Adverse events of biological agents in pediatric rheumatologic diseases

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate adverse events (AEs) in pediatric patients with rheumatologic diseases being treated with approved or off-label biologic agents (BAs).

METHODS

This observational, retrospective, multicenter study was conducted from 2010 to 2022 in patients under 18 years of age with rheumatic diseases who were receiving interleukin-1 antibodies (Anti-IL1), interleukin-6 antibodies (Anti-IL6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (anti-TNF). Efficacy, AEs, and timing of AEs were collected from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifteen BAs were prescribed to 237 patients. Fifty AEs occurred in 44 patients (18.6%). Anti-TNF exposure was present in 8 (72.2%) of 11 patients with latent tuberculosis (TB) and in all 7 patients with herpes infections. Four of 6 patients (66.7%) with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and 7 of 8 patients (87.5%) with local skin reactions were on Anti-IL1. The cutoff value for latent TB development was determined as 23.5 months by ROC analysis (AUC: 0.684 ± 0.072, p = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.54-0.82). In patients who used BA for 23.5 months or more, the risk of latent TB was 5.94-fold (p = 0.024, 95% CI: 1.26-27.97). Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) occurred in 2 patients on anakinra, and anaphylaxis occurred in 1 patient on anti-IL6. There were no cases of malignancy or death in any patient.

CONCLUSION

The physician should be vigilant for latent TB in patients exposed to BA for more than 2 years. While local skin reactions are more prevalent in patients receiving anti-IL1, severe skin reactions such as DRESS may also occur.

Tuberculosis among children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases - case series

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic patients have a higher frequency of tuberculosis(TB) than the general population. This study aimed to describe children and adolescents with TB and rheumatic diseases(RD) who were being treated in a reference center.

METHODS

A series of TB cases were investigated in a reference center for childhood TB in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1995 to 2022.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with underlying RD and TB were included with 8(53%) being female. The mean age at RD diagnosis was 7.10years (SD ± 0,57 years), and the mean age at TB diagnosis was 9.81 years(SD ± 0.88 years). A total of 9 cases of pulmonary TB(PTB) and 6 cases of extrapulmonary TB-pleural(2), joint/osteoarticular(1), cutaneous(1), ocular(1), and peritoneal(1)- were described. The RD observed in the 15 patients included juvenile idiopathic arthritis(9), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus(3), juvenile dermatomyositis(1), polyarteritis nodosa(1), and pyoderma gangrenosum(1). Among the immunosuppressants/immunobiologics, methotrexate(8) was the most commonly used, followed by corticosteroids(6), etanercept(2), mycophenolate mofetil(1), cyclosporine A(1), adalimumab(1), and tocilizumab(1). The most common symptoms were fever and weight loss, and a predominance of PTB cases was noted. GeneXpert MTB/RIF® was performed in six patients and was detectable in two without rifampicin resistance; Xpert Ultra® was performed in five patients, and traces with indeterminate rifampicin resistance were detected in three. One female patient discontinued treatment, and another passed away.

CONCLUSIONS

The case series demonstrated the importance of suspecting and investigating TB in RD affected patients who are using immunosuppressants/ immunobiologics, particularly in countries with high rates of TB such as Brazil.

Tuberculosis in children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases using biologic agents: an integrative review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a bibliographic review on tuberculosis (TB) disease in children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases, being managed with biologic therapy.

DATA SOURCE

An integrative review with a search in the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (PubMed) using the following descriptors and Boolean operators: (["tuberculosis"] AND (["children"] OR ["adolescent"]) AND ["rheumatic diseases"] AND (["tumor necrosis factor-alpha"] OR ["etanercept"] OR ["adalimumab"] OR ["infliximab"] OR ["biological drugs"] OR ["rituximab"] OR ["belimumab"] OR ["tocilizumab"] OR ["canakinumab"] OR ["golimumab"] OR ["secukinumab"] OR ["ustekinumab"] OR ["tofacitinib"] OR ["baricitinib"] OR ["anakinra"] OR ["rilonacept"] OR ["abatacept"]), between January 2010 and October 2021.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Thirty-seven articles were included, with the total number of 36,198 patients. There were 81 cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), 80 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and four of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). The main rheumatic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Among LTBI cases, most were diagnosed at screening and none progressed to TB disease during follow-up. Of the TB cases using biologics, most used tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (anti-TNFα) drugs. There was only one death.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a low rate of active TB in pediatric patients using biologic therapy. Screening for LTBI before initiating biologics should be done in all patients, and treatment, in cases of positive screening, plays a critical role in preventing progression to TB disease.

Development and External Validation of a Model Predicting New-Onset Chronic Uveitis at Different Disease Durations in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop and externally validate a prediction model for new-onset chronic uveitis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) for clinical application.

METHODS

Data from the international Pharmachild registry were used to develop a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Predictors were selected by backward selection, and missing values were handled by multiple imputation. The model was subsequently validated and recalibrated in 2 inception cohorts: the UK Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS) study and the German Inception Cohort of Newly diagnosed patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (ICON) study. Model performance was evaluated by calibration plots and C statistics for the 2-, 4-, and 7-year risk of uveitis. A diagram and digital risk calculator were created for use in clinical practice.

RESULTS

A total of 5,393 patients were included for model development, and predictor variables were age at JIA onset (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.77-0.89]), ANA positivity (HR 1.59 [95% CI 1.06-2.38]), and International League of Associations for Rheumatology category of JIA (HR for oligoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and undifferentiated arthritis versus rheumatoid factor-negative polyarthritis 1.40 [95% CI 0.91-2.16]). Performance of the recalibrated prediction model in the validation cohorts was acceptable; calibration plots indicated good calibration and C statistics for the 7-year risk of uveitis (0.75 [95% CI 0.72-0.79] for the ICON cohort and 0.70 [95% CI 0.64-0.76] for the CAPS cohort).

CONCLUSION

We present for the first time a validated prognostic tool for easily predicting chronic uveitis risk for individual JIA patients using common clinical parameters. This model could be used by clinicians to inform patients/parents and provide guidance in choice of uveitis screening frequency and arthritis drug therapy.

Regional risk of tuberculosis and viral hepatitis with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor treatment: A systematic review

Background: TNFα inhibitors are regularly used to treat autoimmune diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis B are considered potential infectious complications, and screening and surveillance are therefore recommended. Current guidelines do not take into account regional differences in endemicity of these infections. Methods: A systematic literature review of TB and viral hepatitis in patients receiving TNFα-inhibitors was performed, searching in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. Studies were selected against predefined eligibility criteria and assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The number of TB and viral hepatitis cases/1,000 TNFα-inhibitor patients were evaluated, and regional variation compared. Results: 105 observational studies involving over 140,000 patients were included. Overall, 1% of patients developed TB or viral hepatitis B. TB cases/1,000 TNFα-inhibitor patients were 4-fold higher in Asia, Africa, and South America than in Europe, North America, and Australasia where only 0%-0.4% of patients developed TB. Hepatitis B cases/1,000 patients were over 15-fold higher in countries with high prevalence (China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand) compared with low prevalence (p < 0.00001) where only 0.4% of patients developed hepatitis B. Only three of 143 patients developed viral hepatitis C, and there was insufficient data to allow regional sub-analysis. Conclusion: TB and viral hepatitis B infections in patients treated with TNFα inhibitors are largely confined to countries with high prevalence of these infections. As only 1/2,500 patients in low prevalence countries treated with TNFα inhibitors develop TB or viral hepatitis B, we suggest an individualized, risk-based approach, rather than universal screening for all patients.

