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

Background

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

Objectives

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Figure 1.

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

Conclusion

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

Table 1.

SLE cohort features

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

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Deep learning to enable color vision in the dark

Humans perceive light in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm). Some night vision systems use infrared light that is not perceptible to humans and the images rendered are transposed to a digital display presenting a monochromatic image in the visible spectrum. We sought to develop an imaging algorithm powered by optimized deep learning architectures whereby infrared spectral illumination of a scene could be used to predict a visible spectrum rendering of the scene as if it were perceived by a human with visible spectrum light. This would make it possible to digitally render a visible spectrum scene to humans when they are otherwise in complete “darkness” and only illuminated with infrared light. To achieve this goal, we used a monochromatic camera sensitive to visible and near infrared light to acquire an image dataset of printed images of faces under multispectral illumination spanning standard visible red (604 nm), green (529 nm) and blue (447 nm) as well as infrared wavelengths (718, 777, and 807 nm). We then optimized a convolutional neural network with a U-Net-like architecture to predict visible spectrum images from only near-infrared images. This study serves as a first step towards predicting human visible spectrum scenes from imperceptible near-infrared illumination. Further work can profoundly contribute to a variety of applications including night vision and studies of biological samples sensitive to visible light.

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

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

Hallux valgus associated to osteoarthritis: Clinical-radiological outcomes of modified SERI technique at mid- to long-term follow-up. A retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of hallux valgus deformity associated with mild or moderate osteoarthritis (OA) is still a topic of debate. In the literature, there are few studies concerning the management of patients affected by this condition. This study aims to report the experience at mid- to long-term results of an original joint-preserving surgical technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients affected by mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity and associated to grade 1-2 OA and treated with modified Simple-Effective-Rapid-Inexpensive (SERI) technique from 2008 to 2018 were selected. Inclusion criteria were mild or moderate hallux valgus angle (HVA) <40° and an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) <20° and associated grade 1-2 OA of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTPJ).

RESULTS

128 feet in 120 consecutive patients, undergone modified SERI procedure, have been retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 3.8 years (range 2-11). American Orthopaedics Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) score that was significantly improved from 44.2 ± 13.2 to 88.2 ± 9.6. Pre-operative average HVA and IMA values decreased respectively from 31.6° ± 3.9° to 9.1° ± 4.4° and from 16.2° ± 3.8° to 7.2° ± 3.1°. The average distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) value improved from 28.2° ± 6.5° to 7.1° ± 6°. OA of the first MTPJ highlighted a grade 1 in 46 feet and a grade 2 in 82 feet pre-operatively and a grade 0 in 30 feet, grade 1 in 82 feet, and grade 2 in 16 feet at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The modifications to the SERI technique could extend the indications to patients affected by hallux valgus with mild to moderate OA. The wider case series and the longer follow-up of this study make us believe this technique is very useful for improving the quality of life in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Hallux rigidus: current concepts review and treatment algorithm with special focus on interposition arthroplasty

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

Hallux rigidus represents a surgical challenge, with a multitude of possible surgical options, but with no ideal procedures.  The propose of this paper was to review the actual knowledge on the operative techniques, paying particular attention to the evolution of interposition arthroplasties, as an alternative to arthrodesis and prosthesis in the advanced stages of the disease.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature PubMed search was performed, and the actual literature regarding hallux rigidus was overviewed. The operative and nonoperative options for HR were described. Studies on interposition arthroplasty were classified by publication year, summarizing the operative technique, results and complications.

RESULTS

Among the various techniques for interposition arthroplasty, the Modified Oblique Keller Interposition Arthtoplasty (MOKCIA) showed the lower complication rate. It does not sacrifice the insertion of the flexor halluces brevis, maintaining the stability, length and strength of the big toe.

CONCLUSIONS

Although long-term randomized controlled trials are lacking for interposition arthroplasties, the reported results are comparable to the other alternatives for the treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus, making this technique a valid alternative also in the young active patient, without precluding other end-stage procedures in case of failure. Based on the current knowledge, a treatment algorithm was developed, according to the Coughlin classification.

