Residual Disease Activity In Canadian Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Treated With Advanced Therapies: Results From A Multi-Registry Analysis (UNISON-PsA)

OBJECTIVE

Although patient outcomes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have improved with the advent of advanced therapies, there remains a high unmet need to treat residual disease activity. The objective of the current study was to quantify residual disease activity and burden of disease in Canadian patients with PsA.

METHODS

This was a multi-region, observational, retrospective analysis of patient data extracted from the Rhumadata™ and the International Psoriasis and Arthritis Research Team (IPART) registries, analyzing de-identified data from patients who had initiated advanced therapy for the treatment of PsA between January 2010 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients failing to achieve minimal disease activity (MDA) within 6 months; secondary endpoints included clinical and patient-reported burden of disease. Descriptive statistics included summaries by region, treatment class, and number of prior advanced therapies.

RESULTS

1,596 patients were included. The proportion of patients who failed to achieve MDA within 6 months of an advanced therapy was 64.8% in Ontario, 68.3% in Western Canada, 74.8% in Québec and 75.0% in the Atlantic/East region. Failure to achieve MDA was higher amongst patients receiving an IL-17i compared with a TNFi in all regions except Atlantic/East. Between 73.2 to 78.6% of patients reported pain at 6 months, and continuing functional impairment varied from 24.0% in the West to 83.3% in the Atlantic/East.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial burden and unmet need for improved therapies for Canadians living with PsA. There is a wide regional variation in outcomes that requires further assessment.

Psoriatic Arthritis and COVID-19: Patient Perspectives in a Large Psoriatic Arthritis Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), understand patients' perspectives regarding their risk of COVID-19 infection, and evaluate the standard of virtual care offered during the early phases of the pandemic.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted between June 2021 and September 2021 in patients with PsA who had consented to email contact. The survey was completed by 152/193 (79%) patients who had consented to the study.

RESULTS

There were 86 (56.6%) men and 66 (43.4%) women with a mean age of 58 years and mean disease duration of 19 years. During the pandemic, the mean patient-reported symptom severity was 4.10, 3.24, and 3.72 for joint, skin, and overall symptom severity, respectively. Seventy-four percent of respondents would accept the effect of their PsA over the past month for the next few months. Of 79 patients who were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, 4 tested positive. All 4 were admitted to hospital; 2 required oxygen. One hundred fifty-one patients (99%) had received at least 1 vaccine dose. Fifty-nine (38.8%) participants believed their PsA medications increased their COVID-19 infection risk. Of the 130 patients who had a telemedicine assessment, 83.1% were happy with their virtual consultations. Most were happy to continue with virtual consultations until the pandemic resolved. The average satisfaction level regarding pandemic care was 7.87 on a sliding 10-point scale.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 prevalence was low among our patients. Patients were satisfied with their care during the pandemic. Most patients would happily continue with virtual care for the duration of the pandemic.

Musculoskeletal Surgery in Psoriatic Arthritis: Prevalence and Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE

Despite medical therapy, damage occurs in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requiring musculoskeletal (MSK) surgery. We aimed to describe MSK surgery in patients with PsA and identify risk factors for undergoing first MSK surgery attributable to PsA.

METHODS

A single-center cohort identified patients with PsA fulfilling Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis who had MSK surgery between January 1978 and December 2019 inclusive. Charts were reviewed to confirm surgeries were MSK-related and attributable to PsA. Descriptive statistics determined MSK surgery prevalence and types. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated clinical variables for undergoing first MSK surgery using time-dependent covariates. Using a dataset with 1-to-1 matching on markers of PsA disease severity, a Cox proportional hazards model evaluated the effect of targeted therapies, namely biologics on time to first MSK surgery.

RESULTS

Of 1574 patients, 185 patients had 379 MSK surgeries related to PsA. The total number of damaged joints (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, P < 0.001), tender/swollen joints (HR 1.04, P = 0.01), presence of nail lesions (HR 2.08, P < 0.01), higher Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (HR 2.01, P < 0.001), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (HR 2.37, P = 0.02), and HLA-B27 positivity (HR 2.22, P = 0.048) were associated with increased risk of surgery, whereas higher Psoriasis Area Severity Index (HR 0.88, P < 0.002) conferred a protective effect in a multivariate model. The effect of biologics did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

MSK surgery attributable to PsA is not rare, affecting 11.8% of patients. Markers of cumulative disease activity and damage are associated with a greater risk of requiring surgery.

Diabetes Prevention Programme and socioeconomic inequalities in Type 2 Diabetes in England

 

The National Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) in England is a behavioural intervention for preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among people with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH, HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol or 6.0-6.4%). How this programme affects inequalities by age, gender, disability, ethnicity, or deprivation is not known. We used multinomial logistic regression models to compare population characteristics at three stages along the prevention programme pathway: prevalence of NDH [using survey data from UK Household Longitudinal Study (N = 794) and Health Survey for England (N = 1,383)]; identification in primary care and offer of the programme [using administrative data from the National Diabetes Audit (N = 1,267,350)]; and programme participation [using programme provider records (N = 98,024)]). Younger adults (aged under 40) [4% of the NDH population (95% CIs 2%-6%)] and older adults (aged 80 and above) [12% (95%CIs 10%-14%] were both underrepresented amongst DPP participants [2% of DPP participants (95%CIs 1.8%-2.2%) and 8% (95%CIs 7.7%-8.3%) respectively]. People with disabilities were underrepresented in the DPP [15% (95%CIs 14.9%-15.1%) vs 60% (95%CIs 58%-62%)] compared to the general population. People living in more deprived areas were under-represented [14% (95% CIs 13.7%-14.3%) vs 20% (95%CIs 16%-24%) in the general population]. Ethnic minorities were overrepresented [36% (95%CIs 35.8%-36.2%) vs 13% (95%CIs 9%-17%) in the general population] among DPP referrals, though the proportion dropped at programme completion stage [19% (95%CI 18.5%-19.5%)]. The DPP has the potential to reduce ethnic inequalities but may widen socioeconomic, age, and disability-related inequalities in T2DM. Whilst ethnic minority groups are overrepresented at identification and offer stage, efforts are required to support the completion of the programme. Programme providers should target underrepresented groups to ensure equitable access and narrow inequalities in T2DM.

Key messages

• The DPP intervention may result in a widening of socioeconomic and disability related inequalities amongst people with NDH as the programme had fewer adults in deprived areas and with a disability.

• The programme has the potential to reduce ethnic inequalities, but efforts are required to support the completion of the programme by minority ethnic groups.

Application of multiple testing procedures for identifying relevant comorbidities, from a large set, in traumatic brain injury for research applications utilizing big health-administrative data

Background

Multiple testing procedures (MTP) are gaining increasing popularity in various fields of biostatistics, especially in statistical genetics. However, in injury surveillance research utilizing the growing amount and complexity of health-administrative data encoded in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10), few studies involve MTP and discuss their applications and challenges.

Objective

We aimed to apply MTP in the population-wide context of comorbidity preceding traumatic brain injury (TBI), one of the most disabling injuries, to find a subset of comorbidity that can be targeted in primary injury prevention.

Methods

In total, 2,600 ICD-10 codes were used to assess the associations between TBI and comorbidity, with 235,003 TBI patients, on a matched data set of patients without TBI. McNemar tests were conducted on each 2,600 ICD-10 code, and appropriate multiple testing adjustments were applied using the Benjamini-Yekutieli procedure. To study the magnitude and direction of associations, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were constructed.

Results

Benjamini-Yekutieli procedure captured 684 ICD-10 codes, out of 2,600, as codes positively associated with a TBI event, reducing the effective number of codes for subsequent analysis and comprehension.

Conclusion

Our results illustrate the utility of MTP for data mining and dimension reduction in TBI research utilizing big health-administrative data to support injury surveillance research and generate ideas for injury prevention.

Isolated axial disease in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis with psoriasis

OBJECTIVES

To compare isolated axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA), axial PsA with peripheral involvement and isolated axial ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with psoriasis. To evaluate predictors for developing peripheral disease from isolated axial PsA over time.

METHODS

Two PsA and AS cohorts identified patients with PsA with axial disease and isolated axial patients with AS with psoriasis. Logistic regression compared isolated axial PsA to axial PsA with peripheral involvement and isolated axial AS with psoriasis. Cox proportional hazards model evaluated predictors for developing peripheral disease from isolated axial PsA.

RESULTS

Of 1576 patients with PsA, 2.03% had isolated axial disease and 29.38% had axial and peripheral disease. human leucocyte antigen HLA-B*27 positivity (OR 25.00, 95% CI 3.03 to 206.11) and lower Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (OR 0.004, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.28) were associated with isolated axial disease. HLA-B*27 also predicted peripheral disease development over time (HR 7.54, 95% CI 1.79 to 31.77). Of 1688 patients with AS, 4.86% had isolated axial disease with psoriasis. Isolated axial patients with PsA were older at diagnosis (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13), more likely to have nail lesions (OR 12.37, 95% CI 2.22 to 69.07) and less likely to have inflammatory back pain (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.61) compared with patients with isolated axial AS with psoriasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated axial PsA and AS with psoriasis are uncommon. HLA-B*27 positivity is associated with isolated axial PsA and may identify those who develop peripheral disease over time. Isolated axial PsA is associated with better functional status. Isolated axial PsA appears clinically distinct from isolated axial AS with psoriasis.

Accelerated waning of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

BACKGROUNDLimited information is available on the impact of immunosuppressants on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID).METHODSThis observational cohort study examined the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic disease, with or without maintenance immunosuppressive therapies. Ab and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2, including neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants, were determined before and after 1 and 2 vaccine doses.RESULTSWe prospectively followed 150 subjects, 26 healthy controls, 9 patients with IMID on no treatment, 44 on anti-TNF, 16 on anti-TNF with methotrexate/azathioprine (MTX/AZA), 10 on anti-IL-23, 28 on anti-IL-12/23, 9 on anti-IL-17, and 8 on MTX/AZA. Ab and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in all participants, increasing from dose 1 to dose 2 and declining 3 months later, with greater attrition in patients with IMID compared with healthy controls. Ab levels and neutralization efficacy against variants of concern were substantially lower in anti-TNF-treated patients than in healthy controls and were undetectable against Omicron by 3 months after dose 2.CONCLUSIONSOur findings support the need for a third dose of the mRNA vaccine and for continued monitoring of immunity in these patient groups.FUNDINGFunded by a donation from Juan and Stefania Speck and by Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR)/COVID-Immunity Task Force (CITF) grants VR-1 172711 and VS1-175545 (to THW and ACG), CIHR FDN-143250 (to THW), GA2-177716 (to VC, ACG, and THW), and GA1-177703 (to ACG) and the CIHR rapid response network to SARS-CoV-2 variants, CoVaRR-Net (to ACG).

POS1093 EFFECT OF DISEASE MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS ON DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IN A LONGITUDINAL COHORT

Background

Depression, and its improvement with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is understudied in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of DMARDs on depression in PsA patients.

Methods

Patients enrolled from January 2000 to May 2020 in a large PsA cohort were included. Depression was defined as medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36) mental component summary score (MCS) ≤ 40 or mental health (MH) subscale score ≤ 56. Primary outcome was resolution of depression within 1 year of DMARDs, defined by two definitions: 1) MCS > 40 and/or MH subscale score of > 56; 2) Increase in MCS by 2.5 and MH subscale score by 5, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Baseline medications [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or conventional or targeted (c/t) DMARDs] were recorded for all patients and stratified into 3 mutually exclusive ordinal categories: I-No treatment/NSAIDs; II-cDMARDs±NSAIDs without tDMARDs; III-tDMARDs±cDMARDs/NSAIDs. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were created to determine the association between medications and resolution of depression, after controlling for age, sex, disease duration and baseline MCS/MH subscale score.

Results

Based on the MCS and MH subscale score definitions, 608 (48%) and 655 (52%) of the 1270 patients, respectively were depressed at baseline. 374 (50.8% males) and 399 (52.4% males) patients were followed up in the groups defined by MCS and MH subscales, respectively for 1 year. Patients in both groups had comparable body mass indices, baseline psoriasis area and severity index and active joint count. Mean MCS and MH subscale scores (standard deviation) were 33.2 (5.2) and 46.0 (10.2). A mean of 11.9 and 11.7 months was noted for resolution of depression in the MCS based analysis and MH subscale-based analysis groups, respectively. More patients achieved resolution of depression based on definition 2 (MCS, 64.7%; MH, 62.2%) as compared to definition 1 (MCS, 54.5%; MH, 53.9). The proportion of patients on each category of medications in both models is shown in the Figure 1. Table 1 depicts the univariate and multivariable regression results by both the definitions of primary outcome in the MH subscales model. The global p-value for medication categories showed a trend towards significance in both models using definition 2. There was a trend towards higher likelihood of response when comparing patients in treatment category III vs category I. A significant response was noted when comparing patients in category III with category II as reference (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.05-2.76; p 0.03). No significant effect of treatment category on depression was noted using definition 1.

Table 1.

Association between treatment and resolution of depression in the MH Subscale model (n = 399)

VariableResolution by MCIDResolution by MH subscale reductionUnivariable modelMultivariable modelUnivariate modelMultivariate modelOR (95% CI)p valueOR (95% CI)p valueOR (95% CI)p valueOR (95% CI)p valueMale vs. Female0.81 (0.54–1.22)0.310.83 (0.5–1.26)0.391.02 (0.68–1.51)0.940.94 (0.63 –1.42)0.79Baseline age1.01 (1.00 –1.03)0.091.01 (1.00 –1.03)0.161.02 (1.00–1.03)0.051.01 (0.99 –1.03)0.30Baseline PsA duration1.02 (1.00 –1.04)0.121.01 (0.99 –1.03)0.371.02 (1.00– 1.04)0.071.01 (0.99 –1.03)0.22Baseline MH subscale score0.98 (0.96 –1.00)0.030.98 (0.95 –1.00)0.021.04 (1.02– 1.06)<0.00011.04 (1.02 –1.06)<0.0001Medication category0.07*0.09*0.20*0.20* IReference II0.81 (0.48 –1.36)0.420.83 (0.48 –1.41)0.481.09 (0.65– 1.82)0.751.12 (0.66 –1.91)0.67 III1.40 (0.84 –2.36)0.201.41 (0.83 –2.38)0.201.51 (0.92– 2.49)0.101.55 (0.92 –2.59)0.10

*global p value

Figure 1.

Patients in each drug category.

Conclusion

In an observational setting, resolution of depression occurs in majority of patients with PsA within 1 year. Patients on t-DMARDs may experience better improvement in depression compared to other treatments. Future effectiveness studies warrant better definitions of depression and treatment response.

Acknowledgements

AJM was supported by the National Psoriasis Foundation Fellowship grant.

Disclosure of Interests

Ashish Jacob Mathew Speakers bureau: Novartis, IPCA Laboratories, Grant/research support from: Novartis, IPCA Laboratories, Mitchell Sutton: None declared, Daniel Pereira: None declared, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Vinod Chandran Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen and Eli-Lilly

Effectiveness of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs for Enthesitis in a Prospective Longitudinal Psoriatic Arthritis Cohort

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of conventional and targeted disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs and tDMARDs, respectively) in treating enthesitis in PsA.

METHODS

Patients with active enthesitis, defined as ≥1 tender entheses (of 29 sites included in the spondyloarthritis research consortium of Canada enthesitis index, the Leeds enthesitis index, and the Maastricht ankylosing spondylitis enthesitis score), enrolled in a large PsA cohort were included. Medications at baseline were classified into 3 mutually exclusive categories: 1.'no treatment/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)', 2. 'cDMARDs±NSAIDs' and 3.'tDMARDs±cDMARDs/NSAIDs'. Complete resolution of enthesitis (no tender entheseal site) at 12 months was the primary outcome. Logistic regression models were developed to determine the association between medication category and enthesitis resolution.

RESULTS

Of the 1270 patients studied, 628(49.44%) had enthesitis; 526 patients (51.71% males; mean age (standard deviation, s.d.) - 49.02(13.12) years; mean enthesitis score (s.d.) 2.13(2.16) with adequate follow-up were analysed. Complete resolution of enthesitis was noted in 453(86%) patients, within a mean period of 8.73 months from baseline. In the regression analysis, though not significant, DMARDs (Categories 2 and 3) had higher odds ratio compared to category 1 for resolution of enthesitis. Enthesitis resolution was associated with lower joint activity (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95 - 0.99; p = 0.01) and male sex (OR 1.66; 95% CI 0.97 - 2.84; p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Resolution of enthesitis was observed in 86% of patients in an observational setting regardless of the medication used. Future effectiveness studies may warrant evaluation of enthesitis using advanced imaging.

AB0929 Is there a correlation between skin severity and joint activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)?

Background

The majority if patients with PsA present with skin manifestations first. Few studies have examined the relationship between severity of skin and joint manifestations, but the results have been variable.

Objectives

To assess the correlation between the extent and severity of skin psoriasis and musculoskeletal manifestations of PsA over time.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at a single center cohort study of patients who enrolled within 12 months of PsA diagnosis from 2000-2020. Patients are assessed according to a standard protocol which includes demographics, clinical assessment including skin and joint assessments, laboratory evaluation at 6–12-month intervals and radiographs every 2 years. Skin severity is measured by the PASI score, joint disease severity is measured by the number of tender and swollen joints. Axial disease was defined by the presence of bilateral grade sacroiliitis or unilateral grade 3 or 4. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) was also measured. Spearman correlations were calculated between PASI scores and joint counts and BASMI (in patients with axial disease). Multivariable analysis was done using negative binomial model for the joint counts and a linear regression for BASMI. This preliminary analysis includes only the baseline information.

Results

397 patients were included. Characteristics are shown in the Table 1. There was a correlation significant correlation between PASI score and the active joint count (AJC) (ρ 0.14, p=0.0095), swollen joint count (ρ 0.15, p=0.0071). Among the patients with axial disease there was a strong correlation between the PASI and BASMI scores ((ρ 0.58, p=0.0001).

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of 397 patients

VariableMean (SD)*, Number (%)** N=397Age (years)44.97 (13.01)*PsA duration (years)0.43 (0.66)*Psoriasis duration (years)14.64 (13.65)*Married236 (60.5)**Smoker ever193 (48.7)**Alcohol intake246 (62.3)**Employed309 (78.4)**Post secondary education277 (71.0)**BMI29.21 (8.85)*PASI6.11 (9.03)*Nail238 (61.2)**Active joint count (tender ± swollen)7.3 (13/15)*Swollen joint count2.96 (4.93)*Axial disease53 (17.8%)**Treatment level None/NSAIDS only272 (68.2)** DMARDS ± NSAIDs98 (24.7)** Biologics ± DMARDs27 (6.80)**

Multivariable analysis for AJC revealed traditional DMARDs (0.85 p=0.000). PASI score when patients were on no therapy (0.02 p=0.01) and those on biologics 0.04 p<0.05) were associated with higher AJC. Similarly for swollen joints the use of traditional DMARDs (0.85 P0.00), and the PASI score in those taking biologic DMARDs (0.07 p=0.003) were associated with higher swollen joint count.

In patients with axial disease Age (0/05, p=0.004), PASI score in patients on no treatment (0.06 p=0.000) or those taking biologics (0.28 p=0.000) were associated with higher BASMI scores.

Conclusion

In patients presenting within 12 months of diagnosis of PsA, there is a correlation between the severity of skin and joint disease. Further studies will assess whether this correlation persists over time.

Acknowledgements

The Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program is supported by a grant from the Krembil Foundation.

Disclosure of Interests

Ghaydaa Aldabie: None declared, Mitchell Sutton: None declared, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: AstraZeneca

POS1217 ANTI-TNF THERAPY FOR IMMUNE MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER ANTIBODY LEVELS AND VIRUS NEUTRALIZATION EFFICACY FOLLOWING SARS-CoV-2 mRNA VACCINATION

Background

The impact of immunosuppressants on COVID-19 vaccination response and durability in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) is yet to be fully characterized. Humoral response may be attenuated in these patients especially those on B cell depleting therapy and higher doses of corticosteroids, but data regarding other immunosuppressants are scarce.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate antibody and T cell responses and durability to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines (BNT162b and/or mRNA 1273) in IMID patients on immunomodulatory maintenance therapy other than B-cell depleting therapy and corticosteroids.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study examined the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in adult patients with IMIDs (psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis) with or without maintenance immunosuppressive therapies (anti-TNF, methotrexate/azathioprine [MTX/AZA], anti-TNF + MTX/AZA, anti IL12/23, anti-IL-17, anti-IL23) compared to healthy controls. Automated ELISA for IgGs to spike trimer, spike receptor binding domain (RBD) and the nucleocapsid (NP) and T-cell release of 9 cytokines (IFNg, IL2, IL4, IL17A, TNF) and cytotoxic molecules (sFasL, GzmA, GzmB, Perforinin) in cell culture supernatants following stimulation with spike or NP peptide arrays were conducted at 4 time points: T1=pre vaccination, T2=median 26 days after dose 1, T3=median 16 days after dose 2 and T4=median 106 days after dose 2. Neutralization assays against four SARS-CoV-2 variants (wild type, delta, beta and gamma) were conducted at T3.

Results

We followed 150 subjects: 26 healthy controls and 124 IMID patients: 9 untreated, 44 on anti-TNF, 16 on anti-TNF with MTX/AZA, 10 on anti-IL23, 28 on anti-IL12/23, 9 on anti-IL17, 8 on MTX/AZA (Table 1). Most patients mounted antibody and T cell responses with increases from dose 1 to dose 2 (100% seroconversion at T3) and some decline by T4, with variability within groups. Antibody levels and neutralization efficacy was lower in anti-TNFgroups (anti-TNF, anti-TNF + MTX/AZA) compared to controls and waned by T4 (Figure 1). T cell responses were not consistently different between groups. Pooled data showed a higher antibody response to mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of study participants

Controluntreated IMIDAnti- TNFAnti- TNF +MTX/AZAAnti-IL-23Anti -IL-12/23Anti -IL-17MTX/AZAn=26n=9n=44n=16n=10n=28n=9n=8p-valueIMID*N/A IBD9301002704 Psoriasis1318122 PA0732172 AS0830010 RA1100011Age median years [IQR]36 [26-46]33 [27-41]38 [30-51]53 [44-59]48 [45-61]34 [28-47]49 [46-61]42 [31-55]<0.001^Sex male (%)16 (62)5 (56)18 (41)8 (50)5 (50)13 (46)6 (67)4 (50)0.772~BMImedian kg/m2 [IQR]25 [23-28]26 [22-27]22 [24-26]26 [24-28]27 [24-35]22 [21-24]32 [26-34]26[25-33]0.001^Vaccine interval median days [IQR]74 [35-84]54 [31-64]60 [45-69]64 [50-72]74 [35-84]62 [49-69]65 [52-75]58 [21-97]0.372^

*multiple IMIDs per patient possible

Figure 1.

