Rhupus; unusual presentations

Rhupus syndrome: a unique disease overlapping systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

Background though considered to have characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) theoretically, Rhupus Syndrome (RS) owns its unique clinical features. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we included 41 newly diagnosed Rhupus syndrome patients (NRSP). 160 new-diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patients (NSLEP) and 709 new-diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients (NRAP) were admitted as positive control groups. The clinical, serological, and radiological features among groups were compared, the disease activity of RA and SLE was evaluated, and the proportion of lymphocyte subsets in NRSPs under similar disease activity levels was explored. The initial onset age of RS patients was significantly younger than RA patients (P = 0.032), older than SLE patients (P = 0.008). 19.5% (8/41) RS patients initially presented with SLE symptom, while 12.2% RS patients presented with symptoms of both diseases. Hematopoietic dysfunction was the most prominent systemic manifestation in RS (61.0%, 25/41), only 9.8% patients experienced renal damage, and neurological disease were even rarer. Moreover, RS exhibited immunological characteristics different from NRAPs and NSLEPs, mainly manifested in decreased CD4+ T cell and NK cell counts, increased ratio of CD8 + T (%) and total B cells, and decreased ratio of NK cells. RS is characterized by a higher incidence of interstitial lung disease and significant hyperglobulinemia besides the typical clinical characteristics of RA and SLE, which may be associated with a re-imbalanced lymphocyte subset. Evaluation of disease activity of RS cannot only rely on either SLEDAI-2 K or DAS28-ESR/-CRP, but more comprehensive assessment tools.

Examining the clinical and radiological landscape of rhupus: navigating the challenges in disease classification

Rhupus, in the broad sense, refers to an overlap between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus. However, there is a paucity of data on the appropriate diagnostic/classification criteria that should be used to define rhupus. Hence, we undertook this narrative review to analyze the clinical characteristics, radiology, and treatment with a focus on diagnostic challenges and defining features of rhupus. The databases of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and DOAJ were searched for relevant articles using the following keywords: ("Rhupus"), ("lupus" AND "erosive" AND "arthritis"), and ("lupus" AND "rheumatoid arthritis" AND "overlap"). Studies have used a variety of classification criteria for rhupus of which a combination of the latest classification criteria for RA and lupus along with positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-Smith, and anti-dsDNA antibodies seem most relevant. The majority of rhupus cohorts report the onset of the disease as RA (two-thirds of rhupus patients) followed by the development of features of lupus at an average interval of 3-11.3 years. The radiographic features and distribution of erosions are similar to RA. However, ultrasonography and MRI reveal erosions in pure lupus related arthritis as well. This makes the reliability of radiologic tools for the evaluation of rhupus supportive at the most. Extra-articular features in rhupus are mild with major organ involvement in the form of neuropsychiatric lupus and lupus nephritis being rare. We have further discussed the fallacies of the various classification criteria and proposed a theme for classifying rhupus which needs to be tested and validated in future studies. Our current state of understanding supports rhupus as an overlap of SLE and RA with articular disease similar to RA with the extra-articular disease being milder than SLE. Developing standardized classification criteria for rhupus will help in the early diagnosis and prevention of articular damage in patients with rhupus.

Advances in the pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

Despite setbacks in clinical trials for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), three drugs have been approved for SLE and lupus nephritis (LN) treatment in the past decade. Several ongoing clinical trials, some viewed optimistically by the scientific community, underscore the evolving landscape. Emerging clinical data have established specific therapeutic targets in routine clinical practice for treating SLE, aiming to improve long-term outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

Research related to treatment of SLE and LN is discussed, focusing on randomized clinical trials during the last 5 years and recommendations for the management of SLE published by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR), American College of Rheumatology (ACR), Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), and Pan-American League of Associations of Rheumatology (PANLAR).

EXPERT OPINION

The landscape of SLE and LN treatments is evolving, as new drugs and combination treatment approaches redefine the traditional concepts of induction and maintenance treatment phases. As the therapeutic armamentarium in SLE continues to expand, the research focus is shifting from the imperative for new therapies to advancing our understanding of optimal treatment selection for individual patients, steering toward precision medicine strategies.

