The clinical benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors in people with gout

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis worldwide and is characterized by painful recurrent flares of inflammatory arthritis that are associated with a transiently increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, gout is associated with multiple cardiometabolic-renal comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. These comorbidities, potentially combined with gout flare-related inflammation, contribute to persistent premature mortality in gout, independently of serum urate concentrations and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Although better implementation of standard gout care could improve gout outcomes, deliberate efforts to address the cardiovascular risk in patients with gout are likely to be required to reduce mortality. Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are approved for multiple indications owing to their ability to lower the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death, hospitalizations for heart failure and chronic kidney disease progression, making them an attractive treatment option for gout. These medications have also been shown to lower serum urate concentrations, the causal culprit in gout risk, and are associated with a reduced risk of incident and recurrent gout, potentially owing to their purported anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, SGLT2 inhibition could simultaneously address both the symptoms of gout and its comorbidities.

The gout epidemic in French Polynesia: a modelling study of data from the Ma'i u'u epidemiological survey

BACKGROUND

Gout is the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis worldwide, particularly in Pacific regions. We aimed to establish the prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia in French Polynesia, their associations with dietary habits, their comorbidities, the prevalence of the HLA-B*58:01 allele, and current management of the disease.

METHODS

The Ma'i u'u survey was epidemiological, prospective, cross-sectional, and gout-focused and included a random sample of adults from the general adult population of French Polynesia. It was conducted and data were collected between April 13 and Aug 16, 2021. Participants were randomly selected to represent the general adult population of French Polynesia on the basis of housing data collected during the 2017 territorial census. Each selected household was visited by a research nurse from the Ma'i u'u survey who collected data via guided, 1-h interviews with participants. In each household, the participant was the individual older than 18 years with the closest upcoming birthday. To estimate the frequency of HLA-B*58:01, we estimated HLA-B haplotypes on individuals who had whole-genome sequencing to approximately 5× average coverage (mid-pass sequencing). A subset of individuals who self-reported Polynesian ancestry and not European, Chinese, or other ancestry were used to estimate Polynesian-ancestry specific allele frequencies. Bivariate associations were reported for weighted participants; effect sizes were estimated through the odds ratio (OR) of the association calculated on the basis of a logistic model fitted with weighted observations.

FINDINGS

Among the random sample of 2000 households, 896 participants were included, 140 individuals declined, and 964 households could not be contacted. 22 participants could not be weighted due to missing data, so the final weighted analysis included 874 participants (449 [51·4%] were female and 425 [48·6%] were male) representing the 196 630 adults living in French Polynesia. The estimated prevalence of gout was 14·5% (95% CI 9·9-19·2), representing 28 561 French Polynesian adults, that is 25·5% (18·2-32·8) of male individuals and 3·5% (1·0-6·0) of female individuals. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was estimated at 71·6% (66·7-76·6), representing 128 687 French Polynesian adults. In multivariable analysis, age (OR 1·5, 95% CI 1·2-1·8 per year), male sex (10·3, 1·8-60·7), serum urate (1·6, 1·3-2·0 per 1 mg/dL), uraturia (0·8, 0·8-0·8 per 100 mg/L), type 2 diabetes (2·1, 1·4-3·1), BMI more than 30 kg/m2 (1·1, 1·0-1·2 per unit), and percentage of visceral fat (1·7, 1·1-2·7 per 1% increase) were associated with gout. There were seven heterozygous HLA-B*58:01 carriers in the full cohort of 833 individuals (seven [0·4%] of 1666 total alleles) and two heterozygous carriers in a subset of 696 individuals of Polynesian ancestry (two [0·1%]).

INTERPRETATION

French Polynesia has an estimated high prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia, with gout affecting almost 15% of adults. Territorial measures that focus on increasing access to effective urate-lowering therapies are warranted to control this major public health problem.

FUNDING

Variant Bio, the French Polynesian Health Administration, Lille Catholic University Hospitals, French Society of Rheumatology, and Novartis.

Characteristics of difficult-to-treat axial spondyloarthritis: Results of a real-world multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

The EULAR task force recently published the difficult-to-treat RA (D2T RA) definition, however, a definition of D2T axSpA is still lacking and limitations in this definition exist. The objectives were to study the characteristics of D2T axSpA patients using the EULAR definition and to study a subgroup of patients with a predefined more stringent definition including a temporal criterion.

METHODS

A multicentric retrospective study was performed. D2T axSpA was defined as failure of≥2 b/tsDMARDs with different mechanism of action. Very D2T axSpA was defined as failure of≥2 b/tsDMARDs in less than 2 years of follow-up. D2T and Very D2T axSpA patients were compared to non-D2T (nD2T) axSpA patients.

RESULTS

Three hundred and eleven axSpA patients were included: 88 D2T axSpA (28.3%) and 223 non-D2T (nD2T) axSpA (71.7%). Peripheral involvement was more prevalent in the D2T group (34.9 vs. 21.4%; P=0.015). BASDAI level at baseline was higher in the D2T group (63.7±16.5 vs. 58.8±14.7; P=0.015). Fibromyalgia was found to be more frequent in the D2T group vs nD2T group (P<0.001). Twelve patients (3.8%) were categorized as very D2T axSpA. Compared to nD2T, Very D2T patients had a higher CRP level at baseline (42.0±31.3 vs. 17.8±23.1; P=0.010). IBD prevalence at baseline was higher in the very D2T group (41.7 vs. 3.1%; P<0.001). None of the very D2T patients presented a fibromyalgia.

CONCLUSION

D2T axSpA was associated with higher disease activity, peripheral involvement, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations and fibromyalgia. Very D2T patients represented a minim proportion of patients after applying a more stringent definition including a temporal criterion of 2 years and might be independent from fibromyalgia.

Intra-Articular Mineralization on Computerized Tomography of the Knee and Risk of Cartilage Damage: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study

OBJECTIVE

Intra-articular (IA) mineralization may contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) structural progression. We studied the association of IA mineralization on knee computed tomography (CT) with cartilage damage worsening on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a focus on location- and tissue-specific effects.

METHODS

Participants from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study with knee CT and MRI scans were included. Presence of IA mineralization on CT was defined as a Boston University Calcium Knee Score >0 anywhere in the knee. Cartilage worsening on MRI was defined as any increase in the MRI OA Knee Score, including incident damage. We evaluated the association of whole-knee, compartment-specific (ie, medial or lateral), and subregion-specific (ie, location-matched) IA mineralization at baseline with cartilage worsening at two years' follow-up in the corresponding locations using binomial regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

We included 1,673 participants (mean age 60 years, 56% female, mean BMI 29). Nine percent had any IA mineralization in the knee, and 47.4% had any cartilage worsening on follow-up. Mineralization of any tissue in the knee, regardless of location, was not associated with MRI cartilage worsening. However, cartilage mineralization was associated with 1.39 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.88) times higher risk of cartilage worsening in the same compartment, with similar results in subregion-specific analysis.

CONCLUSION

CT-detected IA mineralization in the cartilage was associated with higher risk of MRI cartilage worsening in the same compartment and subregion over two years. These findings suggest potential localized, tissue-specific effects of IA mineralization on cartilage pathology in knee OA.

Are patients with gout with negative dual-energy computed tomography for monosodium urate crystal deposition easy-to-treat?

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical associations and predictive value of two thresholds of negative dual-energy CT (DECT) for MSU crystal deposition in gout patients initiating urate lowering therapy (ULT), and identify which threshold is more clinically relevant.

METHODS

Patients from the CRYSTALILLE cohort with a diagnosis of gout naive to ULT with baseline DECT scans of knees and feet were selected. Two thresholds of positivity for DECT detection of MSU crystal deposition were considered (<0.01 cm3 and <0.1 cm3). Baseline characteristics and the prediction of key outcomes after ULT initiation including reaching serum urate (SU) levels <6.0 and 5.0 mg/dl and occurrence of flares at 6, 12 and 24 months, associated with both thresholds of negative DECTs were compared with those of.

PATIENT

s having positive DECT scans.

RESULTS

211 patients aged 66.2 years [57; 75.8] with a symptom duration of 3 years [0; 7.8] were included. 38/211 (18%) and 90/211 (43%) had negative DECT scans for the 0.01 and 0.1 cm3 thresholds, respectively. Factors associated with negative DECT scans were younger age, shorter symptom duration, and absence of cardiovascular disease for both volume thresholds. 9/39 (23.1%), 3/26 (11.5%), and 1/18 (5.6%) of patients with <0.1 cm3 MSU crystals had flares at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively, compared with 18/45 (40.0%), 9/36 (25.0%) and 2/18 (11.1%) patients with ≥0.1 cm3 (p> 0.05).Overall, 95 patients (68.3%) reached SU levels <6.0 mg/dl and 68 (48.9%) <5.0 mg/dl, without any difference between positive and negative DECTs, with ULT dosages which tended to be lower in patients with negative DECT.

CONCLUSION

The 0.1 cm3 threshold was better correlated to clinical presentation and evolution than 0.01 cm3. Patients with gout with negative DECTs exhibit milder disease and a lower comorbidity burden. They do not exhibit particularly easy-to-treat hyperuricemia, but may have a lower risk of flares.

Early-onset gout

Early-onset gout (EOG) is characterized by the occurrence of the first symptoms of gout at an unusually young age, usually <40 years. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and prognosis, association with comorbidities and specific management of EOG. A particularly high proportion of patients with EOG come from ethnic groups with stronger genetic factors, such as populations in the Pacific and Taiwan, who therefore have the highest prevalence of gout overall. The clinical presentation and severity of gout are broadly similar between EOG and common gout, although a longer disease duration exacerbates the disease, which more often tends to become polyarticular. Patients suffering from EOG develop metabolic comorbidities commonly associated with gout earlier in life, although those tend to be less frequent at the time of diagnosis. Some international guidelines recommend early treatment of EOG patients with urate-lowering therapies.

