Online physiotherapy for people with axial spondyloarthritis: quantitative and qualitative data from a cohort study

Life-long exercise is essential in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) management; however, long-term adherence is challenging. Online exercise programmes are an alternative to face-to-face physiotherapy. (1) To measure adherence to a 12-month, individualised, online physiotherapy programme for people with axSpA, and investigate the effects on disease activity, spinal mobility, work ability, quality of life and function. (2) To investigate associations between programme adherence and outcomes. (3) To explore participants' views of the programme and factors affecting adherence. Participants were 'non-exercisers' recruited from rheumatology outpatient services. Adherence was measured using online diary entries. Outcomes included the BATH indices, health status (EQ5D), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQOL), exercise capacity (6MWT), Work, Productivity and Activity Impairment in AS (WPAI), Exercise Attitude Questionnaire (EAQ) and Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Interviews determined views on the intervention and factors affecting adherence. Fifty participants were recruited. Over the 52-week intervention, adherence (five times/week) ranged from 19% (± 30%) to 44% (± 35%). Significant improvements were found in disease activity (BASDAI), spinal mobility (BASMI), 6MWT, AsQoL and EQ5D-VAS at 6 and 12 months. There were no associations between adherence and baseline variables or demographics. Interviews suggested support from others, routine, and feeling the benefit positively affected adherence. Conversely, lack of motivation, life events and symptoms negatively affected adherence. A 12-month online physiotherapy programme significantly improved symptoms in people with axSpA who were not regular exercisers. Adherence reduced over the intervention period. Online exercise programmes may benefit people with axSpA; however, strategies to improve adherence are required.

POS0074 IMMUNOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PsA PATIENTS WHO ARE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITOR-NAIVE AND WHO HAVE INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS

Background

A better understanding of the immunological differences between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients (pts) who are tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)-naïve & who have inadequate response to TNFi (TNFi-IR) may guide treatment choices. In DISCOVER-1, benefit of the IL-23p19 subunit inhibitor guselkumab (GUS) every-four-weeks (Q4W) & Q8W vs placebo (PBO) in improving PsA signs & symptoms was seen in adults with active PsA.1 The Ph3b COSMOS study of GUS Q8W vs PBO in TNFi-IR PsA pts corroborated these findings.2

Objectives

Assess baseline (BL) molecular differences between TNFi-naïve & -IR PsA pts & investigate GUS pharmacodynamic (PD) effect on cytokine expression over time in these cohorts.

Methods

Serum samples collected from consenting biomarker substudy pts in DISCOVER-11 (TNFi-naïve [n=101] & -IR [n=17]), DISCOVER-23 (TNFi-naïve [n=150]), & COSMOS2 (TNFi-IR [n=76]) were analyzed for selected serum cytokine levels. TNFi-IR pts in this post-hoc analysis had active PsA & discontinued 1-2 TNFi due to inadequate efficacy; these pts required a TNFi-specific washout period prior to starting GUS. PD effect of GUS Q8W on cytokine levels was assessed. Differential BL cytokine expression, associations between BL cytokine levels & clinical response (Psoriasis [PsO] Area & Severity Index 75% improvement from BL [PASI75] & American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement [ACR20]), & GUS effect on cytokine levels were analyzed with a General linear model & Spearman linear regression.

Results

BL pt demographics, disease characteristics, & conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) use were comparable between TNFi-naïve (DISCOVER-1 & -2, N=251) & -IR (DISCOVER-1 & COSMOS, N=93) pts, with differences in mean PASI score (8.9 v 12.5), swollen joint count (SJC) (11.7 v 10.3), PsA duration (5.8 v 9.8 yrs), & PsO duration (16.7 v 20.4 yrs; Table 1). BL serum IL-22 & TNFα levels for pooled treatment groups were higher in TNFi-IR than -naïve pts (p<0.05). At W24, GUS reduced IL-22, IL-17A/F, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), & serum amyloid A protein to similar levels in both cohorts (p<0.05; Figure 1). W24 PASI75 responders had higher BL IL-17F levels with GUS in both cohorts (p<0.05) & higher IL-22 levels in TNFi-IR pts only (p<0.05). A trend of upregulated BL IL-22 expression in W24 ACR20 responders was seen for TNFi-IR pts with GUS (p=0.07).

Table 1.

BL demographics, disease characteristics, & drug use in TNFi-naïve & -IR cohorts with available cytokine data in DISCOVER-1&2 & COSMOS.*

TNFi-naïve (N=251)TNFi-IR (N=93)Age [yrs]47.2 (11.3)48.5 (11.1)Female, n (%)132 (52.6)46 (49.5)Body mass index [kg/m2]29.6 (6.1)30.3 (6.4)Median (range) CRP [mg/dL]0.9 (0.0-12.9)1.0 (0.0-13.2)Log2 IL-22 / TNFα [pg/mL]2.0 (1.4) / 1.1 (0.6)2.5 (1.5) / 1.9 (1.2)Log2 IL-17A / F [pg/mL]-0.4 (1.5) / 1.7 (1.5)-0.1 (1.7) / 2.0 (1.6)SJC [0-66]11.7 (7.1)10.3 (8.3)TJC [0-68]20.3 (13.1)20.6 (14.2)PsA duration [yrs]5.8 (5.9)9.8 (8.2)PsO duration [yrs]16.7 (12.8)20.4 (12.0)PsO Body surface area (%)14.8 (18.6)19.1 (21.3)Investigator’s Global Assessment score [0-4]2.3 (0.9)2.3 (1.0)PASI score [0-72]8.9 (10.6)12.5 (12.0)Enthesitis [Y], n (%)160 (63.7)58 (62.4)csDMARD use [Y], n (%)164 (65.3)62 (66.7)Corticosteroid use (Y), n (%)45 (17.9)19 (20.4)Methotrexate use [Y], n (%)136 (54.2)54 (58.1)

Data are mean (SD) unless otherwise noted. *Pts with serum CRP level ≥0.3 mg/dL, SJC ≥3, & TJC ≥3 (to mimic D1 inclusion criteria1). TJC= tender joint count

Conclusion

Elevated BL IL-22 expression & association between BL IL-22 levels & W24 PASI75 response, & a W24 trend for an association between upregulated BL IL-22 & ACR20 response, in TNFi-IR pts seen in this exploratory analysis may suggest increased involvement of the IL-23 pathway in TNFi-IR pts. GUS showed comparable & significant PD effects for TNFi-naïve & -IR pts, consistent with observed clinical responses.

References

[1]Deodhar A, et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1115-25.

[2]Coates LC, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80:140-1.

[3]Mease P, et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1126-36.

Disclosure of Interests

Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Laura Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Siba P Raychaudhuri Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Warner Chen Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Sheng Gao Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), May Shawi Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Frederic Lavie Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Elke Theander Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Marlies Neuhold Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Xie L Xu Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Proton Rahman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Aclaris, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Inmagene, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Atul Deodhar Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Aurinia, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MoonLake, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB

POS0576 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN POTENTIAL PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AND ADVERSE HEALTH OUTCOMES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A STUDY OF 5658 UK BIOBANK PARTICIPANTS

Background

There is a pressing need to identify simple prognostic factors, which are readily available in primary and secondary care settings, that can predict adverse health outcomes in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Exploring various clinical, physiological and patient-reported measures as prognostic factors may enhance risk stratification and promote more personalised care for RA patients.

Objectives

To determine the association, if any, between selected prognostic factors and all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; including myocardial infarction and stroke) in an RA population.

Methods

UK Biobank participants that self-reported RA were included in this study. Prognostic factors were selected from the literature based on relevance, predictive potential, simplicity and accessibility in a primary/secondary care setting. Those included were categorised into the following domains: anthropometric measures (body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio), functional measures (hand grip strength (HGS), usual walking pace (UWP)), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP)), patient-reported measures (pain), physiological measures (blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR)) and serological markers (rheumatoid factor (RF)), with normal ranges used as reference categories. Associations between individual factors and outcomes were explored using Cox proportional hazards models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, number of additional long-term conditions and smoking status in the first instance to identify potential individual predictors. Models were then further adjusted for any identified individual predictors to determine the most important prognostic factors.

Results

5658 (1.1%) UK Biobank participants self-reported RA (mean age 59 (standard deviation 7.13); 69.8% female). 670 deaths (median 11 years) and 370 MACE (median 8 years) were recorded during the follow-up period. Several significant individual associations with all-cause mortality (Figure 1A) and MACE (Figure 1B) were found. After further adjustment for these significant individual predictors, the following factors demonstrated significant associations with risk of all-cause mortality, independent of the other significant predictors: underweight BMI (<18.5kg/m2) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.96 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.59-5.51]), obese BMI (≥30.0kg/m2) (HR 0.52 [95% CI 0.36-0.76]), 3-10mg/L CRP (HR 1.41 [95% CI 1.14-1.75]), >10mg/L CRP (HR 1.77 [95% CI 1.39-2.26]), low HGS (<16kg female or <27kg male) (HR 1.28 [95% CI 1.05-1.56]) and slow UWP (patient-reported) (HR 1.31 [95% CI 1.06-1.62]). Likewise, the following factors were found to be significantly associated with MACE, independent of other significant factors: >10mg/L CRP (HR 1.62 [95% CI 1.19-2.20]), low HGS (HR 1.61 [95% CI 1.26-2.07]) and slow UWP (HR 1.50 [95 % CI 1.15-1.97]).

Conclusion

In this RA population, the risk of all-cause mortality was approximately three-fold higher in those who have an underweight BMI when compared to those who have a BMI in the normal range, when adjusted for all other significant factors, while an obese BMI appeared to lower this risk, consistent with the “obesity paradox” reported in RA [1]. Increased levels of CRP, low HGS and slow UWP were also all independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACE. Our findings highlight the potential value of these factors for predicting adverse outcomes in RA populations. A simple, yet multidimensional approach to risk assessment, combining well-tolerated, easily repeatable measures such as those included here may provide important prognostic information at both primary and secondary care levels, while limiting excessive and overly invasive testing on RA patients.

References

[1]Wolfe F, Michaud K. Effect of body mass index on mortality and clinical status in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012; 64(10): 1471-1479. doi:10.1002/acr.21627

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the Medical Research Council [grant number: MR/N013166/1].

Disclosure of Interests

Jordan Canning: None declared, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: Departmental research grants/support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis and UCB., Bhautesh Jani: None declared, Frances Mair: None declared, Barbara Nicholl: None declared.

POS0590 ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SELF-REPORTED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVITY AND STRUCTURAL BRAIN PHENOTYPES IN UK BIOBANK

Background

There is very limited research on structural brain health in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives

To investigate whether there are differences in brain volume in people with self-reported RA or positive rheumatoid factor (RF+).

Methods

Cross-sectionally tested for associations with several MRI brain volume measures in UK Biobank (n=37,379 of whom 432 RA and 1833 RF+). The partially adjusted regression models controlled for age and sex, while the fully adjusted models further controlled for deprivation index, smoking status and cardiometabolic diseases. For all subcortical volumes analyses we also controlled for total brain volume.

Results

Those that self-reported RA were more likely to have increased WMH (White Matter Hyperintensities) (β= 0.08, 95% CI= 0.022; 0.14, p<0.01), and smaller volumes of the amygdala (β=-0.09, 95% CI= -0.16; -0.02, p<0.01), pallidum (β=-0.07, 95% CI= -0.13; -0.005, p<0.05) and thalamus (β= -0.06, 95% CI= -0.12; -0.01, p<0.05) in the partially adjusted analyses. In the fully adjusted model only amygdala volume remained negatively associated with RA (β=-0.09, 95% CI= -0.16; -0.02, p<0.01).

Conclusion

We provide evidence of differences in structural brain phenotypes known to underpin cognitive and psychological health, in RA. Since the amygdala may play an important role in pain modulation and mental health, while WMH are associated with a higher risk of stroke, the observed differences may be of clinical relevance in RA which is associated with a higher prevalence of these conditions. Further research is required to confirm these findings and asses their functional implications.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS0308 EFFECT OF GUSELKUMAB ON SERUM BIOMARKERS IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE OR INTOLERANCE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS: RESULTS FROM THE COSMOS STUDY

Background

Guselkumab (GUS), a selective IL-23 inhibitor, is efficacious in treating bio-naïve and TNFi-experienced active PsA patients (pts).1.2 In the COSMOS study of active PsA pts with lack of efficacy/intolerance, i.e., inadequate response (IR), to 1-2 TNFi, GUS demonstrated significantly greater response rates and mean improvements in PsA signs and symptoms vs. placebo (PBO) at Week (W) 24.3

Objectives

Evaluate baseline (BL) serum levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, serum amyloid A [SAA], TNFα, IFNɣ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17F, IL-17A, IL-22) and their relationship to BL disease activity, GUS treatment (tx), and clinical response in COSMOS TNFi-IR pts.

Methods

TNFi-IR pts ≥18 yrs with active PsA (≥3 swollen & ≥3 tender joint counts [SJC/TJC]) were randomized 2:1 to GUS 100 mg every 8 W (Q8W) through W44 or PBO with early escape (W16) or crossover (W24) to GUS Q8W. Samples for serum biomarker analyses, collected at W0, 4, 16, 24, and 48 from consenting pts, were compared with healthy controls (HC; independent of COSMOS). Associations between early biomarker changes and BL disease activity, GUS tx, and clinical response at W24 were assessed.

Results

Among 285 COSMOS pts, 50/95 PBO and 100/190 GUS pts had available biomarker data. BL characteristics of the biomarker cohort were similar to the overall COSMOS population and well balanced across tx arms. At BL, levels of TNFα, IFNɣ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were significantly upregulated in TNFi-IR pts vs. HC (Table 1). IL-6, CRP, and SAA levels were associated with BL joint disease severity per Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28-CRP (but not with SJC [0-66]/TJC [0-68]). IL-17A and IL-17F levels were associated with BL PASI score. Through W24, significant decreases from BL in levels of CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were seen in GUS-, but not PBO-tx pts. Reductions in IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22 with GUS were significant by W4, decreased further by W16, and were sustained through W24 and W48. In GUS-tx pts, serum levels of IL-17F (from W16) and IL-22 (from W4) were not significantly different vs. HC. At W48, reductions in these same markers were seen in PBO-tx pts who crossed over to GUS at W16/24 (Figure 1; IL-17A, IL-17F, & IL-22 data shown). In these TNFi-IR pts, GUS-tx pts achieving ACR20 at W24 exhibited higher IL-22 and IFNɣ levels at BL than nonresponders (NR). All other biomarkers evaluated were not significantly associated with ACR20 response to GUS. In the subset of pts with IGA of psoriasis assessed, BL IL-6 and SAA levels were upregulated in W24 IGA 0/1 responders (R) vs. NR in the GUS arm. ACR20 and IGA 0/1 R at W24 exhibited an early greater reduction in IL-6 expression (at W4) than did respective NR in the GUS arm. No BL biomarkers were associated with ACR50 or PASI75 responses to GUS at W24.

Table 1.

Select Serum Biomarkers at BL in TNFi-IR pts vs. HC▫

Biomarker, pg/mLHC N=24TNFi-IR N=150Fold differencep-valueCRP22.1 (1.5)22.8 (2.2)1.60.2895SAA21.7 (1.2)22.8 (2.4)2.10.0794IL-60.07 (1.1)0.98 (1.7)1.90.0314*IL-10-2.3 (1.1)-1.7 (1.0)1.50.0272*IL-17A-2.1 (1.3)-0.3 (1.5)3.3<0.0001*IL-17F0.05 (1.1)1.3 (1.5)2.40.0007*IL-221.9 (1.1)3.1 (1.3)2.40.0002*TNFα0.5 (0.75)1.4 (1.1)1.80.0002*IFNɣ2.4 (0.84)2.9 (1.3)1.50.0259*

Data are mean (SD); *p<0.05 and |fold difference| >1.4; ▫adjusted for confounding factors age & sex.

Conclusion

GUS-tx TNFi-IR pts showed response-specific associations with BL biomarkers (IL-22, IFNɣ, IL-6, and SAA). GUS resulted in decreased levels of elevated CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22, while no significant change was observed with PBO tx. Reductions in these biomarkers were evident as early as W4 and approximated levels seen in HC from W16 onward (W4 for IL-22), suggesting apparent normalization of effector cytokines associated with the IL-23/Th17 axis following GUS tx.

References

[1]Deodhar A et al. Lancet 2020;395:1115-25.

[2]Mease PJ et al. Lancet 2020;395:1126-36.

[3]Coates LC et al. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220991.

Disclosure of Interests

Georg Schett Speakers bureau: Amgen, AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis and UCB, Warner Chen Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Sheng Gao Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, May Shawi Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Frederic Lavie Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Elke Theander Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Marlies Neuhold Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Laura Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB

TRAFIC: statistical design and analysis plan for a pragmatic early phase 1/2 Bayesian adaptive dose escalation trial in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Adaptive model-based dose-finding designs have demonstrated advantages over traditional rule-based designs but have increased statistical complexity but uptake has been slow especially outside of cancer trials. TRAFIC is a multi-centre, early phase trial in rheumatoid arthritis incorporating a model-based design.

Methods

A Bayesian adaptive dose-finding phase I trial rolling into a single-arm, single-stage phase II trial. Model parameters for phase I were chosen via Monte Carlo simulation evaluating objective performance measures under clinically relevant scenarios and incorporated stopping rules for early termination. Potential designs were further calibrated utilising dose transition pathways.

Discussion

TRAFIC is an MRC-funded trial of a re-purposed treatment demonstrating that it is possible to design, fund and implement a model-based phase I trial in a non-cancer population within conventional research funding tracks and regulatory constraints. The phase I design allows borrowing of information from previous trials, all accumulated data to be utilised in decision-making, verification of operating characteristics through simulation, improved understanding for management and oversight teams through dose transition pathways. The rolling phase II design brings efficiencies in trial conduct including site and monitoring activities and cost.

TRAFIC is the first funded model-based dose-finding trial in inflammatory disease demonstrating that small phase I/II trials can have an underlying statistical basis for decision-making and interpretation.

Trial registration

Trials Registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN36667085. Registered on September 26, 2014.

OP0215 MENTAL HEALTH, SLEEP AND COGNITION CHARACTERISTICS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH RHEUMATOID FACTOR STATUS IN THE UK BIOBANK

Background:

There are significant gaps in the literature regarding sleep, mental health, and cognition for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite being important aspects of patients’ overall quality of life. Similarly, there is a lack of understanding about the role of rheumatoid factor (RF) on these domains.

Objectives:

The aim of the current study was to characterize mental health, cognition, and sleep variables in people with RA and to compare these associations in people with positive RF (RF+) and negative RF (RF-) in a large population cohort.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the UK Biobank cohort (n= 502,506) to compare people with and without RA and people that are RF+ versus RF- on a variety of sociodemographic, lifestyle, illness-related factors and depression, neuroticism, performance on cognitive tests and sleep-related factors. Logistic regression analyses were also performed to determine whether RF seropositivity was associated with mental health, cognition, and sleep variables. We adjusted for the covariates of age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation index, smoking status, BMI and alcohol intake.

Results:

In this sample 5,907 people self-reported having RA (1.17%), of which 74% were RF- and 26% were RF+. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between people with and without RA for depression, neuroticism, nap during the day, getting up in the morning, insomnia, reaction time, fluid intelligence and prospective memory. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between RF+ and RF- people for depression, neuroticism, sleep duration, nap during the day, getting up in the morning, insomnia, and reaction time. In the unadjusted regression analyses neuroticism (B=-0.06, SE= 0.01, p < 0.001), sleep duration (B=0.02, SE= 0.005, p < 0.001), nap during the day (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.02-1.65, p < 0.05) and reaction time (B=4.55, SE=0.53, p< 0.001) were significantly associated with RF status. After adjusting for covariates, only sleep duration (B=0.01, SE=0.005, p< 0.01) remained significant.

Conclusion:

The current study suggests that RA diagnosis and RF status are associated with differences in mental health, sleep, and cognition, highlighting the importance of addressing these aspects in clinical settings and future research.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0265 OPIOIDS AND ANALGESIC USE IN EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF LINKED REAL-WORLD PRESCRIPTION DATA

Background:

Large numbers of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receive regular opioids despite significant toxicity and a lack of evidence supporting their use in non-cancer pain. In order to address this situation, we need to understand when opioids are started in early RA where this has not been studied.

Objectives:

To examine the temporal trend of opioid prescriptions before and after RA symptom onset and to compare this with DMARD and NSAID prescriptions.

Methods:

RA participants (cases) were recruited as part of the Scottish Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (SERA) inception cohort1. Controls without RA (five per case), matched for sex, age and post code over the same time period, were obtained through routine data linkage. Prescription data between Jan 2009 to Nov 2019 of cases and matched controls were compared using date of RA symptom onset as reference point. The Prescriptions Per Participant (PPP) for each three-month block was estimated by dividing the number of prescribed drugs in the selected drug classes (assigned using the British National Formulary) in that time block by the number of participants in each group. The differences between mean PPP of the RA cases and controls in each time block were tested by t-test for independent groups and subsequent adjustment for multiple testing.

Results:

1,720,335 prescriptions were available for analysis with 421,961 items for 950 RA cases and 1,299,374 items for 4,558 matched controls. As expected, DMARD prescriptions in the SERA cases increased after the symptom onset period and were then sustained (Figure 1: top left panel). NSAID prescriptions in RA cases peaked during the 3 months after symptom onset and then reduced progressively (top right panel). Opioid analgesic prescriptions for the RA cases increased two-fold during the reference period and then reduced 6-9 months post-symptom onset. However, unlike NSAIDs, after this there was no further significant reduction in opioid prescriptions in the RA cases, which remained stable and significantly higher than in the controls for the remaining study period. The non-opioid analgesic mean PPP increased sharply at the time of symptom onset, with a steady gradual upward trend over time (lower right panel).

Conclusion:

Opioid prescriptions increase significantly at the time of RA symptoms onset. Despite rapid introduction of DMARDs and resultant reductions in NSAIDs, analgesic use remains significantly higher than in controls. Further research is required to identify the factors associated with persistent opioid use in early RA with interventions aimed at the first 6 months.

References:

[1]Dale et al. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016;17:461.

Acknowledgements:

The work was supported by Health Data Research UK which receives its funding from HDR UK Ltd funded by the UKRI MRC, EPSRC, Economic and Social Research Council, Department of Health and Social Care (England), Chief Scientists Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates, Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (Welsh Government), Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland), British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Wellcome Trust.

The SERA study was jointly funded by the Chief Scientists Office Scotland and Pfizer Ltd.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1046 IMPROVEMENTS IN PATIENT-REPORTED IMPACT OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS WITH IL-12/23 (USTEKINUMAB) OR TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS: 1-YEAR DATA FROM THE LARGE, REAL-WORLD PsABIO STUDY

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) negatively impacts patients’ (pts) quality of life (QoL), with a high burden of pain, fatigue and psychological distress. The 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease questionnaire (PsAID-12) is a validated measure of pt-reported disease impact.

Objectives:

To analyse PsAID-12 score changes in the overall population and specific subgroups of interest, and assess correlation of these changes using Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI).

Methods:

PsABio (NCT02627768) is a multinational, prospective, observational study in pts with PsA receiving ustekinumab (UST) or a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) as a 1st/2nd/3rd-line biologic. Descriptive statistics, including 95% CI, are presented at baseline (BL) and 1 year. Linear regression, including propensity score (PS) adjustment for BL covariates, was used to compare change in PsAID-12 total from BL to 1 year between treatments. The relationship between changes in PsAID-12 and HAQ-DI was investigated using Spearman’s correlation.

