Articular Manifestations Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of Behçet's disease in an Egyptian cohort

Background: Behçet's disease is a multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by recurring lesions in the skin mucosa and sight-threatening uveitis. The aim of the research: This research aimed to investigate the clinical features of Behçet's disease (BD) in individuals residing in Egypt. Patients and methods: 150 individuals with BD were recruited, examined, and put through a skin allergy test, musculoskeletal assessment, laboratory tests, and comprehensive medical history. The disease's activity was evaluated using the Behçet Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Complete ophthalmological evaluation and imaging studies were performed according to the organ involved. Results: Cases were 116 men (77.3%) and 34 women (22.7%) (M: F 3.4:1). Their mean age was 34.05 ± 9.28 years, and the disease duration range was 1–20 years. Oral and genital aphthosis were reported in 86.7% and 82.0%, respectively. Eye affection was observed in 68.7%, mainly in anterior uveitis (35.3%). Vascular manifestations occurred in 58.7%, affecting primarily the venous side (31.3%) in the form of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). 32.7% had joint affection, and the pathergy test was positive for 28%. Central nervous system (CNS), skin lesions, and gastrointestinal tract involvement were the slightest common manifestations observed in 26%, 25.3%, and 7.3%, respectively. Articular manifestations were markedly linked to skin lesions (P = 0.002), and there was a significant predominance of articular manifestations among females (P = 0.042). BDCAF score was significantly related to male gender (P = 0.037), smokers (P < 0.000), those with older age (P = 0.028), delayed age of disease onset (P = 0.025), and additionally those with the eye (P = 0.000) and CNS involvement (P = 0.003). Conclusion: The clinical features of Egyptian Behçet's patients were significantly dominated by mucocutaneous involvement, followed by ocular affection. Articular manifestations were markedly more significant in women. The disease activity score was more remarkable in males, smokers, those of older age, and those with a delayed age of disease onset.

Reactive arthritis in connective tissue diseases; one should be vigilant for joint tuberculosis.

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is increasing worldwide. Bone and joint TB are the most common types of extra-pulmonary TB, but can easily be misdiagnosed, since articular TB commonly mimics other joint diseases, including reactive and degenerative arthritis, and articular manifestations associated with systemic autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, patients with systemic auto-immune diseases are often more prone to mycobacterial infection. The diagnosis of joint TB can be made using a combination of the following methods: clinical evaluation, imaging, tuberculin skin test, interferon-gamma release assays, nucleic acid amplification tests, and Gene X-pert MTB/rifampicin assay.

Association of enthesitis with severity of psoriasis in psoriatic arthritis: an observational study.

The relationship between dermatological and articular manifestations of psoriatic disease remains incompletely elucidated. There is no strong correlation between the severity of cutaneous psoriasis and the clinical phenotypes of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aims to examine the correlation between the severity of psoriasis and various clinical features, including measures of severity and activity of PsA, in a real-world clinical setting. Seventy-six consecutive adult patients of both genders with confirmed diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis were included in the study. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was assessed alongside various PsA variables: tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), duration of morning stiffness, presence of dactylitis and number of affected digits, presence of enthesitis and Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), patient's global assessment (PGA), and examiner's global assessment (EGA). Associations were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was established at p = 0.05. Forty-two men and thirty-four women, median age of 56 (range 33-85) years, participated in the study. The median duration of psoriasis was 216 (range 0-600) months and median duration of PsA was 120 (range 7-456) months. There was no significant correlation between PASI and any PsA variables, except for the correlation between PASI and the presence of enthesitis (ρ = 0.285; p = 0.013). Moreover, older patients and patients with a long history of psoriasis manifested more often with enthesis as a sign of PsA. Our findings emphasize the correlation between the severity of psoriasis and presence of enthesitis in patients with PsA.