Retention, safety and efficacy of off-label conventional treatments and biologics for chronic calcium pyrophosphate crystal inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Very little is known on the efficacy and safety of drugs for the management of chronic calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal inflammatory arthritis. The objectives of this work were to describe the drugs used in the management of chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis in expert European centres, and to examine treatment retention.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Charts from patients with a diagnosis of persistent inflammatory and/or recurrent acute CPP crystal arthritis were reviewed in seven European centres. Baseline characteristics were collected, and visits at months 3, 6, 12 and 24 included an assessment of treatment response and safety.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-four treatments were initiated in 129 patients. Colchicine (used first-line in n = 73/86), methotrexate (used first-line in n = 14/36), anakinra (n = 27) and tocilizumab (n = 25) were the most prescribed treatments, while long-term corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, canakinumab and sarilumab were used occasionally. The 24-month on-drug retention was higher for tocilizumab (40%) than anakinra (18.5%) (P < 0.05), while the difference between colchicine (29.1%) and methotrexate (44.4%) was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). Adverse events led to 14.1% of colchicine discontinuations (100% of diarrhoea), 4.3% for methotrexate, 31.8% for anakinra and 20% for tocilizumab; all other discontinuations were related to insufficient response or losses to follow-up. Efficacy outcomes did not differ significantly between treatments throughout follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Daily colchicine is the first-line therapy used in chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis, which is considered efficient in a third to half of cases. Second-line treatments include methotrexate and tocilizumab, which have higher retention than anakinra.

A new ex vivo human model of osteoarthritis cartilage calcification

OBJECTIVE

Cartilage pathologic calcification is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we aimed to describe a new ex vivo human model to study the progression of cartilage calcification.

METHOD

Cartilage explants (n = 11), as well as primary chondrocytes (n = 3), were obtained from OA patients undergoing knee replacement. Explants and chondrocytes were cultured in control (NT) or calcification (CM) medium (supplemented with ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate). Calcification was evaluated by micro-CT scan at day 0 and 21 in explants, and by Alizarin red staining in chondrocyte monolayers. Raman spectrometry allowed characterization of the crystal type. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in explant and cell supernatants was measured by ELISA. Finally, matrix degradation was evaluated by Safranin-O staining of explant sections and by glycosaminoglycans (GAG) release in supernatants.

RESULTS

Micro-CT scan showed calcifications in all explants at baseline (day 0), which in the CM group increased significantly in number and size after 21 days compared with the NT group. Raman spectrometry revealed that crystals were exclusively basic calcium phosphate crystals (carbonated hydroxyapatite) both in NT and CM. IL-6 secretion was significantly increased in calcifying conditions. Finally, CM significantly increased cartilage catabolism as assessed by decreased Safranin-O staining of tissue explants and increased GAG release in supernatants. CM effects (enhanced calcification, IL-6 secretion and proteoglycans turn-over) were recapitulated in vitro in OA chondrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

We have described a new ex vivo human model of cartilage calcification that can summurize the triad of events seen during osteoarthritis progression, i.e. calcification, inflammation, and cartilage degradation. This model will allow the identification of new anti-calcification compounds.

Prediction of renal and cardiometabolic outcomes in gout during urate-lowering therapy by sonography

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the extent of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition estimated by ultrasound could predict renal and cardiometabolic events during urate-lowering therapy (ULT).

METHODS

A prospective study on gout patients from two referral centers initiating ULT who underwent baseline ultrasound and were followed for 1 year. Ultrasound scans assessed six joints for double-contour (DC) signs and tophi. A five-point change (mL/min/1.73 m2 ) in the glomerular filtration rate at month 12 (M12) was considered significant. Outcomes of interest were renal function degraded versus improved and a composite cardiometabolic outcome (new hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerotic disease, and cardiovascular death). Homogeneity analyses and Cox regression models were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty patients were recruited. At baseline, 81.1% of patients (n = 129) showed sonographic tophi with a mean number of 1.4 joints (±1.3) with a DC sign. At M12, 18 patients (11.3%) were lost to follow-up. The serum urate (SU) target (<6.0 mg/dL) was reached in 86 patients (69.9%). Regarding renal function, 15.9% of patients showed improvement, while in 31.0% it degraded. Fourteen new cardiometabolic events occurred in 12 patients. Neither the DC sign nor tophi showed any significant impact on the outcomes of interest. Baseline SU level was higher in those with renal improvement but not with renal decline, while achieving the SU target protected against new cardiometabolic events (HR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.05-0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographic MSU crystal burden was unhelpful in predicting renal and cardiometabolic events during the first year of ULT. Reaching the SU target prevented cardiometabolic events, while its benefit in preserving/improving renal function is unclear.

Factors influencing the kinetics of MSU crystal depletion measured with dual-energy CT in patients with gout

OBJECTIVE

To examine factors influencing the kinetics of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal dissolution measured with dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) during follow-up of patients with gout.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of gout with baseline knees and feet DECT scans exhibiting MSU crystal volumes ≥0.1 cm3 and at least one follow-up DECT were included. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to search for association between change from baseline MSU crystal volume at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and serum urate (SU) level. Associations between percentage change from the baseline volume of MSU crystal deposits and explanatory variables were assessed using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (age 67.3±12.8 years; 53 (85%) males) cumulating 104 follow-up DECT scans were included. Overall, SU target levels (<6.0 and <5.0 mg/dL) were achieved by 48 (77%) and 36 (58%) patients, respectively. There was a good correlation (r=0.66; p<0.0001) observed between SU level and percentage change in MSU crystal volume. The median decrease from baseline MSU crystal volume was greater in patients reaching the <5.0 mg/dL SU target than in those reaching ≥5.0 SU <6.0 mg/dL: -85% (95% CI: -94% to -72%) versus -40% (-57% to -22%; p<0.05) at 12 months. In multivariable analysis, time (in days) with a multilevel coefficient of -0.06 (95% CI: -0.08 to -0.03, p<0.001), hypertension (coefficient: 41.87, 95% CI: 16.38 to 67.18, p<0.01) and SU level <5.0 mg/dL (coefficient: -39.46, 95% CI: -70.93 to -8.34, p=0.02) were the only variables significantly associated with MSU crystal volume change.

CONCLUSION

In patients with DECT-measured MSU crystal deposition, reaching the <5.0 mg/dL SU target provides more extensive and rapid crystal dissolution than reaching the <6.0 mg/dL SU target.

The 2023 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease

OBJECTIVE

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is prevalent and has diverse presentations, but there are no validated classification criteria for this symptomatic arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR have developed the first-ever validated classification criteria for symptomatic CPPD disease.

METHODS

Supported by the ACR and EULAR, a multinational group of investigators followed established methodology to develop these disease classification criteria. The group generated lists of candidate items and refined their definitions, collected de-identified patient profiles, evaluated strengths of associations between candidate items and CPPD disease, developed a classification criteria framework, and used multi-criterion decision analysis to define criteria weights and a classification threshold score. The criteria were validated in an independent cohort.

RESULTS

Among patients with joint pain, swelling, or tenderness (entry criterion) whose symptoms are not fully explained by an alternative disease (exclusion criterion), the presence of crowned dens syndrome or calcium pyrophosphate crystals in synovial fluid are sufficient to classify a patient as having CPPD disease. In the absence of these findings, a score >56 points using weighted criteria, comprising clinical features, associated metabolic disorders, and results of laboratory and imaging investigations, can be used to classify as CPPD disease. These criteria had a sensitivity of 92.2% and specificity of 87.9% in the derivation cohort (190 CPPD cases, 148 mimickers), whereas sensitivity was 99.2% and specificity was 92.5% in the validation cohort (251 CPPD cases, 162 mimickers).

CONCLUSION

The 2023 ACR/EULAR CPPD disease classification criteria have excellent performance characteristics and will facilitate research in this field.

The 2023 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease

OBJECTIVE

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is prevalent and has diverse presentations, but there are no validated classification criteria for this symptomatic arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR have developed the first-ever validated classification criteria for symptomatic CPPD disease.

METHODS

Supported by the ACR and EULAR, a multinational group of investigators followed established methodology to develop these disease classification criteria. The group generated lists of candidate items and refined their definitions, collected de-identified patient profiles, evaluated strengths of associations between candidate items and CPPD disease, developed a classification criteria framework, and used multi-criterion decision analysis to define criteria weights and a classification threshold score. The criteria were validated in an independent cohort.

RESULTS

Among patients with joint pain, swelling, or tenderness (entry criterion) whose symptoms are not fully explained by an alternative disease (exclusion criterion), the presence of crowned dens syndrome or calcium pyrophosphate crystals in synovial fluid are sufficient to classify a patient as having CPPD disease. In the absence of these findings, a score>56 points using weighted criteria, comprising clinical features, associated metabolic disorders, and results of laboratory and imaging investigations, can be used to classify as CPPD disease. These criteria had a sensitivity of 92.2% and specificity of 87.9% in the derivation cohort (190 CPPD cases, 148 mimickers), whereas sensitivity was 99.2% and specificity was 92.5% in the validation cohort (251 CPPD cases, 162 mimickers).

CONCLUSION

The 2023 ACR/EULAR CPPD disease classification criteria have excellent performance characteristics and will facilitate research in this field.

Evaluating the safety and short-term equivalence of colchicine versus prednisone in older patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis (COLCHICORT): an open-label, multicentre, randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis causes intense joint pain mainly affecting older people. Because guidance and evidence remain scarce, management of this disease relies on expert opinion. We therefore aimed to compare the safety and short-term equivalence of low-dose colchicine with oral prednisone in older patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis.

METHODS

We did an open-label, multicentre, randomised, trial (COLCHICORT) at six hospitals in Paris and northern France. We enrolled patients who were admitted to hospital who were 65 years or older and who presented with acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis with a symptom duration of less than 36 h. Diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis was made by the identification of calcium pyrophosphate crystals on synovial fluid analysis or typical clinical presentation (onset of joint pain and swelling). Key exclusion criteria included absence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals on synovial fluid analysis or a history of gout. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1), using a centralised electronic treatment group allocation module, to receive either colchicine 1·5 mg on day 1 and 1 mg on day 2 (ie, the colchicine group) or oral prednisone 30 mg on days 1 and 2 (ie, the prednisone group). The primary outcome was change in joint pain (measured by visual analogue scale [VAS] from 0 mm to 100 mm) at 24 h. Equivalence was determined whether the 95% CI of the between-group difference at 24 h was within the -13 mm to +13 mm margin in the per-protocol analysis. Adverse events were recorded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0). This trial is completed and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03128905.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 5, 2018, and May 7, 2022, 111 patients who were admitted to hospital were randomly assigned (57 [51%] to the colchicine group and 54 [49%] to the prednisone group). 95 (86%) of 111 patients were included in the per-protocol analysis (49 [52%] in the colchicine group and 46 [48%] in the prednisone group). The median age was 88·0 years (IQR 82·0-91·0) and 69 (73%) of 95 participants were women and 26 (27%) were men. Acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis affected mainly the knee in 46 (48%) of 95 participants, the wrist in 19 (20%), and the ankle in 12 (13%). Pain VAS at baseline was 68 mm (SD 17). At 24 h, change in pain VAS was -36 mm (SD 32) in the colchicine group and -38 mm (SD 23) in the prednisone group. The between-group difference in change in pain VAS at 24 h was -1 mm (95% CI -12 to 10), showing equivalence between the two drugs. In the colchicine group, 12 (22%) of 55 patients had diarrhoea, one (2%) had hypertension, and none had hyperglycaemia. In the prednisone group, three (6%) of 54 had diarrhoea, six (11%) had hypertension, and three (6%) had hyperglycaemia. No deaths occurred in the colchicine group; two deaths occurred in the prednisone group, which were deemed unrelated to prednisone (one due to infectious valvular endocarditis leading to heart failure, and one due to a stroke).

INTERPRETATION

Colchicine and prednisone exhibit equivalent short-term efficacy for the treatment of acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis, with different safety profiles in the older population.

FUNDING

French Inter-regional Hospital Program of Clinical Research.

Associations of Changes in Knee Hyaline Cartilage Composition Measured With Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Gout, Aging and Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To characterize dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) changes depicting hyaline cartilage changes in gout patients with and without osteoarthritis (OA) and in comparators without gout.

DESIGN

Patients with suspected crystal-associated arthropathy were enrolled and underwent bilateral DECT scans of the knees. Standardized regions of interest were defined in the femorotibial hyaline cartilage. Five DECT parameters were obtained: CT numbers in Hounsfield units (HU) at 80 and 140 kV, the electron density (Rho), the effective atomic number (Zeff), and the dual-energy index (DEI). Zones were compared between patients with gout, with and without knee OA, and between patients with gout and comparators without gout, after adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients with gout (mean age 63.5 ± 14.3 years) and 15 comparators without gout (mean age 75.8 ± 11.5 years) were included, n = 65 (51%) had knee OA, and 466 zones of hyaline cartilage were analyzed. Older age was associated with lower attenuations at 80 kV (P < 0.01) and 140 kV (P < 0.01), and with Rho (P < 0.01). OA was characterized by lower attenuation at 140 kV (P = 0.03), but the lower Rho was nonsignificant after adjustment for confounders. In gout, hyaline cartilage exhibited lower Rho values (adjusted P = 0.04). Multivariable coefficients of association with Rho were -0.21 [-0.38;-0.04] (P = 0.014) for age, -4.15 [-9.0;0.7] (P = 0.093) for OA and 0.73 [-0.1;1.56] (P = 0.085) for monosodium urate volume.

CONCLUSION

Gout was associated with DECT-detected changes in cartilage composition, similar to those observed in older patients, with some similarities and some differences to those seen in OA. These results suggest the possibility of potential DECT biomarkers of OA.

Imaging Features of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease: Consensus Definitions From an International Multidisciplinary Working Group

OBJECTIVE

To develop definitions for imaging features being considered as potential classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease, additional to clinical and laboratory criteria, and to compile example images of CPPD on different imaging modalities.

METHODS

The American College of Rheumatology and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology CPPD classification criteria Imaging Advisory Group (IAG) and Steering Committee drafted definitions of imaging features that are characteristic of CPPD on conventional radiography (CR), conventional computed tomography (CT), dual-energy CT (DECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An anonymous expert survey was undertaken by a 35-member Combined Expert Committee, including all IAG members. The IAG and 5 external musculoskeletal radiologists with expertise in CPPD convened virtually to further refine item definitions and voted on example images illustrating CR, CT, and DECT item definitions, with ≥90% agreement required to deem them acceptable.

RESULTS

The Combined Expert Committee survey indicated consensus on all CR definitions. The IAG and external radiologists reached consensus on CT and DECT item definitions, which specify that calcium pyrophosphate deposits appear less dense than cortical bone. The group developed an MRI definition and acknowledged limitations of this modality for CPPD. Ten example images for CPPD were voted acceptable (4 CR, 4 CT, and 2 DECT), and 3 images of basic calcium phosphate deposition were voted acceptable to serve as contrast against imaging features of CPPD.

CONCLUSION

An international group of rheumatologists and musculoskeletal radiologists defined imaging features characteristic of CPPD on CR, CT, and DECT and assembled a set of example images as a reference for future clinical research studies.

Characteristics of Patients Treated with JAK Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis before versus after VTE Risk Warnings

BACKGROUND

Baricitinib (BARI) or Tofacitinib (TOFA) were the first Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAKi) to be marketed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Concerns regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk have emerged during the past years. The aim of the study was to compare the baseline characteristics of patients initiating BARI or TOFA in RA before versus after European Medicine Agency (EMA)'s VTE warnings and to compare real-world persistence with these two drugs.

METHODS

In this multicentric cohort study, RA patients initiating BARI or TOFA were included from October 2017, date of BARI marketing authorization in France, to September 2020. Baseline characteristics regarding VTE risk were compared (before vs. after May 2019) by using pre-specified statistical tests. Comparison of persistence was assessed by using propensity-score methods.

RESULTS

232 patients were included; 155 with BARI and 77 with TOFA. Baseline characteristics of patients regarding VTE risk factors were not statistically different when Janus Kinase inhibitor (JAKi) was initiated before vs. after EMA's warnings although a trend towards a lower proportion of VTE history was observed. Five VTE events occurred, four with BARI, one with TOFA. Cumulative persistence rate at 2 years was similar between BARI and TOFA: HR 0.96; 95% Cl: 0.52 to 1.74; p = 0.89.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not show a significant change in patients characteristics starting a JAKi after the EMA's warnings, probably due to a lack of power. Though, the lower proportion of VTE history in patients after May 2019 suggests that rheumatologists have taken into account the potential VTE risk. These results need to be confirmed by further evidence.

Identifying Potential Classification Criteria for Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease: Item Generation and Item Reduction

OBJECTIVE

Classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease will facilitate clinical research on this common crystalline arthritis. Our objective was to report on the first 2 phases of a 4-phase process for developing CPPD classification criteria.

METHODS

CPPD classification criteria development is overseen by a 12-member steering committee. Item generation (phase I) included a scoping literature review of 5 literature databases and contributions from a 35-member combined expert committee and 2 patient research partners. Item reduction and refinement (phase II) involved a combined expert committee meeting, discussions among clinical, imaging, and laboratory advisory groups, and an item-rating exercise to assess the influence of individual items toward classification. The steering committee reviewed the modal rating score for each item (range -3 [strongly pushes away from CPPD] to +3 [strongly pushes toward CPPD]) to determine items to retain for future phases of criteria development.

RESULTS

Item generation yielded 420 items (312 from the literature, 108 from experts/patients). The advisory groups eliminated items that they agreed were unlikely to distinguish between CPPD and other forms of arthritis, yielding 127 items for the item-rating exercise. Fifty-six items, most of which had a modal rating of +/- 2 or 3, were retained for future phases. As numerous imaging items were rated +3, the steering committee recommended focusing on imaging of the knee and wrist and 1 additional affected joint for calcification suggestive of CPP crystal deposition.

CONCLUSION

A data- and expert-driven process is underway to develop CPPD classification criteria. Candidate items comprise clinical, imaging, and laboratory features.

Reliability and Diagnostic Accuracy of Radiography for the Diagnosis of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition: Performance of the Novel Definitions Developed by an International Multidisciplinary Working Group

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of new radiographic imaging definitions developed by an international multidisciplinary working group for identification of calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD).

METHODS

Patients with knee osteoarthritis scheduled for knee replacement were enrolled. Two radiologists and 2 rheumatologists twice assessed radiographic images for presence or absence of CPPD in menisci, hyaline cartilage, tendons, joint capsule, or synovial membrane, using the new definitions. In case of disagreement, a consensus decision was made and considered for the assessment of diagnostic performance. Histologic examination of postsurgical specimens under compensated polarized light microscopy was the reference standard. Prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa values were used to assess reliability, and diagnostic performance statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were enrolled for the reliability study. The interobserver reliability was substantial in most of the assessed structures when considering all 4 readers (κ range 0.59-0.90), substantial to almost perfect among radiologists (κ range 0.70-0.91), and moderate to almost perfect among rheumatologists (κ range 0.46-0.88). The intraobserver reliability was substantial to almost perfect for all the observers (κ range 0.70-1). Fifty-one patients were included in the accuracy study. Radiography demonstrated an overall specificity of 92% for CPPD, but sensitivity remained low for all sites and for the overall diagnosis (54%).

CONCLUSION

The new radiographic definitions of CPPD are highly specific against the gold standard of histologic diagnosis. When the described radiographic findings are present, these definitions allow for a definitive diagnosis of CPPD, rather than other calcium-containing crystal depositions; however, a negative radiographic finding does not exclude the diagnosis.

Subchondral involvement in osteonecrosis of the femoral head: insight on local composition, microstructure and vascularization

OBJECTIVE

To determine changes of subchondral bone composition, micro-structure, bone marrow adiposity and micro-vascular perfusion in end-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) compared to osteoarthritis (OA) using a combined in vivo and ex vivo approach.

DESIGN

Male patients up to 70 years old referred for total hip replacement surgery for end-stage ONFH were included (n = 14). Fifteen patients with OA were controls. Pre-operative MRI was used to assess bone perfusion (dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences) and marrow fat content (chemical shift imaging). Three distinct zones of femoral head subchondral bone - necrotic, sclerotic, distant - were compared between groups. After surgery, plugs were sampled in these zones and Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize bone mineral and organic components (old and newly-formed), and contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (CE-μCT) to determine bone micro-structural parameters and volume of bone marrow adipocytes, using conventional 2D histology as a reference.

RESULTS

In the necrotic zone of ONFH patients compared to OA patients: 1) the subchondral plate did not exhibit significant changes in composition nor structure; 2) the volume fraction of subchondral trabecular bone was significantly lower; 3) type-B carbonate substitution was less pronounced, 4) collagen maturity was more pronounced; and 5) bone marrow adipocytes were significantly depleted. The sclerotic zone from the ONFH group showed greater trabecular thickness, and higher DCE-MRI AUC and K_trans. Volume fraction of subchondral bone, trabecular number, and K_ep were significantly lower in the distant zone of the ONFH group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated alterations of subchondral bone microstructure, composition, perfusion and/or adipose content in all zones of the femoral head.

