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Background Autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism in the survival and function of T and B lymphocytes, and its activation was involved in apoptosis resistance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To investigate whether the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis may impact the response to the therapy, we analyzed ex vivo spontaneous autophagy and apoptosis in patients with RA subjected to treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs and in vitro the effects of TNFα and anti-TNF drugs on cell fate. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 25 RA patients treated with anti-TNF drugs were analyzed for levels of autophagy marker LC3-II by western blot and for the percentage of annexin V-positive apoptotic cells by flow cytometry. The same techniques were used to assess autophagy and apoptosis after in vitro treatment with TNFα and etanercept in both PBMCs and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with RA. Results PBMCs from patients with RA responsive to treatment showed a significant reduction in LC3-II levels, associated with an increased apoptotic activation after 4 months of therapy with anti-TNF drugs. Additionally, the expression of LC3-II correlated with DAS28. TNFα was able to induce autophagy in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h of culture in RA PBMCs and FLS. Moreover, etanercept caused a significant reduction of autophagy and of levels of citrullinated proteins. Conclusions Our results show how the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis can sustain the survival of immune cells, thus influencing RA progression. This suggests that inhibition of autophagy represents a possible therapeutic target in RA.

Objective. Data from trials demonstrated that abatacept (ABA) has a good safety and efficacy profile in treating rheumatoid arthritis. We have studied the retention rate of ABA in a real-life cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods. This is a monocentric, retrospective study including patients with rheumatoid arthritis classified by the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria who started treatment with ABA. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to evaluate the ABA retention rate. Results. This analysis was conducted on 161 patients [male/female 21/140, median age 65 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18.7, median disease duration 169 months, IQR 144.0]. 111 patients (68.9%) received ABA subcutaneously. ABA was associated with methotrexate in 61.9% of patients and was the first biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in 41%. We observed a median ABA survival of 66 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 57.3-74.7], with a retention rate of 88% at 6 months and 50.9% at 5 years. Drug survival was significantly higher in patients treated with ABA subcutaneously and in male patients (p=0.039 and p=0.018, respectively). Adjusted for main confounders, female gender was the main predictor of withdrawal (hazard ratio 5.1, 95% CI 1.2-21.3). Conclusions. Our study shows that better survival is associated with subcutaneous administration and male gender, confirming ABA effectiveness.

Objective. To compare etanercept and adalimumab biosimilars (SB4 and ABP501) and respective bioriginators in terms of safety and efficacy in a real-life contest. Methods. We consequently enrolled patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, treated with SB4, and ABP501, or with corresponding originators, belonging to the main biological prescribing centers in the Lazio region (Italy), from 2017 to 2020. Data were collected at recruitment and after 4, 8, 12, and 24 months of therapy. Results. The multicenter cohort was composed by 455 patients treated with biosimilars [SB4/ABP501 276/179; female/male 307/146; biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b-DMARD) naïve 56%, median age/ interquartile range 55/46-65 years] and 436 treated with originators (etanercept/adalimumab 186/259, female/ male 279/157, b-DMARD naïve 67,2%, median age/interquartile range 53/43-62 years). No differences were found about safety, but the biosimilar group presented more discontinuations due to inefficacy (p<0.001). Female gender, being a smoker, and being b-DMARD naïve were predictive factors of reduced drug survival (p=0.05, p=0.046, p=0.001 respectively). The retention rate at 24 months was 81.1% for bioriginators and 76.5% for biosimilars (median retention time of 20.7 and 18.9 months, respectively) (p=0.002). Patients with remission/low disease activity achievement at 4 months showed a cumulative survival of 90% to biosimilar therapy until 24 months (p=0.001); early adverse reactions instead represented a cause of subsequent drug discontinuation (p=0.001). Conclusions. Real-life data demonstrated a similar safety profile between biosimilars and originators, but a reduced biosimilar retention rate at 24 months. Biosimilars could be considered a valid, safe, and less expensive alternative to originators, allowing access to treatments for a wider patient population.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations involving virtually the entire body. The pain in SLE can have different causes. The SLE classification criteria include mainly the musculoskeletal manifestations of pain, which are commonly reported as initial symptoms of SLE, such as arthralgia, arthritis and/or myalgia. Chronic widespread pain, which is typical of fibromyalgia (FM), is frequently associated with SLE. The aim of this review is to describe widespread pain and fatigue in SLE, and the association of SLE and FM. Although secondary FM is not correlated with the disease activity, it may interfere with the daily activities of SLE patients. Therefore it is necessary to identify its symptoms and treat them promptly to improve the quality of life of patients. In conclusion, it is essential to identify the origin of pain in SLE in order to avoid dangerous over-treatment in patients with co-existing widespread pain and FM.

The pain associated with spondyloarthritis (SpA) can be intense, persistent and disabling. It frequently has a multifactorial, simultaneously central and peripheral origin, and may be due to currently active inflammation, or joint damage and tissue destruction arising from a previous inflammatory condition. Inflammatory pain symptoms can be reduced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but many patients continue to experience moderate pain due to alterations in the mechanisms that regulate central pain, as in the case of the chronic widespread pain (CWP) that characterises fibromyalgia (FM). The importance of distinguishing SpA and FM is underlined by the fact that SpA is currently treated with costly drugs such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, and direct costs are higher in patients with concomitant CWP or FM than in those with FM or SpA alone. Optimal treatment needs to take into account symptoms such as fatigue, mood, sleep, and the overall quality of life, and is based on the use of tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, rather than adjustments in the dose of anti-TNF agents or disease-modifying drugs.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome clinically characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain associated with symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment. Prevalence is higher in females but the 2010/2011 and 2016 revisions of the American College of Rheumatologist (ACR) criteria reduced prevalence differences and the actual female:male ratio is approximately 3:1. Even if in the last years some studies have been conducted regarding gender differences in FM, disease severity is still assessed using questionnaires, such as the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), designed for female patients and validated through a predominantly female sample. Aim of this pilot study was to compare the 21 items of the FIQ-R among male and female patients in order to evaluate the possible existence of a gender bias. In this case control study, all the consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FM (2016 ACR criteria) referring to our out-patients Fibromyalgia Clinic between May 2020 and December 2022 were asked to answer an online survey, including demographic characteristics, disease variables and the Italian version of the FIQR. Among the 544 patients that compiled the questionnaire, 78 patients, 39 males and 39 females matched for age and disease duration, were consecutively enrolled in order to compare their total FIQR score and the different domains scores. The univariate analysis of the FIQR scores, taking account of the total score and of the different domains of FIQR, showed that total scores and physical function domain scores were significantly higher in females compared to males. No significant differences emerged between the two groups regarding overall impact domain score and symptoms domain score. Among the 21 items of the FIQR, the female group obtained significantly higher scores answering the questions FIQR1 (brush or comb your hair), FIQR4 (vacuum, scrub, or sweep floors), FIQR5 (lift and carry a bag full of groceries), FIQR7 (change bed sheets), FIQR9 (go shopping for groceries) and FIQR21 (sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights, odors, cold). The results of our pilot study showed that female patients obtain significantly higher scores in the FIQR total score and in the physical function domain score, in particular in 5 out of the 9 sub-items of the FIQR physical function domain. These preliminary results indicate that the use of the FIQR as a severity index in male patients probably underestimates the disease impact in this group. In order to confirm these results the sample needs to be increased but it seems reasonable to conclude that the assessment of disease impact should be diversified, taking gender differences into account. [1]Marques A.P., Santo A.S.D.E, Berssaneti A.A., Matsutani L.A., Yuan S.L.K. Prevalence of fibromyalgia: literature review update. Rev Bras ReumatolEngl Ed.2017,57, 356-363. [2]Galvez-Sánchez C.M., Reyes Del Paso G.A. Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia: Critical Review and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med. 2020, 9, 1219. [3]Cabo-Meseguer A., Cerdá-Olmedo G., Trillo-Mata J.L. Fibromyalgia: Prevalence, epidemiologic profiles and economic costs. Med Clin (Barc).2017,149, 441-448. [3]Branco J.C., Bannwarth B., Failde I., AbelloCarbonell J., Blotman F., Spaeth M., Saraiva F., Nacci F., Thomas E., Caubère J.P., Le Lay K., Taieb C., Matucci-Cerinic M. Prevalence of fibromyalgia: a survey in five European countries. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2010, 39, 448-53. NIL. None Declared. Table 1Significant differences in FIQR total, domains and single question scores based onsexScoreM (39)F (39)p-valueFIQR Total58.8 (23.5)70.3 (14.7).035FIQR Physicalfunction14.8 (8.2)20.1 (5.1).003FIQR1 Brush or comb your hair2.4 (3.3)4.3 (2.9).006FIQR4Vacuum, scrub, or sweep floors5.2 (3.6)7.5 (2.2).005FIQR5Lift and carry a bag full of groceries6.4 (3.1)8.3 (1.6).002FIQR7 Change bed sheets4.7 (3.6)7.1 (2.7).001FIQR9 Go shopping for groceries4.9 (3.3)6.7 (2.4).012FIQR21Sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights, odors, cold6.2 (2.7)7.9 (1.6).005

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic widespread pain condition, also characterized by fatigue, sleep and mood disorders, with higher prevalence in women. Sexual function is an important feature in people’s well-being; its alterations include decreased sex drive, sexual satisfaction, orgasm, and arousal, as well as increased genital pain. Emerging but still too few studies observed a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in FM, especially related to depression.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate sexual dysfunctions in a large cohort of FM women through Qualisex questionnaire, used in other rheumatic diseases but not yet validated for FM.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled women affected by FM (ACR 2016) referring to our out-patient clinic. Demographic and clinical examination as well as evaluation of severity of FM symptoms (R-FIQ, SSS and WPI) were assessed for each patient. Moreover, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and questionnaire for sexual dysfunction-Qualisex were anonymously administered. Qualisex questionnaire is composed by 10 questions on different items of sexual life with higher scores suggestive of greater negative impact of FM on sexual life.ResultsThe cohort was composed by 373 FM female patients, median age 49,1. Qualisex questionnaire was validated with Cronbach’s alpha test (0,878), median value 5,3. Women with lower grade of education (p=0,002), married (p<0,001) and with lower sexual feeling with partner (p<0,001) showed higher values of Qualisex. Menopause status, drug assumption and comorbidity did not influence patients’ sexual quality. High values of HADS-A and HADS-D showed a positive correlation with Qualisex Total (p<0,001 r=0,312; p<0,001 r=0,542 respectively) as well as high values of VAS pain, VAS fatigue and VAS dryness (p<0,001 r=0,438; p<0,001 r=0,375; p<0,001 r=0,70 respectively). Relationship duration also presented a positive correlation (p<0,001 r=0,202). Multivariate analysis observed a significantly influence of relationship duration, VAS pain, fatigue and dryness, HADS-A/D, R-FIQ and all specific items of Qualisex, on Qualisex Total correcting for patients’ age (p<0,001).ConclusionQualisex questionnaire represents a good test to evaluate sexual disorders in FM women. Different aspects contribute to sexual dysfunction both from a psychological (anxiety, depression, loss of self-esteem, decreased sexually attraction) and a physical (pain, fatigue etc..) point of view with an important impact of FM on sexual life and consequently a worsening of FM symptoms. Over a demotivation feeling, inability to live a “normal everyday life”, the reduced sexual function contributes to a bad quality of life. Other studies are needed to analyze which interventions, pharmacological and non (physical activity, psychotherapy), could improve the sexual aspect in the global contest of FM and to investigate this important aspect in FM male patients.References[1]Bazzichi L, Giacomelli C, Rossi A, Sernissi F, Scarpellini P, Consensi A, Bombardieri S. Fibromyalgia and sexual problems. Reumatismo. 2012 Sep 28;64(4):261-7.[2]Matarín Jiménez TM, Fernández-Sola C, Hernández-Padilla JM, Correa Casado M, Antequera Raynal LH, Granero-Molina J. Perceptions about the sexuality of women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a phenomenological study. J Adv Nurs. 2017 Jul;73(7):1646-1656.[3]Priori R, Giardina F, Gioia C, Iannuccelli C, Villa M, Gattamelata A, Conti F, Di Franco M, Curcio G. Cultural adaptation and preliminary validation of the Qualisex questionnaire for its use in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and fibromyalgia in Italy. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2022 Dec;40(12):2470-2471Table 1FM (n=373)Age (yrs), media ± SD49,1 ± 10,4Menopause, n (%)185 (49.6)Age menopause (yrs), media ± SD48,7 ± 7,3Replacement therapy, n (%)69 (18.3)Sexual relationship duration (yrs), media ± SD18,2 ± 11,7Qualisex TOTAL5,3 ± 2,7HADS A, media ± SD11,9 ± 4,3HADS D, media ± SD9,5 ± 4,1VAS dryness (0-10), media ± SD5,6 ± 3,4VAS pain (0-10), media ± SD6,8 ± 2,7VAS fatigue (0-10), media ± SD7,9 ± 1,9Figure 1.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

BackgroundAfter the expiration of bio-originators’ licenses, the development of less expensive biosimilars has prompted the switch to these drugs. Data on the switch from etanercept (ETA) bio-originators to biosimilars are reassuring [1-2] but still limited.ObjectivesThis observational study evaluated the real-life effectiveness of a non-medical switch from ETA bio-originator to GP-2015 or SB4 biosimilars in our cohort of patients with inflammatory chronic arthritis.MethodsWe enrolled consecutive adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) classified according to standard criteria switched from ETA bio-originator to GP-2015 or SB4 biosimilars for administrative/economic reasons. The date of the switch was the baseline (T0). Patients were reassessed after 4 (T4) and 8 months (T8). At T0, T4, and T8, data on demographic and clinical/laboratory features were registered. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as visual analog scale (VAS 0-10) for pain and global assessment (PGA) and functional status by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used, together with disease-specific scores (DAS28-CRP for RA, DAPSA for PsA, ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI for AS). We assessed the same data at the time of early discontinuation for inefficacy (loss or lack of efficacy – LoE or LaE) or adverse events (AEs).ResultsOne hundred and twelve patients switched from ETA bio-originator to GP-2015 [45 RA, F:M=33:12, median age 67 years (IQR 24), median disease duration 214 months (IQR 180), median exposure to bio-originator 126 months (IQR 97); 48 PsA, F:M=18:30, median age 59 years (IQR 18), median disease duration 168 months (IQR 120), median exposure to bio-originator 120 months (IQR 96); 19 AS, F:M=7:12, median age 55 years (IQR 16), median disease duration 162 months (IQR 245), median exposure to bio-originator 132 months (IQR 82)]. No differences were found in the clinical and laboratory parameters compared to T0 in RA and PsA, while AS patients showed an improvement of BASDAI at T8 compared to T4 (p=0.0273). Interestingly, at T8 RA patients experienced a worsening in the HAQ (p=0.0313) with respect to T0 (figure 1A) and PsA patients had a worsening of VAS pain compared to T4 (p=0.0371) (figure 1B). Four (8.8%) RA patients discontinued GP-2015 at T4 due to AEs (1 for recurrent infection of upper airways, 1 for injection site reaction, 1 for skin cancer, 1 for breast cancer). One (2%) PsA patient discontinued GP-2015 at T4 due to AE (oral ulcers).Twenty-eight patients switched from ETA bio-originator to SB4 [14 RA, F:M=13:1, median age 63.5 years (IQR 33), median disease duration 144 months (IQR 206), median exposure to bio-originator 84 months (IQR 96); 11 PsA, F:M=6:5, median age 54 years (IQR 12), median disease duration 205 months (IQR 198), median exposure to bio-originator 177 months (IQR 164); 3 AS, F:M=0:3; median age 56 years, median disease duration 210 months, median exposure to bio-originator 120 months]. An improvement of DAPSA at T4 compared to T0 was observed in PsA patients (p=0.0469). At T8, no differences were found compared to T0. One (9%) PsA patient experienced LoE at T4.ConclusionOur data indicate that the switch to GP-2015 or SB4 ETA biosimilars from ETA bio-originator does not bear clinical and laboratory differences in patients with chronic arthropathies. The worse outcome in PROs, which we also observed in the adalimumab bio-originator to biosimilar switch (3), does not reflect a worsening of disease activity indexes and could indicate a possible nocebo response.References[1] Ditto MC et al. Sci Rep 2020[2] Jaworski J et al. Arthritis Res Ther 2019[3] Scrivo R et al. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2022Figure 1.- Change in the HAQ in RA patients switching from ETA bio-originator to GP-2015 (A); change in the pain VAS score (0-10) in PsA patients switching from ETA bio-originator to GP-2015 (B)Data are shown as Tukey boxplots; lines represent the median level with 25th-75th percentile; dots represent outliers.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

BackgroundIt is known that rheumatologic patients often present a course of COVID-19 similar to that of the general population. Some factors are linked to a worse COVID-19 outcome, such as moderate glucocorticoid (GC) dose, high body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities.ObjectivesTo describe the outcome of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in terms of symptoms, therapy and need for hospitalization compared to a control group. Also, to evaluate the variation in disease activity before and after COVID-19.MethodsIn this monocentric prospective study, we recruited consecutive adult patients with RA classified according to ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria who received a diagnosis of COVID-19 through molecular or rapid antigen swab tests between September 2020 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical data, including age, BMI, smoking habit, comorbidities, treatment at the diagnosis of COVID-19, duration of COVID-19, symptoms related to the infection and therapy required, together with the vaccination status were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. We compared DAS28-CRP before the infection and at the first visit after the resolution. As controls (Cs), individuals with COVID-19 but with no referred diagnosis of rheumatic/autoimmune disease were recruited.ResultsWe enrolled 111 patients affected by RA (males 15%, median age 56 years, IQR 25) and 89 Cs (males 44%, median age 47 years, IQR 43), whose demographic and clinical characteristics are reported in Table 1. The median RA disease duration was 108 months (IQR 201). At the COVID-19 diagnosis, 62 patients (56%) were assuming csDMARDs, 67 (60%) bDMARDs, and 18 (16%) GC with a median prednisone equivalent dose of 4 mg/day (IQR 1). DAS28-CRP was available for 62 patients, with a median value of 1.67 (IQR 2.71); 42 patients (60%) were in remission (Figure 1). Before developing COVID-19, only 35 (32%) RA patients and 42 (47%) Cs had completed the vaccinal cycle, which was performed by mRNA vaccine in all the patients and 87% of Cs. The median COVID-19 duration was 18 days (IQR 18) for RA patients and 14 days (IQR 13.5) for Cs (p>0.7). Cs reported a significantly higher frequency of constitutional symptoms (headache and asthenia) compared to RA patients (p<0.00001). When hospitalization was required, RA patients received heparin more frequently than Cs (p<0.039). Once COVID-19 was resolved, RA patients were evaluated after a median of 2 months (IQR 2). DAS28-CRP was available for 68 patients, with a median value of 1.61 (IQR 1.77); 42 patients (68%) were in remission (Figure 1).No differences in terms of COVID-19 duration, clinical manifestations, and therapy emerged comparing RA patients in remission (40; 58%) with patients with the active disease before COVID-19 (29; 42%). Also, in vaccinated subjects, the outcome of COVID-19 was similar in RA patients and Cs, irrespective of RA activity.ConclusionCOVID-19’s impact on patients with RA was not significantly different from the general population, even for patients with active RA. Patients did not suffer from reactivation of RA because of COVID-19. In our opinion, these positive results could be ascribed to the massive vaccination campaign.References[1]Conway R et al, Ir J Med Sci. 2023[2]Andersen KM et al, Lancet Rheumatol. 2022Table 1.Clinical characteristics, COVID-19 symptoms, and therapy of the two groups. Values in brackets are expressed as percentages unless specified. Musculoskeletal diseases: osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.Rheumatoid arthritis N=111Controls N=89P value*ACTIVE SMOKERS13 (12)20 (22)BMI (IQR)24 (7)23(6)COMORBIDITIES64 (58)44 (49)Cardiovascular26 (23)18 (20)Endocrine24 (22)14 (16)Musculoskeletal11 (10)6 (7)Neoplastic12 (11)3 (3)CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS96 (86)74 (83)Fever50 (45)47 (53)Constitutional symptoms52 (47)75 (84)p <0.00001Respiratory symptoms100 (90)86 (97)Gastrointestinal symptoms12 (11)13 (15)THERAPY88 (79)74 (67)NSAIDs41 (37)31 (35)Glucocorticoids24 (22)21 (30)Antibiotics33 (30)27 (24)Oxygen6 (5)5 (6)Heparin8 (7)0 (0)p <0.039HOSPITALIZATION10 (9)6 (9)*Where not indicated, p value >0.5Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization defined long-COVID or post-COVID-19 condition as “the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation” [1]. Data on long-COVID in patients with inflammatory arthritis are very limited. The prevalence of this condition is 45% in the general population affected by COVID-19 who still experience symptoms after 4 months from the infection [2].ObjectivesTo investigate the persistence of symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of patients with inflammatory arthritis and the most common clinical manifestations.MethodsWe enrolled adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) classified according to standard criteria that received a diagnosis of COVID-19 through molecular, rapid or quantitative antigen swab tests between September 2020 and September 2022. Demographic and clinical data including age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, comorbidities, rheumatic treatment at diagnosis of COVID-19, date of COVID-19 diagnosis and clinical manifestations were collected through a questionnaire and recorded in a database.ResultsThirty-eight (40%) patients with RA, 49 (51.6%) with PsA, and 8 (8.4%) with AS [total: 95 patients; F:M=65:30, median age 56 years (IQR 15), median BMI 25.54 kg/m2 (IQR 5.58), active smokers 21 (22.1%), median rheumatic disease duration 96 months (IQR 120), median COVID-19 duration 13 days (IQR 7)] were recruited. Eighteen (19%) were only treated with csDMARDs, 38 (40%) only with bDMARDs, 29 (30.5%) with csDMARDs and bDMARDs, 8 (8.4%) were not taking any treatment and 2 (1%) were only taking glucocorticoids.Six (6.3%) patients were hospitalized (either in Day Hospital facilities for monoclonal antibodies infusion or in the emergency room). Twenty-six (27.3%) and 7 (7.3%) patients reported pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory comorbidities, respectively. Ninety patients (94.7%) had a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seventy-five (79%) patients reported the persistence of symptoms after the end of the infection (negative swab), while 20 (21%) patients reported no symptoms. Among the former, 38 (50.7%) patients were symptomatic for ≤3 months and 37 (49.3%) were symptomatic for >3 months. In the hospitalized subgroup, 6 (100%) patients reported the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms, while this was reported by 69 (77.5%) patients in the non-hospitalized subgroup (p=ns).The clinical manifestations and their persistence after the infection are reported inFigure 1. The most common were cough and fatigue, which both lasted ≤3 months in 38 (42.2%) patients and >3 months in 3 (3.33%) and 21 (23.3%) patients, respectively. Headache (32 patients - 35.5%), arthralgias (28 patients - 31.1%), myalgias (27 patients - 30%) and shortness of breath (25 patients - 27.7%) were the most common symptoms that persisted in the first 3 months after the infection. Symptoms that persisted for >3 months in more than 20% of the patients were arthralgias (24 patients - 26.6%) and sleep disturbances (19 patients - 21.1%). However, it is difficult to assess whether arthralgias and myalgias were consequences of COVID-19 or secondary to the rheumatic disease. No COVID-19-related deaths were recorded.ConclusionOur data show the persistence of symptoms of COVID-19 after recovery in 79% of patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis. 49.3% of patients were symptomatic for >3 months. Cough, fatigue, headache, arthralgias, myalgias and shortness of breath were the most represented symptoms in the first 3 months after the infection, while arthralgias, fatigue, and sleep disturbances were the most reported after 3 months from SARS-CoV-2 infection.References[1]https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition updated: 7 Dec 2022[2]O’Mahoney LL et al. Lancet 2022Figure 1.Persistence of symptoms and signs after the end of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Data are represented as percentagesAcknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.