Course and predictors of work productivity in gout - results from the NOR-Gout longitudinal 2-year treat-to-target study

OBJECTIVES

In patients with gout there is a lack of longitudinal studies on the course of work productivity. We explored longitudinal changes in and predictors of work productivity over 2 years.

METHODS

Patients in the NOR-Gout observational study with a recent gout flare and serum urate (sUA) >360 µmol/l attended tight-control visits during escalating urate lowering therapy according to a treat-to-target strategy. From the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, scores for work productivity and activity impairment were assessed over 2 years together with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and a variety of demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

At baseline patients had a mean age of 56.4 years and 95% were males. WPAI scores at baseline were 5.0% work missed (absenteeism), 19.1% work impairment (presenteeism), 21.4% overall work impairment and 32.1% activity impairment. Work productivity and activity impairment improved during the first months, and remained stable at 1 and 2 years. Comorbidities were not cross-sectionally associated with WPAI scores at baseline, but predicted worse work impairment and activity impairment at year 1. The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire subscale with concerns about medicines at baseline independently predicted worse overall work impairment and worse activity impairment at year 1.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with gout who were intensively treated to the sUA target, work productivity and activity impairment were largely unchanged and at 1 year predicted by comorbidities and patient concerns about medication.

Beliefs about medicines in gout patients: results from the NOR-Gout 2-year study

OBJECTIVE

Adherence to urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in gout is challenging. This longitudinal study aimed to determine 2 year changes in beliefs about medicines during intervention with ULT.

METHOD

Patients with a recent gout flare and increased serum urate received a nurse-led ULT intervention with tight control visits and a treatment target. Frequent visits at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months included the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and demographic and clinical variables. The BMQ subscales on necessity, concerns, overuse, harm, and the necessity-concerns differential were calculated as a measure of whether the patient perceived that necessity outweighed concerns.

RESULTS

The mean serum urate reduced from 500 mmol/L at baseline to 324 mmol/L at year 2. At years 1 and 2, 85.5% and 78.6% of patients, respectively, were at treatment target. The 2 year mean ± sd BMQ scores increased for the necessity subscale from 17.0 ± 4.4 to 18.9 ± 3.6 (p < 0.001) and decreased for the concerns subscale from 13.4 ± 4.9 to 12.5 ± 2.7 (p = 0.001). The necessity-concerns differential increased from 3.52 to 6.58 (p < 0.001), with a positive change independent of patients achieving treatment targets at 1 or 2 years. BMQ scores were not significantly related to treatment outcomes 1 or 2 years later, and achieving treatment targets did not lead to higher BMQ scores.

CONCLUSION

Patient beliefs about medicines improved gradually over 2 years, with increased beliefs in the necessity of medication and reduced concerns, but this improvement was unrelated to better outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12618001372279.

Calprotectin, a sensitive marker of inflammation, is robustly assessed in plasma from patients with early or established rheumatoid arthritis by use of different laboratory methods

Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9, MRP8/MRP14) is a major leukocyte protein found to be more sensitive than C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) as a marker of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present objective was to explore the robustness of calprotectin assessments by comparing two different laboratory methods assessing calprotectin in plasma samples from patients with early or established RA. A total of 212 patients with early RA (mean (SD) age 52(13.3) years, disease duration 0.6(0.5) years) and 177 patients with established RA (mean (SD) age 52.9(13.0) years, disease duration 10.0(8.8) years) were assessed by clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound examinations. Frozen plasma samples (-80 °C) were analysed for calprotectin levels at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months by use of either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or fluoroenzyme immunoassay (FEIA). The ELISA technique used kits from Calpro AS and the FEIA technology was assessed on an automated Thermo Fisher Scientific instrument. The results showed high correlations between the two methods at baseline and during follow-up, with Spearman correlation at baseline 0.93 (p < 0.001) in the early and 0.96 (p < 0.001) in the established RA cohorts. The correlations between each of the two calprotectin assessments and clinical examinations had similar range. Calprotectin correlated well with clinical examinations, with at least as high correlations as CRP and ESR. The present study showed similar results for the two analytical methods, supporting the robustness of calprotectin analyses, and suggest calprotectin in plasma to be included in the assessments offered by clinical routine laboratories.

Psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in Norway: nationwide prevalence and use of biologic agents

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the use of biologic agents in these diseases in Norway.

METHODS

From the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR), we identified as PsA, axSpA and RA patients ≥18 years those with ≥2 recorded episodes with diagnostic coding for index disease (L40.5, M07.0-M07.3 for PsA; M45, M46.0, M46.1, M46.8 and M46.9 for axSpA; M05-M06 for RA). We calculated the point prevalence of PsA, axSpA and RA as per the 1^st of January 2017 in the Norwegian adult population (age ≥18). Dispensed disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) prescriptions were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database and biologic DMARDs given in hospitals from the NPR.

RESULTS

The point prevalence of PsA, axSpA, RA, and any of these diseases in total was 0.46%, 0.41%, 0.78%, and 1.56%, respectively. Among women, the prevalence of PsA, axSpA, and RA was 0.50%, 0.37%, and 1.10%, and among men 0.43%, 0.45%, and 0.46%, respectively. In 2017, 27.3% of RA patients, 25.7% of PsA patients and 35.1% of axSpA patients used biologic DMARDs. Treatment with biologics was more frequent in younger age groups in all three diseases, and became more infrequent especially after age ≥55 years.

CONCLUSION

In Norway, the combined prevalence of PsA, axSpA, and RA was over 1.5%. Reflecting the good overall access to highly effective but costly biologic treatments, more than a fourth of these patients used biologic agents, which corresponds to over 0.4% of Norwegian adult population.

Patient Experienced Symptom State in rheumatoid arthritis: sensitivity to change in disease activity and impact

OBJECTIVES

The Patient Experienced Symptom State (PESS) is a single-question, patient-reported outcome that is validated to assess global disease impact in RA. This study addresses its sensitivity to change, and reliability.

METHODS

Disease activity, disease impact in the seven domains of RA Impact of Disease (RAID) and PESS were assessed in patients with RA from the NOR-DMARD registry, at two visits, 6 months apart. The PESS over the last week was scored at five levels, from 'very bad' to 'very good'. Disease impact and disease activity were compared between patients who improved, maintained or worsened PESS over time, through one-way analysis of variance, with post hoc Bonferroni correction. Correlations between changes in these parameters were assessed through Spearman's correlation coefficient. Sensitivity to change was assessed by standardized response mean (SRM) between the two visits. Reliability was analysed through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two visits in patients with stable disease activity and impact.

RESULTS

In 353 patients [76.8% females, mean (s.d.) 9.9 (9.6) years disease duration], improvement in PESS level was associated with substantial improvements in mean impact in all domains as well as disease activity (P <0.02). PESS change was moderately to strongly correlated with RAID domains and disease activity (rho: 0.4-0.7). PESS was responsive to change (SRM: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.76), particularly among RAID responders (SRM: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.54, 1.99). PESS was moderately reliable in patients with stable condition (ICC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.83).

CONCLUSION

PESS is valid, feasible, reliable and responsive, representing an opportunity to improve the assessment of disease impact with minimal questionnaire burden.

88. Increasing Bioburden of Candida auris Body Site Colonization is Associated with Environmental Contamination

Background

Environmental contamination is suspected to play a key role in transmission of Candida auris in healthcare facilities. We recently showed that environmental surfaces near C. auris-colonized patients are commonly recontaminated within hours after disinfection. Clinical factors contributing to environmental contamination are not well characterized.

Methods

We conducted a multi-regional (Chicago, IL; Irvine, CA) prospective study of environmental contamination associated with C. auris colonization at six long-term care facilities (LTCF) and 1 acute-care hospital (ACH). On day of sampling, 5 participant body sites were cultured once, followed by routine daily room cleaning by facility staff, then targeted disinfection of high-touch surfaces with hydrogen peroxide wipes by research staff. Surfaces were cultured for C. auris using pre-moistened sponge-sticks and neutralizer immediately pre- and post-disinfection, and 4, 8, and 12 hours post-disinfection. We calculated the odds of surface recontamination after disinfection as a function of body site colonization with C. auris using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering among multiple surfaces within timepoints, patients, and facilities. Models included an interaction between facility type and colonization.

Results

C. auris was cultured from ≥1 body site in 41 participants (12 ACH and 29 LTCF patients, 205 body sites) on day of sampling. Proportion of body sites colonized did not vary by facility type (Table). Although environmental contamination rates were similar prior to disinfection [ACH 38% (n=60 samples) vs LTCF 29%, (n=145 samples), p=0.209)], the proportion of surfaces recontaminated between 4–12 hours after disinfection was higher in ACH vs LTCF (n=574 samples) (Figure). Number of body sites colonized with C. auris was associated with higher odds of environmental recontamination [ACH: OR 2.16 (95% CI 1.63–2.88), p< 0.001; LTCF: OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.07–1.84), p=0.015; Interaction ACH vs LTCF p< 0.001].

Conclusion

The number of body sites colonized was associated with odds of C. auris environmental contamination. Differences in environmental recontamination by facility type may be related to greater provider-patient interactions in ACH as a driving factor.

Disclosures

Gabrielle M. Gussin, MS, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products|Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products|Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products Raveena D. Singh, MA, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products|Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products|Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products Raheeb Saavedra, AS, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products|Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products|Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products Nicholas M. Moore, PhD, D(ABMM), Abbott Molecular: Grant/Research Support|Cepheid: Grant/Research Support Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH, Medline: Conducted studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic and/or environmental cleaning products|Molnlyke: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals received contributed antiseptic product|Stryker: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic products|Xttrium Laboratories: Conducted clinical studies in which hospitals and nursing homes received contributed antiseptic product Mary K. Hayden, MD, Sanofi: Member, clinical adjudication panel for an investigational SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Fluctuation and change of serum urate levels and flares in gout: results from the NOR-Gout study

A gout attack may evolve after a purine-rich diet or alcohol and after starting urate-lowering therapy (ULT). The relationships between fluctuation and change in serum urate (SU) with the occurrence of flares were investigated in this study. In the prospective NOR-Gout study, gout patients with increased SU and a recent flare were treated to target with ULT over 1 year, with follow-up at year 2 with SU and flare as outcomes. SU and flares were assessed at both monthly and 3-monthly intervals until target SU was reached. Fluctuation over periods and changes in SU between two time points were assessed and compared in patients with and without flares. At year 1, 186 patients completed follow-up (88.2%) and 173 (82.0%) at year 2. Mean age (SD) at baseline was 56.4 (13.7) years, disease duration was 7.8 (7.6) years, and 95.3% were men. The first-year SU fluctuation and change were related to flare occurrence during year 1 (both p < 0.05). High fluctuation with an absolute sum of all SU changes during the first 9 months was related to flares over 3-month periods (all p < 0.05), and high fluctuation during the first 3 months was related to flares in months 3-6 (p = 0.04). Monthly and high SU changes or again reaching higher SU levels > 360 µmol/l were not related to flares. Fluctuation and change in SU were related to flare occurrence during the first year of ULT, while changes between visits and reaching SU levels > 360 µmol/L were not related to flares. Key Points • Urate-lowering therapy seeks to achieve a treatment target and prevent gout flares, and changes in serum urate are related to gout flares. • Fluctuation and changes in serum urate were associated with gout flares, suggesting that fluctuation in serum urate is unfavourable during gout treatment. • During urate-lowering therapy in gout in clinical practice, fluctuation of serum urate, for example, due to lack of adherence, should be observed and avoided.

Identification of SNPs associated with methotrexate treatment outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

Methotrexate is one of the cornerstones of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. Genetic factors or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are responsible for 15%–30% of the variation in drug response. Identification of clinically effective SNP biomarkers for predicting methotrexate (MTX) sensitivity has been a challenge. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the disease related outcome of MTX treatment and 23 SNPs in 8 genes of the MTX pathway, as well as one pro-inflammatory related gene in RA patients naïve to MTX. Categorical outcomes such as Disease Activity Score (DAS)-based European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) non-response at 4 months, The American College of Rheumatology and EULAR (ACR/EULAR) non-remission at 6 months, and failure to sustain MTX monotherapy from 12 to 24 months were assessed, together with continuous outcomes of disease activity, joint pain and fatigue. We found that the SNPs rs1801394 in the MTRR gene, rs408626 in DHFR gene, and rs2259571 in AIF-1 gene were significantly associated with disease activity relevant continuous outcomes. Additionally, SNP rs1801133 in the MTHFR gene was identified to be associated with improved fatigue. Moreover, associations with p values at uncorrected significance level were found in SNPs and different categorical outcomes: 1) rs1476413 in the MTHFR gene and rs3784864 in ABCC1 gene are associated with ACR/EULAR non-remission; 2) rs1801133 in the MTHFR gene is associated with EULAR response; 3) rs246240 in the ABCC1 gene, rs2259571 in the AIF-1 gene, rs2274808 in the SLC19A1 gene and rs1476413 in the MTHFR gene are associated with failure to MTX monotherapy after 12–24 months. The results suggest that SNPs in genes associated with MTX activity may be used to predict MTX relevant-clinical outcomes in patients with RA.

Treatment Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors and Methotrexate Monotherapy in Adults With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Data From NOR-DMARD

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) ± comedication and methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy between patients with adult juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Adult patients with JIA and RA were identified from the Norwegian Antirheumatic Drug Register (NOR-DMARD) register. Disease activity measurements at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months were compared between patients with JIA and RA starting (1) TNFi and (2) MTX monotherapy, using age- and gender-weighted analyses. We calculated differences between JIA and RA in mean changes in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), among other disease activity measures. DAS28, CDAI, SDAI, and American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) remission rates at 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as 6- and 12-month Lund Efficacy Index (LUNDEX)-corrected rates, were calculated.

RESULTS

We identified 478 patients with JIA (TNFi/MTX monotherapy, n = 358/120) and 4637 patients with RA (TNFi/MTX monotherapy, n = 2292/2345). Patients with JIA had lower baseline disease activity compared to patients with RA across treatment groups. After baseline disease activity adjustment, there were no significant differences in disease activity change from baseline to 3, 6, and 12-months of follow-up between patients with JIA and RA for either treatment group. Twelve-month remission rates were similar between groups based on DAS28 (TNFi: JIA 55.2%, RA 49.5%; MTX monotherapy: JIA 45.3%, RA 41.2%) and ACR/EULAR remission criteria (TNFi: JIA 20.4%, RA 20%; MTX monotherapy: JIA 17%, RA 12.7%). Median drug survival (yrs) was similar for JIA and RA in both treatment groups (TNFi: JIA 1.2, RA 1.4; MTX monotherapy: JIA 1.3, RA 1.6).

CONCLUSION

TNFi and MTX monotherapy are effective in adult JIA, with similar effectiveness to that shown in RA.

Immunogenicity and safety of a three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination strategy in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases on immunosuppressive therapy

Objectives

Humoral vaccine responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are impaired and short lasting in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) following two vaccine doses. To protect these vulnerable patients against severe COVID-19 disease, a three-dose primary vaccination strategy has been implemented in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate humoral response and safety of primary vaccination with three doses in patients with IMID.

Methods

Patients with IMID on immunosuppressive therapy and healthy controls receiving three-dose and two-dose primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, respectively, were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Anti-Spike antibodies were assessed 2–4 weeks, and 12 weeks following each dose. The main outcome was anti-Spike antibody levels 2–4 weeks following three doses in patients with IMID and two doses in controls. Additional outcomes were the antibody decline rate and adverse events.

Results

1100 patients and 303 controls were included. Following three-dose vaccination, patients achieved median (IQR) antibody levels of 5720 BAU/mL (2138–8732) compared with 4495 (1591–6639) in controls receiving two doses, p=0.27. Anti-Spike antibody levels increased with median 1932 BAU/mL (IQR 150–4978) after the third dose. The interval between the vaccine doses and vaccination with mRNA-1273 or a combination of vaccines were associated with antibody levels following the third dose. Antibody levels had a slower decline-rate following the third than the second vaccine dose, p<0.001. Adverse events were reported by 464 (47%) patients and by 196 (78%) controls. Disease flares were reported by 70 (7%) patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that additional vaccine doses to patients with IMID contribute to strong and sustained immune-responses comparable to healthy persons vaccinated twice, and supports repeated vaccination of patients with IMID.

Trial registration number

NCT04798625.

