Frequency and the effects of spondyloarthritis-spectrum disorders on the clinical course and management of Takayasu arteritis: an observational retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

Extravascular findings of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) often share features with the spondyloarthritis (SpA) spectrum of disorders. However, the characteristics of this overlap and its effect on the vascular manifestations of TAK are not fully known. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency of SpA-related features in TAK patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this observational retrospective study, 350 patients with TAK classified according to ACR 1990 criteria, from 12 tertiary rheumatology clinics, were included and evaluated for the presence of axSpA, IBD, or psoriasis. Demographic, clinical features, angiographic involvement patterns, disease activity, and treatments of TAK patients with or without SpA were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 45.5 ± 13.6 years and mean follow-up period was 76.1 ± 65.9 months. Among 350 patients, 31 (8.8%) had at least one additional disease from the SpA spectrum, 8 had IBD, 8 had psoriasis, and 20 had features of axSpA. In the TAK-SpA group, TAK had significantly earlier disease onset, compared to TAK-without-SpA (p = 0.041). SpA-related symptoms generally preceded TAK symptoms. Biological treatments, mostly for active vasculitis, were higher in the TAK-SpA group (70.9%) compared to TAK-without-SpA (27.9%) (p < 0.001). Vascular involvements were similar in both.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed that diseases in the SpA spectrum are not rare in TAK. Vascular symptoms appeared earlier in such patients, and more aggressive therapy with biological agents was required in the TAK-SpA group, suggesting an association between TAK and SpA spectrum. Key Points • The pathogenesis of Takayasu arteritis is mediated by an MHC class I alelle (HLA-B*52), similar to spondyloarthritis-disorders. • Extravascular findings of Takayasu arteritis are in the spectrum of spondyloarthritis disease. • This frequent coexistence between Takayasu arteritis and spondyloarthritic disorders suggests a relationship rather than a coincidence.

The Novel OMERACT Ultrasound Scoring System for Salivary Gland Changes in Patients With Sjögren Syndrome Is Associated With MRI and Salivary Flow Rates

OBJECTIVE

To assess the construct validity of the novel Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) ultrasound (US) semiquantitative scoring system for morphological lesions in major salivary glands by comparing it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and unstimulated whole salivary flow rates (U-WSFRs) in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

Nine sonographers applied the OMERACT 0-3 grayscale scoring system for parotid (PGs) and submandibular glands (SMGs) in 11 patients with pSS who also had MRIs performed. These were evaluated by 2 radiologists using a semiquantitative 0-3 scoring system for morphological lesions. The agreement between US and MRI and the association between U-WSFRs and imaging structural lesions was determined. A score ≥ 2 for both US and MRI was defined as gland pathology.

RESULTS

The prevalence of US morphological lesions in 11 patients with a score ≥ 2 was 58% for PGs and 76% for SMGs, and 46% and 41% for PGs and SMGs, respectively, for MRI. The agreement between OMERACT US scores and MRI scores was 73-91% (median 82%) in the right PG and 73-91% (median 91%) in the left PG, 55-91% (median 55%) in the right SMG and 55-82% (median 55%) in the left SMG. When relations between the presence of hyposalivation and an US score ≥ 2 were examined, agreement was 91-100% (median 83%) in both PGs and 55-91% (median 67%) in both SMGs.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate to strong agreement between the OMERACT US and MRI scores for major salivary glands in patients with pSS. Similar agreement ratios were observed between the higher OMERACT US scores and presence of hyposalivation.

The mediator role of treatment response on oral health related quality of life in Behçet's syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of Treatment Response with oral ulcers on oral health related quality of life in Behçet's syndrome (BS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the cross-sectional study, 339 BS patients (F/M: 179/160, mean age: 36,13±9,81 years) were included. Data were collected by clinical examinations and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) regarding Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire and self-reported Treatment Responses coded by a 5-point Likert-type scale (1: symptoms were cured- 5: symptoms were worsened). Moderated Mediation analysis (MA) was used to understand how oral ulcer activity (independent variable; X) influenced OHIP-14 score (outcome variables, Y) through self-reported Treatment Response (M1) and age (M2) as possible mediator variables (M) and disease course (mucocutaneous and musculuskeletal involvement vs. major organ involvement) as a possible moderator variable (W) on these relationships.

RESULTS

In Moderated MA, OHIP-14 score (Y) was mediated by the presence of oral ulcer (X) (p=0.0000), the negative Treatment Response (M1) (p=0.0001) and being young (M2) (p=0.0053) with mucocutaneous involvement (W)(p=0.0039).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported Treatment Response as an underestimated issue has a Mediator role in relation to oral ulceration on oral health related quality of life in the framework of patient empowerment strategies. Therefore, study results give clues to assist physicians and dentists for better understanding of patients' perspective.

Influence of exposure to climate-related hazards in the phenotypic expression of primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To analyse how the key components at the time of diagnosis of the Sjögren's phenotype (epidemiological profile, sicca symptoms, and systemic disease) can be influenced by the potential exposure to climate-related natural hazards.

METHODS

For the present study, the following variables were selected for harmonisation and refinement: age, sex, country, fulfilment of 2002/2016 criteria items, dry eyes, dry mouth, and overall ESSDAI score. Climate-related hazards per country were defined according to the OECD and included seven climate-related hazard types: extreme temperature, extreme precipitation, drought, wildfire, wind threats, river flooding, and coastal flooding. Climatic variables were defined as dichotomous variables according to whether each country is ranked among the ten countries with the most significant exposure.