Systemic auto-inflammatory manifestations in patients with spondyloarthritis

Objectives(1) characterizing a group of spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients with systemic auto-inflammatory symptoms (S-SpA); (2) comparing SpA features with and without auto-inflammatory symptoms; (3) comparing the auto-inflammatory features of S-SpA and Still's disease (SD). MethodsRetrospective observational study. Clinical data of adult and pediatric patients with S-SpA, SD or SpA were collected retrospectively and analyzed. ResultsForty-one subjects with S-SpA, 39 with SD and 42 with SpA were enrolled. The median latency between systemic and articular manifestations in S-SpA was 4.4 (IQR: 7.2) years. S-SpA and SpA had similar frequency of peripheral arthritis and enthesitis (N.S.), while tenosynovitis was more frequent (P=0.01) and uveitis less frequent (P<0.01) in S-SpA. MRI showed signs of sacroiliac inflammation and damage in both S-SpA and SpA equally (N.S.). S-SpA patients had less corner inflammatory lesions (P<0.05) and inflammation at the facet joints (P<0.01), more interspinous enthesitis (P=0.01) and inter-apophyseal capsulitis (P<0.01). Compared to SD, S-SpA patients had lower-grade fever (P<0.01), less rash (P<0.01) and weight loss (P<0.05), but more pharyngitis (P<0.01), gastrointestinal symptoms (P<0.01) and chest pain (P<0.05). ESR, CRP, WBC, ANC, LDH tested higher in SD (P<0.01). Resolution of systemic symptoms was less frequent in S-SpA than SD on corticosteroid (P<0.01) and methotrexate (P<0.05) treatment. When considering all SD patients, a complete response to corticosteroids in the systemic phase significantly reduced the likelihood of developing SpA (OR=0.06, coefficient −2.87 [CI: −5.0 to −0.8]). ConclusionsSpA should be actively investigated in patients with auto-inflammatory manifestations, including undifferentiated auto-inflammatory disease and SD.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound findings in adult-onset Still's disease: A case series

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by high spiking fever, salmon-like skin rash, arthritis, and elevated serum ferritin levels. Early detection of AOSD is remarkably difficult because of the lack of serologic biomarkers, nonspecific presentation, and rarity of the disease. Although arthralgia and arthritis are the most frequent symptoms and are correlated with health-related quality of life in patients with AOSD, the inflammatory changes associated with these symptoms have not been elucidated. We performed musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) in 11 patients between January 1, 2008 and July 31, 2023, seven of whom had abnormalities. MSKUS findings of those cases suggested that some patients with AOSD could present with tenosynovitis, tendonitis/peritendonitis, bursitis, and enthesitis along with synovitis. This case series demonstrate the diversity of inflammatory articular manifestations of AOSD identified by MSKUS.

Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis with eye manifestations (clinical case report)

Objective. Rheumatoid Arthritis may onset with ocular manifestations. The purpose of our work was presentation of clinical case of the onset of rheumatoid arthritis with an eye lesion.Materials and methods. A clinical case of rheumatoid arthritis with an atypical onset was analyzed. As well, a search and review of relevant literature was performed.Results. Patient with rheumatoid arthritis got bilateral ulcerous keratitis, refractory to conventional treatment and complicated by bilateral corneal perforation with iris prolapse. Due to the atypical clinical course of ophthalmic lesions being insusceptible of medical treatment, the patient was examined further. Laboratory immunological workup revealed positive rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies. The typical symmetric presentation of arthritis developed 8 months after the onset of ophthalmic disorders. Baseline therapy of rheumatoid arthritis has demonstrated efficacy both in controlling the joint manifestations and preventing relapse of keratitis.Conclusion. The development of eye syndrome may precede articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. While managing patients with recurrent bilateral keratitis, rheumatologic pathology should be suspected.

Subcutaneous vs intravenous abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease. National multicentre study of 397 patients

BackgroundEvidence on abatacept (ABA) utility for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is growing. Clinical trials have shown equivalence in subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) administration of ABA for articular manifestations. However, this has not been studied in respiratory outcomes. ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of ABA in RA-ILD patients according to the route of administration. MethodsNational retrospective multicentre study of RA-ILD patients on treatment with ABA. They were divided into 2 groups: a) IV, and b) SC. The following outcomes were analysed from baseline to final follow-up using linear mixed models: a) forced vital capacity (FVC), b) diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), c) chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), d) dyspnoea, e) RA activity, and f) sparing corticosteroids effect. ResultsA total of 397 patients were included (94 IV-ABA and 303 SC-ABA), median follow-up of 24 [10–48] months. After adjustment for possible confounders, FVC and DLCO remained stable during the first 24 months without differences between IV-ABA and SC-ABA (p = 0.6304 and 0.5337). Improvement/ stability of lung lesions in HRCT was observed in 67 % of patients (75 % IV-ABA, 64 % SC-ABA; p = 0.07). Dyspnoea stabilized/ improved in 84 % of patients (90 % IV-ABA, 82 % SC-ABA; p = 0.09). RA - disease activity improved in both groups. No statistically significant differences regarding any of the variables studied between the two groups were found. ABA was withdrawn in 87 patients (21.9 %), 45 % IV-ABA and 37 % SC-ABA (p = 0.29). ILD worsening and articular inefficacy were the most common reasons for ABA discontinuation. ConclusionIn patients with RA-ILD, ABA seems to be equally effective regardless of the route of administration.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome with Non-Identified Antinuclear Autoantibodies.

Objectives-The aim of the present study was to characterize the clinical phenotype of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with non-identified antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in comparison with that of patients with pSS with negative ANA, positive typical ANA (anti-Ro/SSA and/or La/SSB) and positive atypical ANA. Methods-We conducted an observational, retrospective monocentric study at the Erasme University Hospital (Brussels, Belgium). Two hundred and thirty-three patients fulfilling the 2002 American-European Consensus Group criteria for pSS were included in this study. The patients were subdivided according to their ANA profile and demographics. The clinical and biological data of each subgroup were compared. Moreover, the relationships between these data and the ANA profiles were determined by multiple correspondence analysis. Results-In our cohort, 42 patients (18%) presented a non-identified ANA-positive profile. No statistically significant difference could be observed between non-identified ANA patients and ANA-negative patients in terms of age and/or ESSDAI score at diagnosis. There were significantly more frequent articular manifestations, positive rheumatoid factor (RF), and the use of corticosteroids in anti-Ro/SSA-positive patients compared to ANA-negative (p ≤ 0.0001) and non-identified ANA-positive patients (p ≤ 0.01). However, a significantly higher proportion of RF positivity and corticosteroid treatment was observed in non-identified ANA-positive patients compared to ANA-negative patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions-For the first time to our knowledge, our study has characterized the clinical phenotype of patients with pSS with non-identified ANA at diagnosis. The non-identified ANA-positive patients featured mostly a clinical phenotype similar to that of the ANA-negative patients. On the other hand, the non-identified ANA-positive patients were mainly distinguished from the ANA-negative patients by a greater proportion of RF positivity and the need for corticosteroid use due to articular involvement.

E072 The psoriatic arthritis disease activity score demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability in early, untreated psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis characterised by heterogenous clinical features including peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, enthesitis, dactylitis, skin and nail disease. Historically, outcome measures in PsA trials focused on the articular manifestations of disease, with a recent emphasis in composite tools. The Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) is a validated, composite measure with defined cut-off and excellent responsiveness when compared with other PsA-specific and non-specific composite measures. Although PASDAS is one of the recommended GRAPPA measures for research trials, data on its test-retest reliability are limited particularly in PsA of short disease duration. Aims and Objectives - To assess the test-retest reliability of the PASDAS composite index in a cohort of early, untreated PsA patients. Methods Data were collected from a subset of participants recruited to the GOLMePsA clinical trial (EudraCT Number: 2013-004122-28), after a minor protocol amendment enabling additional data collection at the screening visit. The test-retest reliability of PASDAS was performed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between measurements collected at screening and baseline time-points (maximum 4 weeks apart, by protocol). Table 1 details the sample size calculation. Baseline variables collected in the GOLMePsA trial were described by absolute numbers, percentages, means, medians, absolute and inter-quartile ranges (IQR). Results The PASDAS test-retest reliability was assessed in 37 consecutive participants. Average time between the two time-points was 1.9 weeks (range 0.4 to 4.0). Baseline characteristics of test-retest subset compared to all GOLMePsA participants were similar (table 1). The ICC was 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.92). The observed ICC was identical to the value assumed in the sample size calculation for this analysis, yielding an acceptably narrow confidence interval around the estimate. There was no substantial correlation between the means of the two measurements and the differences between them (Pearson’s r=-0.26). The Bland-Altman limits of agreement were -0.11 ± 1.24 (-1.35 to 1.13). Conclusion These results confirm the excellent test-retest reliability of PASDAS in early, untreated PsA, supporting its use as an outcome measure in interventional studies in newly diagnosed disease of short-duration. Disclosure G. De Marco: Consultancies; Janssen, Novartis. E.M.A. Hensor: None. D.G. McGonagle: Consultancies; AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB. Grants/research support; AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB. A. Tan: None. L.C. Coates: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Moonlake, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB. Honoraria; AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB. P. Emery: None. P.S. Helliwell: None. H. Marzo Ortega: Consultancies; AbbVie, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Moonlake, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda and UCB. Grants/research support; Janssen, Novartis and UCB.

CINCA/NOMID is a rare autoinflammatory syndrome in rheumatological practice. Experience of diagnosis, management and therapy with interleukin-1 inhibitors

Objective: to present the experience of diagnosis, management and therapy with interleukin-1 inhibitors (iIL1) in patients with Chronic Infantile Onset Neurologic Cutaneous Articular/Neonatal Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (CINCA/NOMID) according to the Russian Federal Rheumatological Center data.Material and methods. From 2007 to 2023, eight patients were included in the study (7 men) aged 10 months to 33 years, including 3 with a disease duration of more than 10 years (13, 17 and 33 years). Genetic testing was performed in all patients and mutations in the NLRP3 gene were identified in 6 cases.Results and discussion. The age of onset of the disease ranged from 0 to 6 months. The delay in diagnosis and prescription of therapy ranged from 10 months to 33 years. All patients had the classic manifestations of CINCA/NOMID, including fever, rash, central nervous system (CNS) involvement, elevated ESR and CRP levels, 6 patients had articular manifestations, 7 had ocular manifestations and 6 had sensorineural hearing loss. Amyloidosis was detected in 1 case. All patients were prescribed iIL1. Anakinra was used in 6 patients (in 5 as the first line, in 1 as the second line therapy) with a positive response; subsequently 2 of these patients were switched to canakinumab once every 4 weeks (1 patient deteriorated and was readministered anakinra). Five patients received canakinumab (3 as first-line therapy, 2 as second-line therapy), 1 patient was switched to anakinra due to insufficient CNS response. The response to iIL1 therapy was positive in all patients, but incomplete in some of them due to the severity of the manifestations and the presence of irreversible organ damage.Conclusion. Patients with CINCA/NOMID have a severe disease and a poor prognosis. In this context, early administration of iIL1 is necessary. In the case of CNS involvement, the use of anakinra is preferable, as it is characterized by better penetration of the blood-brain barrier and is therefore more effective. Later it is possible to switch the patient to canakinumab, however, to achieve a complete response, it is sometimes necessary to increase the dose of the drug and reduce the interval between doses.

