Higher Levels Of Disease Activity Research Articles

Association of fatigue with disease activity and clinical manifestations in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: an observational cross-sectional study in the United States

Background Fatigue imposes a socioeconomic burden on patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We assessed the prevalence of fatigue among patients with CD or UC and identified disease activity measures associated with fatigue. Methods Data from the Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SPARC IBD) were analyzed separately for CD and UC. Fatigue was defined based on a subjective and dichotomic questionnaire. Patients indicated if they experienced fatigue within the last week. The overall prevalence of fatigue was analyzed using descriptive and contingency tables. Demographics, clinical characteristics, disease activity (measures include Physician’s Global Assessment for both CD and UC, short CD Activity Index for CD, and Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index for UC), symptoms, and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients with and without fatigue. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify symptoms and disease activity measures associated with fatigue. Results The study included 903 patients with CD and 443 patients with UC. Fatigue was reported in 47.7% of patients with CD and 40.9% of patients with UC. In patients with CD, abdominal pain, bowel incontinence, depressive symptoms, reduced general well-being, and night-time bowel movements were associated with fatigue. In patients with UC, depressive symptoms, reduced general well-being, moderate or severe disease activity by the physician’s global assessment, and night-time bowel movements were significantly associated with fatigue. Conclusions Fatigue is a common symptom among patients with CD or UC and is associated with higher levels of disease activity and reduced general well-being.

Patients Journey Before Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis Contributes to disease's Activity Level: A Real-Life Study.

The help-seeking process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is challenging, and its study is limited in Latin America. The study describes the real-life journey before patients' incorporation into an early arthritis clinic (EAC) and its impact on baseline and 1-year cumulative disease activity levels. The patient's journey was assessed through a questionnaire that captured the patient's path from the first disease-related symptom to the initial assessment in the EAC. A disease activity (28 joints evaluated)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) score >5.1 defined a high-disease activity level. The mean of individual consecutive DAS28-ESR scores summarized cumulative DAS28-ESR. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with a DAS28-ESR score >5.1 at the first assessment. Linear regression analysis assessed the impact of general practitioner (GP)-first consultant and time on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on baseline and cumulative DAS28-ESR scores. Through January 2023, the EAC had 241 RA patients, among whom 209 (86.7%) completed the patients' journey questionnaire (PJQ) and 176 (84.2%) at least 1 year of follow-up. A GP was the first consultant in 76.6% of the patients, and only 12.4% were prescribed DMARDs. Patients had additional evaluations with either rheumatologists (38.6%) or other specialists (31.6%), and half of them were initiated DMARDs. GP-first consultant (adjusted odds ratio: 2.314, 95% confidence interval: 1.190-4.500, p = 0.013) and time on DMARDs (adjusted odds ratio: 0.738, 95% confidence interval: 0.585-0.929, p = 0.010) were associated with baseline DAS28-ESR score >5.1. The B coefficient magnitudes for GP-first consultant and time on DMARDs to predict cumulative DAS28 progressively decreased during the first year of follow-up. Patients' journey before recent-onset RA diagnosis predicts first-year disease activity levels.

Moderate and high disease activity levels increase the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis progression in early rheumatoid arthritis: a 5-year prospective study

ObjectivesTo elucidate the association between different disease activity levels over time on long-term vascular outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA).MethodsThis was a 5-year prospective study. Patients with consecutive...

Association of Severe Disease Activity with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cohort Study from Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan

Background: The peripheral joints are particularly vulnerable to the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often exhibit symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis is connected with increased morbidity and death. Objective: This study aimed to examine whether or not rheumatoid arthritis patients who had high levels of disease activity also developed metabolic syndrome. Methods: The cohort study was conducted on 64 patients (32 in each group), included via Non-probability convenient sampling. Disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS-28 score) was used to assess the severity of disease activity in patients of rheumatoid arthritis and two groups were developed i.e. group I with score ≥3.2 and group II with score

Baseline predictors of disease severity in immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis.

