Antithrombotic therapy for stable coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation in patients with and without revascularisation: the AFIRE trial

BACKGROUND

The Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial demonstrated non-inferior efficacy endpoints for rivaroxaban monotherapy versus combination therapy (rivaroxaban plus a single antiplatelet) and superior safety endpoints in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease.

AIMS

This post hoc analysis investigated whether the AFIRE trial results reflected the presence or absence of prior revascularisation.

METHODS

Among 2,215 patients, 1,697 (76.6%) had previously undergone revascularisation, and the remaining 518 (23.4%) had not undergone prior revascularisation. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularisation, or death from any cause, while the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding.

RESULTS

In 1,697 patients with prior revascularisation, the efficacy and safety endpoints were superior for monotherapy versus combination therapy (efficacy: hazard ratio [HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.85; p=0.003; safety: HR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.98; p=0.042). Among 518 without prior revascularisation, there were no significant differences in endpoints (efficacy: HR 1.19, 95% CI: 0.67-2.12; p=0.554; safety: HR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.18-1.26; p=0.134). There was borderline interaction of the efficacy endpoints (p=0.055) between two treatments. The safety benefit of monotherapy on any bleeding was significant in patients without prior revascularisation (HR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38-0.93; p=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

In high-risk thrombosis patients with a history of prior revascularisation, rivaroxaban monotherapy versus combination therapy demonstrated favourable safety and efficacy outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Esaxerenone in Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (ESES-LVH) Study: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective, Interventional Study

INTRODUCTION

In contrast to the antihypertensive effect of esaxerenone, there is little evidence of its cardioprotective effect. We investigated the efficacy and safety of esaxerenone in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy taking a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi) or calcium-channel blocker (CCB).

METHODS

This was a multicenter, open-label, exploratory study with a 24-week treatment period. Esaxerenone was orally administered at an initial dose of 2.5 mg/day (maximum dose: 5 mg/day). The primary endpoints were the change in morning home systolic blood pressure (BP)/diastolic BP and change and percentage change in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) from baseline to end of treatment (EOT). Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in bedtime home and office BP, achievement rate of target BP, and safety.

RESULTS

In total, 60 patients were enrolled. Morning home systolic/diastolic BP was significantly decreased from baseline to EOT in the total population (- 11.5/ - 4.7 mmHg, p < 0.001) and in both the RASi and CCB subcohorts (all p < 0.01). Significant reductions in bedtime home and office BP were shown in the total population and both subcohorts. LVMI was also significantly decreased from baseline to EOT in the total population (- 9.9 g/m2, - 8.5%, both p < 0.001) and both subcohorts (all p < 0.05). The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and drug-related TEAEs were 35.0% and 3.3%, respectively; most were mild or moderate. No new safety concerns were identified.

CONCLUSION

Esaxerenone showed favorable antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects and safety in hypertensive patients with cardiac hypertrophy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs071190043).

Impacts of Febuxostat on Cerebral and Cardiovascular Events in Elderly Patients with Hyperuricemia: Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

A recent meta-analysis found no benefit of uric acid-lowering therapy including febuxostat on death, cardiovascular events, or renal impairment. However, there may be populations that benefit from febuxostat in reducing mortality and cerebral and cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical benefit of febuxostat in elderly patients stratified by age using Febuxostat for Cerebral and CaRdiorenovascular Events PrEvEntion StuDy (FREED) data. FREED was a randomized study involving patients aged 65 years or older with hyperuricemia and risk factors for cerebral, cardiovascular, or renal diseases. A total of 1,070 patients were included in this post hoc analysis, divided into 2 age groups: 65-74 years and ≥ 75 years. Patients were randomized into febuxostat and non-febuxostat groups, with uric acid levels monitored for 36 months. The primary composite end point included cerebral, cardiovascular, and renal events. In patients aged between 65 and 74 years, febuxostat significantly reduced the risk of future cerebral and cardiorenovascular events. However, no effects of febuxostat were found in the older population aged ≥ 75 years. Heterogeneity in potential interactions between the age and febuxostat treatment was particularly observed in non-fatal cerebral and cardiovascular events and all-cause death. Patients aged ≥ 75 years exhibited more pre-existing factors associated with cerebral and cardiorenovascular events than those aged 65-74 years. The effectiveness of febuxostat varies by age group, with potential benefits for patients aged 65-74 years. The effects of febuxostat are complex and it is important to consider patient characteristics in its clinical use.

Thrombocytopenia as a Bleeding Risk Factor in Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From the AFIRE Study

Background Thrombocytopenia poses a risk of bleeding in patients with chronic coronary syndrome after coronary intervention. However, whether thrombocytopenia also increases the bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic coronary syndrome remains unclear. Methods and Results This study evaluated the AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count <100 000/mm3 level at enrollment. Primary end points included incidence of major bleeding based on the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis criterion and major adverse cardiovascular ischemic events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke). A total of 2133 patients were classified into the thrombocytopenia (n=70) and nonthrombocytopenia (n=2063) groups. Major bleeding was significantly higher in the thrombocytopenia group than in the nonthrombocytopenia group (10.0% versus 4.1%, P=0.027). The thrombocytopenia group tended to have a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular ischemic events (11.4% versus 6.2%, P=0.08). The bleeding incidence was significantly higher in patients with thrombocytopenia receiving combination therapy with rivaroxaban and a single antiplatelet drug (thrombocytopenia group, 14.3%, versus nonthrombocytopenia group, 5.0%; hazard ratio, 3.18 [95% CI, 1.27-7.97], P=0.014). Thrombocytopenia was an independent predictor of major bleeding (hazard ratio, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.19-5.56], P=0.017). Conclusions Among patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic coronary syndrome, thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with increased risk of major bleeding. Selecting drugs for patients with thrombocytopenia continuing antithrombotic therapy should be given special consideration. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02642419. https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique identifier: UMIN000016612.

C-reactive Protein Levels and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Febuxostat Treatment in Patients with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: Post-hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Hyperuricemia is associated with the activation of the Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome. Here, we investigated whether inhibition of inflammation using febuxostat lowered the risk of cardiovascular events.

METHODS

This is a post-hoc analysis of the randomized trial, Febuxostat for Cerebral and CaRdiorenovascular Events PrEvEntion StuDy (FREED). In total, 1067 patients (736 men and 331 women) were included in the analysis. We compared the serial changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels between febuxostat and non-febuxostat groups and assessed the correlation between the changes in uric acid (UA) and hs-CRP levels after febuxostat treatment. We also determined whether febuxostat could reduce a hard endpoint, defined as a composite of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Serum UA levels in the febuxostat group were significantly lower than those in the non-febuxostat group after randomization (p < 0.05). However, hs-CRP levels were comparable between the two groups during the study. No significant correlation was observed between the changes in UA and hs-CRP levels after febuxostat treatment. The hard endpoints did not differ significantly between the two groups. In patients with baseline hs-CRP levels > 0.2 mg/dL or those administered 40 mg of febuxostat, the drug did not reduce hs-CRP levels or decrease the hard endpoint.

CONCLUSION

Febuxostat reduced the UA levels but did not affect the CRP levels, and therefore may fail to improve cardiovascular outcomes after treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01984749). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01984749.

Trends and future projections of cervical cancer-related outcomes in Japan: What happens if the HPV vaccine program is not implemented?

Contrary to other developed countries, in Japan, recent years have seen increases in cervical cancer incidence and mortality among young people. However, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program, a key measure for avoiding cervical cancer, has been virtually suspended. Temporal changes in cervical cancer profiles in this unique situation have not been fully investigated epidemiologically. Our study aimed to determine the current status and future trends of the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in Japan. Mortality rates of cervical cancer during 1975 to 2016 and incidence rates of cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 during 1975 to 2013 were examined using vital statistics and population-based cancer registry data in Japan. Bayesian age-period-cohort analyses were performed to analyze temporal changes of the three cervical cancer-related outcomes. We also calculated projections to 2028 for the three outcomes, assuming that HPV vaccination coverage and screening rates in Japan would be maintained at the current level after the resumption of the national vaccination program. The risk of occurrence of the three outcomes showed similar changes by birth cohort, peaking in the mid-1890s to 1900s birth cohorts, declining sharply in the 1940s birth cohort, and persistently increasing in the 1950s and later birth cohorts. Projections to 2028 show increases in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the 30 to 69 age group, with a particular increase in CIN3 incidence in the 25 to 49 age group, if HPV vaccine programs and screening are not effectively implemented. These findings revealed an increasing cervical disease burden among reproductive age females in Japan.

Risk prediction score for clinical outcome in atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Antithrombotic therapy is essential for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) because of the high risk of thrombosis, whereas a combination of antiplatelets and anticoagulants is associated with a high risk of bleeding. We sought to develop and validate a machine-learning-based model to predict future adverse events.

METHODS

Data from 2215 patients with AF and stable CAD enrolled in the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischaemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease trial were randomly assigned to the development and validation cohorts. Using the random survival forest (RSF) and Cox regression models, risk scores were developed for net adverse clinical events (NACE) defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke or major bleeding.

RESULTS

Using variables selected by the Boruta algorithm, RSF and Cox models demonstrated acceptable discrimination and calibration in the validation cohort. Using the variables weighted by HR (age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption, creatinine clearance, heart failure, diabetes, antiplatelet use and AF type), an integer-based risk score for NACE was developed and classified patients into three risk groups: low (0-4 points), intermediate (5-8) and high (≥9). In both cohorts, the integer-based risk score performed well, with acceptable discrimination (area under the curve 0.70 and 0.66, respectively) and calibration (p>0.40 for both). Decision curve analysis showed the superior net benefits of the risk score.

CONCLUSIONS

This risk score can predict the risk of NACE in patients with AF and stable CAD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

UMIN000016612, NCT02642419.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Japanese atrial fibrillation patients with poor medication adherence: A sub-analysis of the GENERAL study

BACKGROUND

Oral anticoagulation therapy is essential for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, poor anticoagulant adherence may hamper medication safety and effective prevention of stroke.

METHODS

GENERAL is a prospective cohort study of AF patients taking rivaroxaban prescribed by general practitioners in Japan. In this study, anticoagulant adherence was calculated as the proportion of days covered (PDC), and patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: good adherence (PDC ≥80 %) and poor adherence (<80 %).

RESULTS

Of 5680 patients in the GENERAL study, the poor adherence group consisted of 223 patients (3.9 %). Baseline clinical characteristics were almost comparable regarding age (PDC ≥80 % vs. <80 %: 73.9 vs. 74.0 years, p = 0.92) and sex (male 64.6 % vs. 66.8 %, p = 0.52). The PDC <80 % group more often had various co-morbidities, and had significantly higher CHADS₂ (2.14 vs. 2.28, p = 0.04) and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (3.12 vs. 3.31, p = 0.045). There was no significant difference in HAS-BLED score (1.41 vs. 1.47, p = 0.39). During 2-year follow-up, the incidences of stroke or systemic embolism (1.14 vs. 3.56 % per patient-year, p < 0.01), major bleeding (0.59 vs. 1.78 % per patient-year, p < 0.01), and net clinical outcome (the composite of stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, or death) (3.49 vs. 7.78 % per patient-year, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the poor adherence group; however, there was no significant difference in all-cause (1.89 vs. 2.73 % per patient-year, p = 0.23) and cardiovascular mortality (0.86 vs. 1.49 % per patient-year, p = 0.18). Multivariate analysis revealed that the poor adherence group was independently associated with stroke or systemic embolism (adjusted hazard ratio 3.12, 95 % confidence interval 1.79-5.47), major bleeding (2.87, 1.31-6.34), and net clinical outcome, (2.02, 1.39-2.93), but not with all-cause (1.18, 0.64-2.17) or cardiovascular death (1.39, 0.60-2.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor anticoagulant adherence, as measured by PDC <80 %, was associated with higher incidence of stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding in the GENERAL study.

Antithrombotic monotherapy for stable coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation patients with and without prior coronary artery revascularization: Insights from the AFIRE trial

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation under a contract with Bayer Yakuhin

Background

The AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban monotherapy was noninferior to combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus a single antiplatelet therapy regarding efficacy and superior for safety endpoints in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease including patients not requiring revascularization [prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or bypass grafting (CABG)].

Purpose

The aim of this post-hoc subgroup analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban monotherapy compared to combination therapy in patients with and without prior revascularization.

Methods

Among 2,215 patients included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis in the AFIRE trial, 1445 patients (65.2%) had undergone previous PCI alone, and 252 (11.4%) had undergone previous CABG. The remaining 518 patients (23.4%) was categorized as a group without prior revascularization and then compared with a group with prior revascularization (PCI or CABG). The primary efficacy end point was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, or death from any cause. The primary safety end point was major bleeding, according to the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

Results

In 1697 patients with prior revascularization, efficacy and safety endpoints of rivaroxaban monotherapy were superior to combination therapy (efficacy: HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.45-0.85, p=0.003; safety: HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.39-0.98, p=0.040), whereas there were no significant differences in efficacy and safety endpoints among 518 patients without prior revascularization (efficacy: HR 1.19, 95%CI 0.67-2.11, p=0.553; safety: HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.18-1.26, p=0.125). There was a borderline interaction of efficacy endpoint (P for interaction=0.055) by randomized treatment assignment (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Compared with combination therapy, the safety benefit of rivaroxaban monotherapy on any bleeding was significant in patients without prior revascularization (HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.38-0.93, p=0.022).

Conclusions

In patients with prior PCI or CABG, rivaroxaban monotherapy resulted in more favorable safety and efficacy outcomes than combination therapy. There was a borderline interaction for primary efficacy outcome between prior revascularization and anti-thrombotic therapy.

β-Delayed One and Two Neutron Emission Probabilities Southeast of ^{132}Sn and the Odd-Even Systematics in r-Process Nuclide Abundances

The β-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. β-delayed two-neutron emission (β2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak β2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on β-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

Antithrombotic and proton pump inhibitor co-therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary disease: a post hoc analysis of the AFIRE trial

Background

Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease, bleeding events increased the cardiovascular events and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on the risk of bleeding events in these patients.

Methods

In the AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease), patients with non-valvular AF and coronary artery disease were recruited and randomized to receive the rivaroxaban monotherapy or combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet drug. The present sub-analysis evaluated the risks of any bleeding events.

Results

Among 2,225 patients, 1,357 (61.3%) were receiving a PPI at baseline. During follow-up, 384 bleeding events were occurred, and incidence of bleeding events were significantly lower in patients with PPI compared with those without PPI (p=0.03). Among combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet, effect of PPI for cumulative incidence of bleeding events were significantly different between groups (p=0.01), however, these differences were not shown among rivaroxaban monotherapy patients (p=0.50, Figure 1). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis showed that PPI use had significantly lower risk of bleeding events (hazard risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.97, p=0.03). In addition to PPI, male, heart failure and combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet drug were independent predictors of bleeding events.

Conclusions

PPI use was significantly associated with lower risk of bleeding events among patients with AF and stable coronary artery disease. Especially, for patients at high bleeding risk, such as receiving both anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, PPI is useful to reduce bleeding events.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Foundation through a contract with Bayer Yakuhin.

Effect of rivaroxaban monotherapy vs. combination with anti-platelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease across different body mass index categories

Background

The AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial showed both noninferiority for efficacy and superiority for safety endpoints of rivaroxaban monotherapy compared to rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet therapy (combination therapy) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). However, no accumulating evidence regarding efficacy and safety of these fixed-dose direct oral anticoagulant therapy was available in underweight and obese patients.

Purpose

The aim of this post-hoc analysis of the AFIRE trial was to evaluate outcomes of rivaroxaban monotherapy (vs. combination therapy) in patients with AF and stable CAD across body mass index (BMI) categories.

Methods

Patients were categorized into groups 1 (underweight: BMI of &lt;18.5 kg/m2), 2 (normal: BMI of 18.5 to &lt;25 kg/m2), 3 (overweight: BMI of 25 to &lt;30 kg/m2), and 4 (obesity: BMI of ≥30 kg/m2). Efficacy (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, stroke, or systemic embolism) and safety (major bleeding defined according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria) were compared between rivaroxaban monotherapy and combination therapy across BMI categories.

Results

We analyzed 2,054 patients with a median age of 75.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 69 to 80)) years old and CHA2DS2-VASc of 4 (IQR, 3 to 5). Group 1 through 4 included 72 (3.5%), 1,158 (56.4%), 680 (33.1%), 144 (7.0%) patients and 62.3%, 52.3%, 36.2%, and 30.3% were received reduced dose of rivaroxaban, respectively. Although the sample sizes for group 1 and 4 were limited, monotherapy was superior to combination therapy for efficacy in group 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.95) and safety in group 3 (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.62), whereas a significant difference in the endpoints was not observed in the other BMI categories. Impact of monotherapy on endpoints did not have a significant interaction in BMI.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban monotherapy had similar effect on prognosis across all BMI categories in patients with AF and stable CAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation based on a contract with Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd

Rivaroxaban Monotherapy in Atrial Fibrillation and Stable Coronary Artery Disease Across Body Mass Index Categories

Background

The AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial showed both noninferiority for efficacy and superiority for safety endpoints of rivaroxaban monotherapy compared with those of rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet therapy (combination therapy) in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease.

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate outcomes of rivaroxaban monotherapy in those patients across body mass index (BMI) categories.

Methods

Patients were categorized into 4 groups: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI 18.5 to <25 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25 to <30 kg/m²), and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Efficacy (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, stroke, or systemic embolism) and safety (major bleeding defined according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria) were compared between rivaroxaban monotherapy and combination therapy across BMI categories.

Results

This study analyzed 2,054 patients with a median age of 75.0 years and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 4. A significant interaction was not observed between BMI categories and effect of monotherapy for efficacy (P = 0.83) and safety (P = 0.07), although monotherapy was superior to combination therapy for efficacy in normal weight (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44-0.95) and safety in overweight (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10-0.62), whereas a significant difference in the endpoints was not observed in the other BMI categories.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban monotherapy had a similar effect on prognosis across all BMI categories in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease. (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease [AFIRE]; UMIN000016612, NCT02642419).

Rivaroxaban Monotherapy vs Combination Therapy With Antiplatelets on Total Thrombotic and Bleeding Events in Atrial Fibrillation With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Post Hoc Secondary Analysis of the AFIRE Trial

Importance

Appropriate regimens of antithrombotic therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) have not yet been established.

Objective

To compare the total number of thrombotic and/or bleeding events between rivaroxaban monotherapy and combined rivaroxaban and antiplatelet therapy in such patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a post hoc secondary analysis of the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) open-label, randomized clinical trial. This multicenter analysis was conducted from February 23, 2015, to July 31, 2018. Patients with AF and stable CAD who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting 1 or more years earlier or who had angiographically confirmed CAD not requiring revascularization were enrolled. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2020, to March 26, 2021.

Interventions

Rivaroxaban monotherapy or combined rivaroxaban and antiplatelet therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The total incidence of thrombotic, bleeding, and fatal events was compared between the groups. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of subsequent events in the 2 groups, with the status of thrombotic or bleeding events that had occurred by the time of death used as a time-dependent variable.

Results

A total of 2215 patients (mean [SD] age, 74 [8.2] years; 1751 men [79.1%]) were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. The total event rates for the rivaroxaban monotherapy group (1107 [50.0%]) and the combination-therapy group (1108 [50.0%]) were 12.2% (135 of 1107) and 19.2% (213 of 1108), respectively, during a median follow-up of 24.1 (IQR, 17.3-31.5) months. The mortality rate was 3.7% (41 of 1107) in the monotherapy group and 6.6% (73 of 1108) in the combination-therapy group. Rivaroxaban monotherapy was associated with a lower risk of total events compared with combination therapy (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.80; P < .001). Monotherapy was an independent factor associated with a lower risk of subsequent events compared with combination therapy. The mortality risk after a bleeding event (monotherapy, 75% [6 of 8]; combination therapy, 62.1% [18 of 29]) was higher than that after a thrombotic event (monotherapy, 25% [2 of 8]; combination therapy, 37.9% [11 of 29]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Rivaroxaban monotherapy was associated with lower risks of total thrombotic and/or bleeding events than combination therapy in patients with AF and stable CAD. Tapered antithrombotic therapy with a sole anticoagulant should be considered in these patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02642419.

Rivaroxaban Underdose for Atrial Fibrillation with Stable Coronary Disease: The AFIRE Trial Findings

Background  Rivaroxaban monotherapy was noninferior to combination therapy (rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet therapy) in efficacy but superior in safety in the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial. Among 2,215 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD), 1,378 had baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥50 mL/min and received 10 (underdose) or 15 mg/d (standard-dose) rivaroxaban. We aimed to assess the effects of rivaroxaban underdose on clinical outcomes.

Methods  We assessed efficacy endpoint (a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, and death from any cause) and major bleeding in the subgroup of patients with preserved renal function in the AFIRE trial.

Results  Age ≥75 years, female sex, lower CrCl, heart failure, and percutaneous coronary intervention history were associated with the underdose prescription. The underdose group had a similar incidence of the efficacy endpoint (3.62 vs. 3.51% per patient-year; p  = 0.871) and significantly lower incidence of major bleeding (0.82 vs. 2.17% per patient-year; p  = 0.022) than the standard-dose group. In patients receiving monotherapy, the incidences of efficacy endpoint and major bleeding were similar between the groups, whereas in those receiving combination therapy, the incidence of major bleeding was significantly lower in the underdose group than that in the standard-dose group.

Conclusion  In patients with AF, stable CAD, and preserved renal function, rivaroxaban underdose was associated with similar rates of thrombotic events but a lower incidence of hemorrhagic events than the standard dose.

