Induction therapy for pediatric focal proliferative lupus nephritis: cyclophosphamide versus mycophenolate mofetil

Extrapolation of the Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Belimumab to Support its Use in Children with Lupus Nephritis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Lupus nephritis (LN), a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, has greater severity in children versus adults. Belimumab is approved for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment in patients aged ≥ 5 years, and for active LN in adults in the European Union, China, Japan and Latin America, and patients aged ≥ 5 years in the USA. Low prevalence of paediatric active LN makes conducting a clinical study within a reasonable period unfeasible. We describe a model-based extrapolation of belimumab efficacy and pharmacokinetics from adults to children with LN to support US Food and Drug Administration approval of intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg (administered every 4 weeks after the loading dose) in children (aged 5-17 years) with active LN.

METHODS

This concept assumed that disease progression, response to belimumab, exposure-response, and the target belimumab exposure for efficacy are similar across adult and paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and LN, evaluated against the published literature for paediatric LN and belimumab systemic lupus erythematosus and LN clinical trial data in adults and children. A two-compartmental population pharmacokinetic model, previously developed for adults with LN, was used to extrapolate belimumab pharmacokinetics to children with LN.

RESULTS

The model captured the dependence of time-varying proteinuria on belimumab clearance, and therefore exposure. Sufficient target exposures for efficacy were achieved in children with active LN. A small proportion of children aged 5-11 years are predicted to have exposures below adult levels but no impact to efficacy is expected.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model demonstrated that intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks is appropriate for children aged 5-17 years with active LN.

Lupus Nephritis in Children: Novel Perspectives

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory and autoimmune condition characterized by heterogeneous multisystem involvement and a chronic course with unpredictable flares. Kidney involvement, commonly called lupus nephritis, mainly presents with immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis and is more frequent and severe in adults. Despite a considerable improvement in long-term renal prognosis, children and adolescents with lupus nephritis still experience significant morbidity and mortality. Moreover, current literature often lacks pediatric-specific data, leading clinicians to rely exclusively on adult therapeutic approaches. This review aims to describe pediatric lupus nephritis and provide an overview of the novel perspectives on the pathogenetic mechanisms, histopathological classification, therapeutic approach, novel biomarkers, and follow-up targets in children and adolescents with lupus nephritis.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis (GN) encompasses several disorders that cause glomerular inflammation and injury through an interplay of immune-mediated mechanisms, host characteristics, and environmental triggers, such as infections. GN can manifest solely in the kidney or in the setting of a systemic illness, and presentation can range from chronic and relatively asymptomatic hematuria to fulminant renal failure. Classic acute GN is characterized by hematuria, edema, and hypertension, the latter 2 of which are the consequence of sodium and water retention in the setting of renal impairment. Although presenting signs and symptoms and a compatible clinical history can suggest GN, serologic and urinary testing can further refine the differential diagnosis, and renal biopsy can be used for definitive diagnosis. Treatment of GN can include supportive care, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade, immunomodulatory therapy, and renal transplant. Prognosis is largely dependent on the underlying cause of GN and can vary from a self-limited course to chronic kidney disease. This review focuses on lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, IgA vasculitis, and postinfectious GN.

Comparative Effectiveness of Rituximab and Common Induction Therapies for Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety (infection events) between rituximab (RTX), tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and cyclophosphamide (CYC) as induction therapies in lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, were searched from inception up to December 9, 2021. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to combine the direct and indirect evidence of different drugs for LN patients. The pooled relative effects were shown using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs).

Results

Nineteen studies (1,566 patients) met the inclusion criteria and were selected in the present study. The network meta-analysis reported that no statistically significant differences were found in partial remission (PR) and infection among the four drugs. RTX showed a significantly higher complete remission (CR) than MMF (OR = 2.60, 95% CrI = 1.00–7.10) and seemed to be more effective than CYC (OR = 4.20, 95% CrI = 1.70–14.00). MMF had a better CR than CYC (OR = 1.60, 95% CrI = 1.00–3.20). TAC presented a better overall response than CYC (OR = 3.70, 95% CrI = 1.20–12.00). Regarding CR and overall response, the maximum surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values were 96.94% for RTX and 80.15% for TAC. The maximum SUCRA value of infection reaction was 74.98% for RTX and the minimum value was 30.17% for TAC, respectively.

Conclusions

RTX and TAC were the most effective drugs for induction remission in LN. Among the four drugs, TAC had the lowest probability of infection, and RTX showed the highest probability of experiencing an infection. This meta-analysis could not conclude about other adverse events.

LONG TERM RENAL SURVIVAL OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more severe than adult-onset disease, including more frequent kidney involvement. This study aimed to investigate baseline clinical features, treatment modalities, short- and long-term renal outcomes of pediatric patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study enrolled 53 LN patients out of 102 childhood-onset SLE patients followed at Hacettepe University between 2000-2020. The demographic and clinical data were reviewed retrospectively from the medical charts and electronic records. All SLE patients with renal involvement underwent renal biopsy either at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up.

RESULTS

The median age at onset of SLE was 13.3 (IQR : 10.4-15.8) years. The median follow-up duration was 43.1 (IQR : 24.3-69.3) months. Of the 102 SLE patients, 53 patients (52%) had lupus nephritis (LN). The most frequent histopathological class was class IV LN (54.7%), followed by class III LN (22.6%). The proportion of patients who achieved either complete or partial remission were 77.3% and 73% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the overall LN cohort, 5- and 10-year renal survival rates were 92% and 85.7%, respectively. The remission rate at 6th month was significantly higher in Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and Cyclophosphamide (CYC) treated groups than other combination therapies (p = 0.02). Although no difference was found between the CYC and MMF response rates (p = 0.57), in the proliferative LN (Class III and IV), the vast majority of class IV patients (%79) received CYC as induction threapy. There was no difference between the response rates in any treatment regimens at 12th month (p = 0.56). In the multivariate analysis; male gender, requiring dialysis at the time of LN diagnosis, failure to achieve remission at 6th and at 12 th months were found to be associated with poor renal outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that male gender, failure to achieve remission at 6th and at 12 th months, and requiring dialysis at the time of diagnosis were the best predictors of poor renal outcome. Therefore, appropriate and agressive management of pediatric LN is essential to achieve and maintain remisson.

Twelve-month outcome in juvenile proliferative lupus nephritis: results of the German registry study

BACKGROUND

Children presenting with proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) are treated with intensified immunosuppressive protocols. Data on renal outcome and treatment toxicity is scare.

METHODS

Twelve-month renal outcome and comorbidity were assessed in 79 predominantly Caucasian children with proliferative LN reported to the Lupus Nephritis Registry of the German Society of Paediatric Nephrology diagnosed between 1997 and 2015.

RESULTS

At the time of diagnosis, median age was 13.7 (interquartile range 11.8-15.8) years; 86% showed WHO histology class IV, nephrotic range proteinuria was noted in 55%, and median estimated glomerular filtration rate amounted to 75 ml/min/1.73 m². At 12 months, the percentage of patients with complete and partial remission was 38% and 41%, respectively. Six percent of patients were non-responders and 15% presented with renal flare. Nephrotic range proteinuria at the time of diagnosis was associated with inferior renal outcome (odds ratio 5.34, 95% confidence interval 1.26-22.62, p = 0.02), whereas all other variables including mode of immune-suppressive treatment (e.g., induction treatment with cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) versus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)) were not significant correlates. Complications were reported in 80% of patients including glucocorticoid toxicity in 42% (Cushingoid appearance, striae distensae, cataract, or osteonecrosis), leukopenia in 37%, infection in 23%, and menstrual disorder in 20%. Growth impairment, more pronounced in boys than girls, was noted in 78% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of juvenile proliferative LN, renal outcome at 12 months was good irrespectively if patients received induction treatment with MMF or IVCYC, but glucocorticoid toxicity was very high underscoring the need for corticoid sparing protocols. Graphical abstract.

