anti-Ro Research Articles

Systemic lupus erythematosus associated with sarcoidosis: Case report

BackgroundThe association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sarcoidosis has been considered as extremely rare. Most often, sarcoidosis coexists with Sjögren's syndrome. Researching the literature, it seems that the association of SLE and sarcoidosis is much more frequent than previously thought. Aim of the workWe present a case of a Serbian woman who was diagnosed with coexisting sarcoidosis and long-standing SLE. Case presentationThe 40 years old SLE patient was in long-standing remission on oral prednisolone (10 mg/day) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) (400 mg/day). She presented with fatigue, chest pain, and dry cough. Chest computerized tomography (CT) showed hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The biopsy had been performed and results showed sarcoidosis. Diagnosis has been confirmed: eosinophilic granulomas without central necrosis morphologically corresponding to chronic granulomatous lymphadenitis like sarcoidosis. Thereafter, the patient was hospitalized. No new symptoms appeared, and the physical examination was unremarkable. Serum calcium was elevated (2.75 mmol/l), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) and anti-Ro antibodies were positive. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) level was high normal (51 IU/L) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold test negative. The dose of prednisolone was increased to 40 mg/day with HCQ and the patient was discharged from hospital. On follow-up the patient improved with reduction of the steroid dose. ConclusionThe association of SLE and sarcoidosis should be considered even though it is reported to be extremely rare. May be the real incidence of these combinations is underestimated. More research about genetics and pathogenesis is needed to completely understand these conditions.

Anti-Ro52 antibody is highly prevalent and a marker of better prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer

Background and AimsAnti-Ro52 antibody (Ab) reactivity is highly prevalent in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), mainly Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but also in other inflammatory disorders. Thorough assessment of the prevalence, clinical significance and epitope specificity of Ro52-autoAbs in cancerous diseases is still lacking. Material and MethodsAnti-Ro52 Ab reactivity was tested in a large cohort of 490 patients with various malignant diseases. Ro52-autoAb epitope mapping by an in house line immunoassay was carried out using 5 recombinant Ro52 polypeptides spanning Ro52. ResultsAnti-Ro52 abs were significantly more prevalent in patients with ovarian cancer (30%) compared to patients with 6 other malignant diseases (median 8.1%, range 5.9–15.8%). The presence of anti-Ro52 abs in patients with ovarian cancer was strongly associated with better overall survival. Ro52 epitope mapping of patients with ovarian cancer was dissimilar to that of SLE and SjS ARDs, less frequently recognizing Ro52-1 and Ro52-4 fragments compared to patients with SLE and SjS. ConclusionWe demonstrate for first time an unexpectedly high frequency of anti-Ro52 abs in patients with ovarian cancer, their presence indicating better overall survival. Their distinguishing epitope profile may suggest a non-SLE or SjS-related stimulus for autoAb production.

Anti Ro52 antibodies: One step further, but still not there yet

The term extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) is a historical denomination, though still in use, derived from the observation that several antigens from the cell nuclei are soluble and can be isolated or “extracted” in isotonic buffers, which facilitated the characterisation of several autoantibodies. Nowadays, the term has broadened and it also includes other antibodies directed against antigens from the cytoplasm and other cell compartments, such as ribonucleoproteins, histones or antigens only expressed when the cell is found in its mitotic state.

Neonatal Lupus and Complete Atrioventricular Block: Case Report in Mexico

Aims: To describe a case of neonatal lupus and complete atrioventricular block in Mexico.
 Presentation of case: A 38 years old pregnant patient at 28 + 6 weeks of gestational age, diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus six years ago, under treatment with hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, this was suspended eight months prior to pregnancy; and resumed at week 20 of gestational age. The ultrasound scan showed alive fetus, female, polyhydramnios and bradycardia. Fetal echocardiography confirmed complete atrioventricular block, without organic and structural alterations at the cardiac level. Furthermore, the immunological panel reports, positive anti-Ro antibodies. At week 33 of gestational age, the patient was admitted to the obstetric emergency room, through colic type pain and 4 cm dilation of the cervix. Alive newborn got vaginally with a weight of 1,990 g, a height of 43 cm and APGAR 8-9. Echocardiography confirmed congenital complete third degree atrioventricular block; without structural abnormalities.
 Discussion: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, are more likely to have complications during pregnancy. Neonatal lupus is a rare disorder with an incidence of 1:10,000 - 1:20,000 newborns. This is caused by the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies anti-SSA / Ro and/or anti-SSB / La. Besides Atrioventricular block is a complication of neonatal lupus, occurring in approximately 2% of newborns of mothers who have SSA or SSB antibodies. The most interesting finding is that 20% fetal mortality has been for this cause.
 Conclusion: The described case is important for its rarity. Besides, the imaging findings and immunological panel emphasized the relevance about complete and adequate evaluation of the fetus, in the context of a mother with systemic lupus erythematosus.