The objective of this study was to determine baseline risk factors for requiring immunosuppression and having persistent arthritis in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis (ICI-inflammatory arthritis). Participants were adults with rheumatologist diagnosed ICI-inflammatory arthritis. The primary outcome was requirement of conventional synthetic (cs) or biologic (b) DMARDs; other outcomes were persistence of inflammatory arthritis >6 months after ICI cessation and requirement of CSs. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between clinical features and primary and secondary outcomes, with adjustment for potential confounders, as appropriate. One hundred and twenty-six patients with ICI-inflammatory arthritis were included; 53 patients (42%) required a csDMARD/bDMARD. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, higher clinical disease activity index (CDAI), tenosynovitis, longer symptom duration before first rheumatology visit and longer ICI duration were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of requiring DMARDs; in addition, there was a trend towards those treated with prior chemotherapy being less likely to need DMARDs. After adjustment, tenosynovitis, longer symptom duration and higher CDAI remained associated with requiring DMARDs, while those with prior chemotherapy were significantly less likely to require DMARDs. Combination anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4)/PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein-1) therapy and CS use at baseline were associated with a higher risk of persistent inflammatory arthritis. Higher levels of disease activity, tenosynovitis and longer symptom duration prior to rheumatology referral were associated with requiring DMARDs for ICI-inflammatory arthritis, while those treated previously with chemotherapy were less likely to require additional immunosuppression. The presence of risk factors for severe disease at baseline may indicate a role for higher initial CS dose, earlier rheumatology referral, and adoption of immunosuppression beyond CSs to improve outcomes.

Teprotumumab-trbw as a Novel Monoclonal Antibody for Thyroid Eye Disease: A Literature Review.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) can cause disfigurement and vision loss, most commonly in patients with Graves' disease.These symptoms are related toorbitalinflammation subsequently cause proptosis and limited eye movement. Traditionally, TED is treated with corticosteroidsto decrease inflammation and surgery once the disease stabilizes. However, multiple medications that play a role in immune modulation have been tested and found to be beneficial in treating TED, either as an adjuvant to steroids or in severe disease resistant to steroids. Teprotumumab-trbw, a novel monoclonal antibody sold under the trade name Tepezza®, is the first immune modulator to be approved by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for TED. Teprotumumab-trbw targets the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, which is upregulated onorbitalfibroblasts and decreases activation in patients with TED. The FDA approved this drug for patients with less than nine months of disease duration and high levels of disease activity. Multiple studies have shown significant positive results in disease modulation, as well as limited side effects.

#3081 ASSOCIATION OF URINE PROTEIN EXCRETION LEVELS, AS A MEASURE OF DISEASE ACTIVITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN IGA NEPHROPATHY PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Understanding the relationship between disease activity (as measured by urine protein excretion [UPE]) and QoL could allow decision-makers to understand how treatments that improve UPE might improve patient QoL. Methods The 2021 United States subset of the Adelphi IgAN Disease Specific Programme™ was a point-in-time survey of 43 nephrologists (who completed structured forms for 305 IgAN patients) and 70 patients (who elected to complete patient surveys of the 305). This analysis utilised physician-reported data (patient demographics, disease characteristics, and current 24-hour UPE levels [categories: ≤0.5, >0.5 to ≤1, >1 to ≤2, >2 to ≤3.5, >3.5 grams/day]) and patient-reported data (symptoms, Kidney Disease Quality of Life [KDQOL] scores, and EQ-5D scores). The association between UPE and patient-reported symptoms was evaluated using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. The association between UPE and QoL (KDQOL, EQ-5D) was evaluated using generalized linear regression to adjust for age, sex, chronic kidney disease stage, corticosteroid use, and non-steroidal immunosuppressant use. Results The analytical dataset included 69 patients with UPE data (reported by 8 physicians) out of the 70 patients who completed the patient survey. Of these 69, data were complete for the symptoms (n=63), KDQOL (n=60), and EQ-5D (n=67). Patients were an average age of 43 years, an average BMI of 26.3, 49% male, 55% White, 23% Asian, 64% never smokers, 78% in full-time occupation, and 74% with commercial health insurance. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (33%), hyperlipidemia (30%), and diabetes (11%). UPE was not associated with any demographic characteristics, regular dialysis, or kidney transplants. Among comorbidities, higher UPE was associated with a higher percentage of hyperlipidaemia (P = .03). Among medications for IgAN, higher UPE was associated with a higher percent use of diuretics (P = .046), sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (P = .002), corticosteroids (P = .0009), non-steroidal immunosuppressants (p<0.0001), and anti-depressants (P = .0009). Higher UPE was associated with a higher percentage of patient-reported aching joints (P = .04), self-awareness of high cholesterol (P = .001), tiredness (P = .005), swollen feet/ankles/legs (p<0.0001), sleep problems (P = .02), feeling sick (P = .0003), and tea-colored urine (P = .03). Higher UPE was associated with worse KDQOL scores (burden [p<0.0001], effects [P = .007], physical health [P = .002], and mental health [p<0.0001]). After adjustment (Table 1), higher UPE continued to be associated with worse KDQOL burden (P = .01) and mental health (P = .03) scores. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses (Table 2) indicated that higher UPE was associated with worse EQ-5D scores. Conclusion The results indicate that higher levels of disease activity (UPE) in IgAN are associated with increased symptom burden, worse kidney disease QoL, and worse overall QoL.

