Biomarker analysis from the phase 2b randomized placebo-controlled trial of riociguat in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To examine disease and target engagement biomarkers in the RISE-SSc trial of riociguat in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and their potential to predict the response to treatment.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to riociguat (n = 60) or placebo (n = 61) for 52 weeks. Skin biopsies and plasma/serum samples were obtained at baseline and week 14. Plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was assessed using radio-immunoassay. Alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and skin thickness were determined by immunohistochemistry, mRNA markers of fibrosis by qRT-PCR in skin biopsies, and serum CXC motif chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL-4) and soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (sPECAM-1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

By week 14, cGMP increased by 94 ± 78% with riociguat and 10 ± 39% with placebo (p < 0.001, riociguat vs placebo). Serum sPECAM-1 and CXCL-4 decreased with riociguat vs placebo (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008, respectively). There were no differences in skin collagen markers between the 2 groups. Higher baseline serum sPECAM-1 or the detection of αSMA-positive cells in baseline skin biopsies were associated with a larger reduction of modified Rodnan skin score from baseline at week 52 with riociguat vs placebo (interaction P-values 0.004 and 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Plasma cGMP increased with riociguat, suggesting engagement with the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cGMP pathway. Riociguat was associated with a significant reduction in sPECAM-1 (an angiogenic biomarker) vs placebo. Elevated sPECAM-1 and the presence of αSMA-positive skin cells may help to identify patients who could benefit from riociguat in terms of skin fibrosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02283762.

Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Evidence-based Recommendations. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To date, clinical practice guidelines regarding treatment for patients with SSc-ILD are primarily consensus based. Methods: An international expert guideline committee composed of 24 individuals with expertise in rheumatology, SSc, pulmonology, ILD, or methodology, and with personal experience with SSc-ILD, discussed systematic reviews of the published evidence assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Predetermined conflict-of-interest management strategies were applied, and recommendations were made for or against specific treatment interventions exclusively by the nonconflicted panelists. The confidence in effect estimates, importance of outcomes studied, balance of desirable and undesirable consequences of treatment, cost, feasibility, acceptability of the intervention, and implications for health equity were all considered in making the recommendations. This was in accordance with the American Thoracic Society guideline development process, which is in compliance with the Institute of Medicine standards for trustworthy guidelines. Results: For treatment of patients with SSc-ILD, the committee: 1) recommends the use of mycophenolate; 2) recommends further research into the safety and efficacy of (a) pirfenidone and (b) the combination of pirfenidone plus mycophenolate; and 3) suggests the use of (a) cyclophosphamide, (b) rituximab, (c) tocilizumab, (d) nintedanib, and (e) the combination of nintedanib plus mycophenolate. Conclusions: The recommendations herein provide an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the treatment of patients with SSc-ILD and are intended to serve as the basis for informed and shared decision making by clinicians and patients.

Riociguat in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (RISE-SSc): open-label, long-term extension of a phase 2b, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The phase 2b Riociguat Safety and Efficacy in Patients with Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (RISE-SSc) trial investigated riociguat versus placebo in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The long-term extension evaluated safety and exploratory treatment effects for an additional year.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled to RISE-SSc between Jan 15, 2015, and Dec 8, 2016. Those who completed the 52-week, randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase were eligible for the long-term extension. Patients originally assigned to riociguat continued therapy (riociguat-riociguat group). Those originally assigned to placebo were switched to riociguat (placebo-riociguat group), adjusted up to 2·5 mg three times daily in a 10-week, double-blind dose-adjustment phase, followed by an open-label phase. Statistical analyses were descriptive. Safety including adverse events and serious adverse events was assessed in the long-term safety analysis set (all patients randomly assigned and treated with study medication in the double-blind phase who continued study medication in the long-term extension). The RISE-SSc trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02283762.

FINDINGS

In total, 87 (72%) of 121 patients in the main RISE-SSc study entered the long-term extension (riociguat-riociguat, n=42; placebo-riociguat, n=45). 65 (75%) of 87 patients were women, 22 (25%) were men, and 62 (71%) were White. Overall, 82 (94%) of 87 patients in the long-term extension had an adverse event; most (66 [76%] of 87) were of mild to moderate severity, with no increase in pulmonary-related serious adverse events in patients with interstitial lung disease.

INTERPRETATION

No new safety signals were observed with long-term riociguat in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Study limitations include the absence of a comparator group in this open-label extension study.

FUNDING

Bayer and Merck Sharp & Dohme.

Efficacy and Safety of Lenabasum, a Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Agonist, in a Phase 3 Randomized Trial in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

This phase 3 study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy and safety of lenabasum, a cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist, in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

METHODS

A multinational double-blind study was conducted in 365 dcSSc patients who were randomized and dosed 1:1:1 with lenabasum 20 mg, lenabasum 5 mg, or placebo, each twice daily and added to background treatments, including immunosuppressive therapies (IST).

RESULTS

The primary end point, the American College of Rheumatology combined response index in dcSSc (CRISS) at week 52 for lenabasum 20 mg twice a day versus placebo, was not met, with CRISS score of 0.888 versus 0.887 (P = 0.4972, using mixed models repeated measures [MMRM]). The change in the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) at week 52 for lenabasum 20 mg twice a day versus placebo was -6.7 versus -8.1 (P = 0.1183, using MMRM). Prespecified analyses showed higher CRISS scores, greater improvement in MRSS, and lower decline in forced vital capacity in patients on background mycophenolate and those who were taking IST for ≤1 year. No deaths or excess in serious or severe adverse events related to lenabasum were observed.

CONCLUSION

A benefit of lenabasum in dcSSc was not demonstrated. Most patients were treated with background IST, and treatment with mycophenolate mofetil in particular was associated with better outcomes. These findings support the use of IST in the treatment of dcSSc and highlight the challenge of demonstrating a treatment effect when investigational treatment is added to standard of care IST. These findings have relevance to trial design in SSc, as well as to clinical care.

Systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease: a conceptual framework for subclinical, clinical and progressive disease

OBJECTIVES

To establish a framework by which experts define disease subsets in systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).

METHODS

A conceptual framework for subclinical, clinical and progressive ILD was provided to 83 experts, asking them to use the framework and classify actual SSc-ILD patients. Each patient profile was designed to be classified by at least four experts in terms of severity and risk of progression at baseline; progression was based on 1-year follow-up data. A consensus was reached if ≥75% of experts agreed. Experts provided information on which items were important in determining classification.

RESULTS

Forty-four experts (53%) completed the survey. Consensus was achieved on the dimensions of severity (75%, 60 of 80 profiles), risk of progression (71%, 57 of 80 profiles) and progressive ILD (60%, 24 of 40 profiles). For profiles achieving consensus, most were classified as clinical ILD (92%), low risk (54%) and stable (71%). Severity and disease progression overlapped in terms of framework items that were most influential in classifying patients (forced vital capacity, extent of lung involvement on high resolution chest CT [HRCT]); risk of progression was influenced primarily by disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Using our proposed conceptual framework, international experts were able to achieve a consensus on classifying SSc-ILD patients along the dimensions of disease severity, risk of progression and progression over time. Experts rely on similar items when classifying disease severity and progression: a combination of spirometry and gas exchange and quantitative HRCT.

A data-driven approach finds RNA polymerase III antibody and tendon friction rubs as enrichment tools for early diffuse scleroderma trials

OBJECTIVE

Clinical trials in early diffuse SSc have consistently shown a placebo group response with a declining modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), with negative outcomes. Our objective was to identify strategies using clinical characteristics or laboratory values to improve trial design.

METHODS

We identified early diffuse SSc patients first seen at the University of Pittsburgh from 1980-2015. Eligible patients had ≥3 visits, with at least two mRSS scores within the first year of follow-up. We performed Kaplan-Meier analyses, group-based trajectory analysis of mRSS scores, followed by multivariable regression analysis and classification tree analysis. We applied the results to the abatacept in early diffuse systemic sclerosis (ASSET) trial outcome data.

RESULTS

We identified 403 patients with <18 months, and 514 with <36 months disease duration. The median number of mRSS follow-up scores was 14 (interquartile range 8, 25). All methodologic approaches identified skin thickness progression rate, RNA polymerase III (RNAP3) antibody positivity and presence of tendon friction rubs (TFR) as predictors of mRSS trajectory over 5 years of follow-up, and thereby as potential enrichment variables. When applied to the ASSET data, adjustment for both RNAP3 and TFR demonstrated reduction of the placebo mRSS response, particularly at 6 months. A significant difference in the ACR Composite Response Index in Systemic Sclerosis (CRISS) score was found with adjustment by RNAP3 at 6 months, and TFR or RNAP3 at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Adjustment for both RNAP3 and TFR predicts mRSS trajectory and diminished the mRSS decline in ASSET placebo group, and identified significant differences in CRISS. RNAP3, particularly, is a stratification or enrichment approach to improve early diffuse SSc trial design.

Qualitative Interviews to Assess the Content Validity and Usability of the Electronic Raynaud Diary in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the symptoms and impacts of Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to evaluate the content validity and usability of a new electronic patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure for RP: the Raynaud Diary.

METHODS

The Raynaud Diary was developed as a daily eDiary for assessing the number and duration of symptomatic Raynaud attacks; worst pain, numbness, tingling, and discomfort in the fingers; and overall disease severity, captured using the Raynaud's Condition Score. The Raynaud Diary was debriefed in two waves of qualitative interviews with adults with self-reported RP secondary to SSc. All interviews included open-ended questions about participants' experiences of RP.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 39) had a mean age of 55.1 years, and 87% were female. Frequently reported RP symptoms were color change (reported by all participants), numbness (90%), tingling (82%), pain (77%), and discomfort (72%). Common attack triggers included temperature-related factors and stress. Participants reported being unable to be outside or do outdoor activities and had problems gripping objects. All participants demonstrated understanding of the Raynaud Diary instructions. Most participants indicated that they would be able to use the Raynaud Diary to record the worst severity of individual RP symptoms in the previous 24 hours.

CONCLUSION

Patients with RP secondary to SSc bear a heavy symptom burden. The Raynaud Diary is a content valid PRO measure that captures the most frequent symptoms of RP in patients with SSc.

Long-term evaluation of pulmonary function and survival of patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features

OBJECTIVES

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) includes patients with interstitial lung disease with autoimmune features who do not meet criteria for a connective tissue disease (CTD). Previous studies showed a wide variation in the radiologic pattern, pulmonary function and prognosis but there is still limited data on longitudinal outcomes. We aim to describe the long-term pulmonary function, radiological patterns, and survival of IPAF patients and explore a classification based on CTD-like subgroups by using clinical/serologic data.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of IPAF patients who were sub-classified into six CTD-(like) subgroups: systemic lupus erythematosus-like, rheumatoid arthritis-like, Sjögren's syndrome-like, scleroderma, myositis-like, and unclassifiable. Linear mixed-effect models were used to compare the change in percent-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%), percent-predicted diffusion capacity (DLCO%), and six-minute walk distance (SMWD) over time; and survival in the entire cohort and according to CTD-like subgroups and radiological patterns.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients fulfilled IPAF criteria. FVC%, DLCO%, and SMWD remained stable over time. There was no difference between usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) versus non-UIP radiologic patterns. Thirty-five patients were sub-classified into CTD-like subgroups. Survival decreased from 79% at 60 months to 53% at 120 months in the entire cohort but was similar among CTD-like subgroups and radiological patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term pulmonary function and six-minute walk test remained stable over 36 months in our IPAF cohort. Prognosis and pulmonary function in UIP had similar outcomes compared to non-UIP. Although 40% of IPAF patients could not be sub-classified, our exploratory subclassification stratified 60% of patients into a CTD-like subgroup.

POS0914 LATE SKIN FIBROSIS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: A STUDY FROM THE EUSTAR COHORT

Background

Skin fibrosis is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and associated with significant disability. The early trajectory of skin fibrosis provides insights into the course of the disease including mortality; however, little is known about late skin fibrosis in SSc.

Objectives

The aims of our study were to ascertain the prevalence and characteristics of late skin fibrosis in SSc.

Methods

We developed and tested three conceptual scenarios of late (>5 years after 1st non-RP sign or symptom) skin fibrosis (Figure 1):

Figure 1.

Conceptual models/scenarios of late skin fibrosis in SSc. A: worsening and then improvement (>3 mRSS) during the first 5 years, and then worsened again after 5 years. B: worsening for the first time after 5 years. C: worsening in the first 5 years and stayed high after 5 years (i.e., failure to improve).

A. Worsening and then improvement (>3 mRSS) during the first 5 years, and then worsened again after 5 years.

B. Worsening for the first time after 5 years.

C. Worsening in the first 5 years and stayed high after 5 years (i.e., failure to improve).

We defined skin worsening as modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥ 5 units or ≥ 25%. Using strict inclusion criteria including complete mRSS, we identified 1,043 (out of 19,115) patients within the EUSTAR database for our analysis. We further restricted analysis within 887 (out of 1,043) patients who had limited (lcSSc) or diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) at baseline.

Results

One-fifth of patients among the whole cohort (n=208/1043, 19.9%) including in patients with lcSSc or dcSSc at baseline (n=193/887, 21.8%) developed late skin fibrosis. This was largely due to new skin worsening or failure to improve. Patients with lower baseline mRSS and lcSSc were more likely to develop late skin fibrosis. Anti-Scl-70 antibodies (Table 1) were associated with progression from baseline lcSSc to dcSSc, and anticentromere antibodies were protective.

Table 1.

Impact of autoantibody status on progression from baseline limited to diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).

Skin worsening after 5 years (Scenario B) (n=70)Skin worsening within 5 years and failed to improve after 5-year window (Scenario C) (n=61)Progressed to dcSSc (n=23)Not progressed to dcSSc(n=47)P-valueProgressed to dcSSc (n=37)Not progressed to dcSSc(n=24)P-valueAnticentromere+ve2/22 (9.1%)19/42 (45.2%)0.00346/34 (17.6%)14/21 (66.7%)0.0002-ve20/22 (90.9%)23/42 (54.8%)28/34 (82.4%)7/21 (33.3%)Anti-Scl-70+ve15/23 (65.2%)14/44 (31.8%)0.008822/36 (61.1%)8/23 (34.8%)0.0485-ve8/23 (34.8%)30/44 (68.2%)14/36 (38.9%)15/23 (65.2%)Anti-RNA-Polymerase-III+ve0/12 (0.0%)1/22 (4.5%)1.00000/6 (0.0%)0/14 (0.0%)---ve12/12 (100%)21/22 (95.5%)6/6 (100%)14/14 (100%)

Conclusion

Late skin fibrosis affects approximately 20% of SSc patients >5 years after onset of disease. We have identified different patterns relevant to clinical practice and trial design. Late skin fibrosis is usually due to new worsening or failure of skin to improve. Progression from baseline limited to diffuse cutaneous SSc was associated with anti-Scl-70 antibodies, and anticentromere antibodies were protective. Late skin fibrosis is a neglected manifestation of SSc and warrants further investigation including to determine clinical outcomes and optimal therapeutic strategy.

Acknowledgements

On behalf of EUSTAR collaborators.

Disclosure of Interests

Michael Hughes Speakers bureau: Speaking fees from Actelion pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer, outside of the submitted work, Suiyuan Huang: None declared, Juan Jose Alegre Sancho Speakers bureau: Speaking and/or investigational fees from Actelion pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, and GSK, outside of the submitted work, Grant/research support from: Speaking and/or investigational fees from Actelion pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, and GSK, outside of the submitted work, Patricia Carreira: None declared, Merete Engelhart: None declared, Eric Hachulla Speakers bureau: Received consulting fees/meeting fees from Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer, GSK, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi-Genzyme; speaking fees from Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Roche-Chugai; and research funding from CSL Behring, GSK, Roche-Chugai and Johnson & Johnson., Consultant of: Received consulting fees/meeting fees from Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer, GSK, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi-Genzyme; speaking fees from Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Roche-Chugai; and research funding from CSL Behring, GSK, Roche-Chugai and Johnson & Johnson., Jörg Henes Speakers bureau: Lectures for CHUGAI, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Eduardo Kerzberg: None declared, Maria Rosa Pozzi: None declared, Gabriela Riemekasten: None declared, Vanessa Smith: None declared, Gabriella Szucs: None declared, Marie Vanthuyne: None declared, Elisabetta Zanatta: None declared, Oliver Distler: None declared, Armando Gabrielli: None declared, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold: None declared, Viginia Steen: None declared, Dinesh Khanna Shareholder of: DK has stock options in Eicos Sciences, Inc., Consultant of: Consultant for Acceleron, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring, Chemomab, Genentech/Roche, Horizon, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Prometheus, Talaris., Grant/research support from: Has received grants from Bayer, BMS, Horizon and Pfizer (to University of Michigan).

Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Hand Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective

Hand dysfunction is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook this study to evaluate the capacity of autologous adipose‐derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) to improve hand function in SSc patients.

Methods

The Scleroderma Treatment with Celution Processed Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells Trial was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind trial of ADRCs, in which ADRCs were obtained from patients with SSc by small‐volume adipose tissue harvest, and the fingers of each patient were injected with ADRCs. The primary end point was change in hand function at 24 and 48 weeks, assessed using the Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS). One of the secondary end points included the change in Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI) at 48 weeks. Separate prespecified analyses were performed for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and those with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc).

Results

Eighty‐eight patients were randomized to receive ADRCs (n = 48 [32 patients with dcSSc and 16 with lcSSc]) or placebo (n = 40 [19 patients with dcSSc and 21 with lcSSc]). Change in hand function according to CHFS score was numerically higher for the ADRC group compared to the placebo group but did not achieve statistical significance (mean ± SD improvement in the CHFS score at 48 weeks 11.0 ± 12.5 versus 8.9 ± 10.5; P = 0.299). For patients with dcSSc, the between‐group difference in the CHFS at 48 weeks was 6.3 points (nominal P = 0.069). For the secondary end point, the dcSSc group exhibited a between‐group difference of 0.17 points in the HAQ DI (nominal P = 0.044) at 48 weeks. Of the ADRC‐treated patients with dcSSc, 52% reported improvement greater than the minimum clinically important difference for both CHFS and HAQ DI compared to 16% in the placebo group (nominal P = 0.016). Small‐volume adipose tissue harvest and ADRC treatment were well tolerated.

Conclusion

While the primary end point of this trial was not achieved, efficacy trends were observed in patients with dcSSc. Adipose tissue harvest and ADRC injection were demonstrated to be feasible. Further clinical trials of this intervention in the setting of dcSSc are warranted.

Baseline characteristics of systemic sclerosis patients with restrictive lung disease in a multi-center US-based longitudinal registry

AIM

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of disease-related death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here, we assess baseline characteristics of SSc subjects with and without restrictive lung disease (RLD) in a multi-center, US-based registry.

METHODS

SSc patients within 5 years of disease onset were enrolled in the Collaborative National Quality and Efficacy Registry (CONQUER), a multi-center US-based registry of SSc study participants (age ≥ 18 years) enrolled at 13 expert centers. All subjects met 2013 American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism criteria. Subjects with a pulmonary function test (PFT) at baseline before April 1, 2020 were included. High-resolution computed tomography scan of the chest was not available to characterize ILD for all subjects. RLD was defined as forced vital capacity (FVC) <80% or total lung capacity (TLC) <80% predicted.

RESULTS

There were 160 (45%) SSc subjects characterized as having RLD. There was no significant difference in age, gender or disease duration. RLD subjects had a mean disease duration from date of first non-Raynaud's symptom of 2.6 years and a mean FVC% predicted of 67% at baseline. In multivariable analysis, non-White race, higher physician global health assessment and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scores, were independently associated with RLD. In the subgroup of RLD subjects with ILD, ILD had a negative correlation with RNA polymerase III antibody.

CONCLUSION

CONQUER is the largest, multi-center, prospective cohort of early SSc patients in the US. Non-White race was independently associated with RLD. In addition, 45% of CONQUER subjects already had RLD, highlighting the importance of screening for SSc-ILD at initial diagnosis.

Defining the optimal disease duration of early diffuse systemic sclerosis for clinical trial design

OBJECTIVES

Clinical trials in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) as the primary outcome measure have most often been negative. We wanted to assess how the definition of disease onset (first SSc manifestation vs first non-Raynaud manifestation) and varying lengths of disease duration at trial entry as an inclusion criteria functioned. Our objective was to optimize trial inclusion criteria.

METHODS

We used the prospective, observational University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Cohort to identify early diffuse SSc patients first evaluated between 1980 and 2015. All had <3 years from first SSc (n = 481) or first non-Raynaud manifestation (n = 514) and three or more mRSS scores. We used descriptive, survival and group-based trajectory analyses to compare the different definitions of disease onset and disease duration as inclusion criteria for clinical trials.

RESULTS

There was no appreciable difference between using first SSc manifestation compared with first non-Raynaud manifestation as the definition of disease onset. Compared with other disease durations, <18 months of disease had >70% of patients fitting into trajectories with worsening cutaneous disease over 6 months of follow-up. Longer disease durations demonstrated the majority of patients with trajectories showing an improvement in mRSS (regression to the mean) over 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of whether the first SSc or first non-Raynaud manifestation is used to define disease onset, duration of <18 months at enrolment is preferable. A longer disease duration criterion more frequently results in regression to the mean of the mRSS score, and likely contributes to negative trial outcomes.

Nintedanib in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: subgroup analyses by autoantibody status and skin score

Objective

Using data from the SENSCIS trial, these analyses were undertaken to assess the effects of nintedanib versus placebo in subgroups of patients with systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD), based on characteristics previously identified as being associated with the progression of SSc‐ILD.

Methods

Patients with SSc‐ILD were randomized to receive either nintedanib or placebo, stratified by anti–topoisomerase I antibody (ATA) status. We assessed the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) (expressed in ml/year) over 52 weeks in subgroups based on baseline ATA status, modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) (<18 versus ≥18), and SSc subtype (limited cutaneous SSc [lcSSc] versus diffuse cutaneous SSc [dcSSc]).

Results

At baseline, 60.8% of 576 patients who received treatment with either nintedanib or placebo were positive for ATA, 51.9% had dcSSc, and 77.5% of 574 patients with MRSS data available had an MRSS of <18. The effect of nintedanib versus placebo on reducing the rate of decline in FVC (ml/year) was numerically more pronounced in ATA‐negative patients compared to ATA‐positive patients (adjusted difference in the rate of FVC decline, 57.2 ml/year [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –3.5, 118.0] versus 29.9 ml/year [95% CI –19.1, 78.8]), in patients with a baseline MRSS ≥18 compared to those with a baseline MRSS of <18 (adjusted difference in the rate of FVC decline, 88.7 ml/year [95% CI 7.7, 169.8] versus 26.4 ml/year [95% CI –16.8, 69.6]), and in patients with dcSSc compared to those with lcSSc (adjusted difference in the rate of FVC decline, 56.6 ml/year [95% CI 3.2, 110.0] versus 25.3 ml/year [95% CI –28.9, 79.6]). However, all exploratory interaction P values were nonsignificant (all P > 0.05), indicating that there was no heterogeneity in the effect of nintedanib versus placebo between these subgroups of patients.

Conclusion

In patients with SSc‐ILD, reduction in the annual rate of decline in FVC among patients receiving nintedanib compared to those receiving placebo was not found to be heterogenous across subgroups based on ATA status, MRSS, or SSc subtype.

Video Abstract

A comprehensive framework for navigating patient care in systemic sclerosis: A global response to the need for improving the practice of diagnostic and preventive strategies in SSc

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), the most lethal of rheumatologic conditions, is the cause of death in >50% of SSc cases, led by pulmonary fibrosis followed by pulmonary hypertension and then scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Multiple other preventable and treatable SSc-related vascular, cardiac, gastrointestinal, nutritional and musculoskeletal complications can lead to disability and death. Vascular injury with subsequent inflammation transforming to irreversible fibrosis and permanent damage characterizes SSc. Organ involvement is often present early in the disease course of SSc, but requires careful history-taking and vigilance in screening to detect. Inflammation is potentially reversible provided that treatment intensity quells inflammation and other immune mechanisms. In any SSc phenotype, opportunities for early treatment are prone to be under-utilized, especially in slowly progressive phenotypes that, in contrast to severe progressive ILD, indolently accrue irreversible organ damage resulting in later-stage life-limiting complications such as pulmonary hypertension, cardiac involvement, and malnutrition. A single SSc patient visit often requires much more physician and staff time, organization, vigilance, and direct management for multiple organ systems compared to other rheumatic or pulmonary diseases. Efficiency and efficacy of comprehensive SSc care enlists trending of symptoms and bio-data. Financial sustainability of SSc care benefits from understanding insurance reimbursement and health system allocation policies for complex patients. Sharing care between recognised SSc centers and local cardiology/pulmonary/rheumatology/gastroenterology colleagues may prevent complications and poor outcomes, while providing support to local specialists. As scleroderma specialists, we offer a practical framework with tools to facilitate an optimal, comprehensive and sustainable approach to SSc care. Improved health outcomes in SSc relies upon recogntion, management and, to the extent possible, prevention of SSc and treatment-related complications.

Not all that is 'full house' is systemic lupus erythematosus: a case of membranous nephropathy due to syphilis infection

We describe an unusual case of membranous nephropathy precipitated by syphilis infection in a patient without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A previously healthy 20-year-old man presented with leg and facial swelling. Laboratory investigation revealed nephrotic range proteinuria, acute kidney injury, hypocomplementaemia and a highly positive rapid plasma reagin. Kidney biopsy showed membranous nephropathy with 'full-house' immunofluorescence (IgG, IgA, IgM, C1q and C3), mimicking lupus nephritis class Vb. However, the patient had no features of SLE and had negative antinuclear and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. He was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil for lupus nephritis and with penicillin for syphilis. After 2 months of therapy, his proteinuria resolved, and his renal function and C4 level normalised. This case illustrates that syphilis infection can be a mimicker of lupus nephritis. A literature review suggests that ful-house nephropathy may occur independently of lupus nephritis and may or may not develop into SLE.

Clinical characteristics, visceral involvement, and mortality in at-risk or early diffuse systemic sclerosis: a longitudinal analysis of an observational prospective multicenter US cohort

BACKGROUND

Early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) has the highest case fatality among rheumatic diseases. We report baseline characteristics, current immunosuppressive therapies, progression of skin and internal organ involvement, and mortality in a multicenter prospective cohort from the United States (US) of America.

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal analysis of participants from 12 US centers, from April 2012 to July 2020. All participants had early dcSSc or were at-risk for dcSSc, with ≤2 years since the first non-Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) symptom.

RESULTS

Three hundred one patients were included with a baseline median disease duration of 1.2 years since RP and a mean modified skin score of 21.1 units. At baseline, 263 (87.3%) had definite dcSSc and 38 (12.7%) were classified as at-risk; 112 (49.6%) patients were positive for anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies. The median follow-up duration was 24.5 months (IQR = 10.3-40.7 months). One hundred ninety (63.1%) participants were treated with an immunosuppressive therapy, of which mycophenolate mofetil was most used at baseline and follow-up. Of 38 who were classified as at-risk at baseline, 27 (71%) went on to develop dcSSc; these patients were characterized by higher baseline mean HAQ-DI (0.8 versus 0.4, p = 0.05) and higher baseline mRSS (8.8 versus 4.4, p < 0.01) in comparison with those who remained as limited cutaneous SSc. In the overall cohort, 48 participants (21.1%) had clinically significant worsening of skin fibrosis, mainly occurring in the first year of follow-up; 41 (23.3%) had an absolute forced vital capacity decline of ≥10%. Twenty participants (6.6%) died, of which 18 died in the first 3 years of follow-up. Cardiac involvement (33.3%), gastrointestinal dysmotility (22.2%), and progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) (16.7%) were the main causes of death.

CONCLUSION

This US cohort highlights the management of early SSc in the current era, demonstrating progression of skin and lung involvement despite immunosuppressive therapy and high mortality due to cardiac involvement.

Does hand involvement in systemic sclerosis limit completion of patient-reported outcome measures?

The objective of this analysis is to examine whether the severity of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-hand involvement influences patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) completion rate in a US cohort of early disease. Participants included SSc patients with less than 5 years disease duration consented and enrolled in the Collaborative, National, Quality, and Efficacy Registry (CONQUER) between June 2018 and December 2019. Participants' socio-demographics, hand clinical features (severe modified Rodnan skin score, presence of small joint contractures, acro-osteolysis, calcinosis, and digital ulcers), and completion rates of seven PROMs including a Resource Use Questionnaire were analyzed. Cohort characteristics and baseline PROM completion were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the relationship between hand limitations and PROM incompletion at several time points using generalized estimating equations. At the time of data lock, 339 CONQUER subjects had a total of 600 visits available for analysis. Calcinosis (odds ratio [OR] 6.35, confidence interval [CI] 2.41-16.73 and acro-osteolysis OR 3.88 (1.57-9.55) were significantly associated with incomplete PROM. The Resource Use Questionnaire was the PROM most commonly not completed. Increasing age was correlated with resource use questionnaire incompletion rate. Acro-osteolysis and calcinosis were associated with lower PROM completion rates in a US SSc cohort, independent of the length of the questionnaires or the modality of administration (electronic or paper). Resource Use Questionnaires are important for understanding the economic impact and burden of chronic disease; however, in this study, it had lower completion rates than PROMs devoted to clinical variables. Key points •Multiple strategies are needed to ensure optimal completion of PROM in longitudinal cohort studies. Even if patients request electronic surveys, we have found it is important to follow up incomplete surveys with paper forms provided at the time of a clinical visit. •The Resource Utilization Questionnaire was lengthy and prone to non-completion in the younger population. •Acro-osteolysis and calcinosis were associated with reduced PROM completion rates.

Scleroderma renal crisis

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a rare but life-threatening complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) characterized by malignant hypertension and acute kidney injury. Historically, SRC was the leading cause of death in SSc. However, with the advent of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, mortality rates have decreased significantly. Nevertheless, one-year outcomes remain poor, with over 30% mortality and 25% of patients remaining dialysis-dependent. There is an urgent need to improve early recognition and treatment, and to identify novel treatments to improve outcomes of SRC. In this chapter, the clinical features, classification, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, management and outcomes of SRC are presented. Specific issues relating to pregnancy, prophylactic ACE inhibition and management of essential hypertension are also discussed.

Considerations for a combined index for limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis to support drug development and improve outcomes

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; systemic scleroderma) is characterized by a heterogeneous range of clinical manifestations. SSc is classified into limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous subgroups (dcSSc) based on the extent of skin involvement. Randomized controlled trials in scleroderma have mainly focused on dcSSc partly because the measurement of skin involvement, critical for evaluating a therapeutic intervention is more dynamic in this subset. Nonetheless, lcSSc, the most common cutaneous subset (about 2/3), is also associated with significant morbidity and detrimental impact on health-related quality of life. The lack of interventional studies in lcSSc is partly due to a lack of relevant outcome measures to evaluate this subgroup. Combining several clinically meaningful outcomes selected specifically for lcSSc may improve representativeness in clinical trials and responsiveness of outcomes measured in randomized controlled trials. A composite index dedicated to lcSSc combining such relevant outcomes could advance clinical trial development for lcSSc by providing the opportunity to test and select among candidate drugs that could act as disease-modifying treatments for this neglected subgroup of SSc. This proposed index would include items selected by expert physicians and patients with lcSSc across domains grounded in the lived experience of lcSSc. This article reviews the reasons behind the relative neglect of lcSSc, discusses the current state of outcome measures for lcSSc, identifies challenges, and proposes a roadmap for a combined lcSSc-specific treatment response index.

Racial Disparities in Systemic Sclerosis: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes Among African American Participants of SLS I and II

Objective

To evaluate short‐ and long‐term outcomes of African American (AA) participants of Scleroderma Lung Studies (SLS) I and II.

Methods

SLS I randomized 158 participants with systemic sclerosis‐interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD) to 1 year of oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) versus placebo. SLS II randomized 142 participants with SSc‐ILD to 1 year of oral CYC followed by 1 year of placebo versus 2 years of mycophenolate (MMF). Joint models compared the course of forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) between AA and non‐AA, and Cox proportional hazard models assessed long‐term morbidity and mortality outcomes.

Results

In SLS I, there was no difference in the course of the FVC or DLCO between AA and non‐AA in either treatment arm. In SLS II, AA had an improved course of the FVC compared with non‐AA in the CYC arm; in the MMF arm, there was no difference in FVC course. There was no difference in DLCO course in either arm. Time to death and respiratory failure were similar for AA and non‐AA in SLS I. There was a trend for improved survival and time to respiratory failure in AA compared with non‐AA in SLS II. AA race was not independently associated with mortality in the SLS I or II in the Cox models.

Conclusion

Data from two randomized controlled trials demonstrated that AA patients with SSc‐ILD have similar morbidity and mortality outcomes compared with non‐AA patients. These findings contrast with the racial disparities described in prior observational studies and warrant further investigation.

Riociguat in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (RISE-SSc): randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial

OBJECTIVES

Riociguat is approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension and has antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in animal models of tissue fibrosis. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of riociguat in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) at high risk of skin fibrosis progression.

METHODS

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase IIb trial, adults with dcSSc of <18 months' duration and a modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) 10-22 units received riociguat 0.5 mg to 2.5 mg orally three times daily (n=60) or placebo (n=61). The primary endpoint was change in mRSS from baseline to week 52.

RESULTS

At week 52, change from baseline in mRSS units was -2.09±5.66 (n=57) with riociguat and -0.77±8.24 (n=52) with placebo (difference of least squares means -2.34 (95% CI -4.99 to 0.30; p=0.08)). In patients with interstitial lung disease, forced vital capacity declined by 2.7% with riociguat and 7.6% with placebo. At week 14, average Raynaud's condition score had improved ≥50% in 19 (41.3%)/46 patients with riociguat and 13 (26.0%)/50 patients with placebo. Safety assessments showed no new signals with riociguat and no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Riociguat did not significantly benefit mRSS versus placebo at the predefined p<0.05. Secondary and exploratory analyses showed potential efficacy signals that should be tested in further trials. Riociguat was well tolerated.

Calcinosis is associated with ischemic manifestations and increased disability in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Calcinosis is a debilitating complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with no effective treatments. We sought to identify clinical correlations and to characterize complications and disability associated with calcinosis in a multi-center, international cohort of SSc patients.

METHODS

We established a cohort of 568 consecutive SSc patients who fulfill 2013 revised ACR/EULAR criteria at 10 centers within North America, Australia, and Mexico. Calcinosis was defined as subcutaneous calcium deposition by imaging and/or physical examination, or a clear history of extruded calcium. All patients completed the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index and Cochin Hand Functional Scale.

RESULTS

215 (38%) patients had calcinosis. In multivariable analysis, disease duration (OR=1.24, p = 0.029), digital ischemia (OR=1.8, p = 0.002) and Acro-osteolysis (OR=2.97, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with calcinosis. In the subset of patients with bone densitometry (n = 68), patients with calcinosis had significantly lower median T-scores than patients without (-2.2 vs. -1.7, p = 0.004). The most common location of calcinosis lesions was the hands (70%), particularly the thumbs (19%) with decreasing frequency moving to the fifth fingers (8%). The most common complications were tenderness (29% of patients) and spontaneous extrusion of calcinosis through the skin (20%), while infection was rare (2%). Disability and hand function were worse in patients with calcinosis, particularly if locations in addition to the fingers/thumbs were involved.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed a strong association between calcinosis and digital ischemia. Calcinosis in SSc patients most commonly affects the hands and is associated with a high burden of disability and hand dysfunction.

OP0249 LONG-TERM EXTENSION RESULTS OF RISE-SSC, A RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF RIOCIGUAT IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY DIFFUSE CUTANEOUS SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (DCSSC)

Background:

RISE-SSc (NCT02283762) was a multicenter Phase IIb trial of riociguat in pts with early (duration ≤18 months) dcSSc and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) 10−22 units. Pts were randomized double-blind to placebo or riociguat 0.5–2.5 mg t.i.d. for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint, mRSS change from baseline to Week (Wk) 52, did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08, riociguat vs placebo), but there were favorable trends in some other outcomes.

Objectives:

To present open-label long-term extension (LTE) results of RISE-SSc.

Methods:

Pts who completed Wk 52 of double-blind therapy could enter LTE on riociguat. Endpoints included mRSS, adverse events (AEs), and serious AEs (SAEs).

Results:

Of 60 pts randomized to riociguat and 61 to placebo, 42 (riociguat−riociguat group) and 45 (former placebo group), respectively, entered LTE. At LTE start, mean±SD mRSS was 16.4±3.2 and 16.3±4.2 units, and mean disease duration was 8.9±7.8 and 8.9±5.8 months, in the riociguat−riociguat and former placebo groups, respectively. Other demographics/disease characteristics were also comparable. Median duration of riociguat treatment was 1092 d in riociguat−riociguat pts and 649 d in former placebo pts. Throughout the study, mRSS decreased in both groups (Figure 1). From Wk 52 to last visit, mRSS fell by −3.02±5.51 in riociguat−riociguat patients and −3.96±5.43 in former placebo pts. Rates of mRSS regression (decrease by >5 units and ≥25% from Wk 52 to last visit) and of % declines in mRSS were similar in the two groups (Figure 2). mRSS progression (increase by >5 units and ≥25% from Wk 52 to last visit) occurred in 1 pt (2%) in each group. During the entire study, rescue therapy agents were used in 15 (36%) riociguat−riociguat pts and 17 (38%) former placebo pts. AEs were reported from Wk 52 to last visit in 82 pts (94%): 40 (95%) riociguat−riociguat and 42 (93%) former placebo. Most common AEs overall: nasopharyngitis (24%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (17%), diarrhea (15%), and hypotension (14%). AEs of special interest (dizziness, postural dizziness, or hypotension) occurred in 5 riociguat−riociguat pts (12%) and 4 former placebo pts (9%). SAEs were reported in 21 (24%) pts: 10 (24%) riociguat−riociguat pts and 11 (24%) former placebo pts, with no SAE reported in >1 patient, no SAEs of special interest, and no deaths.

Conclusion:

During LTE riociguat treatment, mRSS decreased in both groups from Wk 52 onwards and mRSS progression was uncommon. Riociguat had acceptable safety, similar to the main study, with no new safety signal.

Acknowledgments:

RISE-SSc was jointly funded by Bayer AG and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Dinesh Khanna Shareholder of: Eicos, Grant/research support from: NIH NIAID, NIH NIAMS, Consultant of: Acceleron, Actelion, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Corbus, Galapagos, Genentech/Roche, GSK, Mitsubishi Tanabi, Sanofi-Aventis/Genzyme, UCB Pharma, Janet Pope Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Company, Merck, Roche, Seattle Genetics, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Amgen, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eicos Sciences, Eli Lilly & Company, Emerald, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: UCB, Marco Matucci-Cerinic Grant/research support from: Actelion, MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Speakers bureau: Acetelion, Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Masataka Kuwana Grant/research support from: Acetelion, Consultant of: Acetelion, Bayer, Chugai, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring and Reata Pharmaceuticals. He was a member of the SENSCIS trial Steering Committee (Boehringer Ingelheim), Christopher Denton Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, and Inventiva, Consultant of: Medscape, Roche-Genentech, Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Inventiva, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron, Curzion and Bayer, Yannick Allanore Grant/research support from: BMS, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi, Consultant of: Actelion, Bayer AG, BMS, BI, Melanie Wosnitza Employee of: Bayer AG, Marie-Elise Truchetet: None declared, Gabriella Szücs: None declared, Wendy Stevens: None declared, Viginia Steen Grant/research support from: The associated affiliation has received grants/research from Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring, Eicos, Galapagos, Immune Tolerance Network, Reata, Consultant of: Virginia Steen has acted as a consultant for Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Eicos, Forbius, Chiara Stagnaro: None declared, Vanessa Smith Grant/research support from: The affiliated company received grants from Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co and Janssen-Cilag NV, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co, Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co and UCB Biopharma Sprl, Richard Silver: None declared, Elena Schiopu: None declared, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Frank Kramer Employee of: Bayer AG, Sindhu Johnson Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Merck, Bayer, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ikaria, Osamu Ishikawa: None declared, Tomonori Ishii: None declared, Eric Hachlla: None declared, Ellen De Langhe Consultant of: member of advisory board for Boehringer, László Czirják Consultant of: Actelion, BI, Roche-Genentech, Lilly, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Bayer AG, Radim Bečvář Consultant of: Actelion, Roche, Tatsuya Atsumi Grant/research support from: Eli Lily Japan K.K., Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., AbbVie Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Astellas Pharma Inc., Consultant of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., AbbVie Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly Japan K.K., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., AbbVie Inc., Eisai Co. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Oliver Distler Grant/research support from: Grants/Research support from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Tanabe; he also holds the issued Patent on mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy fees from Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, AnaMar, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, Catenion, ChemomAb, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Pfizer and Roche

THU0330 EFFECTS OF NINTEDANIB IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS-ASSOCIATED ILD (SSC-ILD) AND DIFFERING EXTENTS OF SKIN FIBROSIS: FURTHER ANALYSES OF THE SENSCIS TRIAL

Background:

In the SENSCIS trial, nintedanib reduced the progression of SSc-ILD compared with placebo, as shown by a significantly lower rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) over 52 weeks. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in change in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) at week 52. An mRSS of 18–25 has been proposed as an upper cut-off to enrich a cohort for skin-progressive patients. Progression of skin fibrosis has been associated with later progression of ILD.

Objectives:

To assess the effects of nintedanib on the rate of FVC decline and change in mRSS in the SENSCIS trial in subgroups by mRSS <18 and ≥18 at baseline.

Methods:

Patients with SSc-ILD with onset of first non-Raynaud symptom <7 years before screening and ≥10% fibrosis of the lungs on a high-resolution computed tomography scan were randomised to receive nintedanib or placebo. We analysed the rate of decline in FVC (ml/year) over 52 weeks and the change from baseline in mRSS at week 52 in subgroups by mRSS (<18; ≥18) at baseline.

Results:

In the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively, 219/288 (76.0%) and 226/288 (78.5%) patients had mRSS <18 at baseline. Compared with those with mRSS <18, patients with mRSS ≥18 had a lower mean FVC % predicted (68.3% vs 73.7%) and greater proportions were taking mycophenolate at baseline (58.1% vs 45.6%), were anti-topoisomerase I antibody positive (67.4% vs 58.7%) and had diffuse cutaneous SSc (100% vs 37.8%). The mean (SE) annual rate of decline in FVC in the placebo group was numerically greater in patients who had mRSS ≥18 than mRSS <18 at baseline (-131.7 [29.2] mL/year vs -81.4 [15.4] mL/year). The effect of nintedanib vs placebo on reducing the annual rate of decline in FVC was numerically more pronounced in patients with mRSS ≥18 (difference: 88.7 mL/year [95% CI 7.7, 169.8]) than mRSS <18 (difference: 26.4 mL/year (95% CI -16.8, 69.6) at baseline, but statistical testing did not indicate heterogeneity in the treatment effect of nintedanib between subgroups (p=0.18 for treatment-by-time-by-subgroup interaction) (Figure). In the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively, changes in mRSS at week 52 were -2.2 (0.3) and -2.1 (0.3) (difference -0.1 [95% CI -1.0, 0.7]) in patients with mRSS <18 at baseline and -2.1 (0.7) and -1.6 (0.7) (difference -0.6 [95% CI -2.1, 1.0]) in patients with mRSS ≥18 at baseline (p=0.62 for treatment-by-visit-by-subgroup interaction).

Conclusion:

In the placebo group of the SENSCIS trial, the rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks was numerically greater in patients with mRSS ≥18 than <18 at baseline, while reductions in mRSS were similar. A lower rate of FVC decline was observed in patients treated with nintedanib than placebo both in patients with mRSS ≥18 and <18 at baseline.

Acknowledgments:

The SENSCIS trial was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim

Disclosure of Interests:

Yannick Allanore Grant/research support from: Yannick Allanore has received grants from Inventiva, Roche and Sanofi, Consultant of: Yannick Allanore has received fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Curzion, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi, Viginia Steen Grant/research support from: The associated affiliation has received grants/research from Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring, Eicos, Galapagos, Immune Tolerance Network, Reata, Consultant of: Virginia Steen has acted as a consultant for Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Eicos, Forbius, Masataka Kuwana Grant/research support from: Acetelion, Consultant of: Acetelion, Bayer, Chugai, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring and Reata Pharmaceuticals. He was a member of the SENSCIS trial Steering Committee (Boehringer Ingelheim), Christopher Denton Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, and Inventiva, Consultant of: Medscape, Roche-Genentech, Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Inventiva, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron, Curzion and Bayer, Marco Matucci-Cerinic Grant/research support from: Actelion, MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Speakers bureau: Acetelion, Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Elizabeth Volkmann Grant/research support from: Forbius, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Forbius, Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Dinesh Khanna Shareholder of: Eicos Sciences, Inc./Civi Biopharma, Inc., Grant/research support from: Dr Khanna was supported by NIH/NIAMS K24AR063120, Consultant of: Acceleron, Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Horizon Therapeutic, Galapagos, Roche/Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Sanofi-Aventis/Genzyme, UCB, Daniel Wachtlin Employee of: Employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Martina Gahlemann Employee of: Employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Manuel Quaresma Employee of: Employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Margarida Alves Employee of: Employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Oliver Distler Grant/research support from: Grants/Research support from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Tanabe; he also holds the issued Patent on mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy fees from Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, AnaMar, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, Catenion, ChemomAb, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Pfizer and Roche

FRI0575 BIOMARKER ANALYSIS FROM THE RISE-SSC STUDY OF RIOCIGUAT IN EARLY DIFFUSE CUTANEOUS SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (DCSSC)

Background:

RISE-SSc (NCT02283762) was a multicenter, double-blind, Phase IIb study of riociguat in early dcSSc. Primary endpoint was change in mRSS from baseline to Wk 52.

Objectives:

Exploratory, descriptive analyses of riociguat target engagement and effects on disease biomarkers in RISE-SSc and their relationship with effects on the primary endpoint. All biomarker p-values are for information only.

Methods:

Pts with dcSSc (duration ≤18 mo; modified Rodnan skin score [mRSS] 10–22 units) were randomized to riociguat 0.5−2.5 mg tid (n=60) or placebo (n=61). Biomarkers of target engagement (cGMP), inflammation and/or vascular/endothelial function (e.g. high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 [sPECAM-1], soluble E-selectin, chemokine ligand 4 [CXCL-4]), and fibrosis (e.g. alpha-smooth muscle cell actin [alphaSMA], pro-collagen mRNA expression) were measured in plasma, serum, and skin biopsies at baseline and Wk 14.

Results:

Mean±SD change from baseline in mRSS was –2.09±5.66 (n=57) with riociguat and –0.77±8.24 (n=52) with placebo (p=0.08). From baseline to Wk 14, plasma cGMP rose by mean (SD) 94% (78%) (n=52) with riociguat and 10% (39%) (n=52) with placebo (nominal p<0.001). Serum sPECAM-1 and CXCL-4 fell with riociguat vs placebo; changes in hsCRP or E-selectin differed little between groups (Fig 1). Pts with higher baseline sPECAM-1 showed larger mRSS reductions with riociguat vs placebo than pts with lower levels (nominal interaction p=0.004). In baseline skin biopsies, 34% and 31% of pts in the riociguat and placebo groups, respectively, had no alphaSMA-positive cells; other pts had +ve cells (alphaSMA counts 0.1–99.5, median 2.5), a potential indicator of higher disease activity. Pts with +ve baseline alphaSMA counts showed a reduction of mRSS with riociguat vs placebo (Fig 2). Skin collagen mRNA expression biomarkers in skin biopsies showed no differences between groups.

Conclusion:

Primary study endpoint (change in mRSS) was not met. Plasma cGMP rose with riociguat, confirming engagement with the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway. Serum sPECAM-1 (marker of endothelial activation) and CXCL-4 (marker of progressive SSc) fell with riociguat; hsCRP and E-selectin did not. Some serum and skin biomarkers of higher disease activity at baseline were associated with a greater effect of riociguat on skin fibrosis.

Acknowledgments:

RISE-SSc was jointly funded by Bayer AG and Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Oliver Distler Grant/research support from: Grants/Research support from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Tanabe; he also holds the issued Patent on mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy fees from Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, AnaMar, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, Catenion, ChemomAb, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Pfizer and Roche, Frank Kramer Employee of: Bayer AG, Josef Höfler Employee of: Josef Höfler is an employee of Staburo GmbH, Munich, Germany, contracted by Bayer AG to perform the biomarker analyses, Mercedeh Ghadessi Employee of: Bayer AG, Peter Sandner Employee of: Bayer AG, Yannick Allanore Grant/research support from: BMS, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi, Consultant of: Actelion, Bayer AG, BMS, BI, Christopher Denton Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, and Inventiva, Consultant of: Medscape, Roche-Genentech, Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Inventiva, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron, Curzion and Bayer, Masataka Kuwana Grant/research support from: Acetelion, Consultant of: Acetelion, Bayer, Chugai, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring and Reata Pharmaceuticals. He was a member of the SENSCIS trial Steering Committee (Boehringer Ingelheim), Marco Matucci-Cerinic Grant/research support from: Actelion, MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Speakers bureau: Acetelion, Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janet Pope Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Company, Merck, Roche, Seattle Genetics, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Actelion, Amgen, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eicos Sciences, Eli Lilly & Company, Emerald, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: UCB, Tatsuya Atsumi Grant/research support from: Eli Lily Japan K.K., Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., AbbVie Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Astellas Pharma Inc., Consultant of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., AbbVie Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly Japan K.K., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., AbbVie Inc., Eisai Co. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Radim Bečvář Consultant of: Actelion, Roche, László Czirják Consultant of: Actelion, BI, Roche-Genentech, Lilly, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Bayer AG, Ellen De Langhe Consultant of: member of advisory board for Boehringer, Eric Hachlla: None declared, Tomonori Ishii: None declared, Osamu Ishikawa: None declared, Sindhu Johnson Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Merck, Bayer, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ikaria, Kaisa Laapas Employee of: Partly in-sourced to Bayer, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Elena Schiopu: None declared, Richard Silver: None declared, Vanessa Smith Grant/research support from: The affiliated company received grants from Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co and Janssen-Cilag NV, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co, Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co and UCB Biopharma Sprl, Chiara Stagnaro: None declared, Viginia Steen Grant/research support from: The associated affiliation has received grants/research from Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring, Eicos, Galapagos, Immune Tolerance Network, Reata, Consultant of: Virginia Steen has acted as a consultant for Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Eicos, Forbius, Wendy Stevens: None declared, Gabriella Szücs: None declared, Marie-Elise Truchetet: None declared, Melanie Wosnitza Employee of: Bayer AG, Dinesh Khanna Shareholder of: Eicos Sciences, Inc./Civi Biopharma, Inc., Grant/research support from: Dr Khanna was supported by NIH/NIAMS K24AR063120, Consultant of: Acceleron, Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Horizon Therapeutic, Galapagos, Roche/Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Sanofi-Aventis/Genzyme, UCB

Intravenous versus oral cyclophosphamide for lung and/or skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: an indirect comparison from EUSTAR and randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Both intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) cyclophosphamide (CYC) showed beneficial effects on skin and lung involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) in placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials and observational studies. Our goal was to compare the relative efficacy and safety of PO- versus IV-CYC for treating interstitial lung disease and/or skin involvement in SSc.

METHODS

Patients were derived from the EUSTAR centres and the Scleroderma Lung Studies I and II. A minimum of 6 months of CYC treatment and 12 months follow-up were required. Serious (SAEs) and non-serious adverse events and efficacy data (change in FVC%, DLCO%, mRSS) were analysed at the end of CYC treatment (EoT) and at follow-up (FU). Analysis included descriptive statistics and linear regressions.

RESULTS

Differences in ethnicity, previous DMARD exposure, previous and concomitant steroid exposure/dosage were observed in the PO (n=149) and IV (n=153) CYC groups. Adjusted and unadjusted changes in FVC%, DLCO% and mRSS were similar irrespective of mode of administration. PO patients had more leukopenia (p<0.001), haemorrhagic cystitis (p=0.011) and alopecia (p<0.001) at the EoT visit, while the IV group had more SAEs (p=0.025) and need for oxygen supplementation at FU (p=0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

In a comparison of PO- to IV-CYC for SSc, we found no differences in lung function or cutaneous sclerosis after one year. Some differences in side effects were seen. The results need to be considered as preliminary; however, because we needed to use a combination of RCT and registry data, with some differences in demographics and concomitant medications, well-controlled studies are warranted.

2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

OBJECTIVE

To develop an evidence-based guideline on contraception, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), fertility preservation with gonadotoxic therapy, use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), pregnancy assessment and management, and medication use in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of evidence relating to contraception, ART, fertility preservation, HRT, pregnancy and lactation, and medication use in RMD populations, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to rate the quality of evidence and a group consensus process to determine final recommendations and grade their strength (conditional or strong). Good practice statements were agreed upon when indirect evidence was sufficiently compelling that a formal vote was unnecessary.

RESULTS

This American College of Rheumatology guideline provides 12 ungraded good practice statements and 131 graded recommendations for reproductive health care in RMD patients. These recommendations are intended to guide care for all patients with RMD, except where indicated as being specific for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, those positive for antiphospholipid antibody, and/or those positive for anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies. Recommendations and good practice statements support several guiding principles: use of safe and effective contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy, pre-pregnancy counseling to encourage conception during periods of disease quiescence and while receiving pregnancy-compatible medications, and ongoing physician-patient discussion with obstetrics/gynecology collaboration for all reproductive health issues, given the overall low level of available evidence that relates specifically to RMD.

CONCLUSION

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations developed and reviewed by panels of experts and RMD patients. Many recommendations are conditional, reflecting a lack of data or low-level data. We intend that this guideline be used to inform a shared decision-making process between patients and their physicians on issues related to reproductive health that incorporates patients' values, preferences, and comorbidities.

Generation of a Core Set of Items to Develop Classification Criteria for Scleroderma Renal Crisis Using Consensus Methodology

OBJECTIVE

To generate a core set of items to develop classification criteria for scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) using consensus methodology.

METHODS

An international, multidisciplinary panel of experts was invited to participate in a 3-round Delphi exercise developed using a survey based on items identified by a scoping review. In round 1, participants were asked to identify omissions and clarify ambiguities regarding the items in the survey. In round 2, participants were asked to rate the validity and feasibility of the items using Likert-type scales ranging from 1 to 9 (where 1 = very invalid/unfeasible, 5 = uncertain, and 9 = very valid/feasible). In round 3, participants reviewed the results and comments from round 2 and were asked to provide final ratings. Items rated as highly valid and feasible (median scores ≥7 for each) in round 3 were selected as the provisional core set of items. A consensus meeting using a nominal group technique was conducted to further reduce the core set of items.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine experts from 16 countries participated in the Delphi exercise. Of the 31 items in the survey, consensus was achieved on 13, in the categories hypertension, renal insufficiency, proteinuria, and hemolysis. Eleven experts took part in the nominal group technique discussion, where consensus was achieved in 5 domains: blood pressure, acute kidney injury, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, target organ dysfunction, and renal histopathology.

CONCLUSION

A core set of items that characterize SRC was identified using consensus methodology. This core set will be used in future data-driven phases of this project to develop classification criteria for SRC.

Short-term progression of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis predicts long-term survival in two independent clinical trial cohorts

OBJECTIVE

To assess survival and identify predictors of survival in patients with systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) who participated in the Scleroderma Lung Studies (SLS) I and II.

METHODS

SLS I randomised 158 patients with SSc-ILD to 1  year of oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) vs placebo. SLS II randomised 142 patients to 1 year of oral CYC followed by 1 year of placebo vs 2 years of mycophenolate mofetil. Counting process Cox proportional hazard modelling identified variables associated with long-term mortality in SLS I and II. Internal validation was performed using joint modelling.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 8 years, 42% of SLS I patients died, and when known the cause of death was most often attributable to SSc. There was no significant difference in the time to death between treatment arms in SLS I or II. Higher baseline skin score, older age, and a decline in the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) over 2 years were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in SLS I. The Cox model identified the same mortality predictor variables using the SLS II data.

CONCLUSION

In addition to identifying traditional mortality risk factors in SSc (skin score, age), this study demonstrated that a decline in FVC and DLCO over 2 years was a better predictor of mortality than baseline FVC and DLCO. These findings suggest that short-term changes in surrogate measures of SSc-ILD progression may have important effects on long-term outcomes.

The Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network Cohort: baseline clinical features and comparison with other large scleroderma cohorts

Objectives

The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort is a web-based cohort designed to collect patient-reported outcomes at regular intervals as a framework for conducting trials of psychosocial, educational, self-management and rehabilitation interventions for patients with SSc. The aim of this study was to present baseline demographic, medical and patient-reported outcome data of the SPIN Cohort and to compare it with other large SSc cohorts.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to summarize SPIN Cohort characteristics; these were compared with published data of the European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) and Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) cohorts.

Results

Demographic, organ involvement and antibody profile data for SPIN (N = 1125) were generally comparable with that of the EUSTAR (N = 7319) and CSRG (N = 1390) cohorts. There was a high proportion of women and White patients in all cohorts, though relative proportions differed. Scl70 antibody frequency was highest in EUSTAR, somewhat lower in SPIN, and lowest in CSRG, consistent with the higher proportion of interstitial lung disease among dcSSc patients in SPIN compared with in CSRG (48.5 vs 40.3%). RNA polymerase III antibody frequency was highest in SPIN and remarkably lower in EUSTAR (21.1 vs 2.4%), in line with the higher prevalence of SSc renal crisis (4.5 vs 2.1%) in SPIN.

Conclusion

Although there are some differences, the SPIN Cohort is broadly comparable with other large prevalent SSc cohorts, increasing confidence that insights gained from the SPIN Cohort should be generalizable, although it should be noted that all three cohorts include primarily White participants.

Long-Term Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension From the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma Registry (PHAROS)

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcomes in patients with SSc-PAH.

METHODS

Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma is a prospective registry of patients with SSc at high risk for or with incident pulmonary hypertension from right heart catheterization. Incident World Health Organization group I PAH patients were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for the overall cohort and those who died of PAH. Multivariate Cox regression models identified predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Survival in 160 patients with incident SSc-PAH at 1, 3, 5, and 8 years was 95%, 75%, 63%, and 49%, respectively. PAH accounted for 52% of all deaths. When restricted to deaths from PAH, respective survival rates were 97%, 83%, 76%, and 76%, with 93% of PAH-related deaths occurring within 4 years of diagnosis. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 3.11; 95% CI, 1.38-6.98), diffuse disease (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.13-3.93), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) on ECG (HR, 1.06 95% CI, 1.01-1.11), mean PAP on right heart catheterization (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.001-1.07), 6-min walk distance (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99), and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.92) significantly affected survival on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall survival in PHAROS was higher than other SSc-PAH cohorts. PAH accounted for more than one-half of deaths and primarily within the first few years after PAH diagnosis. Optimization of treatment for those at greatest risk of early PAH-related death is crucial.

Patient acceptable symptom state in scleroderma: results from the tocilizumab compared with placebo trial in active diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Objectives

Patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) as an absolute state of well-being has shown promise as an outcome measure in many rheumatologic conditions. We aimed to assess whether PASS may be effective in active diffuse cutaneous SSc differentiating active from placebo.

Methods

Data from the phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Tocilizumab in Adults with Systemic Sclerosis (faSScinate) trial were used, which compared tocilizumab (TCZ) vs placebo over 48 weeks followed by an open-label TCZ period to 96 weeks. Three different types of PASS questions were evaluated at weeks 8, 24, 48 and 96, including if a current state would be acceptable over time as a yes vs no response and Likert scales about how acceptable a current state is if remaining over time. Additional outcomes assessed included modified Rodnan skin score, HAQ disability index (HAQ-DI), physician and patient global assessments on a visual analogue scale, CRP and ESR.

Results

The placebo group consisted of 44 patients and the TCZ group had 43 patients. At baseline, 33% achieved a PASS for all three PASS questions, with the proportion increasing to 69, 71 and 78%, respectively, at 96 weeks. Changes in PASS scores showed a moderately negative correlation with HAQ-DI and patient and physician global assessments visual analogue scales, which indicates expected improvements as PASS improved. The PASS question, 'Considering all of the ways your scleroderma has affected you, how acceptable would you rate your level of symptoms?' showed significant correlations with patient-reported outcomes and differentiating placebo vs TCZ at 48 weeks (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

PASS may be used as a patient-centred outcome in SSc, especially as a 7-point Likert scale. Further validation is required to determine the utility as an outcome measure in trials and clinical practice.

Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab in systemic sclerosis: results from the open-label period of a phase II randomised controlled trial (faSScinate)

Objectives

Assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a phase II study.

Methods

Patients with SSc were treated for 48 weeks in an open-label extension phase of the faSScinate study with weekly 162 mg subcutaneous tocilizumab. Exploratory end points included modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and per cent predicted forced vital capacity (%pFVC) through week 96.

Results

Overall, 24/44 (55%) placebo-tocilizumab and 27/43 (63%) continuous-tocilizumab patients completed week 96. Observed mean (SD (95% CI)) change from baseline in mRSS was –3.1 (6.3 (–5.4 to –0.9)) for placebo and –5.6 (9.1 (–8.9 to–2.4)) for tocilizumab at week 48 and –9.4 (5.6 (–8.9 to –2.4)) for placebo-tocilizumab and –9.1 (8.7 (–12.5 to –5.6)) for continuous-tocilizumab at week 96. Of patients who completed week 96, any decline in %pFVC was observed for 10/24 (42% (95% CI 22% to 63%)) placebo-tocilizumab and 12/26 (46% (95% CI 27% to 67%)) continuous-tocilizumab patients in the open-label period; no patients had >10% absolute decline in %pFVC. Serious infection rates/100 patient-years (95% CI) were 10.9 (3.0 to 27.9) with placebo and 34.8 (18.0 to 60.8) with tocilizumab during the double-blind period by week 48 and 19.6 (7.2 to 42.7) with placebo-tocilizumab and 0.0 (0.0 to 12.2) with continuous-tocilizumab during the open-label period.

Conclusions

Skin score improvement and FVC stabilisation in the double-blind period were observed in placebo-treated patients who transitioned to tocilizumab and were maintained in the open-label period. Safety data indicated increased serious infections in patients with SSc but no new safety signals with tocilizumab.

Trial registration number

NCT01532869; Results.

Examination of the association of sex and race/ethnicity with appearance concerns: a Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Appearance concerns are common in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and have been linked to younger age and more severe disease. No study has examined their association with sex or race/ethnicity.

METHODS

SSc patients were sampled from the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Cohort. Presence of appearance concerns was assessed with a single item, and medical and sociodemographic information were collected.

RESULTS

Of 644 patients, appearance concerns were present in 72%, including 421 of 565 women (75%), 42 of 79 men (53%), 392 of 550 patients who identified as White (71%), 35 of 41 who identified as Black (85%), and 36 of 53 who identified as another race/ethnicity (68%). In multivariate analysis, women had significantly greater odds of reporting appearance concerns than men (odds ratio (OR)=2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.78-4.95, p<.001). Black patients had significantly greater odds of appearance concerns than White patients in unadjusted (OR=2.64, 95% CI=1.01-6.34, p=.030), but not multivariate analysis (OR=1.76, 95% CI=0.67-4.60, p=.250). Compared to a general population sample, appearance concerns were substantially more common in SSc, particularly for men across all age groups and for younger women. The most commonly reported features of concern were related to the face and head, followed by the hands and fingers; this did not differ by sex or race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Appearance concerns were common in SSc. Women were substantially more likely than men to have appearance concerns. Although non-significant in multivariate analysis, Black patients were more likely to have concerns than White patients, likely due to more severe changes in appearance.

Mycophenolate mofetil versus oral cyclophosphamide in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease (SLS II): a randomised controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial

BACKGROUND

12 months of oral cyclophosphamide has been shown to alter the progression of scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease when compared with placebo. However, toxicity was a concern and without continued treatment the efficacy disappeared by 24 months. We hypothesised that a 2 year course of mycophenolate mofetil would be safer, better tolerated, and produce longer lasting improvements than cyclophosphamide.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, parallel group trial enrolled patients from 14 US medical centres with scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease meeting defined dyspnoea, pulmonary function, and high-resolution CT (HRCT) criteria. The data coordinating centre at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, CA, USA), randomly assigned patients using a double-blind, double-dummy, centre-blocked design to receive either mycophenolate mofetil (target dose 1500 mg twice daily) for 24 months or oral cyclophosphamide (target dose 2·0 mg/kg per day) for 12 months followed by placebo for 12 months. Drugs were given in matching 250 mg gel capsules. The primary endpoint, change in forced vital capacity as a percentage of the predicted normal value (FVC %) over the course of 24 months, was assessed in a modified intention-to-treat analysis using an inferential joint model combining a mixed-effects model for longitudinal outcomes and a survival model to handle non-ignorable missing data. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00883129.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 28, 2009, and Jan 14, 2013, 142 patients were randomly assigned to either mycophenolate mofetil (n=69) or cyclophosphamide (n=73). 126 patients (mycophenolate mofetil [n=63] and cyclophosphamide [n=63]) with acceptable baseline HRCT studies and at least one outcome measure were included in the primary analysis. The adjusted % predicted FVC improved from baseline to 24 months by 2·19 in the mycophenolate mofetil group (95% CI 0·53-3·84) and 2·88 in the cyclophosphamide group (1·19-4·58). The course of the % FVC did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups based on the prespecified primary analysis using a joint model (p=0·24), indicating that the trial was negative for the primary endpoint. However, in a post-hoc analysis of the primary endpoint, the within-treatment change from baseline to 24 months derived from the joint model showed that the % FVC improved significantly in both the mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide groups. 16 (11%) patients died (five [7%] mycophenolate mofetil and 11 [15%] cyclophosphamide), with most due to progressive interstitial lung disease. Leucopenia (30 patients vs four patients) and thrombocytopenia (four vs zero) occurred more often in patients given cyclophosphamide than mycophenolate mofetil. Fewer patients on mycophenolate mofetil than on cyclophosphamide prematurely withdrew from study drug (20 vs 32) or met prespecified criteria for treatment failure (zero vs two). The time to stopping treatment was shorter in the cyclophosphamide group (p=0·019).

INTERPRETATION

Treatment of scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease with mycophenolate mofetil for 2 years or cyclophosphamide for 1 year both resulted in significant improvements in prespecified measures of lung function over the 2 year course of the study. Although mycophenolate mofetil was better tolerated and associated with less toxicity, the hypothesis that it would have greater efficacy at 24 months than cyclophosphamide was not confirmed. These findings support the potential clinical effectiveness of both cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil for progressive scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease, and the present preference for mycophenolate mofetil because of its better tolerability and toxicity profile.

FUNDING

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; with drug supply provided by Hoffmann-La Roche and Genentech.

Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab in adults with systemic sclerosis (faSScinate): a phase 2, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is a rare disabling autoimmune disease with few treatment options. The efficacy and safety of tocilizumab, an interleukin 6 receptor-α inhibitor, was assessed in the faSScinate phase 2 trial in patients with systemic sclerosis.

METHODS

We did this double-blind, placebo-controlled study at 35 hospitals in Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the USA. We enrolled adults with progressive systemic sclerosis of 5 or fewer years' duration from first non-Raynaud's sign or symptom. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to weekly subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 mg or placebo. The primary endpoint was the difference in mean change from baseline in modified Rodnan skin score at 24 weeks. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01532869.

FINDINGS

We enrolled 87 patients: 43 assigned to tocilizumab and 44 assigned to placebo. The least squares mean change in modified Rodnan skin score at 24 weeks was -3·92 in the tocilizumab group and -1·22 in the placebo group (difference -2·70, 95% CI -5·85 to 0·45; p=0·0915). The least squares mean change at 48 weeks was -6·33 in the tocilizumab group and -2·77 in the placebo group (treatment difference -3·55, 95% CI -7·23 to 0·12; p=0·0579). In one of several exploratory analyses, fewer patients in the tocilizumab group than in the placebo group had a decline in percent predicted forced vital capacity at 48 weeks (p=0·0373). However, we detected no significant difference in disability, fatigue, itching, or patient or clinician global disease severity. 42 (98%) of 43 patients in the tocilizumab group versus 40 (91%) of 44 in the placebo group had adverse events. 14 (33%) versus 15 (34%) had serious adverse events. Serious infections were more common in the tocilizumab group (seven [16%] of 43 patients) than in the placebo group (two [5%] of 44). One patient died in relation to tocilizumab treatment.

INTERPRETATION

Tocilizumab was not associated with a significant reduction in skin thickening. However, the difference was greater in the tocilizumab group than in the placebo group and we found some evidence of less decline in forced vital capacity. The efficacy and safety of tocilizumab should be investigated in a phase 3 trial before definitive conclusions can be made about its risks and benefits.

FUNDING

F Hoffmann-La Roche, Genentech.

The Recurrence of Digital Ulcers in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis after Discontinuation of Oral Treprostinil

OBJECTIVE

Prior studies investigating the efficacy of oral treprostinil to treat digital ulcers (DU) in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated Raynaud phenomenon have yielded conflicting results. In this investigation, we examined whether DU burden increased after patients withdrew from oral treprostinil that was administered during an open-label extension study.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted to determine DU burden in the year after withdrawal from oral treprostinil. DU burden 3-6 months (Time A) and > 6-12 months (Time B) after drug withdrawal was compared with DU burden at baseline, defined as the last day receiving drug in the open-label extension study, by a paired Student t test. Changes in DU burden while receiving drug in the open-label study were compared with changes in DU burden at Time B by a paired Student t test.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients from 9 clinical sites were included for analysis. DU burden increased significantly from baseline (mean 0.47) to Time A (mean 2.1, p = 0.002, n = 23) and Time B (mean 1.45, p = 0.013, n = 30). Total DU burden decreased during oral treprostinil exposure (mean change -0.6) and then increased by Time B (mean change 1.05, p = 0.0027 for comparison, n = 30). In the year after drug withdrawal, many patients required vasodilator therapy and pain medications. Three patients were hospitalized for complications from DU, and 4 patients required surgery for DU.

CONCLUSION

Total DU burden increased significantly after discontinuation of oral treprostinil. These data provide supportive evidence of a beneficial effect of oral treprostinil for the vascular complications of SSc and suggest that further study is warranted.

The American College of Rheumatology Provisional Composite Response Index for Clinical Trials in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) is characterized by rapid changes in the skin and internal organs. The objective of this study was to develop a composite response index in dcSSc (CRISS) for use in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

We developed 150 paper patient profiles with standardized clinical outcome elements (core set items) using patients with dcSSc. Forty scleroderma experts rated 20 patient profiles each and assessed whether each patient had improved or not improved over a period of 1 year. Using the profiles for which raters had reached a consensus on whether the patients were improved versus not improved (79% of the profiles examined), we fit logistic regression models in which the binary outcome referred to whether the patient was improved or not, and the changes in the core set items from baseline to followup were entered as covariates. We tested the final index in a previously completed RCT.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 31 core items were included in the patient profiles after a consensus meeting and review of test characteristics of patient-level data. In the logistic regression model in which the included core set items were change over 1 year in the modified Rodnan skin thickness score, the forced vital capacity, the patient and physician global assessments, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, sensitivity was 0.982 (95% confidence interval 0.982-0.983) and specificity was 0.931 (95% confidence interval 0.930-0.932), and the model with these 5 items had the highest face validity. Subjects with a significant worsening of renal or cardiopulmonary involvement were classified as not improved, regardless of improvements in other core items. With use of the index, the effect of methotrexate could be differentiated from the effect of placebo in a 1-year RCT (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

We have developed a CRISS that is appropriate for use as an outcome assessment in RCTs of early dcSSc.

The American College of Rheumatology Provisional Composite Response Index for Clinical Trials in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) is characterized by rapid changes in the skin and internal organs. The objective of this study was to develop a composite response index in dcSSc (CRISS) for use in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

We developed 150 paper patient profiles with standardized clinical outcome elements (core set items) using patients with dcSSc. Forty scleroderma experts rated 20 patient profiles each and assessed whether each patient had improved or not improved over a period of 1 year. Using the profiles for which raters had reached a consensus on whether the patients were improved versus not improved (79% of the profiles examined), we fit logistic regression models in which the binary outcome referred to whether the patient was improved or not, and the changes in the core set items from baseline to followup were entered as covariates. We tested the final index in a previously completed RCT.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 31 core items were included in the patient profiles after a consensus meeting and review of test characteristics of patient-level data. In the logistic regression model in which the included core set items were change over 1 year in the modified Rodnan skin thickness score, the forced vital capacity, the patient and physician global assessments, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, sensitivity was 0.982 (95% confidence interval 0.982-0.983) and specificity was 0.931 (95% confidence interval 0.930-0.932), and the model with these 5 items had the highest face validity. Subjects with a significant worsening of renal or cardiopulmonary involvement were classified as not improved, regardless of improvements in other core items. With use of the index, the effect of methotrexate could be differentiated from the effect of placebo in a 1-year RCT (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

We have developed a CRISS that is appropriate for use as an outcome assessment in RCTs of early dcSSc.

Genetic susceptibility loci of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia do not represent risk for systemic sclerosis: a case control study in Caucasian patients

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) has phenotypic similarities to lung involvement in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). We aimed to assess whether genetic susceptibility loci recently identified in the large IIP genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were also risk loci for SSc overall or severity of ILD in SSc.

METHODS

A total of 2571 SSc patients and 4500 healthy controls were investigated from the US discovery GWAS and additional US replication cohorts. Thirteen IIP-related selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped and analyzed for their association with SSc.

RESULTS

We found an association of SSc with the SNP rs6793295 in the LRRC34 gene (OR = 1.14, CI 95 % 1.03 to 1.25, p value = 0.009) and rs11191865 in the OBFC1 gene (OR = 1.09, CI 95 % 1.00 to 1.19, p value = 0.043) in the discovery cohort. Additionally, rs7934606 in MUC2 (OR = 1.24, CI 95 % 1.01 to 1.52, p value = 0.037) was associated with SSc-ILD defined by imaging. However, these associations failed to replicate in the validation cohort. Furthermore, SNPs rs2076295 in DSP (β = -2.29, CI 95 % -3.85 to -0.74, p value = 0.004) rs17690703 in SPPL2C (β = 2.04, CI 95 % 0.21 to 3.88, p value = 0.029) and rs1981997 in MAPT (β = 2.26, CI 95 % 0.35 to 4.17, p value = 0.02) were associated with percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) even after adjusting for the anti-topoisomerase (ATA)-positive subset. However, these associations also did not replicate in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results add new evidence that SSc and SSc-related ILD are genetically distinct from IIP, although they share phenotypic similarities.

Survival in systemic sclerosis-pulmonary arterial hypertension by serum autoantibody status in the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) Registry

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between serum autoantibodies and survival in patients with incident systemic sclerosis (SSc)-pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) enrolled in the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) Registry.

METHODS

Patients with definite PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterization within 6 months of registry enrollment were studied. Serum autoantibodies were assayed at each participating institution's clinical laboratory. Mortality data were collected from electronic medical records and/or the Social Security Death Index. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were reported for five autoantibody groups (anticentromere/AC, nucleolar ANA/NUC, anti-topoisomerase/Scl-70, overlapping or non-specific autoantibodies/other, and a combined group with similar survival consisting of RNA polymerase III, U1RNP, and autoantibody-negative patients). Cox proportional hazards models permitted examination of the association between autoantibody groups and overall survival, controlling for age, sex, race, and SSc disease duration.

RESULTS

In all, 162 subjects had PAH, and serum autoantibody and survival information; 60 (37%) had AC, 39 (24%) NUC, 11 (7%) Scl-70, 28 (17%) had other, 9 (6%) RNA pol, 8 (5%) U1RNP autoantibodies, and 7 (4%) had negative antibodies; 32 (20%) subjects died over a median follow-up time of 2.1 years (range: 0.01-6.8); 1- and 3-year survival estimates were, respectively, 94% and 78% for AC, 94% and 72% for NUC, 89% and 63% for Scl-70, 92% and 79% for the other group, and 100% and 93% for the combined group. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios revealed no statistically significant association between risk of death and autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

Anticentromere and NUC autoantibodies are prevalent in SSc-PAH patients. An association between serum autoantibodies and survival in patients with SSc-PAH was not identified in the PHAROS cohort.

Optimal management of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis

Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcerations are two common clinical features seen in patients with systemic sclerosis. They are painful and lead to significant morbidity and altered hand function within this patient population. While currently there are no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for the treatment of digital ulcerations in the United States, clinical trials have supported the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities in facilitating healing of existing digital ulcers and preventing formation of new ulcers. This article reviews the published data on these therapeutic options.

Cardiac metabolomics and autopsy in a patient with early diffuse systemic sclerosis presenting with dyspnea: a case report

Introduction

Diffuse systemic sclerosis is associated with high mortality; however, the pathogenesis of cardiac death in these patients is not clear.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with dyspnea and requested to donate her body to science in order to improve understanding of diffuse systemic sclerosis pathogenesis. She had extensive testing for dyspnea including pulmonary function tests, an echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and right heart catheterization to characterize her condition. Her case highlights the morbidity seen in this disease, including the presence of extensive skin thickening, digital ulcerations, and scleroderma renal crisis.

Conclusion

In this case report, we present the finding of cardiac tissue metabolomics, which may indicate a problem with vasodilation as a contributor to cardiac death in diffuse systemic sclerosis. The use of autopsy and tissue metabolomics in rare disease may help clarify disease pathogenesis.