An international audit of the management of dyslipidaemia and hypertension in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from 19 countries

AIMS

To assess differences in estimated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from different world regions and to evaluate the management and goal attainment of lipids and blood pressure (BP).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The survey of CVD risk factors in patients with RA was conducted in 14 503 patients from 19 countries during 2014-19. The treatment goal for BP was <140/90 mmHg. CVD risk prediction and lipid goals were according to the 2016 European guidelines. Overall, 21% had a very high estimated risk of CVD, ranging from 5% in Mexico, 15% in Asia, 19% in Northern Europe, to 31% in Central and Eastern Europe and 30% in North America. Of the 52% with indication for lipid-lowering treatment (LLT), 44% were using LLT. The lipid goal attainment was 45% and 18% in the high and very high risk groups, respectively. Use of statins in monotherapy was 24%, while 1% used statins in combination with other LLT. Sixty-two per cent had hypertension and approximately half of these patients were at BP goal. The majority of the patients used antihypertensive treatment in monotherapy (24%), while 10% and 5% as a two- or three-drug combination.

CONCLUSION

We revealed considerable geographical differences in estimated CVD risk and preventive treatment. Low goal attainment for LLT was observed, and only half the patients obtained BP goal. Despite a high focus on the increased CVD risk in RA patients over the last decade, there is still substantial potential for improvement in CVD preventive measures.

OP0257 RISK OF HAEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCY IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS, OVERALL AND IN RELATION TO TNF INHIBITORS - A NORDIC COHORT STUDY

Background

Several autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are associated with increased risk of malignant lymphomas. There is also a longstanding concern of lymphoma development with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment, but most studies in RA to date do not indicate an additionally increased risk. Corresponding studies in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), both with respect to the underlying risks, and risks in relation to treatment with TNFi, are limited. Data on myeloid malignancies in PsA are scarce.

Objectives

To estimate the risk of haematological malignancy overall and by lymphoid and myeloid types in TNFi treated versus (vs.) biologics-naïve patients with PsA across the five Nordic countries. Additionally, we investigated the underlying risk of haematological malignancies in PsA as compared to the general population.

Methods

We identified patients with PsA starting a first ever TNFi from the clinical rheumatology registers (CRR) in Sweden (SE), Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), Finland (FI), and Iceland (ICE) from 2006 through 2019 (n=10 621). We identified biologics-naïve patients with PsA from a) the CRR (n=18 705, all countries) and b) the national patient registers (NPR, n=27 286, SE and DK only). To estimate the underlying risk of haematological malignancy in PsA, we randomly sampled general population comparators in SE and DK matched on year of birth, sex, and calendar year at start of follow-up, to the patients with PsA.

Through linkage to the mandatory national cancer registers in all five countries, we collected information on haematological malignancy overall, and categorised into lymphoid or myeloid types. By applying a modified Poisson regression, we estimated pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for TNFi treated vs. biologics-naïve PsA and for PsA vs. the general population, adjusted for age (18-55, 56-65, 66-70, >70 years), sex, calendar period (2006-2010, 2011-2019) and country, and using robust standard errors.

Results

We observed 40 events of haematological malignancies (during 59 827 person-years) among TNFi treated PsA, resulting in a crude incidence rate (IR) of 67 per 100 000 person-years. The corresponding IR was 91 (63 events) for biologics-naïve PsA from the CRR, and 118 (172 events) for biologics-naïve PsA from NPR. This resulted in a pooled IRR of 0.97 (0.69 to 1.37) for TNFi-treated vs. biologics-naïve PsA patients from the CRR, and 0.84 (0.64 to 1.10) vs. biologics-naïve PsA patients from the NPR. The pooled IRR of haematological malignancies in PsA overall vs. the general population was 1.35 (1.17 to 1.55). Throughout, the estimates were largely similar for lymphoid and myeloid malignancies (Figure 1). The crude IR of haematological malignancies were substantially akin across different TNFi agents.

Figure 1.

Pooled incidence rate ratios (IRRs) (95% CI) of haematological malignancy overall and by lymphoid and myeloid types, in first ever TNFi treated versus biologics-naïve patients with PsA, and versus general population comparators. Legend: Lymphoid malignancies include international classification of diseases (ICD) 10 codes C81-86, C88, C90-91. Myeloid malignancies include ICD10 codes C92-95, D45-D46, D47.1, D47.3-5. Incidence rate ratios adjusted for age (18-55, 56-65, 66-70, >70 years), sex, calendar period (2006-2010, 2011-2019) and country, and using robust standard errors.

Conclusion

In this large five-country cohort study, we did not observe any increased risk of haematological malignancies overall, nor for lymphoid and myeloid types, in patients with PsA treated with TNFi. By contrast, there were signals of a moderately increased underlying risk of haematological malignancies, both of lymphoid and myeloid types, in patients with PsA overall as compared to the general population. The findings are of importance from a patient information perspective.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the NordForsk and FOREUM, and especially the patient representatives of the NordForsk collaboration for their valuable contribution to this study.

Disclosure of Interests

René Cordtz: None declared, Johan Askling Consultant of: Abbvie, Astra-Zeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Astra-Zeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi, and UCB, Bénédicte Delcoigne: None declared, Karin Ekström Smedby: None declared, Eva Baecklund: None declared, Christine Ballegaard: None declared, Pia Isomäki Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche and ViforPharma, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Kalle Aaltonen: None declared, Björn Gudbjornsson Speakers bureau: Novartis, not related to this work, Consultant of: Novartis, not related to this work, Thorvardur Love Speakers bureau: Celgene, Sella Aa. Provan: None declared, Brigitte Michelsen Grant/research support from: Novartis, not related to this work, Joe Sexton: None declared, Lene Dreyer Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Galderma and Janssen, Grant/research support from: BMS not related to this work, Karin Hellgren: None declared

POS0007 HLA-DQ2 IS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTI-DRUG ANTIBODY FORMATION TO INFLIXIMAB ACROSS IMMUNE-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

Background

Immunogenicity is a leading cause of treatment failure to TNF inhibitors, and also affects drug safety. Variations in HLA class II genes have been suggested to predispose to anti-drug antibody formation (ADA), but characterisation of biologically relevant HLA haplotypes, based on high-resolution genotyping, is lacking.

Objectives

To assess associations between HLA loci and formation of ADA to infliximab across different immune mediated inflammatory diseases.

Methods

Patients with immune mediated inflammatory diseases on infliximab therapy (N=612; 181 spondyloarthritis, 120 rheumatoid arthritis, 72 psoriatic arthritis, 114 ulcerative colitis, 80 Crohn’s disease and 45 psoriasis) participating in the Norwegian Drug Monitoring (NOR-DRUM) trials (1, 2) were included in the present analyses. Neutralising ADA were assessed with an automated fluorescence assay at each infusion. Next generation sequencing-based HLA typing was performed. Associations with ADA formation were assessed at locus, allele, haplotype and amino acid level. Peptide binding predictions for infliximab were performed.

Results

ADA were detected in 147 patients (24%). Significant associations were shown between ADA and several HLA loci, whereas conditional analyses indicated HLA-DQB1 (p=1.4x10-6) as the primary risk locus. Highest risk of ADA formation was seen for patients carrying at least one of the HLA-DQ2 haplotypes; DQB1*02:01~DQA1*05:01 and DQB1*02:02~DQA1*02:01 (OR 3.18, 95% CI 2.15 to 4.69, p=5.9x10-9) (Figure 1). These findings were consistent across diagnoses (Table 1), and remained significant when adjusting for other possible predictors of ADA. Computational predictions indicated that both these HLA-DQ2 haplotypes could strongly bind two peptide motifs (INTVESEDI and VYACEVTHQ) in the infliximab heavy and light chain.

Table 1.

HLA-DQ2 carrier frequencies according to the different disease phenotypes and for all diagnosis combined

DiagnosisHLA-DQ2 carrier-frequency among patients with ADA formationHLA-DQ2 carrier-frequency among patients without ADA formationP-valueRA (N=120)0.3160.1340.02PsA (N=72)0.550.2310.01SpA (N=181)0.3640.1820.02UC (N=114)0.5560.2640.006CD (N=80)0.4290.3030.33Ps (N=45)0.8670.2670.0004All disease phenotypes0.4690.2175.9x10-9

Conclusion

The risk of ADA to infliximab was three-fold higher in patients carrying the HLA-DQ2 risk haplotypes across diseases. A biological role for the HLA-DQ2 molecules encoded by the two different HLA-DQ2 risk haplotypes in the formation of ADA was further supported by peptide binding predictions. These novel findings provide promise for future incorporation of HLA-DQ2 testing to facilitate personalised treatment decisions.

References

[1]Syversen SW et al. Jama. 2021;326(23):2375-84.

[2]Syversen SW et al. Jama. 2021;325(17):1744-54.

Disclosure of Interests

Marthe Kirkesæther Brun: None declared, Kristin Hammersbøen Bjørlykke: None declared, Marte K. Viken: None declared, Bitte Stenvik Employee of: is a former employee of UCB Pharma, Rolf A. Klaasen: None declared, Johanna Gehin: None declared, David J Warren: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Øystein Sandanger: None declared, Cato Mørk Speakers bureau: Novartis Norway, LEO Pharma, ACO Hud Norge, Cellgene, Abbvie, and Galderma Nordic AB., Consultant of: Novartis Norway, LEO Pharma, ACO Hud Norge, Cellgene, Abbvie, and Galderma Nordic AB., Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Amgen, Celltrion, Evapharma, Gilead, Hikma, Mylan, Oktal, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: Amgen, Celltrion, Evapharma, Gilead, Hikma, Mylan, Oktal, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Espen A Haavardsholm Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Gilead, Eli-Lilly, and UCB, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Gilead, Eli-Lilly, and UCB, Jørgen Jahnsen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Giliad, Hikma, Janssen Cilag, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Pfizer, Roche, Takeda, and Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Giliad, Hikma, Janssen Cilag, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Pfizer, Roche, Takeda, and Sandoz, Guro Løvik Goll Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Orion pharma, Sandoz, Novartis, and UCB, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Orion pharma, Sandoz, Novartis, and UCB, Benedicte A. Lie: None declared, Kristin Kaasen Jørgensen Speakers bureau: Roche, BMS, Celltrion, and Norgine., Consultant of: Roche, BMS, Celltrion, and Norgine., Nils Bolstad Speakers bureau: Roche Pharmaceuticals and Novartis, Consultant of: Janssen, Silje Watterdal Syversen: None declared

AB1338 CALPROTECTIN, A SENSITIVE MARKER OF INFLAMMATION, IS ROBUSTLY ASSESSED IN PLASMA FROM PATIENTS WITH ESTABLISHED RA BY USE OF DIFFERENT LABORATORY METHODS

Background

Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9, MRP8/MRP14) in plasma has been shown to be more sensitive than C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in reflecting inflammatory activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1,2

Objectives

The present objective was to explore the robustness of laboratory examination of calprotectin by comparing the results from assessments by use of two different methods.

Methods

Frozen plasma samples from a study of 177 patients with established RA initiating biologic disease modifying drugs were analysed for calprotectin levels at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months by use of either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or fluoroenzyme immunoassay (FEIA).

The ELISA technique used kits from Calpro AS (Oslo, Norway) and the samples were assessed in a semi-automatic analysis machine Dynex DS2 (Dynex Technologies, Virginia, USA) at Diakonhjemmet hospital. The Calpro AS kits included all necessary buffers, cleansing solutions, enzyme substrate, standards, and controls (high and low calprotectin levels) and their protocol was used for the calprotectin assessments. The standards and controls were used as the mean of two measures, while all the patient samples were analysed as single measures.

As a sub-study in NORA (a study exploring personalized medicine in RA by including several study cohorts from the Nordic countries), the same plasma samples were additionally assessed by FEIA. The FEIA technology used the EliATM calprotectin 2 wells in a Research Use Only setting on the PhadiaTM 2500 instrument (Phadia AB, Uppsala, Sweden) with a 1:50 dilution.

Spearman was used for correlation assessments. To explore differences across concentration levels the baseline calprotectin levels were divided into 3 groups based on results from the Calpro AS assay (normal levels; ≤ 910 µg/L; moderately elevated; 911-2000 µg/L, highly elevated; > 2000 µg/L).

Results

A total of 917 samples from the 177 patients (mean (SD) age 52.9 (13) years, disease duration 10 years (ranging from a few months to 46 years), 81% women, 78% anti-CCP IgG positive and 81% RF IgM positive) were included. The median of the correlation coefficients between the two methods at the six visits was 0.96 (range 0.91-0.97). Correlations were very high for normal levels (0.91) but somewhat lower for moderate and highly elevated levels (0.85 and 0.79, respectively). There were no significant differences between the associations depending on age, sex, or disease duration, nor on the anti-CCP IgG and RF IgM status of the patient.

Conclusion

The present study supports the robustness of calprotectin analyses, showing similar results across two different analytical methods, and that the concentrations were not influenced by demographic or immunological variables. Being a robust and more sensitive marker of inflammation than the commonly used CRP and ESR, calprotectin analyses should be available for assessments of RA patients in routine clinical care.

References

[1]Hammer, H.B., et al., Calprotectin (a major leucocyte protein) is strongly and independently correlated with joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis, 2007. 66(8): p. 1093-7.

[2]Hilde Haugedal Nordal HH et al. Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) has the strongest association with ultrasound-detected synovitis and predicts response to biologic treatment: results from a longitudinal study of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis Research & Therapy (2017) 19:3

Disclosure of Interests

Hilde Berner Hammer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Lilly and Novartis, Sigve Lans Pedersen: None declared, Isabel Gehring: None declared, Linda Mathsson-Alm: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Johan Askling Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi, and UCB

POS0281 FLUCTUATIONS IN SERUM URATE ARE RELATED TO GOUT FLARES IN THE NOR-Gout STUDY

Background

Urate lowering therapy (ULT) is expected to prevent new gout flares, but flares still do occur during the first year, and could be related to fluctuations in serum urate (SUA), being a result of proinflammatory signals. Knowledge on the relationship between fluctuation in SUA and gout flares is limited.

Objectives

To study how fluctuation in SUA is related to gout flares in the first year of ULT.

Methods

In a prospective observational 2-year study 211 included patients with crystal-proven gout were evaluated for flare frequency. Patients were frequently followed during ULT (allopurinol or febuxostat) with monthly dose escalation until SUA was at target (<360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi), and met also for visits at 3, 6, 9, 12 during year 1 and at year 2. Self-reported flares were continuously registered at all study visits.

Fluctuations in SUA were defined with various measures of SUA: a.) sum of changes between all consecutive visits over the whole 2-year period as a global measure, b. SUA change during 3-month visits at year 1 and during year 2. Further, the frequency of patients exceeding SUA changes with threshold >30, >60 and >90 µmol in these periods was calculated.

Fluctuations in SUA were then related to self-reported flares during the same 3-month periods year 1, and the whole years 1 and 2.

Results

Age was 56.4 (SD 13.7) years, 95.3% were males, disease duration 7.8 (SD 7.6) years.

SUA decreased from mean 500 µmol/L at baseline to 311 µmol at 1 year and 324 µmol/L at year 2. Flares were seen in year 1 in 81.2% (155/186) and year 2 26.0% (45/173) of patients.

The total sum of SUA changes over 2 years as a global measure for individual SUA fluctuation was related to flares in all 3-month periods during year 1 (Table 1) and for year 1 overall (Figure 1), but not for year 2.

Table 1.

Flares and fluctuation of serum urate (SUA) measures during defined observation periods.

Flare period (Mths)NSum of all SUA changes (mean)SUA change (mean)>30 µmol/L SUA change (% patients)>60 µmol/L SUA change (% patients)>90 µmol/L SUA change (% patients)0-3Flare +63467*141*88.183.167.8Flare -14838816595.591.580.83-6Flare +91459**1938.828.210.6Flare -1203751739.424.514.96-9Flare +56482*1049.0**25.525.5Flare -1553862626.515.515.59-12Flare +70470*432.216.911.9Flare -116406922.69.46.60-12Flare +155445*19398.094.090.7*Flare -3634516091.786.075.012-24Flare +454111324.411.16.7Flare -1284491425.811.74.7

*P<0.05, **P<0.01 for comparisons +/-Flare

Other measures of SUA fluctuation (SUA change during periods, and exceeding thresholds of change) were generally not related to incidence of flares, neither were sensitivity analyses for incidence of flares in periods succeeding observed SUA fluctuations.

Conclusion

Fluctuation in SUA, defined as the total sum of mean SUA changes between all study visits, was related to gout flares during year1. Our findings support that a pattern of SUA fluctuation is related to gout flares.

