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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe multi-organ disease with interstitial lung disease (ILD) being the major cause of death. While targeted therapies are emerging, biomarkers for sub-stratifying patients based on individual profiles are lacking. Herein, we investigated how levels of serum metabolites correlated with different stages of SSc and SSc-ILD. Serum samples of patients with SSc without ILD, stable and progressive SSc-ILD as well as of healthy controls (HC) were analysed using liquid targeted tandem mass spectrometry. The best discriminating profile consisted of 4 amino acids (AA) and 3 purine metabolites. l-tyrosine, l-tryptophan, and 1-methyl-adenosine distinguished HC from SSc patients. l-leucine, l-isoleucine, xanthosine, and adenosine monophosphate differentiated between progressing and stable SSc-ILD. In SSc-ILD, both, l-leucine and xanthosine negatively correlated with changes in FVC% predicted. Additionally, xanthosine was negatively correlated with changes in DLco% predicted and positively with the prognostic GAP index. Validation of l-leucine and l-isoleucine by an enzymatic assay confirmed both the sub-stratification of SSc-ILD patients and correlation with lung function and prognosis score. Serum metabolites may have potential as biomarkers for discriminating SSc patients based on the presence and severity of ILD. Confirmation in larger cohorts will be needed to appreciate their value for routine clinical care.

BackgroundRituximab (RTX) is associated with reduced humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccine (1, 2). A recent study has shown that, despite their immunosuppression burden, kidney transplant recipients with previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 showed a marked increase in antibody titer, even after a single dose of vaccine (3).ObjectivesTo describe the results of immunization after 1 to 3 doses of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in RTX-treated patients with previous symptomatic COVID-19 infection.MethodsObservational prospective usual care study including consecutive patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases in maintenance therapy with RTX. All patients received a 1 to 3-dose regimen of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 Pfizer/BioNTech or mRNA-1273, Moderna). Serum IgG antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins were measured at the time of the new RTX infusion. The SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG immunoassay (DiaSorin) was used for the quantitative determination of antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of the viral spike (S) protein. Seropositivity was defined by anti-S antibodies >15 UA/mL.ResultsWe included 69 patients (60 females, mean age 60±13 years) on maintenance therapy with RTX including 13 with previous symptomatic COVID-19, all proven by RT-PCR (10 females, mean age 58±12 years) (Table 1). SymptomaticCOVID-19 occurred between March 2020 and May 2021. The mean interval between the infection and vaccination was 8±3 months and the serological response was assessed after a mean of 74±58 days from the last dose of vaccination (3rd dose for 3 patients, 2nd dose for 6 patients and 1st dose for 4 patients). The 56 patients with no history of symptomatic COVID-19 infection all received 3 doses of vaccine and the serological response was assessed after a mean of 63±27 days from the 3rd dose of vaccination. The seropositivity rate was significantly higher in RTX-treated patients with previous symptomatic COVID-19 infection (11/13, 85% vs.15/56, 27%, pTable 1.Study populationPatients with previous symptomatic COVID-19 (n=13)Patients without symptomatic COVID-19 (n=56)Age (years), mean ± SD58±1260±11Females, n (%)10 (77)50 (89)Underlying disease: Rheumatoid arthritis10 (77)45 (80) Systemic sclerosis2 (15)5 (9) Systemic lupus erythematosus1 (8)1 (2) Sjögren syndrome0 (0)3 (5) Mixed connective tissue disease0 (0)2 (4)Disease duration (years), mean ± SD17±920±10Associated Methotrexate, n (%)9 (69)36 (64)Current treatment with corticosteroids, n (%)5 (38)21 (38)Corticosteroid dose >10 mg/day, n (%)0 (0)0 (0)CD19+ (/µL) (100-600), mean ± SD65±10645±51CD19 7 (54)33 (58)Figure 1.Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels according to the history of proven symptomatic COVID-19. **** pConclusionRTX-treated patients with previous proven COVID-19 showed increased seropositivity and antibody titers after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, even after a single-dose of vaccine. This response is strikingly different from that observed for SARS-CoV-2-naïve RTX treated patients who received 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccination. An “antigen dose phenomenon” may account for these discrepancies. A potential clinical implication might be to increase antibody response with an additional dose of vaccine following an exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in RTX-treated patients with absent or insufficient postvaccination antibody response.References[1]Avouac et al, Rheumatology 2021[2]Jyssum et al, Lancet Rheumatol 2021[3]Benotmane et al, Am J Transplant 2021Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundCOMPACT is a non-interventional study evaluating the effectiveness and safety in patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial-spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with GP2015 (an etanercept [ETN] biosimilar) in real-world conditions.ObjectivesWe present the effectiveness and safety data from the final analysis of the COMPACT study for all patient groups.MethodsPts aged ≥18 years on treatment with GP2015 were enrolled. Baseline visit corresponded with date of study inclusion and not with date of GP2015 treatment start. Pts were categorised based on prior treatment status: pts on clinical remission or low disease activity under treatment with reference ETN or biosimilar ETN (initial ETN: [iETN]) and switched to GP2015 (Group A) or pts who received non-ETN targeted therapies and switched to GP2015 (Group B) or biologic-naïve pts who started GP2015 after conventional therapy failure (Group C) or DMARD-naïve pts with recent diagnosis of RA considered suitable for treatment initiation with a biologic and started on treatment with GP2015 (Group D). Effectiveness assessments included Disease Activity Score 28-joint count Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) until Month 12 after enrolment (baseline) in the study.ResultsOf the 1466 pts enrolled, 572 were switched from iETN (Group A), 171 were switched from other targeted therapies (Group B), 713 were biologic-naïve (Group C), and 10 were RA DMARD-naïve (Group D). Comorbidities were more frequent in pts with RA (68.7%,) followed by pts with PsA (59.4%) and axSpA (52.1%). After 12 months of treatment with GP2015, pts with RA or PsA achieved comparable DAS28-ESR scores irrespective of whether they switched from iETN, or from other targeted therapies or were biologic-naïve. At Month 12, the mean ASDAS scores were comparable between the treatment groups in pts with axSpA (Table 1). Across all pt groups, no major differences were observed in the disease activity scores between baseline and Month 12 that may be explained by the ongoing GP2015 treatment at the time of enrolment for an observed average of 138 days. Overall, the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event (AE) and serious AE (SAE) was 47.6% and 7.7% in pts who were switched from iETN, 56.7% and 9.9% in pts switched from other targeted therapies, 56% and 8.7% in biologic-naïve pts, and 60% and 0% in DMARD-naïve pts. Rate of injection site reaction was low across the groups (Figure 1).Table 1.Effectiveness outcomes in patients treated with GP2015Effectiveness outcomesGroup AGroup BGroup CGroup DOverall (A-D)RADAS28-ESR, n, mean (SD)N=295N=88N=451N=10N=844Baselinen=259n=70n=392n=8n=7292.5 (1.1)3.6 (1.3)3.3 (1.5)3.8 (1.2)3.0 (1.4)Month 12n=135n=47n=238n=2n=4222.5 (1.3)2.7 (1.0)2.8 (1.4)4.3 (2.5)2.7 (1.3)PsAN=117N=36N=135N=0N=288Baselinen=80n=30n=116-n=2262.1 (1.0)2.9 (1.6)2.9 (1.6)2.6 (1.5)Month 12n=32n=13n=60-n=1052.6 (1.9)2.6 (1.6)2.3 (1.4)2.4 (1.5)AxSpAASDAS, n, mean (SD)N=160N=47N=127N=0N=334Baselinen=77n=18n=59-n=1541.6 (0.6)1.8 (0.8)2.3 (0.9)1.9 (0.8)Month 12n=39n=8n=23-n=701.8 (0.9)1.9 (0.6)1.9 (1.0)1.8 (0.9)N, total number of patients in the treatment group; n, number of patients with available data at each time point, SD, standard deviationFigure 1.Overall safety outcomes in patients treated with GP2015Figure 1 represents the adverse events reported during GP2015 treatment.N, total number of patients in the treatment; n, number of patients in each treatment groupConclusionThe results show comparable disease activity scores between pts who were switched from iETN, pts switched from other targeted therapies and biologic-naïve pts after 12 months of treatment with GP2015. No impact on the effectiveness of ETN was observed in pts with RA, axSpA or PsA who switched to GP2015. No new safety signals were reported.Disclosure of InterestsMarc Schmalzing Speakers bureau: Novartis, AbbVie, Chugai/Roche, Janssen-Cilag, Lilly, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Chugai/Roche, Hexal/Sandoz, Gilead, AbbVie, Janssen-Cilag, Boehringer/Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Chugai/Roche, Boehringer/Ingelheim, Celgene, Medac, Herbert Kellner: None declared, Ayman Askari: None declared, Javier de Toro Santos: None declared, JULIO CESAR VAZQUEZ PEREZ-COLEMAN Speakers bureau: Sandoz, Abbvie, Sanofi, Fresenius, Rosario Foti Speakers bureau: Abbivie, Gilead, Lilly, Pfizer, UCB, Roche, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Sławomir Jeka: None declared, Boulos Haraoui Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Fresenius Kabi, Lilly and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Fresenius Kabi, Lilly and Pfizer, Yannick Allanore Consultant of: Sandoz Hexal, Mylan, Astra-Zeneca, Masiur Rahman Employee of: Sandoz Hexal AG, Fabricio Furlan Employee of: Sandoz Hexal AG, Sohaib HACHAICHI Employee of: Sandoz Hexal AG, Tom Sheeran Speakers bureau: Pfizer, UCB, Roche, Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Novartis, UCB, Roche

