Standardized reporting for systematic global evaluation of axial spondyloarthritis: An evidence-based and consensus-driven initiative

INTRODUCTION

National and international scientific societies advocate for a regular, systematic, and standardized global evaluation of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. However, there are no recommendations specifying the content of this global evaluation. This initiative aimed to propose a standardized reporting framework, using evidence-based and consensus approaches, to collect data on all domains of axSpA.

METHODS

A literature review and consensus process involved a steering committee and an expert panel of 37 rheumatologists and health professionals. The first steering committee took place in March 2022 and identified the main domains for inclusion in the standardized report. A hierarchical literature review was conducted to identify items within these domains and tools for assessment. The items and tools for assessment were discussed and consensus was reached through a vote session during an expert meeting that took place in March 2023.

RESULTS

The steering committee identified four main domains to include in the standardized reporting framework: disease assessment, comorbidities, lifestyle, and quality of life. Items and tools for assessment were adopted after the expert meeting. Additionally, recommendations regarding digital tools (websites, apps, social media) were provided.

CONCLUSION

This initiative led to a consensus, based on evidence and expertise, on a reporting framework for use during periodic systematic global evaluations of axSpa in daily practice.

Impact of the time of initiation and line of biologic therapy on the retention rate of secukinumab in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): data from the French multicentre retrospective FORSYA study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the 1-year retention rate of secukinumab in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and its predisposing factors with regard to its time of initiation (eg, right after or remotely from its launch).

METHODS

Study design: Retrospective multicentre French study of patients with axSpA. Study periods: Two cohorts were evaluated regarding the time of initiation of secukinumab: cohort 1 (C1)-between 16 August 2016 and 31 August 2018-and cohort 2 (C2)-between 1 September 2018 and 13 November 2020.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The 1-year retention rate of secukinumab was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to compare the retention curves of the two cohorts. Preselected factors (eg, disease characterristics, line and time of secukinumab initiation) of secukinumab retention at 1 year were analysed by univariate and multivariate Cox model regression.

RESULTS

In total, 906 patients in C1 and 758 in C2 from 50 centres were included in the analysis. The 1-year retention rate was better in C2 (64% (61%-68%)) vs C1 (59% (55%-62%)) (HR=1.19 (1.02-1.39); p=0.0297). In the multivariate analysis, the line of biologic therapy was the single predictive factor of the 1-year retention rate of secukinumab picked up in both cohorts, with a better retention rate when prescribed as first-line biologic therapy.

CONCLUSION

The better secukinumab retention rate remotely from its launch is explained by its use at an earlier stage of the disease, suggesting a change in the behaviour of prescribing physicians. Our results emphasise the relevance of iterative evaluations of routine care treatments.

Risk of severe infection associated with immunoglobulin deficiency under rituximab therapy in immune-mediated inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the risk of severe infection in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) treated with RTX and with Ig deficiency.

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective single-centre study of patients undergoing treatment with at least one rituximab (RTX) infusion for an IMID until 31 May 2020. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months after the last infusion or until severe infection or death. Ig deficiency was classified as prevalent (before RTX) or acquired (normal Ig assay results before RTX but Ig deficiency during a follow-up).

RESULTS

Of 311 patients, 10.6% had prevalent and 19.6% acquired Ig deficiency. Prevalent Ig deficiency was related to concomitant treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs), in particular with a high daily dose at baseline; and acquired Ig deficiency to cumulative dose of RTX, mean Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), immunosuppressor or GCs therapy at baseline, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Overall, 14.5% of patients had a severe infection during follow-up, which was numerically but not statistically more frequent in patients with prevalent Ig deficiency than normal Ig level. On multivariate analysis, risk of severe infection was associated with chronic pulmonary disease, GCs dose and mean DAS28-C reactive protein. In a time-dependent analysis, risk of severe infection was not associated with Ig deficiency, either acquired or prevalent (adjusted HR 1.04 (95% CI 0.5 to 2.3), p=0.92).

CONCLUSION

Risk of severe infection was not associated with RTX-induced Ig deficiency in patients with an IMID. RTX management should be discussed according to an individual assessment of the infectious risk, especially in patients with GC therapy or chronic lung disease.

Frequency of irritable bowel syndrome in spondyloarthritis: a multicentric cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of symptoms and factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA).

METHODS

In a cross-sectional multicentric study, consecutive patients with ax-SpA treated with biologics in five rheumatology departments were asked for IBS Rome IV criteria. Demographic data, lifestyle behaviours and disease characteristics were recorded. Second, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 500 patients with ax-SpA included, 124 reported IBS symptoms (25%). Female gender, unemployment, higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and worse Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index scores, multiple lines of biologics, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression and lower physical activity were associated with IBS symptoms. In multivariate model, the risk of IBS was associated with anxiety and physical inactivity. From the literature review, the prevalence of IBS in patients with SpA was 15.4% (8.8% to 23.3%). Meta-analysis of the five studies comparing the presence of IBS in patients with SpA (323/7292) and healthy controls (484/35587) showed a significant increase of IBS in patients with SpA (OR=1.59 (1.05 to 2.40)).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of IBS symptoms was high in the ax-SpA population and should therefore be considered in the presence of gastrointestinal disorders. The presence of IBS symptoms was associated with anxiety and low physical activity in multivariate analysis. Patients with IBS symptoms tended to have more difficult to manage disease characterised by higher activity, worse functional score and multiple lines of treatment in univariate analysis.

Factors associated with the retention of secukinumab in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in real-world practice: results from a retrospective study (FORSYA)

BACKGROUND

Secukinumab efficacy and retention data are emerging in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in real-world settings. However, limited data are available on the predictive factors that affect the retention rate. The key objective was to determine whether objective signs of inflammation (OSI) were predictive of secukinumab retention at 1 year.

METHODS

FORSYA is a French, multicentric, non-interventional, retrospective study in adult axSpA patients who received secukinumab treatment between its launch (11 August 2016) and 31 August 2018. The time to secukinumab discontinuation and retention were analysed using a Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis. OSI was predefined by at least one of the criteria: C reactive protein ≥5 mg/L or erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥28 mm/hour at secukinumab initiation or MRI inflammation at the sacroiliac or spine level.

RESULTS

In total, 906 patients from 48 centres were included in the analysis, 42.2% of whom were men, with a mean age of 46.2±11.7 years and a mean disease duration of 9.3±9.1 years. The 1-year KM retention rate (95% CI) for secukinumab was 59% (55%-62%), whereas for patients with and without OSI, it was 58% (54%-62%) and 63% (53%-73%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, lack of prior exposure to tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), absence of OSI and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were associated with a better retention of secukinumab at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Following its approval in France, ~59% of axSpA patients retained secukinumab in daily practice, at 1 year. Prior exposure to TNFi, OSI and IBD were identified as risk factors for secukinumab discontinuation.

Risk of Cancer After Initiation of Targeted Therapies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and a Prior Cancer: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk of recurrent or new malignancy with exposure to targeted disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and a history of cancer.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of the literature for articles published up to June 2019 that investigated adults with RA, axial SpA, or PsA who had a history of cancer and received biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs (bDMARDs or tsDMARDs). We compared the risk of relapse or occurrence of new cancer between patients with and without bDMARDs. Rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated. The heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated by the Cochran Q test and the I² statistic.

RESULTS

We included 24 observational studies of chronic inflammatory arthritis; of those, 12 were included in the meta-analysis of RA patients receiving bDMARDs. As compared with RA patients with a history of cancer and not receiving bDMARDs, for those receiving any bDMARD, the overall RR for risk of neoplasia was 1.09 (95% CI 0.92-1.32; P = 0.31, I²  = 8%); with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, it was 1.11 (95% CI 0.85-1.46; P = 0.45, I²  = 48%); and with rituximab, it was 0.79 (95% CI 0.41-1.53; P = 0.49, I²  = 0%). The RR for risk of recurrence for skin cancer was 1.32 (95% CI 1.02-1.72; P = 0.04, I²  = 0%) and for breast neoplasia 1.21 (95% CI 0.84-1.72; P = 0.31, I²  = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Apart from skin cancers including melanoma, the risk of recurrent or new cancer is not increased with the initiation of bDMARDs for RA as compared with no bDMARDs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation which are reversed by inflammation control

OBJECTIVE

to assess how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) affect gut permeability.

METHODS

to explore colonic mucosa integrity, tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin and claudin 2 were quantified by immunohistochemistry on colonic biopsies in 20 RA patients and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Staining intensity was assessed by two blinded independent readers. To explore intestinal permeability, serum concentrations of LPS-binding protein (LBP), sCD14 and zonulin-related proteins (ZRP) were evaluated by ELISA in another cohort of 59 RA: 21 patients naive of DMARDs (17 before and after introduction of a conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs), 38 patients with severe RA (before and after introduction of a biological (b) DMARDs), and 33 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Z0-1 protein was less expressed in colon of RA patients than controls (mean score ± SEM of 1.6 ± 0.56 vs 2.0 ± 0.43; p= 0.01), while no significant difference was detected for occludin and claudin-2. RA patients had higher serum LBP and sCD14 concentrations than controls. LBP and sCD14 levels were significantly correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.61, p= 0.005 and r = 0.57, p= 0.01, respectively) while ZRP did not. bDMARD responders had significantly reduced LBP and sCD14 concentrations unlike bDMARDs non-responders and patients treated with csDMARDs.

CONCLUSION

RA patients have altered colonic tight junction proteins and increased serum biomarkers of intestinal permeability. There was a correlation between serological markers of intestinal permeability and disease activity as well as bDMARD response. These results suggest a link between impaired gut integrity and systemic inflammation in RA.

POS0300 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SECUKINUMAB (SEC) RETENTION IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS (axSpA): RESULTS OF THE FRENCH RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FORSYA

Background

While data on real-life SEC retention rate in patients (pts) with axSpA is accumulating, there are no data on predictive factors for this retention. Presence of objective sign of inflammation (OSI) are known to be predictive of efficacy of anti-TNFs and their retention in axSpA.

Objectives

To assess whether OSI were predictive of SEC retention at 1 year in axSpA.

Methods

French retrospective study collecting between October 2019 and September 2020 data from axSpA pts a) having initiated and received at least one dose of SEC between August 11th 2016 and August 31st 2018, b)with at least a one year follow-up period. Retention of SEC at 1 year was estimated by the Kaplan Meier (KM) method. OSI were defined by at least one of the following: CRP> N, MRI-inflammation at the sacroiliac or spine level. Preselected factors of SEC retention at 1 year (≥1 OSI, age, sex, BMI, smoking, HLA B27, non-radiographic vs radiographic axSpA, past or present uveitis / Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) / psoriasis / arthritis or synovitis, diagnostic delay, disease duration, SEC line of biologic therapy, SEC maintenance dose, concomitant csDMARD / oral corticosteroids / proton pomp inhibitor, history of depression / fibromyalgia) were analyzed by multivariate cox model regression. Only variables with <20% missing data were included in the model after imputation and stepwise selection (significance level for entering variables = 20%; for removing variables = 10%). OSI was forced into the model whatever its significance level or rate of missing data.

Results

In total, 906 pts from 47 centers (male: 42.2%, mean age: 46.2 ± 11.7 years, mean disease duration: 9,3 ± 9.1 years), were included in the analysis. At initiation of SEC, 86.3% of pts had ≥ 1 OSI and respectively 8.0%, 14.9% and 77.1% were in 1st, 2nd and ≥ 3rd line (L) of biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD. The 1 year KM survival rate for SEC was 59% [95%CI:55%-62%] overall, 58% [54%-62%] and 63% [53%-73%] for pts with or without OSI, and was numerically greater in 1st L vs 2nd and ≥3rd L (70% [59%-81%], 62% [54%-70%], 57% [53%-61%] respectively). In multivariate analysis absence of OSI, lack of prior exposure to anti-TNF inhibitors, absence of IBD, and absence of history of depression were associated with a better SEC retention at 1 year (Table 1).

Table 1.

Predictive factors of SEC 1 year retention identified by multivariate cox regression analysis (multiple imputation + stepwise selection)

Predictive factors (* reference)Still on SEC at 1 Year (%)#HR [95% CI]p vs refp type III≥ 1 objective sign of inflammationNo (N=165)*65.3%yes (N=711)58.8%1.44 [1.08; 1.93]0.014SEC treatment line1st L (N=68)*72.2%0.0842nd L (N=132)62.7%1.53 [0.91; 2.57]0.107≥ 3rd L (N=676)57.6%1.67 [1.06; 2.62]0.028Past or present history of IBDNo (N=854)*59.8%Yes (N=22)40.9%1.76 [1.01; 3.07]0.047History of depression or anti-depressive concomitant treatmentNo (N=716)*60.8%Yes (N=160)54.5%1.25 [0.97; 1.60]0.090

# without imputation for missing data

Interpretation HR > 1: the hazard of discontinuation at 1 year is X times higher vs reference

Conclusion

The overall retention of SEC at 1 year in daily practice at the time of its launch in France was 59% for axSpA patients and OSI, prior exposure to TNF inhibitors, IBD and history of depression were identified as predictive factors of SEC retention.

Acknowledgements

Authors thank the participating investigators, centers and patients. NOVARTIS Pharma France financially supported this study.

Disclosure of Interests

Maxime Dougados Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France, Julien Lucas: None declared, Emilie Desfleurs Employee of: Novartis employee, Pascal Claudepierre Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France, Philippe Goupille Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France, Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France, Alain Saraux Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France, Anne Tournadre Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Fresenius-Kabi, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Fresenius-Kabi, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Fresenius-Kabi, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi, Daniel Wendling Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France, Cédric Lukas Consultant of: Honorarium from Novartis Pharma France

POS0700 IMPACT OF DELAYING INITIATION OF METHOTREXATE BY 1 MONTH ON THE OUTCOME OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AT 1 YEAR

Background

It is recommended that vaccinations should be performed prior to start methotrexate (MTX) knowing that delaying initiation of background therapy may have an impact on the progression of RA.

Objectives

To access the impact of delaying initiation of MTX by 1 month on the outcome of RA at 1 year.

Methods

The VACIMRA study is a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter trial comparing the vaccine protection obtained in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the 1-month delay between anti-pneumococcal vaccine PCV13 and methotrexate initiation in one arm, versus immediate introduction of MTX following vaccination in the other arm. We analyzed disease activity based on DAS28-ESR at baseline (M0), 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months between the 2 groups. For structural progression, we performed a radiographic analysis of 79 RA patients included in the Montpellier center at baseline, 6 and 12 months. This analysis was performed by the same physician two times, blinded to the patient’s group. Structural damage progression at 6 months and 1 year was assessed according to van-der-Heijde-modified Sharp score (vSHS) on radiographs performed at inclusion, at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Comparisons of the means of activity scores and radiographic scores were made with the non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.

Results

Of the 276 patients randomized, 261 could be analyzed (131 in the IMMEDIATE group and 130 in the DELAY group). At inclusion, there were no significant differences in demographic, disease activity (DAS28-ESR), biological and radiographic characteristics between the 2 groups (Table 1).