Clinical Trial Registration  AFIRE UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ( https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ ), number UMIN000016612, and ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02642419.

AB0401 THE BASELINE SERUM SOLUBLE TNF RECEPTOR LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESPONSE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TO JAKinibs

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the multiple joints.

The elucidation of the pathogenesis of RA has progressed dramatically in recent decades, and among the many cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of RA, interleukin (IL)-6 and TNF-α are known to be the major pro-inflammatory cytokines that are abundant in the bloodstream and synovial tissue. JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) such as tofacitinib and baricitinib are used in the treatment of RA by inhibiting JAK, which in turn inhibits the signaling of various cytokines including IL-6. However, predictors of the response to JAKinibs are still required.

Objectives

We aimed to combine soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR) I, sTNFR II, IL-6, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) levels to identify groups of JAKinibs responses in RA patients.

Methods

This research is a retrospective study. We reviewed medical records of RA patients initiating JAKinibs between July 2013 and July 2021 in our hospital. The Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) was evaluated at baseline and 3, 6 months after JAKinibs administration. Clinical remission was defined when SDAI decreased ≤ 3.3. Of the 125 patients treated with JAKinibs, 89 patients with 6 months follow-up, valid SDAI and serum available were enrolled. Serum samples were tested for IL-6 (Human IL-6 Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems), sIL-6R (Human soluble IL-6R alpha Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems) and sgp130 (Human soluble gp130 Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems), sTNFR I (Human TNF RI/TNFRSF1A Quantikine ELISA Kit DRT100) and sTNFR II (Human sTNF RII/TNFRSF1B Quantikine ELISA Kit DRT200) using specific ELISAs according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The statistical analyses were performed with EZR 1.55, and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The median age of patients was 62 (IQR: 51 - 72) years and the median of disease duration was 6.0 (2.0 - 16.0) years. Twenty-seven (30.3%) patients were biologics and Jakinibs naive. The baseline SDAI was median 18.9 (12.7 - 27.9). When comparing SDAI-remission group (clinical remission: CR) and non-remission group, there were no significant differences in any of the baseline clinical parameters. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 between the CR and non-CR groups, but the serum levels of sTNFR I and sTNFR II in the CR group were significantly lower than non-CR group. Univariate logistic regression analysis suggested Biologics and JAKinibs naive (odds ratio (OR) 3.58, p = 0.015), baseline Log sTNFR II levels (OR 0.013, P=0.034) as predictors of SDAI remission treated with JAKinibs at 6 months. Although not significant, Stage IV (OR 0.211, P=0.082) and baseline Log sTNFR I serum levels (OR 0.013, P=0.065) were associated with clinical remission.

Conclusion

RA patients could be easily stratified prior to JAKinibs intervention with serum sTNFR II and sTNFR I levels, not but IL-6 axis cytokines (IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130).

Univariate logistic regression analysis for clinical remission in patients treated with JAKinibs.　Odds Ratio[95% C.I.]P ValueAge, year0.973[0.942 - 1.010]0.104Female (%)0.820[0.231 - 2.910]0.759BMI0.968[0.847 - 1.110]0.627Duration, year0.952[0.897 - 1.010]0.110StageIreferrenceII0.857[0.218 - 3.370]0.825III0.444[0.072 - 2.740]0.382IV0.211[0.036 - 1.220]0.082Biologic/JAKi naïve3.580[1.280 - 9.950]0.015JAKi Drug-Baricitinibreferrence-Tofacitinib1.780[0.659 - 4.800]0.256MTX use1.640[0.532 - 5.30]0.390PSL use0.476[0.176 - 1.290]0.143SASP use0.783[0.268 - 2.290]0.654IGU use0.328[0.039 - 2.750]0.304BUC use0.436[0.051 - 3.760]0.450TAC use0.233[0.029 - 1.910]0.1750W IL-6, pg/mL0.991[0.977 - 1.000]0.1980W sIL-6R, ng/mL0.983[0.947 - 1.02]0.3690W sgp130, ng/mL0.998[0.994 - 1.000]0.4440W sTNFR II/I ratio0.808[0.222 - 2.940]0.7460W Log sTNFR II, pg/mL0.002[0.0000653 - 0.634]0.0340W Log sTNFR I, pg/mL0.013[0.000126 - 1.300]0.065

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0362 NEUTROPHIL COUNT REDUCTION 1 MONTH AFTER INITIATING SARILUMAB AND BASELINE SERUM SOLUBLE gp130 LEVELS CAN INDEPENDENTLY PREDICT CLINICAL REMISSION WITHIN 3 MONTH IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background

IL-6 contributes significantly to the chronic inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is elevated in serum and synovial fluid of RA patients.

Sarilumab (SRL), a human anti-human IL-6 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody that blocks the signaling originated by the IL-6/IL-6R complex like tocilizumab (TCZ),is an effective treatment. Recently, an association between the therapeutic effect of TCZ and neutropenia after TCZ initiation was reported[1]. Neutropenia is a common adverse event of SRL in patients with RA, but the relationship between reduced neutrophil count and clinical response to SRL is still inconclusive. In EULAR 2020, we reported the association between serum soluble gp130 levels before SRL treatment and the efficacy of SRL[2]. It is also unclear whether there is a relationship between IL-6 axis cytokines and SRL-induced neutropenia.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether neutropenia at 1 month by SRL predicts clinical remission within 3 months and whether there is an association between IL-6 axis cytokines levels and SRL-induced neutropenia.

Methods

This research is a retrospective study. We reviewed medical records of RA patients initiating SRL between February 2018 and August 2021 in our hospital. The Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was evaluated at baseline (before initiating SRL) and 3 months after administration. Clinical remission was defined when CDAI decreased ≤ 2.8. Of the 66 patients treated with SRL, 42 patients with 3 months follow-up, valid CDAI and serum available were enrolled. The ratio of neutrophil counts 1 month after initiating SRL to those at baseline (neutrophil ratio) was also calculated. Serum samples were tested for IL-6 (Human IL-6 Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems), sIL-6R (Human soluble IL-6R alpha Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems) and sgp130 (Human soluble gp130 Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems) using specific ELISAs according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The statistical analyses were performed with EZR 1.55, and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The median age of patients was 69.0 (IQR: 59.3 - 73.8) years and the median of disease duration was 9.0 (3.0 - 16.0) years. Eighteen (42.9%) patients were biologics and Jakinibs naive. The baseline CDAI was median 16.7 (11.5 - 25.8). When comparing CDAI-remission group (clinical remission: CR) and non-CR group, Patients in the CR group had significantly shorter disease duration, were more Biologic and JAKinib naive, and had greater neutropenia 1 month after starting SRL (0.71 vs 0.94, P=0.0252). There was no significant difference in the baseline serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R between the CR and non-CR groups, but baseline serum sgp130 levels in the CR group tended to be higher than in the non-CR group (264.9 vs 234.2 ng/mL, P=0.0592). Univariate logistic regression analysis suggested Biologics and JAKinibs naive (odds ratio (OR) 6.68, p = 0.0317), baseline serum sgp130 levels (OR 8.608, P=0.0312) as predictors of CDAI remission treated with SRL at 3 months. Although not significant, neutrophil ratio ≤ 0.8 was associated with achieving remission (OR 6.67, P=0.0537). Univariate logistic regression for neutrophil ratio ≤ 0.8 did not show any relevant factors, including higher baseline serum sgp130 levels (OR 1.25, P=0.782).

Conclusion

A 20% or greater decrease in neutrophil count after 1 month of SRL treatment and a high baseline serum sgp130 level independently predict clinical remission within 3 months.

References

[1]Nakajima T, Watanabe R, Hashimoto M, Murata K, Murakami K, Tanaka M, et al. Neutrophil count reduction 1 month after initiating tocilizumab can predict clinical remission within 1 year in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatol Int. 2021;1rin

[2]Yoshikawa T, Furukawa T, Tamura M, Hashimoto T, Morimoto M, Azuma N, et al. FRI0113 THE BASELINE SOLUBLE GP130 IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESPONSE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TO SARILUMAB. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79(Suppl 1):637.1-637.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0822 HYPERTROPHIC PACHYMENINGITIS IN ANTINEUTROPHIL CYTOPLASMIC ANTIBODY-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS: A MULTICENTER SURVEY IN JAPAN

Background

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP), characterized by an inflammatory disorder indicating intracranial or spinal thickening of dura mater, is found to develop as a neurological involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Meanwhile, the previous studies focusing on HP in AAV have been reported as a single-institution study, and the analyses were performed in a small number of patients because HP is a rare neurological disorder. Therefore, neither etiological nor clinical characteristics of HP in AAV have been adequately elucidated.

Objectives

This study clarified the characteristics of HP in AAV by analyzing the information of multicenter study in Japan (Japan collaborative registry of ANCA-associated vasculitis: J-CANVAS).

Methods

We analyzed the clinical information from 541 Asian patients with AAV enrolled in J-CANVAS. Of them, newly diagnosed and relapsed AAV were included in 448 and 93, respectively. The epidemiological and clinical findings were compared between patients with and without HP. Clinical manifestations related to AAV were evaluated based on the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score version 3. To elucidate independent factors in HP development, logistic regression analyses were additionally performed.

Results

Of the total 541 patients (mean age: 71±14 years, M:F = 1:1.2), HP was demonstrated in 28 (5.17%), including 17 (3.79%) in newly diagnosed AAV and 11 (11.8%) in relapsed AAV. The classification of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was significantly higher in patients with HP than those without HP (50% vs. 21%, p = 0.0007). In newly diagnosed AAV, patients with HP significantly had higher GPA classification and higher positivity for PR3-ANCA than those without HP (53% vs. 17%, p = 0.001; 29% vs. 9%, p = 0.015, respectively). Conversely, positivity for MPO-ANCA was significantly higher in patients with HP than those without HP in relapsed AAV (91% vs. 55%, p = 0.025), despite not significantly different in the classification of AAV. Headache and cranial neuropathies were significant neurological symptoms in patients with HP compared to those without HP (82% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.0001; 32% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Besides, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and mucous membranes/eyes were significantly higher involvements in patients with HP than in those without HP (54% vs. 26%, p = 0.003; 29% vs. 9%, p = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, higher complications of “conjunctive hearing loss” and “sudden visual loss”, which are included in the categories of ENT and mucous membranes/eyes involvement, respectively, were significantly indicated in patients with HP than those without HP (39% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.0001; 21% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified that ENT (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confident interval [CI] 1.09 to 1.49, p = 0.002) and mucous membranes/eyes involvement (OR 1.37, CI 1.14 to 1.65, p = 0.0006), as well as conjunctive hearing loss (OR 4.52, CI 1.56 to 13.05, p = 0.005) and sudden visual loss (OR 1.84, CI 1.12 to 3.00, p = 0.015), were independent related factors in patients with HP.

