POS0919 MOLECULAR AND BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS OF BREAST CANCER IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS FROM THE SCLERO-BREAST STUDY

Background

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a life-threatening connective tissue disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, autoimmune abnormalities and aberrant fibrosis. Several reports showed an increased risk of cancer in SSc compared to general population, including breast cancer (BC). The relationship between BC and SSc has long been discussed with contradictory results. In our recent Sclero-Breast study we analyzed clinical-pathological features of BC in SSc; we finally observed the development of BC with early stages and good prognosis among these patients.

Objectives

The aim of this project was to explore the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of potential biomarkers involved in the molecular pathways at the basis of SSc and BC etiophatogenesis as update analysis from the Sclero-Breast study.

Methods

Our observational multicenter retrospective study, performed at Modena University Hospital and Reggio Emilia Hospital in northern Italy, enrolled 33 SSc women with a personal history of BC between January 2017 and December 2019. Clinical and pathological characteristics of BC and SSc were collected. For 22 patients, BC tissues were available and IHC analysis was performed using specific antibodies to evaluate biomarkers and pathways potentially involved. The antibodies used included: PI3K/mTOR/TGFβ/PDGFRα/PDGFRβ/VEGF/EGFR/IL-6/CTLA-4/PDL1. We also reported TILs percentage (stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) of each sample. The following scores were assigned for general IHC analysis: (-) negative, (1+) positive tumor cells <20%, (2+) positive tumor cells 20-50%, (3+) positive tumor cells >50%. For PDL1 we considered a positivity in case of PD-L1 expression ≥1% in infiltrating inflammatory cells. For TILs quantification we applied the score: 0 (negative), ≤ 50% (low-median expression), >50% (high expression).

Results

The first IHC analysis was performed on the samples of invasive BC patients (20 pts) and showed a prevalence of high PI3K expression (score of 3+ in 55% of cases) with mTOR overexpression in 45%. A PDL1 positivity was detected in 30%, with high TILs expression in 30%. Biopsies from the 2 pts with ductal carcinoma in situ were characterized by a negativity of almost all parameters, except for a medium-high TILs expression reported (40%/90% respectively). See Figure 1. IHC analysis was also performed according to BC subtypes. The group of HR+/HER2 negative showed high PI3K expression (score 3+) in most of cases (59%) with mTOR overexpression in 50%. CTLA-4 and PDL1 were positive in 25%, with high TILs expression in 25%. HER2 positive patients showed a high PI3K positivity in 50% of cases with mTOR positivity (score 3+) in 25% and high TGFβ expression (score 3+) in 25%. PDL1 was positive in 50% with high TILs expression in 25%. In Triple Negative group, PI3K overexpression was found in 75% of pts with half of cases represented by mTOR score 3+. PDL1 was positive in 50% with high TILs representation (80% of total cell count) in 50% of pts.

Figure 1.

IHC analysis and TILs% expression in histological samples of SSc patients with invasive BC.

Conclusion

According to our results, SSc patients with BC showed high positivity for PDL1 and high TILs representations in all subtypes. Furthermore, the high expression of PI3K, did not always correlate with mTOR overexpression. Further investigations on larger numbers are needed; however, these aspects seem to confirm that SSc subjects might develop BC at good prognosis, suggesting again a de-escalation strategy of cancer therapies. Finally, the possibility to personalize oncological targeted treatments in this subset of fragile patients could be promising.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1214 COVID-19 VACCINATION RATE AND SAFETY PROFILE IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY MIXED CRYOGLOBULINEMIC VASCULITIS

Background

Mixed cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis (MCV) is an immune-complex-mediated systemic vasculitis characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations mainly involving skin, kidney and peripheral nervous system.

Despite reassuring safety data from EULAR Coronavirus Vaccine (COVAX) physician-reported registry, a significant proportion of patients with autoimmune diseases reported unwillingness to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the preliminary results of the COVAD study, due to concerns about the lack of long-term safety data, and fear of associated side effects and disease flare.

