AB0665 Turkish validation of the ‘Cochin (Duruoz) hand function scale’ in patients with systemic sclerosis

Background

Hand impairment is the main challenge for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may arise from inflammatory arthritis, joint contractures, tendon friction rubs (TFRs), Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), digital ulcers (DU), puffy hands, skin sclerosis, acro-osteolysis, or calcinosis. There is not yet a tool which can objectively measure hand functions in scleroderma patients both in daily practice and for research purposes.

Objectives

To adapt and validate the Turkish version of Cochin (Duruoz) hand function scale (CHFS) and contribute to the development of outcome measures with good metric properties assessing hand disability in SSc (1).

Methods

Ninety one consecutive patients who fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR SSc classification criteria for SSc were enrolled in the study. Disease related involvements and physical examination findings of the patients were recorded. Participants filled out the self-administered questionnaire of the Turkish version of the CHFS. Modified Rodnan skin scores of the patients were calculated, bilateral hand extension and fingertip-palm distances were measured, grip strength was evaluated with hydrolic hand dynamometer. We evaluated convergent validity by testing the correlation between CHFS and related components of Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) and Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (sHAQ). Discriminant validity was evaluated by stratifying patients according to hand related involvements and disease subtypes. Thirty of the patients re-filled the CHFS questionnaire two weeks after the first visit.

Results

Demographic data and disease characteristics of the patients shown in Table 1. For the convergent validity, the CHFS significantly correlated with the sHAQ, Raynaud visual analog scale (VAS), digital ulser VAS, overall disease severity VAS, hand grip, hand extension measurements and fingertip-palm distances (Table 2). The instruments could discriminate between disease subtypes (10[0-24] / 2[0-19], p=0,038) and between the patients with and without contractures (11[0-24] / 2[0-9], p=0,023) for the discriminant validity. We demonstrated high reproducibility for CHFS (ICC = 0,894, 95% confidence interval = 0,779-0,949).

Table 1.

Demographic data and disease characteristics of the patients

Age (years)55.4±10.7Total mRSS6 ±5.1Sex (female)79 (%86.8)Right hand total mRSS2.2±1.7Diseasesubtype (diffuse)25(%27.5)Left hand total mRSS2.2±1.7PAH6 (%6.7)Right hand fingertip-palm distance (cm)1.3±1ILD41 (%45.6)Left hand fingertip-palm distance (cm)1.2±1.2ANA positivity88 (%96.7)Right hand extension (cm)17.7±2.5Arthritis1 (%1.1)Left hand extension (cm)18±2.3Sclerodactly79 (%86.8)Right hand hydrolic dynomometer pressure (kg)21.7±8.6Contracture26 (%28.6)Left hand hydrolic dynomometer pressure (kg)20.4±7.6Amputation12 (%13.2)SF 36 physical function51.7 ±24Active digitalulcer3 (%3.2)SF 36 role limitations due to physical health52±42Digitalulcerscar23 (%25.3)SF 36 role limitations due to emotional problems57.3±33.4Calcinosis10 (%11)SF 36 energy/fatigue46±23.3CHFS score3 [0-13]SF 36 emotional well-being60.4±21.2Raynaud’s phenomenon VAS0.8±0.9SF 36 social functioning70±26Digital ulcer VAS0.5±0.9SF 36 pain64±30Overall disease severity VAS0.9±0.9SF 36 general health44.3±21.7

PAH: Pulmoner arterial hypertension, ILD: Interstitial lung disease, ANA: Anti nuclear antibody, CHFS: Cochin hand function scale, mRSS: Modified Rodnan skin score, VAS: visual analog scale, SF36: short form 36

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the CHFS met the requirements of validity and reproducibility. With this study, we validated a scale which will contribute to the development of outcome measures with good metric properties assessing hand disability, disease evolution and treatment efficacy in our SSc patients.

References

[1]Duruöz MT, Poiraudeau S, Fermanian J, et al. Development andvalidationof a rheumatoid hand functional disability scale that assesses functional handicap. J Rheumatol. 1996;23(7):1167-1172.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0581 TRACHEAL STENOSIS; AN IMPORTANT INVOLVEMENT IN GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a granulomatous systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that can affect many organs. Approximately 90% of patients with GPA have upper respiratory tract involvement, including the nasal cavity, sinuses, ear and trachea. Subglottic stenosis (SGS) may develop in some patients due to tracheal involvement.

Objectives

It is aimed to evaluate the general characteristics, treatments and disease prognosis of our GPA cases with tracheal stenosis as it is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Methods

The data of 48 patients diagnosed with GPA between 2000-2021 were analyzed retrospectively and the data of 6 patients with tracheal stenosis (TS) were evaluated.

Results

TS was present in 13% of the patients. All patients with TS were female. The mean age of the patients with TS was 46.5±6.5 years, the mean age of disease onset was 35.5 ±13.4 years, and the mean disease duration was 10.8±10.2 years. Constitutional symptoms were in 17% of patients, and 17% had mastoiditis, sinusitis, otitis, bloody nasal discharge and renal involvement. None of the patients had hearing loss, skin, eye and neurological involvement. 83% of patients had limited disease. While all patients had SGS, one patient also had glottic and bronchial stenosis. The most common symptoms in patients were hoarseness and shortness of breath. All patients received systemic treatment according to their organ involvement, local treatment (dilatation, steroid injection) was also applied to two patients. All patients had anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity. When patients with and without tracheal stenosis were compared, there was a difference in terms of gender, lung and kidney involvement, presence of anemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pANCA, cANCA and PR3-ANCA positivity, and myalgia. In addition, our patients with tracheal stenosis had a younger age of onset and a longer delay in diagnosis.

Conclusion

The incidence of SGS in large series has been reported as 8-23% of GPA patients.1,2 Although the number of cases in our study was small, this rate was 13%. Symptoms range from cough and shortness of breath to progressively life-threatening severe stridor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. For this reason, TS is strongly emphasized.

References

[1]Girard C, Charles P, Terrier B, Bussonne G, Cohen P, Pagnoux C, et al. Tracheobronchial stenoses in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s). Medicine. 2015;34:1-6.

[2]Costantino CL, Niles JL, Wright CD, Mathisen DJ, Muniappan A. Subglottic stenosis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: therole of laryngotracheal resection. Ann Thorac Surg 2018;105:249-53.

Table 1.

Comparison of data from GPA patients with and without tracheal stenosis

N(%)Tracheal Stenosis +GPA(n=6)Tracheal Stenosis - GPA (n=42)PGender Female6 (100)21(51)0.031  Male020(49)Mean Age46.5±6.555.6±13.20.095Symptom Onset Age35.5±13.449.3±14.50.041Delay in Diagnosis (months)44.2±6.59.98±14.80.023Myalgia2(33)33(81)0.030Fever1(17)21(51)0.194High ESR1(17)31(78)0.007High CRP5(50)32(80)0.138Anemia1(17)28(70)0.020Upper Respiratory Involvement6(100)24(59)0.074Lung Involvement3(50)36(90)0.037GIS involvement1(17)6(15)1Eye Involvement-11(27)NASkin Involvement-12(29)NAUrogenital Involvement-1(2)NANeurological Involvement-13(32)NARenal Involvement1(17)29(71)0.018ANCA positivity6(100)38(93)1  MPO-ANCA2(33)4(10)0.162  PR3-ANCA1(17)33(81)0.004  p-ANCA5(83)6(15)0.000  c-ANCA1(17)31(78)0.001

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0420 UNINTENTIONAL MONOTHERAPY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS RECEIVING TOFACITINIB AND DRUG SURVIVAL RATE OF TOFACITINIB

Background

Combination of MTX with a bDMARDs or tsDMARDs is considered the most effective treatment regimen currently available for patients with RA who have failed to respond to conventional DMARDs. However, approximately 30% of patients receive bDMARDs as monotherapy in daily clinical practice. Studies in the literature do not assess unintentional monotherapy in general. However, it is thought that some patients may switch to monotherapy unintentionally. In other words, some patients who are prescribed combination therapy switch to monotherapy without informing their physicians.

Objectives

To determine the rate of unintentional monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving tofacitinib and to evaluate tofacitinib survival rate.

Methods

This national, multicentre, retrospective study included patients’ data from the TURKBIO Registry. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, disease duration and activity, comorbidities, and treatment were analysed.

Results

Data of 231 RA patients (84.8% female, median age, 56 years) were included; 153 were initially prescribed combination therapy and continued to their therapies; 31 were initially prescribed combination therapy but switched to monotherapy of their own will (unintentional monotherapy); 21 were initially prescribed monotherapy and switched to combination therapy; 26 were initially prescribed monotherapy and continued to their therapies. The combination and unintentional monotherapy groups did not differ regarding remission rate assessed by DAS28-CRP (60.5% and 70%, respectively, p=0.328). The rate of comorbidities at the time of data retrieval was significantly higher in the unintentional monotherapy group compared with the combination group (83.3% vs. 60.3%, p=0.031). Presence of comorbidities was a significant factor affecting switching to monotherapy (p=0.039, Odds ratio: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.06-10.18). Drug survival rates of the unintentional monotherapy and combination groups did not differ. The median drug survival duration of tofacitinib was 27+ months with a 1-year and 4-year drug survival rates of 89.6% and 60.2%, respectively, in the unintentional monotherapy group.

Conclusion

Although 13.4% of the study population started monotherapy unintentionally, drug survival rates of the unintentional monotherapy and combination groups were not different. Comorbidity was an important factor affecting transition from combination therapy to monotherapy.

This study was sponsored by Pfizer.

Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests

Nevsun Inanc: None declared, Kerem Abacar: None declared, mehmet akif ozturk: None declared, Abdurrahman Tufan: None declared, Hazan Karadeniz: None declared, İsmail Sari: None declared, gercek can: None declared, Yesim Erez: None declared, yavuz Pehlivan: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç: None declared, Tuğba Ocak: None declared, Ayse Cefle: None declared, Ayten Yazici Grant/research support from: Ayten Yazici has received project grant from Roche Pharmaceuticals, Turkey., Abdurrahman Senel: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Elif Durak Ediboglu: None declared, Süleyman Serdar Koca: None declared, Rabia Piskin Sagir: None declared, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Semral Gulcemal: None declared, Özgül Soysal Gündüz: None declared, Canberk Sami Başibüyük Employee of: employee of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Istanbul, Turkey., Serdar Alkan Employee of: employee and shareholder of Pfizer Inc., Istanbul, Turkey., Teoman Yusuf Cesur Employee of: employee of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Istanbul, Turkey., Fatos Onen: None declared

AB1088 COVID-19 VACCINATION OF SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS RECEIVING BIOLOGICAL THERAPY: REAL-LIFE DATA

Background

Considering the concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety among patients with rheumatic diseases due to a lack of data, an urgent need for studies evaluating safety profiles of vaccines emerged.

Objectives

Vaccination against the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) started in March 2021 in the group using biological therapy in our country. In this study, post-vaccine real-life data of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) followed up with biological therapy were analyzed.

Methods

Adult patients diagnosed with SpA who were followed up under biological therapy and vaccinated by CoronaVac inactive SARS-CoV-2 orBNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine were included in our observational, multicenter, prospective study.

Results

A total of 287 patients (58.2% male; mean age: 47) were included in the study. 202 (%70,4) of patients were being followed up with the diagnosis of AS, 40 (%13,9) of them with PsA, 32 (%11,1) of them with nr-axSpA, 11 (%3,8) of them with enteropathic arthritis, and 2 (%0,7) of them with uSpA. The most common comorbidities were found to be HT (n:65; 22.6%) and DM (n:38; 13.2%). While 221 (77%) of the patients were receiving biological therapy alone, 27 (9.4%) patients were using methotrexate, 25 (8.7%) patients were using sulfasalazine, and 12 (4.2%) patients were using leflunomide. The median duration of biological therapy was 40 weeks (19-75 IQR). The most commonly used treatment was infliximab (26.8%), adalimumab (23.3%) was the second (Table 1).

It was determined that 207 (72.1%) of the patients preferred inactivated virus vaccine, while 80 (27.9%) preferred mRNA vaccine. When the time between the biological treatment and the day of vaccination is examined, detected median time between biological treatment and the first dose of vaccination is 11.5 days (5-19 IQR), between the first dose of vaccination and biological treatment is 14 days (7-21 IQR), between treatment and the second dose of vaccine is 14 days (5-23.5 IQR), and between the second dose of vaccine and the next biological treatment is 12.5 days (7-15 IQR). While 25 (8.7%) of the patients had COVID-19 infection before vaccination, 7 (2.4%) patients were found to have COVID-19 after vaccination (p<0.001). While two of the patients who had COVID-19 infection in the pre-vaccination period required hospitalization, none of the patients who had COVID-19 in the post-vaccination period required hospitalization.

The rate of patients who developed side effects after the first dose of the vaccine was 20.6%. The side effects seen, respectively, were detected as pain-redness at the injection site (16%), fatigue (11.8%), headache (8.4%), muscle-joint pain (7.3%) and fever (5.6%). The rate of patients reporting side effects after the second dose of the vaccine was 17.1%. The incidence of side effects after mRNA vaccine was found to be statistically significant compared to inactivated virus vaccine in terms of both doses (p=0.011, p<0.001). Major side effects such as myocarditis, anaphylaxis-angioedema, myocardial infarction, and thrombosis were not observed in any of the patients included in the study. There was no evidence of disease activation in the median follow-up of 209 days (145-280 IQR) after vaccination.

Conclusion

During the follow-up of the patients during the study, no major vaccine-related side effects, post-vaccine disease activation and the need for treatment change were not detected. In order to more accurately evaluate the efficacy of the vaccination program in the patient population using biologic agents, larger-scale studies including unvaccinated individuals are needed.

References

[1]Sattui SE, Liew JW, Kennedy K, et al. Early experience of COVID-19 vaccination in adults with systemic rheumatic diseases: results from the COVID-19 global rheumatology alliance vaccine survey. RMD Open. 2021;7(3):e001814.