Conclusion

GPA could be significantly classified in patients with HP. Notably, patients with HP significantly showed higher positivity for PR3-ANCA than those without HP in newly diagnosed AAV. Furthermore, sudden visual loss and conjunctive hearing loss might be implicated in HP development.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0625 Association between Cytomegalovirus Reactivation and Renal Prognosis during Remission Induction Therapy for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been associated with atherosclerosis in patients with chronic renal failure, and may cause secondary nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, we hypothesized that the reactivation of CMV by immunosuppressive therapy in patients with vasculitis may affect renal function.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between CMV infection and renal function during ANCA-associated vasculitis remission induction therapy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients at 25 sites in Japan who had a first or severe relapse between January 2017 and June 2020. Of these, patients with MPA or GPA who had a positive renal lesion score on BVAS (version 3) at baseline, or vasculitis findings on renal biopsy, CMV assayed by 48 weeks of treatment, were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a positive CMV antigen test during the remission induction phase (0–48 weeks of treatment). Outcomes were the rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 48 weeks after initiation of treatment in both groups, as determined by (eGFR at 48 weeks - eGFR at the initiation of treatment)/eGFR at the initiation of treatment; where lower values were associated with worse renal function. General linear models adjusted for age, gender, presence of diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and the use of rituximab or cyclophosphamide were generated.

Results

A total of 387 patients had CMV antigen measured during ANCA-associated vasculitis treatment, of which 164 had renal involvement and eGFR measured at 48 weeks. Seventy-seven (47.0%) were male and the median age was 75 years (range 69–80 years). CMV reactivation was observed in 44 patients (26.8%). The beta coefficient of multiple regression analysis with CMV positive as 1 and negative as 0 was 0.08 (95% confidence interval -0.13 to 0.29) (p = 0.47). The rate of change in eGFR was higher in the CMV positive group, but not statistically significantly.

Conclusion

Contrary to our hypothesis, renal prognoses tended to be better when CMV reactivation was observed. The patients in the CMV reactivation group may have been treated more aggressively, and some patients with a poor prognosis who were not followed up for 48 weeks dropped out. Further research investigating the adjustment of treatment methods is required.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0247 GLUCOCORTICOID TAPERING STRATEGY FOR ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS: ADDRESSING THE GAP BETWEEN RECOMMENDATIONS AND REAL-WORLD PRACTICE

Background

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody -associated vasculitis (AAV) is usually treated with combination of high-dose glucocorticoid (GC) and immunosuppressive agents, followed by tapering GC dose. Although the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has specific recommendations for tapering the GC dose, clinicians often taper it slower than recommended due to concerns of potential disease relapse. However, such slower taper may prolong GC exposure for the patients, increasing the risk of adverse events, particularly infection.

Objectives

The aims of our study were (1) to clarify GC dose tapering in the treatment of AAV in a real-world setting, in contrast to the EULAR recommendation of 2015 and (2) to compare the incidence of AAV relapse and severe infection between patients underdoing EULAR-recommended tapering and those undergoing slower tapering than the recommendation.

Methods

In this multicenter (25 sites in Japan), observational, retrospective study of AAV, 541 patients who had initial or severe relapse were enrolled between January 2017 and June 2020. Of these, 349 patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) or granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) who entered in GC tapering phase after successful induction treatment were included. These patients were then grouped on the pace of GC tapering, defined as the GC dose at 12 weeks after treatment initiation: (1) EULAR group: 7.5-10 mg/day of GC, according to the EULAR recommendation of 2015, and (2) SLOWER group: >10 mg/day of GC. Their baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared. Primary outcome was defined as relapse-free days from treatment initiation, whereas secondary outcome included the incidence of infectious events requiring hospitalization within 48 weeks from treatment initiation. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess the relationship between tapering pace and clinical outcomes.

Results

There were 44 patients (12.6%) in the EULAR group and 290 (83.2%) in the SLOWER group. Regarding baseline characteristics, compared with the EULAR group, the SLOWER group had significantly higher serum C-reactive protein level (EULAR, 5.89 ± 6.89 mg/dL vs SLOWER, 7.56 ± 6.01 mg/dL; p = 0.03), as well as a trend toward higher Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (version 3) (EULAR, 11.80 ± 7.01 SLOWER, 13.93 ± 7.06; p = 0.08) We did not observe any significant differences in the frequency of relapses between the two groups (EULAR, 8/44, 18.2% vs SLOWER, 55/290, 19.0%; p = 0.63). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed no relationship GC dose at 12 weeks from treatment initiation and incidence of relapse. However, upon logistic regression analysis, the SLOWER group was found to have significant higher risk of a severe infectious event within 48 weeks from treatment initiation (p = 0.046; hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.004 – 1.601).

Conclusion

Our finding indicates that clinicians tended to taper GC slower for patients with higher disease activity. However, slower GC taper was not found to reduce the frequency of relapse. In addition, slower GC taper was found to increase the risk of a severe infection. Hence, clinicians should pay attention not only relapsing but also late GC taper resulting in the risk of serious infection, especially in patients with higher disease activity of AAV.

References

[1]Eur J Clin Invest 2015;45 (3): 346–368.

[2]Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021 Dec 24;61(1):205-212.

[3]Arthritis Res Ther. 2021 Mar 20;23(1):90.

[4]Scand J Rheumatol. 2022 Jan 20;1-13.

[5]J Rheumatol. 2018 Apr;45(4):521-528.

[6]Rheumatol Adv Pract. 2021 Mar 9;5(3):rkab018.

[7]Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Sep;75(9):1583-94.

Figure 1.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Editage (www.editage.com) for English language editing.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0422 SODIUM BICARBONATE MOUTH RINSE IS A USEFUL SELF-CARE METHOD FOR DRY MOUTH IN PATIENTS WITH SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background

Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) present various symptoms related to dry mouth. While hyposalivation is believed to be the main cause, saliva has various beneficial physiological effects on the intraoral environment, and qualitative changes in its composition should also be considered as a cause of the refractory intraoral manifestations in SS. One of the physiological effects of saliva is buffering, and salivary bicarbonate (HCO3-) is the main determinant of salivary buffering capacity. Since salivary concentration of bicarbonate heavily depends on the rate of salivary secretion, salivary buffering capacity and oral pH decrease in patients with dry mouth; this is associated with the development of dental caries and oral candidiasis. It is considered that sodium bicarbonate mouth rinse is effective for suppressing these intraoral disorders. It is also a practical self-care method because it is inexpensive and can be made at home.

Objectives

To investigate the usability and changes in symptoms associated with dry mouth after use of sodium bicarbonate mouth rinse in SS patients.

Methods

The subjects were 27 SS patients (female: male =24:3, mean age 62.9 years, primary SS: secondary SS =24:3, mean disease duration 12.3 years) who had used sodium bicarbonate mouth rinse (dissolve about 5 g of commercially available baking soda in 500 cc of water in a plastic bottle. Put this sodium bicarbonate water in the mouth and rinse the mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute so as to reach throughout the oral cavity). We investigated usage status, usability, and changes in subjective symptoms using a questionnaire. During their using the mouth rinse, medication and countermeasures against dry mouth in the daily life continued as usual.

Results

More than half of the patients had no knowledge of sodium bicarbonate mouth rinse (n=15; 55.6%). Highest frequency of use was twice a day (n=9; 33.3%), and common use situations were before bedtime (n=18; 66.7%), after meals (n=17; 63.0%), and at waking up (n=11; 40.7%). Twenty patients (74.1%) had “very good” or “good” sense of use. Eighteen patients (66.7%) had relief of symptoms related to dry mouth. Pros were “feeling refreshed in the mouth” (n=14; 51.9%), followed by “becomes less sticky” (n=8; 29.6%), “easy to make” (n=7; 25.9%), and “inexpensive” (n=6; 22.2%). Some respondents said they had less glossitis, stomatitis, and angular cheilitis (n=4; 14.8%). For cons “troublesome” was the highest (n=10; 37.0%), followed by responses regarding “taste” (n=6; 22.2%). There were also many responses to “none in particular” (n=7; 25.9%). No obvious accidents occurred, and 20 (74.1%) of them replied that they would like to continue to use the sodium bicarbonate mouth rinse.

Conclusion

In addition to the inhibition of dental caries and oral candidiasis, removal of tongue plaque and refreshing feeling in the mouth after rinsing due to its mucolytic effect, reduction of halitosis-causing volatile sulfur compounds, and improvement of gingivitis have been reported as effects of sodium bicarbonate. However, reports on the effects of sodium bicarbonate on dry mouth in SS patients are scarce. These results suggest that sodium bicarbonate mouth rinse is considered to be a useful self-care method that can compensate for the salivary buffering capacity that is impaired in SS patients and may reduce dry mouth symptoms. Since it is easy to continue and safe, it is worth actively incorporating it into the standard treatment for SS. Evaluation in more patients with objective indices is desired in the future.

References

[1]Gambino A, et al. Gerodontology. 34: 208-214, 2017.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

The impact of kidney function in patients on antithrombotic therapy: a post hoc subgroup analysis focusing on recurrent bleeding events from the AFIRE trial

BACKGROUND

The success of antithrombotic therapies is assessed based on thrombotic and bleeding events. Simultaneously assessing both kinds of events might be challenging, and recurrent bleeding events are often ignored. We tried to confirm the effects of kidney function on outcome events in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy.

METHODS

As a post hoc subgroup analysis of the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial, a randomized clinical trial with a median follow-up of 36 months, patients were divided into high and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) groups with a cutoff value of 50 mL/min. The cumulative incidence of bleeding and crude incidence of recurrent bleeding per 100 patient-years were calculated. We used the Cox regression model with multiple failure time data for recurrent bleeding events.

RESULTS

Among 2092 patients, 1386 (66.3%) showed high eGFR. The cumulative bleeding events per 100 patients at 1 year were 5.4 and 6.2 in the high and low eGFR groups, respectively. The difference continued to increase over time. The hazard ratio for time to the first bleeding event in the high eGFR group was 0.875 (95% confidence interval 0.701-1.090, p = .234) and that for the first composite event was 0.723 (95% confidence interval 0.603-0.867, p < .000). The recurrent bleeding events per 100 person-years were 11.3 and 15.3 in the high and low eGFR groups, respectively, with a rate ratio of 0.738 (95% confidence interval 0.615-0.886, p = .001). During the observation period, the risk of bleeding changed with time. It peaked soon after the study enrollment in both groups. It decreased continuously in the high eGFR group but remained high in the low eGFR group.

CONCLUSIONS

We reaffirmed that kidney function affects bleeding events in patients on antithrombotic therapy, considering recurrent events. Patients should have detailed discussions with physicians regarding the possible bleeding events when continuing antithrombotic therapy, especially in patients with decreased kidney function.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000016612 . ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02642419 . Registered on 21 October 2015.