Outcomes following mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide induction treatment for proliferative juvenile-onset lupus nephritis

Background

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is more severe than adult-onset disease, including more lupus nephritis (LN). Despite differences in phenotype/pathogenesis, treatment is based upon adult trials. This study aimed to compare treatment response, damage accrual, time to inactive LN and subsequent flare, in JSLE LN patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC).

Methods

UK JSLE Cohort Study participants, ≤16 years at diagnosis, with ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE, with class III or IV LN, were eligible. Mann–Whitney U tests, Fisher's exact test and Chi-squared tests were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

Of the patients, 34/51 (67%) received MMF, and 17/51 (33%) received IVCYC. No significant differences were identified at 4–8 and 10–14 months post-renal biopsy and last follow-up, in terms of renal British Isles Lupus Assessment Grade scores, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, ESR, anti-dsDNA antibody, C3 levels and patient/physician global scores. Standardized Damage Index scores did not differ between groups at 13 months or at last follow-up. Inactive LN was attained 262 (141–390) days after MMF treatment, and 151 (117–305) days following IVCYC ( p = 0.17). Time to renal flare was 451 (157–1266) days for MMF, and 343 (198–635) days for IVCYC ( p = 0.47).

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date investigating induction treatments for proliferative LN in children, demonstrating comparability of MMF and IVCYC.

Lupus Nephritis

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a subset of SLE with an onset before 18 years of age. Patients with early onset SLE tend to have a greater genetic component to their disease cause, more multisystemic involvement, and a more severe disease course, which includes greater risks for developing nephritis and end-stage kidney disease. Five- and 10-year mortality is lower than in adult-onset SLE. Although patient and renal survival have improved with advances in induction and maintenance immunosuppression, accumulation of irreversible damage is common. Cardiovascular and infectious complications are frequent, as are relapses during adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

European evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood-onset lupus nephritis: the SHARE initiative

Lupus nephritis (LN) occurs in 50%-60% of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), leading to significant morbidity. Timely recognition of renal involvement and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent renal damage. The Single Hub and Access point for paediatric Rheumatology in Europe (SHARE) initiative aimed to generate diagnostic and management regimens for children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases including cSLE. Here, we provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of childhood LN. Recommendations were developed using the European League Against Rheumatism standard operating procedures. A European-wide expert committee including paediatric nephrology representation formulated recommendations using a nominal group technique. Six recommendations regarding diagnosis and 20 recommendations covering treatment choices and goals were accepted, including each class of LN, described in the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification system. Treatment goal should be complete renal response. Treatment of class I LN should mainly be guided by other symptoms. Class II LN should be treated initially with low-dose prednisone, only adding a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug after 3 months of persistent proteinuria or prednisone dependency. Induction treatment of class III/IV LN should be mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or intravenous cyclophosphamide combined with corticosteroids; maintenance treatment should be MMF or azathioprine for at least 3 years. In pure class V LN, MMF with low-dose prednisone can be used as induction and MMF as maintenance treatment. The SHARE recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of LN have been generated to support uniform and high-quality care for all children with SLE.

Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in the Management of Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab for treating pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in children with pSLE. Data from studies performed before July 2016 were collected from MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and the International Rheumatic Disease Abstracts, with no language restrictions. Study eligibility criteria included clinical trials and observational studies with a minimal sample size of 5 patients, regarding treatment with rituximab in patients with refractory pSLE (aged <18 years at the time of diagnosis). Independent extraction of articles was performed by 2 investigators using predefined data fields.

RESULTS

Twelve case series met the criteria for data extraction for the systematic review with a good quality assessment according to an 18-criteria checklist using a modified Delphi method. Among them, 3 studies were multicenter and 3 were prospective. The total number of patients was 272. Studies collected patients with active disease refractory to steroids and immunosuppressant drugs. Refractory lupus nephritis was the most common indication (33%). Acceptable evidence suggested improvements in renal, neuropsychiatric and haematological manifestations, disease activity, complement and anti-double stranded Desoxy-Nucleo-Adenosine, with a steroid-sparing effect. However, there was poor evidence suggesting efficacy on arthralgia, photosensitivity, and mucocutaneous manifestations of SLE in children. An overall acceptable safety profile with few major adverse events was shown.

CONCLUSION

Rituximab exhibited a satisfactory profile regarding efficacy and safety indicating that this agent is a promising therapy for pSLE and should be further investigated.

Advances in the care of children with lupus nephritis

The care of children with lupus nephritis (LN) has changed dramatically over the past 50 y. The majority of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) develop LN. In the 1960's, prognosis in children was worse than in adults; therapies were limited and toxic. Nearly half of cases resulted in death within 2 y. Since this time, several diagnostic recommendations and disease-specific indices have been developed to assist physicians caring for patients with LN. Pediatric researchers are validating and adapting these indices and guidelines for the treatment of LN in cSLE. Classification systems, activity, and chronicity indices for kidney biopsy have been validated in pediatric cohorts in several countries. Implementation of contemporary immunosuppressive agents has reduced treatment toxicity and improved outcomes. Biomarkers sensitive to LN in children have been identified in the kidney, urine, and blood. Multi-institutional collaborative networks have formed to address the challenges of pediatric LN research. Considerable variation in evaluation and treatment has been addressed for proliferative forms of LN by development of consensus treatment practices. Patient survival at 5 y is now 95-97% and renal survival exceeds 90%. Moreover, international consensus exists for quality indicators for cSLE that consider the unique aspects of chronic disease in childhood.

Use of Glucuronidated Mycophenolic Acid Levels for Therapeutic Monitoring in Pediatric Lupus Nephritis Patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is used to treat pediatric-onset lupus nephritis (pLN). Data are equivocal on the use of plasma mycophenolic acid (MPA) levels as a measure of efficacy and predictor of therapeutic outcomes in pLN. Glucuronidated MPA (MPA-G) is an inactive metabolite that is a marker of adequate absorption and normal metabolism of MMF. We evaluated the use of MPA and MPA-G levels in routine care of pLN.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of pLN patients treated with MMF dosed at 600 mg/m. Clinical renal remission (CR) was defined as proteinuria of less than 500 mg/24 h. Midinterval MPA and MPA-G plasma levels were drawn during routine follow-up, approximately 6 hours after the previous dose of MMF. Steady-state levels of MPA were calculated using pharmacokinetics and compared with routine midinterval plasma MPA levels.

RESULTS

Seventeen pLN patients treated with MMF had MPA and MPA-G levels. Eleven patients were in CR; 6 were not in CR at the time of evaluation and had not responded to MMF after more than 3 months of therapy. The mean MPA level for patients in CR was 3.26 ± 2.02 μg/mL compared with 3.02 ± 1.76 μg/mL for patients not in CR. Three patients in CR did not have detectable levels of MPA. Calculated steady-state levels of MPA did not reflect the observed levels. Glucuronidated MPA levels were therapeutic (44.2 ± 26.7 μg/mL) in patients in CR, but low (29.88 ± 22 μg/mL) in patients not in CR (not statistically significant).

CONCLUSIONS

Midinterval plasma levels of MPA do not reflect predicted steady-state levels in pLN and do not correlate with clinical response. Midinterval plasma levels of MPA-G indicate adequate absorption and may correlate better with clinical pLN activity.

Long-term outcomes with multi-targeted immunosuppressive protocol in children with severe proliferative lupus nephritis

We have previously reported the one-year outcomes of 16 children with severe proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) who were treated using a multi-targeted induction protocol based on intravenous (IV) pulse methylprednisolone (MP), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclosporine (CSA). This study examined the long-term renal outcomes of these 16 children, followed up for a median duration of 9.2 years (range 5.8–14.2 years). Primary treatment outcome was complete renal remission. Secondary outcomes included patient and renal survival as well as relapse-free and event-free survival. All patients achieved complete renal remission within 24 months (median 8.7 months, range 4.0–24.0 months). Comparing clinical and laboratory parameters at induction and last follow-up, respectively, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score (25.4 ± 8.7 vs 0.4 ± 0.8), serum complement C3 (47 ± 21 vs 107 ± 27 mg/dL), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (72 ± 57 vs 109.7 ± 43 ml/min/1.73m2) and urine protein (6.97 ± 7.09 vs 0.2 ± 0.02 g/day/1.73m2) improved significantly ( p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a cumulative ten-year renal relapse-free survival of 73.3% when considering relapses with severe proteinuria >1 g/day/1.73m2. Cumulative probability that hospitalization would not be required was 93.8% at one year, and 71.4% at ten years. Our multi-targeted protocol for induction and maintenance therapy in Asian children with severe proliferative LN resulted in good long-term patient survival and renal preservation, with a good safety profile.

Relative efficacy and safety of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for lupus nephritis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the relative efficacy and safety of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) as induction therapy for lupus nephritis.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus, MMF and CYC for induction therapy in patients with lupus nephritis were included. We performed a Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence from the RCTs.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs including 972 patients met the inclusion criteria and pair-wise comparisons were performed, including 11 direct comparisons. Tacrolimus showed a significantly higher overall response rate (complete remission plus partial remission) than CYC (OR 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-5.45), and was more efficacious than MMF (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.70-3.57). MMF was superior to CYC in terms of overall response (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.96-2.42). Ranking probability based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that tacrolimus had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving the overall response (SUCRA = 0.9321), followed by MMF (SUCRA = 0.5385) and CYC (SUCRA = 0.0294). In terms of safety, tacrolimus showed the highest probability of decreasing the risk of serious infections (SUCRA = 0.9253), followed by MMF (SUCRA = 0.4027) and CYC (SUCRA = 0.1720).

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus was the most efficacious induction treatment for patients with lupus nephritis, and had the highest probability of decreasing the risk of serious infections. Higher remission rates combined with a more favorable safety profile suggest that MMF is superior to CYC as induction treatment in these patients.

Comparison of renal response parameters for juvenile membranous plus proliferative lupus nephritis versus isolated proliferative lupus nephritis: a cross-sectional analysis of the CARRA Registry

Lupus nephritis (LN) affects many patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is a significant cause of disease morbidity. Membranous plus proliferative LN (M + PLN) may represent a more difficult to treat subtype of juvenile LN, compared to isolated proliferative LN (PLN). In this retrospective observational study, we utilized data from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatism Research Alliance (CARRA) registry to compare response rates for pediatric M + PLN versus PLN. Response was assessed at the most recent CARRA registry visit gathered ≥6 months after diagnostic kidney biopsy. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 90 ml/min/1.73 m(2), indicating renal insufficiency, was found in 16.1% of patients with M + PLN and 6.1% of patients with PLN (P = 0.071). We found no significant difference in achievement of response in either hematuria or proteinuria between PLN and M + PLN groups or between subgroups determined by presence of class III vs. class IV proliferative disease. Exposure rates to mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab were similar between groups. Future studies will be necessary to correlate pediatric LN renal histology data with treatment response as well as other disease outcome measures.

Mycophenolate mofetil for primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), including corticosteroids and cyclosporine, are not satisfactory for all patients and may induce significant side effects. Antidotal benefits of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an add-on to these immunosuppressive therapies have been reported. This review aims to systematically summarize the efficacy and safety of MMF as a treatment for primary FSGS.

METHOD

Controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials evaluating the use of MMF in primary FSGS patients were identified from nine electronic databases and four clinical trial registries. Kidney failure was selected as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 18 uncontrolled pre-post studies were included. Results from RCTs revealed that MMF is no more effective than cyclosporine or cyclophosphamide for promoting kidney function preservation when corticosteroid is used as baseline treatment. One underpowered RCT reported that MMF provides no extra benefit on top of prednisolone, but the result is unlikely to be reliable. Amongst the small, uncontrolled pre-post studies, three of them used MMF as monotherapy, two of which reported successful prevention of kidney failure in all patients. The remaining 15 uncontrolled studies used MMF as add-on therapy and 11 reported kidney failure as an outcome. Amongst them, eight reported no patients developed kidney failure. MMF was generally well tolerated with mild adverse effects, including abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and infections.

CONCLUSIONS

MMF tended to show beneficial effects in uncontrolled studies which recruited patients with resistance to routine treatments, but such favorable results have only been reported in small, uncontrolled trials. No RCT results suggested that MMF was a good alternative to cyclosporine or cyclophosphamide. The role of MMF as an add-on to current therapies, or as monotherapy, should further be evaluated.

WITHDRAWN: Use of mycophenolic acid in lupus nephritis

Due to overlap of certain parts of text of our review 'Use of mycophenolic acid in lupus nephritis' with the previously published review by Zizzo, Ferraccioli and Santis, 'Mycophenolic acid in rheumatology: mechanisms of action and severe adverse events' (Reumatismo. 2010; 62(2):91-100), we request that our review is retracted with apologies to Drs. Zizzo, Ferraccioli and Santis, the editors and the readers. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of adult and paediatric lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

To develop recommendations for the management of adult and paediatric lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

The available evidence was systematically reviewed using the PubMed database. A modified Delphi method was used to compile questions, elicit expert opinions and reach consensus.

RESULTS

Immunosuppressive treatment should be guided by renal biopsy, and aiming for complete renal response (proteinuria <0.5 g/24 h with normal or near-normal renal function). Hydroxychloroquine is recommended for all patients with LN. Because of a more favourable efficacy/toxicity ratio, as initial treatment for patients with class III-IV(A) or (A/C) (±V) LN according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification, mycophenolic acid (MPA) or low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY) in combination with glucocorticoids is recommended. In patients with adverse clinical or histological features, CY can be prescribed at higher doses, while azathioprine is an alternative for milder cases. For pure class V LN with nephrotic-range proteinuria, MPA in combination with oral glucocorticoids is recommended as initial treatment. In patients improving after initial treatment, subsequent immunosuppression with MPA or azathioprine is recommended for at least 3 years; in such cases, initial treatment with MPA should be followed by MPA. For MPA or CY failures, switching to the other agent, or to rituximab, is the suggested course of action. In anticipation of pregnancy, patients should be switched to appropriate medications without reducing the intensity of treatment. There is no evidence to suggest that management of LN should differ in children versus adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations for the management of LN were developed using an evidence-based approach followed by expert consensus.

Efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in adolescent patients with lupus nephritis: evidence from a two-phase, prospective randomized trial

The safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were evaluated in adolescent patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and active or active/chronic class III–V lupus nephritis. During the 24-week induction phase, patients were randomized to oral MMF (target dose 3.0 g/day) or intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) (0.5–1.0 g/m2/month), plus prednisone. Response was defined as a decrease in 24-hour urine protein:creatinine ratio (P:Cr) to <3 in patients with baseline nephrotic range proteinuria, or by ≥50% if subnephrotic baseline proteinuria, and stabilization (±25%) or improvement in serum creatinine. In the 36-month maintenance phase, induction therapy responders were randomized 1:1 to MMF (1.0 g twice daily) or oral azathioprine (AZA) (2 mg/kg/day), plus prednisone. In the induction phase, 10 patients received MMF and 14 received IVC; 15 (62.5%) achieved treatment response (MMF, 7 (70%); IVC, 8/15 (57.1%); p = 0.53, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.0 (0.2, 15.5)). There was a non-statistically significant difference in maintenance of response to MMF (7/8; 87.5%) versus AZA (3/8; 37.5%). Seven patients withdrew (MMF, 2; AZA, 5). During both phases, rates of serious adverse events were similar in both arms. During both phases treatment response with MMF was as effective as the comparator.

Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

RESULTS

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2-day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63-79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.

Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

RESULTS

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2-day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63-79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.

Good outcomes with mycophenolate-cyclosporine-based induction protocol in children with severe proliferative lupus nephritis

The outcomes of children with severe proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) were examined using a new mycophenolate and cyclosporine-based (MMF-CSA) induction protocol. Sixteen children with LN (WHO class III and IV), 31.3% of whom required dialysis at induction, were retrospectively studied. Median MMF dose was 942 mg/m( 2)/day. Thirteen patients (81%) with persistent proteinuria received CSA. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared at pre-induction, 6 and 12 months. Treatment outcome was defined by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), renal function, haematuria, proteinuria and serological markers (complements C3, C4 and anti-dsDNA). Comparing these parameters at induction, 6 months and 12 months, respectively, SLEDAI (25.4 +/- 8.7 versus 3.2 +/- 2.9 versus 2.9 +/- 2.8), serum C3 (47 +/- 21 versus 107 +/- 27 versus 111 +/- 38 mg/dl), C4 (12 +/- 14 versus 23 +/- 14 versus 22 +/- 11 mg/dl) and urine protein (6.97 +/- 7.09 versus 0.98 +/- 1.56 versus 0.21 +/- 0.13 g/ day/1. 73 m(2)) improved significantly (p < 0.05). Anti-dsDNA titres decreased in 73% by 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05). Complete renal remission was achieved in 7/16 (43.8%) at 6 months and 12/16 (75%) at 12 months, the rest achieving partial remission with no treatment failures. In conclusion, a combination MMF-CSA protocol is an effective therapeutic alternative for induction of children with severe proliferative LN, resulting in significant clinical and serological improvement with minimal adverse effects.

Childhood- and adult-onset lupus: an update of similarities and differences

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune rheumatic disease. Although its highest prevalence is among women of childbearing age, the disease is not confined within this population. A total of 15-20% of cases of SLE are diagnosed in children younger than 16 years (childhood-onset lupus). Although there have been few studies directly comparing childhood- to adult-onset lupus, there is substantial evidence to suggest that pediatric lupus patients display some differences in their disease profile compared with adult-onset populations. Overall, an increased male-to-female ratio, a higher prevalence of nephritis and CNS involvement necessitating a more sustained need for steroids and immnosuppressive drugs, and a higher prevalence of progression to end-stage renal disease are distinguishing features of childhood-onset lupus. In contrast, a higher prevalence of pulmonary involvement, arthritis and discoid lupus are reported in adult-onset SLE patients. Furthermore, childhood-onset lupus patients may experience a serious negative impact on their psychosocial and physical development, issues that pose extra challenges to healthcare providers. Growth delay, osteoporosis, the psychological effect of steroid-induced alterations of the physical image, and often poor treatment compliance are the issues that need to be addressed in pediatric lupus populations. In this review, we compare the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features, and treatment options of childhood- and adult-onset lupus, and comment on the applicability of the instruments that measure activity, severity and cumulative disease damage in childhood-onset disease. In addition, we highlight special issues of concern for pediatric lupus patients, discussing the significance in the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.

Renal manifestations of systemic illness in children

Kidney disease may be associated with a systemic disorder or found in isolation. With advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of glomerular disorders, the distinction between primary and secondary glomerular disease is no longer valid. A wide spectrum of glomerular, vascular, and tubulointerstitial diseases may accompany autoimmune disorders, nephritogenic pharmaceuticals, infections, or complement dysregulation. This article focuses on renal manifestations of systemic diseases such as vasculitis, drug- and infection-related tubulointerstitial injury, and thrombotic disorders.