POS1161 CAN DOCTORS TREAT GOUT WELL? INSIGHT ON GOUT MANAGEMENT IN REFERRAL CENTRES

Background

Recent studies have shown a lack of implementation of gout recommendations in primary care. In this context of therapeutic inertia, the French Society of Rheumatology (SFR) published its first recommendations on gout (RECO) in 2020 [1,2], which were deliberately simple and concise.

Objectives

To determine the profile of patients referred to French gout expert centres, and to examine the results of their management.

Methods

Three hundred patients attending a first visit for gout management in three French referral centres were retrospectively included. Visits were performed at baseline (M0) and scheduled for month 6 (M6), month 12 (M12), and month 24 (M24). Data collected included: patient profile; disease activity and treatments; serum urate (SU) level; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results

Patients were 81% male, mean age 62.2 ± 15.2 years, 42.7% prevalence of eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2, 28.1% diabetes mellitus, and 25.4% had a history of major cardiovascular event. Management followed French recommendations after the baseline visit in 94.9% of cases. Overall, 50 patients (16.7%) received off-label anakinra for flare treatment or flare prophylaxis. SU levels were below 6.0mg/dL in 59.4% of patients at M6, 67.9% at M12, and 78.6% at M24. At M24, 50% of patients were treated with allopurinol (313 ± 105 mg/d), which exceeded renal restrictions of doses in 61.5% of them, and 48.2% received febuxostat (84 ± 36mg/d). At inclusion, 94% of patients had experienced at least one flare in the previous six months, versus 23.6% at M12, and 13.1% at M24 (of which 8/12 (66.7%) had SU>6.0mg/dL).

Conclusion

Simple application of gout management guidelines is feasible in clinical practice, and is efficient with a majority of patients achieving SU targets and clinical improvement. A minority of patients in referral centres have ‘difficult-to-treat’ gout requiring specific management.

References

[1]Latourte A, et al. 2020 Recommendations from the French Society of Rheumatology for the management of gout: Management of acute flares. Joint Bone Spine 2020;87:387-93.

[2]Pascart T, et al. 2020 recommendations from the French Society of Rheumatology for the management of gout: Urate-lowering therapy. Joint Bone Spine 2020;87:395- 404.

Disclosure of Interests

Charlotte Jauffret: None declared, Sebastien Ottaviani: None declared, Augustin Latourte Consultant of: Novartis, Hang Korng Ea: None declared, Sahara Graf: None declared, Frederic Lioté Grant/research support from: for the European Crystal Network workshops from Astra-Zeneca, Grunenthal, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharma, Menarini France and global, Novartis France, Olatec, Selecta, SOBI, Thomas Bardin Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, Biomex, Grunenthal, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharma, Menarini France and global, Novartis France, Savient and Sobi, Pascal Richette: None declared, Tristan Pascart Consultant of: from Novartis, Grant/research support from: from Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Variant Bio

Dual-energy computed tomography in crystalline arthritis: knowns and unknowns

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To give an overview of what can reasonably be considered as known about dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in crystal-related arthropathies, and what still needs to be explored.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies suggest an overall superiority of DECT over ultrasound in gout in terms of sensitivity (89 vs. 84%) and specificity (91 vs. 84%), except in early disease. Additional studies are needed to optimize DECT postprocessing settings in order to improve the specificity of the technique and eliminate all artifacts. Evidence has been controversial concerning DECT's ability to detect monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposits on vessel walls, or whether or not MSU-coded plaques are artifacts. DECT can be used to monitor MSU crystal depletion during urate-lowering treatment; MSU crystal volume is associated with cardiovascular risk and disease activity. There are some reports on calcium-containing crystal deposition diseases (calcium pyrophosphate and basic calcium phosphate) demonstrating that DECT can characterize and discriminate between the different types of crystals.

SUMMARY

Our knowledge about the use of DECT in crystal-related arthropathies continues to expand. Some unknowns have been clarified but there's still lots to learn, particularly concerning gout management and the potential use of DECT in calcium-containing crystal-related arthropathies.

Optimization of dual energy computed tomography post-processing to reduce lower limb artifacts in gout

BACKGROUND

In gout, several types of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) artifacts have been described (nail bed, skin, beam hardening, submillimeter and vascular artifacts), which can lead to overdiagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal DECT settings for post processing in order to reduce the frequency of some common artifacts in patients with suspected gout.

METHODS

Seventy-seven patients hospitalized for suspected gout (feet/ankles and/or knees) who received a DECT imaging were included (final diagnosis of 43 gout and 34 other rheumatic disorders). Different post-processing settings were evaluated using Syngovia software: nine settings (R1 to R9) were evaluated with a combination of different ratio (1.28, 1.36 and 1.55) and attenuation coefficient (120, 150, 170 HU).

RESULTS

Among the nine settings tested, the R2 setting (170 HU, ratio =1.28) significantly reduced the presence of knee and foot/ankle artifacts compared to the standard R1 setting (85% and 94% decrease in beam hardening and clumpy artifacts in the ankle and foot, respectively (P<0.001); a decrease of 71%, 60% and 88% respectively of meniscal beam hardening, beam hardening and submillimeter artifacts in the knee (P<0.001). Compared to standard settings, the use of R2 settings decreased sensitivity [0.79 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.88) versus 0.90 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.96)] and increased specificity [0.86 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.93) versus 0.63 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.77)] (P<0.001). Settings using an attenuation coefficient to 120 HU and/or a ratio to 1.55 were all associated with a significant increasing of artifacts, especially clumpy and beam hardening artifacts.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying a ratio of 1.28 and a minimum attenuation of 170 HU in DECT post-processing eliminates the majority of artifacts located in the lower limbs, particularly clumpy artifacts and beam hardening.

New-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Among IL-17 inhibitors-Treated Patients: Results From The Case-Control MISSIL Study

OBJECTIVES

To describe new-onset inflammatory bowel diseases (new IBD) in patients treated with interleukin 17 inhibitors (IL-17i), to assess their incidence and to identify their risk factors in real life.

METHODS

A French national registry (MISSIL) aimed to report all cases of new IBD in patients treated with IL-17i from January 2016 to December 2019. Using the estimated number of patients treated by IL-17 in France during the study period, the annual incidence rates of new IBD was reported in IL-17i-treated patients. A case-control study was performed with two controls per new IBD case matched by gender, age and underlying inflammatory disease.

RESULTS

31 cases of new IBD under IL-17i were collected: 27 patients treated for spondyloarthritis and 4 patients for psoriasis. All were observed with secukinumab (SEK). The median time to onset of new IBD symptoms was 4.0 (1.5-7.5) months. SEK was discontinued in all patients. The evolution was favourable with complete resolution (17/31), improvement (7/31) or stabilization (5/31). 2 patients died: one due to a massive myocardial infarction and one due to post-colectomy complications. The incidence of new IBD decreased from 0.69/100 PY (7/1010) in 2016, to 0.08/100PY (6/7951) in 2019. No previous treatment with etanercept (OR = 0.33, IC95% 0.14-0.80, p= 0.014) and low number of previous biological therapies (OR = 0.67, 95%CI 0.47-0.94, p= 0.021) were significantly associated with new IBD.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of new IBD was low and decreased from 2016 to 2019. The outcome was favourable in 24 out of 31 patients, but two patients died.

Dual-energy computed tomography vs ultrasound, alone or combined, for the diagnosis of gout: a prospective study of accuracy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the accuracy of dual-energy CT (DECT) vs ultrasound or their combination for the diagnosis of gout.

METHODS

Using prospectively collected data from an outpatient rheumatology clinic at a tertiary-care hospital, we examined the diagnostic accuracy of either modality alone or their combination, by anatomical site (feet/ankles and/or knees), for the diagnosis of gout. We used two standards: (i) demonstration of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid (gold), and (ii) modified (excluding DECT and ultrasound) 2015 ACR-EULAR gout classification criteria (silver).

RESULTS

Of the 147 patients who provided data, 48 (33%) had synovial fluid analysis performed (38 were monosodium urate-crystal positive) and mean symptom duration was 9.2 years. One hundred (68%) patients met the silver standard. Compared with the gold standard, diagnostic accuracy statistics for feet/ankles DECT, feet/ankles ultrasound, knees DECT and knees ultrasound were, respectively: sensitivity: 87%, 84%, 91% and 58%; specificity: 100%, 60%, 87% and 80%; positive predictive value: 100%, 89%, 97% and 92%; negative predictive value: 67%, 50%, 70% and 33%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.93, 0.72, 0.89 and 0.66. Combining feet/ankles DECT with ultrasound or knees DECT with ultrasound led to a numerically higher sensitivity compared with DECT alone, but overall accuracy was lower. Similarly, combining imaging knees to feet/ankles also yielded a numerically higher sensitivity and negative predictive values compared with feet/ankles DECT alone, without differences in overall accuracy. Findings were replicated compared with the silver standard, but with lower numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

Feet/ankles or knees DECT alone had the best overall accuracy for gout diagnosis. The DECT-US combination or multiple joint imaging offered no additional increase in overall diagnostic accuracy.

Identification and characterization of peripheral vascular color-coded DECT lesions in gout and non-gout patients: The VASCURATE study

OBJECTIVE

To characterize peripheral vascular plaques color-coded as monosodium urate (MSU) deposition by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and assess their association with the overall soft-tissue MSU crystal burden.

METHODS

Patients with suspected crystal arthropathies were prospectively included in the CRYSTALILLE inception cohort to undergo baseline knees and ankles/feet DECT scans; treatment-naive gout patients initiating treat-to-target urate-lowering therapy (ULT) underwent repeated DECT scans with concomitant serum urate level measurements at 6 and 12 months. We determined the prevalence of DECT-based vascular MSU-coded plaques in knee arteries, and assessed their association with the overall DECT volumes of soft-tissue MSU crystal deposition and coexistence of arterial calcifications. DECT attenuation parameters of vascular MSU-coded plaques were compared with dense calcified plaques, control vessels, control soft tissues, and tophi.

RESULTS

We investigated 126 gout patients and 26 controls; 17 ULT-naive gout patients were included in the follow-up study. The prevalence of DECT-based vascular MSU-coded plaques was comparable in gout patients (24.6%) and controls (23.1%; p=0.87). Vascular MSU-coded plaques were strongly associated with coexisting arterial calcifications (p<0.001), but not with soft-tissue MSU deposition. Characterization of vascular MSU-coded plaques revealed specific differences in DECT parameters compared with control vessels, control soft tissues, and tophi. During follow-up, vascular MSU-coded plaques remained stable despite effective ULT (p=0.64), which decreased both serum urate levels and soft-tissue MSU volumes (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that DECT-based MSU-coded plaques in peripheral arteries are strongly associated with calcifications and may not reflect genuine MSU crystal deposition. Such findings should therefore not be a primary target when managing gout patients.

Towards development of core domain sets for short term and long term studies of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease: A framework paper by the OMERACT CPPD working group

INTRODUCTION

Although calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) is common, there are no published outcome domains or validated measurement instruments for CPPD studies. In this paper, we describe the framework for development of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) CPPD Core Domain Sets.

METHODS

The OMERACT CPPD working group performed a scoping literature review and qualitative interview study. Generated outcomes were presented at the 2020 OMERACT CPPD virtual Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting with discussion focused on whether different core domain sets should be developed for different calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) clinical presentations and how the future CPPD Core Domain Set may overlap with already established osteoarthritis (OA) domains. These discussions informed development of a future work plan for development of the OMERACT CPPD Core Domain Sets.

FINDINGS

Domains identified from a scoping review of 112 studies and a qualitative interview study of 36 people (28 patients with CPPD, 7 health care professionals, one stakeholder) were mapped to core areas of OMERACT Filter 2.1. The majority of SIG participants agreed there was need to develop separate core domain sets for "short term" and "long term" studies of CPPD. Although CPPD + OA is common and core domain sets for OA have been established, participants agreed that existing OA core domain sets should not influence the development of OMERACT core domain sets for CPPD. Prioritization exercises (using Delphi methodology) will consider 40 potential domains for short term studies of CPPD and 47 potential domains for long term studies of CPPD.

CONCLUSION

Separate OMERACT CPPD Core Domain Sets will be developed for "short term" studies for an individual flare of acute CPP crystal arthritis and for "long term" studies that may include participants with any clinical presentation of CPPD (acute CPP crystal arthritis, chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis, and/or CPPD + OA).

POS0818 TREATMENT OF POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA WITH TOCILIZUMAB: RESULTS OF AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY

Background:

In 2017, TOCILIZUMAB (TCZ) obtained marketing authorization for treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA); however, this doesn’t extend to polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) therapy. Based on efficacy data for TCZ in GCA, TCZ is sometimes used as a glucocorticoid (GC) sparing agent when PMR is GC dependent or when a rapid steroid withdraw is needed. Currently, there are no available recommendations on the use of this therapeutic class in for this particular indication.

Objectives:

Here, we present the results of an observational French multicentric study of patients with PMR treated with TCZ.

Methods:

Thirteen medical centers were included in this study. The data was collected retrospectively between 2015 and 2020. The minimum duration of treatment was 3 months. Patients were included when receiving TCZ for isolated PMR or associated with a non-active GCA (asymptomatic, no vascular fixation on PET scanner).

Results:

Overall, 34 patients were included (24 women; mean age 70.1 years (+/-10.3)). At TCZ introduction, patients had been treated with GC for a mean duration of 27,9 months (+/-25.9) and the mean GC dose was 16,8mg/d (+/-10). Fifteen patients (44%) had one or more complications from GC therapy. Another immunosuppressant was added before TCZ treatment for 25 (74%); mostly METHOTREXATE (24/25).

TCZ was initiated intravenously at 8mg/kg every 4 weeks for 27 patients (79%) and subcutaneously at 162mg/week for 7 patients (21%).

The reasons for TCZ introduction included GC dependence (n=30, 88%), and necessity of quick GC sparing (n=4 patients,12%).

Of all patients, 76% (26 patients) had stopped GC treatment definitively, with a mean time of 9,4 (0-32) months.

The mean TCZ treatment period was 19,2 months (3-66). Fifteen patients (44%) permanently stopped TCZ at the end of the observation period (8 prolonged remissions;1 myocardial infarction; 1 cutaneous lymphoma; 1 primary failure, 3 lost to follow up).

Eighteen patients (60%) benefited from an attempted tapering of TCZ (infusion spacing or dose reduction), 6 attempts (1/3) led to a relapse. 1/2 patients had side effects mostly benign (cytopenia n=6, infections n=5).

Conclusion:

This is the largest cohort presenting results of the use of TCZ in PMR. Despite the small number of participants, our study suggests TCZ is effective as a GC sparing agent in PMR. As there are no official recommendations of use, indications for TCZ use within this population are no defined. Randomized Controlled Trial would be beneficial to validate these first results.

References:

[1]Toussirot, « Biothérapies, pseudo- polyarthrite rhizomélique et artérite à cellules géantes État des lieux en 2018 ».

[2]Devauchelle-Pensec et al., « Efficacy of First-Line Tocilizumab Therapy in Early Polymyalgia Rheumatica ».

[3]Genovese et al., « Longterm Safety and Efficacy of Tocilizumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis ».

[4]Stone et al., « Trial of Tocilizumab in Giant-Cell Arteritis ».

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1129 OPTIMIZATION OF DUAL ENERGY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY POST-PROCESSING TO REDUCE LOWER LIMB ARTIFACTS IN GOUT

Background:

Dual energy computed tomography (DECT) is highly accurate for the diagnosis of gout. However, many artifacts have been described (1,2) such as nail bed, skin, beam hardening, sub-millimeter and vascular artifacts). Their presence can lead to a risk of over-diagnosis (false positives).

Objectives:

Main objective of this case-control study was to determine the optimal DECT settings post-treatment parameters (ratio and attenuation coefficient (HU)) in order to reduce the frequency of lower limb artifacts in patients with suspected gout of the lower limbs.

Methods:

Seventy-seven patients hospitalized for suspected gout arthritis (feet/ankles and/or knees) who received a DECT imaging were consecutively included (final diagnosis of 43 gout and 34 other rheumatic disorders). Different post-treatment settings were evaluated from the Syngovia software: an R1 (standard) setting with a ratio at 1.36 and minimum attenuation at 150 HU; an R2 setting with a ratio at 1.28 and minimum attenuation at 170 HU and an R3 setting with a ratio at 1.28 and minimum attenuation at 120 HU. The frequency of each artifact according to the 3 settings was determined. Diagnostic accuracy of R1 and R2 settings has been calculated. Correlations between artefacts and patient’s clinical characteristics were obtained by performing a Spearman test.

Results:

The R2 setting (170 HU, ratio=1.28) significantly reduced the presence of knee and foot/ankle artifacts compared to the standard R1 setting (85% and 94% decrease in beam hardening and clumpy artifacts in the ankle and foot, respectively (p < 0.001); a decrease of 71%, 60% and 88% respectively of meniscal beam hardening, beam hardening and submillimeter artifacts in the knee (p < 0.001). The use of R3 setting lead to a significant increase of some artifacts (clumpy artifacts, skin artifacts, beam hardening and nail beds.). In addition, our results found a positive correlation between the presence of deposits of knee menisci beam hardening chondrocalcinosis. Body mass index was also positively correlated with the presence of knee beam hardening artifact. Compared to standard setting, the use of R2 settings decreased sensitivity (0.79 [95CI: 0.65;0.88] versus 0.90 [95CI: 0.78;0.96] and increased specificity (0.86 [95CI: 0.71;0.93) versus 0.63 [95CI: 0.47;0.77] (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Applying a ratio of 1.28 and a minimum attenuation of 170 HU (R2 settings) in DECT post-processing eliminates the majority of the artifacts located on the lower limbs, particularly the clumpy artifact and the beam hardening artifact.

References:

[1]Neogi T, Jansen TLTA, Dalbeth N, Fransen J, Schumacher HR, Berendsen D, et al. 2015 Gout classification criteria: an American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015;74:1789-98.

[2]Mallinson PI, Coupal T, Reisinger C, Chou H, Munk PL, Nicolaou S, et al. Artifacts in dual-energy CT gout protocol: a review of 50 suspected cases with an artifact identification guide. AJR 2014;203:W103-109.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS1124 IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA FOR CALCIUM PYROPHOSPHATE DEPOSITION DISEASE (CPPD): RESULTS FROM THE INITIAL PHASES

Background:

Classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) will facilitate clinical research on this common crystalline arthritis. ACR/EULAR are jointly sponsoring development of CPPD classification criteria using a multi-phase process.

Objectives:

To report preliminary results from the first two phases of a four-phase process for developing CPPD classification criteria.

Methods:

CPPD classification criteria development is overseen by a 12-member Steering Committee. Item generation (Phase I) included a scoping literature review of five literature databases and contributions from a 35-member Combined Expert Committee and two Patient Research Partners. Item reduction and refinement (Phase II) involved a Combined Expert Committee meeting, discussions among Clinical, Imaging, and Laboratory Advisory Groups, and an item rating exercise to assess the influence of individual items toward classification. The Steering Committee reviewed the modal rating score for each item (range -3 [strongly pushes away from CPPD] to +3 [strongly pushes toward CPPD]) to determine items to retain for future phases of criteria development.

Results:

Item generation yielded 420 items (312 from the literature, 108 from experts/patients). The Advisory Groups eliminated items they agreed were unlikely to distinguish between CPPD and other forms of arthritis, yielding 127 items for the item rating exercise. Fifty-six items, most of which had a modal rating of +/- 2 or 3, were retained for future phases (see Table 1). As numerous imaging items were rated +3, the Steering Committee recommended focusing on imaging of the knee, wrist, and one additional affected joint for calcification suggestive of CPP crystal deposition.

Conclusion:

The ACR/EULAR CPPD classification criteria working group has adopted both data- and expert-driven approaches, leading to 56 candidate items broadly categorized as clinical, imaging, and laboratory features. Remaining steps for criteria development include domain establishment, item weighting through a multi-criteria decision analysis exercise, threshold score determination, and criteria validation.

Table 1.

Categories of items retained for future phases of classification criteria development

Age in decade at symptom onsetAcute inflammatory arthritis (e.g. knee, wrist, 1st MTP joint*)Recurrence and pattern of joint involvement (e.g. 1 self-limited episode, >1 self-limited episode)Physical findings (e.g. palpable subcutaneous tophus*, psoriasis*)Co-morbidities and family history (e.g. Gitelman disease, hemochromatosis, familial CPPD)Osteoarthritis location and features (e.g. 2nd or 3rd MCP joint, wrist)Synovial fluid findings (e.g. CPP crystals present, CPP crystals absent on 1 occasion* or 2 occasions*, monosodium urate crystals present*)Laboratory findings (e.g. hypomagnesemia, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid factor*, anti-CCP*)Plain radiograph: calcification in regions of fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Plain radiograph: calcification of the synovial membrane/capsule/tendon+Conventional CT: calcification in regions of fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Conventional CT: calcification of the synovial membrane/capsule/tendon+Ultrasound: CPP crystal deposition in fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Ultrasound: CPP crystal deposition in synovial membrane/capsule/tendons+Dual-energy CT: CPP crystal deposition in fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Dual-energy CT: CPP crystal deposition in synovial membrane/capsule/tendon+

*Potential negative predictor +Assessed in the knee, wrist, and/or 1 additional affected joint

Disclosure of Interests:

Sara Tedeschi Consultant of: NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Tristan Pascart: None declared, Augustin Latourte Consultant of: Novartis, Cattleya Godsave: None declared, Burak Kundaki: None declared, Raymond Naden: None declared, William Taylor: None declared, Nicola Dalbeth Speakers bureau: Abbvie and Janssen, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Dyve, Selecta, Horizon, Arthrosi, and Cello Health, Tuhina Neogi: None declared, Fernando Perez-Ruiz: None declared, Ann Rosenthal: None declared, Fabio Becce Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics, Grant/research support from: Siemens Healthineers, Eliseo Pascual: None declared, Mariano Andrés: None declared, Thomas Bardin: None declared, Michael Doherty: None declared, Hang Korng Ea: None declared, Georgios Filippou: None declared, John FitzGerald: None declared, Marwin Gutierrez: None declared, Annamaria Iagnocco: None declared, Tim Jansen Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Grunenthal, Olatec, Sanofi Genzyme, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Grunenthal, Olatec, Sanofi Genzyme, Minna Kohler Speakers bureau: Lilly, Consultant of: Novartis, Frederic Lioté: None declared, Mark Matza: None declared, Geraldine McCarthy Consultant of: PK Med, Roberta Ramonda: None declared, Anthony Reginato: None declared, Pascal Richette: None declared, Jasvinder Singh Speakers bureau: Simply Speaking, Consultant of: Crealta/Horizon, Medisys, Fidia, UBM LLC, Trio health, Medscape, WebMD, Adept Field Solutions, Clinical Care options, Clearview healthcare partners, Putnam associates, Focus forward, Navigant consulting, Spherix, Practice Point communications, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Alexander So: None declared, Lisa Stamp: None declared, Janeth Yinh: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Robert Terkeltaub Consultant of: Sobi, Horizon Therapeutics, Astra-Zeneca, Selecta, Grant/research support from: Astra-Zeneca, Hyon Choi: None declared, Abhishek Abhishek Consultant of: NGM Biopharmaceuticals.

Experience and impact of crystal pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) from a patient and caregiver perspective: A qualitative exploration from the OMERACT CPPD working group

OBJECTIVE

To explore the lived experience of people with calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease and the impact of this condition on their daily lives.

METHODS

Patients with CPPD and their caregivers were invited to take part in a one-to-one (patient only) or paired (patient and caregiver) semi-structured interview. Interviews covered patients' diagnosis and treatment experiences, and the impact of CPPD on their daily lives. Transcribed interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

28 patient interviews, six of which included a caregiver, were conducted across five countries. Acute CPP crystal arthritis flares resulted in temporary but profound disability for most patients, disrupting their ability to go about day-to-day activities, and they sought immediate medical attention. CPPD+OA and chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis presented patients with longer term limitations in daily lives. Patients and their caregivers described these disruptions and limitations, which included a reduced ability or inability to complete household and self-care tasks, exercise, socialise, work and drive. They also described how arthritis pain and resulting limitations adversely impacted upon patients' psychological wellbeing. Delays in referral to specialists and diagnostic uncertainty were described by many. Lack of appropriate treatment or access to treatments only upon worsening of symptoms impacted upon the length of time some patients spent in pain and with functional limitations.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to demonstrate the wide-ranging impact of CPPD, and highlights the need for improved diagnosis, physician training, as well as greater emphasis upon finding targeted therapies to specifically treat CPPD.

Crystal deposition measured with dual-energy computed tomography: association with mortality and cardiovascular risks in gout

Objectives

To determine whether the volume of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition measured with dual-energy CT (DECT) is predictive of short-term mortality and development of cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of gout having had baseline DECT scans of their knees and feet to measure the volume of MSU crystal deposition were included to undergo a follow-up visit. Risk factors for mortality and a composite variable (onset of any cardio-metabolic event) were examined using multivariable Cox models.

Results

A total of 128 patients aged 66.1 (14.0) years with gout durations of 11.4 (10.4) years were included; most were naïve of urate lowering therapy (61.7%), with a follow-up visit at 24 (12, 36) months. Baseline serum urate (SU) level was 7.44 (2.29) mg/dl and DECT volume of MSU crystals was 0.2 (0, 0.9) cm3. A total of 14 patients died during follow-up, 6/14 from a cardiovascular cause, and 17 patients presented a new cardio-metabolic comorbidity. Factors associated with mortality risk were baseline DECT volume of MSU crystals [hazard ratio (HR) 1.02, 95% CI: 1.002, 1.03] and baseline SU level (HR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.06). DECT volume of MSU crystals was the only factor associated with the onset of cardio-metabolic comorbidities with a HR of 1.014 (95% CI: 1.001, 1.03).

Conclusions

Volume of MSU crystals measured with DECT is a biomarker for the risk of developing new cardio-metabolic diseases and for all-cause mortality.

Outcome domains reported by patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders for calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD): A content analysis based on semi-structured qualitative interviews from the OMERACT CPPD working group

INTRODUCTION

Although calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is common, there are no validated outcome measures for clinical research in this condition. The aim of this study was to generate a list of outcome domains as reported by patients, their caregivers, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and stakeholders to inform the development of an Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Core Domain Set for CPPD.

METHODS

Patients with CPPD and their caregivers, HCPs and stakeholders took part in semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore potential outcome domains for CPPD clinical research relevant to their lived experience and knowledge of CPPD. Interviews were conducted in six countries across three continents. Data was analysed using manifest content analysis to identify outcome domains, which were tabulated and mapped to the core areas as defined by the OMERACT Filter 2.1.

RESULTS

Thirty-six interviews were conducted in total. Participants comprised of 28 patients (six of which included a caregiver), seven HCPs and one stakeholder. The commonly identified (sub-) domains (d) across the 1) abnormalities/manifestations core area were joint pain (d = 35), joint swelling (d = 27), joint stiffness (d = 25), CPPD flares (d = 25); 2) life-impact core area were overall function (d=35), and specifically the ability to complete daily tasks (d = 25); and 3) societal/resource use core area were use of analgesic medicines (d = 26). Patients more commonly reported joint swelling, stiffness and range of movement, and use of analgesics while HCPs more commonly reported domains relating to presence of CPP crystals, radiologic calcification, joint damage, time to diagnosis and suitability of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Among a number of potential outcome domains identified, articular manifestations, function and analgesic use were most frequently mentioned by participants. These findings will be used to develop an OMERACT Core Domain Set for CPPD.

Can Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Be Used to Identify Early Calcium Crystal Deposition in the Knees of Patients With Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in identifying early calcium crystal deposition in menisci and articular cartilage of the knee, depending on the presence/absence of chondrocalcinosis seen on conventional CT.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-two knee DECT scans from patients with suspected crystal-associated arthropathy were reviewed and assigned to a calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 82). Five DECT attenuation parameters were measured in preset regions of interest (ROIs) in menisci and articular cartilage and compared between groups using linear mixed models with adjustment for confounders. Subgroup analysis, excluding ROIs with chondrocalcinosis seen on conventional CT, was performed.

RESULTS

In both menisci and articular cartilage, and for all 5 DECT attenuation parameters, calcified ROIs in CPPD patients showed significantly higher values than ROIs in controls (P ≤ 0.036). Conversely, noncalcified ROIs in CPPD patients were comparable with those in controls (P ≥ 0.09). While specific DECT parameters yielded good accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] 0.87-0.88) in differentiating calcified ROIs in CPPD patients from ROIs in controls, DECT failed to distinguish between noncalcified ROIs in CPPD patients and controls (AUC 0.58-0.59).

CONCLUSION

While DECT has the potential to characterize knee intraarticular mineralization, this technique cannot yet accurately identify early calcium crystal deposition that is not visible as chondrocalcinosis on conventional CT.

BONE PERFUSION AND ADIPOSITY BEYOND THE NECROTIC ZONE IN FEMORAL HEAD OSTEONECROSIS: A QUANTITATIVE MRI STUDY

PURPOSE

To describe bone perfusion and adiposity beyond the necrotic zone with quantitative MRI techniques in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHOD

In this cross-sectional multicentre study, we recruited patients suffering from late-stage ONFH or hip osteoarthritis. Hip MRI included quantitative MRI sequences: chemical-shift imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. We drew regions of interest inside the necrotic zone (inner necrosis and its border) and outside (femoral head, neck and greater trochanter) in ONFH. In the control group, regions of interest were drawn in the femoral head, femoral neck and the greater trochanter. For each region of interest, we measured fat fraction, and calculated semi-quantitative (area under the curve, initial slope) and pharmacokinetic perfusion parameters (K_trans and K_ep).

RESULTS

Thirty-two male adults (mean age 58 ± 9 years, range 38-74 years) were included. Sixteen patients formed the ONFH group and fifteen the control group; one was excluded. In the normal-appearing non-necrotic part of the femoral head, fat fraction was not significantly different in comparison with controls (p = 1), but _Ktrans was significantly lower than in controls (0.012 ± 0.018 vs. 0.027 ± 0.045; p = 0.05). This perfusion parameter reflects exchanges between blood microvessels and bone marrow.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results question the concept of adipose toxicity on the macroscopic scale, and bring up the concept of regional ischemic penumbra that goes beyond the visible necrotic zone. Further studies are required to test these hypotheses in larger populations and earlier disease states.

Dual-energy computed-tomography-based discrimination between basic calcium phosphate and calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition in vivo

Background:

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is being considered as a non-invasive diagnostic and characterization tool in calcium crystal-associated arthropathies. Our objective was to assess the potential of DECT in distinguishing between basic calcium phosphate (BCP) and calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal deposition in and around joints in vivo.

Methods:

A total of 13 patients with calcific periarthritis and 11 patients with crystal-proven CPPD were recruited prospectively to undergo DECT scans. Samples harvested from BCP and CPP calcification types were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and validated against synthetic crystals. Regions of interest were placed in BCP and CPP calcifications, and the following DECT attenuation parameters were obtained: CT numbers (HU) at 80 and 140 kV, dual-energy index (DEI), electron density (Rho), and effective atomic number (Z_eff). These DECT attenuation parameters were compared and validated against crystal calibration phantoms at two known equal concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the highest accuracy thresholds for DEI and Z_eff.

Results:

Raman spectroscopy enabled chemical fingerprinting of BCP and CPP crystals both in vitro and in vivo. DECT was able to distinguish between HA and CPP in crystal calibration phantoms at two known equal concentrations, most notably by DEI (200 mg/cm³: 0.037 ± 0 versus 0.034 ± 0, p = 0.008) and Z_eff (200 mg /cm³: 9.4 ± 0 versus 9.3 ± 0, p = 0.01) analysis. Likewise, BCP calcifications had significantly higher DEI (0.041 ± 0.005 versus 0.034 ± 0.005, p = 0.008) and Z_eff (9.5 ± 0.2 versus 9.3 ± 0.2, p = 0.03) than CPP crystal deposits with comparable CT numbers in patients. With an area under the ROC curve of 0.83 [best threshold value = 0.0 39, sensitivity = 90. 9% (81.8, 97. 7%), specificity = 64.6% (50.0, 64. 6%)], DEI was the best parameter in distinguishing between BCP and CPP crystal depositions.

Conclusion:

DECT can help distinguish between crystal-proven BCP and CPP calcification types in vivo and, thus, aid in the diagnosis of challenging clinical cases, and in the characterization of CPP and BCP crystal deposition occurring in osteoarthritis.

OP0175 IDENTIFYING PERIPHERAL VASCULAR MONOSODIUM URATE CRYSTAL DEPOSITION WITH DUAL-ENERGY CT: FACT OR FICTION? THE VASCURATE STUDY

Background:

The close relationship between gout and cardiovascular diseases is well established. A growing hypothesis explaining this association would be that monosodium urate (MSU) crystals are deposited within vessel walls. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can identify and quantify MSU crystal deposition in soft tissues. It remains unclear whether vascular spots exhibiting DECT attenuation characteristics of MSU are artefacts or true MSU crystal deposits.

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to determine whether the presence of peripheral vascular MSU crystal deposition identified with DECT is associated with the extent of MSU deposits in joint soft tissues, and if this association persists over time under urate-lowering therapy.

Methods:

Patients with a clinical suspicion or established gout diagnosis prospectively underwent DECT for identification and quantification of the MSU crystal burden in their knees and feet. Some of these patients were also enrolled in the GOUT-DECTUS longitudinal study, and thus underwent follow-up DECT scans of their knees and feet at 6, 12 and 24 months. DECT scans were examined for the presence of vascular spots ≥0.01 cm3 classified as MSU crystal deposits according to the default post-processing settings. Multiple linear regressions adjusting on serum urate levels and gout diagnosis were implemented to determine the association between DECT MSU crystal volume in joint soft tissues, and the presence of vascular MSU deposits. Mixed linear models were used to compare DECT volumes of MSU crystal deposition in soft tissues between vascular MSU positive and negative patients during follow-up.

Results:

A total of 169 patients were included, of which 140 had a final diagnosis of gout, including 15 also included in the longitudinal study. Patients were mostly male (78.8%) and were 65.5 ± 14.6 years old. Among gout patients, disease duration was 9.3 ± 9.9 years and 56.5% were urate lowering therapy-naive. A total of 11/29 (37.9%) controls and 40/140 (28.6%) gout patients presented with a least one vascular spot of DECT MSU deposition, with an average volume of 0.02 ± 0.02 cm3, and all subjects also presented at least one vascular calcification. In the feet, patients positive for vascular DECT MSU crystal deposition had an MSU volume of 3.81 ± 10.06 cm3 in joint soft tissues, compared with 1.85 ± 7.72 cm3 for those without vascular MSU deposition (p=0.018). In the knees, patients with vascular MSU deposition had an MSU crystal volume of 6.03 ± 24.13 cm3 in joint soft tissues, compared with 0.83 ± 2.88 cm3 for those without vascular evidence of MSU deposition. In the longitudinal subgroup analysis, coefficients of the fixed effects for the presence of vascular MSU deposits on the MSU crystal volume in joint soft tissues was 0.4 (p=0.35) in the feet and 1.21 (p=0.03) in the knees. The presence of vascular DECT MSU deposits was associated with a 3.4-fold increase in MSU crystal volume in knee joint soft tissues throughout follow-up.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that some vascular spots identified with DECT as MSU crystal deposition may be real and not artefacts. This correlation remains throughout follow-up in the knees. However, the comparable prevalence of vascular DECT MSU deposits between gout patients and controls, the systematic co-existence of vascular calcifications and the uneven regression under urate-lowering therapy requires further analysis to determine which DECT spots are artefacts and which are not.

References:

[1]Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Detection of Cardiovascular Monosodium Urate Deposits in Patients With Gout. Klauser AS, Halpern EJ, Strobl S, Gruber J, Feuchtner G, Bellmann-Weiler R, Weiss G, Stofferin H, Jaschke W.

Disclosure of Interests:

Tristan Pascart Grant/research support from: Research Grant Horizon Pharma, Consultant of: Novartis, BMS, Sanofi, Pfizer,, Speakers bureau: Novartis, BMS, Paul Carpentier: None declared, Laurène Norberciak: None declared, Julie Legrand: None declared, Eric Houvenagel Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, Fabio Becce: None declared, Jean-François Budzik: None declared

THU0393 INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES AMONG SECUKINUMAB-TREATED PATIENTS: 24 CASES FROM THE MISSIL REGISTRY

Background:

An alert regarding about the tolerance of Interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors has been issued from data of randomized controlled trials showing cases of de novo inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In a recent analysis of pooled data from 21 clinical trials, cases of IBD events (including Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU)) were uncommon (1). Yet, real-world data are lacking.

Objectives:

To describe real-world data about patients treated by IL-17 inhibitors developing new onset IBD (CD or UC).

Methods:

A French national registry called MISSIL was started in February 2018 to collect the cases of patients treated by IL-17 inhibitors developing new onset IBD. This registry is conducted by rheumatologist, dermatologist and gastroenterologist learned societies specialized on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. In France, secukinumab (SEK) has been granted market authorization since June 2016 and ixekizumab since April 2018.

Results:

24 cases under SEK were reported between February 2018 and January 2020: 3 patients with psoriasis and 21 patients with spondylwoarthritis. There were 20 patients with new onset CD and 4 with UC. Mean age was 51.7 ± 15.7 years old and 12/24 were female; 10 presented an axial spondyloarthritis, 5 a peripheral spondyloarthritis and 6 both,13/17 were HLA-B27 positive,7/19 had a radiographic sacroiliitis and 11/17 a MRI sacroiliitis. Only 2 were biological Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD)-naïve. Crohn’s disease was mainly located at the ileum, colon and rectum. The median time to onset of symptoms was 2 (1-6) months. The main symptoms were diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and loss of weight. Median CRP at the onset of symptoms was 68 mg/L (41-140.5); 21 patients underwent biopsies, 12 were in favor of CD. IL-17 inhibitors were consistently stopped. Patients were treated by corticosteroids (16/24), mesalazine (7/24), methotrexate (3/24), thiopurines (2/24), infliximab (9/243), adalimumab (3/24), golimumab (2/24), ustekinumab (5/24). The evolution was favorable under treatment with complete resolution (4/24), improvement (11/24) or stabilization (5/24). 3 patients worsened under treatment and 1 died (massive myocardial infarction).

Conclusion:

IBD flare in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors are rare and lead to discuss the potential iatrogenic role of IL-17 inhibitor drugs. Further cases are needed to better characterize this complication. A case-control study will be conducted to identify patients at risk to develop IBD under IL-17 inhibitor.

References:

[1]Reich et al. Incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis treated with secukinumab: a retrospective analysis of pooled data from 21 clinical trials. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;78:473-479

Disclosure of Interests:

Jean-Guillaume Letarouilly Grant/research support from: Research grant from Pfizer, Benjamin Pariente: None declared, Delphine Staumont-Sallé Speakers bureau: Lilly, Novartis, Philippe Goupille Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Lilly, Janssen, Medac, MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Pascal Claudepierre Speakers bureau: Janssen, Novartis, Lilly, Stephane Varin: None declared, Sylvain Lanot: None declared, Emmanuelle Dernis Speakers bureau: Lilly, Novartis, Tristan Pascart Speakers bureau: Novartis, Lilly, Beatrice Banneville Speakers bureau: Lilly, Novartis, Pauline Baudart: None declared, Bruno Gombert: None declared, Elodie BAUER: None declared, Laurianne Plastaras: None declared, Sébastien Barbarot: None declared, Renaud FELTEN: None declared, Loïc Le Dantec: None declared, Nathalie Sultan-Bichat: None declared, Céline Girard: None declared, Arnaud Constantin Grant/research support from: Study was sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme, Consultant of: Consulting fees from Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Daniel Wendling: None declared, Philippe Gaudin Speakers bureau: Lilly, Denis Jullien Speakers bureau: Lilly, Novartis, Thao Pham Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Rene-Marc Flipo Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Lilly

2020 Recommendations from the French Society of Rheumatology for the management of gout: Management of acute flares

OBJECTIVE

To develop French Society of Rheumatology-endorsed recommendations for the management of gout flares.

METHODS

These evidence-based recommendations were developed by 9 rheumatologists (academic or community-based), 3 general practitioners, 1 cardiologist, 1 nephrologist and 1 patient, using a systematic literature search, one physical meeting to draft recommendations and 2 Delphi rounds to finalize them.

RESULTS

A set of 4 overarching principles and 4 recommendations was elaborated. The overarching principles emphasize the importance of patient education, including the need to auto-medicate for gout flares as early as possible, if possible within the first 12h after the onset, according to a pre-defined treatment. Patients must know that gout is a chronic disease, often requiring urate-lowering therapy in addition to flare treatment. Comorbidities and the risk of drug interaction should be screened carefully in every patient as they may contraindicate some anti-inflammatory treatments. Colchicine must be early prescribed at the following dosage: 1mg then 0.5mg one hour later, followed by 0.5mg,2 to 3 times/day over the next days. In case of diarrhea, which is the first symptom of colchicine poisoning, dosage must be reduced. Colchicine dosage must also be reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease or taking drugs, which interfere with its metabolism. Other first-line treatment options are systemic/intra-articular corticosteroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). IL-1 inhibitors can be considered as a second-line option in case of failure, intolerance or contraindication to colchicine, corticosteroids and NSAIDs. They are contraindicated in cases of infection and neutrophil blood count should be monitored.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations aim to provide strategies for the safe use of anti-inflammatory agents, in order to improve the management of gout flares.

2020 recommendations from the French Society of Rheumatology for the management of gout: Urate-lowering therapy

OBJECTIVE

To develop French Society of Rheumatology-endorsed recommendations for the management of urate-lowering therapy (ULT).

METHODS

Evidence-based recommendations were developed by 9 rheumatologists (academic or community-based), 3 general practitioners, 1 cardiologist, 1 nephrologist and 1 patient, using a systematic literature search, one physical meeting to draft recommendations and two Delphi rounds to finalize them.

RESULTS

A set of 3 overarching principles and 5 recommendations was elaborated. The overarching principles emphasize the importance of patient education, especially the need for explaining the objective of lowering serum urate (SU) level to obtain crystal dissolution, clinical symptoms disappearance and avoidance of complications. ULT is indicated as soon as the diagnosis of gout is established. SU level must be decreased below 300μmol/l (50mg/l) in all gout patients or at least below 360μmol/l (60ml/l) when the 300μmol/l target cannot be reached, and must be maintained at these targets and monitored life-long. The choice of the ULT primarily relies on renal function: in patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is above 60ml/min/1.73m², first-line ULT is allopurinol; in those with eGFR between 30 and 60ml/min/1.73m², allopurinol use must be cautious and febuxostat can be considered as an alternative; and in those whose eGFR is below 30ml/min/1.73m², allopurinol must be avoided and febuxostat should be preferred. Prophylaxis of ULT-induced gout flares involves progressive increase of ULT dosage and low-dose colchicine for at least 6 months. Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, the metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease must be screened and managed.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations aim to provide simple and clear guidance for the management of ULT in France.

Usefulness of a Visual Analog Scale for Measuring Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients Experiencing Pain: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is common in hospitalized patients and can worsen pain or lead to unsuccessful pain relief.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measuring anxiety with a visual analog scale (VAS) in the hospitalized patient experiencing pain.

DESIGN

We conducted a multiple-center cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS

Adult inpatients experiencing moderate to severe pain defined by a pain VAS score ≥40 of 100 were included.

METHODS

Pain and anxiety data were collected using the following instruments: pain VAS, anxiety VAS, State Anxiety Scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-YA) and Anxiety Subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD-A).

RESULTS

Data were collected from 394 patients. Of those patients, 43.6% (171 of 392) and 36.6% (143 of 391) had significant anxiety according to STAI-Ya and HAD-A, respectively. Correlation was good between anxiety-VAS and STAI-YA (ρ = 0.67 [95% confidence interval 0.61-0.72]) and moderate between anxiety VAS and HAD-D (ρ = 0.48 [0.39-0.56]). The main factor predictive of situational anxiety was history of anxiety-depression symptoms (odds ratio = 2.95 [1.93-4.56]). For anxiety VAS score ≥ 40 of 100, the sensitivity for detecting anxiety was 81% with 70% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the high prevalence of anxiety among inpatients experiencing pain, demonstrated the capacity of a VAS to assess this anxiety, determined an anxiety VAS cutoff level to screen for significant anxiety, and identified risk factors of anxiety in this population. Anxiety VAS has been found to be an easy-to-use method familiar to caregivers, with all the advantages needed for an effective screening instrument. An anxiety VAS score ≥40 of 100 would thus warrant particular attention to adapt care to the patient's anxiety-related pain and initiate specific therapeutic interventions.

Utility of Ultrasound and Dual Energy CT in Crystal Disease Diagnosis and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objective of this review is to critically discuss the latest evidence on the use of ultrasound and dual energy computed tomography (DECT) for the assessment of microcrystalline arthritis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both techniques have been included in the classification and diagnostic criteria for gout, while only ultrasound appears in the diagnostic recommendations for CPPD. Regarding the management of the diseases, there is encouraging evidence for the use of both techniques for the follow-up of gout patients, while very few or null data are available for CPPD. Ultrasound has been adequately validated for the diagnosis of CPPD, while some issues have still to be clarified regarding gout. DECT has also demonstrated to be accurate for gout diagnosis, but very few data are available regarding CPPD. Future research should aim to improve the reliability of both techniques and to create scoring systems for a more accurate follow-up of patients.

[Gout]

Gout is a chronic disease due to the deposition of monosodium urate microcrystals in joints and tissues. Its incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide in close relation with the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Gout is related to chronic hyperuricemia that should be treated to ensure the reduction or even the disappearance of acute attacks ("gout flares") and to reduce the size and number of tophi. If arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most typical form, other joints may be affected, including the spine. Demonstration of urate microcrystals arthritis allows diagnosis of gout but, in the absence of possibility of performing joint puncture, imaging may be useful for providing complementary diagnostic elements. Appropriate care is essential to reduce the number of flares and the evolution towards gouty arthropathy but also in terms of public health in order to reduce costs related to this pathology.

T1-weighted MRI images accurately represent the volume and surface of architectural mineral damage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Comparison with high-resolution computed tomography

The potency of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the exact extent of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine if the volume of necrosis assessed with MRI accurately reflects the volume of architectural mineral alterations in osteonecrosis of the femoral head by comparison with high-resolution microfocus X-ray computed tomography (HR-μCT). Fourteen male patients aged 53 years [46.2;59.0] suffering from ONFH were prospectively enrolled to undergo preoperative MRI and ex vivo analysis using HR-μCT. The necrotic zone on T1-weighted MRI scans was defined as total necrosis (delimited by the low-signal peripheral band) or dark necrosis (low-signal lesions only). The HR-μCT scans delimited outer necrosis and inner necrosis by including or excluding the sclerotic zone. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to compare the agreement of surface areas and volumes of necrosis measurements with the two techniques. There was an overall excellent agreement between MRI dark necrosis volume and HR-μCT outer necrosis volume (ICC=0.91[0.54;0.98]) while the MRI total necrosis volume showed poor agreement with both HR-μCT delimitations of necrosis volume. For surface area, agreement between MRI dark necrosis and HR-μCT delimitations was good for inner necrosis (ICC=0.70[0.21;0.9]) and moderate for outer necrosis (ICC=0.58[0.07;0.85]). This study demonstrates that measurement of the MRI lesions provides a reliable assessment of the extent of ONFH-related architectural damage.

Gout, Hyperuricemia, and Crystal-Associated Disease Network Consensus Statement Regarding Labels and Definitions for Disease Elements in Gout

OBJECTIVE

The language currently used to describe gout lacks standardization. The aim of this project was to develop a consensus statement on the labels and definitions used to describe the basic disease elements of gout.

METHODS

Experts in gout (n = 130) were invited to participate in a Delphi exercise and face-to-face consensus meeting to reach consensus on the labeling and definitions for the basic disease elements of gout. Disease elements and labels in current use were derived from a content analysis of the contemporary medical literature, and the results of this analysis were used for item selection in the Delphi exercise and face-to-face consensus meeting.

RESULTS

There were 51 respondents to the Delphi exercise and 30 attendees at the face-to-face meeting. Consensus agreement (≥80%) was achieved for the labels of 8 disease elements through the Delphi exercise; the remaining 3 labels reached consensus agreement through the face-to-face consensus meeting. The agreed labels were monosodium urate crystals, urate, hyperuric(a)emia, tophus, subcutaneous tophus, gout flare, intercritical gout, chronic gouty arthritis, imaging evidence of monosodium urate crystal deposition, gouty bone erosion, and podagra. Participants at the face-to-face meeting achieved consensus agreement for the definitions of all 11 elements and a recommendation that the label "chronic gout" should not be used.

CONCLUSION

Consensus agreement was achieved for the labels and definitions of 11 elements representing the fundamental components of gout etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. The Gout, Hyperuricemia, and Crystal-Associated Disease Network recommends the use of these labels when describing the basic disease elements of gout.

Gout: state of the art after a decade of developments

This review article summarizes the relevant English literature on gout from 2010 through April 2017. It emphasizes that the current epidemiology of gout indicates a rising prevalence worldwide, not only in Western countries but also in Southeast Asia, in close relationship with the obesity and metabolic syndrome epidemics. New pathogenic mechanisms of chronic hyperuricaemia focus on the gut (microbiota, ABCG2 expression) after the kidney. Cardiovascular and renal comorbidities are the key points to consider in terms of management. New imaging tools are available, including US with key features and dual-energy CT rendering it able to reveal deposits of urate crystals. These deposits are now included in new diagnostic and classification criteria. Overall, half of the patients with gout are readily treated with allopurinol, the recommended xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI), with prophylaxis for flares with low-dose daily colchicine. The main management issues are related to patient adherence, because gout patients have the lowest rate of medication possession ratio at 1 year, but they also include clinical inertia by physicians, meaning XOI dosage is not titrated according to regular serum uric acid level measurements for targeting serum uric acid levels for uncomplicated (6.0 mg/dl) and complicated gout, or the British Society for Rheumatology recommended target (5.0 mg/dl). Difficult-to-treat gout encompasses polyarticular flares, and mostly patients with comorbidities, renal or heart failure, leading to contraindications or side effects of standard-of-care drugs (colchicine, NSAIDs, oral steroids) for flares; and tophaceous and/or destructive arthropathies, leading to switching between XOIs (febuxostat) or to combining XOI and uricosurics.