RESULTS

After applying data-cleaning techniques and excluding people from countries not included in the OECD climate rankings, the database study analysed 16,042 patients from 23 countries. The disease was diagnosed between 1 and 3 years earlier in people living in countries included among the top 10 worst exposed to extreme precipitation, wildfire, wind threats, river flooding, and coastal flooding. A lower frequency of dry eyes was observed in people living in countries exposed to wind threats, river flooding, and coastal flooding, with a level of statistical association being classified as strong (p<0.0001 for the three variables). The frequency of dry mouth was significantly lower in people living in countries exposed to river flooding (p<0.0001) and coastal flooding (p<0.0001). People living in countries included in the worse climate scenarios for extreme temperature (p<0.0001) and river flooding (p<0.0001) showed a higher mean ESSDAI score in comparison with people living in no-risk countries. In contrast, those living in countries exposed to worse climate scenarios for wind threats (p<0.0001) and coastal flooding (p<0.0001) showed a lower mean ESSDAI score in comparison with people living in no-risk countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Local exposure to extreme climate-related hazards plays a role in modulating the presentation of Sjögren across countries concerning the age at which the disease is diagnosed, the frequency of dryness, and the degree of systemic activity.

Exposure to air pollution as an environmental determinant of how Sjögren's disease is expressed at diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

To analyse how the potential exposure to air pollutants can influence the key components at the time of diagnosis of Sjögren's phenotype (epidemiological profile, sicca symptoms, and systemic disease).

METHODS

For the present study, the following variables were selected for harmonization and refinement: age, sex, country, fulfilment of 2002/2016 criteria items, dry eyes, dry mouth, and overall ESSDAI score. Air pollution indexes per country were defined according to the OECD (1990-2021), including emission data of nitrogen and sulphur oxides (NO/SO), particulate matter (PM2.5 and 1.0), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) calculated per unit of GDP, Kg per 1000 USD.

RESULTS

The results of the chi-square tests of independence for each air pollutant with the frequency of dry eyes at diagnosis showed that, except for one, all variables exhibited p-values <0.0001. The most pronounced disparities emerged in the dry eye prevalence among individuals inhabiting countries with the highest NO/SO exposure, a surge of 4.61 percentage points compared to other countries, followed by CO (3.59 points), non-methane (3.32 points), PM2.5 (3.30 points), and PM1.0 (1.60 points) exposures. Concerning dry mouth, individuals residing in countries with worse NO/SO exposures exhibited a heightened frequency of dry mouth by 2.05 percentage points (p<0.0001), followed by non-methane exposure (1.21 percentage points increase, p=0.007). Individuals inhabiting countries with the worst NO/SO, CO, and PM2.5 pollution levels had a higher mean global ESSDAI score than those in lower-risk nations (all p-values <0.0001). When systemic disease was stratified according to DAS into low, moderate, and high systemic activity levels, a heightened proportion of individuals manifesting moderate/severe systemic activity was observed in countries with worse exposures to NO/SO, CO, and PM2.5 pollutant levels.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we suggest that pollution levels could influence how SjD appears at diagnosis in a large international cohort of patients. The most notable relationships were found between symptoms (dryness and general body symptoms) and NO/SO, CO, and PM2.5 levels.

Mortality risk factors in primary Sjögren syndrome: a real-world, retrospective, cohort study

Background

What baseline predictors would be involved in mortality in people with primary Sjögren syndrome (SjS) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the baseline characteristics collected at the time of diagnosis of SjS associated with mortality and to identify mortality risk factors for all-cause death and deaths related to systemic SjS activity measured by the ESSDAI score.

Methods

In this international, real-world, retrospective, cohort study, we retrospectively collected data from 27 countries on mortality and causes of death from the Big Data Sjögren Registry. Inclusion criteria consisted of fulfilling 2002/2016 SjS classification criteria, and exclusion criteria included chronic HCV/HIV infections and associated systemic autoimmune diseases. A statistical approach based on a directed acyclic graph was used, with all-cause and Sjögren-related mortality as primary endpoints. The key determinants that defined the disease phenotype at diagnosis (glandular, systemic, and immunological) were analysed as independent variables.

Findings

Between January 1st, 2014 and December 31, 2023, data from 11,372 patients with primary SjS (93.5% women, 78.4% classified as White, mean age at diagnosis of 51.1 years) included in the Registry were analysed. 876 (7.7%) deaths were recorded after a mean follow-up of 8.6 years (SD 7.12). Univariate analysis of prognostic factors for all-cause death identified eight Sjögren-related variables (ocular and oral tests, salivary biopsy, ESSDAI, ANA, anti-Ro, anti-La, and cryoglobulins). The multivariate CPH model adjusted for these variables and the epidemiological features showed that DAS-ESSDAI (high vs no high: HR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.27-2.22) and cryoglobulins (positive vs negative: HR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.22-2.42) were independent predictors of all-cause death. Of the 640 deaths with available information detailing the specific cause of death, 14% were due to systemic SjS. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors for Sjögren-cause death identified five Sjögren-related variables (oral tests, clinESSDAI, DAS-ESSDAI, ANA, and cryoglobulins). The multivariate competing risks CPH model adjusted for these variables and the epidemiological features showed that oral tests (abnormal vs normal results: HR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.01-1.87), DAS-ESSDAI (high vs no high: HR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22-1.96) and cryoglobulins (positive vs negative: HR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-2) were independent predictors of SjS-related death.

Interpretation

The key mortality risk factors at the time of SjS diagnosis were positive cryoglobulins and a high systemic activity scored using the ESSDAI, conferring a 2-times increased risk of all-cause and SjS-related death. ESSDAI measurement and cryoglobulin testing should be considered mandatory when an individual is diagnosed with SjS.

Funding

Novartis.

A cross-sectional study on activity impairment in primary Sjogren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to show relations between activity impairment and salivary gland involvement for patient empowerment in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

In the study, 86 patients with pSS were included. The data were collected through clinical examinations and a questionnaire regarding Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), EULAR Sjogren's syndrome patient-reported index (ESSPRI) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Relations were analysed by using mediation and moderation analyses. In simple mediation analysis, an independent variable (X) influences outcome variable (Y) through a mediator variable (M) whereas a moderator variable (W) affects the direction of the relationship between the dependent (Y) and independent variables (X).

