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Background/Aims Interleukin-17 inhibitors (anti-IL-17) have provided an additional treatment option in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aims to describe the patient profile, treatment patterns and persistence in PsA patients treated with ixekizumab and secukinumab in a real-life setting. Methods A multicentre, retrospective study was conducted at 8 Spanish hospitals. Three cohorts of adult PsA patients, newly initiating treatment with an anti-IL-17A (secukinumab 150mg [SECU150], secukinumab 300mg [SECU300], ixekizumab [IXE]), between January 2019 and March 2020 were included. Data of patients exposed to anti-IL-17 drugs with a follow-up visit were collected until March 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and persistence were analysed descriptively. Continuous data were presented as mean (standard deviation [SD]) and categorical variables as frequencies with percentage. Persistence rates at 3/6/12 months were calculated. Results A total of 221 PsA patients were analysed (SECU150: 103 [46.6%], SECU300: 38 [17.2%] and IXE: 80 [36.2%]). Treatment patterns differed by clinical characteristics: SECU150 patients presented more moderate PsA and less peripheral joint damage, while SECU300 patients included a higher rate of enthesitis and active psoriasis. IXE patients showed a longer time since PsA diagnosis, with more frequent co-morbidities, joint damage and psoriasis diagnosed. 77.8% of patients were previously treated with csDMARDs in monotherapy and 72.9% with bDMARDs/tsDMARDs (93.8% IXE, 68.4% SECU300 and 58.3% SECU150). Mean number of previous bDMARDS/tsDMARDS were 2.4 (1.5), 1.7 (0.9) and 1.6 (1.0), respectively. Overall, persistence to anti-IL-17 treatments was found in 97.2%, 88.4% and 81.0% of patients at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively, being 83.1% for SECU150, 64.5% for SECU300 and 86.4% for IXE at one year. The most frequent reason for discontinuation was lack of effectiveness (13.8%). Conclusion Most PsA patients treated with anti-IL-17 in Spain had a moderate to severe disease, high peripheral joint damage and skin involvement and had received at least 1 previous bDMARD/tsDMARD. More than 80% of patients with one year follow-up were persistent to anti-IL-17 treatments, observing the highest rate with IXE, followed by SECU150 and SECU300. Disclosure B. Ibañez: Consultancies; B.J.I. has received consulting fees from UCB, AMGEN, JANSSEN. Honoraria; B.J.I. has received honoraria from ABBVIE, LILLY, JANSSEN, NOVARTIS. Other; B.J.I. has received support for attending meetings and/or travel from NOVARTIS, UCB. C. Manteca: Other; C.F.M. has received support for attending meetings and/or travel from Inscripcion on line Congreso SER, EULAR. E. Rubio: None. E. Raya: None. A. Pérez-Linaza: None. R. Hernandez: Honoraria; R.H. has received honoraria from Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, Pfizer, Abbie. Grants/research support; R.H. has received support for the present manuscript from Lilly. Other; R.H. has received fee for expert testimony from Novartis, R.H. has received support for attending meetings and/or travel from NOVARTIS, UCB, R.H. has received fee for participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board from Novartis. S. Manrique-Arija: None. M. Núñez: Shareholder/stock ownership; M.N. is an employee and minor shareholder in Lilly. Grants/research support; M.N. has received support for the present manuscript from Lilly. S. Diaz: Shareholder/stock ownership; S.D. is an employee and minor shareholder in Lilly. Grants/research support; S.D. has received support for the present manuscript from Lilly. L. Trancho: Shareholder/stock ownership; L.T. is an employee and minor shareholder in Lilly. Grants/research support; L.T. has received support for the present manuscript from Lilly. R. García de Vicuña: Consultancies; R.G.D.V. has received consulting fees from Abbvie, Pfizer, Biogen, MSD. Honoraria; R.G.D.V. has received honoraria from Pfizer, Novartis, Sandoz. Grants/research support; R.G.D.V. has received funding for research from from Lilly, Novartis, Abbvie, Janssen, MSD, UCB. Other; R.G.D.V. has received support for attending meetings and/or travel from Abbvie, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, Janssen, Lilly, UCB. A. Kiprianos (Non-author Presenter): Shareholder/stock ownership; A.P. is an employee and minor shareholder in Eli Lilly and Company.

Objective To assess the effectiveness, safety and cost of Etanercept biosimilar in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to the standard drug in real clinical practice. Patients and methods Retrospective observational study. Case series of 138 patients with RA, SpA or PsA treated with at least one dose of Benepali® (n = 79) or Enbrel® (n = 59). Drug retention time was the primary efficacy endpoint compared to the biosimilar and the original. The proportion of patients achieving low disease activity or remission after 52 weeks was used as the secondary outcome. Safety was assessed by means of the adverse effects incidence rate. A cost minimization analysis was performed. Results No differences were observed regarding treatment retention time between drugs (median [95% confidence interval, 95% CI] at 12.0 months [10.2–12.0] for the biosimilar and 12.0 months [12.0–12.0] for the original). Similar improvements, in terms of inflammatory activity and physical function, were obtained after 52 weeks except for patients with SpA and PsA who, in general, experienced improvements of BASDAI and ASDAS with the original compared with the biosimilar. No significant differences were observed in the total number of adverse effects (.43 events/patient-years versus the biosimilar and .53 versus the original). Using the biosimilar in place of the original drug resulted in a net savings of 118,383.55 € (1,747.20 €/patient-years) for the hospital. Conclusion The biosimilar Benepali is as effective and safe as the original and much more cost-effective.

Objective To assess the effectiveness, safety and cost of Etanercept biosimilar in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to the standard drug in real clinical practice. Patients and methods Retrospective observational study. Case series of 138 patients with RA, SpA or PsA treated with at least one dose of Benepali® (n = 79) or Enbrel® (n = 59). Drug retention time was the primary efficacy endpoint compared to the biosimilar and the original. The proportion of patients achieving low disease activity or remission after 52 weeks was used as the secondary outcome. Safety was assessed by means of the adverse effects incidence rate. A cost minimization analysis was performed. Results No differences were observed regarding treatment retention time between drugs (median [95% confidence interval, 95% CI] at 12.0 months [10.2-12.0] for the biosimilar and 12.0 months [12.0-12.0] for the original). Similar improvements, in terms of inflammatory activity and physical function, were obtained after 52 weeks except for patients with SpA and PsA who, in general, experienced improvements of BASDAI and ASDAS with the original compared with the biosimilar. No significant differences were observed in the total number of adverse effects (.43 events/patient-years versus the biosimilar and .53 versus the original). Using the biosimilar in place of the original drug resulted in a net savings of 118,383.55 € (1,747.20 €/patient-years) for the hospital. Conclusion The biosimilar Benepali is as effective and safe as the original and much more cost-effective.

A human motion capture system using an RGB-D camera could be a good option to understand the trunk limitations in spondyloarthritis. The aim of this study is to validate a human motion capture system using an RGB-D camera to analyse trunk movement limitations in spondyloarthritis patients. Cross-sectional study was performed where spondyloarthritis patients were diagnosed with a rheumatologist. The RGB-D camera analysed the kinematics of each participant during seven functional tasks based on rheumatologic assessment. The OpenNI2 library collected the depth data, the NiTE2 middleware detected a virtual skeleton and the MRPT library recorded the trunk positions. The gold standard was registered using an inertial measurement unit. The outcome variables were angular displacement, angular velocity and lineal acceleration of the trunk. Criterion validity and the reliability were calculated. Seventeen subjects (54.35 (11.75) years) were measured. The Bending task obtained moderate results in validity (r = 0.55–0.62) and successful results in reliability (ICC = 0.80–0.88) and validity and reliability of angular kinematic results in Chair task were moderate and (r = 0.60–0.74, ICC = 0.61–0.72). The kinematic results in Timed Up and Go test were less consistent. The RGB-D camera was documented to be a reliable tool to assess the movement limitations in spondyloarthritis depending on the functional tasks: Bending task. Chair task needs further research and the TUG analysis was not validated. Graphical abstract Comparation of both systems, required software for camera analysis, outcomes and final results of validity and reliability of each test.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the worldwide incidence and prevalence of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: A systematic search of Medline and Embase was conducted until June 2020 for studies that analyzed the incidence and prevalence of patients aged >16 years diagnosed with AAV in different geographical areas. A meta-analysis was undertaken to estimate the pooled incidence per million person-years and prevalence per million persons in AAV overall and for each subtype of AAV: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The 95% confidence interval (CI) and I2 for heterogeneity were calculated. Results: The meta-analysis included 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria and covered a total of 4547 patients with AAV. Frequency increased over time. The global pooled incidence (95% CI) was 17.2 per million person-years (13.3–21.6) and the global pooled prevalence (95% CI) was 198.0 per million persons (187.0–210.0). The pooled incidence per million person-years for each AAV subtype varied from highest to lowest, as follows: GPA, 9.0; MPA, 5.9; and EGPA, 1.7. The individual pooled prevalence per million persons was, as follows: GPA, 96.8; MPA, 39.2; and EGPA, 15.6. AAV was more predominant in the northern hemisphere. By continent, a higher incidence in America and pooled prevalence of AAV was observed in America and Europe. Conclusion: The pooled incidence and prevalence of AAV seem to be increasing over time and are higher in the case of GPA. AAV was generally more frequent (incidence and prevalence) in the northern hemisphere.

Objectives To study the differences between rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients and RA patients without ILD in severity markers and disease activity and to identify factors associated with the presence of ILD in RA patients. Patients and methods Patients: RA-ILD patients selected from a multicentre cohort in Andalusia, Spain. Controls: RA-patients without ILD paired by sex, age and disease duration. Protocol: RA patients are reviewed every 3–6 months in rheumatology consultation. All patients are reviewed according to a predetermined protocol with systematic data collection. Outcomes: description of ILD type, differences in severity markers and disease activity in both groups. Other variables: ILD type by imaging technique (HRCT): nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Lung function by PTF. Activity and severity markers of arthritis by DAS28-ESR, HAQ, RF, ACPA and erosions. Treatment with DMARD. Statistical analysis: descriptive and paired T-test or Chi-square test followed by binary logistic regression (DV: ILD in patients with RA). Results Eighty-two patients were included, 41 RA-ILD and 41 RA controls. RF and ACPA positivity, serositis and osteoporosis were more frequent in RA-ILD patients. No significant differences in DAS28 were observed (P = .145) between RA-ILD and RA control patients. RA-ILD patients presented worse HAQ scores (P = .006). All patients were treated with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The risk of developing ILD in RA patients is tripled by a history of smoking or the presence of erosive arthritis (R2 = .36). Conclusions The results of our study support the higher frequency of UIP and NSIP in RA patients. DLCO is the most sensitive parameter to detect ILD in RA patients. Our study showed that ILD in RA patients was associated with RA severity (presence of erosions and ACPA) and with a history of smoking.

Resumen Objetivos Estudiar las diferencias en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) y enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPID) y pacientes con AR sin EPID, e identificar factores asociados con la EPID en pacientes con AR. Pacientes y metodos Estudio observacional de casos y controles. Pacientes: se seleccionaron pacientes de una cohorte con AR y EPID de diferentes centros de Andalucia. Controles: pacientes con AR sin EPID pareados por edad, genero y tiempo de evolucion. Protocolo: los pacientes con AR se revisan cada 3-6 meses en consulta. Todos los pacientes son revisados de acuerdo con un protocolo predeterminado con recogida de datos sistematica. Desenlaces: descripcion del tipo radiologico de EPID, diferencias en los marcadores de gravedad en casos y controles y en la actividad de la enfermedad. Otras variables: descripcion del tipo de EPID por TACAR: neumonia intersticial usual (NIU), neumonia intersticial no especifica (NINE) y de la funcion pulmonar por PFR; marcadores de actividad y gravedad de artritis: DAS28, HAQ, FR, ACPA, erosiones. Tratamiento con FAME. Analisis: descriptivo, χ2 o t de Student, seguida de regresion logistica binaria (Vd:EPID en pacientes con AR). Resultados Se incluyeron 82 pacientes: 41 con AR y EPID y 41 controles AR sin EPID. Los pacientes con EPID presentaron un mayor porcentaje de pacientes con FR y ACPA positivos y una mayor frecuencia de serositis y osteoporosis. No hubo diferencias significativas en DAS28 en casos y controles(p = 0,145), pero los pacientes de AR con EPID presentaron peor HAQ (p = 0,006). Todos los pacientes estaban en tratamiento con FAME. El analisis multivariante mostro que los pacientes con AR exfumadores y con artritis erosiva triplicaron el riesgo de presentar EPID (R2 = 0,36). Conclusiones Los resultados de nuestro estudio apoyan la mayor frecuencia de NIU y NINE en pacientes con AR, asi como la alteracion de DLCO como el parametro mas importante. Los pacientes con AR y EPID se asociaron con una enfermedad mas grave (erosiones y ACPA) y con el tabaco.

To analyze the diagnostic utility of lung ultrasound (US) to detect interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients comparing with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, observational study in patients with RA-ILD (cases) controlled with a group of RA patients without ILD (controls) paired by sex, age, and time of disease evolution. Patients were assessed using HRCT, PFT, and US. The main variables were B-line number, evaluation of the lung-US score already described, pleural irregularities, and A pattern US lost. ROC curve analysis was performed to establish the cut-off point of the US B-lines number for detecting the presence of significant RA-ILD in relation to HRCT, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the intercostal spaces.Seventy-one patients were included, 35 (49.2%) with ILD-RA and 36 (50.8%) RA controls. Regarding US score, we found that the detection of 5.5 lines in a reduced score of 8 intercostal spaces had a sensitivity = 62.2%, specificity = 91.3%, PPV = 88.4%, and NPV = 69.5%. In multivariate analysis, the intercostal spaces which showed independent association with ILD were 3rd right anterior axillary space (OR [IC 95%] 19.0 [1.3-27.5]), 8th right posterior axillary space (OR [IC 95%] 0.04 [0.0-0.6]), 8th right subscapular space (OR [IC 95%] 16.5 [1.8-45.5]), 9th right paravertebral space (OR [IC 95%] 7.11 [1.0-37.1]), and 2nd left clavicular middle space (OR [IC 95%] 21.9 [1.26-37.8]).Lung ultrasound could be a useful tool for ILD diagnosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A 8-space reduced score showed a similar total predictive capacity than 72-space score. Key Points • Lung ultrasound could be a useful tool for ILD diagnosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis. • The 72-space evaluation is highly sensitive, whereas a simplified score enables a more specific and faster diagnosis. • The number of B lines is correlated with DLCO, ACPA, inflammatory activity, and physical function.

Background Studies in axial spondyloarthritis (AxSp) have shown that intensity of pain, anxiety, depression and inflammatory activity are associated with poor sleep quality. Aim To describe mood and sleep disorders and positive psychological factors in patients with AxSp and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to evaluate the psychological factors that are potentially involved in sleep disorders. Design Multicenter cross-sectional observational study based on a series of patients with AxSp and PsA. Participants Participants were selected consecutively from patients aged ≥18 years with AxSp or PsA followed at the rheumatology department of 4 Spanish hospitals. Inclusion criteria age ≥18 years, AxSp (ASAS criteria) or PsA (CASPAR criteria), ability to understand the study and prepared to complete the questionnaires. Methods Main outcomes: Oviedo Sleep Quality questionnaire result. Secondary outcomes psychological status evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, health-related quality of life evaluated using SF-36, perception of pain evaluated using the short questionnaire for assessment of pain (BDU) and fatigue evaluated using the Fatigue Scale (FACIT) questionnaire. We performed a descriptive multivariate linear regression analysis to study factors that were independently associated with sleep disorders. The STROBE guidelines were adopted. Results We included 301 patients (152 [50.5%] with AxSp and 149 [49.5%] with PsA). The multivariate linear regression analysis for the whole sample showed that insomnia was inversely associated with emotional recovery and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and directly associated with depression in both groups. The analysis by disease (AxSp and PsA) showed that insomnia was independently associated with depression and emotional recovery. Conclusions Insomnia may be associated with other mood disorders, quality of life and inflammatory activity in the patients studied here. Relevance to clinical practice A nurse intervention can be carried out to prevent sleep disorders knowing the consequences and triggers of the problem.

Objectives: To describe the frequency of COVID-19 and the effect of vaccination in patients with interstitial lung disease and systemic autoimmune disease (ILD-SAD) and to identify factors associated with infection and severity of COVID-19. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional multicenter study of patients with ILD-SAD followed between June and October 2021. The main variable was COVID-19 infection confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2. The secondary variables included severity of COVID-19, if the patient had to be admitted to hospital or died of the disease, and vaccination status. Other variables included clinical and treatment characteristics, pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography. Two logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with “COVID-19” and “severe COVID-19”. Results: We included 176 patients with ILD-SAD: 105 (59.7%) had rheumatoid arthritis, 49 (27.8%) systemic sclerosis, and 22 (12.54%) inflammatory myopathies. We recorded 22/179 (12.5%) SARS-CoV-2 infections, 7/22 (31.8%) of them were severe and 3/22 (13.22%) died. As to the vaccination, 163/176 (92.6%) patients received the complete doses. The factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were FVC (OR (95% CI), 0.971 (0.946–0.989); p = 0.040), vaccination (OR (95% CI), 0.169 (0.030–0.570); p = 0.004), and rituximab (OR (95% CI), 3.490 (1.129–6.100); p = 0.029). The factors associated with severe COVID-19 were the protective effect of the vaccine (OR (95% CI), 0.024 (0.004–0.170); p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR (95% CI), 4.923 (1.508–19.097); p = 0.018). Conclusions: Around 13% of patients with ILD-SAD had SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was severe in approximately one-third. Most patients with severe infection were not fully vaccinated.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate cognitive function in adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and associated factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional observational study of adult patients with JIA and a healthy control group (no inflammatory diseases) matched for age, gender, and educational level. Cognitive function was assessed using Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III. The cognitive domains measured were attention/concentration, verbal function, visuospatial organization, working memory, and problem solving (Similarities). Other measures included clinical-epidemiological characteristics, comorbid conditions, and treatment. We performed a descriptive bivariate analysis and logistic regression to identify factors associated with visuospatial involvement. RESULTS The study population comprised 104 subjects (52 with JIA and 52 healthy controls). Patients with JIA had poorer results for visuospatial function, with a lower median scaled score on the Block Design test (5.0 [4.0-8.0] vs 8.0 [5.0-10.0]; P = .014). The number of patients with scaled scores below the average range (

Objective To describe the frequency of polyautoimmunity and multiple autoimmune syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods This was a cross-sectional observational study of patients with RA, SLE, and controls without autoimmune rheumatic disease. Cases were those with RA according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria and SLE according to the 2019 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria, consecutively recruited in a rheumatology clinic. Controls were subjects with no rheumatic autoimmune disease (AIDs) recruited in the same area. Patients filled out a questionnaire on polyautoimmunity. Variables of interest were polyautoimmunity (RA or SLE with other AIDs), whereas secondary variables were rheumatic, skin, endocrine, digestive, and neurological AIDs. Multiple autoimmune syndrome is defined as the presence of 3 or more AIDs and a family history of AIDs. Statistical analyses performed were descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate (dependent variable: polyautoimmunity). Results The study population comprised 109 patients with RA, 105 patients with SLE, and 88 controls. Polyautoimmunity was recorded in 15 patients with RA (13.8%), 43 with SLE (41%), and 2 controls (2.2%). The most frequent AID in RA was Sjogren syndrome (53.3%), followed by Hashimoto thyroiditis and psoriasis; the most frequent AIDs in SLE were Sjogren syndrome (55.8%) and antiphospholipid syndrome (30.2%), followed by Hashimoto thyroiditis. Obesity was associated with polyautoimmunity in RA (odds ratio [OR], 3.362; p = 0.034). In SLE, joint damage (OR, 2.282; p = 0.038) and anti-RNP antibodies (OR, 5.095; p = 0.028) were risk factors for polyautoimmunity, and hydroxychloroquine was a protective factor (OR, 0.190; p = 0.004). Conclusions Polyautoimmunity is frequent in RA and even more frequent in SLE. It was associated with obesity in RA and with joint damage and anti-RNP in SLE. Hydroxychloroquine was a protector.

To analyze the effect of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on the outcome of interstitial lung disease secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD).We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with RA-ILD receiving DMARDs between 2015 and 2017. The patients were assessed using high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests at baseline and at 24 months. The radiological assessment was centralized. The main outcome measure at 24 months was changed in lung function (improvement, stabilization, worsening, or death). We recorded the 28-joint Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and adverse events. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with worsening of ILD.After 24 months, lung disease was stabilized in 40 patients (57.1%), improved in 8 (11.4%), and worse in 21 (30.0%). One patient (1.4%) died. The factors associated with worsening of ILD in the multivariate analysis were treatment with abatacept, tocilizumab, or rituximab (OR, 0.102 [95%CI, 0.015-0.686]), DAS28 (OR, 1.969 [95%CI, 1.005-3.857]), and smoking (OR, 6.937 [95%CI, 1.378-4.900]). During follow-up, 30 patients (42.9%) experienced an adverse event, which was severe in 12 cases (17.1%).Lung function is stable and inflammatory activity well controlled in most patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with DMARDs. Non-anti-TNF DMARDs reduce the risk of worsening of lung disease in 90% of patients. The inflammatory activity of RA and smoking, on the other hand, are associated with worsening. Key Points • We have performed prospectively evaluated lung and joint function in patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with various DMARDs. • In our study, the lung function is stable and inflammatory activity well controlled in most patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with DMARDs. • Neither csDMARDs nor anti-TNF agents were associated with a significant risk of worsening of lung disease, whereas non-anti-TNF bDMARDs could reduce the risk of worsening of lung disease. • Smoking and poor control of joint involvement were the main factors associated with worsening of lung disease.

Objectives: To compare the ability to participate in social activities among rheumatoid arthritis patients with other rheumatic disease patients and identify potentially implicated factors. Patients and methods: Between June and November 2019, we consecutively selected patients aged ≥18 years with RA (defined according to ACR/EULAR 2010), SpA (ASAS/EULAR 2010), and SLE (ACR 1997). Main outcome measures: Ability to participate in social roles and activities evaluated using the PROMIS score v2.0 short-form 8a (PROMIS-APS). Secondary outcomes: Participation in social activities according to a series of variables (mobility, depression, satisfaction with social relationships, social isolation, company, emotional support, instrumental support, and support via information). We evaluated the association between the ability to participate in social activities and associated variables using multivariable linear regression analysis. Results: The study population comprised 50 patients with RA (33.1%), 51 patients (33.8%) with SpA, and 50 patients (33.1%) with SLE. The mean PROMIS-APS scores were similar in the three groups. The multivariable analysis for the whole sample showed that the ability to participate in social activities was inversely associated with depression and directly with social satisfaction, mobility, company, and age. The stratified analysis revealed an inverse association between inflammatory activity and ability to participate in social activities in patients with RA and SpA, but not in those with SLE. Conclusion: All patients with RA, SpA, and SLE had a similar ability to participate in social activities. This was associated with other psychosocial factors (social satisfaction, mobility, company, depression) and clinical factors (age and inflammatory activity).

Objectives: To describe the characteristics and progression of interstitial lung disease in patients with associated systemic autoimmune disease (ILD-SAI) and to identify factors associated with progression and mortality. Patients and methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective, observational study of patients with ILD-SAI followed between 2015 and 2020. We collected clinical data and performed pulmonary function testing and high-resolution computed tomography at diagnosis and at the final visit. The main outcome measure at the end of follow-up was forced vital capacity (FVC) &gt, 10% or diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide &gt, 15% and radiological progression or death. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with worsening of ILD. Results: We included 204 patients with ILD-SAI: 123 (60.3%) had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 58 had (28.4%) systemic sclerosis, and 23 (11.3%) had inflammatory myopathy. After a median (IQR) period of 56 (29.8–93.3) months, lung disease had stabilized in 98 patients (48%), improved in 33 (16.1%), and worsened in 44 (21.5%). A total of 29 patients (14.2%) died. Progression and hospitalization were more frequent in patients with RA (p = 0.010). The multivariate analysis showed the independent predictors for worsening of ILD-SAI to be RA (HR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.3–2.7]), usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (HR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.0–2.9]), FVC (%) (HR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.4–3.9]), and smoking (HR, 2.7 [95%CI, 1.6–4.7]). Conclusion: Disease stabilizes or improves after a median of 5 years in more than half of patients with ILD-SAI, although more than one-third die. Data on subgroups and risk factors could help us to predict poorer outcomes.

Objective: To identify factors associated with the higher proportion of fatty tissue and overweight/obesity observed in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Patients and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 80 JIA patients aged 4–15 years with 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The 27-joint Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity score (JADAS27) was calculated. Two multivariate models were constructed to identify factors associated with overweight/obesity and fat mass index (FMI). Results: No differences were found between cases and controls in body mass index (BMI) or body composition. However, compared with controls, patients with a high inflammatory activity (JADAS27 &gt, 4.2 for oligoarticular JIA or &gt, 8.5 for polyarticular disease) had higher values for BMI (p = 0.006), total fat mass (p = 0.003), FMI (p = 0.001), and fat in the legs (p = 0.001), trunk (p = 0.001), and arms (p = 0.002). The factors associated with overweight/obesity in patients were the duration of therapy with biological drugs, measured in months (OR [95% CI] = 1.12 [1.02–1.04], p = 0.037), and physical activity (OR [95% CI] = 0.214 [0.07–0.68], p = 0.010), while the factors associated with FMI were age (β [95% CI] = 0.30 [0.17–1.41], p = 0.014), JADAS27 (β [95% CI] = 0.45 [0.16–1.08], p = 0.009), and physical activity (β [95% CI] = −0.22 [−5.76 to 0.29], p = 0.031). Conclusion: Our study revealed no differences between JIA patients with well-controlled disease and low disability and the healthy population in BMI or body composition. Furthermore, the association observed between inflammatory activity and adiposity could be responsible for poorer clinical course.

To describe the clinical and therapeutic management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), alone or in combination with conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs), as well as analysing changes over time in bDMARD use. An observational, retrospective, multicentre study was conducted in the rheumatology departments of 10 public Spanish hospitals. Patients with RA treated with bDMARDs at baseline who had medical records available in the data collection period 2013-2016 were included. All visits to rheumatology departments recording any type of bDMARD modification (dose, etc.) were collected. Clinical characteristics, concomitant treatment, resource use, work productivity and quality of life (QoL) were recorded. 128 patients were included: 81 received first-line bDMARD treatment, 28 second-line bDMARD treatment and 19 received third or later lines. Mean study follow-up was 4.1 years. Assessment of DAS28 was available in 54.6% of visits. At baseline, 48.7% of patients had moderate-high disease activity. At final observation, 69.5% of patients continued with the first bDMARD. Tumour necrosis factor blockers were administered to 85.2% of patients in first line, 45.7% in second line and 18.1% in third or later lines. At final observation, 80.2% of patients still felt pain/discomfort. As expected, those with higher disease activity had higher loss of work productivity and lower QoL, as assessed by DAS28, than patients with lower disease activity. Drugs represented 82.6% of the total cost. In this Spanish cohort of 128 patients, most patients remained on the first prescribed bDMARD, despite remaining signs and symptoms.

espanolObjetivo Revisar la eficacia y seguridad del rituximab en neuropatia vasculitica (NV). Metodos Se realizo una busqueda en la literatura de Medline y Embase hasta 2017. Los terminos incluidos guardaron relacion con «vasculitis», «neuropatia vasculitica» y «rituximab». Dicha busqueda fue realizada por 2 revisores. El resultado principal fue la eficacia del rituximab. Resultados Tras seleccionar inicialmente 702 articulos, 5 de ellos permanecieron con un nivel de evidencia de entre 1+ y 3, y un grado de recomendacion variable. En el unico ensayo clinico incluido, el rituximab fue superior a la terapia convencional para vasculitis crioglobulinemica, mostrando NV un incremento en la tasa de retencion farmacologica (64,3 vs. 3,5%; p Conclusiones Rituximab parece ser un tratamiento eficaz y seguro para NV, en el contexto de vasculitis crioglobulinemica. Se carece de evidencia sobre la eficacia especifica de NV en el contexto de otras vasculitis. EnglishObjective To review the efficacy and safety of rituximab in vasculitic neuropathy (VN). Methods A literature search was performed on Medline and Embase up until 2017. It included terms related to “vasculitis”,“vasculitic neuropathy” and “Rituximab”. Research was carried out by two reviewers. The main outcome was rituximab efficacy. Results Of an initial selection of 702 articles, 5 remained with a level of evidence between 1+ and 3 and variable recommendation degree. In the only clinical trial included, rituximab was superior to conventional therapy for cryoglobulinemic vasculitis with VN showing an increase in drug retention rate (64.3% vs. 3.5%; P Conclusions Rituximab seems an effective and safe treatment for VN in the context of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Evidence for specific efficacy in VN in the context of other types of vasculitis is lacking.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad y la seguridad de tocilizumab (TCZ) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) en practica clinica; la optimizacion de dosis y el cambio de formulacion intravenosa (iv) a subcutanea (sc). Material y metodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyo a 53 pacientes con AR tratados con TCZ. El desenlace principal fue efectividad de TCZ en la semana 24. Variables de desenlace secundarias incluyeron: efectividad en la semana 52, tiempo de retencion del tratamiento, funcion fisica y seguridad. Tambien se midio efectividad de la optimizacion de dosis y del cambio de formulacion iv a sc a los 3 y 6 meses. La efectividad se midio con el indice de actividad segun el Disease activity score-28. Se uso la prueba T pareada o prueba de rangos con signos de Wilcoxon para evaluar efectividad y el tiempo de supervivencia mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados La proporcion de pacientes que alcanzaron la remision o baja actividad de la enfermedad en las semanas 24 y 52 fue del 75,5 y el 87,3%, respectivamente. La media de tiempo de retencion (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC del 95%]) fue de 81,7 meses (76,6-86,7). Veintiuno de 53 pacientes (39,6%) optimizaron la dosis de TCZ y 35 pacientes cambiaron a TCZ sc desde iv, sin cambios en resultados de efectividad. La tasa de efectos adversos fue 13,6 eventos/100 pacientes-ano. Conclusiones Tocilizumab parece efectivo y seguro en AR en practica clinica. La reduccion de dosis parece efectiva en la mayoria de los pacientes en remision, incluso cuando cambian de iv a sc. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice, establishing the optimized regimen and switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) therapy. Material and methods Retrospective observational study. We included 53 RA patients treated with TCZ. The main outcome was TCZ effectiveness at week 24. Secondary outcome variables included effectiveness at week 52, therapeutic maintenance, physical function and safety. The effectiveness of optimization and the switch from IV to SC was evaluated at 3 and 6 months. The efficacy was measured with the Disease Activity Score. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon were used to evaluate effectiveness and survival time using Kaplan-Meier. Results The proportion of patients who achieved remission or low disease activity at weeks 24 and 52 was 75.5% and 87.3%, respectively. The mean retention time (95% confidence interval [95% CI] was 81.7 months [76.6-86.7]). Twenty-one of 53 patients (39.6%) optimized the TCZ dose and 35 patients switched from IV TCZ to SC, with no changes in effectiveness. The adverse event rate was 13.6 events/100 patient-years. Conclusions Tocilizumab appears to be effective and safe in RA in clinical practice. The optimized regimen appears to be effective in most patients in remission, even when they change from IV to SC.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice, establishing the optimised regimen and switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) therapy. Material and methods Retrospective observational study. We included 53 RA patients treated with TCZ. The main outcome was TCZ effectiveness at week 24. Secondary outcome variables included effectiveness at week 52, therapeutic maintenance, physical function and safety. The effectiveness of optimization and the switch from IV to SC was evaluated at 3 and 6 months. The efficacy was measured with the Disease Activity Score. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon were used to evaluate effectiveness and survival time using Kaplan–Meier. Results The proportion of patients who achieved remission or low disease activity at weeks 24 and 52 was 75.5% and 87.3%, respectively. The mean retention time (95% confidence interval [95% CI] was 81.7 months [76.6–86.7]). Twenty-one of 53 patients (39.6%) optimised the TCZ dose and 35 patients switched from IV TCZ to SC, with no changes in effectiveness. The adverse event rate was 13.6 events/100 patient-years. Conclusions Tocilizumab appears to be effective and safe in RA in clinical practice. The optimised regimen appears to be effective in most patients in remission, even when they change from IV to SC.

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir si las enfermedades inflamatorias reumaticas (EIR) se asocian con mayor riesgo de hospitalizacion y/o mortalidad por COVID-19 e identificar los factores asociados a la hospitalizacion y mortalidad en EIR y COVID-19 en diferentes Hospitales de Andalucia METODOS: Diseno: Estudio multicentrico observacional de casos y controles Pacientes: Casos: EIR y COVID-19 de diferentes centros de Andalucia Controles: pacientes sin EIR pareados por sexo, edad y PCR-COVID Protocolo: se solicito al servicio de microbiologia un listado de pacientes con PCR para COVID-19 desde 14 de marzo al 14 de abril de 2020 Se identificaron los pacientes que tuvieran EIR y luego consecutivamente un control pareado para cada caso Variables: La variable de desenlace principal fue ingreso hospitalario y mortalidad por COVID-19 Analisis estadistico: bivariante seguida de modelos de regresion logistica binaria (Vd : mortalidad/ingreso hospitalario) RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 156 pacientes con COVID-19, 78 con EIR y 78 sin EIR Los pacientes con EIR no presentaron caracteristicas de la enfermedad COVID-19 diferentes a la poblacion general, tampoco mayor ingreso hospitalario ni mortalidad El factor asociado con mortalidad en los pacientes con EIR fue edad (OR [IC 95%], 1,1 [1,0-1,2];p=0,025), mientras que los factores asociados a ingreso hospitalario fueron edad (OR [IC 95%], 1,1 [1,1-1,2];p=0,007) e hipertension arterial (OR [IC 95%], 3,9 [1,5-6,7];p=0,003) CONCLUSION: La mortalidad y el ingreso hospitalario por COVID-19 no parecen aumentados en las EIR La edad se asocio con mortalidad en EIR y, ademas, la hipertension arterial se asocio con ingreso hospitalario ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe whether rheumatic inflammatory diseases (RID) are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and / or mortality from COVID-19 and identify the factors associated with hospitalization and mortality in RID and COVID-19 in different Hospitals in Andalusia METHODS: Design: Multicentre observational case-control study Patients: RID and COVID-19 from different centres in Andalusia Controls: patients without RIS matched by sex, age and CRP-COVID Protocol: a list of patients with PCR for COVID-19 was requested from the microbiology service from March 14 to April 14, 2020 The patients who had RID were identified and then consecutively a paired control for each case Variables: The main outcome variable was hospital admission and mortality from COVID-19 Statistical analysis: bivariate followed by binary logistic regression models (DV: mortality / hospital admission) RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six patients were included, 78 with RID and COVID-19 and 78 without RID with COVID-19 The patients did not present characteristics of COVID-19 disease different from the general population, nor did they present higher hospital admission or mortality The factor associated with mortality in patients with RID was advanced age (OR [95% CI], 1 1 [1 0-1 2];p = 025), while the factors associated with hospitalization were advanced age (OR [95% CI], 1 1 [1 0-1 1];p = 007) and hypertension (OR [95% CI], 3 9 [1 5-6 7] ;p = 003) CONCLUSION: Mortality and hospital admission due to COVID-19 do not seem to increase in RID Advanced age was associated with mortality in RID and, in addition, HTN was associated with hospital admission

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to analyse the contribution of cumulative inflammatory burden and other factors to its development.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.ParticipantsPatients with RA and controls matched for age, sex and Body Mass Index. We excluded patients with diabetes.SettingsPatients from an RA inception cohort at Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain, were recruited between September 2016 and May 2018.Primary and secondary outcome measuresIR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment for IR and beta-cell function and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Other variables included the cumulative 28-Joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) with C reactive protein (CRP) body composition and cytokines. Two logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with IR in patients with RA.ResultsEighty-nine patients with RA and 80 controls were included. The prevalence of IR was similar in both cases and controls. Inflammatory activity was controlled appropriately in patients during follow-up (mean DAS28 3.1 (0.8)). The presence of IR in patients with RA was associated with obesity (OR 6.01, 95% CI 1.9 to 8.7), higher cumulative DAS28-CRP values during follow-up (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 6.0), and higher interleukin-1β levels (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4). The second model showed that the risk of IR increased by 10% for each kilogram of excess body fat.ConclusionIn patients with well-controlled, established RA, IR is associated mainly with poorer control of inflammation from diagnosis and with obesity, specifically total fat mass.

Objectives: To analyze the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in connective tissue disease associated with interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD). Methods: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with CTD-ILD receiving rituximab between 2015 and 2020. The patients were assessed using high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests at baseline, at 12 months, and at the end of follow-up. The main outcome measure at the end of follow-up was forced vital capacity (FVC) > 10% or diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) > 15% and radiological progression or death. We recorded clinical characteristics, time to initiation of RTX, concomitant treatment, infections, and hospitalization. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with worsening ILD. Results: We included 37 patients with CTD-ILD treated with RTX for a median (IQR) of 38.2 (17.7–69.0) months. At the end of the follow-up, disease had improved or stabilized in 23 patients (62.1%) and worsened in seven (18.9%); seven patients (18.9%) died. No significant decline was observed in median FVC (72.2 vs. 70.8; p = 0.530) or DLCO (55.9 vs. 52.2; p = 0.100). The multivariate analysis showed the independent predictors for worsening of CTD-ILD to be baseline DLCO (OR (95% CI), 0.904 (0.8–0.9); p = 0.015), time to initiation of RTX (1.01 (1.001–1.02); p = 0.029), and mycophenolate (0.202 (0.04–0.8); p = 0.034). Only 28 of the 37 patients (75.6%) were still undergoing treatment with RTX: two patients (5.4%) stopped treatment due to adverse events and seven patients (18.9%) died owing to progression of ILD and superinfection. Conclusion: Lung function improved or stabilized in more than half of patients with CTD-ILD treated with RTX. Early treatment and combination with mycophenolate could reduce the risk of progression of ILD.

Objective To describe the incidence and fatality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identify risk factors to fatality in patients with inflammatory articular diseases (IAD). Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study of IAD patients and COVID-19 with controls matched for age, sex, and RT-PCR. A control group was used to compare the cumulative incidence (CI) and case fatality rate (CFR). The main outcomes of the study were CI and CFR. Other variables included comorbidities, treatments, and characteristics of the COVID-19. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate risk factors for fatality in patients with IAD. Results Of the 1537 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 23/1537 (1.49%) had IAD 13 (0.8%) had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 5 psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (0.3%) and 5 axial spondyloarthritis (0.3%). There were no significant differences in CI of COVID-19 and CFR in patients with IAD compared with COVID-19 patients without IAD. In RT-PCR positive patients, the CI of COVID-19 in PsA and AS was higher. Of the 23 IAD patients, 2 RA patients (8.6%) died. The patients did no show characteristics of the COVID-19 disease different from the population. In multivariate analysis, the factor associated with fatality in patients with IAD was older age (OR [95% CI], 1.1 [1.0-1.2]). Conclusion COVID-19 CI, fatality rate and other features do not seem to be increased in IAD patients. Older age was associated with fatality in patients with IAD.

Objective: To describe postprandial lipemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to analyze its association with subclinical atherosclerosis measured as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Methods: We performed an observational study of 40 patients with RA and 40 sex and age-matched controls. Patients with dyslipidemia were excluded. Pathologically increased cIMT was defined as a carotid thickness greater than the 90th percentile (&gt, p90) for age and sex. Fasting and postprandial plasma lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B48 (ApoB48), and total ApoB were evaluated. The other variables included were clinical and laboratory values, Framingham score, and the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). Two multivariate models were constructed to identify factors associated with pathologic cIMT in patients with RA. Results: Fasting lipid values were similar in patients with RA and controls, although those of postprandial ApoB48 were higher (median (IQR), 14.4 (10.8&ndash, 12.1) vs. 12.1 (2.3&ndash, 9,8), p = 0.042). Pathologic cIMT was recorded in 10 patients with RA (25%) and nine controls (22.5%). In patients with RA, pathologic cIMT was associated with postprandial ApoB48 (OR (95% CI), 1.15 (1.0&ndash, 1.3)) and total ApoB (OR [95% CI], 1.12 [1.1&ndash, 1.2]). The second model revealed a mean increase of 0.256 mm for cIMT in patients with elevated anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). Conclusion: Postprandial ApoB48 levels in patients with RA are higher than in controls. Postprandial ApoB48 and total ApoB levels and markers of severity, such as ACPAs, are associated with pathologic cIMT in patients with RA. Our findings could indicate that these atherogenic particles have a negative effect on the endothelium.