MO003DISTAL RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Abstract Background and Aims Distal renal tubular acidosis (DRTA) is characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, with normal anion gap and with the inability to acidify the urine to a pH lower than 5.3. DRTA can evolve without symptoms and systemic acidosis, this form being defined as incomplete DRTA, that necessitates the use of a urinary acidification test like the Furosemide and Fludrocortisone test for establishing the diagnosis. There are several cases of type 1 DRTA reported in patients with autoimmune diseases, especially Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), most of them being diagnosed due to severe symptoms caused by the associated hypokalemia. The prevalence of the DRTA in patients with autoimmune diseases is unknown, especially if we refer to the incomplete form. Method We conducted an observational prospective study in a selected cohort of 21 patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, who presented for evaluation in our clinic during December, 2020 and January, 2021. We included patients diagnosed with SLE, Sjögren syndrome, ANCA vasculitis, cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, who were submitted to Furosemide/Fludrocortisone test in our nephrology department. The urinary pH was evaluated hourly for 6 hours after the test began. The test was considered positive if the urinary pH did not decrease < 5.3. Results The study included 21 patients (16 females, 5 males, mean age 41.52 ± 17.58 years), diagnosed with SLE (13 patients, mean age 30.23 ± 10.34 years, eGFR 81.61±20.39 ml/min/1.73 m2), pANCA vasculitis (6 patients, mean age 60.83 ± 6.14, eGFR 40 ± 12.64 ml/min/1.73 m2), Sjogren syndrome (one 44 year-old patient, eGFR 39 ml/min/1.73 m2) and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (one 69 year-old patient, eGFR 31 ml/min/1.73 m2). The test was positive for 4 patients out of 21 (3 females, one male; one with SLE, one with pANCA vasculitis, one with Sjogren syndrome and one with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis). Although 2 patients developed hypokalemia defined as a level of serum potassium lower than 3.5 mmol/l after the test and 1 patient augmented previous hypokalemia, there was not a significant change in kalemia (3.93 ± 0.32 mmol/l before the test vs 3.95 ± 0.49 mmol/l after the test, p=0.835). Although none of the patients developed metabolic alkalosis after the test, there was a significant increase in the level of serum bicarbonate (26.6 (2.2) mmol/l before the test vs 28.2 (2.7) mmol/l after the test, p=0.005) and also in the level of serum pH (7.36 ± 0.04 before the test vs 7.38 ± 0.04 after the test, p=0.018). None of the patients reported digestive or allergic side effects. It was interesting that the patients with vasculitis responded with delay to the treatment and urinary acidification under the pH of 5.3 occurred after a mean period of 3.2 hours in comparison to 1.5 hours in patients with SLE (p=0.014). Regarding the histological data, both the patients with vasculitis were elders, with an altered kidney function (both with a eGFR of 31 ml/min/1.73 m2) and severe tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis on kidney biopsy. The female patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis also had positive titers for antinuclear antibody, anti Ro-antibodies and anti-La antibodies. The patient with Sjögren syndrome was diagnosed with nephrocalcinosis and the kidney biopsy was not effectuated. The youngest patient with a positive test had preserved renal function, without tubular or interstitial lesions on kidney biopsy, but with a pattern of membranous lupus nephritis and with intense immunological activity (ANA, anti ds-DNA antibodies, anti RNP and Sm antibodies, antiphospholipid syndrome). Conclusion Incomplete DRTA was found in 4 out of 21 patients with autoimmune diseases, one with Sjogren syndrome and nephrocalcinosis, two with pANCA and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis with decreased eGFR and severe tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis and one young female with SLE.