RESULTS

Increases in ESSPRI-Dryness score (X) (p = 0.0189) and OHIP-14 score (M) (p = 0.0004) were associated with the poor WPAI activity impairment score (Y) in the first mediation analysis. The WPAI activity impairment score was mediated by the elevated ESSPRI-Fatigue score (X) (p = 0.03641) and low U-SFR (M) (p = 0.0000) in the second mediation analysis. In addition, ESSPRI-Pain score (W) was the significant moderator for WPAI activity impairment (Y) in patients without hyposalivation in the moderation analysis (p = 0.0010).

CONCLUSION

WPAI activity impairment was affected by both ESSPRI-Dryness with OHRQoL and ESSPRI-Fatigue with SFR in glandular involvement.

Safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 1237 patients with primary Sjögren syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the safety and efficacy of SARS-Cov-2 vaccination in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) due to scarcity of data in this population.

METHODS

By the first week of May 2021, all Big Data SS Consortium centres patients who had received at least one dose of any SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were included in the study. The in-charge physician asked patients about local and systemic reactogenicity to collect SARS-CoV-2 vaccination data.

RESULTS

The vaccination data of 1237 patients were received. A total of 835 patients (67%) reported any adverse events (AEs), including local (53%) and systemic (50%) AEs. Subjective symptoms (63%) were the most common local AEs, followed by objective signs at the injection site (16%), and general symptoms were the most commonly reported systemic AEs (46%), followed by musculoskeletal (25%), gastrointestinal (9%), cardiopulmonary (3%), and neurological (2%). In addition, 141 (11%) patients reported a significant worsening/exacerbation of their pre-vaccination sicca symptoms and fifteen (1.2%) patients reported active involvement in the glandular (n=7), articular (n=7), cutaneous (n=6), pulmonary (n=2), and peripheral nervous system (n=1) domains due to post-vaccination SS flares. In terms of vaccination efficacy, breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed after vaccination in three (0.24 %) patients, and positive anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibodies were detected in approximately 95% of vaccinated SS patients, according to data available.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that patients with pSS develop adequate humoral response and no severe AEs after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and therefore raise no concerns about the vaccine's efficacy or safety profile in this population.

AB0420 UNINTENTIONAL MONOTHERAPY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS RECEIVING TOFACITINIB AND DRUG SURVIVAL RATE OF TOFACITINIB

Background

Combination of MTX with a bDMARDs or tsDMARDs is considered the most effective treatment regimen currently available for patients with RA who have failed to respond to conventional DMARDs. However, approximately 30% of patients receive bDMARDs as monotherapy in daily clinical practice. Studies in the literature do not assess unintentional monotherapy in general. However, it is thought that some patients may switch to monotherapy unintentionally. In other words, some patients who are prescribed combination therapy switch to monotherapy without informing their physicians.

Objectives

To determine the rate of unintentional monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving tofacitinib and to evaluate tofacitinib survival rate.

Methods

This national, multicentre, retrospective study included patients’ data from the TURKBIO Registry. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, disease duration and activity, comorbidities, and treatment were analysed.

Results

Data of 231 RA patients (84.8% female, median age, 56 years) were included; 153 were initially prescribed combination therapy and continued to their therapies; 31 were initially prescribed combination therapy but switched to monotherapy of their own will (unintentional monotherapy); 21 were initially prescribed monotherapy and switched to combination therapy; 26 were initially prescribed monotherapy and continued to their therapies. The combination and unintentional monotherapy groups did not differ regarding remission rate assessed by DAS28-CRP (60.5% and 70%, respectively, p=0.328). The rate of comorbidities at the time of data retrieval was significantly higher in the unintentional monotherapy group compared with the combination group (83.3% vs. 60.3%, p=0.031). Presence of comorbidities was a significant factor affecting switching to monotherapy (p=0.039, Odds ratio: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.06-10.18). Drug survival rates of the unintentional monotherapy and combination groups did not differ. The median drug survival duration of tofacitinib was 27+ months with a 1-year and 4-year drug survival rates of 89.6% and 60.2%, respectively, in the unintentional monotherapy group.

Conclusion

Although 13.4% of the study population started monotherapy unintentionally, drug survival rates of the unintentional monotherapy and combination groups were not different. Comorbidity was an important factor affecting transition from combination therapy to monotherapy.

This study was sponsored by Pfizer.

Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests

Nevsun Inanc: None declared, Kerem Abacar: None declared, mehmet akif ozturk: None declared, Abdurrahman Tufan: None declared, Hazan Karadeniz: None declared, İsmail Sari: None declared, gercek can: None declared, Yesim Erez: None declared, yavuz Pehlivan: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç: None declared, Tuğba Ocak: None declared, Ayse Cefle: None declared, Ayten Yazici Grant/research support from: Ayten Yazici has received project grant from Roche Pharmaceuticals, Turkey., Abdurrahman Senel: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Elif Durak Ediboglu: None declared, Süleyman Serdar Koca: None declared, Rabia Piskin Sagir: None declared, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Semral Gulcemal: None declared, Özgül Soysal Gündüz: None declared, Canberk Sami Başibüyük Employee of: employee of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Istanbul, Turkey., Serdar Alkan Employee of: employee and shareholder of Pfizer Inc., Istanbul, Turkey., Teoman Yusuf Cesur Employee of: employee of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Istanbul, Turkey., Fatos Onen: None declared

POS1271 THE COURSE AND OUTCOMES OF COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WITH TAKAYASU ARTERITIS: CASE SERIES OF 15 PATIENTS FROM A TERTIARY SINGLE CENTER

Background

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than two hundred million individuals and many risk factors for increased mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 have defined. There are many studies evaluating the effect of immunosuppressants used in inflammatory rheumatic diseases in the course of COVID-19. (1,2) However, fewer data are available on the course of COVID-19 in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of TAK patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A phone survey was conducted among TAK patients that are followed up in our clinic between February 2021 and March 2021. All patients were asked whether they were diagnosed as COVID-19 during the pandemic. The patients who had a history of confirmed COVID-19 were asked about the symptoms, hospitalization status and the treatment received for COVID-19. Information about their chronic diseases were obtained from the patient files.

