AB0370 Real Life Experience with Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis from A Regional Centre in UK

Background Abatacept is a biologic option for patient with Rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to conventional disease modifying drugs as well as to TNF alpha inhibitors. It has been approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence in UK. Objectives We share our experience with Abatacept in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in routine clinical practice focussing on clinical response, disease remission and drug survival. Methods A retrospective analysis of RA patients on Abatacept from November 2012 to November 2014 was performed. Data collected included baseline demographics, number of previous synthetic and biologic DMARDs (Disease modifying drugs), baseline DAS 28 (Disease activity score) and change in DAS28 at 6 months. Results Total patients: 138 (100 females and 38 males, F: M ratio 2.63:1). Mean age of population was 63 years. Mean disease duration prior to abatacept was 12.8 years. Mean number of conventional DMARDs used before abatacept were 3.1 and biological DMARDs were 1.8. Abatacept was the first biological therapy used in 10 (7.2%) patients. At last follow up 59 (42.8%) and 57 (41.3%) patients were on intravenous and subcutaneous abatacept. Mean DAS score before starting abatacept 5.89. Clinical response with a change in DAS 28 >1.2 was seen in 76% patients on Abatacept at 6 months. 15.9% Abatacept patients achieved remission at 6 months. 22 (15.9%) patients discontinued abatacept. Drug survival over 6 months was seen in 102 (73.9%) patients. Conclusions Abatacept showed response rate of 76% similar to reported in literature. Drug survival beyond 24 weeks was higher compared to other studies. Abatacept is safe, well tolerated and clinically effective in RA patients in real life. Disclosure of Interest None declared