Successful stopping of biologic therapy for remission in children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Clinicians concerned about long-term safety of biologics in JIA may consider tapering or stopping treatment once remission is achieved despite uncertainty in maintaining drug-free remission. This analysis aims to (i) calculate how many patients with JIA stop biologics for remission, (ii) calculate how many later re-start therapy and after how long, and (iii) identify factors associated with re-starting biologics.

METHODS

Patients starting biologics between 1 January 2010 and 7 September 2021 in the UK JIA Biologics Register were included. Patients stopping biologics for physician-reported remission, those re-starting biologics and factors associated with re-starting, were identified. Multiple imputation accounted for missing data.

RESULTS

Of 1451 patients with median follow-up of 2.7 years (IQR 1.4, 4.0), 269 (19%) stopped biologics for remission after a median of 2.2 years (IQR 1.7, 3.0). Of those with follow-up data (N = 220), 118 (54%) later re-started therapy after a median of 4.7 months, with 84% re-starting the same biologic. Patients on any-line tocilizumab (prior to stopping) were less likely to re-start biologics (vs etanercept; odds ratio [OR] 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7), while those with a longer disease duration prior to biologics (OR 1.1 per year increase; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.2) or prior uveitis were more likely to re-start biologics (OR 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.9).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis identified factors associated with successful cessation of biologics for remission in JIA as absence of uveitis, prior treatment with tocilizumab and starting biologics earlier in the disease course. Further research is needed to guide clinical recommendations.

Are infections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis more frequent than in healthy children? A prospective multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) might be at a higher risk of infection. Our objectives are to describe and compare infection rates in patients with JIA vs. healthy patients.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter observational study was performed in Spain from January 2017 to June 2019. Patients with JIA from 7 participating hospitals and children without JIA (siblings of patients with JIA, and non-JIA children from primary health centers) were followed up with quarterly questionnaires to record infection episodes. Tuberculosis, herpes zoster, and infections requiring hospital admission were considered severe infections. Rates of infection (episodes/patient/year) were compared using a generalized estimating equations model.

RESULTS

A total of 371 children (181 with and 190 without JIA) were included. The median age was 8.8 years (IQR 5.5-11.3); 75% of the patients with JIA received immunosuppressive treatment (24% methotrexate, 22% biologic, 26% both). A total of 667 infections were recorded; 15 (2.2%) were considered severe. The infection rate was 1.31 (95%CI 1.1-1.5) in JIA and 1.12 (95%CI 0.9-1.3) in non-JIA participants (p = 0.19). Age <4 years increased the infection rate by 2.5 times (2.72 vs. 1.12, p < 0.001) in both groups. The most frequent infection sites were upper respiratory (62.6% vs. 74.5%) and gastrointestinal (18.8% vs. 11.4%). There were no differences in severe infections (2.5% vs. 2%, p = 0.65) between the groups. In children with JIA, younger age and higher disease activity (JADAS71) were associated with a higher infection rate.

CONCLUSION

We found no differences in the infection rate or infection severity between patients with and without JIA. Most infections were mild. An age younger than 4 years increased the infection risk in both groups. Higher disease activity was associated with a higher infection rate.

Safety of Biological Therapy in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Retrospective, observational, single-center, cohort study investigating the safety profile of biological therapy in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Retrospective, observational, cohort study of pediatric patients with IBD, receiving infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab for at least 2 months. Data related to the immediate and delayed adverse events (AEs) were collected, focusing on the reaction type and severity, the time of onset, the outcome and the temporary or definitive therapy discontinuation secondary to the AE. Number of suspected and confirmed coronavirus disease-209 (COVID-19) cases and their outcomes, as well as flu vaccination coverage were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-five children were included (101 [55%] CD, 82 [44%] UC, and 2 [1%] IBDU): 149 received infliximab (IFX) (81%), 88 (48%) adalimumab (ADA), 18 (21%) vedolizumab, and 4 (2%) ustekinumab. The overall AE rates were 49%, 67% of whom likely medication-related. Eleven (6%) patients experienced more than 1 AE, 18 patients (10%) presented an immediate reaction, and 82 (45%) a delayed AE. Among the 90 patients experiencing at least 1 AE, 97% had mild-to-moderate AEs. Only 4 SAEs were reported (4%). Treatment discontinuation because of AE occurred in 25 patients (14%). Four COVID-19 cases were reported, all with a mild course.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm a good safety profile of biologics. Infusion reactions to IFX administration remain one of the main issues, significantly linked to its immunogenicity and consequently with an impact on its efficacy and durability.

Tuberculosis Disease in Children and Adolescents on Therapy With Antitumor Necrosis Factor-ɑ Agents: A Collaborative, Multicenter Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (ptbnet) Study

BACKGROUND

In adults, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy is associated with progression of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) to TB disease, but pediatric data are limited.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study within the Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group, capturing patients <18 years who developed TB disease during anti-TNF-α therapy.

RESULTS

Sixty-six tertiary healthcare institutions providing care for children with TB participated. Nineteen cases were identified: Crohn's disease (n = 8; 42%) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 6; 32%) were the commonest underlying conditions. Immune-based TB screening (tuberculin skin test and/or interferon-γ release assay) was performed in 15 patients before commencing anti-TNF-α therapy but only identified 1 LTBI case; 13 patients were already receiving immunosuppressants at the time of screening. The median interval between starting anti-TNF-α therapy and TB diagnosis was 13.1 (IQR, 7.1-20.3) months. All cases presented with severe disease, predominantly miliary TB (n = 14; 78%). One case was diagnosed postmortem. TB was microbiologically confirmed in 15 cases (79%). The median duration of anti-TB treatment was 50 (IQR, 46-66) weeks. Five of 15 (33%) cases who had completed TB treatment had long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

LTBI screening is frequently false-negative in this patient population, likely due to immunosuppressants impairing test performance. Therefore, patients with immune-mediated diseases should be screened for LTBI at the point of diagnosis, before commencing immunosuppressive medication. Children on anti-TNF-α therapy are prone to severe TB disease and significant long-term morbidity. Those observations underscore the need for robust LTBI screening programs in this high-risk patient population, even in low-TB-prevalence settings.

Retrospective analyzes of adverse events during biologic agents in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis from a single center in Turkey

Objectives

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood. Biologic agents have changed the course of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. However, there are concerns regarding the occurrence of serious adverse events in patients receiving biologic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate adverse events in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis receiving biologic agents.

Material and methods

This retrospective study includes juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients receiving biologic agents. Demographic features and adverse events during biologic agents were collected from medical files. Adverse events that either resulted in death, were life-threatening, required inpatient hospitalization, or resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity were considered as serious adverse events.