Results

Among 118 TAK patients, 15 had COVID-19 infection during the first year of pandemic, 13 of them were female and mean age was 42,5 ± 12,0 years. None of the patients had been vaccinated before the diagnosis of COVID-19. Nine of the patients were taking prednisone therapy and 3 of them were taking moderate to high doses of glucocorticoids during the infection period. Twelve patients were taking conventionally synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), 7 patients were taking biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), and 5 patients were taking a combination of csDMARD and bDMARD therapy when they were diagnosed with COVID-19. Two patients were hospitalized; one of them required nasal oxygen support and discharged after 5 days. The other patient was 61 years old and had multipl comorbidities and had admitted to intensive care unit for 5 days. One patient who had a mild COVID-19 disease had pulmonary thromboembolism 2 weeks after the infection and his symptoms resolved after starting anticoagulation therapy. All of the patients fully recovered and had no mortality related to COVID-19.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort reporting the course of COVID-19 in TAK patients. Our data suggest that there is no increased risk for morbidity or mortality related to COVID-19 in TAK patients.

References

[1]Strangfeld A, Schäfer M, Gianfrancesco MA, et al.; COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance. Factors associated with COVID-19-related death in people with rheumatic diseases: results from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance physician-reported registry. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021 Jul;80(7):930-942.

[2]Andersen KM, Bates BA, Rashidi ES, et al.; National COVID Cohort Collaborative Consortium. Long-term use of immunosuppressive medicines and in-hospital COVID-19 outcomes: a retrospective cohort study using data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative. Lancet Rheumatol. 2021 Nov 15.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1401 PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF COMMON FEMORAL VEIN WALL THICKNESS IN BEHÇET DISEASE: A PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Background

We reported the first controlled doppler ultrasound study showing increased common femoral vein (CFV) thickness in Behçet Disease (BD). Following that, we recently showed that increased CFV thickness is a distinctive feature of BD, rarely present in other inflammatory or vascular diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic vasculitides, venous insufficiency, and non-inflammatory DVT (deep venous thrombosis) with a specificity higher than 80% for the cut-off value of ≥ 0.5 mm. However, the association between CFV thickness and any organ involvement, disease course or treatment during the prospective follow-up has not been demonstrated so far.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the longitudinal course and prognostic value of CFV thickness measurement during prospective follow-up BD patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, we included 195 patients with diagnosed BD. The clinical, demographic, treatment data and laboratory were recorded during the routine visit. Bilateral CFV thickness was measured with ultrasonography by an experienced radiologist at the same day. Patients were started to follow up prospectively with 3-6 months intervals and in any urgent visit. In 47 patients, the second CFV thickness measurement was done mean 19.79 (10.10) months after the first visit.

Results

At baseline, 98.6% of patients had increased CFV thickness above the cut-off value of ≥0.5 mm. The baseline and last follow-up clinical characteristics were shown in Table 1.

Table 1.

The baseline and follow-up clinical characteristics of patients with Behçet’s Disease.

Baseline(n=139)Last Follow-up (n=139)Relapses or New Involvement during follow-upAge mean (SD)34.85 (8.27)Gender F/M ratio43/96Pathergy (positive/negative)59/44Right CFV Wall Thickness mean (SD) mm0.791 (0.253)Left CFV Wall Thickness mean (SD) mm0.797 (0.207)Oral aftous n (%)134 (95)134 (95)13 (9.4)Genital Ulcer n (%)84 (60.4)89 (64.5)6 (4.3)Eritema Nodosum n (%)62 (44.6)69 (49.6)9 (6.5)Arthritis (%)48 (34.5)48 (34.5)10 (7.2)Major Organ Involvement n (%)103 (74.1)110 (78.6)39 (28.1) Vascular Involvement n (%)84 (60.4)96 (69.1)35 (25.2)   Deep Venous Thrombosis (%)61 (43.9)65 (46.8)6 (4.3)   Pulmonary trombosis n (%)35 (25.2)52 (37.4)23 (16.5) Neuro-Behcet n (%)14 (9.9)16 (11.5)2 (1.4) Uveitis n (%)33 (23.7)40 (28.8)7 (5)

In 47 patients, the second CFV thickness measurement was done mean 19.79 months after the first visit. There was no statistically significant difference between the first and second CFV venous wall thickness measurements for both right and left of our patients (First vs. second for right CFV: 0.791 mm vs. 0.755, p=0.264; first vs. second for left CFV: 0.787 mm vs. 0.753, p=0.264). We did not find any change in CFV wall thickness with the treatment, new organ involvement and relapses.

139 of 195 patients had prospective clinical follow-up data with the mean of 26.52 (16.94) months. New major organ involvement or relapse leading to treatment change was seen in 39 (28%) patients. While 22 (15.8%) patients had new major organ involvement, 12 (8.6%) of them were diagnosed with new vascular involvement, seven (5%) with new uveitis.

Among 36 patients with only mucocutaneous disease at baseline, new major organ involvement developed in 9 patients during follow-up. These nine patients had had higher baseline CFV thicknesses compared to patients not developing major organ involvement despite not achieving clinical significance (0.83 mm vs 0.73 mm for right CFV; 0.80 mm vs 0.73 mm for left CFV: p >0.05 for both)

Conclusion

CFV wall thickness measurement with ultrasonography which is a new non-invasive diagnostic tool for BD, does not show a major change over time with treatment, new organ involvement or disease relapses. However, our preliminary results suggest that mucocutaenous BD patients with higher CFV thickness may have a higher risk of developing major organ involvement during follow-up. The results of our prospective cohort with longer follow-up and increased patients’ number would clarify the prognostic value of CFV thickness in BD.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0494 COMPARISON OF CUTANEOUS SILENT PERIOD PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME WITH THE HEALTHY POPULATION

Background

Neurological involvement has a great importance in the clinical spectrum of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) (1). The presence of small fiber neuropathy (SFN), which cannot be detected in routine electrophysiological examinations, causes the peripheral nervous system involvement to be underestimated in the course of the disease and causes pain-related symptoms in patients that cannot be explained by routine examinations (2). Various methods can be used in the detection of SFN, and cutaneous silent period (CSP) measurement is gaining popularity recently due to its non-invasiveness and practical application (3).