Lupus enteritis: A 10-year experience in a single Latin American center.

The objective is to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without lupus enteritis (LE) and to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of LE. We performed a retrospective, case-control study in hospitalized patients with SLE who were admitted to our tertiary hospital between January 2012 and December 2021. Sixteen LE patients (cases) were matched (1:3 ratio) for sex and birth year with 48 non-LE patients (controls). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the variables associated with LE. Of 2,479 SLE patients who were admitted to our hospital as inpatients, 16 (0.65%) were diagnosed as having LE. All patients, cases and controls, were of Mestizo ethnicity. SLE was diagnosed simultaneously with the first episode of LE in 10 (62.5%) patients. The median time from SLE diagnosis to the first episode of LE was 7 (IQR 0-78)months. LE patients had a shorter median disease duration [7 (0-78) vs 34 (9.5-79)months], and a significantly longer hospital stay (28.3 ± 15.8 vs 6.5 ± 7.9days, p < 0.001) than non-LE patients. Most LE patients (93.8%) had concomitant lupus nephritis. LE patients had higher SLEDAI-2K scores than those without LE (20.5 ± 9.4 vs 9.8 ± 10.4, p < 0.001). By multivariable analysis, a higher SLEDAI-2K score (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18; p = 0.015) was independently associated with LE occurrence after adjusting for cutaneous involvement, lymphocyte count, serum creatinine, and serum complement C4. Recurrence was observed in two patients (12.5%), both with a bowel wall thickening > 8mm. The two patients with large intestine-dominant LE developed intestinal pseudo-obstruction. No patient had life-threatening complications (intestinal hemorrhage, infarction, or perforation), and there were no deaths induced directly by LE itself. In patients of Mestizo ethnicity, LE occurs during the early course of SLE, frequently is one of the presenting manifestations of SLE, and in most cases, it presents with concomitant lupus nephritis. Higher levels of disease activity at diagnosis were independently associated with LE occurrence and when recurrences occur, they do so in the context of severe wall thickness.

P178 Current prescribing practices in psoriatic arthritis - comparison between the UK and Europe

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a multi-system disease with a range of management options. Treatment may vary by geographic location. We compared disease characteristics and prescribing practices in the UK and Europe in the post-Covid era. Methods The ASSIST study was a cross-sectional observational study of PsA patients aged 18 years and older selected from 24 centres across 5 countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) between July 2021 and March 2022 (IRAS: 287039). Patients attending a face-to-face appointment with a diagnosis of PsA made by a rheumatologist were selected by systematic sampling at each centre and treated in routine clinical practice. Patient and disease characteristics, current treatment and treatment decisions (medications unchanged, switched, added or reduced) were recorded. The analysis was descriptive, with no imputation of missing data. Results 503 patients were included, with arthritis subtype, patient age, disease activity and duration shown (Table 1). Physician- and patient-reported disease severity was highest in the UK, where median patient age was lowest. Conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDS constituted a higher percentage of current PsA treatment in UK than continental Europe (66.4% vs 44.9%), whereas biologic use was more frequent in Europe (68.1% vs 36.4%). Adalimumab was the most commonly used biologic in the UK and Spain. Adalimumab and secukinumab were equally used in Germany, and ixekizumab and adalimumab were joint-first in Italy. Implementing change to the current PsA treatment was most common in the UK, predominantly being a treatment increase. This may reflect the higher level of disease activity or younger patient age in the UK than other countries, as treatment escalation is more likely earlier in the disease course. In the UK, treatment escalation was more commonly achieved by medication addition (26.2%) than medication switch (14%) or dose increase (7.5%). In Europe, medication addition and switch were of more similar frequency (10.9% vs 9.85%). Conclusion Disease characteristics and treatment strategies varied between countries, but particularly between UK and the rest of Europe. In contrast to mainland Europe, csDMARDs predominated in the UK, perhaps reflecting current NICE guidelines. Treatment escalation was most common in the UK, in keeping with higher disease activity. Disclosure L. Watson: None. C. Coyle: None. M. Brooke: None. U. Kiltz: None. E. Lubrano: None. R. Queiro: None. D. Trigos: None. J. Brandt-Juergens: None. S. D'Angelo: None. A. Delle Sedie : None. E. Dernis: None. P. Helliwell: None. P. Ho: None. A. Hueber: None. B. Joven: None. M. Koehm: None. C. Montilla: None. J. Packham: None. J.P. Tasende: None. F.J.R. Garcia: None. A. Ruyssen-Witrand: None. R. Scrivo: None. S. Twigg: None. M. Welcker: None. M. Soubrier: None. T. Wirth: None. L. Gossec: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB. Grants/research support; Amgen, Galapagos, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB. L.C. Coates: None.

