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To assess patient perspective and professional practice of intraarticular therapies (IATs) across Europe, an expert international multidisciplinary panel designed two open web-based surveys: one targeting people who had experienced at least two IATs (44 items); and one targeting health care providers (HCPs) (160 items). Surveys were disseminated via patient and professional associations and social media. A descriptive analysis was performed. The surveys were answered by 200 patients and 186 HCPs from 26 countries, showing that IAT is routinely performed by rheumatologists (97%) and orthopaedic surgeons (89%), with specific training being compulsory in a few countries. The most frequent indications for IAT are arthritis (76%), osteoarthritis (74%), crystal arthritis (71%) and bursitis (70%); the most frequently injected joints are knee (78%) and shoulder (70%); and the most used compounds are glucocorticoids. The majority of HCPs report informing patients about side-effects (73%), benefits (72%), and the nature of the procedure (72%), which coincides with 27% of patients reporting that they had not been informed about benefits or potential complications of IATs; 73% of patients had not been asked whether they wanted an anaesthetic. Few HCPs (10%) obtain written consent (56% get oral consent, being mandatory for 32%), a procedure deemed necessary by 41% of the patients. 50% of patients reported a clear benefit of IAT and 20% experienced complications including pain, impaired mobility, rashes, or swelling. In summary, the practice of IAT is variable across Europe, and although patients perceive it as relatively safe and usually effective procedure, some gaps were identified.

ObjectivesTo establish evidence-based recommendations to guide health professionals using intra-articular therapies (IAT) in adult patients with peripheral arthropathies.MethodsA multidisciplinary international task force established the objectives, users and scope and the need for background information, including systematic literature reviews) and two surveys addressed to healthcare providers and patients throughout Europe. The evidence was discussed in a face-to-face meeting, recommendations were formulated and subsequently voted for anonymously in a three-round Delphi process to obtain the final agreement. The level of evidence was assigned to each recommendation with the Oxford levels of evidence.ResultsRecommendations focus on practical aspects to guide health professionals before, during and after IAT in adult patients with peripheral arthropathies. Five overarching principles and 11 recommendations were established, addressing issues related to patient information, procedure and setting, accuracy, routine and special aseptic care, safety issues and precautions to be addressed in special populations, efficacy and safety of repeated joint injections, use of local anaesthetics and aftercare.ConclusionWe have developed the first evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations to guide health professionals using IAT. We hope that these recommendations will be included in different educational programmes, used by patient associations and put into practice via scientific societies to help improve uniformity and quality of care when performing IAT in peripheral adult joints.

To estimate the incidence of clinical fragility fractures in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and analyze risk factors for fracture.Incidence of clinical fragility fractures in 330 postmenopausal women with RA was compared to that of a control population of 660 age-matched postmenopausal Spanish women. Clinical fractures during the previous five years were recorded. We analyzed associations with risk factors for fracture in both populations and with disease-related variables in RA patients.Median age of RA patients was 64 years; median RA duration was eight years. Sixty-nine percent were in remission or on low activity. Eighty-five percent had received glucocorticoids (GCs); 85 %, methotrexate; and 40 %, ≥1 biologic DMARD. Fifty-four patients and 47 controls had ≥1 major osteoporotic fracture (MOF). Incidence of MOFs was 3.55 per 100 patient-year in patients and 0.72 in controls (HR: 2.6). Risk factors for MOFs in RA patients were age, previous fracture, parental hip fracture, years since menopause, BMD, erosions, disease activity and disability, and cumulative dose of GCs. Previous fracture in RA patients was a strong risk for MOFs (HR: 10.37).Of every 100 postmenopausal Spanish women with RA, 3-4 have a MOF per year. This is more than double that of the general population. A previous fracture poses a high risk for a new fracture. Other classic risk factors for fracture, RA disease activity and disability, and the cumulative dose of GCs are associated with fracture development.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies that are of paramount importance for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease and have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Proteins resulting from post-translational modifications (PTMs) are capable of triggering autoimmune responses important for the development of RA. In this work, we investigate serum antibody reactivity in patients with an established RA against a panel of chimeric peptides derived from fibrin and filaggrin proteins and bearing from one to three PTMs (citrullination, carbamylation and acetylation) by home-designed ELISA tests (anti-AMPA autoantibodies). The role of anti-AMPAs as biomarkers linked to the presence of a more severe RA phenotype (erosive disease with radiological structural damage) and to the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a severe extra-articular manifestation in RA patients entailing a high mortality, was also analyzed. In general, the association with the clinical phenotype of RA was confirmed with the different autoantibodies, and especially for IgA and IgM isotypes. The prevalence of severe joint damage was only statistically significant for the IgG isotype when working with the peptide bearing three PTMs. Furthermore, the median titers were significantly higher in patients with RA-ILD, a finding not observed for the IgG isotype when working with the single- and double-modified peptides., This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, and the European Regional Development Fund (Grant No. RTI2018-094120-B-I00)

ObjectiveTo summarise the evidence on intra-articular therapies (IAT) to inform the 2020 EULAR recommendations.MethodsAn overview of systematic reviews (SR) including randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of IAT in adults with arthropathies was performed up to July 2020. Pain, function, and frequency of adverse events were the main efficacy and safety outcomes, respectively. Quality was assessed with the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR)-2 tool.ResultsOf 184 references identified, 16 met the inclusion criteria, and a search of their reference lists identified 16 additional SRs. After quality assessment, 29 were finally included. Of these, 18 focused on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), 6 on hip osteoarthritis (HOA), 3 on shoulder capsulitis (SC), and 3 on rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, hyaluronic acid showed a small effect on pain and function in KOA but not in HOA or shoulder capsulitis. Intra-articular glucocorticoids showed a small effect in pain and function in KOA and function in HOA and SC. Platelet-rich plasma showed benefit in pain and function in KOA but not in HOA. Mesenchymal stem cells behaved similarly. Most SR results were of moderate quality and RCTs included often presented a high risk of bias, mainly due to inadequate blinding and heterogeneous results. All interventions were well tolerated with no clear safety differences.ConclusionsThis overview underlines that most IAT currently used in KOA, HOA, and SC exert small effects and are well tolerated. However, no firm conclusions can be drawn for inflammatory arthritis due to the limited data found.

Background Blocking of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) activity is a successful therapeutic approach for 50–60% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, there are yet no biomarkers to stratify patients for anti-TNF therapy. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic-citrullinated antibodies (anti-CCP) have been evaluated as biomarkers of response but the results have shown limited consistency. Anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) and anti-peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (anti-PAD4) antibodies have been much less studied. Despite being linked to common immune processes, the interaction between these markers has not been evaluated yet. Our aim was to analyze the interaction between these four antibodies in relation to the response to anti-TNF therapy. Methods For this objective, a prospective cohort of n = 80 RA patients starting anti-TNF therapy was recruited. Serum determinations at baseline were performed for RF, anti-CCP, anti-CarP and anti-PAD4 antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The clinical response to anti-TNF therapy was determined at week 12 using the change in DAS28 score. Association was performed using multivariate linear regression adjusting for baseline DAS28, sex and age. Results The interaction between pairs of antibodies was tested by the addition of an interaction term. We found two highly significant antibody interactions associated with treatment response: anti-CarP with anti-PAD4 (p = 0.0062), and anti-CCP with RF (p = 0.00068). The latter antibody interaction was replicated in an independent retrospective cohort of RA patients (n = 199, p = 0.04). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that antibody interaction effects are important factors in the response to anti-TNF therapy in RA., This project was supported by UCB Pharma. The funders had no role in the study design, data analysis, data interpretation or writing the manuscript.

MEFV mutations have been documented in patients with palindromic rheumatism (PR) who do not meet FMF criteria, and RF and ACPA positive RA may start with PR.To analyze the clinical phenotype and disease evolution of patients with intermittent, palindromic-like (PL) arthritis seen in our Arthritis Unit according to the RF, ACPA and MEFV mutation status.MEFV genotyping was done in 76 patients with PL arthritis as defined by predominantly short attacks (≤7days) and a relapsing course. Characteristics of arthritic episodes, RF and ACPA positivity, and the colchicine response were retrospectively collected. Patients were stratified and evaluated according to MEFV mutations and/or positive autoantibodies (ACPA and/or RF).Among the patients, 26.3% (20/76) had a MEFV mutation and 23 (30%) were ACPA and/or RF positive. MEFV mutations and/or autoantibody status allowed four PL arthritis patients to be distinguished: group I (MEFV+), with younger age of onset, short duration attacks (3days), mainly located in the knee, more frequent non-articular manifestations (fever, pericarditis or abdominal pain) and good response to colchicine; group II (autoantibody+) is older than group I, with the same frequency of short attacks, but the most affected joints were the wrists and small joints of hands: 48% met RA classification criteria during follow-up and were taking DMARDs; group III (MEFV- and autoantibody-) was the most frequent (48%) and clinically heterogeneous group; 51% had attacks lasting3days, and 15 patients developed criteria of immune-mediated inflammatory, autoinflammatory or infectious diseases. Group IV (MEFV+ associated with preexisting immune-inflammatory disease), was associated with very short attacks, like groups I and II, superimposed or coincident with definite immune-inflammatory disease, including seropositive RA, with good response to colchicine.Patients with PL arthritis can be classified in four groups according to the presence or not of MEFV mutations and ACPA/RF antibodies with a different clinical evolution and therapeutic response.

To analyse ultrasound (US) differences between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients according to autoantibody status and characterise the clinical and radiological features associated with the US pattern of seropositive patients.We collected demographic and clinical data and bilateral hand US images of RA patients. We defined an extreme proliferative US pattern, encompassing synovial hypertrophy grade II-III with Power Doppler signal, which we called US proliferative synovitis (US PS). To better characterise US PS, MRI of the dominant hand and immunostaining of synovial biopsies were made in subgroups of 42 and 23 patients, respectively.We included 205 RA patients (84.8% seropositive). No significant differences in disease activity were found according to autoantibody status. US PS was found in 55.5% of seropositive and 16.1% of seronegative patients (p=0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, erosions [OR 4.90 95% CI (2.17-11.07), p=0.0001] and ACPA [OR 3.5 95% CI (1.39-10.7), p=0.009] but not RF status [OR 0.74 95% CI (0.31-1.71), p=0.483] were independently associated with US PS. After a mean follow-up of 46 months, US PS was independently associated with changes in therapy (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.20-5.77, p=0.016). Ninety-four per cent of joints with US PS had RAMRIS synovitis sub-index grade 2-3. US PS was significantly associated with higher synovial vessel density (p=0.042).In RA patients, US PS was associated with ACPA status, erosive disease and an enhanced need to change disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy in the long-term. At synovial level, this US pattern was characterised by higher vessel density.

[Background]: A restricted response against citrullinated peptides/proteins, with less isotype usage, has been found in palindromic rheumatism (PR) in comparison with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesized that this different antibody response may be observed for other post-translational modified proteins. We compared the prevalence and isotype usage of two specificities of anti-carbamylated peptide/protein antibodies (Anti-CarP) in patients with PR and RA., [Methods]: Cross-sectional study including 54 patients with pure PR and 53 patients with RA, matched by sex, age, disease duration and ACPA. Anti-CarP specificities were determined by home-made enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests using a synthetic chimeric fibrin/filaggrin homocitrullinated peptide (CFFHP) and fetal calf serum (FCS) homocitrullinated protein as antigens. IgG, IgA and IgM isotypes were measured., [Results]: Anti-CarP were positive (CFFHP or FCS) in 24% and 64% of patients with PR and RA, respectively (p, [Conclusion]: Anti-CarP are found in patients with PR but in a lower proportion and with a different isotype usage from in RA, suggesting a distinct B cell response to homocitrullinated antigens in PR., The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Research, Innovation and Education Department (Grant # 37933 to RC) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund (Grant # RTI2018-094120-B-I00 to IH).

To compare long-term clinical, immunological, and radiographic outcomes between five sets of remission criteria (four clinical and one ultrasound (US)-based) in a cohort of RA patients in a clinical care setting.RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR2.6) were selected. Hand US assessments were made, and serum levels of inflammation/angiogenesis biomarkers were determined at baseline. Changes in baseline treatment and radiographic progression, defined as the variation in the modified Sharp van der Heijde score (mSHS) at 5 years, were analyzed. Five concepts were used to define remission: DAS28-ESR2.6, SDAI3.3, CDAI2.8, Boolean criteria and Power Doppler score (PD)=0.Eighty-seven patients with DAS28-ESR2.6 were included. One-third fulfilled SDAI (33.3%), CDAI (31%), and Boolean (35.6%) remission criteria, and 25.3% had no PD signal in the US evaluation. 26 patients (29.9%) changed therapy, ranging from 13.6% (PD remission) to 33.3% (CDAI remission) (p=0.11). Serum levels of ANG (p=0.015) and TNFa (p=0.025) were significantly lower in patients with Boolean remission, whereas IL-18 levels were significantly lower in those with PD remission (p=0.049). Patients without PD in the US assessment had significantly-lower mSHS erosion progression (p=0.014) at 5 years.Patients with established RA in DAS28-ESR remission had comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes in SDAI, CDAI, and Boolean definitions in a clinical care setting. US remission remained the closest to structural damage abrogation. Key Points • This study provides real world data on long-term outcomes of five clinical and imaging remission criteria in rheumatoid arthritis. • DAS28-ESR remission criteria had comparable radiographic progression and clinical prognosis than more stringent criteria in clinical practice. • US-based remission was closest to structural damage abolishment.

Prevalence and risk factors of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal RA women were assessed in 323 patients and compared with 660 age-matched women. Of patients, 24.15% had at least one vertebral fracture vs.16.06% of controls. Age, glucocorticoids and falls were the main fracture risks. Vertebral fractures were associated with disease severity. Introduction There is little quality data on the updated prevalence of fractures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that may have changed due to advances in the therapeutic strategy in recent years. This study was aimed at analysing the prevalence and risk factors of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with RA and comparing it with that of the general population. Methods We included 323 postmenopausal women diagnosed with RA from 19 Spanish Rheumatology Departments, randomly selected and recruited in 2018. Lateral radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine were obtained to evaluate morphometric vertebral fractures and the spinal deformity index. We analysed subject characteristics, factors related to RA, and fracture risk factors. The control group consisted of 660 age-matched Spanish postmenopausal women from the population-based Camargo cohort. Results Seventy-eight (24.15%) RA patients had at least one vertebral fracture. RA patients had increased fracture risk compared with controls (106 of 660, 16.06%) (p = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.27-4.00), glucocorticoids (OR 3.83; 95% CI 1.32-14.09) and falls (OR 3.57; 95% CI 1.91-6.86) were the independent predictors of vertebral fractures in RA patients. The subgroup with vertebral fractures had higher disease activity (DAS28: 3.15 vs. 2.78, p = 0.038) and disability (HAQ: 0.96 vs. 0.63, p = 0.049), as compared with those without vertebral fractures. Conclusion The risk of vertebral fracture in RA is still high in recent years, when compared with the general population. The key determinants of fracture risk are age, glucocorticoids and falls. Patients with vertebral fractures have a more severe RA.

Background The concomitant presence of two autoimmune diseases – systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – in the same patient is known as rhupus. We evaluated a group of patients with rhupus to clarify further their clinical, serological and immunogenic features in a multi-centre cohort. In addition, the study aimed to explore the utility of the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) SLE classification criteria in our group of patients with rhupus. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We included rhupus patients from 11 different rheumatology departments, and compared them to SLE and RA patients at a ratio of 2:1. All information was recorded following a pre-established protocol. Results A total of 200 patients were included: 40 rhupus patients and 80 each of SLE and RA patients as controls. Disease duration was similar among SLE and rhupus groups (around 13 years), but the RA group had a significantly lower disease duration. Main clinical manifestations were articular (94.2%), cutaneous (77.5%) and haematological (72.5%). Rhupus patients had articular manifestations similar to those expected in RA. Only 10% of rhupus patients had renal involvement compared with 25% of those with SLE ( p 0.05). Excluding the joint domain, there were no differences between the numbers of patients who met the classification criteria. Conclusion Rhupus patients follow a particular clinical course, with full expression of both SLE and RA in terms of organ involvement, except for a lower prevalence of kidney affection. The new 2019 EULAR/ACR SLE criteria are not useful for differentiating SLE and rhupus patients. A new way of classifying autoimmune diseases is needed to identify overlapping clusters.

Objectives: To analyze ultrasound (US) differences between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients according to their autoantibody status and characterize the clinical, immunological and radiological features associated with the US pattern of seropositive patients.Methods: We collected clinical and immunological data along with bilateral hand US images of RA patients. Serum biomarkers, MRI of dominant hand and immunostaining of synovial biopsies were performed.Results: Two hundred and five RA patients were collected (84.8% seropositive). No significant differences in disease activity/therapy were found according to autoantibodies status. An extreme proliferative US pattern, encompassing synovial hypertrophy grade II-III with Power Doppler signal that we called US Proliferative Synovitis (US PS) was present in 55.5% of seropositive and 16.1% of seronegative patients, (p=0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, erosions [OR 4.90 CI 95% (2.17-11.07). p=0.0001] and ACPA [OR 3.5 CI 95% (1.39-10.7), p=0.09] but not RF status [OR 0.74 CI 95% (0.31-1.71), p=0.483] were independently associated with the presence of US PS. Ninety-four per cent of joints with US PS scored 2-3 in RAMRIS synovitis sub-index. At synovial level, US PS was significantly associated with higher density of vessels (p=0.042). Moreover, significantly higher serum levels of angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines were found in patients with US PS. After a mean of 46 months of follow-up, US PS was independently associated with change of therapy (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.20-5.77, p=0.016).Conclusions: ACPA+ RA was associated with US PS. This US pattern significantly detected erosive disease and an enhanced need to change therapy in the long-term.

Objective To compare long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes among five sets of remission criteria [four clinical and one Ultrasound (US)-based] in a cohort of RA patients in a clinical care setting. Methods RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR

Objective: To analyse the association between anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (Anti-CarP) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study including RA patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. The main population comprised two groups: (1) RA patients diagnosed with RA-ILD (RA-ILD group); (2) RA patients without ILD (non-ILD RA group). Non-ILD RA patients in whom ILD was suspected underwent a diagnostic work-up and, if ILD was diagnosed, were switched to the RA-ILD group. ILD was diagnosed by high-resolution computed tomography and confirmed by a multidisciplinary committee. An independent replication sample was also obtained. Three Anti-CarP IgG autoantibodies against fetal calf serum (Anti-FCS), fibrinogen (Anti-Fib) and chimeric fibrine/filagrine homocitrullinated peptide (Anti-CFFHP) and one Anti-CarP IgA against FCS (Anti-FCS-IgA) were determined by home-made ELISA. Associations between Anti-CarP and ILD were analysed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted by smoking, sex, age, RA disease duration, rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies. Results: We enrolled 179 patients: 37 (21%) were finally diagnosed with RA-ILD. Anti-CarP specificities were more frequent in RA-ILD patients (Anti-FCS 70% vs 43%; Anti-Fib 73% vs 51%; Anti-CFFHP 38% vs 19%; Anti-CarP-IgA 51% vs 20%, p, Financial support from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Research, Innovation and Education Department (Grant # 37 933 to RC-M and the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund (Grant # RTI2018-094120-B-I00 to IH).

Background Concomitant presence of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the same patient is known as Rhupus. Poliautoimmunity is not an uncommon phenomenon reported, but only a small series of patients have been described so far with Rhupus. This study aimed to explore the utility of 2019 EULAR/ACR criteria in patients with Rhupus. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted in 11 Rheumatology Departments at Catalonia (Spain). We included prevalent cases classified as Rhupus (RA ACR/EULAR 2010 and SLE-ACR 1997). Data of patients with SLE were selected as control in a ratio 2:1, matched by sex. Results 120 patients were included, 40 Rhupus and 80 SLE alone as controls. 95% were female, with a mean age of 51 yrs and mean of 13 yrs. The 2019 SLE EULAR/ACR criteria were met in 92,5% of the Rhupus and in the 96,3% of the SLE cohort (p>0,05). Numerically, criteria score was higher in those patients with ‘pure’ SLE than Rhupus (21.3 ± 7.0 vs 18.8 ± 6.5, p=NS). Excluding articular domain, there were no significant differences among those who meet new criteria (65% Rhupus vs. 77% SLE (p>0.05)). Proteinuria was the only domain significantly more common in patients with SLE alone. No other differences were found in other clinical or serological characteristics. Conclusion More than 90% of patients classified as Rhupus criteria fulfilled new SLE criteria. This study shows that the new 2019 SLE EULAR/ACR criteria are not useful to differentiate SLE and Rhupus patients. Further investigations are needed to measure their utility in clinical practice for detecting overlap presentation of RA and SLE.

We recently described that the presence of various anti-CarPs exhibited a consistent effect toward increasing the odds of ILD in RA. The anti-CarP-IgG isotype was most prevalent; however, anti-CarP-IgA had the highest OR (4.3),3 fueling the hypothesis that RA-related antibodies may originate in the respiratory mucosa, as suggested by Solomon et al. The high proportion of positive IgA-ACPA in IPF (21.3%-24.8%) in their study is noteworthy, in our opinion. This finding may be partially explained by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test sensitivity considering that the proportion of positive IgA-ACPA in the healthy control subjects is also clearly higher (5.6%) than that observed in previous reports (< 2%).

