of graft failure following ACLR were recruited to the Stability 1 study. Multivariable regression models were developed to identify statistically and clinically significant surgical and demographic predictors of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), ACL Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QOL) and Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS) scores. Chi-Square tests of independence were used to explore the association between meniscal status (torn, not torn), meniscal treatment (excision or repair), graft rupture, and rotatory knee laxity.

RESULTS

Medial meniscus repair was associated with worse outcomes on the KOOS (β = -1.32, 95% CI: -1.57 to -1.10, p = 0.003), IKDC (β = -1.66, 95% CI: -1.53 to -1.02, p = 0.031) and ACL-QOL (β = -1.25, 95% CI: -1.61 to 1.02, p = n.s.). However, these associations indicated small, clinically insignificant changes based on reported measures of clinical relevance. Other important predictors of post-operative PROMs included age, sex, and baseline scores. Medial meniscus excision and lateral meniscus treatment (repair or excision) did not have an important influence on PROMs. There was no significant association between meniscal treatment and graft rupture or rotatory knee laxity.

CONCLUSION

While repairing the medial meniscus may result in a small reduction in PROM scores at two-year follow-up, these differences are not likely to be important to patients or clinicians. Any surgical morbidity associated with meniscal repair appears negligible in terms of PROMs. Meniscal repair does not affect rotatory laxity or graft failure rates in the short term. Therefore, meniscal repair should likely be maintained as the standard of care for concomitant meniscal tears with ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

EPIC: an evaluation of the psychological impact of early-phase clinical trials in cancer patients

Background

Anxiety and depression in patients with cancer is associated with decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. However, these are often overlooked and untreated. Early-phase clinical trials (EPCTs) recruit patients with advanced cancers who frequently lack future treatment options, which may lead to increased anxiety and depression. Despite this, EPCTs do not routinely consider psychological screening for patients.

Patients and methods

This prospective observational study explored levels of anxiety and depression alongside impact of trial participation in the context of EPCTs. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire were completed at the point of EPCT consent, the end of screening and at pre-specified time points thereafter.

Results

Sixty-four patients (median age 56 years; median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1) were recruited. At consent, 57 patients returned questionnaires; 39% reported clinically relevant levels of anxiety whilst 18% reported clinically relevant levels of depression. Sixty-three percent of patients experiencing psychological distress had never previously reported this. Males were more likely to be depressed (P = 0.037) and females were more likely to be anxious (P = 0.011). Changes in anxiety or depression were observed after trial enrolment on an individual level, but not significant on a population level.

Conclusions

Patients on EPCTs are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression but may not seek relevant support. Sites offering EPCTs should consider including psychological screening to encourage a more holistic approach to cancer care and consider the sex of individuals when tailoring psychological support to meet specific needs.

•

Early-phase cancer trial patients have an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

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Patients at risk were not seeking support for anxiety and depression.

•

Male patients were more likely to be depressed; female patients were more likely to be anxious.

•

This work highlights the need to screen for psychological symptoms in patients entering early-phase trials.

Biological and clinical manifestations of Huntington’s disease in gene carriers very far from predicted onset

Introduction

Crucial to the future success of treatments in Huntington’s disease is identifying a timepoint where there is a measurable biomarker of early neurodegeneration without detectable changes in clinical function. By performing deep phenotyping in premanifest gene carriers (preHD) further from predicted onset than previously studied, we aimed to identify this timepoint and the best measures for efficacy endpoints in future therapeutic trials.

Methods

We recruited 64 young adult preHD, approximately 24 years from predicted clinical onset, and 67 matched controls. All participants underwent detailed cognitive and neuropsychiatric assessments, multi-modal imaging and collection of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Results

We found no significant evidence of cognitive or psychiatric impairment in preHD (minimum q>0.22). The PreHD cohort had smaller putamen volumes (q=0.03), but this was not related to predicted years to onset. There were no group differences in other brain imaging measures (q>0.16). CSF and plasma neurofilament light (NfL) (q<0.0001 and q=0.01) and YKL-40 (q=0.03) were elevated in preHD.

Conclusion

With normal brain function but with sensitive measures of neurodegeneration starting to rise, this stage of preHD may represent an optimal time to initiate future disease-modifying prevention treatments. CSF NfL appears more sensitive at this time than plasma NfL to monitor treatment response.

p.d.zeun@gmail.com

Predictors of Graft Failure in Young Active Patients Undergoing Hamstring Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With or Without a Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis: The Stability Experience

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) has higher failure rates in young active patients returning to sports as compared with older, less active individuals. Augmentation of ACLR with an anterolateral procedure has been shown to reduce failure rates; however, indications for this procedure have yet to be clearly defined.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of ACL graft failure in high-risk patients and determine key indications for when hamstring ACLR should be augmented by a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). We hypothesized that different preoperative characteristics and surgical variables may be associated with graft failure characterized by asymmetric pivot shift and graft rupture.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Stability 1 Study, a multicenter randomized controlled trial of young active patients undergoing autologous hamstring ACLR with or without a LET. We performed 2 multivariable logistic regression analyses, with asymmetric pivot shift and graft rupture as the dependent variables. The following were included as predictors: LET, age, sex, graft diameter, tear chronicity, preoperative high-grade knee laxity, preoperative hyperextension on the contralateral side, medial meniscal repair/excision, lateral meniscal repair/excision, posterior tibial slope angle, and return-to-sports exposure time and level.

RESULTS

Of the 618 patients in the Stability 1 Study, 568 with a mean age of 18.8 years (292 female; 51.4%) were included in this analysis. Asymmetric pivot shift occurred in 152 (26.8%) and graft rupture in 43 (7.6%). The addition of a LET (odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.83) and increased graft diameter (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.87) were significantly associated with lower odds of asymmetric pivot shift. The addition of a LET (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18-0.91) and older age (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96) significantly reduced the odds of graft rupture, while greater tibial slope (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.32), preoperative high-grade knee laxity (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.45-7.41), and greater exposure time to sport (ie, earlier return to sport) (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.29) were significantly associated with greater odds of rupture.

CONCLUSION

The addition of a LET and larger graft diameter were significantly associated with reduced odds of asymmetric pivot shift. Adding a LET was protective of graft rupture, while younger age, greater posterior tibial slope, high-grade knee laxity, and earlier return to sport were associated with increased odds of graft rupture. Orthopaedic surgeons should consider supplementing hamstring autograft ACLR with a LET in young active patients with morphological characteristics that make them at high risk of reinjury.

OP0275-PARE THE UNACCEPTABLE DELAY TO DIAGNOSIS IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS; DEVELOPING A CALL TO ACTION FOR A GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CHALLENGE

Background:

The current delay to diagnosis from symptom onset represents one of the greatest challenges in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Research shows an average global delay of almost 7 years1 – and as long as 15 years in some cases2 – during which time the condition can progress considerably and lead to irreversible damage. Data indicates that women wait longer than men for a diagnosis3, and there has been very limited progress in reducing the time to axSpA diagnosis. The axSpA diagnosis delay has a hugely detrimental impact on an individual’s quality of life. Because the disease frequently has early onset1, individuals are left with untreated or incorrectly-treated symptoms at a formative period in their life course, whilst they await their diagnosis.

Objectives:

The Axial Spondyloarthritis International Federation (ASIF) set out to coordinate a comprehensive evidence-based global review of the factors influencing the current axSpA diagnosis delay and to produce a definitive report that shines a light on these barriers, as well as providing a resource that can ultimately empower a range of international stakeholders to reduce this delay.

Methods:

A full literature review was carried out to identify relevant available global evidence exploring the axSpA diagnosis delay. In autumn 2020 ASIF held two virtual global forum events, involving patients and patient group representatives, researchers, rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals, to methodically explore key diagnosis challenges across different healthcare systems and the opportunities for addressing these. Break-out discussions were held and participants were asked to identify the personal and societal effects of the diagnostic delay; the reasons it occurs; and initiatives to tackle the challenge. Alongside key stakeholder testimonies, best practices from around the world were also identified. 92 stakeholders participated in the events; they represented patients and healthcare professionals from 23 countries across five continents.

Results:

The findings from these activities were incorporated within a new ‘Delay to Diagnosis’ report, which for the first time definitively sets out the lived realities from a global perspective of the axSpA diagnosis delay. The report identified important commonalities across different countries and healthcare systems contributing to the current average global 7-year diagnosis delay, including:

 •Poor awareness of axSpA, particularly in primary care services

 •Complexities in diagnosing the disease

 •Poorly defined referral pathways

 •Insufficient patient access to rheumatologists and appropriate diagnostics

The report also highlights the significant impact this delay has on individuals and wider society, providing a foundation for future advocacy work. A series of recommendations have also been identified, the implementation of which will help to instigate tangible progress in reducing the current delay.

Conclusion:

Despite longstanding challenges, there are now clear opportunities for transforming how axSpA is diagnosed around the world. This message needs to be heard and acted upon urgently by all those involved in the management and delivery of axSpA care. The future programme of work for ASIF’s Delay to Diagnosis project will respond to these findings and be centred around supporting axSpA patient associations globally to take this call to action forward throughout 2021 and beyond.

References:

[1]Zhao et al; Diagnostic delay in axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Rheumatology, 2021

[2]Garrido-Cumbrera, M., Poddubnyy, D., Gossec, L. et al. The European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis: Capturing the Patient Perspective—an Analysis of 2846 Patients Across 13 Countries. Curr Rheumatol Rep 21, 19 (2019)

[3]Jovani et al; Understanding How the Diagnostic Delay of Spondyloarthritis Differs Between Women and Men: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis; The Journal of Rheumatology December 2016

Disclosure of Interests:

Wendy Gerhart Employee of: I was employed by Janssen Canada from 1992 - 2017, Mehmet Tuncay Duruöz: None declared, Jo Lowe Grant/research support from: No financial grants received individually. However, my role as Project Manager at ASIF is currently funded partially by UCB Global and partially by Novartis Global, Dale Webb Speakers bureau: Janssen and Novartis, Grant/research support from: Individually, no. But NASS receives grants from AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and UCB, Lillann Wermskog Grant/research support from: Individually, no. But Spafo Norge receives a small amount of funding for ongoing projects from Novartis., Jo Davies Grant/research support from: Individually, no. However, ASIF are currently funded by UCB, Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen and Novartis; this funding partially covers staff salaries as well as a range of projects, the content and outputs of which are not influenced by the funders., Richard Howard Shareholder of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Teva. I own <20 shares of any one stock and these stocks represent <4% of personal investments, Consultant of: Yes, GSK, Novartis - but then donated to Spondylitis Association of America, Grant/research support from: I have not personally received financial grants. SAA has received financial support from AbbVie, Amgen, BI, J&J, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Michael Mallinson Consultant of: No. But, for full disclosure: I have received honoraria in the past, for participating in patient advisory board activities, from Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB., Cheryl L Koehn Grant/research support from: OUR ORGANIZATION, ARTHRITIS CONSUMER EXPERTS, HAS. I HAVE NOT AS AN INDIVIDUAL. HERE IS OUR PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DISCLOSURE ON ALL ONLINE AND PRINT MATERIALS, PRESENTATIONS, MEETINGS, GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS:

