Improvement In Disease Activity Research Articles

Time to improvement of pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with tofacitinib: a post hoc analysis

BackgroundTofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Time to improvement in core domains of AS was estimated in tofacitinib-treated patients with AS.MethodsThis post hoc analysis used phase 3 trial data from patients with AS receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily or placebo to week (W)16; all patients received open-label tofacitinib W16–48. Outcomes: nocturnal pain; total back pain; fatigue, spinal pain, peripheral joint pain/swelling, enthesitis, and morning stiffness (Bath AS Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] questions 1–6); BASDAI total score; AS Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). Median time to improvement events was estimated using non-parametric Kaplan-Meier models. Improvement events were defined as initial (first post-baseline observation) and continued (sustained for 2 consecutive visits) ≥ 30% and ≥ 50% improvement in back/nocturnal pain or BASDAI questions/total scores, or ASDAS improvement ≥ 1.1 and ≥ 2.0 points.Results269 patients (tofacitinib: n = 133; placebo-to-tofacitinib: n = 136) were assessed. Median time to improvement was shorter, and more patients experienced improvements with tofacitinib vs. placebo-to-tofacitinib; differences observed from W2 (first post-baseline assessment). Median time to initial (continued) ≥ 30% pain improvement was 4 (4–8) weeks for tofacitinib vs. 24 (24) weeks for placebo-to-tofacitinib (8 [8] weeks post-switch). Median time to initial (continued) ≥ 50% improvement of pain, peripheral joint pain/swelling and enthesitis, morning stiffness, BASDAI total score, and fatigue was 8–24 (12–40) weeks with tofacitinib vs. 24–32 weeks (32 weeks–not estimable [NE]) with placebo-to-tofacitinib. Median time to initial (continued) ASDAS improvement ≥ 1.1 points was 4 (8) weeks for tofacitinib vs. 24 (24) weeks for placebo-to-tofacitinib, and NE for improvement ≥ 2.0 points with either treatment.ConclusionsImprovements in AS core domains occurred more rapidly with tofacitinib vs. placebo-to-tofacitinib. Half of tofacitinib-treated patients with AS will likely experience improvements ≥ 30% in pain and ≥ 1.1 points in ASDAS during month (M)1, ≥ 50% improvement in nocturnal pain and enthesitis by M2, and in morning stiffness by M3. Results show that initiating tofacitinib as soon as possible is associated with quicker improvements in AS core domains vs. delaying treatment.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03502616, 11 April 2018.

Upadacitinib in Active Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: 1-Year Data From a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial.

Upadacitinib improved the signs and symptoms of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) versus placebo over 14 weeks in the primary analysis of the SELECT-AXIS 2 nr-axSpA study. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib through 1 year in patients with nr-axSpA in SELECT-AXIS 2. Patients aged at least 18 years diagnosed with nr-axSpA who fulfilled the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) classification criteria and were receiving stable background therapy were randomized to upadacitinib 15 mg once daily or placebo for the 52-week double-blind period. Efficacy was assessed using non-responder imputation incorporating multiple imputation (NRI-MI) and as-observed analyses for binary endpoints, and mixed-effects model repeated measures for continuous endpoints. Of 314 randomized patients, 259 (upadacitinib, n = 129; placebo, n = 130) completed 52 weeks of treatment. More patients receiving upadacitinib versus placebo achieved ≥40% improvement in ASAS at week 52 (63% vs 43%, NRI-MI; nominal P < 0.001). Similar treatment effects were observed for the achievement of axSpA Disease Activity Score inactive disease (33% v 11%, NRI-MI; nominal P < 0.001). Overall, patients receiving upadacitinib versus placebo showed greater improvement in disease activity, inflammation, pain, function, enthesitis, and quality of life through 52 weeks. Adverse events were generally comparable between the treatment groups. No opportunistic infections, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolic events, inflammatory bowel disease, or deaths were reported in those receiving upadacitinib. Treatment with upadacitinib showed sustained efficacy versus placebo with no new safety findings identified through 1 year. These results support the continued favorable benefit-risk profile of upadacitinib treatment for nr-axSpA.

P165 Sustained improvement in clinical outcomes and long-term safety of bimekizumab in patients across the spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis up to week 52: results from two phase 3 studies