Antibody responses (A) Anti spike and anti RBD IgG levels at indicated time points. Blue line represents median ratio in convalescent patients. The red line is the seropositivity threshold: the median antibody level of those that pass both a 1% false positive rate and show ≥3SD from the log means of the negative controls. (B) Relative ratio of RBD, spike and NP across time. Black and gray lines indicate median and mean values, respectively. *p≤0.05, **p≤0.01, ***p≤0.001, ****p≤0.0001

Conclusion

Following 2 doses of mRNA vaccination there is 100% seroconversion in IMID patients on maintenance therapy. Antibody levels and neutralization efficacy in anti-TNF group are lower than controls, and wane substantially by 3 months after dose 2. These findings highlight the need for third dose in patients undergoing treatment with anti-TNF therapy and continued monitoring of immunity in these patient groups, taking into consideration newer variants and additional vaccine doses.

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by a donation from Juan and Stefania Speck and by grants VR-1 172711, VS1-175545, FDN-143250, GA1- 177703 and GA2- 177716, from Canadian Institutes of Health Research and COVID Immunity task force and by Sinai Health Foundation

Disclosure of Interests

Naomi Finkelstein: None declared, Roya M. Dayam: None declared, Jaclyn Law: None declared, Rogier Goetgebuer: None declared, Gary Chao: None declared, Kento T. Abe: None declared, Mitchell Sutton: None declared, Joanne M. Stempak: None declared, Daniel Pereira: None declared, David Croitoru: None declared, Lily Acheampong: None declared, Saima Rizwan: None declared, Klaudia Rymaszewski: None declared, Raquel Milgrom: None declared, Darshini Ganatra: None declared, Nathalia V. Batista: None declared, Melanie Girard: None declared, Irene Lau: None declared, Ryan Law: None declared, Michelle Cheung: None declared, Bhavisha Rathod: None declared, Julia Kitaygorodsky: None declared, Reuben Samson: None declared, Queenie Hu: None declared, Nigil Haroon: None declared, Robert Inman Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Novartis, Vincent Piguet Consultant of: AbbVie, Almirall, Celgene, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd, LEO Pharma,

Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB, and Union Therapeutic, Grant/research support from: Unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, Bausch Health, Celgene, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Lilly, L’Oréal, NAOS, Novartis, Pfizer, Pierre-Fabre, Sandoz, and Sanofi, Mark Silverberg Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Pfizer, Gilead and Amgen, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Pfizer, Gilead and Amgen, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Pfizer, Gilead and Amgen, Anne-Claude Grigras: None declared, Tania H. Watts: None declared, Vinod Chandran Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli-Lilly.

AB0895 Residual burden and disease activity of Canadian PsA patients treated with advanced therapies: preliminary results from a multiple registry analysis (UNISON-PsA)

Background

Given the availability of advanced therapies in PsA with different modes of action, it is of interest to characterize their impact on overall clinical outcomes.

Objectives

To describe residual disease activity in Canadians with PsA treated with advanced therapies.

Methods

Multi-region, observational, retrospective analysis of data from Rhumadata (Quebec) and International Psoriasis and Arthritis Research Team (IPART) Canadian registries was performed. Data from each registry and region were analyzed separately using a common statistical analysis plan to generate descriptive statistics. Patients included in the registries were eligible if they were adults at the time of PsA diagnosis and were treated with an advanced therapy for ≥6 months initiated between January 2010 and December 2019. Residual disease activity was defined as failing to achieve MDA (defined as achieving ≥5 of: TJC ≤1; SJC ≤1; PASI ≤1 or BSA ≤3%; patient pain VAS score of ≤15 mm; patient global disease activity VAS score of ≤20 mm; HAQ score ≤0.5; and tender entheseal points ≤1) (primary endpoint), or DAPSA score ≥14 (secondary endpoint) within 6 months of initiation of an advanced therapy (TNFi, IL-12/23i, IL-17i, PDE4i, CTLA4i or JAKi).

Results

1,866 subjects (Atlantic [IPART; Newfoundland]: N=83; Quebec [Rhumadata]: N=687; Ontario [IPART]: N=966; West [IPART; British Columbia, Manitoba]: N=130) were included in this preliminary analysis. Baseline characteristics are presented in Table 1. Overall, 899 were receiving their 1st advanced therapy, 464 were receiving their 2nd, and 264 had received ≥3. The most common therapy class was TNFi, followed by IL-17i. 18/21 (85.7%) subjects in the Atlantic region with an assessment, 184/246 (74.8%) in Quebec, 391/571 (68.1%) in Ontario, and 30/43 (69.8%) in Western Canada failed to achieve MDA within 6 months following advanced therapy initiation. Failure to achieve MDA within the allotted period was higher among patients receiving an IL-17i compared with a TNFi. There was no appreciable effect of lines of therapy. Also, 74 of 110 (67.3%) patients with an assessment in Quebec, 201/365 (55.1%) in Ontario and 3/3 (100%) in the West failed to achieve at least low disease activity (LDA; DAPSA ≤14) within 6 months following initiation of an advanced therapy. Data were not available for the Atlantic region. The proportion of patients not achieving LDA by advanced therapy was similar for those receiving a TNFi and IL-17i but increased with line of therapy.

Table 1.

Patient demographic and baseline characteristics, and response to treatment

Atlantic (N=83)Quebec (N=687)Ontario (N=966)West (N=130)Age (years, mean [SD])50.3 (11.1)50.7 (12.1)49.1 (12.9)46.7 (12.1)Female (n [%])44/83 (53.0)346/687 (50.4)427/966 (44.2)81/128 (62.3)BMI (kg/m2, n, mean [SD])15, 30.8 (3.6)553, 29.6 (6.6)579, 30.6 (6.9)45, 32.8 (10.6)Time since diagnosis (years, N, mean [SD])83, 8.7 (8.7)687, 7.1 (7.9)895, 11.7 (11.1)74, 11.7 (8.9)HLA-B27 positive (n/N [%])N/A58/335 (17.3)86/648 (13.3)N/APresence of EAMs (n/N [%])4/44 (9.1)27/687 (3.9)65/693 (9.4)2/33 (6.1%)Fulfillment of CASPAR (n/N [%])N/A391/687 (56.9)100/100 (100)N/ATherapy class (n [%]):*TNFi66 (79.5)478 (69.6)651 (67.3)104 (80.0)IL-17i11 (13.3)106 (15.4)191 (19.9)21 (16.2)IL-12/23i6 (7.2)33 (4.8)124 (12.9)5 (3.9)PDE4i48 (7.0)Other22 (3.2)Failure to achieve MDA within 6 months of starting therapy (n/N [%])**18/21 (87.5)184/246 (74.8)391/571 (68.1)30/43 (69.8)Failure to achieve DAPSA ≤14 within 6 months of starting therapy (n/N [%])**N/A74/110 (67.3)201/365 (55.1)3/3 (100.0)

*Patients may be taking >1 advanced therapy, **Not all patients had assessments of disease activity.

