Search

To compare enteropathic spondylitis (ES) with psoriatic spondylitis (PS) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), in patients on biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment.Patients who were enrolled in the HUR-BIO registry were included. ES patients were considered as the main study group; AS and PS patients were included as the control groups. ES was defined as patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) having inflammatory back pain/spine symptoms plus radiological sacroiliitis.Sixty-four ES patients (46.9% female), 128 AS patients (39.1% female), and 92 PS patients (62% female) were analysed. Baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly higher in the ES group than in the AS group. Both the baseline ESR and C-reactive protein were also higher in the ES group compared with the PS group. Among the first bDMARD use, infliximab use was higher in the ES group than the other groups. There was a marginal significant difference between the SpA subgroups in the retention rates of the first bDMARDs (log-rank, p=0.059). Ulcerative colitis was a significant predictor for switching of bDMARDs in comparison to Crohn's disease. Regarding the treatment responses, no significant differences were relevant for the three groups in terms of 50% improvement of the initial Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score, the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society partial remission score, and 20% improvement of ASAS score.A large majority of enteropathic spondyloarthritis patients on bDMARD treatment had radiographic sacroiliitis. ES patients had distinctive features that distinguish them from AS and PS patients.

Objective: Intravenous immunoglobulin is an alternative therapeutic agent that can be used off-label in many autoimmune rheumatological diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the autoimmune rheumatological diseases characteristics in which intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is used and the efficacy and safety of this therapy. Methods and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 133 patients with autoimmune rheumatological disease who received at least 1 course of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment at Hacettepe University Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic between January 2013 and December 2020. The autoimmune rheumatological disease demographic and clinical features, organ involvements, treatment phases (primary-secondary or infection), treatment responses and adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 79% (n=105) patients were female and the mean±SD age was 45.5±16.9 years. The most common underlying rheumatic diseases were systemic lupus erythematosus (35%, n=47) and dermatomyositis/polymyositis (35%, n=47). Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was most commonly used for resistant/relapsed myositis and haematological involvement. The median (IQR) intravenous immunoglobulin treatment course was 6.5 (13) and the duration of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was 10.8 (24) months. Although it is used as second-line therapy in 77% of patients, complete clinical response was observed in 32% and partial response in 47%. There was a significant reduction in the median (IQR) steroid doses (methylprednisolone or equivalent dose) patients received from baseline after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment [30 (33) vs 8 (12), p

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

The drug retention rate has been an important indicator for evaluating the treatment tolerance. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the secukinumab retention rate in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-AxSpA) is limited. The objective of this study was to assess the retention rate of secukinumab and evaluate predictive factors of drug survival based on data from a real-life cohort. We retrospectively assessed 147 r-AxSpA patients between May 2018 and January 2020 from the HUR-BIO database. Secukinumab retention rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model was used for predictors factors. The global retention rate of secukinumab was 55% at 12 months. r-AxSpA patients with obesity had a lower frequency of secukinumab discontinuation (29% vs. 50%, p = 0.013) in comparison r-AxSpA patients without obesity. In multivariate analysis, multiple TNFi usage had a higher risk of secukinumab discontinuation [HR 1.99 (1.09-3.62), p = 0.024]; on the other hand, obesity had a lower risk [HR 0.45 (0.27-0.90), p = 0.008]. Except for not using multiple TNFi, this real-life analysis showed for the first time that obesity is not an adverse risk factor for secukinumab drug retention in r-AxSpA. Secukinumab, which is an interleukin-17A inhibitor, could act via a different pathway than tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). The identification of predictive factors such as obesity that may affect the individual drug selection may provide more appropriate biologic treatment strategies for r-AxSpA.

Objective: In this study we aimed to compare the clinical and biochemical characteristics of primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients with that of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, secondary Sjögren syndrome and undifferentiated disease. Patients and Methods: Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca who applied between August 2009 and January 2010 were included in this study. Demographic data, laboratory characteristics, Schirmer’s test and salivary gland biopsies of the patients were recorded. Results: Average diagnosis age for 87 primary Sjögren’s syndrome, 25 secondary Sjögren’s syndrome, 27 keratoconjunctivitis sicca and 44 undifferentiated group patients were 45±13, 43±14, 44±11 ve 45±11 years (p>0.05), accordingly. Critical and severe mouth dryness rate was 45% in primary Sjögren’s syndrome group and 7% in keratoconjunctivitis sicca group, critical and severe eye dryness was 43% in primary Sjögren’s syndrome group and 78% in keratoconjunctivitis sicca group (p

Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic vasculitis, affecting predominantly the aorta and/or its major branches. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between childhood and adult onset TAK.We retrospectively evaluated 179 TAK patients followed between August 2005 and July 2019. Demographic characteristics, laboratory features, disease activity, echocardiographic data at diagnosis and treatment regimens in the disease course were compared between the paediatric and adult onset patients.Twenty-five paediatric-onset (18 years of age at diagnosis) and 154 adult-onset patients (≥18 years of age at diagnosis) were enrolled. The mean age at diagnosis for children and adults were 13.6±4 and 35.6±13, respectively. Paediatric onset TAK patients had more intense inflammation at the time of diagnosis reflected in their clinical findings. Acute phase reactants were high in all paediatric patients and significantly higher in patients with paediatric-onset TAK (p=0.006 and p=0.005, respectively). Abdominal predominant disease was more common in the paediatric group, in contrast, focal disease and aortic arch predominant disease were more common in the adult group. Ascending aortic dilatation, left ventricular hypertrophy and moderate-severe aortic insufficiency were more frequent in echocardiography findings of paediatric onset TAK patients. In comorbidities, hypertension was more common in paediatric TAK patients during follow-up, whereas cerebrovascular disease was more common in adult patients.Our paediatric onset TAK patients presented with a more severe inflammation and more widespread vascular involvement. Multicentre studies from different geographic areas are needed to verify our observation and understand the underlying causes.

Tissue hypoxia due to microvasculopathy is the main cause of digital ulcers (DUs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Reduced oxygen delivery (DO2) to the tissues may also contribute to the development of DU. This study was conducted to investigate the association between DO2 and DUs in patients with SSc.In all, 111 patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. DO2 was calculated by using the formula; DO2 = Cardiac output × arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) × serum haemoglobin level × 1.39 × 10. Both right index finger SpO2 measurements (index-SpO2) and highest value of SpO2 (maximum SpO2) obtained among the fingers of the subjects were used for the calculations and DO2 results were adjusted both for weight and body surface area (BSA).Mean DO2 was lower in SSc patients as compared to controls in all 4 different calculations but the difference was only statistically significant when using index-SpO2 and adjusting for BSA (498 mL/min/mDO2 in SSc patients seems to be lower than healthy controls. However, DO2 is similar between the patients with and without DUs. Our results suggest that the contribution of DO2 is negligible to the development of DU and support the major role of microvasculopathy in SSc patients with DUs.

Takayasu arteritis is a rare inflammatory disease of large arteries. We performed a genetic study in Takayasu arteritis comprising 6,670 individuals (1,226 affected individuals) from five different populations. We discovered HLA risk factors and four non-HLA susceptibility loci in VPS8, SVEP1, CFL2, and chr13q21 and reinforced IL12B, PTK2B, and chr21q22 as robust susceptibility loci shared across ancestries. Functional analysis proposed plausible underlying disease mechanisms and pinpointed ETS2 as a potential causal gene for chr21q22 association. We also identified >60 candidate loci with suggestive association (p < 5 x 10(-s)) and devised a genetic risk score for Takayasu arteritis. Takayasu arteritis was compared to hundreds of other traits, revealing the closest genetic relatedness to inflammatory bowel disease. Epigenetic patterns within risk loci suggest roles for monocytes and B cells in Takayasu arteritis. This work enhances understanding of the genetic basis and pathophysiology of Takayasu arteritis and provides clues for potential new therapeutic targets., National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of HealthUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USANIH National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases (NIAMS) [R01 AR070148]; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USANIH National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases (NIAMS) [U54 AR057319, U01 AR51874 04]; National Center for Research ResourcesUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USANIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) [U54 RR019497]; Office of Rare Diseases Research of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; Imperial College, National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre; Wellcome TrustWellcome TrustEuropean Commission [WT107881]; Medical Research CouncilUK Research & Innovation (UKRI)Medical Research Council UK (MRC)European Commission [MC_UU_00002/4], This work was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health grant R01 AR070148 to A.H.S. The Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium has received support from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (U54 AR057319 and U01 AR51874 04), the National Center for Research Resources (U54 RR019497), and the Office of Rare Diseases Research of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. J.C.M., A.P.K., and R.M.M. acknowledge support from the Imperial College, National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre. C.W. and G.R. acknowledge support from The Wellcome Trust (WT107881) and the Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00002/4). This work was supported by the use of study data downloaded from the dbGaP website, under dbGaP: phs000272.v1.p1, phs000431.v2.p1, phs000583.v1.p1, and phs000444.v1.p1.

Objectives Thrombotic events are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Warfarin is the most commonly used anticoagulant drug for thrombosis treatment, but it is can interact with many drugs, foods, or medicinal herbs. Herein, we presented a case with SLE and APS who was complicated by spinal and cerebral hematoma as a result of warfarin interaction. Case presentation Spinal subdural hematoma and frontal intraparenchymal hematoma were occurred in our patient, who was in remission for 2 years with rituximab, hydroxychloroquine and warfarin. We learned that she had been using some herbal products (shepherd’s purse and horsetail) and phenyramidol for a few days. Spinal and cerebral hematomas caused by the interaction of phenyramidol and warfarin were treated with fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K without the need for surgery. Conclusions The drug interactions with warfarin can cause fatal hemorrhagic or thrombotic events. Especially, the patients with SLE and/or APS using warfarin should be warned not to use different medications or herbal agents.

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common painful lesion affecting millions of people. This population-based epidemiological study aimed to determine the frequency of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in the population and associated diseases and factors.Methods: In 2013, by the Turkish Society of Internal Medicine, a cohort for chronic diseases and related risk factors was initiated in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey (Cappadocia region). 90% of the whole adult population was included and photos of oral aphthae were used during the questionnaire for chronic diseases. Results: 10 992 participants, aged ≥18 years included. The mean age were 44.6± 16.4 years; 56.1% were males. RAS history was present in 13.2%, more frequent in females (17.1%). Female gender ( OR: 1.441, CI: 1.253-1.656, p

This study aimed to compare Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and QuantiFERON (R)-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients scheduled for biological and targeted synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in a Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated population. Adult RA (n = 206) and SpA (n = 392) patients from the TReasure database who had both TST and QFT-GIT prior to initiation of biological and targeted synthetic DMARDs were included in the study. Demographic and disease characteristics along with pre-biologic DMARD and steroid use were recorded. The distribution of TST and performance with respect to QFT-GIT were compared between RA and SpA groups. Pre-biologic conventional DMARD and steroid use was higher in the RA group. TST positivity rates were 44.2% in RA and 69.1% in SpA for a 5 mm cutoff (p < 0.001). Only 8.9% and 15% of the patients with RA and SpA, respectively, tested positive by QFT-GIT. The two tests poorly agreed in both groups at a TST cutoff of 5 mm and increasing the TST cutoff only slightly increased the agreement. Among age, sex, education and smoking status, pre-biologic steroid and conventional DMARD use, disease group, and QFT-GIT positivity, which were associated with a 5 mm or higher TST, only disease group (SpA) and QFT-GIT positivity remained significant in multiple logistic regression. TST positivity was more pronounced in SpA compared to that in RA and this was not explainable by pre-biologic DMARD and steroid use. The agreement of TST with QFT-GIT was poor in both groups. Using a 5 mm TST cutoff for both diseases could result in overestimating LTBI in SpA.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical and laboratory factors associated with bamboo spine. METHODS: Data of patients fulfilling the 2009 ASAS classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis, registered in the national, multicentre, longitudinal, and observational database of TReasure was analysed. Radiographs were assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiologic Index (BASRI). Data of patients with a bamboo spine (Group 1) was compared to data derived from patients with a longstanding disease of at least 15 years but no syndesmophytes (Group 2). RESULTS: Out of the 5060 patients, 1246 had eligible radiographs. There were 111 patients (8.9%) with a bamboo spine. Male sex was more common among patients with bamboo spine. The median BMI of 27.7 (25.8-31.1) in Group1 was higher than the BMI of 25.9 (22.9-29.2) in Group 2 (p

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

Objective: To identify several clinical and/or laboratory parameters which can differentiate adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) from other causes of fever of unknown origin (FUO) and create a clinician-friendly algorithm for this purpose. Methods: FUO patients hospitalized between March 2015 and September 2017 were recruited prospectively. AOSD patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2017 in our department were analyzed. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded for all patients. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify possible parameters related to the discrimination of AOSD from FUO. Results: We recruited 69 AOSD patients (51 females, 74%) and 87 patients (43 females, 49.4%) evaluated for FUO. Median ages were 45 (30-57) and 45 (30-62), respectively. Arthralgia, rash, sore throat, neutrophilia, serum ferritin level higher than 5 times of the upper limit, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were associated with the likelihood of diagnosing AOSD; on the other hand, the number of daily fever peaks equal or greater than 3 was associated with the unlikelihood of diagnosing AOSD. After the clinical feasibility assessment of possible parameters derived from the multivariate analysis, in the setting of fever, two clinical (arthralgia, sore throat) and two laboratory (ferritin level, neutrophilia) parameters were selected to develop an algorithm for discrimination of AOSD and FUO. Conclusion: Presence of arthralgia, hyperferritinemia, sore throat, and neutrophilia suggests AOSD in patients presenting as FUO. This study proposes a clinician-friendly algorithm for the first time in current literature to discriminate AOSD from other causes of FUO.

Amac: Bu calismada, Turkiye'nin Kapadokya bolgesinde baslatilan genis bir prospektif kohort calismasinin temel verilerinden kronik hastaliklarin ve davranissal risk faktorlerinin prevalansini belirlemek amaclanmistir. Yontem: Calisma populasyonu Kapadokya bolgesinin iki ilcesi Gulsehir ve Avanos'ta ikamet eden yetiskin gonullulerden olusuyordu. Toplum temelli olarak planlanan bu mudahale calismasinda Gulsehir “mudahale”, Avanos “kontrol” ilcesi olarak secildi. Calisma 2013 yilinda baslatildi ve en az 10 yil devam etmesi planlandi. Her iki ilcede de calisma ofisleri kuruldu ve egitimli personeller tarafindan ev ve is yeri ziyaretleri ile elektronik anketler uygulandi ve fizik muayeneler yapildi. Bulgular: Toplamda 10.992 kisi kaydedilddahil edildi. Turkiye'nin eriskin nufusu ile karsilastirildiginda, calisma kohortunda yas ortalamasi (44.5±17.4 yila karsilik 31.9±21.2 yil) ve kadin orani (%56.5’e karsilik %51.2) daha yuksekti ancak universite mezunlarinin orani (%17.1'e karsilik %32.2) daha dusuktu. Kadinlarda erkeklere kiyasla obezite (%39.0’a karsilik %20.8) ve yuksek riskli bel cevresi (%16.8’e karsilik %30.7) orani daha yuksekti. Obezite ayrica her iki ilcede de kadinlar arasinda cok yaygin bir risk faktoruydu (Avanos'ta %36.9 ve Gulsehir'de %41.5). Fiziksel aktivite seviyeleri dusuktu; en genc yas grubunda bile (18-34 yas) sadece kadinlarin %6'si ve erkeklerin %8'i “aktif” veya “cok aktif” idi. Sigara icme orani erkeklerde kadinlara gore daha yuksekti (%46.9 karsilik %13.8). Hipertansiyon, diabetes mellitus ve romatolojik hastaliklarin prevalansi kadinlarda erkeklere gore daha yuksekti (her biri icin p

Objective: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a one of the major causes of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we in- vestigated the impact of updated hemodynamic definition proposed by the 6th PH World Symposium (6th WSPH) on the frequency of PH and its subtypes in patients with SSc. Methods: Patients with SSc admitted between 2015 and 2019 and who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) were included. The frequen- cy of PH and its subgroups based on the hemodynamic definitions of both 2015 European Society of Cardiology/European respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) PH guidelines and 6th WSPH was compared. Results: Of the 65 patients with SSc, 23 (35.4%) had normal mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), 20 (30.8%) had mildly elevated mPAP (21–24 mm Hg), and 22 (33.8%) had PH [pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (n=16, 24.6%), group 2 PH (n=5, 7.7%), group 3 PH (n=1, 1.5%)] ac- cording to the 2015 ESC/ERS PH definition. Based on the updated criteria, 7 (10.8% of total cohort) additional patients were reclassified as having PH [PAH (n=3), group 2 PH (n=3), group 3 PH (n=1)]. Conclusion: The impact of the updated definition on the frequency of PH and PAH in our cohort was greater than previously reported, which may be caused by the difference in screening strategies for PAH.

Background: Several societies published recommendations for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening before biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but not for other inflammatory arthritides such as spondyloarthritis (SpA). Using RA guidelines could result in overestimating Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) positivity in SpA. This study aimed to compare the distribution of TST results in SpA and RA patients along with comparison in terms of QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test in a Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated population.Methods: Adult RA (n=206) and SpA (n=392) patients from the TReasure database who had both TST and QFT-GIT prior to initiation of biological and targeted synthetic DMARDs were included in the study. Demographic and disease characteristics along with pre-biologic DMARD and steroid use were recorded. The distribution of TST and performance with respect to QFT-GIT were compared between RA and SpA groups.Results: Pre-biologic conventional DMARD and steroid use was higher in the RA group. TST positivity rates were 44.2% in RA and 69.1% in SpA for a 5 mm cut-off (pConclusions: TST positivity was more pronounced in SpA compared to that in RA and this was not explainable by pre-biologic DMARD and steroid use. The agreement of TST with QFT-GIT was poor in both groups. Using a 5 mm TST cut-off for both diseases could result in overestimating LTBI in SpA.

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.

The Turkish population is vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), and the BCG vaccination decreases the specificity of the tuberculin skin test (TST). The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of active tuberculosis (TBC) among rheumatic patients who were screened only with the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test for latent TBC prior to biological treatment.The Hacettepe University Biological Database (HUR-BIO) was used for latent TBC assessment. Consecutive patients were evaluated from July 2015 to October 2016 by a questionnaire that included the patients' demographic characteristics, treatment history, and symptoms of active TBC. A total of 664 patients were interviewed by physicians. TBC statuses of the 671 non-interviewed patients were checked from the Turkish National Tuberculosis Registry records. Mean TBC incidence per year was calculated for anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents.A total of 1335 (58.2% female) patients with the mean age of 44.2 ± 12.9 years were included. Of the patients, 836 (62.6%) had spondyloarthropathy, 432 (32.4%) had rheumatoid arthritis, and 67 (5%) had other rheumatologic diseases. The total biological drug exposure was 2292 patient-years (2043 patient-years for anti-TNF-α, 249 patient-years for non-TNF-α inhibitors). Positive and indeterminate QFT-GIT results were found in 258 (19.3%) and 23 (1.7%) patients, respectively. The median follow-up time after the onset of biological agent was 19.4 months (IQR = 29.5). Pulmonary TBC was found in 3 (0.2%) of the 1335 patients. The annual incidence of TBC was 147/100,000 patient-years for all TNF-α inhibitors (249/100,000 and 123/100,000 patient-years for QFT-GIT-positive and negative patients, respectively).TBC incidence increased by nearly seven times the Turkish national TBC incidence. The QFT-GIT Test appears acceptable to determine latent TBC before biological agent use. Consequently, the QFT-GIT Test can be appropriately used in BCG-vaccinated countries. Key Points • Our study contributes to filling the gap in the literature by reflecting real-life data about TBC frequency after QFT-GIT use in patients receiving biological agents. • The frequency of active TBC will remain within acceptable limits when only QFT-GIT is used in the screening of latent TBC prior to the use of biological agents in a population where the majority are vaccinated with BCG. • Using the QFT-GIT alone for latent TBC screening prior to biologic treatment in countries with high BCG vaccination rates reduces the number of patients needing isoniazid (INH) treatment.

Systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use may result in various cutaneous complications including maculopapular rash, fixed drug eruption, urticaria, and angioedema most frequently. However extensive cutaneous ulcers in relation to intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol use has not been identified before although cutaneous ulcers have been described in association with several opioids. Herein, we would like to present a 27-year-old male with a 1-year history of progressive deep cutaneous ulcers due to long term abusive intravenous use of dexketoprofen trometamol.

Background/aim Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a rare, large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology, affecting aortic arch, and its main branches. Noninvasive imaging methods are frequently used in diagnosis and follow-up in Takayasu’s arteritis. Studies investigating optimal timing of follow up imaging are rare. This study is aimed to investigate the radiologic changes in vascular involvements of Takayasu’s arteritis patients one year after diagnosis. Materials and methods Database of our Vasculitis Center was analyzed retrospectively and 97 patients were included into the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic findings of patients were recorded. Patients with follow-up imaging after approximately one year of diagnosis were recruited into further analysis. Radiological changes and the effect of different immunosuppressive agents on vascular involvements were investigated. Results Mean age and disease duration of patients were 43.0 and 9.0 years. The most commonly used imaging methods/modalities for the diagnosis of TA were computer tomography-angiography (CT-Ang) (58.8%), magnetic resonance-angiography (MR-Ang) (29.9%), and doppler ultrasonography (11.3%). Subclavian and common carotid arteries were the most frequently involved vessels. Fifty-three patients underwent follow-up imaging after one year of diagnosis and, in 64% of patients, same imaging method had been used. MR- Ang (62.3%) and CT-Ang (35.9%) were the most preferred follow-up imaging studies. Sixty-eight percent of patients had stable vascular involvement, 28% had progression, and 4% had regression. No difference was found in radiological changes regarding patients with usage of different immunosuppressive agents (P = 0.634). There was no association between the change in serum acute phase reactants and radiological disease activity. Conclusion The most commonly used imaging modality for the diagnosis of TA was CT-Ang, whereas MR-Ang was the most preferred for follow-up. Almost 30% of TA patients in our Vasculitis Center had progression at around one year concordant with previous literature. A follow-up imaging at around one year of treatment seems feasible in management of TA.

Most patients with inflammatory arthritis are at their reproductive ages. Use of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents, one of the important treatment options for inflammatory arthritis, can cause foetal morbidity and mortality. While most studies on the effects of anti-TNF-α agents on pregnancy outcomes are about maternal exposure, the number of studies on the risks related to paternal exposure is insufficient. This study aimed to assess pregnancy periods and outcomes of the partners of male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving anti-TNF-α treatment during the preconception period. Totally, 163 male AS patients using anti-TNF-α agents were identified from the Hacettepe University Biological Registry. Of these patients, 45 (27.6%) who declared that their partners got pregnant after initiation on anti-TNF-α agents were included. Data regarding demographics and drug exposure and pregnancy and infant outcomes were evaluated. Of 45 pregnancies, 39 (86.7%) resulted in healthy live births, 3 (6.7%) resulted in spontaneous abortion, and 3 (6.7%) were terminated with curettage. Of 39 live births, 34 (87.2%) were term and 5 (12.8%) were preterm, 30 (76.9%) had normal birth weight, 6 (15.4%) had low birth weight, and 3 (7.7%) had fetal macrosomia. No congenital malformations related to paternal exposure were observed. This study is valuable as being one of the studies providing pregnancy outcomes of partners of male AS patients receiving anti-TNF-α agents with its relatively high number of patients. The results suggested that paternal exposure to anti-TNF-α agents during preconception period could be safe on pregnancy outcomes.

Background/aim: Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and anti-interleukin-6 (anti-IL-6) therapies are increasingly being used in Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) patients who are unresponsive to corticosteroids ± conventional immunosuppressive agents. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of anti-IL-6 (tocilizumab) therapy in refractory TA patients in real life. Materials and methods: Fifteen TA patients (86.7% were female) who received at least 3 cycles of tocilizumab therapy were retrospectively assessed by clinical, laboratory, and radiological evaluations before and after tocilizumab therapy. Results: The median (min–max) age of the patients at evaluation was 35 (20–58) years and the median disease duration from diagnosis was 24 (12–168) months. The median (min.–max.) duration of follow-up after tocilizumab was 15 (3–42) months. There was a significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and patient global visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of patients after tocilizumab therapy. The median (min.–max.) ESR was 26 (5–119) vs. 3 (2–49) mm/h, P = 0.02; CRP was 39.8 (2.4–149.0) vs. 7.9 (0–92.9) mg/L, P = 0.017; and patient global VAS was 50 (0–90) vs. 30 (0–60), P = 0.027, respectively. In 8 patients, ESR and CRP levels were in the normal range in the last control. Imaging modality results after tocilizumab were available for 9 patients; 8 patients were radiologically stable and regression was seen in 1 patient. Comparable imaging modality results before and after tocilizumab were available for 5 patients; 4 patients were radiologically stable and regression was seen in 1 patient. Radiological findings were consistent with laboratory responses. Glucocorticoid dosages decreased from a mean dosage of 16.2 (9.1) mg/day at baseline to 7.1 (3.8) mg/day (P = 0.001) at the last follow-up visit. There was no increase in the steroid dosage in any of the patients. All patients tolerated tocilizumab well. Conclusion: Based on retrospective real life data, anti-IL-6 (tocilizumab) appears to be an effective and tolerable treatment option in refractory TA patients.

Aim To determine the frequency and define the causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA). Method Sixty-four TA patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Having an estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) ≥40 mm Hg by echocardiography or if performed, mean PAP ≥25 mm Hg in right heart catheterization was defined as PH. Clinical, imaging and laboratory results of the TA patients were obtained from hospital files. Result In total, seven (10.9%) patients had PH. Four patients had PH due to left-sided heart disease (group 2 PH), three patients due to pulmonary arterial involvement (PAI; group 4 PH) and one patient due to atrial septal defect (group 1 PH). In one patient, combination of PAI, aortic insufficiency and pulmonary venous return anomaly was present and he was considered to have both group 2 and group 4 PH. PAI was more frequent (42.9% vs 15.7%) in patients with PH but the difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of patients treated with cyclophosphamide and/or biologics was higher in the group with PH as compared to the group without PH (P = 0.015). One patient with group 4 PH had been on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-specific agents for 8 years. Conclusion Pulmonary hypertension is not infrequent in TA patients and all the potential causes of PH should be carefully evaluated. Patients with severe or treatment-resistant disease are prone to have PH. PAH-specific agents may be effective in patients with group 4 PH.

Background/aim: Abnormal capillaroscopic findings have been reported in vasculitic syndromes such as Behçet's disease, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and Wegener's granulomatosis. This study was conducted to define the capillaroscopic changes in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA). Materials and methods: We studied 28 TA patients (27 females). The nail folds from the 2nd to 5th fingers on both hands were examined with video capillaroscopy for all. A patient was defined as having an abnormal capillaroscopic examination if more than 1 morphologic abnormality was present in at least 2 nail folds. Results: The median capillary density of TA patients was 9 (range: 9-11). There were no patients with capillary disorganization or avascular areas. Tortuous capillaries were detected in all patients. The other common morphological capillary abnormalities included enlarged/dilated capillaries (39.3%), branching capillaries (35.7%), and hemorrhages (32.1%). Only 1 patient had giant capillaries with early scleroderma-like pattern. Overall, there were 11 (39.3%) patients with abnormal capillaroscopic findings. There were more patients with abnormal capillaroscopic findings in the subgroup of TA patients whose upper extremity blood pressure could not be measured as compared to those whose blood pressure could be measured (66.7% vs. 26.3% patients; P = 0.04). Conclusion: Capillaroscopic abnormalities are frequently seen in TA patients. We consider that abnormal capillaroscopic findings in TA patients reflect the impaired blood flow due to narrowed or occluded arteries rather than the primary capillary involvement of the disease process.

Background:Before using biological DMARDs, EULAR suggests the use of synthetic DMARDs (especially methotrexate) for RA and PsA [1-2].Objectives:It was aimed to evaluate the differences of disease duration and csDMARDs till first bDMARD in RA and PsA patients.Methods:HUR-BIO (Hacettepe University Biologic Registry) is a prospective, single center database of biological treatments since 2005 and to date 2070 RA and 520 PsA patients have been recorded. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data before bDMARDs of the patients were noted. When investigating the differences between groups, the effects of gender, age and disease duration wereadjusted using two-way ANOVA and ANCOVA tests. The selection was made for the gender, age and for indifference of the relevant groups by using prospensity score matching.Results:We incuded 481 RA, and 482 PsA age and gender matched patients in the study. Age, gender and disease duration information were given in the Table 1. 72.8% of the RA patients were RF or anti-CCP positive. Overall, 56.3, 100% of the RA, and PsA patients first biologic therapies were anti-TNFs, respectively. All RA patients started with csDMARDs before bDMARD treatments, whereas 450 of 482 (93.4%) PsA patients. Methotrexate was the anchor csDMARD for both diseases. RA patients more frequently used all csDMARDs included methotrexate, leflunomide, sulphasalazine hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids as well. Median disease duration till bDMARD treatments in RA and PsA patients were 55 and 18.5 months respectively (pTable 1.emographic characteristics and csDMARDs before first bDMARDRA (n=481)PsA (n=482)P valueFemale, n (%)319 (66.3)332 (68.9)0.218Age, years (mean±SD)48.2 ± 13.547.4 ± 12.20.332Disease duration, years*10 (6-16)7 (3-12)0.000Symptom duration before diagnosis, years¥0 (0-1)1 (0-4)0.000*The period of time between diagnosis and bDMARD initiation, months¥55 (24-115)18.5 (8-58)0.000*The period of time between symptoms and bDMARD initiation, months¥70 (35-151)48 (20-124)0.000*MethotrexateEver n (%)400 (83.3)373 (77.5)0.015Just before bDMARD initiation n (%)251 (52.2)230 (47.7)0.093Hydroxychloroquine sulfateEver n (%)292 (60.8)170 (35.3)0.000*Just before bDMARD initiation n (%)262 (54.5)99 (20.5)0.000*LeflunomideEver n (%)237 (49.4)129 (26.8)0.000*Just before bDMARD initiation n (%)160 (33.3)96 (19.9)0.000*SulphasalazineEver n (%)353 (73.5)265 (55.1)0.000*Just before bDMARD initiation n (%)156 (32.4)146 (30.3)0.259*CorticosteroidsEver n (%)419 (87.3)281 (58.4)0.000*Just before bDMARD initiation n (%)335 (69.6)187 (38.8)0.000*¥Median (IQR)Conclusion:According to HUR-BIO real life data, for inflammatory arthritis patients who started bDMARDs, the periods of time between diagnosis and bDMARDs were more reasonable (18 months) in PsA patients than RA patient’s periods which were approximately three times longer. RA patients were used much more and longer duration of csDMARDs. This explicit distinction may be explained by synthetic DMARDs on activity differences between the RA and PsA.References:[1]Gossec, L., et al., EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with pharmacological therapies: 2019 update. Ann Rheum Dis, 2020. 79(6): p. 700-712.[2]Smolen, J.S., et al., EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update. Ann Rheum Dis, 2020. 79(6): p. 685-699.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:In the last 20 years, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha agents re-designed the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite this, unmet needs in the management of RA brought several drugs targeting different molecules and cytokines. It is still a research question that how did these developments changed daily-practice in RA patients who are intolerant/unresponsive to the first biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD).Objectives:In this study, we aimed to explore the second biologic agent trends of our 20-years of single-center experience.Methods:HUR-BIO (Hacettepe University Rheumatology Biologic Registry) is a single center biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) registry since 2005. Patients who were started biologics before 2005 were registered retrospectively. Until the end of the 2020, 21 different rheumatologists contributed to the development of HUR-BIO. Distribution of the second-line biological agents (switch from first-line biological agent because of either adverse events or unresponsiveness) was calculated according to 5-year periods starting from the 2001. Also, demographic and serologic data of RA patients were reported.Results:A total of 776 (776/2080, 37.3%) RA patients, who was prescribed a second biological agent, was registered in HUR-BIO by the end of 2020. Of these patients, 83.7% was female. Mean age at the starting of bDMARD was 53.1 ± 13.3 years. Rate of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptid positivity was 69.1% and 60.5%, respectively. Distribution of first-line bDMARDs was as follows: adalimumab 194 (24.9%), etanercept 209 (26.9%), infliximab 105 (13.5%), golimumab 39 (5.0%), certolizumab 35 (4.5%), abatacept 78 (10.0%), rituximab 46 (5.9%), tofacitinib 37 (4.7%), tocilizumab 33 (4.2%). 11 (1.4%), 85 (11.0%), 282 (36.3%) and 398 (51.3%) patients were prescribed with their second bDMARD in 2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015 and 2016-2020, respectively. There was a trend towards the increasing prescription of non-Anti-TNF bDMARDs as second-line over time.Table 1.Distribution of second biologic DMARDs in RA patients according to 5-years periods2001-20052006-20102011-20152016-2020TotalAdalimumab3 (27.3)15 (17.6)69 (23.9)77 (18.9)164 (20.8)Etanercept8 (72.7)35 (41.2)49 (17.0)41 (10.1)133 (16.8)İnfliximab012 (14.1)13 (4.5)25 (6.2)50 (5.4)Golimumab0019 (6.6)8 (2.0)27 (3.4)Certolizumab002 (0.7)26 (6.4)28 (3.5)Anti-TNF11 (100)62 (72.9)152 (53.9)177 (44.5)402 (51.8)Tofacitinib004 (1.4)73 (17.9)77 (9.7)Tocilizumab0012 (4.2)81(19.9)93 (11.7)Rituximab022 (25.9)53 (18.3)32 (7.8)107 (13.5)Abatacept01 (1.2)61 (21.1)35 (8.6)97 (12.2)Non-Anti-TNF023 (27.1)130 (46.1)221 (55.5)374 (48.2)Total11 (100)85 (100)282 (100)398 (100)776 (100)Approval years of drugs in Turkey; Infliximab: 2003, etanercept:2004, adalimumab: 2005, golimumab: 2013, certolizumab: 2014, abatacept: 2010, tocilizumab: 2013, rituximab:2009, tofacitinib: 2015Conclusion:As the choice of second-line biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD, non-Anti-TNF bDMARDs, especially tofacitinib and tocilizumab becoming more frequent year-by-year. Despite that, anti-TNF agents as a group are still highly-prescribed options as second-line bDMARD.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Although focusing on the proliferative form of lupus nephritis (LN), recent reports also highlight the importance of recognizing and treating non-proliferative forms of LN.Objectives:In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical features and outcomes between proliferative and non-proliferative LN and to investigate the predictor factors of end stage renal disease (ESRD).Methods:This retrospective study included 139 SLE patients who had at least one kidney biopsy between 2001 and 2020. 116 patients were diagnosed as LN. Biopsy findings had been classified according to the International Society of Nephrology and the Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification. Demographics, disease involvements, laboratory values, treatment regimens, and outcomes in LN course were compared according to the proliferative and non-proliferative LN. Complete renal response within first 24 months was defined as ACR response criteria. Factors predicting the ESRD were analysed by the logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 116 lupus nephritis patients were categorised class 3 (n=17, 14.7%) or 4 (n=77, 66.4%) as proliferative LN and class 2 (n=9, 7.8%) or 5 (n=13, 11.2%) as non-proliferative LN. Of these patients, 80.2% was female. Mean age at the SLE diagnosis and SLE manifestations were similar for both group. ANA (+) ≥ 1:320, ds-DNA level, APS antibodies, anti-Sm (+) were similar for proliferative and non-proliferative LN, but ds DNA positivity and low level of C3 and C4 were more frequent in proliferative LN. LN duration was similar. Median renal SLEDAI scores were higher in proliferative LN group. Induction treatment regimens included pulse steroid 72.3%, CyC 51.8%, MMF 24.6%, Rtx 6.1%, CsA 4.4%, and plasma exchange 12.9%. ESRD, renal transplantation and exitus were major complications of LN. Predictors of ESRD were duration of lupus nephritis (OR 1.32 [1.09-1.61]; 95% CI), decrease in GFR at the biopsy time (OR 0.97 [0.95-0.99]; 95% CI), and being in complete renal response within 24 months (OR 21.07 [2.28-194.36]; 95% CI).Conclusion:Unfortunately, LN patients still have worse outcomes, such as high ESRD rate, regarding to current effective immunosuppressive treatment regimens. Although patients’ number were not enough for conclusion, interestingly, worse outcomes were not related with proliferative or non-proliferative LN. Complete remission within 24 months was most relevant good prognostic factor, and clinicians should be kept in mind to these windows of opportunity period.Table 1.Demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of the patients with lupus nephritisVariables*All patients (n=116)Class 3 or 4 LN (n=94)Class 2 or 5 LN (n=22)pAge at the SLE diagnosis, years22.5±13.123±13.320.3±140.32Sex, female93 (80.2)74 (78.7)19 (86.4)0.42SLE disease duration8 (8.7)8 (9.7)8.3 (7.5)0.66Lupus nephritis at diagnosis time67 (58.8)54 (58.7)13 (59.1)0.97Manifestation of SLE-Musculoscletal75 (66.4)63 (68.5)12 (57.1)0.32-Mucocutaneous60 (52.6)50 (54.3)10 (45.5)0.45-Hematologic47 (40.9)38 (40.4)9 (42.9)0.83-Serosal26 (23.2)21 (23.1)5 (23.8)0.94-Neurological6 (5.3)5 (5.4)1 (4.8)0.91Laboratory values for kidney biopsy-Creatinine level (mg/dL)0.7 (0.5)0.8 (0.5)0.6 (0.2)0.01-GFR (ml/min)110 (67)92 (55)145 (59)0.03-≥ 60 ml/min79 (79.8)63 (77.8)16 (88.9)-30-59 ml/min8 (8.1)7 (8.6)1 (5.6)0.55-< 30 ml/min12 (12.1)11 (13.6)1 (5.6)-24-hour urine protein≥ 1 gr/day72 (71.3)62 (76.5)10 (52.6)0.04≥ 3 gr/day36 (35.6)32 (39)4 (21.1)0.14-Active urinary sediment91 (83.5)78 (89.7)13 (59.1)0.001Renal SLEDAI at the biopsy12 (8)12 (8)8 (8)0.001Lupus nephritis duration (years)5.5 (8)5.1 (8.3)6.4 (4.8)0.73Complete renal response within 24 months69 (71.1)55 (72.4)14 (66.7)0.61End-stage renal disease13 (11.2)11 (11.7)2 (9.1)0.72Renal transplantation5 (4.3)4 (4.3)1 (4.5)0.95Exitus8 (7)7 (7.5)1 (4.5)0.62*n (%), if otherwise specified. Med (IQR) for numerical data excluding age; mean ± SD for age.GFR: Glomerular filtration rate, LN: Lupus nephritis, SLEDAI: Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity indexDisclosure of Interests:None declared