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics

VariableModalityTotal populationGROUP IMMEDIATEGROUPE DELAYpGender, n(%)N=261n=131n=1300.97Man74 (28.35)37 (28.24)37 (28.46)Woman187 (71.65)94 (71.76)93 (71.54)Age (years)Mean (± SD)55.74 (± 14.68)55.31 (± 15.27)56.16 (± 14.11)0.76MTX true naive (n(% col))No13 (4.98)8 (6.11)5 (3.85)0.40yes248 (95.02)123 (93.89)125 (96.15)Age at diagnosis (years)Mean (± SD)N=205 55.86 (± 15.16)n=98 55.31 (± 16.07)n=107 56.37 (± 14.34)0.80Positive rheumatoid factorn(% col)166 (64.59)84 (65.12)82 (64.06)0.86Positive ACPAn(% col)174 (68.24)89 (68.99)85 (67.46)0.79CRP (mg/L)Mean (± SD)N=260 17.62 (± 24.87)n=131 15.36 (± 17.95)n=129 19.91 (± 30.23)0.65DAS28-ESRMean (± SD)N=249 5.01 (± 1.11)n=125 5.03 (± 1.13)n=12 4.98 (± 1.10)0.54Sharp modified VdH total radiographic scoreMean (± SD)N=93 1.53 (± 3.62)n=47 1.57 (± 3.68)n=46 1.48 (± 3.60)0.88

DAS 28-ESR evolution during 1 year of follow-up

There was a significant difference in the means of DAS28-ESR at 1 month between the DELAY and IMMEDIAT groups (3.96 ± 1.46 vs 3.41 ± 1.33; p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the means of DAS28-ESR between the 2 groups at 3 months (3.19± 1.46 in the 2 groups p<0.91), at 6 months (3.11 ± 1.42 vs 3.24 ± 1.43; p=0.46, respectively) and at 12 months (2.96 ± 1.34 vs 2.98 ± 1.26p=0.89) (Graphic). Similarly, there was no significant difference in mean radiographic scores at 6 months (2.00 ± 4.41 vs. 1.80 ± 4.03 p=0.81) or at 12 months (2.23 ± 4.86 vs. 2.00 ± 4.07 p=0.93).

There was no significant variation between radiographic scores at 6 months compared to baseline in either group (mean difference 0.21 ± 0.52 vs. 0.36 ± 1.01, p=0.90) nor at 12 months compared to baseline (mean difference 0.40 ± 1.06 vs. 0.62 ± 1.58, p=0.85).

Conclusion

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, initiation of methotrexate 1 month after PCV13 vaccination has no significant impact on RA activity and structural outcome at 1 year. Performing vaccinations 1 month before starting MTX can be proposed without significant impact on RA outcome at 1 year.

Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1000 MORE THAN 30 % OF WOMEN WITH SPONDYLOARTHRITIS HAVE AN UNFAVORABLE PREGNANCY OUTCOME MOST FREQUENTLY DUE TO SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE: ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTIVE GR2 COHORT

Background

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and regularly affects women of childbearing age1. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact of the disease and its treatment on pregnancy.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in women with SpA.

Methods

All SpA patients (diagnosis according to the Rheumatologist) included in the national multicenter GR2 cohort from 2015 to June 2021 were included in the analysis. Patients could be included either with a pregnancy wish (i.e., preconceptional period) or because of a clinical pregnancy (<12 weeks of gestation). The main endpoint was favorable pregnancy outcome, a composite outcome defined as a live birth at term ≥ 37 gestation weeks of a healthy newborn with a weight greater than the 10th percentile. We performed a multilevel logistic regression model, in which we considered patient and center random effects (patient random effect for some women included in the cohort two times). Disease activity was defined by a BASDAI score ≥ 4 at least once during pregnancy. We used a multiple imputation to address missing data among the explanatory variables. Results are presented as an odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI).

Results

Among the 207 pregnancies in women with SpA included in the GR2 cohort, 126 were retained for analysis of obstetrical outcome. Of these, 29 (23.0%), 14 (11.1%), 69 (54.8%) were exposed to corticosteroid, NSAID and biologics at least once during pregnancy, respectively. An active disease at least once during pregnancy was found in 47 (37.3%) pregnancies. A live birth was found in 116 (92.1%) women, including 110 (87.3%) full-term births. Early miscarriages and stillbirths were observed in 7 (0.06%) and 3 (0.02%) women, respectively. A caesarean section was performed in 20 (17.2%) cases.

A favorable pregnancy outcome was found in 80 (63.5%) of the women. Unfavorable pregnancy outcome was most frequently due to small for gestational age, observed in 22 (19%) pregnancies. The multivariate model adjusted for age, BMI, nulliparity, active disease during pregnancy, smoking, and exposure to NSAIDs and corticosteroids during pregnancy found an association between unfavorable pregnancy outcome with nulliparity (OR 2.63 95% CI [1.01-6.81] p = 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides original results on pregnancy in women with SpA. It found a favorable pregnancy outcome in 63.5% of women. Unfavorable pregnancy outcome was most frequently due to small for gestational age, which should lead to a coordinated management with obstetricians for the follow-up of pregnancy in women with SpA.

References

[1]Van den Brandt S. Arthritis Res Ther. 2017;19(1):64.

Table 1.

Multilevel logistic regression model: factors associated with unfavorable pregnancy outcome in women with SpA.

Univariate analysesMultivariate analysesCrude OR 95% CIpAdjusted OR 95% CIpAge1.01 [0.92-1.10]0.8591.05 [0.95-1.17]0.297BMI0.99 [0.91-1.07]0.7960.99 [0.90-1.08]0.747Nulliparity2.16 [0.94-4.94]0.0712.63 [1.01-6.81]0.049Smoking0.84 [0.23-3.03]0.8050.84 [0.22-3.21]0.805Disease activity*0.98 [0.40-2.43]0.9641.15 [0.43-3.07]0.778Corticosteroids**1.09 [0.45-2.65]0.8761.15 [0.51-2.71]0.902NSAIDs**0.65 [0.18-2.33]0.1960.67 [0.18-2.56]0.565

* BASDAI score ≥ 4 at least once during pregnancy.

** Use at least once during pregnancy

Acknowledgements

The GR2 Cohort is supported by the French Society of Rheumatology, the French Internal Medicine Society, and unrestricted grants from UCB.

Disclosure of Interests

SABRINA HAMROUN: None declared, Marion Couderc: None declared, Rene-Marc Flipo: None declared, Jérémie SELLAM: None declared, Christophe Richez Speakers bureau: CR has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, Amgen, Astra Zeneca, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, GSK, MSD, Novartis, and Pfizer, all unrelated to this manuscript., Rakiba Belkhir: None declared, Laure Gossec: None declared, Hubert MAROTTE: None declared, Emmanuelle Dernis: None declared, Aline Frazier-Mironer: None declared, Elisabeth Gervais: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Valerie Devauchelle-Pensec: None declared, Laëtitia Dunogeant: None declared, Alban Deroux: None declared, Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau: None declared, Anna Moltó: None declared

AB0760 Factors associated with the retention of secukinumab (SEC) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in real world practice: Results from the retrospective FORSYA study

Background

While data on real-life retention of SEC in patients (pts) with PsA is accumulating, there are no data on predictive factors for this retention.

Objectives

The primary objective of FORSYA study was to assess whether objective signs of inflammation (OSI) were predictive of SEC retention at 1 year.

Methods

French retrospective study collecting between October 2019 and September 2020 data from axSpA pts a) having initiated and received at least one dose of SEC between August 11th 2016 and August 31st 2018, b)with at least a one year follow-up period. Retention of SEC at 1 year was estimated by the Kaplan Meier (KM) method. OSI were defined by at least one of the following within the 3 months before initiation of SEC: CRP> N, confirmed clinical dactylitis, confirmed clinical synovitis or ultrasonography power-Doppler positive synovitis except on MTP of first toe. Preselected factors at initiation of SEC retention at 1 year (≥1 OSI, age, sex, BMI, smoking status, axial feature, past or present psoriasis / uveitis / Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) / active arthritis or synovitis, diagnostic delay, disease duration, SEC line of biologic therapy, SEC maintenance dose, concomitant csDMARD, concomitant oral corticosteroids, ≥1 comorbidity) were analyzed by multivariate cox model regression. Only variables with <20% missing data were included in the model after imputation and stepwise selection (significance level for entering variables = 20%; for removing variables = 10%). OSI was forced into the model whatever its significance level or rate of missing data.

Results

In total, 475 pts (male: 40.2%, mean age: 51.9 ± 12.2 years, mean disease duration: 9.3 ± 8.6 years) from 48 centers were included in the analysis. At initiation of SEC, 62.2% of pts had ≥ 1 OSI and respectively 11.0%, 19.5% and 69.6% were in 1st, 2nd and ≥ 3rd line (L) of biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD. The overall 1 year KM survival rate for SEC was 63% [95%CI: 59%-68%] and was numerically greater in 1st L vs 2nd and ≥3rd L (82% [72%-93%], 62% [52-72%], 61% [56%-66%] respectively). The overall survival rates for PsA pts with or without OSI were 62% [56%-68%] and 71% [62%-80%]. In multivariate analysis, absence of OSI, longer disease duration and lack of prior exposure to anti-TNF inhibitors were associated with a better SEC retention at 1 year (Table 1).

Table 1.

Predictive factors of SEC 1 year retention of SEC identified by multivariate cox regression analysis (multiple imputation + Stepwise selection)

Predictive factors (* reference)HR [95% CI]p vs refp type IIIAt least one objective sign of inflammationNo (N=175)*Yes (N=295)1.46 [1.05; 2.02]0.023Disease duration (years)≤ 7.2 years (N=241)*> 7.2 years (N=229)0.69 [0.51; 0.94]0.017Secukinumab treatment line1st L (N=50)*0.0152nd L (N=92)2.43 [1.17; 5.05]0.018≥ 3rd L (N=328)2.72 [1.38; 5.36]0.004

Interpretation for predictor: HR> 1: the hazard of discontinuation at 1 year is X times higher in category vs reference.

Conclusion

The overall retention of SEC at 1 year in daily practice at the time of its launch in France was 63% for PsA patients and OSI, disease duration and prior exposure to TNF inhibitors were identified as predictive factors of SEC retention.

Acknowledgements

Authors thank all participating investigators, centers and patients. This study was financially supported by NOVARTIS Pharma France.

Disclosure of Interests

Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France, Julien Lucas: None declared, Emilie Desfleurs Employee of: Novartis, Pascal Claudepierre Consultant of: Honorarium fees from Novartis France, Maxime Dougados Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France, Philippe Goupille Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France, Cédric Lukas Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France, Alain Saraux Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France, Anne Tournadre Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France, Daniel Wendling Consultant of: honorarium fees from Novartis France

POS0621 MORE THAN 40% OF WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS HAVE A TIME-TO-CONCEPTION LONGER THAN 1 YEAR: ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTIVE GR2 COHORT

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and regularly affects women of childbearing age1. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact of the disease and its treatment on fertility.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine factors associated with time-to-conception in women with RA.

Methods

All RA patients (diagnosis according to the Rheumatologist) included in the national multicenter GR2 cohort from 2015 to June 2021 were included in the analysis. Patients could be included either with a pregnancy wish (i.e., preconceptional period) or because of a clinical pregnancy (<12 weeks of gestation): for this analysis, only patients included preconceptionally were included. The main endpoint was time-to-conception, and the secondary endpoints were the number of subfertile patients (i.e., time-to-conception >12 months or non-achievement of pregnancy), as well as the number exposed to csDMARDs and biologics in the preconception period. We performed survival analyses, using a Cox model including a random effect for the center to account for heterogeneity of practices among participating centers. We used a multiple imputation to address missing data among the explanatory variables. Results are presented as a hazard ratio (HR) with confidence interval (CI) to assess associations between the factors studied and time-to-conception.

Results

Among the 167 patients with RA included in the GR2 cohort, 78 were selected for the main analysis of time-to-conception. Of these, 40 (51.3%) had a clinical pregnancy during follow-up. Subfertility was observed in 33 (42.3%) women and median time-to-conception was 19.1 months; mean preconception DAS28-CRP score was 2.3 (+/- 1.2).

Patients were treated during the preconceptional period with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, csDMARDs and biotherapy in 10 (12.8%), 35 (44.9%), 24 (30.8%), and 32 (41.0%) cases, respectively. The multivariate model adjusted for age, BMI, DAS28-CRP, disease duration, ACPA positivity, and exposure to corticosteroids and biologics in the preconception period found an association between increased preconception delay and age (HR (per year) 1. 12 95% CI [1.04-1.16] p = 0.01) as well as disease duration (HR (per year) 1.06 95% CI [1.02-1.15] p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This study provides original results on fertility in women with RA. It found a median time-to-conception of 19.1 months, with a subfertility rate of 42.3%, which is significantly higher than the general population2. In this context, it seems essential to discuss this topic from the beginning of the disease in women of childbearing age.

References

[1]Van den Brandt S. Arthritis Res Ther. 2017;19(1):64.

[2]Junul S. Hum Reprod. 1999;14(5):1250-4.

Table 1.

Survival analyses (Cox model): factors associated with time-to-conception in women with RA.

Univariate analysesMultivariate analysesCrude HR 95% CIpAdjusted HR 95% CIpAge1.11 [1.04-1.18]0.0021.12 [1.04-1.16]0.015BMI1.06 [0.99-1.16]0.1031.08 [0.99-1.16]0.062ACPA positivity1.75 [0.90-3.39]0.1071.44 [0.65-2.86]0.310Disease duration1.03 [0.98-1.08]0.2671.06 [1.02-1.15]0.032DAS28-CRP score1.08 [0.81-1.45]0.5921.08 [0.92-1.32]0.170Corticosteroids0.91 [0.51-1.65]0.7690.86 [0.42-1.68]0.620Biologics1.52 [0.82-2.81]0.1891.30 [0.62-2.78]0.630Figure 1.

Cumulative incidence curves for pregnancies in women with RA.

Acknowledgements

The GR2 Cohort is supported by the French Society of Rheumatology, the French Internal Medicine Society, and unrestricted grants from UCB.

Disclosure of Interests

SABRINA HAMROUN: None declared, Marion Couderc: None declared, Laure Gossec: None declared, Rene-Marc Flipo: None declared, Hubert MAROTTE: None declared, Christophe Richez Speakers bureau: CR has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, Amgen, Astra Zeneca, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, GSK, MSD, Novartis, and Pfizer, all unrelated to this manuscript., Aline Frazier-Mironer: None declared, Jérémie SELLAM: None declared, Elisabeth Gervais: None declared, Valerie Devauchelle-Pensec: None declared, Alban Deroux: None declared, Rakiba Belkhir: None declared, AZEDDINE DELLAL: None declared, Laëtitia Dunogeant: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Emmanuel Chatelus: None declared, Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau: None declared, Anna Moltó: None declared

OP0127 UNFAVORABLE PREGNANCY OUTCOME IS SIGNIFICANTLY ASSOCIATED WITH CORTICOSTEROID EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY IN WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTIVE GR2 COHORT

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and regularly affects women of childbearing age1. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact of the disease and its treatment on pregnancy.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in women with RA.

Methods

All RA patients (diagnosis according to the Rheumatologist) included in the national multicenter GR2 cohort from 2015 to June 2021 were included in the analysis. Patients could be included either with a pregnancy wish (i.e., preconceptional period) or because of a clinical pregnancy (<12 weeks of gestation). The main endpoint was favorable pregnancy outcome, a composite outcome defined as a live birth at term ≥ 37 gestation weeks of a healthy newborn with a weight greater than the 10th percentile. Disease activity was defined by a DAS28-CRP score > 3.2 at least once during pregnancy. We performed a multilevel logistic regression model, in which we considered patient and center random effects (patient random effect for some women included in the cohort two times). We used a multiple imputation procedure to address missing data among the explanatory variables. Results are presented as an odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI).

Results

Among the 167 pregnancies in women with RA included in the GR2 cohort, 92 were retained for analysis of obstetrical outcome. Of these, 43 (46.2%), 8 (7.9%), 40 (43.5%) were exposed to corticosteroid, NSAID and biologics at least once during pregnancy, respectively. A moderate or severe disease activity at least once during pregnancy was found in 20 (21.8%) pregnancies. A live birth was found in 83 (90.2%) women, including 69 (83.1%) full-term births. Early miscarriages were observed in 9 (0.1%) women. A caesarean section was performed in 22 (23.9%) cases.

A favorable pregnancy outcome was found in 52 (56.5%) of the women. Unfavorable pregnancy outcome was mainly due to prematurity and small for gestational age, observed in 14 (16.9%) and 17 (20.5%), respectively. The multivariate model adjusted for age, BMI, nulliparity, active disease during pregnancy, smoking, and exposure to biologics and corticosteroids during pregnancy found an association between an unfavorable pregnancy outcome and nulliparity (OR 6.2 95% CI [2.1-17.8] p = 0.002), age (OR (per year) 1.1 95% CI [1.0-1.3] p = 0.02) and exposition to corticosteroids during pregnancy (OR 3.2 95% CI [1.1-9.6] p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This study provides original results on pregnancy in women with RA. It found a favorable pregnancy outcome in 56.5% of women. Unfavorable pregnancy outcome was associated with age, nulliparity and corticosteroids use during pregnancy, which argues for their careful use during pregnancy.

References

[1]Van den Brandt S. Arthritis Res Ther. 2017;19(1):64.

Table 1.

Multilevel logistic regression model: factors associated with unfavorable pregnancy outcome in women with RA.

Univariate analysesMultivariate analysesCrude OR 95% CIpAdjusted OR 95% CIpAge1.09 [1.01-1.19]0.0361.14 [1.02-1.28]0.019BMI0.93 [0.83-1.04]0.1960.91 [0.77-1.08]0.204Nulliparity4.18 [1.66-10.53]0.0036.16 [2.13-17.76]0.002Smoking1.08 [0.29-3.36]0.9961.65 [0.37-7.22]0.141Disease activity*1.06 [0.40-2.81]0.9110.98 [0.21-2.28]0.753Corticosteroids**2.45 [1.05-5.68]0.0393.22 [1.09-9.57]0.038Biologics**1.05 [0.11-3.54]0.5892.02 [0.70-4.12]0.194

* Moderate or severe disease activity at least once during pregnancy.

** Use at least once during pregnancy

Acknowledgements

The GR2 Cohort is supported by the French Society of Rheumatology, the French Internal Medicine Society, and unrestricted grants from UCB.

Disclosure of Interests

SABRINA HAMROUN: None declared, Marion Couderc: None declared, Rene-Marc Flipo: None declared, Laure Gossec: None declared, Christophe Richez Speakers bureau: CR has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, Amgen, Astra Zeneca, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, GSK, MSD, Novartis, and Pfizer, all unrelated to this manuscript., Rakiba Belkhir: None declared, Aline Frazier-Mironer: None declared, Valerie Devauchelle-Pensec: None declared, Hubert MAROTTE: None declared, Jérémie SELLAM: None declared, Elisabeth Gervais: None declared, Alban Deroux: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Emmanuelle Dernis: None declared, Emmanuel Chatelus: None declared, Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau: None declared, Anna Moltó: None declared

Impact of disease activity outcome measures reporting in the medical records of patients with axial spondyloarthritis on the retention rates of biological treatment: the example of secukinumab use in daily practice in France

Objectives

To estimate the frequency of reporting composite indices evaluating axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) disease activity in daily practice and to assess its impact on the secukinumab (SEC) retention rate.

Methods

Study design: Retrospective, multicentre. Data collected: (1) Recommended composite indices: Bath Ankylosing Spondyltitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) +C reactive protein or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) at the time of initiation of SEC and at least once during the first year of follow-up; (2) Drug retention rate: percentage of patients still on SEC over time according to whether at least one recommended composite index had been optimally reported.

Results

A recommended composite index has been collected in 22% of the 906 enrolled axSpA patients. The percentage of patients still on treatment after 1, 2 and 3 years of follow-up was greater in those for whom at least one composite index had been optimally reported (respectively, 64% (57–71) vs 57% (54–61), 55% (48–62) vs 41% (38–45) and 52% (44–59) vs 38% (34–42), log rank test, p=0.016) with a lower risk of SEC discontinuation for these patients (HR: 0.70 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.88), Cox model, p=0.003).

Conclusion

This study suggests that reporting of recommended composites indices for monitoring axSpA might be associated with higher retention rates of biological therapies.

Impact of multimorbidity on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis: data from the Espoir cohort

OBJECTIVE

Multimorbidity is frequent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and could interfere with the therapeutic response. The aim of this study was to evaluate multimorbidity in the French cohort of early arthritis, the ESPOIR cohort, and its possible impact on the therapeutic response.

METHODS

We included patients fulfilling 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA. An adapted MultiMorbidity Index (aMMI) was developed. Each patient was assigned scores of binary aMMI (0= no comorbidity, 1= at least 1 comorbidity) and counted and weighted aMMI. The primary endpoint was achievement of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) low disease activity after initiation of a first disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) according to the aMMI. We collected data from the visit preceding the first DMARD initiation and the visit after at least 3 months of treatment. The impact of aMMI on therapeutic maintenance at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was evaluated.

RESULTS

Analyses involved 472 patients: 302 (64%) had at least 1 comorbidity. Overall, 45.3% and 44.7% with binary aMMI= 0 or 1, respectively (non significant), achieved CDAI low disease activity. Similar results were found with counted and weighted aMMI. Therapeutic maintenance was significantly better with binary aMMI = 1 than binary aMMI = 0 (OR at 10 years= 14.0 [CI 95% 3.3-59.4]). Increased counted aMMI was associated with increased probability of still being on the first initiated DMARD at each time point.

CONCLUSION

In the ESPOIR cohort, therapeutic response to a first DMARD was not affected by multimorbidity but therapeutic maintenance was better in multimorbid patients.

Cancer incidence in primary Sjögren's syndrome: Data from the French hospitalization database

The relationship between cancer and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is uncertain. While the increased risk of hematological malignancies is well-known, data on the comparative incidence of solid neoplasms is conflicting. This study aimed to explore the associations between cancer and pSS. This nationwide population-based retrospective study from the French health insurance database (PMSI) evaluated patients hospitalized with new-onset pSS from 2011 to 2018 against age- and sex-matched hospitalized controls (1:10). The incidence of hematological malignancies and solid neoplasms was compared between the two groups. Mortality and multiple cancer incidence were also evaluated. Adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHR) calculations included confounding factors, such as low socioeconomic status. Among 25,661 hospitalized patients with pSS versus 252,543 matched patients (median follow-up of 3.96 years), we observed a higher incidence rate of lymphomas (aHR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.59-2.43]), Waldenström macroglobulinemia (aHR, 10.8 [6.5-18.0]), and leukemia (aHR, 1.61 [1.1-2.4]). Thyroid cancer incidence was higher (aHR, 1.7 [1.1-2.8]), whereas bladder and breast cancer incidences were lower (aHR, 0.58 [0.37-0.89] and 0.60 [0.49-0.74], respectively). pSS patients with breast cancer exhibited a lower mortality rate. A limitation was that the database only encompasses hospitalized patients, and immunological and histological details are not listed. We confirmed the increased risk of hematological malignancies and thyroid cancers among patients with pSS. The lower risk of breast cancer suggests a role of hormonal factors and raises questions of the concept of immune surveillance within breast tissue. Epidemiological and translational studies are required to elucidate the relationships between pSS and cancer.

Lipomatous pancreas facilitates late onset of renal cell carcinoma metastases

BACKGROUND

Late metastasizing into pancreatic tissue is a special hallmark of renal cell carcinomas (RCC). A very low prevalence leads to scarce data about therapy, prognosis and spreading pathways. The aim of the study was to analyze whether a high fat content in the pancreas facilitates RCC metastases formation. A model for density measurement of pancreatic tissue has been developed and evaluated. Pancreatic fat content was measured comparing Hounsfield units (HU) of CT scans.

METHODS

In a consecutive single centre retrospective database of 3600 patients with pancreatic resections, only 12 patients (0.3%) cases of RCC metastases in the pancreas were found. HU were measured in 3 pancreatic regions: head, body and tail in patients' CT scans. HU values were compared to a control population and results aligned with recent literature.

RESULTS

We revealed a prevalence of pancreatic metastases of RCC in 0.3% of cases. The formation of RCC in the pancreas occurred within 14 ± 5.6 years after initial diagnosis of RCC. 83.3% of the patients were alive after a follow-up period of up to 48 months. Clinical data analysis revealed an affinity for metastatic formation to lipomatous pancreas. This could be objectivized by HU analysis in CT scans.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic metastases occur late after the first diagnosis of renal carcinoma and show an affinity for lipomatous pancreatic tissues. Due to its rarity in occurrence, multicentric studies are highly recommended to further analyze this correlation between fatty pancreas and RCC.

Most Appropriate Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug to Combine With Different Advanced Therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Literature Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

In rheumatoid arthritis, the association between advanced therapies (including biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs] and targeted synthetic DMARDs) and methotrexate (MTX) is recommended by international societies. When MTX cannot be used, other conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) may be proposed. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of MTX and non-MTX csDMARDs in combination with advanced therapies.

METHODS

We systematically searched the literature for studies comparing the effectiveness, retention rate, and safety of MTX versus non-MTX csDMARDs (leflunomide or others) in combination with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab, and JAK inhibitors. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan, using an inverse variance approach with fixed or random-effects models. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated.

RESULTS

The literature search revealed 3,842 articles; 41 studies were included for the systematic literature review and 21 for the meta-analysis: 13 with TNFi, 3 with abatacept, and 5 with rituximab. For TNFi, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) response at 6 months was lower for patients receiving non-MTX csDMARDs than for those using MTX (RR 0.93 [95% CI 0.87, 1.0], P = 0.04; n = 3,843; I² = 28%), with a lower retention rate at 12 months. For abatacept, effectiveness and safety were similar between the 2 groups. For rituximab, a good EULAR response was higher with leflunomide than MTX (RR 1.38 [95% CI 1.13, 1.68], P = 0.001; n = 2,078; I² = 0%), with similar adverse event rates. Meta-analysis for tocilizumab or JAK inhibitors could not be performed.

CONCLUSION

The different csDMARDs seem safe and efficient to combine with advanced therapies in RA patients. Although MTX seems slightly superior to other csDMARDs in combination with TNFi, leflunomide might be superior to MTX in combination with rituximab.

AB0493 WHAT IS THE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF IMPAIRED SPINAL MOBILITY MEASUREMENTS IN INFLAMMATORY BACK PAIN PATIENTS? DATA FROM THE DESIR COHORT

Background:

The diagnostic process in a patient with early inflammatory back pain suggestive of axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) requires assessment and integration of multiple aspects, including clinical examination, biological measurements and radiologic assessments. Among the physical examination features, alteration of spinal mobility is often observed in ax-SpA. However, whether mobility impairment might really increase diagnostic likelihood, and which of the measurements made have relevant diagnostic value remains unknown.

Objectives:

To describe the frequency and severity of mobility impairment in multiple traditional measurements in patients suspect of early ax-SpA at initial assessment time, and to analyze their individual diagnostic performances in reference to usual classification criteria applied after 2 years of follow-up.

Methods:

Data from the DESIR cohort, which included patients aged 18-50 with inflammatory back pain lasting for 3 months to 3 years and a clinical suspicion of ax-SpA diagnosis were used. Baseline measurements of Schober’s test (Schober), chest expansion (CEx), lateral spinal flexion (LatSpiFlex), cervical rotation (CervRot) and intermalleolar distance (IntMalDist) collected at baseline were classified according to reference data from the general population adjusted for age and -when appropriate- for height. Cutoffs were defined as above 2.5th, 5th, 10th and 25th percentiles. With ASAS classification for ax-SpA applied at 2 years follow-up visit as external reference, diagnostic performances (Sensitivity [Se], Specificity [Sp], Positive [PPV] and Negative [NPV] Predictive Values) were calculated.

Results:

Complete data were available for 575 patients (of whom 377 (66%) fulfilled the ASAS criteria at 2 years). Schober, CEx, LatSpiFlex, CervRot and IntMalDist were above 5th percentile in respectively 278 (48%), 82 (14%), 220 (38%) and 93 (16%) patients. None of the measurements showed a clinically relevant compromise between both Se and Sp, but Sp was highest for CEx-most impaired cutoffs (Figure 1). The highest PPV (73.6%) and NPV (39.4%) were observed for LatSpiFlex.

Conclusion:

Measures of mobility and their levels of impairment do not show sufficient individual diagnostic value for ax-SpA among patients with early inflammatory back pain. However, highest degrees of impairment when compared to general population are more specifically observed in patients finally classified with ax-SpA for CEx, which was –consistently- 1 of the 2 mobility measures that was retained in the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis.

Disclosure of Interests:

Cédric Lukas Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai;, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB; Sanofi;, Grant/research support from: Pfizer: Novartis, Gisèle Khoury Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Maria-Antonietta d’Agostino: None declared., Bernard Combe Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai, Jacques Morel Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai.

POS1082 CATASTROPHIZING IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

Catastrophizing is a negative cognitivo-affective response to an anxiety-provoking stimulus, especially anticipated or actual pain. It can be quickly assessed using a validated questionnaire: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)1. Catastrophizing plays a role in maintaining chronic pain and is associated with several pain-related outcomes in osteoarthritis and low back pain. To our knowledge, there are no data on catastrophizing in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence of catastrophizing and associated factors in PsA.

Methods:

We performed a bi-centric observational, prospective study. All patients aged 18 or over with PsA fulfilling the 2006 CASPAR criteria were consecutively included. Sociodemographic data, information on the disease and its treatments were collected as well as questionnaires for disease activity (BASDAI), function (HAQ, BASFI), quality of life (SF12, EQ5D), anxiety and depression (HADS, GAD7), fibromyalgia (FiRST), insomnia (ISI) and catastrophizing scores (PCS). Statistical analysis included samples T-test, one-way variance analysis, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Chi2 test, Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon test, multivariate linear regression (considering catastrophizing as a continuous variable) and multivariate logistics regression (considering catastrophizing as a categorical variable: PCS ≥ 20 = high level catastrophizing).