POS0702 PREGNANCY IN SLE PATIENTS TREATED WITH BELIMUMAB: EXPERIENCE FROM 3 ITALIAN CENTERS

Background:Belimumab (BEL) is a monoclonal antibody approved for SLE treatment but few data are available about its use before or during pregnancy.Objectives:Our study aims to describe pregnancies in SLE patients who have discontinued BEL before conception, at positive pregnancy test or during pregnancy.Methods:Data from prospectively-followed pregnancies (2014-2020) in SLE patients treated with BEL in 3 Italian centers where retrospectively collected, focusing on maternal disease activity, obstetric and neonatal outcome. Continuous data are expressed as median [min-max].Results:Thirteen SLE pregnancies were analyzed (median age at conception 32 [24-41] years; 77% spontaneous, 69% primigravidae). All patients had positive ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies; 4 had anti-Ro antibodies (31%); 4 had anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL; 1 single, 2 double and 1 triple positivity). Seven patients (54%) had a history of lupus nephritis (LN); 2 patients (15%) had a concomitant diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (1 thrombotic-APS and 1 thrombotic+obstetric-APS).Ten (77%) pregnancies were planned and the use of BEL with regard to pregnancy was agreed with the patient during preconception counseling. At preconception visit, 8 patients were in remission while 5 had active disease (median SLEDAI 3 [0-8]).BEL (11 intravenous, 2 subcutaneous) was stopped in 2 cases before conception, in 7 at positive pregnancy test and in 4 during pregnancy (2 at 11th week, 1 at 22nd, 1 at 24th); median duration of treatment at discontinuation was 29 [4-68] months. Other treatments during pregnancy were: oral prednisone in 12 cases (92%); intravenous methylprednisolone in 1 (8%); hydroxychloroquine in 10 (77%); chloroquine in 1 (8%); azathioprine in 5 (39%); calcineurin inhibitors in 5 (39%); low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in 10 (77%); low molecular weight heparin in 9 (69%).Three flares occurred during the 3rd trimester in patients who stopped BEL at positive pregnancy test.Live-births occurred in 92% of the pregnancies. A patient with thrombotic+obstetric-APS and LN, underwent assisted reproductive technology (embryo donation) and developed eclampsia (25thweek), an urgent cesarean section was performed and the newborn died after 3 days. One pre-eclampsia occurred in a patient with history of LN, double aPL positivity and active disease. One miscarriage at 11th week occurred; no early miscarriages (<10th week) were recorded. Pregnancy complications and outcomes are reported in Table 1.Table 1.Pregnancy complications and outcomes according to the timing of discontinuation of BEL.BEL STOPPED PRECONCEPTIONALLY(2)BEL STOPPED AT POS PREGNANCY TEST(7)BEL STOPPED DURING PREGNANCY(4)Pre-eclampsia0/20/71/4 (25%)Eclampsia0/20/71/4* (25%)Gestational Diabetes0/21/7 (14%)0/4IUGR0/21/7 (14%)1/4* (25%)pPROM/PROM0/20/71/4 (25%)Live birth1/2 (50%)7/7 (100%)4/4 (100%)Severe pre-term birth(≤ 34thweek)0/20/71/4* (25%)Late pre-term birth(35th- 37thweek)0/23/7 (43%)0/4Small for Gestational age neonate0/24/7 (54%)1/4 (25%)Late miscarriage (>10thweek)1/2 (50%)0/70/4Perinatal death0/20/71/4* (25%)IUGR: IntraUterine Growth Restriction; PROM: Premature Rupture of Membrane; pPROM: pretermPROM; *in the same patient (history of thrombotic and obstetric-APS and lupus nephritis) who underwent Assisted Reproductive Technologies (embryo donation).No malformations were recorded. Two newborns were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (1 for milk protein intolerance and 1 for desaturation).Eight newborns received vaccinations according to national schedule (missing data for 3). Five newborns were breastfed, 1 received formula milk and 5 mixed-feeding. BEL was resumed in 7/13 patients after pregnancy (in 4 cases for flare), after a median period of 5 [4-22] months.Conclusion:While more data are needed, this small series suggests that BEL might be a therapeutic option for SLE patients during pregnancy planning, similarly to other biological drugs used in chronic forms of arthritis.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Clinical significance of anti-Ro52 (TRIM21) antibodies in adult patients with connective tissue diseases

ObjectivesClinical significance of anti-Ro52 antibodies in connective tissue diseases (CTD) is controversial. Anti-Ro52 antibodies might be associated with a more severe CTD phenotype, especially interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aims of this study were to evaluate ILD prevalence and severity, the prevalence of micro- or macroangiopathy and CTD-associated cancers in CTD with anti-Ro52 antibodies. MethodsCTD patients with anti-Ro52 antibody screening by immunoblot at diagnosis were enrolled. Two groups were retrospectively formed according to the presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies with an unbiased 1:1 matching on CTD types. Unsupervised multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were used to aggregate anti-Ro52 positive patients in subgroups. Results408 CTD patients were included. Anti-Ro52 antibodies were detected in 33 % of CTD patients. Anti-Ro52 antibodies were associated with ILD at CTD diagnosis (47.8% vs. 23.0%, OR 3.3 95% IC 1.4 to 8.0, p = 0.008), even after adjusting for the presence of anti-Ro60 antibodies, especially in patients with antisynthetase syndrome, primary Sjögren syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Micro- or macroangiopathy was more frequent in anti-Ro52 positive CTD patients (18.6% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.02) and CTD patients with anti-Ro52 antibodies experienced more frequent relapses and required more immunosuppressive drugs. Clusters 4 and 5 identified anti-Ro52 positive CTD patients with severe ILD and with clinical features of systemic sclerosis or antisynthetase syndrome respectively. ConclusionsWe found that anti-Ro52 antibodies were independently associated with ILD in CTD patients irrespective of CTD type. Anti-Ro52 antibodies could be associated with severity and a more relapsing disease course in CTD patients.

P035 Inflammatory myopathy and metabolic disorders causing myopathies

Abstract Background/Aims Myopathies due to inborn errors of metabolism can be difficult to differentiate from inflammatory myopathies. Careful history, examination and laboratory tests are required to establish the diagnosis. We present a case of Riboflavin Transport Deficiency (Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome) masquerading as an inflammatory myopathy. Methods A 37-year-old lady presented with severe proximal muscle weakness. She had background of sensory neuropathy and chronic anaemia. Notably, her sister had a history of similar symptoms. Creatine Kinase (CK) was 360 IU/L and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 1700 IU/L. Inflammatory markers were normal. The Ro52 antibody was weakly positive. Electromyography showed evidence of a sensory neuropathy with myopathic features. There was symmetrical fatty infiltration and atrophy of the thigh muscles on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Positron emission tomography (PET-CT) scan showed widespread intense uptake in skeletal muscle groups. She was given 3 pulses of IV methyprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone which did not provide clinical benefit. Intravenous immune globulin was given when she developed bulbar weakness, with difficulty swallowing and breathing. She required non-invasive ventilation and nasogastric feed. There were necrotic and regenerative muscle fibres on the muscle biopsy, in keeping with rhabdomyolysis. Electron microscopy showed abundant lipid accumulation, suggestive of a metabolic disorder. Urinary organic acids were raised, triggering an acylcarnitines blood spot test, which were increased. This was compatible with riboflavin transport 'Brown-Vialetto-Van-Laere syndrome'. Riboflavin 500mg TDS was started resulting in significant clinical improvement. Prednisolone was weaned, genetic testing sent, and she was transferred for neurorehabilitation. Results Riboflavin Transport Deficiency (Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative genetic disorder. It affects females and males equally. Symptoms can appear in infants as well as adults. These include hearing and visual loss, bulbar palsy leading to dysphagia and speech problems. Paralysis of diaphragm may cause breathing difficulty. Initially it affects the proximal muscles and then generalized muscle weakness. Molecular genetic testing is required to confirm diagnosis. Patients may have abnormal plasma levels of flavin or acylcarnitine. Acylcarnitines are biological intermediates, used in the diagnosis of fatty acid oxidation disorders. Treatment includes riboflavin supplementation and supportive measures. Response to treatment is variable. Conclusion This lady was initially managed as inflammatory myopathy but did not respond to high dose methylprednisolone. There were atypical features including normal inflammatory markers, MRI thighs showing predominantly fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy and the muscle biopsy with abundant lipid accumulation suggestive of a metabolic disorder. We are awaiting full results of genetic testing. This case is a reminder of the importance of tissue diagnosis and reassessing the initial diagnosis if the clinical picture changes or patients do not respond as expected to treatment. Disclosure M. Malik: None. A. Mason: None. B. Davidson: None. J. Furby: None.

Homozygous variant p. Arg90His in NCF1 is associated with early-onset Interferonopathy: a case report