Background:Intra-articular therapy (IAT) is routinely used in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). In order to improve the effectiveness and safety of IAT, it is essential to understand patients’ perceptions and needs.Objectives:To assess the perspective of persons who have experienced IAT, including perceptions on benefits and safety.Methods:A steering committee (including a patient research partner) prepared a 44-item questionnaire based on the information needs of a Taskforce on IAT in adult patients with RMDs. The questionnaire was translated into 11 languages and disseminated via EULAR PARE associations and social media. Persons who had experienced at least two IAT procedures were eligible for the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise results as well as inductive codification of open-ended questions.Results:The survey was answered by 200 individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (66%), osteoarthritis (21%), spondyloarthritis (10%), psoriatic arthritis (9%), and others (16%). The mean number of IATs received was 7 (SD 8), mainly in the knee (66%), shoulder (42%), and wrist (28%), and primarily with corticosteroids (83%) or hyaluronic acid (16%). Twenty-seven percent had not been informed about benefits or potential complications of IAT, and 73% had not been asked whether they wanted local anaesthetic. Consent was deemed necessary by 82 (41%). Most (65%) had never received an ultrasound (US)-guided injection, and of those who had experienced blinded and guided injections, 42 (63%) preferred US-guided because of increased perceived accuracy and confidence in the procedure. Only 50% reported a clear benefit of IAT, mainly in terms of reduced pain and increased joint mobility, but also perceived reduced inflammation, with effect from immediate to 36 hours or even 3 weeks post-injection, and that lasted from as little as less than one week to years. Regarding safety, 40 (20%) had experienced some complications from IAT, including but not limited to increased pain, impaired mobility, rashes, or swelling.Finally, the respondents suggested improvements in the procedure, including: (1) wider availability; (2) less painful procedures; (3) greater efficacy, faster and longer-lasting; (4) fewer side effects; (5) a clear diagnosis beforehand; (6) better shared decision-making, including better information; (7) follow-up, (8) better accuracy; and (9) more expertise.Conclusion:The survey has identified gaps in the IAT procedures, such as a need for clearer information. Patients perceive IAT as relatively safe, though painful, and with varying effect. Suggestions for improving the procedure, including more expertise, should be relayed to professionals and relevant organisations.Acknowledgments:Eular Taskforce grant CL109Disclosure of Interests:IRENE Pitsillidou: None declared, Jenny de la Torre-Aboki: None declared, Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Lene Terslev: None declared, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Hemant Pandit Grant/research support from: Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) for work on Diclofenac Gel, Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb for teaching their employees about hip and knee replacement, Ingrid Möller: None declared, Maria Antonietta D’Agostino Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Willm Uwe Kampen: None declared, Terence O’Neill: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Valentina Vardanyan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou: None declared, Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

Objective To assess the efficacy of abatacept (ABA) in RA patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (RA-ILD). Methods This was an observational, multicentre study of RA-ILD patients treated with at least one dose of ABA. ILD was diagnosed by high-resolution CT (HRCT). We analysed the following variables at baseline (ABA initiation), 12 months and at the end of the follow-up: Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) scale (1-point change), forced vital capacity (FVC) or diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (improvement or worsening ≥10%), HRCT, DAS on 28 joints evaluated using the ESR (DAS28ESR) and CS-sparing effect. Results We studied 263 RA-ILD patients [150 women/113 men; mean (s.d.) age 64.6 (10) years]. At baseline, they had a median duration of ILD of 1 (interquartile range 0.25–3.44) years, moderate or severe degree of dyspnoea (MMRC grade 2, 3 or 4) (40.3%), FVC (% of the predicted) mean (s.d.) 85.9 (21.8)%, DLCO (% of the predicted) 65.7 (18.3) and DAS28ESR 4.5 (1.5). The ILD patterns were: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (40.3%), non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (31.9%) and others (27.8%). ABA was prescribed at standard dose, i.v. (25.5%) or s.c. (74.5%). After a median follow-up of 12 (6–36) months the following variables did not show worsening: dyspnoea (MMRC) (91.9%); FVC (87.7%); DLCO (90.6%); and chest HRCT (76.6%). A significant improvement of DAS28ESR from 4.5 (1.5) to 3.1 (1.3) at the end of follow-up (P Conclusion ABA may be an effective and safe treatment for patients with RA-ILD.

Objective To identify biomarkers of treatment change and radiographic progression in patients with RA under remission. Patients and methods RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR 10.47 (small detectable change). Results Sixty patients were included, 81.6% were ACPA+ and 45% were taking biological DMARDs. At baseline, 66.6% had Power Doppler signal. After 5 years, 73.3% of patients remained in remission. Change of therapy was performed in 20 patients (33.3%) and was associated with BMI [odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% CI: 1, 1.7], lack of biological DMARD therapy (OR 24.7, 95% CI: 2.3, 257.2), first-year progression of MRI erosions (OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1, 1.3) and calprotectin serum levels (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1, 8.2). Radiographic progression occurred in six (10%) patients. These patients had higher first-year progression of MRI erosions (P = 0.03) and bone oedema (P = 0.04). Among 23 patients undergoing synovial biopsy, mast cell density was independently associated with clinical flares. Conclusions One-third of RA patients lost clinical remission and changed therapy throughout the 5 years of follow-up, which was independently associated with BMI, lack of biological DMARDs therapy and first-year progression of MRI erosion score and calprotectin serum levels. Significant radiographic progression was uncommon.

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) against CTLA-4 or PD-1/PD-L1 improve the survival of patients with advanced malignancies including melanoma, lung cancer among other tumours. Because of its mechanism of action, ICI are prone to produce different immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including musculo-skeletal manifestations. Objectives Our aim was to describe the experience with rheumatic irAEs in two tertiary centres. Methods All adult patients referred to the Rheumatology department from 2015 to 2018 because of the onset of musculo-skeletal symptoms following treatment with an ICI were included. Data collected comprised demographic features as well as ICI indication and type, history of rheumatic disease, disease manifestations at irAE onset, laboratory tests, ultrasound findings and treatment. Diagnostic and treatment approach was done according clinical judgment and in a daily clinical practice setting. Results 20 patients were included, 50% female, with a mean age of 61,5 years (range 32-83). The indication for ICI was melanoma in 10 cases, lung cancer in 5, urothelial neoplasia in 2 and squamous skin, breast and head and neck cancer in 1 case each. Pembrolizumab was the most used ICI accounting for 9 cases (1 combined with epacadostat), 8 patients were treated with Nivolumab (4 combined with Ipilimumab), 2 wit Atezolizumab (1 combined with Ibatasertib) and 1 Ipilimumab in monotherapy. A history of previous rheumatic disease was reported in 8 patients (1 seropositive RA, 1 Spondyloarthritis, 1 SLE, 1 gout, 1 chondrocalcinosis, 1 fibromyalgia, 1 De Quervain tendinitis, 1 hand osteoarthritis) and 1 had psoriasis. The most frequent irAE presentation was arthritis with 8 cases (40%), arthralgia in 4 cases (20%), 1 case of myalgia, 2 presented PMR-like symptoms, 1 tenosynovitis and 2 paraesthesia (1 with associated dysesthesia). After assessment, 7 patients were diagnosed as undifferentiated arthritis, 1 leukocytoclastic vasculitis, 1 small-vessel vasculitis, 2 psoriatic-like arthritis, 1 tenosynovitis, 2 PMR and 6 were classified as having non-inflammatory symptoms. Antibody status was analyzed in 16 patients. Anticitrullinated-peptide antibodies, rheumatoid factor and HLA B27 were negative in all cases (except for 1 patient with seropositive RA), ANAs were positive in 4 (including 1 patient with previous SLE) but without any specificities (i.e. ENAs) and ANCA were negative in one case with small-vessel vasculitis. Ultrasound assessment was performed in 6 patients, 3 presented synovial hypertrophy with positive power Doppler (1 with tenosynovitis associated), 1 peritendinous fluid collection, 1 elbow joint effusion and 1 bilateral supraspinatus calcified tendinopathy. Most patients were treated with glucocorticoids 12 (60%) and NSAID 6 (30%) and only 3 patients had to discontinue ICI treatment due to irAEs. Conclusion Our results were in line with previous studies showing that musculo-skeletal irAEs associated to ICI may present as a flare of a previous known rheumatic disease or as a de novo symptom. Most patients presented with asymmetric mono or oligoarthritis having a good response to GC and NSAID without the need of adding DMARD or withdraw of ICI therapy.. Disclosure of Interests Sebastian C Rodriguez-Garcia: None declared, DAVID LOBO: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: MSD, Lilly, Ana Milena Millan Arciniegas: None declared, Roberto Gumucio: None declared, Ana Laiz Consultant for: Lilly, Novartis, AbbVvie, MSD, UCB and Janssen, Speakers bureau: Lilly, Novartis, Abvvie, MSD, UCB and Janssen, Virginia Ruiz-Esquide Speakers bureau: Sanofi, Lilly, MSD, Berta Magallares: None declared, Cesar Diaz-Torne: None declared, Patricia Moya: None declared, Ivan Castellvi Consultant for: I received fees less than 5000USD as a consultant for Kern and Actelion, Paid instructor for: I received fees less than 2000USD as a instructor for Boehringer -Ingelheim, Novartis and Gebro, Speakers bureau: ND, Hector Corominas: None declared, Jose A. Gomez-Puerta Consultant for: Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen, MSD, Pfizer, Roche

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the most common pneumococcal infection, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised hosts. Although vaccination against Streptococcus Pneumoniae is recommended by international guidelines, most studies report a sub-optimal coverage. Objectives To describe the pneumococcal vaccination coverage, predictors for vaccination uptake and frequency of severe CAP and invasive pneumococcal disease during the study period. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study using electronic medical record data from October 2000 to October 2018, including patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), treated with biologic (bDMARD) and conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD) with or without glucocorticoids (GC), followed-up at a referral centre. Since pneumococcal vaccination guidelines have changed during the study period, patients who received at least one dose of any of the available vaccines were defined as being “ever-vaccinated” whereas those who received a complete scheme defined as one dose of conjugated vaccine and one of polysaccharide vaccine 8 weeks apart were defined as having “optimal vaccination”. Predictors of vaccination were analyzed using logistic regression modelling using a set of covariates selected according to the literature. Model assessment was done using Akaike information criterion. To analyze the frequency of severe infections we defined two outcomes: Severe CAP: An episode requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotic treatment Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD): an infection confirmed by the isolation of the micro–organism from a normally sterile site (i.e. blood). Results A total of 279 patients were included, their main clinical features are shown in Table 1. The vaccination coverage was 38.7% and 13.3% overall when analyzing as “ever-vaccinated” and having “optimal vaccination” respectively. A 66% of patients were vaccinated in primary care with a 7% of optimal vaccination whereas the remaining ones received vaccination in referral centres with an 85.3% of optimal vaccination. After adjustment in a multivariate model, age, presence of bronchiectasis, history of severe CAP, current use of csDMARD or GC were predictors of being ever-vaccinated against Streptococcus Pneumoniae. (Table 2) During the study period, 27 (10%) episodes of severe CAP and 4 of IPD were identified, 8 of the former with evidence of pneumococcal infection (either positive urine antigens or isolation in sputum). Conclusion Pneumococcal vaccination coverage remains lower than expected with most patients vaccinated in primary care and not receiving the current recommended scheme. Age, bronchiectasis, history of severe CAP and current use of csDMARD or GC were independent predictors of receiving vaccination. The frequency of severe CAP and IPD was 10% and 1,43% within this cohort. Disclosure of Interests Sebastian C Rodriguez-Garcia: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: MSD, Lilly, Victoria Hernandez: None declared, Roberto Gumucio: None declared, Anna Vilella: None declared, Carolina Garcia-Vidal Speakers bureau: Lilly, Pfizer, Juan D. Canete: None declared, Julio Ramirez: None declared, Raimon Sanmarti Speakers bureau: PFIZER, SANOFI, LILLY, MSD, UCB, NOVARTIS, JANSSEN, Jose A. Gomez-Puerta Consultant for: Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen, MSD, Pfizer, Roche

Background: Concomitant presence of two autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known as “Rhupus”. Although poliautoimmunity is not uncommon phenomenon, only a small series of patients have been described so far with Rhupus. Objectives: Our purpose was to analyze the clinical and serological characteristics of patients with Rhupus and compare them with a cohort of patients with SLE. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included cases of Rhupus (ACR/EULAR 2010 plus ACR 1987 criteria) from 11 different Rheumatology Departments at Catalonia, Spain. We included patients with a diagnosis of SLE in a 2:1 ratio matched by sex, race and disease duration. To avoid misclassification, those patients with Rhupus but who had Jaccoud’s arthropathy or with overlap syndromes were excluded. Results: A total of 120 patients were included, 40 cases with Rhupus and 80 cases with SLE. Most of patients were female (95%) and Caucasian (75%). Mean age was 51.0 ± 14.7 years with a mean disease duration of 12.9 ± 9.2 years. Main clinical characteristics were articular involvement (93.3%), cutaneous involvement (77.5%), haematological (72.5%), secondary Sjogren syndrome (38.7%) among others. Clinical and serological characteristics according different groups are shown in Table. Conclusion: We found some clinical and serological differences among patients with Rhupus vs SLE alone. As expected, articular domains and positive RF and ACPAs were higher in Rhupus. By other hand, renal involvement was more common among “pure” SLE patients. Rhupus patients were more commonly treated with prednisolone, MTX and rituximab, and had more comorbidities and organ damage. If Rhupus represent a different condition, requires further analysis in bigger cohorts. Disclosure of Interests: Beatriz Frade Sosa: None declared, J. Narvaez Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Tarek Carlos Salman Monte: None declared, Vera Ortiz Santamaria: None declared, Vicenc Torrente Segarra : None declared, Ivan Castellvi Consultant for: I received fees less than 5000USD as a consultant for Kern and Actelion, Paid instructor for: I received fees less than 2000 USD as a instructor for Boehringer -Ingelheim, Novartis and Gebro, Speakers bureau: ND, Berta Magallares: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: MSD, Lilly, Delia Reina Speakers bureau: MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, Sonia Minguez: None declared, Maria Garcia Manrique de Lara: None declared, Sergi Ordonez : None declared, Meritxell Salles Lizarzaburu: None declared, Elena Riera Alonso: None declared, Jose A. Gomez-Puerta Consultant for: Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Janssen, MSD, Pfizer, Roche

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a risk factor for the development of fragility fractures, but there is little quality data on its prevalence. Conversely, osteoporosis is one of the most frequent comorbidities of RA. Objectives To determine the prevalence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with RA and to analyse their characteristics and associated risk factors. Methods We included 346 postmenopausal women diagnosed with RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria in 19 Spanish Rheumatology Departments, randomly selected from the registry of RA patients in each center, recruited during 2018. Lateral radiographs of the dorsal and lumbar spine were obtained from all patients, to evaluate morphometric vertebral fractures. Expert rheumatologists identified vertebral fractures and classified them into mild (grade 1: reduction of height of 20-25%), moderate (grade 2: reduction of 26-40%) and severe (grade 3: reduction > 40%), according to the Genant grading scale. The spinal deformity index (SDI) was calculated by assigning numbers 1, 2 and 3 to each fractured vertebra and adding the total score of each patient. The study variables were: a) age, body mass index (BMI), b) factors related to RA: time of evolution, FR, ACPA, and c) fracture risk factors: prior fragility fracture, parental hip fracture, glucocorticoids, smoking, alcohol intake ≥3 units daily, secondary osteoporosis and time since menopause. Results The mean age was 66.8 (SD: 10.1) years and the median evolution of the disease, 8.00 [RIQ: 3.00-15.5] years. 77.2% (n: 267) and 75.7% (n: 252) had FR and ACPA +, respectively. The mean duration of the postmenopausal period was 15.0 (SD: 9.6) years. 23.4% (n: 79) of patients had at least one vertebral fracture; 10.7% (n: 36) had a single fracture and 12.7% (n: 43), multiple fractures. The most fractured vertebrae were D12, L1 and L2 (fractured in > 5% of patients). The median SDI was 3 [RIQ: 2-5]. The vertebrae with the highest mean IDE were D8, D10, D11 and L1 (all mean IDE ≥ 2).An association was found between the presence of vertebral fractures and age, height, postmenopausal period, time of disease progression, glucocorticoid treatment and parental hip. No linear association was found between SDI and age, time of evolution of the disease, BMI and time since menopause. Conclusion One out of every 4 postmenopausal women with RA has at least one vertebral fracture. Vertebrae of the dorso-lumbar hinge are the most frequently involved and the magnitude of the spinal deformity is relevant. Vertebral fractures are related to the time of evolution of RA and to the risk factors for fracture. Disclosure of Interests Carmen Gomez Vaquero: None declared, Dacia Cerda: None declared, Cristina Hidalgo: None declared, JA Martinez Lopez: None declared, Luis Marcelino Arboleya Rodriguez: None declared, Javier Aguilar del Rey: None declared, Silvia Martinez Pardo: None declared, Inmaculada Ros: None declared, Xavier Suris Speakers bureau: Lilly, Pfizer, MSD, Dolors Grados: None declared, Chesus Beltran: None declared, Evelyn Suero-Rosario: None declared, Inmaculada Gomez Gracia: None declared, Asuncion Salmoral: None declared, Irene Martin-Esteve: None declared, Helena Florez: None declared, Antonio Naranjo: None declared, Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Soledad Ojeda Grant/research support from: AMGEN, Speakers bureau: AMGEN, S Garcia Carazo: None declared, Alberto Garcia-Vadillo: None declared, Laura Lopez Vives: None declared, A Martinez-Ferrer: None declared, Helena Borrell: None declared, Pilar Aguado: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: MSD, Lilly, Nuria Guanabens Consultant for: Advisory Boards from Amgen, Alexion and UCB, Speakers bureau: Fees and lectures from Eli Lilly

Background: Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (Anti-CarP) represent a novel autoantibody family present in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with high specificity. Objectives: To analyse the prevalence of Anti-CarP in an established RA cohort and evaluate their association with the presence of other autoantibodies and disease activity and severity. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Presence of Anti-CarP was analyzed in a cohort of patients with established RA (n: 158) by a home-made ELISA test using fetal calf serum. We investigated the demographic, radiological and current and at disease onset clinical features. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) status were also assessed. Results: Anti-CarP were positive in 46.2% of the patients in our cohort and in 15.1%, 19.2% and 9.1% of the patients negative for ACPA, RF and both respectively. Demographic and clinical features are shown in table 1. The mean titer of ACPA (1361±1054 U/mL vs. 918 ± 1092 U/mL) and RF (258 ± 255 AU vs. 174 ± 205 AU) were significantly higher in Anti-CarP positive patients. No difference in symptoms at RA onset was observed. Current (24.7% vs. 11.8%) and previous (54.8% vs. 37.6%) smoking consumption were significantly associated with Anti-CarP antibodies. Anti-CarP positive patients presented a higher CRP values (1. 0±1.6 mg/dL vs. 0.5 ±0.8 mg/dL), swollen joint count (1.3±2.2 vs 0.7 ±1.8) and patient global health assessment VAS (34.8 ±21.5 mm vs. 26.4 ±17.1 mm); although no between-group differences in disease activity (DAS28, CDAI, SDAI and RAPID3) or demographic features were observed. Anti-CarP positive patients presented significant higher scores in Larsen index (23.6 ± 15.7 vs. 15.7 ± 12.6) and disability (HAQ-DI >1) (23.3% vs. 8.3%). Conclusion: Anti-CarP were present in approximately half of the RA cohort and were also detected in seronegative (RF and/or ACPA) patients. In our cohort, patients with Anti-CarP antibodies presented higher tobacco consumption and poorer disease outcomes. Disclosure of Interests: Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: For Lilly and Merk Sharp and Dohme, Sebastian C Rodriguez-Garcia: None declared, Virginia Ruiz: None declared, Oscar Camacho: None declared, Julio Ramirez: None declared, Andrea Cuervo: None declared, Cristina Garcia-Moreno: None declared, Rosa Morla: None declared, Jose Gomez Puerta Speakers bureau: BMS, Pfizer, Amgen, Juan D. Canete: None declared, Isabel Haro: None declared, Raimon Sanmarti Speakers bureau: PFIZER, SANOFI, LILLY, MSD, UCB, NOVARTIS, JANSSEN

Background: Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in remission will present flares during the evolution of the disease.Definitive biomarkers have not been identified to predict flares and radiographic progression (RP) in this kind of patients Objectives: To search biomarkers of clinical relapse and RP in patients with RA in clinical remission Methods: RA patients in clinical remission (DAS28-ESR 6 months) were selected.Clinical,epidemiological and serological data were analyzed.MRI of dominant hand,ultrasound assessment of knees and hands and serum levels of inflammation and angiogenesis biomarkers were evaluated at 0 and 48 weeks.Synovial biopsy was performed in patients with subclinical synovitis.Patients were follow-up for 5 years.Radiological data were collected.Clinical relapse was defined as the loss of remission status involving a therapeutic intervention.RP was defined as the change in the Sharp van der Heijde (SvH) index at 5 years >10.47 [SDD (minimum detectable change)]. Results: 60 patients in DAS28 remission. 1/3 also met remission criteria for SDAI(33.3%),CDAI(31.6%) and ACR(35%).78% were women,mean age 53 years. 82% were ACPA+.26% were taking oral prednisone,76% DMARDs and 45% biological therapies.48% met criteria for subclinical synovitis(UdAS:SH>2+PD)1. After 5 years of follow-up, 44(73%), 11(18%), 9(15%) and 10(17%) patients remained in remission according to DAS28,SDAI, DAI and ACR criteria,respectively. 29 patients (48%) had flares at any time during the 5 years. In the multivariate analysis, the variables that were related to clinical relapse were the BMI (OR 1.6 CI 95% 1.1-2.3), bone edema at baseline (OR 1.2,CI 95% 1-1.5), PD signal at 48w (OR 9.2,CI 95% 1.2-66.7) and the change in levels of CXCL16 (OR 1.04 CI 95% 0.9-1) and ESR (OR 3.6,CI 95% 1.1-12.2) between the first and latest evaluation (Rate). In the subgroup of 23 patients undergoing synovial biopsy, the number of mast cells was higher in those patients (n=10) who flared (p=0.02). 20 patients (33%) changed DMARDs or biological therapy. In the logistic regression analysis, BMI (OR 1.3 CI 95% 1-1.6), biological therapy (OR 17.8 CI 95% 2-167.1),progression of erosions measured by MRI (OR 1.1, CI 95% 1-1.3) and the rate of progression of calprotectin levels during the first year (OR 4.4,CI 95% 1.1-17.2) were the main factors that predicted the change in baseline therapy after 5 years of follow-up. Finally, only 6 patients (10%) had RP according to the SvH index and 7 (12%) had erosion progression.This small number of “progressors” did not allowed more exhaustive analysis of factors predicting RP.However,the number of macrophages and T cells at sinovial tissue (ST) was much higher in patients with RP.Likewise,the first-year rate of bone edema was significantly higher in patients suffering structural progression (p=0.04). Conclusion: 27% of RA patients lost clinical remission (DAS28) after 5 years of follow-up.BMI,baseline bone edema,PD signal at 12m and first-year rate of CXCL16 and VSG levels were predictors of joint flares. Baseline BMI, use of biological therapy,MRI erosions and calprotectin levels predicted the change of baseline therapy for RA. Only 10% of patients had RP along the study.Sinovial mast cells were associated with disease flares. Macrophages and T cells in ST were higher in patients with RP in an exploratory analysis. Reference [1] Ramirez J, Ruiz-Esquide V, Pomes I, Celis R, Cuervo A, Hernandez MV, et al. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical remission and ultrasound-defined active synovitis exhibit higher disease activity and increased serum levels of angiogenic biomarkers. Arthritis Res Ther. 2014;16:R5. Disclosure of Interests: Julio Ramirez: None declared, Andrea Cuervo: None declared, Raquel Celis: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: MSD, Lilly, Sebastian C Rodriguez-Garcia: None declared, Virginia Ruiz-Esquide: None declared, Jose Gomez Puerta Speakers bureau: BMS, Pfizer, Amgen, Raimon Sanmarti Speakers bureau: PFIZER, SANOFI, LILLY, MSD, UCB, NOVARTIS, JANSSEN, Juan D. Canete: None declared

Background:Abatacept (ABA) is a selective T-cell co-stimulatory modulator. After its approval, changes in therapeutic recommendations, the arrival of new drugs (e.g., biosimilars or Janus kinase inhibitors) and growing focus on comprehensive patient care may have changed prescription patterns, channeling ABA use towards specific patient subtypes. To date, studies analyzing these aspects in clinical practice settings are scarce.Objectives:We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile of ABA users and compare it to other DMARD groups included in the register.Methods:We performed an observational study based on the nationwide Spanish register BIOBADASER, which includes patients with rheumatic diseases receiving biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) or targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) from 28 tertiary centers. For this analysis, all RA patients included from December 2015 to December 2020 were examined. Baseline features were analyzed descriptively grouping all b/tsDMARDs by mode of action. Clinical effectiveness was assessed through drug survival obtained by the Kaplan-Meier method. Patients were right-censored if data were not available if they were still on treatment at the time of data analysis. The safety profile was assessed by the adverse events (AE) and serious AE incidence rates (IR) expressed as events per 1000 patient-years.Results:There were 628 ABA-treated patients, 471 (75%) using the subcutaneous presentation. Only 142 (23%) were on first-line while 381 (61%) were on third or later-line therapy. ABA users were older and more likely to present certain comorbidities compared to the other b/tsDMARD groups. The biggest relative differences were seen for interstitial lung disease (ILD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and ischemic heart disease. (Table 1)Table 1.This 12-month interim analysis includes 496 patients (336 with axSpA, 98 with RA and 62 with PsA)NABAIL-6CD20JAKiTNFi6287861816691787Mean age, years (SD)64.1 (12.0)50.7 (12.7)63.2 (12.3)59.6 (12.3)60.7 (13.1)Female sex, n (%)482 (77)652 (83)135 (75)537 (80)1418 (79)Median disease duration (p25-p75)10.1 (5.1-16.5)9.4 (4.6-15.9)13.3 (8.3-20.6)10.4 (5.0-17.2)7.4 (3.2-13.7)ACPA, n (%)352 (72)425 (71)113 (79)407 (70)875 (70)RF, n (%)380 (77)454 (75)124 (86)411 (70)915 (72)Current smokers, n (%)98 (16)137 (17)338 (19)90 (20)259 (18)ILD, n (%)64 (13)21 (3)25 (2)8 (2)19 (2)COPD, n (%)38 (6)23(3)52 (3)14 (3)43 (3)Chronic Kidney Disease, n (%)18 (3)13 (2)19 (1)13 (3)18 (1)Diabetes73 (12)66 (8)13 (7)46 (10)100 (7)Ischemic Heart Disease, n (%)36 (6)23 (3)012 (3)30 (2)Hypertension, n (%)197 (31)198 (25)416 (23)131 (30)338 (23)Heart Failure, n (%)19 (4)12 (2)10 (1)6 (2)5 (1)Osteoporosis, n (%)133 (21)141 (18)26 (14)72 (16)215 (15)IL-6: Tocilizumab and Sarilumab; CD20: Rituximab and biosimilars; JAKi: Janus kinase inhibitors (Tofacitinib and Baricitinib); TNFi: TNF inhibitors and biosimilars; ACPA: anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies; RF: rheumatoid factor; ILD: interstitial lung disease; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Overall, 63% of patients remained on ABA at 1 year, 48% at 2 and 31% at 5 years after drug initiation. The corresponding proportions were 79%, 65% and 52% for bionaïve and 59%, 43% and 30% for those in third or later-line therapy. From 394 total discontinuations, loss of efficacy in 225 (57%) and AE in 98 (25%) were the main reasons. This trend was consistent among all therapy lines.The total IR of AE was 886.5 (837.3-938.5) and 156.4 (136.5-179.2) for SAE. Infections were the most frequent AE overall, IR 44.4 (34.4-57.3), and the highest IR was seen among bionaïve patients (69.6 (44.9-107.9)).Conclusion:ABA-treated RA patients in Spain are older and have more comorbidities (vs other b/tsDMARDs), especially ILD, COPD, ischemic heart disease and diabetes and receive ABA as third or later-line therapy. Although these features are associated with worse response to treatment and a higher risk of infection, ABA presents a good drug survival and infectious AE are not the main cause of discontinuation.Acknowledgements:On behalf of the BIOBADASER Working groupDisclosure of Interests:Sebastián C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Sanofi, MSD, UCB-Pharma, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Novartis, Janssen, Consultant of: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Galápagos, Carlos Sánchez-Piedra: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Roche, Sanofi, MSD, UCB-Pharma, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Novartis, Lilly, and Pfizer., Dolores Ruiz-Montesinos: None declared, Manuel Pombo: None declared, Fernando Sánchez-Alonso: None declared, Juan J. Gómez-Reino Consultant of: Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB.

Background:Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistent joint synovitis causing progressive destruction of the cartilage and bone. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent extra-articular manifestation of RA. Clinical profiles of patients with RA-associated ILD may vary.Objectives:To describe the clinical characteristics and radiological patterns and evaluate the different clinical profile between two different cohorts of patients (pts) with RA- associated ILD.Methods:Retrospective cohort study. We collected clinical and epidemiological data of pts seen in outpatient clinic from a Hospital from Barcelona, Spain and another from Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Pts who met the RA ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and the ILD American Thoracic Society /European Respiratory Society 2013 classification criteria were selected. The study was approved by both local committees.Results:A total of 63 pts were included, 37 from Barcelona and 26 from Jacksonville. Forty-one pts (65%) were women with a median age of 68 years. General characteristics are summarized in Table. Thirty-eight pts (60.3%) were former smokers, but only 9 pts (14.3%) were current smokers. Fifty-two pts (82.5%) were Caucasian, 9.5% Mestizo, 3.2% Maghreb and 1.6% Indian. Most were overweight with mean BMI of 28.6 (SD 5.4). The Barcelona cohort showed more erosive disease than the pts from Jacksonville (26 vs 5 pts, p= 0.00). Seven pts had ILD diagnosis before RA. 4.82 (range 0-33) years was the median evolution from RA diagnosis until ILD diagnosis. Most common type of ILD was usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in 40% of pts, followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in 25% of pts. Respiratory bronchiolitis was significantly more common in Barcelona cohort, while unspecific pattern in Jacksonville cohort (Table). A total of 71.4% were under GC treatment, methotrexate was used in 23 pts (36.5%), leflunomide in 14 (22.2%) and hydroxychloroquine in 7 pts (11.1%) prior to diagnosis of ILD. 6 out of 26 pts from Jacksonville were under MMF. TNF-α inhibitors were the most commonly used bDMARD in both cohorts as a first-line option prior to ILD diagnosis. Currently, half of the patients (50.8%) were under bDMARD. Current use of bDMARD was more often in US cohort (80.7%) than in Barcelona cohort (29.7%). Rituximab (RTX) was the most common bDMARD currently used (17 pts). Jacksonville pts were more commonly treated with RTX, while Barcelona pts were more commonly treated with Abatacept.Conclusion:Globally pts with RA-associated ILD have similar clinical profile in both centers, however, we found some differences in radiological patterns and treatment strategies between both cohorts. Those differences could be explained in part by sociodemographic differences, diagnostic and therapeutic approach and/or access for health care among others.Totaln=63 %Barcelona cohortn= 37Jacksonvillecohortn=26P valueCaucasian, patients (%)52 (82.5%)31 (83.8)21 (77.8)0,49Time RA evolution, mean years (SD)10.58 (8.01)11.63 (7)9 (9.24)0.80Time ILD evolution, mean years (SD)3.89 (3.20)3.86(3.28)4 (3.12)0.28Erosive disease, patients (%)31 (49.2)26 (72,2)5 (18.5)0,00Rheumatoid nodules, patients (%)8 (12,7)7 (18,9)1 (3.8)0,12Current scDMARDs treatment, patients (%)35 (55.55)31 (49.20)4 (6.34)0,002Current bDMARD treatment, patients (%)32 (50.8%)11 (17.5)21 (33.3)0,001ILD typeUsual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), patients (%)25 (40.3)14 (37.8)11 (44)0,08Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), patients (%)16 (25.8)14 (37.8)2 (8)0,23Respiratory bronchiolitis–interstitial lung disease (RB), patients (%)7 (11.3)7 (18.9)00,039Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (OP), patients (%)4 (6.5)2 (5.4)2 (8)0,43Unspecific, patients (%)8 (12.9)08 (32)0,004Disclosure of Interests:Ana Belén Azuaga-Piñango: None declared, Yan Li: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Virginia Ruiz Speakers bureau: Lilly, Pfizer, Raimón Sanmartí Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Isabel Mira-Avendano: None declared, Andy Abril: None declared, Jose A. Gómez-Puerta Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, GSK, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche

Background:In recent years, diverse compounds for intra-articular administration were brought into the market with a subsequent significant and heterogeneous literature production. Understanding the efficacy of intra-articular therapies (IAT) on pain implies bearing in mind the related placebo (PBO) effect. To date, most studies analyzing it were focused on the compound being administered rather than the route of administration.Objectives:We aimed at evaluating the size of the PBO effect after intra-articular injections.Methods:We conducted an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) including randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of frequently used IAT. SRs with a saline solution PBO arm and high-confidence results according to the AMSTAR-2 tool were selected for analysis.Data on the change in pain in the PBO arms from baseline to 3-6 and 12-16 weeks after the IA procedure was extracted. The standardized mean differences (SMD) from baseline were calculated as the ratio between the size of the intervention effect in each study and the variability observed in that study. A meta-analysis was then performed using an inverse-variance random-effects model in Review Manager 5.3. The overall effect sizes obtained refer to versions of the SMD, which corresponds to the Hedges’ (adjusted) g. e.g. a “g” of 1 indicates the two groups being compared differ by 1 standard deviation and so on.Results:Two SR were included comprising 50 RCTs, 44 not meeting inclusion criteria were excluded so pain, measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne index, was retrieved from 6 RCT.At 3-6 weeks, an SMD [95%CI] = 0.74 [0.47-1.00] was found. One study showing too large an effect was excluded after conducting sensitivity analysis resulting in a significant reduction of heterogeneity with an SMD = 0.62 [0.45-0.79] (Fig.1). At 12-16 weeks, we found a SMD = 0.33 [0.13-0.52] (Fig.2)Figure 1.Forest plot for intra-articular PBO effect at 3-6 weeks after injection.Figure 2.Forest plot for intra-articular PBO effect at 12-16 weeks after injection.Using the interpretation suggested by Cohen1, our results would confirm a moderate to large effect of IA saline (PBO) at 3-6 weeks with a subsequent reduction to a small but persistent effect at 12-16 weeks.Conclusion:Our results showed a moderate to large short-term effect of intra-articular PBO that persisted on the mid-term although reduced. Based on these findings we suggest this effect should be considered when assessing the efficacy of IAT in RCTs and also in clinical practice where it could be maximized as well.References:[1]Cohen J. Statistical Power Analysis in the Behavioural Sciences (2nd edition). Hillsdale (NJ): Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 1988.Disclosure of Interests: :Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

Background:Incidence of clinical fractures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not as well-known as hip or vertebral fracture incidence.Objectives:1. To estimate the incidence of clinical fragility fractures in a population of postmenopausal women diagnosed with RA and compare it with that of the general population; 2. To analyze the risk factors for fracture.Methods:330 postmenopausal women with RA from 19 Spanish Rheumatology Departments, randomly selected from the registry of RA patients in each center. The control group consisted of 660 Spanish postmenopausal women from the Camargo Cohort. Clinical fractures during the previous 5 years were recorded. Assessed risk factors for fracture were: sociodemographic characteristics, BMD and variables related to RA.Results:Median age of RA patients was 64 yrs. vs. 63 yrs. in controls (ns). Evolution of the disease was 8 yrs. 78% and 76% had RF and ACPA+, respectively. 69% of patients were in remission or low activity. 85% had received glucocorticoids and methotrexate and 40% at least one biological DMARD. We identified 105 fractures (87 fragility and 18 traumatic) in 75 patients. Fifty-four patients and 47 controls had at least one major fracture (MF) (p< 0.001). Incidence of MF was 3.55 per 100 patient-year in patients and 0.72 in controls. Risk factors for MF in RA patients were age, previous fracture, parental hip fracture, postmenopausal period, hip BMD and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids. In controls, risk factors were age, age at menopause and lumbar BMD.Among RA-associated factors, MFs were associated with erosions, disease activity and disability. Previous fracture in RA patients was a strong risk for MF (HR: 10.37 [95% CI: 2.95-36.41]).Conclusion:Between 3 and 4 of every 100 postmenopausal women with RA have a major fracture per year, four times more than the general population. Disease activity and disability associated with RA, the cumulative dose of glucocorticoids and mainly previous fracture are associated with the development of fragility fractures.References:NoneAcknowledgments:Funded in part by ISCIII (PI18/00762) that included FEDER funds from the EU.Disclosure of Interests:Carmen Gómez Vaquero: None declared, Jose Manuel Olmos: None declared, J. Luis Hernández: None declared, Dacia Cerda: None declared, Cristina Hidalgo: None declared, JA Martínez López: None declared, Luis Marcelino Arboleya Rodríguez: None declared, Javier Aguilar del Rey: None declared, Silvia Martinez Pardo: None declared, Inmaculada Ros: None declared, Xavier Surís: None declared, Dolors Grados Canovas: None declared, Chesús Beltrán Audera: None declared, Evelyn Suero-Rosario: None declared, Inmaculada Gómez Gracia: None declared, Asunción Salmoral: None declared, Irene Martín-Esteve: None declared, Helena Florez: None declared, Antonio Naranjo Grant/research support from: amgen, Consultant of: UCB, Speakers bureau: AMGEN, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Soledad Ojeda Speakers bureau: AMGEN, LILLY, GEBRO, S García Carazo: None declared, Alberto García-Vadillo: None declared, Laura López Vives: None declared, À Martínez-Ferrer: None declared, Helena Borrell Paños: None declared, Pilar Aguado: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Cristian Tebé: None declared, Núria Guañabens: None declared

Background:Intra-articular therapies (IAT) are widely used in clinical practice to treat patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Many factors influence their efficacy and safety. There is a wide variation in the way IATs are delivered by health professionals. In an attempt to standardise these procedures, evidence-based recommendations are the right way forward.Objectives:To establish evidence-based recommendations to guide health professionals using IAT in adult patients with peripheral arthropathies.Methods:At a first face-to-face meeting, the results of an overview of systematic reviews were presented to the multidisciplinary task force of members from 8 countries. The aim, scope and outline of the taskforce were also established at this meeting. Thirty-two clinical questions ranked for priority (relevance for practice plus feasibility) drove the systematic reviews performed by two fellows. In addition, two surveys addressed to physicians, health professionals and patients throughout Europe were agreed to acquire more background information. At the second face-to-face meeting, the evidence for each research question was discussed, and each recommendation shaped and voted in a first Delphi round. Level of agreement was numerically scored 0 to 10 (0 completely disagree, 10 completely agree). All panellists voted anonymously using a sli.do app. Agreement needed to be greater than 80% to be included in a second Delphi round, which also allowed reformulation of statements. Finally, a third Delphi round was sent to the taskforce. The level of evidence was assigned to each recommendation according to the EULAR SOP for establishing recommendations.Results:Recommendations focus on practical aspects for daily practice to guide health professionals before, during and after IAT in adult patients with peripheral arthropathies. Five overarching principles were established, together with 11 recommendations that address the following issues: (1) patient information; (2) procedure and setting; (3) accuracy issues; (3) routine and special antiseptic care; (4) safety issues and precautions to be addressed in special populations; (5) efficacy and safety of repeated joint injections; (6) the usage of local anaesthetics; and (7) aftercare. The document includes the supporting evidence and results from the surveys, level of evidence and agreement.Conclusion:We have developed the first evidence and expert opinion based recommendations to guide health professionals using IAT.Acknowledgments:Eular Taskforce grant CL109Disclosure of Interests:Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Terence O’Neill: None declared, Hemant Pandit Grant/research support from: Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) for work on Diclofenac Gel, Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb for teaching their employees about hip and knee replacement, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Ingrid Möller: None declared, Valentina Vardanyan: None declared, Jenny de la Torre-Aboki: None declared, Lene Terslev: None declared, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Maria Antonietta D’Agostino Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Willm Uwe Kampen: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou: None declared, IRENE Pitsillidou: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