Results:

From September 2019 to March 2020, 85 PsA patients were included: 54.1% were women, the median age was 54.0 years and 33 patients (39.8%) were professionally active. The majority of patients (88.2%) had a disease lasting for more than 2 years. Axial involvement was found for 39 patients (45.9%), almost all patients (98.8%) had peripheral involvement, 32 patients (37.7%) had enthesitic involvement and 14 patients (16.7%) had erosions. Median DAS28 CRP was 3.12 [2.13-4.46] and the median BASDAI score was 5.50 [4.30-6.70]. The prevalence of a PCS score ≥20 was 45.9% [35.3;56.5]. The median PCS score was 16 [6-29]. In multivariate logistics regression, high-level catastrophizing was significantly associated with the HADS anxiety score (OR=1.35 [1.15-1.61]) and pain VAS (OR=1.04 [1.02-1.06]). In multivariate linear regression, catastrophizing was significantly associated with the HADS anxiety score (p= 0.004), pain VAS (p=0.001), HADS depression score (p=0.018) and insomnia score (p=0.034).

Conclusion:

Almost half the patients with PsA were high catastrophizers. Catastrophizing is related to anxiety, pain, depression and insomnia. It may be interesting to detect catastrophizing in order to improve the care of our patients.

References:

[1]Sullivan MJL. et al. Psychological Assessment. 1995;7(4):524–32

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS1239 POSITIVE IMPACT OF THE FIRST LOCKDOWN IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM

Background:

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a considerable amount of fear, worry and concern in the general population and among certain groups such as the elderly, healthcare providers and people with pre-existing conditions in particular. Our patients suffering from chronic inflammatory rheumatism (CIR), a group of autoimmune pathologies treated by immunosuppressant medication, are particularly concerned. Actions taken – particularly quarantine and its effects on the normal activities, habits or livelihoods of many people – also have a significant impact. There is little information on the impact of the lockdown in patients with CIR with data measured prospectively, in a standardized way, before and during the first lockdown period.

Objectives:

The objective of this ancillary study was to evaluate the psychological impact of the first lockdown period (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, catastrophizing...) as well as the evolution of disease activity in patients suffering from CIR.

Methods:

At two French university hospitals, adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria, spondyloarthritis (SpA) fulfilling the ASAS 2009 criteria and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) according to the Caspar 2006 criteria were consecutively included in the Catastrophism in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatism (CRIC) study from September 2019. Sociodemographic data, information on the disease and its treatments were collected as well as questionnaires on disease activity (DAS28, CDAI, BASDAI), function (HAQ), quality of life (SF12, EQ5D), anxiety and depression (HADS, GAD7), insomnia (ISI) and catastrophizing scores (PCS). These data were collected prospectively at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.

In this ancillary study, data from patients with an assessment before and during lockdown were analyzed. Statistical analyses were descriptive with a paired Student’s T-test.

Results:

In all, 140 patients (49 RA, 69 SpA and 22 PsA) were evaluated before and during lockdown. The median age was 53.5 [44-63] years and 60.7% were women; 74 patients (53.2%) were professionally active and 102 (72.9%) were living as couples. The majority of patients (92.9 %) had a disease lasting more than 2 years. Concerning treatments, 63 (45%) were treated by bDMARD monotherapy, 40 (28.5%) by bDMARD+ csDMARD, 17 (12.1%) by csDMARD monotherapy and 2 patients by tsDMARD; 90.7% were not taking any corticosteroids and 8.6% were taking ≤5 mg/d; 30% were on NSAIDs.

When comparing before and during lockdown, pain, tender joint count, swollen joint count, disease activity (CDAI, BASDAI) and function (HAQ, SF12 physical component) were similar. However, there was a significant improvement in psychological status, anxiety (HADS, GAD7), the mental component of SF12, catastrophizing and overall quality of life (EQ5D) (see Table 1 below).

Conclusion:

There are very few prospective, standardized data on the impact of lockdown in patients with CIR with an assessment before and during the first lockdown period. In patients with CIR, the first lockdown period had no impact on the activity of the disease and was well experienced psychologically with less anxiety and an improvement in quality of life.

Table 1.Outcome (N)140 CIR: 49 RA, 69 SpA, 22 PsABefore lockdownMean (SD)During lockdownMean (SD)Mean change(SD)PPain VAS (138)39.4 (25.3)39.4 (25.0)-0.28 (27.1)NSTJC (57)4.0 (6.8)4.7 (4.4)0.7 (5.9)NSSJC (56)1.0 (2.6)1.6 (1.7)0.5 (2.4)NSCDAI (36)11.7 (1.4)12.3 (7.5)1.2 (8.7)NSBASDAI (84)4.7 (1.9)4.9 (2.0)0.14 (1.4)NSHAQ (135)0.72 (0.57)0.72 (0.53)0.03 (0.33)NSSF12 mental(136)32.7 (8.7)36.2 (8.4)3.46 (8.01)<0.0001GAD-7 (anxiety) (135)7.7 (5.5)5.0 (5.3)-1.73 (0.40)<0.0001HADS anxiety(137)8.5 (3.9)7.8 (3.9)-0.64 (2.91)0.0113EQ5D(139)0.55 (0.31)0.61 (0.29)0.06 (0.24)0.0078PCS (catastrophizing) (137)18.9 (13.3)15.9 (11.1)-3.10 (9.60)0.0003

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0214 IMPACT OF A MULTI-MORBIDITY SCREENING AND PREVENTION PROGRAM IN CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES ON THE ONE-YEAR HOSPITALIZATION RATE BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF THE FRENCH NATIONAL HEALTH DATABASE

Background:

A screening program for multimorbidities started in 2014 at the Montpellier University Hospital for primary prevention in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD).

Objectives:

The objective of this work was to assess the impact of this program on morbidity by comparing the hospitalization rate of those patients in the year following the screening to the one of patients with IRD who did not benefit from this program.

Methods:

Patients with IRD who benefit from the screening program in 2015, 2016 and 2017 were identified in the French national health database PMSI and matched to 3 controls living in the same area on age, sex, type of IRD, use of intravenous (IV) biologic (b) DMARDs and index date. The exclusion criteria were subjects in secondary prevention identified as history of myocardial infarction in the previous 5 years or use of antiplatelet therapy. The primary outcome was the rate of all-cause hospitalization in the following year. The secondary endpoints were hospitalizations for another reason than IRD (“non-IRD”) including those for cardiovascular [CV] events and major fractures. Hospitalization rates were compared between the two groups in the year after screening (or index date) and also between the year preceding screening and the year after for each group. Univariate and multivariate odds ratios (CI95%) were calculated, taking into account the medical history (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, CV disease, COPD, major fractures in the 5 years preceding the index date) and hospitalizations in the previous year.

Results:

486 patients were identified and matched with 1458 controls. 67.08% had rheumatoid arthritis and 21.81% spondyloarthritis; 7% of them had IV bDMARDs. Unscreened patients had more hypertension (19% vs 10.1%), diabetes (9% vs 4.9%), heart failure (2.3% vs 0.4%) and “non-IRD” hospitalizations (78.5% vs 72.2%) in the 5 years preceding the index date. In the year following the index date, the percentages of “all causes” and “non-IRD” hospitalizations were significantly higher in non-screened than in screened patients (n = 1944, 64.8% versus 51%, Chi2 test, p <0.001; and 47.1% versus 37.9%, p <0.001 respectively). 17 (1.17%) cardiovascular events occurred in non-screened versus 2 (0.41%) in screened patients (n = 1944, Chi2 test, p = 0.14). There was no difference in the occurrence of CV events or major fractures between the 2 groups. In multivariate analysis, screening was associated with a 49% (0.51 [0.41-0.64]) reduction in “all causes” hospitalization and a 27% (0, 73 [0.58-0.91]) decrease in “non-IRD” hospitalization, with no difference for CV or fracture cardiological events. The risk factors associated with “non-IRD” hospitalization were: history of “non-IRD” hospitalization in the previous year (2.26 [1.63-3.13]), IV bDMARDs (1.69 [1, 14-2.53]) and age> 70 years (1.44 [1.02-2.03] vs <50 years). Hospitalization in the previous year for “all causes” or “non-IRD” was associated with rehospitalization in the following year in the non-screened group (p <0.001), but not in the screened group (p = 0.750 and p = 0.066 respectively).

Conclusion:

Our screening and prevention program was associated with a reduction in hospitalizations in the following year and a decrease in the risk of re-hospitalization compared to unscreened patients with IRD. This suggests a positive impact of performing systematic screening for multi-morbidities in IRD patients.

Acknowledgements:

We thank Pfizer for their financial support

Disclosure of Interests:

guillaume decarriere: None declared, Jenica PASTOR: None declared, David DEMOULIN: None declared, Gael Mouterde Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Cédric Lukas Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis and Roche-Chugai, Bernard Combe Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai, Grégoire Mercier: None declared, Jacques Morel Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai, Claire Daien Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Fresenius, BMS, MSD, Lilly, Novartis, Galapagos, Consultant of: Abivax, Abbbvie, BMS, Roche-Chugai, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, roche-chugai, fresenius, MSD

OP0053 IMPACT OF CORRECTING CRP THRESHOLD ACCORDING TO BMI ON DIAGNOSIS, DISEASE ACTIVITY, INDICATION OF BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT AND PREDICTION OF THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE, IN PATIENTS SUSPECTED OF AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS. RESULTS FROM DESIR COHORT

Background:

Acute phase reactants are crucial parameters to consider for management of chronic inflammatory back pain (IBP) patients suspect of axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA). Indeed, C-reactive protein (CRP) is part of ASAS classification criteria for SpA, impacts on assessment of disease activity by ASDAS-CRP score, and should be elevated when a bDMARD is discussed in patients without radiological sacroiliac lesions. Moreover, elevated CRP is regarded predictive of favorable therapeutic response. Obesity in otherwise healthy people is associated with high CRP values. An adjusted definition of normal CRP threshold based on gender and BMI has been proposed.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess whether correcting CRP threshold with patient’s BMI would change classification according to ASAS criteria for ax-SpA, presence of clinically relevant activity according to ASDAS-CRP, indication for TNF inhibitor (TNFi) and, as primary endpoint, improve prediction of therapeutic response to first TNFi.

Methods:

The study was conducted in DESIR cohort, which included 708 patients with early IBP suspect of ax-SpA. We included all patients with available data on BMI and CRP. High CRP level was defined either according to usual threshold (5 mg/L) or to the formula using BMI for adjustment. With this formula, CRP could be considered “normal” or due to obesity if: ≤ 1 + (BMI-25)/25 for men and ≤ 1 + (BMI-25)/12.5 for women (with CRP in mg/dL). We reported distribution of CRP levels in patients with high level according to usual threshold but below BMI adjusted threshold, as it is potentially suggestive of false-positive CRP due to overweight/obesity. Among them, we identified those who had no objective sign of disease activity (defined as arthritis, dactylitis, active uveitis or inflammatory bowel disease). To evaluate the impact on classification/diagnosis, we examined HLAB27-positive patients with only 2 ASAS criteria, including high CRP (the second being IBP, since it was mandatory for inclusion in DESIR cohort). Then, we calculated ASDAS-CRP score. We presented proportions of patients with ASDAS- high or very high disease activity but high CRP level possibly due to BMI only, and among those, the number concerned by a change of disease activity level when adjusting ASDAS-CRP score with minimal value for CRP (2mg/l). Among patients treated by TNFi during first 24-month follow-up, we excluded those with sacro-iliitis, and studied in others, CRP levels at last visit before treatment initiation using both thresholds. We compared proportion of ASAS40 responders using logistic regression analysis, with abnormal CRP defined after correction for BMI in patients without any sign of activity, beside other classical predictive factor of therapeutic response (age, gender, sacro-iliitis, HLAB27, psoriasis, arthritis, smoking).

Results:

Data were available for 634 patients. 205 had a high CRP level using usual threshold, of which 73 (35.6%) had a high CRP possibly due to BMI alone as they had no objective sign of disease activity. There were no differences in diagnosis as no patient had as only ASAS criteria: HLAB27 associated with high CRP and IBP. ASDAS-CRP score could be calculated in 626 patients. By correcting ASDAS score for patients with high CRP possibly due to BMI, 95.3% remained with same activity level (kappa for the ASDAS levels was 0.93). For impact of CRP on indication of bDMARD, 178 patients were treated by TNFi during first 24 months of follow-up: 61% of patients had an indication of TNFi according to EMA, with usual CRP threshold, and 56% with the adjusted one. Regarding response to TNFi, there were no association between any of the 2 CRP thresholds and ASAS40 response. Only sacro-iliitis on MRI was associated with ASAS40 response.

Conclusion:

Adjustment of CRP threshold according to BMI has a very limited impact on diagnosis, evaluation of disease activity of SpA, indication of TNFi initiation and prediction of TNFi response.

Disclosure of Interests:

Odile Facorat: None declared, Jacques Morel Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Fresenius Kabi, Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Boerhinger Ingelheim, Galpaagos, GSK, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Biogen, BMS, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Servier, Bernard Combe Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai, Pascal Richette Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen-Cilag, Lilly, Medac, MSD, NORDIC Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SanofiAventis, UCB, Cédric Lukas Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis and Roche-Chugai

AB0247 ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF TOFACITINIB TREATMENT ON WEIGHT IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

A prior post hoc analysis of tofacitinib clinical trial data reported improvements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outcomes with tofacitinib vs placebo (PBO) through Month (M)6, regardless of baseline (BL) body mass index (BMI).1

Objectives:

To assess change from BL (Δ) in BMI, and disease activity by BL BMI status, in patients (pts) with moderate/severe RA receiving tofacitinib through M12.

Methods:

This post hoc analysis included data pooled from Phase 3 and 3b/4 studies of pts who were methotrexate-naïve (NCT01039688) or inadequate responders to conventional synthetic (cs) or biologic DMARDs (NCT00960440; NCT00847613; NCT00814307; NCT00856544; NCT00853385; NCT02187055; NCT02831855). Pts received ≥1 dose of tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID) or 11 mg once daily (QD), ± csDMARDs, or PBO. Least squares (LS) mean ΔBMI (linear mixed model repeated measures; observed cases) was summarised for all treatment groups at M3/6/12 (M3/6 only for tofacitinib 11 mg QD and PBO). Other assessments at M3/6/12 included ΔBMI ± BL concomitant glucocorticoids (GCs) or antidepressants (descriptive statistics), LS mean ΔDAS28-4(ESR) stratified by BL BMI status (<25, ≥25–<30, ≥30), and correlations between LS mean ΔBMI and ΔDAS28-4(ESR).

Results:

In total, 2349, 1611, 694 and 681 pts received tofacitinib 5 mg BID, 10 mg BID, 11 mg QD or PBO, respectively. Demographics/baseline characteristics were generally similar across treatments, except for some numerical differences in the tofacitinib 11 mg QD group, eg fewer female pts, more White pts and fewer pts receiving concomitant GCs, compared with other treatment groups. At M3/6, LS mean BMI significantly increased from BL with all tofacitinib doses vs PBO (all p<0.05); LS mean ΔBMI was greatest with 10 mg BID and lowest with 11 mg QD (Figure 1a). LS mean ΔBMI was greater in pts receiving tofacitinib as monotherapy vs combination therapy at M3/6/12 (Figure 1b). ΔBMI was generally similar in pts receiving treatment ± concomitant GCs or antidepressants (data not shown). Improvements in DAS28-4(ESR) were observed in each BL BMI status group at M3/6/12 and were greatest with all tofacitinib doses vs PBO. LS mean ΔDAS28-4(ESR) was generally numerically highest for pts with BMI <25 and numerically lowest for pts with BMI >30, for all tofacitinib doses. LS mean ΔDAS28-4(ESR) was generally greatest with tofacitinib 10 mg BID and 11 mg QD vs 5 mg BID across BL BMI status groups (Figure 1c). Across treatments, model-adjusted associations between LS mean ΔDAS28-4(ESR) and ΔBMI were weak (correlation coefficients all <0.3; Table 1).

Table 1.

Correlations between LS mean ΔDAS28-4(ESR) and ΔBMI through M12

Tofacitinib5 mg BIDTofacitinib10 mg BIDTofacitinib11 mg QDPBONCorrelation coefficientNCorrelation coefficientNCorrelation coefficientNCorrelation coefficientM320210.116913480.12406410.09075540.0783M619180.130512700.13976110.04381500.1556M1214550.12138740.1826----

Slopes for associations between LS mean ΔBMI and ΔDAS28-4(ESR) were significantly different from 0 at M3/6/12 with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID (all p<0.05). Correlations were analysed by a general linear model method, which included BL age, gender, race and RA duration. For pts receiving tofacitinib 11 mg QD in ORAL Shift (NCT02831855), only data to M6 were included. Pts who advanced from PBO to tofacitinib were not analysed post-advancement

DAS28-4(ESR), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; N, number of pts analysed

Conclusion:

LS mean ΔBMI was greater with tofacitinib (all doses) vs PBO at M3/6, and with tofacitinib monotherapy vs combination therapy at M3/6/12. Improvements in DAS28-4(ESR) were seen across all BL BMI status groups. BMI increases with tofacitinib were only weakly associated with DAS28-4(ESR) improvements. The relationship between disease activity and ΔBMI requires further investigation.

References:

[1]Dikranian et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 69 (S10): Abs 2371.

Acknowledgements:

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Anthony G McCluskey, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests:

Jürgen Wollenhaupt Speakers bureau: Pfizer Inc, Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Jacques Morel Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi Genzyme, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer Inc, Claire Daien Consultant of: Abivax, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sandoz, Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi Genzyme, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Mylan, Pfizer Inc, Cédric Lukas Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi Genzyme, UCB, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Christophe Richez Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Mylan, Pfizer Inc, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Eli Lilly, Glenmark, Nordic Pharma, Roche, Andrea Shapiro Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Douglass Chapman Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Magali CROS Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Jose Luis Rivas Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Gustavo Citera Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Gema, Genzyme, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi Genzyme, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Gema, Genzyme, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi Genzyme

POS0641 INCIDENCE OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS RECEIVING BIOLOGICAL DMARDS IN OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDIES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at increased risk of gastro-intestinal (GI) perforations compared with non-RA patients, resulting in increased mortality. Clinical trials, post-marketing studies and registries have reported an increased risk of GI perforations in RA patients treated with tocilizumab.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of GI complications among RA patients receiving bDMARDs in observational cohort studies

Methods:

A systematic literature review was carried out through September 2020 on the Pubmed, Embase and international congress databases, selecting observational cohort studies assessing the incidence of GI complications, including perforations and diverticulitis, in RA patients receiving bDMARDS. Keywords were “gastrointestinal perforation”, “gastrointestinal disease”, “diverticulitis”, “biological DMARDs” and “rheumatoid arthritis” with no publication date limit. Studies were selected independently by two readers. Data were extracted by one investigator and independently checked by another. A meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager Software, with random-effects models, whenever methodologically possible and relevant.

Results:

The literature search revealed 232 articles and abstracts of potential interest, and further examination resulted in 7 studies fulfilling required criteria. Among bDMARDs, Tocilizumab was associated with an increased incidence of GI perforations, with an overall incidence of 2.40 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.45-3.35). The overall incidences of GI perforations were 1.01 per 1000 PY [0.75-1.27] for TNF inhibitors, 1.07 per 1000 PY [0.53-1.62] for abatacept and 1.12 per 1000 PY [0.16-2.08] for rituximab (Figure 1). In RA patients treated with tocilizumab, most of the perforations were located in the lower GI tract, with an incidence of 2.24 per 1000 PY [1.24-3.52]. The incidences of upper GI perforations were similar across the different bDMARDs. The incidences of diverticulitis were 4.99 per 1000 PY [4.08-5.99] in RA patients receiving tocilizumab and 1.81 per 1000 PY [1.47-2.19] in those receiving TNF inhibitors.

Figure 1.

Meta-analysis of the incidences of gastro-intestinal perforations in RA patients receiving bDMARDs in observational cohort studies

Conclusion:

In our meta-analysis, focused in RA patients receiving bDMARDs in observational cohort studies, tocilizumab was associated with an increased incidence of GI perforations, mainly located in the lower GI tract. An history of diverticulitis and long-term corticosteroid therapy were associated with an increased risk of GI perforations.

Acknowledgements:

We cannot express enough thanks to PhD Constantin and PhD Morel for their support and encouragement.

We would like to address a special word of thanks to PhD Lukas for his accuracy.

Special Thanks to Claire Rempenault for her precious advices. You have been a role model for us.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0308 TRAJECTORIES OF FATIGUE IN EARLY RA OVER 10 YEARS: RESULTS FROM THE ESPOIR COHORT

Background:

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptom reported by persons with RA. RA-related fatigue is a complex concept with biological, psychological and social interactions.

Objectives:

In a cohort of early RA patients, to determine and characterize fatigue trajectories over 10 years of follow-up and identify predictors of trajectory membership.

Methods:

Patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA included in the ESPOIR cohort. We used a cluster analysis to obtain fatigue (assessed by fatigue visual analogue scale) trajectories over the course of 10 years from enrolment. Chi-square tests or ANOVA were performed to evaluate differences of baseline variables between fatigue trajectories. Using a multinomial logistic regression we could identify predictors of trajectory membership.

Results:

We analysed 598 patients with mean disease duration at enrolment of 26.2 ± 40.9 days. Cluster analysis revealed 3 trajectories: high (18%), moderate (52%) and low fatigue (30%). Compared to patients with moderate or low fatigue trajectory, patients with high fatigue trajectory were predominantly women and reported significantly higher duration and intensity of morning stiffness, HAQ score, number of tender joints, levels of pain, number of awakenings due to arthritis, levels of physician and patient global assessment and more frequent sleep problems, and increased psychological distress. Female patients with pain, psychological distress and presence of sicca symptoms had higher risk of being in high trajectory group.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that levels of fatigue are rather stable over time in each trajectory. Baseline clinical measures and baseline patient-reported measures of functional status better distinguished the three fatigue trajectories. We did not find differences between trajectories in baseline laboratory measures. Inflammatory activity was not a predictor of being in high trajectory fatigue group.

References:

[1]Pollard LC, Choy EH, Gonzalez J, Khoshaba B, Scott DL. Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis reflects pain, not disease activity. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2006;45:885–9

[2]Repping-Wuts H, van Riel P, van Achterberg T. Fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: what is known and what is needed. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2009;48:207–9.

[3]Pilgaard T, hagelund L, Stallknecht SE, jensen HH, Esbensen BA. Severity of fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoritic artrhitis and spondyoarthritis- Results of cross-sectional study. Plos One. 2019;14:e0211831

[4]Feldthusen C, Grimby-Ekman A, Forsblad-d’Elia H, Jacobsson L, Mannerkorpi K. Explanatory factors and predictors of fatigue in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal study. J Rehabil Med 2016 28;48:469–76.

[5]Madsen SG, Danneskiold-Samsøe B, Stockmarr A, Bartels EM. Correlations between fatigue and disease duration, disease activity, and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Scand J Rheumatol. 2016;45:255-61.

[6]Olsen CL, Lie E, Kvien TK, Zangi HA. Predictors of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients in remission or in a low disease activity state. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2016;68:1043–8.

[7]Druce K, Jones GT, Macfarlane GJ, Verstappen SMM, Basu N. The longitudinal course of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Norfolk Arthritis Register. J Rheumatol 2015;42:2059–65.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0306 IMPACT OF MULTIMORBIDITY ON DISEASE MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUG THERAPY IN EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: DATA FROM THE ESPOIR COHORT

Background:

Multimorbidity is frequent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and could interfere with the therapeutic response.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate multimorbidity in the French cohort of early arthritis (ESPOIR cohort) and its possible impact on the therapeutic response.

Methods:

We included patients fulfilling 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA. An adapted MultiMorbidity Index (aMMI) was developed [1]. Each patient was assigned scores of binary aMMI (0= no comorbidity, 1= at least 1 comorbidity) and counted and weighted aMMI. The primary endpoint was achievement of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) low disease activity after initiation of a first disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) according to the aMMI. Secondary endpoints were other disease activity scores and response criteria. We collected data from the visit preceding the first DMARD initiation (baseline visit) and the visit after at least 3 months of treatment (follow-up visit). The impact of aMMI on therapeutic maintenance at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was evaluated.

Results:

Analyses involved 472 patients: 302 (64%) had at least 1 comorbidity. Overall, 45.3% and 44.7% with binary aMMI= 0 or 1, respectively (p= 0.9), achieved CDAI low disease activity (Table 1). Similar results were found with counted and weighted aMMI. Use of other disease activity scores or response criteria did not show a significant impact of multimorbidity on the therapeutic response. Therapeutic maintenance was significantly better with binary aMMI = 1 than binary aMMI = 0. Increased counted aMMI was associated with increased probability of still being on the first initiated DMARD at each time point (Table 2).

Table 1.

Impact of aMMIs on CDAI, DAS28 and SDAI low disease activity (LDA) achievement at follow-up visit (univariate analyses)

LDA achievementCDAIpDAS28pSDAIpYesNoYesNoYesNoBinary aMMI, n (%)077 (45.3)93 (54.7)0.9*85 (50.0)85 (50.0)0.2*80 (47.1)90 (52.9)0.9*1135 (44.7)167 (55.3)131 (43.4)171 (56.6)141 (46.7)161 (53.3)Counted aMMI, mean (SD)1.0 (1.1)1.1 (1.1)0.71.0 (1.1)1.1 (1.1)0.21.1 (1.1)1.1 (1.1)1.0Weighted aMMI, mean (SD)4.1 (5.2)4.0 (4.7)0.94.0 (5.2)4.1 (4.7)0.34.0 (5.0)4.0 (4.9)1.0

aMMI= adapted MultiMorbidity Index; CDAI= Clinical Disease Activity Index; SDAI= Simplified Disease Activity Index

* Proportion of patients achieving LDA between patients with binary aMMI= 0 and binary aMMI= 1. Because of no statistically significant results, no multivariate analysis was performed.

Table 2.

Probability of first DMARD maintenance at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years (multivariate analysis)

Time pointFirst DMARD maintained or stoppedBinary aMMI#Counted aMMI§011 year(n= 530)Maintenance (n= 300)22981.71 (0.93)OR [95% CI]*> 999 [286.2->999]221.3 [84.0-583.0]Withdrawal (n= 230)205250.12 (0.37)3 years(n= 493)Maintenance (n= 285)102751.66 (0.94)OR [95% CI]*153.9 [73.0-324.5]26.1 [15.1-45.3]Withdrawal (n= 208)175330.22 (0.64)5 years(n= 459)Maintenance (n= 116)91071.72 (1.05)OR [95% CI]*10.9 [5.1-23.3]2.2 [1.8-2.7]Withdrawal (n= 343)1631800.82 (1.0)10 years(n= 415)Maintenance (n= 40)2381.58 (0.84)OR [95% CI]*14.0 [3.3-59.1]1.6 [1.2-2.0]Withdrawal (n= 375)1582170.99 (1.12)

#data are number of patients

§ data are mean (standard error)

* data are odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of still being on the first initiated DMARD at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years between patients with binary aMMI = 1 and binary aMMI = 0 and according to counted aMMI, per additional point.

Conclusion:

In the ESPOIR cohort, therapeutic response to a first DMARD was not affected by multimorbidity but therapeutic maintenance was better in multimorbid patients.

References:

[1]Radner H, Yoshida K, Mjaavatten MD, et al. Development of a multimorbidity index: Impact on quality of life using a rheumatoid arthritis cohort. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2015;45:167–73.

The variables included in multivariate analyses were sex, rheumatoid factor and/or anti-citrunillated peptide antibody positivity, age, CDAI at baseline visit, number of treatments at baseline visit.

Acknowledgements:

We are grateful to Nathalie Rincheval (Montpellier) for expert monitoring and data management and all the investigators who recruited and followed the patients (F. Berenbaum, Paris-Saint Antoine; MC. Boissier, Paris-Bobigny; A. Cantagrel, Toulouse; B. Combe, Montpellier; M. Dougados, Paris-Cochin; P. Fardellone and P. Boumier, Amiens; B. Fautrel, Paris-La Pitié; RM. Flipo, Lille; Ph. Goupille, Tours; F. Liote, Paris- Lariboisière; O. Vittecoq, Rouen; X. Mariette, Paris-Bicêtre; P. Dieude, Paris Bichat; A. Saraux, Brest; T. Schaeverbeke, Bordeaux; and J. Sibilia, Strasbourg).

Disclosure of Interests:

Aurélie BELTAI: None declared, Bernard Combe Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche, Amandine Coffy: None declared, Cécile Gaujoux-Viala: None declared, Cédric Lukas Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai and UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai and UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis and Roche-Chugai, Alain Saraux Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Lilly; Nordic; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Lilly; Nordic; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Lilly; Nordic; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi and UCB, Maxime Dougados Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, Lilly, UCB, Merck, BMS, Roche, Biogen, Sanofi, Novartis, Sandoz, Consultant of: Pfizer, Abbvie, Lilly, UCB, Merck, BMS, Roche, Biogen, Sanofi, Novartis, Sandoz, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, Lilly, UCB, Merck, BMS, Roche, Biogen, Sanofi, Novartis, Sandoz, Jean-Pierre DAURES: None declared, Charlotte Hua: None declared

POS1003 CATASTROPHIZING IN PATIENTS WITH SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background:

Catastrophizing is a negative cognitivo-affective response to an anxiety-provoking stimulus, especially anticipated or actual pain. It can be assessed quickly using a validated questionnaire: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)1. Catastrophizing plays a role in maintaining chronic pain and is associated with several pain-related outcomes in osteoarthritis and low back pain. There is a lack of knowledge about catastrophizing in axial spondyloarthritis (AS) with only one study2 so far.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence of catastrophizing and associated factors in spondyloarthritis.

Methods:

We performed an observational, prospective, bi-centric study. All patients aged 18 or over with AS fulfilling the 2009 Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria were consecutively included. Sociodemographic data, information on the disease and its treatments were collected as well as questionnaires regarding disease activity (BASDAI), function (HAQ, BASFI), quality of life (SF12, EQ5D), anxiety and depression (HADS, GAD7), fibromyalgia (FiRST), insomnia (ISI) and catastrophizing scores (PCS). Statistical analysis included a samples t-test, one-way variance analysis, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, the Chi2 test, Fisher’s exact test, the Wilcoxon test, multivariate linear regression (considering catastrophizing as a continuous variable) and multivariate logistics regression (considering catastrophizing as a categorical variable: PCS ≥ 20 = high level catastrophizing).

Results:

From September 2019 to March 2020, 168 AS patients were included: 48.5% were women, the median age was 48.5 years and 100 patients (60.2%) were professionally active. Almost all patients (95.8%) had a disease lasting for more than 2 years; 110 (72%) were HLA-B27+; 84 (50%) had MRI sacroiliitis and 62 (37.6%) radiographic sacroiliitis. In all, 166 (98.8%) had axial involvement, 99 (58.9%) had peripheral involvement and 44 (26.2%) had enthesitic involvement. The median BASDAI score was 6.30 [Q1-Q3 4.65-6.30].

The prevalence of a PCS score ≥20 was 45.5% [38.0;53.0]. The median PCS score was 18 [7-27]. In multivariate logistics regression, high-level catastrophizing was significantly associated with the HADS anxiety score (OR=1.54 [1.22-2.0]), HADS depression score (OR=1.25 [1.10-1.43]) and disease activity (BASDAI OR=1.14 [1.01-1.26]). In multivariate linear regression, catastrophizing was also significantly associated with anxiety (p<0.0001), depression (p<0.0001) and disease activity (p=0.0008).

Conclusion:

Almost half the patients with AS were high catastrophizers. Catastrophizing is linked to anxiety, depression, and disease activity. It may be interesting to detect catastrophizing in order to improve the management of our patients.

References:

[1]Sullivan MJL. et al. Psychological Assessment. 1995;7(4):524–32

[2]Penhoat M. et al. Joint Bone Spine. 2014;81(3):235–9

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

OP0035 ASSESSMENT OF THE INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS USING COLONIC TISSUES AND SERA

Background:

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) (1-3). This microbiota interacts with intestinal epithelium which can lead to an increased intestinal permeability, responsible for the passage of antigens and inflammatory molecules, and can therefore promote systemic inflammation. Gut microbiota tends to normalize with disease control (2), suggesting that systemic inflammation may directly influence the composition of microbiota and the gut barrier. It was shown in many inflammatory diseases that intestinal permeability is impaired, but to date there is very little data in RA.

Objectives:

In the present study, we evaluate the intestinal permeability in RA patients by analyzing tight junctions in colonic biopsies and serum markers.

Methods:

Colonic biopsies from 20 RA patients who underwent coloscopy for screening with normal histology were compared with those from 20 age and sex matched controls. ZO-1, occludin and claudin 2 junction proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The staining intensity was assessed by two blinded independent readers. The serum concentrations of LPS-binding protein (LBP), CD14s and zonulin were evaluated by ELISA in 25 patients naive of DMARDs, 41 patients before and after introduction of a DMARDs and 21 controls. Elevated zonulin in serum indicates an increase in intestinal permeability while LBP and CD14s indicate bacterial translocation.

Results:

ZO-1 expression was significantly lower in biopsies from patients with RA than controls (mean score ± SD of 1.6 ± 0.56 vs 2.0 ± 0.43; p = 0.01). Age, sex, disease duration and immunological status did not significantly influence the expression of colonic junction proteins. LBP and CD14s were higher in serum from RA patients naive of DMARDs than controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003). LBP, CD14s and zonulin levels significantly correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.61, p = 0.005; r = 0.51, p = 0.030 and r = 0.46, p = 0.049, respectively). After treatment, unlike non-responders, LBP and CD14s were significantly reduced in DMARD responders and variations in LBP and CD14s significantly correlated with changes in DAS28 (r = 0.46, p = 0.002 and r = 0, 33 and p = 0.030, respectively).

Conclusion:

This work is one of the first to explore intestinal permeability in RA and to show altered tight junction in colonic tissue from RA. This increased intestinal permeability appears to be related to the systemic inflammation. Improving the gut microbiota through food or probiotics could enhance the effect of treatments by limiting this amplification loop of inflammation.

References:

[1]Horta-Baas G, Romero-Figueroa MDS, Montiel-Jarquin AJ, Pizano-Zarate ML, Garcia-Mena J, Ramirez-Duran N. Intestinal Dysbiosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Link between Gut Microbiota and the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Immunol Res. 2017;2017:4835189.

[2]Zhang X, Zhang D, Jia H, Feng Q, Wang D, Liang D, et al. The oral and gut microbiomes are perturbed in rheumatoid arthritis and partly normalized after treatment. Nat Med. 2015;21(8):895-905.

[3]Maeda Y, Kurakawa T, Umemoto E, Motooka D, Ito Y, Gotoh K, et al. Dysbiosis Contributes to Arthritis Development via Activation of Autoreactive T Cells in the Intestine. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68(11):2646-61.

Disclosure of Interests:

Rachel Audo: None declared, Pauline Sanchez: None declared, Julie Mielle: None declared, Laurence Macia: None declared, Benjamin Rivière: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Bernard Combe: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Claire Daien Speakers bureau: Pfizer roche chugai fresenius BMS msd Novartis galapagos, Consultant of: Abivax abbbvie BMS roche chugai, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, roche-chugai, fresenius, msd

POS0566 CATASTROPHIZING IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Catastrophizing is conceptualized as a negative cognitive–affective response to an anxiety-provoking stimulus, especially anticipated or actual pain. Catastrophizing can be assessed quickly using a validated questionnaire: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)1. Catastrophizing plays a role in maintaining chronic pain and is associated with several pain-related outcomes in osteoarthritis and low back pain.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence of catastrophizing and associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

We performed an observational, prospective, bi-centric study. All patients aged 18 or over with RA and fulfilling the ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria were consecutively included. Sociodemographic data, information on the disease and its treatments were collected as well as questionnaires for disease activity (DAS28), function (HAQ), quality of life (SF12, EQ5D), anxiety and depression (HADS, GAD7), fibromyalgia (FiRST), insomnia (ISI) and catastrophizing scores (PCS). Statistical analysis included the samples t-test, one-way variance analysis, the Spearman’s correlation test, the Chi2 test, Fisher’s exact test, the Wilcoxon test, multivariate linear regression (considering catastrophizing as a continuous variable) and multivariate logistics regression (considering catastrophizing as a categorical variable: PCS ≥ 20 = high level catastrophizing).

Results:

From September 2019 to March 2020, 201 patients with RA were included: 78.1% were women and the median age was 63.0 years. In all, 64.1% of patients were RF+, 65.7% ACPA+, and 46% had erosive disease. Median DAS28 CRP was 2.9 [2.1-4.0]. with 45% of patients in remission, 14.8% with low, 31.2% moderate and 9 % high activity. The majority of patients (92 %) had a disease lasting for more than 2 years.

The prevalence of a PCS score ≥20 was 48.0% [41.0;54.9]. The median PCS score was 18 [7-28]. In multivariate logistics regression, high-level catastrophizing was significantly associated with DAS28-CRP (OR= 1.61 [1.18-2.20]), HADS anxiety score (OR=1.25 [1.11-1.40]) and the HADS depression score (OR=1.19 [1.07-1.33]). In multivariate linear regression, catastrophizing was significantly associated with the HADS anxiety score (p< 0.0001), HADS depression score (p=0.0055), HAQ (p=0.0015) and the ISI insomnia score (p=0.005).

Conclusion:

Almost half the patients with RA were high catastrophizers. Catastrophizing is linked to anxiety, depression, disease activity, function impairment and insomnia. It may be interesting to detect catastrophizing in order to improve the management of our patients.

References:

[1]Sullivan MJL. et al. Psychological Assessment. 1995;7(4):524–32

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0138 FEASIBILITY OF PROGRESSIVE ANTI-TNF TAPERING IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY: RESULTS FROM THE MULTICENTER NON-INFERIORITY PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL SPACING

Background:

Anti-TNF treatments (TNFi) have shown high efficacy in axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) with inadequate response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However their effect remains predominantly symptomatic, and their long-term tolerance as well as significant societal cost justify investigation about a potential reduction in drug dosage, or –most feasible and comfortable for the patient– increase in intervals between doses.

Objectives:

To assess if a progressive and monitored reduction of administered TNFi by increase of intervals between injections results in a comparable proportion of patients remaining after 12 months (m) in low disease activity state despite a decreased cumulative treatment dose received.

Methods:

Non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, having included adult patients with ax-SpA fulfilling ASAS criteria, already treated by anti-TNF, and in stable low disease activity for at least 6 m (current and at least 6 m old BASDAI<4/10), who were randomized into 2 groups: either keeping on their usual treatment with stable doses (“unchanged” group), or progressive spacing of injections of their treatment (“spacing” group). Follow-up was done every 3 m during 12 m, with regular monitoring of disease activity and, in patients from the group “spacing”, modification of the rhythm of injections according to disease activity and predefined standardized protocol (either increase or decrease (step-back) of intervals between injections). The primary endpoint was the difference of proportions of patients having a low disease activity state (BASDAI<4/10) after 12 m of follow-up between the 2 groups. It was estimated on the ITT population after multiple imputation. The 90% confidence interval associated was calculated using the Farrington-Manning method and the lower bound was compared to the non-inferiority margin of -20%. With an expected proportion of 85% patients remaining in low disease activity in the unchanged group, and α and β risks at respectively 5% and 90%, the required number of patients was calculated at 358, and thus 398 had to be included with a 10% expected proportion of patients with unavailable data.

Results:

398 patients were randomized in 23 French rheumatology units (197 and 201 in the spacing and unchanged groups respectively), and 389 included in analyses (9 did not receive the allocated treatment). Mean (SD) age was 44.3 (12.4) years, 71.2% were males. Mean (SD) BASDAI at inclusion was 1.45 (1.02). TNFi used were etanercept (35.7%), adalimumab (33.9%), infliximab (20.6%), golimumab (9.3%) and certolizumab (0.5%). For the 373 patients with complete follow-up (93.7%), 162/184 (88.0%) had a low disease activity in the “spacing” group vs. 173/189 (91.5%) in the “unchanged” group at 12 m. After multiple imputation for the 16 patients with missing data, the difference of proportion between the two groups was estimated to -4.18% [CI90% -10.0; 1.7], thus confirming the non-inferiority of the “spacing” procedure. In the “spacing” group at 12 m, 134/162 (82.7%) patients in low disease activity were still receiving a lowered TNFi dose.

Conclusion:

In ax-SpA patients with BASDAI<4 for at least 6 months under TNFi, it is possible to increase intervals between injections while maintaining a low disease activity by adjusting treatment with quarterly monitoring of SpA activity.

Disclosure of Interests:

Cédric Lukas Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis and Roche-Chugai, Anne Tournadre Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Fresenius, Janssen, MSD, Pfizer, Roche Chugai, Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Fresenius, Consultant of: Abbvie, Fresenius, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Fresenius, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Marie Christine Picot: None declared, Erika Nogué: None declared, Emmanuelle Dernis Speakers bureau: Roche chugai, UCB, BMS, Novartis, Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Celgène, Consultant of: UCB, MSD, BMS, Lilly, Novartis, Philippe Goupille Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Bernard Combe Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead; Janssen; Lilly; Merck; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche-Chugai, Jacques Morel Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Fresenius Kabi, Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Boerhinger Ingelheim, Galpaagos, GSK, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi

Risk of Diverticulitis and Gastrointestinal Perforation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Tocilizumab Compared to Rituximab or Abatacept

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of diverticulitis and gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) in rheumatoid arthritis treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) compared with rituximab (RTX) and abatacept (ABA).

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study using 3 observational French registries on TCZ, RTX and ABA in rheumatoid arthritis. Using a propensity score approach, we compared the risk of diverticulitis or GIP in these patients.

RESULTS

With inverse probability weighting, there was an increased risk of diverticulitis in TCZ treated patients compared with RTX or ABA treated patients (hazard ratio [HR]=3.1 [95% confidence interval 1.5-6.3], p= 0.002). Moreover, patients treated with TCZ had also an increased risk of GIP due to diverticulitis compared with those treated with RTX or ABA (HR = 3.8 [1.1-13.6], p= 0.04), resulting in an overall increased risk of GIP (HR = 2.9 [1.1-7.8], p= 0.03), while no significant increased risk of GIP due to any other aetiology was found in TCZ treated patients. Diverticulitis and GIP occurred earlier with TCZ than other drugs after the last perfusion (p= 0.01), with atypical clinical presentation (slow transit in 30%, p= 0.04) and lower acute-phase reactants at the time of the event (p= 0.005).

CONCLUSION

TCZ for rheumatoid arthritis was associated with increased odds of diverticulitis as well as GIP due to diverticulitis as compared with RTX and ABA. Our study confirms the increased odds of GIP in patients receiving TCZ, which might be explained by an increased risk of diverticulitis with misleading clinical presentation.

Use of eHealth by Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observational, Cross-sectional, Multicenter Study

Background

The use of eHealth tools (eg, the internet, mobile apps, and connected devices) in the management of chronic diseases and for rheumatoid arthritis is growing. eHealth may improve the overall quality of care provided to patients with chronic diseases.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to describe eHealth use by patients with rheumatoid arthritis in France. The secondary objectives were to identify associations between patient demographics and disease characteristics and the use of eHealth tools, and assess their expectations of eHealth.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, multicenter study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, were recruited from 5 university hospitals (Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Limoges, Montpellier, and Toulouse). Patients completed an anonymous self-questionnaire, including demographic data, evaluating their eHealth use (ie, access, support, frequency of use, type of use, and reason for use). The rheumatologist in charge of each patient completed an independent medical questionnaire on disease characteristics, activity of rheumatoid arthritis, and treatments. Data were collected between December 2018 and July 2019.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 575 participants, with a mean age of 62 (SD 13) years, 447 (77.7%) of whom were female. Overall, 82.2% (473/575) of the participants had access to eHealth through a computer (402/467, 86.1%), tablet (188/467, 40.2%), or smartphone (221/467, 47.3%). Of these, 36.4% (170/467) of the participants used the internet for health in general, and 28.7% (134/467) used it specifically for rheumatoid arthritis–related reasons. All these 134 patients used eHealth to learn about disease pathology, and 66.4% (89/134) of them used it as a tool to help monitor rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients (87/125, 69.6%) had a paper file, 19.2% (24/125) used a digital tool (spreadsheets, 10/125, 8%; mobile app, 9/125, 7.2%; or website, 5/125, 4%), and 24.8% (31/125) did not use any tools for monitoring. Few patients (16/125, 12.8%) used tools for treatment reminders. About 21.6% (27/125) of the patients using eHealth used a specific app for rheumatoid arthritis. Univariate analysis showed that age, education level, employment status, treatment, comorbidities, membership of a patient association, and patient education program were associated with eHealth use for rheumatoid arthritis. Multivariate analysis showed that membership of a patient association (odds ratio [OR] 5.8, 95% CI 3.0-11.2), use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-1.0), and comorbidities (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.8) remained associated with eHealth use for rheumatoid arthritis. Recommendation by a doctor (225/330, 68.2%), ease of use (105/330, 31.8%), and data security (69/330, 20.9%) were factors favoring the use of eHealth.