[2]Shenoy P, Ahmed S, Paul A, et al. Inactivated vaccines may not provide adequate protection in immunosuppressed patients with rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021. doi:10.1136/annrheumdi s-2021-221496

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB1526-HPR AWARENESS ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS USING SUBCUTANEOUSLY ADMINISTERED BIOLOGICAL AGENTS ABOUT DRUG UTILIZATION

Background

Subcutaneous biological agents (SCBA) are commonly used in rheumatologic disorders, their storage in appropriate conditions and correct administration have importance. Informing the patient adequately and correctly is essential. Storing the drug in inappropriate conditions reduces its effectiveness, and affects the response to treatment (1).

When these treatments are initiated, information on all the mentioned topics is provided to the patients, and they undergo hands-on training. Finally, the patients is requestioned in outpatient follow-up about whether a problem has occurred or not (2).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the awareness of patients using SCBA about the drug’s utilization and storage conditions.

Methods

Demographic data of 100 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, using SCBA who presented to our outpatient clinic between January 2021 and June 2021,were recorded, and survey questions were asked.

Results

One hundred patients (46 females-54 males) were included in the study. Sixty-one patients were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 19 with psoriatic arthritis. The patients’ mean age was 44.6±11.07 years. The mean duration of SCBA use was 74.5 (2-222) months.

The patients’ replies to the survey questions are summarized in Table 1. Most patients performed the injection themselves in both genders, whereas some women received help from paramedics (p=0.041). Forty percent of the patients with education level of high school or higher had a concern regarding drug use, whereas this rate was 21% in patients with education level of primary school. It was determined that the anxiety level decreased with decreasing level of education (p=0.032).

Table 1.

The patients’ replies to the survey questions

N=100n (%)Rate of patients who read the patient consent form before starting the drug88 (88)Concern regarding drug use23 (23)Malignancy7 (7)Increase in infection7 (7)Tuberculosis70 (70)Not worriedThe person who informing patients on drug use88 (88)Nurse18 (18)Doctor7 (7)NurseanddoctorPatients who were informed about when to interrupt drug use86 (86)Situations where drug use is suspended84 (95,3)Flu and febril infection68 (79,1)Use of antibiotics39 (45,3)Herpes simplex virus infectionDrug storage65 (65)Refrigerator shelf31 (31)Refrigerator door4 (4)PharmacyState of waiting before administering the drug17 (17)Don’t wait71 (71)20-30 minutes at room temperature6 (6)>30 minutes at room temperature5 (5)Hand warming and then administration1 (1)Soak in hot waterRate of controlling the expiration date before administering the drug64 (64)Rate of patients who control the clarity of the drug75 (75)Rate of hand washing before administering the drug83 (83)Injection site cleaning6 (6)Don’t clean66 (66)With the swab from the drug box24 (24)With alcohol3 (3)With a wet wipe1 (1)With soapThe person performing the injection84 (84)The person11 (11)Person’s relative5 (5)Health personelThe patients who carry their medication in accordance with the cold chain rules during travel71 (100)

It was observed that in patients who used multiple SCBA for a long time, taking the drug out of the refrigerator and applying it after waiting for the optimum time, controlling the expiration date of the drug and hand washing before the application decreased over time.

Conclusion

Evaluating the patient’s SCBA treatment background is essential for correct treatment practice. Our study revealed that in forming patients on drug use not only initially but also at certain intervals is essential.

References

[1]From therapeutic patient education principles to educative attitude: the perceptions of health care professionals – a pragmatic approach for defining competencies and resources. Patient Preference and Adherence 2017:11 603–617.

[2]Adherence to Subcutaneous Anti-TNF Treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatism and Therapeutic Patient Education. Patient Preference and Adherence 2020:14 363–369.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0792 PULMONARY ARTERY INVOLVEMENT IN BEHCET’S DISEASE: SINGLE CENTER RESULTS

Background

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory vasculitis. Skin, mucosa, eye, vascular area, joint, gastrointestinal system and central nervous system involvement is observed.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to present the data of patients with pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) followed up with the diagnosis of BD.

Methods

The clinical, demographic and laboratory data of 394 patients with the diagnosis of BD, who were followed up in our rheumatology outpatient clinic between 2000 and 2020, were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Of the patients followed up with the diagnosis of BD, 44% were female and 56% were male. Oral aphthous ulcers were found in 96%, genital ulcers in 65%, papulopustular lesions in 33%, erythema nodosum in 38%, and pathergy positivity in 47% of the patients.

PAI was detected in 3% (n:13) of the patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of BD. 69% of the patients who had PAI were male, and their mean diagnosis age was 27±9, disease duration was 10±4.7 years. Pulmonary artery aneurysm was observed in 62%, pulmonary artery thrombosis (PAT) was observed in 85%, and both conditions were observed in 46% of the patients. Oral aphthous ulcer were found in all patients, genital ulcers in 70%, papulopustular lesions in 23%, pathergy positivity in 39%, and erythema nodosum in 23%. One of the patients with PAI had hereditary thrombophilia and also lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Cardiac involvement was in the form of intracardiac thrombus in patients with PAI.

Patients with and without PAI were compared in terms of clinical findings. A significant difference was observed in terms of DVT in the lower extremity, venous and cardiac involvement. The relationship between PAI and these involvements was also shown in the regression analysis (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparison of data of patients with and without pulmonary artery involvement

N (%)Pulmonary Artery Involvement (+)Pulmonary Artery Involvement (-)POR (%95 CI)*N=13N=381Gender Female4(30)168(44)0.341 Male13(70)213(56)Family History2(15)46(12)0.664Oral Aphthous Ulcer13(100)366(96)1Genital Ulcer9(70)247(65)1Papulopustular lesion3(23)126(33)0.559Erythema Nodosum3(23)147(39)0.385Pathergy positivity5(39)180(47)0.738Uveitis-138(36)NARetinal Vasculitis-11(3)NAArthritis1(8)97(26)0.200Venous Involvement8(62)68(18)0.0017.365(2.33-23.20)Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis6(46)46(12)0.0036.24(2.01-19.38)Peripheral Artery Aneurysm-5(1)NAGIS involvement-17(5)NACardiac involvement3(23)4(1)0.00138.27(5.57-143.25)Cranial Involvement-24(6)NA

*Significant data in logistic regression analysis were presented, GIS: Gastrointestinal system

Cranial involvement was not detected in any of our patients with PAI. In subgroup analysis, a significant relationship was observed between PAT and intracardiac thrombus (p=0.001 OR:21.05 95%CI 3.4-130) and lower extremity DVT (p=0.001 OR: 8.79 95%CI 2.58-29.96).

Conclusion

PAI is rare but the most important involvement affecting mortality in BD patients. Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of isolated PAT with the contribution of the developments in imaging methods.1 PAI is associated with lower extremity DVT, cerebral venous thrombosis and intracardiac thrombus.2 In our study, a significant correlation was found between PAI and the presence of venous involvement, lower extremity DVT and intracardiac thrombus.

References

[1]Ozguler Y, Seyahi E. Behçet’s Disease: Vascular involvement. Seyahi E, editor. Behçet’s Disease 1st ed. Ankara .Turkiye Clinics; 2020.p 43-7

[2]Tascilar K, Melikoglu M, Ugurlu S, Sut N, Caglar E, Yazici H. Vascular involvement in Behçet’s syndrome: a retrospective analysis of associations and the time course. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014 Nov;53(11):2018-22

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0821 The frequency of lumbosacral transitional vertebras in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background

Lumbosacral transitional vertebras (LSTVs) are anatomic variations observed at L5-S1 junction (1). The prevalence of LSVT ranges from 3.9% to 35.6%, indicating that this congenital anomaly is common in general population. LSVTs are well-defined anatomical differences causing low back pain and pelvic trauma (2). However, the studies assessing the influence of abnormal lumbosacral anatomy on low back pain and sacroiliac joints in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are scarce (3).

Objectives

The current study aimed to investigate the frequency of LSVTs and the their effects on clinical variables in AS patients.

Methods

The study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional study. 113 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical variables, laboratory results were recorded. Disease activity (ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR), patients’ functionality (BASFI, BASMI), enthesitis (Leeds enthesitis index) and quality of life (SF-36, visual analogue scale) were evaluated. The baseline pelvic conventional radiographs and the sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaginings at the diagnosis were screened and assessed by two independent physicians. LSTVs were classified via Castellvi classification. Kappa coefficient was used to find the interobserver reliability.

Results

LSVTs were observed in 38 (33.6%) patients. Castellvi type Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, and IV were found in 10 (8.8%), 7 (6.2%), 7 (6.2%), 6 (5.3%), 4 (3.5%), 1 (0.9%), and 3 (2.7%) patients, respectively. The kappa value for interobserver reliability was 0.69. There were not any differences between AS patients with and without LSVTs in terms of disease activity, functionality, and quality of life (Table 1). No statistically significant correlation was found between LSVTs identified by conventional radiography and sacroiliitis determined by MRI. When compared the patients according to Castellvi classification, visual analogue scale was higher in patients with IIIa than in patients with IV (p=0.013). Disease duration was longer in patients with Ib than in patients with Ia (p=0.029). ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR were higher in patients with IIIa than in patients with IV (p=0.008 and p=0.007).

Table 1.

The comparison of clinical characteristics between patients with and without LSVTs

Patients without LSVTs (n=75)Patients with LSVTs (n=38)pVAS3.0 (2.0−5.0)3.4 (1.0−6.0)0.734Disease duration (month)122.0 (60.0−180.0)120.0 (57.0−183.0)0.834ASDAS-CRP1.8 (1.2−2.5)1.8 (1.2−2.9)0.855ASDAS-ESR1.6 (1.2−2.5)1.6 (1.0−2.7)0.976CRP1.8 (0.8−5.3)2.5 (1.0−6.1)0.471BASMI2.9 (2.0−4.4)3.0 (2.1−4.0)0.796BASFI1.8 (0.7−4.6)2.1 (0.7−3.0)0.768SF-36Physical function80.0 (55.0−95.0)80.0 (63.8−95.0)0.765Role physical45.6 (0−100.0)50.0 (25.0−100.0)0.280Role emotional66.7 (0−100.0)33.0 (0−100.0)0.267Energy/fatigue50.0 (35.0−70.0)60.0 (38.8−71.3)0.201Mental health64.0 (48.0−76.0)68.0 (52.0−80.0)0.330Social functioning62.5 (50.0−87.5)75.0 (50.0−100.0)0.252Body pain67.5 (45.0−80.0)67.5 (45.0−90.0)0.751General health45.0 (35.0−65.0)50.0 (40.0−71.3)0.411

Values are given as median (interquartile range)

Conclusion

In AS patients, the frequency of LSVT is 33.6%, which is consistent with the general population. Type I, also known as a dysplastic transverse process, is the most observed type of LSVT. The presence of LSVTs is associated neither with clinical variables nor with sacroiliitis.

References

[1]Heaps BM, Feingold JD, Swartwout E, et al. Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae Predict Inferior Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy. Am J Sports Med. 2020;48(13):3272-3279

[2]Matson DM, Maccormick LM, Sembrano JN, Polly DW. Sacral Dysmorphism and Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae (LSTV) Review. Int J Spine Surg. 2020;14(Suppl 1):14-19. Published 2020

[3]Carvajal Alegria G, Voirin-Hertz M, Garrigues F, et al. Association of lumbosacral transitional vertebra and sacroiliitis in patients with inflammatory back pain suggesting axial spondyloarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2020;59(7):1679-1683.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0794 Hopelessness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to loss of function that is strongly related to impaired psychological status. Therefore, depression and anxiety are frequently investigated in these patients (1). However, hopelessness, regarded as a valuable psychological factor characterized by negative expectations and negative emotional states, was not well studied in AS patients(2).

Objectives

The aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of hopelessness in patients with AS and its relationship with clinical parameters and disease activity indices.

Methods

The study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional study. 113 AS patients were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical variables, laboratory results were recorded. Disease activity (ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR), patients’ functionality (BASFI, BASMI), enthesitis (Leeds enthesitis index) and quality of life (SF-36) were assessed. Hopelessness was evaluated by Beck hopelessness scale (BHS). The relation of BHS scores with the clinical variables was assessed. The strength of the correlations were regarded as very weak(0–0.19), weak(0.2–0.39), moderate(0.40–0.59), strong(0.6–0.79) and very strong(0.8-1). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to find the association between BHS scores and other clinical variables.

Results

Minimal, mild, moderate, and severe hopelessness were observed in 46 (40.7%), 36 (31.9%), 22 (19.5%), and 9 (8.0%) patients, respectively. Disease duration (p=0.025), ASDAS-CRP (p=0.033), ASDAS-ESR (p=0.015), visual analogue scale (p=0.030), all SF-36 subscales (all p<0.025), BASFI (p=0.024), and BASMI (p=0.009) were statistically different among the groups. BHS scores were higher in patients with high and very high disease activity (p=0.027) (in pairwise comparison, inactive disease vs. high disease activity, p=0.035) (Figure 1). BHS scores showed weak correlation with ASDAS-CRP, ASDAS-ESR, visual analogue scale, BASMI, Leeds enthesitis index, and BASFI. Moreover, negative moderate correlations were detected between BHS scores and SF-36 subscales except social functioning and body pain, which were found weak correlation. In multiple linear regression analysis, BASMI-maximal intermalleolar distance, SF-36 energy, SF-36 mental health, and SF-36 general health were found associated with BHS scores (Table 1).

Table 1.

Multiple linear regression analysis to find predictors related to the Beck hopelessness scale scores

B95% CIpASDAS-CRP-0.063(-1.939) to 1.2820.687VAS-0.085(-0.722) to 0.3960.564BASMILateral spinal flexion0.311(-0.299) to 1.4790.191Tragus to wall distance0.157(-0.404) to 1.6020.239Modified Schober0.298(-0.114) to 1.3680.096Maximal intermalleolar distance0.2280.076 to 0.5570.010Cervical rotation0.092(-0.665) to 1.0850.635Total-0.730(-5.572) to 1.0420.177SF-36Physical function-0.024(-0.056) to 0.0460.840Role physical-0.114(-0.046) to 0.0170.364Role emotional-0.019(-0.029) to 0.0240.870Energy/fatigue-0.283(-0.125) to (-0.005)0.035Mental health-0.306(-0.142) to (-0.022)0.008Social functioning0.022(-0.033) to 0.0410.822Body pain0.182(-0.018) to 0.0860.192General health-0.344(-0.125) to (-0.030)0.002BASFI-0.085(-0.606) to 0.2480.408Figure 1.

