Use Of Biologic DMARDs Research Articles

Natural language processing to identify and characterize spondyloarthritis in clinical practice

ObjectiveThis study aims to use a novel technology based on natural language processing (NLP) to extract clinical information from electronic health records (EHRs) to characterise the clinical profile of patients...

No Waning of Pneumococcal Vaccine Responses over Time in People with Inflammatory Arthritis: Findings from a Single Centre Cohort.

Vaccination against pneumococcus reduces the risk of infective events, hospitalisation, and death in individual with inflammatory arthritis, particularly in those on immunomodulating therapy who are at risk of worse outcomes from pneumococcal disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the serological protection following vaccination against pneumococcal serovars over time. Methods: This was a single centre, retrospective cohort study of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondylarthritis who had previously received the PPSV23 polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax). Data were retrieved between January 2021 to August 2023. Dates of previous pneumococcal vaccination were identified using linked primary care records. Serum serotype levels were collected. The primary outcome was serological response defined as a titre ≥0.35 mcg/mL in at least five from a total of 12 evaluated pneumococcal serovars, examined using a Luminex platform. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, co-morbidities, and the use of prednisolone, conventional synthetic and biological DMARDs were used to determine the odds of a sustained serological response according to time categorised into ≤5 years, 5-10 years, and ≥10 years since vaccination. Results: Serological response was measured in 296 individuals with inflammatory arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis the most common diagnosis (74% of patients). The median time between pneumococcal vaccine administration and serological assessment was 6 years (interquartile range 2.4 to 9.9). A positive serological response to at least 5 serovars was present in 195/296 (66%) of patients. Time since vaccination did not significantly associate with serological protection compared with those vaccinated <5 years, the adjusted ORs of vaccine response was 1.15 (95% CI 0.64 to 2.07) in those 5-10 years and 1.26 (95% CI: 0.64 to 2.48) in those vaccinated over 10 years ago. No individual variable from the multivariate model reached statistical significance as an independent predictor of vaccine response, although steroid use at the time of vaccine had a consistent detrimental impact on serological immunity. Conclusions: We demonstrated that antibody titres following vaccination against pneumococcal serovars do not appear to wane over time. It appears more critical to focus on maximising the initial vaccine response, which is known to be diminished in this patient population.

Is glucocorticoid bridging therapy associated with later use of glucocorticoids and biological DMARDs during the disease course of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in daily practice? A real-world data analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate if initially starting glucocorticoid (GC) bridging leads to a higher probability of long-term GC and biological (b)DMARD use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-patients. MethodsElectronical health records data from newly diagnosed RA-patients from the Leiden University Medical Center were used. Patients who started GC as part of initial treatment (iGC group) and who did not (niGC group) were compared in terms of GC and bDMARD use later in the disease course. Multivariable adjustment was performed to account for confounding by indication. Results465/932 newly diagnosed RA-patients (50 %) were treated with GC as initial treatment step. Patients in the iGC group were older, included fewer females, had a higher disease activity at baseline compared to the niGC group plus a more rapid decrease in DAS28 in the first 6 months. During follow-up, 42 % of the iGC group started a second course of GC and 17 % started a bDMARD, compared to 34 % and 13 % In the niGC group. The hazard to start a bDMARD later in the disease course was not significantly different between the two groups in two time periods (0.34 95 %CI(0.09;1.21) resp. 1.48 95 %CI (0.98;2.22)), but the hazard to (re)start GC later on was higher for the iGC group (aHR 1.37 95 %CI(1.09;1.73)). ConclusionIn this daily practice cohort of newly diagnosed RA patients, patients in the iGC group had a more rapid DAS28 decrease and an increased probability of starting GC later on compared to the niGC group. The probability of bDMARD use was not significantly increased.

Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises a spectrum of chronic inflammatory manifestations affecting the axial skeleton and represents a challenge for diagnosis and treatment. Our objective was to generate a set of evidence-based recommendations for the management of axSpA for physicians, health professionals, rheumatologists and policy decision makers in Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR)countries. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation-ADOLOPMENT methodology was used to adapt existing recommendations after performing an independent systematic search and synthesis of the literature to update the evidence. A working group consisting of rheumatologists, epidemiologists and patient representatives from countries within the Americas prioritized 13 topics relevant to the context of these countries for the management of axSpA. This Evidence-Based Guideline article reports 13 recommendations addressing therapeutic targets, the use of NSAIDs and glucocorticoids, treatment with DMARDs (including conventional synthetic, biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs), therapeutic failure, optimization of the use of biologic DMARDs, the use of drugs for extra-musculoskeletal manifestations of axSpA, non-pharmacological interventions and the follow-up of patients with axSpA.

Treatment Persistence of Apremilast Among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Persistence in drug therapy reflects treatment effectiveness and tolerability. We aim to estimate the persistence of apremilast prescribed to patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify characteristics associated with treatment discontinuation in a real-world setting. Patients with PsA treated with apremilast from January 2016 were identified from a large health database and followed until medication stop date (using 3-months grace period), death or the end of observation period (June 2021). Demographic data, Charlson comorbidity index and concomitant and previous use of conventional and biologic DMARDs were extracted. The reasons for drug discontinuation were manually retrieved from patient charts. Time to discontinuation was estimated using survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier functions. Overall, 568 PsA patients treated with apremilast were identified. The mean age was 55.3±14.0 years, of whom 332 (58.5%) were females, 38.4% were obese (BMI>30), 75.2% had a Charlson comorbidity index>1, 24.1% were on concomitant treatment with methotrexate and 72.4% were biologic naïve. The median persistent period was 6.1,95% CI (5.2-6.9) months in which only 16.9% remained persistent on apremilast. No difference was found with regard to age, sex, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and obesity between patients who were persistent compared to patients who discontinued apremilast. Concomitant treatment with methotrexate and prior history of biologic therapy did not affect drug persistency (log rank P=0.957 and 0.082, respectively). Causes for treatment discontinuation were due to lack of skin efficacy in 19.4%, lack of joint efficacy in 33.3%, combined skin and joint inefficacy at 2.3% and due to side effects in 24.1%. In this large observational retrospective cohort of patients treated with apremilast, a relatively low drug persistence was observed with 6-month and 1-year survival rates of 50.3% and 31.3%, respectively. Treatment discontinuation was mainly due to joint inefficacy, advocating for more studies for proper patient selection to assure treatment effectiveness and persistency.

Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are equally effective in psoriatic arthritis patients with low and high joint counts.

A lack of representation in pivotal trials currently limits guidance for the use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) in PsA patients with a low number of actively inflamed joints. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a first bDMARD in PsA patients with a low vs high number of affected joints. PsA patients with available 66/68 joint count assessments were divided into low joint count (LJC) patients when presenting with <3 tender or <3 swollen joints or high joint count (HJC) patients with ≥3 joints in both categories. We studied drug retention as a joint count independent effectiveness variable in LJC and HJC patients in univariate and multivariable adjusted Cox regression models. A total of 197 LJC patients differed not only in joint counts, but also had lower enthesitis scores, less often dactylitis, less disability and a better health-related quality of life at first bDMARD initiation than 190 HJC patients. However, LJC patients were less often on conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). Despite these differences at baseline, bDMARD retention was not significantly different between LJC and HJC patients in both crude and adjusted analyses [hazard ratio (HR) 1.09 (95% CI 0.76, 1.58), P = 0.52]. Furthermore, bDMARD retention was significantly better [HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.47, 0.85), P < 0.002] when administered with csDMARD co-therapy. bDMARDs were similarly effective in terms of drug retention in patients with low and high joint counts. In the setting of absent remission and a significant disease burden, bDMARDs should not be withheld from patients because they exhibit only a low joint count.

Role of inflammatory burden and treatment on joint space width in psoriatic arthritis—a high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography study