Objectives

Aims of this multicentre Italian study were to investigate the prevalence of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in Italian population of MCV patients, to explore the reason for the missed vaccination, and to investigate short and long-term side effects of the vaccine, including vasculitis flare.

Methods

All MCV patients referring to 12 Italian centres were investigated about vaccination and possible both short- (within 48 hours) and long-term (within 30 days) adverse events (AE), classified according to FDA Toxicity Grading Scale for preventive vaccine clinical trials, and possible disease flares. Patients with MCV related to lymphoproliferative disorders or connective tissue diseases were excluded from the study.

The baseline variables were expressed as percentages or mean±standard deviation. The differences between continuous variables were analysed using the Mann–Whitney nonparametric test. The chi-squared test, or Fischer’s exact when appropriate, were used for categorical variables (absolute numbers and percentages) regarding baseline characteristics.

Results

A total of 416 patients, 69.2% females and 30.8% males, with a mean age of 70.4±11.7 years, were included in the study.

Only 7.7% of patients were not vaccinated, mainly for fear of adverse events (50%) or for medical decision (18.8%). Corminaty was the vaccine most frequently used (80.5%). Interestingly, 6 patients (1.44%) were with a heterologous vaccination (usually AstraZeneca-Corminaty).

Considering ongoing treatment, not vaccinated subjects were more frequently treated with chronic glucocorticoid therapy and/or Rituximab (p=0.049 and p=0.043 respectively).

AE were recorded in 31.7% of cases, mainly mild and self-limiting (grade 1). More severe adverse events, such as flare of vasculitis, were observed in 5.3% of cases.

AE were not associated with the kind of vaccine used and with the clinical manifestations of vasculitis. Patients with active MCV showed a lower frequency of short-term (within 48 hours) adverse events, but patients affected by peripheral neuropathies or skin vasculitis frequently showed a flare of their symptoms, recorded in 40% and 25% of cases, respectively. Finally, patients under glucocorticoid treatment were more prone to develop a vasculitis flare within a month after vaccination.

Conclusion

Vaccination in MCV patients has been performed in a high percentage of patients showing a good safety. Other than patients’ fear, treatments with rituximab and glucocorticoids are the main reasons for delaying vaccination, and it should be considered by the physician before starting therapy. Vasculitis flares were observed in about 5% of cases, in line with that observed in other autoimmune diseases. Specific attention should be reserved to people with purpura or peripheral neuropathy, for the increased risk of exacerbation of their symptoms.

References

[1]Visentini M et al Flares of mixed cryoglobulinaemia vasculitis after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 2021

[2]Machado PM et al Safety of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: results from the EULAR Coronavirus Vaccine COVAX physician-reported registry 2021

[3]Sen P et al COVAD Study Group. COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune disease COVAD survey protocol 2022

[4]Scarpato S et al Italian Group for the Study of Cryoglobulinaemia GISC. Provisional recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis 2021

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0425 CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF BREAST CANCER IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: PRELIMINARY DATA FROM THE SCLERO-BREAST STUDY

Background:

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and life-threatening connective tissue disease characterized by vascular dysfunction, specific autoimmune abnormalities and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Previous studies have shown a 1.5-fold increase in cancer risk in SSc patients compared with the general population, including breast cancer (BC). The relationship between BC and SSc has long been discussed but past research has been contradictory and inconclusive on this topic.

Objectives:

The aim of our project was to analyze clinical and pathological characteristics of BC developed by SSc subjects and possible correlations with scleroderma features. Here we present the preliminary data from the Sclero-Breast study.

Methods:

Our observational retrospective multicenter study enrolled 33 SSc women with a personal history of BC identified at two Rheumatology/SSc Units in the north of Italy between January 2017 and December 2019 (lc/dcSSc 23/9, 1 unknown; mean age at SSc onset 57 years, range 32-73). All patients underwent general and instrumental assessment: smoking habits; presence of skin ulcers, calcinosis, teleangectasia; presence of gastro-intestinal and kidney involvement; interstitial lung disease (at HR-CT); pulmonary function tests; ECG abnormalities; echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); videocapillaroscopic pattern; autoantibody profile; exposure to immunosuppressive and vasoactive therapies; status at last follow-up evaluation and cause of death. Clinical and pathological characteristics of BC were also evaluated: age at diagnosis; menopausal status; histotype; hormone receptor status; MIB1, HER2 expression; clinical and pathological stage at diagnosis; metastatic sites; type of loco-regional treatment (surgery and radiotherapy); type of systemic treatment (neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine treatment); other cancers and time from diagnosis of the first disorder to the second one.

Results:

A total of 54.5% of subjects developed BC before SSc (median interval of 5 years), whereas 45.5% of patients developed BC after SSc (median delay of 8 years). 54.5% of patients showed interstitial lung disease and the cause of death of the 6 deceased subjects was PAH. A significant association (p<0.05) was observed between the use of immunosuppressive therapy and diffuse skin extension, negative ACA, positive Anti-Scl-70 and interstitial lung disease, but not with BC status. 93.1% of patients were diagnosed with an early-stage tumor, 70.8% of invasive carcinomas with a low MIB-1, 8.3% with a tubular histotype, while 42.8% presented with a Luminal A-like tumor. 66.6% underwent breast conserving surgery and 55.5% RT after surgery. 40% of patients developed interstitial lung disease after RT and 20% dcSSc.

Conclusion:

According to our preliminary data, SSc patients developed BC at good prognosis, suggesting a de-escalation strategy of cancer therapies. On these grounds, a proper screening is mandatory in order to allow for early cancer detection in SSc patients. Further investigations on larger numbers of patients are needed. First of all, they would further clarify the intriguing relationship between BC and SSc. Secondly, they would help to explore the common biological and molecular pathways at the basis of these two disorders, with the aim to improve BC diagnosis and prognosis and to personalize oncological targeted treatments in this subset of fragile patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0214 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND 10-YEAR RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS USING THE ERS-RA SCORE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE CORDIS COHORT

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA) estimates the 10-year risk of myocardial infarction, stroke or CVD-related death based on conventional and RA-specific (clinical disease activity index, CDAI, disease duration, glucocorticoid use) risk factors (1).

Objectives:

We evaluated the associations between ERS-RA 10-year risk of CVD, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations, and pharmacological treatment in 1,251 RA patients collected by the “Cardiovascular Obesity and Rheumatic Disease Study (CORDIS)” group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR).

Methods:

We assessed independent associations between ERS-RA risk score and each relevant variable using multivariate regression (ENTER approach; listwise deletion analysis). Given the relatively high number of missing hs-CRP data (n=385), regression analysis was also performed using multiple imputation (10 sets, Stata 16.1). Regression models were not adjusted for independent variables included in the ERS-RA score.

Results:

Among 1,251 RA patients [mean (SD) age 60.4(9.3), range (40-80) years; 78% female; mean (SD) disease duration, 11.6(8) years; mean (SD) CDAI, 9(9); mean (SD) HAQ, 0.77(0.7); mean (SD) hs-CRP, 6.8(12) mg/L] the estimated 10-year CVD risk was 11.6(0.9) % [mean (SD)]. Regarding treatment, 539(43%) received glucocorticoids, 676(54%) a biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD) (n missing=1), and 885(81%) at least one conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD). Ninety-three (7.4%) patients did not receive any treatment. After adjusting for the use of b/tsDMARD and csDMARD, hs-CRP concentrations were significantly associated with 10-year risk of CVD both in standard multiple regression (n=865; coefficient=0.005 for each 10 mg/L hs-CRP increment, 95% confidence interval (0.000-0.100), p=0.043) and after multiple imputation (n=1,251; coefficient=0.005 for each 10 mg/L hs-CRP increment, 95% confidence interval (0.000-0.114), p=0.035) (Table 1). This corresponds to an increase of 10-year CV risk of 1% for every 20 mg/L increase in hs-CRP concentrations.

