AB0441 PREDICTORS OF CLASI RESPONSE OVER TIME IN A MULTICENTRIC REAL LIFE COHORT OF SLE PATIENTS TREATED WITH BELIMUMAB

Background

Over 80% of patients affected with SLE experience skin involvement. The anti-BLyS drug belimumab was shown effective in ameliorating mucocutaneous SLE manifestations in clinical trials and real-life studies. Cutaneous response is quantified through the CLASI (cutaneous lupus erythematosus area and severity index). Clinically relevant improvements are defined as decreases of ≥50% (CLASI50) or 70% (CLASI70) from baseline values.

Objectives

To assess rates and predictors of CLASI50 and CLASI70 in the Berliss multicentric SLE cohort1 of patients treated with belimumab.

Methods

Baseline and ongoing features of patients with baseline active skin involvement (CLASI>0) were assessed in relationship to the chosen outcomes CLASI50 and CLASI70 at 24 and 52 weeks. A subanalysis on patients with CLASI≥5 was as well conducted. Logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of response.

Results

172 patients displayed skin involvement at baseline (CLASI>0). Of those, 124 displayed at least a 12-month-follow-up and were included in the analysis. Seventy-seven (62.1%) patients reached CLASI50 at 24 weeks and 91 (77.8%) at 52 weeks; 87 (70.2%) reached CLASI70 at 24 and 99 (79.8%) at 52 weeks. Baseline predictors of CLASI50 at 24 weeks were CLASI-damage (CLASI-d) (OR [95%CI], p; 0.79 [0.65-0.98] 0.03) and disease duration (0.93[0.86-0.99], 0.011). No baseline predictors of CLASI70 at 24 weeks emerged, however having achieved a CLASI50 response at 24 weeks portended CLASI50 and 70 response through week 52 (p<0.01, Table 1). In the subgroup of patients with CLASI≥5, longer disease and increased CLASI-d at baseline confirmed as negative predictors of CLASI50 at 24 weeks. In this subset, use of antimalarials and active smoking at baseline predicted CLASI70 at 24 weeks (Table 1).

Table 1.

Predictors of CLASI-A Response at Week 24 and 52 by Baseline CLASI-A at 50% and 70% Response Thresholds

TimepointOutcomeVariableOR[95%CI] pCLASI>024 weeksCLASI50CLASI-d0.79 [0.65-0.98] 0.030Disease duration0.93[0.86-0.99], 0.011CLASI70CLASI-d0.93 [0.74-1.16], 0.51Disease duration0.97 [0.97-1.02], 0.1852 weeksCLASI50CLASI50 at 24 weeks14.3[4.88-44.42], <0.001CLASI70CLASI50 at 24 weeks6.22 [2.00-19.34], 0.002CLASI≥524 weeksCLASI50CLASI-d0.72 [0.53-0.98], 0.037Disease duration0.93 [0.66-1.00], 0.071CLASI70Antimalarials6.61 [1.20-36.29] 0.032Smoking0.15 [0.03-0.83], 0.03452 weeksCLASI50CLASI50 at 24 weeks22.0 [2.47-196.05], 0.006CLASI70CLASI50 at 24 weeks1.24 [0.06-25.08], 0.88

CLASI, cutaneous lupus erythematosus area and severity index; CLASI-d, CLASI damage; CLASI50 and CLASI70: decrease ≥50% or ≥70% in CLASI from baseline. OR and 95%CIs are estimated using a logistic regression model with stratification factors as covariates (SLEDAI-2K at baseline, baseline prednisone dosage).

Conclusion

Earlier use of belimumab favors achievement of skin response among SLE patients and attainment of a prompt response predicts further response. Use of antimalarials reinforces while smoking hampers a more profound CLASI improvement over time.

References:

[1]Gatto M, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 Aug;72(8):1314-1324

Disclosure of Interests

Mariele Gatto Speakers bureau: GSK, Grant/research support from: GSK, Roberto Depascale: None declared, Angela Tincani: None declared, Giacomo Emmi: None declared, Salvatore Scarpato: None declared, Fabrizio Conti: None declared, Marcello Govoni: None declared, Marta Mosca: None declared, Maria Gerosa: None declared, Enrica Bozzolo: None declared, Valentina Canti: None declared, Armando Gabrielli: None declared, Elisa Gremese: None declared, Salvatore De Vita: None declared, francesco ciccia: None declared, Carlo Salvarani: None declared, Maurizio Rossini: None declared, Paola Faggioli: None declared, Antonella Laria: None declared, Amato De Paulis: None declared, Roberto Gerli: None declared, Enrico Brunetta: None declared, Alessandro Mathieu: None declared, Carlo Selmi: None declared, Rossella De Angelis: None declared, Simone Negrini: None declared, Margherita Zen: None declared, Andrea Doria Speakers bureau: GSK, Eli Lilly, Roche, Grant/research support from: GSK, Luca Iaccarino Speakers bureau: GSK, Grant/research support from: GSK

POS0787 THE EFFECT OF ANTI-RIBOSOMAL-P AND ANTI-NR2 ANTIBODIES ON FUNCTIONAL BRAIN MRI NETWORKS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION AND BEHAVIORAL COGNITIVE DISORDERS

Background

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) and mood disorders (MD) are among the most frequent neuropsychiatric (NP) events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), but their pathogenesis has not been clarified yet. Until now, an unquestionable correlation between the presence of specific autoantibodies, brain alterations and the presence of CDs and MDs in SLE is lacking.

Objectives

The primary aim of the study was to explore the effects of anti-NR2 (anti-DWEYS) and anti-ribosomal-P (anti-P) antibodies on CDs and MDs and their relation with functional brain connectivity in patients affected by SLE.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, between April 2019 and February 2020, including adult patients who fulfilled the ACR/EULAR 2019 SLE criteria.