Beck hopelessness scale scores according to disease activity subgroups

Conclusion

Higher level of hopelessness is strongly related to higher disease activity in AS patients. Furthermore, higher BHS scores are negatively correlated with SF-36 subscales. Especially, lower energy and impaired mental health are associated with higher level of hopelessness.

References

[1]Zhang L, Wu Y, Liu S, Zhu W. Prevalence of Depression in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychiatry Investig. 2019;16(8):565-574. doi:10.30773/pi.2019.06.05

[2]Balsamo M, Carlucci L, Innamorati M, Lester D, Pompili M. Further Insights Into the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS): Unidimensionality Among Psychiatric Inpatients. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:727. Published 2020 Jul 31. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00727

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0001 CAN SINGLE IMPUTATION TECHNIQUES FOR BASDAI COMPONENTS RELIABLY CALCULATE THE COMPOSITE SCORE IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS?

Background

In axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) is a key patient-reported outcome. However, one or more of its components may be missing when recorded in clinical practice.

Objectives

To determine whether an individual patient’s BASDAI at a given timepoint can be reliably calculated with different single imputation techniques and to explore the impact of the number of missing components and/or differences between missingness of individual components.

Methods

Real-life data from axSpA patients receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) from 13 countries in the European Spondyloarthritis (EuroSpA) Research Collaboration Network were utilized [1]. We studied missingness in BASDAI components based on simulations in a complete dataset, where we applied and expanded the approach of Ramiro et al. [2]. After introducing one or more missing components completely at random, BASDAI was calculated from the available components and with three different single imputation techniques: possible middle value (i.e. 50) of the component and mean and median of the available components. Differences between the observed (original) and calculated scores were assessed and correct classification of patients as having BASDAI<40 mm was additionally evaluated. For the setting with one missing component, differences arising between missing one of components 1-4 versus 5-6 were explored. Finally, the performance of imputations in relation to the values of the original score was investigated.

Results

A total of 19,894 axSpA patients with at least one complete BASDAI registration at any timepoint were included. 59,126 complete BASDAI registrations were utilized for the analyses with a mean BASDAI of 38.5 (standard deviation 25.9). Calculating BASDAI from the available components and imputing with mean or median showed similar levels of agreement (Table 1). When allowing one missing component, >90% had a difference of ≤6.9 mm between the original and calculated scores and >95% were correctly classified as BASDAI<40 (Table 1). However, separate analyses of components 1-4 and 5-6 as a function of the BASDAI score suggested that imputing any one of the first four BASDAI components resulted in a level of agreement <90% for specific BASDAI values while imputing one of the stiffness components 5-6 always reached a level of agreement >90% (Figure 1, upper panels). As expected, it was observed that regardless of the BASDAI component set to missing and the imputation technique used, correct classification of patients as BASDAI<40 was less than 95% for values around the cutoff (Figure 1, lower panels).

Table 1.

Level of agreement between the original and calculated BASDAI and correct classification for BASDAI<40 mm

Level of agreement with Dif≤6.9 mm* (%)Correct classification for BASDAI<40 mm** (%)1 missing componentAvailable93.996.9Value 5073.996.3Mean94.296.8Median93.196.82 missing componentsAvailable83.794.8Value 5040.792.8Mean83.594.8Median82.894.73 missing componentsAvailable71.992.6Value 5028.187.3Mean72.292.6Median69.792.2

* The levels of agreement with a difference (Dif) of ≤6.9 mm between the original and calculated scores were based on the half of the smallest detectable change. Agreement of >90% was considered as acceptable. ** Correct classification of >95% was considered as acceptable.

Figure 1.

Level of agreement between the original and calculated BASDAI and correct classification for BASDAI<40 mm as a function of the original score

Conclusion

BASDAI calculation with available components gave similar results to single imputation of missing components with mean or median. Only when missing one of BASDAI components 5 or 6, single imputation techniques can reliably calculate individual BASDAI scores. However, missing any single component value results in misclassification of patients with original BASDAI scores close to 40.

References

[1]Ørnbjerg et al. (2019). Ann Rheum Dis, 78(11), 1536-1544.

[2]Ramiro et al. (2014). Rheumatology, 53(2), 374-376.

Acknowledgements

Novartis Pharma AG and IQVIA for supporting the EuroSpA collaboration.

Disclosure of Interests

Stylianos Georgiadis Grant/research support from: Novartis, Myriam Riek Grant/research support from: Novartis, Christos Polysopoulos Grant/research support from: Novartis, Almut Scherer Grant/research support from: Novartis, Daniela Di Giuseppe: None declared, Gareth T. Jones Speakers bureau: Janssen, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB, Amgen, GSK, Merete Lund Hetland Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Janssen Biologics B.V, Lundbeck Fonden, MSD, Medac, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung Biopies, Sandoz, Novartis, Mikkel Østergaard Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Merck, Celgene, Novartis, Simon Horskjær Rasmussen Grant/research support from: Novartis, Johan K Wallman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Bente Glintborg Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, BMS, Anne Gitte Loft Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Karel Pavelka Speakers bureau: Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Amgen, Egis, Roche, AbbVie, Consultant of: Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Amgen, Egis, Roche, AbbVie, Jakub Zavada Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Elli-Lilly, Sandoz, Novartis, Egis, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Elli-Lilly, Sandoz, Novartis, Egis, UCB, Merih Birlik: None declared, Ayten Yazici Grant/research support from: Roche, Brigitte Michelsen Grant/research support from: Novartis, Eirik kristianslund: None declared, Adrian Ciurea Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Michael J. Nissen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssens, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssens, Novartis, Pfizer, Ana Maria Rodrigues Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Amgen, Maria Jose Santos Speakers bureau: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Gary Macfarlane Grant/research support from: GSK, Anna-Mari Hokkanen Grant/research support from: MSD, Heikki Relas Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Pfizer, UCB, Viatris, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Pfizer, UCB, Viatris, Catalin Codreanu Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ewopharma, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ewopharma, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Corina Mogosan: None declared, Ziga Rotar Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Medis, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, Lek, Janssen, Consultant of: Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Medis, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, Lek, Janssen, Matija Tomsic Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Medis, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sandoz-Lek, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Medis, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sandoz-Lek, Björn Gudbjornsson Speakers bureau: Amgen, Novartis, Consultant of: Amgen, Novartis, Arni Jon Geirsson: None declared, Pasoon Hellamand Grant/research support from: Novartis, Marleen G.H. van de Sande Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Janssen, Abbvie, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Janssen, Abbvie, Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Janssen, Abbvie, Isabel Castrejon: None declared, Manuel Pombo-Suarez Consultant of: Abbvie, MSD, Roche, Bruno Frediani: None declared, Florenzo Iannone Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, BMS, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, BMS, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Lykke Midtbøll Ørnbjerg Grant/research support from: Novartis

AB0762 Incidence Of Anterior Uveitis In Axial Spondyloarthritis During Secukinumab Treatment: TWO YEARS REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE FROM TURKBIO REGISTRY

Background

Secukinumab (SEC), a human anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody, has similar treatment response rates to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, the efficacy of SEC on anterior uveitis (AU) is unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of new-onset or relapsing AU in axial SpA patients treated with SEC.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 130 axial SpA patients receiving SEC at the TURKBIO registry between 2019 and 2021 were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics and data about the presence of AU pre or post-treatment were collected. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of AU development.

Results

The mean age of the patients (F/M: 59/71) was 47.4±10.9 years. The median follow-up time was 540 days (IQR: 330-630). SEC was the first biological agent in 50 (38.4%) patients and 35 (26.9%) patients were using at least one concomitant conventional synthetic DMARD (Table 1). While continued SEC therapy was in 93 (71.5%) patients, treatment withdrawal was in 37 cases (in 26 due to ineffectiveness, two adverse events and nine other reasons). Overall, 15(11.5%) patients had a history of AU before the SEC. During follow-up, AU attacks were seen in the 6 cases (4 were new-onset and 2 were flare) and 5 of these patients have a history of inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. The frequency of AU was calculated as 3.42 per 100 patient-years during SEC treatment. The only significant predictor of AU development was the baseline high C-reactive protein (CRP) level on multivariate analysis (p=0.003, OR: 1.063 [95% CI 1.021-1.107]).

Table 1.

Demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients

Total (n:191)Gender (F/M)59/71Age (years) (mean±SD)47.4±10.9Diagnosis; n (%)   AS125 (96.2)   nr-axSpA5 (3.8)BASDAI (mean±SD)47.2±20.48   Missing n (%)4 (3.07)ASDAS (mean±SD)3.32±0.92   Missing n (%)14 (10.7)C-reactive protein (mg/L) median (IQR)12.6 (4.67-22.62)Sedimentation (mm/h) median (IQR)22 (9-42)Concomitant csDMARDs n (%)35 (26.9)Secukinumab dose n (%)   150 mg120 (92.3)   300 mg10 (7.7)TNFi-naive patients n (%)50 (38.5)Number of previous bDMARDs n (%)   136 (27.7)   223 (17.7)   ≥ 321 (16.1)History of previous TNFi n (%)   Monoclonal TNFi64   Etanercept16

AS; Ankylosing spondylitis, nr-axSpA; Non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, BASDAI; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, ASDAS; Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, csDMARD; conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, TNFi; Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, bDMARD; biological DMARD. Datas were expressed as number (%), mean±SD or median (IQR).

Conclusion

In this real-life data from the TURKBIO registry, the incidence of AU in axial SpA patients treated with SEC was calculated as 3.42 per 100 patient-years. A high baseline CRP level was an independent factor for developing AU.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0717 Developing a Deep Learning Model on Conventional X-Rays in the Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis

Background

Plain pelvic radiographs are the most common imaging modality used in the first line for diagnosis of axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA). However, evaluation of the sacroiliac joint on two-dimensional plain radiographs may lead to misinterpretation among the evaluators.

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic power of deep learning models in conventional radiographs of the patients with axSpA.

Methods

The study included 320 axSpA patients and 348 healthy controls (age; 34.5±15.3/38.2±10.6, p=0.072; gender (male) 53.8%/46.3%, p=0.064). Sacroiliitis was confirmed on sacroiliac MRI according to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) definition. The contrast equalization was preprocessed with the Clahel (Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization) filter. Then, classification was performed with Alexnet, VGG16, resnet101 and resnet50 models. As a result of the trials, the best result was achieved with resnet50. Four different filtering scenarios were applied (Clahel filter cliplimit 0.25, Clahel filter cliplimit 0.50, clahel filter 1.00 and no filter).Two different cropping processes were performed on the direct radiographs, and uncropped, cropped at pelvic borders, cropped images close to the sacroiliac joint were applied to the deep learning model. Meanwhile, all images were also evaluated by 3 rheumatologists for the presence of sacroiliitis.

Results

According to the results of 4 different scenarios studied with the Resnet50 model, the best result was obtained with the RESNET50 Model + Clahel filter clipLimit 0.50. With this model, after applying the clahel filter with a coefficient of 0.5 to the full resolution data, we achieved 0.8135 success in the separation of AS and normal. A kappa error of 0.0561, Cohen’s Kappa Error = 0.6267, Fscore 0.8022 (AS), 0.8253 (normal) were obtained. After applying the clahel filter with a coefficient of 0.5 with Resnet50 to the pelvic data, we achieved 0.625 success in separation of AS and normal. Kappa error 0.0694, Cohen’s Kappa Error=0.2400, Fscore 0.5399 (AS), 0.6838 (normal) values ​​were obtained. After applying the Clahel filter with a coefficient of 0.5 with Resnet50 to the sacroiliac data, we achieved 0.61 success in the separation of AS and normal. Kappa error 0.0696, Cohen’s Kappa Error=0.2131, Fscore 0.5517 (AS), 0.6549 (normal) values ​​were obtained. As a result of the evaluation of the radiographs by the clinician, Cohen’s kappa was 0.452 and accuracy was 0.73 for the first rheumatologist; Cohen’s kappa 0.132 and accuracy 0.56 for the second rheumatologist and Cohen’s kappa 0.362 and accuracy 0.68 for the third rheumatologist were found.

Conclusion

Application of RESNET50 Model + Clahel filter (‘clipLimit’, 0.5, ‘Distribution’, ‘rayleigh’) on uncropped images showed higher precision in diagnosing sacroiliitis from conventional radiographs compared to other filtering scenarios. Our results were found to have higher accuracy than the evaluation of three rheumatologists.

Table 1.

Precision and kappa values of Resnet50 model, 4 different filtering scenarios and 2 different clipping operations

AccuracyCohen’s kappa (CI)*RESNET50+no filter0.73060.4509 (0.3234-0.5785)*RESNET50 Model+ Clahel filter (0,25)0.69430.3889 (0.2590-0.5189)*RESNET50 Model+ Clahel filter (0,50)0.81350.6267 (0.4186-0.7555)*RESNET50 Model+ Clahel filter (1,00)0.68390.3552 (0.2213-0.4890)**RESNET50 Model+ Clahel filter (0,50)0.6250.2400 (0.1523-0.3245)***RESNET50 Model+ Clahel filter (0,50)0.6100.2131 (0.1121-0.3430)

* Uncropped sacroiliac X-Rays; ** Cropped X-Rays at the pelvic margins; *** Cropped X-Rays close to the sacroiliac joints

Figure 1.

Steps of deep learning model in X-Ray images

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Factors associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common and serious complication in preterm infants with very low birth weight and is known to lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors associated with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in patients with moderate to severe BPD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 83 preterm infants born between 24- and 29-weeks' gestation who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and developed moderate/severe BPD between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Developmental assessment was performed at 18 to 24 months of corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II). Patients with NDI (n=41) and without NDI (n=42) were compared.

RESULTS

BSID-II Mental Development Index and Psychomotor Development Index scores were 87±11 and 83±8 in the non-NDI group and 57±12 and 52±8 in the NDI group, respectively (p<0.001). The NDI group had significantly lower birth weight (847±174 vs. 1012±192 g) and gestational age (26.1±1.3 and 27.6±1.6 weeks) compared to the non-NDI group (p<0.001). Intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, exposure to steroids, duration of respiratory support, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the NDI group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Many of the conditions in this study were found to be associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with BPD, such as prolonged respiratory support, prolonged hospitalization, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy, and steroid therapy, can be avoided or prevented with strict protocols and prevention strategies. Appropriate management of comorbid risk factors may help prevent poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Structural, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of Ge-DLC nanocomposite for biomedical applications

Integrative production of new nanocomposites has been used to enhance favorable features of biomaterials for unlocking ultimate potential of different molecules. In the present study, advantageous properties of diamond like carbons (DLC) and germanium (Ge) like greater biocompatibility and antibacterial attributes were aimed to combined into a thin film. For this purpose, 400 nm DLC-Ge nanocomposite was coated on the borosilicate glasses via the magnetron sputtering and surface characteristics was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and The Raman spectrum. Biocompatibility analysis were performed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl) (MTT) cell viability assay and Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining genotoxicity assessments on the human fibroblast cell line (HDFa). Finally, antibacterial properties of DLC-Ge nanocomposite coatings were investigated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) bacterial attachment analysis. As a result of magnetron sputtering coating, nearly 400 nm thick DLC-Ge nanocomposite film showed a smooth, a non-porous, and a dense characteristic. Cell viability analysis showed that Ge-DLC coatings permits %95 cell surface growth of fibroblast cells. Also, there were no significant difference in aspect of nuclear abnormalities compared to the (-) control which showed nonmutagenic features of the thin film. Finally, antibacterial attachment analysis put forth that Ge-DLC coatings inhibits bacterial adhesion as %40 and %25 rates for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacterial strains, respectively. From these results, DLC-Ge nanocomposites could be proposed as a potential new biomaterial for various biomedical applications.

The prevalence of non-vascular pulmonary manifestations in Takayasu's Arteritis patients: A Retrospective multi-centred Turkish cohort study

Objectives Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a rare vasculitis characterized by inflammation of intermediate- to large-size arteries. Although pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) is an expected finding in some TAK patients, data on non-vascular pulmonary involvement (NVPI) are limited. We aimed to investigate the frequency of NVPI, including parenchymal infiltration, nodules/cavities, pleural effusion, and haemorrhage, in TAK.Method We assembled a retrospective cohort of TAK patients from nine tertiary centres in Turkey. The demographics and clinical characteristics of patients were extracted from medical records and the imaging findings were evaluated for pulmonary manifestations.Results As of January 2021, 319 TAK patients (female/male 276/43; mean age 42.4 ± 13.5 years) were recruited. Eighty-two patients had cough and/or dyspnoea and four had haemoptysis as pulmonary symptoms. On computed tomography assessment, the overall frequency of NVPI was 7.2%; parenchymal infiltrations were present in 10 (3.1%), pleural effusion in eight (2.5%), nodules/cavities in six (1.9%), and pulmonary haemorrhage in four patients (1.3%). In the whole cohort, 10.3% of patients had pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and 5.6% had PAI. Among patients with PAH or PAI, the overall frequency of NVPI was significantly higher than in the rest of the group.Conclusions In this TAK cohort from Turkey, we observed NVPI in 7.2% of patients, with parenchymal infiltrations being the most common, followed by pleural effusion. Notably, NVPI was more frequent in patients with PAH or PAI. Although not as common as PAI, NVPI should be kept in mind, especially in TAK patients with PAH or PAI.

AB0362 DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BEHCET’S DİSEASE PATIENTS

Background:

Behcet’s Disease (BD) is a systemic variable vessel vasculitis that involves the skin, mucosa, joints, eyes, arteries, veins, nervous system and the gastrointestinal system.

Objectives:

In this study we aimed to present variety of involvements in patients who were followed up in our outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of BD.

Methods:

Data of 394 patients diagnosed with BD between 2000-2020 were retrospectively reviewed clinical, demographic characteristics and systemic involvements.

Results:

In our study 43.7% of BD patients were female, 56.3% were male and the mean age was 40±11years, disease average age of onset 36.5±10.6, disease duration was 12.8±6.8years. It was observed mucocutaneus involvement 98% of the patients, uveitis in 35%, retinal vasculitis in 2.8%, arthritis in 24.9%, arterial occlusion in 2.3%, arterial aneurysm in 3.8%, venous involvement in 19.8%, gastrointestinal (GIS) involvement in 4.3%, cardiac involvement in 1.5%, and cranial involvement 7.1 (Table 1).

Table 1.

The Data of Behçet Disease

n (%)n= 394GenderFemale172 (43.7)Male222 (56.3)Family History48 (12.2)Fever & Weight Loss21 (5.3)Mucocutaneus involvement386 (98)Oral Aphthous Ulcer379 (96.2)Genital Ulcer256 (65)Papulopustular lesions129 (32.7)Erythema Nodosum-like lesions150 (38.1)Skin Pathergy Reaction185 (47)Uveitis138 (35)Retinal Vasculitis11 (2.8)Venous involvement76 (17.6)Thrombophlebitis30 (7.6)67 (17)Deep venous thrombosisArthritis98 (24.9)Monoarthritis74 (75.5)Oligoarthritis21 (21.4)Sacroiliitis3 (3.0)Artery Occlusion9 (2.3)Arterial Aneurysm15 (3.8)GIS involvement17 (4.3)İleum9 (2.3)Colon2 (0.5)Rectum1 (0.3)İleocolonic4 (1)Cardiac involvement6 (1.5)Pericarditis2 (0.5)Ventricular thrombosis3 (0.7)Atrial thrombosis1 (0.2)Cranial involvement24 (5.6)Parenchymal involvement13 (4.6)Cerebral Venous Thrombosis11 (2.8)Pulse steroid15 (3.8)1mg/kg steroid48 (12.2)Infliximab13 (3.3)Azathioprine184 (46.7)Cyclophosphamide31 (7.9)

When all patients evaluated in terms of renal findings, proteinuria was observed in 5 patients and hematuria was observed in 2 patients. 3 patients had proteinuria over than 500mg/day. Their renal biopsy findings; 2 of them were nonspecific involvements and one of them was minimal mesangioproliferative changes.

Conclusion:

As a multi-system disease, general data have been presented, as clinical symptoms involve almost all systems of the body (1).

References:

[1]Behcet’s disease Fereydoun Davatchi 1Int J Rheum Dis.2014 May;17(4):355-7. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.12378.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0892 QUANTITATIVE CT INDEXES: PROMISING TOOLS FOR OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs in the majority of patients with SSc and is a leading cause of SSc-related death. SSc related PF has heterogeneous disease progression: many patients will have a chronic, indolent course while others may develop the progressive, life-threatening disease.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to investigate the discrimination performance of quantitative CT indexes in identifying the parenchymal differences between the SSc and the control groups. We also aimed to demonstrate the correlation among quantitative indexes (QI), spirometric pulmonary function tests, and visual CT scores in patients with PF.

Methods:

A total of 135 SSc patients (female 87.4%; age, 50±13 years), 41 of whom had pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and 38 healthy subjects (female 89.5%; age, 52±6 years) were enrolled. All participants underwent volume thin-section CT in the supine position at full inspiration and spirometry. Quantitative indexes (QIs) were obtained using dedicated software for the segmentation of the lung (Vital Images Vitrea Workstation; Version 7.12.3.133). QIs included total lung volume (TLV), low attenuation (LA) volume (-1020 HU<pixel<-920 Hounsfield units [HU]), medium attenuation (MA) volume (-920 HU<pixel<-920 HU), and high attenuation (HA) volume (-720<pixel<0 HU). The global extent of pulmonary parenchymal abnormality was measured semiquantitatively by visual scoring (VS) and functional lung volume was derived. The functional lung volume, total MA volume, and ratio of total MA to total lung volume were assumed as the indexes of normal lung parenchyma.

Results:

MA volumes, HA volumes, total lung volumes and the ratio of MA volume to total lung volume differed significantly between the patients with PF, patients without PF, and the control group. In the PF group, FVC showed significant correlation with functional lung volume (r=0.45, p=0.014) and total MA volume (r=0.48, p=0.009); DLCO showed significant correlation with VS of normal lung parenchyma (r=0.65, p<0.001), functional lung volume (r=0.53, p=0.006), total MA volume (r=0.54, p=0.005) and ratio of total MA to total lung volume (r=0.42, p=0.031). The functioning lung volume obtained by VS and total MA volume showed excellent correlation (r=0.78, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Quantitative indexes measured by soft-ware differentiated the patients with PF from the patients without PF and healthy subjects. The indexes used to evaluate the normal lung parenchyma showed a good correlation with pulmonary function test results. Quantitative indexes can be used as an objective complementary tool for the evaluation of the lung areas unaffected by PF.

Table 1.

Quantitative Indexes of CT in the Control, SSc without PF and SSc with PF Groups

ControlSSc without PFSSc with PFpRight lung LA volume (ml)372±375420±446254±3080.102Right lung MA volume (ml)1230±4081377±441987±451<0.001Right lung HA volume (ml)531±152494±177625±2150.004Left lung LA volume (ml)342±370367±383221±2710.089Left lung MA volume (ml)1014±3831170±433805±402<0.001Left lung HA volume (ml)563±176516±251620±2890.037Total lung LA volume (ml)712±736827±959517±6530.119Total lung MA volume (ml)2212±8632548±8621756±850<0.001Total lung HA volume (ml)1072±3431009±4061290±5220.005Total lung volume (ml)3996±12374385±12563563±12360.002Mean lung density (HU)-799±61.4-798±63-730±75<0.001Total MA volume/Total lung volume0.55±0.120.59±0.130.49±0.150.002Figure 1.

Segmentation of lung parenchyma

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0359 CRANIAL INVOLVEMENT IN BEHÇET’S DISEASE

Background:

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a vasculitic multisystem inflammatory disorder. It may also involve the skin, mucosa, eyes, blood vessels, joints, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system (CNS).

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to present CNS involvement data in patients followed up with a diagnosis of BD.

Methods:

The clinical, demographic, laboratory and medication data of 394 patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of BD in our rheumatology outpatient clinic between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:

CNS involvement was detected in %5.6(24) patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of BD. 66.7% of the patients were male, and their mean diagnosis age was 25.1±8.2 years, mean CNS involvement age was 28.39±9.6 years. Neurological symptoms occurred in an average of 3.3 years after the diagnosis of BD. Parenchymal involvement was present in 54.2% of the patients with CNS involvement, 45.8 % had cerebral venous thrombosis. Oral apthous ulcer was found in 91.7 % of the patients, genital ulcer in 70.8%, pathergy positivity in %45.8 papulopustular lesion in %37.5, erythema nodosum in %45.8. Patients with CNS involvement had headache, vision loss, diplopia, hemiparesis, epilepsy, proptosis, and ataxic gait and walking difficulty in 66.6%, 12.5%, 25%, 12.5%, 8.3%, 8.3% and 12.5%, respectively. Patients with and without CNS involvement were compared in terms of clinical findings and medications. A significant difference was observed in terms of cardiac involvement (Table 1). While one of the 2 patients with cardiac involvement had a thrombus in the right ventricle, the other had pericardial effusion. The patient with cardiac thrombus also had cerebral venous thrombus. Steroid, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide treatments have been used at a higher in patients with CNS involvement. In addition, the patients with parenchymal and cerebral venous involvement were compared in terms of clinical, demographics findings and medications. The presence of papulopustular lesions (9.1% vs 57.1%) and pathergy positivity (18.2% vs 71.4%) were higher in patients with parenchymal involvement (p:0.033, p: 0.020, respectively).

Table 1.

Comparison of data of patients with and without CNS involvement

n (%)CNS Involvement (+)n:24CNS Involvement (-)n:370PGender0.396 Female8(33.3)164(44.3) Male16(66.7)206(55.7)Oral Aphthous Ulcer22(91.7)357(96.5)0.230Genital Ulcer17(70.8)239(64.6)0.661Papulopustular lesion9(37.5)120(32.4)0.655Erythema Nodosum11(45.8)139(37.6)0.516Pathergy11(45.8)174(47)0.988Uveitis9(37.5)129(34.9)0.827Retinal Vasculitis1(4.2)10(2.7)0.504Arthritis3(12.5)95(25.7)0.221Deep Venous Involvement6(25)59(15.9)0.256Artery Occlusion1(4.2)8(2.2)0.436Arterial Aneurysm1(4.2)14(3.8)1GIS involvement2(8.3)15(4.1)0.277Cardiac involvement2(8.3)4(1.1)0.046

Conclusion:

It has been reported that neurological symptoms occur in an average of 2.5 to 6.5 years after the diagnosis of BD. On the other hand, it has been stated that neurological complications may be the first involvement in 3-33% of the cases and this situation will cause diagnostic difficulties1. These data are consistent with our study.

References:

[1]Noel N, Drier A, Wechsler B, ve ark. Neurological manifestations of Behcet’s disease. Rev Med Interne 2014;35(2):112–120.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0356 VENOUS INVOLVEMENT IN BEHÇET’S DISEASE

Background:

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a vasculitic multisystem inflammatory disorder. It may also involve the skin, mucosa, eyes, blood vessels, joints, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system.

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to present venous involvement data in patients followed up with a diagnosis of BD.

Methods:

The clinical, demographic, laboratory and medication data of 394 patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of BD in our rheumatology outpatient clinic between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:

Venous involvement was detected in 17.6% (n:76) patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of BD. 75% of the patients were male, and their mean diagnosis age was 27.1±9.9, disease duration was 14.2±6.3 years. While the thrombosis of lower extremity veins, cervical veins, and vena cava were observed in 85.5% of BD patients, superficial thrombophlebitis was found in 31.6%. Cerebral venous involvement (CVI) was evaluated in cranial involvement. Oral aphthous ulcer was found in 97.4 % of the patients, genital ulcer in 65.8%, pathergy positivity in 44.7%, papulopustular lesion in 34.2%, erythema nodosum in 40.8%. 27.6% of the patients were evaluated for hereditary thrombophilia and 5.3% (n:7) had hereditary thrombophilia. Deep venous thrombosis was found in 85.7% (6/7) of these patients, renal artery occlusion in 14.3%, pulmonary artery thrombosis in 14.3%, and cerebral venous thrombosis in 28.6%. Patients with and without venous involvement were compared in terms of clinical findings. A significant difference was observed in terms of retinal vasculitis, artery occlusion, arterial aneurysm, family history for BD and gender. In logistic regression analysis, a significant relationship was observed between venous involvement and gender, family history, retinal vasculitis, artery occlusion, arterial aneurysm (Table1).

Table 1.

Comparison of data of patients with and without venous involvement

Venous Involvement (+)n:76Venous Involvement (-) n:318POR* (%95CI)Gender0.0002.78(1.58-4.88) Female19(25)153(48.1) Male57(75)165(51.9)Family History4(5.3)44(13.8)0.0490.035(0.12-0.99)Oral Aphthous Ulcer74(97.4)305(95.9)0,745Genital Ulcer50(65.8)206(64.8)0,894Papulopustular lesion26(34.2)103(32.4)0,786Erythema Nodosum31(40.8)119(37.4)0,601Pathergy34(44.7)151(47.5)0,772Uveitis20(26.3)118(37.1)0,083Retinal Vasculitis5(6.6)6(1.9)0.0363.66(1.08-12.33)Arthritis13(17.1)85(26.7)0,104Artery Occlusion6(7.9)3(0.9)0.0028.97(2.19-36.74)Arterial Aneurysm7(9.2)8(2.5)0.0133.93(1.37-11.20)Gastrointestinal involvement6(7.9)11(3.5)0,111Cardiac involvement3(3.9)3(0.9)0,089Cranial involvement7(9.2)17(5.3)0,282

* Significant data in logistic regression analysis were presented

Conclusion:

Superficial venous thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis are the most frequent vascular involvements in BD patients. Significant correlations exist between CVI and pulmonary artery involvement (PAI), intracardiac thrombosis and PAI. It should be recalled that lower extremity venous thrombosis is often present in these associations, and even precede them (1).

References:

[1]Seyahi E. Behçet’s disease: How to diagnose and treat vascular involvement. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 30 (2016) 279-295

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0229 A NATIONAL, MULTICENTER, SECONDARY DATA USE STUDY EVALUATING EFFICACY AND RETENTION OF FIRST-LINE BIOLOGIC TREATMENT WITH TOCILIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN REAL-LIFE SETTING FROM TURKBIO REGISTRY

Background:

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a human anti-interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody approved in Turkey for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives:

In this study our purpose was to describe the disease activity, quality of life (QoL), and retention rate in RA patients who were prescribed TCZ as first-line biologic treatment in a real-world setting.

Methods:

Anonymized patient registry of TURKBIO was used based in a national, multicenter, and retrospective context. We conducted a search in the registry between years 2013 and 2020 and included adult RA patients who were prescribed with TCZ as their first-line biologic treatment with a post-TCZ follow-up of at least 6 months. CDAI, DAS28-(ESR), and HAQ-DI scores in 6, 12, and 24 months were obtained. Pairwise comparison was carried out for survey scores across baseline and timepoints. Subgroup analysis for route of TCZ administration was performed. EULAR response criteria were used for response evaluation. Retention of TCZ was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results:

Overall,130 patients with a mean RA duration of14 years were included in the study. 87.7% of the patients were female and mean age was53 (SD; 15.0). Median duration of follow-up was 18.5 months. Majority (90.8%) of patients were given tocilizumab via intravenous route at baseline. Number of patients with ongoing TCZ treatment and follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months were 121 (93%), 85 (65%), and 46 (35%), respectively. Remission rates at 6, 12, and 24 months per CDAI (<2.8) and DAS28-(ESR) (<2.6) scores were 61.5%, 44.6%, 30%, and 54.6%, 40.8%, 27.7%, respectively. CDAI, DAS28-(ESR) and HAQ-DI survey scores significantly improved at 6, 12 and 26 months, respectively (p<0.001) (Table 1) in both IV and SC TCZ subgroups. At 6, 12 and 24months 74.8%, 82.5% and 86.4% of patients achieved a EULAR good response respectively. Twenty-three patients (17.6%) discontinued TCZ at 24 months. Of these, 19 patients discontinued due to unsatisfactory response. Retention rates of TCZ at 6, 12, and 24 months were 93%, 84.3%, and 72.2%, respectively (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

TCZ as a first-line biologic treatment was found to be clinically effective in this real-world study with a high retention rate. These results are in line with the results gathered from previous TCZ controlled and real-life studies in which TCZ was found clinically safe and effective.

References:

[1]Haraoui B, Casado G, Czirjak L, Taylor A, Dong L, Button P, Luder Y, Caporali R. Tocilizumab Patterns of Use, Effectiveness, and Safety in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Final Results from a Set of Multi-National Non-Interventional Studies. Rheumatol Ther. 2019 Jun;6(2):231-243.

[2]Favalli EG, Raimondo MG, Becciolini A, Crotti C, Biggioggero M, Caporali R. The management of first-line biologic therapy failures in rheumatoid arthritis: Current practice and future perspectives. Autoimmun Rev. 2017 Dec;16(12):1185-1195.

[3]Haraoui B, Jamal S, Ahluwalia V, Fung D, Manchanda T, Khraishi M. Real-World Tocilizumab Use in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canada: 12-Month Results from an Observational, Noninterventional Study. Rheumatol Ther. 2018 Dec; 5(2): 551–565.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ayten Yazici Speakers bureau: PFIZER, AbbVie, NOVARTIS, Özlem Özdemir Işik: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç Speakers bureau: AbbVie, UCB Pharma, PFIZER, Roche, MSD, NOVARTIS, Süleyman Serdar Koca Speakers bureau: MSD, NOVARTIS, GILEAD, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, UCB Pharma, AMGEN, SANOFİ, Yavuz Pehlivan Speakers bureau: PFIZER, NOVARTIS, MSD, CELLTRION, Consultant of: PFIZER, Soner Şenel: None declared, Nevsun Inanc Speakers bureau: NOVARTIS, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, JANNSEN, Paid instructor for: NOVARTIS, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, JANNSEN, Consultant of: NOVARTIS, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, JANNSEN, Grant/research support from: NOVARTIS, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, JANNSEN, Servet Akar Speakers bureau: LILLY, MSD, NOVARTIS, GILEAD, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, JANNSEN, UCB Pharma, AMGEN, Paid instructor for: LILLY, NOVARTIS, GILEAD, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, UCB, AMGEN, Grant/research support from: PFIZER, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Özgül Soysal Gündüz: None declared, Ayse Cefle Speakers bureau: UCB Pharma, PFIZER, MSD, AbbVie, AMGEN, NOVARTIS, Fatos Onen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, LILLY, MSD, NOVARTIS, GILEAD, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, JANNSEN, UCB Pharma, AMGEN, İbrahim Etem-MENARINI, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, LILLY, NOVARTIS, GILEAD, PFIZER, ABDI IBRAHIM, UCB Pharma, AMGEN, İbrahim Etem-MENARINI, Grant/research support from: PFIZER

AB0479 LONGTERM RETENTION RATE OF CERTOLIZUMAB PEGOL IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS IS HIGHER: DATA FROM TURKBIO

Background:

Choosing the best treatment strategy for a patient is one of the most difficult issues in modern rheumatology, as there are various factors affecting drug therapy in chronic diseases, such as efficacy, safety, and compliance. Physicians take care of long-term retention rate and responses for discontinuation of candidate drug.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study to assess the drug survival of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and to identify the predictors and reasons for discontinuation.

Methods:

Data on patient characteristics, demographics, diagnosis, duration of disease, treatment and outcomes have been collected since 2011 in Turkish Biologic (TURKBIO) Registry. By the end of December 2020, 410 ax-SpA patients received CZP and were included. Kaplan Meier plot was used for drug survival analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictor associated with drug survival.

Results:

During the median 54 months follow-up, 92 (22.4%) patients discontinued the CZP treatment. The reasons for discontinuation: ineffectivity was 58.7% (n=54), adverse events was 6.5%, pregnancy was 3.3% and surgery was 4.3%. The baseline characteristics of patients continue with CZP and discontinuation due to ineffectiveness were shown in the Table 1. Patients who discontinued CZP had higher HAQ, BASFI and BASDAI values. Moreover, they were more co-treated with NSAIDs and csDMARDs. At the month 36, retention rate of CZP was 71.5% in patients with ax-SpA (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

Real life experience from this nationwide TURKBIO registry show higher long-term retention rate of CZP in ax-SpA. Higher baseline disease activity and functional limitation predict discontinuation of CZP. Adding NSAIDs and csDMARDs to the treatment of the patient with poor prognosis cannot increase retention rates.

Figure 1

Drug survival of CZP in patients with Ax-SpA

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of ax-SpA patients who continue and discontinue CZP

All patients (n=410)Continue to CZP (n=318)Discontinue to CZP* (n=54)pFemales, n (%)185 (49,7)157 (49,4)28 (51,9)0,736Age, years42 (34-49)41 (34-49)45 (34-54)0,064Symptom duration, years11 (7-17)11 (6-16)12 (8,5-20)0,054HLA-B27, n (%)150 (63,8)129 (64,5)21 (60)0,609Previous bDMARDs, n (%)Adalimumab54 (14,5)42 (13,2)12 (22,2)0,082Etanercept53 (14,2)40 (12,6)13 (24,1)0,025Golimumab11 (3)7 (2,2)4 (7,4)0,060Infliximab39 (10,5)35 (11)4 (7,4)0,425Co-treated drugs, n (%)NSAID206 (55,4)169 (53,1)37 (68,5)0,036Methotrexate35 (9,4)22 (6,9)13 (24,1)<0,001Sulphasalazine61 (16,4)40 (12,6)21 (38,9)<0,001Leflunomide5 (1,3)2 (0,6)3 (5,6)0,023ESH, mm/h21,5 (10-37)21 (10-37)23 (10-34)0,999CRP, mg/dl7 (3-20)7 (3-20)7 (3-22)0,727HAQ0,63 (0,25-0,94)0,5 (0,25-0,88)0,75 (0,38-1,25)0,009BASFI21 (7-45)20,5 (6-41)31 (13-58)0,011BASDAI30,5 (13-52)30 (12-50)43 (23-61,5)0,002ASDAS2,7 (1,8-3,7)2,7 (1,8-3,6)2,9 (2,3-4)0,062

*Discontinue due to ineffectivity.

References:

[1]Iannone F, et al. Effectiveness of Certolizumab-Pegol in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis Based on the BIOPURE Registry: Can Early Response Predict Late Outcomes? Clin Drug Investig. 2019;39(6):565-575.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

Potential Anticancer Effect of Carvacrol Codrugs on Human Glioblastoma Cells

BACKGROUND

Essential oils are considered as promising sources of novel anticancer compounds. Carvacrol (CVC), the major constituent of many aromatic plants including oregano and thymus, is endowed with curative properties on different cancers, including liver, colon, and lung. Little information is available regarding the potential of CVC for the treatment of brain cancers, notably Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

OBJECTIVE

In this work, we investigated the in vitro effect of CVC codrugs (CVC1-8), synthesized by direct-coupled co-drug strategies, on human glioblastoma cell line (U87-MG) for the first time.

METHODS

Cell viability was detected by MTT and LDH assays while expression levels of important genes (such as EGFR, NFKB1A, AKT1, AKT2, and others) associated with GBM and inflammatory pathways were detected by PCR array.

RESULTS

Results showed that CVC1-8 codrugs induced cytotoxicity and positive alterations in molecular responses on U87MG cells. Particularly, important pathways (such as PI3K/PTEN/AKT) involved in the onset and progression of GBM resulted in modulation by CVC3 and CVC8.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that CVC3 and CVC8 could be suitable candidates for further investigation to develop new strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of GBM.

Tribological, biocompatibility, and antibiofilm properties of tungsten-germanium coating using magnetron sputtering

In this study, borosilicate glass and 316 L stainless steel were coated with germanium (Ge) and tungsten (W) metals using the Magnetron Sputtering System. Surface structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of uncoated and coated samples were examined using SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and tribometer. The XRD results showed that WGe2 chemical compound observed in (110) crystalline phase and exhibited a dense structure. According to the tribological analyses, the adhesion strength of the coated deposition on 316 L was obtained 32.8 N, and the mean coefficient of friction was around 0.3. Biocompatibility studies of coated metallic biomaterials were analyzed on fibroblast cell culture (Primary Dermal Fibroblast; Normal, Human, Adult (HDFa)) in vitro. Hoescht 33258 fluorescent staining was performed to investigate the cellular density and chromosomal abnormalities of the HDFa cell line on the borosilicate glasses coated with germanium-tungsten (W-Ge). Cell viabilities of HDFa cell line on each surface (W-Ge coated borosilicate glass, uncoated borosilicate glass, and cell culture plate surface) were analyzed by using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. The antibiofilm activity of W-Ge coated borosilicate glass showed a significant reduction effect on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) adherence compared to control groups. In the light of findings, tungsten and germanium, which are some of the most common industrial materials, were investigated as biocompatible and antimicrobial surface coatings and recommended as bio-implant materials for the first time.

FRI0473 ASSESSMENT OF FEMORAL VEIN WALL THICKNESS WITH DOPPLER US AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR BEHCET’S DISEASE

Background:

Diagnosing Behcet’s disease(BD) is a challenge, especially in countries with a low prevalence. International Study Group Criteria, accepted to as diagnostic, has low sensitivity, especially in early cases when major organ involvement such as uveitis or deep vein thrombosis(DVT) presents alone. We recently published a controlled study of assessing venous wall thickness(VWT) as a surrogate marker of venous disease in BD with ultrasound(US) and observed a very sensitive and specific VWT in male BD patients. The common femoral vein(CFV) thickness measurement, as the primary site of US with the cut-off values > 0.48-0.49 mm, had a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(>0.8) with sensitivity and specificity of around 80%(1).

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of CVF thickness measurement in BD including females comparing with multiple control disease groups.

Methods:

One hundred-ten patients with BD, 47 healthy controls(HC), 21 patients with systemic vasculitides, 28 patients with venous insufficiency,29 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) having DVT history, were included the study.Bilateral CFV thickness was measured with US by an experienced radiologist blinded to cases(Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Measurement of common femoral vein thickness

Results:

Bilateral CFV thickness was significantly higher in BD compared to all comparative groups (p<0.001 for all)(Table 1,Figure 2). No correlations were present between CFV thickness and both BSAS and CRP levels (p>0.05 for all). In only 2 (8%) patients with venous insufficiency and 2 (10%) patients with systemic vasculitis, bilateral CVF thickness was higher than the cut- off values. Interestingly, APS was the only control group with positivity, in 12 (41%) patients with APS, bilateral CFV thickness was higher than the cut-offs. There was no difference between male vs female BD patients regarding CFV thickness (right CFV:0.78 mm vs 0.79 mm,p=0.96, left CFV:0.78 vs 0.8, p=0.80). Although a higher CVF thickness tendency was observed in VBD, no statistically significant difference was present between BD patients with (n=40) and without (n=58) vascular involvement (right CFV:0.82±0.3 mm vs 0.75±0.3 mm, p=0.122, left CFV:0.84 ± 0.3 vs 0.76±0.3, p=0.165).

Table 1.

Venous Wall Measurements of Lower Extremity in Study Groups

Behcet’s Disease(n=110)Healthy Controls(n=47)Systemic Vasculitis(n=21)Venous Insufficiency(n=28)Anti-phospholipid Syndrome with DVT (n=29)Age (years)33.5 ± 630.1 ± 533.3 ± 736.7 ± 638.3± 9Gender, malen (%)89 (81)40 (85)12 (57)13 (46)9 (31)Body MassIndex, kg/m225.5 ± 424 ± 223.8 ± 3.527.7 ± 427.2 ± 7Right CFVThickness (mm)0.79 ± 0.30.34 ± 0.10.34 ± 0.150.38± 0.10.48 ± 0.15Left CFVThickness (mm)0.78 ± 0.30.3 ± 0.10.36 ± 0.140.38 ± 0.20.48 ± 0.15

CFV: Common Femoral vein, DVT:Deep Venous Thrombosis

Figure 2.

Distribution of common femoral vein thickness in study groups

Conclusion:

Increased CFV thickness is present in BD patients,independent of vascular involvement.We also found that CFV thickness is a distinctive feature of BD, rarely present in other inflammatory/vascular diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (previously shown),systemic vasculitides and venous insufficiency(except APS with DVT).CFV thicknesses are easily and reliably measured by Doppler US. We, therefore, suggest that assessment of CFV can be a diagnostic tool for BD with a good sensitivity and specificity to differentiate BD from similar disorders.

References:

[1]Alibaz-Oner et al.Clinical Rheumatology (2019)38:1447–51.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0378 DO COMORBIDITIES DECREASE THE FIRST TNF-INHIBITOR RETENTION AND TREATMENT RESPONSE IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS? DATA FROM TURKBIO

Background:

The frequency of comorbidities has increased in spondyloarthritis patients compared to the general population. The effect of comorbidities on tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor (TNFi) drug retention and treatment response has not been well evaluated.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study to assess the impact of comorbidities on the first TNFi drug survival and treatment response in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) registered in theTURKBIOdatabase.

Methods:

In this study, the frequency of comorbidities, disease activity scores at baseline and month 6 and drug retention were recorded in AxSpA patients iniating first TNFi treatment between 2011 and 2019. Kaplan Meier plot and log rank tests were used for drug survival analysis. Cox regression analysis with HR was performed to evaluate the correlation between comorbidities and drug survival.

Results:

There were 2428 patients with AxSpA (39.3% female) who used their first TNFi during the study period. Among them, a total of 770 (31%) had at least one comorbid disease. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (9.7%), followed by the affective disorders (8%) and chronic lung disease (5.8%). The baseline characteristics of patients are shown in Table 1.The presence of any comorbidity did not impact the first TNFi retention (Figure 1). When comorbidities were analysed seperately, we found that only history of cerebrovascular event was negatively associated with drug retention rate (HR: 6.9, p:0.008). There was no statistically significant difference in Bath AS Disease Activity Index 50% (BASDAI50) response between patients with and without comorbidity at 6 months. Less axSpA patients with comorbidity achieved a ASDAS score ≤ 2.1 compared to patients without comorbidity at 6 months.

Table 1.

Baseline Characteristics of Patients

Radiographic Spondyloarthritis, n (%)2318 (95.5)Female, n(%)954 (39.3)Age, year42.2±11.8Age at diagnosis, years32.5± 11.3Age at initial TNFi, years39.4 ± 11.1Symptom duration, years9.7± 7.5Time to initial TNFi, years7±6.8HLA-B27- positivity, n (%)1144 (47.1)Smokers, n (%)1068 (44)Baseline BASDAI35.5±22.2Baseline ASDAS-CRP2.8±1.1Baseline CRP (mg/L)15.7±24.4VAS global patient46.6±28.7

-Quantitative variables are presented as mean ± SD, and qualitative variables are presented as frequency and percentage

-ASDAS-CRP, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score using C-reactive protein VAS, visual analogue scale

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrated that the presence of previous cerebrovascular event decreased the first TNFi survival in patients with axSpA. It also suggested that comorbidities might decrease TNFi treatment response.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0390 THE INFLUENCE OF OBESITY ON RETENTION AND TREATMENT RESPONSE OF SECUKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: REAL LIFE DATA FROM THE TURKBIO REGISTRY

Background:

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic, inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton. Secukinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the protein interleukin (IL)-17A. Although some studies showed that obesity had a negative effect on the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor (TNFα -i) treatment in AS patients (1), no data is available for secukinumab.

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of obesity on the treatment response and drug survival of secukinumab in patients with axSpA.

Methods:

We performed an observational cohort study based on the TURKBIO between 2018-2020. A total of 185 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2), overweight (BMI:25-30 kg/m2), and normal (BMI<25 kg/m2). Disease activity was evaluated at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months of secukinumab therapy. Clinical response was evaluated as achievement of BASDAI50, ASAS20/40, and ASDAS-Clinical and improvement (CII and MI) rates.

Results:

185 axSpA patients were identified in the registry; 135 (72%) had available BMI data. Thirty nine (28.8%) patients were obese. The mean age of obese patients was higher (p=0.002). The frequency of HLA-B27 and male gender was lower in obese group (p=0.012 and p=0.013, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of clinical response parameters at 3, 6 and 12 months (Table 1). Drug retention rates were higher in biologic naive patients(p=0.007) (Figure 1).

Table 1(BMI <25) (n=33)(BMI 25-30)(n=63)(BMI ≥ 30)(n=39)PAll patients (n=185)Age (years)40.2±11.345.7±11.750.0±10.60.002 *45.2±11Male Gender n (%)25 (75.8)34 (54.0)16 (41.1)0.012 **104 (56.2)HLA-B27 (+) n (%)14 (73.6)37 (84.0)11 (44.0)0.013 **76 (64.3)Prior Naive/1/≥2 bDMARD n (%)12 (36.3)/9 (27.3)/12 (36.3)17 (26.9)/13 (20.6)/33 (52.4)10 (25.6)/14 (35.8)/27 (69.2)0.30256 (30.3)/ 49 (26,5)/ 80 (43,2)ASAS20 response¶13 (61.9)/11 (57.9)/4 (57.1)19 (48.7)/16 (59.3)/8 (42.1)11 (40.7)/7 (29.1)/3 (50.0)0.345/0.073/0.88659 (518)/47 (49.5)/20 (42.6)ASAS40 response¶9 (42.9)/7 (36.8)/3 (42.9)15 (39.5)/10 (37)/1 (5.3)6 (24)/5 (20,8)/3 (50.0)0.334/0.386/0.01240 (35.0)/29 (30.5)/11 (23.4)BASDAI50 response ¶10 (47.6)/9 (47.4)/4 (57.1)15 (39.5)/11 (40.5)/3 (15.8)9 (34.6)/5 (21.7)/3 (50.0)0.634/0.192/0.07748 (42.1)/37 (38.9)/16 (34.0)ASDAS-CII ¶3 (14.3)/5 (26.3)/1 (14.3)6 (17.6)/8 (30.8)/5 (27.8)6 (23.1)/5 (21.7)/2 (33.3)0.237/0.162/0.53123 (21.4)/22 (23.6)/11 (23.9)ASDAS-MI ¶5 (23.8)/3 (15.8)/0 (0)8 (23.5)/6 (23.1)/2 (11.11 (3.8)/1 (4.3)/1 (16.7)0.237/0.162/0.53118 (16.8)/18 (19.3)/8 (17.4)

§; Mean±SD. ¶; at 3/6/12 Months, n (%),*One-way ANOVA test, ** Pearson Chi-Sqaure Test

Figure 1

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that obesity had no impact on the efficacy and retention of secukinumab treatment in patients diagnosed with axSpA. The drug survival was found to be higher among biologic-naive axSpA patients compared to biologic-experienced.

References:

[1]Ottaviani S.et al. ‘’Body mass index influences the response to infliximab in ankylosing spondylitis’’,Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14: R11

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0128 ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ADULT-ONSET RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS AND LATE-ONSET RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN TERMS OF USE OF BIOLOGICAL DRUGS AND DRUG RETENTION RATE? RESULTS FROM THE TURKBIO REGISTRY

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is one of the most frequent rheumatic disease, and the age of onset is between 30-50 years old. Late-onset RA(LORA) is usually defined as RA with onset at age 60 or over.

Objectives:

To investigate the choice, effectiveness and the retention rate of biological drugs in LORA patients.

Methods:

TURKBIO registry is the Turkish version of Danish DANBIO rheumatological database which has been established in 2011. We studied RA patients in TURKBIO registry cohort between the dates of 2011 and 2020. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA and were classified into two groups based on their age at symptom onset: adult-onset RA(>18-<60 years; AORA) and LORA(≥60 years). In both groups, demographical, clinical and laboratory variables; disease activity, current and previous treatment were compared.

Results:

From 10 centers, 2111 RA patients recruited, and 8.8% of them was LORA patients. In LORA, the frequency of female was less than AORA. While, there was no difference between LORA and AORA in terms of erosion presence and RF positivity, antiCCP positivity was more frequent in LORA group. The use of antiTNF was lower, and the use of rituximab was more frequent in LORA. At 12 months after bDMARDs therapy, serum CRP and ESR levels and DAS28-CRP showed higher changes compared to baseline values in LORA. Although the mortality rate was higher in LORA, the adverse reactions were reported to be higher in AORA, and most common advers reaction was infections in both groups(Table). The longest survival was observed in infliximab and rituximab(median 22 and 20months) in LORA, in rituximab and golimumab(median 16 and 12months) in AORA.

Conclusion:

The frequency of LORA who uses bDMARDs was 8.8% in our database. In the elderly patient population, there are some reservations about the use of biological drugs in general due to several co-morbidities and concommitant drug used. Although data on this issue are limited, appropriate biological use can be effective and reliable in required patients.

References:

[1]Zulfigar AA, Niazi R, Pennaforte JL, Andres E. Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis: clinical, biyological, and therapeutic features about a retrospecttive study. Geriatr Psychol Neuropsychiatr Viell 2019;17:51-62

Table.

Comparison of demographic, laboratory findings and biological treatment

(median;25-75)n(%)AORA (<60)(n:1925)LORA (≥60)(n:186)pAge (year)54 (43-61)71 (68-74)<0.001Disease duration (year)11.4 (7-18)6 (4-9)<0.001Gender (Female)1562 (81)124 (67)<0.001Anti-CCP positivity747 (62)65 (72)0.044RF positivity721 (61)63 (70)0.085Erosion presence486 (56)41 (62)0.955Drug survival (months)18 (6-44)18 (4-31)0.046Concomitant csDMARDsMTX629 (34)39 (22)0.001SZP146 (8)13 (7)0.781LEF501 (27)35 (20)0.032bDMARDsAntiTNF1068 (56)73 (39)<0,001TCZ304 (16)20 (11)0,069TOFA294 (15)27 (15)0,784RTX439 (23)57 (31)0,016ABA298 (16)34 (18)0,317Response ΔESH-6 (-21-4)-18 (-36--3)0.016(12 months) ΔCRP-2 (-12-0.6)-9.3 (-28--0.1)0.014ΔDAS28-CRP-1.3 (-3--0.1)-2.2 (-3--1)0.023ΔHAQ-0.3 (-0.8-0)-0.4 (-0.8--0.1)0.114Adverse effects440 (23)32 (17)0.077Malignancy9 (0,5)3 (1.6)0.082Infection192 (10)10 (5)0.042Allergy63 (3)4 (2)0.404Dermatitis62 (3)1 (0,5)0.040Death18 (0.9)7 (4)0.004Other136 (7)11 (6)0.556

Acknowledgments :

None

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

AB0517 USE OF POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY IN RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE

Background:

Positron emission tomography (PET), which is widely used in oncology, has recently been used as a guide in the diagnosis of vasculitis and activity monitoring.

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to present the desired PET results for the preliminary diagnosis of vasculitis and follow-up.

Methods:

PET results requested from the rheumatology outpatient clinic between 2012–2019, clinical findings of patients and other imaging methods were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively.

Results:

PET results were achieved of 36 patients (47% male, 53% female). Constitutional symptoms were present in 67% of the patients with a mean age of 51 ± 18 years. The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 49 ± 33 mm/h, CRP was 46 ± 33 mg / L, and leukocyte value was 8.8 ± 3 K / mm3at the onset of the disease. While 60% of 25 patients with large vessel vasculitis had a murmur in at least one affected area, 48% had no pulse. While 78% of all patients had a finding in favor of vasculitis in non-PET imaging, this rate was 39% in PET(Table-1). Although the most commonly used imaging method is conventional angiography, recently CT and MR angiography have been requested more frequently. Only 32% of patients who are signs of vasculitis in other images had vasculitis in PET.

PET was requested with preliminary diagnosis of vasculitis in 24 patients and vasculitis was detected in 46% of the cases. In twelve of the patients with vasculitis had 25% activity involvement in the desired PET for the presence of activation.

