SAT0291 Serum Osteopontin in GIANT Cell Arteritis: Abiomarker Associated with Systemic Inflammatory Response and Relapsing Course

Background Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional glycoprotein with a relevant role in inflammatory scenarios, contributing to macrophage chemotaxis as well as Th1 and Th17 differentiation. Potential role of OPN in giant cell arteritis (GCA) pathogenesis has not been explored to date. Objectives The aim of our study was to determine OPN concentration in sera from GCA patients and its relationship with disease activity and persistence. Methods OPN levels in serum from 76 GCA patients at the time of diagnosis and from 25 healthy controls were measured by ELISA (R&D Systems). A second measure was performed in 36 patients of the series in remission, after one year of GC treatment. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings at diagnosis, and data about treatment requirements and relapses during follow-up were recorded. Results Serum OPN concentrations were significantly elevated in active patients (104,76±65,02) compared with healthy controls (41,29±22,67, p Conclusions Increased serum OPN levels are found in active GCA patients at diagnosis and correlate with the intensity of the systemic inflammatory response and treatment requirements. OPN may have a relevant role as a proinflammatory biomarker and may be related to the persistence of inflammatory activity in GCA.Supported by SAF 11/30073. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5597