Demographics, ongoing medications, SLEDAI and SLICC/Damage Index were recorded. Serum level quantification for anti-P (normal values <18 U/ml) and anti-NR2 (normal values <0.5 OD) antibodies were performed using an ELISA. A battery of neuropsychological testing was interpreted by a neuropsychologist, exploring cognitive domains, depression and quality of life. A resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) MRI analysis was performed within 2 weeks since the neuropsychological status assessments. Two region of interest to region of interest (ROI-to-ROI) analyses with the graph theory was performed.

Results

Thirty-three SLE patients (9% male) were enrolled, mean age 43.5 (+-14) years, and median disease duration of 10.4 years (IQR 2.9-25.4) (Table 1). Anti-P were positive (range 0-255 U/ml) in 6 patients (18.2%) and anti-DWEYS (range 0-1.8 OD) in 14 (42.4%). Nineteen out of 33 patients (57.6%) showed at least a cognitive test alteration, but no significant association with antibodies was found. Depression was found in 14 (42.4%) patients using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) as screening instrument. In multiple regression backward models, after correction for age, disease duration, SLEDAI and SDI, the CES-D showed an independent association with anti-P titre (β= 0.32 per U/ml; p=0.049) and prednisone daily dose (β=0.38 per mg/day; p=0.023). The rs-fc MRI analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the titre of anti-P and many altered properties of the brain ROIs (Figure 1), but no effects of PDN daily dose on specific cerebral networks.

Table 1.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients in total, Legend: PDN: Prednisone; LLDAS: Lupus Low Disease Activity State; OD: Optical density

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants(N=33)Age, years mean (DS)43.5 (14.0)Gender (M, %)3 (9%)Disease duration, months median (IQR)124.4 (34.7-305)SLEDAI-2k mediane (IQR)4 (0-14)Dose PDN mg/daily median (IQR)6.4 (3.8-13.5)LLDAS N, %12 (36,4%)SLICC-DI mediane (IQR)0 (0-1)Ongoing treatment25 (75.8%)Hydroxychloroquine30 (90.9%)Immunosuppressive9 (27.3%)BiologicsEducation less than 8 years13 (39.4%)Anti-Rib-P N, %6 (18.2%)Anti-Rib-P (U/ml) mean (DS)10.9 (5.7-13.3)Anti-DWEYS N, %14 (42.4%)Anti-DWEYS (OD) mean (DS)0.4 (0.25-0.67)Anti-phospholipids N, %11 (33.3%)anti-dsDNA N, %18 (54.5%)anti-dsDNA Titre mediane (IQR)22.5 (2.9-74.5)Figure 1.

Results of rs-fc MR Analysis 1 (effects of Anti-rib-P titre) on cerebral networks. The regions with decreased and increased property are shown in blue and red nodes, respectively (p< 0.01). The node size represents the significance of the between-group differences in the nodal degree.

Conclusion

Anti-P antibodies are associated with depressive symptoms and changes of brain network properties in SLE patients, which add knowledge on their pathogenetic effect.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0631 Impact of Behçet’s Syndrome on work activity and productivity: results from a sub-analysis of the BODI Project cohort

Background

Behçet’s Syndrome (BS) is a multisystem recurring inflammatory disorder characterised by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, which can vary from limited mucocutaneous lesions up to severe and even life-threatening events.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of BS on the patients’ work activity and productivity.

Methods

A sub-cohort of 148 patients from the original Behçet’s syndrome Overall Damage Index (BODI) Project study was enrolled. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: General Health (WPAI:GH) questionnaire was administered. Demographics, disease duration, comorbidity, major organ involvement, ongoing therapy, Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF), Physician Global Assessment (PGA), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA), and the BODI were recorded. Multiple regression models were built to investigate the independent effect of BS features on WPAI.

Results

Overall, 97 (65.6%) out of 148 patients who completed the WPAI:GH questionnaire resulted working for pay; 22 out of 97 (27.8%) patients reported missing work in the past week due to their health, accounting for a mean (SD) of 34.4% (17.8) of their working time (absenteeism). The only factor significantly associated with absenteeism in multivariate analysis was the presence of ocular damage, as assessed by the BODI (β 0.255, p = 0.027).

Although 93 patients reported that they worked in the previous week, mean 27.3% (30.7) of their actual work productivity was impaired due to their health problem (presenteeism), with only 37 (38.5%) patients reporting no such loss. Factors associated with work impairment were female gender (β 0.319, p = 0.001), higher PtGA (β 0.298, p = 0.002), and an increased BODI score in the last 2 years follow-up (β 0.212 for one-point increased BODI score, p = 0.024).

Finally, 99 (66.9%) of the total 148 patients complained of a daily activity impairment, reporting that a mean of 33.3% (30.6) of their regular daily activities had been prevented due to their health problems. Factors significantly associated with patients’ daily activity impairment were younger age at enrolment (β 0.187, p = 0.021), higher BDCAF disease activity (β 0.235, p = 0.002) and fibromyalgia (β 0.324, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

BS can lead to missing work time and significantly affect both the patient’s work productivity and daily activities. Active disease seems to be one of the major determinants together with a higher burden of damage and the association of some specific comorbidities, such as fibromyalgia.

Table 1.

WPAI:GH questionnaire results

Variablesn°Mean (SD)All patients148Patients working for pay97Percent work time missed due to health977.9 (21.7)Percent work time missed due to health (patients with missed time >0) *2234.4 (17.8)Patients who actually worked in the past seven days**93Percent impairment while working due to health9327.3 (30.7)Percent impairment while working due to health (pts with % impairment while working > 0) ***5645.4 (27.2)Percent activity impairment due to health14833.3 (30.6)Percent activity impairment due to health (those with % activity impairment >0)9949.8 (23.9)

* Patients working for pay who missed at least on hour of work, 22/97 = 22.7%.