In 5 of 8 patients with a pre-diagnosis of vasculitis who had no evidence of vasculitis in any other imaging modalities, the involvement of vasculitis was detected in the PET, and the diagnosis was confirmed

Before PET, 44% of the patients had not received steroid treatment. In this group, 63% of patients who did not take steroids, had vasculitis findings in PET. In steroid receiving group, the rate of PET involvement was 20%. Presence of vasculitis in PET was significantly higher in patients who did not receive steroid prior to PET (p = 0.009)(Table-2). The mean duration of steroid intake before PET was 28 ± 69 months.

Conclusion:

PET is an increasingly used imaging technique in rheumatology practice. The main advantage of PET is that it recognizes other pathologies such as infection and tumor in patients with systemic symptoms. Disadvantage is an expensive test, high radiation rate and misinterpretation of atherosclerosis. Vasculitis is a group of diseases that require rapid diagnosis and treatment. Because of the indisputable contribution of imaging methods at the diagnosis stage, PET was emphasized in this study

References:

[1]Dejaco C, et al. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice Ann Rheum Dis 2018;77:636–643.

Table-1:

Clinical and Demographic Data of Vasculitis Patients

N(%)GenderFemale19(53)Male17(47)DiagnosisTakayasu Arteritis19(53)Polymyalgia Rheumatica3(8)Polymyalgia Rheumatica + Giant Cell Arteritis2(6)Temporal Arteritis4(11)Polyarteritis Nodosa1(3)Granulomatous Polianjitis1(3)Behcet Disease4(11)Non-classification vasculitis2(6)Constitutional Symptoms24(67)Vasculitis evidence in non-PET imaging28(78)Imaging methodMR Angio10(28)CT Angio10(28)Arteriography16(43)Computed Tomography12(34)Ultrasonography3(8)Vasculitis evidence in PET14(39)Steroid use prior to PET20(56)High CRP at diagnosis> 5 mg / L28(78)High ESR at diagnosis> 30 mm / h23(64)Table-2

The effect of findings on PET positivity

Vasculitis PatientsN(%)PET (±)14PET (-)22pOR%95CIVasculit in Non-PET Imaging9(64)19(86)0,2170,280,05-1,4Constitutional Symptoms11(79)13(59)0,2922,530,54-11,7Murmur6(43)11(50)0,6760,750,19-2,88Pulselessness3(21)9(41)0,2920,390,08-1,8High CRP11(79)15(68)0,7061,70,35-8,1High ESR11(79)12(54)0,1433,050,66-14Steroid use prior to PET4(29)16(73)0,0090,150,03-0,66Preliminary diagnosis of vasculitis11(46)13(54)0,2922,530,54-11,7

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0438 MALIGNANCIES IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJOGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease. The risk of developing lymphoproliferative malignancies is high in primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS).

Objectives:

In this study, we planned to present malignancy data in patients who were followed up in our outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of pSS.

Methods:

Data of 151 patients diagnosed with pSS between 2004-2019 were retrospectively reviewed and clinical, demographic characteristics of 15 patients diagnosed with malignancy were examined.

Results:

All 15 patients with malignancy were female, their mean age was 59 ± 13 years, and the disease duration was 9 ± 1 years.

In this group, 7% of the patients had fever, 13% had weight loss and 7% had night sweats. Dry eye was present in 87%, dry mouth in 93%, LAP in 53% (Table 1). None of the patients had myositis, neuropathy and vasculitis. In 87% of the patients, schirmer was below 5 mm and in 67% of the salivary gland scintigraphy, decreased involvement in the parotid and submandibular gland was detected. Salivary gland biopsy was compatible with pSS diagnosis in 53% of patients. Rheumatoid factor, ANA, SS-A and SS-B were positive in %60, %93, %67 and %53 of patients, respectively.

Table 1.

The data of pSS patients with malignancy

N(%)Gender (Female)15(100)Dry mouth14(93)Dry Eye13(87)Arthritis3(20)Parotitits4(27)Raynaud Phenomenon2(13)Lymphadenopathy8(53)Interstitial Lung Disease4(27)Smoking7(47)Hypocomplementemia4(27)MalignancyLung Cancer2(13)Breast Cancer4(27)Thyroid Papillary Cancer3(20)Cervical Cancer2(13)Vulva Cancer1(7)Mycosis Fungoides1(7)MALT lymphoma1(7)Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma1(7)

Low C3 level was detected in 27% of patients and C4 level was normal in all patients. Hypergammaglobulinemia was detected in%27 patents but data of five patients could not be reached. Malignancy was detected in 10% of the patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of PSS. Two patients had cervical cancer (CA), four had breast CA, three had thyroid papillary CA, one had diffuse large b cell lymphoma, one had MALT (mucous-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma, one had mycosis fungoides, one had vulva epithelial carcinoma and two had lung CA. Patients with malignancy and those without were compared in terms of clinical and laboratory findings. There was a significant relationship between presence LAP and smoking with development of malignancy. Subgroup analysis was performed according to titers of C-Reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESH), but there was no significant relationship between laboratory findings and the development of malignancy. (Table 2)

Conclusion:

According to 2015 data of Turkey unified database for all age groups, the rate of cancer in woman is 25% for breast cancer, 12% for thyroid CA, 5.1% for lung CA, 2.5% for cervical CA, 2.8% for non-hodgkin lymphoma. Patients with pSS have a 6 to 19-fold increased risk for the development of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma. For these reasons, detailed questioning and physical examination gain importance in the follow-up of patients

References:

[1]E Theander, G Henriksson, O Ljungberg.Lymphoma and other malignancies in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a cohort study on cancer incidence and lymphoma predictors. Ann Rheum Dis. 65 (6):796-803 2006

Table-2.

Relationship between presence of malignancy and clinical and laboratory findings

N(%)Malignancy(±)15Malignancy(-)136POR%95 CIHypocomplementemia4(27)11/96(12)0,1192,810,76-10,3Fever1(7)7(5)0,5761,310,15-11,4Night Sweats1(7)0***Weight Loss2(13)10(7)0,3391,930,38-9,81Smoking7(47)24(20)0,0433,61,19-10,9LAP8(53)36(27)0,0393,171,07-9,38Hypergammaglobulinemia4/10(40)26/86(30)***ESH>50 mm/h2(13)8(6)0,2602,460,47-12,8CRP>3XNormal2(13)14(10)0,6621,340,27-6,56

*No analysis was done because the data was not enough

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0439 LUNG FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJOGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic, autoimmune disease and can affect many organs and systems.

Objectives:

In this study, we planned to present the lung findings of primary SS (pSS) patients who are being followed in our outpatient clinic.

Methods:

Chest radiographs and thorax CTs of 151 patients who were admitted to the rheumatology outpatient clinic between 2004 and 2017 and diagnosed as pSS according to the classification criteria of the American-European consensus group Sjogren’s syndrome were retrospectively scanned.

Results:

In our study, 97% of pSS patients were female and 3% were male and the mean age was 56 ± 12 years, disease duration was 10.5 ± 5 years.

It was observed dry eye in 86% of patients, dry mouth in 88%, parotitis in 17%, arthritis in 29%, vasculitis in 4%, neuropathy in 6%, myositis in 1%, lymphadenopathy in 29% (LAP), and 20% of patients had Raynaud phenomenon. In 50% of the patients, chest radiography was normal, and there were no respiratory complaints. Thorax CT was requested due to suspicious appearance on 50% chest x-ray.

According to CT findings, 23% had nodules in the lung, nodule sizes were less than 1 cm, and patients were followed up for an increase in size. Hiler and subcarinal lymph nodes were present in 6% of patients and their sizes was ranged from 5 mm to 15 mm. Bronchoscopy was performed for two patients due to mediastinal LAP. Biopsy results were evaluated as reactive changes.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) findings were present in 16 patients. (69% NSIP, 25% LIP, 6% UIP). All patients with ILD received steroid therapy. Two patients received 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide treatment for active alveolitis and azathioprine (AZA) was used in maintenance therapy. Due to ILD, one patient was receiving rituksimab, one patient was receiving mycophenolate mofetil, while nine patients were using AZA.

It was found bronchiectasis in 3% of patients, emphysema in 5%, sequelae fibrotic changes in 13%, and 1% patients had thickening of the pleura. One patient was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonia and two patients had lung cancer (Table-1).

There was a smoking history in 21% of the patients. There was a significant relationship between smoking and development of emphysema and malignancy. The relationship between smoking and lung cancer development could not be assessed due to the absence of lung cancer in the non-smoking group (Table-2).

Conclusion:

Lung findings are detected in 9-12% of patients in pSS, which can increase to 75% with the use of tomography, pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy.

Since pSS has a wide spectrum from airway disease or interstitial lung disease to BALT lymphoma lung involvement of the disease has been emphasized.

References:

[1]Hatron PY, Tillie-Leblond I, Launay D, et al.: Pulmonary manifestations of Sjogren’s syndrome. Presse Med. 40:e49-e64 2011

Table 1.

Lung Findings of Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome Patients

%(N)Nodule23(34)Mediastinal LAP9(6)Interstitial Lung Disease11(16)NSIP69(11)LIP25(4)UIP6(1)Bronchiectasis3(4)Atelectasis5(7)Emphysema5(7)Sequelae Fibrotic Change13(19)Tuberculosis Sequelae1(2)Airway disease1(1)Pleural effusion1(2)Lung cancer1(2)Table 2.

Effects of smoking on lung findings

N(%)Smoker31(21)Non-Smoker107(71)pOR%95 CIEmphysema6(19)1(1)0,001252,9-220Interstitial Lung Disease2(7)14(13)0,5240,4580,09-2,13Raynaud6(19)22(21)0,8830,9260,33-2,53LAP10(32)32(30)0,8021,110,47-2,63Nodule9(29)23(22)0,3811,490,60-3,68Malignancy7(23)8(8)0,0433,61,19-10,9Lung Cancer2(7)0---Atelectasis2(7)3(3)0,3132,390,38-14,9Bronchiectasis04(4)---

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

SAT0544 USE OF BIOLOGICAL DMARDS IN PATIENTS WITH ADULT-ONSET STILL’S DISEASE: RESULTS FROM TURKBIO REGISTRY

Background:

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare multisystemic inflammatory disorder, and is diagnosed by exclusion. AOSD is generally treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and conventional disease modifiying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs). Biological disease modifiying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) therapy are recommended in AOSD patients who are refractory to tradional therapy, and bDMARDs is becoming increasingly important in AOSD treatment.

Objectives:

To evaluate the use of bDMARDs and drug survival in AOSD patients.

Methods:

TURKBIO registry is the Turkish version of Danish DANBIO rheumatological database which has been established in 2011. All patients with AOSD who received biological agents registered in TURKBIO registry between dates of October 2011 and October 2019 were included in this study. The demographic data, response of therapy, frequency of using and switching biological agents were collected.

Results:

As of October, 21 AOSD patients were recruited. Mean age of patients was 34.6±7.3 (min-max: 24-49) years, mean disease duration was 9.3±7.4 (min-max: 1-22) years, and 57.1% of patients was female. Mean duration from onset to start of bDMARDs was 7±6.1 (min-max: 0.5-21) years. It was observed that 13 patients (61.9%) received tocilizumab (TCZ), 6 patients (28.6%) received IL-1 inhibitors (5 anakinra and one canakinumab), 2 patients (9.5%) received certolizumab and one patient (4.8%) received etanercept as a first-line bDMARDs. The most frequently used biological agents in current treatment were as follows: 52.4% of patients received TCZ and 33.3% received IL-1 inhibitors (4 anakinra, 3 canakinumab), and the most frequently used concomitant drugs were methotrexate (47.6%) and hydroxychloroquine (14.3%). The switching rate was 33.3%, and in half of them the reason of switching was adverse events. The median drug survival for bDMARDs was 28.6 months (Table).

Table.

Demographic, laboratory features and management of AOSD

(median;25-75)n=21Age (year)34.7 (28.3-40.6)Gender (Female) n(%)12 (57.1)Disease duration (year)8 (2-17)Duration from onset to start of bDMARs (year)6 (1.5-10)ESR (on onset)44 (21-66)CRP (on onset)65 (3.1-108)Current bDMARDs n(%) Tocilizumab11(52.4) IL-1 inhibitors7 (33.3) Etanercept1 (4.8) Certolizumab2 (9.5)Concomitant cDMARD n(%) Methotrexate10 (47.6) Leflunomide4 (19) Sulfasalazine1 (4.8) Hydroxychloroquine3 (14.3)bDMARDs Survival (months)28.6 (5.5-75)Switching Rate n(%)7 (33.3)Adverse Event n(%)3 (14.3)

Conclusion:

This is the first evaluation of AOSD patients who used biological agents from TURKBIO registry. According our data, TCZ and anti-IL1 agents were the most frequent biological choices. The limitation of this study was the low number of the patients with AOSD who used biological agents.

References:

[1].Zhou S, Qiao J, Bai J, Wu Y, Fang H. Biological therapy of traditional therapy-resistant adult-onset Still’s disease: an evidence-based review. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2018;14:167-71.

Acknowledgments:

None

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0562 SLEEP HYGIENE: COULD IT BE A CONFOUNDING FACTOR FOR SLEEP QUALITY IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS?

Background:

Sleep disturbances have been described in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Confounding factors related to sleep quality are also investigated. Although sleep hygiene plays an important role in sleep quality, as far as we know, there are not enough data to show the effect of sleep hygiene on sleep quality of SSc.

Objectives:

To investigate sleep hygiene, its impact on sleep quality, and its association with demographic-clinical factors in patients with SSc, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and healthy controls.

Methods:

The study was designed as cross-sectional. Forty-nine patients with SSc who fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc, 66 patients with RA who fulfilled 1987 revised classification criteria, and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. All participants were female. Demographic and clinical variables were documented. Disease activity index of both SSc and RA was calculated. SSc patients were assessed by questionnaires including Short Form 36 (SF-36), The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Additionally, RA patients and healthy controls were estimated by HAQ-DI, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory, PSQI, and SHI. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of sleep quality.