Abstract Background/Aims Bimekizumab (BKZ), a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits IL-17F in addition to IL-17A, has shown rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in disease activity across the axial spondyloarthritis spectrum (axSpA; active non-radiographic axSpA [nr-axSpA; BE MOBILE 1, NCT03928704] and ankylosing spondylitis [AS] / radiographic axSpA [r-axSpA; BE MOBILE 2, NCT03928743]). Here we present outcomes from these two phase 3 studies up to Week (Wk)52. Methods BE MOBILE 1 and 2 have similar study designs: 16-Wk double-blind period followed by 36-Wk maintenance period. Patients were randomised (1:1 in BE MOBILE 1; 2:1 in BE MOBILE 2) to BKZ 160 mg every 4Wks (Q4W) or placebo (PBO). All patients received BKZ 160 mg Q4W from Wk16 up to Wk52. Sustained improvements in ASAS40, BASDAI50 responses, BASDAI, BASFI and ASDAS-CRP scores were assessed up to Wk52. Missing data were imputed using non-responder or multiple imputation for binary and quantitative variables, respectively. Results 254 nr-axSpA (BKZ: 128; PBO: 126) and 332 r-axSpA (BKZ: 221; PBO: 111) patients were randomised; 86.6% and 89.8% completed Wk52, respectively. ASAS40 responses increased from Wk16 to Wk52 with similar efficacy across TNF-naïve/IR patients (Table). Approximately 47% of patients on BKZ achieved BASDAI50 at Wk16, increasing to ∼54% at Wk52 (NRI, Table). All improvements at Wk16 in BASDAI, BASFI and ASDAS were sustained up to Wk52 (Table). Efficacy was similar between treatment arms at Wk52. During the overall study period, 75% (183/244, nr-axSpA) and 75.5% (249/330, r-axSpA) patients reported ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Most common TEAEs included nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and oral candidiasis. Incidence of serious TEAEs were low (3.7% [nr-axSpA] and 6.1% [r-axSpA]); no incidence of systemic candidiasis, adjudicated MACE or deaths were reported. ‘Any definite or probable adjudicated IBD TEAE’ was reported in 0.8% (2/240, nr-axSpA) and 0.6% (2/326, r-axSpA) patients with no history of IBD and 25% (1/4, r-axSpA) patients with prior history of IBD. Incidence of uveitis (1.2% [3/244, nr-axSpA]; 2.1% [7/330, r-axSpA]) was low. Conclusion Across the axSpA disease spectrum, bimekizumab demonstrated sustained improvements in clinical outcomes up to Wk52 with no new safety signals. Disclosure K. Gaffney: Shareholder/stock ownership; KG is a shareholder of Rheumatology events. Grants/research support; KG received grant/research support from NASS, Versus Arthritis, AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Novartis, Lilly, Cellgene, Celltrion, Janssen, Gilead and Biogen. Other; KG has received honoraria/ consultation fees from Novartis, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Lilly and Pfizer, KG has received speaker’s bureau from Novartis, UCB Pharma, AbbVie and Lilly; meeting expenses from AbbVie, Lilly, Roche, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. N.D. McKay: Other; NDM received travel fees from UCB Pharma and Gilead, and Speaker’s bureau from Gilead. R. Sengupta: Grants/research support; RS received grants/ research support from AbbVie, Celgene, Novartis and UCB Pharma. Other; RS recevied honoraria or consultancy fees from Abbvie, Biogen, Novartis, Celgene, Lilly, Chugai, MSD and UCB Pharma, RS is on the advisory boards for AbbVie, Biogen, Chugai, Lilly, Novartis and UCB Pharma. C. Fleurinck: Other; CF is an employee of UCB Pharma. C. de la Loge: Consultancies; CdlL is a consultant to UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium. U. Massow: Other; UM is an employee of UCB Pharma. V. Taieb: Other; VT is an employee of UCB Pharma. S. Zhao: Honoraria; SSZ received honoraria from UCB Pharma. H. Marzo-Ortega: Grants/research support; HMO received grants/research support from Janssen, Novartis and UCB Pharma. Other; HMO received honoraria and/or consultancy and/or speaker fees from Abbvie, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Eli-Lilly, Moonlake, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma.

OA11 Maintained improvement in patient reported outcomes in early axial spondyloarthritis following certolizumab pegol dose reduction

Abstract Background/Aims Certolizumab pegol (CZP), a PEGylated TNFi without an Fc region, has previously shown efficacy and safety in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). EULAR guidelines recommend that tapering of a biologic can be considered for patients in sustained remission. The C-OPTIMISE trial (NCT02505542) identified early (&amp;lt;5 years) axSpA patients in sustained remission who may benefit from dose tapering or stopping treatment. Here we report whether a reduced CZP maintenance dose is associated with sustained improvements in patient reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with axSpA at Week (Wk) 96. Methods C-OPTIMISE was a two-part, multicentre, phase 3b study in adult patients. Part A: up to Wk48 (open-label), patients received CZP 200mg Q2W. At Wk48 (Part B), patients who achieved sustained remission at Wk32 or 36 (ASDAS &amp;lt;1.3), were randomised 1:1:1 to double-blind CZP 200 mg Q2W (full maintenance dose), CZP 200 mg Q4W (reduced maintenance dose), or placebo (PBO [drug withdrawal]) for additional 48Wks. We report disease activity and PROs (BASDAI, PtGADA, nocturnal apinal pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, and ASQoL) during Part B (Wks48-96). Flare is defined as ASDAS ≥2.1 at two consecutive visits, or ASDAS &amp;gt;3.5 at any visit. Results At Wk48 (Part A), 43.9% (323/736) of patients achieved sustained remission, of which 313 patients were randomised to Part B (Wks48-96). During Wks48-96, 87/104 (83.7%) patients receiving the full maintenance dose, 83/105 (79.0%) patients receiving the reduced maintenance dose, and 21/104 (20.2%) patients receiving PBO remained flare-free. Patients receiving full maintenance and those on reduced dose have similar disease activity measures (BASDAI; mean [SD], 0.8 [0.8] vs 0.8 [1.0]) at Wk96 (Table). Sustained improvements in PROs were similar for CZP full maintenance dose and CZP reduced maintenance dose, including ASQoL, fatigue and nocturnal spinal pain, while PBO showed increased disease activity (Table). Conclusion In axSpA patients who achieved sustained remission, CZP reduced dosage resulted in sustained improvements in disease activity and PROs similar to those receiving full maintenance dose. This suggests that dose reduction can be a viable strategy without compromising PROs. Disclosure A. Chan: Member of speakers’ bureau; AC has received speaker bureau from Novartis, UCB, Abbvie, Janssen, Amgen. Grants/research support; AC has received grant support for service and educational projects from Novartis and UCB Pharma. Other; AC has received honoraria/advisory boards from Novartis, Abbvie, UCB, Janssen, Amgen, Lilly. J. Wood: Other; JW is an employee of UCB Pharma. L. Burns: Other; LBu is an employee of UCB Pharma. R. Tham: Other; RT is employed by Veramed and a contractor for UCB Pharma. T. Kumke: Other; TK is an employee and shareholder of UCB Pharma. B. Hoepken: Other; BH is an employee and shareholder of UCB Pharma. M. Kim: Other; MK is an employee of UCB Pharma. L. Bauer: Other; LBa is an employee and shareholder of UCB Pharma. K. MacKay: Other; KM received consultancy &amp; speaker meetings for UCB, AbbVie, Novartis, Lilly, AZ, Janssen and Roche. K. Gaffney: Shareholder/stock ownership; KG is a shareholder of Rheumatology Events. Grants/research support; KG has received grants/research support from NASS, Versus Arthritis, AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Norvartis, Eli Lilly, Cellgene, Celltrion, Janssen, Gilead and Biogen. Other; KG has received honoraria/ consultation fees from Novartis, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Lilly and Pfizer, KG has received speaker’s bureau from Novartis, UCB Pharma, AbbVie and Lilly; meeting expenses from AbbVie, Lilly, Roche, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma.

E071 Bimekizumab demonstrates sustained improvement in quality of life up to week 52 in patients across the full spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis: results from two phase 3 studies

Abstract Background/Aims Bimekizumab (BKZ), a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits IL-17F in addition to IL-17A, has demonstrated rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in disease activity in patients across the full spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA; active non-radiographic axSpA [nr-axSpA; BE MOBILE 1, NCT03928704] and ankylosing spondylitis [AS]/ radiographic axSpA [r-axSpA; BE MOBILE 2, NCT03928743]). Here we report health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes (ASQoL, SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L) from the two parallel phase 3 studies up to Week (Wk)52. Methods BE MOBILE 1 and 2 have similar study designs: 16-Wk double-blind placebo (PBO)-controlled period followed by 36-Wk maintenance period. Patients were randomised (1:1 in BE MOBILE 1; 2:1 in BE MOBILE 2) to receive BKZ 160 mg Q4W or PBO. All patients received BKZ 160 mg Q4W from Wk16 to Wk52. We report ASQoL, SF-36 - physical component summary (PCS) and SF-36 - mental component summary (MCS) scores up to Wk52 and proportion of patients with ’no problem’ in each of the 5 EQ- 5D-3L domains (mobility, selfcare, usual activity, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/ depression). The results are presented as observed cases (OC), and missing data were imputed using multiple imputation (MI). Results 254 nr-axSpA (BKZ: 128; PBO: 126) and 332 r-axSpA(BKZ: 221; PBO: 111) patients were randomised with 86.6% and 89.8% completing to Wk52, respectively. At Wk16, BKZ treated patients reported greater improvements in ASQoL and SF-36 PCS compared to PBO (p &amp;lt; 0.001, all comparisons, using Analysis of Covariance [ANCOVA]). By Wk52, these improvements across all HRQoL outcomes were sustained in BKZ treated patients and improved in patients who switched to BKZ at Wk16. (Table). The baseline SF-36 MCS levels indicated that on average patients had normal scores which remained unchanged throughout the study. The proportion of patients reporting ‘no problem’ across all five EQ-5D-3L domains improved over time up to Wk52. In patients with ASQoL ≥4 at baseline, &amp;gt;60% of patients had ≥4-point improvement in ASQoL at Wk52. Conclusion Across the axSpA disease spectrum, treatment with BKZ compared with PBO at Wk16 significantly improved quality of life outcomes measured by EQ-5D-3L, ASQoL and SF-36 PCS scores which were sustained to Wk52. Disclosure N.D. McKay: Consultancies; NDM has received consultancy fees from Gilead and UCB Pharma. Other; NDM has received a registration fees for attendance at a conference from Abbvie, Novartis and UCB Pharma, NDM has received a fee for lecturing from Gilead, NDM has taken part in education meetings, programmes and examinations for a wide range of pharmaceutical companies. A. Bennett: Honoraria; AB received teaching honorarium from Abbvie Ltd, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Novartis and Biogen. Grants/research support; AB received research grants from Pfizer. Other; AB received advisory board fees from Abbvie Ltd, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, MSD, Novartis and Lilly. N. Goodson: Honoraria; NG has received honoraria from UCB Pharma and Novartis. C. Fleurinck: Other; CF is an employee of UCB Pharma. C. de la Loge: Consultancies; CdlL is a consultant to UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium. U. Massow: Other; UM is an employee of UCB Pharma. V. Taieb: Other; VT is employee of UCB Pharma. H. Marzo-Ortega: Grants/research support; HMO has received grants/research support from Janssen, Novartis and UCB Pharma. Other; HMO has received honoraria and/or consultancy and/or speaker fees from Abbvie, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Eli-Lilly, Moonlake, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. K. Gaffney: Shareholder/stock ownership; KG is a shareholder of Rheumatology Events. Grants/research support; KG has received grants/research support from NASS, Versus Arthritis, AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Norvartis, Eli Lilly, Cellgene, Celltrion, Janssen, Gilead and Biogen. Other; KG has received honoraria/ consultation fees from Novartis, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Lilly and Pfizer, KG has received speaker’s bureau from Novartis, UCB Pharma, AbbVie and Lilly; meeting expenses from AbbVie, Lilly, Roche, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma.

Optimising patient outcomes: temporal trends in remission rates of rheumatoid arthritis patients in the Australian OPAL dataset between 2009 and 2022.

To describe the trends in remission rates among RA patients in the OPAL dataset, spanning from 2009 to 2022, and provide insights into the effectiveness of evolving RA management approaches in real-world clinical settings. Patients with a physician diagnosis of RA and at least 3 visits between 1 January 2009 and December 2022 were identified in the OPAL dataset, an aggregated collection of data extracted from the electronic medical records of patients managed by 117 Australian rheumatologists. Demographics, disease history, prescribed medications and proportions of patients in Disease Activity Score 28-joint count C-reactive protein (DAS28CRP)) categories (remission, low disease activity (LDA), moderate disease activity (MDA) and high disease activity (HDA)) were described. A large population (n = 48,388) of eligible patients with RA were identified in the OPAL dataset. A consistent and substantial improvement in DAS28CRP remission rates were found in (i) all patients, (ii) patients managed on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) and (iii) patients treated with biological or targeted synthetic (b/ts)DMARD therapy, increasing from approximately 50% in 2009 to over 70% by 2022. The increase in DAS28CRP remission was accompanied by reduced proportions of patients in MDA and HDA states. This study highlights a consistent improvement in disease activity and rising remission rates among Australian RA patients within the OPAL dataset, offering the potential for enhanced patient outcomes and reduced disease burden.

Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab in US Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Subgroup Analysis of the Phase 3 FUTURE Studies.

The aim of this work is to evaluate secukinumab vs. placebo in a challenging-to-treat and smaller US patient subpopulation of the international FUTURE 2-5 studies in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Data were pooled from US patients enrolled in the phase 3 FUTURE 2-5 studies (NCT01752634, NCT01989468, NCT02294227, and NCT02404350). Patients received secukinumab 300 or 150 mg with subcutaneous loading dose, secukinumab 150 mg without subcutaneous loading dose, or placebo. Categorical efficacy and health-related quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes and safety were evaluated at week 16. Subgroup analyses were performed based on tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) status and body mass index (BMI). For hypothesis generation, odds ratios (ORs) for American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75/90/100 responses by treatment were estimated using logistic regression without adjustment for multiple comparisons. Of 2148 international patients originally randomized, 279 US patients were included in this pooled analysis. Mean BMI was > 30 kg/m2 and 55.2% had prior TNFi treatment. ORs for ACR20/50/70 significantly favored patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg with loading dose vs. placebo (P < 0.05), but not those receiving secukinumab 150 mg without loading dose vs. placebo. For PASI75, ORs favored all secukinumab groups over placebo (P < 0.05); for PASI90 and PASI100, only the secukinumab 300-mg group was significantly favored over placebo (P < 0.05). In this challenging sub-population of US patients with PsA, secukinumab provided rapid improvements in disease activity and QoL. Patients with PsA and active psoriasis might benefit more from secukinumab 300mg than 150mg.

