KDOQI US Commentary on the 2021 KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases

The KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases represents the first update to this set of recommendations since the initial set of KDIGO guideline recommendations was published in 2012. The pace of growth in our molecular understanding of glomerular disease has quickened and a number of newer immunosuppressive and targeted therapies have been introduced since the original set of guideline recommendations, making such an update necessary. Despite these updates, many areas of controversy remain. In addition, further updates since the publication of KDIGO 2021 have occurred which this guideline does not encompass. With this commentary, the KDOQI work group has generated a chapter-by-chapter companion opinion article that provides commentary specific to the implementation of the KDIGO 2021 guideline in the United States.

Development of a novel, highly sensitive assay for quantification of minimal residual B cells in autoimmune disease and comparison to traditional methods across B-cell-depleting agents

Targeted B-cell depletion is a useful therapy for many diseases, including autoimmune disorders and certain cancers. We developed a sensitive blood B-cell depletion assay, MRB 1.1, compared its performance with the T-cell/B-cell/NK-cell (TBNK) assay, and assessed B-cell depletion with different therapies. The empirically defined lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for CD19+ cells in the TBNK assay was 10 cells/μL, and 0.441 cells/μL for the MRB 1.1 assay. The TBNK LLOQ was used to compare differences between B-cell depletion in similar lupus nephritis patient populations who received rituximab (LUNAR), ocrelizumab (BELONG), or obinutuzumab (NOBILITY). After 4 weeks, 10% of patients treated with rituximab retained detectable B cells vs 1.8% with ocrelizumab and 1.7% for obinutuzumab; at 24 weeks 93% of patients who received obinutuzumab remained below LLOQ vs 63% for rituximab. More-sensitive measurements of B cells may reveal differences in potency among anti-CD20 agents, which may associate with clinical outcomes.

Severe lupus nephritis in the present days

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is a chronic autoimmune disease. Despite improvement in patient and renal prognosis, the disease continued to be associated with a high rate of end stage kidney disease. Along the last decades, it seems that the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have progressively changed. The forms with renal insufficiency at presentation seem to have progressively reduced in developed countries in favour of more mild clinical presentations with urinary abnormalities only. To this clinical change does not correspond a less severe histological lesions, in fact, the extent of active lesions at kidney biopsy are unchanged, whereas chronic lesions are becoming less frequent and less severe. Meanwhile, new types of severe LN defined by the variable association of demographic, clinical, histological characteristics at diagnosis or during the follow-up are gradually emerging and require attention in assessing the therapy and prognosis. During the last years, randomized controlled trials have reported the efficacy of new drugs in association with standard therapy to improve the rate of short- and medium-term renal response. One of the advantages is that these results were obtained with reduced dosage of corticosteroids whose protracted use is associated with increase of chronic organ damage. Optimization of therapeutical strategies, tailored on the demographic clinical and histological characteristics, with combination of old and new drugs are urgently needed for severe LN.

Lupus nephritis: new progress in diagnosis and treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multifactorial autoimmune disease that affects many organs, including the kidney. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common manifestation characterized by heterogeneous clinical and histopathological findings, and often associates with poor prognosis. The diagnosis and treatment of LN is challenging, depending largely on renal biopsy, and there is no reliable non-invasive LN biomarker. Up to now, the complete remission rate of LN is only 20%∼30% after receiving six months of standard treatment, which is far from satisfactory. Moreover, adverse reactions to immunosuppressants, especially glucocorticoids, further compromise the prognosis of LN. Biological reagents targetting autoimmune responses and inflammatory pathways, bring hope to the treatment of intractable lupus. The European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) and KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) have been working on and launched the recommendations for the management of LN. In this review, we update our knowledge in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of LN and prospect for the future potential targets in the management of LN.

