Pilot study comparing the childhood arthritis and rheumatology research alliance consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of juvenile proliferative lupus nephritis

Contributors to organ damage in childhood lupus: corticosteroid use and disease activity

OBJECTIVES

Awareness of paediatric-specific predictors of damage in childhood lupus is needed to inform mitigation measures. The objective of this study was to ascertain how clinical and demographic variables correlate with damage accrual and identify predictors of damage.

METHODS

This analysis included UK JSLE Cohort Study participants. Univariable and multivariable Prentice-Williams-Peterson models investigated how demographic and clinical factors influenced the hazards of new damage. Analyses were performed across the entire cohort, in patients with minimal disease activity marked by a time-adjusted average SLEDAI-2K score (AMS) of ≤2, in patients with low activity (AMS of ≤4), patients with moderate-to-high activity (AMS of >4) and patients with no CS use.

RESULTS

Within the entire cohort (n = 430), factors associated with damage included: any methylprednisolone [hazard ratio, HR 2.20 (CI 1.33-3.62)], time-adjusted mean Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) [HR 2.87 (CI 1.48-5.56)] and AMS score [HR 1.13 (CI 1.03-1.24), all P < 0.05]. Within the low activity subgroup, any methylprednisolone [HR 2.61 (CI 1.04-6.53)] and time-adjusted mean PGA [HR 3.41 (CI 1.52-7.76)] were associated with damage (both P < 0.05). Within the moderate-to-high activity subgroup, any methylprednisolone [HR 2.29 (CI 1.31-4.00)], time-adjusted mean PGA [HR 2.66, (CI 1.20-5.87)] and AMS score [HR 1.15 (CI 1.03-1.29)] were predictive of damage (all P < 0.05). Baseline organ damage was predictive of subsequent damage accrual in the minimal disease activity subgroup [HR 1.33 (CI 1.78-8.08)] and the no CSs subgroup [HR 3.64 (CI 1.83-7.24), both P < 0.005].

CONCLUSION

Disease activity levels (AMS/PGA) and proxy indicators (methylprednisolone exposure, baseline damage) were found to be key predictors of damage accrual. This highlights the importance of practical strategies, such as treat-to-target, for reducing disease activity and long-term treatment toxicity.

Do we really need cyclophosphamide for lupus nephritis?

A 14-year-old patient presents with hematuria and proteinuria. Clinical evaluation reveals a positive anti-nuclear antibody titer, positive anti-double stranded DNA antibody and hypocomplementemia. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is diagnosed based on the 2019 EULAR/ACR (European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology) classification criteria (Aringer et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 71:1400-1412, 2019). A kidney biopsy is performed that confirms the presence of immune complex glomerulonephritis, ISN-RPS (International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society) class IV (Bajema et al. Kidney Int 93:789-796, 2018). According to the latest clinical practice guidelines (Rovin et al. Kidney Int 100:753-779, 2021; Fanouriakis et al. Ann Rheum Dis 83:15-29, 2023), there are alternatives to treating this patient with cyclophosphamide. But what if this patient also presented with oliguria and volume overload requiring intensive care and dialysis? What if this patient also presented with altered mental status and seizures, and was diagnosed with neuropsychiatric lupus? What if this patient was also diagnosed with a pulmonary hemorrhage and respiratory failure? The clinical practice guidelines do not address these scenarios that are not uncommon in patients with SLE. Moreover, in some countries worldwide, patients do not have the privilege of access to biologics or more expensive alternatives. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the contemporary options for initial treatment of nephritis in patients with SLE.

Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Consensus Treatment Plans for Refractory Moderately Severe Juvenile Dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to develop consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for patients with refractory moderately severe juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) treated with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

METHODS

The Biologics Workgroup of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance JDM Research Committee used case-based surveys, consensus framework, and nominal group technique to produce bDMARD CTPs for patients with refractory moderately severe JDM.