How the Plants for Joints multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention achieved its effects: a mixed methods process evaluation

BackgroundPlants for Joints (PFJ) is a multidisciplinary intervention centered around a whole-food plant-based diet, physical activity, and sleep and stress management. The PFJ intervention successfully improved disease activity and symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA), respectively, and metabolic health. To investigate how these effects were achieved a mixed methods process evaluation was conducted to understand the context, implementation, and mechanism of impact of the PFJ intervention. Also, the relationship between degree of implementation and lifestyle changes was explored.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data were collected across the evaluation domains context (i.e. reach), implementation (i.e. recruitment and delivery), and mechanism of impact (i.e. responsiveness) of both the participants and coaches (incl. dietitians, sport coaches) according to the UK MRC guidelines for process evaluations. Data was collected from the participants via focus groups and questionnaires after the intervention, and interviews with coaches. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and quantitative data were assessed with descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses. Degree of implementation was quantified using a theory-driven implementation index score composed of different process evaluation constructs.ResultsOf the 155 participants who participated in the PFJ intervention, 106 (68%) took part in the questionnaire and 34 (22%) attended a focus group. Participants felt the intervention was complete, coherent, and would recommend the intervention to others (mean score 9.2 (SD 1.4) out of 10). Participants felt heard and empowered to take control of their lifestyle and health outcomes. Components perceived as most useful were self-monitoring, social support, practical and theoretical information, and (individual) guidance by the multidisciplinary team. Participants perceived the intervention as feasible, and many indicated it effectively improved their health outcomes. In an explorative analysis there was no significant difference in healthy lifestyle changes across implementation index score groups.ConclusionThis process evaluation offers important insights into why the PFJ intervention works and how the intervention can be optimized for future implementation. Results indicating the intervention’s high satisfaction, feasibility, and perceived effectiveness, further support the use of plant-based lifestyle interventions as an additional treatment option for patients with RA, OA, or other chronic diseases.Trial registrationInternational Clinical Trial Registry Platform numbers: NL7800, NL7801, and NL7802, all registered 17-06-2019.

The steroid-sparing effect of JAK inhibitors across multiple patient populations.

JAK-inhibitors (JAK-i) represent an effective treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Oral glucocorticoids (OGC) are commonly used in combination with JAK-i to reach therapeutic target. We aimed to assess, in a real-life setting, the reduction of OGC dose during JAK-i treatment in active RA and PsA patients. We prospectively enrolled 103 patients (88 RA, 15 PsA) treated with JAK-i: 24% bio-naïve (b-naïve), 76% bDMARD-insufficient responders (bDMARD-IR) and 40% difficult to treat (D2T), defined as failure of ≥2 bDMARDs with different mechanism of action. Disease activity (DAS28 and DAPSA, VAS-pain, GH) and OGC dose was collected at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months (T3, T6, T12) of treatment. In all the cohort and in b-naïve patients we reported a reduction of OGC dose at all time-points; bDMARD-IR patients were able to reduce OGC dose at T3 and T12; D2T ones only at T3. We reported an improvement of disease activity and withdrawal of OGC as early as three months of therapy, at all time-points, regardless of line of bDMARD treatment. Chronic OGC may cause detrimental bone, metabolic, cardiovascular side effects and infections; therefore JAK-i steroid-sparing effect may be beneficial for patients in long-term treatment.

Evaluating the real-world effectiveness of belimumab in patients with SLE using SLE-related laboratory values and rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures: RAPID3, swollen joint count and tender joint count

ObjectiveTo investigate the real-world impact of intravenous belimumab treatment among patients with SLE using rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures and SLE-related laboratory values.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used US electronic medical...

Effect of an interdisciplinary inpatient program for patients with CRPS in reducing disease activity -a single center prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of inpatient treatment in reducing disease activity in patients with CRPS who have exhausted outpatient options. Furthermore, the study sought to identify patient-related outcome variables that predict a reduction in disease activity. The primary outcome was disease severity (CRPS Severity Score, range 0-16 points)). Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, physical function, pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and ability to participate in social roles and activities, all of which were assessed using the Promis-29. Furthermore, pain catastrophizing, neuropathic pain, quality of life, pain self-efficacy, medication intake, and the patient's global impression of change were examined in accordance with current international agreed recommendations, assessed at discharge, three-month and six-month post-discharge. Mixed-effects models were conducted to identify baseline variables associated with CRPS severity. Twenty-five patients completed the program (mean age 49.28 (SD 11.23) years, 92% females, mean symptom duration 8.5 (SD 6.5) months). Results showed a significant reduction between baseline and discharge of disease activity (CSS -2.36, p < 0.0001), pain (PROMIS-29 pain -0.88, p = 0.005) and emotional function (PROMIS-29 depression -5.05, p < 0.001; fatigue -4.63, p = 0.002). Moderate evidence for a reduction between baseline and discharge could be observed for pain interference (+2.27, p = 0.05), social participation (PROMIS-29 +1.93, p = 0.05), anxiety (PROMIS-29 -3.32, p = 0.02) and physical function (PROMIS-29 +1.3, p = 0.03). On discharge, 92% of patients (23 of 25) reported improvement in their overall condition. In the follow-up period, medication intake could be reduced after 3 (MQS -8.22, p = 0.002) and 6 months (MQS -8.69, p = 0.001), and there was further improvement in social participation after 3 months (PROMIS-29 +1.72, 0.03) and sleep after 6 months (PROMIS-29 +2.38, 0.008). In the mixed models, it was demonstrated that patients experiencing less pain at baseline also exhibited lower disease activity. The results of this study confirm that inpatient interdisciplinary treatment of CRPS patients improves disease activity, pain, physical function, emotional function, and social participation. Most improvements were maintained for up six months after discharge. The majority of patients reported that their overall condition had improved during the study period.