Effect of febuxostat on clinical outcomes in patients with hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

We previously reported on the FREED study, which found that febuxostat reduced the risk of adverse clinical outcome in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia without gout. We have now investigated outcomes in subgroups of FREED patients with and without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

We performed a post hoc subgroup analysis of 1070 patients randomized to the febuxostat or non-febuxostat group and followed for 36 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, 234 patients (21.9%) had a history of CVD, including 86 patients with stroke (36.8%), 90 with coronary artery disease (38.5%), 74 with heart failure (31.6%), and 25 with vascular disease (10.7%). The risk for the primary composite endpoint, i.e., cerebral, cardiovascular, and renal events and all deaths, was higher in patients with CVD than in those without CVD (34.2% vs 23.7%; p < 0.001). Treatment with febuxostat lowered rates of the primary composite endpoint in patients with CVD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.601, 95% CI 0.384 to 0.940, p = 0.026), and these effects were consistently observed in subgroups with and without CVD (p = 0.227 for treatment by subgroup interaction). Furthermore, in the subgroup with CVD, all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the febuxostat group than in the non-febuxostat group (HR 0.160, 95% CI 0.047 to 0.547, p = 0.004), with a significant subgroup interaction (p = 0.007 for treatment by subgroup interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia without gout, febuxostat reduces the risk of the composite of cerebral, cardiovascular, and renal events and death in the secondary prevention setting.

Rivaroxaban Monotherapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Stenting: Insights From the AFIRE Trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial subgroup analysis was to examine rivaroxaban monotherapy benefits and their relation to the time between stenting and enrollment among patients after coronary stenting.

BACKGROUND

Of 2,215 patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease in the AFIRE trial, rivaroxaban monotherapy was noninferior to rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet therapy (combination therapy) in terms of efficacy and superior for safety endpoints. However, thrombotic risk after antiplatelet therapy cessation remained a concern among 1,444 patients who had undergone coronary stenting >1 year before enrollment.

METHODS

The benefits of rivaroxaban monotherapy in coronary stenting subgroups were assessed for efficacy (a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, or death of any cause), safety (major bleeding defined according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria), ischemic endpoints, net adverse clinical event, and time between stenting and enrollment.

RESULTS

Efficacy and safety endpoints for monotherapy were superior to combination therapy, with HRs of 0.70 for efficacy (95% CI: 0.50-0.98; P = 0.036) and 0.55 for safety (95% CI: 0.33-0.92; P = 0.019). For ischemic endpoints, the HR was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.58-1.15; P = 0.240). The HR became smaller with longer time between stenting and enrollment (efficacy, P for interaction = 0.158; safety, P = 0.097).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with atrial fibrillation after coronary stenting, the benefits of rivaroxaban monotherapy for efficacy and safety endpoints were consistent with those in the whole AFIRE trial population. The benefits became apparent with longer time between stenting and enrollment. (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease Study [AFIRE]; UMIN000016612, NCT02642419).

Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Prior Atherothrombotic Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the AFIRE Trial

Background

Among patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease, those with histories of atherothrombotic disease are at high‐risk for future ischemic events. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban monotherapy in patients with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and histories of atherothrombotic disease.

Methods and Results

This was a post hoc subanalysis of the AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial. Patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease were recruited and randomized to receive the rivaroxaban monotherapy or combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet drug. For the purpose of this sub‐study, participants were divided into 2 subgroups, including the atherothrombosis group (those with histories of myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or peripheral artery disease; n=1052, 47.5%) and non‐atherothrombosis group (n=1163, 52.5%). The efficacy end point included cardiovascular events or all‐cause death, while the safety end point was major bleeding. Net adverse events consisted of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or major bleeding. In the atherothrombosis group, rivaroxaban monotherapy was significantly associated with a lower risk of net adverse events when compared with combination therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34–0.74; P<0.001), with a decrease in both efficacy (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.99; P=0.044) and safety (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19–0.71; P=0.003) end points. By contrast, there were no differences between treatment outcomes for the non‐atherothrombosis group.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban monotherapy significantly reduced net adverse events as compared with combination therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and prior atherothrombotic disease.

Registration

URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique identifier: UMIN000016612. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02642419.

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements in dynamically controlled field pulse

We present the architecture of the versatile nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer with software-defined radio technology and its application to the dynamically controlled pulsed magnetic fields. The pulse-field technology is the only solution to access magnetic fields greater than 50 T, but the NMR experiment in the pulsed magnetic field was difficult because of the continuously changing field strength. The dynamically controlled field pulse allows us to perform NMR experiment in a quasi-steady field condition by creating a constant magnetic field for a short time around the peak of the field pulse. We confirmed the reproducibility of the field pulses using the NMR spectroscopy as a high precision magnetometer. With the highly reproducible field strength, we succeeded in measuring the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T₁, which had never been measured by the pulse-field NMR experiment without dynamic field control. We also implement the NMR spectrum measurement with both the frequency-sweep and field-sweep modes and discuss the appropriate choices of these modes depending on the magnetic properties of the sample to be measured. This development, with further improvement at a long-duration field pulse, will innovate the microscopic measurement in extremely high magnetic fields.

Aspirin vs. P2Y12 inhibitors with anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation: insights from the AFIRE trial

Background

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) can be treated with multiple antithrombotic therapies including antiplatelets and oral anticoagulants; however, this has the potential to increase bleeding risk.

Purpose

This sub-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin in patients also receiving oral anticoagulant therapy.

Methods

We evaluated patients from the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial who received combination therapy (rivaroxaban plus a single antiplatelet agent). The choice of antiplatelets was left to the physician's discretion. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, and death from any cause. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.

Results

A total of 1,075 patients were included (P2Y12 inhibitor group, n=297; aspirin group, n=778). Approximately 60% of patients were administered proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and there was no significant difference in PPI use in the P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin groups. Regarding the primary efficacy endpoint, there was no significant difference between the P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin groups (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.94; p=0.178). Likewise, the primary safety endpoint was not different between the groups (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–1.47; p=0.456). In the detailed subgroup analysis, there were no differences in the efficacy and safety endpoints.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences between P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin in cardiovascular events in patients with AF and stable CAD taking rivaroxaban in the chronic phase.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation based on a contract with Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd. Summary of this study

Optimal uric acid levels by febuxostat treatment and cerebral, cardiorenovascular risks: post hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Hyperuricaemia is recognised as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular and renal diseases. However, uric acid is a powerful free-radical scavenger, and the optimal level of serum uric acid (SUA) determining outcomes are unknown. This study explored whether interventional treatments for excessive SUA reduction were harmful and what constituted the optimal lowering of SUA levels for the prevention of events in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of a randomised trial (Febuxostat for Cerebral and CaRdiorenovascular Events PrEvEntion StuDy [FREED]) in which 1070 older patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia were enrolled and allocated to febuxostat (n = 537) or non-febuxostat treatment group (n = 533). We assessed the relationship between the end point (withdrawal or study completion) SUA levels and clinical outcomes. Primary end point was defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, cerebral and cardiorenovascular events.

RESULTS

In the febuxostat group, patients achieving SUA levels ≤4 mg/dl (hazard ratio: 2.01 [95% confidence interval: 1.05-3.87]), >4 to ≤ 5 mg/dl (2.12 [1.07-4.20], >6 to ≤ 7 mg/dl (2.42 [1.05-5.60]), and >7 mg/dl (4.73 [2.13-10.5]) had significantly higher risks for a primary composite event than those achieving SUA levels >5 to ≤ 6 mg/dl (p= 0.003 [log-rank test]). This J-shaped relationship applied to patients with renal impairment (p= 0.007 [Gray's test]) and was not significant in the non-febuxostat treatment group (p= 0.212 [log-rank test]).

CONCLUSION

Optimal SUA levels by febuxostat treatment is 5-6 mg/dl for reducing all-cause mortality, cerebral, cardiovascular, and renal events. Excessive SUA reduction may be harmful in older hyperuricaemic populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01984749.

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Attenuates Diet-Induced and Age-Related Peripheral Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Cerebral Amyloid Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Obesity and diabetes are well-established risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the brains of patients with AD and model mice, diabetes-related factors have been implicated in the pathological changes of AD. However, the molecular mechanistic link between the peripheral metabolic state and AD pathophysiology have remained elusive. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known as one of the major contributors to the metabolic abnormalities in obesity and diabetes. Interventions aimed at reducing ER stress have been shown to improve the systemic metabolic abnormalities, although their effects on the AD pathology have not been extensively studied.

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether interventions targeting ER stress attenuate the obesity/diabetes-induced Aβ accumulation in brains. We also aimed to determine whether ER stress that took place in the peripheral tissues or central nervous system was more important in the Aβ neuropathology. Furthermore, we explored if age-related metabolic abnormalities and Aβ accumulation could be suppressed by reducing ER stress.

METHODS

APP transgenic mice (A7-Tg), which exhibit Aβ accumulation in the brain, were used as a model of AD to analyze parameters of peripheral metabolic state, ER stress, and Aβ pathology in the brain. Intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular administration of taurodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a chemical chaperone, was performed in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed A7-Tg mice for ~1 month, followed by analyses at 9 months of age. Mice fed a normal diet were treated with TUDCA by drinking water for 4 months and intraperitoneally for 1 month in parallel, and analyzed at 15 months of age.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal administration of TUDCA suppressed ER stress in the peripheral tissues and ameliorated the HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Concomitantly, Aβ levels in the brain were significantly reduced. In contrast, intracerebroventricular administration of TUDCA had no effect on the Aβ levels. Peripheral administration of TUDCA was also effective against the age-related obesity and insulin resistance, and markedly reduced amyloid accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that target peripheral ER stress might be beneficial therapeutic and prevention strategies against brain Aβ pathology associated with metabolic overload and aging.

Bleeding and Subsequent Cardiovascular Events and Death in Atrial Fibrillation With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From the AFIRE Trial

BACKGROUND

Early bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with increased risk of death and myocardial infarction; however, the association between bleeding and subsequent major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) remains unclear in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease. We thus aimed to investigate this association.

METHODS

The AFIRE trial (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) was a multicenter, open-label trial conducted in Japan. This post hoc analysis included 2215 patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease treated with rivaroxaban or rivaroxaban plus an antiplatelet agent. MACCE was defined as a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, or death from any cause. The association of bleeding with subsequent MACCE risk was investigated using time-adjusted Cox multivariate analysis after adjusting for baseline characteristics and time from bleeding. Bleeding events were classified according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.