Adult-Onset Still's Disease (AOSD): Advances in Understanding Pathophysiology, Genetics and Emerging Treatment Options.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a multisystemic complex disorder clinically characterised by episodes of spiking fever, evanescent rash, polyarthritis or diffuse arthralgias; multiorgan involvement may develop according to the hyper-inflammatory extent. The pathogenesis of AOSD is not completely recognised. The central role of macrophage activation, which results in T helper 1 (Th1) cell cytokine activation, is well established. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and IL-18 play a fundamental role in disease onset and progression. The disease may develop in both children and adults with overlapping clinical features, and although several subsets depending on the clinical manifestations and the cytokines expressed have been identified, the dichotomy between systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and AOSD nowadays has been overcome, and the pathology is considered a disease continuum between ages. Various therapeutic approaches have been evaluated thus far, and different compounds are under assessment for AOSD treatment. Historically, glucocorticoids have been employed for treating systemic manifestations of Still's disease, while conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) demonstrated efficacy in controlling the articular manifestations. Currently, biological (b) DMARDs are widely employed; IL-1 inhibitors such as anakinra and canakinumab have proven to have high efficacy and an excellent safety profile and the anti-IL-6 tocilizumab is approved for sJIA, with several trials and longitudinal studies confirming its efficacy and safety. Moreover, in the light of the 'window of opportunity', new evidence showed that the earlier these treatments are initiated, the sooner clinical inactivity can be achieved. Other treatment options are being considered since several molecules involved in the disease pathophysiology can be targeted through various mechanisms. This review will provide a broad overview of AOSD pathophysiology, insights into specific organ manifestations and the currently available treatments with the identification of potential therapeutic targets involved in AOSD pathogenesis will be outlined.

Role of Virechan in the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis - A Case Study

Ankylosing Spondylitis is probably an autoimmune disorder with genetic component HLAB27 as important causative factor and having characteristic inflammatory back pain. As is a gradually progressive condition over several years until structural damage manifests clinically as sacroiliitis, loss of spinal mobility and reduce quality of life. It is also called as Marie Stumpell and Bechterew’s disease. It affects primarily the sacroiliac joint, spine, certain peripheral joints, tendon can also be affected and extra articular manifestation may be present sometimes. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that can cause the vertebrae to fuse in advanced stages. It is more common in male than female. Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. No satisfactory treatment is available in modern medicine for this disease. In the present case report, a 21 year old female patient presented with complaints pain the lower back region accompanied by early morning stiffness and pain radiating to B/L hip joints. This pain was insidious in onset which brought the patient to OPD of Arthritis Clinic (Aamvata) of Pandit Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda Institute Bhopal. As per Ayurvedic classics, this condition can be correlated with Aamvata and treated with Panchkarma procedure Virechan karma. The outcome was very remarkable she got symptomatic relief assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index without causing any adverse effect.

P588 Evolution and management of inflammatory joint pathology with non-anti-TNF therapies in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background The role of ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ) in articular extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD remains unclear and most existing studies are retrospective. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of new onset or worsening of a preexisting IBD-associated arthropathy in patients treated with UST and VDZ. Methods An observational prospective study in a tertiary care University hospital was conducted. IBD patients undergoing treatment with VDZ or UST with previous spondyloarthritis (SpA) or new onset arthropathy were included. Articular manifestations were evaluated by a rheumathologist within 72 hours. IBD and rheumatological related variables were assessed at baseline and after 6 months, including demographics, clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and ultrasound data. Results 201 patients were on treatment with UST and VDZ. Of these, 80 were referred to rheumatology for previous SpA or symptoms onset. 56 (70%) with VDZ and 24 (30%) with UST. 24 (30%) of them were classified as SpA: 22 (92%) had a previous diagnosis and 2 (8%) debuted during treatment with VDZ or UST. The remaining 56 (70%) were diagnosed with other rheumatological pathologies. Type of arthritis was: peripheral arthritis, 11 (46.4%); axial, 7 (29%) and mixed, 6 (25%). Most patients had received 1 or 2 biological therapies (73%), 90% of them were anti-TNF experienced. 48% of patients received UST or VDZ in monotherapy, without disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The most frequent type of arthritis in patients with previous SpA was peripheral (50% peripheral only and 18% mixed). Joint activity remained stable or even improved in these patients. Only 2 (9%) had axial disease flare-up, one with UST and one with VDZ. Both patients had moderate intestinal activity (C-reactive protein; CRP &amp;gt; 2.5 mg/dl and faecal calprotectin; FC &amp;gt; 600 ug/g). Treatment was not discontinued in any case.SpA debuted in 2 patients with mixed arthritis on treatment with VDZ. Both patients also had poor IBD control (CRP &amp;gt; 3.5 mg/dl and CF &amp;gt; 600 ug/g). A change of biologic therapy was performed in addition to adjusting treatment with concomitant DMARDs. Conclusion In our experience, treatment with UST and VDZ did not worsen joint pathology in patients with SpA. Most of them remained stable or improved. Patients with joint flare-ups also had poor control of bowel activity, which could be the main cause of worsening SpA.