The Use of Low-Profile Angular-Stability Plates in a "Nutcracker" Tarsal Navicular Fracture Combined with a Cuboid Fracture: ORIF Experience

BACKGROUND

Clear recommendations about the optimal treatment of traumatic tarsal navicular fractures are still very debated in the literature, and this is due to several factors: navicular fractures are rare and often misdiagnosed injuries, they are frequently associated with other fractures or a dislocation of the midfoot, and the current knowledge is based on few papers mainly considering a limited number of cases and dealing with different therapeutic approaches. The treatment of navicular body fractures is controversial and burdened by a high incidence of complications; in particular, Sangeorzan type III comminuted fractures represent a real challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. An accurate preoperative planning, a scrupulous surgical technique aimed at restoring volume and bony anatomy, and the use of low-profile angular-stability plates can lead to optimal clinical and functional results, decreasing the chances of arthritic evolution of mid-foot joints.

Involvement of the medial and lateral epicondyles in distal humeral coronal shear fractures: Case series and literature review

PURPOSE

Epicondyle involvement in capitellar and trochlear fractures is often considered a simple associated lesion that does not substantially change treatment or prognosis. Although theoretically predicted in reviews, case series almost never report elbow prosthesis use in comminuted coronal shear injuries associated with epicondylar fracture in the elderly. The purpose of this study is to focus on this underestimated injury pattern that can be a negative risk factor for treatment and prognosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all cases with coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus treated from 2016 to 2019. Fractures were classified according to Dubberley. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were performed when possible. Partial or total elbow replacement was used in severely comminuted fractures with epicondylar involvement in four elderly patients.

RESULTS

Nineteen consecutive patients were selected (mean age: 62.4 years), of which 10 had type 3A/3B fractures, and seven had both medial and lateral epicondylar involvement. The mean follow-up duration was 31.78 months. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score was 81.05 points, with 7 excellent, 8 good, 1 fair, and 3 poor results. The average MEPI score of Dubberley's type 1 and type 2 was better than that of type 3 (mean: 92 vs. 72, p = 0.02). Further, the results of average range of motion were better in patients who had sustained Dubberley types 1 and 2 lesions than those with Dubberley type 3 lesion (mean: 133° vs. 85°, p = 0.002). Two patients out of three who required intra-operative conversion to total elbow arthroplasty had poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The simultaneous presence of fracture of one or both epicondyles are usually associated with severe joint comminutions and makes ORIF more challenging, especially among elderly women. In these cases, primary total elbow prosthesis implantation could be a valid treatment option.

Dedicated Representation of Others in the Macaque Frontal Cortex: From Action Monitoring and Prediction to Outcome Evaluation

Social neurophysiology has increasingly addressed how several aspects of self and other are distinctly represented in the brain. In social interactions, the self–other distinction is fundamental for discriminating one’s own actions, intentions, and outcomes from those that originate in the external world. In this paper, we review neurophysiological experiments using nonhuman primates that shed light on the importance of the self–other distinction, focusing mainly on the frontal cortex. We start by examining how the findings are impacted by the experimental paradigms that are used, such as the type of social partner or whether a passive or active interaction is required. Next, we describe the 2 sociocognitive systems: mirror and mentalizing. Finally, we discuss how the self–other distinction can occur in different domains to process different aspects of social information: the observation and prediction of others’ actions and the monitoring of others’ rewards.

Grice subtalar arthrodesis of bilateral adult flatfoot in a professional dancer: a case report

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a common pathology and an important cause of pain and disability. This deformity causes a progressive flattening of the foot arch which has traditionally been associated with posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) dysfunction. Operative treatment is indicated after the failure of conservative management aiming to achieve proper alignment of the hindfoot and to maintain as much flexibility as possible. If subtalar osteoarthritis is present, subtalar arthrodesis is usually the best therapeutic option. Grice-Green subtalar arthrodesis is a widely used procedure.

METHODS

This report describes a case of bilateral painful AAFD in a 39-years old female professional dancer treated with Grice-Green subtalar arthrodesis with an autologous corticocancellous graft harvested from the ipsilateral proximal tibia. Surgeries were performed 3 years apart from each other.

RESULTS

The patient followed had good clinical and radiological outcomes. She returned to dance 4 months after surgery with no referred pain or limitations.  Conclusions: Due to its versatility and capability to restore the shape and thickness of the hindfoot Grice-Green procedure is a simple and effective technique for the treatment of AAFD with subtalar osteoarthritis and a valid option to solve professional disabilities as it happened in this case with a professional dancer.

Open fracture-dislocation of the knee associated with nonunion of the medial femoral condyle and chronic tendon patellar rupture

Background and aim of work:

The incidence of coronal fractures of the femoral condyle, Hoffa fractures, ranges from 8.7% to 13% of all fractures of the distal femur and are often observed in polytraumas. Hoffa fractures may be misdiagnosed and consequently not properly treated. Reduction and synthesis of this type of fracture should be achieved to avoid complications such as nonunion, pain, functional impairment. The authors present a case of a 5 year old nonunion of a Hoffa fracture of the medial condyle with chronic patellar tendon rupture.

Methods:

Revision surgery consisted of reduction and fixation of the Hoffa fracture with screws associated with bone grafting from the iliac crest. Distalization of the patella by Z-plasty and reconstruction of the patellar tendon with Achille’s allograft were also performed.

Results:

Clinical evaluation after 10 months following the end of the treatment showed a complete resolution of pain, almost complete range of motion, good strength and almost complete functionality of the operated limb.

Conclusions:

Mistakes in the diagnosis or treatment of Hoffa fracture can often result nonunion, functional impairment, and persistent pain. To avoid these, the senior authors of this text believe that the correct treatment of acute Hoffa fracture and its potential associated injuries are crucial, according to the concept of early damage control and later synthesis with soft tissue reconstruction. (www.actabiomedica.it)

A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) results from loss of cartilage in-tegrity in association with changes to the structure of the entire joint. Treatment of OA is based on different pharmaceutical and no phar-maceutical approaches and the latter include the use of spa-therapy. The biological effects of mud-bath therapy are mainly secondary to heat stimulation and to physic-chemical properties of mineral waters and mud-packs. Mud-bath therapy likely exerts its effects modulating several cytokines and other molecules involved in inflammation and cartilage degradation. Our aim was to perform an updated meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis and briefly to discuss the mechanisms of action of this treatment.

Materials and Methods

A MEDLINE on PubMed for articles on knee OA and spa therapy published from 1995 through up to April 2019 was performed. Then, we checked the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find additional references included up to April 2019. Articles were included if in accordance with the eligibility cri-teria. Sample size and effect sizes were processed with the MedCalc software package.

Results

Twenty one studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta-analysis. We examined WOMAC Index and VAS pain. We found significant improvements in function scores and painful symptoms after mud-bath therapy in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Spa therapy is a non-drug treatment modalities, non invasive, complication-free, and cost-effective alternative modality for the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It cannot substitute for conventional therapy but can integrated or alternated to it. Treatment with mud-bath therapy may relieve pain, stiffness and improve functio-nal status in patients with knee OA.

Adaptive one-class Gaussian processes allow accurate prioritization of oncology drug targets

MOTIVATION

The cost of drug development has dramatically increased in the last decades, with the number new drugs approved per billion US dollars spent on R&D halving every year or less. The selection and prioritization of targets is one the most influential decisions in drug discovery. Here we present a Gaussian Process model for the prioritization of drug targets cast as a problem of learning with only positive and unlabeled examples.