Objectives

Evaluating SFN involvement in patients with pSS using CSP and evaluating its relationship with clinical parameters.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of pSS followed in the rheumatology outpatient clinic and healthy volunteers demographically homogeneous with the patient group were included in the study. The CSP responses were recorded over the abductor pollicis brevis muscle in the upper extremity of all participants. The latency and duration values of the responses were obtained. In patient group, EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) were applied for the evaluation of symptom severity, mood, quality of life, presence of neuropathic pain and central sensitization, respectively. Comparison of CSP parameters between patients with pSS and healthy volunteers was determined as the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome measure was the relationship between CSP parameters and ESSPRI, HADS, SF-36, LANSS and CSI scores.

Results

A total of 36 patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the final analyses. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data. The mean CSP latency was significantly longer in patients with a mean of 78.18 (±7.51) when compared to controls with a mean of 67.91 (±6.41) (95% CI: 6.98- 13.55, p<0.001). Mean CSP duration was also significantly shorter in patients with a mean of 33.40 (±6.93) (95% CI: 9.57 -15.31, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in CSP parameters (latency and duration, respectively) according to patients’ neuropathic pain or central sensitization profile (p>0.05 for all analyses). There were significant correlations of CSP parameters with ESSPRI dryness (r=0.469, p=0.004; r=-0.553, p<0.001), fatigue (r=0.42, p=0.011; r=-0.505, p=0.002), pain (r=0.428, p=0.009; r=-0.57, p<0.001) subscores and mean ESSPRI score (r=0.631, p<0.001; r=-0.749, p<0.001). Significant correlations were not found between CSP parameters and SF-36 scores, other than CSP duration and “pain” subscore (r=-0.395, p=0.017). When the other correlations were investigated there were no significant correlations other than CSP duration and the HADS anxiety score (r=-0.201, p=0.02).

Conclusion

As an indicator of CSP measurement, SFN is more common in patients with pSS than in the healthy population. The association with important clinical symptoms of the disease course such as dryness, fatigue, pain and anxiety highlights the importance of detecting small fiber neuropathy.

References

[1]Margaretten M. Neurologic manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome. Rheumatic Disease Clinics. 2017;43(4):519-29.

[2]Birnbaum J, Lalji A, Saed A, Baer AN. Biopsy-Proven Small-Fiber Neuropathy in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Neuropathic Pain Characteristics, Autoantibody Findings, and Histopathologic Features. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2019 Jul;71(7):936-948.

[3]Tekatas A, Tekatas DD, Solmaz V, Karaca T, Pamuk ON. Small fiber neuropathy and related factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; the results of cutaneous silent period and skin biopsy. Advances in Rheumatology. 2020 Jun 15;60.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0574 PREDICTOR FACTORS IN EMPOWERMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJOGREN SYNDROME IN THE FRAME OF VALUE BASED HEALTH CARE

Background

Patient empowerment is a key component in developing awareness of the disease in patient-centred care in the setting of chronic disease management.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors in the empowerment of patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS), while examining patients reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the setting of value-based health care.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 169 patients with pSS (F/M: 162/7; mean age: 52.94±12.20 years) were included. Data was collected from the clinical examination, major salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) and a structured questionnaire regarding utilisation of health services and PROMs regarding Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression) and Self-reported General Health Status (100-m VAS; 0: very poor vs 10: very good). Both stimulated (S-SFRs) and unstimulated salivary flow rates (U-SFRs) of patients were measured as ml/min. Patients with hyposalivation were grouped as according to U-SFR (≤0.1 ml/min). Furthermore, Outcome Measures from Rheumatology ultrasonography (OMERACT US) scores (from 0: normal to 3 points: severe inhomogeneity) were collected to evaluate glandular involvement of patients. After initial statistical analyses was carried out, mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the associations.

Results

The rate of patients with hyposalivation was found as 45% and most (85.7%) had elevated SGUS scores (≥2 points). In addition, self-reported oral health problems were common in the study group (from 23.8% to 53.4%). Among this cohort, the patients suffered from Burning oral sensation (27 %) had poor scores in OHIP-14 (29.81±14.48 vs 20.22±12.43), HADS-Depression (10.07±4.49 vs 6.65±4.20) and Self-reported general health status (45.43±17.95 vs 55.56±22.43) compared to those without Burning oral sensation (p=0.006, p=0.019, p=0.018, respectively). Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between OHIP-14 score and HADS-A score (r: 0.4 p: 0.004) and HADS-D scores (r: 0.58 p=0.000). Utilising mediation analysis, the HADS-Depression score was directly mediated by the presence of Burning oral sensation (p=0.0005) and indirectly mediated by OHIP-14 score (p=0.0360). In this group, the interval from the last dental visit was mean: 19 months. Interestingly, 60% preferred to relate their oral discomfort during visits (3 times a year), to rheumatologists.

Conclusion

Better health outcomes could be achieved by reducing oral discomfort, increasing dental visits, improvement of oral health related quality of life and managing depression by a multidisciplinary team with dentists and psychiatrists in patient-centred care. Since these factors have a significant effect on patients’ daily life, treatment plans are needed to provide patient empowerment by using suitable strategies in the frame of value-based health care.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0790 18F-FLUORODEOXYGLUCOSE (FDG) PET-CT IMAGING OF SALIVARY GLANDS IN PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME AND ITS CORRELATION WITH ULTRASONOGRAPHIC SCORES AND SALIVARY FLOW RATE COMPARED TO HEALTHY CONTROLS

Background

The use of salivary gland imaging modalities in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) has been increasing recently. The contribution of each imaging method in terms of diagnosis or disease activity differs from each other. Although ultrasound and MRI are the most commonly used imaging modalities, the role of PET-CT for diagnosing pSS and determining glandular and extraglandular involvement has largely been neglected.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the sizes and metabolic activities of the major salivary glands in patients with pSS and healthy controls (HC). Correlation of the 18F-FDG PET-CT uptake characteristics with ultrasound scores and salivary flow rates of the patients and HC was also determined.

Methods

22 patients with pSS and 10 age/sex-matched HC were included in the study. The sizes and FDG uptakes of the parotid and submandibular glands of pSS patients and HC were assessed by PET-CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was evaluated for FDG uptakes, and each patient’s liver uptake and salivary gland uptake ratio were calculated. In addition, correlations of gland sizes and FDG uptakes in PET-CT with OMERACT and Hocevar ultrasound scores, stimulated and unstimulated SFR, ESSPRI dryness scores and disease durations of pSS patients were calculated by Spearman test.

Results

The mean age (SD) of the patients was 58.6 years (10.5) versus 58.6 years (19.1) of HC; the mean (SD) disease duration was 8.96 (8.77) years. ANA was positive in all patients, anti-SSA positivity was present in 82.6%, and 30.4% of patients experienced ≥1 parotid swelling episode.

Compared to HCs, the mean size of both submandibular glands (p=0.006 for left and p=0.032 for right) and SUVmax of the left submandibular gland (p=0.044) were significantly smaller in patients with pSS. In pSS patients, both right and left parotid sizes were smaller and SUVmax uptake was greater than in HC; these differences however did not reach statistical significance.

When the PET-CT involvement characteristics of the patients were compared with the salivary gland ultrasonography scores, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the left parotid gland size in PET-CT and the ultrasonographic inhomogeneity of Hocevar score and OMERACT score. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between right parotid gland size measured on PET-CT with ultrasonographic inhomogeneity, hyperechoic foci, parenchymal echogenicity, Hocevar total score, and OMERACT score. No statistically significant correlation was found between SUVmax scores detected by PET-CT and ultrasound scores in both parotid glands and submandibular glands.

A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the total gland size measured in PET-CT and the unstimulated salivary flow rate (p=0.038, r=0.604). There was a negative correlation between total gland size and ESSPRI dryness scores and symptom duration, which did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

PET-CT SUVmax measurements do not provide sufficient information for pSS-related involvement of the major salivary glands. Secondly, size measurement of the parotid glands by PET-CT is associated with OMERACT ultrasound scores, and also the sizes of both submandibular and parotid glands are smaller than HC.

Table 1.

Correlations of gland sizes and ultrasonographic scores

GlandOMERACT ScoreParenchymalHomogeneityHypoechoic AreasHiperechoicVisibility of Gland BorderParenchymal InhomogenicityTotalSize (PET/CT)EchogenityFociR-Parotisr-.699*-.717*-.704*-0,598-.656*-0,368-.758**-.645*p0,0170,0130,0160,0520,0280,2660,0070,032L-Parotisr-.699*-.717*-.704*-0,598-.656*-0,368-.758**-0,482p0,0170,0130,0160,0520,0280,2660,0070,134R-Submr-0,0110.118-0,011-0,2700,203-0,0060,2470.024p0,9720.7140,9720,3970,5260,9860,4390.942L-Submr0,2450,3060,2450,0710,3270,1180,3060,435p0,4430,3330,4430,8260,3000,7140,3330,158

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0821 CORONARY ARTERIAL INVOLVEMENT CAN BE OBSERVED IN A SIGNIFICANT SUBSET OF TAKAYASU’S ARTERITIS PATIENTS BY CORONARY CT-ANGIOGRAPHY

Background

Besides the aorta and its main branches, coronary arterial involvement is also seen at a substantial rate in patients with Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK). Computerized tomography (CT)-angiography, as a non-invasive assessment tool, has started to be used instead of conventional angiography in the evaluation of coronary arteries. However limited data is available for its role in TAK patients.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to assess the coronary arterial involvement by coronary CT-angiography in TAK patients with or without symptoms and to compare clinical characteristics of patients with or without coronary arterial involvement.

Methods

Patients with TAK (n=49, F/M: 40/9, mean age: 42.61±9.95 years) followed in Marmara University Vasculitis Clinic and underwent coronary CT-angiography with or without cardiac symptoms were evaluated retrospectively. Data of four patients who were not suitable for coronary CT-angiography but underwent conventional angiography were also included. CT angiography findings in the coronary arteries were defined as osteal stenosis, stenosis, calcific plaque and aneurysm and patients were categorized into two groups as those with or without coronary artery pathology. Demographic data, cardiac symptoms, clinical findings, BMIs, angiographic Hata and Goel classifications, treatments received for TAK, acute phase reactants and lipid levels were compared.

Results

Coronary artery pathology was detected in 14 patients (28.7%). Only 9 patients had a history of angina and 6 had cardiac symptoms in this group. Calcific plaque was present in 11 (22.5%), coronary artery stenosis in eight (16.3%) and aneurysm, osteal stenosis and occlusion in one patient each (2.0%). RCA was involved in 20.4%, LAD in 28.6%, LMCA in 22.4%, CX in 26.6% and more than one coronary arterial involvement in 26.5% of patients. In patients with coronary artery involvement, age (p=0.02), age at TAK diagnosis (p=0.004) and number of anti-hypertensive drugs (p=0.011) were significantly higher than those without coronary artery involvement. History of angina (p=0.004) and statin use (p=0.001) were also significantly higher in patients with coronary artery abnormalities, whereas HDL levels were significantly lower (p=0.037). No significant differences were observed between the groups when gender, smoking history, diabetes, BMI, ITAS2010 scores, biological therapy use, angiographic classifications, aortic involvement, presence of cardiac symptoms, CRP, ESR, total cholesterol and LDL levels were compared (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparison of patient groups with and without coronary artery involvement (BMI: Body Mass Index, SD: Standard Deviation, ITAS: Indian Takayasu Activity Score, LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein, HDL: High Density Lipoprotein)

