scholarly journals FRI0212 THE ROLE OF AGE ON THE CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND RELAPSE RATES IN A LARGE COHORT OF 720 PATIENTS WITH GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 689.1-690
Author(s):  
S. Monti ◽  
L. Dagna ◽  
C. Campochiaro ◽  
A. Tomelleri ◽  
G. Zanframundo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Relapse Rate ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
First Relapse ◽  
Time To Relapse

Background:Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent systemic vasculitis after the age of 50 years old. Recent interest in the processes of immune and vascular aging have been proposed as a disease risk factor. Data on the impact of age at diagnosis of GCA on the clinical course of the disease are scarceObjectives:To assess the role of age at diagnosis of GCA on the risk and time to relapseMethods:Centres participating in the Italian Society of Rheumatology Vasculitis Study Group retrospectively enrolled patients with a diagnosis of GCA until December 2019. The cohort was divided in tertiles according to age at diagnosis (≤ 72; 73-79; > 79 years old). Negative binomial regression was used to assess the relapse rate according to age groups, and Cox regression for time to first relapse.Results:Of 720 patients enrolled in 14 Italian reference centres, 711 had complete follow-up data (female 50%; mean age 75±7). Median follow-up duration was 34 months (IQR 16;70). Patients in the older group at diagnosis (> 79 years) had more frequent visual loss compared to the 73-79 and ≤ 72 age groups (31% vs 20% vs 7%; p<0.001), but lower rates of general symptoms (56% vs 70% vs 77%; p<0.001). Large-vessel (LV)-GCA was less frequent in the older group (18% vs 22% vs 43%; p<0.001). At least one relapse occurred in 47% of patients. Median time to relapse was 12 months (IQR 6;23). Age did not influence the rate of relapses [18 per 100 persons/years (95%CI 15;21) vs 19 (95% CI 17;22) vs 19 (95%CI 17;22)], nor the time to first relapse (Figure 1). LV-GCA, presentation with significantly elevated c-reactive protein (> 50 mg/L) and general symptoms were independent predictors of relapse.Conclusion:Age at diagnosis of GCA influenced the clinical presentation and risk of ischaemic complications, but did not affect the relapse rate during follow-up. LV-GCA occurred more frequently in younger patients and was an independent predictor of relapse risk, highlighting the need for a correct characterization of the clinical subtype at the early stages of disease.Disclosure of Interests:Sara Monti: None declared, Lorenzo Dagna Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, SOBI, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, and SOBI, Corrado Campochiaro Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, GSK, SOBI, Alessandro Tomelleri: None declared, Giovanni Zanframundo: None declared, Catherine Klersy: None declared, Francesco Muratore: None declared, Luigi Boiardi: None declared, Roberto Padoan: None declared, Mara Felicetti: None declared, Franco Schiavon: None declared, Milena Bond: None declared, Alvise Berti: None declared, Roberto Bortolotti: None declared, Carlotta Nannini: None declared, Fabrizio Cantini: None declared, Alessandro Giollo: None declared, Edoardo Conticini: None declared, angelica gattamelata: None declared, Roberta Priori: None declared, Luca Quartuccio Consultant of: Abbvie, Bristol, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Elena Treppo: None declared, Giacomo Emmi: None declared, Martina Finocchi: None declared, Giulia Cassone: None declared, Ariela Hoxha Speakers bureau: Celgene, UCB, Novartis, Sanofi, Werfen, Rosario Foti Consultant of: lilly, sanofi, MSD, Janssen, Abbvie, BMS, celgene, roche, Speakers bureau: lilly, sanofi, MSD, Janssen, Abbvie, BMS, celgene, roche, Michele Colaci: None declared, Roberto Caporali Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Lilly; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Celgene; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Pfizer; UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celgene; Lilly; Gilead Sciences, Inc; MSD; Pfizer; Roche; UCB, Carlo Salvarani: None declared, Carlomaurizio Montecucco: None declared

SAT0256 THE ROLE OF FAST-TRACK ULTRASOUND IN PREVENTING EARLY COMPLICATIONS AND RELAPSES IN GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1071.1-1071
Author(s):  
P. Delvino ◽  
S. Monti ◽  
A. Bartoletti ◽  
E. Bellis ◽  
F. Brandolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Conventional Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
First Relapse ◽  
The Impact

Background:Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of primary systemic vasculitis, mainly affecting adults over 50 years old. Permanent visual loss (PVL) is one of the most feared complications, occurring in about 20% of cases, typically prior to initiation of high-dose glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. Color-duplex sonography (CDS) of temporal arteries (TAs) and large vessels (LVs) is recognized as a first-line diagnostic tool for patients with suspected GCA. A fast track approach (FTA), incorporating CDS has been associated to a significant reduction of PVL in two retrospective studies1,2.Objectives:To assess the impact of FTA on PVL and risk of relapses during follow-up compared to conventional care prior to the introduction of the FTA in our rheumatology clinic.Methods:Patients with new-onset GCA evaluated in our department from January 1998 to September 2019 were included in the study. The FTA approach for GCA was implemented since October 2016. The diagnosis of GCA was based on positive TAs and/or LVs CDS and/or a positive TA biopsy and clinical signs and symptoms of GCA. All patients were clinically examined by the same rheumatologist who performed the CDS. PVL was defined as total visual impairment in one or both eyes. Data on baseline clinical features and later outcomes were collected.Results:153 patients were included: 115 females (75.2%), mean age at diagnosis 71.6±8.2 years. Of these, 112 patients (73%) were evaluated conventionally and 41 (27%) with FTA. Patients in the FTA group were older (P=0.0002), presented more frequently with polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms, weight loss, jaw or tongue claudication and scalp tenderness (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The median duration of follow-up in the FTA group was shorter compared with the conventional group (1.5 vs 5.8 years). PVL occurred in 22 (19.6%) patients in the conventional group compared to 5 patient (12.2%) in the FTA, leading to a reduction of 37.9% in the relative risk of PVL with the FTA approach. Cumulative incidence of relapses and time to first relapse did not change after FTA introduction (P>0.05) (Fig. 1).Conclusion:The application of a FTA in GCA resulted in a significant reduction of PVL. However, the relapse rate did not seem to be influenced by the FTA, highlighting the need to implement further management strategies, besides earlier diagnosis and prompt initiation of GC, that would impact the course of the disease during long-term follow-upReferences:[1]Patil P, Williams M, Maw WW et al. Fast track pathway reduces sight loss in giant cell arteritis: results of a longitudinal observational cohort study. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015;33(Suppl 89):S-103-6.[2]Diamantopoulos AP, Haugeberg G, Lindland A, Myklebust G. The fast-track ultrasound clinic for early diagnosis of giant cell arteritis significantly reduces permanent visual impairment: towards a more effective strategy to improve clinical outcome in giant cell arteritis? Rheumatology 2016;55:66_70.Fig. 1.Time to first relapse in patients with GCA and evaluated with a FTA compared to conventionally approached patients.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The Role of GM-CSF in Haplo-Identical Transplant Patients Who Do Not Benefit from NK Alloreactivity.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 2912-2912
Author(s):  
Philippe Lewalle ◽  
Alain Delforge ◽  
Berengere Nowak ◽  
Virginie Misplon ◽  
Jalil Bennani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relapse Rate ◽  
Good Tolerance ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Poor Risk ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Advanced Stages ◽  
Time To Relapse ◽  
Related Mortality

Abstract Haplo-identical transplant is now established as a procedure of choice for patients who lack a compatible donor. It might even be the best choice for AML, provided there is a GvH NK allo-reactivity. However, patients are still referred too late, heavily pre-treated, at very advanced stages. We initiated a three-step phase I study trying improve transplant related mortality, relapse rate and immunity: : G-CSF + DLI, : GM-CSF + DLI, : patient and disease adapted strategy. Thirty-six consecutive leukemia patients, aged 18–55, were investigated (20 very poor risk, 12 poor risk and 4 better risk). GvH type NK alloreactivity was chosen when possible (21/36) and balanced across the 3 groups. In the first 9 patients, G-CSF was used pot-transplant and prophylactic DLI were given at month 1, 2 and 3. The use of G-CSF and 1 to 3 DLI (10exp4 CD3/kg) was found safe. It resulted in faster CD4 recovery and a low rate of infections. However, it was insufficient to induce a protective GVL effect. In the next 12 patients, GM-CSF was used plus 1 DLI (104 CD3/kg) at day 30 unless aGVHD (3 pts). The comparison between the 2 first groups can be summarized as follows: G-CSF + DLI: TRM at day 100: 0, RR: 6/9, severe aGVHD:0. GM-CSF + 1 DLI group: RR: 1/12, TRM at day 100: 3, aGVHD grade 2 or more: 9/12; price to pay: GVHD resulting in 5 deaths in total. Median time to relapse in the 21 first patients was 6 months range (4 – 9). Step 3 (17 patients) consists of a patient adapted strategy: no more aspecific DLI (selected anti-CMV and aspergillus DLI planned in all patients); in myeloid disorders with NK allo-reactivity: no GF. In the other cases, GM-CSF (at a reduced total dose of 500 mcg) is given from day 5 to day 9. The follow-up of patients alive in CCR (12), although promising (3 relapses), is currently short (median 8 months), compared to the median of relapse in the 2 first groups (6 months). Overall, TRM at day 100 is 2/29, reflecting the good tolerance of the conditioning in a heavily pre-treated population (median age: 43). Overall relapse rate for all patients treated with GM-CSF, without the benefit of NK-alloreactivity, is 6/16 (median FU: 15 months). We conclude that the third strategy might improve the outcome and the relapse rate without exposing patients to unnecessary severe GVHD. These data will be updated with 6 months more follow-up and 3 more patients.

scholarly journals Survival Outcomes in Oral Tongue Cancer: A Mono-Institutional Experience Focusing on Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohssen Ansarin ◽  
Rita De Berardinis ◽  
Federica Corso ◽  
Gioacchino Giugliano ◽  
Roberto Bruschini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Prognostic Factor ◽  
Tongue Cancer ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Oral Tongue ◽  
Free Survival

ObjectiveThe prognostic role of age among patients affected by Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OTSCC) is a topic of debate. Recent cohort studies have found that patients diagnosed at 40 years of age or younger have a better prognosis. The aim of this cohort study was to clarify whether age is an independent prognostic factor and discuss heterogeneity of outcomes by stage and treatments in different age groups.MethodsWe performed a study on 577 consecutive patients affected by primary tongue cancer and treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy according to stage, at European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS. Patients with age at diagnosis below 40 years totaled 109 (19%). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), tongue specific free survival (TSFS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were compared by age groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the independent role of age.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 5.01 years (range 0–18.68) years with follow-up recorded up to February 2020. After adjustment for all the significant confounding and prognostic factors, age remained independently associated with OS and DSF (respectively, p = 0.002 and p = 0.02). In CSS and TSFS curves, the role of age seems less evident (respectively, p = 0.14 and p = 0.0.37). In the advanced stage sub-group (stages III–IV), age was significantly associated with OS and CSS with almost double increased risk of dying (OS) and dying from tongue cancer (CSS) in elderly compared to younger groups (OS: HR = 2.16 95%, CI: 1.33–3.51, p= 0.001; CSS: HR = 1.76 95%, CI: 1.03–3.01, p = 0.02, respectively). In our study, young patients were more likely to be treated with intensified therapies (glossectomies types III–V and adjuvant radio-chemotherapy). Age was found as a prognostic factor, independently of other significant factors and treatment. Also the T–N tract involved by disease and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥3 were independent prognostic factors.ConclusionsYoung age at diagnosis is associated with a better overall survival. Fewer younger people than older people died from tongue cancer in advanced stages.

scholarly journals The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Monitoring Disease Activity and Therapeutic Response to Tocilizumab in Giant Cell Arteritis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Edoardo Conticini ◽  
Jurgen Sota ◽  
Paolo Falsetti ◽  
Caterina Baldi ◽  
Marco Bardelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Multimodality Imaging ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Response To Treatment

Introduction. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel (LV) vasculitis, mainly affecting elder patients. Monitoring GCA activity during tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment is an unmet need, since low serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) during treatment may underestimate disease activity. To date, few data are available on the role of different imaging techniques in monitoring GCA activity and response to treatment. We report herein a cohort of GCA patients treated with TCZ and followed up with multimodal imaging. Patients and Methods. We collected clinical, laboratory, and imaging data of 11 GCA patients treated with TCZ 162 mg subcutaneously every week. Disease activity was assessed at baseline and within 12 months from the start of treatment using different imaging techniques such as color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS), magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and/or positron emission tomography (PET). Results. Four patients were affected by cranial and 7 by LV-GCA. All patients were treated with oral glucocorticoids (GCs) (mean dose 55.68 mg±8.19 of prednisone or equivalent) in combination with TCZ. Treatment was preceded in 5 cases by 3 intravenous boluses of 1000 mg methylprednisolone. A significant decrease of the mean dose of oral GCs was observed between baseline and the last follow-up visit (4.65±3.69 mg) (p=0.003). TCZ treatment significantly decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p<0.01) and CRP levels (p<0.01). At follow-up (mean 8.18±3.63 months), all patients were in clinical and serological remission. Moreover, PET, CDUS, MRI/MRA, and CTA did not show any LVV finding. Conclusions. Our study highlights TCZ efficacy in inducing GCA remission and its steroid-sparing effect. We highlighted a reliability of imaging procedures in the evaluation of disease activity and treatment response. A close disease monitoring with imaging techniques should be taken into account in GCA patients during TCZ treatment.

scholarly journals AB0468 AGE RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PATIENTS WITH GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1532.2-1532
Author(s):  
P. Dieguez Pena ◽  
B. Gimena Reyes ◽  
B. Maure Noia ◽  
A. Argibay ◽  
C. Vázquez Triñanes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
First Year ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Age Related ◽  
First Relapse ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Visual Disturbances

Background:Few data are available on the epidemiology and management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients over 75 years despite the progressive aging in our societies. In other diseases this subgroup of patients presents important differences in the management and prognosis of their pathologies.Objectives:To explore this situation by comparing two subgroups of patients, older and younger than 75, assesing possible changes in demographic characteristics, diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome.Methods:We perform a retrospective review of charts, laboratory data, image studies, treatment and outcome of biopsy-proven GCA in our institution (Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo) between 1 January 2000 and 30 November 2019.Results:During study period 124 patients were analysed, 51 in the subgroup of <75 (mean age 64.6 (56-75)) and 73 in the subgroup of >75 (mean age 81.8 (76-89)). There were no differences about sex (female 76.6% vs. 65%) or in the Charlson index between the two groups (0-1 in 72% of patients). Older patients present more frequently with headache (49.2 % vs 32.3%), polymyalgia rheumatica (53.4 % vs 45.1%), weight loss (48% vs 39.2%) and ischaemic manifestations (72.6 % vs 51%), including visual disturbances (26% vs 11.8%). Younger patients present more frequently with fever (33.3% vs 19.2%). Median ESR was similar: 98 vs 96 mm/h; median CPR was slightly higher in younger patients 94.5 mg/dL vs 71.59 mg/dL. PET-TC was performed more frequently at diagnosis in the subgroup of younger patients (29.4% vs 12.3%) and during follow-up period in the other subgroup (3.4% vs 7%) with evidence of involvement of large vessels in 14 of them. Initial treatment consisted of corticosteroids in 100% of patients with the most frequent doses, in both groups, between 40-60 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent. The subgroup of < 75 were treated more aggressively receiving pulses of methylprednisolone (125-250 mg) 12 patients (23.5%), while in the subgroup >75 lower doses were started more frequently (<40mg/day in 21 patients, 28.7%). Lowering corticosteroids to <5 mg/day were slower in the subgroup of patients <75 (47.1% within the first 12 months) with respect to the >75 (58%). During the follow-up period 47 patients had at least one relapse, we did not observe statistical differences between both groups (21 patients <75 and 26 patients >75). Time to first relapse was more frequent within the first year of treatment (12 and 16 patients respectively). We could not identified any factor related to relapses in our multivariate analysis. There was no significant differences between both groups about starting MTX (33.3% and 38%) on relapses. Only two patients started TCZ (one in each group). Twenty-nine patients died during follow-up period (11.7% in <75 vs. 31.5% in >75), but none were related with GCA.Conclusion:1. No differences were observed in sex, comorbidities (including cardiovascular risk factors) or laboratory markers between both groups. 2. Younger patients presented with less frequent ischaemic symptoms; however we perform a more powerful treatment, both in doses and duration.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Resolution of vascular inflammation in patients with new-onset giant cell arteritis: data from the RIGA study

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Schönau ◽  
Jessica Roth ◽  
Koray Tascilar ◽  
Giulia Corte ◽  
Bernhard Manger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
Efficacy Evaluation ◽  
Glucocorticoid Treatment ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Sparing Effect ◽  
Fdg Pet Ct ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Objectives Efficacy evaluation of giant cell arteritis (GCA) treatment is primarily based on non-specific symptoms and laboratory markers. We aimed to assess the change in vascular inflammation in patients with large vessel (LV)-GCA under different treatments using [18F]FDG PET/CT. Methods Observational study on patients with new-onset, active LV-GCA starting treatment with either prednisolone monotherapy (PRED) or combination with methotrexate (MTX) or tocilizumab (TOC). All patients underwent baseline and follow-up PET/CT. The aorta and its major branches were assessed using PET vascular activity score (PETVAS) by independent readers. Cumulative glucocorticoid doses and cessation of glucocorticoid treatment were documented in all patients. Results We included 88 LV-GCA patients, 27 were treated with PRED, 42 with MTX, and 19 with TOC. PETVAS decreased from 18.9–8.0 units at follow-up in the overall population (p&lt; 0.001). PETVAS changes were numerically higher in patients receiving MTX (-12.3 units) or TOC (-11.7 units) compared with PRED (-8.7). Mean cumulative prednisolone dosages were 5637, 4418, and 2984 mg in patients treated with PRED, MTX, and TOC (p= 0.002). Risk ratios for glucocorticoid discontinuation at the time of follow-up PET/CT were 6.77 (95%CI 1.01–45.29; p= 0.049) and 16.25 (95%CI 2.60–101.73; p= 0.003) for MTX and TOC users compared with PRED users. Conclusion Treatment of LV-GCA inhibits vascular inflammation in the aorta and its major branches. While similar control of vascular inflammation was achieved with PRED, MTX, and TOC treatments, TOC showed a strong glucocorticoid sparing effect, supporting the concept of initial combination therapy.

scholarly journals POS0338 STEROID-SPARING EFFECT OF ANAKINRA IN GIANT-CELL ARTERITIS: A CASE SERIES WITH CLINICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND ICONOGRAPHIC LONG-TERM ASSESSMENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 397.1-397
Author(s):  
S. Deshayes ◽  
K. Ly ◽  
V. Rieu ◽  
G. Maigné ◽  
N. M. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Oral Prednisone ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
Sparing Effect ◽  
Steroid Sparing

Background:The treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) relies on corticosteroids but is burdened by a high rate of relapses and adverse effects. Anti-interleukin-6 treatments show a clear benefit with a significant steroid-sparing effect, but late relapses occur after treatment discontinuation. In addition to interleukin-6, interleukin-1 also appears to play a significant role in GCA pathophysiology.Objectives:We report herein the efficacy of anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, in 6 GCA patients exhibiting corticosteroid dependence or resistance, specifically analyzing the outcome of aortitis in 4 of them, and including the long-term follow-up of 2 previously described patients (1).Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the cases of all GCA patients treated with anakinra from the French Study Group for Large Vessel Vasculitis.Patients had to satisfy the following two criteria to be enrolled in this retrospective study. First, their diagnosis of GCA should be based on the fulfillment of at least 3 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for GCA or on the satisfaction of 2 of these criteria along with the demonstration of LVI on imaging. Second, patients should have received anakinra because of corticosteroid dependence or resistance.Corticosteroid dependence was defined as ≥2 relapses or the combination of 2 of the following criteria: a daily dose of oral prednisone >20 mg/day (or 0.3 mg/kg) at 6 months; a daily dose of oral prednisone >10 mg/day (or 0.2 mg/kg) at 12 months; and/or a treatment maintained >24 months because of a relapsing disease course. Corticosteroid resistance was defined as persistent increased inflammatory parameters at month 3 despite a steroid dosage over 0.5 mg/kg.Results:After a median duration of anakinra therapy of 19 [18–32] months, all 6 patients exhibited complete clinical and biological remission. Among the 4 patients with large-vessel involvement, 2 had a disappearance of aortitis under anakinra, and 2 showed a decrease in vascular uptake. After a median follow-up of 56 [48–63] months, corticosteroids were discontinued in 4 patients, and corticosteroid dosage could be decreased to 5 mg/day in 2 patients. One patient relapsed 13 months after anakinra introduction in the context of increasing the daily anakinra injection interval to every 48 hours. Three patients experienced transient injection-site reactions, and 1 patient had pneumonia.Figure 1.Steroid dosages before and after the introduction of anakinra in 6 patients with giant-cell arteritis and corticosteroid dependence or resistance. The black arrow indicates the time of anakinra introduction.Conclusion:In this short series, anakinra appears to be an efficient and safe steroid-sparing agent in refractory GCA, with a possible beneficial effect on large-vessel involvement.References:[1]Ly K-H, Stirnemann J, Liozon E, Michel M, Fain O, Fauchais A-L. Interleukin-1 blockade in refractory giant cell arteritis. Joint Bone Spine 2014;81:76–8.Disclosure of Interests:Samuel Deshayes: None declared, Kim LY: None declared, Virginie Rieu: None declared, Gwénola Maigné: None declared, Nicolas Martin Silva: None declared, Alain Manrique: None declared, Jacques Monteil: None declared, Hubert de Boysson Speakers bureau: Roche-Chugai, Grant/research support from: Roche-Chugai, Achille Aouba Grant/research support from: SOBI

scholarly journals P205 The contemporary presentation and management of giant cell arteritis with large vessel vasculitis

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen Cronin ◽  
Neil D McKay ◽  
Hannah Preston ◽  
Helen Harris ◽  
Barbara Hauser
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Polymyalgia Rheumatica ◽  
Large Vessel Vasculitis ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Ct Angiogram ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Vessel Involvement

Abstract Background/Aims  Giant cell arteritis with large vessel vasculitis (LV-GCA) represents a distinct, less researched sub-category of giant cell arteritis (GCA). In comparison to cranial GCA, the patient’s diagnostic pathway is less well described and it is thought that LV-GCA is underdiagnosed, including in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and cranial-GCA. Advances in imaging (e.g. PET-CT) and treatment (tocilizumab), have provided additional options in the diagnosis and management of LV-GCA. The aim was to describe the contemporary clinical journey for patients diagnosed with LV-GCA. Methods  The electronic patient health record system in NHS Lothian (TrakCare) was used to collect relevant data. Patients with imaging-confirmed large vessel vasculitis, diagnosed with GCA after 1 January 2017 were included. Follow-up was until August 2020. Results  Eighteen patients with LV-GCA were included. The mean age was 65 years and 66.7% were female. Two patients had known cranial-GCA but 89% of patients were diagnosed exclusively with large vessel involvement. The most common symptoms were malaise (55%), weight loss (55%), polymyalgia rheumatica (55%) and limb claudication (44%). Pyrexia of unknown origin was a feature in only 17% of patients. Two patients were asymptomatic and were investigated on the basis of raised inflammatory markers. Mean CRP at baseline was 99mg/L and ESR 85mm/hour. The mean time from symptom-onset to diagnosis was 6.8 months (range 1 to 15 months). Sixteen patients (89%) were reviewed by at least one other secondary care specialist. One third of patients were referred from General Medicine followed by Vascular Surgery (16%) and General Practice (16%). 7/18 patients were inpatients at the time of referral. 56% of patients required two modalities of imaging to confirm large vessel involvement. The most commonly used imaging techniques (in descending order) were CT-Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis, CT-angiogram, PET-CT and Vascular Ultrasound. 50% of patients underwent follow-up imaging, most commonly MR- or CT-angiography. Mean follow-up was for 1.6 years. The mean prednisolone dose at 3 months (n = 18) was 24mg daily and 8mg at 12 months (n = 12). 28% of patients relapsed during the follow-up period at 4, 5, 8, 9 and 24 months post-diagnosis. 7/18 patients were commenced on methotrexate for steroid-side effects or for relapse. 8/18 received subcutaneous tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate in two cases. Three patients were started on azathioprine but only one continued. Conclusion  In modern-day clinical practice, patients with LV-GCA experience a longer time to diagnosis than those with cranial symptoms. Patients with LV-GCA can experience an array of constitutional symptoms. Frequently, more than one imaging modality is required to confirm LV-GCA and the majority of patients will have seen other hospital specialists or have been admitted to hospital before diagnosis. Methotrexate and tocilizumab are the most frequently-used and effective steroid-adjunct in this single-centre cohort. Disclosure  O. Cronin: None. N.D. McKay: Consultancies; Gilead. Other; Has received support for conference attendance from Pfizer and Gilead, Has received educational support from UCB, Gilead, Celgene, Biogen, Sanofi, Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer. H. Preston: None. H. Harris: None. B. Hauser: None.

scholarly journals The role of temporal artery biopsies in giant cell arteritis

2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
CG Davies ◽  
DJ May
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
No Value ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Temporal Artery

A knowledge of the disease process of giant cell arteritis and its diagnosis can help a surgeon to decide which patients will benefit from a biopsy being performed and identify where a biopsy would be of no value in their management. This article discusses the issues involved.

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