scholarly journals P227 Remote monitoring of patients with RA: a user-centred design approach

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie J Martin ◽  
Nora Ng ◽  
Laura Blackler ◽  
Toby Garrood
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Remote Consultation ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
Disease Flare ◽  
User Centred Design ◽  
Monitoring Service

Abstract Background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are generally seen at arbitrary intervals in secondary care. Patients with active disease may not always be seen at the most appropriate time and those with low disease activity may be seen more frequently than necessary. The NHS Long Term Plan expects outpatient appointments to be reduced by up to a third, with digital transformation a key enabler. The remote capture of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has the potential to facilitate more flexible and responsive outpatient services. Methods This project aimed to design a digital remote monitoring platform to test the hypothesis that PROMs can be used to proactively monitor and trigger consultations when patients need them most. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) questionnaire, a validated multidimensional PROM, was used. Waiting room testing with patients informed the design of an acceptable mobile device format of the RAID. Recruitment criteria and acceptable cut-offs for defining flare were agreed by the rheumatology multidisciplinary team. Patients in low disease activity or remission (DAS <3.2) were invited to the service via SMS. All patients were informed regarding the governance of handling patient data and an opt-out option was offered. Patients were sent an automated monthly SMS with a PROM link and weekly reminder SMS if required. They also had the option to send in SMS messages at other times or add free text comments. Patients submitting a RAID score of ≥ 4 received a SMS with a link to the rheumatology advice service advising a remote consultation. The SMS-based service went live in January 2019 and all incoming communication was monitored on a daily basis. Results 104 RA patients are currently using the remote monitoring service with 10.3% (13/117) opting-out. 847 monthly PROMs have been sent via SMS. The PROM completion rate has been 68.9% (range 59.0-85.1%). 120 RAID (21.8%) scored 2-≤4 indicating low disease activity and 136 RAID (24.7%) ≤ 2 indicating disease remission. 480 SMS have been sent manually to patients who have engaged in two-way communication or returned a RAID score ≥4. 44 telephone advice appointments were triggered through the remote monitoring service by patients in disease flare. 80% (35/44) of remote consultation were considered to have to have averted a face to face consultation with the remaining 20% providing advice alone. Interviews have been conducted with PROM ‘non-completers’ to learn and inform further service design. Conclusion This project has demonstrated how a user-centred design approach to utilising technology can support access to rheumatology care when patients need it most, such as disease flare. The identification of patients self-reporting low disease activity using multidimensional PROMs may enable more efficient utilisation of clinical capacity through patient-initiated appointment deferment and lead to improved patient-centred care. Disclosures M.J. Martin: Honoraria; Novartis, Abbvie. Grants/research support; National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society. N. Ng None. L. Blackler None. T. Garrood None.

Flare Rate in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Low Disease Activity or Remission When Tapering or Stopping Synthetic or Biologic DMARD: A Systematic Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 2012-2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Martijn Kuijper ◽  
Femke B.G. Lamers-Karnebeek ◽  
Johannes W.G. Jacobs ◽  
Johanna M.W. Hazes ◽  
Jolanda J. Luime
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
First Year ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
Dmard Therapy ◽  
Disease Flare ◽  
Medical Databases ◽  
Tnf Blockers ◽  
Biologic Dmard ◽  
Necrosis Factor

Objective.To evaluate the risk of having a disease flare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low disease activity (LDA) or in remission when deescalating (tapering or stopping) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.Methods.A search in medical databases including publications from January 1950 to February 2015 was performed. Included were trials and observational studies in adults with RA who were in LDA or remission, evaluating ≥ 20 patients tapering or stopping DMARD. Flare rates had to have been reported. A metaanalysis was performed on studies deescalating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.Results.Four studies evaluated synthetic DMARD. Flare rates ranged from 8% at 24 weeks to 63% at 4 months after deescalation. Fifteen studies reported on TNF blockers. Estimated flare rates by metaanalysis on studies tapering or stopping TNF blockers were 0.26 (95% CI 0.17–0.39) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.27–0.73) for good-quality and moderate-quality studies, respectively. Flare rates in 3 studies stopping tocilizumab were 41% after 6 months, 55% at 1 year, and 87% at 1 year. Flare rates in 3 studies deescalating abatacept were 34% at 1 year, 41% at 1 year, and 72% at 6 months. Five studies evaluating radiographic progression in patients deescalating treatment all found limited to no progression.Conclusion.Results suggest that more than one-third of patients with RA with LDA or in remission may taper or stop DMARD treatment without experiencing a disease flare within the first year. Dose reduction of TNF blockers results in lower flare rates than stopping and may be noninferior to continuing full dose. Radiological progression after treatment deescalation remains low, but may increase slightly.

scholarly journals AB0212 FLARE RISK AFTER DISCONTINUING LONG-TERM METHOTREXATE TREATMENT IN PATIENTS HAVING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1406.1-1407
Author(s):  
S. H. Nam ◽  
J. S. Lee ◽  
S. J. Choi ◽  
W. J. Seo ◽  
J. S. Oh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Weekly Dose ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
Disease Flare ◽  
The Mean

Background:Several recent studies have reported that MTX could be discontinued in patients with low disease activity who are taking biologic DMARDs or tofacitinib. However, there are limited studies on whether MTX could be discontinued in patients with low disease activity who have taken MTX for a long term.Objectives:We investigated the disease flare rate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who achieved low disease activity following long-term methotrexate (MTX) treatment and the factors related to flare.Methods:This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included patients with RA and low disease activity who were exposed to MTX for >10 years. Disease flare was defined as an increase in DAS28 of >1.2 within 6 months of discontinuation of MTX. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with flare.Results:In total, 97 patients with RA were included in the study. The mean baseline DAS28 was 1.96 ± 0.56. The median cumulative MTX dose was 11.7g; the median duration of exposure to MTX was 19 years. Following MTX discontinuation, flare occurred in 43 (44.3%) patients; the mean time to flare was 98 ± 37.7 days. According to univariable logistic regression analysis, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at discontinuation, the average ESR in the 6 months before discontinuation of MTX, a weekly dose of MTX before discontinuation, and use of other conventional synthetic DMARDs were associated with a higher risk of disease flare. In multivariable analysis, a weekly dose of MTX before discontinuation (OR, 1.014; 95% CI, 1.014–1.342; p = 0.031) was significantly associated with flare risk.Conclusion:Among patients with RA who achieved low disease activity with long-term treatment with MTX, more than half of the patients remained flare free after MTX discontinuation. A higher MTX dose before discontinuation was associated with a high flare risk.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

FRI0076 Low Disease Activity or DAS-Remission as Treatment Target in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. 454.1-454
Author(s):  
G. Akdemir ◽  
I.M. Markusse ◽  
A.A. Schouffoer ◽  
P.B. de Sonnaville ◽  
B.A. Grillet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Early Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Treatment Target ◽  
Low Disease Activity

scholarly journals FRI0127 Suppression of radiographic progression after gradual methotrexate tapering in patients with rheumatoid arthritis patients maintaining low disease activity - Prospective multicenter study-

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 645.1-645
Author(s):  
K. Katayama ◽  
K. Yujiro ◽  
T. Okubo ◽  
R. Fukai ◽  
T. Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Joint Destruction ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
High Response ◽  
Continuation Rate ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
One Year ◽  
Response Group

Background:Many studies have been reported to reduce/discontinue Biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In contrast, study for tapering methotrexate (MTX) has been limited (1,2).Objectives:We prospectively examined whether bone destruction will progress at 48 weeks after tapering or discontinuing MTX (UMIN000028875).Methods:The subjects were RA patients who have maintained low disease activity or lower for 24 weeks or more in DAS28-CRP after MTX administration. Patients having PDUS Grade 2 or 3 per site by bilateral hand ultrasonography (26 area) were excluded in this study owing to risk for joint destruction. The joint destruction was evaluated by the joint X-ray evaluation by modified total Sharp scoring (mTSS) at 1 year after the start of tapering MTX. Evaluation of clinical disease activities, severe adverse events, the continuation rate during MTX tapering were also evaluated. According to tapering response, prognostic factor for good response for tapering, joint destruction was determined. Predictors for successful tapering MTX and progression of bone destruction were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test using SAS .13.2 software.Results:The subjects were 79 (16 males, 63 females). Age average 60.9 years, disease duration 4 years 4 months, MTX dose 8.43 mg / w, DAS28-CRP 1.52, DMARDs (24.3%), ACPA 192.7 U / ml (70.5%), RF 55.6 IU / ml (65.4%).MTX was tapered from an average of 8.43 mg / w before study to 5.46 mg / w one year later. In the treatment evaluation, DAS28-CRP increased from 1.52 to 1.84. 89.7% of subjects did not progress joint damage. Other disease activities significantly increased (Table 1). The one-year continuation rate was 78.2%. Since tapering effects were varied widely, we divided patients into three groups; Flared group (N=14, initial MTX dose 8.71mg/w, final MTX dose 8.42mg/w), Low response group (N=31, final MTX reduction rate< 50%, initial MTX dose 8.93mg/w, final MTX dose 6.22mg/w), High response group (N=34, final MTX reduction rate≥ 50%, initial MTX dose 8.5mg/w, final MTX dose 3.15mg/w)(Table 2).Higher RF value at baseline and higher MTX dose at 3M, 6M were predictors of whether a subject was in Low response group or High Response group. Higher RF value and mTSS at baseline and higher MTX dose at 6M were predictors whether a subject was in Flared group or High response group. Lower age was predictor of whether a subject was in Flared group or Low responder group. Finally, mean ΔmTSS /y in Flared group (0.36) was not significantly higher than in low response group (0.07) and in high response group (0.01).Table 1Table 2.Predictors for successful tapering MTX and progression of bone destructionConclusion:Patients with MTX-administered low disease activity and finger joint echo PDUS grade 1 satisfy almost no joint destruction even after MTX reduction. For tapering, predictors may be helpful for maintaining patient’s satisfaction.References:[1]Baker KF, Skelton AJ, Lendrem DW et al. Predicting drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective interventional cohort study. J. Autoimmunity. 2019;105: 102298.[2]Lillegraven S, Sundlisater N, Aga A et al. Tapering of Conventional Synthetic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Sustained Remission: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. American College of Rheumatology. 2019; Abstract L08.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The sFlt-1 to PlGF Ratio in Pregnant Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Impact of Disease Activity and Sulfasalazine Use

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rugina I Neuman ◽  
Hieronymus T W Smeele ◽  
A H Jan Danser ◽  
Radboud J E M Dolhain ◽  
Willy Visser
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
The Third ◽  
Observational Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Plgf Ratio

Abstract Objectives An elevated sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio has been validated as a significant predictor of preeclampsia, but has not been established in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We explored whether the sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio could be altered due to disease activity in RA, and could be applied in this population to predict preeclampsia. Since sulfasalazine has been suggested to improve the angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia, we also aimed to examine whether sulfasalazine could affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels. Methods Making use of a nationwide, observational, prospective cohort study on pregnant women with RA, sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured in the third trimester. A total of 221 women, aged 21–42 years, were included, with a median gestational age of 30 + 3 weeks. Results No differences in sFlt-1 or PlGF were observed between women with high, intermediate or low disease activity (p= 0.07 and p= 0.41), whereas sFlt-1 and PlGF did not correlate with DAS28-CRP score (r=-0.01 and r=-0.05, respectively). Four (2%) women with a sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio ≤38 developed preeclampsia in comparison to three (43%) women with a ratio &gt; 38, corresponding to a negative predictive value of 98.1%. Sulfasalazine users (n = 57) did not show altered levels of sFlt-1 or PlGF in comparison to non-sulfasalazine users (n = 164, p= 0.91 and p= 0.11). Conclusion Our study shows that in pregnant women with RA, the sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio is not altered due to disease activity and a cut-off ≤38 can be used to exclude preeclampsia. Additionally, sulfasalazine use did not affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels in this population.

scholarly journals Switching from TNFα inhibitor to tacrolimus as maintenance therapy in rheumatoid arthritis after achieving low disease activity with TNFα inhibitors and methotrexate: 24-week result from a non-randomized, prospective, active-controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Youn Jung ◽  
Jung Hee Koh ◽  
Ki-Jo Kim ◽  
Yong-Wook Park ◽  
Hyung-In Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
Efficacy Analysis ◽  
Tnfα Inhibitor

Abstract Background Tapering or stopping biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs has been proposed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in remission, but it frequently results in high rates of recurrence. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) as maintenance therapy in patients with established RA in remission after receiving combination therapy with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and methotrexate (MTX). Methods This 24-week, prospective, open-label trial included patients who received TNFi and MTX at stable doses for ≥24 weeks and had low disease activity (LDA), measured by Disease Activity Score-28 for ≥12 weeks. Patients selected one of two arms: maintenance (TNFi plus MTX) or switched (TAC plus MTX). The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of patients maintaining LDA at week 24, which was assessed using a logistic regression model. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study period. Results In efficacy analysis, 80 and 34 patients were included in the maintenance and switched arms, respectively. At week 24, LDA was maintained in 99% and 91% of patients in the maintenance and switched arms, respectively (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–1.59). Drug-related adverse effects tended to be more common in the switched arm than in the maintenance arm (20.9% versus 7.1%, respectively) but were well-tolerated. Conclusion This controlled study tested a novel treatment strategy of switching from TNFi to TAC in RA patients with sustained LDA, and the findings suggested that TNFi can be replaced with TAC in most patients without the patients experiencing flare-ups for at least 24 weeks. Trial registration Korea CDC CRIS, KCT0005868. Registered 4 February 2021—retrospectively registered

scholarly journals Change in dietary inflammatory index score is associated with control of long-term rheumatoid arthritis disease activity in a Japanese cohort: the TOMORROW study

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshinari Matsumoto ◽  
Nitin Shivappa ◽  
Yuko Sugioka ◽  
Masahiro Tada ◽  
Tadashi Okano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Inflammatory Change ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Dietary Inflammatory Index ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
Inflammatory Index ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background The dietary inflammatory index (DII®), a quantitative measure of the inflammatory potential of daily food and nutrient intake, and associations between a variety of health outcomes have been reported. However, the association between DII score and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to test whether higher DII score contributes to disease activity and as a corollary, whether reducing DII score helps to achieve or maintain low disease activity or remission in patients with RA. Methods We performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis using 6 years of data (from 2011 to 2017) in TOMORROW, a cohort study consisting of 208 RA patients and 205 gender- and age-matched controls started in 2010. Disease activity of RA patients was assessed annually using DAS28-ESR (disease activity score 28 joints and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate) as a composite measure based on arthritic symptoms in 28 joints plus global health assessment and ESR. Dietary data were collected in 2011 and 2017 using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) score was calculated using 26 nutrients derived from the BDHQ. Data were analyzed with two-group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results One hundred and seventy-seven RA patients and 183 controls, for whom clinical and dietary survey data were available, were analyzed. RA patients had significantly higher E-DII (pro-inflammatory) score compared to controls both in 2011 and 2017 (p < 0.05). In RA patients, E-DII score was not a factor associated with significant change in disease activity. However, anti-inflammatory change in E-DII score was associated maintaining low disease activity (DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2) or less for 6 years (OR 3.46, 95% CI 0.33–8.98, p = 0.011). Conclusions The diets of RA patients had a higher inflammatory potential than controls. Although E-DII score was not a factor associated with significant disease activity change, anti-inflammatory change in E-DII score appeared to be associated with maintaining low disease activity in patients with RA. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000003876. Registered 7 Aug 2010—retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals OP0076 HOW TO SELF-EXAMINE FOR TENDER AND SWOLLEN JOINTS: CO-DEVELOPMENT OF A TRAINING VIDEO FOR PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 41.1-41
Author(s):  
C. Sharp ◽  
K. Staniland ◽  
T. Cornell ◽  
W. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
British Society ◽  
Patient Report Outcome Measure ◽  
Nurse Consultant ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
Remote Consultations

Background:COVID-19 has catalysed the transformation of healthcare services, with outpatient services increasingly dependent upon remote models of care. Healthcare professionals now have to make clinical assessments based on remote patient examinations. The number of tender and swollen joints a patient has drives decision-making in RA, making it particularly important that people with RA and HCPs have a shared understanding of these examinations.Even before remote consultations became widespread, long gaps between clinic visits create challenges in enabling HCPs to form an accurate picture of disease activity over time. The REMORA (REmote MOnitoring of Rheumatoid Arthritis) app aims to address this issue by asking people with RA to track disease activity, including counting the number of tender or swollen joints, weekly(1). Data are integrated into the electronic patient record for clinicians to access with patients during clinical consultations. As part of the supporting materials for the REMORA app, we planned to develop a video to train people with RA how to examine their own joints. This video may now help meet the need created by the recent expansion in remote consultations.Objectives:To describe the co-production, implementation and evaluation of a video to train patients how to examine their own joints.Methods:The need for the video to fill a current gap in patient education was identified by the REMORA patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group. A core working group comprising the PPIE lead, a nurse consultant, rheumatology clinicians, project and communications managers was formed. A storyboard was drafted and feedback gained from the PPIE group and wider REMORA team. Images were sourced from licenced suppliers, or co-developed with the PPIE group where necessary. No ethical approval was required as the PPIE group lead was acting as an equal member of the research term. Written informed consent was gained from video participants. Filming took place between two national lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a challenge to ensure social distancing and requiring the use of masks.Results:A 15 minute video to train people with RA to self-examine for tender and swollen joints was developed. An introduction outlining the rationale behind self-examination is followed by a nurse consultant coaching an RA patient in individual joint self-examination. Shoulders, elbows, wrists, metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints and knees are included, all of which are counted in disease activity scores.Early feedback from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive. The video will be publicly available on YouTube from February 2021. A survey of patients and HCPs aims to obtain more formal feedback on the video, with a view to a further iteration, if required. Leading national organisations in rheumatology will promote the video, as it supports national programmes including the British Society for Rheumatology national early inflammatory arthritis audit and ePROMS (electronic patient report outcome measure) platform, both of which include entry of patient reported tender and swollen joint counts.Conclusion:This video was co-designed by people with RA, aiming to support self-examination of tender and swollen joint counts. Hits on YouTube and survey responses will help assess its impact. Evaluation to assess whether the video affects patients’ ability to self-examine for tender and swollen joints before and after watching is planned. We hope the video will support remote consultations and help people with arthritis to better understand and self-manage their arthritis, and to have shared decision making conversations with their clinicians.References:[1]Austin L, Sharp CA, van der Veer SN, Machin M, Humphreys J, Mellor P, et al. Providing ‘the bigger picture’: benefits and feasibility of integrating remote monitoring from smartphones into the electronic health record: findings from the Remote Monitoring of Rheumatoid Arthritis (REMORA) study. Rheumatology. 2020;59(2):367-78.Disclosure of Interests:Charlotte Sharp: None declared, Karen Staniland: None declared, Trish Cornell Shareholder of: shares in Abbvie, Employee of: Abbvie, working as a Rheumatology Nurse Consultant, Will Dixon Consultant of: Google and Abbvie, unrelated to this work.

Are remission and low disease activity state ideal targets for pregnancy planning in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? A multicentre study

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Tani ◽  
Dina Zucchi ◽  
Isabell Haase ◽  
Maddalena Larosa ◽  
Francesca Crisafulli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Intrauterine Fetal Death ◽  
Treat To Target ◽  
Low Disease Activity ◽  
Disease Flare ◽  
Disease Remission ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Activity State

Abstract Objectives To determine whether disease remission or low disease activity state at the beginning of pregnancy in SLE patients is associated with better pregnancy outcome. Methods pregnancies in SLE patients prospectively monitored by pregnancy clinics at four rheumatology centres were enrolled. Patient demographics and clinical information were collected at baseline (pregnancy visit before 8 weeks of gestation) including whether patients were in remission according to DORIS criteria and and/or Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine predictors of disease flare and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, small for gestational age infant, intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine fetal death. Results 347 pregnancies were observed in 281 SLE patients. Excluding early pregnancy losses, 212 pregnancies (69.7%) occurred in patients who were in remission at baseline, 33 (10.9%) in patients in LLDAS, and the remainder in active patients. 73 flares (24%) were observed during pregnancy or puerperium, and 105 (34.5%) APOs occurred. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients in disease remission or taking hydroxychloroquine were less likely to have disease flare, while a history of lupus nephritis increased the risk. The risk of APOs was increased in patients with shorter disease duration, while being on hydroxychloroquine resulted a protective variable. An almost significant association between complete remission and a decreased risk of APOs was observed. Conclusions Prenatal planning with a firm treat-to-target goal of disease remission is an important strategy to reduce the risk of disease flares and severe obstetrical complications in SLE pregnancies.

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