RESULTS

Four bDMARD CTPs were proposed: tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitor (adalimumab or infliximab), abatacept, rituximab, and tocilizumab. Each CTP has different options for dosing and/or route. Among 76 respondents, consensus was achieved for the proposed CTPs (93% [67 of 72]) as well as for patient characteristics, assessments, outcome measures, and follow-up. By weighted average, respondents indicated that they would most likely administer rituximab, followed by abatacept, TNFα inhibitor, and tocilizumab.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for the administration of bDMARDs in refractory moderately severe JDM were developed using consensus methodology. The implementation of the bDMARD CTPs will lay the groundwork for registry-based prospective comparative effectiveness studies.

Implementation study of the CARRA Uveitis Consensus Treatment Plans: feasibility for clinical practice and applicability for research

BACKGROUND

Chronic anterior uveitis (CAU) carries a significant risk for eye complications and vision loss. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) introduced consensus treatment plans (CTPs) to standardize treatment for CAU and facilitate future comparative effectiveness studies. Two CTPs were developed to address: 1) initiation of methotrexate (MTX) in patients with CAU naïve to steroid-sparing therapy, and 2) initiation of a TNF inhibitor (TNFi) in patients with severe uveitis or uveitis refractory to MTX. We evaluated implementation of the uveitis CTPs using existing CARRA Registry infrastructure and assessed feasibility of the CTPs for comparative effectiveness research.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at nine pilot sites between February 2020 and August 2022. Patients with JIA-associated CAU (JIA-U) were treated according to either the MTX or TNFi CTP. Uveitis activity and medication use were recorded at 0, 3, and 6 months. We assessed patient enrollment rates, CTP arm selection, uveitis control, and quality of data collection. We also evaluated CTP arm selection in a retrospective cohort of similar JIA-U patients enrolled in the CARRA Registry during the same study period.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included in the pilot cohort. Eight were treated with the MTX CTP (4 oral MTX, 4 subcutaneous MTX), and 9 with the TNFi CTP (9 received standard-dose adalimumab, none selected high-dose adalimumab or infliximab). Uveitis was controlled in 13 of 17 patients by 6 months. Query of the CARRA-wide Registry identified 42 patients with JIA-U who were treated according to the MTX or TNFi CTPs. Among these, 26 were treated with MTX (8 oral, 18 subcutaneous) and 16 with TNFi (12 standard dose adalimumab, 2 high dose adalimumab, and 2 infliximab).

CONCLUSION

Both the MTX and TNFi uveitis CTPs can practically be implemented in clinical settings and are currently being utilized across Registry sites. However, in patients starting TNFi therapy, all pilot study participants and most patients across the CARRA Registry were treated with a standard dose of adalimumab. This consensus on the treatment approach underscores its broad acceptance but also limits the applicability of the uveitis TNFi CTP for comparative effectiveness research.

Managing Lupus Nephritis in Children and Adolescents

Lupus nephritis is an important manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, which leads to chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and can result in mortality. About 35%-60% of children with systemic lupus erythematosus develop kidney involvement. Over the past few decades, the outcome of patients with lupus nephritis has improved significantly with advances in immunosuppressive therapies and clinical management. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of high-level evidence to guide the management of childhood-onset lupus nephritis, because of the relatively small number of patients at each centre and also because children and adolescents are often excluded from clinical trials. Children and adults differ in more ways than just size, and there are remarkable differences between childhood- and adult-onset lupus nephritis in terms of disease severity, treatment efficacy, tolerance to medications and most importantly, psychosocial perspective. In this article, we review the 'art and science' of managing childhood-onset lupus nephritis, which has evolved in recent years, and highlight special considerations in this specific patient population.

