tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
AB0719 UTILITY OF THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FOOT DISEASE ACTIVITY INDEX (RADAI-F5) IN ASSESSING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ACTIVITY
Authors: R. Ben Chehida, R. Fakhfakh, D. Khalifa, C. Daldoul, N. El Amri, H. Hachfi, K. Baccouche, E. Bouajina
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Disease activity indices in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often do not assess the feet, potentially leading to residual symptoms in patients classified as in remission. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Disease Activity Index (RADAI-F5) is a newly validated tool designed to evaluate RA activity specifically in the feet <h3>Objectives:</h3> The aim of this study is to investigate the association between RA activity in the feet and overall RA activity and functional indices, as well as joint ultrasound data. <h3>Methods:</h3> This is a cross-sectional study involving patients diagnosed with RA over a one-month period. Quality of life was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). RA activity in the feet was calculated using the RADAI-F5 index, functional indices for the rheumatoid foot were collected using the self-administered Foot Function Index (FFI-F) questionnaire, and fatigue was estimated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). An ultrasound of the ankles and forefeet was conducted. <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 31 patients (27 females) were included. The mean age was 56.52 years ± 12.746 [25-84], with an average disease duration of 10.55 years ± 8.481 [1-34]. RA activity was categorized as remission (n=10), low (n=3), moderate (n=17), and severe (n=1). Metatarsalgia was found in 51.6% of patients (n=16), talalgia in 13 patients, and ankle pain in 16 patients. The mean RADAI-F5 index was 6.226% ± 2.160 [1-9.2]. The RADAI-F5 score correlated with DAS28vs activity score (r=0.8; p=0.0001), fatigue score (r=0.3; p=0.05), FFI-F functional score (r=0.5; p=0.001), and the presence of synovitis on joint ultrasound (p=0.03). It was not associated with the HAQ functional score (p&gt;0.055). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The RADAI F-5 was associated with RA activity and the presence of synovitis and tenosynovitis on ultrasound. This study confirms the validity of RADAI F-5 in monitoring RA activity in the feet <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB0842 LINE IMMUNOASSAY VERSUS CHEMILUMINESCENCE ASSAY AND MULTIPLEXED BEAD IMMUNOASSAY FOR DETECTION OF ANTI-RO AND ANTI-LA ANTIBODIES
Authors: C. Hu, Y. Chen, L. Peng, D. Xu, W. Zhang, Y. Zhao, D. Liu
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies are the hallmark of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and have long been included in the classification criteria for the disease[1]. Although various assays have been used for the detection of anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies, none have been recommended as the gold standard. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To compare the diagnostic performance of automated quantitative assays to that of line immunoassay (LIA), which is most commonly used in China. <h3>Methods:</h3> Based on the Chinese Sjögren's Syndrome Collaborative Research Group, this study recruited patients diagnosed with pSS (n=434) at 21 tertiary hospitals. The diagnostic performance of the chemiluminescence assay (CLIA) and multiplexed bead immunoassay (MBI) in detecting anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies was compared to that of LIA. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to compare test accuracy between the different methods and areas under curves (AUCs) were calculated; the DeLong test was used to compare AUCs. <h3>Results:</h3> High specificity, varying from 95% to 100%, was observed by these assays in the detection of both anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies in patients with pSS (Table 1). Despite statistical difference in sensitivity, moderate to good qualitative agreement was achieved between assays, with kappa values ranging from 0.74 to 0.93. Notably, good diagnostic values were achieved by all of the assays (AUCs: 0.859 - 0.980); MBI yielded the best AUC values for anti-Ro60 and anti-La antibodies in pSS (Table 2). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Automated quantitative assays, CLIA and MBI, are potential alternatives to LIA in the detection of anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies in patients with pSS. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> [1] Shiboski CH, Shiboski SC, Seror R, et al. 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for primary Sjogren's syndrome: A consensus and data-driven methodology involving three international patient cohorts. ANN RHEUM DIS 2017, 76(1):9-16. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB1290 GCA RELAPSES MORE OFTEN IN THE SUBCLAVIAN ARTERIAL SYSTEM
Authors: C. Mukhtyar, S. Alanoor, G. Ducker
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Ultrasonography (US) for diagnosis of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) is a recommended first line diagnostic procedure. We have been running an US led diagnostic pathway in our centre since January 2017. This pathway is also used to diagnose relapsing disease including in patients who are present with proximal shoulder girdle pain and stiffness. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To compare the anatomical distribution of relapsing disease with that at diagnosis. <h3>Methods:</h3> Patients in whom new and relapsing disease was diagnosed using US were included. Protocolised US examination of the common carotid system of arteries and those of the subclavian system of arteries were carried out at diagnosis and relapse. Halo sign in at least two different arteries was needed for establishing new or relapsing disease. Disease characterisation was classified as being in the carotid system, subclavian system, or both. The nature of the disease at relapse was compared to that at diagnosis. <h3>Results:</h3> 279 patients were diagnosed with LVV using US since Jan 2017. 57 (20%) were diagnosed as having a relapse using US. 43/57 (75%) and 28/57 (49%) had involvement of the carotid system at baseline and relapse respectively. 22/57 (39%) and 44/57 (77%) had involvement of the subclavian system at baseline and relapse respectively. A Sankey Graph comparing the nature of involvement at diagnosis and relapse is as in Figure 1. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The branches of the common carotid artery (external carotid artery) are commonly involved at diagnosis, but relapse tends to occur more frequently in the subclavian artery branches. This is especially true where baseline disease was established in the carotid system. The presentation of patients with subclavian system disease is often with only constitutional symptoms and with shoulder girdle pain and stiffness. This may be mistaken for being a polymyalgia rheumatica relapse. It is essential to examine the subclavian system of arteries before diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica relapse in individuals with LVV. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> [1] Hellmich B, et al. 2018 Update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020 Jan;79(1):19-30. [2] Mukhtyar C, et al. Improving the quality of care for people with giant cell arteritis. Clin Med (Lond). 2021 Jul;21(4):e371-e374. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB1299 LIMB ARTERIES INVOLVEMENT ASSESSED BY FDG/PET CT AT DIAGNOSIS OF GIANT CELL ARTERITIS AND RISK OF RELAPSE: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: K. Sacre, G. Peyrac, A. Mageau, A. Gaudemer, K. Benali, J. F. Alexandra, T. Papo
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Steroids and anti-IL6 biotherapy are highly effective in obtaining remission in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) but the risk of relapses remains high. <h3>Objectives:</h3> We aimed to identify predictors of relapse in GCA. <h3>Methods:</h3> All consecutive patients admitted with a new diagnosis of GCA - according to the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria - between January 2011 to December 2021 were eligible for this study. The primary outcome was the GCA relapse rate over the 36-months follow up. Factors associated with the primary outcome and time to first relapse were analyzed. <h3>Results:</h3> One hundred and eight patients (74 [69-81] years, 64.8% women) with a new diagnosis of GCA were studied. GCA was biopsy-proven in 65 (60.2%) cases. Ninety-eight (90.7%) FDG/PET CT scans performed at diagnosis were available for review. All patients received steroids given for 21.0 [18.0-28.5] months, associated with methotrexate (n=1, 0.9%) or tocilizumab (n=2, 1.9%). During a median follow-up of 27.5 [11.4-35.0] months, relapse occurred in 40 (37%) patients. Multivariable Cox regression model, including age, gender, aortic wall thickness, FDG uptake in arterial wall and IV steroid pulse as covariates, showed that FDG uptake in limb arteries at diagnosis was the only significant factor associated with GCA relapse (HR 3.05 [1.48-6.25], p=0.002). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Limb arteries involvement on FDG/PET CT at diagnosis of GCA is associated with the risk of relapse. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB0700 DO RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN REMISSION NEED SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENTS?
Authors: S. Rahmouni, R. Fejji, K. Zouaoui, C. Mekki, M. Abbes, S. Boussaid, S. Rekik, H. Sahli, M. Elleuch
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> The therapeutic goal for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to achieve remission. However, patients in remission may still require symptomatic treatments. <h3>Objectives:</h3> Our aim was to evaluate the use of symptomatic treatments in RA patients in remission and to identify the factors that influence it. <h3>Methods:</h3> Monocentric cross-sectional study of patients with RA in remission (DAS28 CRP&lt;2.6). Socio-demographic data and clinicobiological characteristics of the disease were collected. Disease activity was assessed by the DAS28 score (CRP). The use of symptomatic treatments was recorded: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and corticosteroids. <h3>Results:</h3> Sixty-two patients, predominantly women (88.7%), were included in the study, with a mean age of 59.21 ± 25.7 years. Twenty-four patients had a secondary education level, 22 had a primary education level, and 16 patients were illiterate. Forty-two patients had health insurance (67.7%). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 49.4 years [19-79]. The mean disease duration was 11.11 ± 7.4 years. Patients had been in remission for an average of 2.44 ± 2.55 years. Remission was achieved after a mean of 8.6 ± 6.9 years from the onset of the disease. The mean DAS28 (CRP) was 2.02 ± 0.47. At the time of the study, patients were receiving the following treatments: methotrexate: n=58, sulfasalazine n=7, hydroxychloroquine n=7, Leflunomide: n=2, Etanercept: n=2, Tociluzimab: n=2, Infliximab: n=1, pegylated certoluzimab: n=1, golimumab: n=1. Regarding the use of symptomatic treatments,72.6% of patients used paracetamol, 27.4% NSAIDs and 45.2% corticosteroids, with an average dose of 2.3±4 mg daily. We showed that there was no significant association between the use of symptomatic treatments and age, gender, marital status, living environment, education level, health insurance, duration of the disease or remission, nocturnal awakening, morning stiffness, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and DAS 28 (CRP). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Despite clinical remission, our patients did not stop using symptomatic treatments. This may be suggestive of persistent pain due to several underlying mechanisms. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB0764 IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THYROID STATUS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Authors: S. Rahmouni, E. Razgallah, M. Mrad, E. Bouallegue, K. Zouaoui, M. Abbes, S. Boussaid, S. Rekik, A. Bahlous, H. Sahli, M. Elleuch
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Many studies have focused lately on assessing the relationship between thyroid function and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many have suggested a possible influence of thyroid dysfunction on the clinical presentation and the outcome of the disease. <h3>Objectives:</h3> Our study aimed to assess the thyroid status in RA patients and its probable influence on the characteristics of the course of the disease. <h3>Methods:</h3> We conducted a case-control study including RA patients and healthy controls (HC). Levels of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured. RA patients were then divided into two groups: G0: euthyroidism, G1: hypothyroidism. <h3>Results:</h3> Fifty-eight women were included in each group Ten RA patients had hypothyroidism (17.2%) vs 3 I in the HC group (5%), (p=0.039). Hyperthyroidism was detected in 2% of RA patients and was not found in HC (p=1). Proportionate findings were noted between patients with euthyroidism and those with hypothyroidism in terms of mean age We didn't find a significant difference between G0 and G1 regarding the following: Age (G0: 51.6 ± 14.4 years, G1: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, p= 0.585), median progression duration (G0:9.19 years [3,16; 21,17], G1:13.13 years [1.13; 14.32], p=0.428), the immunological profile: anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) (G0:57%, G1: 80%, p=0.287), rheumatoid factor (RF) (G0: 79%, G1:80%, p=1), and antinuclear antibody (ANA) (G0:19%, G1:20%, p=1), the presence of erosions (G0:66%, G1:70%, p=1), and extra-articular manifestations (G0: 23%, G1: 20%, p=1) the two groups were also similar regarding the disease activity score(DAS28(CRP)), (G0: 3.93[2.95-5.26], G1: 4.49, CI [3.25-5.2], p=0.629) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), (G0: 1.5, CI [1.2-1.75], G1: 1.5, CI [1.58;1.75], p=0.69). Regarding treatment, hydroxychloroquine was more frequently prescribed in patients with hypothyroidism (30% vs 2%, p=0.015). The occurrence of comorbidities specifically hypertension: (G0:32%, G1:30%, p=1), diabetes (G0: 19%, G1: 0%, p=0.336), dyslipidemia: (G0: 64%, G1: 60%, p=1), and obesity: (G0: 60%, G1: 70%, p=0.725), was not influenced by thyroid dysfunction. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> In our study, hypothyroidism was found to be more frequently occurring in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis. However, it doesn't seem to influence the disease progression. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB1324 GENERAL SYMPTOMS AT TAKAYASU ARTERITIS DIAGNOSIS AND THE NUMBER OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF BIOLOGICAL THERAPY DURING THE COURSE OF THE DISEASE
Authors: J. Mestre Torres, C. Nolla-Fontana, J. L. Callejas, M. P. Perez Conesa, A. Nuñez-Conde, B. Escalante, E. Fonseca-Aizpuru, R. Solans-Laqué
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare inflammatory disease with multiple relapses during the follow up. Biological therapy (BT) in this disease is frequently needed. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with TAK that are require BT. <h3>Methods:</h3> Retrospective analysis of the REVAS Registry. Variables are described as median (Q1 – Q3) or as number (proportion). Univariate analysis was done using Fischer or ranksum tests. Significance was set at p&lt;0.05. A logistic regression model was made to identify independent risk factors that predict the need of BT. <h3>Results:</h3> We included 78 TAK patients. Demographic results, including comparison of the variables according to use of BT, are described in Table 1. Regarding therapy, 64 (82.1%) patients received prednisone as the initial therapy and 46 (59%) required immunosuppressive drugs, including methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine A. BT included adalimumab (n=9), infliximab (n=3) and iv/sc tocilizumab (n=18). Nineteen (82.6%) patients required 1 BT, two patients required 2 different BT and two patients required 3 different BT. The reason to start BT was relapse in 5 (25%) cases, no control of the disease in 7 (35%), hypermetabolism in PET/CT in 3 (15%) and other comorbidities in 5 (25%). These comorbidities included sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, pyoderma gangrenosum and rheumatoid arthritis. Four patients needed a second BT due to relapse in 1 case, uncontrolled disease in 2 cases or due to other illnesses in 1 patient. The patient with 3 different BT showed a high hypermetabolism in PET/CT despite being asymptomatic. As a result, after the start of the BT 16 (80%) patients showed good response, 2 (10%) patients needed a second BT due to an uncontrolled disease, 1 (5%) case needed a change due to secondary effects of the drug and 1 (5%) did not show any response. Secondary effects were cytopenias in 3 cases, enteritis in 1 patient and herpetic keratitis in 1 case. All significant variables in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression. Results are depicted in Table 2. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The presence of fever or constitutional syndrome along with the use of immunosuppressive drugs appears to be related with the need of BT. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB0769 SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: I. Mnif, A. Feki, Z. Gassara, S. Ben Jemaa, M. H. Kallel, H. Fourati, S. Baklouti
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> In patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Sleep disturbance is one of the most common psychological symptoms, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, non-restorative sleep, and increased daytime sleepiness or fatigue. <h3>Objectives:</h3> The aim of our study is to evaluate sleep disorders in RA and to determine associated factors. <h3>Methods:</h3> This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients with RA. We collected epidemiological, clinical, serological and treatment data. We used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for each patient, to assess sleep quality and daytime somnolence. It consists of eight questions. Respondents are asked to rate each question in the form from 0 to 3. This scale seeks a patient's likelihood of falling asleep under certain situations in daily life. <h3>Results:</h3> We included 50 patients with RA: 44 women (88% of cases) and 6 men (12% of cases), with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.14 and a mean age of 55 ±11.5 years. Sixty-eight % of patients were treated with methotrexate and 16% with biotherapies. Moderate to severe activity (DAS28≥3.2) was found in 84% of patients with a mean DAS 28 of 4.73 ±1.5. The mean of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 47.1 mm± 32.4mm [2-130 mm]. The mean of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was 1.4± 0.7. RF was positive in 42% of the patients, and anti-CCP was positive in 40% of the patients. Disease-specific joint deformities were found in 88% of patients, and radiological destruction in 86%. The mean ESS score in our patients was 7.9 ±4.4 [0-16]. Only 26.5% of RA patients had sleep of good quality and 50% of patients had signs of excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥ 9 points). The association between age, treatment profile, ESR, HAQ and sleep disorders among the RA patients was non-significant. There was no significant difference with regard to daytime sleepiness between patients with and without activation (according to DAS-28 score) and between patients with positive and negative RF or antiCCP (p&gt;0.05). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Sleep disorders are common in RA. Screening for these disorders and treating them should be systematic to improve patients' quality of life and may significantly improve their overall health and well-being. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> I would like to thank everyone who supported me during this work. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>
AB1291 COMPARISON OF SYMPTOMS BETWEEN DIAGNOSIS AND RELAPSE IN GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: L. Moreel, A. Betrains, S. Vanderschueren, D. Blockmans
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> About half of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) experience disease relapse. However, the relationship between symptoms at diagnosis and at time of relapse remains unknown. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To compare the symptoms at diagnosis with those at time of first relapse in GCA patients. <h3>Methods:</h3> Patients with a diagnosis of GCA between 2000 and 2020 who were followed for ≥12 months at the University Hospitals Leuven, were included retrospectively. Relapse was defined as recurrence of clinical symptoms compatible with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or GCA and/or increase of inflammatory markers requiring escalation of treatment. Symptoms were categorized as constitutional, PMR, cranial, or limb claudication. As patients could present or relapse with symptoms in &gt;1 category, cumulative percentages add up to &gt;100%. <h3>Results:</h3> We included 398 GCA patients (mean age 72 years, 64% females). Median duration of follow-up was 42 months (IQR 24-83). Relapse occurred in 224 patients (56%). The median time since diagnosis until first relapse was 13 months (IQR 9-17) with a median daily dose of methylprednisolone of 1 mg (IQR 0-4). Figure 1 shows the distribution of symptoms at diagnosis and at time of first relapse. At diagnosis, 302 (76%) patients had constitutional symptoms, 296 (74%) cranial symptoms, 181 (45%) PMR symptoms and 8 (2%) limb claudication. At first relapse, 79 (35%) patients reported constitutional symptoms, 77 (34%) cranial symptoms, 136 (61%) PMR symptoms and 3 (1%) limb claudication. The symptoms at first relapse divided according to symptoms at diagnosis are presented in Table 1. Despite having no cranial or PMR symptoms at diagnosis, 21/33 (64%) patients with isolated constitutional symptoms and/or raised inflammatory markers had PMR symptoms and 6/33 (18%) had cranial symptoms at time of first relapse. Of the 73 patients with isolated cranial symptoms at diagnosis with at least one relapse, only 43 (59%) had cranial symptoms at time of first relapse, while 26 (36%) had PMR symptoms for the first time. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> PMR was the most frequent symptom at time of first relapse in GCA patients, whereas cranial and constitutional symptoms were more frequently reported at diagnosis. Even in patients without PMR symptoms at diagnosis, PMR is a common symptom at time of first relapse. Our hypothesis is that cranial and constitutional symptoms more frequently occur in case of high disease activity, whereas PMR is an early, less severe phenotype of the GCA-PMR spectrum, which first reappears in case of increased disease activity. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> Lien Moreel Roche, Albrecht Betrains: None declared, Steven Vanderschueren: None declared, Daniel Blockmans Roche, GSK, Eli Lily, Roche.