https://jointhealth.org/about-principles.cfm?locale=en-CA

Over the past 12 months, ACE received grants-in-aid from: Arthritis Research Canada, Amgen Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Rheumatology Association, Eli Lilly Canada, Hoffman-La Roche Canada Ltd., Knowledge Translation Canada, Merck Canada, Novartis Canada, Pfizer Canada, Sandoz Canada, Sanofi Canada, St. Paul’s Hospital (Vancouver), UCB Canada, and the University of British Columbia.

Association of Ligamentous Laxity, Male Sex, Chronicity, Meniscal Injury, and Posterior Tibial Slope With a High-Grade Preoperative Pivot Shift: A Post Hoc Analysis of the STABILITY Study

Background:

A spectrum of anterolateral rotatory laxity exists in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–injured knees. Understanding of the factors contributing to a high-grade pivot shift continues to be refined.

Purpose:

To investigate factors associated with a high-grade preoperative pivot shift and to evaluate the relationship between this condition and baseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A post hoc analysis was performed of 618 patients with ACL deficiency deemed high risk for reinjury. A binary logistic regression model was developed, with high-grade pivot shift as the dependent variable. Age, sex, Beighton score, chronicity of the ACL injury, posterior third medial or lateral meniscal injury, and tibial slope were selected as independent variables. The importance of knee hyperextension as a component of the Beighton score was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curves. Baseline PROMs were compared between patients with and without a high-grade pivot.

Results:

Six factors were associated with a high-grade pivot shift: Beighton score (each additional point; odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.30; P = .002), male sex (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.28-4.13; P = .005), presence of a posterior third medial (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.11-5.84; P = .03) or lateral (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.01-3.08; P = .048) meniscal injury, tibial slope >9° (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.09-5.07; P = .03), and chronicity >6 months (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00-2.88; P = .049). The presence of knee hyperextension improved the diagnostic utility of the Beighton score as a predictor of a high-grade pivot shift. Tibial slope <9° was associated with only a high-grade pivot in the presence of a posterior third medial meniscal injury. Patients with a high-grade pivot shift had higher baseline 4-Item Pain Intensity Measure scores than did those without a high-grade pivot shift (mean ± SD, 11 ± 13 vs 8 ± 14; P = .04); however, there was no difference between groups in baseline International Knee Documentation Committee, ACL Quality of Life, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale scores.

Conclusion:

Ligamentous laxity, male sex, posterior third medial or lateral meniscal injury, increased posterior tibial slope, and chronicity were associated with a high-grade pivot shift in this population deemed high risk for repeat ACL injury. The effect of tibial slope may be accentuated by the presence of meniscal injury, supporting the need for meniscal preservation. Baseline PROMs were similar between patients with and without a high-grade pivot shift.

Cylindrospermopsin impairs tubular transport function in kidney cells LLC-PK1

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) has been involved in cases of poisoning in humans following ingestion. Studies have demonstrated that the kidney is the most affected organ. CYN exposure leads to low-molecular-weight proteinuria and increased excretions of the tubular enzymes in mice, suggesting the damage caused by CYN is mainly tubular. However, the mechanism involved in CYN nephrotoxicity remains unknown. Thus, in order to evaluate the effects of CYN exposure (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 μg/mL) on tubular renal cells LLC-PK1 distinct mechanisms were analyzed by assessing cell death using flow cytometry, albumin uptake by fluorescence analysis, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity by a colorimetric method, RT-qPCR of genes related to tubular transport and function as well as internalization of CYN by ELISA. In this study, CYN was found to induce necrosis in all concentrations. CYN also decreased albumin uptake as well as downregulated megalin and dab2 expression, both proteins involved in albumin endocytosis process. Moreover, CYN appears to be internalized by renal tubular cells through a receptor-mediated endocytosis. Finally, the present study demonstrates that CYN is responsible for disrupting tubular cell transport and function in LLC-PK1 cells.

SAT0193 A PHASE 3, OPEN-LABEL, CONTINUATION STUDY EVALUATING LONG-TERM SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF BELIMUMAB IN PATIENTS FROM JAPAN AND KOREA WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, FOR UP TO 7 YEARS

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder more prevalent in the Asian population vs Caucasians. Belimumab (BEL), a monoclonal antibody targeting B-lymphocyte stimulator, is approved in patients (pts) ≥5 years with active, autoantibody-positive SLE.

Objectives:

Evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) BEL + standard SLE therapy (SST) in pts with SLE in Japan/Korea.

Methods:

In this Phase 3, multicentre, open-label (OL) study (BEL114333;NCT01597622), eligible (≥18 years of age) completers of the double-blind phase of GSK study BEL113750 in Japan and South Korea or the subcutaneous OL phase of GSK Study BEL112341 in Japan, received monthly BEL 10 mg/kg IV plus SST. Primary endpoints: safety assessments. Key secondary endpoints: SRI4 response rate at each scheduled visit (observed data), defined as a ≥4-point reduction from baseline in SELENA-SLEDAI score, no worsening in PGA (<0.3-point increase from baseline) and no new BILAG 1A/2B organ domain scores; time to first severe SFI flare over time. Endpoints were analysed relative to first BEL dose (parent or current study). No follow-up data were collected after study withdrawal.

Results:

Overall, 142 pts were enrolled (Japan n=72; Korea n=70), 104 (73.2%) completed the study, 1 (0.7%) died and 37 (26.1%) withdrew.

Overall, 139 (97.9%) pts had ≥1 adverse event (AE) (Table). Most frequent AEs included: nasopharyngitis (60.6%); headache (28.2%); cough, herpes zoster and viral upper respiratory tract infection (18.3% each). Serious AEs (SAEs) occurred in 48 (33.8%) pts. Most common SAEs were infections and infestations, reported in 24 (16.9%) pts (Table). During this study, the annual incidence of AEs, including SAEs and AESI, remained stable or declined, with no trends of clinical concerns regarding the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 values for laboratory parameters. There was 1 transient positive immunogenicity result of no clinical concern.

Table.

The proportion of SRI4 responders was 47.8% at Year 1 (Week 24) and tended to increase numerically up to 84.6% at Year 7 (Week 48). The proportion of pts with a ≥4-point decrease from baseline in SELENA-SLEDAI score numerically increased from 51.5% at Year 1 (Week 24) to 84.6% at Year 7 (Week 48). Proportion of pts with no PGA worsening was 91.3-100% and the proportion with no new BILAG 1A/2B organ domain scores was 93.3-100% up to Year 7 (Week 48). A total of 21 (14.8%) pts had 24 severe SFI flares.

Conclusion:

BEL was well tolerated as add-on therapy to SST for ≤7 years in pts with SLE from Japan/Korea. Safety results were consistent with the known BEL safety profile.

Study funding: GSK.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yoshiya Tanaka Grant/research support from: Received research grants from Asahi-Kasei, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Takeda, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers, UCB, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Ono, Speakers bureau: Received speaking fees and/or honoraria from Daiichi-Sankyo, Astellas, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AbbVie, YL Biologics, Bristol-Myers, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Eisai, Janssen, Teijin, Sang-Cheol Bae: None declared, Damon Bass Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Myron Chu Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Paula Curtis Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Kathleen DeRose Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Beulah Ji Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Regina Kurrasch Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Jenny Lowe Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Paige Meizlik Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, David Roth Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK

Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Reduces Failure of Hamstring Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 2-Year Outcomes From the STABILITY Study Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Persistent anterolateral rotatory laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) has been correlated with poor clinical outcomes and graft failure.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that a single-bundle, hamstring ACLR in combination with a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) would reduce the risk of ACLR failure in young, active individuals.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing a single-bundle, hamstring tendon ACLR with or without LET performed using a strip of iliotibial band. Patients 25 years or younger with an ACL-deficient knee were included and also had to meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: (1) grade 2 pivot shift or greater, (2) a desire to return to high-risk/pivoting sports, (3) and generalized ligamentous laxity (GLL). The primary outcome was ACLR clinical failure, a composite measure of rotatory laxity or a graft rupture. Secondary outcome measures included the P4 pain scale, Marx Activity Rating Scale, Knee injury Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee score, and ACL Quality of Life Questionnaire. Patients were reviewed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 618 patients (297 males; 48%) with a mean age of 18.9 years (range, 14-25 years) were randomized. A total of 436 (87.9%) patients presented preoperatively with high-grade rotatory laxity (grade 2 pivot shift or greater), and 215 (42.1%) were diagnosed as having GLL. There were 18 patients lost to follow-up and 11 who withdrew (~5%). In the ACLR group, 120/298 (40%) patients sustained the primary outcome of clinical failure, compared with 72/291 (25%) in the ACLR+LET group (relative risk reduction [RRR], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21-0.52; P < .0001). A total of 45 patients experienced graft rupture, 34/298 (11%) in the ACLR group compared with 11/291 (4%) in the ACL+LET group (RRR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.36-0.83; P < .001). The number needed to treat with LET to prevent 1 patient from graft rupture was 14.3 over the first 2 postoperative years. At 3 months, patients in the ACLR group had less pain as measured by the P4 (P = .003) and KOOS (P = .007), with KOOS pain persisting in favor of the ACLR group to 6 months (P = .02). No clinically important differences in patient-reported outcome measures were found between groups at other time points. The level of sports activity was similar between groups at 2 years after surgery, as measured by the Marx Activity Rating Scale (P = .11).

CONCLUSION

The addition of LET to a single-bundle hamstring tendon autograft ACLR in young patients at high risk of failure results in a statistically significant, clinically relevant reduction in graft rupture and persistent rotatory laxity at 2 years after surgery.

REGISTRATION

NCT02018354 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Introduction of a national program for HbA1c testing in Guyana South America and initial results

Diabetes is an increasing challenge for low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and access to HbA1c testing is limited. HbA1c, a measure of glycaemic control averaged over 3 months, provides both clinicians and policymakers with a tool to identify the risk of long-term diabetes comorbidity. We describe the steps used to implement standardised testing in Guyana South America and the initial results according to a locally developed protocol as part of a country-wide project to improve the care of people with all forms of diabetes The steps identified include: a standardised method traceable to a recognized international reference standard, participation in a quality control cycle with an international reference laboratory, a clinical pathway for testing to reduce inappropriate use and minimize resource wastage, training of technicians in operation and maintenance of equipment, identification of a suitable space with constant power supply, a reliable procurement system, education of healthcare professionals on interpretation and follow-up of results and feedback of programme results to improve clinical practice. Some steps for implementation of the national HbA1c testing program were initiated better than others. Initial unreliability of the service undermined confidence in the system. Failure to follow the testing protocol led to some patients being tested too soon and others too late. Cost of reagents was about 5.60 USD/test. We trained 340 people in diabetes care and knowledge was improved but were unable to assess whether it was appropriately applied. Over one third of people tested in the 30-70 age group had an HbA1c over 9% (75 mmol/mol) and this did not improve over the 5 years of testing. Despite the difficulties we think our unique experience of implementation of a nationwide HbA1c testing programme has important lessons for other LMICs.

Abstract P2-09-08: Imprime PGG, a novel innate immune modulator, combined with pembrolizumab in a phase 2 multicenter, open label study in chemotherapy-resistant metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Background: CPI monotherapy provides substantial clinical benefit to patients (pts) in multiple cancers, yet response rates are limited (˜15-30%) and fails to benefit the majority. In these pts there is limited or no ongoing T cell-based immune response. Imprime PGG (Imprime), a novel beta glucan derived from Saccharomyces, may expand the clinical benefit of CPI therapy by stimulating an anti-cancer immune response. Acting as a pathogen-associated molecularpattern (PAMP), Imprime enlists innate immune functions including cytotoxic effector mechanisms, reversal of immunosuppression and cross-talk with the adaptive immune system.Imprime-mediated innate immune activation requires formation of an immune complex with naturally-occurring anti-beta glucan antibodies (ABA); sufficient ABA levels is required for complex formation. Imprime is now being studied in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®,Pembro), a humanized mAb against PD-1 which has been previously studied in TNBC pts.

Methods: In this study of patients who previously failed chemotherapy for metastatic TNBC, Imprime is being used in combination with Pembro in a Simon 2 stage design. Asample size of 12 evaluable pts in Stage 1 was planned.Evaluable pts received at least one dose of study treatment (tx), had measurable disease at baseline per RECIST v1.1, had at least one post-baseline scan or discontinued tx as a result of progressive disease, death, or a tx-related adverse event before the first post-baseline scan.Pts received Imprime (4 mg/kg IV days 1, 8, 15 of each 3-week cycle) + Pembro 200 mg on D1 of each cycle. Criteria to advance to Stage 2 were ≤4 grade 3/4 AEs during the first tx cycle (other than infusion reactions) and ≥1 objective response. Study primary endpoints are ORR and safety; secondary endpoints are TTR, CRR, DoR, PFS, and OS. Exploratory endpoints include ORR and PFS per irRECIST. Biopsies and blood samples are being collected to assess tx impact on immune activating events at the tumor site and in the periphery.

Results: A review of efficacy and safety data was conducted at the end of Stage 1. Thirteen pts (12 evaluable) were enrolled into Stage 1. Safety review noted 2 grade 3 adverse events that met protocol definition of Stage 1 events (1 pt: cellulitis and 1 pt: pleural infusion; both unrelated to treatment). Two events lead to 2 pts discontinuing treatment (infusion reaction and pancreatitis) and only 1 autoimmune event was observed (pancreatitis). Observed efficacy responses in the evaluable pts included 1 complete response (CR; ongoing) and 2 partial responses (PR; ongoing). Secondary efficacy endpoints have not been assessed. Early translational results support proposed MOA and analysis of Stage 1 translational data is ongoing.

Conclusion: The use of Imprime with Pembro was well tolerated and met both safety and efficacy requirements to move forward with Stage 2 of the study. No significant safety concerns were identified in Stage 1. Further investigation is thus warranted and enrollment into Stage 2 is ongoing. Updated data will be presented.

Citation Format: O'Day S, Borges V, Chmielowski B, Rao R, Abu-Khalaf M, Stopeck A, Lowe J, Mattson P, Breuer K, Gargano M, Bose N, Uhlik M, Graff J, Chisamore M, Cox J, Osterwalder B. Imprime PGG, a novel innate immune modulator, combined with pembrolizumab in a phase 2 multicenter, open label study in chemotherapy-resistant metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-08.

5 The fluro project: a review of the approach and understanding of fluid resuscitation in a military tertiary centre from the perspective of care providers in the emergency setting

Introduction

The term fluid resuscitation (FR) is defined as the use of fluids to restore a state of normovolaemia, or to correct a hypovolaemic state. To establish normovolaeamia via FR, the term ‘fluid bolus’ is used to describe a prescribed fluid volume. As such, the authors looked to investigate the understanding of this term and to review approaches to fluid resuscitation by those healthcare workers closely associate with critically unwell patients.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to all clinical staff across Emergency Medicine (EM), Anaesthesia and Theatres (AT), Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) and Acute Medicine (AM). The questionnaire recorded role, area of responsibility, training grade, type, volume and administration time, time to reassessment and parameters to be assessed in relation to a clinical vignette. The results were then compared directly to the NICE Clinical Audit Standards (NCAS) for FR.