Renal Response Outcomes of the EuroLupus and National Institutes of Health Cyclophosphamide Dosing Regimens in Childhood-Onset Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

OBJECTIVE

We compared clinical characteristics and renal response in patients with childhood-onset proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) treated with the EuroLupus versus National Institutes of Health (NIH) cyclophosphamide (CYC) regimen.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at 11 pediatric centers in North America that reported using both CYC regimens. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment initiation with CYC. To evaluate the adjusted association between CYC regimen (EuroLupus vs NIH) and renal response over time, generalized estimating equations with a logit link were used. An interaction between time and CYC regimen was included, and a contrast between CYC regimens at 12 months was used to evaluate the primary outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five patients (58 EuroLupus, 87 NIH) were included. EuroLupus patients were on average older at the start of current CYC therapy, had longer disease duration, and more commonly had relapsed or refractory LN compared with the NIH group. After multivariable adjustment, there was no significant association between CYC regimen and achieving complete renal response at 12 months (odds ratio [OR] of response for the EuroLupus regimen, reference NIH regimen: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-1.98). There was also no significant association between CYC regimen and achieving at least a partial renal response at 12 months (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.57-3.19).

CONCLUSION

Our study failed to demonstrate a benefit of the NIH regimen over the EuroLupus CYC regimen in childhood-onset proliferative LN. However, future prospective outcome studies are needed.

Childhood-Onset Lupus Nephritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: Short-Term Kidney Status and Variation in Care

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to characterize short-term kidney status and describe variation in early care utilization in a multicenter cohort of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and nephritis.

METHODS

We analyzed previously collected prospective data from North American patients with cSLE with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry from March 2017 through December 2019. We determined the proportion of patients with abnormal kidney status at the most recent registry visit and applied generalized linear mixed models to identify associated factors. We also calculated frequency of medication use, both during induction and ever recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 222 patients with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis, with 64% class III/IV nephritis on initial biopsy. At the most recent registry visit at median (interquartile range) of 17 (8-29) months from initial kidney biopsy, 58 of 106 patients (55%) with available data had abnormal kidney status. This finding was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-12.46) and age at cSLE diagnosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49). Patients with class IV nephritis were more likely than class III to receive cyclophosphamide and rituximab during induction. There was substantial variation in mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab ever use patterns across rheumatology centers.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with predominately class III/IV nephritis, male sex and older age at cSLE diagnosis were associated with abnormal short-term kidney status. We also observed substantial variation in contemporary medication use for pediatric lupus nephritis between pediatric rheumatology centers. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of this variation on long-term kidney outcomes.

International Consensus for the Dosing of Corticosteroids in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a standardized steroid dosing regimen (SSR) for physicians treating childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by lupus nephritis (LN), using consensus formation methodology.

METHODS

Parameters influencing corticosteroid (CS) dosing were identified (step 1). Data from children with proliferative LN were used to generate patient profiles (step 2). Physicians rated changes in renal and extrarenal childhood-onset SLE activity between 2 consecutive visits and proposed CS dosing (step 3). The SSR was developed using patient profile ratings (step 4), with refinements achieved in a physician focus group (step 5). A second type of patient profile describing the course of childhood-onset SLE for ≥4 months since kidney biopsy was rated to validate the SSR-recommended oral and intravenous (IV) CS dosages (step 6). Patient profile adjudication was based on majority ratings for both renal and extrarenal disease courses, and consensus level was set at 80%.

RESULTS

Degree of proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate, changes in renal and extrarenal disease activity, and time since kidney biopsy influenced CS dosing (steps 1 and 2). Considering these parameters in 5,056 patient profile ratings from 103 raters, and renal and extrarenal course definitions, CS dosing rules of the SSR were developed (steps 3-5). Validation of the SSR for up to 6 months post-kidney biopsy was achieved with 1,838 patient profile ratings from 60 raters who achieved consensus for oral and IV CS dosage in accordance with the SSR (step 6).

CONCLUSION

The SSR represents an international consensus on CS dosing for use in patients with childhood-onset SLE and proliferative LN. The SSR is anticipated to be used for clinical care and to standardize CS dosage during clinical trials.

Working Towards a Treat-to-Target Protocol in Juvenile Proliferative Lupus Nephritis - A Survey of Pediatric Rheumatologists and Nephrologists in Germany and Austria

BACKGROUND

To describe treatment practices for juvenile proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) class III and IV of pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists in Germany and Austria in preparation for a treat-to-target treatment protocol in LN.