Evaluation of Depression and Anxiety in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, associated comorbidities, and therapy-related side effects impair the physical, social, and emotional dimensions of the patient's health. Presently, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a broad range of psychosocial disorders in various populations. Patients with RA are especially vulnerable to such effects. Detect the prevalence of recent COVID-19 infection among patients with RA, assess depression and anxiety in these patients and their associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential relation to disease activity. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 120 adult Egyptian patients diagnosed with RA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of recent COVID-19 infection among the patients was evaluated. The patients underwent psychological assessment using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A) to measure levels of depression and anxiety levels. The RA disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score (DAS) Das-28-ESR. This study encompasses a total of 120 RA patients. The prevalence of patients with a recent history of COVID-19 infection was 40.8%. Both groups exhibited significantly elevated mean scores on the Das-28-ESR scale and also scored higher on measures of depression and anxiety. Interestingly, the COVID-19 group exhibited a higher percentage of unmarried individuals, had educational attainment below the university level, and were unemployed. Patients with recent COVID-19 had significantly lower numbers of children, higher disease duration, higher Das-28-ESR scores, and elevated depression and anxiety scores. The statistical analysis revealed that the COVID-19 infection and disease duration were significant predictors of depression and anxiety. The results also exhibited that the depression score was positively correlated with age and DAS scores. It was observed that patients diagnosed with RA revealed a higher prevalence of COVID-19 infection. The occurrence of depression and anxiety was observed to be widespread among patients diagnosed with RA and, more significantly, prevalent in RA patients who had a recent COVID-19 and had a higher level of disease activity. The occurrence of COVID-19 and disease duration were identified as factors that can anticipate the development of depression and anxiety.

The natural history of chronic widespread pain in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cohort study with clinical and self-tracking data.

This study investigates longitudinal patterns, predictors and long-term impact of pain in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), using clinical and self-tracking data. The presence of multisite pain (MSP), affecting at least six of nine body regions using a Margolis pain drawing, and subsequent chronic widespread pain (CWP), MSP at more than one timepoint, was assessed in a cohort of axSpA patients. Incident MSP (MSP at two consecutive visits or more), intermittent MSP (MSP at two or more non-consecutive visits) and persistent MSP (MSP at each visit) were described. Demographic, clinical and self-tracking measures were compared for the CWP vs non-CWP groups using Students t test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and χ2 test for normal, non-normal and categorical data, respectively. Predictors of CWP were evaluated using logistic regression modelling. A total of 136 patients, mean clinical study duration of 120 weeks (range 27-277 weeks) were included, with sufficient self-tracking data in 97 patients. Sixty-eight (50%) patients reported MSP during at least one clinical visit: eight (6%) incident MSP; 16 (12%) persistent MSP; and 44 (32%) intermittent MSP. Forty-six (34%) of the cohort had CWP. All baseline measures of disease activity, function, quality of life, sleep disturbance, fatigue and overall activity impairment were significant predictors of the development of CWP. BASDAI and BASFI scores were significantly higher in those with CWP and self-tracking data revealed significantly worse pain, fatigue, sleep quality and stress. The development of CWP is predicted by higher levels of disease activity and burden at baseline. It also impacts future disease activity and wellbeing.

Burden of Fatigue Among Patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: Results from a Global Survey of Patients and Gastroenterologists.

To assess the prevalence of fatigue and its association with disease activity and patient-reported outcomes among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD). Data from a cross-sectional survey conducted with gastroenterologists and their consulting adult patients with UC or CD were analyzed. Data were collected via gastroenterologist-completed patient record forms and patient-self completion forms. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, disease activity and medication use were reported by the gastroenterologist, while current symptoms (fatigue, rectal urgency, abdominal pain, sleep disturbance), work productivity and the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) were reported by the patient. Logistic regression models were used to identify measures associated with fatigue and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 1057 patients with UC and 1228 patients with CD were included in this analysis. Fatigue was reported in 22.6% of UC and 26.0% of patients with CD. Higher proportion of patients with UC and fatigue had moderate/severe disease activity (p = 0.0001), had a higher Mayo score (5.0 vs. 4.0, p < 0.0001) and were unemployed (5.6% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.0149) compared to those without fatigue. In patients with CD reporting fatigue, a higher proportion were female (55.9% vs. 48.2%, p = 0.0193), were unemployed (5.8% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.0069), had moderate/severe disease (p < 0.0001) and had a higher mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index score (145.0 vs. 96.2, p < 0.0001) than patients without fatigue. Patients with UC and fatigue had higher mean level of pain (p < 0.0001) and sleep disturbance (p < 0.0001), whereas patients with CD and fatigue had lower SIBDQ scores (p < 0.0001) and greater work impairment (p = 0.0015) than patients without fatigue. Abdominal pain (OR: 2.01, p = 0.001) and use of immunomodulators (OR: 1.69, p = 0.006) increased the odds of having fatigue in patients with UC. In patients with CD, abdominal pain (OR: 2.29, p < 0.001) and use of biologics or biosimilars (OR: 2.02, p = 0.003) increased the odds of having fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom among patients with UC or CD that is associated with higher levels of disease activity and decreased work productivity and is driven by various factors. A multidisciplinary approach may be needed to manage fatigue.

TNF-α inhibitor administration in psoriatic arthritis patient with latent tuberculosis and cardiovascular disease as an extra articular manifestation

Introduction: Psoriatic arthritis is a spondyloarthropathy subtype with a broad clinical spectrum and diverse symptoms. The use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs), such as TNF inhibitors is recommended as pharmacological therapy for PSA in cases of axial involvement and high disease activity level. Since Indonesia has the second-highest tuberculosis (TB) cases globally, and patients receiving TNF inhibitors have an elevated risk of latent TB reactivation, evaluation of latent TB before starting TNFi is necessary and challenging. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old male psoriatic arthritis patient with bilateral hip joint osteoarthritis, bilateral knee effusions and bilateral frozen shoulder. The patient also had coronary heart disease with a history of underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), diabetes mellites type 2 and confirmed latent TB. Psoriatic arthritis had high activity based on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity (BASDAI) score and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). TNF inhibitor treatment started a month after latent TB treatment. The patient responded satisfactorily to the TNFi treatment, as demonstrated by clinical evaluation and decreased disease activity. Latent TB treatment was continued for up to six months, followed by latent TB activity monitoring during TNFi administration to prevent latent TB reactivation. Conclusion: This case highlights the challenges in management of axial psoriatic arthritis patients with high disease activity, concomitant latent TB infection, and early extra-articular symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

Association between vitamin D level in rheumatoid arthritis in males and females

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. The worldwide prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to vary between 0.5 to 1.5% with geographic variation. The rationale behind relating vitamin D and RA is based on two facts. The first one is that there is evidence indicating that patients with RA have low levels of vitamin D. The second one is that the presence of vitamin D and VDR in macrophages, chondrocytes and synovial cells in the joints of these patients has also been demonstrated. The present study was designed to study the vitamin D status/ level in rheumatoid arthritis in males and females. The study was carried on 100 subjects chosen randomly with 75 females and 25 males in age group of 16 – 65 years. Their demographic data was collected. Vitamin D level, rheumatoid factor assay and ESR were analyzed. Higher level of disease activity as measured by DAS 28 score was associated with vitamin D deficiency. Females reported higher values for ESR, DAS 28 score and lower levels of vitamin D level as compared to males.Vitamin D deficiency was positively associated with increase in DAS 28 score and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Female sex had more preponderance for RA development. Rheumatoid factor had no gender preponderance.

Trajectories of disease activity in patients with JIA in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry.

To describe 2-year trajectories of the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score, 10 joints (cJADAS10) and associated baseline characteristics in patients with JIA. JIA patients in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry enrolled within 3 months of diagnosis from 15 June 2015 to 6 December 2017 with at least two cJADAS10 scores and 24 months of follow-up were included. Latent growth curve models of cJADAS10 were analysed; a combination of Bayesian information criterion, posterior probabilities and clinical judgement was used to select model of best fit. Five trajectories were identified among the 746 included patients: High, Rapidly Decreasing (HRD) (n = 199, 26.7%); High, Slowly Decreasing (HSD) (n = 154, 20.6%); High, Increasing (HI) (n = 39, 5.2%); Moderate, Persistent (MP) (n = 218, 29.2%); and Moderate, Decreasing (MD) (n = 136, 18.2%). Most patients spent a significant portion of time at moderate to high disease activity levels. At baseline, HSD patients were more likely to be older, have a lower physician global assessment, normal inflammatory markers, longer time to first biologic, and have taken systemic steroids compared with HRD. Those with a HI trajectory were more likely to be ANA negative, have a longer time to first biologic, and less likely to be taking a conventional synthetic DMARD compared with HRD. MP patients were more likely to be older with lower household income, longer time to diagnosis, and markers of higher disease activity than those with a MD trajectory. Five trajectories of JIA disease activity, and associated baseline variables, were identified.

MO246: Belimumab Disrupts Memory B Cell Trafficking in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Belimumab (BEL), a recombinant human monoclonal antibody directed against B-cell activating factor (BAFF), is the first approved biological agent for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a high level of disease activity or lupus nephritis (LN). BEL inhibits primary humoral immune responses by depleting naive B-cells that are dependent on BAFF for their survival while secondary humoral immune responses by memory B cells (MBCs) remain intact. Indeed, some studies reported an increase of circulating MBCs following neutralization of BAFF [1–3]. So far these effects of BEL on the MBC compartment in SLE patients have not been investigated. This study aimed to establish the dynamics of circulating MBCs in patients with SLE treated with BEL and to perform an in-depth analysis of the impact of BEL on the MBC compartment. METHOD First, extensive B cell subset phenotyping was performed prospectively by employing high-sensitivity flow cytometry (HSFC) based on EuroFlow protocols [4] in severe SLE/LN patients treated with BEL [5]. Additionally, in-depth characterisation of surging MBCs in circulation was performed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). RESULTS HSFC established that the increase in MBCs was non-specific and observed in a broad range of MBC immunoglobulin subclasses peaking as early as 2 weeks after BEL initiation. Subsequent scRNA-seq analysis of the emerging MBCs revealed a non-proliferating phenotype with a prominent decrease in activation status. In these circulating MBCs, a large amount of migration and adhesion genes were downregulated suggesting that the accumulation of MBCs by BEL initiation was related to their impaired cell–cell adhesion disrupting cell-trafficking and preventing extravasation. CONCLUSION After initiation of BEL treatment, a substantial increase of circulating MBCs was firmly established in patients with SLE/LN. The surge of circulating MBCs appeared to be associated with disrupted lymphocyte trafficking of MBCs, thereby suggesting a new potential therapeutic mechanism of BEL on MBCs in SLE. These findings have important implications to our understanding and consequent improvement of B-cell targeted treatment strategies in patients with active SLE and LN as MBC accumulation in circulation might allow for more efficient targeting of the B-cell compartment.

Patient Perspectives of Disease Activity, Medications and Substance Use in People with Fibromyalgia.

ObjectiveTo explore patient perspectives on disease activity and experiences, as well as medication use of a group of fibromyalgia patients attending a single-centre rheumatology public hospital outpatient setting.MethodsPatients seen in fibromyalgia clinic within a rheumatology unit from July 2016 to December 2019 were posted a voluntary survey with questionnaires pertaining to patient-reported measures of disease impact (FIQR), fatigue (MFI-20) and psychological distress (K10). A free-text section allowed description of disease impact. Patients were also asked to record medication use and comorbidities, which were then compared to the electronic medical records (EMR) of the overall clinic cohort.ResultsForty-five patients responded to the survey (43/45, 95.6% female; mean age 56.5 years). Respondents had generally severe fibromyalgia (mean FIQR 67.1/100, range 23.7–92.8), moderate psychological distress (mean K10 27.5/50, range 14–45) and high fatigue (mean MFI 74.9/100, range 40–96). Free-text responses generated themes of pervasive disease impact and the necessity of adjusting life around unpredictable symptoms. Almost half reported opioid (21/45, 46.7%) and gabapentinoid (19/45, 42.2%) use. 16/41 (39%) use cannabinoids for their fibromyalgia symptoms. Comparing medication use with survey non-respondents (n=85), there was generally similar representation except for significantly greater NSAID use among survey respondents (33/45, 73.3% vs 22/85, 25.9%, p<0.001).ConclusionFor patients living with fibromyalgia in this study, there were high levels of disease activity, psychological distress and fatigue. Patients described the need to accept disease-imposed limitations and life adjustments. Almost half reported opioid use, despite evidence suggesting poor efficacy and possible harm.

P289 The effectiveness of interventions to reduce psychological distress in patients with autoimmune rheumatic conditions: a systematic review of effectiveness

Abstract Background/Aims Autoimmune rheumatic conditions are multisystem chronic disorders associated with increased psychological distress. Consequences include poor medication adherence and high levels of disease activity. Psychological interventions may reduce distress and change health behaviours. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of interventions for psychological distress in patients with autoimmune rheumatic conditions. Methods This was a systematic review of effectiveness which included randomised controlled trials of psychological interventions in adults with autoimmune rheumatic conditions. We searched MEDLINE, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCARE, PsycINFO, NICE Evidence and The Cochrane Library. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. In each study, the effectiveness data were determined by extracting the reported means (and standard deviation) for each group and calculating the standardised mean differences using RevMan 5.4 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020). The data on primary outcomes (anxiety and depression) are reported here. Results The search identified 96 studies. The process of screening and assessing for eligibility resulted in 20 studies for inclusion. Of these, one study had an overall low risk of bias and 19 had ‘some concerns’, mainly due to inadequate blinding and no information on pre-specified analysis plan. Only eight studies reported the effects on anxiety and 10 studies reported on depression. These studies included 919 patients in total. Most interventions were based on cognitive behavioural therapy and the context of delivery ranged from face-to-face individualised treatment to online group therapy. They often included education on topics such as stress and fatigue. Interventions often trained participants to develop skills in relaxation, problem-solving, and thought reframing. Goal setting and action planning were common to help participants make behaviour changes and apply their learning. Table 1 summarises disease group, type of intervention, comparator, outcome measure, and effects. Conclusion Conclusion: Most interventions were effective in reducing anxiety and depression in autoimmune rheumatic conditions. However, given the clinical heterogeneity and ‘some concerns’ about the included quality of studies, more work is needed to understand the mechanisms of the intervention effectiveness. Disclosure J. Hulley-Mills: None. C. Sliverthorne: None. B. Jones: None. J. Hooper: None. J. Robson: None. E. Dures: None. J. Daniels: None. M. Thompson: None. M. Ndosi: None.

Measuring quality of life of patients with axial spondyloarthritis for economic evaluation

ObjectivesTo estimate the relationship between EQ5D (three levels, UK version) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) for use in the economic evaluation of health technologies for people with...

Treatment Patterns Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Puerto Rico.

IntroductionRacial and ethnic disparities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been identified in the United States, with higher levels of disease activity and worse functional status reported in Hispanic patients compared with their white counterparts. Although RA is one of the most prevalent health conditions in Puerto Rico, few studies have previously examined the characteristics or treatment patterns of patients receiving biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in this population.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from the Advanced Business Management Organization database, which represents around 70% of pharmacy claims in Puerto Rico. Patients with RA were included if they had ≥ 1 prescription for any approved b/tsDMARD during the index period (January 2016 to July 2018), and ≥ 2 years of follow-up. The objective was to describe and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with RA being treated with b/tsDMARD therapy in Puerto Rico, and to evaluate the treatment patterns among these patients.ResultsMost patients (74%) received tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) as index therapy, followed by abatacept (17%), Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis; 5%), and other non-TNFis (4%). Similar trends were observed in subsequent lines of therapy, although abatacept was more frequently used in these later lines versus index therapy. At 2 years, 62% of patients had discontinued their index therapy and 17% had switched to an alternative b/tsDMARD; only 21% persisted with index therapy. The percentage of patients who were persistent with their index therapy at the end of year 2 was 28% for JAKis, 36% for abatacept, 41% for TNFis, and 45% for other non-TNFis.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that despite the availability of several b/tsDMARDs, patients with RA in Puerto Rico still experience substantial treatment disruption, with almost two-thirds of patients discontinuing their index therapy within 2 years.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-021-00408-7.