Brentuximab vedotin for skin involvement in refractory diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, an open-label trial

OBJECTIVE

We explored the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin, a chimeric anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate, in patients with severe active diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

METHODS

This phase II proof-of-concept, single center, open-label, single arm, investigator-initiated trial included patients ≥18 years, with dcSSc, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥15 with <5 years since the first non-Raynaud's symptom and/or skin worsening despite immunosuppression who were treated with intravenous brentuximab vedotin 0.6 mg/Kg q3 weeks for 45 weeks. The primary end point was a decrease in mRSS of ≥ 8 points at 48 weeks.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were treated with brentuximab vedotin, with 9 completing the study. The mean mRSS reduction at week 48 was 11.3 (95% CI 6.9, 15.8; p= 0.001), meeting the primary end point in the intention to treat analysis (7/11 had a decrease in mRSS ≥8). The % forced vital capacity increased by 7.8% (12.5). The Composite Response Index in dcSSc (CRISS) suggested a beneficial treatment effect (86% ≥0.6). Most adverse events were mild. No SAEs were attributed to brentuximab vedotin.

CONCLUSION

In dcSSc, brentuximab vedotin improved skin and FVC; without safety concerns. A placebo-controlled trial is warranted to corroborate these initial findings.

Joint involvement in sarcoidosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, clinical pattern and outcome

OBJECTIVES

To characterize joint involvement (JI) in sarcoidosis, a systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to July 2022 for publications reporting its prevalence, pattern, treatment and outcome.

METHODS

The pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) with 95% confidence interval were calculated using binomial distribution and random effects. Meta-regression method was used to examine factors affecting heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS

49 articles were identified comprising a total of 8,574 sarcoidosis patients, where 12% presented with JI (10-14, I2 0%). The PPE for sarcoid arthritis (SA) was 19% (14-24, I2 95%), and 32% (13-51, I2 99%) for arthralgia. Heterogeneity was due to higher JI prevalence reported in Western Asia and the Middle East, in rheumatology clinics and via surveys. Sample size of SA varied from 12 to 117 cases. Ankles were most frequently affected (PPE 80%) followed by knees and wrists. Monoarthritis was uncommon (PPE 1%, 0-2, I2 55%). Acute SA prevailed (PPE 79%, 72-88, I2 69%) with an equal proportion of oligo and polyarthritis and was frequently accompanied by erythema nodosum (PPE 62%, 52-71, I2 16%). Chronic SA was predominantly polyarticular with a higher frequency of the upper extremity joints affected. Most common non-articular manifestations with SA included fever (52%), erythema nodosum (41%), hilar adenopathy (86%) and interstitial lung disease (23%) of whom one-third required corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants.

CONCLUSION

SA occurred early in the disease with a PPE of 19% and most frequent pattern of acute oligo- or polyarthritis predominantly affecting the lower extremity large joints.

State-of-the-art evidence in the treatment of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with multi-organ involvement, fibrosis and vasculopathy. Treatment in SSc, including early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and the use of organ-specific therapies, has improved, as evident from randomized clinical trials. Treatments for early dcSSc include immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, rituximab and tocilizumab. Patients with rapidly progressive early dcSSc might be eligible for autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which can improve survival. Morbidity from interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension is improving with the use of proven therapies. Mycophenolate mofetil has surpassed cyclophosphamide as the initial treatment for SSc-interstitial lung disease. Nintedanib and possibly perfinidone can be considered in SSc pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is frequently treated with initial combination therapy (for example, with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists) and, if necessary, the addition of a prostacyclin analogue. Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers are treated with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (especially nifedipine), then phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or intravenous iloprost. Bosentan can reduce the development of new digital ulcers. Trial data for other manifestations are mostly lacking. Research is needed to develop targeted and highly effective treatments, best practices for organ-specific screening and early intervention, and sensitive outcome measurements.

POS0913 INCREASED HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS PATIENTS WHO HAVE DIGITAL ULCERS

Background

Systemic sclerosis is a multi-system autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and vasculopathy which manifests as pulmonary arterial hypertension and digital ulcers. Digital ulcers are debilitating and painful lesions most commonly present in the digit tips or extensor surfaces of the hands leading to significant morbidity and decreased quality of life. SSc patients with digital ulcers may require increased support and therefore may have greater healthcare resource utilization compared to those patients without digital ulcers.

Objectives

We assessed the impact of DUs on resource utilization including hospitalizations, outpatient visits and procedures within a large SSc Canadian registry.

Methods

A cohort of patients with SSc and digitals ulcers was derived from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry and matched to controls individually based on sex, age (±3 years), SSc subtype, and disease duration (±2 years). Eligible patients met the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria (confirmed by an experienced rheumatologist), were 18 years of age, had completed the Resource Utilization Questionnaire (RUQ), and had active digital ulcers at two consecutive annual visits (baseline study visit and at 1st year). The Medgser Disease Severity Scale was used to assess ulcer disease severity. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses compared the association between DUs and resource utilization.

Results

RUQs in 104 SSc patients with active DUs at two consecutive annual visits were compared with 104 patients without DUs matched 1:1 for age, sex, disease subtype and duration. Over one year, DUs were associated with a higher number of tests (p˂0.05) and visits to health professionals, especially to a rheumatologist (p˂0.0001) and internist (p=0.003), a greater need for an accompanying person (p˂0.05) and aids purchased/received (p˂0.05). Having DUs was associated with more severe disease, even after excluding the peripheral vascular domain from a total DSS (9.7±4.5 vs 5.6±2.7, p˂0.0001). After adjustment for disease severity in other organs, the presence of DUs remained a significant predictor of more frequent physician visits and more tests (all˂0.05) by linear regression analysis.

Conclusion

SSc patients with DUs utilized significantly more healthcare resources per annum even after adjustment for disease severity in other organ systems.

References

[1]Khimdas S, Harding S, Bonner A, Zummer B, Baron M, Pope J, Canadian Scleroderma Research Group. Associations with digital ulcers in a large cohort of systemic sclerosis: results from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry. Arthritis care & research. 2011 Jan;63(1):142-9.

[2]Nihtyanova SI, Brough GM, Black CM, Denton CP. Clinical burden of digital vasculopathy in limited and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2008 Jan 1;67(1):120-3.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Health Care Utilization Is Increased In Systemic Sclerosis Patients Who Have Digital Ulcers

BACKGROUND

Digital ulcers (DUs) occur in half of the patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and require healthcare interventions for treatment and monitoring for complications including infection and gangrene.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the impact of DUs on resource utilization including hospitalizations, outpatient visits and procedures within a large SSc Canadian registry in a matched cohort study.

METHODS

1698 SSc patients who completed one or more 84-item Resource Utilization Questionnaire (RUQ) for a 12-month recall period between September 2005 and February 2020 were included (9077 questionnaires). Organ involvement was assessed by disease severity scores (DSS) on the Medsger scale. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses compared the association between DUs and resource utilization.

RESULTS

RUQs in 104 SSc patients with active DUs at two consecutive annual visits were compared with 104 patients without DUs matched 1:1 for age, sex, disease subtype and duration. Over one year, DUs were associated with a higher number of tests (p˂0.05) and visits to health professionals, especially to a rheumatologist (p˂0.0001) and internist (p=0.003), a greater need for an accompanying person (p˂0.05) and aids purchased/received (p˂0.05). Having DUs was associated with more severe disease, even after excluding the peripheral vascular domain from a total DSS (9.7±4.5 vs 5.6±2.7, p˂0.0001). After adjustment for disease severity in other organs, the presence of DUs remained a significant predictor of more frequent physician visits and more tests (all˂0.05) by linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

SSc patients with DUs utilized significantly more healthcare resources per annum even after adjustment for disease severity in other organ systems.

Immunosuppression use in early systemic sclerosis may be increasing over time

Background

Immunosuppression remains the main treatment for progressing skin involvement, interstitial lung disease and inflammatory joint or muscle disease in systemic sclerosis. This study investigated the pattern and trends in immunosuppressive agents used in early systemic sclerosis (diagnosed before and after 2007) to determine whether the changes in the preferred type, timing and combination of immunosuppression took place over the past decade.

Methods

In total, 397 Canadian Scleroderma Research Group database patients (183 diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and 214 limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis) who had baseline and follow-up visits within 3 years (mean: 1.8 ± 0.8) after disease onset were included: 82% females, age at diagnosis 53 ± 13 years. Bivariate, chi-square, analysis of variance and adjusted regression analyses were used.

Results

In total, 115 diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients (63%) and 62 limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (29%) received immunosuppressive drugs, most commonly methotrexate, followed by mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. In diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, immunosuppressants were prescribed after 2007 more often (74% vs 50%, p = 0.001), especially methotrexate (p = 0.02) and mycophenolate mofetil (p = 0.04), and earlier (peak at 2 years after onset). Immunosuppressive therapy was associated with male gender, interstitial lung disease, anti-Scl70 positivity, ACA negativity and inflammatory joint disease in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and with ACA negativity and a higher modified Rodnan skin score in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the use of immunosuppressants after 2007 was predicted only by ACA negativity in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and by younger age in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, there has been a trend to prescribe immunosuppressants more often and earlier in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients, regardless of modified Rodnan skin score. Methotrexate is being more frequently used, and mycophenolate mofetil has gained favour over cyclophosphamide. Autoantibody status was the most consistent predictor of immunosuppressive therapy.

Systematic Analysis of the Literature in Search of Defining Systemic Sclerosis Subsets

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease with heterogeneity in presentation and prognosis.An international collaboration to develop new SSc subset criteria is underway. Our objectives were to identify systems of SSc subset classification and synthesize novel concepts to inform development of new criteria.

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from their inceptions to December 2019 for studies related to SSc subclassification, limited to humans and without language or sample size restrictions.

RESULTS

Of 5686 citations, 102 studies reported original data on SSc subsets. Subset classification systems relied on extent of skin involvement and/or SSc-specific autoantibodies (n = 61), nailfold capillary patterns (n = 29), and molecular, genomic, and cellular patterns (n = 12). While some systems of subset classification confer prognostic value for clinical phenotype, severity, and mortality, only subsetting by gene expression signatures in tissue samples has been associated with response to therapy.

CONCLUSION

Subsetting on extent of skin involvement remains important. Novel disease attributes including SSc-specific autoantibodies, nailfold capillary patterns, and tissue gene expression signatures have been proposed as innovative means of SSc subsetting.

The frequency of uveitis in patients with adult versus childhood spondyloarthritis

Objectives

This meta-analysis investigated the frequency of ocular involvement in childhood and adult spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched upto October 2018 identifying publications related to SpA, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with ocular conditions (OC) (uveitis, iritis, retinitis, chorioretinitis and other ocular involvement). The rates of OC were extracted and random effects models estimated their frequency. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I². Inclusion criteria were studies in SpA of either children or adults who included a frequency of OC.

Results

3164 studies were identified, and 41 analysed which included frequencies of uveitis/iritis. Other OC were too infrequent to analyse. A pooled random effects model showed that the prevalence of uveitis was 24% in adult AS (23 studies, 11 943 patients), 10% in adult psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (9 studies, 1817) and 17% in undifferentiated adult SpA (9 studies, 6568 patients). In juveniles with AS, the prevalence of uveitis was 27% (8 studies, 927 patients), in juvenile PsA it was 16% (5 studies, N=498) and in juvenile undifferentiated SpA, uveitis occurred in 7% (2 studies, 1531 patients). In all evaluated SpA subgroups, there were no statistical differences in the frequency of uveitis between juveniles and adults.

Conclusions

Uveitis in adult versus child-onset SpA is similar in AS but more common in adult-onset undifferentiated SpA, and less frequent in adult-onset PsA compared to child-onset PsA, but the differences were not significant.

OP0172 BRENTUXIMAB VEDONTIN FOR SKIN INVOLVEMENT IN REFRACTORY DIFFUSE CUTANEOUS SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS, INTERIM RESULTS OF A PHASE IIB OPEN-LABEL TRIAL

Background:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs causing morbidity and mortality. Treatments targeting SSc skin often have limited success. The presence of CD30+ lymphocytes in skin biopsies and increased levels of serum CD30 have been reported in SSc patients1. This could constitute a new therapeutic target.

Objectives:

To explore the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin, a chimeric anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate, in patients with severe active diffuse cutaneous SSc who failed multiple treatments.

Methods:

This Phase IIb, single center, open-label, investigator-initiated trial will recruit 10 patients. Brentuximab vedotin 0.6 mg/Kg was infused intravenously every 3 weeks for 48 weeks. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, meeting the 2013 ACR/EULAR SSc classification criteria, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥15 with <5 years since the first non-Raynaud’s symptom and/or skin worsening despite immunosuppression. Patients were allowed to continue their standard of care medications for SSc except for rituximab. Patients with severe cardiac or pulmonary SSc involvement, severe infections, significant peripheral neuropathy, or active malignancy were excluded. The primary objective was a decrease in mRSS of ≥8 at 48 weeks. The main secondary endpoint was MRSS at 24 weeks. Differences were assessed by paired t tests. Data were compared to 16 age, disease duration, mRSS and past/present use of immunosuppressors-matched controls (ratio 2-3:1) from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) registry.

Results:

Eight of 10 patients have been recruited to date; two are in the first 8 weeks and one was withdrawn at her request after developing influenza at week 12. Five subjects (60% female) have reached week 24, and 3 have completed 48 weeks. The mRSS is shown in Table 1. The ΔMRSS for patients treated with brentuximab between weeks 0 and 24 was 8.2 ([CI 95% 2.8, 13.6], p = 0.013) and from 0 to 48 was 15.3 ([CI 95% 8.2, 22.5], p = 0.012). Whereas, the ΔMRSS for the CSRG controls was 3.1 ([CI 95% -2, 8.2], p = 0.211) at 48 weeks. Assuming that mRSS would at least be the same from week 24 to 48 in the 2 cases who are between 24 and 48 weeks with brentuximab, we compared the 5 cases vs controls (Figure 1). ΔMRSS for Brentuximab was 12.2 ([CI 95% 5.9, 18.5], p = 0.006. No cases have developed a peripheral neuropathy and only one SAE (influenza).

Table 1.N (SD)NAgeDisease durationmRSS week 0mRSS week 24mRSS week 48mRSS week 48**Case560.2 (9.3)4.5 (2.1)33 (5.2)24.8 (6)15.7 (3)20.8 (8.3)Control1658.5 (8.3)4.9 (2.1)31.3 (5.9)N/D28.1 (7.5)28.1 (7.5)p0.7310.7750.559N/D0.0130.079

mRSS = modified Rodnan skin score, N/D = no data, ** = comparisons including 5 cases, assuming stability in MRSS from week 24 to 48 in cases 5 and 6

Figure 1.

Conclusion:

Brentuximab vedontin already achieved the primary endpoint at 24 weeks, after half of the intended recruitment sample reached this landmark. A comparison with CSRG controls showed that mRSS only decreased significantly in patients treated with brentuximab. This interim report suggests that brentuximab vedontin might effectively improve skin involvement in patients with diffuse SSc and severe skin involvement.

References:

[1]Mavalia C, Scaletti C, Romagnani P, et al. Type 2 helper T-cell predominance and high CD30 expression in systemic sclerosis. Am J Pathol. 1997;151(6):1751-8.

Acknowledgements:

We would like to acknowledge the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Louise Vanderhoek, Sara Macdonald Hewitt and Jillian Bylsma for their collaboration

Disclosure of Interests:

Andreu Fernandez-Codina Consultant of: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Atheneum consulting, Tatiana Nevskaya: None declared, Janet Pope Speakers bureau: Actelion, Amgen, Abbie, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medexus, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi, Teva, UCB., Consultant of: Actelion, Amgen, Abbie, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medexus, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi, Teva, UCB., Grant/research support from: Actelion, Amgen, Abbie, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medexus, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi, Teva, UCB.

POS0207 REAL-WORLD RETENTION OF JAK INHIBITORS IS LONGER THAN BDMARDS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are both recommended post conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (csDMARD) therapy failure in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the data on long-term durability are limited.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to analyze a database of patients at the Western University, Rheumatology Center who initiated a bDMARD or JAKi and compare the proportion and characteristics of patients associated with retention of a drug class.

Methods:

This was a single-center study of 215 adult RA patients (82.76 % females, age 59.8 ± 12.0 years, disease duration 15.5 ± 10.0 years; table 1) failing multiple csDMARDs prior to initiating either bDMARDs (TNF inhibitors, abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab) or JAKi, between June 2014 (when tofacitinib was approved in Canada) and April 2020. All patients enrolled had failed traditional DMARDs, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and/or leflunomide. Durability and predictors of discontinuation were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses for all treatment trials, and for patients receiving bDMARDs/JAKi as a first line after csDMARDs failure.

Results:

In 215 patients, there were 320 treatment events (148 bDMARDs, 172 JAKi) and 142 discontinuations (53.5% bDMARDs, 46.5% JAKi). Figure 1 represents the Kaplan-Meier survival curve for time to therapy discontinuation in 215 patients receiving bDMARDs vs JAKi. The Cox proportional hazards model was significant with better retention for JAKi, with a hazard ratio (HR) for treatment discontinuation of JAKi compared with bDMARDs of 0.676 (95% CI 0.47-0.97, p=0.034), adjusted for gender, age, disease duration, and line of therapy (Table 1). Moreover, the analysis revealed better retention for both groups as first line advanced therapy compared to later lines of therapy; 57.6% of JAKi and 31.1% of bDMARDs were used as first line advanced therapy. HR for treatment discontinuation for first line vs later lines of therapy was 0.593 (95% CI 0.40-0.88, p=0.01), adjusted for drug class, gender, age, and disease duration (Table 1). The most common reasons for discontinuations were inefficacy (60%), side effects (22%), or other reasons (18%). Inefficacy (58% vs 62%, p=0.8) and side-effects (16% vs 27%, p=0.4) were equally common for bDMARDs and JAKi. Sex, age at treatment onset, and RA duration did not predict discontinuation by Cox regression analyses, and after sub-grouping into bDMARDs and JAKi.

Conclusion:

EULAR guidelines have placed bDMARDs equal to JAKi as post csDMARD failure therapy in active RA. However, this study demonstrates that JAKi has a greater durability than biologics regardless of gender, age, disease duration, and line of therapy. Therefore, JAKi may be considered as a preferable method of treatment post csDMARD failure in active RA.

Figure 1.

Kaplan-Meier survival curves for (A) time to discontinuation of therapy in all RA patients receiving bDMARDs versus JAKi; P-value represents Cox regression adjusted for gender, age, disease duration, and line of therapy (B) time to discontinuation of therapy in patients using bDMARDs/JAKi as first line of advanced therapy; P-value represents Cox regression adjusted for drug class, gender, age, and disease duration

Table 1.

Patient demographics and hazard ratios for discontinuation of bDMARDs versus JAKi by Cox regression model

CharacteristicJAKi (N=172)bDMARD (N=148)MeanAge (years)60.958.559.8Sex (% F)77.888.582.8Disease duration (years)15.315.815.5Line of advanced therapy (% first line)57.631.145.3Drug used (%)Tofacitinib: 93.5Rituximab: 26.4Etanercept: 19.6Adalimumab: 17.6Predictors of Drug DiscontinuationHR (95% CIs)P valuesCrude ModelJAKi vs bDMARDs0.60 (0.43, 0.84)0.003Adjusted modelJAKi vs bDMARDs0.68 (0.47, 0.97)0.034Male vs female0.77 (0.46, 1.31)0.342Age1.01 (0.99, 1.03)0.123RA duration0.99 (0.97, 1.01)0.500Treatment line 1 vs >10.59 (0.40, 0.88)0.010

Disclosure of Interests:

Karla Machlab: None declared, Samir M. Iskandar: None declared, Tatiana Nevskaya: None declared, Louise Vanderhoek: None declared, Jillian Bylsma: None declared, Sara Hewitt: None declared, Janet Pope Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, BI, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Medexus, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, BI, Celltrion, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Medexus, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung, Sanofi, Sandoz, Teva, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Seattle Genetics

Skin improvement is a surrogate for favourable changes in other organ systems in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

Skin improvement in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), measured with modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), is frequently used as a primary outcome in clinical trials, but it is uncertain whether mRSS changes reflect changes in other organ systems. This aim of this study was to explore if skin changes in early dcSSc over 1 and 2 years are associated with changes in severity of other organ involvement.

METHODS

Canadian Scleroderma Research Group database patients with dcSSc, disease duration of ≤5 years, no evidence of initial end-stage organ damage and/or significant comorbidity who had 1 year (n = 154) and 2 years (n = 128) of follow-up data were included. mRSS changes of 25% and/or ≥5 points were considered significant. Organ involvement was assessed by Medsger Disease Severity Score and Canadian Scleroderma Research Group definitions using bivariate, chi-square, ANOVA, adjusted regression and longitudinal mixed effect model analyses.

RESULTS

Improvement in mRSS was found in 41% of patients at 1 year and in 50% at 2 years. Improved patients showed less forced vital capacity decline (P = 0.012) and less frequent new cardiac involvement (P = 0.02) over 1 year, as well as better lung (by both Disease Severity Score, P = 0.006, and Δforced vital capacity%, P = 0.026), peripheral vascular (P = 0.006) and joint/tendon (P = 0.002) involvement over 2 years. mRSS worsening was consistently linked to less favourable lung outcomes at both 1- and 2-year follow-up visits, and more severe gastrointestinal disease at 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Changes in lung function in early dcSSc closely parallel skin changes. mRSS improvement reflects better prognosis for visceral disease and may be a reliable outcome measure in clinical trials.

Changes in skin score in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis are associated with changes in global disease severity

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether skin score changes are associated with changes in overall disease severity, function and quality of life in early dcSSc patients.

METHODS

A total of 154 and 128 dcSSc patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group database with 1 and 2 year follow-up and a disease duration ⩽5 years without end-stage organ damage and/or significant comorbidity at the initial visit were included. Skin was assessed using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and disease severity by the summed Medsger disease severity score (DSS) (without skin domain), physician and patient global assessments, function [HAQ disability index (HAQ-DI)] and quality of life [36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS)]. Analyses were repeated in patients with a disease duration ⩽3 years.

RESULTS

At 2 years, 64 (50%) patients had improved skin (mRSS decrease of ⩾5 points and/or ⩾25%). Skin improvers had improved summed DSS (P = 0.002); better physician global assessments of disease activity, severity and damage (all P ⩽ 0.003); better HAQ-DI (P = 0.001) and SF-36 PCS (P = 0.005). Changes in the mRSS were positively correlated with changes in summed DSS (P = 0.006) and other disease outcomes. In the 26 (20.3%) patients with worsened skin (mRSS increase of ⩾5 points and/or ⩾25%), the summed DSS and physician global assessments were worse (P = 0.01 and P ⩽ 0.009, respectively). In the subgroup with a disease duration ⩽3 years, similar associations were found.

CONCLUSION

At 1 and 2 years, overall disease improvement parallels skin improvement in early dcSSc. This is important for prognosis and reflects the value of mRSS as an outcome measure in trials with these patients.

FRI0258 CUMULATIVE INCIDENCE, SURVIVAL AND PREDICTORS OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS SUBSETS: PAH IS NOT INCREASED IN LIMITED VS DIFFUSE PATIENTS BY ADJUSTED COMPETING RISK ANALYSIS

Background:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), thought to be more commonly found in limited cutaneous (lcSSc) compared to diffuse (dcSSc) subset. Since lcSSc has a better prognosis, it is unclear whether a higher occurrence of PH in lcSSc reflects survival bias.

Objectives:

To compare the cumulative PH incidence in disease subsets, after accounting for death as a competing event, in a large multi-center SSc cohort.

Methods:

Cumulative incidence of PH was studied in 1431 Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) database patients (57% lcSSc; follow-up 3.5±2.9 years, range 1-14) by Fine-Gray analysis, unadjusted and adjusted for sex, age and SSc-related autoantibodies (SAS 9.4). Survival curves, predictors of PH development and survival were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses (SPSS 25.0). Subgroup analysis was performed for PAH.

Results:

157 SSc patients had PH (including 117 PAH), either confirmed by RHC or postmortem. Compared to those without PH, lcSSc-PH patients had longer disease and older age at SSc diagnosis, while dcSSc-PH patients - more severe peripheral vascular and gastrointestinal involvement. The cumulative incidences of PH/PAH were similar in dcSSc and lcSSc after accounting for death in the adjusted competitive risk model (Table 1; Fig.1). 47% of PH- and 42% of PAH-patients died over a FU period. Male gender (p<0.0001) and anti-Scl-70 (p<0.001) were associated with earlier PH development, while older age (p=0.006) - with PAH (Table 2). ACA-negativity and older age predicted worse PH prognosis.

Figure 1.

Cumulative incidence curves for PH (A) and PAH (B).

Conclusion:

Cumulative incidence of PH, after accounting for death as competing event, was comparable in SSc subsets. Vigilance should be considered in males, Scl-70 positive and late age-onset SSc.

Table 1.

Sub-distribution Hazard ratio of incident PH and PAH.

PHPAHHazard ratio (95% CIs)P valuesHazard ratio (95% CIs)P valuesCrude ModelDcSSc vs lcSSc2.03 (1.13, 3.66)0.01861.60 (0.82, 3.16)0.1710Adjusted modelDcSSc vs lcSSc1.82 (0.93, 3.57)0.08181.57 (0.69, 3.59)0.2812Female vs male0.98 (0.42, 2.32)0.96602.10 (0.51, 8.65)0.3040Age1.00 (0.99, 1.02)0.70411.01 (0.98, 1.03)0.5498AntibodiesACA vs negative0.95 (0.46, 1.96)0.89911.08 (0.50, 2.35)0.8391ATA vs negative1.93 (0.84, 4.42)0.11980.59 (0.13, 2.73)0.4970Anti-RNAP vs negative1.24 (0.45, 3.43)0.68411.77 (0.58, 5.44)0.3181

Disclosure of Interests:

Tatiana Nevskaya: None declared, Yuxuan Jiang: None declared, Mianbo Wang: None declared, Murray Baron: None declared, Janet Pope Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Company, Merck, Roche, Seattle Genetics, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Amgen, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eicos Sciences, Eli Lilly & Company, Emerald, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: UCB

FRI0245 PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS IS NEARLY ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY A LOW DIFFUSING CAPACITY

Background:

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) has high morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is common with a high mortality (1). SSc patients are screened with pulmonary function tests (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide; DLCO) (2).

Objectives:

The DLCO%predicted was analyzed comparing patients with and without PAH to determine if it is always low at time of PAH diagnosis.

Methods:

The Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) database was used containing more than 1300 SSc patients with a mean disease duration of 8 years. All patients with at least one follow up visit and DLCO recorded at least twice were eligible for enrolment into this nested case control study. Diagnosis of PH was verified using several algorithms within the database including R heart catheterization, use of PH medications and physician response of ‘yes’ to question has this patient been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Sensitivity, specificity and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for DLC0%predicted <50% and presence of PH/PAH.

Results:

At time of PH diagnosis, the mean DLCO% predicted was 47% (N=30) vs no PH 73% (N=960) P<0.0001, and proven documented PAH also showed the differences (PAH, N=22 DLCO% predicted 51% vs. PAH negative (N=968) DLCO% pred 72%, P<0.0001) (Table 1). The OR of a DLCO%predicted less than 60 was 4.7 for PAH and 7.6 for PH (both P<0.001) and even higher if DLCO<50% (OR 11.5 for PH and 7.6 for PAH). Table 2 shows the PPV of DLCO at varying levels.

Table 1.

DLCO comparison between PH+ and PH- SSc patients and between PAH+ and PAH- SSc patients, at the time of diagnosis.

PH+(n=30)PH-(n=960)P-valuePAH+(n=22)PAH- (n=968)P-valuemean±SD47.17±17.5372.74±20.79<0.000151.23±17.5572.44±20.99<0.0001Range18-8113-14725-8113-147Table 2.

Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values in SSc-PH and -PAH for DLCO at various cut points.

ORPPVSpecificityNPVSensitivityDLCO<50%11.5 (CI 95% 5.4-24.8),p<0.000113.2%87.0%98.7%63.3%PHDLCO<60%7.6 (CI 95% 3.3-17.2), p<0.00017.9%73.3%98.9%73.3%DLCO>80%0.06 (CI 95% 0.008-0.46), p=0.0070.3%64.5%95.5%3.3%DLCO<50%7.6 (CI 95% 3.2-17.9), p<0.00018.3%86.4%98.8%54.5%PAHDLCO<60%4.7 (1.9-11.3), p<0.0015.0%72.7%98.9%63.6%DLCO>80%0.1 (0.01-0.7), p=0.0180.3%64.8%96.8%4.5%

Conclusion:

A low DLCO is associated with a high odds of PH/PAH in SSc and the NPV is very high at both DLCO<50% predicted and <60% predicted. This may aid in determining who should recieve a right heart catheterization in SSc patients.

References:

[1]Mukerjee D et al (2003) Prevalence and outcome in systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: application of a registry approach. Ann Rheum Dis 62(11):1088-93

[2]Khanna D et al (2013) Recommendations for screening and detection of connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Arthritis Rheum 65(12):3194-201

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0598 THE INCREASING USE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS IN EARLY SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Immunosuppression (IS) remains the main treatment for progressing skin involvement, active interstitial lung disease (ILD) and underlying inflammatory joint (IJ) or muscle disease in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives:

This study investigated the pattern and trends in immunosuppressive agent use in patients with early SSc diagnosed before and after 2007 to determine whether the changes in the preferred type and combination of IS, timing and predictors of administration took place over the past decade.

Methods:

397 SSc patients from Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) database (183dcSSc, 214 lcSSc) who had baseline and follow-up visits within 3 years (1.8±0.8) after disease onset were included: 82% females, age at diagnosis 53±13 years, disease duration 1.6±0.8 years. Organ involvement was assessed by modified Rodnan skin score, Medsger Disease Severity Score (DSS) and CSRG definitions using bivariate, chi-squared, ANOVA, and adjusted regression analyses.

Results:

115 dcSSc patients (63%) and 62 lcSSc (29%) received IS, most commonly methotrexate (MTX) (72% dcSSc and 52% lcSSc), followed by mycophenylate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC). Within the patients receiving IS, monotherapy prevailed (77% dcSSc and 68% lcSSc); CYC and azathioprine were the preferred choice of IS more frequently in lcSSc compared to dcSSc (p<0.006 and p<0.02, respectively). In dcSSc, IS were predominantly prescribed at years 2 and 3 after the onset of first non-Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) manifestation, when about half of the patients received IS. The proportion of lcSSc patients receiving IS was significantly lower and distributed more equally through the first three years. After 2007, dcSSc patients received IS more often (74% vs 50%, p=0.001), especially MTX (p=0.02) and MMF (p<0.05), and earlier (peaked at 2 years after disease onset)(Table 1).

Table 1.

Proportion of patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment at each year after disease onset in SSc diagnosed before and after 2007.

Years after the first non-RP symptomlcSScBefore 2007After 2007Total N of pts seen at each year% receiving immune suppressivesTotal N of pts seen at each year% receiving immune suppressivesP-value113154717>0.92242182180.7723491410714>0.9dcSSc1242940430.2862512665650.00013624563540.325

IS administration was associated with male gender, ILD, a-Scl-70 positivity, ACA-negativity and IJ disease in lcSSc, and with ACA-negativity and a higher mRSS in dcSSc. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IS treatment could be predicted by ACA-negativity in lcSSc patients (Exp(B) 0.317, p=0.012) and younger age in dcSSc patients (Exp(B) 0.974, p=0.002).

Conclusion:

Over the past decade, there has been a trend to prescribe IS more often, especially MTX, and earlier in dcSSc patients. MMF has gained favour over CYC. Autoantibody status was the most consistent predictor whether a patient is likely to take IS over the course of the disease.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ryan Park: None declared, Tatiana Nevskaya: None declared, Murray Baron: None declared, Janet Pope Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Company, Merck, Roche, Seattle Genetics, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Amgen, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eicos Sciences, Eli Lilly & Company, Emerald, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: UCB

Ocular Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Connective Tissue Disease, and Vasculitis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Objective.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases may present with ocular manifestations.

The purpose of our work was to determine the prevalence and type of eye involvement in RA and other connective tissue diseases through a metaanalysis and literature review.

Methods.

A systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from their inceptions until January 7, 2019. Conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xeropthalmia, uveitis, eye hemorrhage, optic neuritis, papilledema, orbital disease, retinal artery/vein occlusion, macular edema, retinitis, chorioretinitis, scleritis, iridocyclitits, choroid hemorrhage, blindness, and amaurosis fugax were searched for prevalence in patients with RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), dermatomyositis, polymyositis, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome (SS), undifferentiated connective tissue disease, giant cell arteritis, granulomatosis polyangiitis (GPA; formerly Wegener granulomatosis), systemic vasculitis, and sarcoidosis.

Results.

There were 3394 studies identified and 65 included. The prevalence of eye involvement was 18% in RA, 26% in GPA, 27% in giant cell arteritis, 27% in sarcoidosis, 31% in SLE, and 35% in APS. The most common manifestation was dry eye syndrome (“dry eye”; keratoconjunctivitis sicca) in most diseases analyzed, with an especially high frequency of 89% in SS. Anterior and posterior uveitis were the most common ocular complications in sarcoidosis, occurring in 16% (95% CI 3–28) and 6% (95% CI 3–9) of patients, respectively.

Conclusion.

Eye involvement is present in approximately one-fifth of patients with RA, and a one-quarter to one-third of patients with connective tissue diseases (other than SS at 89%) and vasculitis.

Measuring Disease Activity and Damage with Validated Metrics: A Systematic Review on Mortality and Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective.

To identify the effect of disease activity and damage, measured by validated indices, on mortality and damage accrual, in order to inform upcoming Canadian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) recommendations.

Methods.

Following GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology to fill in evidence-to-decision tables to create recommendations for “minimal investigations needed to monitor SLE patients at baseline and subsequent visits,” a systematic literature review was performed. The effect of disease activity and damage, measured by validated metrics, on mortality and damage was systematically reviewed, with metaanalyses performed when available.

Results.

A title/abstract screen of 5599 articles identified 816 articles for full paper review, with 102 meeting inclusion criteria and 53 with extractable data. Thirty-three articles describing outcomes related to disease activity and 20 articles related to damage were identified. Mortality was associated with higher SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 scores in 6 studies (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.22) and higher Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index scores in 6 studies (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28–1.83). Higher SLE Activity Measure scores were associated with increased risk of damage in 3 studies (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.08). British Isles Lupus Assessment Group was associated with mortality in 1 study with HR of 1.15.

Conclusion.

Active SLE disease and damage are associated with and predict greater mortality and damage. The use of validated disease activity and damage metrics is important in the assessment of disease activity and damage and will inform upcoming Canadian recommendations for the assessment of SLE.

Predictive value of European Scleroderma Group Activity Index in an early scleroderma cohort

Objective

To estimate the effect of disease activity, as measured by the European Scleroderma Research Group Activity Index (EScSG-AI), on the risk of subsequent organ damage in a large systemic sclerosis (SSc) cohort.

Methods

Of 421 SSc patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group database with disease duration of ⩽ 3 years, 197 who had no evidence of end-stage organ damage initially and available 3 year follow-up were included. Disease activity was assessed by the EScSG-AI with two variability measures: the adjusted mean EScSG-AI (the area under the curve of the EScSG-AI over the observation period) and persistently active disease/flare. Outcomes were based on the Medsger severity scale and included accrual of a new severity score (Δ ⩾ 1) overall and within organ systems or reaching a significant level of deterioration in health status.

Results

After adjustment for covariates, the adjusted mean EScSG-AI was the most consistent predictor of risk across the study outcomes over 3 years in dcSSc: disease progression defined as Δ ⩾ 1 in any major internal organ, significant decline in forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide, severity of visceral disease and HAQ Disability Index worsening. In multivariate analysis, progression of lung disease was predicted solely by adjusted mean EScSG-AI, while the severity of lung disease was predicted the adjusted mean EScSG-AI, older age, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and initial severity. The EScSG-AI was associated with patient- and physician-assessed measures of health status and overpowered the mRSS in predicting disease outcomes.

Conclusion

Disease activity burden quantified with the adjusted mean EScSG-AI predicted the risk of deterioration in health status and severe organ involvement in dcSSc. The EScSG-AI is more responsive when done repeatedly and averaged.

A meta-analysis of avascular necrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for avascular necrosis (AVN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to July, 2015 and a random effects model was used to combine frequencies; study quality was assessed using STROBE.

RESULTS

2,041 citations identified 62 articles. Many results had high heterogeneity. The prevalence of symptomatic AVN was 9% (range 0.8%-33%) in SLE and 29% for asymptomatic AVN; femoral head was the most common location (8.0%). High-dose corticosteroids (CS) any CS use, maximum and cumulative dose, pulse therapy, and CS side-effects (hypertension, Cushings, but not diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidaemia) were associated with AVN, as was active SLE (cutaneous vasculitis, renal and neuropsychiatric manifestations, serositis, cytopenias) and Sjögren's, Raynaud's phenomenon, arthritis, cyclophosphamide (but not azathioprine mycophenolate mofetil, or methotrexate) and more damage (excluding musculoskeletal system). Antimalarial drugs were not protective. Rashes and oral ulcers were not associated with AVN. Mean daily dose of CS and duration of CS use had no impact on AVN occurence. Autoantibodies and other immunological markers did not predispose to AVN, except IgM anticardiolipin antibodies which doubled the risk. African Americans experienced more AVN (OR 1.8, p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

AVN may occur in 1/3 of patients with SLE and 9% with symptoms. Features of active organ SLE (CNS, renal, cutaneous vasculitis, serositis, cytopenias) are associated with AVN as are CS, especially early in disease and at high doses. Those with early CS side-effects seem to have the highest risk of AVN.

Influence of Education on Disease Activity and Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data From the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether socioeconomic status assessed by education is associated with disease activity and the risk of organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Data from the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus, a multicenter database of adult SLE patients, was used to compare education as either low (did not complete high school) or high (completed high school or further) for disease activity and damage. Education was also studied as a continuous variable. The relationships between education and SLE outcomes (any organ damage defined as a Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI] score ≥1, serious organ damage [SDI score ≥3], and end-stage renal disease) were evaluated using logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and disease duration.

RESULTS

A total of 562 SLE patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 47 years, 91% female, and mean disease duration of 10 years); 81% had high education. The low education group was twice as likely to be work disabled (30%; P < 0.0001); they had higher disease activity and reduced renal function. Linear regression analysis revealed that low education was significantly associated with higher disease activity at enrollment into the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus database, after adjustment for age (at entry and at diagnosis), race/ethnicity, and sex (B 1.255 + 0.507 [SE], β = 0.115, P = 0.014). In our adjusted logistic regression models we were unable to demonstrate significant associations between education and SLE damage. Results did not change when varying the education variable.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, low education was associated cross-sectionally with higher disease activity and work disability, but not damage.

Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Predictors of Plaque Occurrence and Progression Over 24 Weeks

Introduction:

This study evaluated the prevalence and progression of subclinical carotid artery atherosclerosis in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

Carotid arteries of RA patients were scanned using 3D ultrasound at baseline and 24 weeks for total plaque area, vessel wall volume, and intima-media thickness (IMT), as well as arterial stiffness measured using pulse wave velocity. Variables related to inflammation, lipids and cardiovascular (CV) risk were assessed for associations with plaque progression. Of 195 screened patients, 31 met inclusion criteria (66 Swollen joint count (SJC) plus 68 Tender joint count (TJC)≥8 OR SJC plus TJC≥4 with elevated acute phase reactants) and were enrolled (27 female; mean age 59.3±9.8years). Patients using lipid lowering drugs and uncontrolled comorbidities were excluded.

Results:

Atherosclerotic plaque occurred in 35% and arterial wall hypertrophy (IMT≥0.6mm) in 86% of patients. Most (68%) had an abnormal lipid profile characterized by reduced HDL and/or increased total cholesterol/HDL index, which was adversely affected by disease activity. Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis showed that Framingham risk score (OR=1.155, 95%CI:1.002-1.332, p=0.046) and ESR (OR=1.148, 95%CI:1.015-1.299, p=0.028) predicted plaque burden most strongly. Plaque progression was significantly associated with baseline higher hsCRP, ESR, and heavy smoking, but only hsCRP predicted plaque growth in multivariate regression analysis (p=0.004); and hsCRP was related to higher disease activity (r=0.443, p=0.016), LDL (r=0.544, p=0.007), and smoking (r=0.384, p=0.04).

Conclusion:

RA-related inflammation contributed to augmented CV burden in RA and might mediate its effect on atherosclerosis through hsCRP and modulation of the traditional CV risk factors, such as dyslipidemia.

The transcription factor Fra-2 regulates the production of extracellular matrix in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Fra-2 belongs to the activator protein 1 family of transcription factors. Mice transgenic for Fra-2 develop a systemic fibrotic disease with vascular manifestations similar to those of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Fra-2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of SSc and to identify the molecular mechanisms by which Fra-2 induces fibrosis.

METHODS

Dermal thickness and the number of myofibroblasts were determined in skin sections from Fra-2-transgenic and wild-type mice. The expression of Fra-2 in SSc patients and in animal models of SSc was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Fra-2, transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), and ERK signaling in SSc fibroblasts were inhibited using small interfering RNA, neutralizing antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors.

RESULTS

Fra-2-transgenic mice developed a skin fibrosis with increases in dermal thickness and increased myofibroblast differentiation starting at age 12 weeks. The expression of Fra-2 was up-regulated in SSc patients and in different mouse models of SSc. Stimulation with TGFbeta and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) significantly increased the expression of Fra-2 in SSc fibroblasts and induced DNA binding of Fra-2 in an ERK-dependent manner. Knockdown of Fra-2 potently reduced the stimulatory effects of TGFbeta and PDGF and decreased the release of collagen from SSc fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that Fra-2 is overexpressed in SSc and acts as a novel downstream mediator of the profibrotic effects of TGFbeta and PDGF. Since transgenic overexpression of Fra-2 causes not only fibrosis but also vascular disease, Fra-2 might be an interesting novel candidate for molecular-targeted therapies for SSc.

Autologous progenitor cell implantation as a novel therapeutic intervention for ischaemic digits in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

The effects of local stem cell implantation on clinical and functional characteristics of peripheral vascular disease were studied in two SSc patients with non-healing ischaemic ulcers.

METHODS

The local injections of CD34(+) cells from peripheral blood (PB) after mobilization by G-CSF (Case 1) and bone marrow (BM) (Case 2) were used for ischaemic skin ulcers in hands, while mononuclear cells (MNCs) were implanted in lower extremities of the same patients. Ischaemic status was evaluated by measuring ulcer healing, Raynaud's condition score (RCS), visual analogue pain, RP and ulcer scales. To evaluate vasculoprotective action of the implanted cells, we studied weekly the changes in endothelial function, using measurement of flow-mediated brachial artery reactivity by high-resolution ultrasonography, circulating endothelial precursors (CD34(+)VEGFR2(+), CD133(+)VEGFR2(+) CEP) by FACS analysis, cutaneous blood flow (laser Doppler flowmetry), skin surface temperature (thermograph), peripheral arterial diameter and blood flow characteristics by Duplex ultrasonography.

RESULTS

CD34(+) cells and MNCs both from BM and PB showed rapid and evident beneficial effect on vascular symptoms resulting in ulcer healing, remarkably decreased daily frequency and duration of RP attacks, RCS, visual analogue scale for RP, ulcers and pain. Physical function and disability measured with HAQ and SHAQ improved. Therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy was associated with restoration of endothelial function, augmentation of microcirculatory blood flow and significant increase in circulating CD133(+)VEGFR2(+) progenitors, known as cell effectors of angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

This first open-label pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and short-term safety of local CD34(+) cell therapy for SSc ischaemic complications.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in systemic sclerosis: relation to impaired angiogenesis and cardiovascular manifestations

OBJECTIVE

Given the essential role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in endothelial repair and neovascularization, it is likely that insufficient angiogenesis seen in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is related to EPC alterations. The present study was aimed to analyze in SSc the number of circulating EPCs and their contribution into cardiovascular involvement.

METHODS

EPC (CD34+VEGF-R2+ and CD133+VEGF-R2+) circulating levels were evaluated in 40 SSc patients and 24 controls by FACS; their correlations with peripheral vascular manifestations, heart involvement, Framingham risk score, carotid artery disease, endothelial function and morphological signs of microangiopathy were studied.

RESULTS

Early stage SSc and high disease activity were accompanied by a rise in circulating EPC levels in association with increased membrane expression of Fas (CD95) that correlated positively with severity of peripheral vascular manifestations. EPC reduction with disease progression was linked with endothelial dysfunction and capillary loss, and showed a strong relation to the development of severe internal organ (predominantly cardiac) involvement and pulmonary hypertension. There was a tendency to decreased EPC levels in SSc pts with low HDL values, but no significant correlations were found between EPCs and Framingham risk factor score, carotid artery IMT and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In early stage SSc mobilization of EPCs in response to tissue ischemia was preserved, but dropped with disease progression. EPC reduction may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis, leading to the development of severe vascular life-threatening complications of SSc. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis did not influence EPC levels in SSc patients.