POS1221 SARS-COV2 SEROLOGY SCREENING IN SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN NORTH-EASTERN ITALY: A PILOT STUDY

Background: Serology could help defining the real extent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) diffusion in population, especially individuals considered at higher risk SARS-CoV2 infection (COVID-19), such as Spondiloarthritis (SpA) patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or health care workers (HCW). In fact, COVID-19 detection is complicated by fact that many can be asymptomatic. these cases, it has also been suggested a weaker immune response might elicited. this context, role anti-cytokine targeted –commonly used treatment SpA- uncertain, not clear whether detrimental protective towards severe disease forms. Objectives: The aim study was to explore potential serology detecting previous contact with SpA and HCW, compare frequency positive findings control population. Methods: Consecutive affected axial peripheral SpA, classified according Assessment SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria cytokine-targeted therapy, well HCW controls from pre-COVID-19 era (control group, 2015) were recruited. patients, activity assessed Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) on 28-joint-count (DAS28). Sera all analysed through chemiluminescent analytical system (CLIA) for presence IgG IgM anti-SARS-CoV2. Patients serological test (either IgG) additionally underwent time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) nasopharyngeal swabs order active infection. repeated after 3 months. Data across groups compared ANOVA Chi-square, while comparison between conducted Wilcoxon signed rank Chi-Square, continuous categorical data respectively. P ≤ 0.05 significant. Results: A total 396 recruited: 200 95 101 healthy controls. mostly (54%) males, mean age 49.6 ±14.7 years, treated anti-TNFα (78%), anti-IL-17 (9%) anti-IL-23 drugs (7%), small molecules (6%). Their level moderate-low ASDAS (1.95 ±0.98) DAS28 (2.33 ±2.02). Among controls, 35% 62% male, 46.7 ±12.9 50.6±10.6 Positive (IgM IgG, both) found 12.5% 8.4% 0% (p=0.001). these, titres group than (2.76±2.94 versus 0.80±0.67 KU/L, p= 0.016), lower (0.88±3.18 KU/L 1.05±0.88, 0.035). more frequently reported like symptoms those negative (20% vs 4%, p=0.009) had confirmed RT-PCR, none course. None tested RT-PCR. months, titre decreased 2.76±2.93 2.38±2.95 (p=0.001), 0.89±3.25 0.31±0.87 (p=ns). Interestingly, titer single-patient did seem change much terms absolute value (Figure 1), except one patient, documented (positive RT-PCR), whom even Conclusion: revealed exposure expected based symptoms. Targeted act factor course patients. However, clinically significant manner patient develop an profile consistent durable response. This result due mild infections, but further studies are warranted clarify pathophysiology beyond observations. Figure 1. Disclosure Interests: Augusta Ortolan: declared, Chiara Cosma: Mariagrazia Lorenzin: Giacomo Cozzi: Andrea Doria Speakers bureau: Novartis, Abbvie, Pfizer, MSD, Janssen, Glaxosmithkline, Mario Plebani: Roberta Ramonda Janssen