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Background:The frequency of comorbidities has increased in spondyloarthritis patients compared to the general population. The effect of comorbidities on tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor (TNFi) drug retention and treatment response has not been well evaluated.Objectives:The purpose of this study to assess the impact of comorbidities on the first TNFi drug survival and treatment response in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) registered in theTURKBIOdatabase.Methods:In this study, the frequency of comorbidities, disease activity scores at baseline and month 6 and drug retention were recorded in AxSpA patients iniating first TNFi treatment between 2011 and 2019. Kaplan Meier plot and log rank tests were used for drug survival analysis. Cox regression analysis with HR was performed to evaluate the correlation between comorbidities and drug survival.Results:There were 2428 patients with AxSpA (39.3% female) who used their first TNFi during the study period. Among them, a total of 770 (31%) had at least one comorbid disease. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (9.7%), followed by the affective disorders (8%) and chronic lung disease (5.8%). The baseline characteristics of patients are shown in Table 1.The presence of any comorbidity did not impact the first TNFi retention (Figure 1). When comorbidities were analysed seperately, we found that only history of cerebrovascular event was negatively associated with drug retention rate (HR: 6.9, p:0.008). There was no statistically significant difference in Bath AS Disease Activity Index 50% (BASDAI50) response between patients with and without comorbidity at 6 months. Less axSpA patients with comorbidity achieved a ASDAS score ≤ 2.1 compared to patients without comorbidity at 6 months.Table 1.Baseline Characteristics of PatientsRadiographic Spondyloarthritis, n (%)2318 (95.5)Female, n(%)954 (39.3)Age, year42.2±11.8Age at diagnosis, years32.5± 11.3Age at initial TNFi, years39.4 ± 11.1Symptom duration, years9.7± 7.5Time to initial TNFi, years7±6.8HLA-B27- positivity, n (%)1144 (47.1)Smokers, n (%)1068 (44)Baseline BASDAI35.5±22.2Baseline ASDAS-CRP2.8±1.1Baseline CRP (mg/L)15.7±24.4VAS global patient46.6±28.7-Quantitative variables are presented as mean ± SD, and qualitative variables are presented as frequency and percentage-ASDAS-CRP, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score using C-reactive protein VAS, visual analogue scaleConclusion:The results of this study demonstrated that the presence of previous cerebrovascular event decreased the first TNFi survival in patients with axSpA. It also suggested that comorbidities might decrease TNFi treatment response.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background The first symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients usually begin prior to 45 years, but can occur later in life. Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-TNFα treatment in late-onset AS (LoAS) patients in comparison to those with adult onset AS (AoAS). Methods We studied AS patients in TURKBIO registry between the dates of January 2011 and November 2018. All the patients fulfilled the modified New York criteria for AS 1 and were classified into 2 groups based on their age at symptom onset: AoAS (age>16 but ≤45 years); and LoAS (age>45 years). In both groups, the following data were compared: (1) epidemiological variables (2) clinical manifestations, including signs and symptoms at diagnosis; (3) laboratory results (4) disease activity markers and follow-up parameters (BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP and HAQ); (5) previous and current treatments (6) adverse events. Results A total of 2551 AS patients (91,1% with AoAS and 8.9% with LoAS) were included in the study. LoAS group had more female patients, older age, shorter disease duration and diagnostic delay, higher initial ESR and less HLA-B27 positivity compared to the AoAS (Table 1). Peripheral arthritis (not statistically significant) and dactylitis was seen more common in the LoAS. The frequency of other involvements was similar between the groups (Table1). The frequency of using drugs was similar between each groups although the use of glucocorticoids and sulphasalazine was more common in the LoAS. Switching from the first anti-TNFα treatment to the second one was more common in the AoAS. However, there was found no significant difference between the two groups in 2 or more switch ratios (Table 1). At the latest visit after the anti-TNFα therapy, the mean improvement in BASDAI was significantly higher in the AoAS (Table 2). A total of 10 (4.4%) serious adverse events were reported in LoAS and 39 (1.7%) in AoAS patients in the follow-up (HR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.32–5.18). Severe infections were the most commonly seen serious adverse events (1.3% in LoAS and 0.8% in AoAS), followed by allergic reactions (0.9% in LoAS and 0.3% in AoAS). Tuberculosis was observed in 2 patients (0.9%) in LoAS and 9 (0.4%) in AoAS, malignancy in 3 patients (1.3%) in LoAS and 6 (0.3%) in AoAS. Conclusion Our data showed that almost 8.9% of the patients with AS had late-onset of symptoms. The results suggested that LoAS patients might have different demographic, clinical features, disease activity parameters at baseline. The frequency of anti-TNFα use and response rate to the treatment was also similar in LoAS to those in AoAS patients. The LoAS patients seem to have more common severe adverse events compared to the AOAS patients possibly related to their older age. References [1] Van der Linden S, Valkenburg HA. Evaluation of diagnostic criteria for AS. Arthritis Rheum1984; 27: 361–368. Disclosure of Interests Sadettin Uslu: None declared, Gercek Can: None declared, Ayse Cefle: None declared, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Sinem Burcu Kocaer: None declared, Tuba Yuce Inel: None declared, Semih Gulle: None declared, Suleyman Serdar Koca: None declared, Servet Yolbas: None declared, Mehmet Akif Ozturk: None declared, Soner Senel: None declared, Nevsun Inanc: 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, Ozgul Soysal: None declared, abdurrahman tufan: 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, Merih Birlik: None declared, Ismail Sari: None declared, Nurullah Akkoc: None declared, Fatos Onen: None declared

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of systemic autoimmune diseases. It may affect any organ system and may present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a nonspecific finding of SLE and often associated to the active disease state. LAP associated SLE pose a significant diagnostic challenge especially in the presence of constitutional symptoms.Objectives:In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the clinical and imaging characteristics of SLE patients who presented with LAP and constitutional symptoms.Methods:SLE Patients with lymphadenopathy who had constitutional symptoms were reviewed retrospectively. The characteristics of the patients such as age, sex, disease duration, clinical features, and laboratory tests including autoantibodies against ANA, dsDNA and ENA were recorded. Imaging findings such as positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT), thoracal or abdominal CT or diagnostic lymph node biopsy were identified.Results:There were 28 patients in this study. The mean age at the time of LAP was 38.9±15.2 years, 22 (78.6%) were female. All patients were fulfilling SLICC 2012 classification criteria for SLE. LAP was the presenting feature of SLE in 15 (53.6%) patients. The most common clinical features associated with LAP were arthritis (42.8%), fever (35.7%), acute lupus rash (32.1%) and serositis (28.5%). There were 11 (39.2%) who had significant proteinuria and 4 (14.3%) had class III or IV renal histology. Anti-phospholipid antibodies were present in nearly one-third of the patients and 12 of them had venous or arterial thrombosis or pregnancy co-morbidity. Cervical LAP was present in 57.1%, axillary LAP in 82.1% and inguinal in 36%. On CT, the prevalence of thoracal and abdominal LAP and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were 61.5%, 37,5%, 40% and 16% respectively. The pericardial and pleural effusion and intra-abdominal free fluid were 19.2%, 30.8% and 10.2% respectively. There were 19 (67.8%) patients who underwent PET/CT imaging and all were reported as reactive LAP. In terms of SUV max 7 (36.8%) of them had a threshold ≥2.5. 