E022 Effect of upadacitinib in a patient with primary Sjogren syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims Primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune multi-system disease characterized by inflammation of exocrine glands, particularly the lacrimal and salivary glands, as well as multiple extra-glandular involvements. Treatment is often challenging, and until now, no disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been approved for this condition. There is a lack of data about the efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors in pSS. Here we report a patient with pSS successfully responding to upadacitinib. Methods A 68-year-old woman presented with pain in multiple joints for 16 years with intermittent use of NSAIDs. She had no low back pain and no self or family history of psoriasis or red eye. She denied dry mouth but required frequent water drinking during meals to aid swallowing and occasionally used artificial tears. MTX was started for her two-month articular flare and positive rheumatoid factor (RF). MTX caused severe vomiting and hyponatremia, and she was hospitalized. After the correction of hyponatremia, she was put on tofacitinib. We reevaluated the case when she came to us. She had grade 2-3 tenderness of most peripheral joints and was bedridden. Immunological parameters revealed RF 127 IU/ml (reference value <14), anti SSA antibody 147 U/ml (normal <3.2), anti SSB antibody 149 U/ml (reference value <8) and anti CCP antibody; ANA, anti-ds-DNA Ab were negative. There was no erosion on the X-ray hands. Schirmer's test was positive (3 mm bilaterally). Unstimulated salivary flow after five minutes was 0.04 ml/min (≤0.1 ml/min indicates salivary hypofunction). She fulfilled the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, and we diagnosed her with primary Sjogren syndrome. Hydroxychloroquine was initiated, but she discontinued it for anorexia. Considering her age, she was switched to upadacitinib, as European Medicines Agency restricted the use of tofacitinib beyond 65 years. Results Her EULAR Sjogren Syndrome's Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) was six at baseline, indicating moderate disease activity. Her joint pain improved significantly within two months with infrequent use of pilocarpine in the sixth month. Six months after treatment with upadacitinib, ESSDAI came down to 2; the Patient's Global Assessment score was 02 and achieved STAR (Sjogren's Tool for Assessing Response) response 7 (STAR responder if score ≥5). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case report on the efficacy of upadacitinib in pSS. Further high-quality clinical trials are required to confirm the benefit of upadacitinib in pSS. Disclosure M. Momen Majumder: None. S. Haq: None.