BackgroundNintedanib slows the progression of fibrosing ILDs, with a safety profile characterised predominantly by gastrointestinal events.ObjectivesAssess the safety and tolerability of nintedanib in patients with autoimmune disease-related ILDs by sex and age.MethodsThe SENSCIS trial was conducted in patients with ILD associated with systemic sclerosis. The INBUILD trial was conducted in patients with progressive fibrosing ILDs other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Patients were randomised to receive nintedanib 150 mg bid or placebo. Dose reductions to 100 mg bid and treatment interruptions were permitted to manage adverse events (AEs). Data from all patients in SENSCIS and patients with autoimmune disease-related ILDs in INBUILD were pooled. In subgroups based on sex and age (ResultsAmong 746 patients; 70.1% were female; 29.1% were aged ≥65 years. Mean (SD) exposure to nintedanib or placebo was 10.8 (3.2) and 11.1 (2.9) months in females and males, and 11.0 (3.0) and 10.6 (3.5) months in patients aged ConclusionIn patients with autoimmune-disease related ILDs, the AE profile of nintedanib in subgroups by sex and age was generally consistent with the known safety profile, but certain types of AE and dose reductions were more frequent in female patients, while serious AEs were more common in male patients.Table 1.Adverse events in patients with autoimmune disease-related ILDs in the SENSCIS and INBUILD trials in subgroups by sex and age at baseline.FemaleMaleAge Age ≥65 yearsNintedanib(n=268)Placebo(n=255)Nintedanib(n=102)Placebo(n=121)Nintedanib(n=267)Placebo(n=262)Nintedanib(n=103)Placebo(n=114)Most frequent adverse events*Diarrhoea198 (73.9)77 (30.2)73 (71.6)38 (31.4)197 (73.8)85 (32.4)74 (71.8)30 (26.3)Nausea92 (34.3)35 (13.7)21 (20.6)14 (11.6)86 (32.2)38 (14.5)27 (26.2)11 (9.6)Vomiting73 (27.2)22 (8.6)12 (11.8)14 (11.6)61 (22.8)27 (10.3)24 (23.3)9 (7.9)Skin ulcer42 (15.7)37 (14.5)12 (11.8)13 (10.7)42 (15.7)45 (17.2)12 (11.7)5 (4.4)Nasopharyngitis34 (12.7)41 (16.1)12 (11.8)21 (17.4)33 (12.4)43 (16.4)13 (12.6)19 (16.7)Weight decreased34 (12.7)8 (3.1)10 (9.8)6 (5.0)29 (10.9)9 (3.4)15 (14.6)5 (4.4)Decreased appetite29 (10.8)9 (3.5)13 (12.7)4 (3.3)25 (9.4)10 (3.8)17 (16.5)3 (2.6)Abdominal pain32 (11.9)18 (7.1)8 (7.8)5 (4.1)27 (10.1)19 (7.3)13 (12.6)4 (3.5)Upper respiratory tract infection30 (11.2)31 (12.2)9 (8.8)8 (6.6)31 (11.6)33 (12.6)8 (7.8)6 (5.3)Cough23 (8.6)39 (15.3)13 (12.7)19 (15.7)27 (10.1)46 (17.6)9 (8.7)12 (10.5)Liver-related investigations, signs and symptoms49 (18.3)11 (4.3)13 (12.7)6 (5.0)42 (15.7)12 (4.6)20 (19.4)5 (4.4)Adverse event(s) leading to dose reduction101 (37.7)9 (3.5)18 (17.6)3 (2.5)81 (30.3)9 (3.4)38 (36.9)3 (2.6)Adverse event(s) leading to treatment discontinuation44 (16.4)21 (8.2)17 (16.7)13 (10.7)39 (14.6)18 (6.9)22 (21.4)16 (14.0)Serious adverse event(s)57 (21.3)53 (20.8)40 (39.2)37 (30.6)63 (23.6)54 (20.6)34 (33.0)36 (31.6)n (%) of patients with ≥1 such adverse event over 52 weeks. Adverse events were coded based on preferred terms in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA), except for liver-related investigations, signs and symptoms, which was based on a standardised MedDRA query. *Adverse events reported in >10% of patients with autoimmune disease-related ILDs in the nintedanib or placebo group.AcknowledgementsThe SENSCIS and INBUILD trials were funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. Oliver Distler was a member of the SENSCIS trial Steering Committee.Disclosure of InterestsAnna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Speakers bureau: Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Paid instructor for: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Actelion, ARXX, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Elizabeth Volkmann Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Forbius, Horizon, Kadmon, Yannick Allanore Consultant of: Abbvie, Astra-Zeneca, Bayer, Boehringer, Mylan, Janssen, Medsenic, Prometheus, Roche, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Alpine Immunosciences, Medsenic, OSE immunotherapeutics, Shervin Assassi Speakers bureau: On speaker bureau for Integrity Continuing Education, Consultant of: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring, Novartis, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Jeska de Vries-Bouwstra Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Consultant of: Abbvie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Galapagos NV, Janssen and Roche B.V., Vanessa Smith Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Janssen-Cilag NV, UCB Biopharma Sprl, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Janssen-Cilag NV, Grant/research support from: Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Janssen-Cilag NV, Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Inga Tschoepe Employee of: Inga Tschoepe is an employee of Elderbrook Solutions that is contracted by Boehringer Ingelheim., Lazaro Loaiza Employee of: Lazaro Loaiza is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Madhu Kanakapura Employee of: Madhu Kanakapura is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: OD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years:Speaker fee: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Medscape, Consultant of: OD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years:Consultancy fee: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, 4P Science, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and TopadurOD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for arthritides in the last three calendar years:Consultancy fee: Abbvie, Grant/research support from: OD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years:Research Grants: Boehringer Ingelheim, Kymera, Mitsubishi Tanabe

BackgroundIn the SENSCIS trial conducted in a population of subjects with SSc-ILD with a mean time since first non-Raynaud symptom of 3.5 years and 52% with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), nintedanib reduced the rate of decline in FVC (mL/year) over 52 weeks by 44% versus placebo. Risk factors for a rapid decline in FVC in patients with SSc include early SSc, elevated inflammatory markers, significant skin involvement, and dcSSc. Patients with SSc with these risk factors for rapid progression of ILD are typically given immunosuppressants but not nintedanib.ObjectivesTo analyse the rate of decline in FVC and the effect of nintedanib on FVC decline in subjects with risk factors for a rapid decline in FVC in the SENSCIS trial.MethodsIn post-hoc analyses of data from the SENSCIS trial, we analysed the rate of decline in FVC (mL/year) over 52 weeks in all subjects and in those with early SSc (9/L), or significant skin fibrosis using two approaches (modified Rodnan skin score [mRSS] 15-40 or mRSS >18) at baseline. We also analysed the rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks in subjects with one of these risk factors and dcSSc.ResultsOf 575 subjects analysed, 79 (13.7%) had 18. Of 299 subjects with dcSSc, 29 (9.7%) had 18. In the placebo group, the rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks was numerically greater in subjects with these risk factors for rapid decline in FVC compared with all subjects (Figure 1). Across the subgroups, the rate of decline in FVC was numerically lower in subjects treated with nintedanib than placebo (Figure 1).Figure 1.Rate of decline in FVC (mL/year) over 52 weeks in (A) all patients and in patients with risk factors for rapid decline in FVC at baseline and (B) all patients and in patients with dcSSc and risk factors for rapid decline in FVC at baseline in the SENSCIS trial.ConclusionThe SENSCIS trial included a broad range of subjects with a fibrotic ILD complicating SSc, including those with risk factors for a rapid decline in FVC. In the placebo group, subjects with these risk factors had a more rapid decline in FVC over 52 weeks compared with the overall trial population. By targeting fibrosis with nintedanib, the rate of decline in FVC in patients with risk factors for FVC decline was reduced in patients treated with nintedanib compared with placebo.AcknowledgementsThe SENSCIS trial was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. Toby M Maher and Masataka Kuwana were members of the SENSCIS trial Steering Committee.Disclosure of InterestsDinesh Khanna Shareholder of: Stocks - Eicos Sciences, Inc, Consultant of: AbbVie, Acceleron, Actelion, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos NV, Genentech/Roche, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Horizon Therapeutics, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Prometheus, Sanofi-Aventis, Theraly, United Therapeutics, Grant/research support from: Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Horizon Therapeutics, Immune Tolerance Network, National Institutes of Health, Pfizer, Employee of: Leadership/Equity position – Chief Medical Officer - CiviBioPharma/Eicos Sciences, Inc, Toby Maher Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Galapagos, Genentech, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Bayer, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Galapagos, Galecto, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, IQVIA, Pliant, Respivant, Roche, Theravance and Veracyte, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Elizabeth Volkmann Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Forbius, Horizon, Kadmon, Yannick Allanore Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer, Mylan, Janssen, Medsenic, Prometheus, Sanofi, Roche, Grant/research support from: Alpine Immunosciences, Medsenic, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Vanessa Smith Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Janssen-Cilag NV, UCB Biopharma Sprl, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Janssen-Cilag NV, Grant/research support from: Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Janssen-Cilag NV, Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Shervin Assassi Speakers bureau: On speaker bureau for Integrity Continuing Education, Consultant of: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring, Novartis, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Michael Kreuter Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim and Roche, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim and Roche, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim and Roche, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Speakers bureau: Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Paid instructor for: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Actelion, ARXX, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Masataka Kuwana Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Kissei, Mochida, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, MBL, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Christian Stock Employee of: Christian Stock is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Margarida Alves Employee of: Margarida Alves is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Steven Sambevski Employee of: Steven Sambevski is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Christopher P Denton Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Consultant of: Abbvie, Acceleron, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Grant/research support from: ARXX Therapeutics, GlaxoSmithKline, Horizon Therapeutics, Servier