** Patients working for pay, but who worked for > 0 hours in the last week = 93/97

*** Patients with impairment while working > 0 among patients who actually worked in the previous 7 day = 56/93.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0636 Relationship between organ damage and impairment of health-related quality of life in patients with Behçet’s Syndrome: results from a longitudinal extension of the BODI Project

Background

Preventing accrual of organ damage represents a primary goal in the treatment of Behçet’s Syndrome (BS), as it may result in impairment of other outcomes, including the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the recent accrual of organ damage, rather than its extent at a single time point, correlate with an impairment of the HR-QoL.

Methods

A sub-analysis of data from patients recruited in the longitudinal phase of the BODI Project validation cohort was performed. The HR-QoL and damage were measured by the Short-form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) and the BS Overall Damage Index (BODI), respectively, at the baseline visit and at a follow-up (FU) 24 ±3 months later. Then the possible increase of damage over FU was assessed by calculating the difference between the BODI score (Δ-BODI) in the two visits. Then, the relationship between the Δ-BODI and the individual and summary domains of the SF-36 was analysed by building multivariate regression models, including age, gender, concomitant fibromyalgia and/or depression, current disease activity as assessed by the BDCAF, as confounding variables.

Results

From the BODI validation cohort, 147 patients were recruitable for this sub-analysis;73 (49.8%) were males. The mean (SD) age and disease duration at enrolment were, respectively, 46.2 (12.4) and 13.4 (10.1) years. BODI score did not influence the SF-36 domains assessed at the baseline visit. In contrast, a significant correlation was recorded between the Δ-BODI and the following SF-36 domains: physical function (PF) (β -0.158 for 1 unit increase in BODI score, p 0.025), role physical (RP) (β -0.150, p 0.044), general health (GH) (β -0.199, p 0.004), role emotional (RE) (β -0.180, p 0.001), mental health (MH) (β -0.244, p 0.001), and the mental components summary (MCS) (-0.203, p 0.008)(Figure 1). Gender, age, fibromyalgia and disease activity were also confirmed to significantly influence HR-QoL (Table 1).

Table 1.

Multiple regression for the assessment of the relationship between Δ-BODI and SF-36 domains

Δ-BODIMaleAgeFBMDPRBDCAFPhysical function (PF)-0.158 (p 0.025)0.180 (p 0.010)-0.299 (p<0.001)-0.358 (p<0.001)-- (p 0.552)-0.141 (p 0.044)Role-physical (RP)-0.150 (p 0.044)0.154 (p 0.039)-0.212 (p 0.001)-0.278 (p<0.001)-- (0.086)-0.251 (p<0.001)Body-pain (BP)-- 0.8680.266 (p<0.001)-0.286 (p<0.001)-0.276 (p<0.001)-- (p 0.799)-262 (p<0.001)General health (GH)-0.199 (p 0.004)0.187 (p 0.010)-- (0.136)-0.296 (p<0.001)-- (0.861)-0.352 (p<0.001)Vitality (VT)-- (p 0.868)0.238 (p 0.001)-0.178 (p 0.008)-0.213 (0.002)-- (p 0.855)-0.371 (p<0.001)Social function (SF)-- (p 0.239)0.299 (p 0.004)-0.166 (p 0.024)-0.242 (p 0.001)-- (0.831)-0.202 (p 0.010)Role emotional (RE)-0.180 0.003)0.158 (p 0.047)-0.157 (p 0.048)-0.233 (p 0.003)-- (0.531)-0.191 (p 0.016)Mental health (MH)-0.244 (p 0.001)-- (p 0.142)-- (p 0.142)-0.292 (p<0.001)-- (p 0.073)-0.254 (p 0.001)Physical Component Summary (PCS)-- 0.1050.229 (p 0.001)-0.298 (p<0.001)-0.296 (p<0.001)-0.254 (p<0.001)Mental Component Summary (MCS)-0.203 (p 0.008)-- (p 0.068)-- (0.246)-0.255 (p 0.001)-- (0.122)-0.302 (p<0.001)

FBM: fibromyalgia; DPR: depression

Conclusion

The recent accrual of organ damage, rather than its extent assessed in a single visit, is associated with impairment of different aspects of heath related quality of life, especially those mental related. Such phenomenon is similar to that observed in other systemic rheumatic disease, may be due to coping mechanisms.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0630 Assessment of organ damage accrual in Behçet's Syndrome over 2-year follow-up: results from the BODI Project longitudinal extension

Background

Preventing accrual of organ damage is a major goal in the treatment of Behçet’s Syndrome (BS). The BS Overall Damage Index (BODI) is the first damage assessment tool developed and preliminarily validated for BS.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, extent, and determinants of organ damage accrual in the BODI validation cohort over 24 months of follow-up.

Methods

Overall, 189 patients from the multicenter BODI cohort underwent a 24 ±3 months follow-up (FU) visit. Demographics, ongoing medication, Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score, Physician (PGA) and Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) of disease activity, disease relapsing (defined by any treatment change due to increased disease activity), and the BODI score were recorded. Damage accrual was defined as any increase ≥1 in the BODI score between baseline and follow-up visit (Δ-BODI). Logistic regression models were built to identify factors associated with BODI damage accrual.

Results

The mean age (standard deviation) at enrolment and the disease duration was 46.2 (12.1) and 10.8 (8.3) years, respectively, and 92/189 (48.7%) patients were males. During 24 months, 36 (19.0%) patients had an increase in the BODI score of at least 1 point (mean increase of 1.7 points). The BODI score increased from 1.6 (2.1) to 1.9 (2.1), with a mean Δ-BODI of 0.3 (0.8). Overall, 61 new BODI items of damage were recorded (Figure 1); 22 (34%) were steroid-related (diabetes, osteoporotic fractures, cataract). Factors independently associated with increased BODI score were longer glucocorticoids exposure (OR 1.01 per month, 95%CI 1.01-1.02, p<0.001), and occurrence of flares (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.1-8.9, p = 0.035), whereas stable treatment with conventional and/or biologic immunosuppressants was negatively associated with an increase in the BODI score (OR 0.19, 95% 0.07-0.97, p <0.001) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Determinants of organ damage accrual over 2 years of follow-up.

Univariate analysisMultivariate analysisCandidate determinantsΔ-BODI ≥1 (n 36)Δ-BODI = 0 (n 153)pOR (95%CI)pMales16 (44.4%)76 (49.7%)0.572Age at enrolment56.2 (42.9-62.0)46.6 (35.4-53.1)0.001----Disease duration12.9 (7.1-22.0)11.1 (5.4-21.2)0.483Major organ involv.22 (61.1%)72 (47.1%)0,129BDCAF at BL3 (0-5)2. (0-5)0.365BDCAF at FU visit3.0 (3-5)3 (0-7)0.188GC duration112 (26.0-147.0)24.0 (8.0-72.0)<0.0011.012 (1.006-1.018<0.001cIS or TNFì ever24 (66.7%)133 (86.9%)0.0040.194 (0.073-0.972)<0.001Relapse9 (25.0%)20 (13.1%)0.0703.093 (1.066-8.972)0.038BODI score at BL1.0 (0-2.0)1 (0-2)0.579

Continuous variables are presented as median (IQR). Dichotomic variable are presented as n (%). BODI, Behçet’s Syndrome Overall Damage Index. FU, follow-up. cIS, conventional immunosuppressant. Δ-BODI increase of BODI score from baseline to the FU visit.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high disease duration in the studied cohort, organ damage accrual was recorded in a relevant proportion of patients. BODI proved to capture the damage associated with major determinants such as inadequate control of disease activity and prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Sensitivity study to select the wet deposition scheme in an operational atmospheric transport model

The ability of operational atmospheric transport models to simulate the soil contamination caused by deposition processes is important in the response to a nuclear crisis. The Fukushima accident was characterized by wet deposition of Cs-137, which is difficult to simulate accurately based on observations. A sensitivity study investigated seven wet deposition schemes integrated into operational atmospheric transport models. Deposition maps produced from the multiple simulations are compared with each other and with the observed deposition. Similarities and discrepancies in average behavior are presented for a number of modeling cases on the basis of criteria representing soil contamination crisis management needs. This study confirms the importance of the wet deposition scheme in a crisis management context. None of the schemes used in the study are the best option to satisfy all the comparison criteria. This study suggests that crisis managers must not exclusively trust a single model for selecting responses. At the current time, it is preferable to use several wet deposition schemes in the modelling tools for emergency responses.

POS0751 COMORBIDITY AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART BLOCK: PRELIMINARY DATA OF THE ITALIAN REGISTRY ON THE IMMUNE-MEDIATED CONGENITAL HEART BLOCK

Background:

Congenital heart block (CHB) is due to placental transfer of maternal anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies to the fetus. The prevalence of CHB has been estimated as 1-2% in anti-Ro/SSA women while the recurrence rate is 16-19% (1). This condition is associated with a high rate of fetal/neonatal mortality and most of the cases requires pacemaker (PM) pacing. Given the rarity of CHB, limited data are available regarding the long-term follow-up of the offspring other than the cardiovascular complications.

Objectives:

The results of the Italian Registry of the autoimmune congenital heart block were recently described (2). A peculiarity of this cohort was that most of the mothers had an established diagnosis of systemic autoimmune disease at CHB detection, in contrast with other registries where CHB was mostly incidentally detected in healthy women. Here we report an update, with the preliminary data regarding the long-term outcome of patients with CHB, their unaffected siblings and health controls born from mothers positive for Ro/SSA.

Methods:

Data regarding demography, treatment, maternal, neonatal outcome, and follow-up were collected through an online electronic datasheet. A dedicated questionnaire was created with the aim to investigate general health, cardiovascular follow-up, and frequency of autoimmune diseases.

Results:

One-hundred and five cases of CHB in 99 patients were included from 1969 to December 2020. CHB was mostly detected in utero (97 cases, 92.3%) with 8 neonatal cases. Third degree CHB occurred in 71 cases (67.6%). Child mortality was observed in 29 (27.6%) cases: 20 in utero, 7 during neonatal period and 2 during childhood. Overall, a PM was implanted in 54 out of the 85 live births (63.5%). Then, our cohort was divided into 2 subgroups: pregnancy that occurred before (N=61) and after 2010 (N=44) with the aim to evaluate possible differences among the subgroups. Whereas mortality, PM, CHB degree were similar, CHB more frequently occurred in the last 10 years among Ro/SSA asymptomatic carriers than in the group of pregnancies before 2010 (53.6% vs 32.8%, p=0.038). Questionnaires from 14 surviving CHB cases, 8 unaffected siblings 12 controls born from mothers Ro/SSA positive were collected. Among CHB cases, 6 were males and 8 females, median age 12 years (range 6-28). All presented a third degree CHB, 10 required a neonatal PM pacing and one had an implantable ECG recorder. PM was substituted at least once in 9 patients, the oldest patient had to change it four times. No dilated cardiomyopathy occurred and most of the patients maintain an annual follow-up. Two cases of autoimmune diseases were registered among CHB cases, one idiopathic juvenile arthritis and one Cogan’s vasculitis, both born from mothers with Sjogren Syndrome. Four cases of neurodevelopmental disorders occurred: three cases of learning disabilities (one in each group) and one case of speech disorder in the sibling group. In addition, a CHB case presented a stress disorder linked to frequent hospitalizations.

