Longer Disease Research Articles

2174-PUB: Profiling of Young Diabetes in India: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Report

Aim: The purpose of this study was to profile young-onset (defined as up to age 40 years) diabetes patients in India. Methods: The current analysis is a retrospective data analysis of young-onset diabetes patients. Young age diabetes is defined as patients diagnosed with diabetes between 18 to 40 years of age. T1DM and other secondary diabetes were excluded while profiling these patients. Patient’s data was extracted from EMRs of Apollo Sugar Outpatient clinics (n=35) from January 2018 to October 2019. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data and report the results. Results: Of the total 85568 diabetes patient’s records, 4152 (5%) young diabetes patients were identified as fulfilling the criteria of T2DM of early-onset. Males were 2495 (60%) and females were 1657(40%). Mean blood pressure was 122/78 mmHg, average BMI was 28.4 kg/m2, 15% had hypertension, 39% had dyslipidemia and 1% had CAD. Positive family history was recorded in 5% of patients, and 1% were recorded to have current or past smoking. Mean HbA1c was 8.4%, FBG and PPBG were 190 mg/dL and 273mg/dL. Mean cholesterol 179mg/dL, HDL 40mg/dL, LDL 111 mg/dL, and TG 232 mg/dL and creatinine 0.9mg/dL. The average no of antidiabetes drugs prescribed was 2. Nearly 36% of the patients were on oral agents and insulins, 30% were on statins. Conclusions: In our cross-sectional analysis 5% of patients over 18 month’s period had a diagnosis fulfilled the criteria for early-onset diabetes. There was a male preponderance. The average BMI was considerably higher. The majority had poor control and greater than a third of patients were on insulin. Other comorbidities such as hypertension and dyslipidemia were also prevalent. The higher BMI poor control and presence of comorbidities are ominous predicting a higher progression to complications given the longer disease burden in these patients. Our data indicate the need for further efforts in preventing detecting and treating diabetes in this young group of patients. Disclosure N. Nk: None. C. Dwarakanath: None. V. S: None. M. Rm: None. N. Bs: None. S. Das: None. K. Dash: None. S. Paladugu: None. K. Seshadri: None.

Phenotyping individuals with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes at risk for all-cause mortality: a single centre observational, prospective study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D) shows a high mortality rate, dependent on disease duration, comorbidities and glucose control over time. Data on patients with short disease duration are scanty.MethodsWe prospectively followed a cohort of newly-diagnosed T2D patients referring to a single diabetes centre, treated according to the international guidelines and checked every 6–12 months. All-cause mortality and major cardiovascular (CV) events were registered.Results289 patients out of 3019 consecutive first attendances matched inclusion criteria and were included in the observation. Mean follow-up was 51.2 months. At 31 December 2018, 253 patients were alive and 36 deceased. At baseline, deceased individuals were older, with lower eGFR and lower uric acid, higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation. During the follow-up, 18 non-fatal CV events were adjudicated; patients with incident CV disease (CVD) differed at baseline for sex, previous history of CVD and retinopathy, higher use of secretagogues and lower use of metformin. At multivariate analysis, age and previous CVD were the only independent determinants of all-cause mortality and incident CVD, respectively. In deceased individuals, eGFR slope was markedly unstable and ΔeGFR at the end of the follow-up was higher (p < 0.001), and predicted mortality.ConclusionNewly-diagnosed T2D patients followed according to the best clinical practice show a mortality rate similar to that reported in more complicated patients with longer disease duration; none of the clinical and biochemical variables commonly measured at baseline can predict mortality or incident CVD; early metformin use seems to be associated with no risk of prevalent or incident retinopathy.