17 (60.7%) patients required lymph node biopsy; 2 did not include lymphoid tissue, 4 (30.7%) with atypical lymphoid hyperplasia suggestive of viral infection and remaining were reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Autoantibody testing showed that anti-dsDNA was positive in 66.7% and the most common anti-ENAs were anti-nucleosome (35.7%) and anti-Sm-RNP (35.7%) followed by anti-SSA (25%), anti-ribosomal P (17.9%) and anti-histone (14%). The clinical and laboratory features of the clinical and laboratory features of the group is summarized in Table 1.Table 1.Data at the time of LAPAge, years38.9±15.2Disease duration, months3 (2- 300)SLE-DAI, median (min-max)9 (2-30)Sex, female n(%)22 (78.6)Clinical featuresn (%)Acute cutaneous9 (32.1)Arthritis12 (42.8)Fever10 (35.7)Other constitutional symptoms18 (64.2)Serositis8 (28.5)Renal involvement11 (39.2)Neurologic involvement1 (3.6)Leucopenia7 (25.0)Trombositopenia5 (17.8)Hemolitic anemia7 (25.0)ANA (+)>1/32028 (100)Anti-dsDNA (+)18 (66.7)Anti-Sm(+)5 (17.9)Anti-phospholipid antibody (+)9 (32.1)Low complement16 (88.5)Conclusion:We showed that SLE patients who had constitutional findings and LAP could be the presenting feature and may confer a significant diagnostic challenge in which the patients might require invasive procedures and advanced imaging modalities. PET/CT revealed reactive changes in lymph nodes in all patients but lymph node biopsy revealed atypical changes in some patients suggestive of viral infections. On the other hand, LAP patients with constitutional symptoms represents a severe phonotype of the SLE as there were significant renal and thrombotic disease.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is chronic, autoimmun multisystem disorder presented by thickening and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Esophageal involvement is one of the most common manifestation. Esophageal enlargement on HRCT is a common finding in scleroderma patients and may also be associated with other scleroderma-related clinical findings (1).Objectives:The aim of this study to evaluate the association between esophageal dilatation on chest HRCT at diagnosis with the other SSc features.Methods:The study was planned for SSc patients registered between October 2007 and September 2020 in Dokuz Eylul University Rheumatology Department database. Demographics, clinical features and medical history were recorded. The baseline HRCT reports were screened in terms of esophageal dilatation. Then, the initial HRCT images were assessed for esophageal dilatation by an experienced chest radiologist according to recommendation of Pitrez et al.Results:In our study, there were 233 SSc patients (f:206 M:27, mean age 59.9±12.7 years) 71 (31.4%) of them diagnosed with diffuse disease. Median follow-up of study was 73 (1-272) months. Esophageal dilatation on HRCT was detected in 60 (25.8%) of SSc patients. 67 out of 155 patients (43.2%) had proof of esophageal involvement in esophageal transit scintigraphy. There is no statistical correlation was found between esophageal dilatation on HRCT with gender, smoking, arthritis, pulmonary hypertension and autoantibody subtypes. Development of digital ulcer and telangiectasia is statistically higher in SSc patients with oesophageal dilatation on baseline chest HRCT (p=0.001 and p=0.039, respectively). There was a positive correlation between Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRss) and esophageal dilatation (r=0.213, p: 0.004).Conclusion:HRCT can be a reproducible and non-invasive method for evaluating esophageal dilatation. Presence of esophageal dilatation at baseline HRCT might be indicative for pulmonary involvement and SSc related gastrointestinal complications. Consecutive chest HCRT should be evaluated to obtain more reliable data about the relationship between esophageal dilatation and SSc related clinical features.References:[1]Pitrez EH, Bredemeier M, Xavier RM et al.Ooesophageal dysmotility in systemic sclerosis:comparison of HRCT and scintigraphy. Br J Radiol 2006; 79: 719–24.Table 1.Clinical and demographic characteristics of the presence of esophageal dilatation on HRCTEsophageal dilatation on HRCTTotal (n=233)Yes (n=60, 25.8%)No (n=173, 74.2%)pMean±SD.Mean±SD.Mean±SD.Age, years59.9±12.759.7±12.260.1 ±12.6>0.05n%n%n%Female20688,4%5388,3%14986,1%>0.05Smoking7933,9%1931,7%6034,7%>0.05Diffuse SSc7130,5%2338,3%4425,4%>0.05Overlap syndrome3314,2%813,3%2514,5%>0.05Pulmonary fibrosis11850,6%4270,0%7643,9%>0.05Arthritis8034,3%2338,3%5632,4%>0.05Telengiectasia15667,0%4880,0%10560,7%0,039Digital ulcer8737,3%3456,7%5129,5%0,001Anti-Scl 70 (+)8938,2%2846,7%5934,1%>0.05Anti-centromer (+)7532,2%1525,0%5934,1%>0.05Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:A significant increased risk of COVID-19 related adverse outcomes of the biological or target-directed synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) has not yet been reported. For this reason, it is recommended to continue b/tsDMARD treatments with maximum compliance with pandemic measures.