Results:

Data were available for 438 UST and 455 TNFi pts. From BL to 1 year, significant improvements were seen in total PsAID-12 scores and in all domains with both treatments (Figure 1). PS-adjusted treatment comparison showed no difference in total PsAID-12 improvement (regression coefficient [95% CI]: 0.14 [-0.22; 0.51], p=0.4433), or in any domain, except skin problems, which improved significantly more with UST than TNFi (-0.55 [-1.04, -0.06], p=0.0277). Improvements in PsAID-12 and HAQ-DI showed strong positive correlation with both treatments (UST: r=0.63, p<0.0001; TNFi: r=0.70, p<0.0001). Effectiveness was demonstrated with UST and TNFi in subgroups of interest, including biologic treatment line, sex and psoriasis extent (Table 1. next page).

Conclusion:

Treatment with IL-12/23 (UST) or TNF inhibitors significantly improved pt-reported disease impact at 1 year. PS-adjusted PsAID-12 improvements did not differ significantly between treatments, except skin problems (better with UST). Improvements in disease impact and physical functioning (HAQ-DI) were strongly correlated, emphasising the effect of these biologics on QoL in PsA pts.

Figure 1.Table 1.

PsAID-12 scores by BL characteristic subgroup

Mean (95% CI)USTTNFiBLUnadjusted change from BL at 1 year (LOCF)BLUnadjusted change from BL at 1 year (LOCF)Biologic line1st5.51(5.19; 5.82)-2.14(-2.49; -1.79)5.44(5.15; 5.72)-2.41(-2.72; -2.09)2nd6.05(5.69; 6.41)-2.14(-2.55; -1.72)5.57(5.19; 5.95)-2.37(-2.79; -1.94)3rd5.84(5.33; 6.35)-1.81(-2.45; -1.17)5.34(4.52; 6.15)-1.89(-2.62; -1.16)Sex*Male5.27(4.95; 5.59)-2.35(-2.70; -1.99)4.89(4.56; 5.23)-2.49(-2.83; -2.15)Female6.14(5.86; 6.43)-1.86(-2.20; -1.52)5.95(5.67; 6.23)-2.20(-2.53; -1.87)EnthesitisYes5.95(5.66; 6.24)-2.19(-2.51; -1.86)5.89(5.61; 6.17)-2.65(-2.98; -2.31)No5.51(5.19; 5.83)-1.98(-2.36; -1.59)4.99(4.65; 5.32)-2.02(-2.35; -1.68)Psoriasis BSA, %<35.66(5.32; 6.00)-1.60(-2.03; -1.18)4.97(4.63; 5.31)-1.89(-2.25; -1.52)3–105.44(5.05; 5.83)-2.16(-2.59; -1.74)5.78(5.43; 6.14)-2.99(-3.38; -2.59)>106.15(5.70; 6.60)-2.93(-3.43; -2.43)6.13(5.55; 6.71)-2.86(-3.49; -2.23)Joint involvement†Mono/oligoarticular5.07(4.56; 5.58)-1.96(-2.47; -1.45)4.82(4.38; 5.25)-2.18(-2.66; -1.70)Polyarticular5.98(5.75; 6.22)-2.21(-2.51; -1.92)5.78(5.52; 6.04)-2.47(-2.75; -2.18)FiRST score*<55.15(4.87; 5.44)-2.18(-2.50; -1.87)5.10(4.83; 5.36)-2.44(-2.71; -2.16)≥56.72(6.43; 7.00)-1.95(-2.38; -1.53)6.49(6.15; 6.83)-2.09(-2.57; -1.61)

*At BL, female pts and pts with FiRST score ≥5 (chronic widespread pain) were significantly more impacted than male pts and pts with FiRST score <5, and remained significantly more impacted at 1 year. †Polyarticular pts were significantly more impacted at BL, but not 1 year.

BSA, body surface area; CI, confidence interval; FiRST, Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool; LOCF, last observation carried forward

Acknowledgements:

This study was funded by Janssen.

Disclosure of Interests:

Laure Gossec Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bioepis, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Samsung, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen (previously Celgene), Biogen, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen (previously Celgene), Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Paid instructor for: Amgen, Galapagos, UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene, Elisa Gremese: None declared, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Tatiana Korotaeva Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Lilly, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Lilly, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen, Michael Nurmohamed Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Enorasis, Farmaserv-Lilly, Genesis, Gilead, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Faran, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen, Josef S. Smolen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Astro, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis- Sandoz, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Lilly, Novartis, Roche.

OP0232 FEMALE VERSUS MALE BURDEN OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IS HIGHER AND TREATMENT PERSISTENCE SHORTER AFTER USTEKINUMAB OR TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITOR TREATMENT: 1-YEAR DATA FROM THE PSABIO STUDY

Background:

Sex-related differences in biologic treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been insufficiently studied in a real-world setting.

Objectives:

To evaluate impact of sex on PsA, treatment effectiveness and persistence after 1 year of biologic treatment.

Methods:

PsABio (NCT02627768) is a multinational, prospective real-world study in PsA with ustekinumab (UST) or TNF inhibitor (TNFi) as 1st/2nd/3rd-line biologic. Males and females were compared for disease activity and patient-reported outcomes. Descriptive statistics including 95% CI at baseline (BL) and 12 (±3) months (LOCF) follow-up are presented. Intra-sex comparisons between UST and TNFi cohorts were done by logistic regression analysis, with propensity score adjustment for imbalanced BL covariates and non-response imputation for stopping/switching biologic drugs.

Results:

Among 494 females and 399 males, age and disease duration were similar. However, differences in disease characteristics at BL were considerable: females had worse scores than males for cDAPSA, HAQ-DI, EQ5D VAS, PsAID-12, pain and comorbidities. At 1 year, similar improvements from BL were observed between sexes, but females remained in a worse health state than males (Table). Achievement of composite endpoints MDA (including VLDA) and cDAPSA LDA (including remission) was high overall (38.6% and 61.5%, respectively), but reached by >2-fold and 3-fold more males than females, respectively. HAQ-DI scores remained worse for females at 1 year (0.95) than for males at BL (0.93). Enthesitis resolution was achieved in 46% of females and 75% of males. No significant differences in effectiveness of UST vs TNFi were detected between sexes (Figure). Kaplan–Meier estimated drug persistence was significantly better in males than females (log-rank p=0.0007). There was no intra-sex difference between UST or TNFi in risk of stopping/switching in males or females.

Table 1.

Patient and disease characteristics at BL and 1-year by sex

BL femaleBL male1-year LOCF female1-year LOCF maleBiologic line, %1st4655N/AN/A2nd34333rd2013Co-treatment, %MTX37.434.3N/AN/ACorticosteroids34.632.1NSAIDs59.964.4Antidepressant7.92.5Comorbidities, %N/AN/ACardiovascular69.059.4metabolic syndrome40.131.7Obesity35.223.7Anxiety/depression12.67.5Smoking status, %N/AN/ANever54.941.9Past16.826.6Current22.724.3Unknown5.77.3Joint counts, nSwollen 666.1 (5.4; 6.9)5.6 (4.7; 6.4)2.2 (1.7; 2.6)1.3 (1.0; 1.6)Tender 6813.2 (12.0; 14.4)10.0 (8.9; 11.1)6.0 (5.2; 6.7)3.6 (2.9; 4.3)cDAPSA score, mean (95% CI)cDAPSA, %32.5 (30.5; 34.4)26.9 (24.9; 29.0)15.9 (14.5; 17.2)10.3 (9.0; 11.6)Remission1.0 (0.3; 2.6)4.0 (2.1; 6.7)17.8 (14.1; 22.0)37.7 (32.4; 43.2)Low6.7 (4.4; 9.7)15.0 (11.3; 19.4)33.0 (28.3; 37.9)36.5 (31.3; 42.0)Moderate38.9 (34.0; 44.0)42.6 (37.2; 48.2)34.3 (29.6; 39.2)16.9 (13.0; 21.4)High53.4 (48.2; 58.4)38.3 (33.0; 43.9)14.9 (11.6; 18.9)8.9 (6.0; 12.5)MDA2.3 (1.0; 4.3)7.7 (5.1; 11.2)27.5 (23.1; 32.1)52.2 (46.6; 57.7)VLDA0.00.9 (0.2; 2.6)6.2 (4.1; 9.0)19.7 (15.6; 24.3)HAQ-DI score1.31 (1.25; 1.37)0.93 (0.86; 1.00)0.95 (0.89; 1.02)0.53 (0.47; 0.59)PsAID-12 score6.1 (5.9; 6.3)5.1 (4.9; 5.3)4.0 (3.8; 4.3)2.7 (2.4; 2.9)EQ5D VAS score48.6 (46.6; 50.5)53.8 (51.6; 55.9)59.2 (56.9; 61.4)68.0 (65.5; 70.4)Enthesitis50.7 (45.9; 55.5)48.1 (42.8; 53.3)32.6 (28.3; 37.3)18.0 (14.1; 22.3)Dactylitis15.6 (12.4; 19.3)24.7 (20.4; 29.3)5.7 (3.8; 8.3)4.8 (2.9; 7.4)

Data are % (95% CI) unless indicated otherwise. Bold data are significantly different (non-overlapping 95% CI).

Conclusion:

These real-world data from PsABio on sex differences with biologic treatment suggest that females generally start biologics in a worse PsA state than males. Although treatment improvements were similar between sexes, females remained in worse health at 1 year, and stopped/switched biologic earlier. More comprehensive treatment before severe disease manifestations evolve may improve management in females.

Acknowledgements:

This study was funded by Janssen

Disclosure of Interests:

Irene van der Horst-Bruinsma Consultant of: AbbVie, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Pfizer, UCB, Michael Nurmohamed Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Arno Van Kuijk Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Grant/research support from: Janssen, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen (previously Celgene), Biogen, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen (previously Celgene), Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Paid instructor for: Amgen, Galapagos, UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Johnson &Johnson, Novartis Galapagos, UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene, Elisa Gremese: None declared, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Tatiana Korotaeva Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Enorasis, Farmaserv-Lilly, Genesis, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Faran, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen, Josef S. Smolen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Astro, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, Laure Gossec Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Biogen, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi

AB0530 EFFECT OF SKIN SYMPTOMS ON DISEASE IMPACT IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS RECEIVING THE IL-12/23 INHIBITOR USTEKINUMAB OR TNF INHIBITORS IN THE REAL-WORLD PSABIO STUDY

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterised by musculoskeletal symptoms, and patients (pts) with PsA usually experience psoriasis concurrently. Real-world data reflecting impact of skin symptoms on PsA disease burden are limited.

Objectives:

Analyse effectiveness of ustekinumab (UST) and tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy on extent of skin involvement, and the impact this has on PsA disease burden and drug persistence.

Methods:

PsABio (NCT02627768) is a prospective, observational study of 1st/2nd/3rd-line UST or TNFi treatment in PsA in 8 European countries. Extent of skin involvement was categorised as body surface area (BSA): clear/almost clear; <3% but not clear/almost clear; 3–10%; or >10%. Pt-reported disease impact was evaluated by PsAID-12, including assessment of two skin-related domains (D): D3 (skin problems, including itching) and D10 (embarrassment and/or shame because of appearance). Estimated persistence at 1 year was assessed across baseline (BL) BSA categories.

Results:

At BL, significantly more pts receiving UST than TNFi had BSA >10% (Figure 1). BL disease impact (PsAID-12) was worse in pts with BSA >10% than <3% in D3, D10 and total (non-overlapping 95% CIs suggest significance) (Table 1). BSA improved from BL to 1 year with both treatments. At 1 year, 64% of pts in both groups had clear/almost clear skin and only 3% had BSA >10% (Figure 1). At 1 year, both treatments significantly reduced disease impact (PsAID-12 total), and D3 and D10 scores, irrespective of BL BSA category, but most markedly in pts with higher BL BSA (Table 1). Worse BL psoriasis was generally associated with longer persistence for both treatments; however, at 1 year, pts with BSA >10% had significantly shorter persistence with TNFi (mean [95% CI]: 361 [336; 387] days) than with UST (410 [394; 426] days).

Conclusion:

In PsA, interleukin-12/23 inhibition (UST) and TNFi therapy in routine care rapidly and substantially reduced extent of skin involvement and related disease impact. Pts with highest BL skin involvement had significantly longer drug persistence with UST than with TNFi. Together, PsABio data suggest that successful treatment of skin involvement in PsA with biologics reduces disease burden and may improve persistence, especially in pts with worse BL psoriasis.