Results

In total, 162 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients (55.6% female) receiving biologic agents were enrolled: 101 (62.3%) patients treated with etanercept, 27 (16.7) with tocilizumab, 14 (8.6%) with adalimumab, 15 (9.2%) with anti-interleukin 1 agents (13 canakinumab, 2 anakinra), and 5 (3.1%) with infliximab. 75.9% of the patients received concomitantly disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and 20.4% received disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs plus corticosteroid. The mean age at initiation of the biologic agent was 10.5 ±4.3 years. The mean age at the study enrolment was 12.1 ±4.5 years. The mean follow-up duration was 19.7 ±2.1 months. The most frequent adverse event was upper respiratory tract infections (54.3%) followed by urinary tract infections (21%). Anaphylaxis occurred in 3 patients (1.9%): 2 with tocilizumab and one with infliximab. Macrophage activation syndrome occurred in 1 patient (0.6%) receiving tocilizumab. Lung tuberculosis developed in 2 patients (1.2%) receiving canakinumab. The frequency of serious adverse events in total was 6.7%.

Conclusions

While the most frequent adverse events during biologic agents was upper respiratory tract infections, the frequency of serious adverse events was 6.7%; therefore, juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients receiving biologic agents should be carefully evaluated for these adverse events in clinical practice.

Absence of Association Between Abatacept Exposure and Initial Infection in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between infection risk and abatacept (ABA) exposure levels in patients with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) following treatment with subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) ABA.

METHODS

Data from 2 published studies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01844518, NCT00095173) of ABA treatment in pediatric patients were analyzed. One study treated patients aged 2-17 years with SC ABA and the other treated patients aged 6-17 years with IV ABA. Association between serum ABA exposure measures and infection was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plots of probability of first infection vs time on treatment by ABA exposure quartiles and log-rank tests. Number of infections by ABA exposure quartiles was investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 343 patients were included in this analysis: 219 patients received SC ABA and 124 patients received IV ABA. Overall, 237/343 (69.1%) patients had ≥ 1 infection over 24 months. No significant difference in time to first infection across 4 quartiles of ABA exposure levels was observed in the pooled (P = 0.45), SC (2-5 yrs: P = 0.93; 6-17 yrs: P = 0.48), or IV (P = 0.50) analyses. Concomitant use of methotrexate and glucocorticoids (at baseline and throughout) with ABA did not increase infection risk across the ABA exposure quartiles. There was no evidence of association between number of infections and ABA exposure quartiles. No opportunistic infections related to ABA were reported.

CONCLUSION

In patients aged 2-17 years with pJIA, no evidence of association between higher levels of exposure to IV ABA or SC ABA and incidence of infection was observed.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-associated Retinal Vasculitis Treated with Adalimumab

PURPOSE

To present a case of refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated retinal vasculitis that responded to the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitor adalimumab as corticosteroid-sparing therapy.

METHODS

Descriptive case report of a patient with SLE with retinal vasculitis complicated by an ischemic retinal vein occlusion and cystoid macular edema.

RESULTS

A 30-year-old female patient with a history of SLE presented with retinal vasculitis and an ischemic, branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema in the left eye. Oral corticosteroid was administered along with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as a corticosteroid-sparing agent. Despite MMF therapy, the patient developed an exacerbation of her vasculitis with the involvement of both eyes. Adalimumab was initiated with a resultant resolution of retinal vasculitis as a corticosteroid-sparing strategy with over 2 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Anti-TNF-alpha therapy with adalimumab may be effective as a corticosteroid-sparing agent in select patients with ocular inflammation associated with SLE.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of etanercept in JIA: an 18-year experience from the BiKeR registry

Background

At present, etanercept represents the most commonly prescribed biologic agent for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treatment. Children and adolescents with JIA are often treated with etanercept over long periods, sometimes even into adulthood. The objectives of this analysis were to determine the long-term safety of etanercept compared to a biologic-naïve cohort and to assess the long-term treatment response upon continuous etanercept exposure using data from the German biologics registry (BiKeR).

Methods

JIA patients newly exposed to etanercept were documented in the BiKeR registry from January 2001 to March 2019, and baseline characteristics, effectiveness, and safety parameters were analysed. Response to treatment was assessed according to 10-joint Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS10), JADAS-defined minimal disease activity and remission, JIA-American College of Rheumatology (ACR) improvement criteria, and ACR-inactive disease definition. Safety assessments were based on adverse event (AE) reports.

Results

A total of 2725 new etanercept users with a diagnosis of JIA were registered. Of these, etanercept was received as a first-line biologic by 95.8% and as monotherapy without concomitant methotrexate by 31.5%. After nine years on continuous treatment, 68.1% of patients presented minimal disease activity, 43.1% JADAS-defined remission on drug, and 36.6% ACR-inactive disease. JIA-ACR30/50/70/90 response rates were still 82/79/71/54% after nine years of treatment. Overall, 2053 AEs (34.3/100PY), including 226 serious AEs (SAE, 3.8/100PY), were observed upon etanercept, compared to 1345 AEs [35.6/100PY; p = 0.3] and 52 SAEs (1.4/100PY; p = 0.0001) in the biologic-naïve cohort. Respective exposure-adjusted rates for etanercept and biologic-naïve patients were 0.9/100PY and 0.2/100PY (p = 0.0001) for serious infections, 0.4/100PY and 0.1/100PY (p = 0.01) for zoster reactivation, 0.3/100PY and 0.03/100PY (p = 0.015) for inflammatory bowel disease, and 1.9/100PY and 1.4/100PY (p = 0.09) for uveitis. Three and two malignancies were documented in the etanercept and biologic-naïve groups, as well as three and one deaths, respectively.

Conclusions

No new safety signal was observed, especially no increased risk for malignancies or autoimmune disorders other than inflammatory bowel disease. However, SAEs and serious infections, though infrequent, were more often reported on etanercept than in biologic-naïve patients. In addition, etanercept demonstrated a long-term maintenance of clinical benefits up to nine years of continuous treatment.

Tuberculosis and TNF-α inhibitors in children: how to manage a fine balance

Since the introduction of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) in the management of children affected by the immune-mediated inflammatory disease, these patients substantially improved their quality of life. BRMs are generally well tolerated and effective in most children and adolescents refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. On the other hand, patients receiving BRMs, especially TNF-α inhibitors, display an increased risk of primary infections or reactivations, i.e. due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis can cause severe disease with consequent short- and long-term morbidity in children on anti-TNF-α treatment. The present paper analyses the increased risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or de novo TB infection in children treated with TNF-α inhibitors, with the purpose to provide recommendations for screening strategies and safety monitoring of paediatric patients. Special attention is also given to the currently available TB screening tools (IGRAs and TST) and their utility in the diagnosis of LTBI before starting the biologic therapy and during the treatment. Finally, the paper analyses the suggested TB-preventing therapies to adopt in these children and the correct timing to overlap anti-TB and anti-TNF-a treatment.

Tuberculosis and targeted synthetic or biologic DMARDs, beyond tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) have an increased risk for tuberculosis (TB). The use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and glucocorticoids in these patients has been associated with an increased prevalence of latent TB reactivation. Over the last few years, several biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), other than TNFi (e.g. rituximab, abatacept, tocilizumab, secukinumab) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) [e.g. apremilast, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors] have been used for the treatment of patients with ARD. For many of these drugs, especially the newer ones like JAK inhibitors or antibodies against interleukin (IL)-23, most data stem from randomized clinical trials and few are available from real life clinical experience. We sought to review the current evidence for TB risk in patients with ARD treated with tsDMARDs or bDMARDs, other than TNFi. It seems that some of these drugs are associated with a lower TB risk, indirectly compared with TNFi treatment. In fact, it appears that rituximab, apremilast and inhibitors of IL-17 and IL-23 might be safer, while more data are needed for JAK inhibitors. As seen in TNFi, risk for TB is more pronounced in TB-endemic areas. Screening for latent TB must precede initiation of any tsDMARDs or bDMARDs. The growing use of non-TNFi agents has raised the need for more real-life studies that would compare the risk for TB between TNFi and other treatment modalities for ARD. Knowledge about the TB-safety profile of these drugs could help in the decision of drug choice in patients with confirmed latent TB infection or in TB endemic areas.