BackgroundEnrichment strategies from clinical trials for progressive systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) have been partly successful but have not been tested in a real life cohort.ObjectivesAnalyse the efficacy, representativeness and feasibility of enrichment strategies in SSc-ILD patients from the EUSTAR cohort.MethodsWe applied the inclusion criteria of major recent SSc-ILD trials (focuSSced, SLS II and SENSCIS) in SSc-ILD patients and assessed progressive ILD, defined as absolute change in forced vital capacity (FVC) and as significant progression (FVC decline >10%) over time. Data were compared to all patients and patients not fulfilling any inclusion criteria.ResultsIn total, 2258 SSc-ILD patients were included, with 31.2% meeting SENSCIS, 5.8% SLS II, 1.6% focuSSced criteria and 1529 (67.7%) not meeting any criteria (Table 1). In the first 12+/-3 months, a slow FVC% decline of –0.1% was seen in the total, unselected cohort and in patients fulfilling SENSCIS criteria. Patients fulfilling criteria from focuSSced showed a strong FVC decline of –3.7%. Notably, patients enriched for SLS II criteria showed FVC improvement of +2.3% (Figure 1). Similarly, compared to the total unselected cohort, the number of significant progressive events was numerically higher in patients fulfilling focuSSced criteria, the same for SENSCIS criteria and even slightly lower for patients fulfilling the SLS2 criteria.Table 1.Demographics and baseline clinical characteristics of EUSTAR patientsNot fulfilling any criteria (n=1529)focuSSced (n=36)SLS II (n=132)SENSCIS (n=704)Age, years (SD)58.4 (2.9)51.5 (12.2)†51.2 (12.7) †54.2 (13.8) †Male, n (%)231 (15.1)7 (19)35 (27)**156 (21)*Disease duration, months (SD)156.3 (99.4)16.1 (13.9)†40.7 (25.2) †39.4 (23.9) †DcSSc, n (%)597 (43.8)36 (100) †85 (65) †35 (52) †ATA, n (%)735 (51.1)24 (67)*85 (69) †370 (56)mRSS, mean (SD)9.5 (8.3)21 (6.5)*13 (9.6)*11 (9.2)GERD, n (%)1002 (65.9)25 (69)92 (70)430 (62)ESR, mean (SD)27 (20.5)43.1 (23) †29.6 (19.6) †24.7 (20.7)MMF, n (%)75 (16.5)0 (0) †0 (0) †52 (22) †MTX, n (%)42 (9.2)0 (0) †2 (5)20 (9)FVC % predicted, mean (SD)85.7 (22.5)88 (13.6)*66 (9.1) †88 (19.8)DLCO% predicted, mean (SD)58.9 (21.5)61 (12.7)49(14.6)†59 (14.2)NYHA class, n (%)3261 (17.8)6 (19)28 (21)72 (10)*440 (2.7)0 (0)3 (2)4 (1)**P-value: 0.001–0.05; †PIn the second 12 months period, SENSCIS enriched patients had a further absolute FVC% decline as described for the total cohort. In contrast, patients fulfilling the focuSSced and SLS II inclusion criteria showed numerical improvement of lung function in the second period (Figure 1). There were no significant associations of enrichment criteria and ILD progression in the second period.Over the mean observation period of 2.3 years, patients not fulfilling any inclusion criteria showed the same FVC decline of –0.9 (12.1) as observed for the total cohort (–0.9% (12.6)). There were numerical differences in FVC changes in the enriched patient cohorts, varying from –2.8% FVC decline in patients fulfilling the focuSSced criteria to +3.4% FVC improvement with SLS II criteria.ConclusionApplication of enrichment criteria from previous clinical trials showed enrichment for progression with variable success but led to selected patient populations reducing feasibility of recruitment. These findings are important for future clinical trial design and interpretation of the results of published trials.AcknowledgementsWe thank all EUSTAR collaborators.Disclosure of InterestsAnna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Speakers bureau: Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jansen, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Consultant of: Actelion, ARXX, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jansen, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Cathrine Brunborg: None declared, Paolo Airò Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Roche, Jannsen, CSL Behring, Lidia P. Ananyeva Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, László Czirják Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Actelion (now GSK), MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Actelion (now GSK), MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Serena Guiducci: None declared, Eric Hachulla Speakers bureau: GSK, Roche-Chugai, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: CSL Behring, GSK, Roche-Chugai, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi Genzyme, Mengtao Li: None declared, Carina Mihai Speakers bureau: MEDtalks Switzerland, Mepha, Grant/research support from: Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Gabriela Riemekasten Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Gabriele Valentini Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: BMS, Otylia Kowal-Bielecka Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Pfizer, Gilead Sciences, Janssen-Cilag, MEDAC, MSD, Abbvie, Sandoz, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Health Care system Navigator, CSL Behring, MSD, Novartis, Grant/research support from: CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbvie, Roche, MEDAC, Yannick Allanore Speakers bureau: Boehringer, Abbvie, Consultant of: Boehringer, Bayer, Astra-Zeneca, Prometheus, Sanofi, Genentech/Roche, Boehringer, Grant/research support from: Alpine Immunosciences, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Medsenic, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Medscape, Consultant of: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, 4P Science, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur, Grant/research support from: Kymera, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Boehringer Ingelheim

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease, with a high disease-related mortality and morbidity. A subset of patients show elevated CRP levels (20-35%), which has been reported as inflammatory SSc. Preliminary data suggest that this subset is characterized by a severe phenotype.ObjectivesTo analyse the phenotype and the survival of inflammatory compared with non-inflammatory SSc patient subsets.MethodsData from 8571 SSc patients with available CRP measurement from the EUSTAR cohort were analysed. Exclusion criteria included acute infection, missing follow-up and tocilizumab treatment. Patients with a CRP ≥5mg/l at ≥80% of visits were stratified as persistent inflammatory and as non-inflammatory if CRP was ≥5 mg/l at ResultsOut of 2883 patients with more than two visits, 404 (14%) showed persistent inflammation and 1032 (36%) a non-inflammatory phenotype. Out of 5619 patients with more than one visit, 1830 (33%) were stratified as inflammatory as defined by as single CRP measurement at baseline and 3789 (67%) as non-inflammatory. With both definitions, the inflammatory subset revealed a more severe phenotype than non-inflammatory patients, including more frequent diffuse-cutaneous disease, anti-Scl-70 autoantibodies, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, higher modified Rodnan skin score, and lower forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Patients with persistent inflammation had a strongly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 7.1 [95%CI 3.7 to 13.5], pConclusionThe severe phenotype and decreased survival of the inflammatory SSc subset, which was most prominent in patients with persistently elevated CRP levels, suggest a distinct disease subset. Therefore both, the need for more regular monitoring of inflammatory parameters and implications for immune-modulating treatment, needs to be carefully analysed.References[1]Mitev, A., et al., Inflammatory stays inflammatory: a subgroup of systemic sclerosis characterized by high morbidity and inflammatory resistance to cyclophosphamide. Arthritis Res Ther, 2019. 21(1): p. 262. PMID: 31791379Figure 1.Overall mortality from baseline onward a. by persistent inflammatory phenotype, b. by inflammatory phenotype at baselineDisclosure of InterestsAdela-Cristina Sarbu: None declared, Sabina Guler: None declared, Odile Stadler: None declared, Yannick Allanore: None declared, Vera Bernardino: None declared, Jörg H.W. Distler: None declared, Armando Gabrielli: None declared, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold: None declared, Marco Matucci-Cerinic: None declared, Ulf Müller-Ladner: None declared, Vera Ortiz-Santamaria: None declared, Simona Rednic: None declared, Valeria Riccieri: None declared, Vanessa Smith: None declared, Susanne Ullman: None declared, Ulrich Walker: None declared, Thomas Geiser: None declared, Oliver Distler: None declared, Britta Maurer Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Consultant of: Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen-Cilag, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Protagen, Novartis Biomedical Research, Florian Kollert Shareholder of: Roche, Consultant of: BMS, Actelion, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Roche, Gilead, Pfizer, Employee of: Roche

BackgroundMixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by Raynaud’s phenomenon, positivity of antibodies targeting the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (U1 snRNP), various clinical features and potential risk of severe cardio-pulmonary involvement (interstitial lung disease, ILD, and pulmonary hypertension, PH) (1), (2).Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive imaging technique that allows a detailed assessment of skin microcirculation. NVC abnormalities have been barely described in MCTD and associations between NVC features and MCTD disease characteristics have only been partially investigated.ObjectivesTo describe the NVC patterns observed in MCTD and assess their potential association with disease characteristics.MethodsCross-sectional study based on the retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized in the department of Rheumatology, Cochin Hospital, Paris France. To be included, patients were required to fulfil at least one classification criteria used in MCTD (3). The following data were collected: demographics, clinical features, para-clinical and laboratory data, treatment, and NVC findings.Results51 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 51±12 years, 44 (86%) were women, mean disease duration was 13.8±11.1 years and 16 patients (31%) had ILD.Three different NVC patterns have been identified in our cohort (Figure 1): A) normal findings in 6 patients (11,7 %); B) non-specific organic microangiopathy in 16 patients (31,4%) and C) scleroderma pattern in 18 patients (35.3%), defined by the presence of at least 3 of the 4 following features: at least 1 giant capillary, decreased capillary density (Scleroderma pattern was associated with clinical features of systemic sclerosis: skin sclerosis (9/18 vs. 5/33; p=0.008) and digital ulcers (6/18 vs. 2/31; p=0.017). Conversely, no association was observed between the normal or the non-specific NVC pattern and disease specific characteristics.Interestingly, we observed, a significant reduction in the number of capillaries in patients with ILD (4.80±1.87 vs. 6.03±1.47; p=0.039), and patients with severe reduction of capillary density (≤4/mm) were more likely to have ILD (5/7 vs. 5/33; p=0.002). Neoangiogenesis was also more frequent in patients with ILD (6/13 vs. 4/27; p=0.034).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the association between severe reduction of capillary density and ILD was observed independently of the presence of a scleroderma NVC pattern and skin fibrosis.Figure 1.ConclusionWe identified three main NVC patterns in MCTD patients. The scleroderma NVC pattern was associated with clinical scleroderma characteristics whereas non-specific microangiopathy and normal NVC were not associated with a specific phenotype. Moreover, severe capillary loss was independently associated with the presence of ILD. These data suggest that NVC may be helpful for disease risk stratification in MCTD, and that NVC findings, and particularly severe capillary loss, may be a warning for the presence of ILD.References[1]Sharp GC, Irvin WS, Tan EM, Gould RG, Holman HR. Mixed connective tissue disease--an apparently distinct rheumatic disease syndrome associated with a specific antibody to an extractable nuclear antigen (ENA). Am J Med. févr 1972;52(2):148‑59.[2]Gunnarsson R, Hetlevik SO, Lilleby V, Molberg Ø. Mixed connective tissue disease. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. févr 2016;30(1):95‑111.[3]John KJ, Sadiq M, George T, Gunasekaran K, Francis N, Rajadurai E, et al. Clinical and Immunological Profile of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and a Comparison of Four Diagnostic Criteria. Int J Rheumatol. 2020;2020:9692030.[4]Boulon C, Devos S, Mangin M, Decamps-Le Chevoir J, Senet P, Lazareth I, et al. Reproducibility of capillaroscopic classifications of systemic sclerosis: results from the SCLEROCAP study. Rheumatol Oxf Engl. 1 oct 2017;56(10):1713‑20.Disclosure of InterestsGonçalo Boleto: None declared, Camille Kasser: None declared, Yannick Allanore Speakers bureau: YA reports personal fees from Actelion, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer, Curzion, Inventiva, Roche and Sanofi and research grants from Inventiva, Sanofi and Alpine Immunosciences., Jerôme Avouac: None declared

BackgroundDigital ulcers (DU) are common in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and associated with reduced survival, high morbidity and poor quality of life. Recommendations have previously been proposed for DU management yet there remains significant unmet patient need. Therefore the World Scleroderma Foundation DU Working Group intends to develop practical evidence based recommendations for DU management.ObjectivesTo summarise data on efficacy and safety of systemic treatments for SSc DU.MethodsA systematic literature review to May 2021 was performed. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare (OVID) and Academic Search Premier databases were searched for original studies on adult patients with SSc DU treated with systemic pharmacological treatment. Based on the PICO framework, eligibility criteria were defined and references were independently screened by two reviewers. Reviewers independently assessed the full text of eligible articles. Owing to interstudy heterogeneity narrative summaries were used to present data.ResultsThe search strategy identified 1271 references of which 45 eligible articles were included. Seventeen studies were randomised placebo controlled trials (RCT) pertaining to PDE5 antagonists (PDE5i) (n=3), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) (n=3), prostanoids (n=7), antiplatelet agents (n=1) and other (n=3) (Table 1). No head to head RCT was retrieved. All other studies were observational studies (OBS). Studies were highly heterogeneous with application of differing definition of DU, variable study eligibility criteria, clinical endpoints and follow up periods. This limited the calculation of effect size and comparison across studies.Table 1.Characteristics of placebo controlled randomised controlled trialsAuthor YearInterventionnFollow upOutcomeFavours interventionHachulla 2016Sildenafil8312 weeksTime to DU healing-Andrigueti 2017Sildenafil4112 weeksDU healing+Shenoy 2010Tadalafil246 weeksNew DU+Khanna 2016Macitentan55416 weeksNew DU-Matucci-Cerinic 2011Bosentan18832 weeksNew DU Time to healing of DU+-Korn 2004Bosentan12212 weeksNew DU+Kawald 2008IV iloprost5012 monthsDU healing-Wigley 1992IV iloprost3510 weeksDU healing+Wigley 1994IV iloprost739 weeks50% reduction in DU score-Seibold 2017Treprostinil14820 weeksNet DU burden-Vayssairat 1999Beraprost10725 weeks% patients with new DU-Denton 2017Selexipag7412 weeksNumber of new DU DU healing-Lau 1993Cicaprost334 weeksNumber of DU-Abou-Raya 2008Atorvastatin844 monthsNumber of DU+Au 2010Cyclophosphamide15812 monthsNumber of patients with DU-Beckett 1984Dipyridamole / aspirin412 yearsChange in general SSc-Nagaraja 2019Riociguat1732 weeksNet DU burden-+ significantly superior to comparator- non significantly different from comparatorDU: digital ulcers IV: intravenous SSc: systemic sclerosisSeveral RCT found improved DU healing with treatment: two with PDE5i, one with iloprost and one showed improved DU healing and prevention with atorvastatin. Two RCT demonstrated effective prevention of new DU with bosentan. OBS studies with a total of 621 patients showed variable improvements in the healing of DU with CCB, PDE5i, ERA, statins, N-acetylcysteine, prostanoids and ketanserin and prevention of new DU with ERA.Regarding safety, all treatments were generally tolerated with few serious adverse events. Treatment was ceased in 6.25-17.5% of patients in RCT due to treatment related side effects.ConclusionDespite several studies assessing the efficacy and safety of systemic pharmacological treatment of SSc DU, it is not possible to draw solid conclusions due to study heterogeneity. Small RCT have shown treatment benefit with PDE5i, iloprost and atorvastatin. Large studies demonstrated effective prevention of new DU with bosentan. Our results highlight the urgent need for improved clinical trial design to generate more robust evidence and novel therapies to guide the management SSc DU.AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by the World Scleroderma Foundation.Disclosure of InterestsNancy Maltez: None declared, Laura Ross: None declared, Michael Hughes Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Pfizer outside of the submitted work., Jan Schoones: None declared, Murray Baron: None declared, Lorinda Chung Consultant of: Eicos, Corrado Campochiaro: None declared, Yossra A. Suliman: None declared, Dilia Giuggioli: None declared, Pia Moinzadeh Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Yannick Allanore: None declared, Christopher P Denton: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur., Consultant of: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur., Grant/research support from: Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143), Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur., Tracy Frech: None declared, Daniel Furst: None declared, Dinesh Khanna Consultant of: Eicos Sciences Inc, Janssen, Thomas Krieg: None declared, Masataka Kuwana Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and consultancy fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Kissei, Mochida outside of the submitted work., Marco Matucci-Cerinic: None declared, Janet Pope: None declared, Alessia Alunno: None declared

