Retinal toxicity of high-dose hydroxychloroquine in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease

Skin and ophthalmic complications of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous

Immunosuppressive agents are routinely used to control autoimmunity. However, some adverse events are correlated to their clinical applications. The aim of this study was to study the clinical findings and ocular and cutaneous side effects of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), as current immunomodulators, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This descriptive study was performed on 360 individuals referred to the Rheumatology clinic during 2003-2020. Demographic characteristics and other information were collected from patients with RA and SLE. Skin and ocular complications were evaluated in patients who were on treatment with CQ and HCQ. Study populations consisted of 199 subjects with RA and 161 cases with SLE. The frequencies of skin and ocular complications in all patients treated with CQ and HCQ were 32 (17.65%) and 94 (51.9%), respectively. The prevalence of skin complications in patients with RA and SLE was 20 (10.05%) and 22 (13.66%), respectively. The frequencies of ocular complications in patients with RA and SLE were, respectively, 58 (29.4%) and 36 (22.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that ophthalmic complications of CQ and HCQ in all patients were dependent on the effects of the duration of drug uses, disease duration, and cumulative doses (p < 0.05), unlike skin complications. Disease types had no effect on ocular complications. Based on these findings, treatment with CQ and HCQ participates in some skin and ocular complications in patients with RA and SLE which are largely associated with the duration of disease and treatment.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Version 2.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) involves the infusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells into patients with hematologic disorders with the goal of re-establishing normal hematopoietic and immune function. HCT is classified as autologous or allogeneic based on the origin of hematopoietic cells. Autologous HCT uses the patient's own cells while allogeneic HCT uses hematopoietic cells from a human leukocyte antigen-compatible donor. Allogeneic HCT is a potentially curative treatment option for patients with certain types of hematologic malignancies, and autologous HCT is primarily used to support patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy. Advances in HCT methods and supportive care in recent decades have led to improved survival after HCT; however, disease relapse and posttransplant complications still commonly occur in both autologous and allogeneic HCT recipients. Allogeneic HCT recipients may also develop acute and/or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which results in immune-mediated cellular injury of several organs. The NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation focus on recommendations for pretransplant recipient evaluation and the management of GVHD in adult patients with malignant disease.

Eyes on coronavirus

Recently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world and is receiving worldwide attention. Approximately 20% of infected patients are suffering from severe disease of multiple systems and in danger of death, while the ocular complications of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have not been reported generally. Herein, we focus on two major receptors of SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 and CD147 (BSG), in human ocular cells, and interpret the potential roles of coronaviruses in human ocular tissues and diseases.

Hydroxychloroquine dosing and toxicity: A real-world experience in Saudi Arabia of 63 patients

PURPOSE:

To assess the ocular toxicity in patients on high doses of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) per weight, as per the latest American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) screening guidelines for HCQ toxicity.

METHODS:

This is a multi-center study looking at consecutive patients attending the ophthalmology clinics at a tertiary hospital and a private clinic in Saudi Arabia. A data collection sheet was used to collect patient's information regarding the dose per body weight, duration of HCQ use and any risk factors associated with the use of the medication as per the latest AAO guidelines for HCQ screening. Ancillary testing including fundus photography, automated visual field (10-2) and spectral domain ocular coherence tomography were done. Further testing with fundus auto-fluorescence and multifocal ERG were done when needed. The presence or absence of toxicity was recorded.

RESULTS:

A total of 63 patients were included in the study, 58 females and 5 males. The average patient age was 45 years (range 18–72). The mean dosage of HCQ was 3.9 mg/kg. Fourteen (22%) patients were on doses higher than 5 mg/kg. The duration of treatment ranged from 1-30 years (average 8.3). Thirty six (57%) patients were on the drug for more than 5 years. We found only one (1.58%) patient with HCQ toxic retinopathy over a mean of 8 years treatment period.

CONCLUSION:

A significant number of our patients were found to be on doses of >5 mg/kg of HCQ, which may put them at a higher risk for retinal toxicity. Low dose HCQ such as 100 mg tablets should be made available to help physicians in adjusting the dose as per the latest reported guidelines by the AAO.

Safety of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 and other diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 53 randomized trials

INTRODUCTION

Many concerns still exist regarding the safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19 and other diseases by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the safety of HCQ in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were retrieved starting from the establishment of the database till June 5, 2020. Literature screening, data extraction, and assessment of risk bias were performed independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS

We identified 53 eligible studies involving 5496 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that the risk of adverse effects (AEs) in the HCQ group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group (RD 0.05, 95%CI, 0.02 to 0.07, P = 0.0002), and the difference was also statistically significant in the COVID-19 subgroup (RD 0.15, 95%CI, 0.07 to 0.23, P = 0.0002) as well as in the subgroup for other diseases (RD 0.03, 95%CI, 0.01 to 0.04, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

HCQ is associated with a high total risk of AEs compared with the placebo or no intervention in the overall population. Given the small number of COVID-19 participants included, we should be cautious regarding the conclusion stating that HCQ is linked with an increase incidence of AEs in patients with COVID-19, which we hope to confirm in the future through well-designed and larger sample size studies.

