AB0987 ANIFROLUMAB TREATMENT IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE AND DECREASES SYSTEMIC CORTICOSTEROID USE IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Authors: B. Deleuran, A. Troldborg, L. Remkus, D. Eek
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Anifrolumab is a new therapeutic approach for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) directed at blocking the type 1 interferon pathway. Despite the expanding body of literature on Anifrolumab, an essential aspect remains absent: the subjective patient experience of treatment effects and implications for daily life. <h3>Objectives:</h3> The present study aimed to elucidate the nuanced perspectives of SLE patients receiving Anifrolumab treatment by conducting qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) and collecting complimentary patient data from electronic medical records (EMRs), with the primary objective of enhancing our understanding of the treatment's perceived efficacy from the standpoint of those directly affected and its impact on their lives. <h3>Methods:</h3> SLE patients at Aarhus University Hospital who had received at least three infusions of Anifrolumab were approached for inclusion in a study comprising two main elements: 1) Qualitative IDIs and 2) Collection of EMR data. The 60-minute IDIs were semi-structured and based on a discussion guide that included both open-ended and close-ended questions. Verbatim transcripts were coded and analyzed using qualitative software to understand concepts important to patients and to understand patients' own experiences before and after Anifrolumab therapy. A clinical chart review was then conducted using EMR data at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (where available) after Anifrolumab initiation. <h3>Results:</h3> IDIs were successfully conducted with 14 patients, and EMR data was collected from 16 patients (treatment days range: 62-474). The predominant symptoms reported prior to Anifrolumab treatment included fatigue (93%), joint pain (93%), sun sensitivity (86%), joint stiffness (86%), skin rashes (79%), and hair loss (71%). Each patient-reported symptom was scored for bothersomeness on an 11-point numerical rating scale (0=not at all bothersome and 10=extremely bothersome). Symptom saliency was defined as ≥50% of patients experiencing the symptom with a bothersomeness rating of ≥5. Before treatment, 11 of the 24 reported symptoms met these criteria (Figure 1a). All symptoms improved following treatment; four remained salient, and none worsened (Figure 1b). Patients reported significant impacts of disease on daily life before treatment, affecting day-to-day activities (79%), social life (71%), emotional aspects (71%), physical activity (64%), concentration/memory (57%), work (50%) and family/romantic relationships (50%). All seven were salient before treatment (Figure 2a). Post-treatment, improvements were reported across these impacts, although four persisted as salient (Figure 2b). Notably, no new symptoms or impacts emerged following treatment. Analysis of the EMR data revealed a decrease in disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) and organ system involvement after 3 and 6 months of Anifrolumab treatment, accompanied by a concomitant reduction in corticosteroid use as well as improvements in laboratory results for complement C3 levels and lymphocyte count. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> This study provides valuable insights into the subjective experiences of SLE patients treated with Anifrolumab. A notable correlation was observed between patients' self-reported symptom alleviation and the reduction in the disease activity score. These findings collectively enhance our understanding of the treatment's efficacy, elucidating its tangible effects on both subjective and objective parameters in SLE patients. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> This study was sponsored by AstraZeneca. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> Bent Deleuran I have received speaker fees from AstraZeneca, Galapagos, and Eli Lilly., Anne Troldborg I have received speaker fees from AstraZeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim., Lauren Remkus I am employed by AstraZeneca., Daniel Eek I own stocks in AstraZeneca., I am employed by AstraZeneca.