Conclusion:

In a large cohort of RA patients, we observed a significant, positive, and independent association between hs-CRP concentrations and 10-year CV risk estimated by ERS-RA. The cross-sectional design of the study did not allow to establish a cause-effect relationship between hs-CRP and CV risk. Given that conventional CV risk factors and inflammation-related variables are accounted for in the ERS-RA risk score, other, unexplored, mechanisms may underlie the observed association between hs-CRP and CV risk.

References:

[1]Solomon, D. H., et al. “Derivation and internal validation of an expanded cardiovascular risk prediction score for rheumatoid arthritis: a Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America Registry Study.” Arthritis & rheumatology 67.8 (2015): 1995-2003.

Table 1.

Multiple regression models

Model 1n= 865Model 2n= 1, 251ERS-RA scoreCoefficient95% CI, pCoefficient95% CI, phs-CRP, every 10 mg/L increment0.0050.000 to 0.100, 0.0430.0050.000 to 0.011, 0.035b/tsDMARD use-0.002-0.005 to 0.001, 0.199-0.000-0.002 to 0.002, 0.963csDMARD use0.002-0.003 to 0.007, 0.3940.002-0.002 to 0.006, 0.371Prob >F, model with only CRP0.030.03Prob >F, full model0.070.08

A multiple linear regression (ENTER method) was performed for the dependent variable ERS-RA score using a listwise deletion analysis (Model 1) and a multiple imputation analysis (Model 2).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Pathogenesis and treatment of idiopathic and rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial pneumonia. The possible lesson from COVID-19 pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Main clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are characterized by fever, dyspnea, and interstitial pneumonia, frequently evolving in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

AREAS COVERED

Features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents some common points with interstitial lung disease (ILD) both idiopathic and related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), typically characterized by a chronic progression over time and possibly complicated by acute exacerbation (AE). The study of common pathogenetic mechanisms, such as the involvement of toll-like receptor 4, could contribute to the knowledge and treatment of idiopathic and RA-ILD. Moreover, hyperinflammation, mainly characterized by increase of effector T-cells and inflammatory cytokines, and activation of coagulation cascade, observed in COVID-19 related ARDS have been already shown in patients with AE of idiopathic and RA-ILD. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, together with a manual search in COVID-resource centers of the main journals.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the uncertainty about pathogenetic aspects about COVID-19- pneumonia, it could be a possible model for other forms of ILD and AE. The great amount of data from studies on COVID-19 could be helpful in proposing safe therapeutic approaches for RA-ILD, in understanding pathogenesis of usual interstitial pneumonia and to develop new therapeutic strategies for AE.

AB0426 FIBROSING INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE IN PRIMARY SJOGREN SYNDROME

Background:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents the most frequent pulmonary manifestation of primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS), with a prevalence ranging between 6-70% in different retrospectives studies. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is recognized as the most common ILD disorder, followed by organizing pneumonia (OP), usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), specifically associated with pSS but less frequent.

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of fibrosing patterns in a monocentric cohort of pSS patients evaluated for lung involvement in a cross-sectional study.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study all patients fulfilling ACR/EULAR classification criteria for pSS and with a known diagnosis of ILD were enrolled; the other patients were carefully investigated for signs or symptoms suggestive for ILD (including the search for velcro crackles with a digital device); when suspect, patients underwent to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). An expert radiologist re-evaluated all HRCT for classifying the ILD pattern as: UIP, fibrotic NSIP, fibrotic OP, NSIP, OP, LIP, indeterminate.