Conclusions

To date, few patients have used eHealth for disease management. The use of a reliable and validated eHealth tool for rheumatoid arthritis could therefore be promoted by rheumatologists and could optimize therapeutic adherence.

A simplified radiographic score effectively predicts radiographic progression of early arthritis in a large nationwide French cohort

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating radiographic progression is a key component of the follow-up of patients with RA. Existing scores are ill-suited to everyday clinical practice. The objective here was to validate a new simplified radiographic score (SRS) for evaluating radiographic progression in patients with early arthritis.

METHODS

Patients with arthritis of <6 months' duration were included in the large, prospective, nationwide, French ESPOIR cohort. Radiographs of the hands and feet were obtained at inclusion then 1 and 5 years later. The modified Sharp scores and SRS were determined by blinded readers. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability of each score, as well as agreement between the two scores, were assessed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficients. The rates of progression over the first year and the next 4 years were determined.

RESULTS

The 506 patients with complete data for the first 5 years were included. At inclusion, the intraclass correlation coefficient between the two scores was good for erosions (0.715, P < 0.001), joint space narrowing (0.892, P < 0.001) and the total score (0.896, P < 0.001). Agreement between the two scores was also good for radiographic progression after 1 year (0.781, P < 0.001). The SRS had good positive and negative predictive values for slow and for rapid progression. SRS determination was less time consuming.

CONCLUSION

The SRS is effective for monitoring radiographic progression in early arthritis and is easier to use and less time-consuming than the Sharp score. The usefulness of the SRS in clinical practice deserves further evaluation.

MRI of sacroiliac joints for the diagnosis of axial SpA: prevalence of inflammatory and structural lesions in nulliparous, early postpartum and late postpartum women

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of bone marrow oedema (BME) at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in early postpartum (EPP), nulliparous (NP) and late postpartum (LPP) women, and to identify factors associated with BME presence at the SIJ.

METHODS

Three groups were obtained: NP (never given birth), EPP (given birth within 12 months) and LPP (given birth more than 24 months). The primary outcome was the presence of BME and/or structural lesions (erosions, osteophytes, ankylosis and sclerosis) at the SIJ MRI.

RESULTS

BME prevalence was greater among EPP (33%) than NP (14%, p=0.001), but was not different to LPP (21%, p=0.071). The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) MRI criteria for sacroiliitis were positive in 75%, 71% and 80%, respectively, of EPP, NP and LPP women with BME. EPP (38%) had similar prevalence of sclerosis than LPP (28%, p=0.135), but greater than NP (18%, p=0.001). Lastly, EPP (28%) had similar prevalence of osteophytes than LPP (42%) and NP (27%), although there was a difference between LPP and NP (p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

EPP have higher BME prevalence at the SIJ than NP, EPP tend to have higher BME prevalence compared with LPP and BME presence decreases with time from delivery. Three-quarters of women with BME at the SIJ had a positive ASAS MRI criteria for sacroiliitis, indicating that BME presence as the main criterion for a positive diagnosis can lead to false-positive results. SIJ MRIs should not be interpreted in isolation, since age, time from delivery and other factors may outweigh the pertinence of MRI findings. Trial registration number NCT02956824.

FRI0353 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DISCORDANCE BETWEEN PATIENT AND RHEUMATOLOGIST ASSESSMENT OF DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS CONSIDERED IN REMISSION

Background:

Assessment of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires evaluation of multiple aspects. Perception of disease activity by patient and physician is frequently discordant.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to evaluate factors associated with persistence of disease activity evaluated by patients yet considered in remission by their rheumatologist.

Methods:

We performed a transversal monocentric study. PsA patients were included if they met the CASPAR criteria and if they were considered in remission. Disease activity was evaluated by scores: Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP), Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Minimal Disease Activity (MDA), modified Boolean remission criteria for PsA. We collected multiple Patient’s Reported Outcomes (PROs): Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Discordance was defined by a difference between patient’s and rheumatologist’s global assessment ≥30/100 on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with the presence of discordance.

Results:

62 PsA patients were included. 40.3 % were women and the mean (SD) age was 55 (14) years. 61% patients were in remission (rheumatologist definition) for more than 12 months and 19% for less than 3 months. 50% met MDA, 63% DAS28-CRP < 2,6, 39% SDAI and CDAI remission, 27% DAPSA remission. 39% had a discordant disease activity assessment from their rheumatologist. In univariate analysis, factors associated with discordance were a history of depression, an associated fibromyalgia, a history of clinical enthesitis and a history of corticosteroid use (Table 1). All disease activity scores and PROs were higher in discordant group and were associated with discordance in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, discordance was associated with no previous corticosteroid use (OR 24.5 (95%CI 2.9-203.7), p=0.003), a higher BDI scale (OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.1-1.8) by supplementary point, p=0.017) and a higher DAPSA score (OR 1.5 (95%CI 1.2-2), p<0.001) by supplementary point.

Conclusion:

In this PsA cohort, discordance between patient and rheumatologist is very common. Discordance in assessment of disease activity was associated with no previous corticosteroid use, probably reflecting a less severe disease, presence of depressive symptoms and an increase of DAPSA, reflecting a more active disease.

Disclosure of Interests:

Marie Moly: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Gael Mouterde: None declared

Table 1.

Factors associated with discordance: Univariate analysis

Discordant group n=24Concordant group n=38OR (95%CI)PHistory of depression, n (%)9 (37.5)1 (2,6)22 (2.58-190.84)<0.001Fibromyalgia (ACR criteria), n (%)5 (20.8)1 (2.6)9.74 (1.06-89.4)0.028At least one enthesitis on the Leeds Enthesitis Index, n (%)14 (58.3)34 (89.5)0.17 (0.04-0.61)0.006TreatmentsPrevious corticosteroid use, n (%)8 (33.3%)26 (68.4%)0.23 (0.08-0.69)0.007Disease activity scores et Patients Reported Outcomes PROsDAS28-CRP > median (2.3), n (%)19 (79.2)12 (31.6)8.23 (2.48-27.32)<0.001SDAI > median (5.09), n (%)21 (87.5)10 (26.3)19.6 (4.79-80.18)<0.001DAPSA > median (7.97), n (%)22 (91.7)9 (23.7)35.4 (6.9-180.8)<0.001BDI > median (3), n (%)14 (58.3)10 (26.3)3.92 (1.32-11.62)0.012FiRST > median (2), n (%)17 (70.8)11 (28.9)5.95 (1.94-18.37)0.001BASDAI > median (2.45), n (%)19 (79.2)12 (31.6)8.23 (2.48-27.32)<0.001HAQ> median (0.1), n (%)16 (66.7)11 (28.9)4.91 (1.63-14.76)0.004PCS > median (9), n (%)18 (75)11 (28.9)7.36 (2.3-23.5)<0.001PsAID > median (2.1), n (%)18 (75)13 (34.2)5.77 (1.84-18.06)0.002

OP0022 RISK OF DIVERTICULITIS AND GASTRO-INTESTINAL PERFORATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH TOCILIZUMAB COMPARED TO RITUXIMAB AND ABATACEPT: A PROSPECTIVE PROPENSITY-MATCHED COHORT STUDY

Background:

There are discordant results regarding a potential increased risk of gastro-intestinal perforation (GIP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) compared to conventional synthetic disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) or TNF inhibitors (TNFis) (1–3).

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to compare the risk of diverticulitis and GIP in RA patients treated with TCZ compared to rituximab (RTX) and abatacept (ABA).

Methods:

We conducted a multicentric study of patients with RA, prospectively followed in 3 observational French registries evaluating the effectiveness and safety of RTX (Autoimmunity and Rituximab (AIR)), ABA (Orencia and Rheumatoid Arthritis (ORA)), and TCZ (REGistry–RoAcTEmra (REGATE)). Using a propensity score approach, we compared the risk of diverticulitis or GIP during treatment with TCZ vs RTX and ABA. The following covariates were included in the propensity score: age, sex, history of diabetes and neoplasia, Charlson Comorbidity Index, number of previous csDMARDs and TNFi, history of TNFi, daily dose of glucocorticoids (GCs) at baseline, co-treatment with a csDMARDs, average DAS28 during follow-up, duration of RA, and exposure time to the considered bDMARDs.

Results:

4501 patients (1496 treated by TCZ, 1986 by RTX and 1019 by ABA) were included. 21 and 9 GIP occurred in the TCZ treated patients, compared to 10 and 8 in the RTX treated patients and 10 and 2 in the ABA treated patients (corresponding incidence rate (IR) are shown in table 1). Two deaths occurred in patients experiencing GIP: 1 (12.5%) due to undetermined rectal perforation among a RTX treated patient, and 1 (11.1%) due to a perforated ulcer among a TCZ treated patient. Based on inverse probability weighting (IPW), there was an increased risk of diverticulitis and GIP in the TCZ treated patients compared with RTX or ABA (table 1). In a subgroup analysis, we confirmed an increased risk of GIP due to diverticulitis but not to any other etiology. Older age (p=0.05), GCs at baseline (p=0.10) and average daily dose of GCs during follow-up (p=0.08) seemed associated with GIP only in univariate analysis. Compared to RTX and ABA, diverticulitis and GIP among TCZ patients occurred earlier after the last perfusion (p=0.01), with atypical clinical presentation (slow transit in 30%, p=0.04) and lower acute phase reactants when the event occurred (C-reactive protein: 31.2±58.4 vs 88.2±89.6 mg/L, p=0.005). Perforated diverticulitis seemed to have higher dose of GCs at the time of the event compared to diverticulitis without perforation in univariate analysis (p=0.06).

Table 1.

Incidence (/1000 PY) and risk of diverticulitis or GIP

AE (n)IRAE (n)IRAE (n)IRIPW analysisOR[95 CI]pOR[95 CI]pExposition (PY)TCZ (ref)3 990RTX6 322ABA2 389TCZ vs RTXTCZ vs ABADiverticulitis215.3101.6104.24.5[2.6-7.6]<0.00013.4[1.7-6.5]<0.0001GIP92.381.320.82.8[1.5-5.1]0.0015.4[1.4-19.9]0.01*Diverticular GIP61.530.520.83.8[1.7-8.5]0,0016.9[1.9-25.4]0.004*Due to another etiology30.750.8001.4[0.5-3.9]0.5--

AE=adverse events; PY=person-years

Conclusion:

TCZ was associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis, and GIP due to diverticulitis, compared to RTX and ABA. Our study confirms an increased risk of GIP in RA patients treated with TCZ, which might be explained by an increased risk of diverticulitis with misleading clinical presentation.

References:

[1]Strangfeld A et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Jul 12

[2]Xie F, Yun H et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 May 1

[3]Barbulescu A et al. OP0231, Ann Rheum Dis. 2018 Jun 1;77(Suppl 2):164–5.

Disclosure of Interests:

Claire Rempenault: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Thierry Schaeverbeke: None declared, Daniel Wendling: None declared, Thao Pham Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Xavier Mariette Consultant of: BMS, Gilead, Medimmune, Novartis, Pfizer, Servier, UCB, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Grant/research support from: BMS, Pfizer, Consultant of: BMS, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Co., Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Jacques Morel: None declared

THU0539 IMPACT OF BODY MASS INDEX ON THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ULTRASOUND- AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENTS OF DISEASE ACTIVITY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: MULTICENTRE AND CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:

Clinical assessment of swollen joint count (SJC) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might be affected by obesity in terms of obesity-related excess adipose tissue.

Objectives:

To compare the level of agreement between synovitis evaluated by Power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) and clinical examination (SJC as component of SDAI) in obese (O) (i.e. Body Mass Index (BMI) >30) versus non-obese (NO) (BMI≤30) RA patients.

Methods:

RA patients ≥18 years fulfilling 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria were included in the cross-sectional multicentre (13 centres) French observational RABODI study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03004651). Clinical synovitis was evaluated on 44 joints. ESR and CRP were collected and SDAI, DAS28, DAS were calculated. A standard US examination on 44 joints was performed by an independent investigator blinded to clinical data. US synovitis was defined by a synovial hypertrophy ≥1 and PD signal≥1 on a semi-quantitative scale according to the EULAR-OMERACT scoring system. Levels of agreement between number of synovitis defined by PDUS and clinical examination were compared in O versus NO patients using Chi2 test, and Kappas (k) and ORs were calculated. A patient was considered “discordant” if ≥1 joint was discordantly classified by PDUS and clinical examination. SDAI was calculated and compared, with SJC defined either by clinical examination or PDUS.

Results:

121 patients were included: mean (SD) age of 58.5 (12.7) years, mean disease duration of 11.1 (9.7) years. 81% were female, 84.3% anti-CCP positive, 63.6% had erosive disease. Mean SDAI was 12.6 (±10.2). 53 (43.8%) had a BMI >30 and 68 (56.2%) ≤30. 59 (48.7%) and 62 (51.2%) had a SDAI≤11 and >11, respectively. The 2 groups were comparable, except for weight (mean (SD) 65.4 (13.5) vs 96.7 (14.7) kg, p< 0.001), some comorbidities (diabetes, asthma and fibromyalgia more frequent in O patients), tender joint count (mean 4.04 (±5.23) in NO vs 7.38 (±8.64) in O, p=0.021). Mean number of SJC was 2.4 (3.3), and PDUS 6.7 (±6.3). Levels of agreement between clinical and PDUS findings were comparable in O vs. NO patients regarding SDAI and other scores (Table). Patients with ≥3 discordant joints were numerically higher in O patients compared to NO (26/53 (49.1%) vs 22/68 (32.4%), p=0.062). At the joint level, discordance was higher in O patients in MCP4 (p=0.057), wrist (p=0.089).

Table.

Level of agreement between PDUS synovitis and SJC in obese versus normally weighted RA patients

Score with PDUS vs. SJCBMI ≤ 30N=68BMI > 30N=53OR(95%CI)P*SDAINon-Discordant (ND)63461.92(0.57-6.42)0.28Discordant (D)57Kappa0.850.73DAS28ND62471.32(0.4-4.35)0.64D66Kappa0.810.77DAS44ND63520.24(0.03-2.14)0.23D51Kappa0.830.96≥1 synovitisND51351.54(0.7-3.4)0.28D1718Kappa0.500.32

Conclusion:

In RA patients, despite a perceived higher difficulty to clinically detect SJ in O patients, the discrepancy between clinically- and PDUS defined synovitis was not significantly higher than in NO patients, and did not impact the extend of the definition of disease activity level.

Disclosure of Interests:

Gael Mouterde: None declared, Federico Manna: None declared, Benoit Le Goff: None declared, Jean-David Albert: None declared, Sandrine Jousse-Joulin: None declared, Frederique Gandjbakhch: None declared, Damien LOEUILLE: None declared, Philippe Gaudin Speakers bureau: Lilly, Muriel PIPERNO: None declared, BANAL Frédéric: None declared, Bénédicte Jamard: None declared, Carine Salliot: None declared, Nicolas Molinari: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Maria-Antonietta D’Agostino: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared

FRI0101 EFFECTS OF IL6 INHIBITORS ON THE INCIDENCE OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META ANALYSIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a 2 fold increased risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) and mortality when compared to the general population. The systemic inflammation in RA seems to play a pivotal role by creating endothelial dysfunction and thus accelerating atherosclerosis. This long lasting inflammatory process potentiates the effects of additional classical cardiovascular risk factors. Since the 2000s, numerous therapeutic advances, in particular biologics, allow better control of this inflammation. Among these, IL6 inhibitors (IL6i) are known to provide rapid and sustained improvements in clinical, biological and radiographic outcomes. However, an increase in circulating lipid concentrations in patients treated with IL6i is usual. This raises the question of the risk -to -benefit ratio of IL6i.

Objectives:

The purpose of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of IL6i on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in RA patients in comparison with TNFalpha inhibitors (TNFi), non TNFi bDMARDs or csDMARDS.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases until February 2019 was performed. Included studies were observational studies or randomized controlled trials having reported relevant confirmed CVEs (death from CVE, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke) in patients with RA treated with IL6i, and a suitable control group. A meta-analysis of the relative risk for each CVE in RA patients treated with IL6i compared to patients in the control groups was performed. A random effect model was applied in case of substantial heterogeneity.

Results:

Of 6869 studies, 23 randomized controlled trials and 6 controlled cohorts could be included. IL6i were significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction in comparison with TNFi (OR, 0.73; 95% CI [0.56 to 0.96]). No other significant effects were observed with regard to the risks of stroke, heart failure (HF), and death from CVE in comparison with csDMARDs, TNFi, or non-TNFi bDMARDs (table 1).

Table 1.

Pooled relative risks of cardiovascular events in RA patients treated with IL-6 inhibitors and respective control groups

Cs DMARDSTNFiNon TNFi bDMARDSMyocardial infarction1.44 [0.50;4.17]0.73 [0.56; 0.96]0.81 [0.48; 1.36]Stroke1.08 [0.40; 2.91]1.20 [0.82; 1.77]0.73 [0.39; 1.37]Heart failure0.17 [0.01; 4.08]1.51 [0.61; 3.70]1.19 [0.71; 1.98]Cardiovascular death1.59 [0.62; 4.11]1.13 [0.72; 1.78]NA

Our findings of a potentially protective effect of IL6i use on the risk of MI are reassuring. Although several beneficial effects might be involved, like the effective control of systemic inflammation, the anti-arrhythmia effect or the improvement of endothelial and left ventricle dysfunction, a potential indication bias with a decreased likelihood to prescribe these drugs in patients with high cardiovascular risk cannot be excluded.

Conclusion:

This review of the literature with meta-analysis provides reassuring results about the association between use of IL6i and CVE in RA patients. Data from long-term observational studies is however needful to confirm and ascertain this result.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0538 IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS CONSIDERED IN REMISSION BY THEIR RHEUMATOLOGIST, CAN DISCORDANCE IN DISEASE ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT BETWEEN PATIENT AND RHEUMATOLOGIST BE EXPLAINED BY RESIDUAL INFLAMMATION AS MEASURED BY ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION?

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous disease and its assessment is sometimes difficult. Perception of disease activity by patient and physician is frequently discordant in patients in clinical remission. Ultrasound (US) is an imaging technique, which can detect inflammation in PsA.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to assess whether persistence of disease activity evaluated by the patient, considered in remission by his rheumatologist, was associated with inflammation measured by US.

Methods:

We performed a transversal monocentric study. PsA patients were included if they met the CASPAR criteria and were considered in remission by their rheumatologist. Demographic data, characteristics of the disease and treatments were collected. Discordance was defined by a difference between patient’s and rheumatologist’s global assessment ≥30/100 on a Visual Analogic Scale. An US examination was performed on 50 joints, 28 tendons and 14 entheses by an independent investigator. Synovial or tendon sheath hypertrophy and PD signal were evaluated on a semi-quantitative scale, B Mode and PD signal abnormalities on entheses were searched, according to the EULAR-OMERACT scoring system. US remission was defined by no power Doppler (PD) signal on joints, tendons and entheses and minimal US activity by maximum one PD signal on the same sites. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with US abnormalities.

Results:

Sixty-two PsA patients were included. 40.3% were women, the mean (SD) age was 55 (14) years, 42% were in US remission and 71% in minimal US activity (Table 1), 19.4% had ≥1 PD synovitis and 88.7% had a B mode synovitis, 95.2% had a B mode abnormality on entheses and 51.6% had ≥1 PD signal on entheses. Thirty nine percent had a discordant disease activity assessment with their rheumatologist. In univariate analysis, discordance was not associated with US remission (OR=1.71 (95%CI 0.61-4.83), p=0.224) or US minimal disease activity (OR=0.99 (95%CI 0.32-3.05), p=0.602). In multivariate analysis, US remission was independently associated with female gender (OR=3.94 (95%CI 1.20-12.9), p=0.024) and younger age (OR=0.95 (95%CI 0.91-0.99), p=0.027). Minimal US activity was associated with history of enthesis lesion (OR=11.26 (95%CI 1.34-94.93), p=0.026) and age (OR=0.95 (95%CI 0.90-1), p=0.044).

Table 1.

Ultrasound characteristics of the 62 PsA patients.

N (%)Ultrasound remission26 (41.9)Ultrasound minimal disease activity44 (71)Patients with ≥1 grey scale synovitis55 (88.7)Patients with ≥1 Power Doppler synovitis12 (19.4)Patients with ≥1 grey scale tenosynovitis15 (24.2)Patients with ≥1 Power Doppler tenosynovitis1 (1.6)Patients with ≥1 grey scale enthesitis lesion (thickness, hypo echogenicity, calcification, enthesophyte, erosion, bursitis)59 (95.2)Patients with ≥1 Power Doppler enthesitis32 (51.6)

Conclusion:

Our study showed persistent inflammation evaluated by US in PsA patients considered in remission by their rheumatologist. However, prevalence of residual inflammation evaluated by US was not higher in patients with self-assessment of their disease discordant from their rheumatologist.

Disclosure of Interests:

Marie Moly: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Jacques Morel: None declared, Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Gael Mouterde: None declared

SAT0064 VACCINATION RATE AND RISK FACTORS FOR NON-VACCINATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL PROSPECTIVE MULTICENTRIC OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at increased risk of infections, some of which could be prevented in part by vaccination (1). Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended in RA (2). However, vaccination coverage of these patients remains very low. Five years ago, we found in a previous study that vaccination rates in France were 55% for pneumococcal and 60% for influenza vaccines (3).

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to evaluate the vaccination rate among RA patients, compare it with our previous results, and identify factors associated with non-vaccination.

Methods:

We conducted a cross sectional multicentric observational study in the rheumatology departments of 5 university hospitals in France. Data were collected from December 2018 to July 2019. Outpatients and hospitalized adult patients with RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria were included. Data were collected during a single visit through an anonymous questionnaire completed by the patients. Pearson Chi-squared analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare characteristics of vaccinated versus non vaccinated patients.

Results:

584 patients (77.9% of women, mean age 61.8±12.6 years old) were included. 81.7% were RF and/or ACPA positive, with a mean RA duration of 15.7±10.5 years, 58.2% were treated with methotrexate (MTX), and 68.6% with a biologic. Vaccination rate against pneumococcal was 78.9% (versus 55% in 2013, p<0.0001) and 60.4% for influenza (versus 60% in 2013). The main reason for non-vaccination was absence of vaccine proposal (59.2%) for pneumococcal, and fear of vaccines (56.7%) for influenza. In the multivariate analysis, a higher level of education (OR [CI95] 4.4 [2.3-8.4], p<0.0001), a very good opinion on vaccination (2.1 [1.1-4.1], p=0.003), vaccination against influenza done (2.3 {1.3-4.2], p=0.006), and exposure to biologics (4.0 [2.2-7.4], p<0.0001) were associated with vaccination against pneumococcal. Age over 65 years old (2.0 [1.2-3.2], p=0.006), participation in a patients’ association (3.6 [1.4-8.9], p=0.006), vaccination against pneumococcal done (2.4 [1.3-4.5], p=0.004), exposure to biologics (2.1 [1.2-3.7], p=0.006), a good (3.3 [1.4-8.9], p=0.03) and a very good opinion on vaccination (6.6 [2.8-15.6], p<0.0001) were associated with vaccination against influenza.

Conclusion:

Vaccination rate against pneumococcal increased over the last 5 years but remained stable for influenza vaccine in French RA patients. This could be improved with patient’s information and education, especially in patients age under 65, biologic naïve and with a bad opinion about vaccination.

References:

[1] Doran MF, Crowson CS et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2002 Sep;46(9):2287–93.

[2]van Assen S, Agmon-Levin N et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 Mar;70(3):414–22.

[3] Hua C, Morel J et al. Rheumatol Oxf Engl. 2015 Apr;54(4):748–50.

Disclosure of Interests:

Claire Rempenault: None declared, Thomas Barnetche: None declared, Marion Magnol: None declared, Benjamin Castagne: None declared, marine pugibet: None declared, Eleonore Berard: None declared, Marie-Elise Truchetet: None declared, Pascale Vergne-Salle: None declared, Anne Tournadre: None declared, Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Genzyme, Cédric Lukas: None declared

THU0581 USE OF EHEALTH BY PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: AN OBSERVATIONAL, CROSS SECTIONAL, MULTICENTER STUDY

Background:

The use of eHealth tools (internet, mobile applications, connected devices) in chronic diseases and in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is growing (1). eHealth may improve the overall care of patients suffering from chronic diseases (2,3).

Objectives:

The main objective of this study was to describe the use of eHealth by RA patients in France. The secondary objectives were to identify differences in demographic and disease characteristics between patients using eHealth tools or not. We also assessed patients’ expectations about digital devices.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study. Patients with RA according to the ACR / EULAR 2010 criteria were recruited in 5 university hospitals (Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Limoges, Montpellier and Toulouse). Patients completed an anonymous self-questionnaire including demographic data, assessment about the use of eHealth (access, support, frequency of use, type of use, reason for use). The treating rheumatologist of the patient filled in an independent medical questionnaire collecting the disease characteristics, the activity of RA and the treatments. Data were collected from December 2018 to July 2019.

Results:

The questionnaires were completed by 575 patients, with an average age of 62±13 years, 78% of whom were women. 473 (82%) patients had access to eHealth through a computer (n=402, 86%), a tablet (n=188, 40%) and/or a smartphone (n=221, 47%). Among them, 36% (170/473) used internet for health in general and 29% (134/473) specifically for RA. Regarding the use of eHealth for RA, all patients used it to learn about their disease and 66% (89/134) as a tool to help monitoring RA. Most of them (n=87/125, 70%) had a paper medical record, 24/125 patients (19%) used a digital tool (spreadsheet n=10, 8% and / or mobile application n=9, 7% and / or website n=5, 4%) and 31/125 patients (25%) did not use any tool to monitor their RA. Few patients (16/126, 13%) used numeric reminders for their treatments. A specific application for RA was used by 27/127 patients (21%) using eHealth. Age, level of study, employment, treatment, comorbidities, membership of a patient association group and patient education program were associated with the use of eHealth for RA in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, membership of patient’s association (OR: 5.8 [3.0-11.2]), bDMARDs use (OR: 0.6 [0.4-1]) and comorbidities (OR: 0.7 [0.6-0.8]) remained associated with eHealth use for RA. According to the patients, recommendation by a doctor (n=225/330, 68%), ease of use (n=105/330, 32%) and data security (n=69/330, 21%) were the factors that would favor the use of eHealth.

Conclusion:

To date, few patients used eHealth for their disease. The use of a reliable and validated eHealth tool in RA could therefore be promoted by rheumatologist and might optimize the therapeutic adherence.

References:

[1]Mosa ASM, Yoo I, Sheets L. A systematic review of healthcare applications for smartphones. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 10 juill 2012;12:67.

[2]Lorig KR, Ritter PL, Laurent DD, Plant K. The internet-based arthritis self-management program: a one-year randomized trial for patients with arthritis or fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 15 juill 2008;59(7):1009‑17.

[3]Charpentier G, Benhamou P-Y, Dardari D, Clergeot A, Franc S, Schaepelynck-Belicar P, et al. The Diabeo software enabling individualized insulin dose adjustments combined with telemedicine support improves

Disclosure of Interests:

Marion Magnol: None declared, Eleonore Berard: None declared, Claire Rempenault: None declared, Benjamin Castagne: None declared, marine pugibet: None declared, Cédric Lukas: None declared, Anne Tournadre: None declared, Pascale Vergne-Salle: None declared, Thomas Barnetche: None declared, Marie-Elise Truchetet: None declared, Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Genzyme

Data to be collected for an optimal management of axial spondyloarthritis in daily practice: Proposal from evidence-based and consensual approaches

OBJECTIVE

To propose a list of variables to be collected right after the diagnosis has been made and during the follow-up of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) for an optimal management in daily practice.

METHODS

The process comprised (1) the evaluation of the interest of 51 variables proposed for the assessment of ax-SpA by means of a systematic literature research; (2) a consensus process involving 78 hospital-based or office-based rheumatologists, considering the collection of each variable in a 4 grade scale from "not very useful/useless" to "mandatory"; (3) a consensus on the minimum interval of time for periodic assessment of the selected variables on a 5 grade scale from "at each visit" to "never to be re-collected".

RESULTS

The systematic literature research retrieved a total of 14,133 abstracts, of which 213 were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Data to be collected at the initial systematic review comprised 5 patient's self-administered questionnaires, 3 variables of the physician's interview, 2 variables of the physical examination, 2 variables of the specific ax-SpA imaging and 2 other investigations. Two variables were recommended to be systematically collected at each visit, 1 variable twice a year, 6 variables yearly and 1 variable every 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an evidence-based and an expert consensus approaches, this initiative defined a core set of variables to be collected and reported right after the diagnosis and during follow-up of patients with ax-SpA in daily practice.

Clinical and Structural Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) improves metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its efficacy appears to be moderate as compared to placebo. The aim of our study was to assess the current literature on the clinical and structural efficacy of HCQ in the joints of patients with RA.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism annual scientific meeting abstracts for studies available up to November 2017 comparing the efficacy of HCQ in patients with RA, in monotherapy or combined with other conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). Data were extracted by 1 investigator and independently checked by a different investigator.

RESULTS

The literature search revealed 197 articles and abstracts of potential interest, and 11 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. The clinical and structural efficacy of HCQ was similar to or lower than that for methotrexate or sulfasalazine in monotherapy. HCQ combined with other DMARDs could increase the clinical efficacy.

CONCLUSION

In addition to its metabolic benefit, combining HCQ with other DMARDs could provide some clinical improvement in patients with RA and inadequate response to previous csDMARDs.