The use of salicylic acid and glucocorticosteroids in vulgar psoriasis

Among all forms of psoriasis, vulgar psoriasis (VP) occupies a leading place. The pathogenesis of VP is complex and involves significant participation of various components of the immune system, which manifests itself in the development of not only local, but also systemic inflammation. Also, the course of psoriasis is characterized by disturbances at the level of cellular metabolism, which is reflected in the activation of free radical oxidation and a change in the redox potential. As a consequence, the course of VP is often accompanied by many chronic diseases. The treatment of patients with uncomplicated VP and without articular manifestations is based on the use of local therapy – topical glucocorticosteroids (tGCS), vitamin D analogues, calcineurin inhibitors, keratolytics, as well as targeted phototherapy. At the same time, tGCS monotherapy requires long-term supportive treatment, which is associated with the presence of specific side effects of tGCS. This, in turn, makes it rational to use a combination of local drugs. Considering the variety of approaches to the treatment of VP, it is relevant to study the effectiveness of the use of a combination of various local and systemic drugs of psoriasis therapy. The addition of keratolytics can potentiate the positive effects of tGCS and is especially effective with pronounced peeling. In addition, the use of systemic cytoprotective therapy in the treatment strategy of VP can improve the clinical effect due to the acceleration of degradation of free radical oxydation products and normalization of the redox potential of blood and tissues, which is disrupted in psoriasis. The article shows the clinical effectiveness of the use of combined local therapy based on salicylic acid and tGCS in medicinal forms of ointment and lotion for VP based on clinical examples.

Characteristics of primary Sjogren's syndrome with articular manifestations at initial treatment.

Articular manifestations have been reported in 19.3%-53.5% of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Our aim was to profile the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome who presented with articular manifestations at the time of initial treatment. We conducted a retrospective study of 129 primary Sjogren's syndrome patients admitted to the second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between April 2016 and December 2021 for initial treatment. Clinical and serological features, extra-articular involvement, and initial treatment were compared between primary Sjogren's syndrome patients with and without articular manifestations. Fifty-seven (44.2%) primary Sjogren's syndrome patients had articular manifestations (mean age at diagnosis: 53.4 years), of which 42 (73.7%) presented with symmetrical distribution, 21 (36.8%) patients had rheumatoid factor positivity, and 11 (20.0%) patients had anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies positivity (mean 6.8 RU/mL); imaging examinations showed no signs of structural damage in these patients. The presence of articular manifestations showed positive correlation with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody level (odds ratio (OR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.02; p = 0.049), C-reactive protein level (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10-1.20; p = 0.000), and European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren syndrome disease activity index scores (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.25; p = 0.000). Ninety (69.8%) primary Sjogren's syndrome patients received hydroxychloroquine therapy. Hydroxychloroquine treatment was significantly less frequently used in articular manifestation patients (35 (70.0%) vs 55 (85.9%); p = 0.038). Symmetrical polyarthritis was the most common clinical manifestation of primary Sjogren's syndrome patients with articular manifestations in this cohort. Articular manifestations were associated with higher prevalence of C-reactive protein level, and European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren syndrome disease activity index score.

Evaluation of Articular Manifestations in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients and its Association with Liver Fibrosis: A Cross-sectional Study from Rural Indian State of Manipur

Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the main culprit for liver diseases worldwide. In Manipur its incidence is increasing, mainly due to blood borne transmission through intravenous drugs users. Among the extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection-arthropathy (joint pain, swelling and stiffness) is most common. Exact mechanism of arthropathy are not well elucidated but are probably connected with the participation of the immune system and due to the replicating virus in the affected tissues, organ systems. Aim: To determine the articular manifestations in HCV infected patients and to study the association between articular manifestations and liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 hepatitis C infected patients above 18 years of age who attended Medicine OPD, gastroenterology and liver clinic or admitted in the General Medicine wards, Regional institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India. Blood samples were collected for Complete Blood Count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C Reactive Protein, Liver function test, Renal function test, HCV, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Antinuclear Antibody (ANA), anti-ds DNA. Ultrasound (USG) whole abdomen and X-rays of involved joints were done when indicated. Markers for liver stiffness/fibrosis, {Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI)} score, The fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and AST/Alanine Transaminase (ALT) ratio were calculated and compared. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) (IBM) version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square and Fischer’s-exact test were used. Results: A total of 100 hepatitis C infected patients were enrolled in the present study. Majority of the study subjects were males (63%) under 40 years of age (69%). Eighty-four (84%) patients were intravenous drug users. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness was present in 37 (37%), 31 (31%) and 24 (24%), respectively. Around 36 (36%), 45 (45%) and 29 (29%) of the participants had significant fibrosis with respect to FIB 4 score, APRI and USG finding, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of joint pain was 37% in this study. Females and younger age group were more associated with articular manifestation. The present study concluded that patient with articular manifestation were seen to have significant fibrosis with respect to FIB 4 score, APRI and USG finding, AST/ALT.

Articular manifestations related to anti-interleukin-5 therapies in severe asthma: a case series.

Articular manifestations should be screened before and during anti-IL-5/5R biologic treatment in severe asthma. Rigorous multidisciplinary team discussion should be carried out to assess the risk-benefit balance of withholding effective treatment. https://bit.ly/3vfPn4k.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis presenting with rare extra-articular manifestations: A report of two cases

Abstract Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a common rheumatic disease of childhood, is a consolidated term used for all chronic childhood arthritis affecting joints and extra-articular structures. Involvement of skin and internal organs such as liver, spleen, intestine, peritoneum, pleura, pericardium and myocardium will cause systemic symptoms leading to disability and mortality. Despite advanced treatment options, significant morbidity still occurs due to an unpredictable clinical course and risk of joint restriction. We describe polyarticular rheumatoid factor-negative JIA with extra-articular manifestations involving pericardium causing chronic constrictive pericarditis in a 16-year-old girl and her sibling a 13-year-old boy. The female patient developed cardiac cirrhosis, portal hypertension and oesophageal varices. Screening evaluation of this patient’s asymptomatic sibling with similar articular manifestations revealed the rare occurrence of chronic constrictive pericarditis without symptoms. Both were treated with pericardiectomy and were relieved of symptoms. Two patients of JIA from the same family presenting with constrictive pericarditis is a rare association.

OA19 A complex case of bilateral pneumothoraces due to probable certolizumab driven rheumatoid lung nodules

OA19 A complex case of bilateral pneumothoraces due to probable certolizumab driven rheumatoid lung nodules

An Interesting Case of Sjögren’s Syndrome Presenting with Hypokalemic Quadriparesis and Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis

Abstract Sjögren’s syndrome is well known to masquerade with varied presentations due to its propensity to produce multisystemic and extraglandular disease. We present the case of Sjögren’s syndrome manifesting as new onset, acute quadriparesis. The patient had no articular manifestations suggesting a primary connective tissue disease or obvious sicca symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed severe hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis and antinuclear antibodies profile was positive for anti-Ro/SS-A antibody. Clinical examination revealed long-standing dental caries. A minor salivary gland biopsy showed features of Sjögren’s disease. The patient was started on potassium supplements and immunomodulatory therapy which led to clinical improvement in a week.