BackgroundShort disease duration is a predictor for progressive systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), but studies assessing ILD progression in later disease stages are lacking. To individually tailor management of ILD in SSc patients in clinical practice it is, however, of high importance to understand disease behaviour also in patients with late disease.ObjectivesAnalyse ILD progression in SSc-ILD patients from the EUSTAR cohort segregated by subgroups of disease duration.MethodsWe segregated SSc-ILD patients into four categories of disease duration (≤3 years, >3- ≤7 years, >7- ≤15 years and >15 years after onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon). We assessed progressive ILD, defined as forced vital capacity (FVC) decline >10% or FVC decline ≥10% and FVC decline 5–10% and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) decline ≥15% (composite decline) over the first and second 12+/-3 months period after first registration (baseline) into EUSTAR. Clinical characteristics, pulmonary involvement, treatment at first registration and ILD progression were evaluated by descriptive statistics.ResultsIn total, 2258 SSc-ILD patients were included, with 469 (20.8%) having a disease duration ≤3 years, 550 (24.4%) between >3- ≤7 years, 752 (33.3%) between >7- ≤15 years and 488 (21.6%) of >15 years (Table 1). Baseline characteristics and treatment patterns differed between the four subgroups, with more younger male patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc, anti-topoisomerase I antibody and higher Rodnan skin score having ≤3 years disease duration. Lung function with FVC and DLCO were similar between the four groups (Table 1). Notably, in the first and second 12+/-3 months periods after first registration in the EUSTAR database, there were no significant difference in FVC decline >10% or composite FVC and DLCO decline within the four subgroups. For example, patients with disease duration >7- ≤15 years and >15 years frequently showed disease progression of FVC >10%: 41/347 (11.8%) and 32/228 (14%) compared to 38/244 (15.6%) and 33/273 (15.6%) for disease duration ≤3 years and >3- ≤7 years (P=0.529), respectively (Figure 1).Table 1.Demographics and baseline clinical characteristics of EUSTAR patientsDisease duration≤ years(n=460)>3- ≤7 years(n=550)>7- ≤15 years(n=752)>15 years(n=488)p-valueAge, years (SD)55 (13.5)55 (14.1)57 (13.1)61 (11.5)Male, n (%)123 (26.2)115 (20.9)112 (14.9)38 (7.8)DcSSc, n (%)228 (56.4)262 (45.8)311 (45.4)163 (31.2)ATA, n (%)236 (53.4)293 (55.9)374 (52.8)218 (48.0)0.099mRSS, mean (SD)12.3(10.1)10.4 (8.3)9.4 (8.1)8.7 (7.7)GERD, n/N (%)273 (58.7)353 (64.4)482 (64.4)344 (71.2)0.001ESR, mean (SD)26.9(21.7)24.2 (19.5)26.2 (19.9)28.3 (21.2)0.022MMF, n/N (%)33 (16.6)43 (25.2)37 (20.4)14 (9.3)0.002MTX, n/N (%)19 (10)17 (10.1)19 (10.6)8 (5.2)0.296Any IS, n/N (%)81 (38.6)89 (47.1)82 (40.8)46 (28.7)0.006FVC % pred, mean (SD)86 (20.9)87 (21.6)86 (21.4)87 (22.8)0.770DLCO % pred, mean (SD)58 (19.3)59 (19.3)59 (19.9)58 (19.7)0.405NYHA class 3&4, n (%)84 (18.6)78 (14.6)125 (17.5)22.6 (7.0)0.090Figure 1.FVC decline >10% and composite FVC and DLCO decline in the first and second 12+/-3 months within the four subgroups segregated by disease durationConclusionIt was long believed that ILD burned out in late disease stages. In our analysis of ILD progression by four disease duration categories, we showed that ILD frequently progressed also in late disease stages. This has important implications for clinical practise, as SSc patients need to be regularly monitored for ILD progression independent of disease duration.Disclosure of InterestsAnna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Speakers bureau: Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jansen, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Consultant of: Actelion, ARXX, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jansen, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Cathrine Brunborg: None declared, Paolo Airò Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Roche, Jannsen, CSL Behring, Lidia P. Ananyeva Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, László Czirják Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Actelion (now GSK), MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Actelion (now GSK), MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Serena Guiducci: None declared, Eric Hachulla Speakers bureau: GSK, Roche-Chugai, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: CSL Behring, GSK, Roche-Chugai, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Roche-Chugai, Sanofi Genzyme, Mengtao Li: None declared, Carina Mihai Speakers bureau: MEDtalks Switzerland, Mepha, Grant/research support from: Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Gabriela Riemekasten Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Gabriele Valentini Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Sanofi/BMS, Otylia Kowal-Bielecka Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Pfizer, Gilead Sciences, Janssen-Cilag, MEDAC, MSD, Abbvie, Sandoz, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Health Care system Navigator, CSL Behring, MSD, Novartis, Grant/research support from: CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbvie, Roche, MEDAC, Yannick Allanore Speakers bureau: Boehringer, Abbvie, Consultant of: Boehringer, Bayer, Astra-Zeneca, Prometheus, Sanofi, Genentech/Roche, Boehringer, Grant/research support from: Alpine Immunosciences, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Medsenic, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Medscape, Consultant of: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, 4P Science, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur, Grant/research support from: Kymera, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Boehringer Ingelheim

BackgroundThe sudden emergence of SARS-CoV-2 onto the world stage has accelerated a major change in the management of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases and has catalyzed the rapid emergence of telemedicine.ObjectivesOur aim was to describe which parameters were used by rheumatologists to monitor patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in teleconsultation during the first wave of the pandemic and identify the most relevant for decision making.MethodsRetrospective monocentric routine care cross-sectional study including RA patients seen in teleconsultation between March and September 2020. Available parameters assessing disease status were collected in teleconsultation files. Clinician intervention was defined by treatment escalation and/or the need for a rapid face-to-face consultation or day hospitalization.Results143 RA patients were included (117 females, mean age of 58±16 years, mean disease duration of 14±11 years). The presence or absence of patient self-reported RA flares was mentioned in all medical files, followed by the presence and/or the number of tender joints (76%), the duration of morning stiffness (66%), the number of pain-related nocturnal awakenings (66%) and the CRP value (54%).Patient self-reported RA flares concerned 43/143 patients (30%). The presence of self-reported RA flares was associated with a more detailed evaluation of patient in teleconsultation: The presence (or number) of tender joints and swollen joints were more significantly reported in patients who presented a flare (39/43, 91% vs. 70/100, 70%, p=0.008 and 25/43, 58% vs. 23/100, 23%, pTeleconsultation led to a clinician intervention in 22/143 patients (14%), representing 51% of patients with self-reported flares (22/43 patients). Therapeutic escalation was necessary in 13 patients: introduction or dose increase of corticosteroids in 8 patients, introduction or dose increase of methotrexate in 4 patients and introduction of hydroxychloroquine in 1 patient. Face-to-face consultation or day hospitalization were organized for 10 patients. Active disease was confirmed during this next face-to-face visit in 9 patients, with DAS28 ranging from 3.35 to 5.62, leading to therapeutic modification. The 133 other patients were seen in face-to-face consultation 6±2 months after the teleconsultation. No DMARD modification was recorded during this next face-to-face consultation.The following variables were associated with clinician intervention during the teleconsultation in univariate analysis: patient self-reported RA flares since the last visit (p10 mg/mL (p=0.012) and a morning stiffness > 30 minutes (p10 mg/L (OR: 3.32, 95% CI % 1.12-13.27) as the variables independently associated with clinician intervention.ConclusionOur study identified patient reported RA flares and increased CRP values as 2 red flags in teleconsultation, independently associated with therapeutic modification and/or the need for a rapid face-to-face consultation. These indicators may help clinician’s decision making in teleconsultation.Disclosure of InterestsJerôme Avouac Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb, SANOFI, galapagos, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Novartis, Biogen, Fresenius Kabi, Janssen, MSD, Roche-Chugai, Medac, Consultant of: galapagos, Abbvie, Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, SANOFI, Nordic-Pharma, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer (Passerelle), Novartis (Dreamer), Fresenius Kabi, Anna Moltó: None declared, CAMELIA FRANTZ: None declared, Sarah Wanono: None declared, Elise Descamps: None declared, Olivier Fogel: None declared, Alice Combier: None declared, Lucile Poiroux: None declared, Corinne Miceli Richard: None declared, Yannick Allanore: None declared

BackgroundɣGT has been identified as a maker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular (CV) risk. The composite index DAS28-ɣGT has been developed to allow an evaluation of both joint disease activity and CV risk.ObjectivesTo assess the value of the DAS28-ɣGT in a population of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requesting cardiologic assessment.MethodsRetrospective analysis of RA patients referred to cardio-metabolic day hospitalization in the Rheumatology department of Cochin hospital between February 2021 and January 2022. Criteria for referral were age > 50 years and presence of at least one CV risk factor. DAS28-GGT index was calculated as follows: 0,56 * √TJ-28 + 0,28 * √SJ-28 + 2 * ln (γGT) + 0,14 * GH. This index was analysed according to disease activity measured with the DAS28-CRP, CV risk assessed by the Framingham score and the decision taken by the cardiologist (requirement of complementary explorations and/or therapeutic intervention).ResultsWe included 22 RA patients (17 women), with a mean age of 66±10 years, a disease duration of 21±12 years. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 15 patients, anti-CCP antibodies in 17, and bone erosions in 16. 15 patients received methotrexate, 13 corticosteroids (dose < 10 mg per day), 15 targeted biologic therapies and 3 JAK inhibitors. The mean DAS28-CRP was 2.5±0.9 and the mean DAS28-ɣGT was 7.90±1.90.2 patients had a DAS28-ɣGT < 5.5, defined in our previous study as high probability of RA remission and low probability of CV risk. These two patients were in remission and their Framingham score was < 10% (low CV risk). No complementary exploration was requested by the cardiologist.8 patients (6 women, 2 men) had a DAS28-ɣGT index between 5,5 and 7,5, defined in our previous study as high probability of RA remission or low disease activity (LDA) and increased probability of CV risk. As expected, all patients were in remission or in LDA. This population were at higher CV risk: 2 patients had a Framingham score > 20% (high risk), 3 patients a score ranging from 10 to 20% (intermediate risk), and 3 patients a score < 10%. One patient presented carotid atheroma. 4 patients required additional CV explorations and 3 patients necessitated escalation of blood hypertension therapy.Twelve patients (9 women, 3 men) had a DAS28-ɣGT index > 7,5, defined in our previous study as high probability of active RA and/or increased probability of CV risk. 4 patients were in remission, 3 were in LDA and 5 presented moderate disease activity. One patient had a Framingham score > 20%, 4 had a score ranging between 10 and 20% and 6 had a score < 10%. The score was not applicable in an 80-year-old patient. Three other patients had coronary artery disease, including a patient who presented both coronary artery disease and carotid atheroma. 5 patients requested additional CV explorations and 4 required CV therapy escalation (introduction of statin and aspirin in 2 patients and increased blood hypertension therapy in 2 patients). Among these 12 patients, 3 with the highest DAS28-ɣGT values presented CV complications: a 64-year-old woman with a DAS28-ɣGT of 12.8 (DAS28-CRP: 2.89) had carotid atheroma and intermediate lesion of the right artery on coroscanner justifying a coronarography; a 81-year-old woman with a DAS28-ɣGT of 10.67 (DAS29-CRP: 4.62) had atrial fibrillation and aortic stenosis requiring Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation; and a 77-year-old woman with a DAS28-ɣGT of 10.35 (DAS28-CRP: 3.89) had ischemic chest pain necessitating rapid explorations in cardiology.ConclusionThe DAS28-ɣGT allowed a reliable classification of patients according to the RA activity disease and CV risk. This index may be relevant for CV risk stratification decision making to refer RA patients to a cardiologist. Its validation is in progress in a prospective cohort.References[1]Vergneault H, vandebeuque E, Codullo V, et al, J rheumatol 2020;47(12):1738-1745Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundRecently, EULAR has proposed a definition of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2TRA). However, descriptive data on D2TRA are scarce and only one Japanese publication details the D2TRA encountered in routine practice, no similar work has been done in Europe so far.ObjectivesTo describe D2TRA patients encountered in France according to two definitions and evaluate their therapeutic responses to different targeted therapies.MethodsWe reviewed all patients with RA treated in day hospital at Cochin University Hospital between 2020 and 2021. We divided our population into two groups of patients, a D2TRA group and a non-D2TRA group. This division was made on the same population according to two different definitions of D2TRA, resulting in four patient groups. The first definition is the one proposed by EULAR (EULAR D2TRA) defining D2TRAs as RAs with failure of ≥2 b/tsDMARDs (with different mechanisms of action) after failing csDMARD therapy. The second defined as D2TRA patients who have failed at least two targeted therapies, without prejudging the mechanism of action (non-EULAR D2TRA). We analyzed clinical characteristics and evaluated their response to different targeted therapies. Disease activity was assessed using the DAS for 28 joints (DAS28) at the latest visit.ResultsIn total, we included 320 patients, we identified 76 EULAR D2TRA patients (mean age 59 years, 87% female) with 244 of corresponding non-DTRA patients (mean age 60 years, 85% female) and 120 non-EULAR D2TRA patients (mean age 58.7 years, 87% female) with 200 of corresponding non-DTRA (mean age 61 years, 85% female). Compared to non-D2TRA patients, there were significantly more D2TRA patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds in both D2TRA groups. In the EULAR-D2TRA group, compared to the non-D2TRA, there were significantly more patients with diabetes (14% vs 6%, p=0.024). D2TRA patients in both groups had significantly more rheumatoid factor (RF), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and a higher DAS28 than non-D2TRA patients. No difference was noted regarding ACPA and erosions. We observed a lower proportion of remission in both D2TRA groups than in non-D2TRA group (21% in EULAR-D2TRA vs 34% in non-D2TRA, p=0.034 and 23% in non-EULAR D2TRA vs 36% in non-D2TRA, p=0.024). There were significantly fewer patients on Methotrexate in the non-EULAR D2TRA group compared to the non-D2TRA group (53% vs 64%, p=0.046). In the non-EULAR D2TRA group, there were significantly more patients in remission on Rituximab than on TNF inhibitors (41% vs 5%, p=0.0032). We did not observe a significant difference in achieving remission in patients on JAK inhibitors or IL-6 inhibitors in the two groups of D2TRA.Table 1.Clinical data of patients with D2TRANON D2T RA n=200NON-EULAR D2T RA n=120p-valueNON D2T RA n=244EULAR D2T RA n=76p-valueLow socioeconomic level69 (35)61 (51)0.00591 (37)39 (51)0.032TJC (0-28), mean (SD)3.4 (4.6)4.9 (5.8)0.01673.5 (4.5)5.6 (6.5)0.001SJC (0-28), mean (SD)2.4 (3.1)3.5 (4.3)0.00672.6 (3.3)3.5 (4.3)0.0503CRP in mg/dl, mean (SD)6 (9.5)7 .5 (12.1)0.21286.1 (9.9)7.9 (12.3)0.2060DAS28CRP, mean (SD)3.2 (1.2)3.6 (1.4)0.00443.2 (1.3)3.6 (1.4)0.0052Remission71 (36)28 (23)0.02483 (34)16 (21)0.034RF positive, n (%)156 (78)105 (88)0.037193 (79)68 (89)0.043Anti-CCP positive, n (%)152 (76)101 (84)0.099188 (77)66 (87)0.075Erosion, n (%)114 (57)69 (58)1138 (56)46 (60)0.596Interstitial Lung Disease, n (%)16 (8)19 (16)0.04117 (7)18 (24)Corticosteroids, n (%)84 (42)64 (53)0.064101 (41)46 (61)0.004 Dose (mg), mean ± SD6 (4.9)5.5 (3.4)0.4166 (4.6)5.3 (3.6)0.374Methotrexate, n (%)128 (64)63 (53)0.046149 (61)42 (55)0.422 Dose (mg), mean ± SD17.3 (4.25)17.5 (5.3)0.78617.2 (4.5)18.1 (5.1)0.291ConclusionThe complexity of managing RA patients can be explained by socio-economic status and the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and ILD. Our work suggests that D2TRA patients have less Methotrexate and better response to Rituximab. These data need to be confirmed in prospective studies to allow personalized management of D2TRA.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundThe lack of validated tools to predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease course warrants the development of new reliable biomarkers. We have previously detected increased SEMA4A expression in endothelial cells, synovial tissue, and serum of patients with RA. In addition, SEMA4A serum levels correlated with multiple clinical, biological, and power doppler ultrasound markers of disease activity and angiogenesis (1).ObjectivesTo evaluate the merit of circulating semaphorin 4A (SEMA4A) for the prediction of disease progression in RA patients.MethodsProspective monocentric observational study including consecutive RA patients between May 2016 and February 2018 with available SEMA4A concentrations, measured by quantitative ELISAs (Coud-Clone Corp, Katy, TX). Increased SEMA4A concentrations were defined as values >94 ng/mL, as previously reported (1). Patients were followed up on an annual basis until August 2021. Primary endpoints were the occurrence of patient-reported flares with swollen joints and the necessity to initiate or change a targeted biologic or synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.ResultsA total of 101 patients (85 females, 84%) were included, with a mean age of 58±13 years and a mean disease duration of 14±11 years. During a follow-up period of 41±15 months, disease flares occurred in 38 patients and targeted therapy was added or modified in 26 patients because of insufficient disease control. Increased baseline SEMA4A levels were predictive of flares and treatment escalation (hazard ratio, HR: 2.43, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.27-4.68 and 2.73, 95%CI 1.24-5.96, respectively) (Figure 1A-B). Multivariate Cox analyses confirmed that SEMA4A was an independent predictors of flares and treatment escalation (HR: 2.12, 95%CI 1.04-4.32 and 2.71, 95%CI1.14-6.43, respectively), and revealed that DAS28-CRP and synovial hyperhemia were independent predictors of flares. Baseline age, disease duration, ACPA or RF positivity, smoking status, presence of erosions, line of targeted DMARDs, treatment with corticosteroids and CRP levels were not predictive of these outcomes. SEMA4A remained predictive of flares and treatment escalation in the 58 patients with a DAS28 C). The highest predictive value of flares and treatment escalation was obtained with the combination of increased circulating SEMA4A and/or DAS28-CRP>3.2 and/or the presence of synovial hyperemia on power-doppler ultrasound (HR:4.88, 95%CI 1.50-15.89 and 10.42, 95%CI 1.41-76.94, respectively).Figure 1.A-C: Predictive value of SEMA4A for the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. A, Disease flare-free survival according to circulating SEMA4A concentrations (≤ or > 94 ng/mL). B, Time to treatment escalation according to circulating SEMA4A concentrations (≤ or > 94 ng/mL). C, Course of the DAS28-CRP during the follow-up period according to baseline SEMA4A concentrations (≤ or > 94 ng/mL). All data are shown as the mean ± SEM. * pConclusionCirculating SEMA4A was a robust biomarker of disease progression in this cohort, complementary of the DAS28 and synovial hyperemia on power-doppler ultrasound. These results need to be confirmed in replication cohorts.References[1]Avouac et al, Arthritis Rheumatol 2021Disclosure of InterestsNone declared.

BackgroundManagement of digital ulcers (DUs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a major clinical challenge. To date, systemic therapy is generally considered as the ‘standard of care’ for significant SSc-DUs. However, there is a strong rationale to develop local approaches to DUs, to avoid side effects from systemic therapies. World Scleroderma Foundation DU Working Group intends to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for DU management including local, Surgical Treatment (L-ST).ObjectivesTo summarize the literature on the safety and efficacy of L-ST for SSc-DUs.MethodsA systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted up to May 2021. According to the PICO framework, eligibility criteria were defined and original research articles about surgical treatment of SSc DUs in adult patients were included. References were independently screened by 2 reviewers who assessed the full text of eligible articles and extracted data.ResultsThirteen eligible articles out of 790 total publications were identified (Table 1). Due to the paucity of randomized controlled trials of surgical treatments for SSc-DU, we included retrospective studies and case series with at least 4 patients. Autologous fat (adipose tissue AT) grafting was the surgical modality mostly identified (7 studies of which 1 RCT and 6 prospective open label single arm). The healing rate (HR) with autologous fat grafting (4 studies) ranged from 66-100 %. In the RCT, two age and sex matched groups were included, adipose tissue (AT)group (n=25 pts) and sham procedure (SP) group (n=13), DU healing was reported in 23/25 in AT group versus 1/13 in the SP group in 8 wks, (pTable 1.Characteristics of the extracted studies.StudydesignPatients (n)Baseline DU (n)Background therapy (%)Follow-upOutcomeHealed ulcers(%) Adipose tissue graftAutologous fat graftp9.15PG, CCB—100ETA 26PDE-5i 138-12 wks66Adipose tissue graftingRCT25 case13- Ctr25-case13- CtrPG- 100CCB 1008 wks92-case7-CtrAdipose tissue implantp1515no therapy7 wks100Adipose tissue graftp129PG,CCB-100ETA6 month88adipose derived SVFp1215PDE-5i, ccb, PG allowed22m6Adipose derived SVFp1215CCB 50ETA166 m63 Adipose derived SVFp1819CCB 50PG 27ETA 5IS 7124 wks32SympathectomySympathectomyR611CCB-10020 m81SympathectomyR1335PGCCBAPA35Sympathectomy, vascular bypass (+vein graftR1726Ccb 35APA 47PDE-i5 589 m100Bone marrow derived cells transplantation)p88PG-6236 m87Direct microsurgical revascularizationR44m100Limited microsurgical arteriolysisR61712 m100SVF =stromal vascular fraction P = prospective. R = retrospective. RCT= double blind randomized-controlled trial. ETA = endothelin antagonist. CCB= calcium channel blockers. APA= anti-platelet agents. PG= prostaglandins. ARB= angiotensin receptor antagonist. ACEi= ACE inhibitors. PDE-5i= PDE-5 inhibitors. IS= immunosuppression. M=median. SoC= standard of care. HR= healing rateConclusionOur SLR has identified several surgical modalities for SSc-DUs. L-STseemed generally effective and safe for DU healing, thus Significant methodological issues emerged including small numbers of pts, lack of comparator, failure to report confounders such as background therapies and variable follow up. Future research is warranted to rigorously investigate surgical interventions for Dus.Disclosure of InterestsYossra A. Suliman: None declared, Corrado Campochiaro: None declared, Michael Hughes Speakers bureau: speaking fees from Actelion pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer, outside of the submitted work, Jan Schoones: None declared, Dilia Giuggioli: None declared, Nancy Maltez: None declared, Pia Moinzadeh Speakers bureau:: speaking fees from Actelion pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim, Laura Ross: None declared, Lorinda Chung: None declared, Yannick Allanore: None declared, Murray Baron: None declared, Christopher P Denton: None declared, Oliver Distler Shareholder of: Consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from and/or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Speakers bureau: Consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from and/or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from and/or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Grant/research support from: Consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from and/or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Tracy Frech: None declared, Daniel Furst: None declared, Dinesh Khanna Speakers bureau: Janssen and Eicos Sciences, Inc., Paid instructor for: Janssen and Eicos Sciences, Inc., Consultant of: Janssen and Eicos Sciences, Inc., Thomas Krieg: None declared, Masataka KUWANA Speakers bureau: Speakers fees from AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and Consultant fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Kissei, Mochida, outside of the submitted work., Paid instructor for: Speakers fees from AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and Consultant fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Kissei, Mochida, outside of the submitted work., Consultant of: Speakers fees from AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and Consultant fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Kissei, Mochida, outside of the submitted work., Marco Matucci-Cerinic: None declared, Janet Pope: None declared, Alessia Alunno: None declared

BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) involvement is a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a frequent side-effect of drugs used to treat SSc. In the SENSCIS trial, nintedanib reduced the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), with an adverse event profile characterised predominantly by GI events.ObjectivesTo assess the severity and impact of GI symptoms on quality of life in patients treated with nintedanib in the open-label extension trial, SENSCIS-ON.MethodsPatients with SSc-ILD who completed the SENSCIS trial or a drug–drug interaction (DDI) study of nintedanib and oral contraceptive were eligible to enter SENSCIS-ON. Patients who received nintedanib in SENSCIS (up to 100 weeks) and continued nintedanib in SENSCIS-ON comprised the “continued nintedanib” group. Patients who received placebo in SENSCIS and initiated nintedanib in SENSCIS-ON, or who received nintedanib for a short time in the DDI study, comprised the “initiated nintedanib” group. We assessed changes in scores on the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract (UCLA SCTC GIT) questionnaire v2.0 from baseline to week 52. This questionnaire comprises 7 scales measuring the severity and impact of GI symptoms: reflux, distension or bloating, faecal soilage, diarrhoea, constipation, emotional well-being, social functioning. Each scale is scored from 0 to 3 except for the diarrhoea scale (0 to 2) and constipation scale (0 to 2.5). The total score, the mean of the scores for the scales except constipation, ranges from 0 to 2.83, with higher scores indicating worse symptoms.ResultsThe “continued nintedanib” group comprised 197 patients and the “initiated nintedanib” group comprised 247 patients (231 from SENSCIS). Of these, 178 and 218 patients, respectively, provided a total UCLA SCTC GIT score at baseline. At baseline, mean (SD) total scores were 0.33 (0.33) and 0.33 (0.34) in the continued nintedanib and initiated nintedanib groups, respectively. Mean (SD) scores on the 7 scales ranged from 0.16 (0.52) to 0.70 (0.73) in the continued nintedanib group and from 0.13 (0.43) to 0.64 (0.68) in the initiated nintedanib group. Increases (worsening) in scores were observed in both groups from baseline to week 52, except for on the constipation scale (Figure 1). Based on the total score, between baseline and week 52, the proportion of patients with moderate or severe or very severe GI symptoms increased, but 45.7% and 39.7% of patients in the continued nintedanib and initiated nintedanib groups, respectively, had no or mild GI symptoms at week 52 (Table 1).Table 1.Changes in severity and impact of gastrointestinal symptoms based on UCLA SCTC GIT total score between baseline and week 52 of SENSCIS-ONBaselineWeek 52None or mildModerateSevere or very severeMissingTotalContinued nintedanibNone or mild81 (41.1)5 (2.5)04 (2.0)90 (45.7)Moderate38 (19.3)10 (5.1)01 (0.5)49 (24.9)Severe or very severe13 (6.6)14 (7.1)7 (3.6)1 (0.5)35 (17.8)Missing6 (3.0)3 (1.5)1 (0.5)13 (6.6)23 (11.7)Total138 (70.1)32 (16.2)8 (4.1)19 (9.6)197 (100)Initiated nintedanibNone or mild87 (35.2)6 (2.4)1 (0.4)4 (1.6)98 (39.7)Moderate35 (14.2)12 (4.9)2 (0.8)3 (1.2)52 (21.1)Severe or very severe8 (3.2)7 (2.8)4 (1.6)1 (0.4)20 (8.1)Missing37 (15.0)15 (6.1)4 (1.6)21 (8.5)77 (31.2)Total167 (67.6)40 (16.2)11 (4.5)29 (11.7)247 (100)Data are n (%) of patients. None or mild=scores of 0 to 0.49; moderate=scores of 0.5 to 1; severe or very severe=scores of 1.01 to 3.Figure 1.Changes in UCLA SCTC GIT scores from baseline to week 52 of SENSCIS-ONConclusionIn the SENSCIS-ON trial, the majority of patients with SSc-ILD treated with nintedanib had no or mild GI symptoms at baseline. A small worsening in GI symptoms was observed over 52 weeks. Diarrhoea had the greatest impact, reflecting the adverse event profile of nintedanib. Recommendations for the management of diarrhoea in patients treated with nintedanib should be implemented in clinical practice.AcknowledgementsThe SENSCIS-ON trial was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.Disclosure of InterestsDinesh Khanna Shareholder of: Eicos Sciences, Inc - stocks, Consultant of: AbbVie, Acceleron, Actelion, Amgen, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos NV, Genentech/Roche, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Horizon Therapeutics, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis, United Therapeutics, Prometheus, Theraly, AstraZeneca, Grant/research support from: Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Horizon Therapeutics, Immune Tolerance Network, National Institutes of Health, Pfizer, Employee of: CiviBioPharma/Eicos Sciences, Inc - Leadership/Equity position – Chief Medical Officer, Elizabeth Volkmann Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, Forbius, Horizon, Kadmon, Kristin Highland Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals (Jansen), Bayer Healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim, United Therapeutics, Paid instructor for: Acceleron Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gilead Sciences, United Therapeutics, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, United Therapeutics, Genentech, Forsee Pharmaceuticals, Grant/research support from: Acceleron Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gossamer Bio, Eiger Pharmaceuticlas, Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Reata Pharmaceuticals, United Therapeutics, Viela Bio (Horizon Pharmaceuticals), Yannick Allanore Consultant of: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Medsenic, Mylan, Prometheus, Roche, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Alpine Immunosciences, Medsenic, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Stéphane Jouneau Paid instructor for: Cours, formations - Actelion, AIRB, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, LVL, Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Consultant of: Advisory Boards, consultancy - AIRB, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Grant/research support from: Recherche Clinique - AIRB, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galactic, Gilead, LVL, Roche, SavaraAides pour des recherches - AIRB, Boehringer Ingelheim, LVL, Novartis, Roche, James Seibold Shareholder of: Prometheus Biosciences, Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Alexion, Blade, Camurus AB, GlaxoSmithKline, Prometheus Biosciences, Sironax, Sojournix, Xenikos, Employee of: Prometheus Biosciences, Alexandra James Employee of: Alexandra James is an employee of Elderbrook solutions GmbH that is contracted by Boehringer Ingelheim, Margarida Alves Employee of: Margarida Alves is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: OD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years:Speaker fee: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Medscape, Consultant of: OD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years:Consultancy fee: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, 4P Science, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and TopadurOD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for arthritides in the last three calendar years:Consultancy fee: Abbvie, Grant/research support from: OD has/had relationships with the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years:Research Grants: Boehringer Ingelheim, Kymera, Mitsubishi Tanabe

BackgroundInterstitial lung disease (ILD) has become the leading cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (1). The presence of anti-U1RNP antibodies is primarily associated with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), however these autoantibodies may be found in up to 10% of SSc patients (2). A recent large multicenter study showed that the presence of anti-U1RNP antibodies was independently associated with more severe disease in SSc patients. However, so far, little is known about the influence of anti-U1RNP antibodies specifically on lung outcomes in SSc-ILD patients.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical features, outcomes and prognosis of anti-U1RNP SSc-ILD patients.MethodsSSc patients with available data on their autoantibody profile were identified from the EUSTAR database. Those with ILD identified by high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT) were included for analysis. Baseline demographic and disease features were compared between anti-U1RNP positive and anti-U1RNP negative patients. For the longitudinal part in patients with repeated lung function tests, the mean annual decline in %predicted forced vital capacity (%pFVC) was compared between the two groups. Predictors associated with death of any cause or severe ILD progression, defined as a drop >10% in %pFVC/year, were evaluated in SSc-ILD patients with or without U1RNP. Mild progression was defined as a loss of 5-10% in %pFVC/year. Demographic and clinical parameters were compared between patients positive and negative for anti-U1RNP antibodies in univariate analysis. Associations between anti-U1RNP status and lung involvement were tested in multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 5676 SSc-ILD patients were included for the analysis, among which 320 (5.6%) were positive for anti-U1RNP antibodies. Mean age was 56.4±13.5 years and 4645 (81.8%) were women.Anti-U1RNP+ SSc-ILD patients had more frequently limited cutaneous SSc (52.5% vs 39.8%, pAnti-U1RNP+ patients had a baseline lower mean %pFVC (81.1% vs 85.3%, p=0.002) and lower mean %predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (%pDLCO) (58.9% vs 60.2%, p=0.004) than anti-U1RNP- SSc-ILD patients. No significant differences were found at baseline HRCT, including lung involvement >20% (4.4 vs 4.2%%, p=0.39), or the presence of ground glass opacities (38.1% vs 33.6%, p=0.14).A total of 2697 (50.3%) patients with SSc-ILD had at least one FVC measurement available during a mean follow-up of 20.8±20.5 months. Mean expected decline in %FVC per year was not different between U1RNP positive and negative patients (-0.21% vs -0.68%, p=0.70). Mortality or severe ILD progression was not statistically different between the two groups (35 (21.6%) vs 677 deaths (26.7%), p=0.43, and 23 (14.0%) vs 283 severe progressors (11.0%), p=0.25, respectively). Mild ILD progression was also not statistically different between the two groups (11.0% vs 10.0%, p=0.20). The proportion of patients with FVCConclusionOur results from the EUSTAR database show that SSc patients positive for anti-U1RNP antibodies have more impaired baseline lung function but similar rate of progression during follow-up. This suggests that early stages might be important in RNP+ SSc-ILD patients who may require specific management and follow-up.References[1]Hoffmann-Vold A-M, Allanore Y, Alves M, Brunborg C, Airó P, Ananieva LP, et al. Progressive interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease in the EUSTAR database. Ann Rheum Dis. 28 sept 2020;[2]Asano Y, Ihn H, Yamane K, Kubo M, Tamaki K. The Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Anti-U1 RNA Antibodies in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. fevereiro 2003;120(2):204‑10.Disclosure of InterestsGonçalo Boleto: None declared, Corrado Campochiaro: None declared, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold: None declared, Armando Gabrielli: None declared, Oliver Distler Consultant of: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from and/or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three calendar years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Medscape, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Jerôme Avouac: None declared, Yannick Allanore Paid instructor for: YA reports personal fees from Actelion, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer, Curzion, Inventiva, Roche and Sanofi and research grants from Inventiva, Sanofi and Alpine Immunosciences.

BackgroundRisk-stratification is key in a heterogeneous disease like systemic sclerosis (SSc). Until now, SSc patients are stratified according to the extent of skin involvement into limited cutaneous, diffuse cutaneous and sine scleroderma subtypes. However, this classification remains inaccurate to capture disease heterogeneity. Autoantibodies are found in more than 90% of the patients and can be detected before onset of the disease. Among them, three predominant and specific antibodies are used: anti-centromere, anti-Scl70 and RNA polymerase III antibodies.ObjectivesTo compare the performances of stratification into LeRoy’s cutaneous subtypes versus autoantibody status in SSc versus combination of cutaneous subtypes and autoantibodies status.MethodsPatients from the EUSTAR database were classified either as (i) limited cutaneous, diffuse cutaneous or sine scleroderma (based on the recording made by the treating physician) or (ii) according to autoantibodies with the following subclassifications: (1) no specific autoantibodies, (2) isolated ANA, (3) anti-centromere antibodies, (4) anti-Scl70 antibodies and (5) anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies or (iii) according to combination of cutaneous subset and auto-antibodies. The respective performance of each model to predict overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease progression and different organ involvements was assessed and the three models were compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC 95%CI) and the net reclassification improvement (NRI). Missing data were imputed through multiple imputation using chain equations.ResultsIn all, 10’711 patients were included: 84.6% females, mean age: 54.4±13.8 years, mean disease duration: 7.9±8.2 years. In the prospective analysis (n= 6’467 to 7’829 according to the outcome), after a mean follow-up of 56 months and a mean of three visits per patient, we did not identify any difference in AUC between the cutaneous-based model and the antibody-based model for prediction of OS and disease progression. However, the NRI showed a significant improvement in prediction of OS (0.57 [0.46-0.71] vs. 0.29 [0.19-0.39]) and disease progression (0.36 [0.29-0.46] vs. 0.21 [0.14-0.28]) at 4 years using the antibody-based model. Regarding prediction of each organ involvement in longitudinal analyses, the antibody-based model showed better performance than the cutaneous-one for renal crisis (AUC: 0.719 [0.696-0.742] vs. 0.664 [0.643-0.685]), with the highest association observed with anti-RNA polymerase III (OR: 7.47 [1.63-34.24], p= 0.010). Similarly, the antibody-based model was better than the cutaneous model in predicting lung fibrosis (AUC 0.719 [0.715-724] vs. 0.653 [0.647-0.659]) and restrictive lung fibrosis (AUC 0.759 [0.749-0.766] vs. 0.711 [0.701-0.721]) which were both associated with anti-Scl70 antibodies (OR: 9.29 [8.17-10.55] and 7.92 [5.37-11.69], respectively, pConclusionAuto-antibody status outperforms the common cutaneous subsetting to risk-stratify SSc patients in the EUSTAR cohort. This easily performed subclassification using autoantibodies specific status can be used by the clinicians to risk-stratify their patients and to adapt disease monitoring in routine practice.Disclosure of InterestsMuriel Elhai Speakers bureau: BMS outside of the submitted work, Marouane Boubaya: None declared, Nanthara Sritharan: None declared, Alexandra Balbir-Gurman: None declared, Elise Siegert: None declared, Eric Hachulla: None declared, Jeska de Vries-Bouwstra: None declared, Gabriela Riemekasten: None declared, Jörg H.W. Distler: None declared, Douglas Veale: None declared, Edoardo Rosato: None declared, Francesco Del Galdo: None declared, Fabian A Mendoza: None declared, Daniel Furst Consultant of: Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer, R-Pharm, Grant/research support from: Emerald, Kadmon, PICORI, Pfizer,Prometheus, Talaris, Mitsubishi, Carlos De la Puente Bujidos: None declared, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Speakers bureau: Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jansen, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Consultant of: Actelion, ARXX, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jansen, Lilly, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Armando Gabrielli: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Medscape, Consultant of: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, AstraZeneca, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus, CSL Behring, 4P Science, Galapagos, Glenmark, Horizon, Inventiva, Kymera, Lupin, Miltenyi Biotec, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MSD, Novartis, Prometheus, Roivant, Sanofi and Topadur, Grant/research support from: Kymera, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Boehringer Ingelheim, Coralie Bloch-Queyrat: None declared, Yannick Allanore Consultant of: Actelion, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Grant/research support from: Actelion, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis