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This research was funded by AbbVie., Queiro R., Seoane-Mato D., Laiz A., Galindez Agirregoikoa E., Montilla C., Park H.S., Tasende J.A.P., Baute J.J.B., Joven Ibáñez B., Toniolo E., Ramírez J., Montero N., Pruenza García-Hinojosa C., Serrano García A.

Objectives To update the study of the association between obesity and treatment response in psoriatic arthritis. Methods Updating a systematic review of clinical trials, prospective or retrospective longitudinal studies and case–control studies in psoriatic arthritis in which obesity was assessed as a predictor of efficacy or toxicity. Risks of bias were assessed with validated scales. A meta-analysis of the results of studies with similar outcome variables and weight measurements was performed. Results Twenty-one studies were included (6 review of clinical trials, 6 longitudinal studies, 7 registers and one case–control studie), with moderate quality. The risk of achieving an ACR20 response if weight ≥ 100 kg was estimated at OR = 1.42 (1–2.08) and that of withdrawing treatment in an OR of 1.60 (95% CI: 1.34–1.92). Conclusions There seems to be a greater risk of withdrawal of treatment due to inefficacy and difficulty in achieving remission in patients with psoriatic arthritis if they are obese.

Resumen Objetivos Actualizar el estudio de la asociacion entre obesidad y respuesta al tratamiento en artritis psoriasica. Metodos Actualizacion de una revision sistematica previa, incluyendo ensayos clinicos aleatorizados, estudios longitudinales y casos-control en artritis psoriasica en los que se evaluase obesidad como predictor de eficacia o toxicidad. Los riesgos de sesgos se evaluaron con escalas validadas. Se realizo metaanalisis de los resultados de estudios con variables de desenlace y medidas del peso similares. Resultados Se incluyeron 21 estudios (6 ensayos clinicos aleatorizados, 6 estudios longitudinales, 7 registros y un caso-control), de calidad en general moderada. El riesgo de no respuesta ACR20 si el peso es ≥ 100 kg se estimo en OR = 1,42 (1-2,08) y el de retirar el tratamiento en una OR de 1,60 (IC 95%: 1,34-1,92). Conclusiones Parece existir un mayor riesgo de retirada del tratamiento por ineficacia y dificultad para conseguir remision en pacientes con artritis psoriasica si son obesos.

Two main different clinical phenotypes of giant cell arteritis (GCA) have been described, the classic cranial pattern and the extracranial large-vessel (LV) pattern. Since interferon gamma (IFNG) has shown to be a pivotal cytokine in the pathophysiology of GCA, our aim was to evaluate for the first time the influence of IFNG and IFNG receptor 1 (IFNGR1) polymorphisms in the different clinical phenotypes of GCA.Two IFNG polymorphisms (rs2069718 G/A and rs1861493 A/G) and one polymorphism in IFNGR1 (rs1327474 G/A) were genotyped in 191 patients with biopsy-proven cranial GCA, 109 with extracranial LV-GCA and 490 healthy controls. A comparative study was conducted between patients with cranial and extracranial LV-GCA.No significant differences in genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies of IFNG polymorphisms were found between GCA patients with the classic cranial pattern and the extracranial LV-GCA pattern. Similar results were found for genotype and allele frequencies of IFNGR1 polymorphism. It was also the case when patients with extracranial LV-GCA were compared with healthy controls.Our results show that IFNG and IFNGR1 polymorphisms do not influence the clinical phenotype of expression of GCA. Classic cranial GCA and extracranial LV-GCA seem to share a genetic pattern of IFNG pathway.

Objective To generate a quality standard for the management of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods We employed qualitative methodology that included: (1) Two focus groups (one with patients with PsA and another with non-rheumatologist specialists involved in the care of PsA patients); (2) A narrative literature review of published documents related to the quality of care in PsA; (3) A nominal group meeting in which 15 expert rheumatologists generated and reached a consensus on a series of quality criteria, as well as formulas or quantifiable objective measures to evaluate them; (4) The Delphi method to establish the feasibility, priority and agreement with the quality criteria; (5) A final generation of standards of care and their attributes. A descriptive analysis of the results was carried out. Results A total of 59 standards of care was generated, 18 of mandatory compliance, grouped into 4 blocks according to specific objectives: (1) early diagnosis (n = 6); (2) optimising the management of the disease (n = 26); (3) multidisciplinary collaboration (n = 9); (4) monitoring improvement (n = 18). To assess compliance with these standards of care, in many cases, the medical records will be reviewed. Other sources will be the records of the service and hospital and bibliographic databases. Regarding the level of compliance, for some of the standards of care this is yes/no; for others, compliance ranges from 50% to 100% and, in this range, in many cases, compliance was 80%. Conclusions This set of standards of care should help improve quality of care in PsA patients.

Resumen Objetivo Generar una norma de calidad para el manejo del paciente con artritis psoriasica (APs). Metodos Metodologia cualitativa que incluyo: 1) dos grupos focales (uno con pacientes con APs y otro con especialistas no reumatologos implicados en su cuidado); 2) revision de la literatura publicada sobre documentos en el ambito de la calidad asistencial en APs; 3) reunion de grupo nominal donde 15 expertos reumatologos generaron, de forma consensuada, una serie de criterios de calidad asi como formulas o medidas objetivas cuantificables para evaluarlas; 4) Delphi para establecer la factibilidad, prioridad y grado de acuerdo con los criterios de calidad, y 5) generacion de estandares de calidad y sus atributos. Se realizo un analisis descriptivo de los resultados. Resultados Se generaron 59 estandares de calidad, 18 de los cuales de cumplimiento obligatorio, agrupados en 4 bloques segun unos objetivos especificos: 1) acortar el tiempo hasta el diagnostico (n=6); 2) optimizar el manejo de la enfermedad (n=26); 3) mejorar la colaboracion multidisciplinar (n=9), y 4) mejorar la monitorizacion (n=18). Para evaluar el cumplimiento de estos estandares en muchos casos se revisaran las historias clinicas. Otras fuentes seran la memoria del servicio y del hospital asi como los buscadores bibliograficos. En cuanto al nivel de exigencia a la hora de considerar por cumplido el estandar, algunos son de tipo si/no, otros estan desde el 50 al 100%, y en este rango muchos en el 80%. Conclusiones Esta norma de calidad debe ayudar en la mejora de la calidad de atencion para el paciente con APs. Objective To generate a quality standard for the management of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods We employed qualitative methodology that included: 1) Two focus groups (one with patients with PsA and another with non-rheumatologist specialists involved in the care of PsA patients); 2) A narrative literature review of published documents related to the quality of care in PsA; 3) A nominal group meeting in which 15 expert rheumatologists generated and reached a consensus on a series of quality criteria, as well as formulas or quantifiable objective measures to evaluate them; 4) The Delphi method to establish the feasibility, priority and agreement with the quality criteria; 5) A final generation of standards of care and their attributes. A descriptive analysis of the results was carried out. Results A total of 59 standards of care was generated, 18 of mandatory compliance, grouped into 4 blocks according to specific objectives: 1) early diagnosis (n=6); 2) optimizing the management of the disease (n=26); 3) multidisciplinary collaboration (n=9); 4) monitoring improvement (n=18). To assess compliance with these standards of care, in many cases, the medical records will be reviewed. Other sources will be the records of the service and hospital and bibliographic databases. Regarding the level of compliance, for some of the standards of care this is yes/no; for others, compliance ranges from 50% to 100% and, in this range, in many cases, compliance was 80%. Conclusions This set of standards of care should help improve quality of care in PsA patients.

Differences in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment response between sexes for ixekizumab, an interleukin-17A antagonist, are largely unexplored. This analysis used data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating ixekizumab to study differences in treatment response between male and female patients with PsA.We used pooled data from patients enrolled in SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2 (NCT01695239 and NCT02349295, respectively), phase 3 RCTs evaluating ixekizumab every 4 and 2 weeks in patients with active PsA. Subgroups of patients were defined by sex (male, female). Efficacy was measured by the proportion of male and female patients achieving American College of Rheumatology 20%/50%/70% improvement criteria (ACR20/50/70), minimal disease activity or very low disease activity (MDA/VLDA), and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) scores representing low disease activity (LDA) or remission through week 156. Changes from baseline in components of the above measures were also assessed through week 156.Compared to male patients at baseline, female patients were older, had higher body mass index and lower C-reactive protein levels, and had worse tender joint count, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, and Leeds Enthesitis Index scores. Through week 156, female patients in all treatment arms had lower response rates than male patients in all analyzed composite measures (ACR20/50/70; MDA/VLDA; DAPSA LDA/remission), with significant differences observed at multiple timepoints in both ixekizumab treatment arms. Female patients also had smaller numeric changes from baseline in the composite measures' individual components.Compared to female patients, male patients had greater response rates in ACR20/50/70, MDA/VLDA, and DAPSA LDA/remission and numerically larger improvements in these measures' individual components, although clinical significance is unclear. Continued efforts to understand sex differences in treatment response may provide insights that can help optimize clinical decision making.ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT01695239 and NCT02349295.

Resumen Objetivo 1) Analizar la implementacion de los modelos de atencion multidisciplinar en pacientes con artritis psoriasica (APs), y 2) definir estandares de calidad de minimos y de excelencia. Metodos Se envio una encuesta a profesionales que ya realizan atencion multidisciplinar o estan en vias preguntando por: 1) tipo de modelo de abordaje multidisciplinar, y 2) grado, prioridad y facilidad de la implementacion de los estandares de calidad de estructura, proceso y resultado. En 6 reuniones regionales se presentaron y discutieron los resultados de la encuesta, tanto a nivel nacional como regional, y se definio la prioridad definitiva de los estandares de calidad. En una reunion de grupo nominal, 11 expertos (reumatologos y dermatologos) analizaron los resultados de la encuesta y las reuniones regionales. Con ello definieron que estandares de calidad son actualmente de minimos y cuales de excelencia. Resultados Los modelos de atencion multidisciplinar conjunto y paralelo son los mas implementados, y los de los estandares de calidad es muy variable: en los de estructura varia del 22 al 74%, en los de proceso del 17 al 54% y en los de resultado del 2 al 28%. De los 25 estandares de calidad originales, 9 se consideran solo de minimos, 4 de excelencia y 12 tienen definidos unos criterios para ser de minimos y otros para la excelencia. Conclusiones La definicion de estandares de calidad de minimos y de excelencia ayudara en la consecucion del objetivo de la atencion multidisciplinar para pacientes con APs, que es la mejor asistencia sanitaria posible.

espanolAims To describe the methodology of REAPSER (Spanish Registry of Recent-onset Psoriatic Arthritis), its strengths and limitations. The aim of this study is to identify prognostic factors for the clinical and radiographic course in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosed within 2 years of symptom evolution. Methods Multicenter, observational and prospective study (with 2-year follow-up including annual visits). Baseline visit intended to reflect patient situation before the disease course was modified by treatments prescribed in rheumatology departments. Patients were invited to participate consecutively in one of their routine visits to the rheumatologist. 211 patients were included. Following data were collected: sociodemographic variables; employment situation; family history; personal history and comorbidities; anthropometric data; lifestyle; use of healthcare services; clinical situation at the time of PsA diagnosis; joint involvement and spinal pain; pain and overall assessment; enthesitis, dactylitis and uveitis; skin and nail involvement; functional situation and quality of life; radiographic evaluation; analytical determinations; treatment; axial and peripheral flare-ups. Conclusions The REAPSER study includes a cohort of patients with recent-onset PsA, before the disease course was modified by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs prescribed in rheumatology departments. Exhaustive information collected in each visit is expected to be an important data source for future analysis. espanolObjetivos Describir la metodologia del Registro Espanol de Artritis Psoriasica de reciente comienzo de la Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia (REAPSER), asi como sus fortalezas y limitaciones. El objetivo principal del proyecto es identificar factores pronosticos de la evolucion clinica y radiografica en una cohorte de pacientes que padecen artritis psoriasica (APs) diagnosticada con menos de 2 anos de evolucion. Material y metodo Estudio observacional, prospectivo (2 anos de seguimiento; periodicidad anual de las visitas), multicentrico. La intencion en la visita basal fue reflejar la situacion del paciente antes de que la evolucion de la enfermedad se viese modificada por los tratamientos pautados en los servicios de reumatologia. Los pacientes fueron invitados a participar consecutivamente en una de sus visitas habituales al reumatologo. El tamano muestral finalmente alcanzado fue de 211 pacientes. Se recogen datos sociodemograficos; de situacion laboral; historia familiar; antecedentes personales y comorbilidad; antropometricos; estilo de vida; uso de los servicios de salud; situacion clinica al diagnostico de APs; afectacion articular y dolor espinal; dolor y valoracion global de la enfermedad; entesitis, dactilitis y uveitis; afectacion cutanea y ungueal; situacion funcional y calidad de vida; evaluacion radiografica; determinaciones analiticas; tratamiento; brotes en esqueleto axial y periferico. Conclusiones El estudio REAPSER incluye una cohorte de pacientes con APs de inicio reciente reclutados antes de que la evolucion de la enfermedad se viese modificada por la prescripcion de FAME en los servicios de reumatologia. Se espera que la informacion exhaustiva recogida en las visitas suponga una amplia fuente de datos para futuros analisis.

Objectives: To determine if patients with the predominant extracranial large-vessel-vasculitis (LVV) pattern of giant cell arteritis (GCA) have a distinctive HLA-B association, different from that reported in biopsy-proven cranial GCA patients. In a further step we assessed if the combination of HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 alleles confers an increased risk for GCA susceptibility, either for the cranial and extracranial LVV phenotypes. Methods: A total of 184 patients with biopsy-proven cranial GCA, 105 with LVV-GCA and 486 healthy controls were included in our study. We compared HLA-B phenotype frequencies between the three groups. Results: HLA-B*15 phenotype was significantly increased in patients with classic cranial GCA compared to controls (14.7% versus 5.8%, respectively; p, This work was partially supported by RETICS Programs, RD08/0075 (RIER), RD12/0009/0013 and RD16/0012 from ‘‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’’ (ISCIII) (Spain). However, this research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Although several randomized clinical trials and observational studies have evaluated the effectiveness, safety and drug survival of etanercept (ETN) in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), long-term data regarding these aspects are currently scarce. For this reason, we sought to investigate the long-term survival and safety of ETN in PsA patients in 4 tertiary care Spanish hospitals over a 13-year observation period (from 2004 to 2017). The records of 85 PsA patients were reviewed. ETN showed an excellent survival profile, with rates of treatment discontinuation at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years of 15, 37, 46 and 59%, respectively. In our cohort, a trend toward longer drug survival in patients with shorter disease duration and those who were treated with ETN as their first biologic agent was observed. On the other hand, combination therapy with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs did not provide greater improvement on the long-term drug survival. Only 12% of the patients reported adverse events (AEs) during therapy, being most of them of mild to moderate intensity, and in only 7% AEs led to drug discontinuation. To the best of our knowledge, the present study shows the largest follow-up period of ETN-treated population analyzed in a real-life setting, and these results demonstrate the positive safety profile and long-term effectiveness of this biologic agent in the management of PsA patients.

The objective is to establish recommendations, based on evidence and expert opinion, for the identification and management of comorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The following techniques were applied: discussion group, systematic review, and Delphi survey for agreement. A panel of professionals from four specialties defined the users, the sections of the document, possible recommendations, and what systematic reviews should be performed. A second discussion was held with the results of the systematic reviews. Recommendations were formulated in the second meeting and voted online from 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Agreement was considered if at least 70% voted ≥7. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidance. The full document was critically appraised by the experts, and the project was supervised at all times by a methodologist. In a final step, the document was reviewed and commented by a patient and a health management specialist. Fourteen recommendations were produced, together with a checklist to facilitate the implementation. The items with the largest support from evidence were those related to cardiovascular disease and risk factors. The panel recommends paying special attention to obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as they are all modifiable factors with an impact on treatment response or complications of PsA. Psychological and organizational aspects were also deemed important. We herein suggest practical recommendations for the management of comorbidities in PsA based on evidence and expert opinion.

Resumen Objetivo Describir la estructura y procesos de distintos modelos de atencion multidisciplinar de pacientes con artritis psoriasica (APs) en Espana, asi como las barreras y facilitadores en su implantacion. Metodos Se realizo un estudio cualitativo mediante entrevistas estructuradas a 24 profesionales (12 reumatologos y 12 dermatologos que realizan atencion multidisciplinar en pacientes con APs). Se recogieron datos relacionados con el centro, servicio, poblacion atendida y sobre el modelo de atencion multidisciplinar (tipo, recursos materiales y humanos, requerimientos de los profesionales, objetivos, criterios de entrada y salida, agendas, protocolos de actuacion, responsabilidades, toma de decisiones, actividad investigadora y docente, sesiones clinicas conjuntas, creacion/inicio, planificacion, ventajas/desventajas del modelo y barreras/facilitadores en la implantacion del modelo. Se describen sus caracteristicas. Resultados Analizamos 12 modelos de atencion multidisciplinar en APs, implantados desde hace al menos 1-2 anos, que globalmente pueden resumirse en 3 subtipos diferentes: presencial conjunto, presencial paralelo y circuito preferencial. La implantacion de uno u otro modelo es consecuencia de la adaptacion a las circunstancias del centro y profesionales. Una correcta planificacion de la implantacion es fundamental. La implicacion y buena sintonia entre profesionales asi como un acceso y criterios de derivacion bien definidos son facilitadores muy importantes en la implantacion de un modelo. La gestion de las agendas y la recogida de datos para medir resultados de salud de estos modelos son las principales barreras. Conclusiones Existen distintos modelos de atencion multidisciplinar implantados que tienen como objetivo intentar mejorar la atencion del paciente con APs, la eficiencia del sistema y la colaboracion entre especialistas.

Objetive To describe (structure, processes) of the multidisciplinary care models in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Spain, as well as barriers and facilitators of their implementation. Methods A qualitative study was performed following structured interviews with 24 professionals (12 rheumatologists, 12 dermatologists who provide multidisciplinary care for patients with PsA). We collected data related to the hospital, department, population and multidisciplinary care model (type, physical and human resources, professional requirements, objectives, referral criteria, agendas, protocols, responsibilities, decision-making, research and education, clinical sessions, development and planning of the model, advantages and disadvantages of the model, barriers and facilitators in the implementation of the model). The models characteristics are described. Results We analyzed 12 multidisciplinary care models in PsA, with at least 1–2 years of experience, and 3 subtypes of models, face-to-face, parallel, and preferential circuit. All are adapted to the hospital and professionals characteristics. A proper implementation planning is essential. The involvement and empathy between professionals and an access and well-defined referral criteria are important facilitators in the implementation of a model. The management of agendas and data collection to measure the multidisciplinary care models health outcomes are the main barriers. Conclusions There are different multidisciplinary care models in PsA that can improve patient outcomes, system efficiency and collaboration between specialists.