Overlapping systemic lupus erythematosus, seropositive erosive rheumatoid arthritis, and ANCA-associated vasculitis: A case report and literature review

The overlap of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus is well described, with a syndrome known as 'rhupus'. ANCA-associated vasculitis, however, is uncommonly associated with other autoimmune conditions. Here, we present a case of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ANCA-associated vasculitis, with significant time elapsed between presentations, resulting in an accumulation of the three diagnoses over the course of 35 years. The patient was diagnosed with lupus at age 45, presenting with inflammatory polyarthritis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, positive ANA, positive anti-DNA, and hypocomplementemia. She was maintained on hydroxychloroquine therapy with minimal disease activity. Approximately 20 years later, she had a flare of polyarthritis with bilateral wrist erosive arthropathy and a positive rheumatoid factor, diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-TNFα therapy was initiated, and she was stable for a further 10 years. At age 79, she developed ANCA-associated vasculitis AAV with pulmonary and renal manifestations, treated with rituximab induction therapy and steroids. She recovered and her MPO-ANCA titre normalised. One year later, off the anti-TNFα, she again experienced an acute kidney injury with a repeat rise in MPO-ANCA. She was re-induced and maintained on steroids and rituximab. This novel case highlights the range of possible overlap syndromes, as well as how multiple autoimmune diagnoses can evolve over decades in previously stable disease. There is growing work around polyautoimmunity with ANCA-associated vasculitis and other systemic autoimmune diseases, which has potential to identify common aetiologies and pathogenesis. Knowledge of these overlap syndromes can help to recognise and manage these conditions in a timely manner.

A Rare Case of Rhupus Syndrome With Systemic Involvement: A Case Report and Literature Review

Based on clinical signs, symptoms, radiological, and serological findings, a 37-year-old woman was diagnosed with an overlap between rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, referred to as rhupus syndrome. Her condition was complicated by lupus nephritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis. She improved after receiving steroids, hydroxyquinone, and cyclophosphamide. There are no established criteria for diagnosing rhupus syndrome. Being aware of autoimmunity and overlapping illness signs and using specific diagnostic tests are crucial. Early therapy may avoid irreversible organ damage.

Belimumab treatment in rhupus: A case report with severe skin involvement

Patients with rhupus characteristically exhibit symmetric polyarthritis and clinical manifestations suggestive of systemic lupus erythematosus (malar rash, photosensitivity, hematological manifestations, serositis, and/or skin involvement) and positive anti-dsDNA. Treatment is unclear and it can include disease-modifying rheumatic drugs like hydroxyl chloroquine, or methotrexate or, in refractory cases, rituximab or abatacept. We report a case of 31-year-old female who present with rhupus with skin acute lesions treated with belimumab. This is the first case of rhupus treated with this drug described in the literature.

Coexistence of antiphospholipid antibodies and cephalalgia

Background

The occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and headache comorbidity in the presence or absence of underlying autoimmune diseases remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of this review was to summarize the relationship between headache and aPLs based on evidences from cohort studies and case reports, in addition to examining the treatment strategies that resolved headache in aPLs-positive individuals.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar. A total of 559 articles were screened and the appropriate articles were selected based on quality and level of evidence.

Results

Cohort studies (n = 27) from Europe, North America and Asia demonstrated comorbidity of aPLs and headache in antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric SLE patients. Significantly higher association between migraine and aPLs was observed (n = 170/779; p < 0.0001) in individuals without any underlying diseases. Our analysis of shortlisted case reports (n = 17) showed that a higher frequency of anticardiolipin antibodies were present in subjects with different autoimmune disorders (70.6%). Corticosteroids were highly effective in resolving headache in aPLs-positive individuals.

Conclusion

Higher frequency of comorbidity between aPLs and headache was observed in healthy individuals and patient cases. Therefore, experimental studies are warranted to evaluate the aPLs-induced pathogenic mechanism of headache.