RESULTS

Since the absence of negative samples does not allow standard methods for automatic selection of hyperparameters, we propose a novel approach for hyperparameter selection of the kernel in One Class Gaussian Processes. We compare our methods with state-of-the-art approaches on benchmark datasets and then show its application to druggability prediction of oncology drugs. Our score reaches an AUC 0.90 on a set of clinical trial targets starting from a small training set of 102 validated oncology targets. Our score recovers the majority of known drug targets and can be used to identify novel set of proteins as drug target candidates.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

The matrix of features for each protein is available at: https://bit.ly/3iLgZTa. Source code implemented in Python is freely available for download at https://github.com/AntonioDeFalco/Adaptive-OCGP.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

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

[3]Ding et al. Circulation 2015.

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

[5]Orefice et al. Lupus 2020.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

Acknowledgements:

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

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

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

Results:

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

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

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

Three patients underwent dialysis and 3 kidney transplantation.

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

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

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

Table 1.

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

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

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

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

Table A.

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

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

* p≤0.001 vs BL

# p ≤0.04vs preCoV

Data expressed as median (IQR)

Disclosure of Interests:

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

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0693 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BELIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS IN REAL-LIFE SETTING: RESULTS FROM A LARGE, NATIONWIDE, MULTICENTRIC, PROSPECTIVE COHORT

Background:

LN is still a severe manifestation of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multitarget therapy is needed to control the disease especially in refractory cases.

Objectives:

To evaluate renal response in SLE patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) treated with Belimumab in real-life setting.

Methods:

Patients with proteinuria >0.5 g/24 h and/or active sediment at baseline enrolled in a multicentre Italian cohort of SLE patients (BeRLiSS study), treated with monthly iv Belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care were considered in this study. Complete renal response (CRR) was defined as proteinuria <0.5 g/24 h, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥90ml/min/1.73m2 and no rescue therapy. Primary efficacy renal response (PERR) was defined as proteinuria ≤0.7 g/24 h, eGFR ≥60ml/min/1.73m2 and no rescue therapy. Prevalence and predictive factors of CRR and PERR at 12 and 24 months after Belimumab initiation were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 91 patients were considered in this study, 79 female, mean age 40.51±9.03 years, mean disease duration 12.18±8.15 years, median follow-up time after Belimumab initiation 22 months. Twenty patients had baseline proteinuria ≥0.5 <1 g/day, 17 ≥1 <2 g/day, 13 ≥2 g/day. Belimumab was started at GN onset in 20 (22%) patients and at the time of a renal flare in all other cases. Seventy-five patients underwent a renal biopsy: 1 class I, 4 class II, 14 class III, 47 class IV and 9 class V. Baseline serum creatinine was 82.44±29.26 umol/L; 15 patients showed eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline. Immunosuppresants were taken by 70 (76.9%) patients: 47 micofenolate, 15 azathioprine and 5 ciclosporine. Sixty patients (65.9%) were on antimalarials. During follow-up 34 (37.4%) patients achieved CRR. Among them 5 (14.7%) patients relapsed and 29 (85.3%) patients maintained remission. Mean time to achieved CRR was 9.71±5.91 months.

High levels of baseline proteinuria were a negative independent predictor of CRR and PERR at 6 months (OR 0.044 CI95% 0.006-0.320 p=0.002 and OR 0.232 CI95% 0.091-0.596 p=0.002) and 12 months (OR 0.029 CI95% 0.002-0.556 p=0.019 and OR 0.056 CI95% 0.009-0.327 p=0.001). High levels of baseline creatinine were a negative independent predictor of renal response. Renal response at 6 months was a strong predictive factor of renal response at 12 and 24 months.

Conclusion:

Belimumab is an effective add-on therapy in the treatment of GN in real-life practice setting.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

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

References:

1]Favalli EG et al. Arthritis Rheumatol, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0751 COMORBIDITY AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART BLOCK: PRELIMINARY DATA OF THE ITALIAN REGISTRY ON THE IMMUNE-MEDIATED CONGENITAL HEART BLOCK

Background:

Congenital heart block (CHB) is due to placental transfer of maternal anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies to the fetus. The prevalence of CHB has been estimated as 1-2% in anti-Ro/SSA women while the recurrence rate is 16-19% (1). This condition is associated with a high rate of fetal/neonatal mortality and most of the cases requires pacemaker (PM) pacing. Given the rarity of CHB, limited data are available regarding the long-term follow-up of the offspring other than the cardiovascular complications.