Results

153 responses were received from across all working environments. Overall, 52% of respondents gave volumes aligned with NCAS (500 ml). 99% of respondents suggested crystalloid use with 88% giving an appropriate time for administration of less than 15 min. 55% of respondents suggested appropriate review times (0–5 min). 99% of respondents agreed heart rate and blood pressure should be reassessed, but other parameters for monitoring were poorly recognised.

Between specialties, EM suggested larger volumes while ICM were more likely to continuously review the patient during a bolus. AM were the only group to administer fluids over 60 min. EM and ICM were more likely to review lactate as a marker for effect. Higher specialist trainees were more likely to give a larger volume when compared to other grades.

Discussion

The overall perception of a fluid bolus varies between specialties and training grades. Most responses were aligned to NCAS with notable outliers. This suggests a discrepancy in the understanding of the term fluid bolus. This may also cause issues in fluid administration with multiple patients. It is therefore suggested that further work be undertaken on clarifying the term ‘fluid bolus’, aiming to minimise uncertainty and increase understanding to prevent adverse effects.

A randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of BTH1677 (1,3-1,6 beta glucan; Imprime PGG) in combination with cetuximab and chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction BTH1677, a 1,3–1,6 beta-glucan immunomodulator, stimulates a coordinated anti-cancer immune response in combination with anti-tumor antibody therapies. This phase II study explored the efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and safety of BTH1677 combined with cetuximab/carboplatin/paclitaxel in untreated stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients were randomized 2:1 to the BTH1677 arm (N=60; BTH1677, 4 mg/kg, weekly; cetuximab, initial dose 400 mg/m² and subsequent doses 250 mg/m², weekly; carboplatin, 6 mg/mL/min AUC (area-under-the-curve) by Calvert formula, once each 3-week cycle [Q3W]); and paclitaxel, 200 mg/m², Q3W) or Control arm (N=30; cetuximab/carboplatin/paclitaxel as above). Carboplatin/paclitaxel was discontinued after 4–6 cycles; patients who responded or remained stable received maintenance therapy with BTH1677/cetuximab (BTH1677 arm) or cetuximab (Control arm). Investigator and blinded central radiology reviews were conducted. Efficacy assessments included objective response rate (ORR; primary endpoint), disease control rate, duration of objective response, time-to-progression and overall survival (OS); safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs). Potential biomarker analysis for BTH1677 response was also conducted. Results Compared to control treatment, the addition of BTH1677 numerically increased ORR by both investigator (47.8% vs 23.1%; p=0.0468) and central (36.6% vs 23.1%; p=0.2895) reviews. No other endpoints differed between arms. PK was consistent with previous studies. BTH1677 was well tolerated, with AEs expected of the backbone therapy predominating. Biomarker-positive patients displayed better ORR and OS than negative patients. Conclusions BTH1677 combined with cetuximab/carboplatin/paclitaxel was well tolerated and improved ORR as first-line treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC. Future patient selection by biomarker status may further improve efficacy

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00874848

Predictors of low diabetes risk perception in a multi-ethnic cohort of women with gestational diabetes mellitus

AIM

To determine what proportion of women with gestational diabetes underestimate their diabetes risk and identify factors associated with low diabetes risk perception.

METHODS

Participants included pregnant adult women with gestational diabetes between 2009 and 2012 across seven diabetes clinics in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected through chart review and a survey that included a diabetes risk perception question.

RESULTS

Of the 614 of 902 women (68% response rate) with gestational diabetes, 89% correctly responded that gestational diabetes increases the risk for developing diabetes. However, 47.1% of women perceived themselves to be at low risk for developing diabetes within 10 years. On multivariable analysis, BMI < 25 kg/m(2) , absent previous gestational diabetes history, absent diabetes family history and absent insulin use were appropriately associated with low diabetes risk perception. However, compared with Caucasian ethnicity, high-risk ethnicity (Aboriginal, Latin American, West Indian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Filipino, Black, Pacific Islander) [odds ratio (OR) 2.07; 95% CI 1.30-3.31] and East and South East Asian ethnicity (OR 2.01; 1.10-3.67) were associated with low diabetes risk perception. After further adjustment for immigration, only high-risk ethnicity remained a predictor of low diabetes risk perception (OR 1.86; 1.09-3.19), whereas East and South East Asian ethnicity did not (OR 1.67; 0.86-3.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of women recognized gestational diabetes as a risk factor for diabetes, almost half underestimated their personal high diabetes risk despite prenatal care. Furthermore, women from high-risk ethnic groups were more likely to underestimate their risk, even after adjusting for immigration. Interventions tailored to these groups are necessary to enhance perceived diabetes risk.