Neurological Adverse Effects Associated With Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antibodies in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

OBJECTIVES

Neurological adverse effects (NAEs) induced by biotherapies have been reported in the literature mainly in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatic diseases, or psoriasis. There are scant data in children. Aims of this study are to report and describe noninfective NAE associated with anti-TNFα antibodies in pediatric IBD, and to evaluate their incidence.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected all reports of NAE in pediatric IBD treated with anti-TNFα antibodies recorded in the French Pharmacovigilance Database. To estimate the national incidence of NAEs, we extrapolated data from the French regional inception population-based cohort EPIMAD.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2018, 231 adverse events in pediatric IBD exposed to anti-TNFα antibodies were reported to this Database. Seventeen NAEs (7.36%) were collected: 8 severe NAE (1 demyelinating neuropathy, 1 optic neuritis, 1 acute transverse myelitis, 1 polyradiculoneuritis, 1 sensorineural hearing loss, 1 seizure, 1 stroke, and 1 glioma), 7 moderate NAE (headaches), and 2 neuropsychic events. The median delay between anti-TNFα start and NAE occurrence was 6 months (range: 13 days to 26 months). In 10 of 17 patients, anti-TNFα antibodies were stopped. Nine of 17 patients had a complete resolution (including 2 severe NAE) and 8 of 17 a partial resolution (including 6 severe NAE). We estimate the incidence of severe NAE in pediatric IBD treated with anti-TNFα antibodies at 1 case for 10,000 patients-year in France.

CONCLUSIONS

NAE associated with anti-TNFα antibodies in pediatric IBD are rare. In severe NAE, we recommend to discontinue anti-TNFα therapy and to consider alternative treatment.

Hypersensitivity reactions to biologics (part I): allergy as an important differential diagnosis in complex immune-derived adverse events

Purpose

Biotechnological substances (BSs) are strongly relied upon to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, and to treat oncological, allergological, and other inflammatory diseases. Allergic reactions to partly foreign biologics can occur due to their potential immunogenicity. The severity of an immune response to a biological drug may range from no clinical significance to a severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Methods

Detailed searches were performed on Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to include all available publications. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and British Columbia Cancer Agency Drug Manual databases were screened for hypersensitivity reaction (HSR), infusion reaction, injection site reaction, urticaria, and anaphylaxis for individual BSs.

Results

Treatment with BSs can cause various types of HSR. These are mentioned in the literature with definitions such as allergic reactions, anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylaxis, HSR, infusion reactions, injection site reactions, cytokine release syndrome, and urticaria. Due to the overlap in signs and symptoms in the reported descriptions, it is not always possible to differentiate these reactions properly according to their pathomechanism. Similarly, many data reported as anaphylaxis actually describe severe anaphylactic reactions (grades III or IV).

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for a simpler symptom- or system-based classification and scoring system to create an awareness for HSRs to BSs. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of HSRs and increased clinical experience in the treatment of side effects will provide timely control of unexpected reactions. As a result, immunotherapy with BSs will become safer in the future.

Infection risk in patients undergoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis: non-biologics versus biologics

Introduction: Despite the therapeutic effectiveness of biologics targeting immune cells or cytokines in patients with inflammatory arthritis, which reflects their pathogenic roles, an increased infection risk is observed in those undergoing biological treatment. However, there are limited data regarding the comparison of infection risks in inflammatory arthritis patients treated with non-biologics (csDMARDs), biologics (bDMARDs), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and non-TNF inhibitors, or targeted synthetic (ts)DMARDs.Areas covered: Through a review of English-language literature as of 30 June 2019, we focus on the existing evidence on the risk of infections caused by bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and hepatitis virus in inflammatory arthritis patients undergoing treatment with csDMARDs, bDMARDs, or tsDMARDs.Expert opinion: While the risks of bacterial and mycobacterial infection are increased in arthritis patients treated with csDMARDs, the risks are further higher in those receiving bDMARDs therapy, particularly TNF inhibitors. Regarding HBV infection, antiviral therapy may effectively prevent HBV reactivation in patients receiving bDMARDs, especially rituximab. However, more data are needed to establish effective preventive strategies for HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients. It seems safe to use cyclosporine and TNF inhibitors in patients with HCV infection, while those undergoing rituximab therapies should be frequently monitored for HCV activity.Abbreviations: ABT: abatacept; ADA: adalimumab; AS: ankylosing spondylitis; bDMARDs: biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CS: corticosteroids; CsA: cyclosporine A; csDMARDs: conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; CZP: certolizumab; DAAs: direct-acting antiviral agents; DM: diabetes mellitus; DOT: directly observed therapy; EIN: Emerging Infections Network; ETN: etanercept; GOL: golimumab; GPRD: General Practice Research Database; HBV: hepatitis B virus; HBVr: HBV reactivation; HBsAg+: HBsAg-positive; HBsAg-/anti-HBc+: HBsAg-negative anti-HBc antibodies-positive; HCV: hepatitis C virus; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine: IFX: infliximab; IL-6: interleukin-6; JAK: Janus kinase; LEF: leflunomide; LTBI: latent tuberculosis infection; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MTX: methotrexate; OR: odds ratio; PsA: psoriatic arthritis; PMS: post-marketing surveillance; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TNFi: tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; SCK: secukinumab; SSZ: sulfasalazine; TOZ: tocilizumab; RCT: randomized controlled trial; RR: relative risk; RTX: rituximab; 3HP: 3-month once-weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine; TB: tuberculosis; tsDMARDs: targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; UTK: ustekinumab; WHO: World Health Organization.

Health-related quality of life during early aggressive treatment in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results from randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) may cause significant impairment in health-related quality of life (HrQoL), despite effective therapies. The aim of this study was to assess HrQoL during first-year treatment in patients with new-onset polyarticular JIA, and to compare treatment strategies.

METHODS

In ACUTE-JIA Study, 60 patients with new-onset JIA were randomized to receive either infliximab with methotrexate (IFX+MTX); a triple therapy of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine (Triple); or methotrexate monotherapy (MTX). Efficacy was measured with American College of Rheumatology pediatric (ACRp) score, and juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS). HrQoL was evaluated with Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), which includes physical and psychosocial summary scores (PhS and PsS). Linear mixed models were utilized to compare groups over time.

RESULTS

In the whole group of 60 patients, mean physical summary score (PhS) improved from 26.2 (SD 8.7) at week 0 to 49.7 (SD 13.2) at week 54 (p=0.046). Mean improvement of PhS was 20.3 (95% CI -15.5 to 56.2); 22.6 (-19.5 to 64.7); and 26.6 (-12.1 to 65.3) in IFX+MTX, Triple, and MTX, respectively. Changes in psychosocial summary score (PsS) were smaller: from 51.0 (SD 8.5) to 54.7 (6.3) (p=0.019) in all patients. No differences between the three treatment groups were detected in either of the measures. In multivariate analyses, Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), pain VAS, and time spent in inactive disease contributed to improvement in PhS; gender and CHAQ to PsS.

CONCLUSIONS

HrQol improved during the first year on therapy for JIA irrespective of the treatment strategy. The timing of change in the different dimensions of HrQoL varied; improvement occurred earlier in physical than psychosocial domains of HrQol.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered within the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (http://www.hus.fi) clinical trials, number 211864 in October 2002, and later on with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01015547.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest rheumatic disease in children and JIA-associated uveitis its most frequent extra-articular manifestation. The uveitis is potentially sight-threatening and so carries a considerable risk of morbidity. The commonest form of uveitis seen in JIA is chronic anterior uveitis which is almost always asymptomatic in the initial stages. Therefore, screening for JIA-associated uveitis in at-risk patients is essential. The aim of early detection and treatment is to minimise intra-ocular inflammation and avoid complications leading to visual loss, resulting from both disease activity and medications. There is increasing evidence for the early introduction of systemic immunosuppressive therapies in order to reduce topical and systemic glucocorticoid use. Two randomised controlled trials of adalimumab in JIA-associated uveitis provide convincing evidence for the use of this biologic in patients who fail to respond adequately to methotrexate. Tocilizumab and baricitinib are being investigated as alternatives to anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs.

A population-based study of tuberculosis incidence among rheumatic disease patients under anti-TNF treatment

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The advent of immunobiologic therapy with TNF inhibitors agents, has been associated with a significant increase in incident cases of tuberculosis in this population.

Objective

To estimate the incidence of tuberculosis in patients receiving TNF inhibitors therapy for rheumatic diseases. As secondary objectives, we sought to evaluate mortality and the clinical impact of screening for latent tuberculosis infection.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with rheumatic diseases of Public Health System from the Brazilian state, a high TB incidence area, who received prescriptions of TNF inhibitors agents between 2006 and 2016.

Results

A total of 5853 rheumatic disease patients were included. Patients were predominantly women (68.7%) aged 49.5 (± 14.7) years old. Forty-three cases of TB were found (2.86 cases per 1000 person-years; 18 times higher than in the general population). Adalimumab and certolizumab users presented a higher risk for TB development compared to etanercept users (RR: 3.11, 95%CI 1.16–8.35; 7.47, 95%CI 1.39–40.0, respectively). In a subgroup of patients, screening for latent tuberculosis infection was performed in 86% of patients, and 30.2% had a positive tuberculin skin test. Despite latent TB treatment, TB was diagnosed in 2 out of 74 (2.7%) patients. Overall, TB diagnosis did not increase mortality.

Conclusion

In this population-based study of rheumatic disease patients from a high incident area, TNF inhibitor exposure was associated with an 18-time increased TB incidence. Adalimumab and certolizumab were associated with greater and earlier TB diagnosis compared to etanercept.

Biologic Therapies in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Comparison of Long-Term Safety Data from the German BIKER Registry

Objective

Biologics have an important role in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Long‐term safety data are limited. Direct comparison of different agents regarding occurrence of adverse events (AEs), especially of rare events, requires large quantities of patient years. In this analysis, long‐term safety with regard to AE of special interest (AESI) was compared between different biologics.

Methods

Patients with nonsystemic JIA were selected from the German BIKER registry. Safety assessments were based on AE reports. Number of AEs, serious AEs, and 25 predefined AESIs, including medically important infection, uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cytopenia, hepatic events, anaphylaxis, depression, pregnancy, malignancy, and death, were analyzed. Event rates and relative risks were calculated using AEs reported after first dose through 70 days after last dose.

Results

A total of 3873 patients entered the analysis with 7467 years of exposure to biologics. The most common AESIs were uveitis (n = 231) and medically important infections (n = 101). Cytopenia and elevation of transaminases were more frequent with tocilizumab (risk ratio [RR] 8.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2‐15, and RR 4.7, 95% CI 1.8‐12.2, respectively). Anaphylactic events were associated with intravenous route of administration. In patients ever exposed to biologics, eight malignancies were reported. Six pregnancies have been documented in patients with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. No death occurred in this patient cohort during observation.

Conclusion

Surveillance of pharmacotherapy as provided by the BIKER registry is an import approach, especially for long‐term treatment of children. Overall, tolerance was acceptable. Differences between biologics were noted and should be considered in daily patient care.

Decreasing trend in the incidence of serious pneumonias in Finnish children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may be predisposed to serious pneumonia due to modern disease-modifying anti-rheumatic treatment. In this nationwide retrospective study with clinical data, we describe the pneumonia episodes among children with JIA.

METHODS

Patients under 18 years of age with JIA and pneumonia during 1998-2014 were identified in the National Hospital Discharge Register in Finland. Each individual patient record was reviewed, and detailed data on patients with JIA and pneumonia were retrieved, recorded, and analyzed. If the patient was hospitalized or received intravenous antibiotics, the pneumonia was considered serious.

RESULTS

There were 157 episodes of pneumonia among 140 children with JIA; 111 episodes (71%) were serious (80% in 1998-2006 and 66% in 2007-2014). The mean age of the patients was 9 years. Forty-eight percent had active JIA and 46% had comorbidities. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) were used at the time of 135 episodes (86%): methotrexate (MTX) by 62% and biologic DMARDs (bDMARD) by 30%. There was no significant difference in the use of bDMARDs, MTX and glucocorticoids between the patient groups with serious and non-serious pneumonia episodes. During six of the episodes, intensive care was needed. Two patients (1.3%) died, the remaining ones recovered fully.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of pneumonia and the use of immunosuppressive treatment among children with JIA increased from 1998 to 2014, the proportion of serious pneumonias in these patients decreased. There was no significant difference in the use of anti-rheumatic medication between patients with serious and non-serious pneumonia.Key Points• The incidence of serious pneumonias decreased from 1998 to 2014 among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).• There was no significant difference in the use of the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medication between JIA patients with serious and non-serious pneumonias.• Active JIA, comorbidities, and combination medication were associated with nearly half of the pneumonias.

Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in a real-life observational cohort of patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives

To evaluate the patterns of usage, efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in polyarticular JIA.

Methods

An observational study of 56 consecutive polyarticular JIA patients was conducted using patient charts and electronic JIA databases. Efficacy was assessed by tocilizumab survival, rates of low disease activity (LDA) and of inactive disease by 10-joint Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS-10), and of clinically inactive disease according to Wallace’s preliminary criteria. Efficacy and rate of adverse events (AEs) were evaluated during a 24-month period after tocilizumab commencement.

Results

Tocilizumab was started on average as third-line biological agent (median, range first- to fourth-line) at a median disease duration of 5.2 years (interquartile range 3.0–7.7). Survival rates were 82% at 12 months and 64% at 24 months. The reasons for discontinuation were inadequate treatment effect in 50%, AE plus inadequate treatment effect in 37.5% and AE alone in 12.5%. LDA (JADAS-10 ⩽3.9) was reached in 58% at 12 months and in 84% at 24 months, inactive disease (JADAS-10 ⩽0.7) in 19% and 44%, and clinically inactive disease in 28% and 46%, respectively. The rate of AEs was 200.9/100 patient years and of serious AEs 12.9/100 patient years.

Conclusion

Survival of tocilizumab was high and a large proportion of the treatment-resistant patients reached LDA at 12 months of treatment. The LDA rate continued to increase throughout 24 months. The rates of AEs and serious AEs were higher than in register studies but lower than in the originator study of tocilizumab.

Infectious adverse events in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis treated with Biological Agents in a real-life setting: Data from the JIRcohorte

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of our study is to assess the infectious adverse events occurring in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) children treated with biological agents.

METHODS

Patients were selected from the retrospective module of the JIRcohorte, data concerning the period between January 2001 and August 2015. All infectious adverse events (IAE) were retrieved. For every infectious side effect, the date, the severity, the need for a hospitalization, the type of pathogen and the affected organ were noted. Incidence rates were expressed in number of events per 100 person-years (100p-y), and OR were calculated.

RESULTS

Six hundred seventy-seven patients with JIA were included in the study. A total of 3075.4 person-years of exposure were analyzed. One hundred eighty-four infectious events were described (6.0 events/100 p-y): 15.5/100 p-y with tocilizumab (TCZ), 9.6/100 p-y with Canakinumab (CAN), 7.4/100 p-y with abatacept (ABA), 6.9/100 p-y with Golimumab (GOL), 6.7/100 p-y with Anakinra (ANA), 6.3/100 p-y with Infliximab, 4.8/100 p-y with Etanercept, and 3.7/100 p-y with Adalimumab. Risk of developing an infection was significantly higher with IL-6 antagonists or IL-1 antagonists than with TNF-inhibitor. Forty point eight percent of the infectious adverse events (IAE) affected the upper respiratory tract or the Ear, nose and throat (ENT) system. Twelve infectious adverse events were described as severe or very severe (0.4/100p-y). No case of tuberculosis or death was reported.

CONCLUSION

Infectious complications with biologics occurring in children treated for JIA are rare, and in most of the cases have a mild or moderate severity, affecting mainly the upper respiratory tract or the ENT.

Comparison of adverse events of biologicals for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review

Objectives: Treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis has changed rapidly since the introduction of various biologics almost twenty years ago. Many clinical trials have been performed to monitor efficacy and safety of new agents. The aim of this review is to summarize safety concerns, which were observed during prospective clinical trials. Methods: Since etanercept was the first biologic approved and remains the most frequently used, as first biologic in polyarticular JIA patients, the authors calculated the relative risk of the adverse events for all examined biologicals and compared the values with the value of etanercept. Results: Relative rates for all adverse events showed similar rates for etanercept, infliximab, golimumab, and tocilizumab, whereas adalimumab showed higher rates and abatacept lower rates. Comparison of rates for serious adverse events demonstrated, that rates seemed comparable for etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and tocilizumab. Again, abatacept showed a lower rate, whereas golimumab seems to have a higher relative risk for serious adverse events. Rate of infection was lowest in patients treated with abatacept or tocilizumab, patients treated with etanercept, adalimumab and Infliximab again had similar rates. Conclusion: The safety profiles of actually approved biologics are highly acceptable. However, further observation, especially long-term observation through registry studies, is required.

2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Therapeutic Approaches for Non-Systemic Polyarthritis, Sacroiliitis, and Enthesitis

OBJECTIVE

To develop treatment recommendations for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis manifesting as non-systemic polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, or enthesitis.

METHODS

The Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) questions were developed and refined by members of the guideline development teams. A systematic review was conducted to compile evidence for the benefits and harms associated with treatments for these conditions. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology was used to rate the quality of evidence. A group consensus process was conducted among the Voting Panel to generate the final recommendations and grade their strength. A Parent and Patient Panel used a similar consensus approach to provide patient/caregiver preferences for key questions.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine recommendations were developed (8 strong and 31 conditional). The quality of supporting evidence was very low or low for 90% of the recommendations. Recommendations are provided for the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, and intraarticular and oral glucocorticoids. Recommendations for the use of physical and occupational therapy are also provided. Specific recommendations for polyarthritis address general medication use, initial and subsequent treatment, and adjunctive therapies. Good disease control, with therapeutic escalation to achieve low disease activity, was recommended. The sacroiliitis and enthesitis recommendations primarily address initial therapy and adjunctive therapies.

CONCLUSION

This guideline provides direction for clinicians, caregivers, and patients making treatment decisions. Clinicians, caregivers, and patients should use a shared decision-making process that accounts for patients' values, preferences, and comorbidities. These recommendations should not be used to limit or deny access to therapies.

2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Therapeutic Approaches for Non-Systemic Polyarthritis, Sacroiliitis, and Enthesitis

OBJECTIVE

To develop treatment recommendations for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis manifesting as non-systemic polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, or enthesitis.

METHODS

The Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) questions were developed and refined by members of the guideline development teams. A systematic review was conducted to compile evidence for the benefits and harms associated with treatments for these conditions. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology was used to rate the quality of evidence. A group consensus process was conducted among the Voting Panel to generate the final recommendations and grade their strength. A Parent and Patient Panel used a similar consensus approach to provide patient/caregiver preferences for key questions.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine recommendations were developed (8 strong and 31 conditional). The quality of supporting evidence was very low or low for 90% of the recommendations. Recommendations are provided for the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, and intraarticular and oral glucocorticoids. Recommendations for the use of physical and occupational therapy are also provided. Specific recommendations for polyarthritis address general medication use, initial and subsequent treatment, and adjunctive therapies. Good disease control, with therapeutic escalation to achieve low disease activity, was recommended. The sacroiliitis and enthesitis recommendations primarily address initial therapy and adjunctive therapies.

CONCLUSION

This guideline provides direction for clinicians, caregivers, and patients making treatment decisions. Clinicians, caregivers, and patients should use a shared decision-making process that accounts for patients' values, preferences, and comorbidities. These recommendations should not be used to limit or deny access to therapies.

Risk of Serious Infections Associated with Biologic Agents in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether treatment with biologic response modifying agents during clinical trial study periods increases the risk of serious infections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic literature review using Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, and the clinical trial registry was performed up to July 2017. Random effects meta-analyses were used to compare rates of serious infections in children with JIA given biologic agents compared with controls, and the pooled relative risk calculated. Subanalyses were performed for different biologic agent classes.

RESULTS

In total, 19 trials accounting for 21 individual studies were included (11 for tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors [n = 814 patients], 3 for interleukin-6 inhibitors [n = 318], 6 for interleukin-1 inhibitors [n = 353], and 1 for selective T-lymphocyte costimulation modulators [n = 122]). Patients (68% female) had a mean age of 10.8 years. Seventeen serious infections were reported among 810 children receiving biologic agents and 15 among 797 controls. The most frequent infections were bronchopulmonary and varicella. No statistically significant difference in risk of serious infections was found between children receiving biologic agents compared with control groups (pooled relative risk = 1.13; 95% CI [0.63, 2.03]) during the trial study periods. The risk remained nonsignificant when evaluating the different classes of biologic agents separately. However, the analyses were underpowered to detect differences in the risk of serious infections overall or differences between classes of biologic agents.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review and meta-analyses, serious infections were uncommon and not significantly increased among patients with JIA receiving biologic agents compared with controls. However, the analyses were underpowered and study periods were relatively short. Ongoing careful monitoring for serious infections remains necessary for all patients with JIA, and particularly those receiving biologic agents.

Update of the evidence based, interdisciplinary guideline for anti-inflammatory treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIAU) is frequently associated with the development of complications and visual loss. Topical corticosteroids are the first line therapy, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used. However, treatment has not been standardized.

METHODS

Interdisciplinary guideline were developed with representatives from the German Ophthalmological Society, Society for Paediatric Rheumatology, Professional Association of Ophthalmologists, German Society for Rheumatology, parents' group, moderated by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. A systematic literature analysis in MEDLINE was performed, evidence and recommendations were graded, an algorithm for anti-inflammatory treatment and final statements were discussed in a consensus meeting (Nominal Group Technique), a preliminary draft was fine-tuned and discussed thereafter by all participants (Delphi procedure).

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on recommendations, including a standardized treatment strategy according to uveitis severity in the individual patient. Thus, methotrexate shall be introduced for uveitis not responding to low-dose (≤ 2 applications/day) topical corticosteroids, and a TNFalpha antibody (preferably adalimumab) used, if uveitis inactivity is not achieved. In very severe active uveitis with uveitis-related deterioration of vision, systemic corticosteroids should be considered for bridging until DMARDs take effect. If TNFalpha antibodies fail to take effect or lose effect, another biological should be selected (tocilizumab, abatacept or rituximab). De-escalation of DMARDs should be preceded by a period of  ≥ 2 years of uveitis inactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

An interdisciplinary, evidence-based treatment guideline for JIAU is presented.

Treat to target (drug-free) inactive disease in DMARD-naive juvenile idiopathic arthritis: 24-month clinical outcomes of a three-armed randomised trial

QUESTION

Which is the best strategy to achieve (drug-free) inactive disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?

METHODS

In a randomised, single-blinded, study in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD)-naive patients with JIA, three treatment-strategies were compared: (1) sequential DMARD-monotherapy (sulfasalazine or methotrexate (MTX)), (2) combination therapy MTX + 6 weeks prednisolone and (3) combination therapy MTX +etanercept. Treatment-to-target entailed 3-monthly DMARD/biological adjustments in case of persistent disease activity, with drug tapering to nil in case of inactive disease.After 24 months, primary outcomes were time-to-inactive-disease and time-to-flare after DMARD discontinuation. Secondary outcomes were adapted ACRPedi30/50/70/90 scores, functional ability and adverse events.

RESULTS

94 children (67 % girls) aged median (IQR) 9.1 (4.6-12.9) years were enrolled: 32 in arms 1 and 2, 30 in arm 3. At baseline visual analogue scale (VAS) physician was mean 49 (SD 16) mm, VAS patient 53 (22) mm, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 12.8 (14.7), active joints median 8 (5-12), limited joints 2.5 (1-4.8) and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire score mean 1.0 (0.6).After 24 months, 71% (arm 1), 70% (arm 2) and 72% (arm 3) of patients had inactive disease and 45% (arm 1), 31% (arm 2) and 41% (arm 3) had drug-free inactive disease. Time-to-inactive-disease was median 9.0 (5.3-15.0) months in arm 1, 9.0 (6.0-12.8) months in arm 2 and 9.0 (6.0-12.0) months in arm 3 (p=0.30). Time-to-flare was not significantly different (overall 3.0 (3.0-6.8) months, p=0.7). Adapted ACR pedi-scores were comparably high between arms. Adverse events were similar.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of initial specific treatments, after 24 months of treatment-to-target aimed at drug-free inactive disease, 71% of recent-onset patients with JIA had inactive disease (median onset 9 months) and 39% were drug free. Tightly controlled treatment-to-target is feasible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

1574.

Risk of serious bacterial infection associated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives

TNF-α inhibitors (TNFIs) have a black box warning for increased risk of serious infection that was based on evidence from studies of adults. Evidence of the association is lacking for children. We aimed to examine the risk of infection posed by TNFIs compared with DMARDs in children with JIA.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using the 2009-13 Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Children <16 years old with JIA who initiated monotherapy with TNFIs or DMARDs were identified and followed for occurrence of serious bacterial infection requiring hospitalization. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios for infection associated with TNFIs compared with DMARDs, adjusting for potential confounders with high-dimensional propensity scores and time-varying CS use.

Results

We identified 2013 DMARD initiators and 482 TNFI initiators with a mean follow-up of 255 and 307 days, respectively. We identified 18 and 11 patients with a serious infection in the DMARD and TNFI groups, resulting in crude rates of 1.28 (95% CI 0.76-2.02) and 2.72 (95%CI 1.36-4.86) per 100 person-years, respectively. In adjusted models, TNFIs were associated with an increased risk of serious bacterial infection compared with DMARDs (adjusted hazard ratio 2.72, 95% CI: 1.08, 6.86).

Conclusion

Use of TNFIs poses a higher risk of serious infection compared with DMARDs in children with JIA. Our analysis confirms the US Food and Drug Administration warning about TNFI-associated infection in children with JIA.

Longterm Safety and Efficacy of Adalimumab and Infliximab for Uveitis Associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Anti-TNF-α agents have significantly changed the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) for the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis in patients treated for ≥ 2 years.

METHODS

Patients with JIA-associated uveitis treated with IFX and ADA were managed by a standardized protocol and data were entered in the ORCHIDEA registry. At baseline, all patients were refractory to standard immunosuppressive treatment or were corticosteroid-dependent. Data recorded every 3 months were uveitis course, number/type of ocular flares and complications, drug-related adverse events (AE), and treatment switch or withdrawal. Data of patients treated for ≥ 2 years were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Up to December 2014, 154 patients with ≥ 24 months followup were included in the study. Fifty-nine patients were treated with IFX and 95 with ADA. Clinical remission, defined as the absence of flares for > 6 months on treatment, was achieved in 69 patients (44.8%), with a better remission rate for ADA (60.0%) as compared to IFX (20.3%; p < 0.001). A significant reduction of flares was observed in all patients without difference between the 2 treatment modalities. The number of new ocular complications decreased in both groups but was lower for ADA (p = 0.015). No serious AE were recorded; 16.4% of patients experienced 35 minor AE and the incidence rate was lower with ADA than with IFX.

CONCLUSION

At the 2-year followup, ADA showed a better efficacy and safety profile than IFX for the treatment of refractory JIA-associated uveitis.

Serious Adverse Events Associated with Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents in Pediatric-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in A Real-Life Setting

OBJECTIVES

Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents are generally well tolerated, yet they can be associated with serious adverse events (SAEs) in a minority of patients. We examined the incidence of SAEs in a pediatric referral center for chronic rheumatologic and gastroenterological inflammatory disorders.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of SAEs occurring during treatment with anti-TNF-α agents in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (n = 78)  or pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n = 105) seen at the Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo" in Trieste, Italy, between June 2001 and February 2016. Only SAEs grade 3-5 according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03 and/or requiring definitive therapy discontinuation were reported.

RESULTS

Total anti-TNF-α exposure was 390.5 patient-years (PYs). The overall incidence rate of SAEs for etanercept was 4.14/100 PYs. Four patients developed uveitis, two had anxiety disorders, one had a serious zoster infection, and one developed TNF-α antagonist-induced lupus-like syndrome (TAILS). The overall incidence rate of SAEs for infliximab was 22.49/100 PYs. The most common SAEs were anaphylactoid reactions (n = 18), followed by infectious events (n = 9) and TAILS (n = 3). The overall incidence rate of SAEs for adalimumab was 4.71/100 PYs (two infectious SAEs). No malignancies or deaths were observed. A greater incidence rate of infectious SAEs was observed in IBD patients receiving infliximab compared to JIA patients receiving etanercept (8.11 vs 0.52 per 100 PYs).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF-α therapy was generally well tolerated. SAEs leading to anti-TNF-α discontinuation were rare and non-fatal. Infliximab was associated with the highest incidence of SAEs. Infectious SAEs were more frequently observed in IBD patients treated with infliximab than in JIA patients receiving etanercept.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest rheumatic disease in children and JIA-associated uveitis its most frequent extra-articular manifestation. The uveitis is potentially sight-threatening and thus carries a considerable risk of morbidity with associated reduction in quality of life. The commonest form of uveitis seen in association with JIA is chronic anterior uveitis, which is almost always asymptomatic in the initial stages. Therefore, screening for JIA-associated uveitis in at-risk patients is essential. The aim of early detection and treatment is to minimise intraocular inflammation and to avoid complications that lead to visual loss, which can result from both disease activity and medications. The sight-threatening complications of JIA-associated uveitis include cataracts, glaucoma, band keratopathy, and macular oedema. There is increasing evidence for the early introduction of systemic immunosuppressive therapies to reduce topical and systemic use of glucocorticoids. A recently published randomised controlled trial of adalimumab in JIA-associated uveitis now provides convincing evidence for the use of this biologic in patients who fail to respond adequately to methotrexate. Tocilizumab and abatacept are being investigated as alternatives in children inadequately treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs.

A novel radiographic scoring system for growth abnormalities and structural change in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the hip

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20-50% of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have hip involvement within 6 years of diagnosis. Scoring systems for hip-related radiographic changes are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To examine precision of potential radiographic variables and to suggest a scoring system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed a set of 75 pelvic radiographs from 75 children with JIA hip involvement across two European centres. We assessed findings of (1) destructive change and (2) growth abnormality, according to a pre-defined scoring system. All radiographs were scored independently by two sets of radiologists. One set scored the radiographs a second time. We used kappa statistics to rate inter- and intra-observer variability.

RESULTS

Assessment of erosions of the femoral head, femoral neck and the acetabulum showed moderate to good agreement for the same reader (kappa of 0.5-0.8). The inter-reader agreement was, however, low (kappa of 0.1-0.3). There was moderate to high agreement for the assessment of femoral head flattening (kappa of 0.6-0.7 for the same reader, 0.3-0.7 between readers). Joint space narrowing showed moderate to high agreement both within and between observers (kappa of 0.4-0.8). Femoral neck length and width measurements, the centrum-collum-diaphysis angle, and trochanteric-femoral head lengths were relatively precise, with 95% limits of agreement within 10-15% of the observer average.

CONCLUSION

Several radiographic variables of destructive and growth abnormalities in children with hip JIA have reasonable reproducibility. We suggest that future studies on clinical validity focus on assessing only reproducible radiographic variables.

Biologics in pediatric psoriasis - efficacy and safety

INTRODUCTION

Childhood psoriasis is a special situation that is a management challenge for the treating dermatologist. As is the situation with traditional systemic agents, which are commonly used in managing severe psoriasis in children, the biologics are being increasingly used in the recalcitrant disease despite limited data on long term safety.

AREAS COVERED

We performed an extensive literature search to collect evidence-based data on the use of biologics in pediatric psoriasis. The relevant literature published from 2000 to September 2017 was obtained from PubMed, using the MeSH words 'biologics', 'biologic response modifiers' and 'treatment of pediatric/childhood psoriasis'. All clinical trials, randomized double-blind or single-blind controlled trials, open-label studies, retrospective studies, reviews, case reports and letters concerning the use of biologics in pediatric psoriasis were screened. Articles covering the use of biologics in pediatric psoriasis were screened and reference lists in the selected articles were scrutinized to identify other relevant articles that had not been found in the initial search. Articles without relevant information about biologics in general (e.g. its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and adverse effects) and its use in psoriasis in particular were excluded. We screened 427 articles and finally selected 41 relevant articles.

EXPERT OPINION

The available literature on the use of biologics such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents, and anti-IL-12/23 agents like ustekinumab suggests that these are effective and safe in managing severe pediatric psoriasis although there is an urgent need to generate more safety data. Dermatologists must be careful about the potential adverse effects of the biologics before administering them to children with psoriasis. It is likely that with rapidly evolving scenario of biologics in psoriasis, these will prove to be very useful molecules particularly in managing severe and recalcitrant psoriasis in pediatric age group.

High rate of serious infection in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients under biologic therapy in a real-life setting

OBJECTIVES

To assess the rate of serious and/or opportunistic infections in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients from a single tertiary center under biologic therapy and to identify possible risk factors associated to these complications.

METHODS

A total of 107 JIA patients followed at the biologic therapy center of our tertiary university hospital using a standardized electronic database protocol including demographic data, clinical and laboratorial findings and treatment at baseline and at the moment of infection. Opportunistic infections included tuberculosis, herpes zoster and systemic mycosis.

RESULTS

A total of 398 patient-yrs(py) were included. The median time of biologic exposure was 3.0 years (0.15-11.5). We observed 35 serious/opportunistic infectious events in 27 (25%) patients: 31(88.6%) were serious infections and four (11.4%) opportunistic infections. Serious/opportunistic infections rates were 10.6/100py for ETN, 10.9/100py for ADA, 2.6/100py for ABA and 14.8/100py for TCZ. Comparison of 27 patients with and 80 without infection showed a higher frequency of systemic-onset JIA, lower age at biologic therapy initiation and a history of previous serious infection (p < .05) in the former group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a high rate of serious infections in JIA patients under biologic therapy in a real-life setting. Systemic-onset JIA, lower age at biologic therapy start and history of previous serious infections were important risk factors for these complications. Also, higher rates of severe infections comparing to the former studies was possibly due to elevated MTX doses in our patients.

Comparative Risk of Harm Associated With the Use of Targeted Immunomodulators: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically compare the risk of adverse events (AEs) for 13 targeted immunomodulators (TIMs) indicated for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), inflammatory bowel diseases, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We searched electronic databases through July 2015 to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing AEs between 2 or more TIMs head-to-head. We reported on the following outcomes: number of AEs, discontinuation due to AEs, serious AEs, mortality, serious infections, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, and malignancies. We qualitatively synthesized the literature and conducted random-effects meta-analyses if 3 or more studies provided data for an outcome.

RESULTS

Ten head-to-head RCTs and 51 observational studies were included in this systematic review. A majority of the studies (70%) were conducted in RA patients. Risk of treatment discontinuation due to AEs was higher with infliximab than with adalimumab or etanercept in RA, PsA, and AS. A higher risk for serious infections was noted with infliximab than with abatacept, adalimumab, or etanercept in RA. Risk for treatment discontinuation due to AEs, serious infections, and tuberculosis was lower with etanercept than with adalimumab in RA. Limited evidence suggested no comparative differences in risk for mortality, malignancies, and herpes zoster for adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab in RA.

CONCLUSION

Important differences were noted in the safety profile of TIMs in RA, generally favoring abatacept, adalimumab, and etanercept over infliximab. Head-to-head comparative evidence for other TIMs and non-RA populations was insufficient to draw conclusions for most of the safety outcomes.