Mechanism of Action and Efficacy of Immunosupressors in Lupus Nephritis

Approximately 70% of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus will have clinical evidence of kidney damage during their evolution. Patients with impaired renal function at onset and those with recurrent flares have a poor prognosis. Understanding the mechanism of action of immunosuppressants is essential for proper prescription. Steroids inhibit the DNA sequence that promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines. Phosphoramide mustard, metabolite of cyclophosphamide, cross-link with the DNA, causing the aggregation of an alkyl group, causing cell death. Mycophenolate inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, prevents de novo synthesis of guanine, inducing cell arrest in S phase. Azathioprine blocks the synthesis of purines and induces apoptosis. Calcineurin inhibitors prevent the dephosphorylation of NFAT and reduce the production of interleukin 2. Antimalarials alter the enzymatic release of lysosomes by increasing intravesicular pH. The mechanism of action of rituximab is related to complement-dependent cytotoxicity and the elimination of anti-CD20-labeled B cells. Progress in the knowledge and management of low doses of steroids may change the current paradigm and reduce the frequency of related adverse events. Mycophenolate seems to be a better choice than cyclophosphamide for induction, it is also preferred over azathioprine as a maintenance immunosuppressive agent, although azathioprine is preferred in women with a desire for conception, those pregnant, or with low resources. For treatment-resistant cases, tacrolimus, rituximab or belimumab may be effective. Ongoing clinical trials with new drugs offer promising results.

Comparative efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide in the induction treatment of lupus nephritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lupus nephritis (LN) remains a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. Here we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the induction treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) for LN.

METHODS

Relevant literature was searched by computer from the establishment of the database to November 2019. A meta-analysis was conducted to analysis the efficacy and safety between mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide as induction therapy in LN patients. The primary end-point was response to urine protein, serum creatinine (Scr) and serum complement C3, and the secondary end-points were complete remission and adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were selected for the final meta-analysis, involving 1989 patients with LN, of which the renal biopsy result could be classified into class III-V according to the standards of WHO/ISN. The results revealed that MMF was superior to CYC in increasing the level of serum complement C3 [SMD = 0.475, 95%CI (0.230-0.719)] and complete remission [RR = 1.231, 95%CI (1.055-1.437)]. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis showed that it was in Asian patients, rather than in Caucasian patients, that CYC exerted a better effect on lowering the level of urine protein (UPRO) than MMF [SMD = 0.405, 95%CI (0.081-0.730)]. Besides, when the initial UPRO level was less than 4 g/day, the effect of CYC was better than MMF [SMD = 0.303, 95%CI (0.014-0.591)]. There was no significant difference between MMF and CYC in improving Scr [SMD = 0.090, 95%CI (-0.060-0.239)]. When it came to the comparison of safety between MMF and CYC, the meta-analysis showed that MMF was superior to CYC in decreasing infection in Caucasian patients [RR = 0.727, 95%CI (0.532-0.993)], reducing the risk of leukopenia and menstrual abnormalities in Asian patients and lowering the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms [RR = 0.639, 95%CI (0.564-0.724)], independent of race.

CONCLUSIONS

MMF precedes CYC in improving serum complement C3 and complete remission regardless of race, as well as shows fewer adverse drug reactions in the induction treatment of LN belonging to type III-V. But for Asian patients or those initial UPRO levels are less than 4 g/day, CYC may be superior to MMF.

An Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Lupus Nephritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Update on the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of lupus nephritis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent criteria enable the earlier classification of lupus nephritis based on kidney biopsy and compatible serology. Treatment of active nephritis includes low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate, followed by maintenance immunosuppression. Recent trials have suggested superiority of regimens combining mycophenolate with either calcineurin inhibitor or belimumab, although their long-term benefit/risk ratio has not been determined. Encouraging results with novel anti-CD20 antibodies confirm the effectiveness of B cell depletion. Achievement of low-grade proteinuria (< 700-800 mg/24 h) at 12-month post-induction is linked to favorable long-term outcomes and could be considered in a treat-to-target strategy. Also, repeat kidney biopsy can guide the duration of maintenance immunosuppression. Lupus nephritis has increased cardiovascular disease burden necessitating risk-reduction strategies. An expanding spectrum of therapies coupled with ongoing basic/translational research can lead to individualized medical care and improved outcomes in lupus nephritis.

State of Art of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Neutropenia or Agranulocytosis, with a Focus on Biotherapies

INTRODUCTION

Idiosyncratic drug-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis is seldom discussed in the literature, especially for new drugs such as biotherapies outside the context of oncology. In the present paper, we report and discuss the clinical data and management of this relatively rare disorder, with a focus on biotherapies used in autoimmune and auto-inflammatory diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature was carried out using the PubMed database of the US National Library of Medicine. We searched for articles published between January 2010 and May 2019 using the following key words or associations: "drug-induced neutropenia", "drug-induced agranulocytosis", and "idiosyncratic agranulocytosis". We included specific searches on several biotherapies used outside the context of oncology, including: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors, anti-CD20 agents, anti-C52 agents, interleukin (IL) 6 inhibitors, IL 1 inhibitors, and B-cell activating factor inhibitor.

RESULTS

Idiosyncratic neutropenia remains a potentially serious adverse event due to the frequency of severe sepsis with severe deep tissue infections (e.g., pneumonia), septicemia, and septic shock in approximately two-thirds of all hospitalized patients with grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (neutrophil count (NC) ≤ 0.5 × 109/L and ≤ 0.1 × 109/L, respectively). Over the last 20 years, several drugs have been strongly associated with the occurrence of idiosyncratic neutropenia, including antithyroid drugs, ticlopidine, clozapine, sulfasalazine, antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and deferiprone. Transient grade 1-2 neutropenia (absolute blood NC between 1.5 and 0.5 × 109/L) related to biotherapy is relatively common with these drugs. An approximate 10% prevalence of such neutropenia has been reported with several of these biotherapies (e.g., TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL6 inhibitors, and anti-CD52 agents). Grade 3-4 neutropenia or agranulocytosis and clinical manifestations related to sepsis are less common, with only a few case reports to date for most biotherapies. Special mention should be made of late onset and potentially severe neutropenia, especially following anti-CD52 agent therapy. During drug therapy, several prognostic factors have been identified that may be helpful when identifying 'susceptible' patients. Older age (>65 years), septicemia or shock, renal failure, and a neutrophil count ≤0.1 × 109/L have been identified as poor prognostic factors. Idiosyncratic neutropenia should be managed depending on clinical severity, with permanent/transient discontinuation or a lower dose of the drug, switching from one drug to another of the same or another class, broad-spectrum antibiotics in cases of sepsis, and hematopoietic growth factors (particularly G-CSF).

CONCLUSION

Significant progress has been made in recent years in the field of idiosyncratic drug-induced neutropenia, leading to an improvement in their prognosis (currently, mortality rate between 5 and 10%). Clinicians must continue their efforts to improve their knowledge of these adverse events with new drugs as biotherapies.

[Lupus nephritis]

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most characteristic of auto-immune disorders that can lead to tissue damage in many organs, including kidney. Lupus nephritis occurs in 10 to 40% of lupus patients. Its clinical hallmark is the appearance of a proteinuria as soon as a 0.5 g/g or 0.5 g/d threshold, which calls for a renal histological evaluation in order to determine the lupus nephritis severity and the need for specific therapy. More than half of renal biopsies lead to the diagnosis of active lupus nephritis-class III or class IV A according to the ISN/RPS classification-that are the most severe in regards to renal prognosis and mortality. Their treatment aims to their clinical remission and to the prevention of relapse with minimal adverse effects for eventually the preservation of renal function, the prevention of other irreversible damage, and the reduction of risk of death. The remission is obtained through induction therapies of which the association of high dose steroids and cyclophosphamide is the most experienced. When this association must be challenged by the prevention of side-effect, in particular infertility, mycophenolate can be given instead of cyclophosphamide. Maintenance therapy, for the prevention of relapse, consists in mycophenolate or in azathioprine, mycophenolate being the most efficient however associated with a high risk of teratogenicity. Withdrawal of maintenance therapy is possible after two to three years in absence of high risk factors of relapse of lupus nephritis, however a reliable assessment of the risk of relapse is still lacking. Only pure membranous lupus nephritis (pure class V) associated with high level proteinuria requires specific therapies that usually associates steroids and an immunosuppressive drug. However, their choice hierarchy and even the use of less immunosuppressive strategies remain to be determined in terms of benefice over risk ratios. In spite of its trigger effect on lupus activity, pregnancy can be safe and successful if scheduled in the lowest risk periods with close multidisciplinary monitoring before, during and after. When necessary, renal replacement therapy does not require specific adaptation, renal transplantation is the best option when possible, as early as possible.

Induction Therapy for Lupus Nephritis: the Highlights

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lupus nephritis is a frequent complication of systemic lupus erythematosus and is more common and severe in children. This is a disease of the immune system characterized by T cell, B cell, and complement activation, as well as immune complex formation and deposition. The introduction of steroids and later cyclophosphamide transformed lupus nephritis from a fatal to a treatable condition. However, the standard therapies currently used for treatment carry significant toxicity and chronic kidney disease still remains a far too frequent outcome. To address these issues, we will review current and emerging induction therapies in LN.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several clinical trials have been undertaken to test more effective and safer drugs, often targeting mechanistic disease pathways. At present, it is difficult to identify an induction regimen that is more effective and less toxic than the standard of care; however, we believe continuing efforts in drug development will bring breakthrough agents to clinics.

The clinical manifestations and response to treatment in South Africans with lupus nephritis

There are varying observations on the influence of ethnicity on the clinical spectrum and response to treatment in lupus nephritis (LN). We studied a multiethnic South African LN cohort to determine the clinical manifestations, histological involvement and response to therapy. We reviewed the records of LN patients at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban. There were 105 patients, 92.5% females and they comprised 49.1% Indians and 45.3% African Blacks. The mean age was 31.3 ± 12.5 years, and 41.5% had LN at first presentation of lupus. The most common histological classes were Class V alone in 34.9%, Class IV (± Class V) in 25.5% and Class III (±Class V) in 22.6%. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was reduced (<30 ml/min) at presentation in 15 (14.2%). Eighty-seven patients received therapy for LN. A response to induction therapy was noted in 81.6% and maintenance therapy (12 months) in 73.6%. Response to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was 80.4% and 68.4% during induction and maintenance therapy, respectively. There was no ethnic difference in the histological class or response to MMF but African Blacks had more severe renal disease at presentation. In conclusion, our multiethnic LN cohort shows a high prevalence of membranous LN and good response to treatment.

Longterm Data on Disease Flares in Patients with Proliferative Lupus Nephritis in Recent Years

Objective.

To examine the disease flare rate in lupus nephritis (LN), focusing on renal flares, and the factors associated with relapse risk in recent years.

Methods.

We analyzed data on 139 Chinese patients with class III/IV ± V LN diagnosed from January 1983 to December 2013. We also compared data before and after 1998, when maintenance immunosuppression was changed from azathioprine (AZA) to mycophenolic acid (MPA).

Results.

Over 112.5 ± 88.4 months, 135 episodes of renal flare occurred, giving a flare rate of 0.108 episodes per patient-year. The renal relapse-free survival rate was 96%, 90%, 86%, 80%, 69%, and 57% after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, respectively, calculated from the start of induction treatment. Reduced risk of flare was associated with MPA maintenance (OR 0.314, 95% CI 0.099–0.994, p = 0.049), complete remission after induction immunosuppression (OR 0.329, 95% CI 0.133–0.810, p = 0.016), and diagnosis after 1998 (OR 0.305, 95% CI 0.133–0.700, p = 0.005). Relapse-free survival was significantly better in patients treated with prednisolone and MPA as maintenance immunosuppression (91% after 5 yrs and 83% after 10 yrs, respectively) compared with prednisolone and AZA (70% and 52%, respectively, p = 0.044). LN diagnosed in 1998–2013 showed 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates of 93% and 86%, respectively, compared with 81% and 66%, respectively (p = 0.017) for LN that presented in 1983–1997.

Conclusion.

Our data show a relatively low flare rate for LN in the more recent era, attributed to effective induction of immunosuppression and MPA as maintenance treatment.

Research and therapeutics-traditional and emerging therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus

This review summarizes traditional and emerging therapies for SLE. Evidence suggests that the heterogeneity of SLE is a crucial aspect contributing to the failure of large clinical trials for new targeted therapies. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms driving disease pathogenesis combined with recent advances in medical science are predicted to enable accelerated progress towards improved SLE diagnosis and personalized approaches to treatment.

Current and Emerging Therapies for Lupus Nephritis

The introduction of corticosteroids and later, cyclophosphamide dramatically improved survival in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, and combined administration of these agents became the standard-of-care treatment for this disease. However, treatment failures were still common and the rate of progression to ESRD remained unacceptably high. Additionally, treatment was associated with significant morbidity. Therefore, as patient survival improved, the goals for advancing lupus nephritis treatment shifted to identifying therapies that could improve long-term renal outcomes and minimize treatment-related toxicity. Unfortunately, progress has been slow and the current approaches to the management of lupus nephritis continue to rely on high-dose corticosteroids plus a broad-spectrum immunosuppressive agent. Over the past decade, an improved understanding of lupus nephritis pathogenesis fueled several clinical trials of novel drugs, but none have been found to be superior to the combination of a cytotoxic agent and corticosteroids. Despite these trial failures, efforts to translate mechanistic advances into new treatment approaches continue. In this review, we discuss current therapeutic strategies for lupus nephritis, briefly review recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease, and describe emerging approaches developed on the basis of these advances that promise to improve upon the standard-of-care lupus nephritis treatments.

Pro: The use of calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of lupus nephritis

Renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) carries significant morbidity and mortality. Cyclophosphamide (CYC)- and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-based induction regimens are not ideal in terms of efficacy and toxicity. The adverse effects of CYC, such as infection risk, infertility, urotoxicity and oncogenicity, limit its use in lupus nephritis. Although MMF is non-inferior to CYC as induction therapy and has reduced gonadal toxicity and oncogenic potential, meta-analyses of clinical trials do not show a lower rate of infective and gastrointestinal complications. Tacrolimus (TAC) has recently been shown to have equal efficacy to either MMF or CYC for inducing remission of lupus nephritis. A low-dose combination of MMF and TAC appears to be more effective than intravenous CYC pulses in Chinese patients, and has potential to replace the more toxic CYC regimens in high-risk subgroups. TAC may be considered as another non-CYC alternative for induction therapy of lupus nephritis and in those with refractory disease or intolerance to CYC or MMF. TAC has no negative effect on fertility in younger women, and unlike MMF and CYC, it is safe in pregnancy. However, TAC has a narrow therapeutic window and drug level monitoring is required to ensure drug exposure and minimize acute toxicities. Current evidence for the efficacy of TAC in lupus nephritis is limited to 6 months and the incidence of renal flare after discontinuation of therapy or switching to azathioprine appears to be higher than other induction agents. Long-term data and the incidence of chronic nephrotoxicity of TAC as maintenance therapy in lupus nephritis are currently lacking and further prospective trials are needed to address these issues.

Moderator's view: Cyclophosphamide in lupus nephritis

Mycophenolate mofetil was recently accepted as the effective induction treatment of lupus nephritis, with the potential to replace cyclophosphamide or at least expand our therapeutic armamentarium in patients with this lifelong disease often requiring repeated induction treatment of its relapses. Compared with cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate may be more effective in black patients, and the risk of gonadotoxicity may be significantly lower in mycophenolate-treated subjects. However, experience with mycophenolate in severe lupus nephritis is still limited and we also have insufficient data on the long-term outcome of mycophenolate-treated patients. Treatment with mycophenolate is more expensive than with cyclophosphamide, which may limit its use, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil may be more dependent on the patient's compliance compared with intravenous cyclophosphamide pulses. Low-dose cyclophosphamide remains an effective and relatively safe induction treatment of active lupus nephritis, but to decrease its cumulative toxicity, repeated exposure to cyclophosphamide in relapsing patients should be (if possible) avoided.

Towards new avenues in the management of lupus glomerulonephritis

Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) carries substantial morbidity and mortality. Conventional immunosuppressive agents (cyclophosphamide and azathioprine) have suboptimal efficacy and substantial toxicity. Mycophenolate mofetil has emerged as an alternative agent for both induction and maintenance therapy in lupus nephritis because of its reduced gonadal toxicity, despite its failure to demonstrate superiority over cyclophosphamide in pivotal studies. The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus has equivalent efficacy to cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil for inducing remission of lupus nephritis. Although rituximab has shown promise in refractory lupus nephritis, combining rituximab with mycophenolate mofetil as initial therapy offers no additional benefit. Considerable interethnic variation is evident in the efficacy and tolerability of the various immunosuppressive regimens, which necessitates individualized treatment and comparison of the efficacy of new regimens across different ethnic groups. For example, low-dose combinations of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil seem to be more effective than pulse cyclophosphamide as induction therapy in Chinese patients. The same regimen has also been used successfully to treat refractory proliferative and membranous lupus nephritis in patients of various ethnic groups. Finally, novel serum and urinary biomarkers are being validated for diagnosis, prognostic stratification and early recognition of flares in lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis management guidelines compared

In the past years, many (randomized) trials have been performed comparing the treatment strategies for lupus nephritis. In 2012, these data were incorporated in six different guidelines for treating lupus nephritis. These guidelines are European, American and internationally based, with one separate guideline for children. They offer information on different aspects of the management of lupus nephritis including induction and maintenance treatment of the different histological classes, adjunctive treatment, monitoring of the patient, definitions of response and relapse, indications for (repeat) renal biopsy, and additional challenges such as the presence of vascular complications, the pregnant SLE patient, treatment in children and adolescents and considerations about end-stage renal disease and transplantation. In this review, we summarize the guidelines, determine the common ground between them, highlight the differences and discuss recent literature.

Comparison and evaluation of lupus nephritis response criteria in lupus activity indices and clinical trials

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with diverse manifestations. Although the approval of new therapies includes only one agent in 50 years, a number of promising new drugs are in development. Lupus nephritis is a dreaded complication of SLE as it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Advancing the treatment of lupus nephritis requires well-designed clinical trials and this can be challenging in SLE. The major obstacles involve identifying the correct population of patients to enroll and ensuring that a clinically appropriate and patient-centered endpoint is being measured. In this review, we will first discuss the clinical utility of endpoints chosen to represent lupus nephritis in global disease activity scales. Second, we will review completed and active trials focused on lupus nephritis and discuss the endpoints chosen. There are many important lessons to be learned from existing assessment tools and clinical trials. Reviewing these points will help ensure that future efforts will yield meaningful disease activity measures and well-designed clinical trials to advance our understanding of lupus management.

Long-term follow-up of the MAINTAIN Nephritis Trial, comparing azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil as maintenance therapy of lupus nephritis

Objective

To report the 10-year follow-up of the MAINTAIN Nephritis Trial comparing azathioprine (AZA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as maintenance therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis, and to test different definitions of early response as predictors of long-term renal outcome.

Methods

In 2014, data on survival, kidney function, 24 h proteinuria, renal flares and other outcomes were collected for the 105 patients randomised between 2002 and 2006, except in 13 lost to follow-up.

Results

Death (2 and 3 in the AZA and MMF groups, respectively) and end-stage renal disease (1 and 3, respectively) were rare events. Time to renal flare (22 and 19 flares in AZA and MMF groups, respectively) did not differ between AZA and MMF patients. Patients with good long-term renal outcome had a much more stringent early decrease of 24 h proteinuria compared with patients with poor outcome. The positive predictive value of a 24 h proteinuria <0.5 g/day at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months for a good long-term renal outcome was excellent (between 89% and 92%). Inclusion of renal function and urinalysis in the early response criteria did not impact the value of early proteinuria decrease as long-term prognostic marker.

Conclusions

The long-term follow-up data of the MAINTAIN Nephritis Trial do not indicate that MMF is superior to AZA as maintenance therapy in a Caucasian population suffering from proliferative lupus nephritis. Moreover, we confirm the excellent positive predictive value of an early proteinuria decrease for long-term renal outcome.

Trial registration number

NCT00204022.

Clinicopathological and outcome analysis of adult lupus nephritis patients in China

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of lupus nephritis adult patients in China.

METHODS

Clinicopathological features, treatment strategies, responses and outcome of 681 adult patients with biopsy-proved lupus nephritis were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Six hundred and eighty-one LN patients were included and followed up for 52.5 ± 14.1 months. Differences in age, disease duration, BP, proteinuria, serum albumin, creatinine, ANCA-positive ratio and SLEDAI scores were noticed between male and female patients, indicating severer disease in male patients. LN IV patients were much severer in systemic damage as well as immunological changes. During follow-up, 354 patients achieved CR, 107 patients achieved PR, 95 patients progressed to ESRD and 36 patients died. Prognosis and treatment response of patients with different histological types differ apparently. Renal outcome of patients with LN II and III was benign, while LN IV, V and VI was poor. Cyclophosphamide was effective in most patients. MMF and CNI could be used as salvage treatment. In multivariate analysis, BP, sCr, hypocomplementemia, severe proliferative lesion (LN IV or VI) and SLEDAI score were recognized as independent indicators of poor renal outcome. Infections, especially pulmonary fungus infection, thrombotic microangiopathy are the most common causes of death in LN patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment responses and long-term outcomes differ remarkably in LN patients with different gender and pathological subtypes. New indicators of poor renal outcome were identified. Infections and TTP were the most common causes of death in LN patients.

[Lupus nephritis: up-to-date]

Renal involvement is frequent during natural history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and has a major prognostic value in this systemic disease. Screening for renal symptoms, such as proteinuria, micro-haematuria or renal failure must be performed at initial diagnosis and repeated during subsequent follow-ups. Any significant abnormality of these parameters may reveal active glomerulonephritis (GN) and should lead to a renal biopsy, which will significantly impact the therapeutic choices. Proliferative GN, defined as class III or IV by the actual histo-pathological classification, is the most severe form of SLE-associated nephropathy and can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in up to 60% of cases, according to ethnicity and follow-up duration. Standard induction treatment of active proliferative GN includes corticosteroids combined with an immunosuppressive drug, which can either be cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Even though, recent biotherapies have not yet proved their efficacy in the field of lupus nephritis, new protocols are expected, aiming higher remission rates and avoidance of high-dose corticosteroids regimens. When remission is achieved in proliferative GN, a maintenance therapy is required to decrease the risk of relapse, using either azathioprine or MMF. Immunosuppressive drugs are responsible for an increased risk of infectious or neoplastic complications but cardiovascular disease is actually one of the main causes of mortality among lupus patients, especially for patients with SLE-related kidney disease, well before reaching ESRD.

Successful treatment of severe crescentic lupus nephritis by multi-target therapy using tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil

Treatment of severe lupus nephritis (LN) has been controversial, and according to recent guidelines and recommendations, cyclophosphamide still remains a first-line therapy. Herein, we present the case of a 37-year-old female patient who developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which was histologically diagnosed as class IV + V LN, with a large number of cellular to fibrocellular crescents (62 % of glomeruli). Although the patient was considered to have the most severe form of LN, complete remission was achieved within 6 months by multi-target therapy using tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil combined with methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Our experience suggests that multi-target therapy could be a potential treatment option for patients with severe crescentic LN.

Current management of lupus nephritis

Despite decades of clinical research aimed at finding the most appropriate immunosuppressive regime, lupus nephritis (LN) remains one of the major disease manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a great impact on survival and quality of life. We start this review by defining the disease burden, the real-world challenges and the poor prognostic factors. We then discuss the current anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and biologic therapies, with special emphasis on the need for optimal global care.

Overview of lupus nephritis management guidelines and perspective from Asia

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and important manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Evidence suggests higher rates of lupus renal involvement in Asian populations, and maybe more severe nephritis, compared with other racial or ethnic groups. The management of LN has evolved considerably over the past three decades, based on observations from clinical studies that investigated different immunosuppressive agents including corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, calcineurin inhibitors and novel biologic therapies. This is accompanied by improvements in both the short-term treatment response rate and long-term renal function preservation. Treatment guidelines for LN have recently been issued by rheumatology and nephrology communities in U.S.A. and Europe. In view of the racial difference in disease manifestation and response to therapy, and the substantial disease burden in Asia, a panel of 15 nephrologists and rheumatologists from different Asian regions with extensive experience in lupus nephritis - the Steering Group for the Asian Lupus Nephritis Network (ALNN) - met and discussed the management of lupus nephritis in Asian patients. The group has also reviewed and deliberated on the recently published recommendations from other parts of the world. This manuscript summarizes the discussions by the group and presents consensus views on the clinical management and treatment of adult Asian patients with LN, taking into account both the available evidence and expert opinion in areas where evidence remains to be sought.

Overview of lupus nephritis management guidelines and perspective from Asia

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and important manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Evidence suggests higher rates of lupus renal involvement in Asian populations, and maybe more severe nephritis, compared with other racial or ethnic groups. The management of LN has evolved considerably over the past three decades, based on observations from clinical studies that investigated different immunosuppressive agents including corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, calcineurin inhibitors and novel biologic therapies. This is accompanied by improvements in both the short-term treatment response rate and long-term renal function preservation. Treatment guidelines for LN have recently been issued by rheumatology and nephrology communities in U.S.A. and Europe. In view of the racial difference in disease manifestation and response to therapy, and the substantial disease burden in Asia, a panel of 15 nephrologists and rheumatologists from different Asian regions with extensive experience in lupus nephritis - the Steering Group for the Asian Lupus Nephritis Network (ALNN) - met and discussed the management of lupus nephritis in Asian patients. The group has also reviewed and deliberated on the recently published recommendations from other parts of the world. This manuscript summarizes the discussions by the group and presents consensus views on the clinical management and treatment of adult Asian patients with LN, taking into account both the available evidence and expert opinion in areas where evidence remains to be sought.

Combined low-dose mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus for lupus nephritis with suboptimal response to standard therapy: a 12-month prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of combined mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus (TAC) for lupus nephritis with suboptimal response to standard therapy.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria for patients: (1) biopsy-confirmed active lupus nephritis; and (2) inadequate response to ≥ 2 immunosuppressive regimens. While prednisolone (≤ 10 mg/day) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were continued, immunosuppressive agents were replaced by combined MMF (1 g/day) and TAC (4 mg/day). Patients were followed every 2 months for the clinical response and adverse events at 12 months.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were recruited (20 women; age 35.8 ± 9.2 years; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) duration 111 ± 51 months). The histological classes of lupus nephritis were: IV/III (33%), V+III/IV (33%) and pure V (33%). The creatinine clearance (CrCl), urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uP/Cr) and serum albumin was 82.4 ± 33 ml/min (<90 ml/min in 57%), 3.27 ± 1.5 and 30.1 ± 5.9 g/l, respectively. Thirteen (62%) patients had active urinary sediments and 17 (81%) patients had active lupus serology. At 12 months, eight (38%) patients had very good response, one (5%) patient had good response and five (24%) patients had partial response. Significant improvement in uP/Cr, albumin, complement C3 and anti-dsDNA titer, and stabilization of CrCl was observed in the responders. Thirty-three adverse events were reported in 18 patients: major infection requiring hospitalization (6%), infection not requiring hospitalization (27%), herpes infection (9%), diarrhea (12%), cramps (9%), dyspepsia (6%), transient increase in serum Cr (6%), alopecia (4%), facial twitching (3%), tremor (3%) and diabetes mellitus (3%). None of these had led to protocol withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined low-dose MMF and TAC is an option for lupus nephritis that fails to respond adequately to standard regimens, with two-thirds of patients improving after 12 months. Longer-term observation is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

KDOQI US commentary on the 2012 KDIGO clinical practice guideline for glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages throughout the world. Because these disorders are relatively rare, it is difficult to perform randomized clinical trials to define optimal treatment for many of the specific glomerulopathies. In the absence of high-grade evidence to guide the care of glomerular diseases, in June 2012, KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) published an international clinical guideline for GN. The Work Group report represents an important review of the literature in this area and offers valid and useful guidelines for the most common situations that arise in the management of patients with glomerular disease. This commentary, developed by a panel of clinical experts convened by the National Kidney Foundation, attempts to put the GN guideline into the context of the US health care system. Overall, we support the vast majority of the recommendations and highlight select areas in which epidemiological factors and medical practice patterns in this country justify modifications and adjustments in order to achieve favorable outcomes. There remain large gaps in our knowledge of the best approaches to treat glomerular disease and we strongly endorse an expanded clinical research effort to improve the health and long-term outcomes of children and adults with GN.