Randomized trial of a collaborative palliative and oncology care intervention to improve communication about end-of-life care in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

1008 Background: Studies have demonstrated the benefits of early, integrated palliative care in improving quality of life (QOL) and end-of-life (EOL) care for patients with poor prognosis cancers. However, the optimal timing and outcomes of delivering palliative care for those with advanced cancers that have longer disease trajectories, such as metastatic breast cancer (MBC), remains unknown. We tested the effect of a collaborative palliative and oncology care model on communication about EOL care in patients with MBC. Methods: Patients with MBC and clinical indicators of poor prognosis (N=120) were randomized to receive collaborative palliative and oncology care or usual care between 05/02/2016 and 12/26/2018. The intervention entailed five structured palliative care visits, including a joint visit with oncology when possible, which focused on symptom management, coping, prognostic awareness, decision-making, and planning for EOL. The primary outcome was documentation of EOL care discussions in the electronic health record. Patients also completed questionnaires at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks regarding communication with clinicians about EOL care, QOL, and mood symptoms. Results: The sample included only women (100.0%) who mostly identified as white (87.5%), with a mean age of 56.91 years (SD=11.24). The rate of EOL care discussions documented in the health record was higher among intervention patients versus those receiving usual care (67.2% vs 40.7%, p=0.006), including a higher completion rate of a Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment form (39.3% vs 13.6%, p=0.002). Intervention patients were also more likely to report discussing their EOL care wishes with their doctor compared to usual care patients (OR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.21, 7.94, p=0.019). Study groups did not differ in reported QOL or mood symptoms. Conclusions: This novel collaborative palliative care intervention significantly improved communication and documentation regarding EOL care for women with MBC. Further work is needed to examine the effect of this care model on healthcare utilization at the end of life.

The association of CD8+ T-cell infiltration and PD-L1 expression with prognosis of Chinese pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.

e21003 Background: Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNCE) is a high-grade neuroendocrine tumor with poor prognosis. The genomic profile and immune feature of LCNEC have been reported in many studies. However, the relationship between immune microenvironment and the prognosis of LCNEC patients is poorly understood. Our study was aimed to examine the infiltration of CD8+ T cell and PD-L1+ cells in LCNEC patients, and explore whether CD8+T cell and PD-L1+ cells are related to LCNEC patients’ prognosis. Methods: 37 eligible LCNEC patients (stage I-III) with received the treatment of surgical operation (27 among 37 patients underwent adjuvant radiochemotherapy) were included, tumor tissues were collected from the first medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (Multi IHC) was performed using the antibodies of CD8 and PD-L1. The univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazards analyses were used to assess the association between the abundance of CD8+T cell and PD-L1+ cells with the clinical outcome of LCNEC patients. Results: Patients were divided into high and low group using the median positive percentage of CD8 or PD-L1 as cutoff. The univariate analysis showed that patients with stromal high CD8+ T cell infiltration or stage I had significantly longer disease free survival (DFS) (CD8, p = 0.03; stage I, p = 0.036), and patients with high PD-L1 expression in stroma region, I stage, adjvant radiochemotherapy had notably increased overall survival (OS) (p = 0.049, p = 0.031, p = 0.023, respectively). However, the infiltration of CD8+ T cell or PD-L1 expression in total or tumor region had no correlation with survival of LCNEC patients. Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that low CD8+ T cell density in stroma region was an independent risk factor for PFS (p = 0.03), advanced TNM stage (II-III stage, p = 0.0009) and low stromal PD-L1 expression were independent risk factors for OS (p = 0.013). Conclusions: High infiltration of CD8+ T cell or PD-L1+ cell in stroma region were independent good prognosis factors of LCNEC patients. However, these findings need a larger LCNEC cohort to validate.