Short-term risk of cancer among women with previous gestational diabetes: a population-based study

AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between gestational diabetes (GDM) and incidence of cancer in women within the first decade postpartum.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective cohort study compared the risk of cancer in women with GDM with that of a matched control group comprising pregnant women without diabetes. We included women from Ontario, Canada aged 20-50 years with no history of cancer who had given birth between 1995 and 2008 (N = 149 049). Women with GDM (N = 49 684) were matched on age and year of giving birth, in a ratio of 1:2, to pregnant women without diabetes (N = 99 365).

RESULTS

Over a median 8-year follow-up, there were a total of 2927 (1.5%) cancers. After adjustment for covariates, we found no significant difference in overall risk of cancer between women with GDM and matched control subjects; however, GDM was associated with a significantly greater risk of thyroid cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.05, 1.46) and a significantly lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.75, 0.98) compared with matched control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This large population-based study did not find a greater risk of cancers among women with GDM during the first decade postpartum; however, GDM was associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer and a lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

INDOMETHACIN TEST USAGE AT UNITED KINGDOM TERTIARY CENTRES OVER 20 YEARS-AN AUDIT

Background

Indomethacin-responsive trigeminal autonomic cephalalagias (TACS), paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) and hemicrania continua (HC), are unique, important syndromes to understand.

Aim

Evaluation of the role of the placebo-controlled indomethacin test (P-Indotest) in the diagnosis of primary headache disorders.

Method

Patients notes, clinic letters and headache diaries of patients under our care (PJG) over a 20 year period across various UK Neurology tertiary care centres were examined to obtain data against an audit collection tool. A pre-determined set of data were extracted, and the test procedure reviewed for compliance against a standard with minimum data set requirement by an unblinded observer. The original test score was noted, and prospectively re-scored by a blinded observer.

Results

Patients (n=7; 4 female) were aged from 24 to 51 years. The majority (85%) had side locked headache. P-Indotest was positive in 78% of the cases with patients having either HC or PH. Of all patients tested, 42% had unilateral photophobia and phonophobia and all these cases had a positive response. No serious adverse events were noted. Sleepiness was often reported on the active treatment as was transient worsening of headache in unilateral chronic migraine. Further data is being compiled.

Conclusion

The P-IndoTest is a reliable and safe test and should in the diagnosis of patients with possible indomethacin sensitive TACs. While far from ideal, a positive indomethacin test does identify a particular biology and should be retained as a diagnostic marker of PH and HC until its basis is understood.

Genome-wide association study of behavioural and psychiatric features in human prion disease

Prion diseases are rare neurodegenerative conditions causing highly variable clinical syndromes, which often include prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms. We have recently carried out a clinical study of behavioural and psychiatric symptoms in a large prospective cohort of patients with prion disease in the United Kingdom, allowing us to operationalise specific behavioural/psychiatric phenotypes as traits in human prion disease. Here, we report exploratory genome-wide association analysis on 170 of these patients and 5200 UK controls, looking for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with three behavioural/psychiatric phenotypes in the context of prion disease. We also specifically examined a selection of candidate SNPs that have shown genome-wide association with psychiatric conditions in previously published studies, and the codon 129 polymorphism of the prion protein gene, which is known to modify various aspects of the phenotype of prion disease. No SNPs reached genome-wide significance, and there was no evidence of altered burden of known psychiatric risk alleles in relevant prion cases. SNPs showing suggestive evidence of association (P<10(-5)) included several lying near genes previously implicated in association studies of other psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. These include ANK3, SORL1 and a region of chromosome 6p containing several genes implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We would encourage others to acquire phenotype data in independent cohorts of patients with prion disease as well as other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions, to allow meta-analysis that may shed clearer light on the biological basis of these complex disease manifestations, and the diseases themselves.

Development of an exercise intervention to improve cognition in people with mild to moderate dementia: Dementia And Physical Activity (DAPA) Trial, registration ISRCTN32612072

More than 800000 people in the UK have dementia, and it is a government priority to improve dementia care. Drug treatment options are relatively limited. The Dementia And Physical Activity (DAPA) study is a randomised trial which targets cognition in people with dementia, using an exercise programme. There is evidence to suggest that both aerobic and resistance exercise may be useful in improving cognition. Hence the intervention comprises a supervised part of twice-weekly exercise classes of one hour duration for 4 months, including aerobic exercise at moderate intensity on static bicycles, and resistance (weight training) exercise using weight vests, weight belts and dumbbells. Thereafter participants progress to unsupervised, independent exercise. Aids to behaviour modification have been incorporated into the intervention. The DAPA intervention has been designed to maximise likelihood of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, and for delivery in the UK National Health Service.

Reimbursement for school nursing health care services: position statement

Children come to school with a variety of health conditions, varying from moderate health issues to multiple, severe chronic health illnesses that have a profound and direct impact on their ability to learn. The registered professional school nurse (hereinafter referred to as school nurse) provides medically necessary services in the school setting to improve health outcomes and promote academic achievement. The nursing services provided are reimbursable services in other health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) believes that school nursing services that are reimbursable nursing services in other health care systems should also be reimbursable services in the school setting, while maintaining the same high quality care delivery standards. Traditionally, local and state tax revenues targeted to fund education programs have paid for school nursing health services. School nurses are in a strategic position to advocate for improving clinical processes to better fit with community health care providers and to align reimbursements with proposed changes. Restructuring reimbursement programs will enable health care funding streams to assist in paying for school nursing services delivered to students in the school setting. Developing new innovative health financing opportunities will help to increase access, improve quality, and reduce costs. The goal is to promote a comprehensive and cost-effective health care delivery model that integrates schools, families, providers, and communities.