Objectives:

The results of the Italian Registry of the autoimmune congenital heart block were recently described (2). A peculiarity of this cohort was that most of the mothers had an established diagnosis of systemic autoimmune disease at CHB detection, in contrast with other registries where CHB was mostly incidentally detected in healthy women. Here we report an update, with the preliminary data regarding the long-term outcome of patients with CHB, their unaffected siblings and health controls born from mothers positive for Ro/SSA.

Methods:

Data regarding demography, treatment, maternal, neonatal outcome, and follow-up were collected through an online electronic datasheet. A dedicated questionnaire was created with the aim to investigate general health, cardiovascular follow-up, and frequency of autoimmune diseases.

Results:

One-hundred and five cases of CHB in 99 patients were included from 1969 to December 2020. CHB was mostly detected in utero (97 cases, 92.3%) with 8 neonatal cases. Third degree CHB occurred in 71 cases (67.6%). Child mortality was observed in 29 (27.6%) cases: 20 in utero, 7 during neonatal period and 2 during childhood. Overall, a PM was implanted in 54 out of the 85 live births (63.5%). Then, our cohort was divided into 2 subgroups: pregnancy that occurred before (N=61) and after 2010 (N=44) with the aim to evaluate possible differences among the subgroups. Whereas mortality, PM, CHB degree were similar, CHB more frequently occurred in the last 10 years among Ro/SSA asymptomatic carriers than in the group of pregnancies before 2010 (53.6% vs 32.8%, p=0.038). Questionnaires from 14 surviving CHB cases, 8 unaffected siblings 12 controls born from mothers Ro/SSA positive were collected. Among CHB cases, 6 were males and 8 females, median age 12 years (range 6-28). All presented a third degree CHB, 10 required a neonatal PM pacing and one had an implantable ECG recorder. PM was substituted at least once in 9 patients, the oldest patient had to change it four times. No dilated cardiomyopathy occurred and most of the patients maintain an annual follow-up. Two cases of autoimmune diseases were registered among CHB cases, one idiopathic juvenile arthritis and one Cogan’s vasculitis, both born from mothers with Sjogren Syndrome. Four cases of neurodevelopmental disorders occurred: three cases of learning disabilities (one in each group) and one case of speech disorder in the sibling group. In addition, a CHB case presented a stress disorder linked to frequent hospitalizations.

Conclusion:

This registry is an ongoing project aiming at collecting all Italian CHB. Moreover, here we reported the preliminary data concerning the evaluation of long-term follow-up of CHB patients. Our data, even if need to be confirmed in larger cohort, seems reassuring: no differences were reported comparing CHB patients with unaffected siblings or controls.

References:

[1]Brito-Zéron et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2015;11:301-312.

[2]Fredi M et al. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2019 Feb 28;6:11.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

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

Figure 1.

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

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of 414 RA patients.

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

Disclosure of Interests:

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

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

References:

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

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

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Acute syndesmotic injuries in ankle fractures: From diagnosis to treatment and current concepts

A stable and precise articulation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis maintains the tibiofibular relationship, and it is essential for normal motion of the ankle joint. The disruption of this joint is frequently accompanied by rotational ankle fracture, such as pronation-external rotation, and rarely occurs without ankle fracture. The diagnosis is not simple, and ideal management of the various presentations of syndesmotic injury remains controversial to this day. Anatomical restoration and stabilization of the disrupted tibiofibular syndesmosis is essential to improve functional outcomes. In such an injury, including inadequately treated, misdiagnosed and correctly diagnosed cases, a chronic pattern characterized by persistent ankle pain, function disability and early osteoarthritis can result. This paper reviews anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of this syndesmosis, the mechanism of its acute injury associated to fractures, radiological and arthroscopic diagnosis and surgical treatment.