Conclusion:

This registry is an ongoing project aiming at collecting all Italian CHB. Moreover, here we reported the preliminary data concerning the evaluation of long-term follow-up of CHB patients. Our data, even if need to be confirmed in larger cohort, seems reassuring: no differences were reported comparing CHB patients with unaffected siblings or controls.

References:

[1]Brito-Zéron et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2015;11:301-312.

[2]Fredi M et al. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2019 Feb 28;6:11.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

FRI0239 ANTI-NXP2 ANTIBODIES: CLINICAL AND SEROLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONS IN A MULTICENTRIC ITALIAN STUDY

Background:

anti-NXP2 antibodies is considered a serological marker of dermatomyositis (DM), with calcinosis, severe myositis and, in some series, cancer. Historically, these associations have been detected with immunoprecipitation (IP), but in the last few years commercial lineblot (LB) assay have been released.

Objectives:

to analyze the clinical features associated to anti-NXP2 antibodies, including the onset of concomitant cancers, both with LB and homemade IP

Methods:

clinical and serological data from medical charts of 213 patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory miosidites without anti-NXP2 (NXP2-), followed-up by two third-level Centers, and 61 anti-NXP2+ patients from 10 Rheumatological centers were analyzed. Anti-myositis specific (MSA) and anti-myositis associated antibodies (MAA) were detected in single centers by LB (Euroimmun Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies 16 antigens). Anti-NXP2 was confirmed by protein and RNA IP, as previously described (1)

Results:

clinical diagnosis of anti-NXP2+ positive with LB were 42 DM, 11 PM, inclusion body myositis (IBM) 4, necrotizing myositis and overlap (OM) 1 each. Anti-NXP2+ showed a lower age at onset (p<0.0001) more frequent diagnosis of DM (68.8%vs30%,OR5.2) and IBM (6.5%vs0.49%,OR14.8), typical skin manifestations, myositis (93%vs79% OR3.3), concomitant presence of another MSA (12.7%vs2%, OR6.41) and lower rate of features associated with OM or anti-synthetase syndrome. Serum from 49 NXP2+ was available and IP analysis was made with the confirmation of NXP2 in 31 sera (63.2%) with the following diagnosis: DM 27 cases, PM 3, IBM 1. Whilst the majority of the associations were confirmed comparing NXP2LB+/IP+ with the IIM NXP2-, some peculiar associations were found significant only for the double positive patients: dysphagia (53%vs 30%,OR 2.56) and calcinosis (22%vs6.5% OR4) whereas IBM diagnosis and the presence of concomitant MSA antibodies were lost. Survival time from cancer onset is shown in figure.

IP did not confirmed anti-NXP2 antibodies in 18 sera: in 4 cases at least one MSA/MAA was identified by IP; these 18 patients did not show differences when compared with 213 anti-NXP2-.

Conclusion:

Protein IP confirmed anti-NXP2 antibodies in 63% of LB+ sera. Double positive cases showed more typical DM features and rarely occurred in IIM not DM. Anti-NXP2 positivity by LB should be confirmed by other methods in order to correctly diagnose and characterize IIM patients.

References:

[1]Arthritis Res Ther 2012,30;14:R97

Acknowledgments:

Forum Italiano per la Ricerca Malattie Autoimmuni (FIRMA)

Disclosure of Interests:

Micaela Fredi: None declared, Ilaria Cavazzana: None declared, Angela Ceribelli: None declared, Maria Grazia Lazzaroni: None declared, Simone Barsotti: None declared, Maurizio Benucci: None declared, Lorenzo Cavagna: None declared, Ludovico De Stefano: None declared, Andrea Doria Consultant of: GSK, Pfizer, Abbvie, Novartis, Ely Lilly, Speakers bureau: UCB pharma, GSK, Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Novartis, Ely Lilly, BMS, Giacomo Emmi: None declared, Marco Fornaro: None declared, Federica Furini: None declared, Roberto Gerli: None declared, Maria Grazia Giudizi: None declared, Marcello Govoni: None declared, Anna Ghirardello: None declared, Luca Iaccarino Speakers bureau: GSK, Pfizer, Janssen, Novartis, Florenzo Iannone Consultant of: Speaker and consulting fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, MSD, Speakers bureau: Speaker and consulting fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, MSD, Maria Infantino: None declared, Alessandro Mathieu: None declared, Emiliano Marasco: None declared, Paola Migliorini: None declared, Boaz Palterer: None declared, paola parronchi: None declared, Matteo Piga: None declared, Federico Pratesi: None declared, Antonella Radice: None declared, Carlo Selmi: None declared, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Marilin Tampoia: None declared, Giovanni Zanframundo: None declared, Angela Tincani: None declared, Franco Franceschini: None declared

Peripheral nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective study on prevalence, associated factors and outcome

Background

Despite its potentially significant impact on disease outcome, peripheral nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus has received little attention.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of peripheral nervous system involvement in a large cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Methods

The records of systemic lupus erythematosus patients examined at two tertiary referral centres over a period of 14 years (from 2000 to 2014) were analyzed. Peripheral nervous system events were ascertained according to the 1999 American College of Rheumatology case definitions and by using an attribution algorithm for neuropsychiatric events. Prevalence of peripheral nervous system in systemic lupus erythematosus and demographic, clinical and laboratory features were assessed. Patients with peripheral nervous system events were compared with a control group of systemic lupus erythematosus patients without peripheral nervous system involvement.