Characteristics of progressive supranuclear palsy presenting with corticobasal syndrome: a cortical variant

Aims

Since the first description of the classical presentation of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in 1963, now known as Richardson's syndrome (PSP-RS), several distinct clinical syndromes have been associated with PSP-tau pathology. Like other neurodegenerative disorders, the severity and distribution of phosphorylated tau pathology are closely associated with the clinical heterogeneity of PSP variants. PSP with corticobasal syndrome presentation (PSP-CBS) was reported to have more tau load in the mid-frontal and inferior-parietal cortices than in PSP-RS. However, it is uncertain if differences exist in the distribution of tau pathology in other brain regions or if the overall tau load is increased in the brains of PSP-CBS.

Methods

We sought to compare the clinical and pathological features of PSP-CBS and PSP-RS including quantitative assessment of tau load in 15 cortical, basal ganglia and cerebellar regions.

Results

In addition to the similar age of onset and disease duration, we demonstrated that the overall severity of tau pathology was the same between PSP-CBS and PSP-RS. We identified that there was a shift of tau burden towards the cortical regions away from the basal ganglia; supporting the notion that PSP-CBS is a ‘cortical’ PSP variant. PSP-CBS also had less severe neuronal loss in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral subregions of the substantia nigra and more severe microglial response in the corticospinal tract than in PSP-RS; however, neuronal loss in subthalamic nucleus was equally severe in both groups.

Conclusions

A better understanding of the factors that influence the selective pathological vulnerability in different PSP variants will provide further insights into the neurodegenerative process underlying tauopathies.

MAGNEsium Trial In Children (MAGNETIC): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial and economic evaluation of nebulised magnesium sulphate in acute severe asthma in children

BACKGROUND

There are few data on the role of nebulised magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in the management of acute asthma in children. Those studies that have been published are underpowered, and use different methods, interventions and comparisons. Thus, no firm conclusions can be drawn.

OBJECTIVES

Does the use of nebulised MgSO4, when given as an adjunct to standard therapy in acute severe asthma in children, result in a clinical improvement when compared with standard treatment alone?

DESIGN

Patients were randomised to receive three doses of MgSO4 or placebo, each combined with salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, for 1 hour. The Yung Asthma Severity Score (ASS) was measured at baseline, randomisation, and at 20, 40, 60 (T60), 120, 180 and 240 minutes after randomisation.

SETTING

Emergency departments and children's assessment units at 30 hospitals in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Children aged 2-15 years with acute severe asthma.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomised to receive nebulised salbutamol 2.5 mg (ages 2-5 years) or 5 mg (ages ≥ 6 years) and ipratropium bromide 0.25 mg mixed with either 2.5 ml of isotonic MgSO4 (250 mmol/l, tonicity 289 mOsm; 151 mg per dose) or 2.5 ml of isotonic saline on three occasions at approximately 20-minute intervals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the ASS after 1 hour of treatment. Secondary measures included 'stepping down' of treatment at 1 hour, number and frequency of additional salbutamol administrations, length of stay in hospital, requirement for intravenous bronchodilator treatment, and intubation and/or admission to a paediatric intensive care unit. Data on paediatric quality of life, time off school/nursery, health-care resource usage and time off work were collected 1 month after randomisation.

RESULTS

A total of 508 children were recruited into the study; 252 received MgSO4 and 256 received placebo along with the standard treatment. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. There was a small, but statistically significant difference in ASS at T60 in those children who received nebulised MgSO4 {0.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.48]; p = 0.034} and this difference was sustained for up to 240 minutes [0.20 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.40), p = 0.042]. The clinical significance of this gain is uncertain. Assessing treatment-covariate interactions, there is evidence of a larger effect in those children with more severe asthma exacerbations ( p = 0.034) and those with a shorter duration of symptoms ( p = 0.049). There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes measured. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 19% of children in the magnesium group and 20% in the placebo group. There were no clinically significant serious AEs in either group. The results of the base-case economic analyses are accompanied by considerable uncertainty, but suggest that, from an NHS and Personal Social Services perspective, the addition of magnesium to standard treatment may be cost-effective compared with standard treatment only. The results of economic evaluation show that the probability of magnesium being cost-effective is over 60% at cost-effectiveness thresholds of £1000 per unit decrement in ASS and £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, respectively; it is noted that for some parameter variations this probability is much lower, reflecting the labile nature of the cost-effectiveness ratio in light of the small differences in benefits and costs shown in the trial and the relation between the main outcome measure (ASS) and preference based measures of quality of life used in cost-utility analysis (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions; EQ-5D).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the use of nebulised isotonic MgSO4 at the dose of 151 mg given three times in the first hour of treatment as an adjuvant to standard treatment when a child presents with an acute episode of severe asthma. No harm is done by adding magnesium to salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, and in some individuals it may be clinically helpful. The response is likely to be more marked in those children with more severe attacks and with a shorter duration of exacerbation. Although the study was not powered to demonstrate this fully, the data certainly support the hypotheses that nebulised magnesium has a greater clinical effect in children who have more severe exacerbation with shorter duration of symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN81456894.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.