Search

OBJECTIVES: To study baseline serum hepatocyte growth factor (s-HGF) as a predictor of spinal radiographic progression overall and by sex and to analyse factors correlated to changes in s-HGF in patients with AS. METHODS: At baseline and the 5-year follow-up, s-HGF was analysed with ELISA. Spinal radiographs were graded according to modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score. Radiographic progression was defined as ≥2 modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score units/5 years or development of ≥1 syndesmophyte. Logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Of 204 baseline participants, 163 (80%) completed all examinations at the 5-year follow-up (54% men). Baseline s-HGF was significantly higher in men who developed ≥1 syndesmophyte compared with non-progressors, median (interquartile range) baseline s-HGF 1551 (1449-1898) vs 1436 (1200-1569) pg/ml, P = 0.003. The calculated optimal cut-off point for baseline s-HGF ≥1520 pg/ml showed a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 69% and univariate odds radio (95% CI) of 5.25 (1.69, 14.10) as predictor of development of ≥1 new syndesmophyte in men. Baseline s-HGF ≥1520 pg/ml remained significantly associated with development of ≥1 new syndesmophyte in men in an analysis adjusted for the baseline variables age, smoking, presence of syndesmophytes and CRP, odds radio 3.97 (1.36, 11.60). In women, no association with HGF and radiographic progression was found. Changes in s-HGF were positively correlated with changes in ESR and CRP. CONCLUSION: In this prospective cohort study elevated s-HGF was shown to be associated with development of new syndesmophytes in men with AS.

Background: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have an increased risk of spinal new bone formation characterized by the development of syndesmophytes. Knowledge of predictors for development of syndesmophytes is limited. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has regulatory effects on a variety of cells in many different organs. HGF signaling can affect both osteoclast and osteoblast lineages and has been shown to promote osteogenesis. Cross-sectional association between increased HGF and increased modified Stoke Ankylosing Spine Score (mSASSS) has previously been shown [1], whereas knowledge of HGF as a predictor for new bone formation is lacking. Objectives: To study serum HGF as a predictor for development of new syndesmophytes in patients with AS followed for five years. Methods: Serum levels of HGF was analyzed using ELISA in patients with AS (modified NY-criteria) and in healthy controls (HC) at baseline. Spinal lateral radiographs were obtained at baseline and at the 5-year follow-up and assessed for development of new syndesmophytes using mSASSS. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess predictors for development of ≥ 1 new syndesmophyte. Results: Serum HGF and radiographs at baseline and follow-up were available for 163 patients, 88 men and 75 women, baseline mean age 50±12 years. AS patients had higher serum HGF than HC (n=80), p=0.050. In the AS group, 36 patients (22%) developed ≥ 1 syndesmophyte, 27 men and 9 women. In the total AS group, neither did baseline serum HGF differ between those who developed ≥ 1 new syndesmophyte and those who did not progress, nor did it predict development of ≥ 1 new syndesmophyte in the univariate analysis, p=0.25. Interestingly, men who developed ≥1 new syndesmophyte had higher serum HGF than the non-progressors (1706±454 vs 1420±338 pg/mL, p=0.001) and increased serum HGF at baseline predicted development of ≥ 1 syndesmophyte (OR per 1 SD HGF 2.39, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.36) in the univaria, Supplement: 2Meeting Abstract: SAT0323

Background: Obesity is over-represented in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associated with higher disease activity, poorer effect of treatment and increased cardiovascular morbidity. Studies on the effects of weight loss are however needed. This study aimed to prospectively study the effects of weight loss treatment with very low energy diet (VLED) on disease activity in patients with PsA (CASPAR criteria) and obesity (body mass index BMI ≥ 33 kg/m2). Methods: VLED (640 kcal/day) was taken during 12–16 weeks, depending on pre-treatment BMI. Afterwards, an energy-restricted diet was gradually reintroduced. Weight loss treatment was given within a structured framework for support and medical follow-up. Treatment with conventional synthetic and/or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs was held constant from 3 months before, until 6 months after baseline. Patients were assessed with BMI, 66/68 joints count, Leeds enthesitis index, psoriasis body surface area (BSA), questionnaires and CRP at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome was the percentage of patients reaching minimal disease activity (MDA) and secondary outcomes were reaching Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria. Results: Totally 41/46 patients completed the study, 63% women, median age 54 years (IQR 48–62). At baseline increased BMI was associated with higher disease activity and poorer function. The median weight loss was 18.7 kg (IQR 14.6–26.5) or 18.6% (IQR 14.7–26.3) of the baseline weight. A majority of the disease activity parameters improved significantly after weight loss, including 68/66 tender/swollen joints count, CRP, BSA, Leeds enthesitis index, HAQ and patient VAS for global health, pain and fatigue. A larger weight loss resulted in more improvement in a dose-response manner. The percentage of patients with MDA increased from 29 to 54%, (p = 0.002). PsARC was reached by 46.3%. The ACR 20, 50 and 70 resp