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine retinal safety concerns during COVID-19 outbreak

PURPOSE

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared by the World Health Organization a global pandemic. Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been largely adopted in the clinical setting for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, their known retinal toxicity has raised some safety concerns, especially considering the higher-dosage employed for COVID-19 patients as compared with their suggested posology for their usual indications, including systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatic diseases. In this review, we will discuss the optimal dosages recommended for COVID-19 patients when treated with HCQ and CQ.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase and Scopus, by using the following search terms: "chloroquine retinal toxicity" and "hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity" alone or in combination with "coronavirus", "COVID-19", " SARS-CoV-2 infection " from inception to August 2020.

RESULTS

Although there is still no consistent evidence about HCQ/CQ retinal toxicity in patients with COVID-19, these possible drug-related retinal adverse events may represent a major safety concern. For this reason, appropriate screening strategies, including telemedicine, should be developed in the near future.

CONCLUSION

A possible future clinical perspective for patients with COVID-19 treated with HCQ/CQ could reside in the multidisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists monitoring the risk of HCQ/CQ-related retinal toxicity and those physicians treating COVID-19 infection.

Ocular Findings in COVID-19 Patients: A Review of Direct Manifestations and Indirect Effects on the Eye

The novel pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has challenged the medical community. While diagnostic and therapeutic efforts have been focused on respiratory complications of the disease, several ocular implications have also emerged. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in tears of the infected patients, and reports suggest that the ocular surface could serve as a portal of entry and a reservoir for viral transmission. Clinically, COVID-19 has been associated with mild conjunctivitis, which can be the first and only symptom of the disease. Subtle retinal changes like hyperreflective lesions in the inner layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT), cotton-wool spots, and microhemorrhages have also been reported. In addition, COVID-19 has been associated with an increased incidence of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and Kawasaki disease, which are particularly relevant for ophthalmologists due to their potentially severe ocular manifestations. Several treatment strategies are currently under investigation for COVID-19, but none of them have been proved to be safe and effective to date. Intensive care unit patients, due to risk factors like invasive mechanical ventilation, prone position, and multiresistant bacterial exposure, may develop ocular complications like ocular surface disorders, secondary infections, and less frequently acute ischemic optic neuropathy and intraocular pressure elevation. Among the array of drugs that have shown positive results, the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine has raised a concern due to their well-known retinal toxic effects. However, the risk of retinal toxicity with short-term high-dose use of antimalarials is still unknown. Ocular side effects have also been reported with other investigational drugs like lopinavir-ritonavir, interferons, and interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 inhibitors. The aim of this review was to summarize ophthalmological implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection to serve as a reference for eye care and other physicians for prompt diagnosis and management.

Artificial Intelligence for Rapid Meta-Analysis: Case Study on Ocular Toxicity of Hydroxychloroquine

Background

Rapid access to evidence is crucial in times of an evolving clinical crisis. To that end, we propose a novel approach to answer clinical queries, termed rapid meta-analysis (RMA). Unlike traditional meta-analysis, RMA balances a quick time to production with reasonable data quality assurances, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to strike this balance.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate whether RMA can generate meaningful clinical insights, but crucially, in a much faster processing time than traditional meta-analysis, using a relevant, real-world example.

Methods

The development of our RMA approach was motivated by a currently relevant clinical question: is ocular toxicity and vision compromise a side effect of hydroxychloroquine therapy? At the time of designing this study, hydroxychloroquine was a leading candidate in the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We then leveraged AI to pull and screen articles, automatically extract their results, review the studies, and analyze the data with standard statistical methods.

Results

By combining AI with human analysis in our RMA, we generated a meaningful, clinical result in less than 30 minutes. The RMA identified 11 studies considering ocular toxicity as a side effect of hydroxychloroquine and estimated the incidence to be 3.4% (95% CI 1.11%-9.96%). The heterogeneity across individual study findings was high, which should be taken into account in interpretation of the result.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that a novel approach to meta-analysis using AI can generate meaningful clinical insights in a much shorter time period than traditional meta-analysis.

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Is More Sensitive for Hydroxychloroquine-Related Structural Abnormalities Than Short-Wavelength and Near-Infrared Autofluorescence

Purpose

To analyze the appearance of structural abnormalities due to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxicity by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) and near-infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-AF) imaging.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 88 eyes from 44 patients who had a history of or were currently taking HCQ. SD-OCT, SW-AF, and NIR-AF images were analyzed by two independent graders for the detection of HCQ-associated abnormalities.