Results:

One hundred and eighty-five pSS patients were enrolled; among them 34 showed ILD (18.4%) with the following features: M/F 3/31, median age 57 (range 24-80), median FVC 90% (39-127%), median DLCO 49% (20-84%). Patients were classified in two groups according to radiologic classification: the group 1 (18 pts 52,9%) included UIP (13 patients, 38.2%), fibrotic NSIP (4, 11.8%), fibrotic OP (1 2.9%); the group 2 (16 pts, 47.1%) included NSIP (6, 17.6%), OP (4, 11.8%), indeterminate (4, 11.8%), LIP (2, 5.9%). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with the exception of anti-SSB positivity more frequently detected in non-fibrosing pattern (p0,043).

Conclusion:

Despite previous observations, our data suggest a high prevalence of fibrosing ILD pattern in pSS patients. We participate at a multidisciplinary team with expert pulmonologists and radiologists and some patients of our cohort firstly referred to pulmonologist for appearance of ILD before the diagnosis of pSS, contributing to the possible selection of more severe lung disease. However, these data suggest first of all that pSS should always be considered in differential diagnosis of fibrosing ILD; moreover, since fibrosing ILD is thought to have a worse response to immunosuppressive drugs, the role of new possible therapeutic strategies such as anti-fibrotic could represent an important field of interest.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0150 INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE RELATED TO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. WHAT DO WE DON’T KNOW? THE LIRA STUDY (LUNG INVOLVEMENT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS)

Background:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the more frequent and potentially severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ILD significantly decreases the survival and quality of life of patients and influences the treatment approach to the patient.

Despite its clinical relevance, the prevalence, incidence and survival of RA-ILD is unknown and supposed on the base of retrospective data or registry-based studies.

Objectives:

For the first time, the Lung Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis (LIRA) study aims to investigate epidemiology, features and prognosis of RA-ILD patients in a prospective international multicentre study.

Methods:

All RA patients referring to the involved centres will be evaluated every six months with a digital stethoscope and a software able to identify velcro crackles with a diagnostic accuracy of 83.9% (VECTOR). In fact, velcro crackles are virtually identified in all stages of fibrosing alveolitis like RA-ILD, and their search is as a simple and reliable method to screening patients to be undergone to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

For each patient, clinical and serological data are recorded at baseline and every six months; when velcro crackles or other conditions suspicious for ILD, such as cough or dyspnoea, are detected, a HRCT is requested to confirm ILD. Patients with ILD periodically perform pulmonary function tests to monitor lung function evolution.

Results:

At now, 205 RA patients have been enrolled (female/male 161/44, mean age 64.8±12.9 years, mean disease duration 14.2±8.9 years), anti-citrullinated peptides antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were positive in 77.1% and 78.1%, respectively. The prevalence of ILD was 21% (43 patients). In other 13 patients the HRCT is ongoing; therefore, we could suppose up to a prevalence of 27.3%. Patients with ILD were symptomatic in 53.5% of cases (23 patients), they are more frequently males and were older than patients without ILD (mean age 73.2±7.4 and 62.7±13.2; p<0.0001, female/male ratio 139/23 vs 22/21; p<0.0001) without significant differences regarding disease duration, positivity for ACPA or RF.

Conclusion:

The prevalence and the incidence of RA-ILD is still not well defined. Preliminary data of our study confirm a prevalence of ILD higher than 20%, patients are asymptomatic in almost the half of cases and more frequently males and elderly. Our study can help to define the clinical history of these patients, the possible association with clinical and serological features and the supposed role of some drugs.

References:

[1]Manfredi A, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of a velcro sound detector (VECTOR) for interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients: the InSPIRAtE validation study (INterStitial pneumonia in rheumatoid ArThritis with an electronic device). BMC Pulm Med. 2019;19:111.

[2]Bendstrup E, et al. Interstitial Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Remains a Challenge for Clinicians. J Clin Med. 2019:8

Disclosure of Interests:

Marco Sebastiani: None declared, Caterina Vacchi: None declared, Giulia Cassone: None declared, Fabiola Atzeni: None declared, Martina Biggioggero: None declared, Antonio Carriero: None declared, Gian Luca Erre: None declared, Anna Laura Fedele: None declared, Federica Furini: None declared, Paola Tomietto: None declared, Vincenzo Venerito: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Giovanni Della Casa: None declared, Stefania Cerri: None declared, Gilda Sandri: None declared, Adalgisa Palermo: None declared, Elena Galli: None declared, Fabrizio Pancaldi: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Carlo Salvarani: None declared, Andreina Manfredi: None declared

AB0528 CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTI-MPO POSITIVE INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE. CLINICAL-SEROLOGIC AND RADIOLOGIC FEATURES AND SURVIVAL

Background:

Prevalence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) ranges from 1 to 35%, mainly anti-MPO. The presence of ANCA positivity seems to be a poorer prognostic factor in patient with IPF, and some of these patients will develop clinical vasculitis (7-23%).

Unfortunately, the majority of the available studies on this topic are retrospective and the real natural history of the disease remains poorly understood.

Objectives:

Aim of the study was to investigate the clinical, serological and radiologic features of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and positivity for anti-MPO, and to evaluate the survival of this population compared with IPF patients.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed 30 patients with ILD and anti-MPO antibodies, without diagnosis of vasculitis, from 3 different rheumatology-pulmonology Italian Center.

For each patient, clinical, radiologic and serological data were evaluated. Treatments were also collected, both immunosuppressants or antifibrotic agents.

Finally, survival of ILD-MPO patients and of 90 unselected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients was compared.

Results:

Thirty patients were enrolled in the study (see table for the characteristics of the patients).

Fibrosing pneumonia was described in 73.3% of patients (usual interstitial pneumonia [UIP] in 19 patients), and 10 patients (33.3%) received antifibrotic drugs, all with UIP pattern. Of interest, 7 patients were treated with immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil), independently by the ILD pattern and 21 (70%) low dosage of steroids.

After a median period of 23.5 months (range 11-111), 7 patients developed an ANCA associated vasculitis, while other 3 developed other rheumatic diseases.

Finally, when compared with IPF, ILD-MPO patients had a better survival (81.2%±0.9 vs 54.7±0.7 for ILD-MPO and IPF, respectively; p=0.045)

Conclusion:

ILD positive for anti-MPO antibodies are still a not definite condition. We need larger population to identify possible markers for the evolution in an ANCA associated vasculitis, to define the prognosis of disease and the better therapeutic approach.

References: :

[1]Mohammad AJ, et al. Pulmonary Involvement in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)-associated Vasculitis: The Influence of ANCA Subtype. J Rheumatol. 2017;44:1458-67

Table.

Serological, clinical and radiological features of anti-MPO + interstitial lung disease

Number30Males/female15/15Median age (years + IQR)68 (17)Median follow-up (months + IQR)39.5 (61)Smoke36.70%ILD pattern Usual interstitial pneumonia63.30% Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia16.70% Hipersensitivity pneumonia10% Other fibrosing pneumonia10%Median FVC (% + IQR)83 (23)Median DLCO (% + IQR)53 (28)Clinical features Raynaud’s phenomenon7.70% Sicca syndrome0 Arthralgias20% Arthritis3.40%Serology Antinuclear antibodies30.80% Anti-extractable nuclear antibodies (ENA)8% Anti-SSA4% Rheumatoid factor21.40%Therapy Immusuppressants23.30% Anti-fibrotic drugs33.30%

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0127 Estimated cardiovascular risk in a large cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients from the “Cardiovascular Obesity and Rheumatic DISease (CORDIS)” Study Group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients present high cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and EULAR recommends estimating their CV-risk [1]. The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm is suggested if National Guidelines are lack, but few data are available about different strategies.

Objectives:

To estimate the 10-years CV-risk using different algorithms in RA compared to osteoarthritis (OA) patients, as control group.

Methods:

A total of 1467 RA patients (78.3% female; mean age 59.8±11.5 years; mean disease duration 131±109 months), fulfilling the 2010 EULAR/ACR classification criteria, and 342 age and sex matched patients with OA (79.8% female; mean age 58.7±11.5 years) were enrolled in this multicentre cross-sectional study during 2019. Clinical and laboratory data were registered, and individual CV-risk was calculated using: SCORE chart, “Progetto Cuore” model (PCM), QRisk3, Reynolds Risk Scores (RRS) and Expanded Risk Score in RA (ERS-RA), as stated by suitable algorithms. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical System Graphpad Instat 8.0 (San Diego, CA-USA).

Results:

In 46 (3%) RA patients a previous CV event was observed. Among traditional CV-risk factors, RA patients presented higher frequency of diabetes (9.9% vs 6.4%; p=0.04) and lower prevalence of dyslipidaemia (21.7% vs 32.5%; p<0.0001) compared to OA patients. Prevalence of hypertension was similar in both groups (40% vs 39.2%). Mean BMI (25.6±4.8 vs 26.6±4.4; p<0.0001) and prevalence of obesity (15% vs 21%; p=0.003) were significantly lower in RA patients. Finally, RA patients were more frequently smokers (20.4% vs 12.5% - p=0.002). 441 (30%) RA patients were in CDAI remission, 998 (68%) patients were on csDMARDs while a biologic agent was used in 617 (42%) patients. About 43% of RA patients were on a mean prednisone-dose of 4.5±3.5 mg/day. The 10-years CV-risk resulted 2 to 3-fold higher in RA compared to OA patients using the different algorithms. The QRisk3 estimated the highest CV risk in our cohort of patients, while the ERS-RA and RRS were significantly higher than PCM and SCORE.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates a higher estimated CV-risk in RA compared to OA patients. The commonly used algorithms to estimate CV-risk in clinical practice perform differently, evaluating different traditional CV-risk factors and disease specific characteristic, as for QRisk3 or ERS-RA. Rheumatologist should impact on both traditional and RA related modifiable CV-risk factors.

References:

[1]Agca R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:17–28.

Disclosure of Interests:

Fabio Cacciapaglia Speakers bureau: BMS; Roche; Pfizer; Abbvie, Matteo Piga: None declared, Gianluca Erre: None declared, Andreina Manfredi: None declared, Elena Bartoloni Bocci: None declared, Garifallia Sakellariou Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Novartis, MSD, Ombretta Viapiana: None declared, Sergio Colella: None declared, Anna Abbruzzese: None declared, Martina Dessì: None declared, Caterina Vacchi: None declared, Floriana Castagna: None declared, Giacomo Cafaro: None declared, Bianca Lucia Palermo: None declared, Alessandro GIollo: None declared, Marco Fornaro: None declared, Elisa Gremese Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, Roche, Pfizer, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Lilly, BMS, Celgene, Fabiola Atzeni: None declared

Gynaecological Screening for Cervical and Vulvar Malignancies in a Cohort of Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Our Experience and Review of the Literature

Background. Increased incidence of cancer was frequently reported in scleroderma (SSc), but no association with gynaecological malignancies was described in literature. Objectives. To investigate gynaecological neoplasms in SSc patients. Methods. In this cross-sectional analysis, we evaluated 80 SSc patients, living in the same geographical area. We considered all patients undergoing gynaecological evaluation, including pap test as screening for cervical cancer, between January 2008 and December 2014. Results. 55 (68.7%) patients were negative and 20 (25%) presented inflammatory alterations, while cancer or precancerous lesions were found in 5 (6.2%) cases (2 showed cervical cancer (one of them in situ), 1 vulvar melanoma, 1 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, and 1 endocervical polyp with immature squamous metaplasia). The frequency of cervical cancer in our series seems higher in comparison to the incidence registered in the same geographical area. The presence of atypical cytological findings correlated with anti-Scl70 autoantibodies (p = 0.022); moreover, the patients with these alterations tended to be older (median 65, range 46-67), if compared to the whole series (p = 0.052). Conclusions. A relatively high frequency of gynaecological malignancies was found in our SSc series. In general, gynaecological evaluation for SSc women needs to be included in the routine patients' surveillance.