Background:Intra-articular therapy (IAT) is subject to wide variability and there are gaps in the evidence on its efficacy and safety.Objectives:To assess the efficacy and safety of frequently used IATs to inform a EULAR Taskforce.Methods:We performed an overview of systematic reviews (SR) of randomised clinical trials (RCT) assessing efficacy and safety of IAT in adults with RMDs. MEDLINE was searched until January 2019. SRs were assessed with the AMSTAR-2 tool. Critically low-confidence SRs were excluded.Results:Of 159 articles identified, 42 were reviewed in detail and 15 met the inclusion criteria (146 RCTs). The populations included were mainly knee osteoarthritis (OA) in 10 SRs, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 3, hip and temporo-mandibular (TM) OA and shoulder adhesive capsulitis in 1 SR each.In knee OA, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) showed a modest benefit over placebo for pain and function but with unclear clinical significance in some studies. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) showed a small effect over HA only for function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) performed better than PRP and HA for some outcomes, however, in studies with high risk of bias. Intra-articular Glucocorticoids (GC) were better than placebo (PBO) for pain and function.More adverse events (AE) were seen in the PRP group compared with HA and for HA compared with PBO including serious AE each in 1 SR on knee OA.Results for other included diseases are shown in table 1.Table 1.Summary of SR. P: population; C: comparation; H: High, M: Moderate; L: Low confidence; MA: meta-analysis; SOC: standard of care; PRO: patient reported outcomes; ROM: range of motion; MPA: methylprednisolone acetate; TA/TH: triamcinolone acetonide/ hexacetonide; MW: molecular weight; YR: Yttrium synoviorthesis *Same SR assessed knee arthritis in OA and RA separatelySRPCAMSTAR2EfficacySafetyNewberryknee OAHA vs PBO; HA; LavageHMA.HA better than PBOin function in older patients (small effect).No diff in AEJuniGC vs Sham; PBO; SOCHMA.GC betterin pain and function until 6w. No diff at 12-24w.No diff in AEPasMSC vs PBO; PRP; HAMNo MA.MSC betterin pain, PRO, MRI, etcHigh risk of bias.No diff in AETrojianHA vs PBO; GCMNMA.HA better vs GC or PBOin WOMAC pain, stiffness, function and OARSI criteria.No diff in AEGallagherHA vs PBOMNo MA.No diffin joint space width.High risk of bias.Not reportedSamsonHA vs Glucosamine; Chondroitin; LavageMMA.HA betterin pain (small effect), unclear clinical benefitMA. More AE with HA.SAE in 3/1002 knees with HA(severe swelling, hypersensitivity reaction)DiPRP vs HALNo MA.PRP betteronly in WOMAC function.More AE with PRP(pswelling)Silvinato*MPA vs TA; THLMA.MPA better vs TA in pain until w6No diff. in pain or function at 12w.No diff in AETrigkilidasHA vs PBO; GCLNo MA.HA (small effect) better in mild-moderate OANo diff in AELoHA vs PBOLNo MA.HA (small effect) better in pain. (publication bias).High heterogeneityNo diff in AEDe SouzaTM OAHA vs GCMHA better in pain at w24Not reportedFigueiredoHip OAHA vs GC; PBO; PRP; AnaestheticsLMA.No diffin HA vs comparators in pain and OARSI criteriaNo diff in AELeeShoulder capsulitisHA vs SOCMNo MA.No diffin HA vs SOC.No diff in AEHeuftRA (knee)YR vs PBO; GCMNo MA.YR better vs PBO, TH better vs YR in ROM and knee circumference.SR inconclusiveNot reportedSilvinato*MPA vs TA; THLMA.No diffin pain or function.No diff in AESaitoHA vs PBOLMA.HA better in global effectiveness, pain and inflammation.No diff in AEConclusion:Most of the SRs assessed had results of low confidence. HA and GC showed a small, short term benefit in knee arthritis in OA and RA compared to PBO. High risk of bias prevents conclusions on the efficacy of PRP and MSC in knee OA. More AE were reported in PRP and HA treated groups.Disclosure of Interests: :Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

Background:Respiratory tract infections are among the leading causes of hospitalization in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Sp) is one of the most frequent pathogens involved. For these patients, the CDC recommends a combined vaccination scheme (CVS) using two types of Sp vaccines but evidence on its effectiveness remains insufficient.1Objectives:To assess the impact of the combined vaccination scheme on the incidence of Sp infections in patients with RA treated with DMARD.Methods:A cohort was nested in a register including patients with RA who were prescribed a bDMARD or tsDMARD -either naïve or switch- from 2000 to March 2019.The target outcomes were invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and all-cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as defined by relevant MedDRA codes. Demographic and clinical features were also retrieved. Each participant centre informed about the date when they implemented a systematic Sp vaccination protocol and whether they were using the CVS. Those not adopting this practice were excluded from the analysis.Crude incidence rates (IRs) were calculated for each outcome as well as for its combination (combined variable defined as “Sp infections”). Exposure was split into two periods, considering the date when the CVS was officially recommended in Spain (May 2015). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing pre and post implementation periods was estimated with a Poisson regression model adjusted for sex, age and comorbidities (Charlson Index).Results:1704 patients were included, their characteristics are shown in table 1. One centre was excluded for not using any Sp vaccination protocol while the remaining ones reported using the CVS. Crude IRs by periods (pre and post CVS implementation) and age groups are shown in table 2. The IRR of the post-vaccination period after adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities (Charlson index) was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.29 - 0.56), pTable 1.Baseline features of the cohort.DemographicsAge, years *60.6 (12.5)Female1356 (79.6%)Current smoking287 (16.8%)RA clinical characteristicsDisease duration, years*9.1 (7.9)RF positive875 (74%)ACPA positive831 (71%)DAS28*4.6 (1.4)Other clinical characteristicsBody Mass Index*27.5 (5.2)Charlson index*2.3 (1.5)Chronic pulmonary Disease125 (9.3%)Diabetes mellitus147 (9%)*Data presented as mean (standard deviation).Table 1Characteristics of patients with RA at time of RA diagnosis and patients with SAB with/without RA at time of SAB diagnosisCharacteristic, n (%)At RA diagnosisAt first-time SABRA (n=34,627)RA (n=228)Non-RA (n=25,268)Age, years (IQR)59.8 (48.8-70.3)71.8 (62.3-79.2)69.7 (57.7-79.7)Female, %69%59%38%Diabetes mellitus2,467 (7.1%)51 (22.4%)5,678 (22.5%)Heart failure1,018 (2.9%)42 (18.4%)4,718 (18.7%)Liver disease454 (1.3%)12 (5.3%)2,189 (8.7%)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease1,677 (4.8%)36 (15.8%)3,412 (13.5%)Cancer2,124 (6.1%)60 (26.3%)6,742 (26.7%)HIV11 (0.0%)0 (0%)127 (0.5%)Solid organ transplant8 (0.0%)0 (0%)357 (1.4%)Alcohol abuse642 (1.9%)12 (5.3%)3,356 (13.3%)Chronic dialysis29 (0.1%)11 (4.8%)2,256 (8.9%)Orthopedic implant3,807 (11.0%)89 (39.0%)5,422 (21.5%)Cardiac or vascular implant731 (2.1%)18 (7.9%)1,940 (7.7%)Glucocorticoid (0-90 days prior)7,062 (20.4%)99 (43.4 %)2,911 (11.5%)Invasive surgery (0-30 days prior)1,962 (5.7%)62 (27.2%)8,451 (33.5%)Table 2.Crude IRs (95% CI) of the outcomes of interest split by age.Overall≥65PrePostPrePostPrePostSP-Infections33 (27.4-39.9)12.7 (9.8-16.4)28 (22.4-35)11.8 (8.9-15.6)60.3 (42.4-85.8)19.5 (10.8-35.2)IPD–0.4 (0.1-1.6)–0.4 (0.1-1.8)––All cause CAP23.6 (19.0-29.3)11.5 (8.8-15)18.7 (14.4-24.4)10.4 (7.7-14)50.8 (34.8-74)19.5 (10.8-35.2)Conclusion:The incidence of Sp infections experienced a decrease in RA patients taking bDMARD or tsDMARD after the introduction of the stepwise combined vaccination scheme that is not related to age, sex or comorbidities.References:[1] Furer V,et al.Ann Rheum Dis2019;0:1–14Disclosure of Interests:Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Carlos Sánchez-Piedra: None declared, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Dolores Ruiz-Montesinos: None declared, Victoria Hernandez: None declared, Manuel Pombo: None declared, Fernando Sánchez-Alonso: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution), Juan Jesús Gómez-Reino: None declared

Background:Intra-articular therapies (IAT) are routinely used in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs); however large variability exists regarding current practice of delivery amongst health professionals.Objectives:To inquire about common practice aspects to inform the EULAR Taskforce for the IAT of arthropathies.Methods:A steering committee prepared a 160-item questionnaire based on the information needs of the Taskforce. The survey was disseminated via EULAR professional associations and social media and it was open to any health professional treating persons with RMDs, regardless of using IAT personally.Results:The survey was answered by 186 health professionals from 26 countries, the large majority of whom (77%) were rheumatologists, followed by nurses (12%), general practitioners (2%) and orthopaedic surgeons (2%). The two collectives that perform IAT routinely are rheumatologists (97%) and orthopaedic surgeons (89%), with other professionals Conclusion:Although often performed in clinical practice for RMDs, there is apparent variability in several elements related to delivery of this treatment. This information, together with patient input, will help design current recommendations where research evidence is not available.Acknowledgments:Eular Taskforce grant CL109Disclosure of Interests:Jenny de la Torre-Aboki: None declared, IRENE Pitsillidou: None declared, Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Lene Terslev: None declared, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Hemant Pandit Grant/research support from: Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) for work on Diclofenac Gel, Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb for teaching their employees about hip and knee replacement, Ingrid Möller: None declared, Maria Antonietta D’Agostino Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Willm Uwe Kampen: None declared, Terence O’Neill: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Valentina Vardanyan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou: None declared, Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

Background:Patients and Rheumatologist often differ in their perception of RA disease activity. Remission or low disease activity should be the treatment target in RA, patients should be included in treatment decisions.Objectives:To identify factors influencing patient’s self-reported disease activity by RAPID3 test.Methods:47 RA patients in remission or low disease activity by DAS28ESR (DAS28ESR ≤ 3.2) receiving TNFi (etanercept, adalimumab and infliximab) stratified their disease activity by RAPID3, then two patients’ groups were defined:target group(RAPID3 with remission 0-3 or low disease activity 3.1-6),non-target group(RAPID3 with moderate 6.1-12 or high disease activity >12). Demographic data, disease duration, autoantibody status, radiological data, concomitant csDMARD therapy was collected. Laboratory measurements included CRP, ESR, calprotectin serum levels, TNFi trough serum levels, and antidrug antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit (Calprolab™ Calpro AS, Oslo, Norway, and Promonitor®, Progenika SA, Spain, respectively) according to the manufacturers’ protocol. Pearson´s correlations coefficients were used to identify variables correlating with RAPID3 score. Mixed-effects analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) models were used to identify factors influencing RAPID3 score.Results:Patients in “target group”have shown a significant lower TJC, pain by VAS 0-10mm, and calprotectin serum levels, but higher TNFi serum trough levels in comparison to “non-target group”. When patients were classified according to RAPID 3 categories, patients in “remission” have shown lower calprotectin serum levels than those classified as in “high disease activity” (0.94 (4.88-0.14) vs. 4.57 (7.97-1.25),p=0.001, respectively). Accordingly, when classified according to pain by VAS 0-10mm, patients with low levels of pain had lower calprotectin serum levels vs. those with severe pain (1.43 (6.33-10.14) vs. 5.16 (8.80-1.25),p=0.009, respectively). When distributed according to PGA (1=very good, 2=good, 3=regular, 4=bad, 5=very bad) patients in “very good” group had lower mean of calprotectin serum levels than those in “very bad” group (0.94 (4.88-0.14) vs. 4.57 (7.97-1.25),p=0.001, respectively). PGA and Pain VAS have shown a strong correlation with RAPID 3 (R20.978, and 0.834,p=0.001, respectively), while calprotectin and TNFi serum trough levels showed a moderate correlation (R20.311, and 0.372,p=0.005, respectively). The multivariate adjusted analysis showed a significant association between Pain and RAPID3 (pConclusion:61.7% of RA patients undergoing TNFi classified as in remission or low disease activity by DAS28ESR, self-reported their disease activity as moderate or high by RAPID3. The most significant factor influencing patient’s perception of disease activity is pain (pain VAS and TJC). However, inflammation markers (calprotectin, TNFi serum trough levels) remain statistically significant after fully adjustment by different confounders. Thus, therapies improving these three domains will have a larger impact in patient´s perception of disease activity.References:[1]Studenic P, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64:2814-23.Disclosure of Interests:Jose Inciarte-Mundo Employee of: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Rosa Morlà Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Beatriz Frade-Sosa: None declared, Julio Ramírez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche, Novartis and Pfizer, Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Virginia Ruiz Speakers bureau: Lilly, Pfizer, Juan de Dios Cañete: None declared, José Gomez Puerta Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Raimón Sanmartí Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer

Background:Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, an early diagnosis is fundamental. Anti-carbamylated proteins (Anti-CarP) have been described in different chronic respiratory diseases without a previous history of RA.Objectives:The aim of this study was to analyse the association between Anti-CarP and ILD in RA patients.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study, including RA patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. The main population comprised 2 groups: 1) RA patients diagnosed with ILD (RA-ILD group) and 2) RA patients without ILD (non-ILD RA group). ILD was diagnosed by high-resolution tomography and confirmed by a multidisciplinary committee. Three IgG Anti-CarP autoantibodies against fetal calf serum (Anti-FCS), fibrinogen (Anti-Fib), and fibrine/filagrine homocitrullinated peptide (Anti-CFFHP) and one IgA against FCS (Anti-FCS-IgA) were determined by home-made ELISA. Associations between Anti-CarPs and ILD were explored using multivariable logistic regression adjusted by a set of variables known to be related to the development of ILD: smoking, sex, age, RA disease duration, RF and ACPA. An independent replication sample was obtained to validate our findings from another hospital.Results:The main population included 179 patients: 37 were included in the RA-ILD group, and 142 in the non-ILD RA group. Most patients were female (79%), with a mean age of 59.7±13 years with a mean disease duration of 6.6±5 years. Baseline features are shown in table 1. The replication sample was composed of 25 patients in the RA-ILD group and 50 patients in the non-ILD RA group. We found that Anti-CarPs specificities were more frequent in RA-ILD patients (Anti-FCS 70% vs. 43%; Anti-Fib 73% vs. 51%; Anti-CFFHP 38% vs. 19%; Anti-CarP-IgA 51% vs. 20%, pTABLE 1.Main population demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and autoantibody status features.RA-ILDn:37Non-ILD RAn:142p valueFemale (%)25 (68)116 (82)NSAge mean (±SD)67.3 (10.1)57.7 (12.9)Mean disease duration (±SD)11.6 (7.1)5.3 (13.3)Ever smokers (%)21 (57)62 (44)NSSmoking cumulative dose (±SD)30.7 (11.1)21.8 (12)Caucasian (%)31 (84)120 (85)NSTreatmentGlucocorticoids (%)25 (68)81 (57)NScsDMARDs (%)33 (89)132 (86)NSMTX (%)20 (54)95 (67)NSbDMARDs (%)11 (30)36 (25)NSMean DAS28 (±SD)3.71 (1.35)2.74 (1.05)Erosive disease (%)26 (70)63 (44)Mean HAQ-DI (CI-95%)0.69 (0.53-0.85)0.31 (0.24-0.38)ACPA positive (%)29 (78)99 (70)NSMedian titer ACPA (IQR) CU674 (2,215)143 (1,132)NSRF positive (%)28 (76)83 (59)NSMedian titer RF (IQR) IU105 (298)34 (110)NSConclusion:A strong association between RA-ILD and Anti-CarP was found independently of cofounders, including RF and ACPA. Our findings suggest a possible link between Anti-CarP and the development of ILD.Disclosure of Interests:Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Sebastian Rodriguez-Garcia: None declared, Katherine Cajiao: None declared, Gabriela Jimenez: None declared, Maria Jose Gomara: None declared, Virginia Ruiz Speakers bureau: Lilly, Pfizer, Ivette Casafont-Solé: None declared, Julio Ramirez: None declared, José Gomez Puerta Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Susana Holgado Pérez: None declared, Juan de Dios Cañete: None declared, Isabel Haro: None declared, Raimón Sanmartí Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer

We welcome the comments by Alunno et al on our article about the association between anticarbamylated protein antibody (anti-CarP) specificities and rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).1 The authors proposed a ‘mix and match approach’ consisting of the assessment of various antibody specificities at RA diagnosis with the aim of predicting the development of ILD.2 We believe this hypothesis is reasonable, considering that different antimodified protein antibodies (AMPA) including anti-CarP, anticitrullinated and antiacetylated protein antibodies (ACPA and anti-AceP, respectively) have been associated with RA-ILD.1 3 4 Furthermore, a …

Objective To analyse the prevalence of pre-existing palindromic rheumatism (PR) in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate whether these patients have a distinctive clinical and serological phenotype. Methods Cross-sectional study in patients with established RA. Pre-existing PR was determined using a structured protocol and confirmed by retrospective review of medical records. Demographic, clinical, radiological, immunological and therapeutic features were compared in patients with and without PR. Results 158 patients with established RA (78% female) with a mean disease duration since RA onset of 5.1 ± 2.7 years were included. Pre-existing PR was recorded in 29 patients (18%). The median time from the onset of PR to progression to RA was 1.2 years. No between-group differences in demographic features, current disease activity radiographic erosive disease or disability were observed. Patients with PR had a higher prevalence of smoking (72% vs. 40%). Positive rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies and anti-carbamylated protein antibodies were numerically higher in patients with PR. No differences in treatment were observed except for greater hydroxychloroquine use in patients with PR (38% vs. 6%). Palindromic flares persisted in a significant proportion of patients during the RA course, including patients in clinical remission or receiving biological DMARDs. Conclusion Eighteen percent of patients with RA had a history compatible with PR previous to RA onset. No specific clinical or serological phenotype was identified in these patients, although higher hydroxychloroquine use and smoking prevalence were identified. Palindromic flares may persist during the RA disease course despite treatment.

We read the article by Mankia et al on the distinct ultrasound (US) imaging phenotype in palindromic rheumatism (PR) with great interest.1 The authors found characteristic US findings in PR during flares that differ from those observed in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)+ arthralgia. US extracapsular inflammation (periarticular inflammation, subcutaneous or peritendinous oedema), in most cases without joint synovitis, is the most frequent US finding in PR. These findings disappeared after acute attacks. The authors concluded that this imaging phenotype of extracapsular inflammation is specific for PR and may be distinguished from that observed in RA or persistent arthritis. They also suggest that true US intrasynovial inflammation may predict future RA in these patients. …

Background Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients who failed to respond to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). Due to its effect on induction of B cell depletion, the administration of multiple cycles can lead to a decrease in immunoglobulins (Ig) which may increase the risk of infection. Objectives To assess the long-term safety of RTX in patients with RA and to evaluate factors associated with the presence of infections. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted including patients with RA treated in a tertiary hospital between June 2006 and May 2017 who had received at least one RTX cycle. At RTX initiation we analysed: age, sex, comorbidities and Charlson score, disease duration, presence of rheumatoid factor (RF)/anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), disease activity (DAS28), acute phase reactants (CRP, ESR), previous biological treatments; concomitant treatment (csDMARD/glucocorticoids (GC)). Serum Ig levels before every RTX cycle, the number of RTX cycles and adverse events (AE), including serious and opportunistic infections were also analysed. Results We included 53 patients (86.8% women, mean age 55.5±13.5 years), 58% with a Charlson score ≥3. Mean disease duration was 16±9.1 years; 84.9% and 92.5% were RF and ACPA positive, respectively. Before starting RTX, 81% of patients had received other biologic drugs (58.5%≥2), 88% received concomitant csDMARD, (52% methotrexate and 32% leflunomide) and 81% were treated with GC (median dose 10 mg, P25–75 5–10 mg). The median number of RTX cycles received per patient was 5 (P25–75 2–6). 80 AE were reported: 12 infusion reactions, 8 cases of neutropenia, 51 infections (18 respiratory, 8 urinary, 4 skin and soft tissues, 8 gastrointestinal, 4 cases of non-disseminated herpes zoster, 1 bacteremia, 2 septic shock and 6 other) of which 19 were serious. and 5 malignancies (2 melanomas, 2 cervix, and 1 bladder) were also notified. No opportunistic infections were reported. Ig levels were obtained for 41 subjects: 7, 5 and 1 patients had low levels of IgG, IgM and IgA, respectively. Patients who developed infections received a greater number of RTX cycles (p Conclusions Long-term exposure to RTX showed a good safety profile with a low incidence of serious infectious and no opportunistic infections. Factors associated with the development of infections were the number of cycles received and low serum levels of IgG at any point during follow-up. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Dr. Garcia de Yebenes who provided statistical support Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background The standard dose of rituximab (RTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is two intravenous (iv) 1 g infusions, separated by two weeks. Recently, the efficacy of a low-dose of RTX for retreatment in RA patients has been reported.1 Objectives Our aim was to assess the long-term sustained effectiveness of a low-dose of RTX in daily clinical practice. Methods Observational retrospective study including all RA patients treated on a tertiary hospital who had received at least one cycle of RTX, at the standard dose, between June 2006 and May 2017. We selected those patients who achieved a good or moderate EULAR response and thereafter were down-titrated to a low-dose regimen (1 g). Variables analysed: age, sex, disease duration, presence of ACPA (antiCCP2) and rheumatoid factor (RF), glucocorticoid (GC) and conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD) use and dosage before and after RTX treatment, number of biologic DMARD (bDMARD) used prior to initiating RTX. Disease activity was measured using DAS28 index (prior to first RTX infusion, at low-dose regimen initiation and at last follow-up visit). Results 53 patients received, at least, one cycle of 2 g RTX, 70% achieved a good or moderate EULAR response and were stepped-down to a low dose re-treatment regimen. Baseline characteristics of patients receiving low-dose RTX were: mean age 56.4±10.9 years; 13.5% male, mean disease duration 12.7±9.8 years, 91.9% RF +and 97.3% ACPA +; mean DAS28 prior to RTX initiation 5,79±1,17. 73% of patients had received other bDMARD before RTX, 48% 2 or more. 92% were on cs-DMARDs, 51.4% methotrexate (MTX) and 37.8% leflunomide (LEF) and 86.5% were receiving concomitant GC (median dose 10 mg, P25–75 5–10 mg). 73% of subjects received only one standard cycle before RTX dose reduction. Mean DAS28 decreased significantly between the first visit on 1 g RTX vs the last follow-up visit (4.08 vs 3.04; p After a mean follow-up of 3±1.8 years, RTX was withdrawn in 10 patients: 8 due to adverse events (recurrent infections in 4) and 2 cases due to loss of efficacy. Conclusions A sustained clinical response was observed with the 1 gr retreatment of RTX after a long-term follow-up period. Reference [1] Mariette X, et al. Ann Rheum Dis2014;73:1508–14. Disclosure of Interest None declared