Supplementary orthopaedic screening for children and adolescents to prevent permanent skeletal deformities - protocol for the "OrthoKids" study

BACKGROUND

Skeletal deformities (SD) in children and adolescents can lead to arthritic conditions, impairment of quality of life, and high treatment costs in the long term. However, comprehensive data on the prevalence of SDs in children and adolescents are limited and it remains therefore unclear whether there is a healthcare gap. "OrthoKids" is a project that addresses this evidence gap by implementing an orthopaedic screening for children and adolescents that supplements existing detection examinations within statutory standard care in Germany.

OBJECTIVE

To detect SDs so that they can be treated as needed at an early stage.

METHODS

The implementation of the supplementary orthopaedic screening will be evaluated through an exploratory cohort study that is set up in the German state Baden-Wuerttemberg. 20,000 children and adolescents aged 10 to 14 years will be recruited as a prospective cohort. A retrospective control cohort will be formed based on claims data provided by two cooperating statutory health insurances (SHIs). Participating children and adolescents receive a one-time orthopaedic screening. If at least one SD is diagnosed, treatment will be provided as part of the statutory standard care. Within the scope of the project, a follow-up examination will be performed after one year. An IT-platform will complement the study. The primary outcome measure is the point prevalence of scoliosis, genu varum/valgum, hip dysplasia, and flat feet. Secondary outcome measures are (i) the point prevalence of further less common SDs, (ii) health-related quality of life (HRQoL), (iii) sports ability based on activity (physical/athletic), physical constraints, and (sports) injuries, as well as (iv) monetary consequences of the orthopaedic screenings' implementation. Implementation determinants will be evaluated, too.

DISCUSSION

If the supplementary orthopaedic screening proves to be viable, it could be considered as a supplementary examination for children and adolescents within the frame of SHI in Germany. This could relieve the burden of disease among children and adolescents with SDs. In addition, it could disburden SHIs in the medium to long term.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The OrthoKids study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Registry (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS)) on 26th July 2022 under the number 00029057.

[The patient has died … now what? : Step by step-what happens with patients after their death?]

The determination of a person's death, the subsequent post-mortem examination and the creation of the death certificate are part of regular medical work. The post-mortem examination, which is exclusively a medical duty, must be carried out immediately after the determination of death and includes in particular the definition of the cause of death and the type of death, which, in the case of a non-natural or unexplained death, entails further investigations by the police or public prosecutor and sometimes also forensic examinations. This article aims to shed more light on the possible processes after the death of a patient.

[Fatal complications after urological interventions-connection between error, damage and causality]

Case studies from the clinic outline the connection between error, damage and causality. If the three "categories" mentioned are to be affirmed, recourse claims of the payers and the patients or their relatives are enforced in practice.

[Development of quality standards for patients with rheumatoid arthritis for use in Germany]

Despite a qualitatively and structurally good care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Germany, there are still potentially amendable deficits in the quality of care. For this reason, the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) has therefore decided to ask a group of experts including various stakeholders to develop quality standards (QS) for the care of patients with RA in order to improve the quality of care. The QS are used to determine and quantitatively measure the quality of care, subject to relevance and feasibility. The recently published NICE and ASAS standards and a systematic literature search were used as the basis for development. A total of 8 QS, now published for the first time, were approved with the intention to measure and further optimize the quality of care for patients with RA in Germany.

POS0162 HOW ACCURATELY CAN WE IDENTIFY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS BY ICD-10 CODES? A LINKAGE OF CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY DATA WITH CLAIMS DATA

Background

Claims data from health insurance companies are a valuable source in health services research to provide insights on health care provision for an unselected patient collective. However, the available ICD-10 diagnoses have been collected for billing purposes and their validity is not clear.

Objectives

The aim of this analysis was to assess the positive predictive values (PPV) of a ICD-10 diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and additional criteria (specific medication, measurement of inflammatory markers, contact to a rheumatologist) in German claims data using patient-reported confirmed diagnosis as reference/gold standard.

Methods

Within the PROCLAIR project (Linking Patient-Reported Outcomes with CLAims data for health services research In Rheumatology), data from a large German statutory health insurance with 6.6 million persons aged 18 to 79 were used. We identified a random sample of persons for which an ICD-10 code for RA (M05/M06) was available in at least two quarters in outpatient care. The sample was stratified for age (18 to 49, 50 to 64, 65 to 79 years), sex and seropositive (M05)/ seronegative RA (M06). Persons were asked to confirm their RA diagnosis (“What does your attending physician call the disease you are suffering from?”) with answer options “chronic polyarthritis”, “rheumatoid arthritis”, “rheumatism of the joints” “other (please specify)”. The answer was used as the gold standard for RA diagnosis. Analyses were weighted to represent the total RA population of the database. Patient-reported information was linked to the claims data given patient consent. PPVs (% of confirmed RA diagnosis) were calculated for ICD-10-diagnosis or additional examination of inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein), prescription of specific medication (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids) and contact to a rheumatologist, in the respective year.

Results

We contacted 6,193 persons with a claims diagnosis of RA. Of these 3,184 responding (51%), N=2,535 (81%) confirmed that they had RA. PPVs were 81% for ICD-10 only, 94% in M05 and 76% in M06. When additional criteria were taken into account, PPVs increased to 82% (measure of inflammatory markers), 85% (rheumatologist) and 89% (medication), respectively (Figure 1). However, PPVs ranged from 72% to 76% even if the additional criteria were not fulfilled. PPVs were lowest in men aged 18-49 years and relatively stable among women of all age groups.

Figure 1.

Conclusion

The ICD-10 codes M05 and (less optimal) M06 have high PPVs and are therefore feasible to identify RA in claims data. The prerequisite of specific medication seems to be the most useful one in identifying RA.

Acknowledgements

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (grants 01EC1405 and 01EC1902A).

Disclosure of Interests

Johanna Callhoff Paid instructor for: Rheumatologische Fortbildungsakademie GmbH, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, GSK, Galapagos, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB, Katinka Albrecht: None declared, Ursula Marschall Employee of: Employee of BARMER, Falk Hoffmann: None declared

POS0002 IS THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IMPACT OF DISEASE SCORE (RAID) AN INFORMATIVE INSTRUMENT FOR OTHER INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES?

Background

The rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease score (RAID) is a patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on patients’ quality of life (1). While an adapted instrument has been developed for psoriatic arthritis (2), there are no comparable instruments for other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Since the RAID includes generic questions on pain, functional capacity, fatigue, physical and emotional well-being, sleep disturbances and coping, it could be an informative instrument beyond RA.

Objectives

To analyse the performance of the RAID in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) compared to RA.

Methods

From 2015 to 2019, a total of 12,398 patients reported the RAID in the National Database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centres. We calculated the age- and sex-adjusted partial correlation (0.3-0.5 weak, 0.5-0.7 moderate, > 0.7 strong correlation) between the RAID score and five other patient- or physician-reported outcomes, namely patient global (PtGl) health status, PtGl disease activity, physician global (PhGl) disease activity, the World Health Organisation Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Furthermore, for each of the diagnoses the mean difference between the RAID and the other outcomes was compared with the respective differences for RA. The EQ-5D and WHO-5 were rescaled to match the scale of the RAID (range 0-10). General linear regression was used to assess the age- and sex-adjusted effect of each diagnosis on the difference between the RAID and the five other scores with RA as the referent diagnosis. We defined the effect of a diagnosis as clinically relevant if the mean change of difference was at least one unit.

Results

The mean RAID score in RA (3.6) was lower than in AS (4.0) and SSc (3.8) and higher than in SLE, PMR, pSS or IIM (Table 1). Across all diagnoses, the RAID correlated strongly with PtGl health status (0.72 to 0.83), moderately to strongly with PtGl disease activity (0.55 to 0.78) and WHO-5 (0.67 to 0.83), moderately with the EQ-5D (0.61 to 0.68), and weakly with PhGl disease activity (0.25 to 0.41). Small mean differences were found between the RAID and either PtGl disease activity (0 to -0.6), PtGl health status (-0.4 to -0.9) or WHO-5 (-0.7 to -1.3). A higher deviation was observed for EQ-5D (1.1 to 1.7) and PhGl disease activity (1.4 to 2.2). However, the discrepancies between the five outcomes and the RAID turned out to be similar across all diagnoses and, more importantly, comparable to RA. Linear regression revealed no clinically relevant effect of any of the diagnoses on the difference between RAID and the other outcomes (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Characteristics and patient- and physician-reported outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

RAASSLEPMRpSSIIMSScNumber of cases7826153211421105301106386Female (%)74428964895876Age, in years (mean±SD)63±1451±1447±1573±853±1658±1458±14Disease duration, in years (mean±SD)13±1118±1315±105±612±911±812±10RAID (mean±SD)3.6±2.34.0±2.33.0±2.43.2±2.33.4±2.43.5±2.53.8±2.3PtGl health status (mean±SD)4.2±2.34.4±2.23.6±2.44.1±2.34.1±2.34.2±2.54.6±2.1PtGl disease activity (mean±SD)3.7±2.44.0±2.42.7±2.53.8±2.73.5±2.63.7±2.54.1±2.3PhGl disease activity (mean±SD)1.8±1.92.2±1.91.6±1.31.0±1.41.8±1.31.8±1.62.2±1.6EQ-5D (mean±SD)0.8±0.20.8±0.20.8±0.20.8±0.20.8±0.20.8±0.20.8±0.2WHO-5 (mean±SD)57±2553±2358±2556±2657±2560±2653±24

SD, Standard Deviation; PtGl, Patient Global; PhGl, Physician Global; EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D); World Health Organisation Well-Being Index (WHO-5)

Figure 1.

Conclusion

The RAID score performed comparably well across all diagnoses investigated. These findings support the use of the RAID for measuring the impact of disease not only in RA, but also in AS, SLE, PMR, pSS, IIM and SSc.

References

[1]PMID: 21540201

[2]PMID: 24790067

Acknowledgements

We thank all participating rheumatologists and patients for their valuable contributions.

The National Database of the German Collaborative Arthritis centers is supported by the Association of Regional Cooperative Rheumatology Centres, the German Society for Rheumatology and joint contributions to the Rheumatological Training Academy and the German Rheumatism Research Centre by the following members of the Working Group of Corporate Members of the German Society for Rheumatology: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, GALAPAGOS, GSK, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis and UCB.

Disclosure of Interests

Katja Thiele: None declared, Katinka Albrecht: None declared, Angela Zink: None declared, Martin Aringer: None declared, Kirsten Karberg: None declared, Susanna Spaethling-Mestekemper Speakers bureau: BMS, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Gilead, GSK, UCB, Novartis, Ulrich von Hinueber: None declared, Johanna Callhoff Paid instructor for: Rheumatologische Fortbildungsakademie GmbH, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, GALAPAGOS, GSK, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB

OP0135 RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS UNDER JANUS KINASE INHIBITORS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: OBSERVATIONAL DATA FROM THE GERMAN RABBIT REGISTER

Background

In 2021, the European and US-American regulatory agencies EMA and FDA issued warnings about the cardiovascular (CV) safety of the Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) tofacitinib and required changes in labelling. These actions were based on results of the post-authorisation safety trial Oral Surveillance(1).

Objectives

To analyse major cardiovascular events (MACE) under treatment with JAKi, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) or conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs - bionaive) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) observed in daily rheumatological care.

Methods

Data from patients enrolled in the biologics register RABBIT with treatment episodes from 01/2017 - 04/2021 were included. Incidence rates (IR) of MACE per 100 patient-years (PY) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted risk ratios (RR) were calculated for all and for high-risk patients (age ≥ 50 years and ≥ 1 CV risk factor). Poisson regression analysis was adjusted for age, sex, smoking, disease activity, prior therapies, glucocorticoids and comorbidities.

Results

Starting from 2017, 2030 JAKi, 2338 TNFi and 871 csDMARD initiations were documented. Patients with a JAKi start were slightly older, more often women and had a longer RA disease duration (Table 1). The proportion with positive autoantibodies was higher than in the TNFi and csDMARD group, the physical function was lower, and they had received more previous biologic treatments. Characteristics of high-risk patients are also given in the Table 1.

Table 1.

Patient characteristics at the start of a JAKi, TNFi or csDMARD.

ALL PATIENTSHIGH RISK PATIENTS*JAKiTNFicsDMARDJAKiTNFicsDMARD# treatment starts2030233887112151254508Age59.9 ± 11.657.6 ± 13.059.5 ± 12.764.3 ± 8.963.5 ± 8.964.4 ± 9.2Women1573 (77.5)1707 (73.0)627 (72.0)907 (74.7)864 (68.9)355 (69.9)Disease duration12.6 ± 9.68.9 ± 8.55.7 ± 6.613.3 ± 9.99.7 ± 9.16.0 ± 7.0Rheumatoid factor/ ACPA positive1531 (79.2)1672 (74.2)548 (66.3)917 (79.7)890 (73.7)321 (66.5)# previous bDMARDs2.0 ± 1.80.7 ± 1.202.0 ± 1.80.7 ± 1.20DAS28-ESR4.2 ± 1.44.5 ± 1.44.2 ± 1.34.4 ± 1.54.7 ± 1.34.3 ± 1.3Percentage of full physical function63.3 ± 24.168.6 ± 22.472.3 ± 21.960.3 ± 24.264.4 ± 23.369.6 ± 22.7Glucocorticoids ≥10 mg/d170 (17.5)239 (21.5)49 (12.4)112 (18.6)142 (22.3)23 (10.0)BMI >30 kg/m2565 (28.2)631 (27.4)271 (31.7)383 (31.8)413 (33.3)180 (36.0)Sum of comorbidities2.9 ± 2.52.6 ± 2.42.2 ± 2.23.7 ± 2.63.5 ± 2.53.1 ± 2.3Current smokers461 (26.3)617 (28.5)274 (33.5)355 (33.5)466 (39.5)202 (42.3)Previous smokers551 (31.4)692 (31.9)230 (28.1)300 (28.3)338 (28.6)114 (23.9)

Values are given as mean ± standard deviation or number (percentage). *Age ≥50 years and ≥ 1 CV risk factor (hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipoproteinaemia, current smoking)

In total, 28 incident MACE were reported. Patients under treatment with JAKi, TNFi and csDMARD showed comparable IR for MACE between 0.26 and 0.41 events per 100 PY (Figure 1). High-risk patients showed higher IRs. The median time under treatment was 10 months on JAKi and TNFi, and 12 months on csDMARDs. The majority of events were reported in the first year after treatment start. In the adjusted analyses, JAKi (RR 0.94 [95% CI 0.39; 2.28]) and csDMARDs (RR 0.85 [0.25; 2.88]) did not show a significantly increased risk for MACE compared with TNFi in unselected patients, and also not in high-risk patients (JAKi: RR 0.90 [0.37; 2.17]; csDMARDs: RR 0.61 [0.16; 2.28]).

Figure 1.

Incidence rates of MACE per 100 patient years by treatment group.

Conclusion

IR of MACE in patients receiving JAKi in a real-world setting was lower than the IR reported for tofacitinib in the Oral Surveillance study. We found no evidence of an increased risk of MACE with JAKi compared to TNFi, although patients in the JAKi group were older and had longer disease duration.

References

[1]Pfizer Press Release (27 Jan 2021):https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-shares-co-primary-endpoint-results-post-marketing

Acknowledgements

RABBIT is supported by a joint, unconditional grant from AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Fresenius-Kabi, Galapagos, Hexal, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi-Aventis, VIATRIS and UCB.

Disclosure of Interests

Yvette Meissner Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Katinka Albrecht: None declared, Jörn Kekow: None declared, Silke Zinke Speakers bureau: Biogen, Galapagos, UCB, Lilly, Consultant of: Abbvie, Biogen, Galapagos, Novartis, Hans-Peter Tony Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra-Zeneca, BMS, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Martin Schaefer: None declared, Anja Strangfeld Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB.

A rapid point-of-care assay accurately measures vitamin D

PURPOSE

Vitamin D (VitD) is a pleiotropic hormone with effects on a multitude of systems and metabolic pathways. Consequently, the relevance of a sufficiently high VitD serum level becomes self-evident.

METHODS

A rapid immunofluorescence assay designed for the point-of-care measurement of serum VitD₃ solely was tested. Inter- and intra-assay validation, double testing and result comparison with a standardized laboratory method were performed.

RESULTS

An overall linear correlation of r = 0.89 (Pearson, 95% CI 0.88-0.92, p < 0.01) between the point of care and the conventional reference assay was registered. Accuracy and precision were of special interest at cut-points (10 ng/ml [mean deviation 1.7 ng/ml, SD 1.98 ng/ml, SE 0.16 ng/ml], 12 ng/ml [MD 0.41, SD 1.89, SE 0.19] and 30 ng/ml [MD - 1.11, SD 3.89, SE 0.35]). Only a slight deviation was detected between the two assays when using fresh (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.94, p < 0.01) and frozen serum samples (r = 0.86, 0.82-0.89, p < 0.01). Results remained steady when samples were frozen several times. Inter- and intra-assay validation according to the CLSI protocol as well as multiuser testing showed stable results.

CONCLUSION

This novel, innovative, and controlled study indicates that the evaluated rapid point of care VitD assay is reliable, accurate, and suited for clinical practice.

[The conferences of the German Society of Legal Medicine in the mirror of history]

In diesem Beitrag wird die chronologische Entwicklung der Jahrestagungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin (DGRM) von 1905 bis 2021 thematisiert. Dabei werden sowohl die medizinischen und wissenschaftlichen Aspekte als auch die spezifischen Probleme des Faches im Kontext der jeweiligen politischen und gesellschaftlichen Strukturen dargestellt und die Tagungskultur skizziert.

An Advanced Method for the Immunohistochemical Detection of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) in the Female Genital Tract

The expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in male and female urogenital tissues has been investigated by using conventional light microscopical immunoperoxidase staining. We present an improved immunohistochemical method for the specific and simultaneous detection of endothelial and neuronal NOS (eNOS/nNOS) in vaginal tissue. Specific antibodies have been used in combination with the tyramide signal amplification method. We found a subepithelial meshwork of varicose nerve fibers. A subpopulation of fibers presented immunoreactivity specific for nNOS. Epithelial cells also showed cytoplasmatic labeling for nNOS. Arteries presenting signals for eNOS in their endothelial layer were found in close proximity to nNOS-positive nerve fibers.

COMPARISON OF WEARABLES FOR SELF-MONITORING OF HEART RATE IN CORONARY REHABILITATION PATIENTS

The leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world is ischemic heart disease. Physical activity is a major approach in prevention and therapy of cardiac diseases. Self-heart-rate-monitoring in daily life is an important point for health awareness of cardiac patients. Aim of this study was validation of measurement accuracy of seven different devices against ECG-monitoring during cardiac rehabilitation training on a bicycle ergometer. Tested devices were: Garmin Forerunner 35 (Garmin), Mio Fuse (Mio), Fitbit Charge HR (FitbitHR), Fitbit Surge (FitbitS), Withings Pulse™ Ox (Withings), Apple Watch Series 1 (Apple) and Pearl Fitness-Tracker (FBT-50.HR PRO.V4). All devices were tested on 35 participants with six timed measurements during 20 minutes constant load bicycle ergometer workout for each. Simultaneousely, ECG measurements were recorded. Pearson´s correlations were assessed. Apple, Mio, and Garmin showed excellent accuracy with close correlation to ECG for self-monitoring of heart rate (HR) during cycling. FitbitHR, Pearl and FitbitS presented reasonable results. In contrast, Withings showed poor correlation to ECG with significant differences. We found significant differences between the tested devices. Since accuracy is of major importance for cardiac patients, only Apple, Mio and Garmin could be recommended. However, further research within distinct clinical and non-clinical settings is necessary and should take different types of physical activities into account.

POS1414 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: PREVALENCE AND DRUG PRESCRIPTIONS IN GERMAN CLAIMS DATA

Background:

Persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD is a serious extraarticular manifestation in RA with a significantly increased mortality but without evidence-based drug therapy (1).

Objectives:

The aim of this analysis was to investigate the frequency of ILD diagnosis in RA using claims data and to identify the medications prescribed.

Methods:

Data from a large German statutory health insurance fund were used to identify persons with one inpatient or two outpatient diagnoses of RA (ICD-10: M05, M06) and ILD (J84.1, J84.8, J84.9 and M05.1+J99.0) in 2019. Specialist care by rheumatologists and/or pulmonologists was identified using physician specialty numbers. Drug prescriptions of glucocorticoids, conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs: methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate), biologic (b) DMARDs (abatacept, rituximab, TNF inhibitors, tocilizumab) or targeted synthetic (ts) DMARDs (tofacitinib) were identified by ATC codes. Prescriptions were included if a person received at least one prescription of the respective drug in 2019.

Results:

Among 7,479,000 persons over 18 years of age and insured in 2019 a total of 2.0% (n=148,000) had a diagnosis of RA and 1.1% (n=1,600) of those had an additional diagnosis of ILD. The majority of persons with RA+ILD diagnosis was older than 70 years (59%), mean age was 72 years, 68% were female and 41% had a diagnosis of serpositive RA (M05). 4 out of 5 patients were in rheumatologist or pulmonologist care (36% both, 22% only rheumatologist, 22% only pulmonologist). In total, 67% received glucocorticoids, 49% csDMARDs and 19% bDMARDs and 1.8% tofacitinib. TNF inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed bDMARDs followed by abatacept and tocilizumab. Persons without specialized care received considerably less DMARD therapy (Table 1). Nintedanib was prescribed to 14 patients, pirfenidon to 10 patients, all of them were in specialist care.

Table 1.

Demographics and treatment of persons with RA and ILD diagnosis, numbers are percentages unless indicated otherwise.

VariableNot treated by rheumatologist or pulmonologistTreated by rheumatologist and/or pulmonologistAllN (%)326 (20%)1274 (80%)1,600 (100%)Age, mean years (std)75 (10)72 (10)72 (10)<70 years35434170 to 80 years313937>80 years351822Female sex676968Glucocorticoids497267csDMARDs245649MTX133027Leflunomide4.9108.9(Hydroxy-)chloroquine2.89.07.8Mycophenolate1.22.22.0Sulfasalazine2.13.83.4bDMARDs72219TNF-alpha Inhibitors3.49.07.9Abatacept2.15.64.9Tocilizumab1.23.63.1Rituximab0.92.92.5Tofacitinib1.51.91.8

Conclusion:

ILD was diagnosed in one of 100 persons with RA diagnosis. Specialist care is necessary to provide disease-specific therapies. While methotrexate is the most commonly used DMARD, the bDMARD prescription is heterogeneous.

References:

[1]Hyldgaard C, Ellingsen T, Hilberg O, Bendstrup E. Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Mortality. Respiration. 2019;98(5):455-460.

Acknowledgements:

The study was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the network TARISMA [01EC1902A].

Disclosure of Interests:

Katinka Albrecht: None declared, Anja Strangfeld: None declared, Ursula Marschall Employee of: Employee of the BARMER statutory health insurance fund, Johanna Callhoff: None declared

POS0026 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RA DISEASE ACTIVITY AND TOOTH LOSS: RESULTS OF TWO NATIONAL COHORTS

Background:

Cross-sectional studies suggest an association between the presence of tooth loss and/or periodontitis, cytokine levels and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1).

Objectives:

To analyze the association between tooth loss and disease activity/inflammatory activity in patients with early arthritis and established RA.

Methods:

Two data sources were used for analysis. Participants of the early arthritis cohort study CAPEA, conducted between 2010 and 2013, reported their number of teeth present at baseline and were followed over 2 years. Tooth loss categories were defined according to the number of teeth present, as follows: 0, 1-19, 19-27, and all 28 teeth. Disease activity/inflammatory activity data, such as disease activity scores (DAS28-ESR) and disease activity parameters, including swollen joint count (SJC) and inflammatory markers, i.e. erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were collected longitudinally at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. We used linear mixed regression models (with negative binomial distribution for SJC) to estimate the association between tooth loss and disease activity scores, SJC and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), over time. We also investigated the association between tooth loss and disease activity/inflammatory markers in patients with established RA, using cross-sectional data from the German National database (NDB) collected between 2015 and 2018. All models were adjusted for age, sex, smoking (ever vs. never), rheumatoid factor and education level, defined as years in education. Models with the NDB data were additionally adjusted for disease duration, missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. In all models, number of teeth was entered as a continuous variable.

Results:

Of a total of 1,124 CAPEA participants included, those with higher tooth loss were older, more often smokers, had a lower level of education, higher inflammatory markers and higher disease activity scores at baseline (Table 1). Inflammatory markers decreased comparably across all categories of tooth loss over time (Figure 1), in particular CRP. Tooth loss was not significantly associated with CRP or SJC alone. Glucocorticoid use was higher among those with more tooth loss, however dose reduction was similar across tooth loss categories. Among 7,179 NDB participants, adjusted disease activity scores and inflammatory markers were higher across tooth loss categories (DAS28 no teeth: 2.7, all teeth: 2.4; ESR no teeth: 23 mm/h, all teeth: 17 mm/h). SJC was not relevantly associated with tooth loss (no teeth: 1.2, all teeth: 1.2). Mean disease duration in the NDB sample was 13 years.

Table 1.

Early arthritis cohort (CAPEA) baseline characteristics, stratified by number of teeth

Number of teeth presentTotaln01-1920-27All 28N893154522681,1241,124Female, %57656469651,124Age (years), mean69645445561,124ESR (mm), mean42382824311,074CRP (mg/l), mean25241515191,069SJC, mean6.16.95.65.25.91,120DAS28-ESR, mean5.55.24.74.54.9983RF positive, %63535254541,124Education, %1,020<=8 years80583521429-10 years163043463811-13 years412223320Smoking (ever), %73646156611,102

ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP: C-reactive protein, DAS28: disease activity score, RF: rheumatoid factor, SJC: swollen joint count

Figure 1.

Disease activity parameters during the 24-months follow-up, stratified by the number of teeth at baseline: results from mixed models, adjusted for age, sex, smoking and education level.

Conclusion:

While we observed a significant association between tooth loss and disease activity and inflammation markers in both early arthritis and established RA, our longitudinal results suggest that tooth loss has no influence on response to therapy.

References:

[1]Rodriguez-Lozano B, Gonzalez-Febles J, Garnier-Rodriguez JL, Dadlani S, Bustabad-Reyes S, Sanz M, et al. Association between severity of periodontitis and clinical activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a case-control study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2019;21(1):27.

Acknowledgements:

We thank all participating rheumatologists and patients for their valuable contributions.

The CAPEA periodontitis project was funded by the Deutsche Rheuma-Liga Bundesverband e.V.

Capea was funded by an unconditional research grant from Pfizer.

The National Database of the German Collaborative Arthritis centers has been supported since 2007 by the Association of Regional Cooperative Rheumatology Centres and joint contributions to the Rheumatological Training Academy and the DRFZ by the following members of the Working Group of Corporate Members of the German Society for Rheumatology: AbbVie, Actelion, BMS, GSK, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis and UCB. The researchers have full academic freedom.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

[Prescription of analgesics in patients with rheumatic diseases in Germany : A claims data analysis. German version]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prescription frequency of analgesics in persons diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondylarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2019 using claims data.

METHODS

Persons ≥ 18 years insured in 2019 with a diagnosis of RA (M05, M06), axSpA (M45), PsA (M07.0-3) or SLE (M32.1,8,9) were included. Analgesics were identified by the anatomic therapeutic classification (ATC) system. Reported is the percentage of individuals with ≥ 1 analgesics prescription for the respective rheumatic diagnosis in 2019 and for opioids age-standardized in each of the years 2005-2019. In addition, the proportion of long-term opioid use (prescriptions in ≥ 3 consecutive quarter years) in 2006 and 2019 is compared.

RESULTS

Metamizole (29-33%) was the most commonly prescribed analgesic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)/coxibs were prescribed from 35% (SLE) to 50% (axSpA). Of the patients 11-13% were prescribed weak and 6-8% strong opioids. From 2005 to 2019, the proportion of persons with an opioid prescription remained stable, with similar or slightly decreasing proportions of weak opioids and more frequent prescriptions of strong opioids. The proportion of long-term opioid prescriptions increased from 2006 to 2019 from 8.9% to 11.0% (RA), from 6.9% to 9.1% (axSPA), from 7.8% to 9.5% (PsA), and from 7.5% to 8.8% (SLE), corresponding to a 17-24% increase.

CONCLUSION

The prescription of opioids for persons with inflammatory rheumatic diagnoses is not as high in Germany as in other countries; however, the proportion of long-term prescriptions has considerably increased. The frequent prescription of metamizole is conspicuous.

[Perspectives for rheumatological health services research at the German Rheumatism Research Center]

In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden aktuelle Projekte und Perspektiven der rheumatologischen Versorgungsforschung am Programmbereich Epidemiologie des DRFZ (Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum) zusammengefasst. Versorgungsforschung wird mithilfe verschiedener Datenquellen betrieben. Neben den klassischen rheumatologischen Krankheitsregistern werden zunehmend auch Krankenkassendaten und bevölkerungsbezogene Kohorten für Analysen verwendet. Von der Datenerfassung über das Monitoring bis zu Analysealgorithmen verändern digitale Anwendungen die Versorgungsforschung der nächsten Jahre. Kollaborative Analysen mit nationalen und internationalen Kooperationspartnern unter Einbindung von Biomarkern komplettieren die Forschung am Programmbereich Epidemiologie. Die Digitalisierung der Forschungsprojekte ist ein zentraler Baustein, der die Versorgungsforschung im kommenden Jahrzehnt weiter verändern wird.

THU0554 COMORBIDITY AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION IN PERSONS WITH SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME: A CLAIMS DATA ANALYSIS

Background:

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) can affect numerous organs, including the muscles, the peripheral nervous system, kidneys and lungs. Epidemiological studies assessing comorbidity and health care utilization are needed to improve health care for this multifaceted disease.

Objectives:

To capture comorbidity and medication of persons with SS in a population-based cohort in comparison to matched controls.

Methods:

Individuals with an outpatient diagnosis of M35.0 (ICD-10) in ≥2 quarters of a year or an inpatient diagnosis of M35.0 were identified in a German statutory health insurance fund covering 7.2 million people. Persons in rheumatologic care were grouped by incident or prevalent diagnosis and by co-existing autoimmune disease (sSS) or primary (p)SS and compared to age- and sex-matched controls regarding comorbidity (ICD-10), medical prescriptions, hospitalization and inability to work in the previous year.

Results:

In 2018, 7,374 persons (0.1%) had incident and 53,917 persons (0.73%) prevalent SS diagnosis, and 5,920 (11%) were in rheumatologic care. Of these (90% female, mean age 66 years), 3,431 (58%) had further autoimmune disease (sSS), mostly rheumatoid arthritis (80%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (13%). Compared to controls, frequent comorbid conditions in SS were hypertension, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and depression (table 1). Systemic antirheumatic drugs were prescribed in 31% (pSS) and 66% (sSS) while < 4% received topical therapies. Glucocorticoids (7% controls/34% pSS/59% sSS), NSAIDs (28%/41%/45%), opioids (9%/15%/22%), analgesics (19%/30%/36%) and antidepressants (14%/21%/22%) were more frequently prescribed in SS than in controls, and also hospitalization (21%/32%/39%) and inability to work in persons <65 years (41%/48%/44%, median days 17/24/31) were more frequent in pSS and sSS than in controls.

Table 1

Comorbidity claims diagnoses (%) in persons with Sjögren’s syndrome and controls

ControlspSSsSSN29,9102,4893,431Age in years, mean66.065.266.6Female, %88.989.190.1Keratoconjunctivitis sicca0.527.928.3Interstitial kidney disease7.612.817.0Lung involvement0.01.21.4Myopathy0.02.43.0Polyneuropathy6.112.515.7Hypertension51.554.863.0Osteoarthritis21.939.946.9Osteoporosis10.326.638.1Fibromyalgia1.110.811.2Depression17.830.132.3Hypothyroidism12.820.819.9Solid Tumour8.810.39.9Metastatic Cancer1.11.21.8

Conclusion:

SS claims diagnosis is associated with substantial comorbidity and frequent prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antidepressants. The individual and societal burden of SS shows that, in addition to effective treatment strategies, intensive attention to comorbidities is important in this disease.

Acknowledgments:

Funding The study was supported by the Wolfgang Schulze Foundation of the German Rheuma-Liga

Disclosure of Interests:

Katinka Albrecht: None declared, Thomas Dörner Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Roche, Janssen, EMD, Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Roche, Samsung, Janssen, Imke Redeker: None declared, Kirsten Karberg: None declared, Ursula Marschall: None declared, Angela Zink Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Gilead, Hexal, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi Aventis, UCB, Johanna Callhoff: None declared

FRI0151 COMORBIDITY IN INCIDENT SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: ANALYSIS OF A CLAIMS DATA COHORT

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) targets many tissues including heart, kidney, bone and brain, causing a variety of comorbidities. Epidemiological studies assessing comorbidity in SLE facilitate earlier detection to limit its progression.

Objectives:

To analyze comorbidities in individuals with an incident diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in claims data in comparison to matched controls.

Methods:

Individuals with ≥2 outpatient or 1 inpatient SLE diagnosis (M32.1, M32.8, M32.9, ICD10) in 2016-2018 and no diagnosis in 2015 or 2014 were identified in a German statutory health insurance fund covering 7.2 million people > 18 years old. Comorbidities defined by the Elixhauser index, medical prescriptions, hospitalization and sick leave were analyzed in the year prior to diagnosis and during a two year follow-up in comparison to age and sex-matched controls without related autoimmune diseases (1:10). To account for detection bias, a second age and sex-matched control group with incident diabetes mellitus (E10-14) was drawn (1:5). To consider diagnostic uncertainty, two sensitivity analyses were performed, namely (i) excluding cases with ICD diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis and (ii) excluding cases without any prescription of antimalarials.

Results:

A total of 559 persons were included (87% female, mean age 55 years). The mean Elixhauser score increased from 1.1 in 2015 to 4.2 in the index year and to 4.5 in the 2nd year after diagnosis. Hypertension (47%), depression (31%), hyperlipidemia (25%), osteoarthritis (25%) and osteoporosis (21%) were among the most frequent comorbidities in the index year. Drug prescriptions (mean 9.7, Δ+6.3), among these glucocorticoids (56%), HCQ (50%) and azathioprine (13%), and hospitalization (40%, Δ+26%) increased in the 1st year after the SLE diagnosis. The increase in comorbidity diagnoses was low in controls without related autoimmune disease, while controls with incident diabetes showed a more pronounced increase in cardiovascular risk factors and and a lesser increase in osteoporosis and cerebrovascular disease (figure 1). Comparable results were found in the sensitivity analyses, where patients with HCQ were younger and had less general comorbidity.

Figure 1.

Comorbidity claims in persons with incident systemic lupus erythematosus in 2016 (N=559, M32.1,8,9) and age and sex-matched controls (N=5,590 without related autoimmune disease, N=2,795 with incident diabetes, E10-14)

Conclusion:

Cardiovascular, bone and neurologic comorbidities are frequently detected already at the time of diagnosing SLE. High numbers of medical prescriptions and hospitalization following SLE diagnosis reflect the comprehensive disease burden. Differences to controls without autoimmune disease are overestimated by detection bias.

References:

FundingThe study was supported by the Wolfgang Schulze Foundation of the German Rheuma-Liga

Disclosure of Interests:

Katinka Albrecht: None declared, Imke Redeker: None declared, Martin Aringer Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Ursula Marschall: None declared, Angela Zink Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Gilead, Hexal, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi Aventis, UCB, Johanna Callhoff: None declared

Age-, tumor-, and metastatic tissue-associated DNA hypermethylation of a T-box brain 1 locus in human kidney tissue

BACKGROUND

While a considerable number of tumor-specific hypermethylated loci have been identified in renal cell cancer (RCC), DNA methylation of loci showing successive increases in normal, tumoral, and metastatic tissues could point to genes with high relevance both for the process of tumor development and progression. Here, we report that DNA methylation of a locus in a genomic region corresponding to the 3'UTR of the transcription factor T-box brain 1 (TBR1) mRNA accumulates in normal renal tissues with age and possibly increased body mass index. Moreover, a further tissue-specific increase of methylation was observed for tumor and metastatic tissue samples.

RESULTS

Biometric analyses of the TCGA KIRC methylation data revealed candidate loci for age-dependent and tumor-specific DNA methylation within the last exon and in a genomic region corresponding to the 3'UTR TBR1 mRNA. To evaluate whether methylation of TBR1 shows association with RCC carcinogenesis, we measured 15 tumor cell lines and 907 renal tissue samples including 355 normal tissues, 175 tissue pairs of normal tumor adjacent and corresponding tumor tissue as well 202 metastatic tissues samples of lung, bone, and brain metastases by the use of pyrosequencing. Statistical evaluation demonstrated age-dependent methylation in normal tissue (R = 0.72, p < 2 × 10^-16), association with adiposity (P = 0.019) and tumor-specific hypermethylation (P = 6.1 × 10^-19) for RCC tissues. Comparison of tumor and metastatic tissues revealed higher methylation in renal cancer metastases (P = 2.65 × 10^-6).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses provide statistical evidence of association between methylation of TBR1 and RCC development and disease progression.

[Outpatient care and disease burden of rheumatoid arthritis : Results of a linkage of claims data and a survey of insured persons]

BACKGROUND

Healthcare of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Germany has mainly been evaluated in the past in RA cohorts from specialized arthritis centers. This study investigated rheumatological care on a population basis, using claims data from a nationwide statutory health insurance fund (BARMER GEK) in combination with patient-reported outcomes from a questionnaire survey of insured persons with RA.

METHODS

Data from insurants aged 18-79 years with M05 (seropositive RA) or M06 (other RA, ICD-10) diagnoses were analyzed concerning diagnostics, medication and prescribing physician. A 31-item questionnaire covering patient reported diagnosis, healthcare utilization and burden of illness was sent to a stratified random sample of 6193 insured persons. Data from the respondents regarding rheumatological care and disease status were evaluated.

RESULTS

In 2013 and 2014, a total of 96,921 adults with M05 or M06 diagnosis were insured. The questionnaire was answered by 51% of the sample and of these 81% confirmed the RA diagnosis. RA had been diagnosed by a rheumatologist in 59% of the cases, 70% reported moderate to severe pain and 46% had functional disability. Between at least 40% (claims data) and up to 68% (respondents) were in specialized rheumatological care. Treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) was 61% (claims data) and 63% (respondents) in persons in rheumatological care but only 18% outside rheumatological care.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that specialized rheumatological care is required to provide adequate treatment for patients with RA in Germany. Patients with higher age and patients with M06 diagnosis had less drug prescriptions and were less frequently treated by rheumatologists.

Expression and distribution of key proteins of the endocannabinoid system in the human seminal vesicles

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), comprising the cannabinoid receptors (CBR), their ligands, and enzymes controlling the turnover of endocannabinoids, has been suggested to be involved in male reproductive function. As information is scarce on the expression of the ECS in human male reproductive tissues, this study aimed to investigate by means of molecular biology (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence the expression and distribution of CB1 and CB2, GPR55 (an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that recognises cannabinoid ligands) and FAAH (isoforms 1 and 2) in the human seminal vesicles (SV). The specimens expressed PCR products corresponding to CB1 (66 bp), CB2 (141 bp), GPR55 (112 bp), FAAH1 (260 bp) and FAAH2 (387 bp). Immumohistochemistry revealed dense expression of CB1, CB2 and GPR55 located to the pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium and varicose nerves (also characterised by the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide). Cytosolic staining for FAAH1 and FAAH2 was seen in cuboidal cells of all layers of the epithelium. No immunoreactivity was detected in the smooth musculature or nerve fibres. CB1, CB2, GPR55, FAAH1 and FAAH2 are highly expressed in the human SV. Considering their localisation, the ECS may be involved in epithelial homeostasis, secretory function or autonomic mechano-afferent signalling.

[Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Germany based on health insurance data : Regional differences and first results of the PROCLAIR study]

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease with a prevalence of up to 1 % in the adult population.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the prevalence of RA diagnoses in outpatient health insurance claims data, based on different case definitions and stratified by age, sex and region of residence.

METHODS

Based on data from a nationwide statutory health insurance fund (BARMER GEK) from the year 2013, a cross-sectional study of insurants aged 18 years or older was conducted. The following case definitions were applied: A) a diagnosis of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (M05) or other rheumatoid arthritis (M06) according to the international classification of diseases 10 German modification (ICD-10-GM) in at least two quarterly periods of the year 2013, B) case definition A plus determination of C‑reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at least once, C) case definition B plus specific drug therapy and D) case definition A plus treatment by a rheumatologist. Raw as well as age and sex-standardized prevalences were calculated and stratified according to the federal state.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 7,155,315 insurants of whom 60.2 % were female. Overall, RA prevalences for the respective case definitions were 1.62 % (A), 1.11 % (B), 0.94 % (C) and 0.64 % (D). When standardized to the German population the prevalences were 1.38 % (A), 0.95 % (B), 0.81 % (C) and 0.55 % (D). The proportion of women was approximately 80 % for all case definitions. Prevalences increased with age, peaking in the age group 70-79 years old and showing the highest values in eastern and the lowest in southern Germany for raw as well as standardized measures.

CONCLUSION

Regional differences in the prevalence of RA diagnoses in health insurance claims data were observed independent of age, sex and case definition. The expected prevalence according to the results of international studies was best achieved when case definitions with CRP or ESR were considered.

Expression and distribution of the transient receptor potential cationic channel A1 (TRPA1) in the human clitoris-comparison to male penile erectile tissue

The transient receptor potential cationic channel ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a channel protein assumed to act in various human tissues as mechano- and pain sensor and play a role in neurotransmission. The expression of TRPA has already been investigated in the human prostate and urethra, however, only very few studies have addressed the expression and distribution in the male and female genital tract. The present study aimed to investigate by means of immunohistochemistry (double-labeling technique, laser fluorescence microscopy) in the human clitoris and penile erectile tissue the localization of TRPA1 in relation to nNOS, the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). In the clitoral tissue, TRPA1 was observed in basal epithelial cells and slender nNOS-positive nerve fibers transversing the subepithelial space. To a certain degree, in the clitoral epithelial cells, TRPA1 was found co-localized with vimentin. In human corpus cavernosum, immunoreactivity for TRPA1 was seen in nerves transversing the cavernous sinusoidal space and running alongside small arteries, these nerves also displayed expression of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter protein (VAChT). Varicose nerves containing nNOS or VIP were not immunoreactive for TRPA1. It seems likely that TRPA1 is involved in nitric oxide-mediated afferent sensory transmission in the clitoris while, in penile erectile tissue, a role for TRPA1 in cholinergic signaling might be assumed.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in comparison with age- and sex-matched controls: results of a claims data analysis

The aim of this study was to assess the vaccination status for influenza and pneumonia and the prevalence of hospitalised pneumonia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and population controls in Germany. Members of a large statutory health insurance fund in Germany who were continuously insured between 2009 and 2013 and had a diagnosis of RA in 2013 were age and sex matched 1:5 to members without RA. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations were evaluated with regard to age, sex and region of residence. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors for influenza vaccination in RA patients. Prevalences of pneumonia that required hospitalisation were compared to regional vaccination rates. The data of 111,482 RA patients and 557,410 matched controls were available for analysis. Compared to controls, RA patients were vaccinated more frequently against influenza (40.8 vs. 32.2 %) and pneumonia (15.0 vs. 10.0 %). Vaccination rates increased with older age and differed between the federal states (highest in East Germany, lowest in South Germany). The region of residence, comorbidities, rheumatologic care and biologic treatment was associated with a higher probability of an influenza vaccination. Prevalences of pneumonia that required hospitalisation were 2-3 times higher in patients compared to controls and tended to be higher in regions with low vaccination rates. The increased pneumonia prevalence in RA patients confirms their status as a risk group. RA patients are vaccinated more frequently than controls, but vaccination rates are still low. The lower pneumonia prevalence in East Germany indicates that vaccination may help to reduce pneumonia in RA.

A circovirus-like infection in geese related to a runting syndrome

Diagnostic investigations in a large commercial flock of geese with a history of increased losses and runting, lead to the negative contrast electron microscopic detection of circovirus-like viruses in the lymphoreticular tissue in eight of nine selected geese with growth retardation. With the exception of a mild cloudiness of some air sacs, macroscopic changes pointing to an infection were missed. Histopathological changes concentrated on the lymphoreticular tissue. Lymphocytic depletion and histiocytosis were most evident in the bursa of Fabricius. Basophilic globular inclusions were found in the cytoplasm of medullar and cortical bursal follicular cells, and bursal epithelial cells. Ultrastructural examination of these inclusions revealed paracrystalline or multilayered arrays, or randomly arranged complexes of isometric viral particles, about 14 nm in diameter. The pathological appearence of this, so far unknown, infection in geese shows numerous similarities to circovirus infection in pigeons. In the described flock of geese, a virus-induced immunosuppression could have been a predisposing factor for other infectious agents such as Riemerella anatipestifer or Aspergillus fumigatus, thus contributing to the increased losses and developmental disorders.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 in Germany: Outbreak Investigations

Epidemiological outbreak investigations were conducted in highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the subtype H5N8 (HPAIV H5N8)-affected poultry holdings and a zoo to identify potential routes of entry of the pathogen via water, feedstuffs, animals, people, bedding material, other fomites (equipment, vehicles etc.) and the presence of wild birds near affected holdings. Indirect introduction of HPAIV H5N8 via material contaminated by infected wild bird seems the most reasonable explanation for the observed outbreak series in three commercial holdings in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Lower Saxony, while direct contact to infected wild birds may have led to outbreaks in a zoo in Rostock and in two small free-range holdings in Anklam, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

A switch from epithelial to mesenchymal properties correlates with lymphovascular invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis

The purpose of the study was to assess the incidence and prognostic role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP). Sixty tumor specimens of surgically treated SCCP patients characterized by a central histopathologic review were stained with antibodies against E-cadherin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and vimentin. Staining profiles were scored by two independent raters, and correlated with pertinent clinical and pathological parameters and cancer-specific mortality (CSM; median follow-up: 34 months, interquartile range: 6-60 months). Correlation statistics proved good interobserver agreement in staining evaluation (K-values between 0.62 and 1.00, all p<0.001). Based on consensus decision between both raters, 36 study cases (60%) showed a switch from E-cadherin to N-cadherin (as a hallmark of EMT), which correlated with the presence of lymphovascular invasion (ρ=0.287, p=0.026) while failing to interfere with CSM. Although cadherin switch was correlated with a loss of membranous β-catenin expression (ρ=0.629, p<0.001), none of the study cases showed nuclear β-catenin expression, and only three EMT cases (8.3%) had tumor buds revealing vimentin expression. Our data suggest that roughly half of surgically treated SCCP cases exhibit EMT, a parameter correlating with lymphovascular invasion. However, further studies are clearly needed to validate the so far unresolved possible role of cadherin switch in terms of predicting nodal spread in patients with SCCP. Moreover, the apparently complex mechanisms driving EMT in SCCP should be explored by future studies, as knowledge about these might provide a so far unexploited basis for the development of novel targeted therapies against SCCP with metastatic dissemination.

[Gender-specific differences in comorbidities of rheumatoid arthritis]

BACKGROUND

Comorbidities play an important role in the course and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sex-specific aspects are observed with regard to prevalence and manifestation of RA-related comorbidities.

AIM

A summary of current insights into sex and gender-related aspects of frequent comorbidities in RA is given.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

National data were analyzed and literature findings from meta-analyses, observational studies and reviews with regard to gender and RA-associated comorbidities are presented.

RESULTS

There are gender-specific differences in the prevalence of comorbidities of RA. Depression, fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism are more frequent in women than in men, whereas cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are more common in men. Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are frequent in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

Sex and gender-specific aspects should be taken into consideration in the diagnostics and treatment of RA-related comorbidities.

[Recommendations of the German Society for Rheumatology on the perioperative approach under therapy with DMARDs and biologicals in inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

BACKGROUND

The perioperative administration of antirheumatic medication can lead to an increased risk of infection and to a malfunction in wound healing up to a manifest infection; however, the termination of antirheumatic therapy can result in a flare up of the disease. Both situations can endanger the success of the operation, particularly in arthroplasty.

METHOD

The recommendations have been developed and approved by the Pharmacotherapy Commission of the German Society for Rheumatology following a systematic literature search (as of 30 April 2013) and a consensus process.

RESULTS

As very little data with sufficiently high evidence are available, the present recommendations should be considered as having an advisory quality and an individual risk assessment should always be carried out. Classical disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), such as methotrexate can be continued in normal cases but whether this is also true for leflunomide is still undecided. For biologicals a break of two half-life periods before the operation is recommended. The therapy can be continued after wound healing has been completed and when there are no signs of infection.

[Comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis]

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often have one or more comorbid conditions. The prevalence of comorbidities increases with age and disease duration. Comorbidities influence the outcome of RA and limit therapeutic options. Besides suppressing disease activity of RA, screening and tight control of existing comorbidities is essential to avoid further damage. A close cooperation between general practitioners, rheumatologists and attending specialists is important for a successful treatment, taking into account the complex interaction of RA and its comorbidities.

[Induratio penis plastica and the capability of vaginal penetration in the context of forensic evaluation]

The so-called Induratio penis plastica (IPP), also known as Peyronie Disease or Morbus Peyronie, is the most common cause for deviation of the male penis. In most cases, the deviation is directed to the dorsal side. In face of a lawsuit related to a sexual offence, the opponent might argue that, due to an existing IPP, he is generally unable to insert his penis into a female's vagina. The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical files of thirty (30) consecutive patients who presented with IPP. Particular attention was given to the individual degree of penile deviation and the ability of the subjects to conduct vaginal intercourse. Subjects who had a dorsal penile deviation of 800 to 900, or a lateral deviation of 600, were unable to commence vaginal coitus. In contrast, three (3) subjects who presented with a ventral deviation of 30° to 40° had no difficulties in performing vaginal penetration. The medicolegal aspects of these findings are being discussed.