BackgroundBiallelic loss-of-function variants in NCF1 lead to reactive oxygen species deficiency and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Heterozygosity for the p.Arg90His variant in NCF1 has been associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome in adult patients. This study demonstrates the association of the homozygous p.Arg90His variant with interferonopathy with features of autoinflammation and autoimmunity in a pediatric patient.Case presentationA 5-year old female of Indian ancestry with early-onset recurrent fever and headache, and persistently elevated antinuclear, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies was found to carry the homozygous p.Arg90His variant in NCF1 through exome sequencing. Her unaffected parents and three other siblings were carriers for the mutant allele. Because the presence of two NCF1 pseudogenes, this variant was confirmed by independent genotyping methods. Her intracellular neutrophil oxidative burst and NCF1 expression levels were normal, and no clinical features of CGD were apparent. Gene expression analysis in peripheral blood detected an interferon gene expression signature, which was further supported by cytokine analyses of supernatants of cultured patient’s cells. These findings suggested that her inflammatory disease is at least in part mediated by type I interferons. While her fever episodes responded well to systemic steroids, treatment with the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib resulted in decreased serum ferritin levels and reduced frequency of fevers.ConclusionHomozygosity for p.Arg90His in NCF1 should be considered contributory in young patients with an atypical systemic inflammatory antecedent phenotype that may evolve into autoimmunity later in life. The complex genomic organization of NCF1 poses a difficulty for high-throughput genotyping techniques and variants in this gene should be carefully evaluated when using the next generation and Sanger sequencing technologies. The p.Arg90His variant is found at a variable allele frequency in different populations, and is higher in people of South East Asian ancestry. In complex genetic diseases such as SLE, other rare and common susceptibility alleles might be necessary for the full disease expressivity.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in children and adults: A retrospective study in Brazilian patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have a different serological and clinical profile according to age of disease onset. To compare clinical presentation and serological data from patients with SLE onset in childhood (cSLE) with disease onset in adulthood (aSLE) in a sample of Brazilian patients. Retrospective study of 614 SLE patients from a single Rheumatology Unit from Brazil: 77 (12.5%) cSLE and 537 (87.4%) aSLE. Clinical and serological data were obtained from the charts. Comparisons of cSLE with aSLE in general and according to patient's gender were made. The comparison of whole sample showed that children had more malar rash (p = 0.04), seizures (p < 0.0001), psychosis (p = 0.02), glomerulonephritis (p = 0.001), anti-dsDNA (p = 0.008), anticardiolipin IgM (p = 0.04) but less discoid lesions (p = 0.01), anti-Ro (p < 0.0001) and anti-La antibodies (p = 0.007). When only the male sample was compared, no differences in glomerulonephritis and anti-dsDNA frequencies were found. Children had a higher frequency of severe manifestations (glomerulonephritis and central nervous system) than adults. The difference in glomerulonephritis occurrence disappeared when only males were compared.

Ethnicity and Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus Manifestations Risk in a Large Multiethnic Cohort.

To evaluate the association between ethnicity and neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE), as well as specific NLE manifestations in a large multiethnic population. We conducted a cohort study of the children (≤ 1 yr of age) seen in the NLE clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), between January 2011 and April 2019. The cohort was divided into European, non-European, and mixed European-non-European groups according to parent-reported child's ethnicity (Canada Census categories). Outcomes were NLE and specific NLE manifestations (cardiac, cutaneous, cytopenias, transaminitis, and macrocephaly). The frequency of NLE and specific manifestations were compared between ethnic groups (Fisher exact test). We tested the association between ethnicity and (1) NLE risk, and (2) specific NLE manifestations with logistic regression models, including covariates for child's sex, maternal rheumatic disease status during pregnancy, and maternal use of antimalarials during pregnancy (multiple comparisons threshold P < 0.008). We included 324 children born to 270 anti-Ro antibody-positive mothers. Median age at first visit was 1.8 (IQR 1.4-2.3) months, and median follow-up time was 12 (IQR 2-24) months. The majority was non-European (48%), with 34% European, and 18% mixed European-non-European. There was no significant association between non-European ethnicity (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.71-1.94, P = 0.51), mixed European-non-European ethnicity (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.59-2.16, P = 0.70), and NLE risk compared with European ethnicity. We also did not find an association between ethnicity and specific NLE manifestations in univariate or multivariable-adjusted models. In a large multiethnic cohort, there was no association between a child's ethnicity and NLE risk or specific NLE manifestations.

Systematic evaluation of laryngeal impairment in Sj\xf6gren\u2019s syndrome

IntroductionSjögren’s syndrome (SjS) causes malfunction of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Consequently, patients suffer from xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This can further affect the voice and swallowing function resulting in an impaired quality of life. Aim of this study is the systematic evaluation of the impact on voice and swallowing-related quality of life in patients with SjS.Material and methodsSjS patients were classified according to the American–European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria; antibodies to Ro (SS-A) or La (SS-B) antigens were detected, ESSPRI was completed. We used the following quality of life questionnaires: EORTC QLQ H&N 35, Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (ADI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Patients additionally received a detailed phoniatric examination (auditory perception, videostroboscopy, acoustic analysis, Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), aerodynamics measurements).ResultsAlmost all the 54 patients (96.3%) had a limited quality of life due to their swallowing problems and 48% due to their voice problems. Both values correlated significantly with the degree of xerostomia. In the phoniatric examination, 77.8% had an increased DSI and two-thirds had abnormalities in videostroboscopy.ConclusionsA reasonable impairment of quality of life in patients with SjS due to the limitations in voice and swallowing function was observed. As SjS does not limitate life expectancy, preservation of quality of life is important. Detection of voice and swallowing problems as potential reasons for quality of life impairment should be detected and, if diagnosed, treated accordingly.

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis as initial manifestation of primary Sjogren’s syndrome: A case report

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is common autoimmune diseases manifesting with various glandular and extra glandular features which are difficult to evaluate and manage. Hypokalemic flaccid paralysis may be the rare extra glandular clinical manifestation of SS. We present a case of acute flaccid paralysis which on evaluation turned out to be primary sjogren’s syndrome (pSS). We present a case of 30 year old young woman with no known comorbidities presented with acute flaccid paralysis. Her evaluation reveals severe hypokalemia with K-1.6 meq/l, metabolic acidosis with pH-7.28 and urinary pH ≥6.5. An initial diagnosis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) secondary to distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) was made. She was later found to have sjogren’s syndrome on the basis of positive ANA &amp; Anti-Ro (SS-A) Antibody and salivary gland biopsy. She was managed with potassium supplements, sodium bicarbonate and immunomodulators. Primary Sjogren’s syndrome usually associated with distal renal tubular acidosis which may cause hypokalemia leading to HPP, rarely which may be the initial presenting symptom in young women as in our case. Early diagnosis and treatment of these patients would lead to less complication and better quality of life.

Case 291.

History A 46-year-old woman with known mixed connective tissue disease with clinical features of scleroderma and polymyositis and who was not on specific medications was referred to our institution to assess for interstitial lung disease due to her predisposing condition. She was a nonsmoker, had no respiratory symptoms, and enjoyed good exercise tolerance. She did not have any cutaneous lesions or renal disease. There was no family history of pulmonary or systemic disease. Her routine blood test results revealed a white blood cell count of 4.6 × 109/L (normal range, [4.4-10.1] × 109/L), a hemoglobin level of 7.76 mmol/L (normal range, 7.26-9.18 mmol/L), a platelet count of 189 × 109/L (normal range, [170-380] × 109/L), a bilirubin level of 8 μmol/L (7-19 μmol/L), and a creatinine level of 63 μmol/L (45-82 μmol/L), all within normal limits. Lung function tests at presentation yielded normal results, with a diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide of 95% and a forced vital capacity of 2.29 (98% predicted value). However, this patient had an elevated serum globulin level of 47 g/L (normal range, 26-32 g/L) and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 36 mm/h (normal range, 0-20 mm/h), while C-reactive protein level was normal at less than 0.35 mg/dL. She was seropositive for antinuclear (titer >1/720), anti-Ro, anti-La, and anti-extractable nuclear antigen antibodies. Chest radiography and CT were performed at presentation (Figs 1, 2) and 14-year follow-up (Figs 3, 4). PET/CT was performed at 7- (Fig 5, A and B) and 13-year follow-up (Fig 5, C and D). Throughout this 14-year follow-up period, she remained completely free of respiratory symptoms and continued to go for a brisk walk every day. At 14-year follow-up, there was no substantial change in serum laboratory values, but a lung function test revealed her diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide had decreased to 52%, while her forced vital capacity remained good at 95%; these findings were suggestive of interval development of restrictive lung function.

First trimester combined screening test for aneuploidies in anti-Ro carriers pregnant women.

Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies are associated with neonatal lupus and congenital heart block. Controversial results regarding perinatal outcomes are found and less is known about aneuploidy screening. The hypothesis is that the presence of anti-Ro and/or anti-La antibodies influences the levels of PAPP-A and ß-HCG, thus interfering in the calculation of risk of aneuploidies. Fifty-five anti-Ro/SSA positive pregnant women were included. The demographic characteristics and laboratory variables were studied. Data concerning chromosomopaties screening were also recorded. PAPP-A and β-HCG levels were calculated (as well as NT and CRL) and compared with a healthy cohort of 12971 pregnant women. PAPP-A levels in mg/mL were lower significatively. In anti-La/SS-B cohort, significant differences were found in PAPP-A in mg/mL and in MoM. Combined risks for Down syndrome (DS) in both groups were higher but the differences were due to age. Serum levels of PAPP-A were significative lower but not confirmed when adjusted to MoM. This will have to be confirmed in studies with a larger number of patients and to check whether there is an impact in the calculation of DS risk or not. They could represent a group of pregnant women with significantly a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Key Points • Pregnant patients with anti-Ro/SS-A ant/or anti-La/SS-B antibodies have low PAPP-A levels compared with pregnant women without antibodies. • PAPP-A levels are used in obstetrics for aneuploidies screening in the first trimester, so in these patients, there could be more false positive screening. • In these findings are verified in trials with a larger number of patients, a correction variable would have to be applied for the aneuploidies screening calculation. • Also, low PAPP-A levels are correlated with poor placentation, that is to say, more risk of miscarriages, small fetus for gestational age, and preeclampsia. This is another topic to take into consideration in this population.

1037 Reducing the burden of fetal surveillance using the negative predictive value of anti-Ro antibody titer

The risk of fetal atrioventricular block (AVB) in anti-Ro exposed pregnancies approximates 2% with no prior affected pregnancies. Antibody titer may be contributory to AVB, but there are no data on the negative predictive value (NPV) of antibody titer identifying fetuses unlikely to develop AVB, thus averting costly serial echocardiographs currently recommended for all anti-Ro pregnancies. Using a commercial core laboratory specifying anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies, we sought to develop a threshold level identifying fetuses unlikely to develop AVB, thus averting costly echo surveillance currently recommend for all anti Ro pregnancies. We performed a retrospective multicenter (Children’s Hospital Colorado fetal database and NYU Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus) review of women screened for anti-Ro antibodies by several local commercial laboratories because of rheumatic disease or a previous child with AVB. Serum from anti-Ro positive women was sent to a 2nd commercial core laboratory at Associated Regional and University Pathologists laboratories (Salt Lake City, UT) to determine anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibody (TheraDiag, France) levels. We calculated the NPV individually of anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 and the two combined (anti-Ro) using a logistic regression model and a parallel testing strategy. Of 332 women, 142 had a child with AVB and 190 never had a child with AVB. An anti-Ro60 threshold of <101 AU/mL achieved 90% NPV for AVB with 79 titers falling below the threshold (Figure). The logistic regression model with both anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 using a threshold of a predicted probability <22% achieved a 91% NPV with a larger sample size below the cutoff (n=87) than any other method (Table). While we could not determine a cutoff for no AVB, the likelihood of AVB developing if the maternal anti-Ro60 titer <101 AU/mL is 10%. Our logistic regression model gives a likelihood of 9% to develop fetal AVB below the threshold. These data may help to guide surveillance of future anti-Ro positive pregnancies.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis responds to rituximab therapy.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in the management of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM), with or without rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). Medical records of DM patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies treated with RTX therapy were reviewed retrospectively. Skin rash data, lung function tests, chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and serum markers were compared before and after RTX. Eleven consecutive cases, including 5 males and 6 females, were identified. One hundred percent of patients had a typical DM rash and about 45% presented with skin ulceration. All the patients had ILD, 73% had RP-ILD, and 27% had mild or asymptomatic ILD. Ro-52 antibodies were found in 55% of this group. Lymphopenia was present in 10/11 patients (91%). Around half (55%) had a level of ferritin greater than 1000ng/ml. Nine patients (82%) were refractory. These patients received intravenous RTX (375mg/m2) at 0 and 14days (conventional dose) or 100mg once a week for 4weeks (low dose). After RTX treatment, 2 patients (18%) with mild ILD showed complete remission, and 6 (55%) showed improvement in lung HRCT and/or lung function. Skin rash in 4 patients (100%) and ILD in 3 (75%) showed improvement in the low-dose group. Infection episodes occurred in four (57%) and one (25%) of the conventional-dose and low-dose group, respectively. Our study found that RTX is sufficient to improve skin rash and ILD or RP-ILD. Our results also suggest that lower RTX doses may be a useful therapy for anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM patients. Key Points • To clarify efficacy of RTX in the management of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM, we performed a retrospective chart review of DM patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies who were treated with RTX. • This study found that RTX is sufficient to improve skin rash and ILD or RP-ILD. • The results suggest that low-dose RTX in treatment of MDA5-DM results in better responses and fewer adverse events.

Clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate encephalitis-a single-center, retrospective analysis in China.

Objective: To describe the clinical features, laboratory data, treatment, and outcomes of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR) encephalitis in Chinese patients. Methods: This retrospective study included hospitalized patients definitively diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and positive for anti-NMDAR antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in Shenzhen People's hospital, between November 2015 and February 2020. The clinical manifestation, laboratory data, treatments and outcomes were collected retrospectively. Patients were followed up for more than 1 year. Results: The study included 31 patients (15 men, 48.4%) with a median age of 31 years (interquartile range 21-48). The most common clinical presentations were psychosis (n = 23, 74.2%), seizures (n = 20, 64.5%), and memory impairment (n = 20, 64.5%). Total magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were found in 11 patients (35.5%), with the medial temporal and frontal lobes as the most commonly involved. Abnormal electroencephalogram was observed in 16 patients (51.6%). Five out of 31 patients (19.5%) were diagnosed as neoplasm, including five females with ovarian teratoma and one male with a central nervous system tumor. Multiple immune antibodies, including anti-SSA antibody in four patients (15.4%), anti-Ro52 antibody in four (15.4%), antinuclear antibody (ANT) in four (15.4%), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) in five (17.2%), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in three (10.3%) were present. All patients received first-line immunization therapy (intravenous immunoglobulin, glucocorticoids, or plasmapheresis alone or combined), and only two patients (7.3%) received second-line immunization therapy (rituximab). Mechanical ventilation was more necessary in women (37.5%) than in men (6.7%) (p = 0.04), and 29 (93.5%) had favorable clinical outcomes. At more than 12 months of follow-up, the median modified Rankin Scale score decreased from 4 to 0. Conclusions: Patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in China had high rates of psychosis and seizures, with low rates of underlying neoplasms. A higher proportion of female patients required mechanical ventilation. Complications with other positive autoimmune antibodies were a common clinical symptoms of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Majority of the patients obtained satisfactory outcomes in combination with early first-line and long-term immunization therapy.

Spontaneous recovery in a case of lupus with severe COVID-19 pneumonia; Do we need to reconsider treatment Protocol?

Individuals with inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as lupus are considered at risk for severe COVID-19 infection due to their immunocompromised state and the use of immunosuppressive treatment. Its impact on lupus is yet to be determined. Herein, we report a case of COVID-19 pneumonia in a 40-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism and mild pulmonary hypertension who presented with a 4-day history of fever and breathlessness. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). On examination, she had a malar rash, short hair, and crepitations on the right side infrascapular and infraaxillary areas. Investigations revealed to have anemia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, high ferritin, and low fibrinogen, which were suggestive of cytokine release syndrome. Her antinuclear antibody (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence on Hep-2 cells was 4+ homogeneous in 1:100 titer dilution and extractable nuclear antigen panel showed antibodies positive for histone, nucleosome, Ro, and smith antigens. The patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia with cytokine release syndrome and managed conservatively without specific antivirals or steroids. Her clinical condition and laboratory parameters improved afterward. On the 12th day, her RT-PCR for COVID-19 was negative and the patient was discharged. This would probably a reference case which showed conservative management can be helpful at times where no definite antiviral therapy has been approved with judicious use of immunosuppressants. Close monitoring of clinical conditions and laboratory parameters are recommended for such autoimmune disorders with COVID-19 infection.

Spectrum of Myelitis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Experience from a Single Tertiary Care Centre over 25 Years.

Background:Inflammatory myelitis rarely occurs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).Methods:Medical records from a tertiary care centre in India (1989–2018) were reviewed to identify patients with myelitis in SLE and their clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared with two matching comparators drawn from adjacent hospital registration numbers in the SLE database.Results:Ten patients had myelitis from a cohort of 1768 patients with SLE. Myelitis was the first manifestation of lupus in 7 (70%). Cervicothoracic cord was most frequent site of involvement. ANA was negative at onset in 2 cases. One of 4 was positive for Anti-Aquaporin 4 antibody. Four had relapsing disease (16 events) with a median time to relapse of 0.65 years (0.3– 7 years). All cases received steroid sparing agents over the follow-up duration (78.5 patient years). Lupus nephritis (20% vs. 75%, p=0.004) and haematologic manifestations (0 vs. 25%, p=0.02) were less common. Higher frequency of anti-Ro antibodies was noted in the group with myelitis (p=0.05).Conclusion:Myelitis can be a presenting feature of SLE with lupus nephritis and hematologic involvement being rare. Relapses are common that mandate long-term immunosuppression.