THU0158 Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Concomitant Interstitial Lung Disease: 10-Year Experience at Single Centre
Authors: M.Y. Md Yusof, A. Kabia, S. Dass, E.M. Vital, P. Beirne, P. Emery
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common extra-articular manifestation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with increased mortality. Worsening of ILD has been reported in patients receiving TNF inhibitors, therefore rituximab is commonly used instead. However evidence of efficacy and safety of rituximab in RA-ILD from cohort studies/registries is scarce as these patients are often excluded from clinical trials. <h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate whether rituximab therapy led to worsening of lung function in patients with previously stable ILD and to evaluate serious adverse events (SAEs) and serious infection. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted an observational study of consecutive RA patients with ILD (detected by HRCT prior to rituximab) in a single centre between January 2004 and July 2014. Each cycle consisted of 2x1000mg infusions, repeated on clinical relapse. Pulmonary function test parameters (forced vital capacity (FVC) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)) were recorded at baseline, 6-12 months post-rituximab and latest time point. SAEs were defined as those resulting in hospitalisation for more than 24 hours, flares requiring intravenous therapy, malignancies, life-threatening events or death. <h3>Results</h3> 53 patients with ILD were identified from a cohort of 576. 19 were male and 34 female; median age 63.4 years (IQR 58-72); median RA duration 9.3 years (IQR 8-12); median ILD duration 5 years (IQR 3-7) at baseline. Total follow up was 171 patient-years. There was no substantive or significant reduction in FVC and DLCO over time; all p&gt;0.05. 9 patients received cyclophosphamide (CYC) prior to rituximab: 6 had stable ILD during rituximab treatment while 3 required further CYC due to ILD progression. 2 patients who had not previously received prior CYC required CYC treatment due to worsening ILD after rituximab. Only 3 patients (0.5%) were diagnosed with new ILD after rituximab. 78 SAEs were recorded in 33 patients: 72 were hospitalisation (median duration 8.5 days), 2 malignancies and 15 serious infections (8.8 per 100 patient-years); mostly due to chest infection. Of the 12 deaths, 9 were due to progressive ILD with a median DLCO of 41% (range 35-64%) prior to rituximab. Other deaths were: 1 lung cancer, 1 colon cancer and 1 infection post-surgery. Median time from last rituximab infusion to death was 11.5 months (range 6-72). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Mortality rates and SAEs, although notable, are as might be expected for this advanced RA cohort with multiple comorbidities. Most patients with stable ILD before rituximab remained stable over prolonged follow up. Due to the time elapsed since last rituximab, and since the patients who died or deteriorated had the most severe ILD before rituximab, these observations suggest the drug may not be necessarily causative. Analysis of detailed respiratory investigations is in progress and will help to identify patients whose ILD improved after treatment. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Sue Watts, Respiratory Physiologist, St James9 University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared