Search

Objective: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities is the most common form of vascular involvement in Behcet disease (BD), frequently leading to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) as a disabling complication. We have described the clinical characteristics and predictors of PTS presence among patients with BD and lower extremity DVT. We also used venous Doppler ultrasound (US) examinations in our assessment. Methods: Patients with BD (n = 205; 166 men, 39 women; age 39 6 9.5 years) and a history of DVT were investigated. The Villalta scale was used to assess the presence and severity of PTS. Doppler US examinations were performed within 1 week of the clinical evaluation. The total number of vessels with reflux, thrombi, recanalization, and collateral vessels were calculated. Results: Of the 205 patients with BD, 62% had had PTS and 18% had had severe PTS. Patients with PTS had had greater reflux (P = .054) and thrombosis (P = .02) scores compared with patients without PTS. Treatment with anticoagulation (AC), immunosuppressive (IS) therapy, or AC combined with IS drugs did not affect the occurrence of PTS. However, patients treated with IS therapy, with or without AC drugs, had a decreased incidence of severe PTS compared with the AC-only group (P = .017). Patients treated with AC plus IS agents also had increased collateral scores compared with patients treated with only IS drugs. Interferon-a use seemed to provide better recanalization scores compared with azathioprine only (1.0 [range, 0-14] vs 2.5 [range, 0-10]; P = .010). Conclusions: Patients with BD and DVT have a high risk of developing severe PTS. IS treatment decreases the development of severe PTS. AC therapy might influence the course of PTS by increasing the collateral scores, and the use of interferon-a also increased recanalization scores. Routine assessment with Doppler US examinations could be helpful in the prediction of severe PTS. (J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021;9:1451-9.)

Background Anti-rheumatic drugs can increase the predisposition to infection, and patients may be unaware of continuing their treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective This study aimed to assess whether patients maintain their treatment for rheumatic conditions during the pandemic period and determine the factors responsible for discontinuation. Methods Patients were randomly selected from the prospectively collected database of our tertiary referral center. The patients were interviewed by telephone through a standardized closed-ended questionnaire, which is targeting the continuity of the treatment plan and the considerations related to the individual choice. The patients were asked whether they hesitated to visit the hospital for follow-up or intravenous drug administration. Results A total of 278 patients completed the questionnaire. While 62 of the patients (22.3%) had reduced or interrupted the treatment, only 11 patients (3.9%) stopped the treatment completely. A significant difference was observed between the duration of illness and the discontinuation of treatment. (p = 0.023) There was a significant difference in disease activity between the group that stopped treatment and continued treatment. (p = 0.001) There was no statistically significant difference in other demographic characteristics. One hundred thirty-five patients (48.6%) made the treatment decision by themselves, and 80% continued the treatment. Reasons for stopping the treatment were anxiety (48.4%), not being able to go to the hospital for intravenous treatment (45.1%), and not being able to find the drug (6.5%). Conclusion Since patients with long-term illnesses were found to be significantly more likely to stop their treatment, this group of patients should be monitored.

Background/aim: to evaluate treatment adherence and predictors of drug discontinuation among patients with inflammatory arthritis receiving bDMARDs within the first 100 days after the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: a total of 1871 patients recorded in TReasure registry for whom advanced therapy was prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) within the 3 months (6-9 months for rituximab) before the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated, and 1394 (74.5%) responded to the phone survey. Patients' data regarding demographic, clinical characteristics and disease activity before the pandemic were recorded. The patients were inquired about the diagnosis of COVID-19, the rate of continuation on bDMARDs, the reasons for treatment discontinuation, if any, and the current general disease activity (visual analog scale, [VAS]). Results: a total of 1394 patients (493 RA [47.3% on anti-TNF] patients and 901 SpA [90.0% on anti-TNF] patients) were included in the study. Overall, 2.8% of the patients had symptoms suggesting COVID-19, and 2 (0.15%) patients had PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Overall, 18.1% of all patients (13.8% of the RA and 20.5% of the SpA; p = 0.003) discontinued their bDMARDs. In the SpA group, the patients who discontinued bDMARDs were younger (40 [21-73] vs. 44 years [20-79]; p = 0.005) and had higher general disease activity; however, no difference was relevant for RA patients. Conclusion: although the COVID-19 was quite uncommon in the first 100 days of the pandemic, nearly one-fifth of the patients discontinued bDMARDs within this period. The long-term effects of the pandemic should be monitored., Hacettepe Rheumatology Society

This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of the antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with chronic kidney disease.In this study, 24 male patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of60 mL min􏰁1 1.73 m􏰁2 were included among 863 patients who were followed-up once in 3 months regularly from 2010 to 2018years. Twenty-four patients were chosen for the control group among 420 male patients whose renal functions were normal using random sampling. We examined C-reactive protein, erythro- cyte sedimentation rate, serum creatinine, and GFR values, and also the measurements of Bath Anky- losing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) were recorded at the beginning of the treatment with anti-TNF agents and in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and final visit months.Eleven (45.9%) of the patients included in the study were in the routine dialysis program. The initial anti-TNF treatments were etanercept (62.5%), infliximab (16.7%), adalimumab (16.7%), and goli- mumab (4.1%). Treatment was effective in 22 (91.7%) of the patients. When the values of the two groups' patients were compared at the beginning of the treatment, there was a substantial reduction regarding BASDAI (P.001). Pleural effusion, infective endocarditis, septic arthritis, and prosthesis infection were major side effects (n 1⁄4 4). The mortality rate of the 24 patients was 29.2% (n 1⁄4 7).This study demonstrated that anti-TNF drug treatment is effective and safe in patients with AS who have chronic kidney disease.

Background/Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major concern in RA patients and events of ILD have been reported in patients treated with tofacitinib in RA clinical trials and in the post-marketing setting. The aim of this study was to assess the real-life efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with RA-ILD. Methods RA patients with ILD diagnosis based on the HRCT images of the lungs from eight different centers recruited to study. As a control group, RA patients without ILD under tofacitinib was included. Demographic data, patients’ characteristics, available pulmonary function tests regarding RA and RA-ILD at the visit in which tofacitinib was initiated and for the last follow-up visit under tofacitinib were recorded. Reasons of tofacitinib discontinuation were also recorded. Drug retention rates were compared by log-rank test. p value

Objective Because of concerns about malignancy risks, using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with a history of malignancy remains a challenging issue in rheumatology practice. This study aimed to investigate bDMARD preferences of physicians when treating of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients with a history of malignancy. Methods The data for this cross-sectional study were gathered from the TReasure database using a date range of December 2017 and January 2020. Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug preferences were analyzed for 40 RA patients and 25 SpA patients with a history of malignancy. Results The most frequently prescribed bDMARD was rituximab, which was given to 28 RA patients (70%). For 25 patients (62.5%), the time between the diagnosis of malignancy and starting on a bDMARD regimen was less than 60 months, with a median interval of 43.5 months. Among SpA patients, the preferred bDMARDs were secukinumab and etanercept, which were each administered to 7 patients (28%). For 13 SpA patients (52%), the time between the diagnosis of malignancy and starting on bDMARDs was less than 60 months, with a median interval of 97 months. Conclusions The observed bDMARD preferences may be related to the therapeutic effects of rituximab on lymphoproliferative malignancies, the protective effects of secukinumab on tumor progression, and the short half-life of etanercept. Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs should be used in RA and SpA patients with malignancy in case of high inflammatory activity.

We wanted to see how close we could get to our goal of treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without the use of glucocorticoids (GCs) in the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) era using real-life data. Established in 2017, the TReasure database is a web-based, prospective, observational cohort for Turkey. As of May 2019, there were 2,690 RA patients recorded as receiving biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs (bDMARDs and tsDMARDs) therapy. At the start of the bDMARDs or tsDMARDs, patients with follow-up visits of at least 3 months were registered. At the time of registration and the last visit, doses of GCs were recorded and it was determined if the target dose of ≤ 7.5 mg was achieved. During registration and follow-up, 23.4% of the patients did not receive GCs and 76.5% of the patients received GCs at any time. GCs could be stopped after 59 (25–116) months in 28.4% of these patients, but 71.6% of patients were still using GC. The target GC dose could not be achieved in 18.2% of these patients (n = 352). The rate of continuing to use GC was significantly higher in women, in the elderly, those with rheumatoid factor (RF) positive, with higher Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain and Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28. The initial GC dose of ≥ 7.5 mg/day was found to be crucial in not reaching the GC target dose (p

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of diseases with overlapping skeletal and extra-articular features. Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) is the most common extra-articular manifestation of SpA. The relation between AAU and SpA is well defined in the current literature. Our study aims to analyze the frequency and factors associated with AAU in different forms of SpA in a large nationwide cohort of Turkish SpA patients.Retrospective cohort study.The data were obtained from the TReasure database, which compiles data from records of the web-based Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and SpA patients treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatismal drugs from different regions of Turkey. The clinical characteristics of SpA and uveitis are recorded.Data of the 4,297 SpA patients were included in the study. Overall, 475 of 4,297 patients (11.0%) had experienced 1 or more episodes of uveitis. SpA patients with older age (P.001), a smoking history (P = .004), delayed diagnosis (P = .001), longer disease duration (P.001), arthritis (P.001), positive HLA-B27 (P.001), a family history of SpA (P.001), and radiographic damage (presence of sacroiliitis, syndesmophytes, bamboo spine, hip involvement) (P.001 for all) more commonly had uveitis. On the other hand, uveitis was less prevalent in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (P.001 for both).Uveitis may be the key feature leading to SpA diagnosis. Patients with radiographic damage and long disease duration have an increased risk for uveitis in both male and female SpA patients. Patients with uveitis should be referred to a rheumatologist for a thorough evaluation of SpA.

We aim to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and imaging parameters with symptom-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROs). We included 65 patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and connective tissue disease (CTD) with and without interstitial lung disease (ILD) into this cross-sectional study. We evaluated the relationship between FVC, DLco, and PROs and compared to HRCT findings. PROs included visual analogue scale for breathing, modified Borg scale, medical research council dyspnea scale, St. George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), Leicester cough questionnaire, and Short Form 36 quality of life (SF-36 QoL). The mean age was 57.4 ± 9.7 and 61.9% (39/65) of patients had an established ILD. In RA-ILD group, SGRQ score was higher (p < 0.001) and SF-36 physical functioning score was lower (p = 0.02) than CTD-ILD group. In RA group, there was a significant correlation between FVC and SF-36 role functioning/physical score (r = 0.724, p = 0.012). In CTD group, SF-36 general health score was correlated with both FVC (r = 0.441, p = 0.045) and DLco (r = 0.485, p = 0.035), and also SF-36 physical functioning score was correlated with FVC (r = 0.441, p = 0.040). PROs were found to be similar between ILD and non-ILD patients. SF-36 QoL total and SGRQ outcomes were worse in non-ILD group. We concluded that PROs could be used to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in RA- or CTD-related ILD. The physical health determinants of HRQoL are measurably worse in RA-ILD patients than in CTD patients. But, PROs may not be very helpful in differentiating patients with cough and/or shortness of breath due to ILD or non-ILD causes in RA/CTD. • HRQoL may be affected differently among specific subtypes of ILD. • PROs can be used to evaluate dyspnea and function of patients with RA- or CTD-related ILD but are not distinguished from patients with cough and/or shortness of breath due to non-ILD causes in RA/CTD.

OBJECTIVE Fasting may lead to some problems in patients who have to use drugs on a regular and continuous basis. The objective of this study is to identify rheumatology patients' attitudes toward Ramadan and fasting. METHOD The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 374 patients. The study data were collected using a questionnaire form. SPSS was used and percentage and Chi-square analyses were performed. RESULTS It was determined that 56.1% fasted during Ramadan. When asked about the effect of fasting on the disease, 88.4% of those who fasted answered "it had no effect", and 80.1% of those that did not fast said "it affected negatively" (P

Background:Beyond the joints, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may affect lungs. Especially the involvement of the paranchyme, RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Tofacitinib, an oral JAK 1/3 inhibitor, has been used increasingly in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in recent years. Recently, a couple of animal and human studies reported promising results (1).Objectives:To assess the real-life efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with RA-ILD in TReasure registry.Methods:This is a multicenter, observational study included RA patients with ILD diagnosis based on the HRCT images of the lungs, and were followed in 8 different centers participated in the TReasure database. Demographic data and patients’ characteristics regarding RA and RA-ILD at the visit in which tofacitinib was initiated and for the last follow-up visit under tofacitinib were recorded. Using the present study cohort, the RA patients with ILD receiving tofacitinib were compared with those without ILD receiving tofacitinib (controls) in terms of the general and disease-related characteristics and data of concomitant DMARD use. To evaluate retention rates of tofacitinib and reasons for discontinuation, data of the patients with RA-ILD in this study cohort were compared with the data of RA patients without ILD who were followed in Hacettepe University (major contributor of the TReasure registry). This research was funded by Pfizer.Results:A total of 47 RA patients with RA-ILD and a control group of 387 patients without ILD were included. The RA patients with ILD receiving tofacitinib were mostly male, older, and had higher baseline disease activity as compared with those without ILD (Table). The ILD pattern was known in 44 (93.6%) of 47 RA-ILD: 16 (36.3%) had UIP, 24 (54.5%) had NSIP, and 4 (9.1%) had airway disease. While 15 (31.9%) of the patients was asymptomatic, most common initial symptom was shortness of breath (in 14 (29.7%) patients). 18 patients had pre- and post-treatment FVC% and FEV1% values (with a median of 12 (9-19) months). Mean FEV1%; 82.1 vs. 82.8 (pre and post-treatment, respectively, p=0.079), mean FVC%; 79.8 vs. 82.8 (pre and post-treatment, respectively, p=0.014). To evaluate retention rates and reasons for discontinuation, 47 RA-ILD and 239 RA patients without ILD were analyzed. Retention rates were similar (p=0.21, log-rank) (Figure). Most common cause of tofacitinib discontinuation in RA-ILD group was infections (5 (25%) patients). Follow-up durations under tofacitinib were 15 (7-32) and 11 (4-24) months in ILD + and – groups, respectively. The rate of drug discontinuation due to infection in the RA patients with and without ILD was 6.3 per 100 patient-years and 2.4 per 100 patient-years, respectively.Table 1.Characteristics of the RA patients with and without ILD under tofacitinibVariablesRA-ILD(+) n=47RA-ILD(-) n=387pMale sex20 (42.6)69 (17.8)Age, years64 (57-69)56 (46-64)Disease duration for RA, months128 (78-212)110 (64-183)0.171Smoking statusNever smoker26 (55.3)211 (56.4)0.259 Current&Ex-smoker19 (44.7)163 (43.6)RF (+)36 (78.3)249 (68.8)0.187Anti-CCP (+)30 (65.2)196 (61.6)0.640RF positive or CCP (+)41 (87.2)242 (76.3)0.094Presence of comorbidity33 (70.2)203 (52.5)0.021DAS-28 before tofacitinib5.4 (4.6-6.22)4.36 (3.22-5.58)ESR before tofacitinib, mm/h38 (19-73)29 (17-45)0.029CRP before tofacitinib6.75 (1.63-24)9.95 (4.18-25.1)0.065Follow-up duration under tofacitinib15 (7-32)7 (3-12)Figure 1.Tofacitinib retention rates in the RA patients with and without ILDConclusion:In majority of patients, pulmonary functions remained stable during follow-up. Tofacitinib seems as a promising option for RA-ILD. High rate of discontinuation due infections was observed in RA-ILD patients under tofacitinib; however, it should be kept in mind that RA-ILD patients were older than RA patients without ILD.References:[1]Bejarano M, et al AB0418 ILD in Patients with RA Treated with tofacitinib. ARD;78:1672.Disclosure of Interests:Umut Kalyoncu Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, UCB, Amgen, Emre Bilgin: None declared, Abdulsamet Erden: None declared, Hasan Satiş: None declared, abdurrahman tufan: None declared, Emre Tekgoz: None declared, Aşkin Ateş: None declared, Belkis Nihan Coşkun: None declared, Burcu Yağiz: None declared, Orhan Küçükşahin: None declared, Veli yazisiz: None declared, Gezmiş Kimyon: None declared, Cemal Bes: None declared, Ali İhsan Ertenli: None declared, Sedat Kiraz: None declared

Background:Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease mainly affecting sacroiliac joints and spine. Peripheral arthritis, dactylitis and enthesitis may also occur. Extra musculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs; uveitis [AAU], inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and psoriasis [Pso] are among the most common ones) are important features and might have an impact on the disease burden in patients with axSpA. The presence of EMM, in particular IBD and AAU could influence the choice of TNFi however little is known regarding the role of peripheral manifestations together with the EMM on the prescribing patterns in axSpA patients.Objectives:To examine the frequency of peripheral and EMMs in a real-world axSpA cohort and their effect on the choice of first advanced treatment.Methods:In total 1687 axSpA patients (58% male and the mean age (±SD) was 38.5 ± 10.9) who initiated his/her first biologic were included in the present analysis. The data for the current study was obtained from the TReasure web-based registry; in which RA and SpA patients treated with bDMARDs from different regions of Turkey. Baseline demographic, disease related characteristics, peripheral and EMMs were extracted. Characteristics of patients with and without peripheral/extra-musculoskelatal involvement were compared as well as factors/covariates associated with the choice of first TNFi and secukinumab was analysed.Results:Enthesis (28.2%) was found the most common peripheral manifestations and peripheral arthritis (26.4%) and hip arthritis (24.4%) followed it. Symptom duration to the first advanced treatment initiation was significantly shorter in axSpA patients with peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis and psoriasis and longer in hip arthritis and AAU. HLA-B27 positivity was significantly lower in patients with arthritis, psoriasis and IBD and higher with hip arthritis and AAU. In multivariate analysis the presence of IBD is significantly associated with the preference of monoclonal TNFi (mab) over etanercept (ETA) (OR 5,770; 95%CI 1.788-18.616). However ETA was preferred in patients with hip arthritis (p=0.003), longer symptom duration (p=0.049), and using sulfasalazine (p=0.043). In comparison with mabs, secukinumab (SEC) prescription was found to be significantly associated with higher age (p=0.001), sulfasalazin (p=0.001) and methotrexate usage (p=0.053) among axSpA patients need their first advanced treatment.Conclusion:The results of the current study confirm the pathophsyologic associations of peripheral involvement and EMM in axSpA patients. Apart from hip arthritis the presence of IBD has an impact on the prescription of advanced treatment in real-life.Table 1.Clinical characteristics of patients in cohortAll patients(n=1678)Peripheral arthritis(n=445)Dactilitis(n=81)Enthesis(n=476)Uveitis(n=193)Psoriazis(n=152)IBD(n=78)Hip involvemet(n=412)Age, mean±SD38,5±10,938,3±11,637,4±11,137,9±10,741,3±11,439,9±11,341,6±12,239,2±11,2Male sex,n (%)974 (57,7)184 (41,3)34 (42)238 (50)96 (49,7)54 (35,5)43 (55,1)272 (66)Symptom duration, mean month±SD108,5±98,996,9±92,979,1±76,5100,4±92,7144,7±110,287,7±9494,5±98133,3±108,2HLA B27 positivity, n (%)621 (53,7)142 (46,3)27 (51,9)174 (49,4)104 (77)34 (36,2)16 (27,1)186 (59,8)Concomitant cDMARD usage (yes), n (%)420 (24,9)170 (38,2)39 (48,1)133 (27,9)53 (27,5)58 (38,2)24 (30,8)99 (24)BASDAİ,mean±SD5,1±2,55,1±35,3±3,15,3±2,94,7±2,55,6±2,44,8±2,35,3±2,1ASDAS-CRP, mean±SD3,1±1,52,6±1,92,5±1,82,8±1,72,9±1,73,4±1,33,1±1,53,7±1,4Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Postthrombotic syndrome(PTS) defines chronic manifestations of venous insufficiency following deep vein thrombosis(DVT).It is the most frequent and disabling complication of DVT.Objectives:Aim of the study is to describe clinical characteristics and predictors of PTS,severe PTS among Behçet’s disease(BD)patients with known low extremity DVT.Also,to depict venous Doppler ultrasonography(US)findings and its association with the clinical characteristic and treatments.Methods:This retrospective multicenter study included 205(166men,39women;mean age 39±9.5 years)BD patients with DVT history.The Villalta scale was used to assess the presence and severity of PTS.Doppler US of bilateral legs are performed within 1 week of clinical evaluation.Total number of vessels with reflux,thrombi,recanalization and collaterals were calculated and presented as scores.Results:Of 205 BD patients with known DVT history; 127(62%) had PTS and 18% had severe PTS diagnosed by Villalta scale.(Table 1)Table 1.Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of PatientsEntire Study Population (n:205)PTS present (n:127)PTS absent (n:78)P valueSex(male,%)166,81%101,79.5%65,83.3%.584History of smoking,%105,52%64,51.2%41,53.2%.895BMI(n:198)26.2±4.626.7±525.6±3.8.123Disease duration,years9(5-15)10(5-16)8(5-13).205DVT following time years6(3-11)7(3-11.5)5(3-9).179Current age39±9.540.5±9.636.8±8.8.012Number of vascular events1(1-2)1(1-2)1(1-2).723VeinesQoL total82±16.375.8±1492.2±14.6VeinesQoL symptom37.5±934.4±8.342.6±7.7Doppler Findingsİliofemoral thrombi41,26.5%32,35%9,17%.014Bilateral involvement62,43.4%45,49%17,33%.080All median values presented with interquartileranges(IQR)Table 2 summarize multivariate logistic regression analyses for the risk of having PTS-moderate/severePTS.Table 2.Multivariate Regression Analysis of presence of PTSOdds Ratio(with 95%CI)PCurrent age1.05(1.01-1.10).048BSAS1.06(1.04-1.10).000Bilateral Doppler USG involvement2.81(1.18-6.67).019İliofemoral thrombi2.74(1.02-7.38).045Moderate/severe PTSOdds RatiopBody mass index1.09(1.001-1.19).048IS0.10 (0.02-0.05).005Severe PTS patients had increased reflux(p=.027) compared to mild group and decreased recanalization scores(p=.013)compared to moderate group(Figure1)Patients treated with AC+IS had increased recanalization(p:.078),collateral scores compared patients treated with only ISs(p=.004)(Figure2)Conclusion:After an acuteDVT,BD patients faced with high risk of having PTS,severe PTS.ISs decreases the risk of having PTS.Our results also suggest that AC treatment may decrease severity of PTS by increasing recanalization of thrombi.Figure 1.US scores for PTS absent and present group Reflux score(p=.054) and thrombosis scores(p=.02)Figure 2.US scores for treatment groupsReferences:Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background: Articular manifestations may differ in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Genetic and non-genetic factors like sex, smoking, and presence of HLA-B27 were previously shown to modify the expression of articular and other extraintestinal manifestations of IBD. Objectives: The aim of this study is to document disease features and factors affecting the expression of articular manifestations in Turkish patients with IBD-related (enteropathic) arthritis under treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methods: Data regarding enteropathic arthritis (EA) were collected from the TReasure database, a nation-wide multicenter observational registry of inflammatory arthritis patients. Results: Among 4066 patients with seronegative spondyloarthropaties (SpA), 156 (3.8%) had EA, not reflecting a true prevalence due to selection bias. Demographic and clinical features according to IBD groups were summarized in Table 1. Rates of presence of sacroiliitis were similar between patients with UC and CD (39.9% and 60.1%, p=0.086 respectively). Rates of HLA-B27 positivity were 31.6% and 7.1% in patients with and without radiographic sacroiliitis, respectively (p=0.101). Enthesitis, dactylitis, psoriasis, family history forSpA, ESR, CRP, BASDAI and aSDAS levels had similar distributions in patients with and without radiographic sacroiliitis. Rates of “never-smoked” (26.5% vs 64.7%) and “current smoking” (32.4% vs 17.6%) significantly differed in patients with and without sacroiliitis (overall p=0.012) Conclusion: Our data confirm an association between smoking status and disease manifestations, particularly radiographic sacroiliitis. References [1] Fries W. Clinical features and epidemiology of spondyloarthritides associated with inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol2009; 15: 2449-2455. Disclosure of interests: Orhan Kucuksahin: None declared, abdulsamet Erden: None declared, Ufuk Ilgen: None declared, Sedat Kiraz: None declared, ali Ihsan Ertenli: None declared, Nazife Sule Yasar Bilge: None declared, Timucin Kasifoglu: None declared, Ediz Dalkilic Grant/research support from: MSD and abbvie, Consultant for: MSD, abbvie,Roche, UCB, Pfizer and Novartis, Speakers bureau: MSD, abbvie,Roche, UCB, Pfizer and Novartis, Cemal Bes: None declared, Nilufer alpay Kanitez: None declared, Hakan Emmungil Grant/research support from: MSD, Roche, Pfizer, abbvie, Consultant for: Novartis, Roche, Speakers bureau: MSD, Roche, Pfizer, abbvie,Celltrion, Novartis, Pamir atagunduz: None declared, Belkis Nihan Seniz: None declared, Burcu Yagiz: None declared, Suleyman Serdar Koca: None declared, Muhammet Cinar: None declared, askin ates: None declared, Servet akar Grant/research support from: MSD, abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, amgen, Consultant for: MSD, abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, amgen, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Onay Gercik: None declared, Duygu Ersozlu: None declared, Veli yazisiz: None declared, Gezmis Kimyon: None declared, Muge aydin: None declared, Ridvan Mercan: None declared, Burak Oz: None declared, Zeynel abidin akar: None declared, Omer Karadag: None declared, Bahar Kelesoglu: None declared, Sedat Yilmaz: None declared, Yavuz Pehlivan: None declared, Ender Terzioglu: None declared, Levent Kilic: None declared, Sukran Erten: None declared, Koray Tascilar: None declared, Umut Kalyoncu Grant/research support from: MSD, Roche, UCB, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant for: MSD, abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer and abdi Ibrahim, Speakers bureau: MSD, abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer and abdi Ibrahim

Background: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), biologic DMARDs are important treatment options in resistant patients. Inefficacy or side effects may cause switching between these drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to determine features of patients switching from one biologic DMARD to another in RA treatment and to investigate associated reasons for switching. Methods: This multicenter, prospective observational cohort study used the TReasure database in which web-based registration of RA and spondyloarthritis patients are being performed in 15 centers across different regions of Turkey. In this study, data of RA patients switching from one biologic agent to another were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, follow-up duration, time to switch, and reasons for switching were retrieved from the database. Results: Of the included 2115 RA patients, 829 (39.2%) switched between biologic agents (switched group) and 1286 (60.8%) continued to receive their current therapies (continued group). The median follow-up duration of all patients was 3.7 years and the median time to switch was 1.1 years. In the switched group, the proportion of females and the median HAQ-DI score were higher as well as disease duration was longer (Table 1). Among the biologic agents used at first, 60.9% of the patients were receiving an anti-TNF agent and 39.1% of the patients were receiving other biologic agents (Table 2, figure 1). In the switched group (n=829), the main reasons for switching were secondary inefficacy (n=269), primary inefficacy (n=238), and side effects (n=178) followed by primary or secondary unknown inefficacy (n=30), patient’s demand (n=21), physician’s request (n=16), willing to be pregnant (n=7), other (n=31), and unknown (n=54). Conclusion: The patients in the Treasure database were followed-up approximately 4 years and about one-third of the patients had to switch from one biologic DMARD to another. The main reasons for this switching were primary (29.2%) and secondary (33.0%) inefficacy and 20% of the patients had to switch due to side effects. According to the switching pattern, about half of the patients using an anti-TNF agent at first switched to another anti-TNF agent and the other half switched to other biologic agents. Disclosure of Interests: Umut Kalyoncu Grant/research support from: MSD, Roche, UCB, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant for: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer and Abdi Ibrahim, Speakers bureau: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer and Abdi Ibrahim, Ali Ihsan Ertenli: None declared, Abdulsamet Erden: None declared, Orhan Kucuksahin: None declared, Timucin Kasifoglu: None declared, Ediz Dalkilic Grant/research support from: MSD and Abbvie, Consultant for: MSD, Abbvie,Roche, UCB, Pfizer and Novartis, Speakers bureau: MSD, Abbvie,Roche, UCB, Pfizer and Novartis, Cemal Bes: None declared, Nilufer Alpay Kanitez: None declared, Hakan Emmungil Grant/research support from: MSD, Roche, Pfizer, Abbvie, Consultant for: Novartis, Roche, Speakers bureau: MSD, Roche, Pfizer, Abbvie,Celltrion, Novartis, Pamir Atagunduz: None declared, Belkis Nihan Coskun: None declared, Burcu Yagiz: None declared, Suleyman Serdar Koca: None declared, Muhammet Cinar: None declared, Askin Ates: None declared, Servet Akar Grant/research support from: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, Amgen, Consultant for: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, Amgen, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Onay Gercik: None declared, Duygu Ersozlu: None declared, Veli Yazisiz: None declared, Gezmis Kimyon: None declared, Muge Aydin: None declared, Ridvan Mercan: None declared, Burak Oz: None declared, Nazife Sule Yasar Bilge: None declared, Zeynel Abidin Akar: None declared, Omer Karadag: None declared, Ayse Bahar Kelesoglu Dincer: None declared, Sedat Yilmaz: None declared, Ufuk Ilgen: None declared, Yavuz Pehlivan: None declared, Ender Terzioglu: None declared, Levent Kilic: None declared, Sukran Erten: None declared, Sedat Kiraz: None declared

Background In spondyloarthritis (SpA), biologic DMARDs are important treatment options in resistant patients. Inefficacy or side effects may cause switching between these drugs. Objectives This study aimed to determine features of patients switching from one biologic agent to another in SpA treatment and to investigate associated reasons. Methods This multicenter, prospective observational cohort study used the TReasure database in which web-based registration of rheumatoid arthritis and SpA patients are being performed in 15 centers across different regions of Turkey. In this study, data of SpA patients switching from one biologic agent to another were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, follow-up duration, time to switch, and reasons for switching were retrieved from the database. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to show drug retention rates and Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors affecting switching. Results Of the included 3138 SpA patients, 1165 (37.1%) switched to another biologic agent (switched group) and 1973 (62.9%) continued to receive their current therapies (continued group). The median follow-up duration of all patients was 3.8 years and the median time to switch was 1.0 years (0-13.4 years). According to the distribution of comorbidities, the rates of patients having diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, asthma, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cancer were significantly higher in the switched group than those of in the continued group (8.4% vs. 5.8%, p=0.006; 14.5% vs. 9.2%, p In the switched group (n=1165), the main reasons for switching were secondary inefficacy (n=351), primary inefficacy (n=328), and side effects (n=267) followed by primary or secondary unknown inefficacy (n=57), physician’s request (n=45), patient’s demand (n=36), willing to be pregnant (n=9), other (n=37), and unknown (n=70). Conclusion In SpA patients, switching was frequent between anti-TNF agents and the median time to first switch was 1 year. Female gender, short disease duration, and lower BASDAI score were found to be the significant factors affecting switching from the anti-TNF agent used at first. The main reasons for this switching were primary (29.0%) and secondary (31.0%) inefficacy followed by side effects (23.6%). Switching between subcutaneous anti-TNF agents is generally less than switching from infliximab to another biologic agent. Disclosure of Interests Umut Kalyoncu Grant/research support from: MSD, Roche, UCB, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant for: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer and Abdi Ibrahim, Speakers bureau: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer and Abdi Ibrahim, Sedat Kiraz: None declared, Abdulsamet Erden: None declared, Orhan Kucuksahin: None declared, Timucin Kasifoglu: None declared, Ediz Dalkilic Grant/research support from: MSD and Abbvie, Consultant for: MSD, Abbvie,Roche, UCB, Pfizer and Novartis, Speakers bureau: MSD, Abbvie,Roche, UCB, Pfizer and Novartis, Cemal Bes: None declared, Nilufer Alpay Kanitez: None declared, Hakan Emmungil Grant/research support from: MSD, Roche, Pfizer, Abbvie, Consultant for: Novartis, Roche, Speakers bureau: MSD, Roche, Pfizer, Abbvie,Celltrion, Novartis, Pamir Atagunduz: None declared, Belkis Nihan Coskun: None declared, Burcu Yagiz: None declared, Suleyman Serdar Koca: None declared, Muhammet Cinar: None declared, Askin Ates: None declared, Servet Akar Grant/research support from: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, Amgen, Consultant for: MSD, Abbvie, Roche, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, Amgen, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Onay Gercik: None declared, Duygu Ersozlu: None declared, Veli Yazisiz: None declared, Gezmis Kimyon: None declared, Muge Aydin: None declared, Ridvan Mercan: None declared, Burak Oz: None declared, Nazife Sule Yasar Bilge: None declared, Zeynel Abidin Akar: None declared, Omer Karadag: None declared, Ayse Bahar Kelesoglu Dincer: None declared, Sedat Yilmaz: None declared, Ufuk Ilgen: None declared, Yavuz Pehlivan: None declared, Ender Terzioglu: None declared, Levent Kilic: None declared, Sukran Erten: None declared, Ali Ihsan Ertenli: None declared

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, suppurative skin disease characterized by painful nodules, particularly in the axillae and groin. Isotretinoin can be used in the treatment of HS; however, it may paradoxically lead to skin lesions or worsen the existing lesions. Isotretinoin, which is commonly used in the treatment of severe acne, is associated with several side effects, including rheumatic side effects and rarely sacroiliitis. In this study, we discussed two cases who presented with low back pain after isotretinoin was used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The patients did not have low back pain before isotretinoin use and did not have enthesitis, dactylitis, uveitis, psoriasis, recent infection, trauma, and family history spondylitis. HLA-B27 was negative. Bone-marrow edema was detected at the sacroiliac joint on magnetic resonance imaging. Because of these findings, sacroiliitis related to the drug was considered in our patients and isotretinoin treatments were discontinued. Because the patients' low back pain continued when they administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, biological drug treatments were started. Both cases presented had a simultaneous HS lesion. After the treatment, both low back pain and HS lesions regressed. Patients with isotretinoin therapy should be alerted for inflammatory low back pain and HS lesions that may develop. We should note that biologic agents should be considered in the treatment of resistant cases.

Background:Biosimilar infliximab (bio-INF) was approved for all indications of the reference product in several countries. It has been marketed since 2014 in Turkey and used in the same indications with its bio-originator.Objectives:Herein, we aimed to analyse clinical features and the drug survival rates of spondyloarthritis patients who have recieved bio-INF.Methods:This multicenter, prospective observational cohort study used the TReasure database in which web-based registration of rheumatoid arthritis and SpA patients are being performed in 13 centers across different regions of Turkey. Age, gender, and acute phase responses (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), HAQ scores, VAS patient global, VAS fatigue, VAS pain, VAS physician global, BASDAI, BASFI, ASDAS ESH and ASDAS CRP values, clinical findings of SpA patients, number of patients who has received bio-INF as first line therapy or after switch, treatments which are used before bio-INF, the reasons for switching bio-INF to another biologic DMARD and drug survival rates were retrospectively evaluated.Results:A total number of 231 SpA (94 (40.7 %) female, 137 (59.3%) male, mean age 43±11 yrs) patients have received biosimilar infliximab in the database. Of the 231 patients 127 (55%) had received bio-INF as first line therapy, whereas 104 (46 (19.9%) 2ndchoice, 58 (25.1%) 3rdchoice) patients used switching after another biologic DMARD. Previously used biologic and synthetic DMARDs were adalimumab (28.6%), etanercept (22.5%), golimumab (9.1%), original infliximab (8.2%), secukinumab (13.4%), methotrexate (23.8%), leflunamid (10.4%), sulphasalazine (60.6%). The baseline and first visit (3. Months) diseases activity scores were shown in Table 1. Drug survival rates were 79.1 in 12. months, 65.5 in 24. months and 54.6 in 60. months. (Figure 1). The most common reasons for switching from biosimilar infliximab to another biologic DMARD is secondary (25(10.8%)), and primary ineffectiveness (22(9.5%)). Other reasons to discontinuation of treatment are psoriasis (5 (2.1%)), infusion reaction (3(1.2%)), allergic reaction (22(8.8 %)), chest pain (3(1.2%)), dyspnea (1 (0.4%)), vasculitis (1 (0.4%)) and patient or doctor wish (7 (3.4%)).Conclusion:The results of this real life data provides evidence that biosimilar infliximab is an effective and safe treatment option with long term use in SpA patients. Drug survival rates of bio-INF is similar to its bio-originator.Table 1.Disease activity scoresBaseline visit3.monthpmedian (Q1-Q3)median (Q1-Q3)HAQ score0,63 (0,4-1)0,25 (0-1)BASDAI6,2 (4,8-7)2,8 (1-5)BASFI5,05 (3,3-6)2,1 (0,45-4)VAS Patient Global70 (50-80)30 (10-50)VAS Doctor Global60 (40-70)30 (20-40)VAS Pain50 (3-80)30 (10-50)0,572VAS fatigue70 (50-80)40 (10-65)ESR24 (11-45)11 (6-23)CRP12,1 (4,4-30)3,91 (2,19-9)ASDAS ESR3,12 (2,51-4)2,05 (1,39-3)ASDAS CRP3,53 (2,86-4)2,21 (1,5-3)*Wilcoxon Signed Rank TestFigure 1.Drug survival ratesDisclosure of Interests:Nazife Sule Yasar Bilge: None declared, Timuçin Kaşifoğlu: None declared, Sedat Kiraz: None declared, Ali İhsan Ertenli: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç: None declared, Cemal Bes: None declared, Hakan Emmungil: None declared, Belkis Nihan Seniz: None declared, Burcu Yağiz: None declared, Muhammet Çinar: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Önay Gerçik: None declared, Duygu Ersözlü: None declared, Gezmiş Kimyon: None declared, Ridvan Mercan: None declared, Omer Karadag: None declared, Yavuz Pehlivan: None declared, Levent Kiliç: None declared, Umut Kalyoncu Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UCB

Aim Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, this anchor may cause some side effects that may range from nausea to mortality. The clinical features of MTX toxicity are under-researched. In this study, we aimed to find out the potential predisposing factors and outcomes of the MTX toxicity (n = 31). Methods The data were collected from 31 patients whose ages ranged from 25 to 81 years, who were suffering from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and major MTX-related toxicity. Results Out of 31 patients, six (19.4%) used MTX every day, and 13 (41.9%) patients had renal insufficiency who were admitted to the hospital because of mucositis (90.3%) and fever (71%). While using MTX, 27 patients (87.1%) were discharged after the treatment and four patients (12.9%) died. Conclusions Although MTX has high efficacy for the toxicity ratio, wrong use and dosage of MTX may be harmful to patients. Thus, patients should be informed about the proper use of MTX.

Background Spondylartritis (SpA) are usually observed in young patients and a clinical onset after 45 years is rare. The average life expectancy is getting longer and the proportion of late onset of SpA in rheumatology practice may became more common. SpA patients with late onset may have a distinctive clinical pattern in terms of functional impairment, extra-articular disease, co-morbidities and treatment status. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the drug survival and effectiveness of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with late onset SpA (LoSpA) compared with early onset SpA (EoSpA). Methods TReasure is a prospective, multicenter biological treatments registry from Turkey since 2016. It includes 15 different rheumatology centres. Patients with SpA fulfilling the ASAS criteria from TReasure database were divided into two groups as LoSpA (symptom onset >45 years of age) and EoSpA (symptom onset ≤45 years of age). Drug retention rates of first TNF inhibitors were calculated using the time until drug discontinuation independent of the reason that drug interruption. Specific reasons for discontinuing drugs were also assessed. Results Of 1382 SpA patients treated with TNF inhibitors, 9.4% (n=130) were included in the LoSpA and 90.6% (n=1252) were included in the EoSpA group. LoSpA had more female, enthesitis and psoriasis The median treatment duration was 53 months in LoSpA and 61 months in EoSpA. The baseline disease activity measures were similar except from ASDAS-ESH which is higher in LoSpA (table 1). The rate of major treatment response (BASDAI50) was lower in LoSpA than EoSPA at the last visit (26.1% vs 46.2%; p=0.009). Regarding the survival rates of TNF inhibitors, there was no significant difference between the patient groups (figure 1). The major cause of discontinuation in both of groups was drug ineffectiveness (68.6% in LoSpa and 60% in EoSpA, p>0.05). Conclusions LoSpA patients were almost 10% of all biological registry. LoSpA patients were predominantly female, and they had relatively higher baseline disease activity and lower biological treatment response. On the other hand the drug survival rate and discontinuation reasons of TNF inhibitors in the LoSpA group was comparable to that in the younger group. Reference [1] - Chen HA, Chen CH, Liao HT, Lin YJ, Chen PC, Chen WS, et al. Clinical, functional, and radiographic differences among juvenile-onset, adult-onset, and late-onset ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol. 2012; 39:1013–8 Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Methotrexate (MTX) is an anchor drug used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is notable that although MTX has severe potantial side effects, most of these side effects could be prevented. Patients should be informed very well regarding MTX and prescriptions should be prepared carefully. Objectives In this research, we sought to investigate patients with RA and also physicians, awareness regarding use of MTX, which is under-researched. Methods Following Fayet et al., the data were collected from rheumatoid arthritis patients (n=98) and physicians (n=82) through a questionnaire that included questions regarding the effects of MTX, MTX administration, drug interaction, side effects, the frequency of patient follow-up and changes regarding daily life. The questionnaire was filled by the patients in the hospital and physicians filled the on-line questionnaire. Results 23% patients responded correctly about that MTX is drug modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). 88% of the patients stated that they used MTX weekly, only 16% of the patients were able to explain the reason why they used folic acid was reducing the toxicity of MTX and only 5% reported that folic acid did not increase the efficacy of MTX. 95% did not know that trimethoprim should not be combined with MTX. 11% were familiar with haematologic risks. 7% were aware of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. 42% had information regarding laboratory tests. 20% were concious concerning the need for contraception. 33% noted that alcohol consumption must be limited. The striking findings physicians responded wrongly was that according to 51% physicians, MTX leads to cancer. Surprisingly, approximately 30% physicians responded wrongly concerning surgery protocol. Conclusions The findings showed that patients with RA, who used MTX frequently, had insufficient information regarding MTX. Notably, patients are lack of information about the side effects of MTX, drug interactions and the need for contraception. Hence, we recommend that patients’ knowledge should be increased regarding MTX. Physicians should be provided with training to raise awareness proper use of MTX. Reference [1] Fayet F, Savel C, Rodere M, et al. The development of a questionnaire to evaluate rheumatoid arthritis patient’s knowledge about methotrexate. J Clin Nurs. 2016Mar;25(5–6):682–9. Acknowledgements We thank Jean-Jacques Dubost medical rheumatologist France for sharing the questionnaire that we used in this research. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background In Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), cases refractory to typical DMARDs, Canakinumab (an anti-IL-1s monoclonal antibody) has been reported to be effective in a limited number of refractory cases.1 Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to represent AOSD patients treated with Canakinumab in 3 centres. Methods The follow up data of 10 AOSD patients (8 female, 2 male), who were followed up in outpatient clinics of 3 tertiary centres were reviewed retrospectively. The initial characteristics and follow up findings were reported. Results The mean timespan between the initial diagnosis and Canakinumab treatment 45.2±29 months (mean ±SD). Before the onset of Canakinumab therapy, all patients were exposed to methotrexate, 1 to leflunomide, 8 to Tocilizumab and 8 to Anakinra. As for the biologic agents, 3 patients were also treated beforehand with Infliximab, 2 with Adalimumab, 2 with Etanercept and 2 with Rituximab. Canakinumab therapy was initiated in all patients with the indication of refractory disease under other medications, except for the one in whom neutropenia became evident under anakinra. The mean number of Canakinumab injections was 9.3±8. The mean follow-up period of patients treated with Canakinumab was 43.1±33 months. Seven out of 10 patients are still being treated with Canakinumab of 150 mg/month and one of 150 mg/every 2 months. One patient had a single injection and was fully controlled. The mean ferritin measure of 9 patients was reduced from 1292.3±1530 ng/ml to 354±530.2 ng/ml following the Canakinumab therapy (p=0.035). The mean of patient-reported global visual analogue scale (PG-VAS) scores was reduced from 7.4±2.4 to 2.3±2.2 with Canakinumab (p Conclusions Canakinumab treatment seems to be effective in refractory AOSD patients who were previously treated with various agents. We state that an IL-1 blocking agent, Canakinumab is a relatively safe and effective alternative in managing refractory AOSD cases. On the other hand, randomised controlled trials are needed to further investigate the role of Canakinumab in these cases as well as its use as the first choice of biologic agents. Reference [1] Kontzias A, Efthimiou P. The use of Canakinumab, a novel IL-1β long-acting inhibitor, in refractory adult-onset Still’s disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum2012;42(2):201–5. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to deformities and disabilities. in the treatment of RA glucocorticoids are selected sometimes to relief symptoms and to increase compliance for treatment. Objectives The purpose of our study is to investigate whether concomitant glucocorticoid treatment at the baseline affects drug survival for abatacept treatment in RA. Methods Data on patient characteristics, diagnosis, previous treatment and outcomes have been collected since 2011 in Turkish Biologic (TURKBIO) Registry. By the end of December 2017, 338 RA patients, received abatacept from the TURKBIO registry, were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into groups according to the use of glucocorticoid when abatacept therapy was started. Demographic and clinical data including age, sex, disease type, disease duration, and previous or current treatment with DMARDs and biological drug durations are recorded in the database. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate the drug survival. Subgroups were compared by log-rank. Results There were no significant differences in age, gender, seropositivity, tender and swollen joint counts at baseline in the study groups. The disease duration was higher in the glucocorticoid users (p=0.001). Abatacept was the first choice bDMARDs in the 44.5% of glucocorticoid users while it was 68.6% in the glucocorticoid non-users (p Conclusions When abatacept treatment started, concomitant use of glucocorticoid at the baseline could not significantly alter drug survival for abatacept in the RA. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Today, the immunosuppressive treatment agents became important for therapy of rheumatoid diseases. Theoretically, the use of these agents may result in reactivations be in patients that infected with Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) virus. Objectives We aimed to study the reactions during treatment and prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in rheumatology patients who are using immunosuppressive treatment. Methods The records of a total of 1146 patients who were taking an immunosuppressive treatment for a rheumatoid disease were reviewed retrospectively. The hepatitis serology, type of immunosuppressive treatment, the duration of treatment, liver function tests, complete blood count; HBV – DNA and HCV – DNA and antiviral agents and time of use (if patient is infected) were recorded. Results There were 682 (59.5%) women and 464 (40.5%) men, the mean age was 45.04±13.13. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was diagnosed in 453, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 365, psoriatic arthritis in 151, systemic lupus erythematosus in 43, vasculitis in 39, Behcet Disease in 26, systematic sclerosis in 18, myositis in 9, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in 7, Sjogren Syndrome in 7, Still Disease in 3, familial mediterian fever in 6, retroperitoneal fibrosis in 1 and mixed connective tissue disease in 1 patient. The rate of HbsAg positivity was 1.8% in AS and 2.2% in RA; the rate of HCV positivity was 0.7% and 1.9% respectively. While HBsAg, AntiHBs and anti-HBcIgG was tested for 898 patients, in 28 patients (2.4%) HBsAg and AntiHBs were negative and anti-HBcIgG was positive. The liver function tests were increased in two occult hepatitis patients, and lamivudine was administered for one and tenofovir for another patient. HCV-RNA was found negative in 12 of 18 patients that positive for HCV. Only one patient had ribavirin + interferon treatment and no reactivation was detected during follow up. The mean length of immunsuppressive treatment was 22.26±18.21 months for HBV positive patients, 19.43±21.40 months for HCV positive patients and 20.94±19.7 months for occult hepatitis. Furthermore, we 10.1% of the patients were vaccinated, 13.4% had natural immunity and 50.7% of patients has not encounter with virus. Conclusions HBV prevelance was 3.99% and HCV prevelance was 0.95% in general population, although there is difference according to geographical region in our country. HBV prevelance was the highest 9.9% in southeast region and the lowest 0.7 – 2.5% in west region. Low HBV prevelance could be associated with included patients that was young and stay in west region. Because hepatit virus can be reactivate under immunsupressive treatment, patients should be scanned and be careful for occult hepatitis in these scans. References Vassilopoulos D, Calabrese LH. Viral hepatitis: review of arthritic complications and therapy for arthritis in the presence of active HBV/HCV. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2013 Apr;15(4):319. Chen YM, Chen HH, Chen YH, Hsieh TY, Hsieh CW, Hung WT, Lan JL, Chen DY. A comparison of safety profiles of tumour necrosis factor α inhibitors and rituximab therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis C. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015 Mar;74(3):626–7. Acknowledgements None. Disclosure of Interest None declared