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between disease-related parameters and joint space width (JSW) on high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.MethodsPsA patients who underwent HR-pQCT examination of the second to fourth metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ 2–4) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The joint space metrics included joint space volume (JSV), mean, minimum, and maximum JSW, JSW asymmetry, and distribution. Correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression models were used to determine the association between disease-related variables and JSW.ResultsSixty-seven patients [37 (55.2%) males; median (IQR) age: 57.0 (53.0, 63.0); median disease duration: 21 (16, 28) years] were included in this analysis. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that males had larger JSV (MCPJ 2–4), mean (MCPJ 4), and maximum JSW (MCPJ 3). Longer disease duration (MCPJ 2–3) and higher ESR values (MCPJ 3) were negatively associated with mean and maximum JSW, while higher damage joint count was negatively associated with mean and minimum JSW (MCPJ 2). Use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) was negatively associated with minimum JSW (MCPJ 3) while use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) was positively associated with minimum JSW (MCPJ 2).ConclusionHigher inflammatory burden as reflected by longer disease duration, higher ESR levels, and damage joint count was negatively associated with mean, maximum, and minimum JSW, while suppression of inflammation using bDMARDs seems to limit the decline in JSW.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with rheumatoid arthritis: data from the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative (OBRI).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created challenges for patients with RA. We examined the potential impact of the pandemic on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), disease activity and medication profiles, comparing the periods pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Patients enrolled in the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative were included if they had at least one visit to a physician or study interviewer within 12 months before and after the start of pandemic-related closures in Ontario (15 March 2020). Baseline characteristics, disease activity, PROs [i.e. health assessment questionnaire disability index, RA disease activity index (RADAI), European quality of life five-dimension questionnaire], medication use and changes were included. Student's paired two-sample t-tests and McNamar's tests were performed for continuous and categorical variables between time periods. The sample for analysis consisted of 1508 patients, with a mean (s.d.) age of 62.7(12.5) years, and 79% were female. Despite decreases in the number of in-person visits during the pandemic, there was no significant negative impact on disease activity or PRO scores. The DASs in both periods remained low, with either no clinically significant differences or slight improvement. Scores for mental, social and physical health were either stable or improved. There were statistically significant decreases in conventional synthetic DMARD use (P < 0.0001) and increased Janus kinase inhibitor usage (P = 0.0002). Biologic DMARD use remained stable throughout the pandemic. In this cohort, disease activity and PROs of RA patients remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The longer-term outcomes of the pandemic warrant investigation.

Clinical characteristics of flares in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Clinical characteristics of flares in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Patients’ and health-care professionals’ perspectives on adverse drug reaction burden attributed to the use of biological DMARDs: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background Previous studies showed a discrepancy between health-care professionals’ (HCPs’) and patients’ perspective on adverse drug reaction (ADR) burden. However, it is unclear which factors make an ADR burdensome. We aimed to give insight into why ADRs are perceived as burdensome by inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) patients, and whether this differs from the HCPs’ perspective. Research design and methods A qualitative study was conducted using Dutch Biologic Monitor data. Participants received bimonthly questionnaires on experienced ADRs attributed to biological DMARDs and were asked to elaborate on ADR burden using a Likert-type scale and an open-ended question for clarification. Data of 440 IRD patients were analyzed following thematic analysis. A similar analysis was done with semi-structured interviews with 13 HCPs. Results We identified seven themes associated with ADR burden: ‘effect on medication prescription,’ ‘impact on appearance,’ ‘impact on autonomy,’ ‘impact on daily life,’ ‘psychological consequences,’ ‘distressing aspects of ADR,’ and ‘physical consequences.’ Identical themes were identified by HCPs, although they identified most subthemes in ‘psychological consequences,’ and less subthemes in ‘impact on daily life’ and ‘impact on autonomy.’ Conclusion Patients describe perceived ADR burden in both physical and psychological themes. The HCPs’ perspective is comparable, but mostly focuses on psychological impact.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor use in patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune diseases.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically changed the management of advanced cancers. Designed to enhance the antitumour immune response, they can also cause off-target immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which are sometimes severe. Although the efficacy of ICIs suggests that they could have wide-ranging benefits, clinical trials of the drugs have so far excluded patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease. However, evidence is accumulating with regard to the use of ICIs in this 'at-risk' population, with retrospective data suggesting that they have an acceptable safety profile, but that there is a risk of disease flare or other irAE occurrence. The management of immunosuppressive drugs at ICI initiation in patients with autoimmune disease (or later in instances of disease flare or irAE) remains a question of particular interest in clinical practice, in which there is always a search for the balance between protecting against autoimmunity and ensuring a good tumour response. Although temporary use of immunosuppressants seems safe, prolonged use or use at ICI initiation might hamper the antitumour immune response, prompting clinicians to use the minimal efficient immunosuppressive regimen. However, a new paradigm is emerging, in which inhibitors of TNF or IL-6 could have synergistic effects with ICIs on tumour response, while also preventing severe irAEs. If confirmed, this 'decoupling' effect on toxicity and efficacy could change therapeutic practice in this field. Knowledge of the current use of ICIs in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease, particularly with regard to the use of immunosuppressive drugs and/or biologic DMARDs, can help to guide clinical practice.

The impact of psoriasis on the clinical characteristics, disease burden and treatment patterns of peripheral spondyloarthritis.

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, disease burden, and treatment patterns of peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) patients with and without psoriasis using data from the ASAS-perSpA study. We included 433 patients who had a diagnosis of pSpA according to the rheumatologist's diagnosis from the ASAS-PerSpA study. The presence of a personal history of psoriasis was defined as the presence of signs of psoriasis at physical examination or the presence of psoriatic nail dystrophy, including onycholysis, pitting and hyperkeratosis, or a history of psoriasis diagnosed by a physician. Clinical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes and treatment pattern were compared between subgroups with and without psoriasis. A total of 83 patients (19.2%) had a personal history of psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis were older (48.4 vs 43.2 years) and had a longer diagnostic delay (7.4 vs 3.5 years), a higher frequency of dactylitis (36.1 vs 20.0%) and enthesitis (65.1 vs 55.4%) than patients without psoriasis. A longer diagnostic delay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06 [95% CI 1.01, 1.11]), lower odds for HLA-B27 positivity (OR = 0.31 [95% CI 0.15, 0.65]) and higher odds for enthesitis (OR = 2.39 [95% CI 1.16, 4.93]) were associated with the presence of psoriasis in a multivariable regression analysis. While patient-reported outcomes were comparable between groups, a higher use of biologic DMARDs was observed in patients with vs without psoriasis. The presence of psoriasis has an impact on clinical characteristics of pSpA. pSpA patients without psoriasis were less frequently treated with biologic DMARDs despite similar disease burden as compared with patients with psoriasis.

Evaluation of the frequency and intensity of COVID-19 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis under anti-TNF therapy.

n/a.

Expansion of CD4+CD8+ double-positive T cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients is associated with erosive disease.

CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells are expanded in the peripheral blood of a subset of patients with RA. This study examines the clinical significance of DP T cells in RA. In 70 RA patients, DP T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Clinical data were obtained, and hand and feet radiographs were scored according to the Sharp/van der Heijde (SvdH) method. The association between DP T cell frequency and erosive joint destruction was analysed by correlation and multiple logistic regression analysis. Nineteen RA patients (27.1%) displayed increased DP T cell frequencies, which correlated with age (r = 0.288, P =0.016). Expansion of DP T cells was associated with the occurrence of erosions (94,7% vs 43,1%, P <0.001), with a higher SvdH joint damage score (24.5 vs 6, P =0.008) and with more frequent use of biologic or targeted-synthetic DMARDs (68.4% vs 38%, P =0.02). In patients with non-erosive disease, DP T cell frequencies correlated with the joint space narrowing score (n = 28, r = 0.44, P =0.02). Logistic regression revealed DP T cells to be associated with erosive disease (OR 1.90, P <0.05). Expansion of DP T cells is associated with joint damage and frequent escalation of therapy, possibly suggesting a contribution to more severe RA.

AB0136 ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG OBESITY, GENETIC POLYMORPHISM, AND CLINICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:Several study suggested body mass index(BMI) may influence development of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). There are conflicting reports concerning the impact of high BMI on development of RA, but several reports of obese on drug resistance and functional impairment. The relationship of genetic polymorphism on obesity is unclear in RA.Objectives:To examine the relationship among BMI, genetic polymorphism of obesity, disease activity of RA, laboratory parameters, and therapeutic agent of RA.Methods:We have carried out a retrospective observational study by systematically analyzing medical records of total 289 patients diagnosed with RA in Shinko Hospital between March 2016 and December 2019. We also conducted genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including FTO (rs1558902 and rs9939609), UCP1 (rs1800592), ADR2(rs1042713) and ADR3(rs4994) after informed consent. Obesity was defined as BMI over than 25 and patients were divided between obese (“Ob”) and non-obese (“non-Ob”). These SNPs, DAS28CRP, laboratory parameters, methotrexate dose, use of biological DMARDs were compared between Ob and non-Ob patients.Results:Of these 289 patients, 82.7% was female, mean age was 61.9 years and BMI was 22.4. Univariate logistic regression showed differences (p&lt;0.1) between Ob and non Ob groups in UCP1 gene mutation(63.6% vs 78%, P=0.018), DAS(2.24 vs 1.99, P=0.033),triglyceride abnormality(23.8% vs 9.3%, P=0.021), HDL(56 vs 71, P=0.00009), HbA1c abnormality(26.5% vs 12.1%, P=0.019),γGTP(32 vs 21, P=0.00037), ALP (253 vs 230, P=0.0058), ALT (26.5 vs 20, P=0.029),and MTX dose(6 vs 8, P=0.066). Multivariate logistic regression showed that Ob group was significantly associated with HDL(OR=0.976, 95%CI 0.958 to 0.995), UCP1 gene mutation(OR=0.446, 95%CI 0.202 to 0.984), γGTP(OR=2.321, 95%CI 1.269 to 4.245), and MTX dose(OR=0.866, 0.784 to 0.957).Conclusion:Obesity in patients with RA had significant positive correlation with γGTP, and negative correlation with HDL, UCP gene mutation and MTX dose.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

P022 Audit of musculoskeletal ultrasound to optimise DMARD therapy among patients in a district general hospital

Abstract Background/Aims Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has utility in optimising the use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) in patients with inflammatory arthritis. However, it is unclear whether this is useful among patients with concomitant chronic pain and/or fibromyalgia, who often have elevated disease activity scores. We aimed to evaluate the impact of MSUS on inflammatory arthritis patients with concomitant chronic pain and/or fibromyalgia who met criteria for treatment escalation in a district general rheumatology service. Methods We conducted a retrospective audit of inflammatory arthritis patients with concomitant chronic pain and/or fibromyalgia who were eligible for DMARD escalation and underwent a MSUS since 2017. Scanning was performed by either a trained rheumatologist or musculoskeletal ultrasonographer. Synovitis was assessed following OMERACT guidelines. Results 43 patients with inflammatory arthritis and concomitant chronic pain and/or fibromyalgia who underwent MSUS were identified. The mean age was 57.0 years (SD 15.6), and 34 patients (79%) were female. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequent diagnosis with 32 patients (74%), with psoriatic arthritis in 5 (12%), undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis in 4 (9%) and axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in 2 (5%). 20 patients (47%) had a concurrent diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The median tender joint count among non-axSpA patients was 10 (IQR 4-15) and 2 (IQR 0-4) for swollen joints. MSUS was requested for consideration of a bDMARD switch in 21 patients (49%), a new bDMARD in 15 (35%), and starting an adjunctive csDMARD among 7 (16%). 34 patients (79%) were already established on csDMARDs, with 15 patients (35%) being on one or more, and methotrexate being the most prescribed csDMARD in 26 (76%). 14 patients (33%) were already established on bDMARDs, 9 (21%) had been on them previously and 20 (47%) were bDMARD naïve. Among those on bDMARDs, anti-TNFs agents were the most prescribed (71%). Active synovitis was identified in 17 patients (40%). Greyscale synovitis, tenosynovitis and enthesitis were seen in 30 (70%), 10 (23%) and 2 patients (5%), respectively. Erosions were identified in 12 patients (28%), with 2 (17%) having new erosions. 27 patients (63%) had either a csDMARD started (n = 7, 33%), or a bDMARD started (n = 11, 31%) or switched (n = 9, 25%) after MSUS. Those with fibromyalgia were less likely to start or switch DMARDs (8/20 patients, 40%) than those without (19/23 patients, 82.6%), Pchi-squared = 0.004. Furthermore, active synovitis on MSUS was associated with DMARD escalation (14/17 patients [82.4%] with synovitis versus 13/26 patients [50%] without; Pchi-squared = 0.03). Conclusion MSUS avoided unnecessary DMARD escalation in a significant proportion of patients with inflammatory arthritis and features of concomitant chronic pain and/or fibromyalgia (n = 26, 37%), potentially resulting in reduced patient exposure to harmful DMARD side effects, and cost savings for the service. Disclosure M. Chen-Xu: None. D. Hyseni: None. K. Achilleos: None.

Hydroxychloroquine in the prevention of COVID-19 mortality.

Hydroxychloroquine in the prevention of COVID-19 mortality.

EP09 COVID-19 and rheumatic disease clinical characteristics and outcomes of rheumatic disease patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a single centre experience