Disclosure of Interests

Till Uhlig Speakers bureau: SOBI, Consultant of: Grünenthal, Lars Karoliussen: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: AbbVie, MSD, UCB, Hospira/Pfizer, Eli-Lilly, Roche, Hikma, Orion, Sanofi, Celltrion, Sandoz, Biogen, Amgen, Egis, Ewopharma, Mylan, Grant/research support from: BMS, Espen Andre Haavardsholm Speakers bureau: Pfizer, UCB, Eli Lilly, Celgene, Janssen-Cilag, AbbVie, Gilead, Fernando Perez-Ruiz Speakers bureau: Algorithm, Alnylam, Astellas, Arthriti, Menarini, NMD, Parexel, Hilde Berner Hammer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Lilly, Novartis

OP0192 SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE AND SAFETY OF A THREE-DOSE SARS-CoV-2 VACCINATION STRATEGY IN PATIENTS WITH IMMUNE-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES ON IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY

Background

Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) on immunosuppressive therapy have an inadequate serologic response following two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, and a standard vaccination strategy of three doses for this patient group is currently under implementation in several countries. However, the serological response and safety of this strategy has not been evaluated.

Objectives

To assess serological response and safety of a three-dose vaccination strategy in IMID patients on immunosuppressive therapy as compared to standard two-dose vaccination of healthy controls.

Methods

The prospective observational Nor-vaC study (NCT04798625) enrolled adult patients on immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory joint- and bowel diseases. Healthy controls were health care workers from participating hospitals. All participants received standard vaccines according to the national vaccination program with three doses in patients and two doses in controls. The third dose was offered to IMID patients >4 weeks after the second dose. Analyses of antibodies binding the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were performed prior to, and 2-4 weeks after the second and third vaccine doses. Levels were compared across groups by Mann-Whitney U tests and multivariate linear regression was used to identify predictors of response.

Results

Overall, 961 patients (315 rheumatoid arthritis, 156 spondyloarthritis, 171 psoriatic arthritis, 132 ulcerative colitis and182 Crohn’s disease) (median age 54 years [IQR 43-64]; 56 % women) and 227 controls (median age 44 years [IQR 32-55]; 83 % women) were included in the present analyses. TNFi monotherapy was used by 399 patients, 229 used TNFi in combination with other immunomodulators, 189 methotrexate monotherapy, 39 vedolizumab, 32 JAKi and 73 patients used other drugs. Patients on rituximab were not included. Patients were vaccinated with Pfizer BNT162b2 (54% patients, 14% controls), Moderna mRNA-1273 (16% patients, 40% controls) or a combination of vaccines (30% patients, 46% controls). Patients received the third vaccine dose a median of 120 (IQR 102-143) days after the second dose. After two doses, median anti-Spike antibody levels were significantly lower in patients (861 BAU/ml (IQR 418-4275) than controls (6318 BAU/ml (IQR 2468-9857)), p<0.001 (Figure 1). Following the third dose, patients achieved antibody levels comparable to the two-dose vaccinated controls (median 5480 BAU/ml (IQR 1081-12069), p=0.28) (Figure 1). In the patients anti-Spike antibody levels increased by a median of 2685 BAU/ml (IQR 265-9129) from the second to the third dose. Main factors associated with increased antibody level after the third dose were younger age (β -87.7 (p=0.002)), and vaccine status (mRNA-1273 vaccine (β 5549 (p<0.001)) or a combination of vaccines (β 4367.3 (p<0.001)).

Adverse events were reported by 438 (48%) of patients after the third dose as compared to 471 (54%) after the second dose and 193 (78 %) of controls. Disease flares were reported by 42 (5%) and 69 (8%) patients after the second and third dose, respectively.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a third vaccine dose for immunosuppressed patients closes the gap in serological response between patients and the healthy population. Antibody levels following the three-dose regimen in IMID patients were comparable to healthy controls vaccinated twice, and no new safety issues emerged. This finding was consistent across all diagnoses and treatment groups, supporting the implementation of a three-dose vaccine regimen as standard in the IMID population.

Disclosure of Interests

Ingrid Jyssum: None declared, Anne Therese Tveter: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Ingrid E. Christensen: None declared, Trung T. Tran: None declared, Siri Mjaaland: None declared, David J Warren: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Amgen,Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz, Sanofi, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Grants to institution (Diakonhjemmet Hospital): Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Kristin Hammersbøen Bjørlykke: None declared, Grete B. Kro: None declared, Jørgen Jahnsen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astro Pharma, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Ferring, Gilead, Hikma, Janssen Cilag, Meda, MSD, Napp

Pharma, Novartis, Orion Pharma Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Roche, Takeda, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Ferring, Gilead, Janssen Cilag MSD, Napp Pharma, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Takeda, Sandoz, Unimedic Pharma, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pharmacosmos, Ferring, Ludvig A. Munthe Speakers bureau: Novartis, Cellgene, Espen A Haavardsholm: None declared, John Torgils Vaage: None declared, Gunnveig Grodeland Speakers bureau: Bayer, Sanofi Pasteur, Thermo Fisher, Consultant of: Consulting fees from the Norwegian System of Compensation to Patients and AstraZeneca, Fridtjof Lund-Johansen: None declared, Sella Aarrestad Provan: None declared, Kristin Kaasen Jørgensen Speakers bureau: Roche, BMS, Consultant of: Celltrion, Norgine, Guro Løvik Goll Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB, Sandoz, Orion Pharma, Novartis, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Silje Watterdal Syversen: None declared

OP0176 THE PERSISTENCE OF ANTI-SPIKE ANTIBODIES FOLLOWING TWO SARS-CoV-2 VACCINES IN PATIENTS WITH IMMUNE-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES USING IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY, COMPARED TO HEALTHY CONTROLS

Background

Limited data is available regarding long-term effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) on immunosuppressive therapy. Whether the persistence of vaccine-induced humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 differs between this patient population and the general public is currently unknown.

Objectives

To compare the persistence of anti-Spike antibodies following two SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses between IMID patients using immunosuppressive medication and healthy controls and identify predictors of antibody decline.

Methods

We included patients with inflammatory joint- and bowel diseases on immunosuppressive medication and healthy controls enrolled in the prospective observational Nor-vaC study. Serum samples were collected at two time points following two dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (first assessment within 6–48 days and second within 49–123 days). Sera were analysed for antibodies binding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Anti-RBD <200 BAU /ml were defined as low levels. The estimated percent reduction in anti-RBD standardised to 30 days was calculated and factors associated with reduction were identified in multivariable regression models.

Results

A total of 1097 patients (400 rheumatoid arthritis, 189 psoriatic arthritis, 189 spondyloarthritis, 129 ulcerative colitis, 190 Crohn´s disease) (median age 54 years [IQR 43–64]; 56% women) and 133 controls (median age 45 years [IQR 35–56]; 83% women) provided blood samples within the defined intervals (median 19 days [IQR 15–24] and 97 days [86–105] after second vaccine dose). Antibody levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls at both assessments, with median anti-RBD 1468 BAU/ml [IQR 500–5062] in patients and 5514 BAU/ml [2528–9580] in controls (p<0.0001) and 298 BAU/ml [IQR 79–500] in patients and 715 BAU/ml [28–2870] in controls (p<0.0001), at first and second assessment respectively. Figure 1 show antibody levels at both assessments after medication group. At the second assessment, anti-RBD antibody levels decreased below 200 BAU/ml in 452 (41%) patients and in 1 (0.8%) control (p<0.0001) (Table 1). The percentage change in anti-RBD levels were -86 % in patients and -77 % in controls (p<0.0001). The majority of patients using rituximab had low antibody levels at both assessments, Figure 1. In the multivariable regression analyses, patients had a greater decline in anti-RBD levels compared to controls β -3.7 (95% CI -6.0, -1.4) (p<0.001). Use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in mono- or combination therapy was associated with the greatest decline compared to controls, β -6.1 (95% CI -8.1, -4.1) and β -6.4 (-8.4, -4.2) respectively (p<0.001).

Table 1.

Serological response in patients and controls

Controls (n=133)Patients (n=1097)Anti-RBD antibodies (BAU/ml)1stassessment2ndassessment1stassessment2ndassessment<5, n (%)0018 (1.6)54 (5)5-19, n (%)004 (0.4)60 (5)20-199, n (%)01 (1)40 (4)338 (31)200-1999, n (%)25 (19)89 (67)548 (50)558 (51)2000-8999, n (%)71 (53)40 (30)398 (36)82 (7.5)≥ 9000, n (%)37 (28)3 (2)89 (8)5 (0.5)

1st assessment 6 - 48 days and 2nd assessment 49 -123 days after second vaccine dose. BAU= Binding antibody Units

Conclusion

Within four months after the second vaccine dose, anti-Spike antibody levels declined considerably in both IMID patients and controls. Patients had lower antibody levels at the first assessment and a more pronounced decline compared to controls, and were consequently more likely to have low antibody levels four months after the second vaccine dose. Our results support that IMID patients lose humoral protection and need additional vaccine doses sooner than healthy individuals.

Disclosure of Interests

Ingrid Egeland Christensen: None declared, Ingrid Jyssum: None declared, Anne Therese Tveter: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Trung T. Tran: None declared, Siri Mjaaland: None declared, Grete B. Kro: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Amgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz, Sanofi, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Grants to institution (Diakonhjemmet Hospital): Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, David Worren: None declared, Jørgen Jahnsen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astro Pharma, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Ferring, Gilead, Hikma, Janssen Cilag, Meda, MSD, Napp Pharma, Novartis, Orion Pharma Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Roche, Takeda, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Ferring, Gilead, Janssen Cilag MSD, Napp Pharma, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Takeda, Sandoz, Unimedic Pharma, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pharmacosmos, Ferring, Ludvig A. Munthe Speakers bureau: Novartis, Cellgene, Espen Haavardsholm: None declared, John Torgils Vaage: None declared, Gunnveig Grodeland Speakers bureau: Bayer, Sanofi Pasteur, Thermo Fisher, Consultant of: Consulting fees from the Norwegian System of Compensation to Patients and AstraZeneca, Fridtjof Lund-Johansen: None declared, Kristin Kaasen Jørgensen Speakers bureau: Roche, BMS, Consultant of: Celltrion, Norgine, Silje Watterdal Syversen: None declared, Guro Løvik Goll Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB, Sandoz, Orion Pharma, Novartis, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Sella Aarrestad Provan: None declared

Associations of Body Mass Index With Pain and the Mediating Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers in People With Hand Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of body mass index (BMI) with pain in people with hand osteoarthritis (OA), and explore whether this association, if causal, is mediated by systemic inflammatory biomarkers.

METHODS

In 281 Nor-Hand study participants, we estimated associations between BMI and hand pain, as measured by the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN; range 0-20) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; range 0-10); foot pain, as measured by NRS (range 0-10); knee/hip pain, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; range 0-20); painful total body joint count; and pain sensitization. We fit natural-effects models to estimate natural direct and natural indirect effects of BMI on pain through inflammatory biomarkers.

RESULTS

Each 5-unit increase in BMI was associated with more severe hand pain (on average increased AUSCAN by 0.64 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.23, 1.08]), foot pain (on average increased NRS by 0.65 [95% CI 0.36, 0.92]), knee/hip pain (on average increased WOMAC by 1.31 [95% CI 0.87, 1.73]), generalized pain, and pain sensitization. Mediation analyses suggested that the effects of BMI on hand pain and painful total body joint count were partially mediated by leptin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), respectively. Effect sizes for mediation by leptin were larger for the hands than for the lower extremities, and were statistically significant for the hands only.

CONCLUSION

In people with hand OA, higher BMI is associated with greater pain severity in the hands, feet, and knees/hips. Systemic effects of obesity, measured by leptin, may play a larger mediating role for pain in the hands than in the lower extremities. Low-grade inflammation, measured by hsCRP, may contribute to generalized pain in overweight/obese individuals.

One- and 2-year flare rates after treat-to-target and tight-control therapy of gout: results from the NOR-Gout study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the frequency and predictors of flares over 2 years during a treat-to-target strategy with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in patients with gout.

METHODS

In the treat-to-target, tight control NOR-Gout study patients started ULT with escalating doses of allopurinol. Flares were recorded over 2 years. Baseline predictors of flares during months 9-12 in year 1 and during year 2 were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 211 patients included (mean age 56.4 years, disease duration 7.8 years, 95% males), 81% (150/186) of patients experienced at least one gout flare during the first year and 26% (45/173) during the second year. The highest frequency of flares in the first year was seen during months 3-6 (46.8% of patients). Baseline crystal depositions detected by ultrasound and by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) were the only variables which predicted flares both during the first period of interest at months 9-12 (OR 1.033; 95% CI 1.010-1.057, and OR 1.056; 95% CI 1.007-1.108) and also in year 2. Baseline subcutaneous tophi (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.50-5.59) and prior use of colchicine at baseline (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.28-4.79) were independent predictors of flares during months 9-12, whereas self-efficacy for pain was a protective predictor (OR 0.98 per unit, 95% CI 0.964-0.996).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with gout, flares remain frequent during the first year of a treat-to-target ULT strategy, especially during months 3-6, but are much less frequent during year 2. Baseline crystal depositions predict flares over 2 years, supporting ULT early during disease course.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12618001372279.

Serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: data from register linkage of the NOR-DMARD study

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of serious infections (SIs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), and compare risk of SIs between patients with RA and PsA.

METHODS

We included patients with RA and PsA from the NORwegian-Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug registry starting TNFi treatment. Crude incidence rates (IRs) and IR ratio for SIs were calculated. The risk of SIs in patients with RA and PsA was compared using adjusted Cox-regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 3169 TNFi treatment courses (RA/PsA: 1778/1391) were identified in 2359 patients. Patients with RA were significantly older with more extensive use of co-medication. The crude IRs for SIs were 4.17 (95% CI 3.52 to 4.95) in patients with RA and 2.16 (95% CI 1.66 to 2.81) in patients with PsA. Compared with the patients with RA, patients with PsA had a lower risk of SIs (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.85, p=0.004) in complete set analysis. The reduced risk in PsA versus RA remained significant after multiple adjustments and consistent across strata based on age, gender and disease status.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with patients with RA, the risk of SIs was significantly lower in patients with PsA during TNFi exposure.

The potential for refining nitrogen fertiliser management through accounting for climate impacts: An exploratory study for the Tully region

Increasing the precision of nitrogen (N) fertiliser management in cropping systems is integral to increasing the environmental and economic sustainability of cropping. In a simulation study, we found that natural variability in year-to-year climate had a major effect on optimum N fertiliser rates for sugarcane in the Tully region of north-eastern Australia, where N discharges pose high risks to Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. There were interactions between climate and other factors affecting crop growth that made optimum N rates field-specific. The regional average optimum N fertiliser rate was substantially lower than current industry guidelines. Likewise, simulated N losses to the environment at optimum N fertiliser rates were substantially lower than the simulated losses at current industry fertiliser guidelines. Dissolved N discharged from rivers is related to fertiliser applications. If the reductions in N applications identified in the study occurred in the Tully region, the reduction in dissolved N discharges from rivers in the region would almost meet current water quality improvement targets. Whilst there were many assumptions made in this exploratory study, and there are many steps between the study and a practically implemented dynamic N fertiliser recommendation system, the potential environmental benefits justify field validation and further development of the concepts identified in the study.

Risk of solid cancers overall and by subtypes in patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with TNF inhibitors - a Nordic cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether TNF inhibitors (TNFi) are associated with increased risk of solid cancer in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

From the Nordic clinical rheumatology registers (CRR) here: SRQ/ARTIS (Sweden), DANBIO (Denmark), NOR-DMARD (Norway), ROB-FIN (Finland) and ICEBIO (Iceland) we identified PsA patients who started a first TNFi 2001-2017 (n = 9655). We identified patients with PsA not treated with biologics from (i) the CRR (n = 14 809) and (ii) the national patient registers (PR, n = 31 350). By linkage to the national cancer registers, we collected information on incident solid cancer overall and for eight cancer types. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI of cancer (per country and pooled) in TNFi-exposed vs biologics-naïve, adjusting for age, sex, calendar period, comorbidities and disease activity. We also assessed standardized incidence ratios (SIR) in TNFi-exposed PsA vs the general population (GP).

RESULTS

We identified 296 solid cancers among the TNFi-exposed PsA patients (55 850 person-years); the pooled adjusted HR for solid cancer overall was 1.0 (0.9-1.2) for TNFi-exposed vs biologics-naïve PsA from the CRR, and 0.8 (0.7-1.0) vs biologics-naïve PsA from the PRs. There were no significantly increased risks for any of the cancer types under study. The pooled SIR of solid cancer overall in TNFi treated PsA vs GP was 1.0 (0.9-1.1).

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort study from five Nordic countries, we found no increased risk of solid cancer in TNFi-treated PsA patients, neither for solid cancer overall nor for eight common cancer types.

Two-year reduction of dual-energy CT urate depositions during a treat-to-target strategy in gout in the NOR-Gout longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of large longitudinal studies of urate deposition measured by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) during urate lowering therapy (ULT) in people with gout. We explored longitudinal changes in DECT urate depositions during a treat-to-target strategy with ULT in gout.

METHODS

Patients with a recent gout flare and serum-urate (sUA) >360 µmol/l attended tight-control visits during escalating ULT. The treatment target was sUA <360 µmol/l, and <300 µmol/l if presence of tophi.A DECT scanner (General Electric Discovery CT750 HD) acquired data from bilateral forefeet and ankles at baseline and after one and two years. Images were scored in known order, using the semi-quantitative Bayat method, by one experienced radiologist who was blinded to serum urate and clinical data. Four regions were scored: the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint, the other joints of the toes, the ankles and midfeet, and all tendons in the feet and ankles.

RESULTS

DECT was measured at baseline in 187 of 211 patients. The mean (S.D.) serum urate level (μmol/l) decreased from 501 (80) at baseline to 311 (48) at 12 months, and 322 (67) at 24 months.DECT scores at all locations decreased during both the first and the second year (p< 0.001 for all comparisons vs baseline), both for patients achieving and not achieving the sUA treatment target.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with gout, urate depositions in ankles and feet as measured by DECT decreased both in the first and the second year, when patients were treated using a treat-to-target ULT strategy.

Degree of arterial stiffness is comparable across inflammatory joint disease entities

Objectives: Inflammatory joint disease (IJD) is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial stiffness is both a risk factor and a surrogate marker for CVD. This study aims to compare arterial stiffness across patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis, and, by extension, to explore the relationship between arterial stiffness and the estimated CVD risk by the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm.Method: During the study period, from April 2017 to June 2018, 196 patients with IJD visited the Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic in Oslo, Norway. A CVD risk stratification was performed, including the assessment of traditional risk factors and the measurement of arterial stiffness.Results: Thirty-six patients (18.4%) had elevated aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) (≥ 10 m/s). After adjustment for age and heart rate, arterial stiffness was comparable across the IJD entities (p = 0.69). Associated factors, revealed by regression analysis, were age, blood pressure, heart rate, presence of carotid plaques, establis hed CVD, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and statin use. Furthermore, aPWV was positively correlated with estimated CVD risk (r = 0.7, p < 0.001) and patients with a very high predicted CVD risk (SCORE ≥ 10%) had significantly higher aPWV than patients at lower CVD risk (9.2 vs 7.5 m/s, p < 0.001).Conclusion: The degree of arterial stiffness was comparable across the IJD entities and was highly associated with the estimated CVD risk. Our findings support the need for an increased focus on prevention of CVD in all patients with IJD.

POS1041 PREVALENCE, INCIDENCE AND ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG USE IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA) IN NORWAY

Background:

Incidence estimates of PsA in Norway have varied from 6.9/100,000 person-years (pyrs) in Northern Norway to 41.3/100,000 pyrs in Central Norway, and point prevalence estimates have ranged from 1.3 to 6.9 per 1,000 adult inhabitants1,2, while nationwide epidemiologic data on PsA in Norway have been lacking.

Objectives:

To estimate prevalence, incidence and use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) among PsA patients in Norway.

Methods:

The Norwegian Cardio-Rheuma register includes pseudonymized data from the total Norwegian population ≥18 years of age during 2008-2017, identified from the National Population register. Demographic and socioeconomic data were retrieved from Statistics Norway. Data on public or private somatic specialized care episodes were collected from the Norwegian Patient register (NPR) [ICD-10 codes for diagnoses and medical procedure codes for biologic DMARD infusions]. Information on dispensed DMARD prescriptions was captured from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Based on NPR data, PsA cases were defined as persons fulfilling three criteria: 1) 1st episode with ICD-10 code M07.0-M07.3 or L40.5 as main or contributory diagnosis (index date), 2) 2nd episode with code M07.0-M07.3 or L40.5 within 2-year period following index date, 3) an episode in internal medicine or rheumatology clinic with recorded M07.0-M07.3 or L40.5 within 2 years from index date. Years 2008-2010 served as a look-back period to identify prevalent PsA cases. To estimate pyrs at risk, we calculated number of individuals aged ≥ 18 years living in Norway on the 1st of January of each year 2011-2015 multiplied by one year (prevalent PsA cases excluded). Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates were calculated with 5-year age groups using the Norwegian adult population on January 1st 2015 as the standard.

Results:

During the look-back period 2008-2010, 7,697 cases fulfilled the PsA definition. In total, 6,183 incident PsA cases were identified during 2011-2015 (incidence 32/100,000 pyrs, 28 among men and 35 among women). Based on a sensitivity analysis comprising 5,065 PsA cases with no dispensed DMARD prescriptions ≥12 months before index date, incidence was slightly lower (26/100,000 pyrs). Patient characteristics and DMARD use are shown in Table 1. The incidence was highest among those aged 50-59 years in both sexes (Figure 1). PsA incidence was lower among those with higher education level (crude/age- and sex-standardized incidence per 100,000 pyrs for those below upper secondary education 34/38, upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education 36/36, higher education 26/25). Point prevalence of PsA was 3.3/1,000 adult inhabitants on January 1st 2016.

Table 1.

Characteristics and treatment penetration of incident PsA patients 2011-2015

AllExcluding cases with DMARDs >1 yr prior to index dateN61835065Women, n (%)3442 (55.7)2783 (54.9)Age at index date, median (IQR)50.5 (40.7 - 59.8)49.9 (40.2 - 59.3)Use of DMARDs after index date, n (%)12 months24 months12 months24 months Any conventional DMARD3706 (59.9)4048 (65.4)2894 (57.1)3184 (62.9) Methotrexate3313 (53.6)3650 (59.0)2638 (52.1)2933 (57.9) Sulfasalazine440 (7.1)586 (9.5)330 (6.5)457 (9.0) Any biologic DMARD842 (13.6)1197 (19.4)485 (9.6)771 (15.2) TNF-inhibitors810 (13.1)1154 (18.7)477 (9.4)758 (15.0) Oral glucocorticoids1773 (28.7)2240 (36.2)1449 (28.6)1807 (35.7) Any DMARD or glucocorticoids4365 (70.6)4742 (76.7)3384 (66.8)3725 (73.5)

Conclusion:

Our estimate of PsA incidence and prevalence are in the mid-range compared to studies from smaller regions in Norway. Methotrexate was initiated for more than half of PsA cases within one year from index date, whereas 19% had used biologic DMARDs within two years.

References:

[1]Hoff M, Gulati A, Romundstad P et al. Prevalence and incidence rates of psoriatic arthritis in central Norway: data from the Nord-Trondelag health study. Ann Rheum Dis 2015;74:60-64.

[2]Nossent J & Gran J. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of psoriatic arthritis in northern Norway. Scand J Rheumatol 2009; 8:251-5.

Acknowledgements:

This work has been supported by a research grant from FOREUM Foundation for Research in Rheumatology.

Disclosure of Interests:

Anne Kerola Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Consultant of: Pfizer, Gilead and Boehringer-Ingelheim, Joseph Sexton: None declared, Silvia Rollefstad: None declared, Grunde Wibetoe: None declared, Cynthia S. Crowson: None declared, Espen Haavardsholm: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Amgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: research funding to Diakonhjemmet Hospital from AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Pfizer and UCB, Anne Grete Semb Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bayer, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi, Consultant of: Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Collaborative research support from Lilly, outside the submitted work.

OP0301 RISK FACTORS FOR ANTI-INFLIXIMAB ANTIBODY FORMATION: RESULTS FROM THE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED NOR-DRUM A TRIAL

Background:

Immunogenicity is related to loss of efficacy and safety to TNFα inhibitors and is frequently observed early in the treatment course. The highest rate of anti-drug antibody (ADAb) formation has been reported for infliximab (IFX). 1 Knowledge about risk factors for immunogenicity might contribute to better handling of this problem in clinical practice.

Objectives:

To identify risk factors for ADAb formation during the early phase of IFX treatment.

Methods:

411 patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (84 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 119 spondyloarthritis (SpA), 45 psoriatic arthritis, 83 ulcerative colitis, 58 Crohn’s disease and 22 psoriasis) initiating IFX treatment were included in the 38-week NOR-DRUM A trial and randomised 1:1 to therapeutic drug monitoring or standard IFX therapy.2 The primary endpoint was clinical remission at week 30. Serum (s) IFX levels and ADAb were measured at each infusion by in-house assays; time-resolved fluorometric assay for sIFX and inhibition assay for ADAb.2 In this sub-study, possible risk factors for ADAb formation including demographic variables, diagnosis, comedication, disease activity, IFX dose, sIFX and drug holidays, were assessed using logistic regression. Variables with a p-value <0.25 in univariate analyses were further examined in multivariate analyses adjusting for potential confounders (diagnosis, disease activity, age and gender).

Results:

410 of 411 patients had at least one measurement of sIFX and were included in the present analyses. 76% of patients were biologic-naive and 45% (18% of RA patients) used IFX as monotherapy. Patients received a mean IFX dose of 3.2-5.9 mg/kg (RA 3.2 mg/kg). ADAb were detected in 78 (19%) patients. The Table 1 shows variables with a significant association to ADAb development. Analyses revealed an increased risk of ADAb development in patients with RA (Odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-3.9), while SpA had a lower risk (OR 0.5, CI 0.2-0.9) compared to the other diagnoses. These findings were consistent in both univariate- and multivariate analyses (Table 1). Figure 1 shows the cumulative hazard for ADAb development according to diagnosis. Other risk factors for ADAb (Table 1) were smoking (OR 1.8, CI 1.0-3.3) and drug holidays of more than 12 weeks (OR 4.7, CI 1.2-18.3). Additionally, the risk of ADAb increased with higher disease activity (OR 1.5, CI 1.0-2.3) and lower sIFX levels (0.7, 0.6-0.8). Patients co-treated with methotrexate (OR 0.4, CI 0.2-0.9) or thiopurines (OR 0.3, CI 0.1-0.8), or having one or more IFX dose increments (OR 0.4, CI 0.3-0.8), had a reduced risk of immunogenicity.

Table 1.

Risk factors for ADAb. Results from logistic regression analyses

Univariate analysesMultivariate analyses (Adjusted for diagnosis, disease activity, age and gender)ORCIORCIRA2.2**[1.3,3.8]2.1*[1.1,3.9]SpA0.4**[0.2,0.8]0.5*[0.2,0.9]Methotrexate1.1[0.7,1.9]0.4*[0.2,0.9]Thiopurine0.3*[0.1,0.9]0.3*[0.1,0.8]Current or former smoking2.2**[1.3,3.8]1.8*[1.0,3.3]Mean sIFX0.7***[0.6,0.8]0.7***[0.6,0.8]>12 weeks between infusions4.5*[1.3,16.0]4.7*[1.2,18.3]IFX dose increment0.5*[0.3,0.9]0.4**[0.3,0.8]Mean DAS28 (RA and PsA)1.5*[1.0,2.1]1.5*[1.0,2.3]Mean ESR1.1***[1.0,1.1]1.1***[1.0,1.1]Mean CRP1.1**[1.0,1.1]1.1**[1.0,1.1]

* p<0.05, ** p<0.01, *** p<0.001

Only variables with a p-value <0.05 are shown. Non-significant variables include other demographic variables and IFX dose.

Conclusion:

This study identified smoking, drug holidays, high disease activity, IFX monotherapy and low sIFX levels as risk factors for ADAb development. Of particular interest, we found that RA patients had significantly increased risk of ADAb compared to the other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Whether this novel finding reflects different underlying disease mechanisms or the fact that RA patients receive a lower IFX dose, is not known and needs to be further explored.

References:

[1]Thomas SS et al. BioDrugs 2015;29(4):241-58 2 Syversen SW et al. Trials 2020 6;21(1):13

Disclosure of Interests:

Marthe Kirksæther Brun: None declared, Guro Løvik Goll Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Orion pharma, Sandoz and Novartis, Kristin Kaasen Jørgensen Speakers bureau: Celltrion, AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals and Norgine, Joe Sexton: None declared, Johanna Elin Gehin Speakers bureau: Roche, Øystein Sandanger: None declared, Inge Olsen: None declared, Rolf Anton Klaasen: None declared, David J Warren: None declared, Cato Mørk Speakers bureau: Novartis Norge AS, LEO Pharma AS, ACO Hud Norge AS, Cellgene AS, Abbvie, Galderma Nordic and UCB, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: TAmgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Research funding to Diakonhjemmet Hospital from AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Pfizer and UCB, Jørgen Jahnsen: None declared, Nils Bolstad Speakers bureau: Roche Pharmaceuticals and Novartis, Consultant of: Janssen, Espen A Haavardsholm Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Gilead, Eli-Lilly and UCB, Silje Watterdal Syversen Speakers bureau: Thermo Fisher.

AB0722 TREATMENT RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE MONOTHERAPY IN ADULTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: DATA FROM THE NOR-DMARD STUDY

Background:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can cause considerable pain and disability in childhood and adulthood. The number of studies exploring the efficacy of medications in adult JIA patients is limited. Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used medication for this patient group.

Objectives:

To explore the effects of MTX monotherapy (mono) on disease activity in adult patients diagnosed with JIA, compared to a weighted rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.

Methods:

Data from NOR-DMARD, a longitudinal observational study enrolling patients > 18 years starting or switching DMARD treatment for inflammatory joint disease, was used [1]. Patients starting MTX mono treatment, and with a clinical diagnosis of JIA or other inflammatory arthropathies diagnosed before the age of 16 years, were identified from the study population. RA patients starting the same treatment regimen were included for comparative purposes.

Disease activity measurements and remission rates were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Changes in disease activity and absolute remission rates after 3 and 6 months were calculated. Remission rates and change in disease activity from baseline were compared between JIA patients and a weighted RA cohort with weights based on age and gender, using linear and logistic regression for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results:

2201 patients were included in the analyses, 101 JIA patients (80.2% female, mean (SD) age 35.6 (13.0) years, mean (SD) diagnosis duration 24.8 (12.9) years), and 2100 RA patients (69.4% female, mean (SD) age 56.6 (13.6) years, mean (SD) diagnosis duration 4.1 (8.1) years) were included in the analyses. Age, gender distribution and disease duration differed significantly between cohorts.

Both the JIA and RA group improved significantly across all disease activity measures from baseline to 3 and 6 months (Table 1). Both groups had a progressive increase in remission rates from baseline to 6 months (Table 1, Figure 1). The RA group had a significantly greater improvement in ESR after 3 months, SJC28 after 6 months and TJC28, DAS28, SDAI and MHAQ after 3 and 6 months. There were no significant group differences in remission rates.

Table 1.BaselineChange to 3 monthsChange to 6 monthsJIA*RA*Diff.§JIA*RA*Diff.§JIA*RA*Diff.§ESR, mm/h20.4 (18.2)28.7 (22.2)3.7 (-0.6 to 8.1)-3.1 (15.8)-9.6 (18.7)-5.7 (-10.1 to -1.4)-3.0 (17.5)-11.3 (19.8)-5.4 (-10.8 to 0.03)SJC283.9 (4.8)6.9 (5.7)2.0 (0.9 to 3.2)-1.8 (3.3)-3.5 (5.5)-0.9 (-1.9 to 0.02)-1.8 (3.3)-4.2 (5.6)-1.5 (-2.6 to -0.5)TJC 284.5 (4.9)8.0 (7.1)3.1 (1.9 to 4.2)-0.8 (4.2)-3.5 (7.4)-1.9 (-3.1 to -0.7)-1.4 (3.8)-4.0 (6.8)-2.3 (-3.4 to -1.1)DAS284.0 (1.3)4.9 (1.3)0.6 (0.2 to 0.9)-0.6 (1.2)-1.2 (1.5)-0.5 (-0.9 to -0.2)-0.7 (1.2)-1.4 (1.5)-0.6 (-1.0 to -0.2)SDAI18.3 (11.3)26.0 (13.6)5.6 (2.7 to 8.4)-6.0 (9.7)-11.0 (14.0)-3.1 (-5.9 to -0.2)-6.3 (8.2)-12.8 (14.2)-5.1 (-7.8 to -2.2)PGA51.0 (24.6)48.3 (24.3)-4.5 (-10.0 to 1.1)-13.2 (25.3)-14.7 (26.5)-1.0 (-7.4 to 5.3)-11.3 (23.8)-14.3 (26.7)-4.6 (-11.9 to 2.7)MHAQ0.5 (0.5)0.7 (0.5)0.1 (-0.05 to 0.2)-0.2 (0.3)-0.2 (0.5)-0.1 (-0.2 to -0.0)-0.1 (0.3)-0.2 (0.5)-0.16 (-0.3 to -0.1)

*Mean (SD)

§ Weighted group difference, RA coefficient (95 % confidence interval)

Figure 1.

Mean 3- and 6-month remission rates with error bars (SE)

Conclusion:

Adult JIA patients had significant improvement across all the presented disease activity measures 3 and 6 months after treatment initiation with MTX mono. The magnitude of improvement was smaller than in the RA group, but JIA patients obtained remission at similar rates as RA patients.

References:

[1]Kvien, T.K., et al., A Norwegian DMARD register: prescriptions of DMARDs and biological agents to patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol, 2005. 23(5 Suppl 39): p. S188-94.

Disclosure of Interests:

Imane Bardan: None declared, Karen Minde Fagerli: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Gunnstein Bakland Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Consultant of: UCB, Pfizer, Novartis, Pawel Mielnik: None declared, Liz Marina Paucar Loli: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Amgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Pfizer and UCB, Eirik kristianslund: None declared, Anna-Birgitte Aga Grant/research support from: Dr. Aga reports personal fees from Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, outside the submitted work

POS1305 TREATMENT RESPONSE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS IN ADULTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: DATA FROM THE NOR-DMARD STUDY

Background:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can cause considerable pain and disability in childhood and adulthood. Studies exploring the efficacy of medications in adult JIA patients are limited, although tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have been increasingly used in this patient group.

Objectives:

To explore the efficacy of TNFi ± comedication on disease activity in adult JIA patients, compared to a weighted rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.

Methods:

Data from NOR-DMARD, a longitudinal observational study including patients > 18 years starting or switching DMARD treatment, was used [1]. Patients with a clinical JIA diagnosis, or patients with other inflammatory joint diseases diagnosed before 16 years were identified from the study population. RA patients were included for comparative purposes.

Disease activity measurements and remission rates among patients starting treatment with TNFi ± comedication were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Changes in disease activity and absolute remission rates after 3 and 6 months were calculated. Remission rates and change in disease activity from baseline were compared between JIA patients and a weighted RA cohort with weights based on age and gender, using linear and logistic regression for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results:

281 JIA patients (68.9% female, mean (SD) age 32.1 (11.1) years, mean (SD) diagnosis duration 23.5 (12.2) years) and 1374 RA patients (71.6% female, mean (SD) age 52.7 (14.5) years, mean (SD) diagnosis duration 9.5 (10.0) years) were included in the analyses. Age, gender distribution and disease duration differed significantly between cohorts.

Both groups had a significant improvement across all disease activity measures after 3 months (Table 1), which was maintained after 6 months across all measures except MHAQ. The RA group had a significantly greater 3- and 6-month improvement in SJC28. Both groups had an overall 6-month increase in absolute remission rates. The JIA group had a significantly higher 3-month DAS28 remission rate (Figure 1). This difference was not significant after 6 months, as remission rates from 3 to 6 months in the JIA group declined across all measures.

Table 1.BaselineChange to 3 monthsChange to 6 monthsJIA*RA*Diff.§JIA*RA*Diff.§JIA*RA*Diff.§ESR, mm/h18.7 (18.9)25.5 (22.0)1.3 (-2.3 to 4.9)-7.4 (15.8)-7.6 (16.6)-0.3 (-4.4 to 3.8)-7.4 (16.8)-8.5 (18.2)0.0 (-5.7 to 5.7)SJC282.5 (3.6)5.5 (5.4)1.6 (1.3 to 2.0)-1.4 (3.4)-3.1 (4.7)-1.0 (-1.7 to -0.3)-1.6 (3.2)-3.5 (5.1)-1.0 (-1.9 to -0.1)TJC 284.0 (5.6)6.6 (6.4)1.3 (0.4 to 2.3)-1.8 (3.9)-3.1 (5.9)-0.6 (-1.4 to 0.2)-1.8 (3.9)-3.9 (6.2)-1.0 (-2.0 to 0.1)DAS283.6 (1.4)4.5 (1.6)0.3 (0.1 to 0.6)-1.2 (1.3)-1.2 (1.4)-0.0 (-0.3 to 0.3)-1.2 (1.3)-1.5 (1.4)-0.2 (-0.6 to 0.2)SDAI16.8 (10.6)23.1 (14.3)2.4 (0.3 to 4.5)-7.7 (9.9)-10.9 (12.7)-2.0 (-4.2 to 0.2)-7.9 (8.6)-13.2 (13.6)-2.8 (-5.8 to 0.2)PGA51.4 (26.3)49.9 (25.5)-4.0 (-8.5 to 0.5)-20.6 (26.7)-17.0 (26.7)2.7 (-2.2 to 7.6)-21.6 (25.3)-19.1 (28.7)3.4 (-3.0 to 9.8)MHAQ0.6 (0.5)0.7 (0.5)0.0 (-0.1 to 0.1)-0.24 (0.42)-0.22 (0.42)0.0(-0.1 to 0.1)-0.23 (0.40)-0.25 (0.45)0.0 (-0.1 to 0.1)

*Mean (SD)

§ Weighted group difference, RA coefficient (95 % confidence interval)

Figure 1.

Mean 3- and 6-month remission rates with error bars (SE)

Conclusion:

TNFi was equally effective in reducing disease activity in the JIA and RA cohort after 3 and 6 months, and in inducing remission after 6 months. Absolute remission rates in the JIA group declined from 3 to 6 months across all measures, and studies with longer duration are needed to explore the long-term efficacy of TNFi in the patient groups.

References:

[1]Kvien, T.K., et al., A Norwegian DMARD register: prescriptions of DMARDs and biological agents to patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol, 2005. 23(5 Suppl 39): p. S188-94.

Disclosure of Interests:

Imane Bardan: None declared, Karen Minde Fagerli: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Gunnstein Bakland Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Consultant of: UCB, Pfizer, Novartis, Pawel Mielnik: None declared, Liz Marina Paucar Loli: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Fees for speaking: Amgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz, Sanofi, Consultant of: Fees for consulting: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gliead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Received research funding to Diakonhjemmet Hospital from Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Pfizer and UCB, Eirik kristianslund: None declared, Anna-Birgitte Aga Grant/research support from: Dr. Aga reports personal fees from Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, outside the submitted work

POS0029 INCIDENCE AND TREATMENT PENETRATION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN NORWAY – A NATIONWIDE REGISTER LINKAGE STUDY

Background:

Incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Norway has not been evaluated in a nationwide setting.

Objectives:

To estimate the incidence of RA and real-life penetration of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use in Norway.

Methods:

The Norwegian Cardio-Rheuma register comprises pseudonymized data from nationwide registries including the total Norwegian population ≥18 years during 2008-2017. Demographic and socioeconomic data were retrieved from the National Population Register and Statistics Norway. Data on public or private somatic specialized care episodes were collected from the Norwegian Patient register (NPR) (ICD-10 codes for diagnoses and medical procedure codes for biologic DMARD infusions). Dispensed DMARD prescriptions were captured from the Norwegian Prescription Database. RA cases were defined as persons with NPR records of all of the following: 1) 1st episode with ICD-10 code M05/M06 as main or contributory diagnosis (index date), 2) 2nd episode with code M05/M06 within 2-year period following index date, 3) M05/M06 recorded in an internal medicine or rheumatology department during the 2-year period. Years 2008-2010 served as a look-back period to identify prevalent RA cases. To estimate person-years (pyrs) at risk, we calculated number of persons aged ≥ 18 living in Norway on the 1st of January of each year 2011-2015 and multiplied it by one year (prevalent RA cases excluded). Standardized estimates were calculated with 5-year age groups using Norwegian adult population 1st of January 2015 as the standard.

Results:

Between 2011 and 2015, 9,493 persons fulfilled the RA definition (62.4% seropositive based on ICD-10 codes). Incidence rate was 49/100,000 pyrs (32 in men and 65 in women). A sensitivity analysis excluding cases who had dispensed DMARDs >12 months before index date yielded 8,125 RA cases (incidence 42/100,000 pyrs). Whereas absolute number of incident cases was highest among those aged 60-69 in both sexes, incidence was highest among those aged 70-79 (Figure 1). Both crude and age- and sex-standardized incidences were lower among persons with higher education level (crude/standardized incidence per 100,000 pyrs for those below upper secondary education 60/57; upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education 53/52; higher education 36/39). Of incident cases, 94% received any DMARD treatment or glucocorticoids, 78% methotrexate, and 17% biologic DMARDs within 2 years after index date (Table 1).

Conclusion:

Contemporary register-based estimate of RA incidence in Norway is comparable to other Nordic countries.1,2 In line with treatment recommendations, methotrexate is the most commonly used DMARD in the initial treatment strategy in Norway. One in six patients used a biologic DMARD within 2 years from 1st recorded RA diagnosis.

References:

[1]Eriksson JK, Neovius M, Ernestam S et al. Incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in Sweden: a nationwide population-based assessment of incidence, its determinants, and treatment penetration. Arthritis Care Res 2013;65:870-878.

[2]Puolakka K, Kautiainen H, Pohjolainen T et al. Rheumatoid arthritis remains a threat to work productivity: a nationwide register-based incidence study from Finland. Scand J Rheumatol 2010;39:436-438.

Figure 1.Table 1.

Characteristics and treatment penetration of incident RA patients 2011-2015

AllExcluding cases with DMARDs >12 months before index dateN94938125Women, n (%)6339 (66.8)5379 (66.2)Age at index date, median (IQR)60.5 (48.5 - 70.5)60.8 (48.8 - 70.9)RF positive, n (%)5927 (62.4)5193 (63.9)Use of DMARDs after index date, n (%)12 months24 months12 months24 months Any conventional DMARD7797 (82.1)8023 (84.5)6682 (82.2)6855 (84.4) Methotrexate7133 (75.1)7402 (78.0)6228 (76.7)6436 (79.2) Sulfasalazine902 (9.5)1218 (12.8)745 (9.2)1034 (12.7) Any biologic DMARD1102 (11.6)1642 (17.3)754 (9.3)1219 (15.0) TNF-inhibitors1006 (10.6)1513 (15.9)690 (8.5)1130 (13.9) Oral glucocorticoids6524 (68.7)6974 (73.5)5858 (72.1)6199 (76.3) Any DMARD or glucocorticoids8789 (92.6)8957 (94.4)7498 (92.3)7639 (94.0)

Acknowledgements:

This work has been supported by a research grant from FOREUM Foundation for Research in Rheumatology.

Disclosure of Interests:

Anne Kerola Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Consultant of: Pfizer, Gilead, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Joseph Sexton: None declared, Grunde Wibetoe: None declared, Silvia Rollefstad: None declared, Cynthia S. Crowson: None declared, Espen Haavardsholm: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Speakers bureau: Amgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz, Sanofimgen, Celltrion, Egis, Evapharma, Ewopharma, Hikma, Oktal, Sandoz, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: research funding to Diakonhjemmet Hospital from AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, MSD, Pfizer and UCB, Anne Grete Semb Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bayer, Lilly, Novartis, and Sanofi, Consultant of: Sanofi, Grant/research support from: collaborative research support from Lilly, outside the submitted work.

Serum golimumab concentration and anti-drug antibodies are associated with treatment response and drug survival in patients with inflammatory joint diseases: data from the NOR-DMARD study

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the therapeutic target concentration and frequency of anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) in golimumab-treated patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD).Method: Associations between golimumab concentration, ADAbs, and treatment response were examined in 91 patients with IJD [41 axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 30 psoriatic arthritis (PsA)] included in the NOR-DMARD study. Treatment response was defined by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) clinically important improvement in axSpA, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good/moderate response in RA, and improvement of ≥ 50% in modified Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) (28 swollen/tender joint counts) in PsA. Serum drug concentrations and ADAbs were analysed using automated in-house assays.Results: At inclusion, 42% were biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug naïve and 42% used concomitant synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. The median golimumab concentration was 2.2 (interquartile range 1.0-3.5) mg/L. The proportions of responders after 3 months among patients with golimumab concentration < 1.0, 1.0-3.9, and ≥ 4.0 mg/L were 19%, 49%, and 74%, respectively. A higher rate of treatment discontinuation was seen in patients with serum golimumab concentration < 1.0 compared to ≥ 1.0 mg/L (hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.8-6.0, p < 0.05). ADAbs were detected in 6%, and were associated with lower drug concentrations and both reduced treatment response and drug survival.Conclusions: Golimumab concentrations ≥ 1.0 mg/L were associated with improved treatment response and better drug survival, although some patients may benefit from higher concentrations. This study suggests a rationale for dosing guided by therapeutic drug monitoring in golimumab-treated patients with IJD. The results should be confirmed in larger studies including trough samples, and the efficacy of such a strategy must be examined in randomized controlled trials.

Survey of cardiovascular disease and risk factor management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis across 5 world regions: results from the SURF-RA

Background

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Purpose

The aim of this survey was to evaluate updated information on CVD risk factors, comorbidities, RA disease characteristics, RA and CVD preventive medication in patient with RA.

Methods

The audit is termed SUrvey of cardiovascular disease Risk Factors in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (SURF-RA) and was performed in 53 centres/19 countries/5 world regions in 2014–2019. SURF-RA have been performed in patients with coronary heart disease, in primary care, and now in patients with stroke, SLE and antiphophlipid syndrome. The survey was approved by the Data Protection Officer (2017/7243) and a GDPR evaluation has been performed (10/10–2018).

Results

Among 14 503 patients with RA in West (n=8 493) and East (n=923) Europe, Latin (n=407) and North (n=4 030) America and Asia (n=650) the mean (SD) age was 59.9 (13.6) years, and 2/3 or more were female (table). RA disease duration was comparable across the world regions, ranging from 9.9 to 12.6 years. The prevalence of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) was lowest in Latin America (2.5%) and highest in East Europe (21.4%), and this pattern was similar regarding familial premature CVD. The mean prevalence (% of each entity) of blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg was 5.3%, of low density lipoprotein cholesterol &gt;2.5 mmol/L: 63.3%. Overall, 29% used antihypertensive medication, lowest in West Europe (17.4%) and highest in East Europe (57.0%), and 26.4% used lipid lowering agent(s), lowest in Asia (7.2%) and highest in North America (31.1%). Body mass index &gt;30 kg/m2 was present in 26.6%, with the smallest waist circumference in Asia [mean (SD): 84.1 (13.6) cm] and highest in East Europe [92.5 (15.5) cm]. The proportion of current smokers was on average: 16.2%, lowest in Asia (7.8%) and highest in East Europe (28.5%).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of CVD risk factors and ASCVD in patients with RA across five world regions shows that there is still an unmet need for vigilance and improved implementation of preventive measures in this high CVD risk patient population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): Lilly

Management of dyslipidaemia and hypertension in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 19 countries

Background/Introduction

The realisation that subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has led to a growing interest in risk factor control in such people, but whether this has influenced the management of dyslipidaemia and hypertension (HT) is uncertain.

Purpose

To describe differences in lipid and blood pressure (BP) levels among patients with RA from five world regions. Furthermore, to evaluate attainment of guideline recommended targets for lipid lowering and antihypertensive treatment.

Methods

The SUrvey of CVD Risk Factors in patients with RA (SURF-RA) was conducted at 53 centres in 19 countries from 2014 to 2019. Data including demographics, RA disease characteristics, CVD comorbidity, risk factors and use of preventive treatment was collected. HT was defined as self-reported HT, and/or measured BP &gt;140/90 mmHg, and/or use of anti HT medication (a-HT). The treatment goal of a-HT was BP &lt;140/90 mmHg. The 10-year risk of a fatal CVD event was calculated by the European CVD risk calculator, the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and was thereafter multiplied with 1.5 as recommended by the European League Against Rheumatism. Patients were classified in a high or very high CVD risk group according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) goal at &lt;2.6 and &lt;1.8 mmol/L, respectively.

Results

In total, 14503 RA patients were included. The mean age was 59.8±13.6 years, most of whom (74%) were female. Nearly 2/3 of the patients were hypertensive. Use of a-HT in the total population differed substantially between the cohorts with limited use in West Europe and Latin America (17.4% and 24.8%), in contrast to North America and East Europe (46.8% and 57.0%). On average, half of those with HT were at the recommended BP goal. The lowest BP goal attainment was seen in Asia, West and East Europe (40.8–43.1%), and the highest in North America (63.5%). Overall 51.5% had an indication for lipid lowering therapy (LLT), and of these only 43.5% were taking LLT. Only 34.0% of patients with an indication for LLT were at recommended LDL-c goals. The proportion of RA patients on target for LDL-c varied greatly between regions, from 23.1% in East Europe to 51.0% in North America. The LDL-c goal attainment was higher in RA patients at high risk (45.1%) compared to those at very high risk of CVD (18.0%).

Conclusion(s)

This large international survey on RA patients revealed considerable geographical differences in CVD preventive treatment. Only one half of subjects were at blood pressure goals, and achievement of lipid goals was even poorer at one third of those eligible for treatment, which is lower than what is reported for subjects with coronary heart disease. We conclude that there is a substantial need for improvement in CVD preventive measures in RA patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Unrestricted research collaboration with Lilly

Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a large international audit

Background

The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is comparable to that of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although several studies have indicated high prevalence's of DM in RA patients, little is known about how this affects their CVD risk.

Objectives

To examine indications for, and use of antihypertensive treatment (a-HT) and lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in RA patients with DM (RA-DM) and RA patients without DM (RAwoDM). Further, to compare the prevalence of various types of CVD across RA-DM and RAwoDM.

Methods

The cohort was derived from the SUrvey of cardiovascular disease Risk Factor in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (SURF-RA), which was performed in 53 centres/17 countries in 5 world regions (West and East Europe; North and Latin America; and Asia) from 2014 - 2019. Indication for a-HT was defined as: 1) systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg, 2) self-reported hypertension, and/or 3) current use of a-HT. Indication for LLT was defined according to ESC guidelines. CVD risk estimates (by SCORE) were multiplied by 1.5 according to EULAR recommendations. Target treatment targets for BP and lipids were defined according to ESC guidelines applicable at the time data were recorded.

Results

Presence of comorbid DM was available in 10 602 (73.1%) of the 14 503 RA patients included in SURF-RA, of whom 75 and 1262 patients reported DM type 1 and type 2, respectively (total 1337 patients, 12.6%). Although less often current smokers, RA-DM patients were more often previous smokers, male sex and had higher body mass index compared to RAwoDM (p&lt;0.0001 for all). a-HT (84.7% vs 62.3%) and LLT (100% vs 47.2%) were more frequently indicated in RA-DM than in RAwoDM patients (p&lt;0.0001 for both). RA-DM were more likely than RAwoDM to receive a-HT on indication (60.4% vs 57.6%, p&lt;0.0001), while the difference in LLT use on indication was not significantly different (45.7% vs 42.5%, p=0.06). Moreover, RA-DM compared to RAwoDM patients had more often reached treatment goals when on a-HT (60.7% vs 54.1%, p&lt;0.0001) and LLT (62.8% vs 48.9%, p&lt;0.0001). Finally, the risk of all recorded established CVD (coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and atrial fibrillation) was increased by a factor of 2 to 3 in RA-DM compared to RAwoDM (Figure).

Conclusion

The effect of RA and comorbid DM on CVD risk appears to be additive. While CVD preventive medications are more often indicated in RA-DM than in RAwoDM patients, they are also more likely to receive such therapy and to reach CVD preventive treatment goals. The latter finding may be due to more developed CVD preventive care in DM compared to RA patients. Improved CVD preventive systems for patients with RA are warranted.

CVD in RA patients with and without DM

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): Lilly

Efficacy and Safety of CT-P13 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease after Switching from Originator Infliximab: Exploratory Analyses from the NOR-SWITCH Main and Extension Trials

Background

The NOR-SWITCH main and extension trials demonstrated that switching from originator to biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13) is efficacious and safe across six diseases. However, a subgroup analysis of Crohn’s disease (CD) in the main trial displayed a close to significant difference favouring originator infliximab, and more scientific data have therefore been requested.

Objective

The aim was to assess treatment efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in an explorative subgroup analysis in CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the NOR-SWITCH trials.

Patients and Methods

The 52-week, randomised, non-inferiority, double-blind, multicentre, phase 4 NOR-SWITCH study was followed by a 26-week open extension trial where all patients received treatment with CT-P13. Treatment efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in CD and UC were assessed throughout the 78-week study period.

Results

The main and extension trials included 155 and 93 patients with CD and 93 and 80 patients with UC, respectively. Demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable in both treatment arms within patient groups. There were no differences in the main and extension trials regarding changes in activity indices, C-reactive protein, faecal calprotectin, patient’s and physician’s global assessment of disease activity and patient-reported outcome measures in CD and UC. Moreover, comparable results were also demonstrated for trough serum levels, presence of anti-drug antibodies, and reported adverse events.

Conclusion

Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of both the originator and biosimilar infliximab were comparable in CD and UC in the NOR-SWITCH main and extension trials. These explorative subgroup analyses confirm that there are no significant concerns related to switching from originator infliximab to CT-P13 in CD and UC.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02148640.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40259-020-00438-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Trends in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with incident rheumatoid arthritis: a 20-year follow-up matched case-cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To examine all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in consecutive cohorts of patients with incident RA, compared with population comparators.

METHODS

The Oslo RA register inclusion criteria were diagnosis of RA (1987 ACR criteria) and residency in Oslo. Patients with disease onset 1994-2008 and 10 matched comparators for each case were linked to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Hazard ratios for all-cause and CVD mortality were calculated for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of observation using stratified cox-regression models. Mortality trends were estimated by multivariate cox-regression.

RESULTS

443, 479 and 469 cases with disease incidence in the periods 94-98, 99-03 and 04-08 were matched to 4430, 4790 and 4690 comparators, respectively. For cases diagnosed between 1994 and 2003, the all-cause mortality of cases diverged significantly from comparators after 10 years of disease duration [hazard ratio (95% CI) 94-98 cohort 1.42 (1.15-1.75): 99-03 cohort 1.37 (1.08-1.73)]. CVD related mortality was significantly increased after 5 years for the 94-98 cohort [hazard ratio (95% CI) 1.86 (1.16-2.98) and after 10 years for the 99-03 cohort 1.80 (1.20-2.70)]. Increased mortality was not observed in the 04-08 cohort where cases had significantly lower 10-year all-cause and CVD mortality compared with earlier cohorts.

CONCLUSION

All-cause and CVD mortality were significantly increased in RA patients diagnosed from 1994 to 2003, compared with matched comparators, but not in patients diagnosed after 2004. This may indicate that modern treatment strategies have a positive impact on mortality in patients with RA.

FRI0536 SERUM GOLIMUMAB CONCENTRATIONS AND ANTI-DRUG ANTIBODIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TREATMENT RESPONSE AND DRUG SURVIVAL IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY JOINT DISEASES: DATA FROM THE NOR-DMARD STUDY

Background:

Lack or loss of response to TNFα-inhibitors can be caused by subtherapeutic drug levels and anti-drug antibodies (ADAb). Knowledge about associations between clinical efficacy and drug levels as well as occurrence of ADAb is limited in patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) treated with golimumab.

Objectives:

To identify the therapeutic target concentration and assess the frequency of ADAb in golimumab-treated patients with IJD.

Methods:

91 patients from the NOR-DMARD study with a clinical diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (n=41), rheumatoid arthritis (n=20) or psoriatic arthritis (n=30) starting treatment with golimumab, with an available biobank sample at 3 months follow-up, were included. Treatment response was defined by ASDAS Clinically important improvement in axial spondyloarthritis, EWULAR good/moderate response in rheumatoid arthritis and improvement of ≥50% in modified DAPSA (using 28 swollen/tender joint counts) in psoriatic arthritis. Serum drug concentrations were analysed in non-trough samples collected 3 months after treatment initiation, using an automated in-house target-based immunofluorometric assay. ADAb was measured with an inhibition assay that measures neutralising antibodies. The association between drug levels and treatment response was assessed by multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, sex and prior bDMARD (Y/N)). Drug-survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

Results:

Golimumab serum concentrations varied considerably between patients on standard dose (range 0.0-8.2 mg/L) with a median of 2.2 (IQR 1.0-3.5) mg/L. The proportions of responders after 3 months among patients with golimumab concentration <1.0, 1.0-3.9 and ≥4.0 mg/L, were 19%, 49% and 74%, respectively (Fig.1). The likelihood of response after 3 months of treatment was significantly higher among patients with serum golimumab concentration ≥1.0 mg/L compared to those with golimumab <1.0 mg/L (OR 5.8 (95% CI 1.7-19.7), P =0.005). The proportion of responders was highest among patients with golimumab concentrations ≥4.0 mg/L, but the difference in response between patients with concentrations ≥4.0 mg/L compared to 1.0-4.0 mg/L was not statistically significant (OR 2.1 (95% CI 0.6-7.1), P=0.24). We also found a higher rate of treatment discontinuation in patients with serum golimumab concentration <1.0 mg/L compared to ≥1.0 mg/L (HR 3.6 (95% CI 1.9-6.9), P <0.001) (Fig.2). ADAb were detected in 5 of 91 samples and were associated with lower drug concentrations. Only 1 out of 5 ADAb-positive patients was a responder at 3 months, and all 5 ADAb positive patients discontinued treatment within the first 14 months.

Conclusion:

Golimumab concentrations ≥1.0 mg/L were associated with improved treatment response and better drug survival, but our results also indicate that some patients might benefit from higher concentrations. ADAb were associated with lower drug concentrations and both reduced treatment response and drug survival. These findings suggest a rationale for personalised dosing guided by measurements of drug concentration and ADAb in golimumab-treated patients with IJD, which should be addressed in future randomised strategy trials.

Disclosure of Interests:

Johanna Elin Gehin Speakers bureau: Roche, David J Warren: None declared, Silje Watterdal Syversen Speakers bureau: Roche, Thermo Fisher, Elisabeth Lie: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Liz Loli: None declared, Ada Wierød: None declared, Trine Bjøro: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Grant/research support from: Received grants from Abbvie, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD and Roche (not relevant for this abstract)., Consultant of: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Paid instructor for: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Speakers bureau: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Nils Bolstad Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Napp Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Roche, Novartis, Guro Løvik Goll Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Orion Pharma, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, Roche, UCB

Table 1.

Change in FVC(ml) and DLCO% in the 6–12 months before and after different treatment

Treatment groupPre-TxPost-TxpR9.8% (11)FVCDLCO2015±74672.4±17.22024±80360.7±27.90.780.43CYC25.0% (28)FVCDLCO1853±58561.2±23.81796±57861.4±23.90.740.79R+CYC17.9% (20)FVCDLCO1901±66758.2±14.51922±67246.7±18.80.900.90Non-R, CYC47.3% (53)FVCDLCO2177±65746.7±18.82286±70445.8±19.60.470.69SubgroupUIP31.3% (35)FVCDLCO2053±72158.9±22.71949±72749.3±25.10.570.15Non-UIP68.8% (77)FVCDLCO(%)1908±60859.0±18.71961±65460.5±1850.530.46Table 2.

Secondary outcome and multivariable Cox model for overall survival

OP0017 THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING COMPARED TO STANDARD TREATMENT OF PATIENTS STARTING INFLIXIMAB THERAPY: RESULTS FROM A MULTICENTRE RANDOMISED TRIAL OF 400 PATIENTS

Background:

A lack or loss of response to TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) has been associated with low serum drug levels and formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAb). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), an individualised treatment strategy based on regular assessments of serum drug levels, has been suggested to optimise efficacy of TNFi. It is still unclear if TDM improves clinical outcomes, and the value of TDM has recently been included in the research agenda across different specialities. This first randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of TDM in a range of immune mediated inflammatory diseases including rheumatic diseases, the NORwegian DRUg Monitoring trial part A (NOR-DRUM (A)) focus on the induction period of infliximab (INX) treatment.

Objectives:

To assess if TDM is superior to standard treatment in order to achieve remission in patients starting INX.

Methods:

In the investigator-initiated, randomised, open-label, multicentre NOR-DRUM (A) study, adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD) and psoriasis (Ps) starting INX therapy were randomly assigned to administration of INX according to a treatment strategy based on TDM (TDM arm) or to standard administration of INX without TDM (control arm). Study visits were conducted at each infusion. The primary endpoint was remission at week 30. In the TDM arm, the dose and interval were adjusted according to INX trough levels to reach the therapeutic range (Figure 1). If the patient developed significant levels of ADAb, INX was terminated. To guide the investigators, the TDM strategy was integrated in an interactive eCRF. The primary endpoint was analysed by mixed effect logistic regression in the full analyses set (FAS), adjusting for diagnoses. Infections and infusion reactions were specified as adverse events (AEs) of special interest.

Clinical trial.gov:NCT03074656

Results:

We enrolled 411 patients at 21 study centres between January 2017 and December 2018. 398 patients (RA 80, PsA 42, SpA 117, UC 80, CD 57, Ps 22) received the allocated strategy and were included in the FAS population. Demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable in both arms. TDM was not found to be superior to standard treatment with regard to the primary outcome. Remission at week 30 was reached in 100 (53%) and 106 (54%) of the patients in the TDM and control arm, respectively (adjusted difference, 1.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI), -8.2 to 11.1, p=0.78) (Figure 2). Consistent results were shown for all the secondary endpoints (Figure 3) and in the sensitivity analyses. Twenty patients (10%) in the TDM arm and 30 patients (15%) in the control arm developed significant levels of ADAb. The number of adverse events (AE) was similar in both groups, however infusion reactions were less frequent (5 patients (2.5%) vs 16 patients (8.0%)) in the TDM arm (difference 5.5% (95% CI 1.1, 9.8%))

Conclusion:

NOR-DRUM (A) is the first randomised trial to address effectiveness of TDM in the induction period of TNFi treatment, and the first trial to address TDM in rheumatic diseases. In this study, TDM was not superior to standard treatment in order to achieve remission. Although improved safety is indicated by a reduction in infusion reactions, implementation of TDM as a general strategy in the induction period of INX is not supported by the NOR-DRUM (A) study.

Disclosure of Interests:

Silje Watterdal Syversen Speakers bureau: Roche, Thermo Fisher, Guro Løvik Goll Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Orion Pharma, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, Roche, UCB, Kristin Kaasen Jørgensen Consultant of: AOP Orphan, Celltrion, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Norgine, Tillots, Øystein Sandanger: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Inge Olsen: None declared, Johanna Gehin Speakers bureau: Roche, Marthe Kirksæther Brun: None declared, David Warren: None declared, Cato Mørk Consultant of: Abbot, Novartis, Celagene, Almiral, Galderma, ACO, Almiral, ACO, Speakers bureau: Novartis, Abbott, Abbvie, Celegene, LEO, Almiral, Galderma, Tore K. Kvien Grant/research support from: Received grants from Abbvie, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD and Roche (not relevant for this abstract)., Consultant of: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Paid instructor for: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Speakers bureau: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Jørgen Jahnsen Consultant of: AbbVie, Boerhinger Ingelheim, Celltrion, Ferring, Janssen, Meda, MSD, Norgine, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Takeda, and Sandoz., Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astro Pharma, Boerhinger Ingelheim, BMS, Celltrion, Ferring, Hikma, Janssen, Meda, MSD, Napp Pharma, Orion Pharma, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Roche, Takeda, Tillotts and Sandoz, Nils Bolstad Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Napp Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Roche, Novartis, Espen A Haavardsholm Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Pfizer Inc, MSD Norway, Roche Norway, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Janssen-Cilag, Gilead, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Paid instructor for: UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Roche, MSD

OP0121 MANAGEMENT OF DYSLIPIDAEMIA AND HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – DATA FROM 19 COUNTRIES

Background:

The realisation that subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has led to a growing interest in risk factor control in such people, but whether this has influenced the management of dyslipidaemia and hypertension (HT) is uncertain. In subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD), audits of CVD risk factor control are regularly performed, which makes it possible to evaluate guideline implementation over time.1Updated surveys on CVD risk management in patients with RA are needed.

Objectives:

To describe differences in lipid and blood pressure (BP) levels among patients with RA from five world regions. Furthermore, to evaluate attainment of guideline recommended targets for lipid lowering and antihypertensive treatment.

Methods:

The SUrvey of CVD Risk Factors in patients with RA (SURF-RA) was conducted at 53 centres in 19 countries from 2014 to 2019. Data including demographics, RA disease characteristics, CVD comorbidity, risk factors and use of preventive treatment was collected. HT was defined as self-reported HT, and/or measured BP ≥140/90 mmHg, and/or use of anti HT medication (a-HT). The treatment goal of a-HT was BP <140/90 mmHg. The 10-year risk of a fatal CVD event was calculated by the European CVD risk calculator, the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and was thereafter multiplied with 1.5 as recommended by the European League Against Rheumatism. Patients were classified in a high or very high CVD risk group according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) goal at <2.6 and <1.8 mmol/L, respectively.2

Results:

In total, 14503 RA patients were included. The mean age was 59.8±13.6 years, and it was a strong female preponderance (74%). Nearly 2/3 of the patients were hypertensive. Use of a-HT in the total population differed substantially between the cohorts with limited use in West Europe and Latin America (17.4% and 24.8%), in contrast to North America and East Europe (46.8% and 57.0%). On average, half of those with HT were at the recommended BP goal. The lowest BP goal attainment was seen in Asia, West and East Europe (40.8-43.1%), and the highest in North America (63.5%). Overall 51.5% had an indication for lipid lowering therapy (LLT), and of these 43.5% were taking LLT. Only 34.0% of patients with an indication for LLT were at recommended LDL-c goals. The proportion of RA patients on target for LDL-c varied greatly between regions, from 23.1% in East Europe to 51.0% in North America. The LDL-c goal attainment was higher in RA patients at high risk (45.1%) compared to those at very high risk of CVD (18.0%).

Conclusion:

This large international survey on RA patients revealed considerable geographical differences in CVD preventive treatment. Lower goal attainment for LLT than reported for subjects with CHD was observed. We conclude that there is a substantial need for improvement in CVD preventive measures in RA patients.

References:

[1]De Backer G, Jankowski P, Kotseva K,et al.Management of dyslipidaemia in patients with coronary heart disease: Results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey in 27 countries.Atherosclerosis. 2019;285:135-146.

[2]Perk J, De Backer G, Gohlke H,et al.European Guide-lines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice.Eur Heart J.2012:1635-701.

Disclosure of Interests:

Silvia Rollefstad: None declared, Eirik Ikdahl: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Georeg Kitas: None declared, Piet van Riel: None declared, Cynthia S. Crowson Grant/research support from: Pfizer research grant, Ian Graham: None declared, Anne Grete Semb: None declared

AB0760 SERIOUS INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH TNFi: DATA FROM THE NOR-DMARD STUDY

Background:

Infection is an important complication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially when exposed to therapy with tumor-necrosis-factor-inhibitors (TNFi) compared to conventional syntethic DMARDs. The majority of studies have been in RA populations and less is known about the risk of serious infections (SIs) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objectives:

To compare the incidence and risk of SI between RA and PsA patients treated with TNFi.

Methods:

The NOR-DMARD is a prospective observational multi-centre study. Patients diagnosed with clinical RA or PsA, starting treatment with a TNFi between Jan 2009 to Dec 2018 were included. SI was identified through linkage to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and the Norwegian Patient Register and defined as an infection requiring hospital admission with at least one-night hospital stay and/or as an infection causing death. A predefined list of ICD10 diagnosis for infections was used. Time at risk was defined as time from baseline to the first SI, 30 days after discontinuation of TNFi therapy, emigration or end of study period. Crude incidence rates (IRs) of SIs for RA and PsA were presented as events per 100 patient years at risk (PYR) and hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted for age and gender. The risk of SI in PsA vs RA patients was estimated in cox-regression models adjusted for age and gender, and corrected for multiple observations. The models were stratified by age < 50 vs ≥ 50 years, gender, DAS28-CRP remission (<2.6) vs non-remission at 3 months, and use of methotrexate as co-medication.

Results:

A total of 3180 treatment courses on TNFi were identified (1780 RA and 1400 PsA) in 2368 patients (1356 RA and 1012 PsA) with 5697 person years at risk. The mean age in RA patients was 53.2 (SD 13.9), in PsA 48.2 (SD 11.9), p <0.001. 1542 (65 %) were women. Mean disease duration in years in RA patients was 10.0 (SD 9,7) and 8.5 (SD 9.0) in PsA patients, with no significant difference in disease duration, p = < 0.001. There were 124 cases of SI in RA patients and 55 cases in PsA patients during treatment with a TNFi. The crude SI IRs were 4.00 (3.35, 4.76) in RA patients and 2.12 (1.63, 2.76) in PsA patients. Compared with RA patients, patients with PsA had a lower risk of SI (HR 0.64, 95 % CI 0.46-0.91) when adjusted for age and gender. The HR for females was (HR, p-value) (1.00, 0.97), age ≥ 50 was (1.80, 0.001), MTX co-medication (1.00, 0.99), DAS28-CRP >2.6 at 3 months was (1.20, <0.001) and for seropositives (0.95, 0.77).

Conclusion:

In patients starting treatment with a TNFi, the risk of SI was significantly lower in patients with PsA, compared to patients with RA, when adjusted for age and gender. The incidence rate of SI was lower in patients aged < 50, and in patients in DAS28-CRP remission for both PsA and RA patients.

Table 1.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ingrid Egeland Christensen: None declared, Siri Lillegraven: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Grant/research support from: Received grants from Abbvie, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD and Roche (not relevant for this abstract)., Consultant of: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Paid instructor for: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Speakers bureau: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Till Uhlig Consultant of: Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Grünenthal, Novartis, Sella Aarrestad Provan Consultant of: Novartis

THU0398 DRUG RETENTION RATES AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN 1860 AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH SECUKINUMAB IN ROUTINE CLINICAL PRACTICE IN 13 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES IN THE EUROSPA RESEARCH COLLABORATION NETWORK

Background:

To determine the real-life 6- and 12-month secukinumab effectiveness in Europe overall, as well as stratified by prior biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD)/targeted synthetic (ts)DMARD use.

Objectives:

Real-life data from axSpA patients treated with secukinumab from 13 countries in the European Spondyloarthritis (EuroSpA) Research Collaboration Network were pooled. We calculated proportions of patients achieving Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (BASDAI) <2/<4 and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) <1.3/<2.1 at 6 and 12 months, including with LUNDEX adjustments (crude value adjusted for drug retention). Retention rates were compared between b/tsDMARD naïve, 1 prior and ≥2 prior b/tsDMARD users with Kaplan-Meier analyses with log rank test and disease states by Chi-square test.

Methods:

A total of 1860 axSpA patients were included (Table 1). Overall 6/12-month secukinumab retention rates were 82%/72% and higher in bionaïve patients (Table 2, Figure). Significant differences in retention rates in-between the registries were found. Inactive disease/low-disease-activity (LDA) were achieved more often in bionaïve patients (Table 2).

Table 1All patients (n=1860)b/tsDMARD naïve (n=414)1 prior b/tsDMARD (n=448)≥2 prior b/tsDMARDs (n=998)Age (years), mean (SD)47 (12)45 (12)47 (12)48 (12)Men, %57%68%58%49%Years since diagnosis, mean (SD)10 (9)8 (9)10 (9)11 (9)Current smokers, %25 %27%25%23%Patient’s global (0-100), median (IQR)70 (50-81)80 (60-90)64 (50-80)70 (50-82)Physician’s global (0-100), median (IQR)45 (25-63)64 (43-78)45 (22-60)40 (20-58)C reactive protein (mg/L), median (IQR)8 (3-25)15 (5-31)7 (3-25)6 (2-22)Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/h), median (IQR)22 (9-44)30 (14-44)24 (8-45)18 (8-42)Pain (0-100), median (IQR)70 (50-81)80 (65-90)65 (49-80)70 (50-80)BASDAI, median (IQR)6.2 (4.6-7.6)6.8 (5.2-8.0)5.9 (4.2-7.2)6.1 (4.4-7.6)BASFI, median (IQR)5.5 (3.2-7.3)6.1 (3.2-7.6)4.8 (2.8-6.8)5.5 (3.3-7.2)ASDAS, median (IQR)3.6 (2.9-4.3)4.2 (3.5-4.8)3.5 (2.7-4.2)3.5 (2.8-4.2)Table 2MonthsAll patients (n=1860)b/tsDMARD naïve (n=414)1 prior b/tsDMARD (n=448)≥2 prior b/tsDMARDs (n=998)p-value*Secukinumab retention rate, % (95%CI)682% (80-84%)90% (87-93%)83% (79-86%)78% (76-81%)0.0011272% (69-74%)84% (81-88%)73% (69-78%)66% (63-69%)<0.001BASDAI <2, % Crude626373518<0.001 LUNDEX adjusted21342813<0.001 Crude1225412918<0.001 LUNDEX adjusted16311811<0.001BASDAI <4, % Crude651716040<0.001 LUNDEX adjusted40654730<0.001 Crude1251765639<0.001 LUNDEX adjusted32573623<0.001ASDAS <1.3, % Crude69131360.001 LUNDEX adjusted712115<0.001 Crude1211181570.002 LUNDEX adjusted713940.002ASDAS <2.1, % Crude6243226200.002 LUNDEX adjusted19292115<0.001 Crude1227442721<0.001 LUNDEX adjusted17331712<0.001

*Comparisons between b/tsDMARD naïve, 1 prior and ≥2 prior b/tsDMARD users were performed with Kaplan-Meier with log-rank test or Chi-Square test, as appropriate

Conclusion:

In this real-life study of 1860 patients with axSpA in 13 European countries secukinumab retention was high and significantly higher for bionaïve patients. Overall, a higher proportion of bionaïve than previous b/tsDMARD users achieved inactive disease/LDA.

Figure

Acknowledgments:

Novartis and IQVIA for supporting the EuroSpA RCN

Disclosure of Interests:

Brigitte Michelsen Grant/research support from: Research support from Novartis, Consultant of: Consulting fees Novartis, Ulf Lindström: None declared, Catalin Codreanu Consultant of: Speaker and consulting fees from AbbVie, Accord Healthcare, Alfasigma, Egis, Eli Lilly, Ewopharma, Genesis, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker and consulting fees from AbbVie, Accord Healthcare, Alfasigma, Egis, Eli Lilly, Ewopharma, Genesis, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Adrian Ciurea Consultant of: Consulting and/or speaking fees from AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis and Pfizer., Jakub Zavada Speakers bureau: Abbvie, UCB, Sanofi, Elli-Lilly, Novartis, Zentiva, Accord, Anne Gitte Loft Grant/research support from: Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Manuel Pombo-Suarez Consultant of: Janssen, Lilly, MSD and Sanofi., Speakers bureau: Janssen, Lilly, MSD and Sanofi., Fatos Onen: None declared, Tore K. Kvien Grant/research support from: Received grants from Abbvie, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD and Roche (not relevant for this abstract)., Consultant of: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Paid instructor for: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Speakers bureau: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Ziga Rotar Consultant of: Speaker and consulting fees from Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Medis, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi., Speakers bureau: Speaker and consulting fees from Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Medis, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi., Maria Jose Santos Speakers bureau: Novartis and Pfizer, Florenzo Iannone Consultant of: Speaker and consulting fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, MSD, Speakers bureau: Speaker and consulting fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, MSD, Anna-Mari Hokkanen: None declared, Björn Gudbjornsson Speakers bureau: Novartis and Amgen, Johan Askling Grant/research support from: JA acts or has acted as PI for agreements between Karolinska Institutet and the following entities, mainly in the context of the ARTIS national safety monitoring programme of immunomodulators in rheumatology: Abbvie, BMS, Eli Lilly, Merck, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi, and UCB Pharma, Ruxandra Ionescu Consultant of: Consulting fees from Abbvie, Eli-Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Consulting and speaker fees from Abbvie, Eli-Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Michael Nissen Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Consultant of: Novartis, Lilly, Abbvie, Celgene and Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Novartis, Lilly, Abbvie, Celgene and Pfizer, Karel Pavelka Consultant of: Abbvie, MSD, BMS, Egis, Roche, UCB, Medac, Pfizer, Biogen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, MSD, BMS, Egis, Roche, UCB, Medac, Pfizer, Biogen, Carlos Sánchez-Piedra: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Matija Tomsic: None declared, Helena Santos Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Pfizer, Novartis, Marco Sebastiani: None declared, Jenny Osterlund: None declared, Arni Jon Geirsson: None declared, Gareth T. Jones Grant/research support from: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB, Celgene and GSK., Irene van der Horst-Bruinsma Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Stylianos Georgiadis Grant/research support from: Novartis, Cecilie Heegaard Brahe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Lykke Midtbøll Ørnbjerg Grant/research support from: Novartis, Merete L. Hetland Grant/research support from: BMS, MSD, AbbVie, Roche, Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, CellTrion, Merck and Samsung Bioepis, Mikkel Ǿstergaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB

SAT0091 SURVEY OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND RISK FACTOR MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ACROSS 5 WORLD REGIONS: RESULTS FROM THE SURF-RA

Background:

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Observational data suggest a need for improved risk factor recording and management in such subjects.

Objectives:

The aim of this survey was to evaluate updated information on CVD risk factors, comorbidities, RA and CVD preventive medication in patient with RA.

Methods:

The audit is termedSUrvey of cardiovascular diseaseRiskFactors in patients withRheumatoidArthritis (SURF-RA) and was performed in 53 centres in 19 countries across 5 world regions during 2014 and 2019. SURF-RA is part of the SURF family of audits which have been performed in patients with CHD, in primary care2, and now in patients with stroke and SLE. Data including demographics, RA disease characteristics, CVD, risk factors and medications was collected. The survey was approved by the Data Protection Officer (2017/7243) and a General Data Protection evaluation has been performed (10/10-2018).

Results:

Among 14 503 patients with RA in West (n= 8 493) and East (n=923) Europe, Latin (n=407) and North (n=4030) America and Asia (n=650) the mean (SD) age was 59.9 (13.6) years, and 2/3 or more were female (table). RA disease duration was comparable across the world regions, ranging from 9.9 to 12.6 years. The average disease activity was low [disease activity score including 28 joints and C-reactive protein; DAS28CRP: mean (SD): 2.6 (1.2)]. The prevalence of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) was lowest in Latin America (2.5%) and highest in East Europe (21.4%), and this pattern was similar regarding familial premature CVD. The mean prevalence (% of each entity) of blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg was 5.3%, of low density lipoprotein cholesterol > 2.5 mmol/L: 63.3%. Overall, 29% used anti-hypertensive medication, lowest in West Europe (17.4%) and highest in East Europe (57.0%), and 26.4% used lipid lowering agent(s), lowest in Asia (7.2%) and highest in North America (31.1%). Body mass index > 30 kg/m2 was present in 26.6%, with the smallest waist circumference in Asia [mean (SD): 84.1 (13.6) cm] and highest in East Europe [92.5 (15.5) cm]. The proportion of current smokers was on average: 16.2 %, lowest in Asia (7.8%) and highest in East Europe (28.5%).

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of CVD risk factors and ASCVD in patients with RA across five world regions shows that there is still an unmet need for vigilance and improved implementation of preventive measures in this high CVD risk patient population.

References:

[1] Cooney MTet al. SURF-Survey of Risk Factor management: First report of an international audit. Eur J Prev cardiol 2014

[2] Zao M, Cooney MT, Klipstein-Grobush K, et al. Simplifying the audit of risk factor recording and control: A report from an international study in 11 countries. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2016

AllWest EuropeEastEuropeLatinAmericaNorth AmericaAsiap-valueNumber of patients1450384939234074030650Age mean(SD)59.8 (13.6)60.7 (13.2)58.8 (11.8)52.8 (11.6)59.4 (14.8)55.7 (13.1)<0.001Sex female (%)74.574.178.592.472.277.3Disease duration (yrs) mean(SD)10.8 (9.5)10.5 (9.5)12.1 (9.3)9.9 (7.5)12.6 (9.8)10.5 (9.8)<0.001DAS28-CRP mean(SD)2.6 (1.2)2.5 (1.1)2.9 (1.2)2.8 (1.3)2.8 (1.2)2.8 (1.4)<0.001Atherosclerotic CVD (%)13.311.421.42.516.210.3<0.001Lipid lowering medication (%)26.425.128.522.431.17.2<0.001Any anti-hypertensive (%)29.017.457.024.846.831.8<0.001

Disclosure of Interests:

Anne Grete Semb: None declared, Eirik Ikdahl: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Georeg Kitas: None declared, Piet van Riel: None declared, Cynthia S. Crowson Grant/research support from: Pfizer research grant, Ian Graham: None declared, Silvia Rollefstad: None declared

THU0129 SLEEP DISTURBANCE AND LOW INFLAMMATION PREDICT A PATTERN OF CHRONIC FATIGUE IN ACTIVELY TREATED PATIENTS WITH ESTABLISHED RA

Background:

Fatigue is common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has major impact on the burden of disease. There is little knowledge regarding the factors predicting the longitudinal development of chronic fatigue.

Objectives:

To identify baseline predictors for the development of chronic fatigue in patients with RA who initiate biological DMARD (bDMARD) treatment, and to compare disease courses across categories of fatigue for 12 months follow-up.

Methods:

Different trajectories of fatigue were calculated from a cohort of 209 established RA patients initiating bDMARDs. Fatigue was assessed by use of the fatigue Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) from the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) questionnaire. The patients were assessed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months. We defined three groups: no fatigue (≤3 at all visits), improved fatigue (>3 at baseline but ≤3 at follow-up) and chronic fatigue (≥ 4 at all visits). All patients had clinical/subjective assessments (28 tender/swollen joint count, assessor’s/patient’s global VAS, RAID score, widespread pain, pain catastrophizing, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP and calprotectin (a major granulocyte protein sensitive for inflammation in RA patients)). All patients were assessed by ultrasound (grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD)) of 36 joints and 4 tendons with semi-quantitative scoring (0-3). Differences between groups at baseline was assessed by bivariate analyses, and logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender were used to explore baseline predictors of chronic vs improved fatigue. Trajectories of different groups were plotted as estimated marginal means in figures, and differences between groups assessed by mixed models with maximum likelihood random effects, adjusted for age and sex.

Results:

Table 1 describes demographics and clinical factors of the three groups with significant differences shown in bold. Logistic regression with multivariate assessments found anti-CCP and low inflammation (calprotectin) to be predictors of chronic versus improved fatigue. Sleep disturbance was highly predictive of chronic fatigue. Figure 1 illustrates the trajectories for the three groups at all visits, showing the chronic fatigue group to have significantly higher DAS28, level of widespread pain, depression and sleep disturbance in contrast to no higher level of inflammation assessed by CRP and ultrasound PD.

Table 1.No fatigueImproved fatigueChronicfatigueNo fatigue vs Improved fatigueImproved fatigue vs chronic fatigueNo fatigue vs. chronic fatigue482943pppAge, mean (SD) years51 (2)48 (2)54 (2)0.280.090.28Female gender (%)35 (73)24 (83)38 (88)0.400.500.09Higher Education (%)31 (65)23 (79)20 (47)0.170.010.17Anti-CCP positive (%)29 (60)20 (69)36 (84)0.720.010.002RF positive (%)27 (56)17 (59)30 (70)0.760.110.15Disease duration, mean (SD) years7 (1)8 (1)11 (1)0.810.110.03RA disease activityDAS28CRP3.2 (0.1)3.9 (0.2)4.7 (0.2)0.0030.004<0.001Swollen joints (28)5.7 (0.7)5.6 (1.0)6.2 (0.7)0.900.600.63CRP mg/L mean (SD)9.4 (2.4)15.6 (4.1)11.0 (2.6)0.020.020.58Calprotectin mg/L mean (SD)1.6 (0.3)2.0 (0.4)1.5 (0.2)0.440.200.92Sum score PD mean (SD)14.3 (1.8)13.8 (2.5)12.3 (1.9)0.850.620.43Sum score GS mean (SD)31.6 (2.8)29.3 (3.4)28.2 (2.7)0.610.810.39Psychosocial factorsRAID sleep (VAS 0-10)1.2 (0.3)4.3 (0.6)6.7(0.4)<0.001<0.001<0.001RAID fatigue (VAS 0-10)1.4 (0.2)5.6 (0.3)7.1 (0.3)<0.0010.003<0.001Widespread pain (0-25)4.3 (0.4)7.0 (0.8)8.6 (0.7)0.0010.16<0.001HADS anxiety1.5 (0.3)1.4 (0.6)3.4 (0.7)0.260.580.10HADS depression0.8 (0.2)0.9 (0.4)3.0 (0.8)0.980.360.05Pain Catastrophizing (0-6)1.0 (0.2)2.5 (0.3)2.9 (0.3)<0.0010.31<0.001

Conclusion:

Sleep disturbance is a modifiable factor presently found to predict chronic versus improved fatigue. Thus, attention should be given to RA patients with sleep problems to seek to avoid development of chronic fatigue. This issue should be explored in further studies.

Disclosure of Interests:

Hilde Berner Hammer Consultant of: Has received fees as consultant from Roche, AbbVie and Novartis., Speakers bureau: Has received fees for speaking from AbbVie, BMS, Pfizer, UCB, Roche, MSD and Novartis, Brigitte Michelsen Grant/research support from: Research support from Novartis, Consultant of: Consulting fees Novartis, Joe Sexton: None declared, Till Uhlig Consultant of: Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Grünenthal, Novartis, Sella Aarrestad Provan Consultant of: Novartis

OP0251 THE EULAR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS IMPACT OF DISEASE (SCLEROID) SCORE – A NEW PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURE FOR PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Patient reported outcome measures (PROM) are important for clinical practice and research. Given the unmet need for a comprehensive PROM for systemic sclerosis (SSc), the ScleroID questionnaire was developed by a joint team of patients with SSc and medical experts. This is intended as a brief, specific, patient-derived, disease impact score for research and clinical use in SSc.

Objectives:

Here, we present the validation and final version of the ScleroID.

Methods:

This EULAR-endorsed project involves 9 European expert SSc centers. Patients fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria were prospectively included since 05/16 in a large observational cohort study. Patients completed the ScleroID and comparators SHAQ, EQ5D, SF36. They also weighted the 10 dimensions of the ScleroID by distributing 100 points according to the perceived impact on their health. The final score calculation is based on the ranking of the weights. The validation study included a reliability arm and a longitudinal arm, looking at sensitivity to change at follow-up.

Results:

Of the 472 patients included at baseline, 109 patients also had a reliability visit and 113 patients a follow-up visit. 84.5% of patients were female, 29.8% had diffuse SSc, mean age was 54.6 years, and mean disease duration 9.5 years. The highest weights were assigned by the patients to Raynaud`s phenomenon, fatigue, hand function and pain, confirming our previous results. The total ScleroID score showed good Spearman correlation coefficients with the comparators (SHAQ, 0.73; EQ5D -0.48; Patient’s global assessment, VAS 0.77; HAQ-DI 0.62; SF36 physical score -0.62; each p<0.001). The internal consistency was good: Crohnbach’s alpha 0.866, similar to SS-HAQ (0.88) and higher than EQ5D (0.77). The ScleroID had a very good reliability: intra-class correlation coefficient 0.839 (ranging 0.608 to 0.788 for the individual items), superior to all comparators. Twenty of 113 patients reported a change in their disease status at follow up. Sensitivity to change: the standardized response mean was 0.34 for the total ScleroID score and highest for lower GI (0.633) and life choices domains (0.521), superior to all other PROM. Figure 1 shows the final ScleroID.

Figure 1.

Conclusion:

The EULAR ScleroID is a novel PROM designed for use in clinical practice and clinical trials to reflect the disease impact of SSc, showing good performance in the validation study. Importantly, Raynaud syndrome, impaired hand function, pain and fatigue were the main patient reported drivers of disease impact.

Disclosure of Interests:

Mike O. Becker: None declared, Rucsandra Dobrota: None declared, Kim Fligelstone: None declared, Annelise Roennow: None declared, Yannick Allanore Grant/research support from: BMS, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi, Consultant of: Actelion, Bayer AG, BMS, BI, Patricia Carreira Grant/research support from: Actelion, Roche, MSD, Consultant of: GlaxoSmithKline, VivaCell Biotechnology, Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Speakers bureau: Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, László Czirják Consultant of: Actelion, BI, Roche-Genentech, Lilly, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Bayer AG, Christopher Denton Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, and Inventiva, Consultant of: Medscape, Roche-Genentech, Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Inventiva, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron, Curzion and Bayer, Roger Hesselstrand: None declared, Gunnel Sandqvist: None declared, Otylia Kowal-Bielecka Consultant of: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Inventiva, MSD, Medac, Novartis, Roche and Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Inventiva, MSD, Medac, Novartis, Roche and Sandoz, Cosimo Bruni Speakers bureau: Actelion, Eli Lilly, Marco Matucci Cerinic: None declared, Carina Mihai: None declared, Ana Maria Gheorghiu: None declared, Ulf Müller-Ladner Speakers bureau: Biogen, Joe Sexton: None declared, Turid Heiberg: None declared, Oliver Distler Grant/research support from: Grants/Research support from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Tanabe; he also holds the issued Patent on mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy fees from Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, AnaMar, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, Catenion, ChemomAb, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Pfizer and Roche

OP0019 STABLE VERSUS TAPERED AND WITHDRAWN TREATMENT WITH TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITOR IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS REMISSION (ARCTIC REWIND): A RANDOMISED, OPEN-LABEL, PHASE 4, NON-INFERIORITY TRIAL

Background:

Remission is the preferred treatment target in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and many patients require biologic DMARDs to reach this state. It is debated whether tapering of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment to discontinuation should be considered in RA patients who sustain remission on treatment (1).

Objectives:

The primary study objective was to assess the effect of tapering and withdrawal of TNFi on the risk of flares in RA patients in clinical remission.

Methods:

In the non-inferiority ARCTIC REWIND trial, RA patients in remission for at least 12 months on stable TNFi therapy were randomly assigned to continued stable TNFi or tapering (half-dose TNFi for 4 months, thereafter withdrawal of TNFi), with visits every four months. csDMARD co-medication was kept stable in both arms. Patients had to be in DAS remission at inclusion with 0/44 swollen joints. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with disease flare during the 12-month study period (defined as DAS>1.6, change in DAS>0.6 and 2 or more swollen joints, or the physician and patient agreed that a clinically significant flare had occurred). Full-dose TNFi was reinstated in case of flares in the tapering arm. The non-inferiority margin was 20%, with a predefined superiority test if non-inferiority was not shown. The inferiority null-hypothesis was tested in the per-protocol population by mixed effect logistic regression. Radiographs were scored by van der Heijde modified Sharp score (0 and 12 months, average of two readers, progression: ≥1 unit change). ClinicaltrialsNCT01881308.

Results:

We randomised 99 patients, 92 received the allocated treatment strategy, 84 were included in the per-protocol population. Baseline characteristics, clinical and ultrasound disease activity were balanced (Table). csDMARD co-medication was used by 93% in the stable and 88% in the tapering arm. In the primary analysis, 5% of patients in the stable TNFi arm experienced a flare during 12 months, compared to 63% in the tapering TNFi arm. The risk difference (95% CI) was 58% (42% to 74%, Fig 1), with stable treatment being deemed superior to tapering. 90% in the stable and 81% in the tapering arm did not show progression of radiographic joint damage, difference (95% CI) -9% (-24%, 6%). At 12 months, DAS scores, DAS remission and function were similar between groups (Fig 2). The numbers of adverse events (AE)/serious AE in the stable and tapering arm were 57/2 and 50/3, respectively, with 26 and 15 infections.

Conclusion:

In a randomised clinical trial assessing patients in prolonged and deep RA remission, we observed a large increase in the flare rate in patients who tapered and discontinued TNFi. Patients responded well to reinstated treatment and remission rates in the two study arms were comparable at 12 months.

References:

[1]Smolen et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update. ARD 2020

Table 1.

Baseline values – n (%), mean (SD), or median (IQR)

Stable, n=45Tapering, n=47Age, yrs57 (11)58 (13)Female30 (67%)25 (53%)ACPA+35 (78%)36 (77%)Symptom duration, yrs10 (7)12 (7)DAS0.9 (0.4)0.8 (0.3)CRP mg/L1 (1 – 2)1 (1 – 3)No ulttrasound power Doppler signal in any of 32 joints42 (96%)44 (94%)

Disclosure of Interests:

Siri Lillegraven: None declared, Nina Paulshus Sundlisæter: None declared, Anna-Birgitte Aga: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Inge Olsen: None declared, Åse Lexberg: None declared, Tor Magne Madland: None declared, Hallvard Fremstad: None declared, Christian A. Høili Consultant of: Novartis, Gunnstein Bakland Consultant of: Novartis, UCB, Cristina Spada: None declared, Hilde Haukeland Consultant of: Novartis, Inger M. Hansen: None declared, Ellen Moholt: None declared, Till Uhlig Consultant of: Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Grünenthal, Novartis, Daniel Solomon Grant/research support from: Funding from Abbvie and Amgen unrelated to this work, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma; Director of Imaging Rheumatology BV, Tore K. Kvien Grant/research support from: Received grants from Abbvie, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD and Roche (not relevant for this abstract)., Consultant of: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Paid instructor for: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Speakers bureau: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Espen A Haavardsholm Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Pfizer Inc, MSD Norway, Roche Norway, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Janssen-Cilag, Gilead, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Paid instructor for: UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Roche, MSD

SAT0148 TAPERING OF CONVENTIONAL SYNTHETIC DISEASE MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS IN SUSTAINED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS REMISSION: RESULTS FROM A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

Sustained remission is the goal of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care, and more patients reach and maintain this state on conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) with treat-to-target strategies. The knowledge about whether csDMARDs can be tapered in RA remission is limited.

Objectives:

The primary objective of the study was to assess the effect of tapering of csDMARDs on the risk of flares in RA patients in sustained clinical remission.

Methods:

In the open, phase 4, non-inferiority ARCTIC REWIND trial, RA patients in clinical remission for ≥ 12 months on stable csDMARD therapy were randomised to continued stable csDMARD or half dose csDMARD. Patients had to be in DAS remission at inclusion with no swollen joints (of 44). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a disease flare during 12 months (defined as a combination of DAS >1.6, change in DAS >0.6 and ≥2 swollen joints, or the physician and patient agreed that a clinically significant flare had occurred). Patients attended visits every 4 months, with extra visits in case of flares. The non-inferiority margin was 20%, with a predefined superiority test if non-inferiority was not shown. Mixed effect logistic regression was used to test the inferiority null-hypothesis in the per-protocol population. Radiographs at 0 and 12 months were scored by van der Heijde Sharp score (average score of two readers, progression: ≥1 unit change/year). Clinicaltrials.govNCT01881308.

Results:

We enrolled 160 patients, 155 received the allocated treatment strategy. Baseline characteristics were overall well balanced (Table). 78% of patients in the stable csDMARD arm and 84% in the half-dose csDMARD arm used methotrexate monotherapy. In the primary analysis, we observed flares in 6% of patients on stable csDMARD, compared to 25% in the half-dose csDMARD arm, giving a risk difference (95% CI) of 18.3% (7.2% to 29.3%, Fig 1). Non-inferiority could not be claimed, with the results showing superiority of the stable arm over the half-dose arm (Fig 1). Similar results were found in methotrexate monotherapy users. In the stable arm, 2/5 (40%) escalated DMARD medication following the flares, compared to 18/19 (95%) in the tapering arm. No progression of radiographic joint damage was observed in 79.5% of patients on stable DMARDs and 62.7% of those tapering, difference (95% CI) -17.7% (-33.0%, -2.3%, Fig 2E). At 12 months, 92% of patients in the stable and 85% of patients in the tapered arm were in DAS remission (Fig 2C). The frequency of adverse events was 75 in the stable arm and 53 in the tapered arm, with serious adverse events in 2 (2.6%) of patients in the stable and 4 (5.1%, including two serious infections) patients in the tapered arm.

Conclusion:

In RA patients in sustained remission on csDMARDs, continued csDMARD therapy with stable dosage led to significantly fewer disease activity flares and less frequent radiographic joint damage progression than tapered csDMARD treatment.

Table.

Baseline values; mean (SD), n (%) or median (IQR)

Stable, n=78Tapering, n=78Age, yrs55 (12)56 (12)Female50 (64%)54 (69%)ACPA+57 (73%)63 (81%)Symptom dur., yrs3.7 (1.8)3.4 (1.4)DAS0.8 (0.4)0.8 (0.3)CRP mg/L2 (1, 3)2.0 (1,3)MTX monotherapy61 (78%)65 (84%)

Disclosure of Interests:

Siri Lillegraven: None declared, Nina Paulshus Sundlisæter: None declared, Anna-Birgitte Aga: None declared, Joe Sexton: None declared, Inge Olsen: None declared, Hallvard Fremstad: None declared, Cristina Spada: None declared, Tor Magne Madland: None declared, Christian A. Høili Consultant of: Novartis, Gunnstein Bakland Consultant of: Novartis, UCB, Åse Lexberg: None declared, Inger Johanne Widding Hansen: None declared, Inger M. Hansen: None declared, Hilde Haukeland Consultant of: Novartis, Maud-Kristine A Ljosa: None declared, Ellen Moholt: None declared, Till Uhlig Consultant of: Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Grünenthal, Novartis, Daniel Solomon Grant/research support from: Funding from Abbvie and Amgen unrelated to this work, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma; Director of Imaging Rheumatology BV, Tore K. Kvien Grant/research support from: Received grants from Abbvie, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD and Roche (not relevant for this abstract)., Consultant of: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Paid instructor for: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Speakers bureau: Have received personal fees from Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lily, Hospira/Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Orion Pharma, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, Sanofi and Mylan (not relevant for this abstract)., Espen A Haavardsholm Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Pfizer Inc, MSD Norway, Roche Norway, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Janssen-Cilag, Gilead, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Paid instructor for: UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Roche, MSD