SAT0198 Relation of Doppler Ultrasound Synovitis versus Clinical Synovitis with Changes in Native Complement Component Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

Background The complement system not only forms part of the innate immunity but also contribute in modulating the adaptive responses [1]. There are evidence suggesting increased level of complement as acute phase reactant mediated by proinflammatory cytokines important in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) [2-5]. Activation of the complement system, by immune complexes or C-reactive protein (CRP), plays an important role in inflammatory activity of RA as shown by significant level of complement degradation products found in the synovial fluid of affected joints in RA [6,7]. Objectives The complement system plays a fundamental role in mediating the activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Biologic therapy can reduce native complement component levels and its activation. We aimed to study the relation of Doppler ultrasound (US) synovitis versus clinical synovitis with changes in native complement component levels in RA patients on biologic therapy. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Ninety seven consecutive patients with RA on biologic therapy for at least 3 months were recruited. Clinical, laboratory and Doppler US assessments were performed. The Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and a 12-joint US assessment were carried out. Synovitis was semiquantitatively scored in B-mode and power Doppler (PD) mode. Results A significant decrease in native complement (i.e. C3 and C4) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was observed. This was highly significant for C3 decrease (p