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of patients using b/tsDMARDs on drug survival and rheumatic disease control during pandemic.Methods:In this study, patients diagnosed with rheumatic disease using b/tsDMARDs and who were followed up during the 12-month period (January 2020-2021) including the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic at Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine Rheumatology Clinic were evaluated. In the first 3 months of the pandemic (March-June 2020), the patients skipped at least 2 cycles of treatment with the fear of Covid-19 infection except for infection / surgical reasons was considered as a disruption of the drug. The drug retention rates of the patients on b/tsDMARDs treatments during the pandemic process and the factors affecting this situation were evaluated.Results:The rate of disrupting their b/tsDMARDs was higher in patients> 65 years of age, with a diagnosis of RA and who needed to come to the hospital for bDMARD treatment (p=0.007, p=0.015 and p=0.004, respectively).The overall 1-year b/tsDMARD retention rates was found 91%. It was determined that a history of interruption in b/tsDMARD treatments in the first 3 months of the pandemic [OR: 1.28 (CI: 1.042-8.71), p=0.014] and the need to come to the hospital to receive bDMARD [OR: 0.59 (CI: 0.64-13.11), p=0.041] caused unresponsiveness to return to the same bDMARD treatment and a significant increase in the risk of discontinuation of the biologic treatment.Conclusion:We conclude that it is important for patients to continue taking b/tsDMARD treatments without interruption in the days past abnormal periods such as pandemic conditions and to make sufficient effort for minimum dose of CS and low disease activity by determining patient-based risk.Table 1.Demographic and clinical characteristics of b/tsDMARDs patientsTotal (n=521)b/tsDMARD Continue (n=424) (82.4%)b/tsDMARD Interruption (+) (n=97) (17.6%)PMedian (Min./Max.)Median (Min./Max.)Median (Min./Max.)Age, years48 (18/86)47 (18/82)52 (21/81)0.008tDisease Duration, years11,2 (2/43.3)130 (22/490)142 (22/519)0.41tb/ts DMARD Duration, months40 (12/192)40 (12/192)40 (12/156)0.176tn (%)n (%)n (%)Female278 (53.4)225 (53.1)53 (54.6)0.826Most common rheumatic diseases AxSpa or other SpA283 (54.3)232 (54.7)51 (52.6)0.737 RA134 (25.7)100 (23.6)34 (35.1)0.015l PsA44 (8.4)40 (9.4)4 (4.1)0.109 Vasculitis32 (6.1)27 (6.4)5 (5.2)0.817 Others28 (5.4)25 (5.9)3 (3.1)0.338b/tsDMARD at Hospital/Health center140 (26.9)102 (24.1)38 (39.2)0.004l(OR: 0.59)b/tsDMARD administration route (IV)137 (26.3)100 (23.6)37 (38.1)0.005lActive/Progressive Disease92 (17.7)14 (3.3)78 (80.4)l(OR: 4.8)Start/continue with the same b/tsDMARD55 (10.6)3 (0.7)52 (53.6)pUnresponsiveness, b/tsDMARD switch16 (3.1)9 (2.1)7 (7.2)0.017pb/tsDMARD stopped permanently/deceased29 (5.6)9 (2.1)20 (20.6)ffb/tsDMARD retention (Total)474 (91)406 (95.8)68 (70.1)tIndependent Samples t Test (Bootstrap), pPearson Chi-Square Test (Monte Carlo), ffFisher freeman Halton Test (Monte Carlo), lLinear-by-Linear Association Test(Monte Carlo, Exact), SD.: Standard deviation; * OR, Odds Ratio,Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Limited joint mobility (LJM) is a musculoskeletal disorder caused by flexion contractures of hand is a common complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. The distal parts of the upper limb (hands and fingers) is the most involved site in SSc.Objectives:In this study, we aimed to evaluate LJM in SSc patients and to determine the relationship between the clinical features of the disease.Methods:A total of 113 patients (>18 years old) diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (DcSSc) and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (LcSSc) and 104 healthy controls were included in this study. LJM was evaluated with “prayer sign” and “table top sign” tests. LJM staging was done by Rosenbloom classification method(1, 2). LJM (+) and LJM (-) patients were compared in terms of demographic findings (gender, age and duration of disease), laboratory results (ESR, CRP, ANA, anti-topoisomerase I and anti-centromere) and modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) results.Results:In our study, a total of 113 patients diagnosed with SSc and 104 healthy controls with similar age and gender distribution were included. While LJM (+) was detected in 75 (66.4%) (LcSSc = 38, DcSSc = 37) of the patients diagnosed with SSc, LJM (mild) (+) was detected in 3 (2.8%) of the control group. One of these people had right 2nd DIF joint contracture due to osteoarthritis, and 1 patient was found to have simple contractures due to minor hand injury previously (Table 1). A statistically significant difference was observed in between LcSSc and DcSSc patients according to the presence of LJM (pTable 1.Comparison of demographic findings between SSc and Control groupSSc Group (n=113)Control Group (n=104)p valueAge, year57.02 ± 11.5858.47 ± 11.260.061Gender (F / M)98 (86.7) / 15 (13.3)65 (62.5) / 39 (37.5)0.064CRP (mg/L)5.45 ± 5.392.14 ± 1.12ESR (mm/hr)25.19 ± 18.914.46 ± 10.090.024Smoking, n (%)Smoker89 (78.8)70 (67.3)0.464Non-Smoker24 (21.2)34 (32.7)LJM (Absent / Present)Present75 (66.4)3 (2.8)Absent38 (33.6)101 (97.2)Rosenbloom classificationLcSSc (n=71) (%)DcSSc (n=42) (%)Total (n=113) (%)Normal46.511.933.6Mild22.514.319.5Moderate23.933.327.4Severe7.140.519.5Table 2.Comparison of demographic and clinical findings LJM(-) and LJM(+) in SScLJM (-) (n=38)LJM (+) (n=75)p valueAge, year54.16 ± 11.8258.47 ± 11.260.061SSc Typen (%)n (%)LcSSc, n (%)DcSSc, n (%)33 (56.8)38 (50.7)5 (13.2)37 (49.3)Gender,F/M (%)37 (97.3) / 1 (2.7)61 (81.3) / 14 (18.7)0.018Raynaud’s (symptom duration), month148 (44-456)150 (35-588)0.990Non-raynaud (symptom duration), month108 (28-458)138 (38-447)0.132mRSS, median2 (0-14)8 (0-36)CRP (mg/L)4.21 ± 4.486.08 ± 5.710.069ESR (mm/hr)19.74 ± 1027.95 ± 21.60.270Renal crisis, n (%)1 (2.6)4 (5.3)0.662PAH, n (%)8 (21.1)14 (18.7)0.762ANA positivity, n (%)36 (94.7)70 (93.3)1Anti-centromere positivity, n (%)18 (47.4)19 (25.3)0.01Anti-topoisomerase-1, n (%)8 (21)34(45.3)0.01Smoking, n (%)n (%)n (%)Non-smoker30(78.9)59 (78.7)0.970Smoker8 (21.1)16 (21.3)Figure 1.Conclusion:In our study, it was found that LJM staging positively correlated with mRSS and DcSSc patients had more severe LJM findings than LcSSc. We conclude that “prayer sign” and “table top sign” tests used in hand evaluation in SSc patients have similar clinical results with mRSS and can be easily performed in daily practice in about 3 minutes.References:[1]Rosenbloom AL. Limitation of finger joint mobility in diabetes mellitus. The Journal of diabetic complications 1989; 3: 77-87.[2]Nashel J, Steen V. Scleroderma mimics. Current rheumatology reports 2012; 14: 39-46.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Treatment options for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is currently limited, and up to 40% of the patients require biologic therapies to control symptoms. Early commencement of biologics suggested to have higher response rates but data regarding this subject is limited.Objectives:The primary aim was to investigate tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) response and retention rates in axSpA patients who were treated in the early disease period (symptom duration (≤5 years). Our secondary aim was to identify factors predicting response to TNFi.Methods:Adult axial SpA patients who started TNFi treatments within the five years of their symptoms were identified and defined as “Group 1”. Patients whose TNFi treatments started five years after their initial symptoms served as a control group (Group 2: 5-10 years and Group3: ≥10 years). Response and survival rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were calculated. Predictors of response on TNFi survival at 24 months were also analyzed.Results:There was a total of 364 axiSpA (Group 1: 95, Group 2: 82 and Group 3: 187) patients in the study (69.8% male, 46.8±12.6 years). Group 1 patients tended to be younger, with a lower baseline CRP titers and lower HLA–B27 rate compared to the other groups. Drug survival rates were similar between the groups. This finding also remained similar when AS and nraxSpA patients analyzed separately. However, regardless of symptom duration, the drug retention rates were significantly higher in the AS group than in nraxSpA (Table 2). ASAS40 responses were higher in Group 1 than in Group 3 both at 12 and 24 months. Predictors of response based on ASAS40 at 24 months were treatment within the five years of the symptoms (OR:2.2) and age at baseline (OR:0.97) in univariate analysis. However, baseline ASDAS (OR:1.4) was the only factor in multiple regression.Conclusion:In this study we showed the following: 1) TNFi started in the early disease course resulted in a better ASAS40 response at both 12 and 24 months, 2) TNFi timing (started in the early or late disease period) seems not affecting drug retention rates, and 3) baseline disease activity is the most important predictor in achieving ASAS40 response at 24 months.Disclosure of Interests:None declared