Figure 1Table 1.

PsAID-12 scores at BL and change from BL scores at 6 months and 1 year, by BL BSA category

Mean (95% CI)Domain 3(skin problems, including itching)Domain 10(embarrassment and/orshame because of appearance)Total PsAID-12USTTNFiUSTTNFiUSTTNFiPsAID-12 score at BL by BL BSA <3%4.2 (3.7; 4.8)3.1 (2.7; 3.6)3.9 (3.3; 4.4)3.1(2.6; 3.6)5.7(5.3; 6.0)5.0 (4.6; 5.3) 3–10%6.4 (5.9; 6.8)5.8 (5.3; 6.3)4.1 (3.5; 4.7)4.5 (3.9; 5.1)5.4 (5.1; 5.8)5.8 (5.4; 6.1) >10%7.9 (7.5; 8.3)6.7 (6.0; 7.5)6.1 (5.4; 6.8)5.8 (4.8; 6.8)6.2 (5.7; 6.6)6.1 (5.6; 6.7)Change from BL in PsAID-12 score at 6 months by BL BSA <3%-1.5 (-2.1; -0.9)-0.8 (-1.3; -0.3)-1.5 (-2.0; -0.9)-1.2 (-1.6; -0.7)-1.6 (-2.0; -1.2)-1.9 (-2.2; -1.5) 3–10%-3.2 (-3.8; -2.7)-2.4 (-3.0; -1.9)-1.9 (-2.5; -1.3)-2.0 (-2.5; -1.5)-2.0 (-2.4; -1.6)-2.4 (-2.8; -2.0) >10%-4.2 (-4.9; -3.6)-2.5 (-3.2; -1.9)-2.9 (-3.5; -2.2)-1.6 (-2.4; -0.8)-2.4 (-2.8; -2.0)-2.2 (-2.7; -1.7)Change from BL in PsAID-12 score at 1 year (LOCF) by BL BSA <3%-1.5 (-2.1; -0.9)-0.8 (-1.3; -0.3)-1.6 (-2.2; -1.1)-1.2 (-1.7; -0.7)-1.6 (-2.0; -1.2)-1.9 (-2.3; -1.5) 3–10%-3.5 (-4.0; -2.9)-3.2(-3.7; -2.7)-2.0 (-2.6; -1.4)-2.5 (-3.0; -2.0)-2.2 (-2.6; -1.7)-3.0 (-3.4; -2.6) >10%-4.9 (-5.5; -4.3)-3.1 (-4.0; -2.3)-3.5 (-4.2; -2.8)-2.7 (-3.7; -1.8)-2.9 (-3.4; -2.4)-2.9 (-3.5; -2.2)

PsAID-12 total score ≤4 is considered a patient-acceptable symptom state.

BL, baseline; BSA, body surface area; CI, confidence interval; LOCF, last observation carried forward; PsAID-12, 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease questionnaire; TNFi, tumour necrosis factor inhibitor; UST, ustekinumab

Acknowledgements:

This study was funded by Janssen.

Disclosure of Interests:

Josef S. Smolen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Astro, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis- Sandoz, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, Tatiana Korotaeva Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biocad, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Michael Nurmohamed Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Menarini, MSD, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen (previously Celgene), Biogen, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen (previously Celgene), Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Paid instructor for: Amgen, Galapagos, UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene, Elisa Gremese: None declared., Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Enorasis, Farmaserv-Lilly, Genesis, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Faran, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen, Laure Gossec Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bioepis, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Samsung Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi.

POS0195 GUSELKUMAB TREATMENT MODULATES CORE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GENE EXPRESSION IN TWO PHASE 3 CLINICAL TRIALS (DISCOVER-1 AND -2)

Background:

Guselkumab (GUS), an interleukin-23 p19-subunit monoclonal antibody, demonstrated efficacy compared with placebo (PBO) in reducing signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the phase 3 DISCOVER-1 & 2 studies.1,2

Objectives:

To evaluate gene expression in the blood of PsA patients (pts) in the DISCOVER-1 & -2 studies and the impact of GUS on the expression of these genes.

Methods:

Pts were treated with GUS 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W); GUS 100 mg at W0, W4, then Q8W; or matching PBO. Whole transcriptome profiling by RNA-sequencing was performed using the Novaseq platform on blood samples obtained from a subset of 673 pts with PsA at baseline across the 2 DISCOVER studies, as well as from 21 demographically (age, sex, and ethnicity) matched healthy controls procured independently of the clinical program. A subgroup (N=227) also had serial blood samples (W0/W4/W24) evaluated; the subgroup pts were selected based on having baseline characteristics (demographics, disease activity, medication use) representative of the overall cross-study PsA population. Significance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PsA and healthy controls was defined by a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 based on a log-linear model using edgeR. Top genes were defined by significance and |logFC| >1. For cell type analysis, genes that changed with GUS treatment were tested for enrichment using Cibersort. Gene enrichment scores were calculated using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA).

Results:

To define disease genes, we compared genes at baseline in pts with active PsA vs. healthy control whole blood transcriptomes and detected 355 upregulated and 314 downregulated (top genes shown in Table 1), defined here as core disease genes. Upregulated genes were largely related to neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and extracellular matrix, whereas downregulated genes were related to T cells. The upregulated disease genes were significantly decreased and the downregulated disease genes were significantly increased by GUS treatment vs. PBO at W4 and W24 (Fig 1). Upon stratification by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75% response and American College of Rheumatology 20% response, changes in core disease gene expression from W0 were statistically significant among responders, but not in non-responders, at W4 and W24 (data not shown). We then performed the second differential expression analysis comparing baseline to W4 and W24 for both PBO and GUS treatment arms to define genes that change with treatment arm over time. At W4 and W24 we found many DEGs from baseline with GUS treatment and none with PBO. These included genes related to B-, T-, NK-, and plasma cells (increased by GUS) and neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and macrophages (decreased by GUS), suggestive of a partial normalization of immune cell composition in whole blood.

Conclusion:

Using whole transcriptome profiling, we detected DEGs in blood samples obtained from PsA pts vs. healthy controls, suggesting a dysregulation of immune cell profiles in PsA. The majority of these disease-associated genes were modulated by GUS, with directionality toward a normalization of whole blood transcriptomic signatures.

References:

[1]Deodhar A et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1115.

[2]Mease P et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1126.

Table 1.

Top DEGs derived from PsA vs. healthy whole blood transcriptomes.

Upregulated in PsADownregulated in PsAGenelogFClogCPMFDRGenelogFClogCPMFDRADGRG75.92-0.900.02101AK8-1.36-1.061.61E-07ADAMTS24.060.820.006466FTCD-1.48-1.741.67E-05PGF3.21-0.680.006466GPR15-1.541.811.67E-05PCSK93.21-2.960.023872CHRM3-1.54-2.629.6E-08OLAH2.760.750.004539RFPL4AL1-1.69-3.340.009738MAOA2.55-0.260.005463SPACA3-1.85-3.230.000216SLC2A142.300.590.022594VANGL2-1.95-1.799.6E-08MMP12.25-1.160.004745RFPL4A-2.04-1.280.004539DAAM22.124.310.024628GLYATL2-2.77-2.781.93E-15BCAR1-3.13-2.586.24E-26

Bold indicates positive change. CPM = counts per million.

Disclosure of Interests:

Stefan Siebert Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen (previously Celgene), Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Kristen Sweet Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development LLC, Christopher T. Ritchlin Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, and UCB, Elizabeth C Hsia Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development LLC, Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development LLC, Xie L Xu Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development LLC, Qingxuan Song Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development LLC, Michelle Miron Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development LLC

32 Quantifying the Prevalence of Frailty in Drug Trials and the Relationship with Serious Adverse Events

Introduction

Frailty is common in clinical practice, but trials rarely report on participant frailty. Consequently, clinicians and guideline-developers assume frailty is largely absent from trials and have questioned the relevance of trial findings to frail people. Therefore, we examined frailty in phase 3/4 industry-sponsored clinical trials of pharmacological interventions for three exemplar conditions: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We constructed a 40-item frailty index (FI) in 19 clinical trials (7 T2DM, 8 RA, 4 COPD, mean age 42–65 years) using individual-level participant data. Participants with a FI &gt;0.24 were considered “frail”. Baseline disease severity was assessed using HbA1c for T2DM, Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) for RA, and % predicted FEV1 for COPD. Using generalised gamma regression, we modelled FI on age, sex and disease severity. In negative binomial regression we modelled serious adverse event rates on FI, and combined results for each index condition in a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

All trials included frail participants: prevalence 7–21% in T2DM trials, 33–73% in RA trials, and 15–22% in COPD trials. Increased disease severity and female sex were associated with higher FI in all trials. Frailty was associated with age in T2DM and RA trials, but not in COPD. Across all trials, and after adjusting for age, sex, and disease severity, higher FI predicted increased risk of serious adverse events; the pooled incidence rate ratios (per 0.1-point increase in FI scale) were 1.46 (95% CI 1.21–1.75), 1.45 (1.13–1.87) and 1.99 (1.43–2.76) for T2DM, RA and COPD, respectively.

Conclusion

Frailty is identifiable and prevalent among middle aged and older participants in phase 3/4 drug trials and has clinically important safety implications. Trial data may be harnessed to better understand chronic disease management in people living with frailty.

AB0356 TARGETING THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYNOVIAL FIBROBLAST VIA CYCLIN DEPENDENT KINASE INHIBITION (TRAFIC): A PHASE 1B STUDY TO DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM TOLERATED DOSE OF SELICICLIB FOR REPURPOSING IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapeutics target immune inflammation and are subject to ceiling effects, with non-response observed in a third of recipients together with low remission rates. Synovial fibroblasts (SFs) are stromal cells not yet targeted in RA, whose hyperplastic and proliferative properties drive inflammation and tissue destruction. Seliciclib (R-roscovitine) is an orally available cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor that suppresses SF proliferation and ameliorates inflammatory arthritis in rodents.

Objectives:

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of seliciclib in patients with active RA despite anti-TNF, with or without background conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs). Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) were also evaluated.

Methods:

A restricted, one-stage Bayesian continual reassessment method (CRM) determined MTD based on a target dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) probability of 35%. RA patients (DAS28 ≥3.2) were recruited sequentially to cohorts of 3 subjects each. Cohort 1 received 400mg seliciclib daily for 4 consecutive days each week for 4 weeks, added to existing therapy. Each subsequent cohort received a dose determined by the toxicity-based CRM algorithm, calculated upon conclusion of the previous cohort. Safety was assessed through adverse event (AE) monitoring. Associations with relevant PK parameters were sought.

Results:

15 anti-TNF recipients were enrolled, 10 of whom were also taking cDMARDs (median DAS28 4.9). Application of the CRM algorithm prompted one dose increment during the study (to 600mg for cohort 2), but reversion to 400mg for subsequent cohorts (Figure 1A). After treatment of 5 cohorts, 400mg was determined the MTD, with a DLT probability of 0.35 (CI 0.18-0.52; Figure 1B). 6 patients experienced DLTs, of which two were classified as serious AEs (SAEs) in keeping with the safety profile of seliciclib; these are summarised in Table 1. Of 43/65 total AEs reported at any dose that didnotcontribute to a DLT, 26 were possibly, probably or definitely related to seliciclib; 19 of these 26 were mild, 7 moderate and none severe. The most frequent AE was mild nausea. No relationship of safety and/or tolerability with concomitant cDMARD use or PK was seen.

Table 1.

Characteristics of patients who developed HZ at initiation of baricitinib

DLTSeliciclib dose (mg)Doses receivedContributing AEsContributing SAEsDescriptionOutcomeA1400830Constipation, N+V, liver injury; fatigue.Resolved2600430Constipation, N+V.Resolved3600101BFever, N+V, renal injury.Resolved4400831BConstipation, N+V, jaundice, liver injury.Resolved5400840Fever, dizziness, liver injury.Resolved6400890Dizziness, N+V, liver injury, bilirubin rise.Persistent AST rise

Conclusion:

The MTD of seliciclib has been defined for RA. No unexpected safety concerns were identified to preclude ongoing evaluation in patients, which focuses on clinical, radiological and biological indicators of efficacy.

Disclosure of Interests:

Arthur Pratt Grant/research support from: Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKlein, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Michael Cole: None declared, Deborah Stocken: None declared, Stephen Kelly: None declared, Muddassir Shaikh: None declared, Amy Cranston: None declared, Miranda Morton: None declared, Jennifer Walker: None declared, Sheelagh Frame Employee of: Cyclacel Ltd., Wan-fai Ng: None declared, Chris Buckley Consultant of: Janssen, Pfizer, GSK, Galapagos, Gillead, Iain McInnes Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Andrew Filer: None declared, John D Isaacs Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, Roche

FRI0362 COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF USTEKINUMAB (UST) AND TNF INHIBITORS (TNFI) IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PSA) IN THE REAL-WORLD, MULTINATIONAL PSABIO STUDY: 12-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

Background:

Among treatment options for PsA, IL-12/23 inhibition with UST was the first new biologic mode of action after TNFi. Few real-world data comparing UST with TNFi are available.

Objectives:

Comparison of UST and TNFi treatment effectiveness within the prospectively followed PsABio cohort at 12-month (mo) follow-up.

Methods:

The PsABio study (NCT02627768) evaluates effectiveness, tolerability and persistence of 1st, 2nd or 3rd-line UST or TNFi in PsA. Proportions of patients (pts) reaching MDA/very low disease activity (VLDA) and clinical Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (cDAPSA) LDA/remission are described. Comparison across UST and TNFi cohorts was done on last observation carried forward up to 12 (±3) mo, with non-response imputation for pts who had stopped/switched initial treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used, including propensity score (PS) analysis to adjust for imbalanced prognostic baseline (BL) covariates: country, age, sex, BMI, smoking (yes/no), comorbidities (cardiovascular/metabolic syndrome), PsA type (axial, polyarticular, oligoarticular), psoriasis body surface area (BSA), disease duration, cDAPSA, 12-item PsA Impact of Disease (PsAID-12), dactylitis, enthesitis, Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) score, line of biologic (b)DMARD, synthetic DMARD use, and steroid or NSAID use.

Results:

Of 929 eligible pts, 893 had evaluable data at BL and at follow-up; 438 (95.6%) were treated with UST and 455 (96.6%) with TNFi (including stoppers/switchers). UST and TNFi groups had BL differences in mean age (51.0 vs 48.5 years, respectively), concurrent comorbidities (68.7% vs 60.9%), time since diagnosis (7.5 vs 6.2 years), line of treatment (1st-line 45.0% vs 55.2%; 3rd-line 20.5% vs 12.1%), NSAID use (54.8% vs 68.8%), concomitant MTX use (29.9% vs 42.0%) and psoriasis skin involvement (BSA >10% in 26.6% vs 14.8%).

In 714 pts with available data, mean (standard deviation) BL cDAPSA was 30.6 (20.2; n=358) for UST and 29.3 (18.6; n=356) for TNFi. Observed data showed differences in proportion of pts achieving MDA/VLDA and cDAPSA LDA/remission in favour of TNFi, but after PS adjustment for BL differences (such as line of therapy, skin psoriasis, concomitant conventional DMARD, etc.), odds ratios for reaching targets at 12 mo did not significantly differ between UST and TNFi groups (Fig. 1).

Comparison of 6- and 12-mo unadjusted data showed sustained MDA/VLDA responses with both UST (21.8%) and TNFi (29.5%), with comparable proportions of additional pts achieving these targets between 6 and 12 mo (17.0% and 20.3%, respectively). Sustained efficacy became lower with successive lines of treatment (data not shown).

Conclusion:

Various factors, including patient characteristics such as comorbidities, influence the physician’s selection of treatment modality for patients needing a bDMARD. Our real-world results demonstrate differences in observed clinical effectiveness between UST and TNFi. However, after PS adjustment for a number of BL differences, clinical results at 12 mo were comparable between UST and TNFi groups. Data at 12 mo also show sustained response with both UST and TNFi treatment, as well as a similar rate of pts achieving targets after 6 to 12 mo of treatment.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by Janssen.

Disclosure of Interests:

Josef S. Smolen Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer Inc, Samsung, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer Inc, Samsung, Sanofi, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Tatiana Korotaeva Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Consultant of: Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau and honoraria, Elisa Gremese Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceuticals NV, Michael T Nurmohamed Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen-Cilag Sweden AB, Laure Gossec Grant/research support from: Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB

SAT0432 EFFECT OF SEX ON DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS AND DISEASE IMPACT IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA): INSIGHTS FROM THE REAL-WORLD, OBSERVATIONAL MULTINATIONAL PsABio COHORT

Background:

Female sex has been associated with more severe disease and poorer treatment outcomes in PsA. These observations are often based on small populations or national cohorts/registries.

Objectives:

To investigate the effects of sex on disease characteristics and disease impact in PsA, using data of 929 consecutive patients (pts) from PsABio.

Methods:

PsABio is a real-world, non-interventional European study in PsA pts treated with UST or TNFi based on their rheumatologist’s choice. Observed male and female baseline (BL) data were described and compared using 95% CI.

Results:

Women in PsABio (n=512 [55%]) were numerically older than men (mean [SD]: 50.5 [12.7] / 48.7 [12.3] years, respectively). Women were more obese (BMI >30), % (95% CI): F: 35 (30, 39), M: 24 (20, 29), men more overweight (BMI >25–30): F: 31 (27, 36), M:51 (46, 57). Age at diagnosis, delay from first symptom to diagnosis, and disease duration were similar for both sexes.

Women entered PsABio more often on 3rd line treatment, whereas men started on 1st-line biologic treatment more often (F/M 1st line 47%/55%; 2nd line 34%/33%; 3rd line 20%/12%). Numerically, concomitant MTX was given more often to women vs men (32% vs 27%). At BL, 60% of women and 64% of men were on NSAIDs; 7.9% and 2.5% on antidepressant drugs. Women had significantly more comorbidities, with numerically more cardiovascular disease and anxiety/depression, and 3 times more IBD.

Women had significantly higher 68 tender joint counts (TJC): 13.0 vs 10.4, while 66 swollen joint counts were not significantly different: 5.8 vs 5.5. Axial or combined axial-peripheral disease was similarly frequent, in 29% of women and 26% of men (Figs. 1, 2).

Clinical Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (cDAPSA) was higher in women (31.8 vs 27.3); pt-reported levels of pain, global disease activity (VAS scales) and higher TJC contributed to this. While enthesitis prevalence (based on Leeds Enthesitis Index) was comparable, men had significantly more frequent dactylitis, nail disease and worse skin psoriasis. At BL, 3.4% of women vs 7.1% of men, were in MDA.

Regarding physical functioning (HAQ-DI), impact of disease (PSAID-12) and quality of life (EQ5D-3L health state), women with PsA starting a biologic (b)DMARD, expressed significantly greater negative impact and more limitations due to their disease (Fig. 2).

Conclusion:

In routine care, women with PsA starting a bDMARD presented with worse outcomes over a range of assessments compared with men (higher pt-reported pain and disease activity, TJC, and worse physical functioning and QoL), while men had worse dactylitis and psoriasis. Follow-up analysis will report whether the effects of biologic therapy are different in both sexes. The increased prevalence of associated features related to pain and impact on functioning and QoL may indicate the need for a more comprehensive treatment approach for women to avoid unnecessary and premature bDMARD stop or switch.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by Janssen.

Disclosure of Interests:

Michael T Nurmohamed Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, 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, Arno WR van Kuijk Grant/research support from: Janssen, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Consultant of: Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau and honoraria, Elisa Gremese Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Tatiana Korotaeva Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceuticals NV, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen-Cilag Sweden AB, Josef S. Smolen Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer Inc, Samsung, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer Inc, Samsung, Sanofi, Laure Gossec Grant/research support from: Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB

OP0192 PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH A METABOLICALLY ADVERSE BODY COMPOSITION PROFILE PREDICTIVE OF GREATER CHD AND TYPE 2 DIABETES RISK – MRI FINDINGS FROM THE IMAPA AND UK BIOBANK STUDIES

Background:

Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) but with uncertain pathophysiological significance. BMI does not reflect body fat distribution, but fat storage site is important as increased ectopic fat including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), liver fat, and muscle fat infiltration (MFI), are associated with increased type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk1. To date no study has compared detailed body composition in PsA with the general population and other metabolic diseases.

Objectives:

1. To characterize the body composition profile of PsA compared to age, sex, and BMI-matched metabolic disease free (MDF) individuals, and type 2 diabetes. 2. To relate body composition to risk of type 2 diabetes and CHD in PsA versus MDF controls.

Methods:

MRI body composition profiles were available for 29 PsA participants in the IMAPA study2. After excluding 3 participants with concomitant type 2 diabetes, body composition was compared in 26 PsA participants with 130 age, sex, and BMI-matched healthy MDF controls (matched 1:5) and 454 individuals with type 2 diabetes from UK Biobank, using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Analyses were repeated adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. The propensity of PsA patients to develop CHD or type 2 diabetes based on their body composition profile was compared to that of matched MDF controls.

Results:

PsA participants had significantly more ectopic fat including greater visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume and liver fat percentage compared to MDF controls (table 1, figure 1A). This difference persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. Individuals with PsA shared a similar body composition to type 2 diabetes (table 1, figure 1B). Body composition-predicted propensity for CHD or type 2 diabetes was 1.3 and 1.8 times higher, respectively, for PsA compared to matched MDF controls.

Table 1.

Comparison of body composition parameters in PsA, MDF controls, and type 2 diabetes

VariablePsAMDF controlsp-value*Adj. p value**Type 2 diabetesp-value†Adj. p value‡Age (years)56.0 (9.0)57.4 (6.5)0.766-65.4 (6.9)< 0.001-BMI (kg/m2)31.2 (6.4)30.5 (5.3)0.799-29.9 (5.2)0.397-VAT (L)5.89 (2.10)4.34 (1.83)<0.001<0.0015.93 (2.56)0.6620.301Visceral fat index (L/m2)2.06 (0.73)1.52 (0.64)<0.001<0.0012.03 (0.84)0.3370.175Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (L)10.48 (4.90)9.42 (4.86)0.2880.0718.58 (3.93)0.1090.339Abdominal fat index (L/m2)5.87 (2.39)4.93 (2.29)0.084<0.0015.04 (1.92)0.0520.024Liver fat (%)8.88 (4.42-13.18)3.29 (1.98-7.25)0.0020.0026.13 (2.77-11.63)0.3920.656MFI (%)7.74 (2.57)7.43 (1.95)0.7480.2928.61 (2.29)0.7360.191

Values are mean (SD) (liver fat, median (IQR)). *PsA vs. MDF controls. **PsA vs. MDF controls adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. †PsA vs. Type 2 diabetes. ‡ PsA vs. Type 2 diabetes adjusted for age, sex, and BMI.

Figure 1.

Body Composition Profiles of IMAPA PsA participants (pink) versus A. UK Biobank matched MDF controls (green), and B. type 2 diabetes (T2D) (green).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to report that individuals with PsA have a body composition profile associated with an adverse metabolic phenotype, with greater VAT and ectopic liver fat than the general population and more similar to that of type 2 diabetes, in line with their greater cardiometabolic risk. These data mandate a revision of the management approach to PsA that includes attention to weight loss interventions.

References:

[1]Linge et al. Body Composition Profiling in the UK Biobank Imaging Study. Obesity. 2018;26(11):1785

[2]Ferguson et al. Effect of PDE4 Inhibition with Apremilast on Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis – Initial Results from Immune Metabolic Associations in Psoriatic Arthritis (IMAPA) Study. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019; 71(suppl 10).

Acknowledgments:

Celgene; BHF (RE/13/5/30177)

Disclosure of Interests:

Lyn D. Ferguson: None declared, Jennifer Linge Shareholder of: AMRA Medical AB, Employee of: AMRA Medical AB, Olof D. Leinhard Shareholder of: AMRA Medical AB, Employee of: AMRA Medical AB, Iain McInnes Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Naveed Sattar Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Janssen, Speakers bureau: Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Janssen

FRI0363 CLINICAL PREDICTORS OF SECUKINUMAB RETENTION IN A REAL WORLD COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background:

There are increasing treatment options for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Whilst there are several studies identifying predictors of response to TNF inhibitors1there is little data so far predicting response to the IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab which given its different mechanism of action may have different predictors of response.

Objectives:

To identify demographic or clinical factors at initiation of secukinumab associated with stopping treatment due to inefficacy in PsA and in AxSpA in a real world cohort.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of all rheumatology patients’ notes in Glasgow who had received secukinumab. Demographics, disease activity at baseline and retention of secukinumab were collected from medical records in patients with a diagnosis of PsA or AxSpA. Patients who discontinued due to adverse events or other events (e.g. pregnancy) were excluded. Patients who remain on secukinumab but have not yet had their six-month review to assess response or who started secukinumab via a clinical trial were also excluded. Unpaired T-test of unequal variance used to assess differences between groups with p-value ≤0.05 considered significant.

Results:

352 rheumatology patients in Glasgow had ever received secukinumab. 266 had PsA, 76 had AxSpA (others: SAPHO, JIA, reactive arthritis).

77 PsA patients discontinued secukinumab, 48 due to inefficacy. 157 PsA patients remain on secukinumab and have had at least an initial six-month review.

Table 1 shows results for PsA. Inefficacy was associated with higher levels of current smoking and higher levels of ESR and CRP but not tender or swollen joints.

Table 1.

Demographics and clinical characteristics of PsA patients starting secukinumab

Stopped due to Inefficacy (n=48)Remain on Secukinumab (n=157)Significance (p value)Gender (M:F)1:1.861:2.30.24Age (years)47.850.80.078Current Smoking37%21%0.040Socioeconomic Decile4.95.00.39Weight (kg)81.685.90.11Number of Comorbidities1.721.850.31Disease Duration (years)10.411.20.24Number Previous bDMARDs1.691.400.095Tender Joint Count16.616.60.50Swollen Joint Count6.47.30.29Patient Global Score (VAS)62.467.70.19ESR (mm/hr)24.114.80.017CRP (mg/L)12.86.20.049

Values are mean unless stated

21 AxSpA patients discontinued secukinumab, 13 due to inefficacy. 49 AxSpA patients remain on secukinumab and have had at least an initial six-month review.

AxSpA patients who stopped due to inefficacy had higher mean BASDAI (8.47 vs 7.02, p=0.007) but there was no difference in mean ESR (31 vs 27.1, p=0.31) or CRP (23.6 vs 23.0, p=0.48). Surprisingly, disease duration was lower in inefficacy group (7.8 years vs 13.5, p= 0.003); this could reflect a higher proportion in the inefficacy group with non-radiographic AxSpA which is known to be associated with earlier disease and to have a lower response to biologic treatments than ankylosing spondylitis. Smoking did not show significant difference in AxSpA but numbers are small and there is numerically higher level of smoking in the inefficacy group (58% vs 32%, p=0.063). No other significant differences in demographics or clinical characteristics were noted.

Conclusion:

Smoking predicted inefficacy in secukinumab in PsA patients, with a similar trend in AxSpA patients, reinforcing the importance of promoting smoking cessation. Higher levels of ESR and CRP negatively predicted secukinumab response in PsA. High BASDAI and low disease duration in AxSpA predicted inefficacy. These clinical factors may be helpful in informing treatment decisions in PsA and AxSpA in the absence of therapeutic biomarkers.

References:

[1]Maneiro JR et al. Predictors of response to TNF antagonists in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis.RMD Open. 2015;1(1):e000017.

Disclosure of Interests:

Alistair Tindell: None declared, Andrew McGucken: None declared, Saira Batool: None declared, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis

SAT0351 CHEMOKINE PATHWAYS ARE ENRICHED IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PSA) SKIN LESIONS WITH INCREASED EXPRESSION OF ATYPICAL CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR 2 (ACKR2)

Background:

Skin in people with psoriasis has been comprehensively studied; uninvolved skin has abnormal gene expression. Less is known specifically about skin in PsA, the assumption being that it is identical to psoriasis. Chemokines and ACKR2 are among the upregulated genes in uninvolved psoriasis compared to healthy skin[1]. ACKR2 is a scavenging receptor of inflammatory CC chemokines and has been proposed as a regulator of cutaneous inflammation in psoriasis. It has not been studied in PsA.

Objectives:

To compare the transcriptome of PsA lesional, PsA uninvolved and healthy control skin and evaluate ACKR2 expression in PsA.

Methods:

Biopsies were taken from healthy control (HC) skin and paired lesional and uninvolved skin from patients with PsA. Libraries for bulk RNA sequencing were prepared from polyA selected RNA and sequenced on NovaSeq 6000. Sequencing data were analysed using Searchlight2. ACKR2 mRNA expression was validated by qPCR. RNAscope was used to localise ACKR2 expressing cells and sections were co-stained with podaplanin or stained in serial sections with CD45. Chemokine protein expression in skin was evaluated using Luminex technology.

Results:

Nine HC and 9 paired skin samples from patients with PsA were sequenced. The PsA skin lesions (PsA L) formed a distinct population in the transcriptomic principal component analysis (PCA) plot while HC and PsA uninvolved skin (PsA U) were overlapping. Only 15 genes were differentially expressed between HC and PsA U and none coded for chemokines. There were however significantly upregulated chemokines and receptors in PsA L. Unexpectely, ACKR2 was the 2ndmost upregulated chemokine receptor in PsA L with unchanged expression in PsA U compared with HC (PsA L vs HC log2fold 3.38, p.adj=9.51E-41; PsA L vs PsA U log2fold 3.58, p.adj=3.24E-45; PsA U vs HC log2fold -0.2, p.adj=0.732).

The upregulation of ACKR2 in PsA L and unchanged expression in PsA U was confirmed by qPCR. RNAscope demonstrated strong expression of ACKR2 in the suprabasal layer of the epidermis in PsA L. In HC and PsA U, only occasional ACKR2 positive cells were seen in the epidermis. ACKR2 was expressed in lymphatic vessel walls but was not observed in CD45+ leukocytes.

Provisional skin chemokine protein expression data showed poor correlation between mRNA levels and protein expression for the ACKR2 ligands CCL2, CCL3, CCL7, CCL8, CCL11, CCL13 and CCL22 in HC and PsA U, with negative correlation between ACKR2 mRNA expression and CCL2, CCL8 and CCL11 protein expression. In PsA L, chemokine mRNA correlated with protein expression, but protein expression of chemokine ligands did not correlate with ACKR2 expression.

Conclusion:

This data set shows expected upregulation of chemokines and their receptors in PsA L but relatively unchanged gene expression in PsA U, which contrasts to previous studies in psoriasis. Notably, this study demonstrates a strong upregulation of ACKR2 in keratinocytes in PsA L, with unchanged expression in PsA U. The RNA expression and preliminary protein data suggest that ACKR2 has little effect on the levels of its ligands in PsA skin lesions. However, this study may have missed local effects of ACKR2 in the epidermis.

References:

[1]Singh, M.D., et al.,Elevated expression of the chemokine-scavenging receptor D6 is associated with impaired lesion development in psoriasis.Am J Pathol, 2012.181(4): p. 1158-64.

Acknowledgments:

Funded by the Chief Scientist Office and a private donation to the University of Glasgow. Dr Sabarinadh Chilaka helped to prepare libraries for RNA sequencing.

Disclosure of Interests:

Hanna Johnsson: None declared, John Cole: None declared, Gillian Wilson: None declared, Marieke Pingen: None declared, Fiona McMonagle: None declared, Susan Holmes: None declared, Iain McInnes Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Gerard Graham: None declared

AB0240 EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, MULTIMORBIDITY AND ADVERSE HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammation of the synovial joints causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Multimorbidity (the presence of two or more long-term conditions) affects approximately two thirds of people with RA. However, the relationship between RA and multimorbidity is poorly understand, as is the effect of this relationship on mortality and other health-related outcomes, particularly those relating to physical functioning and well-being.

Objectives:

To explore existing literature to determine what is known about the effect, if any, of multimorbidity on mortality and other health-related outcomes in people with RA.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted following a protocol prepared using PRISMA-P 2015 reporting guidelines, ensuring the quality of the review. Studies were sourced from electronic medical databases, specifically MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library and Scopus, using a pre-defined search strategy. Studies were selected based on specified eligibility criteria and quality appraised using the Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group-developed, Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. A narrative synthesis of findings was conducted.

Results:

In total, 15 studies fulfilled our criteria for inclusion in our review. Of these, 7 studies had mortality as an outcome, with 6 reporting a significant association between multimorbidity and increased risk of all-cause mortality in people with RA. Nine studies had functional status/disability as an outcome, with 2 of these studies also including quality of life. All 9 studies reported significant associations between multimorbidity and the aforementioned health-related outcomes, demonstrating poorer functional status/increased disability and reduced quality of life in people with RA and multimorbidity.

Conclusion:

Multimorbidity in people with RA is significantly associated with increased mortality and poor health-related outcomes in current literature. A better understanding of this relationship will provide an important foundation of knowledge to guide future health service design.

Acknowledgments:

This work was supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC) [Grant Reference: MR/N013166/1].

Disclosure of Interests:

Jordan Canning: None declared, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Bhautesh Jani: None declared, Frances Mair: None declared, Barbara Nicholl: None declared

OP0229 GUSELKUMAB INDUCES SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS AND TH17 EFFECTOR CYTOKINES IN ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IN TWO PHASE-3 CLINICAL TRIALS (DISCOVER-1 AND DISCOVER-2)

Background:

Guselkumab (GUS), an IL-23 inhibitor monoclonal antibody (Mab) that specifically binds to the IL-23p19 subunit, demonstrated efficacy compared to placebo (PBO) in reducing skin and musculoskeletal signs and symptoms in patients (pts) with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in two phase-3 studies, DISCOVER 1 & 2.1,2Previous results from a GUS PsA Phase-2 trial3and Ustekinumab (UST, anti-IL12/23p40 MAb) PsA Phase-3 trials (PSUMMIT 1 & 2)4showed associations of baseline IL-17A, IL-17F, and CRP with baseline disease characteristics, and associations of GUS-induced cytokine reductions with clinical responses.

Objectives:

To investigate plausible cytokine expression in PsA and alterations after exposure to GUS therapy.

Methods:

In DISCOVER 1 & 2, pts were treated with GUS 100 mg at Wk 0, 4, then every 8Wks (q8w); GUS 100mg q4w; or matching PBO. 21 serum biomarkers were measured in a random subset of 300 PsA pts from the DISCOVER program at Weeks (Wks) 0, 4, & 24 and in 34 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and ethnicity. Serum proteins measured were acute phase reactants CRP & SAA (Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) Platform) and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines: Th17 effector cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, & IL-22 (Single Molecule Counting Erenna® Immunoassay Platform) and soluble ICAM-1, soluble VCAM-1, IL-6, CXCL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-12p70, CCL22, IFN-γ, CCL2, CCL4, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4 (MSD), & YKL-40 (Quantikine Immunoassay). Serum IL-17A, IL-17B, & CRP measured in the Phase-3 PSUMMIT trials of UST for PsA4were included for comparison with GUS.

Results:

At baseline, serum levels of acute phase proteins CRP, SAA, & IL-6, and Th17-effector cytokines IL-17A & IL-17F were elevated in pts with PsA compared with healthy controls (p<0.05, geometric mean ≥ 40% higher, FIG 1). There was no significant dysregulation in the other cytokines measured in PsA pts compared to healthy controls. Baseline IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, & CCL22 were significantly associated with baseline psoriasis disease activity (Body Surface Area & Psoriatic Area and Severity Index, Spearman Signed Rank p<0.05, r>0.25). Baseline CRP, SAA, IL-6, & YKL40 were significantly associated with baseline joint disease (Disease Activity Score 28-CRP, Spearman p<0.05, r>0.25). Baseline SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, & IL-17F were higher in pts with prior TNF inhibitor exposure than without (p<0.05, geometric mean ≥ 40% higher), although pts with PsA both with and without prior TNF inhibitor had higher levels than the healthy control set.

GUS treatment resulted in decreases in serum CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, & IL-22 that were significantly greater than PBO as early as Week 4 (FIG 1). These protein levels continued to decrease through Wk 24 in GUS-treated pts with both dosing regimens (p<0.05, geometric mean decrease from baseline ≥ 33%). Further, Wk 24 IL-17A & IL-17F levels for pts treated with either dose of GUS were not significantly different from healthy controls, suggesting a normalization of peripheral effector cytokines associated with the IL-23/Th17 axis following treatment with GUS. Effects on IL-17A/IL-17F were greater in GUS treated pts than UST treated pts, while CRP levels were similar in both programs (FIG 2).

Conclusion:

Comprising a strong pharmacodynamic effect, GUS treatment reduced serum protein levels of acute phase and Th17-effector cytokines (whose elevations at baseline were associated with PsA disease characteristics) and achieved comparable levels to those in healthy controls. In pts with PsA, reductions of IL-17A and IL-17F by GUS were of greater magnitude than those by UST.

References:

[1]Deodhar et al. ACR 2019, abs #807. Arth Rheumatol. 2019;71 S10: 1386

[2]Mease et al. ACR 2019, abs #L13. Arth Rheumatol. 2019;71 S10:5247

[3]Siebert et al. EULAR 2019, abs #479. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;78 S2:293

[4]Siebert et al. Arth Rheumatol. 2019;71:1660

Acknowledgments:

None

Disclosure of Interests:

Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Iain McInnes Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Matthew J Loza Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Keying Ma Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Karen Leander, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Vani Lakshminarayanan Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Carol Franks Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Philip Cooper Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Kristen Sweet Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC

SAT0398 PERSISTENCE OF USTEKINUMAB (UST) OR TNF INHIBITOR (TNFI) TREATMENT IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA): INSIGHTS FROM THE LARGE, PROSPECTIVE, MULTINATIONAL, REAL-WORLD PsABio COHORT

Background:

Several biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) exist for PsA, TNFi and UST being the earliest on European markets. When bDMARDs are insufficiently effective, later-line bDMARDs typically have shorter persistence. Treatment persistence reflects a mix of effectiveness and adverse events (AEs), and persistence data are limited in PsA.

Objectives:

Comparative analysis of 1-year persistence of UST and TNFi within the prospective PsABio cohort.

Methods:

PsABio is an observational, multinational study of PsA patients (pts) treated with 1st to 3rd line UST or TNFi at their rheumatologist’s discretion.1Treatment persistence (up to 15 months of follow-up) was defined as time between start of first bDMARD treatment in PsABio, and either stop or switch to another bDMARD, or withdrawal.

Persistence of UST and TNFi is shown by Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using Cox regression analysis, with propensity score (PS) to adjust for baseline imbalanced demographic and disease-related covariates (age, sex, bDMARD line, BMI, Clinical Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis [cDAPSA], 12-item PsA Impact of Disease [PsAID-12], Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool [FiRST] score, co-treatments with MTX, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, cardiovascular/metabolic comorbidities, dactylitis, enthesitis and body surface area [BSA]). Factors including concomitant MTX use and skin involvement: <3%, 3–10% and >10%, were added to the Cox model to investigate their impact on the PS-adjusted treatment effect.

Results:

Of 438 and 455 pts who started UST and TNF, respectively, 121 (28%) and 134 (29%) stopped or switched treatment before Month 15, with differences (as expected) according to treatment line (Fig. 1a, b). Reasons for stop/switch were related to safety/AEs in 12% (UST) and 28% (TNFi), and effectiveness (joints, nails or skin) in 77% (UST) and 69% (TNFi) of pts.

The observed mean time on drug was 397 days for UST and 385 days for TNFi pts (1st line 410/397 days, 2nd 390/382 days, 3rd 381/338 days). Fig. 1b shows similar persistence for all drugs and treatment lines, except for lower persistence in TNFi 3rd line vs 1st/2nd. In PS-adjusted Cox analysis, no statistically significant difference between UST and TNFi persistence was seen; hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI) for stop/switch bDMARD (UST vs TNFi) was 0.82 (0.60, 1.13). In the model, bDMARD monotherapy (without MTX) and extensive skin involvement (BSA >10%), showed significantly better persistence for UST (HR 0.61 [0.42, 0.90] and 0.41 [0.19, 0.89] respectively; unadjusted Kaplan-Meier graphs shown in Fig. 1c, d). MTX co-therapy and low BSA did not affect the PS-adjusted treatment effect. Other factors added to the PS-adjusted Cox model did not show significant effects.

Conclusion:

In this real-world PsA cohort undergoing bDMARD treatment, persistence was generally comparable for UST and TNFi, but some clinical situations led to better drug persistence with UST compared to TNFi – particularly monotherapy, more extensive skin involvement, and in 3rd-line treatment. Our data emphasise the importance of skin involvement for pts with PsA.

References:

[1]Gossec L, et al.Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(suppl 2):Abstract AB0928

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by Janssen.

Disclosure of Interests:

Laure Gossec Grant/research support from: Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Stefan Siebert Grant/research support from: BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Paul Bergmans Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen, Kurt de Vlam Consultant of: Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau and honoraria, Elisa Gremese Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Tatiana Korotaeva Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceuticals NV, Michael T Nurmohamed Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, GlaxoSmithKline, Jansen, Eli Lilly, Menarini, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, USB, Petros Sfikakis Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from Abvie, Novartis, MSD, Actelion, Amgen, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, UCB, Elke Theander Employee of: Janssen-Cilag Sweden AB, Josef S. Smolen Grant/research support from: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer Inc, Samsung, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Celltrion, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, ILTOO, Janssen, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer Inc, Samsung, Sanofi

Alopecia areata is characterized by dysregulation in systemic type 17 and type 2 cytokines, which may contribute to disease-associated psychological morbidity

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease, causing patchy hair loss that can progress to involve the entire scalp (totalis) or body (universalis). CD8⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells dominate hair follicle pathogenesis, but the specific mechanisms driving hair loss are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a detailed insight into the systemic cytokine signature associated with AA, and to assess the association between cytokines and depression.

METHODS

We conducted multiplex analysis of plasma cytokines from patients with AA, patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and healthy controls. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess the occurrence of depression and anxiety in our cohort.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified a systemic inflammatory signature associated with AA, characterized by elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-21 and IL-23 indicative of a type 17 immune response. Circulating levels of the type 2 cytokines IL-33, IL-31 and IL-17E (IL-25) were also significantly increased in AA. In comparison with PsA, AA was associated with higher levels of IL-17F, IL-17E and IL-23. We hypothesized that circulating inflammatory cytokines may contribute to wider comorbidities associated with AA. Our assessment of psychiatric comorbidity in AA using HADS scores showed that 18% and 51% of people with AA experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Using linear regression modelling, we identified that levels of IL-22 and IL-17E are positively and significantly associated with depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data highlight changes in both type 17 and type 2 cytokines among people with AA, suggesting that complex systemic cytokine profiles may contribute both to the pathogenesis of AA and to the associated depression. What's already known about this topic? NKG2D⁺ CD8⁺ T cells cause hair loss in alopecia areata (AA) but the immunological mechanisms underlying the disease are not fully understood. AA is associated with changes in levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and type 17 cytokines. Psychiatric comorbidity is common among people with AA. What does this study add? People with AA have increased plasma levels of the type 2 cytokines IL-33, IL-31 and IL-17E (IL-25), in addition to the type 17 cytokines IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23 and IL-17F. Levels of IL-17E and IL-22 positively predict depression score. What is the translational message? AA is associated with increased levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines, implicating both type 17- and type 2 immune pathways. Our data indicate that therapeutic strategies for treating AA may need to address the underlying type 17- and type 2 immune dysregulation, rather than focusing narrowly on the CD8⁺ T-cell response. An immunological mechanism might contribute directly to the depression observed in people with AA.

Level of adherence to prescribed exercise in spondyloarthritis and factors affecting this adherence: a systematic review

Adherence is a primary determinant of the effectiveness of any intervention. Exercise is considered essential in the management of spondyloarthritis (SpA); however, the overall adherence to exercise programmes and factors affecting adherence are unknown. The aim of this systematic review was to examine measures of, and factors influencing adherence to, prescribed exercise programmes in people with SpA. A search was performed in August 2018 using five data bases; the Cochrane library, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Collections. Inclusion criteria were: studies with adults (> 18 years) with SpA, with a prescribed exercise intervention or educational programme with the aim of increasing exercise participation. Article quality was independently assessed by two assessors. Extracted descriptive data included: populations, interventions, measures of adherence and factors affecting adherence. Percentage adherence rates to prescribed exercises were calculated if not reported. Nine studies were included with a total of 658 participants, 95% of participants had a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Interventions and measurement of adherence varied, making comparisons difficult. Rates of adherence ranged from 51.4 to 95%. Single studies identified; adherence improved following educational programmes, and higher disease severity and longer diagnostic delays were associated with higher adherence. Conflicting evidence was found as to whether supervision of exercise improved adherence. Three consecutive studies demonstrated adherence reduced over time. Adherence to prescribed exercise in SpA was poorly reported and predominately for people with AS. The levels of adherence and factors affecting prescribed exercise in SpA remain unclear. Future research should measure adherence across a longer time period and investigate possible factors which may influence adherence.

Detection of Rickettsia monacensis and Rickettsia amblyommatis in ticks collected from dogs in Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The neotropical climate of Central America provides ideal conditions for ticks, which may transmit several human pathogens, including spotted-fever group Rickettsia. Dogs may act as sentinels or reservoirs for human tick-borne diseases due to shared tick species. Here, ticks were collected from 680 client-owned dogs in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and a total of 316 tick pools were investigated for Rickettsia infection by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the gltA gene. Subsequently, up to six further genomic targets (16S rDNA, gltA, sca4, ompA, ompB and the 23S-5S intergenic spacer) were investigated for Rickettsia species determination. The predominant tick species was Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) (19.9% of dogs infested in Costa Rica, 48.0% in Nicaragua), followed by Ixodes boliviensis (3.1% in Costa Rica / none in Nicaragua) and Amblyomma ovale (4.8% in Costa Rica, 0.9% in Nicaragua). In total, 22 of 316 tick pools containing 60 of 1023 individual ticks were Rickettsia-positive as determined by qPCR, resulting in a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.2%. In detail, MIR in Rh. sanguineus s.l. was 0.7% (7/281 pools), in I. boliviensis 33.3% (12/13 pools) and in A. ovale 9.7% (3/22 pools). For 11 of 12 positive I. boliviensis pools and one of six positive Rh. sanguineus s.l. pools, the species could be determined as R. monacensis. R. amblyommatis was identified in one Rh. sanguineus s.l. pool from Costa Rica and one A. ovale pool from Nicaragua. Nine of 12 R. monacensis-positive tick pools were collected in San Rafael de Heredia, Costa Rica, indicating a high local occurrence in this area. This study supports recent evidence that R. monacensis is present on the American continent. Its high local occurrence among dog-associated I. boliviensis, which may also parasitize humans, in Costa Rica gives cause for concern, as R. monacensis is also pathogenic to humans.

The role of the immune system in kidney disease

The immune system and the kidneys are closely linked. In health the kidneys contribute to immune homeostasis, while components of the immune system mediate many acute forms of renal disease and play a central role in progression of chronic kidney disease. A dysregulated immune system can have either direct or indirect renal effects. Direct immune-mediated kidney diseases are usually a consequence of autoantibodies directed against a constituent renal antigen, such as collagen IV in anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Indirect immune-mediated renal disease often follows systemic autoimmunity with immune complex formation, but can also be due to uncontrolled activation of the complement pathways. Although the range of mechanisms of immune dysregulation leading to renal disease is broad, the pathways leading to injury are similar. Loss of immune homeostasis in renal disease results in perpetual immune cell recruitment and worsening damage to the kidney. Uncoordinated attempts at tissue repair, after immune-mediated disease or non-immune mediated injury, result in fibrosis of structures important for renal function, leading eventually to kidney failure. As renal disease often manifests clinically only when substantial damage has already occurred, new diagnostic methods and indeed treatments must be identified to inhibit further progression and promote appropriate tissue repair. Studying cases in which immune homeostasis is re-established may reveal new treatment possibilities.

Countrywide serological evaluation of canine prevalence for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), Dirofilaria immitis and Ehrlichia canis in Mexico

BACKGROUND

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) have become a major concern for canine and human public health. The aim of the study described here is to add epidemiological data regarding four pathogens responsible for CVBD, namely anaplasmosis, borreliosis, dirofilariosis and ehrlichiosis in a national survey conducted in Mexico.

METHODS

Seventy-four veterinary centres located in 21 federal Mexican states were asked to test dogs with clinical signs suspect for CVBD and healthy dogs, for detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and Ehrlichia canis using the SNAP® 4DX® from IDEXX® Laboratories.

RESULTS

A total of 1706 dogs were tested, including 943 apparently healthy and 722 CVBD-suspect dogs. Infected dogs were 36.7 %. The highest percentages of infection with E. canis (51.0 %) and Anaplasma spp. (16.4 %) were obtained in the northwestern region, while D. immitis was most frequently found in the northeastern region of the country (8.9 %). Four dogs from the northwestern, northeastern, eastern and southeastern regions, respectively, were positive for B. burgdorferi (sensu lato). Northcentral regions showed lowest overall prevalence of infection (2.4 %). Co-infections were detected in 8.8 % of the dogs tested. Statistically significant lower positivity was found among dogs aged less than one year (23.2 %) and small-sized dogs (27.6 %), while higher prevalence of infection was found in dogs living outdoors (42.0 %), dogs with detectable tick infestation (43.3 %) and dogs that received treatment for tick-transmitted infections (58.8 %). Seropositivity was a risk factor for the presence of clinical signs as follows: Anaplasma spp. (OR = 2.63; 95 % CI: 1.88-3.67; P < 0.0001), D. immitis (OR = 2.52; 95 % CI: 1.61-3.95; P < 0.0001), E. canis (OR = 3.58; 95 % CI: 2.88-4.45; P < 0.0001), mixed infections (OR = 4.08; 95 % CI: 2.79-5.96; P < 0.0001), one or more agents (OR = 3.58; 95 % CI: 2.91-4.42; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Canine serological evidence supports that dogs from Mexico are at risk of acquiring Anaplasma spp., D. immitis and/or E. canis, while B. burgdorferi (sensu lato) transmission is minimal in the country. Practitioners play a fundamental role in the detection and control of these diseases to protect dogs and humans.

Toward the formation of a Companion Animal Parasite Council for the Tropics (CAPCT)

This letter advises the imminent formation of the Companion Animal Parasites Council for the Tropics (CAPCT). The CAPCT consists of region-specific (e.g., Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, Africa) experts comprising academics, veterinarians, parasitologists, physicians and allied industry partners that will work together to inform, guide and develop best-practice recommendations for the optimal diagnosis, treatment and control of companion animal parasites in the tropics, with the aim of protecting the health of pets and that of the public.

Protein kinase inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases

Protein kinases mediate protein phosphorylation, which is a fundamental component of cell signalling, with crucial roles in most signal transduction cascades: from controlling cell growth and proliferation to the initiation and regulation of immunological responses. Aberrant kinase activity is implicated in an increasing number of diseases, with more than 400 human diseases now linked either directly or indirectly to protein kinases. Protein kinases are therefore regarded as highly important drug targets, and are the subject of intensive research activity. The success of small molecule kinase inhibitors in the treatment of cancer, coupled with a greater understanding of inflammatory signalling cascades, has led to kinase inhibitors taking centre stage in the pursuit for new anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. Herein we discuss the main classes of kinase inhibitors; namely Janus kinase (JAK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitors. We provide a mechanistic insight into how these inhibitors interfere with kinase signalling pathways and discuss the clinical successes and failures in the implementation of kinase-directed therapeutics in the context of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Lost food, wasted resources: global food supply chain losses and their impacts on freshwater, cropland, and fertiliser use

Reducing food losses and waste is considered to be one of the most promising measures to improve food security in the coming decades. Food losses also affect our use of resources, such as freshwater, cropland, and fertilisers. In this paper we estimate the global food supply losses due to lost and wasted food crops, and the resources used to produce them. We also quantify the potential food supply and resource savings that could be made by reducing food losses and waste. We used publically available global databases to conduct the study at the country level. We found that around one quarter of the produced food supply (614 kcal/cap/day) is lost within the food supply chain (FSC). The production of these lost and wasted food crops accounts for 24% of total freshwater resources used in food crop production (27 m(3)/cap/yr), 23% of total global cropland area (31 × 10(-3)ha/cap/yr), and 23% of total global fertiliser use (4.3 kg/cap/yr). The per capita use of resources for food losses is largest in North Africa & West-Central Asia (freshwater and cropland) and North America & Oceania (fertilisers). The smallest per capita use of resources for food losses is found in Sub-Saharan Africa (freshwater and fertilisers) and in Industrialised Asia (cropland). Relative to total food production, the smallest food supply and resource losses occur in South & Southeast Asia. If the lowest loss and waste percentages achieved in any region in each step of the FSC could be reached globally, food supply losses could be halved. By doing this, there would be enough food for approximately one billion extra people. Reducing the food losses and waste would thus be an important step towards increased food security, and would also increase the efficiency of resource use in food production.

Changes in time of sowing, flowering and maturity of cereals in Europe under climate change

The phenological development of cereal crops from emergence through flowering to maturity is largely controlled by temperature, but also affected by day length and potential physiological stresses. Responses may vary between species and varieties. Climate change will affect the timing of cereal crop development, but exact changes will also depend on changes in varieties as affected by plant breeding and variety choices. This study aimed to assess changes in timing of major phenological stages of cereal crops in Northern and Central Europe under climate change. Records on dates of sowing, flowering, and maturity of wheat, oats and maize were collected from field experiments conducted during the period 1985-2009. Data for spring wheat and spring oats covered latitudes from 46 to 64°N, winter wheat from 46 to 61°N, and maize from 47 to 58°N. The number of observations (site-year-variety combinations) varied with phenological phase, but exceeded 2190, 227, 2076 and 1506 for winter wheat, spring wheat, spring oats and maize, respectively. The data were used to fit simple crop development models, assuming that the duration of the period until flowering depends on temperature and day length for wheat and oats, and on temperature for maize, and that the duration of the period from flowering to maturity in all species depends on temperature only. Species-specific base temperatures were used. Sowing date of spring cereals was estimated using a threshold temperature for the mean air temperature during 10 days prior to sowing. The mean estimated temperature thresholds for sowing were 6.1, 7.1 and 10.1°C for oats, wheat and maize, respectively. For spring oats and wheat the temperature threshold increased with latitude. The effective temperature sums required for both flowering and maturity increased with increasing mean annual temperature of the location, indicating that varieties are well adapted to given conditions. The responses of wheat and oats were largest for the period from flowering to maturity. Changes in timing of cereal phenology by 2040 were assessed for two climate model projections according to the observed dependencies on temperature and day length. The results showed advancements of sowing date of spring cereals by 1-3 weeks depending on climate model and region within Europe. The changes were largest in Northern Europe. Timing of flowering and maturity were projected to advance by 1-3 weeks. The changes were largest for grain maize and smallest for winter wheat, and they were generally largest in the western and northern part of the domain. There were considerable differences in predicted timing of sowing, flowering and maturity between the two climate model projections applied.

Shifts in comparative advantages for maize, oat and wheat cropping under climate change in Europe

Climate change is anticipated to affect European agriculture, including the risk of emerging or re-emerging feed and food hazards. Indirectly, climate change may influence such hazards (e.g. the occurrence of mycotoxins) due to geographic shifts in the distribution of major cereal cropping systems and the consequences this may have for crop rotations. This paper analyses the impact of climate on cropping shares of maize, oat and wheat on a 50-km square grid across Europe (45-65°N) and provides model-based estimates of the changes in cropping shares in response to changes in temperature and precipitation as projected for the time period around 2040 by two regional climate models (RCM) with a moderate and a strong climate change signal, respectively. The projected cropping shares are based on the output from the two RCMs and on algorithms derived for the relation between meteorological data and observed cropping shares of maize, oat and wheat. The observed cropping shares show a south-to-north gradient, where maize had its maximum at 45-55°N, oat had its maximum at 55-65°N, and wheat was more evenly distributed along the latitudes in Europe. Under the projected climate changes, there was a general increase in maize cropping shares, whereas for oat no areas showed distinct increases. For wheat, the projected changes indicated a tendency towards higher cropping shares in the northern parts and lower cropping shares in the southern parts of the study area. The present modelling approach represents a simplification of factors determining the distribution of cereal crops, and also some uncertainties in the data basis were apparent. A promising way of future model improvement could be through a systematic analysis and inclusion of other variables, such as key soil properties and socio-economic conditions, influencing the comparative advantages of specific crops.

Vector-borne diseases--constant challenge for practicing veterinarians: recommendations from the CVBD World Forum

The human-animal bond has been a fundamental feature of mankind's history for millennia. The first, and strongest of these, man's relationship with the dog, is believed to pre-date even agriculture, going back as far as 30,000 years. It remains at least as powerful today. Fed by the changing nature of the interactions between people and their dogs worldwide and the increasing tendency towards close domesticity, the health of dogs has never played a more important role in family life. Thanks to developments in scientific understanding and diagnostic techniques, as well as changing priorities of pet owners, veterinarians are now able, and indeed expected, to play a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of canine disease, including canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs).

The CVBDs represent a varied and complex group of diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis, borreliosis, dirofilariosis, ehrlichiosis, leishmaniosis, rickettsiosis and thelaziosis, with new syndromes being uncovered every year. Many of these diseases can cause serious, even life-threatening clinical conditions in dogs, with a number having zoonotic potential, affecting the human population.

Today, CVBDs pose a growing global threat as they continue their spread far from their traditional geographical and temporal restraints as a result of changes in both climatic conditions and pet dog travel patterns, exposing new populations to previously unknown infectious agents and posing unprecedented challenges to veterinarians.

In response to this growing threat, the CVBD World Forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in CVBDs from around the world which meets on an annual basis, gathered in Nice (France) in 2011 to share the latest research on CVBDs and discuss the best approaches to managing these diseases around the world.

As a result of these discussions, we, the members of the CVBD Forum have developed the following recommendations to veterinarians for the management of CVBDs.

The solubility of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) compounds in soil and their availability to plants

The mystery surrounding high concentrations of Cr(III) in plants has been uncovered. It is attributed to the presence of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) in soil in which the plants are growing. Apart from that, the factors influencing solubility of Cr(VI) in soil have also been investigated. It was found that the solubility of Cr(VI) species is governed by the presence of CO3(2-) ions in a soil solution that resulted when atmospheric CO2 dissolves in soil-water. Concentrations of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) were determined in plants, collected on unpolluted soils in different geographical areas. It was found that the concentration of Cr(VI) in plants correlated with the soluble fraction of Cr(VI) in soil, while Cr(III) concentration in plants is limited by concentration LMWOA in soil. It can therefore be concluded that the high level of Cr(III) in plants is also due to the direct absorptions of the species from soil rich in organic acids.

Kraniale Manifestation des Morbus Wegener: Aktueller Stand der Diagnostik

Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare systemic granulomatous disease which primarily involves the upper and lower respiratory tract and the kidneys. In addition the orbits, the peripheral and the central nervous system may also be affected. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been proven to be quite useful for the detection of these lesions, for assessment of the extent of involvement, and for documentation of response to therapy. The drawback of CT and MR studies is that they lack specificity. Characteristic imaging findings for WG is a medial wall destruction of the maxillary sinus with gross thickening of the anterior and infratemporal walls with relatively low soft tissue proliferation. On T2-weighted MR images the granulomatous tissue appears markedly hypo-intense with dense enhancement. Although these findings are not specific, if they are obvious, Wegener's granulomatosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.