B cell pathway dual inhibition for systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective single-arm cohort study of telitacicept.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease associated with B-cell hyperactivity. Telitacicept is a transmembrane activator, calcium modulator, and cyclophilin ligand interactor-Fc fusion protein, which can neutralize both B-cell lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation-inducing ligand. Patients with active SLE who received telitacicept were prospectively followed at month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after telitacicept initiation. Thirty-seven participants were involved and followed for 6.00 [3.00, 6.00] months. SRI-4 rate at month 6 was 44.7%. The median dosage of prednisone was decreased by 43.8% (from 10 to 5.62mg/d) at month 6. The anti-dsDNA level was significantly decreased, while complement levels were significantly increased at month 6 from baseline. Continuously significant reductions in serum immunoglobin (Ig)G IgA, and IgM levels were also observed. Patients experienced significant decreases in the numbers of total and naive B cells, whereas memory B cells and T cell populations did not change. The number of NK cells was significantly increased during the follow-up. At month 6, 58.3% (14 out of 24) patients experienced improved fatigue accessed by FACIT-Fatigue score exceeding the minimum clinically important difference of 4. Most adverse events were mild, but one each case of severe hypogammaglobulinemia, psychosis with suicidal behavior, and B-cell lymphoma were occurred. In our first prospective real-world study, telitacicept treatment led to a significant clinical and laboratory improvement of disease activity, as well as fatigue amelioration in patients with SLE. Safety profile was favorable overall, but more studies are greatly needed.

Real-World Effectiveness of Upadacitinib for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canadian Patients: Interim Results from the Prospective Observational CLOSE-UP Study.

Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective, reversible, oral Janus kinase (JAK)-1 inhibitor, was approved in 2019 in Canada for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This phase4 prospective study aimed to characterise the effectiveness of UPA in the real-world population of patients with RA. Adults with RA who initiated treatment with once daily UPA (15mg) and enrolled in the Canadian Real-Life post-marketing Observational Study assessing the Effectiveness of UPadacitinib for treating rheumatoid arthritis (CLOSE-UP) and who completed a 6-month assessment as of 28 February 2023 were included. The primary endpoint of the CLOSE-UP study is the proportion of patients achieving a Disease Activity Score-28 Joint Count C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 2.6 at 6months. Data was collected at routine visits. Data analysed and summarised descriptively for the overall interim population and for subgroups based on prior therapy included remission or low disease activity, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events. A total of 392 patients were included in the interim analysis. Overall, 63.5% (191/301) of patients achieved a DAS28-CRP score < 2.6 at month6, with similar rates observed for all subgroups analysed according to prior therapy including those with prior JAK inhibitor exposure (range 57.4-71.0%), and in patients who received UPA monotherapy (71.6% [48/67]). Early (month3) and sustained improvements up to 6months were observed for all PROs. The safety profile was consistent with previous reports. Real-world improvements in disease activity and PROs in response to UPA treatment were consistent with clinical trial data across a range of Canadian patients with prior therapy exposure and with UPA monotherapy, with an overall favourable benefit-risk profile. NCT04574492.

Therapeutic Effects of Cannabinoids on Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to ascertain the efficacy and safety of Cannabis in treating ulcerative colitis (UC).Material and Methods: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct) was performed; from inception till 31st July 2023, so as to ascertain the efficacy and safety of Cannabis in UC. Primary outcomes included: disease activity and endoscopic indices, and quality of life (QOL). The risk of bias in the studies was assessed via the RoB2 tool.Results: In total 1,928 records identified; of which four were eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias in the included studies was moderate. The patients were randomized to the cannabinoid group had significantly improved disease activity indices (standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) (-2.89 to 0.67); I2=74%) and QOL (SMD -1.70; 95% CI (0.24 to 3.17); I2=75%) than those in the placebo group. However, cannabinoids did not have a significant impact on endoscopic indices (SMD -0.40; 95% CI (-0.92 to 0.11); I2=0%) nor C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (SMD -0.49; 95% CI (-0.87 to 1.85); I2=85%) of UC patients.Conclusion: Cannabinoids show potential in improving disease activity and QOL; however, their impact on endoscopic indices and CRP levels remains inconclusive.