Results

In a retrospective cohort of 1224 patients, the overall prevalence of peripheral nervous system involvement was 6.9% (85 patients, 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.08), with 68% of peripheral nervous system events attributable to systemic lupus erythematosus. Polyneuropathy was the most common manifestation observed (38 events, 39.2%), followed by cranial neuropathy in 30 cases (30.9%) and 12 cases of single (12.4%) or multiple (eight events, 8.2%) mononeuritis. The average age of systemic lupus erythematosus onset was significantly higher in patients with peripheral nervous system events than in controls (mean ± standard deviation: 45.9 ± 14.8 vs. 37.1 ± 14.0) and they were more likely to have higher SLEDAI-2K and SLICC/ACR Damage Index scores, as well as hypertension and livedo reticularis. A subgroup analysis of events deemed to be systemic lupus erythematosus-related provided similar results.

Conclusion

Peripheral nervous system manifestations are a potential complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Careful neurological assessment should therefore be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially in those with later onset and greater damage and disease activity.

Early Lupus Project: one-year follow-up of an Italian cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of recent onset

Objective

To describe the clinical and serological features of a prospectively followed cohort of early diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients during a one-year follow-up period.

Methods

SLE patients with disease duration less than 12 months were consecutively enrolled in a multicentre, prospective study. At study entry and then every 6 months, a large panel of data was recorded.

Results

Of 260 patients enrolled, 185 had at least 12 months of follow-up; of these, 84.3% were female, 92.4% were Caucasians. Mean diagnostic delay was about 20 months; higher values of European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM) and of organs/systems involved were both associated with shorter diagnostic delay. Clinical and serological parameters improved after study entry. However, patients' quality of life deteriorated and cardiovascular risk factors significantly increased. About one-third of patients with active disease at study entry went into remission (ECLAM = 0). Negative predictors for remission were: oral ulcers, arthritis, low C4, anti-SSB (Ro) antibodies and therapy with mycophenolate. There was a widespread use of glucocorticoids both at baseline and during follow-up.

Conclusion

Clinical symptoms and serological parameters improve during the first period after diagnosis. However, patients’ quality of life deteriorates. The widespread use of glucocorticoids is probably the reason for the early significant increase of some cardiovascular risk factors.

Demyelinating syndrome in SLE: review of different disease subtypes and report of a case series

Demyelinating syndrome (DS) is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (1%) with high clinical heterogeneity and potentially severe prognosis. It can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. A recent study described 5 different patterns of demyelinating disease presentation, characterised by specific clinical, laboratory and brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities: 1) neuromyelitis optica; 2) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders; 3) DS prevalently involving the brain; 4) DS prevalently involving the brainstem; 5) clinically isolated syndrome. In this review we briefly discuss typical characteristics of each DS presentation in SLE and we describe 5 illustrative clinical cases, one for each subset of DS, considering both diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment for rheumatic diseases: the Glucocorticoid Induced OsTeoporosis TOol (GIOTTO) study

Osteoporosis and fractures are common and invalidating consequences of chronic glucorticoid (GC) treatment. Reliable information regarding the epidemiology of GC induced osteoporosis (GIOP) comes exclusively from the placebo group of randomized clinical trials while observational studies are generally lacking data on the real prevalence of vertebral fractures, GC dosage and primary diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures and to identify their major determinants (primary disease, GC dosage, bone mineral density, risk factors, specific treatment for GIOP) in a large cohort of consecutive patients aged &gt;21 years, on chronic treatment with GC (≥5 mg prednisone - PN - equivalent) and attending rheumatology centers located all over Italy. Glucocorticoid Induced OsTeoporosis TOol (GIOTTO) is a national multicenter cross-sectional and longitudinal observational study. 553 patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) and in chronic treatment with GCs were enrolled. Osteoporotic BMD values (T score &lt;-2.5) were observed in 28%, 38% and 35% of patients with CTDs, PMR or RA at the lumbar spine, and in 18%, 29% and 26% at the femoral neck, respectively. Before GC treatment, prevalent clinical fractures were reported by 12%, 37% and 17% of patients with CTDs, PMR, or RA, respectively. New clinical fragility fractures during GC treatment were reported by 12%, 10% and 23% of CTDs, PMR and RA patients, respectively. Vertebral fractures were the prevailing type of fragility fracture. More than 30% of patients had recurrence of fracture. An average of 80% of patients were in supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D during treatment with GCs. Respectively, 64%, 80%, and 72% of the CTDs, PMR and RA patients were on pharmacological treatment for GIOP, almost exclusively with bisphosphonates. The GIOTTO study might provide relevant contributions to clinical practice, in particular by highlighting and quantifying in real life the prevalence of GIOP and relative fractures, the frequency of the main risk factors, and the currently sub-optimal prevention. Moreover, these results emphasize the importance of the underlying rheumatic disease on the risk of GIOP associated fractures.

Sperm whale long-range echolocation sounds revealed by ANTARES, a deep-sea neutrino telescope

Despite dedicated research has been carried out to adequately map the distribution of the sperm whale in the Mediterranean Sea, unlike other regions of the world, the species population status is still presently uncertain. The analysis of two years of continuous acoustic data provided by the ANTARES neutrino telescope revealed the year-round presence of sperm whales in the Ligurian Sea, probably associated with the availability of cephalopods in the region. The presence of the Ligurian Sea sperm whales was demonstrated through the real-time analysis of audio data streamed from a cabled-to-shore deep-sea observatory that allowed the hourly tracking of their long-range echolocation behaviour on the Internet. Interestingly, the same acoustic analysis indicated that the occurrence of surface shipping noise would apparently not condition the foraging behaviour of the sperm whale in the area, since shipping noise was almost always present when sperm whales were acoustically detected. The continuous presence of the sperm whale in the region confirms the ecological value of the Ligurian sea and the importance of ANTARES to help monitoring its ecosystems.

CNTN6 mutations are risk factors for abnormal auditory sensory perception in autism spectrum disorders

Contactin genes CNTN5 and CNTN6 code for neuronal cell adhesion molecules that promote neurite outgrowth in sensory-motor neuronal pathways. Mutations of CNTN5 and CNTN6 have previously been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but very little is known on their prevalence and clinical impact. In this study, we identified CNTN5 and CNTN6 deleterious variants in individuals with ASD. Among the carriers, a girl with ASD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was carrying five copies of CNTN5. For CNTN6, both deletions (6/1534 ASD vs 1/8936 controls; P=0.00006) and private coding sequence variants (18/501 ASD vs 535/33480 controls; P=0.0005) were enriched in individuals with ASD. Among the rare CNTN6 variants, two deletions were transmitted by fathers diagnosed with ASD, one stop mutation CNTN6W923X was transmitted by a mother to her two sons with ASD and one variant CNTN6P770L was found de novo in a boy with ASD. Clinical investigations of the patients carrying CNTN5 or CNTN6 variants showed that they were hypersensitive to sounds (a condition called hyperacusis) and displayed changes in wave latency within the auditory pathway. These results reinforce the hypothesis of abnormal neuronal connectivity in the pathophysiology of ASD and shed new light on the genes that increase risk for abnormal sensory perception in ASD.

[Reactive arthritis due to Clostridium difficile: Report of two cases and literature review]

INTRODUCTION

Reactive arthritis due to Clostridium difficile infection is uncommon.

CASE REPORTS

We report two cases of reactive arthritis associated with C. difficile infection that occurred in a 40-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man. The literature review between 1976 (date of first reported case) and 2016 retrieved 54 observations (including our two cases). Reactive arthritis occurs most frequently in young subjects after a variable time frame according to C. difficile infection, involving one or several articulations. The issue is generally favourable with or without anti-inflammatory treatment.

CONCLUSION

The increasing incidence of C. difficile infection makes more likely the occurrence of this related reactive arthritis. Therefore physicians should consider it in differential diagnosis of bacterial infections capable of causing reactive arthritis.

Home tele-rehabilitation for rheumatic patients: impact and satisfaction of care analysis

Introduction

In this paper, we evaluated patients’ perspectives on the use of a system for home tele-rehabilitation, designed for subjects with low computer literacy suffering hand impairment due to rheumatic diseases.

Methods

After a clinical trial assessing device effectiveness, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) and Individually Prioritised Problem Assessment (IPPA) questionnaires were administered to evaluate the system’s impact on each patient’s life, and the results were correlated with clinical indices. Patients were asked to continue self-administered rehabilitation with common objects. One year later, a semi-structured telephone interview gathered data on their experience.

Results

The system received a positive QUEST score (4.5 ± 0.3) and a modest PIADS score (0.84 ± 0.8) due to the small impact on adaptability and self-esteem. The IPPA (3.7 ± 3.4) revealed improvement in the ability to perform tasks considered important, which was significantly correlated ( r = 0.60; p < 0.02) with the clinical Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) index improvement. The interviews revealed a positive engagement effect, enhanced by the need to develop skills to be able to use the device (technological challenge) and by the perception of more attention by the medical staff. This may explain the significant dropout rate (80%) from the post-trial rehabilitation of the patients who used the device.

Discussion

The system was largely accepted by the patients. The results suggest that the need for information on their rehabilitation progress and the technological challenge deserves further study to make patients more autonomous in cases of continuous rehabilitation.

Central nervous system lupus: a clinical approach to therapy

Management of central nervous system (CNS) involvement still remains one of the most challenging problems in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The best available evidence for the treatment of CNS lupus is largely based on retrospectiveseries, case reports and expert opinion. Current therapy is empirical and tailored to the individual patient. Symptomatic, immunosuppressiveand anticoagulant therapies are the main strategies for the management of CNS lupus. The choice depends on the most probable underlying pathogenic mechanism and the severity of the presenting neuropsychiatric symptoms. Thrombotic and nonthrombotic CNS disease needs to be differentiated and requires different management strategies. However, this is often challenging since many, if not most CNS manifestations, may be due to a combination of different pathogenic mechanisms and multiple CNS events may occur in the individual patient. Patients with mild manifestations may need symptomatic treatment only, whereas more severe acute nonthrombotic CNS manifestations may require pulse intravenouscyclophosphamide.Plasmapheresismay also be added in patients with more severe illness refractory to conventionaltreatment. Recently, the use of intrathecalmethotrexateand dexamethasone has been reported in a small series of patients, with a good outcome in patients with severe CNS manifestations.Anticoagulationis warranted in patients with thrombotic disease, particularlyin those with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This article reviews the clinical approach to therapy in patients with CNS lupus.

Population-based analysis of hospitalizations in a West-European region revealed major changes in hospital utilization for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus over the period 2001-2012

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to evaluate hospital admissions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients through a retrospective population-based study analyzing hospitalization data during 2001-2012 in Sardinia, an Italian region with universal health system coverage.

METHODS

Data on the hospital discharge records with the ICD-9-CM code for SLE (710.0) were obtained from the Department of Health and Hygiene and analyzed, mostly focusing on primary and non-primary diagnosis and Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) code. In order to establish the significance of the annual trend for number and type of primary and non-primary discharge diagnosis, the two-tailed Cochran-Armitage test for trend was applied. In order to estimate SLE prevalence, data from administrative database and medical records were assembled.

RESULTS

This study included 6222 hospitalizations in 1675 patients (87% women). Hospitalizations with SLE as primary diagnosis were 3782 (58.0%) and significantly decreased during the study period. The annual number of renal, hematologic and neuropsychiatric disorders as non-primary diagnosis associated with SLE remained constant; however, their percentage increased (p < 0.0001) because of a declining number of admissions for SLE without associated diagnosis and without complications. Hospitalizations with SLE as non-primary diagnosis showed a significant upward trend in number and percentage of cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.0004), acute coronary syndrome (p = 0.0004) and chronic renal failure (p = 0.0003) as underlying primary diagnosis, while complications of pregnancy, labor and childbirth (p = 0.3375), malignancies (p = 0.6608) and adverse drug reactions (p = 0.2456) did not show statistically significant changes. Infections showed an increasing trend between 2001 and 2012 but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0304). After correction for hospitalization (93.8%) and survival (91.1%) rates calculated over the study period, the 2012 SLE prevalence in Sardinia was estimated to be 99.3 per 100,000 inhabitants.

CONCLUSIONS

While overall hospitalizations for SLE patients declined, those for cerebrovascular accident, acute coronary syndrome and chronic renal failure as underlying primary diagnosis increased during the study period.

Early Lupus Project – A multicentre Italian study on systemic lupus erythematosus of recent onset

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a high degree of variability at onset that is problematic for a correct and prompt diagnosis. We undertook this project with the purpose of collecting an inception cohort of Italian patients with recent-onset SLE, in order to obtain information on the main clinical and serological characteristics at the beginning of the disease. In this first report we describe the characteristics of this cohort at study entry.

Methods

All patients with a diagnosis of SLE (1997 ACR criteria) and a disease duration less than 12 months were consecutively enrolled between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013 in a multicentre prospective study. Information on clinical and serological characteristics at study entry and then every six months was collected into a specific electronic database. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the Openstat program.

Results

Among 122 patients enrolled (103 F) 94.3% were Caucasians. Mean age (SD) of patients at study entry was 37.3 (14.3) years, mean age at disease onset was 34.8 (14.3) years, mean age at diagnosis was 36.9 (14.3) years, and mean disease duration was 2.9 (3.9) months. The frequency of the manifestations included in the 1997 ACR criteria was as follows: ANA 97.5%, immunologic disorders (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, antiphospholipid antibodies) 85.2%, arthritis 61.8%, haematologic disorders 55.7%, malar rash 31.1%, photosensitivity 29.5%, serositis 27%, renal disorders 27%, oral/nasal ulcers 11.5%, neurologic disorders 8.2%, and discoid rash 5.7%. The cumulative frequency of mucocutaneous symptoms was 77.8%. At enrolment, autoantibody frequency was: ANA 100%, anti-dsDNA 83.6%, anti-SSA 28%, anticardiolipin 24.5%, anti-nRNP 20.4%, anti-beta2GPI 17.2%, lupus anticoagulant 16.3%, anti-Sm 16%, and anti-SSB 13.1%.

Conclusions

In this paper we describe the main clinical and serological characteristics of an Italian inception cohort of patients with recent-onset SLE. At disease onset, mucocutaneous manifestations, arthritis and haematologic manifestations were the most frequent symptoms; ANA, anti-dsDNA and complement reduction were the most frequent laboratory findings. Our data confirm that the diagnosis of SLE is a challenging one, and that SLE is a severe disease even at onset, since the majority of patients require at least a hospitalization before the diagnosis.

Physical activity levels and health-related quality of life in young Italian population

AIM

Significant levels of physical activity (PA) have benefit in reducing chronic diseases in the general adults, but little is known on the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and PA levels among young population. This study aims to investigate the association between different levels of PA and HRQoL in a random sample of 155 Italian University students (age range: 18-30 years old).

METHODS

We used the short version of IPAQ and SF-36 to assess PA levels and HRQoL, respectively. Differences in HRQoL scores between the three IPAQ categories (low, moderate and high) were evaluated by the analysis of covariance (with age and BMI as covariates). Forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine the most predictive variables for a good HRQoL.

RESULTS

A significant relationship between PA (Kcal/week and METs/week) and Physical Functioning, Role Physical, General Health, and Physical Summary Component scores was observed in women, while the Role Physical, and the Vitality were associated with PA in men. The amount of PA (day/week, Kcal/week and METs/week) significantly predicted the HRQoL scores and the variance explained by the function ranged from 5.75% to 14.24% for women and from 5.41% to 10.95% for men. The regular frequency of PA during the week was the most important positive predictors for the highest scores in most of HRQoL domains.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that the highest PA Levels were associated with more favorable scores in HRQoL dimensions, also among young Italian population.

Higher effective oronasal versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea: effect of mandibular stabilization

BACKGROUND

In some individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oronasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to poorer OSA correction than nasal CPAP. The authors hypothesized that this results from posterior mandibular displacement caused by the oronasal mask.

OBJECTIVE

To test this hypothesis using a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for mandibular stabilization.

METHODS

Subjects whose OSA was not adequately corrected by oronasal CPAP at pressures for which nasal CPAP was effective were identified. These subjects underwent polysomnography (PSG) CPAP titration with each nasal and oronasal mask consecutively, with esophageal pressure and leak monitoring, to obtain the effective pressure (Peff) of CPAP for correcting obstructive events with each mask (maximum 20 cmH2O). PSG titration was repeated using a MAD in the neutral position. Cephalometry was performed.

RESULTS

Six subjects with mean (± SD) nasal Peff 10.4±3.0 cmH2O were studied. Oronasal Peff was greater than nasal Peff in all subjects, with obstructive events persisting at 20 cmH2O by oronasal mask in four cases. This was not due to excessive leak. With the MAD, oronasal Peff was reduced in three subjects, and Peff <20 cmH2O could be obtained in two of the four subjects with Peff >20 cmH2O by oronasal mask alone. Subjects' cephalometric variables were similar to published norms.

CONCLUSION

In subjects with OSA with higher oronasal than nasal Peff, this is partially explained by posterior mandibular displacement caused by the oronasal mask. Combination treatment with oronasal mask and MAD may be useful in some individuals if a nasal mask is not tolerated.