METHODS

Survey study by members of the Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (GKJR) and the German Society for Pediatric Nephrology (GPN) on diagnostics and (concomitant) therapy of LN.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight physicians completed the survey. Overall, there was a considerable heterogeneity regarding the suggested diagnostics and management of juvenile proliferative LN. Increased urinary protein excretion, either assessed by 24 h urine collection or spot urine (protein-creatinine ratio), and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate were specified as important parameters for indication of kidney biopsy to diagnose proliferative LN and monitoring of therapy. Corticosteroids were generally proposed for induction and maintenance therapy, most often in conjunction with either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CP) as steroid-sparing immunosuppressants. MMF was clearly preferred over CP for induction therapy of LN class III, whereas CP and MMF were equally proposed for LN class IV. MMF was most often recommended for maintenance therapy in conjunction with oral corticosteroids and continued for at least 3 years and 1 year, respectively, after remission. Hydroxychloroquine was widely accepted as a concomitant measure followed by renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in cases of arterial hypertension and/or proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

The majority of pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists in Germany and Austria propose the use of corticosteroids, most often in combination with either MMF or CP, for treatment of proliferative LN in children. The considerable heterogeneity of responses supports the need for a treat-to-target protocol for juvenile proliferative LN between pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists.

Implementation Science in Pediatric Rheumatology: A Path to Health Equity

Implementation science is the study of processes that promote reliable uptake of evidence-based practices into clinical care. The integration of implementation science and health disparities research approaches has been proposed as a method to reduce health inequity through detection, understanding, and implementation of health equity-focused interventions. In this review, we provide an argument for the study of implementation science in pediatric rheumatology in light of previously observed health disparities, present a framework for the study of health equity and implementation science in pediatric rheumatology, and propose next steps to accelerate action.

CARRA: The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance

The Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) launched in 2000 as a small network of pediatric rheumatologists and investigators dedicated to promoting collaborative research to improve the care and outcomes of childhood-onset rheumatic diseases. Over the past 2 decades, CARRA has grown to become a major driver of advances in evidence-based medicine and career development in pediatric rheumatology. Its research approach has transformed pediatric rheumatology. CARRA is a vibrant organization that will continue to facilitate impactful research in the care of children, adolescents, and young adults with rheumatic disease in the years to come.

Effects of alternative remission criteria on outcome of pediatric proliferative lupus nephritis: a multi-center retrospective study of pediatric proliferative lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

To observe the induction efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide under different complete remission (CR) criteria in children with proliferative lupus nephritis, and to further explore the factors influencing the judgment of remission.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2019, children who diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis underwent induction therapy of MMF or CYC in three hospitals were consecutively collected. Based on this population, we compared CR rates between two groups under six CR criteria selected from related recommendations and clinical trials. Then degrees and impact factors of disagreement among CR rates evaluated by selected criteria would be analyzed by Kappa test and multivariable logistic-regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 161 children were included in this study, 27 patients received induction therapy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and 134 patients recieved cyclophosphamide (CYC). Under different CR criteria, CR rates in MMF group fluctuated between 18.5%-74.1% and that in CYC group ranged from 16.4%-73.9%. Moreover, comparison between the two drugs in induction treatment under different criteria showed an opposite trend in efficacy. The results of six criteria were inconsistent, with pair-to-pair Kappa values ranging from 0.118 to 0.858. The most important factors leading to disagreement in judgment were urinary protein and urinary red blood cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The definition of complete response, especially the factors of the urinary protein and urinary red blood cells, significantly impacts the clinical judgment of children with lupus nephritis.

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Update on clinical presentation, pathophysiology and treatment options

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) accounts for up to 20% of all SLE patients. Key differences between juvenile- and adult-onset (aSLE) disease include higher disease activity, earlier development of damage, and increased use of immunosuppressive treatment in jSLE suggesting (at least partial) infectivity secondary to variable pathomechanisms. While the exact pathophysiology of jSLE remains unclear, genetic factors, immune complex deposition, complement activation, hormonal factors and immune cell dysregulation are involved to variable extents, promising future patient stratification based on immune phenotypes. Though less effective and potentially toxic, jSLE patients are treated based upon evidence from studies in aSLE cohorts. Here, age-specific clinical features of jSLE, underlying pathomechanisms, treatment options and disease outcomes will be addressed. Future directions to improve the care of jSLE patients, including implementation of the Single Hub and Access point for pediatric Rheumatology in Europe (SHARE) recommendations, biomarkers, treat to target and personalized medicine approaches are discussed.

Developing comparative effectiveness studies for a rare, understudied pediatric disease: lessons learned from the CARRA juvenile localized scleroderma consensus treatment plan pilot study

BACKGROUND

We designed and initiated a pilot comparative effectiveness study for juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS), for which there is limited evidence on best therapy. We evaluated the process we used, in relation to the specific protocol and to the general task of identifying strategies for implementing studies in rare pediatric diseases.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study of 50 jLS patients initiating treatment, designed and conducted by the jLS group of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) from 2012 to 2015. A series of virtual and physical meetings were held to design the study, standardize clinical assessments, generate and refine disease activity and damage measures, and monitor the study. Patients were initiated on one of three standardized methotrexate-based treatment regimens (consensus treatment plans, CTPs) and monitored for 1 year. An optional bio-banking sub-study was included.

RESULTS

The target enrollment of 50 patients was achieved over 26 months at 10 sites, with patients enrolled into all CTPs. Enrolled patients were typical for jLS. Study eligibility criteria were found to perform well, capturing patients thought appropriate for treatment studies. Minor modifications to the eligibility criteria, primarily to facilitate recruitment for future studies, were discussed with consensus agreement reached on them by the jLS group. There were marked differences in site preferences for specific CTPs, with half the sites treating all their patients with the same CTP. Most patients (88%) completed the study, and 68% participated in the bio-banking substudy.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach for conducting comparative effectiveness research in a rare pediatric disease. Multi-center collaboration by dedicated investigators who met regularly was a key factor in the success of this project. Other factors that facilitate these studies include having a sufficient number of investigators to enroll in each regimen, and streamlining study approval and management.

Research priorities in childhood-onset lupus: results of a multidisciplinary prioritization exercise

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset systemic erythematosus lupus (cSLE) is characterized by more severe disease, widespread organ involvement and higher mortality compared to adult-onset SLE. However, cSLE is largely underfunded to carry out necessary research to advance the field. Few commonly used SLE medications have been studied in children, and important knowledge gaps exist concerning epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology and optimal treatments for cSLE.

METHODS

In order to assess highest cSLE research priority areas, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) and Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) administered a cSLE research prioritization survey to pediatric rheumatologists, dermatologists and nephrologists with expertise in lupus. Members of LFA and CARRA's SLE Committee identified a list of cSLE research domains and developed a 17-item tiered, web-based survey asking respondents to categorize the research domains into high, medium, or low priority areas. For domains identified as high priority, respondents ranked research topics within that category. For example, for the domain of nephritis, respondents ranked importance of: epidemiology, biomarkers, long-term outcomes, quality improvement, etc. The survey was distributed to members of CARRA, Midwestern Pediatric Nephrology Consortium (MWPNC) and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) Connective Tissue Disease group.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 256/752 (34%). The highest prioritized research domains were: nephritis, clinical trials, biomarkers, neuropsychiatric disease and refractory skin disease. Notably, nephritis, clinical trials and biomarkers were ranked in the top five by all groups. Within each research domain, all groups showed agreement in identifying the following as important focus areas: determining best treatments, biomarkers/pathophysiology, drug discovery/novel treatments, understanding long term outcomes, and refining provider reported quality measures.

CONCLUSION

This survey identified the highest cSLE research priorities among leading rheumatology, dermatology and nephrology clinicians and investigators engaged in care of children with lupus. There is a strong need for multidisciplinary collaboration moving forward, which was indicated as highly important among stakeholders involved in the survey. These survey results should be used as a roadmap to guide funding and specific research programs in cSLE to address urgent, unmet needs among this population.