RESULTS

Among the 2215 patients, 386 (17.4%) had bleeding during follow-up, of whom 63 (16.3%) also experienced MACCE; MACCE incidence was higher in patients with bleeding than in those without (8.38% versus 4.20% per patient-year; hazard ratio, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.49-2.70]; P<0.001). The proportion of patients with both bleeding and MACCE (developed after bleeding) was 73.0% (46 of 63); 27.0% (17 of 63) experienced MACCE before bleeding. Time-adjusted Cox multivariate analysis revealed a temporal association between major bleeding and subsequent MACCE, with particularly high MACCE risks within 30 days after major bleeding (hazard ratio, 7.81 [95% CI, 4.20-14.54]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease, major bleeding was strongly associated with subsequent MACCE. Thus, it is important to prevent major bleeding to avoid cardiovascular events and death. Registration: URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr; Unique identifier: UMIN000016612. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02642419. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Effectiveness and Safety of Rivaroxaban by General Practitioners - A Multicenter, Prospective Study in Japanese Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (GENERAL)

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants have become a standard therapy for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, little is known about their effectiveness/safety when prescribed by general practitioners to treat high-risk populations such as the elderly, those who are frail or have cognitive dysfunction.Methods and Results:In this multicenter, prospective study, a total of 5,717 NVAF patients (mean age 73.9 years) receiving rivaroxaban were registered by general practitioners, with a maximum 3-year follow up (mean 2.0±0.5 years). The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke and systemic embolism (SE). The annual incidence (per 100 person-years) of stroke/SE was 1.23% and for major bleeding, it was 0.63%. Multivariate analyses identified age ≥75 years (hazard ratio [HR]; 2.67, P<0.001) and history of ischemic stroke (HR; 1.89, P=0.005) as significant risk factors of stroke/SE, with history of major bleeding (HR; 14.9, P<0.001) and warfarin use (HR; 2.15, P=0.002) as risk factors for major bleeding events. Neither cognitive dysfunction, defined by the receipt of anti-dementia medications, nor frailty, evaluated by the classification of the Japanese Long-term Care Insurance system, correlated with stroke/SE or major bleeding events.

CONCLUSIONS

The low incidence of adverse events, including stroke/SE and bleeding, in patients prescribed rivaroxaban by general practitioners supports its use as a safe and efficacious treatment in the standard clinical care of high-risk patient populations.

Aspirin versus P2Y12 inhibitors with anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) can be treated with multiple antithrombotic therapies including antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies; however, this has the potential to increase bleeding risk. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of P2Y₁₂ inhibitors and aspirin in patients also receiving anticoagulant therapy.

METHODS

We evaluated patients from the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischaemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial who received rivaroxaban plus an antiplatelet agent; the choice of antiplatelet agent was left to the physician's discretion. The primary efficacy and safety end points, consistent with those of the AFIRE trial, were compared between P2Y₁₂ inhibitors and aspirin groups. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularisation or death from any cause. The primary safety end point was major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 1075 patients were included (P2Y₁₂ inhibitor group, n=297; aspirin group, n=778). Approximately 60% of patients were administered proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and there was no significant difference in PPI use in the groups. There were no significant differences in the primary end points between the groups (efficacy: HR 1.31; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.94; p=0.178; safety: HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.47; p=0.456).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in cardiovascular and bleeding events in patients with AF and stable CAD taking rivaroxaban with P2Y₁₂ inhibitors or aspirin in the chronic phase.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000016612; NCT02642419.

AB0311 INCREASED LEVELS OF SERUM WISTERIA FLORIBUNDA AGGLUTININPOSITIVE MAC-2 BINDING PROTEIN IN RHEUMATIC DISEASES INCLUDING SLE

Background:

Mac-2 binding protein is a cell-adhesive glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix secreted as a ligand of galectin-3 (Mac-2). Recently, a Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive-M2BP (M2BP) assay developed using a lectin-antibody sandwich immunoassay has shown promise as a new fibrotic marker in liver fibrosis and interstitial lung disease (ILD) to detect unique fibrosis-related glycoalteration.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) levels in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD).

Methods:

We retrospectively measured serum M2BPGi levels in 68 patients with RD and 16 healthy controls (HC). There were no patients of cirrhosis and active hepatitis. Serum levels of M2BPGi were measured using HISCL M2BP glycosylation isomer Assay Kit. We examined the relationship between serum M2BPGi levels and clinical parameters in patients with RD.

Results:

In patients with RD, the median age was 62.0 years and 79.4% of them were female.

Serum M2BPGi levels were significantly higher in patients with RD than in HC (median 0.98 cutoff index [COI], 0.32 COI, respectively; P < 0.00001). Patients with SLE tended to have higher serum M2BPGi levels than other rheumatic diseases.

In patients with RD, a significant correlation was not found between serum M2BP levels and inflammation markers such as CRP or ferritin. However, serum M2BPGi levels were significantly correlated with B cell activation markers such as immunoglobulin free light chain and IgG (r = 0.588, 0.504) and T cell activation marker such as sIL-2R (r = 0.408).

Conclusion:

Most of the rheumatic diseases in this study were considered to be type I interferonopathy diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory myositis, scleroderma and SLE.

Serum M2BPGi was reported to have a significant correlation with SLE disease activity [SS Ahn et al. Lupus. 2018; 27: 771], and also to have a significant correlation with Gakectin-9, a novel biomarker for IFN signiture [Lucas L van den Hoogen et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018; 77: 1810].

So, it was suggested that serum M2BPGi may be a novel biomarker that indirectly indicates how much IFN is activated in rheumatic diseases.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0975 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NONRADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS IN ASIAN COUNTRIES COMPARED TO OTHER REGIONS: RESULTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL ASAS-COMOSPA STUDY

Background:

Clinical characteristics of nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-ax-SpA) are highly variable across patients, and may potentially vary across patient populations, particularly due to differing distributions of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and other genetic factors. The majority of nr-ax-SpA studies have been conducted in Europe, the United States, and small studies are reported from Asia [1].

Objectives:

To delineate clinical characteristics of patients with nr-ax-SpA in Asian countries in comparison to other areas of the world.

Methods:

Utilizing the ASAS-COMOSPA data, an international cross-sectional observational study of SpA patients, we analyzed information on demographics, disease characteristics, comorbidities, and risk factors. Patients were classified by region: Asia (China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan), and non-Asian countries (Europe, Americas, and Africa); patient characteristics, including diagnosis and treatment, were compared.

Results:

Among 3984 SpA patients included in the study, 1094 were from centers in Asian countries, and 2890 from other regions. 112/780 (14.4%) of axial SpA patients in Asian countries were nr-ax-SpA, substantially less than in other countries (486/1997, 24.3%). Nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries compared to nr-ax-SpA in other countries were more likely male (75.9 vs 47.1%), have onset (22.8 vs 27.8 years) and diagnosis (27.2 vs 34.5 years) at younger age, and experience less diagnostic delay (1.88 vs 2.92 years) (Table 1). Nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries have higher prevalence of positive HLA-B27 (90.6% vs 61.9%) and fewer peripheral signs such as arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis (53.6% vs 66.3%) but have similar rate of extra-articular manifestations (psoriasis, IBD, or uveitis) and co-morbidities. Disease activity, functional impairment, and inflammation on MRI were less in nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries. NSAIDs response was higher and use of methotrexate and b-DMARDs were lower among nr-ax-SpA in Asian countries.

Conclusion:

Among axial SpA patients, substantially lower frequency of nr-ax-SpA was observed in Asian countries compared to other regions of the world. Nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries were predominantly male, and had younger disease onset with higher HLA-B27 positivity rate and less peripheral signs, and better response to NSAIDs. These results offer an opportunity to improve both early diagnosis and treatment of nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries.

Table 1.

Characteristics of nonradiographic axial SpA in Asia versus non-Asian regions

VariablesAsianon-Asian regionsp valueN112486Age at disease diagnosis, yrs27.2 [21.1, 39.6]34.5 [27.7, 41.7]<0.001Diagnostic delay, yrs1.88 [0.27, 5.56]2.92 [0.59, 9.58]0.011Male (%)85 (75.9)229 (47.1)<0.001Sacroiliitis on MRI among tested (%)49 (67.1)341 (82.2)0.005HLA B27 positivity among measured (%)96 (90.6)273 (61.9)<0.001Inflammatory Back Pain (%)107 (95.5)478 (98.4)0.076Arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis (%)60 (53.6)322 (66.3)0.016Psoriasis (%)12 (10.7)82 (16.9)0.142Uveitis (%)20 (17.9)81 (16.7)0.870Inflammatory bowel disease (%)5 (4.5)27 (5.6)0.817Elevated CRP (%)37 (33.0)213 (43.8)0.048Physician global assessment (0-10)2.0 [1.0, 5.0]2.0 [1.0, 4.0]0.741Patient global assessment (0-10)3.0 [1.0, 6.0]4.0 [2.0, 6.0]0.012ASDAS-CRP1.40 [0.95, 2.08]1.97 [1.21, 2.78]<0.001BASFI0.8 [0.05, 2.65]2.9 [0.8, 5.6]<0.001Good response to NSAIDs (%)80 (71.4)272 (56.0)0.004Methotrexate use (%)18 (16.1)134 (27.6)0.016Biological DMARDs use (%)27 (24.1)191 (39.3)0.004

References:

[1]López-Medina C, Ramiro S, van der Heijde D, et al. Characteristics and burden of disease in patients with radiographic and non-radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis: a comparison by systematic literature review and meta-analysis. RMD Open. 2019 Nov 21;5(2): e001108.

Acknowledgements:

This study was conducted under the umbrella of the International Society for Spondyloarthritis Assessment (ASAS) and COMOSPA study was supported by unrestricted grants from Pfizer, AbbVie and UCB.

Disclosure of Interests:

Keisuke Ono: None declared, Mitsumasa Kishimoto Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen-Astellas BioPharma, Asahi-Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Ayumi Pharma, BMS, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Novartis, Ono Pharma, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Teijin Pharma, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen-Astellas BioPharma, Asahi-Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Ayumi Pharma, BMS, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Novartis, Ono Pharma, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Teijin Pharma, and UCB Pharma, Sho Fukui: None declared, Satoshi Kawaai: None declared, Gautam A. Deshpande: None declared, Kazuki Yoshida Consultant of: OM1, Inc., Grant/research support from: Corrona, LLC, Naomi Ichikawa: None declared, Yuko Kaneko Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Hisamitsu, Jansen, Kissei, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and UCB, Taku Kawasaki: None declared, Kazuo Matsui: None declared, Mitsuhiro Morita: None declared, Kurisu Tada: None declared, Naoho Takizawa: None declared, Naoto Tamura: None declared, Atsuo Taniguchi: None declared, Yoshinori Taniguchi: None declared, Shigeyoshi Tsuji: None declared, Shigeto Kobayashi: None declared, Masato Okada: None declared, Clementina López-Medina: None declared, Anna Moltó Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Gilead, Lilly and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Gilead, Lilly and UCB, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma, Employee of: Imaging Rheumatology bv. (Director), Maxime Dougados: None declared, Yoshinori Komagata: None declared, Tetsuya Tomita: None declared, Shinya Kaname: None declared.

Rivaroxaban monotherapy versus combination therapy according to patient risk of stroke and bleeding in atrial fibrillation and stable coronary disease: AFIRE trial subanalysis

BACKGROUND

In the AFIRE trial, rivaroxaban monotherapy was noninferior to combination therapy with rivaroxaban and an antiplatelet agent for thromboembolic events or death, and superior for major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease. Little is known about impacts of stroke and bleeding risks on the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban monotherapy.