Occupational Medicine, Go Above and Beyond.

The population of people in Japan over 65 years old is expected to exceed 30% by 2025. As the society ages, there are not only healthy workers and employers, but also an increasing number of diseased or injured workers. Falls, the most common occupational hazard, increase in incidence with age. The management of osteoporosis and prevention of bone fractures from falls are emerging in elderly female workers, to reduce the loss of work productivity. Rheumatoid arthritis is a representative musculoskeletal disease that causes functional decline because of joint damage mainly in working women, but appropriate treatment improves disease activity and work productivity in workers with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also important not only to digitize subjective information by converting it into digital form (digitization), but also to digitalize the physiological information related to health, labor and disease (digitalization). In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to analyze vast amounts of physiological information (big data) obtained from workers and patients via the Internet of things (IoT), which will improve the information value linked to health promotion and optimal treatment practices, and contribute to the Digital transformation (DX).

Clinical efficacy of Zhiyang Xiaozhen granules combined with second-generation antihistamine in the treatment of chronic urticaria.

Chronic urticaria presents a chronic process of recurrent attacks, and its first-line treatment is second-generation antihistamine with limited treatment options. The efficacy of antihistamine varies among individuals and cannot meet the needs of all patients. This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhiyang Xiaozhen granules combined with antihistamine in the treatment of chronic urticaria patients. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with chronic urticaria who visited the Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from April 2020 to March 2021. The patients who received conventional second-generation antihistamine treatment were selected as a control group, while the patients who received combined treatment with Zhiyang Xiaozhen granules on the basis of conventional second-generation antihistamine treatment were selected as an observation group. The differences in the Weekly Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) between the 2 groups before and 4 weeks after treatment were compared. The Symptom Score Reduce Index (SSRI) was used to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the 2 treatment regimens. After 4 weeks of treatment, the UAS7 levels in both groups were significantly reduced (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The effective rates of the control group and the observation group were 61.11% and 59.38%, respectively when converting UAS7 to SSRI for efficacy evaluation, and there was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the 2 groups (P>0.05); however, when converting DLQI to SSRI for efficacy evaluation, the effective rates of the control group and the observation group were 33.33% and 46.88%, respectively, and the difference in efficacy between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). There were 3 patients with adverse drug reactions related to drowsiness in both groups. The combination of Zhiyang Xiaozhen granules and second-generation antihistamine can effectively improve disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria, and the improvement in quality of life is better than that with the second-generation antihistamine alone.

Artículo traducido] Tratamientos tópicos e intralesionales en hidradenitis supurativa. Una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Background and objectiveTopical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their use is limited. The aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of topical and IL treatments in patients with HS. Materials and methodsWe designed a systematic review of the current medical literature available following the PICO(T) method. And including all types of studies (Study type [T]) of individuals with HS of any sex, age, and ethnicity (Population [P]) who received any topical or IL treatment for HS (Intervention [I]) compared to placebo, other treatments, or no treatment at all (Comparator [C]), and reported efficacy and/or safety outcomes (Outcomes [O]). Two outcomes were defined: quality of life and the no. of patients with, at least, one adverse event. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase databases; study selection was performed based on pre-defined criteria. The risk of bias was determined in each study. ResultsWe obtained a total of 11,363 references, 31 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 1143 patients with HS, 62% of whom were women. A total of 10, 8, 6, 2, and 5 studies, respectively, evaluated the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), glucocorticoids, resorcinol, topical antibiotics, and other interventions. Most articles were case series (n=25), with only five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study. RCTs showed improvement in disease activity with topical clindamycin and botulinum toxin (BTX) vs placebo, and PDT with methylene blue (MB) niosomal vs free MB; however, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was not superior to placebo. The risk of bias was low in three RCTs and high in two RCTs. ConclusionThe quality of evidence supporting the use of topical, or IL treatments is low. However, it supports the use of topical clindamycin, PDT, and BTX. Well-designed RCTs with standardized outcomes and homogeneous populations of patients and lesions are needed to support decision-making in the routine clinical practice.

Pain is Common in Myositis and Associated with Disease Activity.

Understanding pain in myositis remains challenging. This study aimed to assess patient-reported pain and its correlation with myositis core set measures (CSMs), patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and functional measures. Fifty subjects underwent baseline, 3-month, and 6-month assessments, evaluating myositis CSMs, functional measures, and patient-reported outcomes. Pain was measured using three methods: (1) a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), (2) pain score from the HAQ-DI, and (3) SF-36 (Short Form survey) pain questions. Correlations between disease activity measures and pain were examined at baseline, and changes in both were assessed at 6 months, along with longitudinal change of pain. The change in pain was also correlated with the published 2016 ACR/EULAR myositis response criteria, physician/patient's assessment of change. Nearly half of patients (45%) reported moderate to severe pain in all 3 pain scales, with higher severity of pain in PM/NM subset. At baseline, pain severity showed a strong correlation with most CSMs, PROs and functional outcomes in all the 3 pain scales and similar trends were noted for change in pain at the 6 months. On longitudinal analysis, the physical function scores and fatigue showed strong correlation with pain. Pain improved in myositis patients with improvement in disease activity over time. Pain is common in myositis and is associated with multiple measures of disease activity, PROs, and functional outcomes in myositis. Most importantly pain improves with improvement in disease activity. SF-36 pain questions have good psychometric properties.

507 - Dupilumab demonstrates greater improvement in disease activity than standard-of-care H1-antihistamines in CSU

Abstract IntroductionChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by wheals and/or angioedema recurring for &amp;gt;6 weeks. Cumulative distribution function (CDF) curves compare cumulative probabilities of response between treatments across responder definition spectrums. Methods LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A (NCT04180488) was a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial of dupilumab treatment for 24 weeks in patients with CSU remaining symptomatic despite standard-of-care (SOC) H1-antihistamines. Patients were randomized to receive add-on dupilumab (dupilumab/SOC) or placebo (placebo/SOC) subcutaneously every 2 weeks. CDF curves were plotted for the distribution of possible within-patient response for Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7), Itch Severity Score over 7 days (ISS7), and Hives Severity Score over 7 days (HSS7) for dupilumab/SOC and placebo/SOC arms. Results In CDF analysis at Week 24, more patients experienced UAS7, ISS7, and HSS7 improvements with dupilumab/SOC than placebo/SOC; 74.2% vs 50.0% of patients (dupilumab/SOC vs placebo/SOC) achieved ≥11-point reductions (minimal important difference [MID] threshold) in UAS7. Similarly, 78.8% vs 51.7% of patients (dupilumab/SOC vs placebo/SOC) reached ≥5-point reductions (MID threshold) in ISS7 and HSS7. The responder proportion was ≥20% greater for dupilumab/SOC vs placebo/SOC for response thresholds of 9.5- to 22-point reductions for UAS7, 4.5- to 11-point reductions for ISS7, and 5- to 11-point reductions for HSS7. Conclusion Irrespective of within-patient responder thresholds, greater proportions of patients experienced improvement in UAS7, ISS7, and HSS7 with dupilumab/SOC vs placebo/SOC at Week 24. Overall safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile.

P658 Safety and efficacy of MH002, an optimized live biotherapeutic product, for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: a first-in-disease, double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Treatment options for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) failing 5-ASA are limited. MH002 is an optimized consortium of 6 non-pathogenic, well-characterized commensal bacteria with immune modulating, wound healing and gut barrier protective effects. This study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and mechanistic effects of MH002 in mild to moderate UC. Methods In this 2:1-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled first-in-disease study (EudraCT 2020-001355-33), 45 patients with mild to moderate active UC (Modified Mayo Score [MMS] =4-8 but including Mayo Endoscopic Sub-score [MES] ≥2) received treatment with 400mg MH002 or placebo (PBO) once daily for 8 wks. Full colonoscopies with biopsies were performed at baseline and wk8, biopsies and endoscopy videos were scored by blinded central readers. The primary endpoint was the rate of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Exploratory efficacy endpoints included clinical remission (MMS ≤2 with all sub-scores ≤1 and rectal bleeding sub-score =0), endoscopic improvement (MES ≤1), and UC-100 and biomarker normalisation (C-reactive protein [CRP] ≤5mg/L, faecal calprotectin [FCP] ≤250mg/kg). Changes from baseline (CFBL) in MES and stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale) were also evaluated. Results MH002 was safe and well tolerated: a TEAE was reported in 11/31 (35%) patients with MH002 and in 8/14 (57%) with PBO. Most TEAEs were mild and unrelated to study treatment. Early discontinuations (7/45; 16%) occurred similarly in both groups. At wk8, patients achieved clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, and biomarker improvements at higher rates with MH002 vs PBO (Table 1). Clinical remission rates were 14% for MH002 vs 7% for PBO (Per-protocol Set [PPS]: 18% vs 0%). Significant differences in favour of MH002 over PBO were seen in the CFBL for MES at wk8 (P=0.05, 1-sided Wilcoxon) and for stool consistency at wk2 (P=0.0057, 1-sided Student t). In total, 14/45 (31%) and 36/42 (86%) patients had elevated CRP and FCP levels at baseline, resp. Of these, more patients treated with MH002 achieved normalisation at wk8 (CRP: 60% vs 25%; FCP: 36% vs 15%). Decreases in FCP and stool consistency with MH002 were observed as early as wk2 and were greater than with PBO through wk8 (Fig 1). Conclusion MH002 treatment was safe and well tolerated and resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in disease activity and inflammatory parameters. MH002 therefore represents a promising new treatment for mild to moderate UC patients insufficiently controlled with 5ASA. These results warrant further development in a phase 2/3 study.