A study to compare the efficacy and safety of narrow band-UVB alone as well as in combination with topical calcipotriol in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Psoriasis is a complex disease that requires carefully designed therapy in order to achieve sustained remission. The disease can be effectively controlled by various therapeutic options, used alone or in combination. Phototherapy may be combined with topical or systemic agents to achieve higher clearance rates, longer disease free intervals and a lower carcinogenic risk. The combination of NB-UVB with calcipotriol increases the therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy as well as UVB reduces the irritation caused by calcipotriolThe chief purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Narrow Band-UVB alone and in combination with topical calcipotriol in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.Patients with chronic plaque type psoriasis of 100 numbers involving less than 20% of body surface area were randomly allocated to any one of the following 2 groups. Group A- Narrow Band UVB phototherapy. &amp; Group B- Narrow Band UVB with topical calcipotriol ointmentIn group A (NB-UVB), the mean baseline PASI score was 12.1 and the mean PASI score at the end of 12 weeks was 2.54. There was 79% reduction in PASI score at the end of 12 weeks. 31 patients showed good response and 13 patients showed more than 70% clearance.When NB-UVB group was compared with NB-UVB and calcipotriol combination group, there was a significant difference (p&amp;#60;0.05) in PASI scores at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks.Further studies with additional numbers of patients are essential to compare the efficacy and safety of Narrow Band-UVB alone as well as in combination with topical calcipotriol in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Retinal thickness as a potential biomarker of neurodegeneration and a predictor of early cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of this research is to predict the cognitive impairment and to determine its correlation with retinal thickness, mainly (RFNL and GCIPL) in cases of multiple sclerosis. Methods 60 multiple sclerosis patients and 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Cognitive functions were evaluated in all study participants by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). OCT imaging was done to determine the thickness. The correlation between the cognitive domains of MoCA and the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layers was analyzed by Spearman correlation. ROC curve was constructed to determine the cut-off points for retinal thickness, and a binary logistic regression was performed to determine the independent predictive capacity of established cut-off points. Results Impaired cognition was found in 26 MS patients (43.3%). Cognitively impaired patients were significantly older (P < 0.05), had significantly longer disease duration (P < 0.05), had higher average EDSS scores (4.3 ± 1.22 vs 3.1 ± 1.45, P < 0.001), and occurred more in progressive types of MS (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between cognitive function and RNFL thickness and GCIPL (P < 0.001). The retinal thickness (RNFL and GCIPL) cut-off points established for the prediction of cognitive impairment in MS patients were 79 μm and 76 μm, respectively. Conclusion The clear correlation between cognitive impairment and atrophy of inner retinal layers (RNFL and GCIPL) proposes that OCT is valuable in evaluating the neurodegeneration and prediction of early cognitive impairment in MS. ABBREVIATIONS EDSS: Expanded Disability Status Scale; HCs: Healthy controls; GCIPL: Ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer; ILM: Internal limiting membrane; INL: Inner nuclear layer; MoCA: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MS: Multiple sclerosis; PPMS: Primary progressive multiple sclerosis; RNFL: Retinal nerve fiber layer; RRMS: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; SD: Standard deviations; SPMS: Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis; SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly Population Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: A sharp rise in the population of elderly people, who are more prone to somatic and mental diseases, combined with the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetes-associated complications in this age group, have an impact on the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Aim of the work: The work of the study was the evaluation of the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the elderly population diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: The pilot study was conducted in 2019 among 200 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 65 years and above, receiving treatment in a specialist diabetes outpatient clinic. The study was based on a questionnaire aimed at collecting basic sociodemographic and clinical data and the complete geriatric depression scale (GDS, by Yesavage) consisting of 30 questions. Results: The study involved 200 patients receiving treatment in a diabetes outpatient clinic. The mean age of the study subjects was 71.4 ± 5.0 years. The vast majority of the subjects (122; 61%) were women, with men accounting for 39% of the study population (78 subjects). A statistically significant difference in the GDS (p < 0.01) was shown for marital status, body mass index (BMI), duration of diabetes, and the number of comorbidities. Patients with results indicative of symptoms of mild and severe depression were found to have higher BMI, longer disease duration, and a greater number of comorbidities. There were no statistically significant differences in the level of HbA1c. Conclusions: In order to verify the presence of depressive symptoms in the group of geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus, an appropriate screening programme must be introduced to identify those at risk and refer them to specialists, so that treatment can be promptly initiated. Screening tests conducted by nurses might help with patient identification.

The invasive forest pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus boosts mortality and triggers niche replacement of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

Determining the impacts of invasive pathogens on tree mortality and growth is a difficult task, in particular in the case of species occurring naturally at low frequencies in mixed stands. In this study, we quantify such effects by comparing national forest inventory data collected before and after pathogen invasion. In Norway, Fraxinus excelsior is a minor species representing less than 1% of the trees in the forests and being attacked by the invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus since 2006. By studying deviations between inventories, we estimated a 74% higher-than-expected average ash mortality and a 13% slower-than-expected growth of the surviving ash trees, indicating a lack of compensation by the remaining ash. We could confidently assign mortality and growth losses to ash dieback as no mortality or growth shifts were observed for co-occurring tree species in the same plots. The mortality comparisons also show regional patterns with higher mortality in areas with the longest disease history in Norway. Considering that ash is currently mostly growing in mixed forests and that no signs of compensation were observed by the surviving ash trees, a significant habitat loss and niche replacement could be anticipated in the mid-term.

Cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory markers in children with aseptic meningitis

Abstract Aseptic meningitis is one of the most common inflammatory disorders of the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of our study was to investigate the cytokine profiles in the CSF and in the serum of children with aseptic meningitis to determine their role in CNS inflammation. Sixty-eight (68) children were kept under observation. Cytokine profile of CSF and blood (based on the results of determining of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α levels) and procalcitonin in children were revealed, meningitis severity were estimated by AMSS score. It was found that in the majority of patients with aseptic meningitis, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 in CSF were increased and exceeded the serum cytokines levels. The severe course of meningitis was characterized by significantly higher concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in CSF, which was confirmed by positive correlation between AMSS score and IL-1β concentration (r=0.46, p&lt;0.01), IL-10 (r=0.32, p&lt;0.01), TNF-α (r=0.62, p&lt;0.05). The IL-10/TNF-α ratio was – 17.8. PCT level in CSF was within normal limits in the majority of patients with meningitis. Increasing of anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in aseptic meningitis contributes to preventing of excessive inflammatory/immune responses in the brain. This can cause a longer diseases course and a longer recovery period. This can an indicate active production of cytokines in the central nervous system due to intrathecal inflammation and activation of immune responses caused by viral infection, but not due to penetration across the blood-brain barrier.

Lung sounds can be used as an indicator for assessing severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the initial diagnosis

To assess the value of pulmonary auscultation for evaluating the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the initial diagnosis. The patients with newly diagnosed COPD in our hospital between May, 2016 and May, 2019 were enrolled in this study. According to the findings of pulmonary auscultation, the lung sounds were classified into 5 groups: normal breathing sounds, weakened breathing sounds, weakened breathing sounds with wheezing, obviously weakened breathing sounds, and obviously weakened breathing sounds with wheezing. The pulmonary function of the patients was graded according to GOLD guidelines, and the differential diagnosis of COPD from asthmatic asthma COPD overlap (ACO) was made based on the GOLD guidelines and the European Respiratory Criteria. A total of 1046 newly diagnosed COPD patients were enrolled, including 949 male and 97 female patients with a mean age of 62.6± 8.71. According to the GOLD criteria, 88.1% of the patients were identified to have moderate or above COPD, 50.0% to have severe or above COPD; a further diagnosis of ACO was made in 347 (33.2%) of the patients. ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in disease course, FEV1, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, FVC, FVC% and mMRC among the 5 auscultation groups (P < 0.001), but FENO did not differ significantly among them (P=0.097). The percentage of patients with wheezing in auscultation was significantly greater in ACO group than in COPD group (P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that lung sounds was significantly correlated with disease severity, FEV1, FEV1%, FVC and FVC% of the patients (P < 0.001); Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a longer disease course, a history of smoking and lung sounds were all associated with poorer lung functions and a greater disease severity. Lung sounds can be used as an indicator for assessing the severity of COPD at the initial diagnosis.

Assessment of ventilatory function in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2.

Subclinical ventilatory dysfunction is observed in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). No studies have correlated ventilatory dysfunction to clinical and functional decline in SCA2. To evaluate the relationship between the values of peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and presence of respiratory complaints with age, disease duration, age at onset of symptoms, balance scores, independence in basic (ADL) and instrumental (IADL) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and severity of ataxia (SARA) in individuals with SCA2. Cross-sectional study evaluating age, disease duration, age at onset of symptoms, scores in the Berg Balance Scale and in the SARA, Functional Independence Measure and Lawton's scale, values of PEF and MIP, and the presence of respiratory complaints. The study included 36 individuals with SCA2, with a mean age of 42.5±2.4 years, disease duration of 7.6±8.2 years, age 33.7±11.5 years at onset of symptoms, and 9.9±10.3 points in the SARA scale. The lowest PEF values correlated with the longer disease duration (p=0.021). The lowest values of PEF and MIP correlated with greater balance impairment (p=0.019 and p=0.045, respectively), increased degree of dependence in the ADL (p=0.006 and p=0.050, respectively) and IADL (p=0.003 and p=0.001, respectively) scales, and highest severity of ataxia (p=0.00 and p=0.017, respectively). Respiratory complaints were observed in 12 (33.3%) individuals and were not related to age, disease duration, age at onset of symptoms, balance, independence, ataxia severity, or PEF and MIP values. Ventilatory dysfunction, even when asymptomatic, is related to balance impairment, independence, and ataxia severity in individuals with SCA2.

P124 COMPARISONS OF HOLISTIC PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES BY BIOLOGIC DRUG CLASS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A REAL-WORLD STUDY IN IBD PARTNERS

Abstract Background Increasing numbers of biologic agents are now available for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Limited data are available on clinical characteristics of populations initiating these therapies and relevant holistic patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the real-world. Methods We used data from IBD Partners from May 2014-May 2019. Individuals initiating an anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agent or vedolizumab (VDZ) were included. A subgroup with at least 6 months of follow-up who had baseline data within 90 days of therapy initiation were included in longitudinal analyses. We aimed to: 1) compare clinical characteristics of patients initiating each biologic therapy and 2) compare PROs at follow-up by drug class. Outcomes included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) T scores for anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain interference, and social satisfaction. We used logistic regression models controlling for prior biologic exposure, age, sex, prior hospitalization, disease duration, surgery (for CD), and baseline values of each PRO to compare PROs at follow-up by drug class. Levels of each PRO within a half standard deviation of the general population T score represented wellness. Results A total of 878 patients initiating anti-TNF (625 CD, 253 UC) and 651 initiating VDZ (415 CD, 236 UC) were included. Patients with CD initiating VDZ were more likely to be older, had longer disease duration, increased IBD-related hospitalization, more prior surgeries, and were more likely to be biologic exposed (P&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Patients with UC initiating VDZ were more likely to be male and biologic exposed (P&amp;lt;0.05 for both) (Table 1). In longitudinal analyses, a total of 198 patients on anti-TNF and 168 on VDZ were included for CD; a total of 85 on anti-TNF and 96 on VDZ were included for UC. Individuals with CD initiating VDZ had significantly greater fatigue, pain interference, and reduced social satisfaction at baseline compared with the anti-TNF population. For UC, PROs at baseline were similar across drug groups. In both CD and UC, there were no significant differences in adjusted odds of wellness for each PRO at follow-up by drug class (Table 2). Conclusions CD patients initiating VDZ in this real-world cohort had multiple factors consistent with more severe disease compared with those initiating anti-TNF. In longitudinal analyses after at least 6 months of treatment with VDZ or anti-TNF, there were no differences in wellness of PROs, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain interference, or social satisfaction by drug class for CD or UC.

Dual energy CT findings in gout with rapid kilovoltage-switching source with gemstone scintillator detector

BackgroundA definite diagnosis of gout requires demonstration of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid or in tophi, which in clinical practice today seldom is done. Dual energy CT (DECT) has repeatedly been shown to be able to detect monosodium urate crystals in tissues, hence being an alternative method to synovial fluid microscopy. The vast majority of these studies were performed with CT scanners with two X-ray tubes. In the present study we aim to investigate if and at what locations DECT with rapid kilovoltage-switching source with gemstone scintillator detector (GSI) can identify MSU crystals in patients with clinically diagnosed gout. We also performed a reliability study between two independent readings.MethodsPatients with new or established gout who had been examined with DECT GSI scanning of the feet at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal between 2015 and 2018 were identified. Their medical records were sought for gout disease characteristics using a structured protocol. Urate deposits in MTP1, MTP 2–5, ankle/midfoot joints and tendons were scored semiquantatively in both feet and presence of artifacts in nail and skin as well as beam hardening and noise were recorded. Two radiologists performed two combined readings and scoring of the images, thus consensus was reached over the scoring at each occasion (Espeland et al., BMC Med Imaging. 2013;13:4). The two readings were compared with kappa statistics.ResultsDECT GSI could identify urate deposits in the feet of all 55 participants with gout. Deposits were identified in the MTP-joints of all subjects but were also present in ankle/midfoot joints and tendons in 96 and 75% respectively. Deposition of urate was predicted by longer disease duration (Spearman’s Rho 0.64, p < .0001) and presence of tophi (p = 0.0005). Artifacts were common and mostly found in the nails (73%), a minority displayed skin artifacts (31%) while beam hardening and noise was rare. The agreement between the two readings was good (Κ = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.61–0.71).ConclusionThe validity of DECT GSI in gout is supported by the identification of urate in all patients with clinical gout and the good correlations with clinical characteristics. The occurrence of artifacts was relatively low with expected locations.

P475 Association between disease duration and degree of endoscopic improvement in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with tofacitinib

Abstract Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small-molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with UC were evaluated in two Phase 3 induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2; NCT01465763, NCT01458951), a 52-week, Phase 3 maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain, NCT01458574), and an ongoing, open-label, long-term extension study (NCT01470612) [1,2]. Here, we evaluate the association between disease duration and the likelihood of achieving an endoscopic subscore of either 0 or 1 in OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 and OCTAVE Sustain. Methods The degree of mucosal healing (Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1) achieved at Week 8 of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 (tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily [BID] or placebo) and at Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain (responders from OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2; tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID or placebo) was evaluated in relation to UC disease duration at OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 baseline (ie prior to study treatment). The association between disease duration category (&amp;lt;3, 3–6 and &amp;gt;6 years) and endoscopic subscore (centrally read) was assessed using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel chi-square test. Patients who did not achieve mucosal healing (as observed) were excluded. Results A total of 303/1139 (26.6%) patients achieved mucosal healing at Week 8 of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, and 190/593 (32.0%) at Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain. Of patients who achieved mucosal healing at Week 8 of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 (with tofacitinib or placebo), 89 (29.4%), 76 (25.1%) and 138 (45.5%) had baseline disease durations of &amp;lt;3 years, 3–6 years and &amp;gt;6 years, respectively. Overall (among patients who achieved mucosal healing, treated with tofacitinib or placebo), no statistically significant association between disease duration and endoscopic subscore was observed, either at Week 8 of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 or at Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain (chi-squared p = 0.13 and p = 0.23, respectively). In both OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 and OCTAVE sustain, a numerically higher proportion of patients with shorter disease duration (&amp;lt;3 years) had complete mucosal healing (endoscopic subscore of 0) with tofacitinib vs. patients with longer disease duration (tofacitinib 10 mg BID and/or tofacitinib all groups) (Table). Conclusion Among patients with endoscopic improvement after induction and maintenance therapy with tofacitinib, rates of complete mucosal healing were numerically higher among those with UC for &amp;lt;3 years before starting treatment than among those with a longer disease duration. These analyses are post hoc and limited by the small sample size. References

Idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies.

Purpose: Idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies is a rare disease and its non-association with rheumatic diseases, tuberculosis infection or trauma is reported only in few cases in literature. Patients, Materials and Methods: Our study presents a series of five patients diagnosed with tenosynovitis with rice bodies at the flexor tendons of the upper limb. Medical history revealed no associated disease or trauma. Disease duration ranged between two months and four years, two patients presenting symptoms of acute carpal tunnel and three patients tumor mass. In one case, the tumor measured 210 mm in length and a tendon rupture was suspected. Laboratory and imaging investigations could not establish a specific associated pathology and a preoperative diagnosis. Surgical treatment consisting of synovectomy was performed in all patients. Results: In all five cases, intraoperative appearance could easily determine the presence of rice bodies. Histopathological examination revealed typical aspect for rice bodies and make the diagnosis possible without the need for other more laborious processing (immunohistochemistry). The amount of rice bodies was directly proportional to disease duration. In all cases, the recovery was complete. After a median 30.4-month follow-up, no recurrence was detected. Subsequently performed laboratory investigations and specific tests did not reveal tuberculosis infection, rheumatic disease, or other diseases. Conclusions: This is the largest series of patients with idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies and the bigger tumor mass reported to date. Synovectomy with removal of all rice bodies represents the optimal treatment. A longer disease course may be associated with a larger number of rice bodies, which may be associated with tendon rupture. The etiopathogenesis remains unclear, further studies being necessary to establish it.

Hospitalization Due to Asthma Exacerbation: A China Asthma Research Network (CARN) Retrospective Study in 29 Provinces Across Mainland China.

PurposeDetails of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in mainland China are lacking. To improve disease control and reduce economic burden, a large sample survey among this patient population is indispensable. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of such patients.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals of 29 regions in mainland China during the period 2013 to 2014. Demographic features, pre-admission conditions, exacerbation details, and outcomes were summarized. Risk factors for exacerbation severity were analyzed.ResultsThere were 3,240 asthmatic patients included in this study (57.7% females, 42.3% males). Only 28.0% used daily controller medications; 1,287 (39.7%) patients were not currently on inhaled corticosteroids. Acute upper airway infection was the most common trigger of exacerbation (42.3%). Patients with severe to life-threatening exacerbation tended to have a longer disease course, a smoking history, and had comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and food allergy. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking history, comorbidities of hypertension, COPD, and food allergy were independent risk factors for more severe exacerbation. The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation varied with seasons, peaking in March and September. Eight patients died during the study period (mortality 0.25%).ConclusionsDespite enhanced education on asthma self-management in China during recent years, few patients were using daily controller medications before the onset of their exacerbation, indicating that more educational efforts and considerations are needed. The findings of this study may improve our understanding of hospital admission for asthma exacerbation in mainland China and provide evidence for decision-making.

Clinico-Dermoscopic Features and Treatment Responsiveness in Pediatric Alopecia - Experience from a Tertiary Care Pediatric Dermatology Clinic.

Background:Data on clinical and epidemiologic profile on pediatric alopecia is relatively scarce.Aims and Objectives:We aimed to study the clinical, epidemiological, and dermoscopic profile of children presenting with alopecia, and assess the responsiveness to different treatment modalities in a real-life setting.Materials and Methods:This cohort study involved analyzing children presenting with hair loss during the study period. After a detailed history, clinical, and trichoscopic examination, treatment offered to patients and follow-up response to treatment along with relapse of symptoms were noted.Results:Around 119 children were included. Nearly 90% were of acquired etiology. The most common cause of alopecia was alopecia areata (AA) in 85 (71%) patients followed by tinea capitis 9 (7.5%), lichen planopilaris 4 (3.3%), and other less common causes. In patients of AA, dermoscopy showed the presence of black dots in 68% cases, exclamation mark hair in 54% of patients followed by off-white dots, yellow dots, and vellus hair. Patients with an acute course and black dots on dermoscopy responded better to treatment. Relapse was common in patients with early age of onset and longer disease duration.Conclusions:Hair loss is frequently seen in pediatric dermatology clinics. Dermoscopy of pediatric AA shows scarce yellow dots while off-white dots are more frequent; the presence of black dots is a good prognostic indicator.

Risk Factors and Metabolism of Different Brain Regions by Positron Emission Tomography in Parkinson Disease with Disabling Dyskinesia

Dyskinesia is the most common motor complication in advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) and has a severe impact on daily life. But the mechanism of dyskinesia is still poorly understood. This study aims to explore risk factors for disabling dyskinesia in PD and further analyze the Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2) distribution (labeled with 18F-AV133) in the corpus striatum and the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) metabolism of different brain regions by PET-CT. This is a cross-sectional study involving 135 PD patients. They were divided into disabling dyskinesia group (DD group, N=22) and non-dyskinesia group (ND group, N=113). All the patients were agreed to undergo PET-CT scans. Clinical data were analyzed between two groups by using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and risk factors for disabling dyskinesia were then determined. The standard uptake value ratios (SUVr) of 18F-AV133 in the corpus striatum and the 18F-FDG metabolism of different brain regions were identified and calculated by the software. 16.3% patients have disabling dyskinesia. DD group were more likely to have longer Disease Duration, higher Hoehn-Yahr degree, more severe clinic symptoms, more frequent sleep behavior disorder, and higher levodopa dose equivalency than ND group (P < 0.05). After adjusting confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression, DD group had longer PD duration and high levodopa dose equivalency compared with ND group (P < 0.05). There is no significant difference between the VMAT2 distribution (labeled with 18F- AV133) in the putamen and caudate between two groups. And the 18F-FDG metabolic changes in cortical and subcortical regions did not show a significant difference between the two groups either (P > 0.05). Long PD duration and high levodopa dose equivalency were two independent risk factors for disabling dyskinesia in PD patients. Compared to non-dyskinesia PD patients, there was no significant dopamine decline of the nigrostriatal system in disabling dyskinesia PD patients. Activities of different brain regions were not different between the two groups by 18F-FDG PETCT.

Factors Associated with Extra Articular Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic and inflammatory joint disease that primarily affects the joints and can be associated with a variety of extra-articular manifestations. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and the factors associated with those extra-articular manifestations.Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of hospitalized cases of rheumatoid arthritis in our department between January 2012 and January 2018. We studied the prevalence of the extra-articular manifestations and associated factors. The analysis was done by the software EPI INFO 3.5.4.Results : 294 cases of rheumatoid arthritis included. The average age was 53.2 years +/- 12.3 with female predominance F / M = 6.1. The diagnosis lag time was 10.7 +/- 6.9 years. Half of our patients (50.7%) had systemic manifestations. In order of frequency, we distinguish: Osteoporosis (39.6%), Sjögren's syndrome (22.1%), pulmonary involvement (16.1%), dermatological manifestations (8.8%), cardiac involvement (8.8%), ocular involvement (3.1%) carpal tunnel syndrom (1.3%) and vasculitis (1.3%). The extra-articular manifestations were associated with several factors on bivariate analysis : advanced age (p = 0.014), longer duration of disease (p = 0.006), deformities (p = 0.000), seropositivity (p = 0.02), high titers of rheumatoid factor (p = 0.03), destruction (p = 0.02), bone erosions (p = 0.012) and non-use of biotherapy (p = 0.04). Factors whose association was statistically significant, after multivariate logistic regression analysis, were: advanced age (p = 0.04, OR = 1.02 [1.001-1.043], and longer duration of disease (p = 0.02 OR = 1.04 [1.005-1.082]).Conclusion: In our Moroccan context, half of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis had extra-articular manifestations. Older patients with longer disease evolution are the most involved.

Quality of life in spondyloarthritis patients receiving biological therapy

Spondyloarthritides (SpAs) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the spine, joints, and entheses characterized by common clinical, radiological, and genetic features. According to international guidelines, one of the main goals of SpA treatment is to ensure the longest possible preservation of the patient's quality of life (QOL). The use of biological agents (BAs) allows rapid clinical improvement and positively affects QOL in patients.Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of BAs on QOL in patients with SpA in real clinical practice.Patients and methods. A total of 280 patients with SpA were examined. The inclusion criteria were ≥18 years of age; compliance of the clinical picture of the disease with the ASAS criteria for axial SpA (2009) or peripheral SpA (2011); and signing the informed consent form. Disease activity was assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS); the functional status of the patients was estimated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and their spinal mobility was evaluated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI); ASAS HI was used to comprehensively evaluate the impact of SpA on the patient's health. The European QL EQ-5D-5L and the SF-36 questionnaire were applied to determine quality of life in the patients.Results and discussion. The patients' mean age was 40.19±11.9 years; there was a male preponderance (64%); the HLA-B7-pisitive patients were 78%. The median scores were 5.40 [3.12; 6.80] for BASDAI, 3.37 [2.58; 4.15] for ASDAS, 5.30 [2.60; 7.50] for BASFI, 4.00 [2.60; 6.15] for BASMI, and 9.00 [7.00; 12.00] for ASAS HI. Forty-four patients received a variety of BAs. Patients receiving and not receiving BAs were matched for age and gender; however, the patients on biological therapy (BT) had longer disease duration and lower disease activity according to the ASDAS. There were no statistically significantly difference between the two groups in disease activity according to the BASDAI and in functional disorders according to the BASFI; but there was a tendency towards lower values in the patients on BT. Comparison of QOL in the patients of the two groups revealed statistically significant differences in SF-36 pain scale scores (p=0.02) and EQ-5D-5L indicators (p&lt;0.01).Conclusion. BT makes it possible to successfully achieve one of the main goals of treating patients with SpA, namely to preserve QOL. The patients receiving BAs had longer disease duration, while they were comparable to those not receiving this treatment in terms of the degree of functional disorders.