Case report - IntroductionThere is limited evidence on the outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases. Since severe COVID-19 is characterised by hyperinflammation, the effects of a pre-existing inflammatory state and immunomodulatory treatments on the disease’s course are of great interest. Even though patients in this group are perceived of being at higher risk for severe disease, most of the relevant observational studies have had controversial results. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with a history of rheumatic disease and COVID-19 related admission in our centre. Case report - Case descriptionWe conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 RT-PCR positive admissions of patients coded as having rheumatic disease in the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust between April 1st and June 24th, 2020. Data were extracted from the patient clinical notes and electronic medical records and were captured and analysed on MS Excel. Among 613 COVID-19 related admissions, 19 (3.1%) patients were coded as having comorbid rheumatic disease. 8 cases were excluded from further analysis as, upon records review, they had osteoarthritis or a history of gout. Thus, the true incidence of comorbid rheumatic disease among COVID-19 related hospitalisations was even lower at 11/613 (1.8%). The mean age of the patients was 80.5 ± 8.06 years, 9/11 (81.8%) were female and 8/11 (73%) were Caucasian. In the vast majority the diagnosis was that of Rheumatoid Arthritis (9/11, 81.8%), while one patient had Polymyalgia Rheumatica and another Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Only a quarter of the patients had moderate (2, 18%) or high (1, 9%) disease activity on their most recent outpatient visit. In terms of antirheumatic medication, 5 (45%) patients were on regular Prednisolone (20% <5mg, 80% 5-10mg), 8 (72%) were on cs DMARDs and only 1 (9%) on bDMARDs. A substantial proportion of the patient cohort also suffered with other comorbidities. 8/11 (72.7%) patients had arterial hypertension, 5 (45.4%) had a history of cardiovascular disease, 3 (27.3%) obesity (BMI 30+), 3 (27.3%) previous history of cancer, 2 (18.2%) COPD, 2 (18.2%) CKD, 1 (9%) Interstitial lung disease, 1 (9%) Diabetes, 1 (9%) Cerebrovascular disease and 1 (9%) immunodeficiency. During their admission, 7 (63.6%) patients required supplemental oxygen therapy. Unfortunately, 5/11 (45.5%) patients had a fatal outcome.Case report - DiscussionIn our cohort, the percentage of patients with rheumatic diseases among inpatients with confirmed COVID-19 infection was low (∼1.8%). Potential explanations for this observation could be a beneficial effect of concomitant antirheumatic treatment (steroids and/or DMARDs) in controlling hyperinflammation, but also rheumatic disease patients’ increased risk awareness and thus increased compliance with viral spread mitigation measures (‘shielding’) as per Government guidelines. We also note the low rate of biologic DMARD use with only 1 (9%) inpatient having received Rituximab for RA.Case report - Key learning pointsThe incidence of rheumatic disease among COVID-19 related admissions in our centre was exceptionally low. Per recently published reports from worldwide registries, older age and multiple comorbidities appear to drive the risk for hospitalisation, need for oxygen supplementation and fatal outcome. Better understanding of the effect of DMARDs on COVID-19 severity requires further investigation, perhaps with SARS-CoV-2 antibody studies, but our observations appear to be reassuring.

Effect of immunosuppressive drugs in immune-mediated inflammatory disease during the coronavirus pandemic.

The safety of immunosuppressive treatment in patients with Immune‐Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs) during the Coronavirus pandemic is questioned and it is utmost important for public health. We searched studies trough MEDLINE/EMBASE database, including patient with IMID, undergoing immunosuppressive treatment with a positive diagnosis for SARS‐CoV 2. We included 11 studies for the descriptive analysis and 10 studies for the pooled analysis, with a total population of 57 and 53 IMID‐affected SARS‐CoV‐positive patients respectively. Overall no death was reported; 16 patients were hospitalized (30.2%) and only two cases were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (3.8%). We found a significant association between the risk of hospitalization and older age (P .03), obesity (P .02), and presence of multi‐comorbidity (P .03). No significant association was found between the risk of hospitalization and the use of biological or conventional DMARDs (respectively P .32 and .26), neither when they are used combined (P .85). We found consistent results in the sub‐analysis of Psoriasis: 10 patients were hospitalized (31.3%) and only one case was admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (3.1%) Particular attention should be placed for patients with older age, obesity and multi‐comorbidity that are at higher risk of hospitalization.

Is fibromyalgia frequency increasing in axial spondyloarthritis? Association with fibromyalgia and biological therapies.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is known a common painful syndrome and its frequency is increased in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. We aimed to assess FM frequency in axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls with the 2011 ACR FM criteria. We evaluated the association between receiving biologic disease-modifying antirheumatoid drugs (bDMARD) and presence of FM. 127 patients with Ax-SpA and 73 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Individuals were assessed according to modified 2011 ACR diagnostic criteria for FM. The pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Disease activity was assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activation Score (ASDAS). Spinal limitation, quality of life, and functionality were assessed. Drug therapies were noted. AxSpA and control group had similar FM rates. 43 (33.9%) patients in AxSpA group and 22 (30.1%) patients in control group had FM diagnosis (p = 0.589). Age, gender, BMI, and CRP values were similar in the AxSpA patients with and without FM, while global VAS and ASDAS scores were higher in patients with FM. Biologic DMARD use was higher in the AxSpA patients with FM; however, the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, FM frequency does not increase in AxSpA patients as compared to healthy controls. FM awareness is one of the key points to determine the appropriate treatment due to the influence on disease activity.