Conclusion

Preliminary data show approximately three quarters of Canadians with PsA failed to achieve MDA or LDA within 6 months of initiating an advanced therapy. Disease duration is a possible explanation for not achieving MDA or LDA; better therapeutic approaches are needed to achieve these outcomes in patients with PsA.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dr. Steve Ramkissoon, for supporting the statistical analysis of the IPART registry. Medical writing and statistical support (funded by Abbvie) were provided by John Howell and Hong Chen, respectively, from McDougall Scientific. Financial support for the study was provided by AbbVie. AbbVie participated in the design of the study, interpretation of data, review, and approval of this publication. All authors contributed to the development of the publication and maintained control over the final content.

Disclosure of Interests

Denis Choquette Speakers bureau: Amgen, Abbvie, CIHR, Novartis, Pfizer, Fresenius-Kabi, Eli Lilly, Sandoz, Tevapharm, Consultant of: Amgen, Abbvie, CIHR, Novartis, Pfizer, Fresenius-Kabi, Eli Lilly, Sandoz, Tevapharm, Grant/research support from: Rhumadata is supported through grants and research contracts from Amgen, Abbvie, CIHR, Novartis, Pfizer, Fresenius-Kabi, Eli Lilly, Sandoz, Tevapharm., Vinod Chandran Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Pfizer, Employee of: Spouse is an employee of AstraZeneca, Marie-Claude Laliberté Shareholder of: AbbVie Corp., Employee of: AbbVie Corp., Pierre-André Fournier Shareholder of: AbbVie Corp., Employee of: AbbVie Corp., Tanya Girard Shareholder of: AbbVie Corp., Employee of: AbbVie Corp., Mitchell Sutton: None declared, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Galapagos, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Janssen Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB

Decoding health status transitions of over 200 000 patients with traumatic brain injury from preceding injury to the injury event

For centuries, the study of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been centred on historical observation and analyses of personal, social, and environmental processes, which have been examined separately. Today, computation implementation and vast patient data repositories can enable a concurrent analysis of personal, social, and environmental processes, providing insight into changes in health status transitions over time. We applied computational and data visualization techniques to categorize decade-long health records of 235,003 patients with TBI in Canada, from preceding injury to the injury event itself. Our results highlighted that health status transition patterns in TBI emerged along with the projection of comorbidity where many disorders, social and environmental adversities preceding injury are reflected in external causes of injury and injury severity. The strongest associations between health status preceding TBI and health status at the injury event were between multiple body system pathology and advanced age-related brain pathology networks. The interwoven aspects of health status on a time continuum can influence post-injury trajectories and should be considered in TBI risk analysis to improve prevention, diagnosis, and care.

Predictors of social participation: evidence from repeated cross-sectional population surveys in England

BACKGROUND

Social participation is linked to better health and well-being. However, there is limited research on the individual and area-level predictors of participation. This study aims to determine the characteristics associated with participation, particularly the impact of community asset availability.

METHODS

We used data from 34 582 adult respondents to the nationally representative Community Life Survey from 2013 to 2018. We measured social participation by reported participation in 15 types of groups. We used probit and negative binomial regression models and included a wide range of individual, household and area characteristics, and availability of 14 types of community assets.

RESULTS

The following characteristics were associated with higher levels of participation: being female (+3.0 percentage points (p.p.) (95% CI 1.8 to 4.1p.p.), Black, Asian or Minority Ethnicity (+3.7p.p. (1.9 to 5.5p.p.)), homeownership (+4.1 p.p. (2.7 to 5.6p.p.)) and living in a rural area (+2.1p.p. (0.5 to 3.6p.p)). Respondents from the most deprived areas were less likely to participate than those in average deprivation areas (-3.9p.p. (-5.9 to -1.99p.p.)). Higher availability of community assets was associated with increased participation in groups. The effect of availability on participation varied by type of asset.

CONCLUSION

Improving community assets infrastructure in high deprivation and urban areas would encourage more social participation in these areas.

Assessment of the Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen 2 as a Screening Tool for Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting multiple organ systems and resulting in reduced quality of life for many patients. A screening tool would be useful, particularly in underserviced or research settings with limited access to dermatologists. The Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen, version 2 (ToPAS 2) is a validated screening tool for psoriatic arthritis containing questions specific for psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the performance of skin-specific questions from ToPAS 2 for the diagnosis of psoriasis.

METHODS

Participants aged >18 were recruited from Dermatology and Family Medicine clinics and completed the ToPAS 2 questionnaire prior to being examined by a dermatologist for psoriasis. Two scoring indexes were derived from the ToPAS 2 skin-related questions using backward selection regression models. Statistical analysis was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to measure their performances.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty eight participants were recruited. 32 (12%) were diagnosed with psoriasis by dermatologist assessment. Index 1 includes all 5 skin-related questions from ToPAS 2, while Index 2 includes three of the five questions. Both indexes demonstrate high specificity (82% to 92%), sensitivity (69% to 84%), and excellent negative predictive value (NPV) (>95%) for a diagnosis of psoriasis. The overall discriminatory power of these models is 0.823 (Index 1) and 0.875 (Index 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin-related questions from ToPAS 2 have discriminatory value in detecting psoriasis, specifically questions relating to a family history, a prior physician diagnosis of psoriasis or a rash consistent with images of plaque psoriasis. This study is a valuable step in developing a screening tool for psoriasis.

Comorbidity in traumatic brain injury and functional outcomes: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Comorbidities in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may negatively impact injury recovery course and result in long-term disability. Despite the high prevalence of several categories of comorbidities in TBI, little is known about their association with patients' functional outcomes. We aimed to systematically review the current evidence to identify comorbidities that affect functional outcomes in adults with TBI.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search of Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and PsycINFO was conducted from 1997 to 2020 for prospective and retrospective longitudinal studies published in English. Three researchers independently screened and assessed articles for fulfillment of the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment followed the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology recommendations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-two studies of moderate quality discussed effects of comorbidities on functional outcomes of patients with TBI. Cognitive and physical functioning were negatively affected by comorbidities, although the strength of association, even within the same categories of comorbidity and functional outcome, differed from study to study. Severity of TBI, sex/gender, and age were important factors in the relationship. Due to methodological heterogeneity between studies, meta-analyses were not performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging evidence highlights the adverse effect of comorbidities on functional outcome in patients with TBI, so clinical attention to this topic is timely. Future research on the topic should emphasize time of comorbidity onset in relation to the TBI event, to support prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. PROSPERO registration (CRD 42017070033).

Prevalence and factors associated with osteoporosis and bone mineral density testing in psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To determine bone mineral density (BMD) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, factors associated with undergoing BMD testing, and the effect of PsA clinical activity on BMD.

METHODS

Patients attending the University of Toronto PsA Clinic with a BMD from cohort inception to January 2019 were included. Descriptive statistics summarized lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip T-scores. Cox proportional hazard regression identified predictors for BMD testing. Logistic regression analysis determined odds of having normal (T-score ≥ -1.0) versus osteoporotic range BMD (T-score ≤ -2.5). A multi-state model determined factors associated with BMD state changes over time.

RESULTS

Of the 1479 patients, 214 had BMDs. Mean T-scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip were -0.30±0.32, -1.10±1.04 and -0.45±0.42 respectively. Osteopenia and osteoporosis occurred in 45.27% and 12.94% of patients. Increasing age, menopause, elevated acute phase reactants, biologic, methotrexate and systemic glucocorticoid use were associated with a higher chance of undergoing BMD testing. Increased BMI and biologic use were associated with a lower chance of having osteoporotic range BMD. In multi-state analysis, polyarthritis may portend lower BMDs over time, although this did not achieve statistical significance due to low patient numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in the PsA cohort were similar to the general population. Clinicians are using osteoporosis risk factors and PsA disease severity markers to select patients for BMD testing. Polyarticular disease may portend worse BMDs. Biologic use and increased BMI appear to have a protective effect.

Recruitment and Consent in an observational study

OBJECTIVE

The study sought to explore the consent rate and associated potential bias across a cohort in a large longitudinal population based study.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Data were taken from a study designed to examine the effects of the reintroduction of community water fluoridation on children's oral health over a five-year period. Children were recruited from a fluoridated and non-fluoridated area in Cumbria, referred to as Group 1 and Group 2.

RESULTS

Data were available for 3138 individuals. The consent rate was 12.91 percentage points lower in Group 2 than Group 1 (95% CI -16.27 to -9.56, p⟨0.001). The population in Group 2 was more deprived (higher Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)) than Group 1 before consent was taken. Consent was not associated with deprivation in either group.

CONCLUSION

The cohort appeared to be unaffected by IMD-related non-consent. However there was a difference in consent rate between the two groups. With the population in Group 1 being more deprived than Group 2, it will be important to incorporate these differences into the analysis at the end of this longitudinal study.

A population-based sex-stratified study to understand how health status preceding traumatic brain injury affects direct medical cost

OBJECTIVE

To understand how pre-injury health status present five-years preceding traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects direct medical cost two years post-injury.

METHODS

Patients age ≥19 years in the emergency department (ED) or acute care for a TBI between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2014 in Ontario, Canada (N = 55,669) were identified from population-based health administrative data. Forty-three factors of pre-injury health status (i.e., comorbidities and personal, social, and environmental factors) that were internally validated for the TBI population were assessed in this study. The outcome of interest was direct medical cost within two years of discharge. Sex-specific multivariable linear regressions were conducted to understand the associations between direct medical cost within two years of discharge and pre-injury health status.

RESULTS

Patients who received care in the ED (81.9% of total sample) incurred a median cost of $2,492/male patient (average $12,342/patient) and $3,508/female patient (average $65,285/patient) within two years of injury; 37 pre-injury factors were significantly associated with increased direct medical costs. Patients who first received care for their TBI in acute care (18.1%) incurred a median cost of $25,081/male patient (average $63,060/patient) and $30,277/female patient (average $65,285/patient) within two years of injury; 21 factors were significantly associated with increased direct medical costs. Among more prevalent factors, those associated with increased medical cost by at least 50% included mental health disorders, substance abuse, disorders or medical conditions frequently observed among the elderly, cardiovascular disorders, stroke and emergencies involving the brain, metabolic disorders and abdominal symptoms, conditions and symptoms of abdomen and pelvis, genitourinary disorders and disorders of prostate, and pulmonary abdominal and other emergencies.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct medical costs two years post-TBI differed significantly between patients with and without adverse pre-existing health status. Interdisciplinary teams to promote early identification of pre-existing health conditions and appropriate management and integration of these conditions in TBI care across the continuum of healthcare may be opportunities to reduce direct medical costs post-injury.

Pre-injury health status and excess mortality in persons with traumatic brain injury: A decade-long historical cohort study

An increasing number of patients are able to survive traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with advanced resuscitation. However, the role of their pre-injury health status in mortality in the following years is not known. Here, we followed 77,088 consecutive patients (59% male) who survived the TBI event in Ontario, Canada for more than a decade, and examined the relationships between their pre-injury health status and mortality rates in excess to the expected mortality calculated using sex- and age-specific life tables. There were 5792 deaths over the studied period, 3163 (6.95%) deaths in male and 2629 (8.33%) in female patients. The average excess mortality rate over the follow-up period of 14 years was 1.81 (95% confidence interval = 1.76-1.86). Analyses of follow-up time windows showed different patterns for the average excess rate of mortality following TBI, with the greatest rates observed in year one after injury. Among identified pre-injury comorbidity factors, 33 were associated with excess mortality rates. These rates were comparable between sexes. Additional analyses in the validation dataset confirmed that these findings were unlikely a result of TBI misclassification or unmeasured confounding. Thus, detection and subsequent management of pre-injury health status should be an integral component of any strategy to reduce excess mortality in TBI patients. The complexity of pre-injury comorbidity calls for integration of multidisciplinary health services to meet TBI patients' needs and prevent adverse outcomes.

Sociodemographic disparities in non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and the transition to type 2 diabetes: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

AIM

To explore whether there are social inequalities in non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) and in transitions to type 2 diabetes mellitus and NDH low-risk status in England.

METHODS

Some 9143 men and women aged over 50 years were analysed from waves 2, 4, 6 and 8 (2004-2016) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Participants were categorized as: NDH 'low-risk' [HbA_1c < 42 mmol/mol (< 6.0%)], NDH [HbA_1c 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0-6.4%)] and type 2 diabetes [HbA_1c > 47 mmol/mol (> 6.4%)]. Logistic regression models estimated the association between sociodemographic characteristics and NDH, and the transitions from NDH to diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and low-risk status in future waves.

RESULTS

NDH was more prevalent in older participants, those reporting a disability, those living in deprived areas and in more disadvantaged social classes. Older participants with NDH were less likely to progress to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08, 0.96]. NDH individuals with limiting long-standing illness (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.16, 2.53), who were economically inactive (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02, 2.51) or from disadvantaged social classes (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02, 2.61) were more likely to progress to type 2 diabetes. Socially disadvantaged individuals were less likely (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41, 0.98) to progress to NDH low-risk status.

CONCLUSIONS

There were socio-economic differences in NDH prevalence, transition to type 2 diabetes and transition to NDH low-risk status. Disparities in transitions included the greater likelihood of disadvantaged social groups with NDH developing type 2 diabetes and greater likelihood of advantaged social groups with NDH becoming low-risk. These socio-economic differences should be taken into account when targeting prevention initiatives.

Universal dynamics of coarsening during polymer-polymer thin-film spinodal dewetting kinetics

The dewetting dynamics of a supported bilayer polymer thin film on a solid substrate is investigated using grazing incidence x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. We find that the top layer dewets via the spinodal mechanism. The kinetics of the dewetting is studied by monitoring the time evolution of the surface diffuse x-ray scattering intensity. We study the time evolution of fluctuations about the average surface structure by measuring the two-time x-ray intensity fluctuation correlation functions. Using these two-time correlation functions we quantify the crossover from early-time diffusive dynamics to hydrodynamics. The early diffusive regime satisfies dynamic universality. The two-time correlation functions also quantify the onset of hydrodynamic effects. The hydrodynamic regime is observed during the spinodal dewetting process as these interactions are not screened.

Data Mining to Understand How Health Status Preceding Traumatic Brain Injury Affects Functional Outcome: A Population-Based Sex-Stratified Study

OBJECTIVES

To understand how health status preceding traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects relative functional gain after inpatient rehabilitation using a data mining approach.

DESIGN

Population-based, sex-stratified, retrospective cohort study using health administrative data from Ontario, Canada (39% of the Canadian population).

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 14 years or older (N=5802; 63.4% male) admitted to inpatient rehabilitation within 1 year of a TBI-related acute care discharge between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relative functional gain (RFG) in percentage, calculated as ([discharge FIM-admission FIM]/[126-admission FIM]×100). Health status prior to TBI was identified and internally validated using a data mining approach that categorized all International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, codes for each patient.

RESULTS

The average RFG was 52.8%±27.6% among male patients and 51.6%±27.1% among female patients. Sex-specific Bonferroni adjusted multivariable linear regressions identified 10 factors of preinjury health status related to neurology, emergency medicine, cardiology, psychiatry, geriatrics, and gastroenterology that were significantly associated with reduced RFG in FIM for male patients. Only 1 preinjury health status category, geriatrics, was significantly associated with RFG in female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid health conditions present up to 5 years preceding the TBI event were significantly associated with RFG. These findings should be considered when planning and executing interventions to maximize functional gain and to support an interdisciplinary approach. Best practices guidelines and clinical interventions for older male and female patients with TBI should be developed given the increasingly aging population with TBI.

Method of Determination of Appropriate Heat Treatment of Animal Meal by Immunoassay Developed for Detection of Cooked Beef: Interlaboratory Study

An interlaboratory trial was conducted for the validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for determination of appropriate heat treatment of animal meal. A commercially available ELISA test kit developed for the identification of beef in cooked food was used in the study. Twelve laboratories from 7 European countries examined 2 different analytical protocols to establish the most appropriate analytical method. Three different samples were used, 2 animal waste materials sterilized at 129 and 134°C (wet conditions), respectively, and a meat and bone meal material processed at dry conditions (maximum temperature, 140°C). Statistical evaluation applying t-statistics showed that the animal meal treated according to European legislation (&gt;133°C) was clearly distinguishable from the 2 other test materials at a 99% confidence level using both analytical protocols. This method can be considered as a complementary test to the immunoassay developed for the detection of pork in cooked food that is already applied in routine analysis for the surveillance of rendering plants.

Validation of an Immunoassay for Detection and Quantitation of a Genetically Modified Soybean in Food and Food Fractions Using Reference Materials: Interlaboratory Study

An immunoassay for detection of a specific genetically modified soybean (Roundup-Ready®) was validated on dried soybean powder in an interlaboratory study. Different percentages of genetically modified soybeans in nonmodified soybean matrix were evaluated in a blind study. Thirty-eight laboratories from 13 countries participated. The immunoassay was evaluated for 2 endpoints: (1) To give a semiquantitative result, i.e., determination of a given sample above or below a given threshold, or (2) to compute a quantitative result, i.e., percentage of genetically modified soybeans in the sample. Semiquantitative results showed that a given sample which contained &lt;2% genetically modified soybeans was identified as below 2% with a 99% confidence level. Quantitative use of the assay resulted in a repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R) that were computed to be RSDr = 7% and RSDR = 10%, respectively, for a sample containing 2% genetically modified soybeans. Application of this method depends on availability of appropriate reference materials for a specific food matrix. Only matrix-matched reference materials can be used for analysis of food or food fractions.

Comorbidity in adults with traumatic brain injury and all-cause mortality: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Comorbidity in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognised to alter the clinical course of patients and influence short-term and long-term outcomes. We synthesised the evidence on the effects of different comorbid conditions on early and late mortality post-TBI in order to (1) examine the relationship between comorbid condition(s) and all-cause mortality in TBI and (2) determine the influence of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with a TBI at baseline on all-cause mortality.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Central, Embase, PsycINFO and bibliographies of identified articles were searched from May 1997 to January 2019.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Included studies met the following criteria: (1) focused on comorbidity as it related to our outcome of interest in adults (ie, ≥18 years of age) diagnosed with a TBI; (2) comorbidity was detected by any means excluding self-report; (3) reported the proportion of participants without comorbidity and (4) followed participants for any period of time.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Data were synthesised through tabulation and qualitative description.

RESULTS

A total of 27 cohort studies were included. Among the wide range of individual comorbid conditions studied, only low blood pressure was a consistent predictors of post-TBI mortality. Other consistent predictors were traditional sociodemographic risk factors. Higher comorbidity scale, scores and the number of comorbid conditions were not consistently associated with post-TBI mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high number of comorbid conditions that were examined by the single studies, research is required to further substantiate the evidence and address conflicting findings. Finally, an enhanced set of comorbidity measures that are suited for the TBI population will allow for better risk stratification to guide TBI management and treatment.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017070033.

Neck Injury Comorbidity in Concussion-Related Emergency Department Visits: A Population-Based Study of Sex Differences Across the Life Span

Background: The cervical spine region can be especially vulnerable to concurrent injury in concussion, with research suggesting that females may be at greater risk due to their weaker and anatomically distinct necks. The main objective of our research was to study sex differences in the rate of neck injury comorbidity across the life span among patients with a concussion diagnosis in the emergency department (ED) setting, by cause of injury (motor vehicle collisions [MVC] and sports).

Materials and Methods: All patients with a first concussion-related ED visit between fiscal years 2002/2003 and 2011/2012 (inclusive) in Ontario were identified in population-based health administrative data using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) codes. Age-dependent odds ratios of comorbid neck injury for sex were estimated using polynomial multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results: Females with a concussion had significantly higher odds of sustaining a comorbid neck injury between the ages of 5–49 years for all concussion-related ED visits, 15–49 years for MVC-related concussion ED visits, and 10–39 years for sports-related concussion ED visits, holding all other covariates in the model constant.

Conclusions: These results support the consideration of increased screening for comorbid neck injuries, particularly for females, to allow for early intervention. Furthermore, the increased risk of comorbid neck injury in females with a concussion-related ED visit was age-dependent, with the interaction between sex and age following a nonlinear trend. As such, future studies on concussions should consider linear and nonlinear sex and age interactions.

Contemporary women's secure psychiatric services in the United Kingdom: A qualitative analysis of staff views

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Three pilot UK-only Women's Enhanced Medium Secure Services (WEMSS) was opened in 2007 to support women's movement from high secure care and provide a bespoke, women-only service. Evidence suggests that women's secure services are particularly challenging environments to work in and staffing issues (e.g., high turnover) can cause difficulties in establishing a therapeutic environment. Research in this area has focused on the experiences of service users. Studies which have examined staff views have focused on their feelings towards women in their care and the emotional burden of working in women's secure services. No papers have made a direct comparison between staff working in different services. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This is the first study to explore the views and experiences of staff in the three UK WEMSS pilot services and contrast them with staff from women's medium secure services. Drawing upon data from eighteen semi-structured interviews (nine WEMSS, nine non-WEMSS), key themes cover staff perceptions of factors important for women's recovery and their views on operational aspects of services. This study extends our understanding of the experiences of staff working with women in secure care and bears relevance for staff working internationally, as well as in UK services. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The study reveals the importance of induction and training for bank and agency staff working in women's secure services. Further, regular clinical supervision should be mandatory for all staff so they are adequately supported.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Women's Enhanced Medium Secure Services (WEMSS) is bespoke, gender-sensitive services which opened in the UK in 2007 at three pilot sites. This study is the first of its kind to explore the experiences of WEMSS staff, directly comparing them to staff in a standard medium secure service for women. The literature to date has focused on the experiences of service users or staff views on working with women in secure care. Aim This qualitative study, embedded in a multimethod evaluation of WEMSS, aimed to explore the views and experiences of staff in WEMSS and comparator medium secure services. Methods Qualitative interviews took place with nine WEMSS staff and nine comparator medium secure staff. Interviews focused on factors important for recovery, barriers to facilitating recovery and operational aspects of the service. Discussion This study provides a rare insight into the perspectives of staff working in UK women's secure services, an under-researched area in the UK and internationally. Findings suggest that the success of services, including WEMSS, is compromised by operational factors such as the use of bank staff. Implications for practice Comprehensive training and supervision should be mandatory for all staff, so best practice is met and staff adequately supported.

Comorbidity and outcomes in traumatic brain injury: protocol for a systematic review on functional status and risk of death

INTRODUCTION

Reports on the association between comorbidity and functional status and risk of death in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been inconsistent; it is currently unknown which additional clinical entities (comorbidities) have an adverse influence on the evolution of outcomes across the lifespan of men and women with TBI. The current protocol outlines a strategy for a systematic review of the current evidence examining the impact of comorbidity on functional status and early-term and late-term mortality, taking into account known risk factors of these adverse outcomes (ie, demographic (age and sex) and injury-related characteristics).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A comprehensive search strategy for TBI prognosis, functional (cognitive and physical) status and mortality studies has been developed in collaboration with a medical information specialist of the large rehabilitation teaching hospital. All peer-reviewed English language studies with longitudinal design in adults with TBI of any severity, published from May 1997 to April 2017, found through Medline, Central, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and bibliographies of identified articles, will be considered eligible. Study quality will be assessed using published guidelines.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The authors will publish findings from this review in a peer-reviewed scientific journal(s) and present the results at national and international conferences. This work aims to understand how comorbidity may contribute to adverse outcomes in TBI, to inform risk stratification of patients and guide the management of brain injury acutely and at the chronic stages postinjury on a population level.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017070033.

Association between psychological health and wound complications after surgery

Background

Surgical wound complications remain a major cause of morbidity, leading to higher costs and reduced quality of life. Although psychological health is widely considered to affect wound healing, the evidence on wound outcomes after surgery is mixed. Studies generally focus on small samples of patients undergoing a specific procedure and have limited statistical power.

Methods

This study investigated the relationship between three different measures of anxiety and/or depression and seven adverse surgical outcomes using observational data collected before and after surgery between 2009 and 2011. A wide range of confounding factors was adjusted for, including patient demographics, physical co-morbidities, health-related behaviours, month of operation, procedure complexity and treating hospital.

Results

The estimation sample included 176 827 patients undergoing 59 410 hip replacements, 64 145 knee replacements, 38 328 hernia repairs and 14 944 varicose vein operations. Patients with moderate anxiety or depression had an increased probability of wound complications after a hip replacement (odds ratio (OR) 1·17, 95 per cent c.i. 1·11 to 1·24). They were more likely to be readmitted for a wound complication (OR 1·20, 1·02 to 1·41) and had an increased duration of hospital stay by 0·19 (95 per cent c.i. 0·15 to 0·24) days. Estimated associations were consistent across all four types of operation and for each measure of anxiety and/or depression.

Conclusion

Preoperative psychological health is a significant risk factor for adverse wound outcomes after surgery for four of the procedures most commonly performed in England.

Evaluation of a minor eye conditions scheme delivered by community optometrists

BACKGROUND

The establishment of minor eye conditions schemes (MECS) within community optometric practices provides a mechanism for the timely assessment of patients presenting with a range of acute eye conditions. This has the potential to reduce waiting times and avoid unnecessary referrals to hospital eye services (HES).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness, impact on hospital attendances and patient satisfaction with a minor eye service provided by community optometrists.

METHODS

Activity and outcome data were collected for 12 months in the Lambeth and Lewisham MECS. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was given to patients at the end of their MECS appointment. A retrospective difference-in-differences analysis of hospital activity compared changes in the volume of referrals by general practitioners (GPs) from a period before (April 2011-March 2013) to after (April 2013-March 2015) the introduction of the scheme in Lambeth and Lewisham relative to a neighbouring area (Southwark) where the scheme had not been commissioned. Appropriateness of case management was assessed by consensus using clinical members of the research team.

RESULTS

A total of 2123 patients accessed the scheme. Approximately two-thirds of patients (67.5%) were referred by their GP. The commonest reasons for patients attending for a MECS assessment were 'red eye' (36.7% of patients), 'painful white eye' (11.1%) and 'flashes and floaters' (10.2%). A total of 64.1% of patients were managed in optometric practice and 18.9% were referred to the HES; of these, 89.2% had been appropriately referred. First attendances to HES referred by GPs reduced by 26.8% (95% CI -40.5% to -13.1%) in Lambeth and Lewisham compared to Southwark.

CONCLUSIONS

The Lambeth and Lewisham MECS demonstrates clinical effectiveness, reduction in hospital attendances and high patient satisfaction and represents a successful collaboration between commissioners, local HES units and primary healthcare providers.

High contrast x-ray speckle from atomic-scale order in liquids and glasses

The availability of ultrafast pulses of coherent hard x rays from the Linac Coherent Light Source opens new opportunities for studies of atomic-scale dynamics in amorphous materials. Here, we show that single ultrafast coherent x-ray pulses can be used to observe the speckle contrast in the high-angle diffraction from liquid Ga and glassy Ni(2)Pd(2)P and B(2)O(3). We determine the thresholds above which the x-ray pulses disturb the atomic arrangements. Furthermore, high contrast speckle is observed in scattering patterns from the glasses integrated over many pulses, demonstrating that the source and optics are sufficiently stable for x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy studies of dynamics over a wide range of time scales.

Is the health of people living in rural areas different from those in cities? Evidence from routine data linked with the Scottish Health Survey

BACKGROUND

To examine the association between rurality and health in Scotland, after adjusting for differences in individual and practice characteristics.

METHODS

DESIGN

Mortality and hospital record data linked to two cross sectional health surveys.

SETTING

Respondents in the community-based 1995 and 1998 Scottish Health Survey who consented to record-linkage follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hypertension, all-cause premature mortality, total hospital stays and admissions due to coronary heart disease (CHD).

RESULTS

Older age and lower social class were strongly associated with an increased risk of each of the four health outcomes measured. After adjustment for individual and practice characteristics, no consistent pattern of better or poorer health in people living in rural areas was found, compared to primary cities. However, individuals living in remote small towns had a lower risk of a hospital admission for CHD and those in very remote rural had lower mortality, both compared with those living in primary cities.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown how linked data can be used to explore the possible influence of area of residence on health. We were unable to find a consistent pattern that people living in rural areas have materially different health to that of those living in primary cities. Instead, we found stronger relationships between compositional determinants (age, gender and socio-economic status) and health than contextual factors (including rurality).

Transcobalamin II receptor polymorphisms are associated with increased risk for neural tube defects

OBJECTIVE

Women who have low cobalamin (vitamin B(12)) levels are at increased risk for having children with neural tube defects (NTDs). The transcobalamin II receptor (TCblR) mediates uptake of cobalamin into cells. Inherited variants in the TCblR gene as NTD risk factors were evaluated.

METHODS

Case-control and family-based tests of association were used to screen common variation in TCblR as genetic risk factors for NTDs in a large Irish group. A confirmatory group of NTD triads was used to test positive findings.

RESULTS

2 tightly linked variants associated with NTDs in a recessive model were found: TCblR rs2336573 (G220R; p(corr)=0.0080, corrected for multiple hypothesis testing) and TCblR rs9426 (p(corr)=0.0279). These variants were also associated with NTDs in a family-based test before multiple test correction (log-linear analysis of a recessive model: rs2336573 (G220R; RR=6.59, p=0.0037) and rs9426 (RR=6.71, p=0.0035)). A copy number variant distal to TCblR and two previously unreported exonic insertion-deletion polymorphisms were described.

CONCLUSIONS

TCblR rs2336573 (G220R) and TCblR rs9426 represent a significant risk factor in NTD cases in the Irish population. The homozygous risk genotype was not detected in nearly 1000 controls, indicating that this NTD risk factor may be of low frequency and high penetrance. 9 other variants are in perfect linkage disequilibrium with the associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. Additional work is required to identify the disease-causing variant. Our data suggest that variation in TCblR plays a role in NTD risk and that these variants may modulate cobalamin metabolism.