Background Tocilizumab (TCZ) has been approved for the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). It showed to be effective to induce remission, prevent relapses and decrease the cumulative prednisone dose. However, the glucocorticoids are the mainstay in the acute treatment of GCA. Objectives Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of the initial dose of prednisone at the onset of TCZ treatment. Methods Retrospective, multicenter study on 134 patients with GCA in treatment with TCZ. We compared two subgroups of patients according to the initial dose of prednisone at TCZ onset. Clinical efficacy, analytical improvement and safety was studied. Results We studied 134 patients (101 w/33 m) and made a comparative study between 2 groups: a) TCZ and ≤ 15 mg of prednisone; 68 (50.7%) cases, and b) TCZ and > 15 mg of prednisone, 66 (49,3%) patients. It is summarized in TABLE 1. It was no statistical significance according to age, sex and evolution time of disease. In the group receiving > 15 mg of prednisone, the patients presented more visual involvement (p 15 mg of prednisone (p=0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). TABLE 2 summarizes the infections of our patients. Conclusion According with our results, we can conclude that TCZ is equally effective; in terms of prolonged remission and relapses, with doses ≤ 15 mg of prednisone at treatment onset. Being the most important data, the higher risk to develop adverse effects, as well as infections with higher doses of prednisone. References [1] Proven A. Glucocorticoid therapy in giant cell arteritis: duration and adverse outcomes. Arthritis Rheum. 2003; 49:703-8. [2] Calderon-Goercke M. Tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis. Observational, open-label multicenter study of 134 patients in clinical practice. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2019 Jan 5. pii: S0049-0172(18)30571-7. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.01.003. [Epub ahead of print] Disclosure of Interests Monica Calderon-Goercke: None declared, J. Loricera: None declared, D. Prieto-Pena: None declared, Vicente Aldasoro: None declared, Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Ignacio Villa-Blanco: None declared, Alicia Humbria: None declared, Clara Moriano: None declared, Susana Romero-Yuste: None declared, J. Narvaez Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Catalina Gomez-Arango: None declared, Eva Perez-Pampin: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Elena Becerra-Fernandez: None declared, Marcelino Revenga: None declared, Noelia Alvarez-Rivas: None declared, Carles Galisteo: None declared, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Alejandro Olive: None declared, Maria Alvarez del Buergo: None declared, Luisa Marena Rojas: None declared, Carlos Fernandez-Lopez: None declared, Francisco Navarro: None declared, Enrique Raya: None declared, Eva Galindez: None declared, Beatriz Arca: None declared, Roser Solans-Laque: None declared, Arantxa Conesa: None declared, Cristina Hidalgo: None declared, Carlos Vazquez: None declared, Jose Andres Roman-Ivorra: None declared, Pau Lluch: None declared, Sara Manrique Arija Speakers bureau: ABBvie, MSD, Janssen, Lillly, Roche, Pfyzer, Novartis., Paloma Vela-Casasempere Grant/research support from: UCB, Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myer-Squibb (another research, not BIOBADASER related), Consultant for: UCB, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myer-Squibb, Speakers bureau: Roche, UCB, MSD, Pfizer, GSK, BMS, Lilly, Eugenio de Miguel: None declared, Carmen Torres-Martin: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto: None declared, Carmen Ordas-Calvo: None declared, Eva Salgado-Perez: None declared, Cristina Luna-Gomez: None declared, Francisco J. Toyos Saenz de Miera: None declared, Nagore Fernandez-Llanio: None declared, Antonio Garcia: None declared, Carmen Larena: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, Vanesa Calvo-Rio: None declared, Carmen Gonzalez-Vela: None declared, Alfonso Corrales: None declared, Maria Varela-Garcia: None declared, Elena Aurrecoechea: None declared, Raquel Dos-Santos: None declared, Angel Garcia-Manzanares: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Sabela Fernandez: None declared, Francisco Ortiz-Sanjuan: None declared, Montserrat Corteguera: None declared, J. Luis Hernandez: None declared, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay Grant/research support from: Prof. MA Gonzalez-Gay received grants/research supports from Abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche., Speakers bureau: Consultation fees/participation in company sponsored speaker’s bureau from Pfizer, Lilly, Sobi, Celgene, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi., Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, and Roche, Consultant for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen

Background In Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) two dominant cytokine clusters have been linked to disease activity, IL-6 – IL-17 axis (Th17) and IL-12 – IFN γ axis (Th1). The first one related to systemic symptoms and the second route responsible for ischemic symptoms. Tocilizumab (TCZ) performs its effect mainly by inhibiting Th17 axis and terminally Th1 route. Objectives Our aim was to evaluate the effect of TCZ on ischemic and systemic symptoms throughout the follow-up. Methods Retrospective, multicenter study of 134 patients diagnosed of GCA on treatment with TCZ. We evaluate the efficacy of TCZ by improving ischemic (visual involvement, headache, jaw claudication) and systemic symptoms (fever, constitutional syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)). Results We evaluated 134 patients (101 w/33 m) and its main symptoms at TCZ onset, TABLE. 73 (54.5%) patients presented PMR followed by headache in 70 (52.2%) cases, constitutional syndrome in 31 (23.1%) and visual involvement in 28 (20.9%) patients. After one month of treatment there was an important clinical improvement, persisting in 13,6% of patients PMR, 10.6% headache and 10.6% visual involvement. Throughout the follow-up, the improvement of ischemic symptoms was slower. At month 12, in 5.6% (4) of patients persisted with visual impairment, and 2.8% (2) patients presented headache and constitutional syndrome. However, the analytical improvement was statistically significant from the first month and sustained during follow-up. Conclusion According to the results of our study, we can conclude that in clinical practice, ischemic symptoms take longer to improve than systemic symptoms; being visual affectation the most frequent symptom after 12 months of follow-up. References [1] Soriano A, Muratore F, Pipitone N, Boiardi L, Cimino L, Salvarani C. Visual loss and other cranial ischaemic complications in giant cell arteritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2017; 13:476-84. [2] Ciccia F, Rizzo A, Ferrante A, Guggino G, Croci S, Cavazza A, et al. New insights into the pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis. Autoimmun Rev. 2017; 16:675-83. [3] Calderon-Goercke M. Tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis. Observational, open-label multicenter study of 134 patients in clinical practice. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2019Jan5. pii: S0049-0172(18)30571-7. Doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.01.003. [Epub ahead of print] Disclosure of Interests Monica Calderon-Goercke: None declared, J. Loricera: None declared, D. Prieto-Pena: None declared, Vicente Aldasoro: None declared, Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Ignacio Villa-Blanco: None declared, Alicia Humbria: None declared, Clara Moriano: None declared, Susana Romero-Yuste: None declared, J. Narvaez Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Catalina Gomez-Arango: None declared, Eva Perez-Pampin: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Elena Becerra-Fernandez: None declared, Marcelino Revenga: None declared, Noelia Alvarez-Rivas: None declared, Carles Galisteo: None declared, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Alejandro Olive: None declared, Maria Alvarez del Buergo: None declared, Luisa Marena Rojas: None declared, Carlos Fernandez-Lopez: None declared, Francisco Navarro: None declared, Enrique Raya: None declared, Eva Galindez: None declared, Beatriz Arca: None declared, Roser Solans-Laque: None declared, Arantxa Conesa: None declared, Cristina Hidalgo: None declared, Carlos Vazquez: None declared, Jose Andres Roman-Ivorra: None declared, Pau Lluch: None declared, Sara Manrique Arija Speakers bureau: ABBvie, MSD, Janssen, Lillly, Roche, Pfyzer, Novartis., Paloma Vela-Casasempere Grant/research support from: UCB, Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myer-Squibb (another research, not BIOBADASER related), Consultant for: UCB, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myer-Squibb, Speakers bureau: Roche, UCB, MSD, Pfizer, GSK, BMS, Lilly, Eugenio de Miguel: None declared, Carmen Torres-Martin: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto: None declared, Carmen Ordas-Calvo: None declared, Eva Salgado-Perez: None declared, Cristina Luna-Gomez: None declared, Francisco J. Toyos Saenz de Miera: None declared, Nagore Fernandez-Llanio: None declared, Antonio Garcia: None declared, Carmen Larena: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, Vanesa Calvo-Rio: None declared, Carmen Gonzalez-Vela: None declared, Alfonso Corrales: None declared, Maria Varela-Garcia: None declared, Elena Aurrecoechea: None declared, Raquel Dos-Santos: None declared, Angel Garcia-Manzanares: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Sabela Fernandez: None declared, Francisco Ortiz-Sanjuan: None declared, Montserrat Corteguera: None declared, J. Luis Hernandez: None declared, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay Grant/research support from: Prof. MA Gonzalez-Gay received grants/research supports from Abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche., Speakers bureau: Consultation fees/participation in company sponsored speaker’s bureau from Pfizer, Lilly, Sobi, Celgene, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi., Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, and Roche, Consultant for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen

Background: X-Ray sacroiliitis is the cornerstone in the diagnosis of the ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It is clear that the presence of sacroiliitis is a specific lesion in long standing aS, but little evidence exists on the reliability of this image technique in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), which associates with reduced structural damage. This is relevant because some rheumatologists and pharmacological authorities feel more confident with the diagnosis of aS rather than with non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) forms. On the other hand, according to various research studies, clinicians are subject to potential bias when interpreting radiographs, influenced by their pretest clinical judgment Objectives: The main objective of this study is to determine the reliability of X-Ray sacroiliitis in the early diagnosis of axSpA. Methods: This study included 290 radiographs of the SI joints from patients of the Esperanza early spondyloarthritis cohort. Nine readers, blinded for the diagnosis, participated in the reliability exercise, all of them experienced rheumatologists and members of the Spanish spondiloarthritis working group (GRESSER). Patients with axSpa were classified as having aS if the radiographic criteria of the modified NY criteria (presence of radiographic changes in the SIJ of at least grade II bilaterally or at least grade III unilaterally) were fulfilled. The gold standard was the categorical opinion of at least five of the expert readers. For the statistical analysis, the Chi-square and Kappa tests were performed. Results: The table shows mean kappa values and the agreement reached by each reader. The mean kappa achieved was fair (0.375, range 0.146 - 0.652) and the mean agreement was 73.7% (range: 58.7% - 90%). When the categorical opinion of X-Ray sacroiliitis of at least 5 readers as gold standard was applied, 61 patients were classified as aS and 229, as nr-axSpa. Nevertheless, this scenario varied from 31 to 138 among the readers when the x-ray evaluation was performed by only one reader. Conclusion: Reliability of X-Ray SIJ in an early SpA cohort was weak among nine experimented readers and the diagnosis of aS was subject to a high variability. At least in doubtful cases, a central evaluation performed by highly qualified readers is advisable. Disclosure of interests: Carolina Tornero: None declared, Claudia Urrego-Laurin: None declared, Maria Luz Garcia-Vivar: None declared, Cristina Fernandez-Carballido: None declared, Xavier Juanola-Roura: None declared, Jose Francisco Garcia LLorente: None declared, Maria del Carmen Castro Villegas Paid instructor for: MSD, abbvie, Pfizer, Janssen, Lilly, Roche, Beatriz Joven-Ibanez Speakers bureau: Celgene, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, abbVie, and Janssen, Eva Galindez: None declared, Eugenio de Miguel: None declared

Background Ixekizumab (IXE), a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, was superior to placebo (PBO) in two randomized Phase 3 studies in patients (pts) with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).1,2 Objectives To assess the consistency of response of IXE across subgroups of pts defined by specific baseline disease characteristics. Methods Data were analyzed from an integrated database of 2 randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 studies in pts who were either biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (bDMARD)-naive (SPIRIT-P1) or who had prior inadequate response or intolerance to TNF inhibitors (SPIRIT-P2). Analyses included pts randomly assigned to the approved dosing regimen of IXE (80 mg IXE every 4 wks [IXE Q4W] with a starting dose of 160 mg IXE) or to PBO through Wk 24. Efficacy was measured as the percentage of pts achieving ≥20%, 50%, or 70% improvement from baseline in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20/50/70) or minimal disease activity (MDA) in subgroups of pts defined by baseline presence of enthesitis, dactylitis, psoriasis body surface area (BSA) involvement ( 6 or ≤6 mg/L). Missing data were imputed by nonresponder imputation. Results Clinical response rates at Wk 24 in each subgroup are summarized (Table). Significantly (p Conclusion At Wk 24, IXE was superior to placebo for the treatment of PsA signs and symptoms regardless of baseline presence of dactylitis or enthesitis, BSA involvement, or CRP levels. References [1] Mease, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 [2] Nash, et al. Lancet. 2017 Disclosure of Interests Hans-Peter Tony Consultant for: Eli Lilly and Company, Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly and Company, Eva Galindez: None declared, Aubrey Trevelin Sprabery Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Amanda M. Gellett Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Chen-Yen Lin Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, So Young Park Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Clinton C Bertram Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Alexis Ogdie Grant/research support from: (To my university) Novartis, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant for: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Corrona, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis, Pfizer, and Takeda, Consultant for: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Corrona, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Takeda, Consultant for: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Corrona, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda, Consultant for: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Corrona, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda

Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can be refractory to corticosteroid therapy. Tocilizumab (TCZ) has been approved in the treatment of GCA. There are no studies comparing the efficacy and safety when using TCZ as monotherapy or in combination with conventional immunosuppressive drugs in GCA. Objectives Our aim was to compare efficacy and safety of TCZ combined or in monotherapy in GCA. Methods Multicenter study on 134 patients with refractory GCA who received TCZ therapy as monotherapy or combined with conventional immunosuppressants. Prolonged remission, absence of clinical symptoms and signs and normalization of the acute phase reactants for at least 6 months. Relapse, recurrence of signs or symptoms of GCA and/or ESR >20 mm/h in men or >25 mm/h in women, and/or serum CRP >0.5 mg/dL related to GCA, both before and after starting TCZ therapy. Results We evaluated 134 patients (101 w/33 m) with a mean age of 73.0±8.8 years. TCZ was prescribed as monotherapy in 82 (62.2%) cases and combined with conventional immunosuppressants in 52 (38.8%) patients: MTX (n=48), AZA (n=3), and LFN (n=1). A comparative study between both groups is summarized in TABLE. Patients who received combined TCZ were younger and had a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and a higher presence of aortitis in imaging techniques. After TCZ was started, prolonged remission was reached with combined therapy (statistical significance at 12 and 24 months). The corticosteroids sparing effect was similar in both groups. And in terms of side effects no significant difference was seen between TCZ as monotherapy or combined with conventional immunosuppressants. Conclusion Patients receiving combined conventional immunosuppressants with TCZ in the clinical practice study showed a higher prolonged remission. The incidence of serious infections and/or relevant adverse events was not affected according to the treatment. As well as the corticoid-sparing effect was achieved in the same way in both groups. References [1] Goercke .Calderon-M. Tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis. Observational, open-label multicenter study of 134 patients in clinical practice. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2019 Jan 5. pii: S0049-0172(18)30571-7. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.01.003. [Epub ahead of print] [2] Loricera J et al. Semin Arthritis Rheum.2015;44:717-723

Background: Tofacitinib (TOFA) is the first inhibitor of JAK kinases with approval for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Europe (July 2018)1. ToFA has shown efficacy in refractory patients to anti-TNF2. Objectives: A) to assess efficacy and safety of TOFA in the first cases in Spain in clinical practice. B) to compare the profile of clinical practice patients with clinical trial. Methods: Study of 41 patients of clinical practice with PsA treated with TOFA in Spain. The diagnosis of PsA was made using CASPAR criteria. Patients who received at least one dose of TOFA were included. Results are expressed as percentage, mean±SD or median [IRQ]. Results: 41 patients (23♀/18♂), mean age of 50.2±10.7 years (table 1). Pattern joint involvement was as follows: peripheral (n=25), axial (1) and mixed (15). During the PsA evolution, in addition to arthritis, patients also presented enthesitis (60.9%), nail involvement (39%) and dactylitis (31.7%). Prior TOFA, most patients had received oral prednisone or equivalent (max. 17.9±13.6 mg/d), synthetic immunosuppressants (mean 1.9±0.7) and biological therapy (TB) (3.4±1.9). TB were as follows: etanercept (29), adalimumab (29), infliximab (16), golimumab (13), certolizumab (14), secukinumab (30), ustekinumab (22). Apremilast was used in 10. After a mean follow-up of 12.6±9.1 years after the PsA diagnosis, TOFA was started (5 mg/12 h). 60.9% associated prednisone (9.4±6.1 mg/d). In 17 (41.5%) TOFA was started in combined therapy: methotrexate (9) and leflunomide (8); in the remaining 24, monotherapy was prescribed. In addition to active arthritis patients presented skin involvement (53.6%), enthesitis (26.8%), nail involvement (29.2%) and dactylitis (17.1%). Patients of clinical practice compared with clinical trial have a longer duration of PsA, functional disability (HAQ) and received a higher proportion of corticosteroids and TB (anti-TNF and non-anti-TNF) (table 1). After a median follow-up of 4 [3-10.5] months, patients showed prompt improvement in the main variables, both in activity indexes (PASI, DAS28, DAPSA) and laboratory test (table 2). Minor side effects were reported in 10 patients (gastrointestinal symptoms), and TOFA was discontinued in 1 due to persistent symptoms. Conclusion: In this preliminary study, first patients of clinical practice in Spain with TOFA in PsA had a longer evolution and received a greater number of TB than those of clinical trial. As in the TOFA clinical trial, it seems effective, rapid and relatively safe in daily clinical practice for refractory PsA. References [1] https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/overview/xeljanz-epar-medicine-overview_es.pdf [2] Gladman D. N Engl J Med2017; 377: 1525-36. Disclosure of interests: Jose Luis Martin-Varillas: None declared, Eva Galindez: None declared, Esteban Rubio Romero: None declared, agusti Sellas-Fernandez: None declared, Roberto Daniel Gonzalez Benitez: None declared, Beatriz Joven-Ibanez Speakers bureau: Celgene, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, abbVie, and Janssen, Jose Campos Esteban: None declared, Olga Rusinovich: None declared, Vanesa Calvo-Rio: None declared, Francisco Ortiz-Sanjuan: None declared, Clara Ventin-Rodriguez: None declared, Luis Fernandez-Dominguez Speakers bureau: Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, antia Crespo Golmar: None declared, Ximena Elizabeth Larco Rojas: None declared, Manuel Moreno : None declared, alejandro Escudero Contreras: None declared, Emma Beltran: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Maria jose Moreno: None declared, Enrique Raya: None declared, Beatriz arca: None declared, Maria-Luisa Peral: None declared, Olga Maiz: None declared, Raul Veroz Gonzalez: None declared, alfonso Corrales: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, Belen atienza-Mateo: None declared, J. Loricera: None declared, Miguel a Gonzalez-Gay Grant/research support from: Prof. MA Gonzalez-Gay received grants/research supports from abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche., Speakers bureau: Consultation fees/participation in company sponsored speaker’s bureau from Pfizer, Lilly, Sobi, Celgene, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi., Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: abbvie, MSD, and Roche, Consultant for: abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Speakers bureau: abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen

Background Recently, based on the GiACTA trial results, weekly subcutaneous Tocilizumab (TCZ) has been approved for the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). It has showed to be effective and safety. Objectives Our aim was to compare the efficacy of TCZ according the route of administration. Methods Multicenter study of 134 GCA patients in treatment with TCZ. It was performed a comparative study between 2 groups according the route of administration of TCZ, intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC). Results We study 134 patients divided in 2 groups: a) IV TCZ, 104 cases and, b) SC TCZ, 30 cases, with a mean age 73.4±8.2 years vs 71.9±10.6 years, respectively (p=0.501). Disease duration, clinical manifestations and acute phase reactants at TCZ onset were similar in both groups with non-statistical difference. 91.7% patients who received SC TCZ achieved prolonged remission after 12 months of treatment (p=0.043). And the glucocorticoid sparing effect of TCZ was greater in the same group, reaching a statistical difference at 3 and 24 months (p=0.017 and p=0.021). Patients under IV TCZ treatment suffered more adverse event during follow up (p=0.043). TABLE 1 and 2 summarizes the comparative study. Conclusion Patients in treatment with SC TCZ, reached prolonged remission after 12 months of treatment and were able to discontinue prednisone dose after 24 months of follow up. The incidence of adverse events was more frequent in the IV TCZ group, without difference in relation to infections. References [1] Stone JH, Tuckwell K, Dimonaco S, Klearman M, Aringer M, Blockmans D, et al. Trial of Tocilizumab in Giant-Cell Arteritis. N Engl J Med. 2017; 377:317-28. [2] Calderon-Goercke M. Tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis. Observational, open-label multicenter study of 134 patients in clinical practice. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2019 Jan 5. pii: S0049-0172(18)30571-7. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.01.003. [Epub ahead of print] Disclosure of Interests Monica Calderon-Goercke: None declared, J. Loricera: None declared, D. Prieto-Pena: None declared, Vicente Aldasoro: None declared, Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Ignacio Villa-Blanco: None declared, Alicia Humbria: None declared, Clara Moriano: None declared, Susana Romero-Yuste: None declared, J. Narvaez Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Catalina Gomez-Arango: None declared, Eva Perez-Pampin: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Elena Becerra-Fernandez: None declared, Marcelino Revenga: None declared, Noelia Alvarez-Rivas: None declared, Carles Galisteo: None declared, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Alejandro Olive: None declared, Maria Alvarez del Buergo: None declared, Luisa Marena Rojas: None declared, Carlos Fernandez-Lopez: None declared, Francisco Navarro: None declared, Enrique Raya: None declared, Eva Galindez: None declared, Beatriz Arca: None declared, Roser Solans-Laque: None declared, Arantxa Conesa: None declared, Cristina Hidalgo: None declared, Carlos Vazquez: None declared, Jose Andres Roman-Ivorra: None declared, Pau Lluch: None declared, Sara Manrique Arija Speakers bureau: ABBvie, MSD, Janssen, Lillly, Roche, Pfyzer, Novartis., Paloma Vela-Casasempere Grant/research support from: UCB, Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myer-Squibb (another research, not BIOBADASER related), Consultant for: UCB, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myer-Squibb, Speakers bureau: Roche, UCB, MSD, Pfizer, GSK, BMS, Lilly, Eugenio de Miguel: None declared, Carmen Torres-Martin: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto: None declared, Carmen Ordas-Calvo: None declared, Eva Salgado-Perez: None declared, Cristina Luna-Gomez: None declared, Francisco J. Toyos Saenz de Miera: None declared, Nagore Fernandez-Llanio: None declared, Antonio Garcia: None declared, Carmen Larena: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, Vanesa Calvo-Rio: None declared, Carmen Gonzalez-Vela: None declared, Alfonso Corrales: None declared, Maria Varela-Garcia: None declared, Elena Aurrecoechea: None declared, Raquel Dos-Santos: None declared, Angel Garcia-Manzanares: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Sabela Fernandez: None declared, Francisco Ortiz-Sanjuan: None declared, Montserrat Corteguera: None declared, J. Luis Hernandez: None declared, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay Grant/research support from: Prof. MA Gonzalez-Gay received grants/research supports from Abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche., Speakers bureau: Consultation fees/participation in company sponsored speaker’s bureau from Pfizer, Lilly, Sobi, Celgene, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi., Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, and Roche, Consultant for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen

Background Aortitis can be idiopathic or associated with other conditions. It is frequently refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody seems to be effective and safe. Objectives Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of TCZ at short and long follow-up in a series of patients with Aortitis. Methods Retrospective, multicenter study of 79 patients diagnosed of inflammatory aortitis based on imaging techniques (PET/CT, CT angiography and/or MR angiography). Results We study 79 patients (61 w/ 18 m). 59 (74.7%) cases were Aortitis secondary to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), while 20 (25.3%) were idiopathic. The mean age was 71±8.5 years vs 64.2±7.1 years, respectively (p=0.001). At time of disease diagnosis more than a half of patients (59.5%) presented as main symptom polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Aortitis was diagnosed with PET/CT (71 patients), angioRMN (12 patients) and angioCT (8 patients). Prior to TCZ treatment, 61 (77.2%) patients had received conventional immunosuppressive drugs, 59 (74.7%) of them received MTX. After 24 months of treatment with TCZ, more than 75% of patients reached a prolonged remission in both groups (p=0.527), with only 4% of relapses after the same follow-up period (p=1.000). 40 (50.6%) patients had a control image technique (PET/CT) throughout follow up. 4 (3 secondary to GCA and 1 idiopathic) patients reached a complete improvement in uptake after one year of treatment. Conclusion Our results show that idiopathic aortitis occurs in younger patients compared with aortitis secondary to GCA. TCZ proved to be effective in both pathologies, allowing clinical and analytical improvement, as well as a reduction of corticoid dose, without increasing the risk of relapse. However, the improvement in imaging techniques seems to be slower. Reference [1] Loricera J, Blanco R, Castaneda S, Humbria A, Ortego-Centeno N, Narvaez J, et al. Tocilizumab in refractory aortitis: study on 16 patients and literature review. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2014; 32:79-89. Disclosure of Interests Monica Calderon-Goercke: None declared, J. Loricera: None declared, D. Prieto-Pena: None declared, Vicente Aldasoro: None declared, Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Ignacio Villa-Blanco: None declared, Alicia Humbria: None declared, Clara Moriano: None declared, Susana Romero-Yuste: None declared, J. Narvaez Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Catalina Gomez-Arango: None declared, Eva Perez-Pampin: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Marcelino Revenga: None declared, Noelia Alvarez-Rivas: None declared, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Maria Alvarez del Buergo: None declared, Luisa Marena Rojas: None declared, Eva Galindez: None declared, Beatriz Arca: None declared, Roser Solans-Laque: None declared, Carlos Vazquez: None declared, Pau Lluch: None declared, Eva Salgado-Perez: None declared, Cristina Luna-Gomez: None declared, Francisco J. Toyos Saenz de Miera: None declared, Nagore Fernandez-Llanio: None declared, Antonio Garcia: None declared, Carmen Larena: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, Vanesa Calvo-Rio: None declared, Carmen Gonzalez-Vela: None declared, Alfonso Corrales: None declared, Maria Varela-Garcia: None declared, Elena Aurrecoechea: None declared, Raquel Dos-Santos: None declared, Jose Luis Martin-Varillas: None declared, Sabela Fernandez: None declared, J. Luis Hernandez: None declared, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay Grant/research support from: Prof. MA Gonzalez-Gay received grants/research supports from Abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche., Speakers bureau: Consultation fees/participation in company sponsored speaker’s bureau from Pfizer, Lilly, Sobi, Celgene, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi., Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, and Roche, Consultant for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen

Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel vasculitis with a predisposition for the cranial branches of the external carotid artery. However, aorta and/or its main branches may also be involved. Objectives In a series of patients with GCA who presented extracranial vessel involvement, our aim was to assess a) the vascular territories most frequently affected and b) correlation of a major extension of extracranial vascular involvement with a more severe clinical and analytical features. Methods Multicenter study of 68 patients with GCA who presented a compromise of extracranial vessels confirmed by PET/CT. Visual analysis of vascular uptake was performed on supra-aortic trunks (SAT), aortic arch (AA), thoracic aorta (TA), abdominal aorta (AbA), iliac arteries (IA), lower limb arteries (LLA), and upper limb arteries (ULA). Results We evaluated 68 patients with GCA (51w/17m) with a mean age of 68.0±8.3 years. The vascular territories affected were: TA (n=58, 85.29%), SAT (n=38, 55.88%), AbA (n=28, 41.18%), AA (n=18, 26.47%), LLA (n=17, 25%), IA (n=13, 19.12%) and ULA (n=6, 8.82%). We considered 3 groups according to the number of vascular territories affected: a) 1 or 2 territories, b) 3 or 4 territories and c) 5 or more territories and made a comparative study between this groups. In patients with ≥5 vascular territories affected, we observed a higher baseline ESR, and the most frequent systemic manifestations were polymyalgia rheumatica and constitutional symptoms with statistical significance (TABLE). Distribution of categorical variables was compared by the Pearson Chi-squared test. Quantitative variables were analyzed using the ANOVA test. Conclusion In patients with GCA the involvement of TA is very frequent, followed by the SAT and the AbA. Regarding the laboratory findings, patients with higher levels of ESR presented a major extension of extracranial vascular involvement, as well as presenting PMR and/or constitutional symptoms was also related to more affection of extracranial territories. References [1] Loricera J, Blanco R, Hernaandez JL, et al. Use of positron emission tomography (PET) for the diagnosis of large-vessel vasculitis. Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol. 2015; 34: 372-377. [2] Loricera J, Blanco R, Hernaandez JL, et al. Non-infectious aortitis: a report of 32 cases from a single tertiary centre in a 4-year period and literature review. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2015; 33: S19-31. Disclosure of Interests Monica Calderon-Goercke: None declared, J. Loricera: None declared, D. Prieto-Pena: None declared, J. Narvaez Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Elena Aurrecoechea: None declared, Ignacio Villa-Blanco: None declared, Catalina Gomez-Arango: None declared, Eva Perez-Pampin: None declared, Vicente Aldasoro: None declared, Noelia Alvarez-Rivas: None declared, Nagore Fernandez-Llanio: None declared, Maria Alvarez del Buergo: None declared, Luisa Marena Rojas: None declared, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Eva Galindez: None declared, Roser Solans-Laque: None declared, Susana Romero-Yuste: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Marcelino Revenga: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Eva Salgado-Perez: None declared, Sabela Fernandez: None declared, Vanesa Calvo-Rio: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, Jose Ignacio Banzo: None declared, Isabel Martinez-Rodriguez: None declared, Carmen Gonzalez-Vela: None declared, Raquel Dos-Santos: None declared, J. Luis Hernandez: None declared, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay Grant/research support from: Prof. MA Gonzalez-Gay received grants/research supports from Abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche., Speakers bureau: Consultation fees/participation in company sponsored speaker’s bureau from Pfizer, Lilly, Sobi, Celgene, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi., Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, and Roche, Consultant for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen

Background X-Ray sacroiliitis is the cornerstone in the diagnosis of the ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It is clear that the presence of sacroiliitis is a specific lesion in long standing AS, but little evidence exists on the reliability of this image technique in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), which associates with reduced structural damage. This is relevant because some rheumatologists and pharmacological authorities feel more confident with the diagnosis of AS rather than with non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) forms. On the other hand, according to various research studies, clinicians are subject to potential bias when interpreting radiographs, influenced by their pretest clinical judgment. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the value of X-Ray sacroiliitis in the early diagnosis of axSpA. Methods This study included 290 radiographs of the SI joints from patients of the Esperanza early spondyloarthritis cohort. Nine readers, blinded for the diagnosis, participated in the reliability exercise, all of them experienced rheumatologists and members of the Spanish spondiloarthritis working group (GRESSER). Patients with axSpa were classified as having AS if the radiographic criteria of the modified NY criteria (presence of radiographic changes in the SIJ of at least grade II bilaterally or at least grade III unilaterally) were fulfilled. The gold standard was the categorical opinion of at least five of the expert readers. For the statistical analysis, the Chi-square and Kappa tests were performed. Results The radiographic diagnosis, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, grade of agreement and mean K values compared to gold standard are showed in table 1. The concordance Kappa test was highly variable among the readers, ranging from fair to excellent. The agreement with the gold standard varied from 68 to 94% and the sensitivity and specifity, from 50-100% and 64-96%, respectively. Additionally, the number of AS was 61, with an inter-reader variability rate of 31 to 138. Larger discrepancies were observed when assessing sacroiliitis grade 2. Conclusion The diagnosis of AS in early axSpa is characterized by a marked variability. At least in doubtful cases, a second central evaluation performed by highly qualified experts should be advisable. Disclosure of Interests Eugenio de Miguel: None declared, Beatriz Joven-Ibanez Speakers bureau: Celgene, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, AbbVie, and Janssen, Eva Galindez: None declared, Claudia Urrego-Laurin: None declared, Maria Luz Garcia-Vivar: None declared, Cristina Fernandez-Carballido: None declared, Jose Francisco Garcia LLorente: None declared, Maria del Carmen Castro Villegas Paid instructor for: MSD, Abbvie, Pfizer, Janssen, Lilly, Roche, Carolina Tornero: None declared, Xavier Juanola-Roura: None declared

Background:BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR are genes that encode cytokines with a key role in the development and survival of B-lymphocytes [1-4]: The B cell-activating factor (BAFF, also known as BLyS), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), respectively. Previous genetic studies have revealed that the BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR pathway is implicated in the genetic predisposition to several immune-mediated diseases [5].Objectives:To determine whether the BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR pathway represents a novel genetic risk factor for the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV), an inflammatory disease in which IgA deposits and B-lymphocytes are crucial [6, 7].Methods:A functional BAFF polymorphism (rs374039502) and two tag variants within APRIL (rs11552708 and rs6608) and BAFFR (rs7290134 and rs77874543) were genotyped in 386 Caucasian IgAV patients (the largest series of Caucasian patients with IgAV ever assessed for genetic studies) and 806 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls by TaqMan assays.Results:No statistically significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between patients with IgAV and healthy controls were observed when each genetic variant of BAFF APRIL and BAFFR was analyzed independently (Table 1). Likewise, no statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of BAFF APRIL or BAFFR were found when patients with IgAV were stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal or renal manifestations. Similar results were disclosed when haplotype frequencies of APRIL and BAFFR were compared between patients with IgAV and healthy controls as well as patients with IgAV stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal or renal manifestations.Conclusion:Our results suggest that the BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR pathway does not contribute to the genetic network underlying IgAV.References:[1]J Exp Med 1999;190:1697-710; [2] Science 1999;285:260-3; [3] Nat Genet 2005;37:829-34; [4] Nat Immunol 2002;3:822-9; [5] N Engl J Med 2017;376:1615-26; [6] N Engl J Med 2013;368:2402-14; [7] Autoimmun Rev 2018;17:301-315.Table 1.Genotype and allele frequencies of BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR genes in patients with IgA vasculitis and healthy controls.PolymorphismLocus1/2Data set1/11/22/212rs374039502BAFFT/APatients91.9 (353)8.1 (31)095.9 (737)4.1 (31)Controls91.5 (733)8.1 (65)0.4 (3)95.6 (1531)4.4 (71)rs11552708APRILG/APatients78.1 (299)20.6 (79)1.3 (5)88.4 (677)11.6 (89)Controls77.9 (625)20.4 (1641.6 (13)88.1 (1414)11.9 (190)rs6608APRILC/TPatients71.9 (277)26.0 (100)2.1 (8)84.9 (654)15.1 (116)Controls70.0 (561)27.6 (221)2.5 (20)83.7 (1343)16.3 (261)rs7290134BAFFRA/GPatients58.0 (224)36.3 (140)5.7 (22)76.2 (588)23.8 (184)Controls57.2 (459)36.4 (292)6.5 (52)75.3 (1210)24.6 (396)rs77874543BAFFRG/CPatients82.7 (316)16.0 (61)1.3 (5)90.7 (693)9.3 (71)Controls83.0 (666)16.6 (133)0.4 (3)91.3 (1465)8.7 (139)Acknowledgements:This study was supported by European Union FEDER funds and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). DP-P is a recipient of a Río Hortega programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CM20/00006]; SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) [grant number RD16/0012/0009]; VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [grant number PREVAL 18/01]; BA-M is a recipient of a `López Albo´ Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud; LL-G is supported by funds of IDIVAL [grant number INNVAL20/06]; RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CP16/00033].Disclosure of Interests:Diana Prieto-Peña Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda-Filloy: None declared, LUIS CAMINAL MONTERO: None declared, PAZ COLLADO: None declared, Javier Sanchez Perez: None declared, Diego de Argila: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

Background:IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are inflammatory conditions that share pathogenic and molecular mechanisms [1] and may represent different outcomes of a continuous spectrum of disease [2]. Interleukin (IL)17A has been identified as a common genetic risk locus for several immune-mediated diseases [3, 4].Objectives:To determine whether IgAV and IgAN exhibit a different IL17A association pattern.Methods:Five IL17A tag polymorphisms (rs4711998, rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913 and rs7747909) were genotyped in 388 Caucasian patients with IgAV, 99 patients with IgAN and 1,003 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls.Results:No statistically significant differences between patients with IgAV and healthy controls and between patients with IgAN and healthy controls were observed when each IL17A genetic variant was analyzed independently (Table 1). Similarly, IgAV patients exhibited similar genotype and allele IL17A frequencies than those with IgAN (Table 1). Moreover, no genotype or allele differences between IgAV patients who developed nephritis and patients with IgAN were detected. Furthermore, haplotype frequencies were similar in patients with IgAV, IgAV and nephritis and those with IgAN.Table 1.Genotype and allele frequencies of IL17A gene in patients with IgA vasculitis, patients with IgA nephropathy and healthy controls.PolymorphismChangeData set1/11/22/212rs4711998G/AIgAV53.4 (207)38.9 (151)7.7 (30)72.8 (565)27.2 (211)IgAN49.0 (48)42.9 (42)8.2 (8)70.4 (138)29.6 (58)Controls52.7 (529)41.2 (413)6.1 (61)73.3 (1471)26.7 (535)rs8193036T/CIgAV57.0 (221)38.4 (149)4.6 (18)76.2 (591)23.8 (185)IgAN64.3 (63)31.6 (31)4.1 (4)80.1 (157)19.9 (39)Controls60.3 (605)35.2 (353)4.5 (45)77.9 (1563)22.1 (443)rs3819024A/GIgAV44.1 (171)43.3 (168)12.6 (49)65.7 (510)34.3 (266)IgAN39.4 (39)54.5 (54)6.1 (6)66.7 (132)33.3 (66)Controls45.6 (457)44.6 (447)9.9 (99)67.8 (1361)32.2 (645)rs2275913G/AIgAV44.6 (172)43.3 (167)12.2 (47)66.2 (511)33.8 (261)IgAN39.8 (39)53.1 (52)7.1 (7)66.3 (130)33.7 (66)Controls44.8 (449)44.2 (443)11.1 (111)66.8 (1341)33.2 (665)rs7747909G/AIgAV53.9 (209)39.4 (153)6.7 (26)73.6 (571)26.4 (205)IgAN41.1 (39)54.7 (52)4.2 (4)68.4 (130)31.6 (60)Controls53.0 (532)39.4 (395)7.6 (76)72.7 (1459)27.3 (547)Conclusion:Our results revealed that IgAV and IgAN share a similar IL17A association pattern.References:[1]N Engl J Med 2013;368:2402-14.[2]Am J Kidney Dis 1988;12:373-7.[3]Ann Rheum Dis 2014;73:1742-5.[4]Mediators Inflamm 2018;2018:1395823.Acknowledgements:This study was supported by European Union FEDER funds and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). DP-P is a recipient of a Río Hortega programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CM20/00006]; SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) [grant number RD16/0012/0009]; VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [grant number PREVAL 18/01]; BA-M is a recipient of a `López Albo´ Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud; LL-G is supported by funds of IDIVAL [grant number INNVAL20/06]; RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CP16/00033].Disclosure of Interests:Diana Prieto-Peña: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda-Filloy: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, LUIS CAMINAL MONTERO: None declared, PAZ COLLADO: None declared, Antonio Fernandez-Nebro: None declared, Gisela Díaz-Cordoves: None declared, Secundino Cigarrán: None declared, Jesús Calviño: None declared, Carmen Cobelo: None declared, Javier Sanchez Perez: None declared, Diego de Argila: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

Objectives To assess the association between obesity, control of inflammatory activity and increased adverse effects in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARD). Methods A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases following the guidelines of the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) consensus statement. Studies were selected if they included patients with PsA, obesity was studied as a predictive factor, and the outcome was adverse effects, including efficacy failure. Quality was assessed using an ad hoc risk of bias tool. A qualitative analysis was carried out by type of study and study population, quality and specific results. Results We found 1043 articles, discarding most of them on the basis of title and abstract. Ten articles were studied in detail and finally excluded three. The majority concluded, with statistically significant results, that in patients with PsA and treated with TNFα inhibitors (TNFαi), obesity is associated with poorer chances of achieving and maintaining a minimal disease activity, higher treatment discontinuation rates, and lower skin response. Regarding conventional synthetic DMARD, a trend toward a moderate increase in transaminases with methotrexate (MTX) was observed in obese patients with PsA. Conclusions Obesity is a negative predictor of clinical response in patients with PsA being treated with TNFαi. Except MTX hepatotoxicity, no other adverse effects, either with TNFαi or other drugs, were found in relation to obesity in PsA.

Resumen Objetivos Estudiar si en la artritis psoriasica (APs) hay asociacion entre la obesidad, el control de la actividad inflamatoria y el aumento de efectos adversos con los farmacos modificadores de la enfermedad (FAME). Metodos Revision sistematica de la literatura utilizando las bases de datos Medline y Embase segun las guias del consenso MOOSE. Se incluyeron estudios en pacientes con APs, en los que la obesidad fuera factor predictor de efectos adversos y el desenlace fuera toxicidad, incluido fallo de eficacia. La calidad se evaluo mediante una escala de riesgo de sesgos ad hoc. Se realizo un analisis cualitativo por tipo de estudio y poblacion estudiada, calidad y resultados especificos. Resultados Se encontraron 1.043 articulos, la mayoria se descartaron por titulo y abstract. Se estudiaron en detalle 10, excluyendose finalmente 3. La mayoria concluye con resultados estadisticamente significativos que la obesidad en pacientes con APs e inhibidores del TNF-α (iTNF-α) se asocia a una probabilidad menor de alcanzar y mantener la minima actividad inflamatoria, con mayor tasa de interrupcion del tratamiento y menor tasa de respuesta cutanea. En relacion con los FAME sinteticos convencionales, se observo en obesos una tendencia a un aumento moderado de las transaminasas con metotrexato (MTX). Conclusiones La obesidad es un factor predictivo negativo de la respuesta clinica en pacientes con APs e iTNF-α. Exceptuando la hepatotoxicidad por el MTX, no se encontraron otros efectos adversos ni por otros farmacos en relacion con la obesidad.

Background:Longitudinal studies about the change from non-radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) to r-axSpA (radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis) are scarce but show a 9-10% progression rate over 2 years (1-2) and a 24% progression rate over 10 years in another study (3). However, in early cohorts such as DESIR, this only represents a 5% over 5 years (4).Objectives:The aim of this study was to know the rate of progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA over 6 years in the early Esperanza cohort.Methods:This study included 94 patients of the Spanish early spondyloarthritis (SpA) Esperanza cohort, 60 fulfilled the ASAS classification criteria for SpA. Every patient had a baseline and a six years sacroiliac X-ray. Nine readers, blinded for the diagnosis, participated in the reliability exercise, all of them experienced rheumatologists and members of the Spanish spondyloarthritis working group (GRESSER). Patients with SpA were classified as having r-axSpA, at baseline or after 6 years of follow-up, if they fulfilled the radiographic item of the modified New York criteria (mNY) (presence of radiographic changes in the sacroiliac joints -SIJ- of at least grade II bilaterally or grade III or IV unilaterally). The gold standard of SIJ X-Ray was the categorical opinion of at least five of the expert readers. For the statistical analysis, the Chi-square and Kappa tests were performed.Results:Demographic data of the SpA patients were: mean age 33.4±7.5 years; 37 (61.7%) male; mean CRP 6.4±6.5 mg/dl and ESR 10.3±10.6. Present smokers 30.6%; and past smokers 16.3%. HLA-B27 (+) 56.7%. Regarding the presence of X-Ray sacroilitis: 20 patients had baseline sacroilitis and 18 at the final visit; 11 had sacroiliitis at both baseline and final visits; 9 patients changed from baseline sacroiliitis to no-sacroiliitis and 7 changed from baseline no-sacroiliitis to sacroiliitis at the 6 year visit. The reliability of the readers was fair with a mean inter-reader kappa test of 0.375 (range 0.146 - 0.652) and a mean agreement of 73.7% (range 58.7% - 90%).Conclusion:In this group of patients with early SpA no progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA over 6 years was observed. It appears that early diagnosis and standard treatment seem to reduce SIJ radiographic progression.References:[1]Poddubnyy D, Rudwaleit M, Haibel H, et al. Rates and predictors of radiographic sacroiliitis progression over 2 years in patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2011;70:1369–74.[2]Sampaio-Barros PD, Conde RA, Donadi EA, et al. Undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies in Brazilians: importance of HLA-B27 and the B7-CREG alleles in characterization and disease progression. J Rheumatol 2003;30:2632–7.[3]Sampaio-Barros PD, Bortoluzzo AB, Conde RA, et al. Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis: a longterm followup. J Rheumatol 2010;37:1195–9.[4]Dougados M, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:1823–1828.Disclosure of Interests:Carolina Tornero: None declared, María del Carmen Castro Villegas: None declared, Xavier Juanola-Roura: None declared, Maria Luz García-Vivar: None declared, Cristina Fernández-Carballido Consultant of: Yes, I have received fees for scientific advice (Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly and Novartis), Speakers bureau: Yes, I have received fees as a speaker (Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis), Jose Francisco Garcia LLorente: None declared, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, E. Galindez: None declared, Claudia Urrego-Laurín: None declared, Eugenio de Miguel Grant/research support from: Yes (Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer), Consultant of: Yes (Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer), Paid instructor for: yes (AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Roche, Grunental, Janssen, Sanofi), Speakers bureau: yes (AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Roche, Grunental, Janssen, Sanofi)

Background:There are few studies focused on the development of structural damage over time in patients with early SpAObjectives:The aim of this study is to analyze the mSASSS radiographic progression of spine in patients with early spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the Esperanza cohort.Methods:In this longitudinal study, 49 patients of the Spanish early spondyloarthritis (SpA) Esperanza cohort were included. Every patient had a baseline and a six years lateral X-Ray of the cervical and lumbar of spine. The assessment of spine structural damage was done by the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Nine readers, blinded for the diagnosis, participated in the reliability exercise, all of them experienced rheumatologists and members of the Spanish spondyloarthritis working group (GRESSER). The mSASSS progression and development of new syndesmophytes was analyzed. The gold standard of every elemental lesion of the mSASSS and the total mSASSS score was the agreement achieved by the independent categorical opinion of at least five of the nine readers. For reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) two-way mixed, absolute agreement was used.Results:Forty-nine patients were included, 69 % were males and 49%, HLA B27 positive. Mean ± SD baseline ESR, CRP, BASDAI, BASFI and mSASSS were 10.7±11.7, 5.4±7.1, 3.7±2.5, 2.1±2.0 and 0.326±0.85, respectively. Inter-reader ICC reliability of the 9 readers was 0.812 (CI 95%; 0.764-0.857). The mSASSS score at the six-year visit was 0.67 ± 1.6: thirty-nine patients did not present any changes in this score at the end of the follow-up, two patients had Δ mSASSS of – 1 and eight patients, an increase in this score (four patients, +1; three patients, +2 and one patient, +9 points).At baseline, five patients presented one syndesmophyte; at the six-year visit, seven had one syndesmophyte; one patient, two syndesmophytes and another one, one bone bridge. Only 2/5 patients (40%) with syndesmophytes at baseline showed an increase in Δ mSASSS; the two patients with a Δ mSASSS of -1 did not have syndesmophytes at baseline. Five out of eight patients (62.5%) with an increase of the Δ mSASSS presented this lesion at the six-year visit but only two of them showed syndesmophytes at baseline. On the other hand, two of the three patients who showed an increase of the ΔmSASSS without syndesmophytes at baseline presented an erosion in the anterior vertebral corner and the patient with the bone bridge had a previous syndesmophyte. Our results indicate that in early SpA much of the progression appears in patients without previous syndesmophytes.Conclusion:Spinal radiographic progression was very low in our early SpA cohort, with a mean progression of 0.3 mSASSS units. Only eight patients (16.3%) presented spinal structural progression, most of them not showing syndesmophytes at baseline. It is reasonable to consider that an early diagnosis and monitoring could result in a low radiographic progression.Disclosure of Interests:Eugenio de Miguel Grant/research support from: Yes (Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer), Consultant of: Yes (Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer), Paid instructor for: yes (AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Roche, Grunental, Janssen, Sanofi), Speakers bureau: yes (AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Roche, Grunental, Janssen, Sanofi), Jose Francisco Garcia LLorente: None declared, Claudia Urrego-Laurín: None declared, Maria Luz García-Vivar: None declared, Cristina Fernández-Carballido Consultant of: Yes, I have received fees for scientific advice (Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly and Novartis), Speakers bureau: Yes, I have received fees as a speaker (Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis), María del Carmen Castro Villegas: None declared, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Xavier Juanola-Roura: None declared, Carolina Tornero: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared

Background:Infections are the most common adverse event of Tocilizumab (TCZ) in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). In GiACTA study(1),serious infections were observed in 7% (9.6/100 patient-years) of patients who received TCZ weekly. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are conducted under highly standardized design excluding some real-world patients. Therefore, adverse events may be underestimated in RCTs. In our series of real-life, serious infections occurred in 11.9% (10.6/100 patient-years)(2).Objectives:In a wide series of GCA of clinical practice treated with TCZ, we assess the frequency, type and predisposing factors of serious infections.Methods:Multicenter study of 134 patients diagnosed with GCA, all of them refractory to conventional therapy, treated with TCZ. Serious infection was considered when a life-threatening infection, fatal, or requiring hospitalization occurred, intravenous antibiotics were required, or the infectious process led to persistent or significant disability.Results:16 of 134 (11.9%, 10.6/100 patient-years) patients developed serious infections during follow-up. The most frequent infections were pneumonia (n=4), urinary tract infection (n=4), and facial herpes zoster (n=2). At TCZ onset, serious infections were more frequent in older patients (74.3±9.6 vs 72.9±8.7 years), with a longer GCA evolution (20 [4.3-45.6] vs 13 [5-29.3] months), with visual manifestations (43.75% vs 17.8%) and a higher dose of prednisone at TCZ onset (30.4±15.5 vs 21.1±16.1 mg/day) (TABLE). Presence of comorbidities were similar in both groups. 13 of the 16 patients who had infections received a dose of prednisone greater than 15 mg/day (16.3/100 patient-years) compared to 3 patients under treatment with less than 15 mg/day of prednisone (4.2/100 patient-years).Conclusion:The age, GCA duration, ocular involvement and the dose of glucocorticoids, at TCZ onset, seem to be predisposing factors related to an increased risk of developing serious infections in GCA patients.References:[1]Stone JH, et al. N Engl J Med. 2017; 377:317-28.[2]Calderón-Goercke M et al. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2019 Aug;49(1): 126-135.TABLESERIOUS INFECTIONS(n=16)WITHOUT SERIOUS INFECTIONS(n=118)pBASAL FEATURES AT TCZ ONSETGENERAL FEATURES Age, years, mean± SD74.3±9.672.9±8.70.552 Sex, female/male n(%)13/388/300.760 Time from GCA diagnosis to TCZ onset (months), median [IQR]20[4.3-45.6]13[5-29.3]0.604COMORBIDITIES Hypertension, n(%)9(56)86(73)0.551 Diabetes, n(%)3(19)39(33)0.677 Chronic kidney disease, n(%)3(19)27(23)0.512CLINICAL FEATURES OF GCA PMR, n(%)9(56.25)64(54.2)0.879 Aortitis, n(%)5(31.25)53(45)0.301 Visual manifestations, n(%)7(43.75)21(17.8)0.017CORTICOSTEROIDS AT TCZ ONSET Prednisone dose mg/d, mean (SD)30.4±15.521.1±16.10.031Disclosure of Interests:Monica Calderón-Goercke: None declared, D. Prieto-Peña: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Clara Moriano: None declared, Elena Becerra-Fernández: None declared, Marcelino Revenga: None declared, Noelia Alvarez-Rivas: None declared, Carles Galisteo: None declared, Águeda Prior-Español: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Cristina Hidalgo: None declared, Sara Manrique Arija: None declared, Eugenio de Miguel Grant/research support from: Yes (Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer), Consultant of: Yes (Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer), Paid instructor for: yes (AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Roche, Grunental, Janssen, Sanofi), Speakers bureau: yes (AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, BMS, UCB, Roche, Grunental, Janssen, Sanofi), Eva Salgado-Pérez: None declared, Vicente Aldasoro Speakers bureau: Roche, Abbvie, MSD, UCB, Pfizer, Menarini, Grunenthal, Gebro, Novartis, Janssen, Ignacio Villa-Blanco Consultant of: UCB, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Lilly, Susana Romero-Yuste: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, Catalina Gomez-Arango: None declared, Eva Perez-Pampín: None declared, Rafael Melero: None declared, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Carlos Fernández-Díaz Speakers bureau: Brystol Meyers Squibb, Alejandro Olive: None declared, María Álvarez del Buergo: None declared, Luisa Marena Rojas: None declared, Carlos Fernández-López: None declared, Francisco Navarro: None declared, Enrique Raya: None declared, Beatriz Arca: None declared, Roser Solans-Laqué: None declared, Arantxa Conesa: None declared, Carlos Vázquez: None declared, Jose Andrés Román-Ivorra: None declared, Pau Lluch: None declared, Paloma Vela-Casasempere: None declared, Carmen Torres-Martín: None declared, Juan Carlos Nieto Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, BMS, Gebro, FAES Farma, Roche, Sanofi, Carmen Ordas-Calvo: None declared, Cristina Luna-Gomez: None declared, Francisco J. Toyos Sáenz de Miera: None declared, Nagore Fernández-Llanio: None declared, Antonio García: None declared, Carmen González-Vela: None declared, Javier García-Fernández: None declared, Patricia Vicente-Gómez: None declared, Ángel García-Manzanares: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Francisco Ortiz-Sanjuán: None declared, Montserrat Corteguera: None declared, J. Luis Hernández: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, and MSD

Aims: To describe the methodology of REAPSER (Spanish Registry of Recent-onset Psoriatic Arthritis), its strengths and limitations. The aim of this study is to identify prognostic factors for the clinical and radiographic course in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosed within 2 years of symptom evolution. Methods: Multicenter, observational and prospective study (with 2-year follow-up including annual visits). Baseline visit intended to reflect patient situation before the disease course was modified by treatments prescribed in rheumatology departments. Patients were invited to participate consecutively in one of their routine visits to the rheumatologist. 211 patients were included. Following data were collected: sociodemographic variables; employment situation; family history; personal history and comorbidities; anthropometric data; lifestyle; use of healthcare services; clinical situation at the time of PsA diagnosis; joint involvement and spinal pain; pain and overall assessment; enthesitis, dactylitis and uveitis; skin and nail involvement; functional situation and quality of life; radiographic evaluation; analytical determinations; treatment; axial and peripheral flare-ups. Conclusions: The REAPSER study includes a cohort of patients with recent-onset PsA, before the disease course was modified by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs prescribed in rheumatology departments. Exhaustive information collected in each visit is expected to be an important data source for future analysis. (C) 2018 Elsevier Espafia, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espailola de Reumatologia y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia. All rights reserved.

To develop and evaluate a web application based on multimedia animations, combined with a training program, to improve the prescription of exercises in spondyloarthritis (SpA). After a review of exercises included in the main clinical trials and recommendations of international societies, a multidisciplinary team—rehabilitators, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, computer scientists and graphic designers—developed a web application for the prescription of exercises (EJES-3D). Once completed, this was presented to 12 pairs of rehabilitators–rheumatologists from the same hospital in a workshop. Knowledge about exercise was tested in rheumatologists before and 6 months after the workshop, when they also evaluated the application. The EJES-3D application includes 38 multimedia videos and allows prescribing predesigned programs or customizing them. A patient can consult the prescribed exercises at any time from a device with internet connection (mobile, tablet, or computer). The vast majority of the evaluators (89%) were satisfied or very satisfied and considered that their expectations regarding the usefulness of the web application had been met. They highlighted the ability to tailor exercises adapted to the different stages of the disease and the quality and variety of the videos. They also indicated some limitations of the application and operational problems. The EJES-3D tool was positively evaluated by experts in SpA, potentially the most demanding group of users with the most critical capacity. This allows a preliminary validation of the contents, usefulness, and ease of use. Analyzing and correcting the errors and limitations detected is allowing us to improve the EJES-3D tool.

Objective (1) To analyse the implementation of multidisciplinary care models in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, (2) To define minimum and excellent standards of care. Methods A survey was sent to clinicians who already performed multidisciplinary care or were in the process of undertaking it, asking: (1) Type of multidisciplinary care model implemented; (2) Degree, priority and feasibility of the implementation of quality standards in the structure, process and result for care. In 6 regional meetings the results of the survey were presented and discussed, and the ultimate priority of quality standards for care was defined. At a nominal meeting group, 11 experts (rheumatologists and dermatologists) analysed the results of the survey and the regional meetings. With this information, they defined which standards of care are currently considered as minimum and which are excellent. Results The simultaneous and parallel models of multidisciplinary care are those most widely implemented, but the implementation of quality standards is highly variable. In terms of structure it ranges from 22% to 74%, in those related to process from 17% to 54% and in the results from 2% to 28%. Of the 25 original quality standards for care, 9 were considered only minimum, 4 were excellent and 12 defined criteria for minimum level and others for excellence. Conclusions The definition of minimum and excellent quality standards for care will help achieve the goal of multidisciplinary care for patients with PAs, which is the best healthcare possible.

Objective To investigate the validity, reproducibility, and responsiveness of a simplified power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) assessment of joint inflammation compared with a comprehensive 44-joint PDUS assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who started therapy with a biologic agent. Methods A total of 160 patients with active RA who started a biologic agent were prospectively recruited in 18 Spanish centers. The patients underwent clinical and laboratory assessment and blinded PDUS examination at baseline and 6 months. A PDUS examination of 128 synovial sites in 44 joints was performed. US synovitis and PD signal were semiquantitatively graded from 1 to 3 in all synovial sites. US count and index for synovitis and PD signal were obtained. PDUS intraobserver and interobserver reliability were evaluated. A process of data reduction based on the frequency of involvement of synovial sites by both synovitis and PD signal was conducted. Construct and discriminant validity of a simplified PDUS assessment was investigated. Results A PDUS simplified assessment including 24 synovial sites from 12 joints detected 100% of patients with synovitis and 91% of patients with PD signal. There was a highly significant correlation between the 44-joint count and index for synovitis and PD signal and the 12-joint count and index for synovitis and PD signal at baseline and 6 months (r = 0.84–0.90, P < 0.0005). The smallest detectable difference was lower than the mean change in simplified PDUS variables. Conclusion A 12-joint PDUS assessment of RA joint inflammation may be a valid, feasible method for multicenter monitoring of therapeutic response to biologic agents.