Results

Sixty eyes (30 patients, 68%) presented with no abnormalities for either imaging modality. Twenty eyes (10 patients, 23%) presented with parafoveal abnormalities (ellipsoid zone attenuation and/or interdigitation zone continuity loss) in SD-OCT scans but with qualitatively normal SW-AF and NIR-AF images. Eight eyes (four patients, 9%) presented with bull's-eye maculopathy in SW-AF and NIR-AF images, with corresponding outer retinal structures disrupted parafoveally in SD-OCT scans ("flying saucer" sign). No patients presented with normal SD-OCT scans and concurrent abnormalities in SW-AF or NIR-AF images.

Conclusions

SD-OCT was more sensitive in detecting structural abnormalities than either SW-AF or NIR-AF imaging, suggesting its superiority as a screening imaging modality for HCQ toxicity. Maculopathy and abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium from HCQ toxicity can be appreciated in both SW-AF and NIR-AF images.

Translational Relevance

Although debate exists regarding the best imaging modalities for screening patients for potential HCQ toxicity, our study supports the use of SD-OCT over both SW-AF and NIR-AF imaging as a screening modality.

Dermatologists' Adherence to the Latest Recommendations for Screening of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used to manage many inflammatory skin conditions. Nevertheless, retinopathy continues to be its most significant adverse effect. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends baseline ophthalmologic screening in the first year of HCQ treatment. However, a recent study found an inadequate awareness of the recommendations. Furthermore, limited data are available regarding the implementation of the recommendations among dermatologists.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess dermatologists’ adherence to recommendations pertaining to their current practice regarding HCQ toxicity detection.

Methods

A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed between February 2 and May 4, 2018, among members of the Saudi Society of Dermatology. The questionnaire comprised demographic-related questions and questions pertaining to each physician’s routine practice about the follow-up of HCQ-treated patients.

Results

A total of 76 dermatologists completed the questionnaire. We achieved a response rate of 62.54%. More than half (43/76, 56%) of the dermatologists were male. Furthermore, more than half (41/76, 53%) of them reported treating 1 to 3 patients with HCQ during the last year. Furthermore, two-thirds (47/76, 61%) of them reported screening patients before initiating HCQ treatment. Regarding follow-up recommendations, 59% (45/76) of dermatologists reported yearly after starting treatment for no-risk patients, whereas 94% (72/76) reported “yearly within 5 years of treatment” for at-risk patients. Data were considered significant at P<.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS, version 20 (IBM).

Conclusions

Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia are not well informed about some aspects of the latest recommendations regarding screening for HCQ toxicity in terms of tests, follow-up timing, cessation of the drug, and causative agents. Therefore, we recommend conducting more studies in Saudi Arabia to determine the adherence of more physicians to the AAO recommendations. Furthermore, patient education regarding HCQ toxicity and increased patient awareness are recommended for effective and safe HCQ use.

Low hydroxychloroquine blood levels in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), can result in the malabsorption of medications, requiring the use of higher than usual doses in order to achieve a therapeutic effect. We describe the results of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood levels in three patients with systemic autoimmune disease taking standard HCQ doses and their associated disease activity levels. This is a retrospective review of all patients who had undergone RYGB and were taking HCQ in a rheumatology community-based practice. Two patients with SLE and one patient with primary Sjogren's syndrome had previously undergone RYGB. All three had subtherapeutic HCQ blood levels and active disease. Increasing their HCQ doses above the recommended 400 mg a day dosing resulted in therapeutic HCQ levels in all three patients and better disease control in two of the three patients. RYGB patients may not absorb HCQ adequately, resulting in subtherapeutic HCQ blood levels and inadequate disease control. Patients who have undergone RYGB and are taking HCQ should have drug levels monitored. RYGB patients may require higher than recommended doses of HCQ in order to achieve better disease control and avoid unneeded additional immunosuppressive agents.

FREQUENT SUBCLINICAL MACULAR CHANGES IN COMBINED BRAF/MEK INHIBITION WITH HIGH-DOSE HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AS TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED METASTATIC BRAF MUTANT MELANOMA: Preliminary Results From a Phase I/II Clinical Treatment Trial

PURPOSE

To assess the potential ocular toxicity of a combined BRAF inhibition (BRAFi) + MEK inhibition (MEKi) + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) regime used to treat metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma.

METHODS

Patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma and BRAF V600E mutations (n = 11, 31-68 years of age) were included. Treatment was with oral dabrafenib, 150 mg bid, trametinib, 2 mg/day, and HCQ, 400 mg to 600 mg bid. An ophthalmic examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, near-infrared and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence, and static perimetry were performed at baseline, 1 month, and q/6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

There were no clinically significant ocular events; there was no ocular inflammation. The only medication-related change was a separation of the photoreceptor outer segment tip from the apical retinal pigment epithelium that could be traced from the fovea to the perifoveal retina noted in 9/11 (82%) of the patients. There were no changes in retinal pigment epithelium melanization or lipofuscin content by near-infrared fundus autofluorescence and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence, respectively. There were no inner retinal or outer nuclear layer changes. Visual acuities and sensitivities were unchanged.

CONCLUSION

BRAFi (trametinib) + MEKi (dabrafenib) + HCQ causes very frequent, subclinical separation of the photoreceptor outer segment from the apical retinal pigment epithelium without inner retinal changes or signs of inflammation. The changes suggest interference with the maintenance of the outer retinal barrier and/or phagocytic/pump functions of the retinal pigment epithelium by effective MEK inhibition.

Updated recommendations on the use of hydroxychloroquine in dermatologic practice

Hydroxychloroquine has unique immunomodulatory properties and an attractive adverse effect profile. Over the past 10 years, research has led to significant updates in clinical recommendations concerning the optimal use of hydroxychloroquine and monitoring of patients taking it. We discuss updated recommendations concerning hydroxychloroquine daily dosing, retinopathy screening, serologic monitoring, use in smokers, use in pregnant women, and adverse effect risk and monitoring. This review can hopefully serve as an aid to dermatologists and help ensure they continue using hydroxychloroquine safely and effectively.

Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ; Plaquenil) is used increasingly in the management of a variety of autoimmune disorders, with well established roles in dermatology and rheumatology and emerging roles in oncology. Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; some clinicians advocate its use in all such patients. However, Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine (CQ) have been associated with irreversible visual loss due to retinal toxicity. Hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity is far more common than previously considered; an overall prevalence of 7.5% was identified in patients taking HCQ for greater than 5 years, rising to almost 20% after 20 years of treatment. This review aims to provide an update on HCQ/CQ retinopathy. We summarise emerging treatment indications and evidence of efficacy in systemic disease, risk factors for retinopathy, prevalence among HCQ users, diagnostic tests, and management of HCQ retinopathy. We highlight emerging risk factors such as tamoxifen use, and new guidance on safe dosing, reversing the previous recommendation to use ideal body weight, rather than actual body weight. We summarise uncertainties and the recommendations made by existing HCQ screening programmes. Asian patients with HCQ retinopathy may demonstrate an extramacular or pericentral pattern of disease; visual field testing and retinal imaging should include a wider field for screening in this group. HCQ is generally safe and effective for the treatment of systemic disease but because of the risk of HCQ retinal toxicity, modern screening methods and ideal dosing should be implemented. Guidelines regarding optimal dosing and screening regarding HCQ need to be more widely disseminated.

Recommendations on Screening for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy (2016 Revision)

BACKGROUND

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations on screening for chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy are revised in light of new information about the prevalence of toxicity, risk factors, fundus distribution, and effectiveness of screening tools.

PATTERN OF RETINOPATHY

Although the locus of toxic damage is parafoveal in many eyes, Asian patients often show an extramacular pattern of damage. DOSE: We recommend a maximum daily HCQ use of ≤5.0 mg/kg real weight, which correlates better with risk than ideal weight. There are no similar demographic data for CQ, but dose comparisons in older literature suggest using ≤2.3 mg/kg real weight.

RISK OF TOXICITY

The risk of toxicity is dependent on daily dose and duration of use. At recommended doses, the risk of toxicity up to 5 years is under 1% and up to 10 years is under 2%, but it rises to almost 20% after 20 years. However, even after 20 years, a patient without toxicity has only a 4% risk of converting in the subsequent year.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS

High dose and long duration of use are the most significant risks. Other major factors are concomitant renal disease, or use of tamoxifen.

SCREENING SCHEDULE

A baseline fundus examination should be performed to rule out preexisting maculopathy. Begin annual screening after 5 years for patients on acceptable doses and without major risk factors.

SCREENING TESTS

The primary screening tests are automated visual fields plus spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). These should look beyond the central macula in Asian patients. The multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) can provide objective corroboration for visual fields, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) can show damage topographically. Modern screening should detect retinopathy before it is visible in the fundus.

TOXICITY

Retinopathy is not reversible, and there is no present therapy. Recognition at an early stage (before any RPE loss) is important to prevent central visual loss. However, questionable test results should be repeated or validated with additional procedures to avoid unnecessary cessation of valuable medication.

COUNSELING

Patients (and prescribing physicians) should be informed about risk of toxicity, proper dose levels, and the importance of regular annual screening.