Management of thyroid eye disease: a Consensus Statement by the American Thyroid Association and the European Thyroid Association

An observational study on the safety of teprotumumab based on FAERS database

OBJECTIVE

Teprotumumab plays an important role in thyroid eye disease pathogenesis and progression. We intend to mine the adverse event (AE) signals from a relevant database, thereby contributing to the safe use of teprotumumab.

METHODS

The data obtained from the ASCII data packages in the FAERS database from January 2020 to the second quarter of 2023 were imported into the SAS software (version 9.4) for data cleaning and analysis. Disproportionality analysis was performed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) in conjunction with the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) omnibus standard method to detect positive signals.

PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective observational study relied on adverse drug reactions reported to the FDA through FAERS, which is a standard public system for spontaneous reporting.

RESULTS

Collectively, 2171 AE reports for teprotumumab were collected, among which 108 significant signals were identified involving 17 system organ classes. The SOC of ear and labyrinth disorders included the most AE signals and reports. Muscle spasms, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, alopecia, blood glucose increased, hypoacusis, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus were the top ten PTs ranked by the frequency of reporting, meanwhile, the two high-strength signals of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin increase (ROR 662.89, 95% CI 182.40-2409.19) and gingival recession (ROR 125.13, 95% CI 79.70-196.45) were not documented in the drug instruction. Meanwhile, we found a higher risk of increased blood glucose, deafness, and decreased appetite for male patients, and headache for female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical application of teprotumumab should be closely monitored for ototoxicity, nail abnormalities, and menstrual changes, as well as for AEs not mentioned in the drug instruction, including gingival recession, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin increase, and so on.

CD20 + T lymphocytes in isolated Hashimoto's thyroiditis and type 3 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

CD20+ T cells represent up to 5% of circulating T lymphocytes. These cells have been shown to produce higher levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ than those of CD20- T lymphocytes. Some reports described the role of CD20+ T cells in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis possibly due to their ability to produce these inflammatory cytokines. This study is aimed at describing the behavior of CD20+ T lymphocytes in the most frequent autoimmune disorder, i.e., Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), presenting isolated or associated to further autoaggressive disorders in a frame of poly-autoimmunity.

METHODS

The study group encompasses 65 HT patients: 23 presenting in isolated form (IT) and 42 with an associated non-endocrine autoimmune disorder [16 with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 15 with nonsegmental vitiligo (VIT), and 11 with celiac disease (CD)]. Twenty healthy donors act as control group (HD). Chronic use of interfering drugs, severe or chronic disorders, and pregnancy and lactation were used as exclusion criteria. Whole blood samples (100 µl) were stained with fluorescent-labeled antibodies (anti-CD45, anti-CD3, anti-CD19, anti-CD16, anti-CD56, anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD20). Red blood cells were then lysed by adding 1 ml of hypotonic buffer, and samples were acquired on a Flow Cytometer.

RESULTS

CD3+CD8+CD20+ T lymphocytes' percentages, were significantly higher in the whole group of autoimmune patients compared to healthy donors (p = 0.0145). Dividing HT patients based on the type of presentation of autoimmune thyroiditis, CAG group showed the highest percentage of these cells as compared to HD and CD (p = 0.0058). IT patients showed higher percentages of CD3+ CD8+CD20+ cells than those of HD patients although not reaching statistical significance. However, dividing IT group based on thyroid function, hypothyroid patients showed higher CD8+CD20+ cell percentages than those of HD and euthyroid patients (p = 0.0111). Moreover, in IT patients, these cells were negatively correlated with FT4 levels (p = 0.0171; r = -0.4921).

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings indicate that CD8+CD20+ T cells are activated in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and may behave differently according to the presence of poly-autoimmunity and hypothyroidism.

Concurrent pretibial myxedema and thyroid eye disease following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a patient with history of Graves' disease

A 70-year-old female had a history of thyroid surgery for benign nodules and Graves' disease. Following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, she presented Graves' orbitopathy and pretibial myxedema. Symptoms of thyroid eye disease and thyroid dermopathy improved after 500-mg methylprednisolone infusions.

Late orbital radiotherapy combined with intravenous methylprednisolone in the management of long-lasting active graves' orbitopathy: a case report and literature review

PURPOSE

To present a case and review the literature on Orbital Radiotherapy (OR) combined with intravenous methylprednisolone, focusing on its late application in patients with long-lasting active Graves' Orbitopathy (GO). Additionally, we suggest emerging perspective for future research in this context.

METHOD

Relevant literature (randomized controlled studies, retrospective studies and reviews) was explored on PubMed from January 1973 to January 2024, searching "orbital radiotherapy" & "Graves disease".

