P097 Raised inflammatory markers with unclear cause; what do they tell us? An audit of patients presenting to rheumatology service at RNHRD, Bath

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims Unexplained persistently raised inflammatory response in patients’ leads to concern for clinicians. Different studies have demonstrated increased risk of mortality in patients with persistently raised inflammatory response. Rheumatology input is often sought in these cases when cause of inflammatory response is unclear. We conducted this project in our department to see the progress of new patients with raised inflammatory markers presenting to the rheumatology service. Methods Patients referred to the rheumatology outpatients with raised inflammatory markers (Plasma viscosity >1.85 or CRP>100) from April to November 2018 were included. Patient demographic information was gathered through patient’s records and imaging information was gathered through PACS system. Information about investigative modalities was included. Treatment recommendations were also included. Patients were followed up for 6 months and any change in their diagnosis was also incorporated into the data. Results 169 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Median age was 58 years. Majority were females (72%). Mean referral to seen time was 3.43 weeks. Mean elevation in CRP and PV was 10 and 1.93 respectively. A diagnosis of mechanical/non rheumatological cause was made in 36% patients of those 11% were Fibromyalgia. Inflammatory arthritis diagnosis made in 34% patients. Autoimmune testing and radiological tests were performed in 97% and 90% patients respectively. 67% patients had malignancy or infection work up. Diagnosis was changed in 25% patients on follow up with investigation. With PV > 2.0 (44 patients), only 20% had non inflammatory conditions. There were 6 deaths in this cohort of patients (13% mortality). 3 new cases of malignancy were diagnosed. P097 Table 1:Investigative modalitiesInflammatory disorders N=number of scansNon-inflammatory conditionsCT100MRI1812PET CT71NM scan14 Conclusion Patients with persistently elevated inflammatory markers had a higher mortality rate than the other group over 6 months. Three quarters of patients with raised inflammatory markers remain under follow up of Rheumatology team for surveillance. Patients were reviewed in Rheumatology clinics in reasonable time. Appropriate investigative modalities were considered while investigating for inflammatory disorders. Further large scale studies are required to find an association between raised inflammatory response with mortality in rheumatology patients. Disclosure M. Jamal: None. R. Peck: None. R. Sengupta: None.