Results:

Preliminary results of the study were given. The baseline demographics were similar among groups. When comparing groups according to HAQ-DI, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory, PSQI, and SHI, we found higher scores in SSc and RA rather than healthy controls (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003; respectively). While depression and sleep hygiene were determined as the risk factors of sleep quality in SSc in univariate analysis, depression (OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.065−1.784, p=0.015) and sleep hygiene (OR=1.201, 95%CI: 1.003−1.439, p=0.046) were also found in multivariate logistic model. In RA patients, while health status, depression, and anxiety were found as risk factors according to the univariate analysis, depression (OR=1.120, 95%CI: 1.006−1.245, p=0.038) was the only factor according to multivariate logistic model (Table).

Conclusion:

Although depression is a well-known clinical variable impacting on sleep quality, sleep hygiene should also be kept in mind as a confounding factor.

References:

[1]Milette K, Hudson M, Körner A, et al. Sleep disturbances in systemic sclerosis: evidence for the role of gastrointestinal symptoms, pain and pruritus. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013 Sep;52(9):1715-20.

[2]Sariyildiz MA, Batmaz I, Budulgan M, et al. Sleep quality in patients with systemic sclerosis: relationship between the clinical variables, depressive symptoms, functional status, and the quality of life. Rheumatol Int. 2013 Aug;33(8):1973-9.

Table

Univariate logistic regression analysis of clinical variables to assess predictors of sleep quality

Systemic sclerosisRheumatoid arthritisOR (95% CI)pOR (95% CI)pHAQ-DI1.019 (0.882−1.177)0.8011.089 (1.011−1.173)0.025BDI score1.293 (1.082−1.547)0.0051.129 (1.036−1.230)0.006BAI score1.080 (0.997−1.169)0.0591.122 (1.038−1.214)0.004SHI1.200 (1.060−1.357)0.0041.048 (0.965−1.137)0.264Disease activitya0.707 (0.439−1.138)0.1531.446 (0.839−2.492)0.185

aDisease activity was calculated by Valentini disease activity index for SSc and DAS28-CRP for RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0243 SUBPHENOTYPES IN POLYARTERITIS NODOSA (PAN): TARGET ORGAN ASSOCIATIONS OF A WORLDWIDE COLLABORATION STUDY

Background:

There is a paucity of information on the current phenotypes, ethnic and geographic differences of PAN. A global PAN study group has been working for clinical subphenotype and GWAS studies.

Objectives:

This study is aimed to look for target organ associations in PAN.

Methods:

PAN patients fulfilling the EMA vasculitis classification algorithm were recruited. In addition to baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome data, occurrence of any of the clinical manifestations related to PAN during disease course was recorded.

Factor analysis was used to analyse target organ associations of 306 patients. Five factors were identified by factor analysis of variables sex, paediatric-onset, HBV, monogenic disease relationship, cutaneous features, musculoskeletal symptoms, constitutional symptoms and involved areas (abdominal, renal, neurologic, ENT, cardiac, pulmonary).

Results:

PAN cohort from 7 countries were used (Italy: n=59, Japan: n=39, Mexico: n=29, Slovenia: n=14, Sweden:11, TUR: n=106, UK: n=48). 306 (M/F: 171/135 and Caucasian 77.1%, Asian 13.4%, and Hispanic 9.5%) patients were included. 8 were HBV-related, and 22 of TUR patients had a monogenic form of disease (FMF n=15, DADA2 n=7). 21.8% of patients were cutaneous-only PAN patients. 48.4% of patients had radiologic, 64% had biopsy-proven PAN. Median age at disease onset was 40 (IQR 27.0-57.5) years. During a median 57 (16-120) months follow-up, 39 (13%) patients died.

Factor analysis revealed 5 factors that explained 54.1% of the original information on the matrix as follows:Factor 1,represented the association between gastrointestinal and renal involvement, male gender and negatively associated with cutaneous features;Factor 2,the association between monogenic relationship with paediatric onset disease;Factor 3,any of musculoskeletal findings with positive constitutional symptoms;Factor 4any neurologic involvement was associated with ENT and pulmonary findings;Factor 5cardiac involvement in non-HBV patients (Table).

The eigenvalues of the 5 factors were 2.034, 1.470, 1.427, 1.079 and 1.030, in decreasing order, i.e., the highest contribution to the overall variance in the matrix came from the togetherness of the 4 clinical and demographic characteristics that made up Factor 1.

Conclusion:

Target organ associations could support distinctive subphenotypes in PAN. Factor 1 seems the most severe form. Patients with FMF or DADA2 have distinct target organ associations. The jury is out to decide whether these patients should be classified as ‘vasculitis associated with probable etiology’ just as HBV-related-PAN. Factor 4 might define a different subphenotype (ANCA- medium vessel vasculitis?).

Disclosure of Interests:

Omer Karadag: None declared, Ertugrul Cagri Bolek: None declared, Shunsuke Furuta: None declared, Giacomo Emmi: None declared, ALOJZIJA HOCEVAR: None declared, Andrea Hinojosa-Azaola: None declared, Aladdin J Mohammad Speakers bureau: lecture fees from Roche and Elli Lilly Sweden, PI (GiACTA study), Serdal Ugurlu: None declared, Fatma Alibaz-Oner: None declared, Ayten Yazici: None declared, Luca Quartuccio: None declared, Enrica Bozzolo: None declared, Lorenzo Dagna Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, SOBI, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, and SOBI, Giuseppe Alvise Ramirez: None declared, Luca Cantarini: None declared, Gina Gregorini: None declared, Jeannin Guido: None declared, Sara Monti: None declared, Eduardo Martin-Nares: None declared, Franco Schiavon: None declared, Roberto Padoan: None declared, Hajime Kono: None declared, Augusto Vaglio: None declared, Saadettin Kiliçkap: None declared, Ali İhsan Ertenli: None declared, Haner Direskeneli: None declared, Seza Özen Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, David Jayne Grant/research support from: ChemoCentryx, GSK, Roche/Genentech, Sanofi-Genzyme, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, ChemoCentryx, GSK, InflaRx, Takeda, Insmed, Chugai, Boehringer-Ingelheim

AB0618 COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF AUTOANTIBODY PROFILE IN A TURKISH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS COHORT

Background:

Serum autoantibodies closely reflect patterns of organ involvement and disease progression in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The entire autoantibody profile is less well defined in many cohorts and the data regarding their clinical associations and frequencies is limited.

Objectives:

To determine the autoantibody profile of patients with SSc, as well as their clinical associations, in well-characterized inception- cohort with disease duration less than 3 years.

Methods:

Serum samples of 100 patients out of 105 enrolled in the study were analyzed for ANA patterns with indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay using HEp-20-10/primate liver mosaic IIFT kit. Sera of 96 patients were subjected to commercial line immunoassay to quantify autoantibodies against 13 different autoantigens.

Results:

92 (92%) out of 100 patients were positive for ANA by IIF (Table 1). The speckled staining was the most pattern followed by nucleolar in 10 patients, centromere in 4, reticular in 1, nuclear in 2 and homogenous in 1. All patients (n= 96) patients were positive for at least 1 autoantibody by immunoblotting (Table 2). Twenty-two (49%) of patients with antiTopo I, 12 (44%) of the patients with antiCENP and 4 (22%) of the patients with antiRNAPIII were single positive. There was no difference in terms of the clinical findings when the patients with single and coexpression of these antibodies were compared. The distributions of the most frequent autoantibodies are shown in Figure 1. Interstitial lung disease was more frequent in the patients positive for anti-Topo I (78.8%) and anti-RNAPIII (27.3%). One of the two patients with breast cancer was anti-RNAPIII positive and none of the patients have diagnosed scleroderma renal crisis. Anti-Topo I was more common in patients with dcSSc (75%) and anti-CENP in lcSSc (46.4%).

Table 1.

Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of the SSc patients.

Sex Female N, %91 (86.7%) Male N, %14 (13.3) Female-to-male ratioAge, mean±SD years48.6±12.7Disease duration, mean±SD years2±1.4Disease classification N, % Diffuse39 (36.5%) Limited65 (62.5%) Sine scleroderma1 (1%)Interstitial lung disease37 (34.3%)Pulmonary arterial hypertension3 (2.8%)Scleroderma renal crisis0Digital ulcer14 (13.3%)Raynaud phenomenon105(100%)Telengiectasia31 (28.8%)Calcinosis1 (1%)Malignancy3 (2.9%)Antinuclear antibody profile N*, % Positive92 (92%)Staining pattern Speckled65 (65%) Nucleolar13 (13%) Centromere29 (29%) Homogeneous3 (3%) Reticular3 (3%)Table 2.

Numbers and combinations of autoantibodies identified in the 96 SSc patients.

Topo-ICENPRNAP IIIFibrillarinNOR90Th/ToPm/SclKuPDGFRRo52Topo-I22170159507CENP12202222011RNAPIII40121307Fibrillarin0000000NOR90011002Th/To04202Pm/Scl4306Ku102PDGFR00Ro522Single positive221240004102Total452718058179024Figure 1.

Diagram of disease-related antibodies against the four main autoantibodies [anti-centromere (antiCENP) anti-Topoisomerase I (antiTopo I), anti-RNA polymerase III (antiRNAP III) and anti-Ro52).

Conclusion:

We presented the clinical and serologic features of the Turkish SSc patients from a new inception cohort. Clinical features of the SSc patients with single or multiple antibody positivity were not different.

References:

None

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

The correlation of computed tomography in the evaluation of septoplasty patients

Background

Septoplasty is one of the frequently applied nasal surgical procedures. There is still no gold standart objective method to evaluate the patients whom suffers from nasal blockage. To evaluate the septoplasty candidate with a Paranasal Computerised Tomography (PNCT) is one of the most discussed topic in the otorhinolaryngology surgical philosophy.

Objectives

In this study, we aim to interpret the value of nasal valve areas measured by PNCT for both septoplasty candidates and the control population. We believe that this information could be useful for the evaluation of patients before undergoing a septoplasty procedure.

Material and Methods

600 coronal and axial tomography sections performed between May 2014 and February 2018 at the University Of Gaziantep Radiology Dept. were assessed. These tomography sections were divided into two groups called the septoplasty and the control. The septoplasty group was made up of three hundred paranasal sinus tomography images scanned before patients' septoplasty operations. The control group was created by screening 300 maxillofacial tomography's which were taken due to the suspicion of trauma at the University Of Gaziantep Emergency Clinic between May 2014 and January 2018.

Results

There were 192 (64%) patients with left nasal septal deviation and 108 (36%) patients with right nasal septal deviation. The Independent Sample T-Test revealed that the mean internal nasal valve angle in the left septoplasty group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.005). A comparison of the right side nasal values revealed a significant statistical change according to the Independent Sample T-Test between the value of the right septoplasty and the control groups (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

The sectional areas of nasal tomography images may show different values. However, it is still difficult to say that the clinical application of tomography images could be used as one of the indication criteria for the septoplasty procedure.

Simultaneous Biofortification of Wheat with Zinc, Iodine, Selenium, and Iron through Foliar Treatment of a Micronutrient Cocktail in Six Countries

Field experiments were conducted on wheat to study the effects of foliar-applied iodine(I) alone, Zn (zinc) alone, and a micronutrient cocktail solution containing I, Zn, Se (selenium), and Fe (iron) on grain yield and grain concentrations of micronutrients. Plants were grown over 2 years in China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey. Grain-Zn was increased from 28.6 mg kg^-1 to 46.0 mg^-1 kg with Zn-spray and 47.1 mg^-1 kg with micronutrient cocktail spray. Foliar-applied I and micronutrient cocktail increased grain I from 24 μg kg^-1 to 361 μg kg^-1 and 249 μg kg^-1, respectively. Micronutrient cocktail also increased grain-Se from 90 μg kg^-1 to 338 μg kg^-1 in all countries. Average increase in grain-Fe by micronutrient cocktail solution was about 12%. The results obtained demonstrated that foliar application of a cocktail micronutrient solution represents an effective strategy to biofortify wheat simultaneously with Zn, I, Se and partly with Fe without yield trade-off in wheat.

Factors Affecting Intraocular Pressure Measured by Noncontact Tonometer

Purpose

To investigate the mean values of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with non-contact tonometer (NCT) and evaluate the factors that may affect IOP.

Methods

A total of 850 subjects who were admitted to our clinic between March 2005 and February 2006 were recruited for the study. Subjects having blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal diseases, glaucoma suspicion, or glaucoma were not accepted to the study. All subjects were questioned about systemic diseases. IOP measurement with NCT and central corneal thickness (CCT) with ultrasound pachymetry were performed for each patient between 9 and 11 AM.

Results

The mean ages of 367 (43.2%) male subjects and 483 (56.8%) female subjects were 43.9±18.1 and 40.7±18.0 years ± SD, respectively. Since right and left eye IOP, CCT, and keratometric values were significantly correlated, right eye values were used for statistical purposes. Mean IOP values in males and females were 13.2±3.0 and 13.5±2.9 mmHg, respectively. Mean CCT values were 552.5±34.7 μm for males and 550.1±34.3 μm for females. In multiple regression analysis, IOP was found to be associated with gender, refractive error, CCT, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Conclusions

Gender, CCT, the presence of DM, and refractive error may be significantly associated with IOP in this particular population.

High prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

Currently, the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and the correlation between CAD severity and AAA prevalence are not clearly known. We conducted a prospective study to determine the prevalence of AAA in patients undergoing coronary angiography and to determine the risk factors and a coronary profile associated with AAA.

METHODS

Over an 18-month period, abdominal aortic ultrasound was performed on 1,000 patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected or known CAD, or prior to valve surgery. Clinical characteristics and coronary profile were collected from the patients.

RESULTS

The overall number of previously repaired, already diagnosed, and new cases of AAA in the study population was 42, yielding a prevalence of 4.2%. Among the patients with newly detected AAAs, only two had an AAA diameter of >54 mm and were therefore treated surgically. In men aged ≥ 65 years, the prevalence reached 8.6%, while in men with three-vessel CAD it was 14.4%. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years (p = .003), male gender (p = .003), family history of AAA (p = .01), current smoking (p = .002), and three-vessel CAD (p < .001) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of AAA.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of AAA was high in men aged ≥ 65 years and in those with three-vessel CAD regardless of age. While our findings do not prove the cost-effectiveness of screening for AAA in these high risk patients, they do support the usefulness of a quick ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta during routine transthoracic echocardiography in such patients.