RESULTS

OR is a well-established second-line treatment for moderate-to-severe active GO, providing response rates comparable to glucocorticoids. Its anti-inflammatory effect makes OR particularly suitable for early active GO, and when combined with glucocorticoids, outcomes are synergistically improved. The emergence of the new Volumetric Modulated Arc Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (VMAT-IGRT) technique enables precise radiation delivery to the target, significantly reducing associated toxicity. This technological advancement enhances the feasibility of radiotherapy in benign diseases like GO. A retrospective study indicated that late OR in patients with long-lasting active GO may improve diplopia and visual acuity, decreasing disease activity. Our case report supports this conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

This report and literature review underscores the importance of considering late OR combined with intravenous methylprednisolone as a viable treatment option for GO patients with prolonged disease activity, emphasizing the crucial role of personalized therapy in managing GO. However, further investigations are warranted to validate this approach in cases of long-lasting active GO.

Stereotactic radiotherapy of radiation-induced meningioma previously irradiated retrobulbar for Graves' ophthalmopathy: A case report

A 69-year-old woman was diagnosed with an asymptomatic intracranial tumor nine years ago and has been followed with annual MR imaging studies. Two years ago, the tumor had grown in size, requiring treatment. She experienced ophthalmopathy due to hyperthyroidism 27 years ago and was treated with 20 Gy in 10 fractions using parallel opposed beams to her bilateral posterior eyeballs, supplemented with steroid pulse therapy. The tumor originated in the medial aspect of the right sphenoid border and compressed the temporal lobe, while bone infiltration was observed, partially extending to the soft tissue outside the maxillary sinus. The tumor was removed by craniotomy. The pathological diagnosis was atypical meningioma (WHO grade II). Four months postsurgery, the resection cavity's tumor exhibited growth inclination, necessitating Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Radiation planning was executed at a marginal tumor dose of 30 Gy in 5 fractions. Since the optic nerve had been previously exposed to radiation, a plan was devised to minimize radiation exposure. The dose on the optic nerve was limited to 6.9 Gy in 5 fractions. She did not experience any visual or visual field disruptions postradiation. This is a case of radiation-induced meningioma resulting from radiation therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy and is the first reported case of a grade II meningioma. The patient's condition calls for adjuvant radiation therapy following surgical removal. Accordingly, a radiation treatment plan that safeguards the optic nerve, which was previously exposed to radiation, was deemed indispensable.

Efficacy and Safety of Teprotumumab in Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease of Long Duration and Low Disease Activity

CONTEXT

Early inflammatory thyroid eye disease (TED) can lead to symptomatic chronic disease, including disabling proptosis. Teprotumumab, an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor, previously demonstrated efficacy in acute, high-inflammation TED trials.

OBJECTIVE

We present data from the first placebo-controlled trial with teprotumumab in chronic/low disease activity TED.

METHODS

This randomized double-masked, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at 11 US centers, enrolled adult participants with TED duration of 2 to 10 years, Clinical Activity Score (CAS) ≤ 1 or no additional inflammation or progression in proptosis/diplopia for ≥1 year, proptosis ≥3 mm from before TED and/or from normal, euthyroid/mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, no prior teprotumumab, and no steroids within 3 weeks of baseline. Patients received (2:1) intravenous teprotumumab or placebo once every 3 weeks (total 8 infusions). The primary endpoint was proptosis (mm) improvement at Week 24. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 62 (42 teprotumumab and 20 placebo) patients were randomized. At Week 24, least squares mean (SE) proptosis improvement was greater with teprotumumab (-2.41 [0.228]) than with placebo (-0.92 [0.323]), difference -1.48 (95% CI -2.28, -0.69; P = .0004). Proportions of patients with AEs were similar between groups. Hyperglycemia was reported in 6 (15%) vs 2 (10%) and hearing impairment in 9 (22%) vs 2 (10%) with teprotumumab and placebo, respectively. AEs led to discontinuation in 1 teprotumumab (left ear conductive hearing loss with congenital anomaly) and 1 placebo patient (infusion-related). There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

Teprotumumab significantly improved proptosis vs placebo in longstanding/low inflammation TED, demonstrating efficacy regardless of disease duration/activity. The safety profile was comparable to that previously reported.

Proof-of-concept and Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials of an FcRn Inhibitor, Batoclimab, for Thyroid Eye Disease

CONTEXT

Inhibition of the neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) reduces pathogenic thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) that drive pathology in thyroid eye disease (TED).

OBJECTIVE

We report the first clinical studies of an FcRn inhibitor, batoclimab, in TED.

DESIGN

Proof-of-concept (POC) and randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials.

SETTING

Multicenter.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with moderate-to-severe, active TED.

INTERVENTION

In the POC trial, patients received weekly subcutaneous injections of batoclimab 680 mg for 2 weeks, followed by 340 mg for 4 weeks. In the double-blind trial, patients were randomized 2:2:1:2 to weekly batoclimab (680 mg, 340 mg, 255 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME

Change from baseline in serum anti-TSH-R-Ab and total IgG (POC); 12-week proptosis response (randomized trial).

RESULTS

The randomized trial was terminated because of an unanticipated increase in serum cholesterol; therefore, data from 65 of the planned 77 patients were analyzed. Both trials showed marked decreases in pathogenic anti-TSH-R-Ab and total IgG serum levels (P < .001) with batoclimab. In the randomized trial, there was no statistically significant difference with batoclimab vs placebo in proptosis response at 12 weeks, although significant differences were observed at several earlier timepoints. In addition, orbital muscle volume decreased (P < .03) at 12 weeks, whereas quality of life (appearance subscale) improved (P < .03) at 19 weeks in the 680-mg group. Batoclimab was generally well tolerated, with albumin reductions and increases in lipids that reversed upon discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide insight into the efficacy and safety of batoclimab and support its further investigation as a potential therapy for TED.

Refractory Thyroid Eye Disease Unresponsive to Teprotumumab: A Case Report

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a complex autoimmune condition that can cause proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia, optic nerve compression, and vision loss. These clinical findings are caused by a complex pathological mechanism characterized by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibodies activating thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors (TSH-Rs). Overexpressed insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors found in orbital fibroblasts form complexes with these TSH-Rs, leading to the inflammation and expansion of these tissues. Teprotumumab, a human monoclonal antibody sold under the brand name Tepezza, is currently the only FDA-approved immunotherapy for the treatment of TED. Given as an intravenous infusion every three weeks, teprotumumab works by suppressing IGF-1 receptors, thereby interfering with TSH-R and IGF-1 complex-mediated actions in these fibroblasts. The efficacy of teprotumumab was established in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, which demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in proptosis, inflammation, and diplopia. While teprotumumab has been shown to be efficacious, our patient with TSHRAb-positive euthyroid thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy who presented with diplopia did not have any significant improvement following the standard treatment dose of eight infusions over a 24-week period. This case underscores not only barriers to treatment, such as the high cost of teprotumumab but also highlights the importance of identifying risks for nonresponse.

The Efficacy and Safety of Teprotumumab in Thyroid Eye Disease: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials

In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of teprotumumab in treating thyroid eye disease. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases from inception to May 25, 2022, and included all randomized controlled trials. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effect models. A total of three studies involving 341 patients were identified. Overall, the analysis revealed that teprotumumab demonstrated superior integrated proptosis response compared to placebo in both the intention-to-treat (ITT) population (OR = 17.81, 95% CI = [10.32, 30.76], I2 = 50%) and per-protocol population (OR = 24.53, 95% CI = [12.96, 46.45], I2 = 14%). Furthermore, patients receiving teprotumumab showed significant improvement in overall response (OR = 8.35, 95% CI = [4.74, 14.71], I2 = 79%), diplopia response (OR = 5.53, 95% CI = [3.24, 9.44], I2 = 0%), and achieving a clinical activity score (CAS) of 0 or 1 (OR = 6.26, 95% CI = [3.87, 10.12], I2 = 0%). Moreover, patients treated with teprotumumab experienced greater improvements in proptosis (MD = -2.49, 95% CI = [-2.54, -2.45], I2 = 98%) and Graves' ophthalmopathy-specific quality of life (GO-QOL, MD = 11.48, 95% CI = [11.03, 11.93], I2 = 95%). However, it is important to note that patients receiving teprotumumab had a higher risk of adverse events, including serious adverse events, gastrointestinal adverse reactions, and muscle spasms. In summary, teprotumumab demonstrated greater improvement in proptosis response, proptosis, diplopia response, overall response, GO-QOL, and CAS. Nonetheless, it should be considered that its use is associated with a higher risk of adverse events.

Inter-observer Variability of Clinical Activity Score: Assessments in Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease

PURPOSE

Thyroid eye disease (TED) can be difficult to manage. The range of available treatments is expanding rapidly; however, cost is a concern and some patients do not respond. The Clinical Activity Score (CAS) was devised as a measure of disease activity and a potential predictor of response to anti-inflammatory treatment. Despite the widespread use of the CAS, inter-observer variability has not been investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the inter-observer variability of the CAS in patients with TED.

DESIGN

Prospective reliability analysis.

METHODS

Nine patients with a spectrum of clinical features of TED were assessed by 6 experienced observers on the same day. Agreement among the observers was analyzed using the Krippendorff alpha.

RESULTS

The Krippendorff alpha for the total CAS was 0.532 (95% CI = 0.199-0.665), whereas alpha values for the individual components of the CAS varied between 0.171 (CI = 0.000-0.334) for lid redness and 0.671 (CI = 0.294-1.000) for spontaneous pain. Assuming that a CAS value ≥3 implies suitability of the patient for anti-inflammatory treatment, the calculated Krippendorff alpha for agreement among assessors on whether treatment should be given or not given was 0.332 (95% CI = 0.0011-0.5862).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown unreliable inter-observer variability in total CAS and most individual CAS components, thus highlighting the need for improving the performance of the CAS or seeking other methods to assess activity.

Teprotumumab in thyroid eye disease: wonder drug or great divider?

Progress in the management of thyroid eye disease (TED) has been slow for many decades. The recent introduction of teprotumumab (TEP) in the therapeutic arena for TED has had a major impact in view of its efficacy, particularly with respect to its ability to reduce proptosis. However, the high cost of TEP, limited availability to patients outside the USA, and the lack of data on cost-effectiveness are significant barriers to improving the care of patients with TED globally. Recent guidance from authoritative professional organisations deliver different perspectives on the role of TEP in the routine management of patients with TED, underscoring the complexities of interpreting the evidence. The advance that TEP undoubtedly represents in managing TED effectively has highlighted inequities faced by patients and uncertainties about appropriate metrics of efficacy. Professional organisations have an important role addressing these problems. Future studies need to focus on optimising the measurement of outcomes and on assessing cost-effectiveness.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in Graves' disease

Graves' disease (GD) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease affecting with varying degrees of severity the thyroid gland, orbital tissues and skin. The pathogenesis of GD involves a complex interplay between multiple genetic, environmental and endogenous factors. Although the genetic predisposition to GD is well established, the significance of genotype-phenotype correlations and the role of epigenetic modifications in the disease pathogenesis remains largely unknown. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of genotype-phenotype correlations and summarize possible clinical implications of genetic and epigenetic markers in GD patients. We will specifically discuss the association of genetic markers and epigenetic modifications with age of GD onset, severity of Graves' hyperthyroidism and the development of clinically evident Graves' orbitopathy.

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy: emerging treatment strategies

PURPOSE

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a rare sight-threatening complication of Graves' disease. First-line treatment for DON consists of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP), followed by immediate orbital decompression (OD) if the response is poor or absent as recommended by the 2021 European Group on Graves' orbitopathy guidelines. The safety and efficacy of the proposed therapy have been proven. However, consensus regarding possible therapeutic options for patients with contraindications to ivMP/OD or resistant form of disease is missing. This paper aims to provide and summarize all available data regarding possible alternative treatment strategies for DON.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search within an electronic database was performed including data published until December 2022.

RESULTS

Overall, 52 articles describing use of emerging therapeutic strategies for DON were identified. Collected evidence indicates that biologics, including teprotumumab and tocilizumab, may be considered as an important possible treatment option for DON patients. Rituximab should be avoided in DON due to conflicting data and risk of adverse events. Orbital radiotherapy could be beneficial for patients with restricted ocular motility classified as poor surgical candidates.

CONCLUSION

Only a limited number of studies have been dedicated to the therapy of DON, mostly retrospective with a small sample size. Clear criteria regarding diagnosis and resolution of DON do not exist, which restricts comparison of therapeutic outcomes. Randomized clinical trials and comparison studies with long-term follow-ups are necessary to verify the safety and efficacy of each therapeutic option for DON.

Evaluation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

A state of chronic inflammation is common in organs affected by autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Epithelial cells, such as thyroid follicular cells (TFCs), can experience a total or partial transition to a mesenchymal phenotype under these conditions. One of the major cytokines involved in this phenomenon is transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which, at the initial stages of autoimmune disorders, plays an immunosuppressive role. However, at chronic stages, TGF- β contributes to fibrosis and/or transition to mesenchymal phenotypes. The importance of primary cilia (PC) has grown in recent decades as they have been shown to play a key role in cell signaling and maintaining cell structure and function as mechanoreceptors. Deficiencies of PC can trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and exacerbate autoimmune diseases. A set of EMT markers (E-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin) were evaluated in thyroid tissues from AITD patients and controls through RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blot (WB). We established an in vitro TGF-β-stimulation assay in a human thyroid cell line to assess EMT and PC disruption. EMT markers were evaluated in this model using RT-qPCR and WB, and PC was evaluated with a time-course immunofluorescence assay. We found an increased expression of the mesenchymal markers α-SMA and fibronectin in TFCs in the thyroid glands of AITD patients. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was maintained in these patients compared to the controls. The TGF-β-stimulation assay showed an increase in EMT markers, including vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin in thyroid cells, as well as a disruption of PC. The TFCs from the AITD patients experienced a partial transition to a mesenchymal phenotype, preserving epithelial characteristics associated with a disruption in PC, which might contribute to AITD pathogenesis.