Presence of Coronary Arterial Involvement (n=14)Absence of Coronary Arterial Involvement (n=35)p valueAge49.29 (8.23)39.94 (9.39)p=0.02Gender (F/M)10/430/5p=0.254Disease duration, years7.43 (6.42)8.46 (6.25)p=0.608Age at TAK diagnosis41.21 (12.58)31.37 (9.18)p=0.004Diabetes mellitus3/141/35p=0.065Family history4/147/35p=0.706Smoking history8/1425/35p=0.122BMI (kg/m2)25.08 (2.53)25.17 (4.68)p=0.930Biological therapy4/1415/34p=0.317CRP (mg/L) mean (SD)4.45 (3.4)8.68 (24.08)p=0.642ITAS2010 mean (SD)0.57 (0.94)0.51 (1.15)p=0.869LDL (mg/dL) mean (SD)102 (41.96)112.44 (35.79)p=0.398HDL (mg/dL) mean (SD)46.23 (12.78)55.12 (12.62)p=0.037Cardiac Symptom6/142/35p=0.159Aorta involvement8/1418/35p=0.717Statin use10/146/34p=0.001Number of antihypertensives1.79 (0.89)0.85 (1.18)p=0.011Acetylsalicylic acid use10/1424/34p=1Angina history9/146/35p=0.004

Conclusion

Coronary artery involvement which is an important cause of morbidity and mortality can be detected non-invasively by coronary CT-angiography in up to 1/3 of patients with Takayasu’s arteritis, also in patients without angina and cardiac symptoms. Traditional cardiac risk factors are present more commonly in this group.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0888-HPR EULAR SJOGREN’S SYNDROME PATIENT REPORTED INDEX-FATIGUE SCORE AND HADS-DEPRESSION SCORE MEDIATE IDENTITY SCORE OF ILLNESS PERCEPTION QUESTIONNAIRE IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

Dryness, fatigue, and pain are common clinical manifestations assessed by EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)-Dryness, -Fatigue, -Pain scores in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). In addition, depression is also seen in these patients owing to the pattern of the chronic disease.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess the complex interactions among Depression status, Illness Perception, and prominent clinical manifestations evaluated by the ESSPRI (Dryness, Fatigue, and Pain) in patients with pSS.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 111 patients with pSS (M/F: 5/106; mean age: 52.9 ± 12.01 years) were included. The data were collected by clinical examination and a questionnaire regarding patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Unstimulated (U-WSFR) and stimulated (S-WSFR) whole saliva flow rates of patients were calculated as ml/min. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Illness Perception Questionnaire-R (IPQ-R) and EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index were filled by patients. Increases in HADS score and subgroup scores of ESSPRI (Dryness, Fatigue and Pain) and IPQ-R dimensions regarding Identity, Consequences, and Emotional reflected poor conditions for patients. In addition, patients scored their disease activity (0: inactive-100: the worst activity) by using 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). After preliminary analysis, a mediation analysis was used to evaluate the relations among these variables.

Results:

In the study, ESSPRI-Dryness score (6,27±2,79) was associated with U-WSFR (0,40±0,57) and S-WSFR (1,04±0,86),(r:-0,4 p=0.000; r:-0,3 p=0.004). Moreover, patients reported disease activity score (48,78±26,67) was related to U-WSFR (r: -0,3 p=0.026) as well as Consequence (19,12±5,47) and Emotional (19,54±7,02) scores of IPQ-R questionnaire (r: 0,3 p=0.035; r: 0,3 p=0.014).

In IPQ-R questionnaire, Identity score (8,04±3,1) reflecting number of symptoms that patients experienced due to their illness was correlated with scores of ESSPRI-Fatigue (5,29±2,97), ESSPRI-Pain (5,18±3,01), HADS-Anxiety (11,67±5,55), HADS-Depression (9,2±4,98) in the study (p<0.05).

In the mediation analysis, Identity score was directly mediated by ESSPRI-Fatigue score (p=0.0093) and indirectly mediated by HADS-Depression score (p=0.0011).

A bootstrap analysis with 5000 replications was applied to estimate mediation effect to generate 95% CI. Percentile bootstrap of HADS-Depression was found to be an effective mediator for Identity score based on 5000 bootstrap sample.

Conclusion:

Both depression status and fatigue affected Identity score reflecting the number of symptoms poorly. Considering this complex relationship in disease activity assessment may positively affect disease outcomes.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1486-HPR DAILY ACTIVITY IMPAIRMENT IS MEDIATED BY BOTH ORAL DRYNESS AND ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

Both oral functions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) are poorly affected by low salivary flow rate in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of oral dryness and OHRQoL on daily life in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 86 patients with pSS (M/F: 5/81; mean age: 52.4 ± 11.6 years) were included. The data were collected by clinical examination and a questionnaire regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Patient filled PROMs regarding Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) for OHRQoL, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale (WPAI) for Daily life and the EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) for their symptoms. Unstimulated whole saliva flow rates (U-WSFR) of patients were calculated as ml/min. Increases in PROMs and decreases in U-WSFR reflected poor conditions. After preliminary analysis, a mediation analysis was used to evaluate the relations among variables.

Results:

WPAI-Daily activity impairment score was higher in patients with low U-WSFR (≤0,1 ml/min) than the others (67±29,8 vs 52,5±28,6) (p=0.042). Both U-WSFR (0,43±0,57 ml/min) and ESSPRI-Dryness score (6.31 ± 2.71) were correlated with scores of OHIP-14 (25,96±17,13)(r:- 0,38 p=0.000; r: 0,37 p=0.000) and WPAI-Daily activity impairment (57,96±29,71)(r: -0,36 p=0.004; r: 0,53 p=0.000). Moreover, scores of ESSPRI-Pain (5,16±3,12) and ESSPRI-Fatigue (5,41±2,97) were also related to WPAI-Daily activity impairment score (r: 0,41 p=0.001; r:0,49 p=0.000, respectively).