METHODS

In this subanalysis of the AFIRE trial, we assessed the risk of stroke and bleeding by the CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, and HAS-BLED scores. The primary efficacy end point was the composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina requiring revascularization, or death from any cause. The primary safety end point was major bleeding defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

RESULTS

Rivaroxaban monotherapy significantly reduced the primary efficacy and safety end points with no evidence of differential effects by stroke risk (CHADS₂, p for interaction = 0.727 for efficacy, 0.395 for safety; CHA₂DS₂-VASc, p for interaction = 0.740 for efficacy, 0.265 for safety) or bleeding risk (HAS-BLED, p for interaction = 0.581 for efficacy, 0.225 for safety). There was also no evidence of statistical heterogeneity across patient risk categories for other end points; stroke or systemic embolism, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, MI, MI or unstable angina, death from any cause, any bleeding, or net adverse clinical events.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of rivaroxaban monotherapy compared with those of combination therapy with respect to all prespecified end points, including thromboembolism, bleeding, and mortality were similar across patients with AF and stable coronary artery disease, irrespective of their risk for stroke and bleeding.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number, UMIN000016612, and ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02642419.

Fine particulate matter and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of respiratory origin

Exposure to ambient air pollution increases mortality and is a leading contributor to the global disease burden [1]. Epidemiological studies have elucidated a relationship between out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) and air pollutants, especially particulate matter (diameter ≤2.5 μm; PM_2.5) [2, 3]. The causes of OHCA are broadly categorised as cardiac and non-cardiac [4]. A 10 µg·m⁻³ increase in PM_2.5 exposure yielded a 1.6% increase in the incidence of cardiac origin OHCA [3, 5]. However, few studies on OHCAs of non-cardiac origin, including intrinsic respiratory diseases (COPD/pneumonia/asthma) are available. We examined the association between short-term exposure to PM_2.5 and bystander-witnessed respiratory origin OHCAs, including eventual prognosis. We also investigated differences between PM_2.5 exposure-related cardiac and respiratory origin OHCAs.

Particulate matter is a potential risk factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) of respiratory origin. The percent increase in incidence of OHCA of respiratory origin is equivalent to that of PM_2.5 exposure-related OHCAs of cardiac origin.http://bit.ly/3tDXym0

Risk of serious infection, malignancy, or death in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with a combination of abatacept and tacrolimus: a retrospective cohort study

To evaluate whether combinatorial use of abatacept (ABT) and tacrolimus (Tac) increases the risk of adverse events compared to their individual use in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of RA patients using the Japanese multicenter database and analyzed the data of RA patients registered from April 2010 to March 2019 by comparing three treatment groups who received Tac, ABT, or a combination of both. We included patients who had initiated treatment with ABT or Tac and excluded patients who used tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, and Jak inhibitors in the first year of our study. The primary outcome was the occurrence of adverse events such as infections that required hospitalization, newly diagnosed malignancy, or death from any cause after initiation of ABT or Tac. Of the 27,032 RA patients in the registry, 2009 patients were included. The Tac, ABT, and combination groups consisted of 1328, 563, and 118 patients, respectively. Primary outcome occurred in 149 (13.4%), 62 (13.5%), and 14 (13.9%) patients of the Tac, ABT, and combination groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse events between groups was not significantly different (p = 0.638). A Cox regression analysis which was adjusted for potential confounders such as age, disease activity, and concomitant use of prednisolone revealed no significant differences between groups. The combinatorial use of ABT and Tac, or ABT alone does not increase the risk of adverse events when compared to the use of Tac alone in RA patients in Japan. Key Points • This study included Japanese rheumatoid arthritis data and found that there was no significant risk when patients were treated with a combination of Tac and ABT or each drug alone.

Febuxostat for Cerebral and CaRdiorenovascular Events PrEvEntion StuDy

Aims

To compare the occurrence of cerebral, cardiovascular, and renal events in patients with hyperuricaemia treated with febuxostat and those treated with conventional therapy with lifestyle modification.

Methods and results

This multicentre, prospective, randomized open-label, blinded endpoint study was done in 141 hospitals in Japan. A total of 1070 patients were included in the intention-to-treat population. Elderly patients with hyperuricaemia (serum uric acid >7.0 to ≤9.0 mg/dL) at risk for cerebral, cardiovascular, or renal disease, defined by the presence of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, renal disease, or history of cerebral or cardiovascular disease, were randomized to febuxostat and non-febuxostat groups and were observed for 36 months. Cerebral, cardiovascular, and renal events and all deaths were defined as the primary composite event. The serum uric acid level at endpoint (withdrawal or completion of the study) in the febuxostat (n = 537) and non-febuxostat groups (n = 533) was 4.50 ± 1.52 and 6.76 ± 1.45 mg/dL, respectively (P < 0.001). The primary composite event rate was significantly lower in the febuxostat group than in non-febuxostat treatment [hazard ratio (HR) 0.750, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.592–0.950; P = 0.017] and the most frequent event was renal impairment (febuxostat group: 16.2%, non-febuxostat group: 20.5%; HR 0.745, 95% CI 0.562–0.987; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Febuxostat lowers uric acid and delays the progression of renal dysfunction.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01984749).

Sequential Nature of (p,3p) Two-Proton Knockout from Neutron-Rich Nuclei

Twenty-one two-proton knockout (p,3p) cross sections were measured from neutron-rich nuclei at ∼250  MeV/nucleon in inverse kinematics. The angular distribution of the three emitted protons was determined for the first time, demonstrating that the (p,3p) kinematics are consistent with two sequential proton-proton collisions within the projectile nucleus. Ratios of (p,3p) over (p,2p) inclusive cross sections follow the trend of other many-nucleon removal reactions, further reinforcing the sequential nature of (p,3p) in neutron-rich nuclei.

FRI0227 A USABILITY SURVEY OF WRIST MOUNTED DISPOSABLE HEAT PAD ON RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON IN PATIENTS WITH CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES

Background:

For patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD), vasodilators are used to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), they are difficult to control only by medication. Although physicians recommend the use of a portable handwarmer or gloves to patients with CTD presenting with RP, sustained heat-retention effects cannot be obtained from them because the patients’ daily life-related activities prevent their continued use. Since the wrist mounted disposable heat pad maintains the degrees of freedom of the hands and fingers and can remain usable during the daily activities, we considered this heat pad as a useful and highly practical heating method for CTD patients presenting with RP.

Objectives:

To investigate the usability and changes in symptoms resulting from the use of the wrist mounted disposable heat pad in CTD patients presenting with RP.

Methods:

Subjects were 23 outpatients with CTD presenting with RP (23 females; mean age 62.6 years; mean duration following the onset of RP 10.3 years; 12 systemic sclerosis, 5 mixed connective tissue disease, 5 Sjögren’s syndrome, and 1 systemic lupus erythematosus) who had used the wrist mounted disposable heat pad (put the pad in a specifically designed holder and wrap it around wrist joint (max. temperature 42 degrees Celsius, heat-retention time 6 hours)). We investigated through interviews with them the use situations, usability, and changes in RP. During their using the heat pad, medication and daily life-related precautions against RP continued to be implemented as before.

Results:

Many patients had no knowledge of the heat pad (n=17, 73.9%). The most common wearing time of the heat pad was 5–6 hours (n=8, 34.8%). As for scenes of wearing the heat pad, patients who wore the pad when being out of the home accounted for the highest proportion (n=16, 69.6%), and as follows: at home (n=6, 26.1%), during kitchen work (n=3, 13.0%), and during housework (n=2, 8.7%). 17 patients (73.9%) replied that usability was “good”, and 18 (78.3%) replied that usability was “better” compared with conventional measures. Moreover, many patients (n=16, 69.6%) replied that RP and associated symptoms had become reduced or alleviated. No patients replied that RP and associated symptoms had become exacerbated or severer. In terms of advantages of using the heat pad, patients who replied that the site on which the pad was mounted was felt to be warm accounted for the highest proportion (n=8, 34.8%), and those who replied that sites other than where the pad was mounted (such as fingertips, hands, and arms) were also warmed accounted for virtually the same proportion (n=7, 30.4%). Over 60% of the patients (n=14, 60.9%) replied that symptoms associated with RP (skin color, cold sensation, and pain) had become reduced or disappeared. In terms of disadvantages of using the heat pad, patients who replied that it was bothersome to use the pad accounted for the highest proportion while other patients made replies referring to cost and bad appearance. No significant accident occurred and as many as 17 patients (73.9%) replied that they would like to continue to use the heat pad in the future.

Conclusion:

There have been few reports evaluating the usefulness of a heat pad for RP. The wrist mounted disposable heat pad was thought to be a heating method having the potential to achieve high levels of usability and practicality on CTD patients presenting with RP. Given that the heat pad alleviated RP or caused sites other than where the pad was mounted to be felt warm even though it did not directly heat the hands and fingers, the pad seemed to have usefulness attributed to the heating of the wrist. Although the heat pad seems to be an excellent method for addressing RP in patients’ daily lives, we hope that this heat pad will be evaluated on a larger number of patients with the addition of objective indices.

References:

[1]Koscheyev VS, et al. Aviat Space Environ Med. 72: 713-719, 2001.

Disclosure of Interests:

Naoto Azuma: None declared, Tetsuya Furukawa: None declared, Yoshihito Shima Grant/research support from: Endowed chair funded by/accepted a researcher from Kirikai Chemical and Kobayashi Pharmaceutical., Kiyoshi Matsui Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas Pharma (research grants), Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb (lecture fees)

SAT0124 RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTION, MALIGNANCY, OR DEATH IN JAPANESE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH A COMBINATION OF ABATACEPT AND TACROLIMUS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background:

Both Abatacept (ABT) and Tacrolimus (Tac) suppress T cell immunity, but it is unknown whether combinations of these will increase the risk of adverse events.

Objectives:

To evaluate whether combining ABT and Tac increases the risk of infection and malignancy compared to their individual use in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of RA patients using the multicenter database in Japan (NinJa). The dataset was clinical information at a certain point within each year, and the point was any point selected by a registered physician. RA was clinically diagnosed in the dataset. (1)

We analyzed the data from RA patients registered in NinJa during the period from April 2010 to March 2019. In this study, we compared three groups who received Tac, ABT or a combination of both. We included patients who had just begun initiating treatment with ABT or Tac, and we excluded patients who used TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, and Jak inhibitors in the first year. The primary outcome was defined the composite events including infections that require hospitalization, newly diagnosed malignancy, and death from any cause after initiation of ABT or Tac. We assessed whether the combination contributed to increase the risk of outcome by performing a Cox regression analysis.

Results:

Among the 27032 RA patients in the registry, 2009 patients were included. The Tac, ABT and combination groups consisted of 1328, 563 and 118 patients, respectively. (Figure 1) (Table 1) Primary outcomes occurred in 149 (13.4%), 62 (13.5%), 14 (13.9%) patients, of the Tac, ABT and combination groups, respectively. The incidence between groups was not significantly different (p= 0.638). (Figure 2) A Cox regression analysis was adjusted for the following parameters: age, sex, disease duration, modified health assessment questionnaire, disease activity score 28-CRP, CRP, use of prednisolone, and use of methotrexate. The analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was as follows: Tac 1.00 (Ref), ABT 1.02 (0.74-1.40), and combination 1.15 (0.65-2.05).

Table 1.

baseline characteristics

TacrolimusAbataceptCombinationp valueN (person-year)1328 (2505)563 (944)118 (193)age (median [IQR])69.00 [60.00, 76.00]70.00 [61.00, 76.00]67.00 [59.00, 74.00]0.169*sex female (%)1038 (78.2)468 (83.1)97 (82.2)0.039†disease duration (yr) (median [IQR])9.00 [4.00, 18.00]11.00 [5.00, 21.00]11.00 [7.00, 20.00]0.002*Steinbrocker stage (%)I285 (23.5)82 (15.6)12 (12.1)<0.001†II361 (29.8)125 (23.8)25 (25.3)III232 (19.1)150 (28.5)31 (31.3)IV334 (27.6)169 (32.1)31 (31.3)mHAQ (median [IQR])0.25 [0.00, 0.75]0.38 [0.00, 1.00]0.50 [0.00, 1.13]<0.001*DAS28CRP (median [IQR])2.58 [1.88, 3.40]2.77 [2.09, 3.62]3.01 [2.27, 3.98]<0.001*CRP (mg/dL) (median [IQR])0.30 [0.10, 1.02]0.35 [0.13, 1.10]0.30 [0.14, 0.82]0.590*RF positivity (%)708/895 (79.1)331/400 (82.8)57/71 (80.3)0.314†Tacrolimus (mg/d) (median [IQR])1.50 [1.00, 2.00]0.00 [0.00, 0.00]2.00 [1.00, 2.50]<0.001*MTX use (%)619 (46.6)264 (46.9)32 (27.1)<0.001†PSL use (%)749 (56.4)299 (53.1)71 (60.2)0.253†

Abbreviations: anti-CCP, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide; mHAQ, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire; MTX, methotrexate; PSL, prednisolone; RF, rheumatoid factor * Kruskal-Wallis test; † chi square test; ‡ analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Conclusion:

The combination of ABT and Tac does not increase the risk of adverse events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan when compared to the use ABT or Tac alone. Further evaluation is needed.

References:

[1]Matsui T, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2007;66:1221–6.

Disclosure of Interests:

Kenichiro Tokunaga: None declared, Kunihiko Matsui: None declared, Hideto Oshikawa: None declared, Toshihiro Matsui Paid instructor for: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., LTD., Janssen Pharmaceutical K,K,, Shigeto Tohma: None declared

FRI0113 THE BASELINE SOLUBLE GP130 IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESPONSE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TO SARILUMAB

Background:

IL-6 contributes significantly to the chronic inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sarilumab (SRL), a human anti-human IL-6 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody that blocks the signaling originated by the IL-6/IL-6R complex like tocilizumab,is an effective treatment. However, predictors of the response to sarilumab are still required.

Objectives:

We aimed to combine IL-6, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) and gp130 (sgp130) levels to identify groups of sarilumab responses.

Methods:

This research is a retrospective study. a total of 32 RA patients with SRL therapy in our department from February 1 in 2018 to December 31 in 2019 were included. Serum and clinical data from 32 RA patients were collected before treatment and until the last visit. Follow-up period was up to one year after starting SRL treatment. Serum were tested for IL-6 (Human IL-6 Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems), sIL-6R (Human soluble IL-6R alpha Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems) and sgp130 (Human soluble gp130 Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems), using specific ELISAs according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hierarchical cluster analysis (JMP14.3.0) was used to establish the relationship between IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130. We evaluated the efficacy of SRL treatment on the last visit using European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria in the groups of patients. The other statistical analyses were performed with EZR 1.41, and p Values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

The median age of patients was 70.5 (IQR: 66.5-74.3) years and the median of disease duration was 7.3 (1.7-15.3) years. Nine (28.1%) patients were biologics and Jakinibs naive. the median follow-up periods were 24 (12-26) weeks. The baseline DAS28 was median 4.39 (3.77 - 5.43), and CDAI was 21.1 (11.7-29.5). When comparing responders and non-responders, there were no significant differences in any of the baseline parameters and cytokines. Four statistical significant clusters of RA patients (i.e., Group1, Group2, Group3 and tocilizumab use group before SRL) were defined by serum concentrations of IL-6, sIL-6R and spg130 at baseline. The levels of IL-6 expressed as median in Group1 patients were 25.6 (14.4–72.2) pg/ml, in Group2 5.9 (3.3–11.3) pg/ml, and in Group3 70.2 (45.4–86.1) pg/ml (p < 0.002, significant difference only between Group2 and Group3). The levels of sIL-6R expressed as median in Group1 patients were 38.7 (34.7-45.1) ng/ml, in Group2 35.1 (24.8-41.9) ng/ml, and in Group3 35.7 (34.2-39.8) ng/ml (p = 0.5477). The levels of sgp130 expressed as median in Group1 patients were 272.6 (263.0-277.2) ng/ml, in Group2 223.1 (221.0-228.0) ng/ml, and in Group3 204.6 (192.0-207.6) ng/ml (p < 0.00003, significant difference between the three groups respectively). There were no significant differences in any of the baseline clinical features and laboratory findings between the three groups. Out of the 8 patients in Group1 had a good or moderate response to SRL. Conversely, the percentage of patients with no response to SRL was higher in Group3 than in Group1 and Group2.

Conclusion:

RA patients could be easily stratified prior to the rapeutic intervention with sgp130 related to the IL-6 signal reguration. Group1 patients, who had the best response to SRL, had the highest level of sgp130.

Table 1.

Comparison of baseline serum IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 of each groups of patients

TCZ use before SRLGroup 1Group 2Group 3P valuen=3N=9N=8N=9IL-6,pg/mL69.8,77.6,592.6Median[IQR]25.6[14.4-72.2]5.9[3.3-11.3]70.2[45.4-86.1]<0.002csIL-6R,ng/mL390.5,413.2,481.7Median[IQR]38.7[34.7-45.1]35.1[24.8-41.9]35.7[34.2-39.8]0.547sgp130,ng/mL205.6,219.2,239.8Median[IQR]273[263-277]223[221-228]205[192-208]<0.001abc

*a, b and c mean that statically significant difference between subgroups as a: group1 vs. 2, b: group 1 vs. 3, c: group 2 vs. 3.

Disclosure of Interests:

Takahiro Yoshikawa: None declared, Tetsuya Furukawa: None declared, Masao Tamura: None declared, Teppei Hashimoto: None declared, Mai Morimoto: None declared, Naoto Azuma: None declared, Kiyoshi Matsui Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas Pharma (research grants), Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb (lecture fees)

Effects of Statin Plus Ezetimibe on Coronary Plaques in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Sub-Analysis of PRECISE-IVUS Trial

Aim: Coronary plaque regression is weak in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We evaluated whether dual lipid-lowering therapy (DLLT) with ezetimibe and atorvastatin attenuates coronary plaques in ACS patients with DM.

Methods: The prospective, randomized controlled, multicenter PRECISE-IVUS (Plaque Regression with Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor or Synthesis Inhibitor Evaluated by Intravascular Ultrasound) trial assigned 246 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention to DLLT or atorvastatin monotherapy and evaluated IVUS-derived changes in percent atheroma volume (ΔPAV), at baseline and 9–12-month follow-up, in 126 ACS cases, including 25 DM patients. The atorvastatin dose was up-titrated to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) < 70 mg/dL.

Results: In DM patients, the monotherapy group (n = 13) and the DLLT group (n = 12) showed a similar prevalence of coronary risks and baseline lipid profiles. During the study, the change in LDL-C level was similar between DM and non-DM patients. Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients showed weaker regression of ΔPAV by DLLT than those who underwent monotherapy (DM: −2.77 ± 3.47% vs. −0.77 ± 2.51%, P = 0.11; non-DM: −2.01 ± 3.36% vs. −0.08 ± 2.66%, P = 0.008). The change in LDL-C level was not correlated with ΔPAV in non-DM patients, but there was significant correlation between the change in LDL-C level and ΔPAV in DM patients (r = 0.52, P = 0.008).

Conclusions: ACS patients with DM showed weaker coronary plaque regression than their counterparts. A significant correlation between the change in LDL-C level and ΔPAV in DM patients suggested that more intensive lipid-lowering therapy is required in ACS patients with DM.

Association of Fine Particulate Matter Exposure With Bystander-Witnessed Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest of Cardiac Origin in Japan

IMPORTANCE

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are a major public health concern and a leading cause of death worldwide. Exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with increases in morbidity and mortality and has been recognized as a leading contributor to global disease burden.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between short-term exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or smaller (PM2.5) and the incidence of OHCAs of cardiac origin and with the development of initial cardiac arrest rhythm.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This case-control study used data from cases registered between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016, in the All-Japan Utstein Registry, a prospective, nationwide, population-based database for OHCAs across all 47 Japanese prefectures. These OHCA cases included patients who had bystander-witnessed OHCAs and for whom emergency medical services responders initiated resuscitation before hospital transfer. A case-crossover design was employed for the study analyses. A prefecture-specific, conditional logistic regression model to estimate odds ratios was applied, and a random-effects meta-analysis was used to obtain prefecture-specific pooled estimates. All analyses were performed from May 7, 2019, to January 23, 2020.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was the association of short-term PM2.5 exposure with the incidence of bystander-witnessed OHCAs of cardiac origin. The differences in the distribution of initial cardiac arrest rhythm in OHCAs among those with exposure to PM2.5 were also examined.

RESULTS

In total, 103 189 OHCAs witnessed by bystanders were included in the final analysis. Among the patients who experienced such OHCAs, the mean (SD) age was 75 (15.5) years, and 62 795 (60.9%) were men. Point estimates of the percentage increase for a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 at lag0-1 (difference in mean PM2.5 concentrations measured on the case day and 1 day before) demonstrated a statistically significantly higher incidence of OHCA across most of the 47 prefectures, without significant heterogeneity (I2 = 20.1%; P = .12). A stratified analysis found an association between PM2.5 exposure and OHCAs (% increase, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.1%-3.1%). An initial shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (% increase, 0.6; 95% CI, -2.0% to 3.2%), was not associated with PM2.5 exposure. However, an initial nonshockable rhythm, such as pulseless electrical activity and asystole, was associated with PM2.5 exposure (% increase, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.1%-2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from this study suggest that increased PM2.5 concentration is associated with bystander-witnessed OHCA of cardiac origin that commonly presents with nonshockable rhythm. The results support measures to reduce PM2.5 exposure to prevent OHCAs of cardiac origin.