In the mediation analysis, WPAI-Daily activity impairment score (57.9 ± 29.7) was directly mediated by ESSPRI-Dryness score (p=0.0010) and indirectly mediated by OHIP-14 score (25.9 ± 17.1) (p=0.0357). After mediation analysis, a bootstrap analysis with 5000 replications was applied to estimate the mediation effect to generate 95% CI. Percentile bootstrap of OHIP-14 score was found to be an effective mediator for Daily activity impairment based on 5000 bootstrap samples.

Conclusion:

Both oral dryness and poor OHRQoL in patients with pSS affected daily activity impairment. Therefore, the patients’ needs for improving oral health were critical components of treatment plans to improve the daily activity of SjS patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0895-HPR A MODERATED MEDIATION ANALYSIS FOR POOR ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH BEHÇET’S DISEASE

Background:

Since oral ulcer is a common clinical manifestation, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is affected by the presence of oral ulcer poorly in patients with Behcet’s disease (BD).

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to examine associated factors for poor OHRQoL status to improve treatment outcomes in patients with BD.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, 339 BD patients (F/M: 179/160, mean age: 36,13±9,81 years) included. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire regarding treatment expectation, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire for OHRQoL, oral ulcer activity, and disease severity score. Treatment expectation was coded by a 5-point Likert type scale (1: symptoms were completely cured vs 5: symptoms were worsened). OHIP-14 score was between “0 point (the best score)” and “56 points (the worst score)”. The disease severity score was calculated according to the organ involvement. Then, patients were categorised as mucocutaneous involvement (n=181) and severe organ involvement (n=158). After preliminary analysis, a Moderated Mediation analysis was carried out.

Results:

Oral ulcer activity was seen in 63,4% of the group (n=215). OHIP-14 score (22,05±16,47) was correlated with Treatment expectations (2,35±0,98) (r: 0,36 p=0.000) in the group. Poor scores of OHIP-14 and Treatment expectations were found in patients with active oral ulcers (mucocutaneous involvement: 27,56±14,55; 2,68±0,87, vs severe organ involvement: 28,51±17,25; 2,43±0,99) compared to those of inactive patients (mucocutaneous involvement: 13,38±12,23; 1,81±0,73 vs severe organ involvement: 8,79±10,19; 1,85±1,02) (p=0.000 for all). Patients with active oral ulcers were younger (35,09±9,52) than the others (39,57±10,06) in the mucocutaneous involvement group (p=0.0011) whereas a similar relation was not seen in the severe organ involvement (p=0.233).

In the moderated mediation analysis, it was found that OHIP-14 score was increased by the presence of oral ulcer in the direct path (p=0.0000) and the negative Expectation of the treatment as a first mediator (p = 0.0001) in the indirect path. Oral ulcer activity was associated with younger patients (p=0.0039). This effect was seen especially in patients with mucocutaneous involvement that had a moderator effect (p=0.0040). In addition, age was found to be a second mediator for the poor OHIP-14 score (p = 0.0053). Mediators and the moderator were found to effective for OHIP-14 score a bootstrap analysis with 5000 replications.

Conclusion:

OHRQoL was affected by oral ulcer activity and poor treatment expectations. Age was also found to be another critical factor for OHRQoL.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0414 ESSPRI COMPONENTS AND SALIVARY FLOW RATE ARE RELATED TO DAILY ACTIVITY IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease targets primarily the salivary and lacrimal glands, the severe dryness of the mouth and eyes are common manifestations in patients. Therefore, daily life could be affected by these manifestations in patients with SjS.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess associations among daily activity impairment and scores of EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and major salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) in primary SjS.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 41 patients with primary SjS (F/M:39/2; mean age: 52,1±10,5) were included. The mean disease duration was 9.5±6,6 years in the group.

Data were collected by clinical examinations and a questionnaire regarding two patients reported outcome measures (PROMs). Firstly, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire assessed paid and unpaid work during the last seven days. Scores of WPAI subgroups as absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment as well as daily activity impairment were calculated by using 6 items. Secondly, dryness, fatigue and pain in ESSPRI scale were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10 points) in SjS. High scores in both PROMs indicates that disease manifestations affect patient ‘life poorly.

In addition, structural damage of parotid and submandibular salivary glands were examined by using Milic and Hocevar USG scoring methods. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (U-WSFR; as ml/min) were also used to interpret the functional status of major salivary glands. High SGUS score and low U-WSFR reflects that disease activity affects major glands poorly.

Results:

Daily activity impairment was calculated as 63,9±31,1 in patients with primary SjS. High scores in ESSPRI-dryness, ESSPRI-fatigue and ESSPRI-pain were also observed in the group (7,5±2,4; 6,4±2,8 and 6,1±3,1, respectively). Daily activity impairment was correlated with scores of ESSPRI-dryness (r:0,55 p=0.000), ESSPRI-fatigue (r:0,38 p=0.014) and ESSPRI-pain (r:0,56 p=0.000) as well as parenchymal inhomogeneity USG scores of right and left parotid glands (r:0,49 p=0.032; r:0,51 p=0.025).

U-WSFR (0.20±0.20 ml/min) was moderately correlated with parenchymal inhomogeneity USG scores of major salivary glands (p<0.05). ESSPRI-dryness score was significantly higher in patients with low U-WSFRs (≤ 0.1 ml/min) than the others (87,5±16,3 vs 68,3±25,1, respectively)(p=0.021).

Conclusion:

Firstly, subgroup scores of ESSPRI and low U-WSFR associated to daily activity impairment in patients with primary SjS. Secondly, parenchymal inhomogeneity scores of both parotid glands could give an important clue to clinicians for the disease-related damage. Finally, WPAI with 6-item could be thought as an useful tool to understand the effect of the disease manifestations on patients’ daily life.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared