Antimalarial-induced Cardiomyopathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: As Rare as Considered?

Evaluating large language models as a supplementary patient information resource on antimalarial use in systemic lupus erythematosus

ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy, completeness, and reproducibility of Large Language Models (LLMs) (Copilot, GPT-3.5, and GPT-4) on antimalarial use in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Materials and MethodsWe utilized 13 questions derived from patient surveys and common inquiries from the National Health Service. Two independent rheumatologists assessed responses from the LLMs using predefined Likert scales for accuracy, completeness, and reproducibility.ResultsThe GPT models and Copilot achieved high scores in accuracy. However, the completeness of outputs was rated at 38.5%, 55.9%, and 92.3% for Copilot, GPT-3.5, and GPT-4. When questions related to "mechanism of action" and "lifestyle", were analyzed for completeness (n = 8), ChatGPT-4 scored significantly higher (100%) compared to Copilot (37.5%). In contrast, questions related to "side-effects" (n = 5) scored higher for ChatGPT models than Copilot, and the differences were not statistically significant. All three LLMs demonstrated high reproducibility, with rates ranging from 84.6% to 92.3%.ConclusionsAdvanced LLMs like GPT -4 offer significant promise in enhancing patients' understanding of antimalarial therapy in SLE. Although chatbots' capability can potentially bridge the information gap patients face, the performance and limitations of such tools need further exploration to optimize their use in clinical settings.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare CMR imaging biomarkers between SLE patients and matched controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases were systematically searched from inception until November 2023. All studies reporting CMR imaging data in SLE patients were included. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. CMR findings of SLE patients were compared to that of matched controls. Clinical features associated with CMR biomarkers were collected in a qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 64 studies were included in the systematic review pooling 3304 individuals including 1870 SLE patients. Of these, 19 case-control studies were included in the comparative meta-analysis (1576 individuals, including 884 SLE patients). Compared to controls, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (62% vs. 64%, p = 0.001) and indexed end-diastolic volume (77 vs. 72 mL/m2, p = 0.006) were significantly altered in SLE patients. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent was higher in SLE patients (LGE mass/total LV mass: 3.5% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.009). Native T1 and T2 relaxation times were significantly higher in SLE patients (native T1 [1.5 T]: 1005 vs. 982 ms, p = 0.02; native T1 [3 T]: 1267 vs. 1140 ms, p < 0.001; T2 [all fields]: 58 vs. 51 ms, p < 0.001). Three studies found an association between disease activity and increased T2 relaxation times. Two studies identified an association between clinical outcomes and CMR parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

While CMR-assessed ventricular function and volumes only slightly differed in SLE patients when compared to controls, myocardial tissue characterization parameters were significantly modified and associated with disease activity.

KEY POINTS

Question What are the diagnostic and prognostic values of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) quantitative parameters in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients? Findings Myocardial tissue characterization parameters are significantly altered in SLE patients and associated with disease activity. Clinical relevance CMR imaging demonstrates subclinical cardiac alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Additional studies are required to further demonstrate the prognostic value of CMR in SLE.

Hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy: role of cardiac magnetic resonance for the diagnosis and follow-up of a very rare entity-a case report

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic used in rheumatological diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Long-term exposure to HCQ results in drug accumulation and predisposes to adverse effects.

Case summary

We present the case of a 45-year-old woman with long-term treatment with HCQ who presented to the Emergency Department with acute heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiogram, previously normal, showed severe biventricular hypertrophy and biventricular systolic dysfunction. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) confirmed the previous findings and showed elevated native T1 and T2 values, elevated extracellular volume, and extensive mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Infiltrative cardiomyopathy was suspected, and endomyocardial biopsy performed. Light microscopy showed myocyte hypertrophy and vacuolar change and absence of lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates. The diagnosis of HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy was established, and the drug was withdrawn. A CMR performed 1 year later showed normal systolic function of both ventricles and normalization of T2 values, reflecting resolution of myocardial oedema. However, severe hypertrophy, elevated native T1 values, and LGE persisted.

Discussion

Our case shows that although discontinuation of the drug stops the progression of the disease, established myocardial structural damage persists. Early diagnosis of this entity is therefore essential to improve prognosis.

Balancing risks and benefits in the use of hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids in systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and glucocorticoids (GCs) constitute the oldest and more used drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite this long experience, both are still subject to a number of uncertainties, mainly regarding the dose.

AREAS COVERED

We review the main mechanisms of action, the clinical and toxic effects of HCQ and GCs and analyze the recommendations for the use of both in guidelines published since 2018. We offer a set of recommendations based on the pharmacology, mechanisms of action and clinical evidence.

EXPERT OPINION

HCQ is the backbone therapy for SLE, and a judicious use must be accomplished, using doses that allow a good control of lupus without compromising the safety of treatments very much prolonged over the time. Stable doses of 200 mg/day seem to accomplish both conditions. GCs should be used more judiciously, with methyl-prednisolone pulses as the main therapy for inducing rapid remission and doses ≤5-2.5 mg/day be never exceeded in long-term maintenance treatments.

Association of Hydroxychloroquine Dose With Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dose is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Patients with SLE taking HCQ and with ≥1 echocardiogram followed at a tertiary care center in the Bronx, New York between 2005 and 2021 were included. The HCQ weight-based dose at the HCQ start date was the main exposure of interest. The outcome was incident all-cause heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), life-threatening arrhythmia, or cardiac death. We used Fine-Gray regression models with death as a competing event to study the association of HCQ dose with the outcome. Due to a significant interaction between smoking and HCQ exposure, models were stratified by smoking status. Propensity score analysis was performed as a secondary analysis.

RESULTS

Of 294 patients, 37 (13%) developed the outcome over a median follow-up time of 7.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.2-12.3 years). In nonsmokers (n = 226), multivariable analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and thromboembolism showed that higher HCQ weight-based doses were not associated with an increased risk of the outcome (subdistribution hazard ratio [HR] 0.62 [IQR 0.41-0.92], P = 0.02). Similarly, higher baseline HCQ doses were not associated with a higher risk of the outcome among smokers (n = 68) (subdistribution HR 0.85 [IQR 0.53-1.34] per mg/kg, P = 0.48). Propensity score analysis showed comparable results.

CONCLUSION

Higher HCQ doses were not associated with an increased risk of HFrEF, life-threatening arrhythmia, or cardiac death among patients with SLE and may decrease the risk among nonsmokers.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging T1 and T2 Mapping in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Relation to Antimalarial Treatment

PURPOSE

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at risk of cardiac disease including antimalarial-induced cardiomyopathy (AMIC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate cardiac magnetic resonance imaging parametric mapping findings in SLE patients with AMIC and investigate the relationship of T1/T2 mapping to antimalarial (AM) treatment duration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with SLE who had undergone cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with T1/T2 mapping for evaluation of suspected cardiac disease between 2018 and 2021 were evaluated and compared with healthy controls. To facilitate comparison between scanners, T1/T2 values were converted to a z -score using scanner-specific local reference values. Patients were classified into 3 groups: AMIC, myocarditis, and other (no AMIC or myocarditis).

RESULTS

Forty-five SLE patients (47±17 y, 80% female; 8 [18%] with AMIC and 7 [16%] with myocarditis) and 30 healthy controls (39±15 y, 60% female) were included. Patients with AMIC had higher T1 and T2 compared with controls ( z -score 1.1±1.3 vs. 0±0.6, P =0.01 and 1.7±1.1 vs. 0±1.0, P <0.01, respectively) and lower values compared with those with myocarditis (3.7±1.6, P <0.01 and 4.0±2.0, P <0.01, respectively). T1 correlated negatively with AM treatment duration in patients without AMIC or myocarditis ( r =-0.36, P =0.048) and positively in patients with AMIC ( r =0.92, P =0.001). AM treatment duration did not correlate significantly with T1 in patients with myocarditis or with T2 in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between T1 and AM treatment duration differed between groups. Native T1 decreases with longer treatment in patients without AMIC or myocarditis, possibility due to glycosphingolipid accumulation. In patients with AMIC, increasing T1 with longer treatment could reflect fibrosis.

Hydroxychloroquine and Fabry Disease: Three Case Reports Examining an Unexpected Pathologic Link and a Review of the Literature

Background

Hydroxychloroquine is an effective and widely used treatment in multiple autoimmune connective tissue diseases that gained a lot of publicity in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our case reports are unique in that they explore the rare and sometimes overlooked effects of this drug on multiple organ systems, specifically the kidney, cardiac muscle, and skeletal muscle. We include key histologic features in images which aid in identifying and distinguishing hydroxychloroquine toxicity from mimickers. Lastly, we report the very interesting similarity in the intracellular action of hydroxychloroquine to the pathology of Fabry disease (and its associated lysosomal enzyme, α-galactosidase A). Case Presentation. We will examine the case presentations of three female Caucasian patients: a 22-year-old with lupus nephritis class V, a 72-year-old with long-standing systemic lupus erythematosus, and a 74-year-old with undifferentiated connective tissue disease. All three patients were on hydroxychloroquine therapy for varying amounts of time with histologic evidence of hydroxychloroquine toxicity that is three is present in histological samples of the kidney, the heart, and the skeletal muscle.

Conclusions

Hydroxychloroquine is a very important and beneficial medication used for various autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Clinicians should be aware of the rare but sometimes serious side effects that can result from the medication, which at times can mimic manifestations of the connective tissue disease itself or Fabry disease. A thorough investigation should be performed in these cases to properly elucidate the cause followed by the appropriate targeted therapy.

Outcomes following antimalarial withdrawal in patients with quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Antimalarial medications (AMs) are central to the management of SLE. We investigated the rate of flare in lupus patients who withdrew AM after achieving clinical remission for at least one year, compared to those who continued therapy and compared flare rates in cases who tapered AM versus abruptly withdrew.

METHODS

Cases achieved clinical remission for at least one year then ceased their AM. Index date was defined as the date of complete AM cessation. Controls achieved clinical remission for at least one year and continued AM. Controls were matched according to the duration of AM before remission and the duration of therapy from remission date to case index date. All patients had ≥ 2 years of follow up.

RESULTS

Of 1573 patients on AM, 165 achieved a one-year remission and then ceased their AM. 96 had adequate follow-up, 88 were successfully matched to one control and 85 to 2 controls for a total of 173 controls. Flare occurred in 61.4% of cases and 45.1% of controls (p = 0.002). 52.3% patients who withdrew AM later restarted it due to disease flare. 88% recaptured control or improved, while 12% did not. Patients who tapered had significantly fewer flares (45.9% vs. 72.6%; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

AMs aid in preventing disease flare even in patients who have achieved prolonged clinical remission. Tapering AM results in lower flare rates. Hence, except in the setting of toxicity, cessation of antimalarial therapy in patients with prolonged disease quiescence is feasible using a slow taper.

Cardiac Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Role of Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that carries an increased risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease. The link between inflammation and atherosclerotic disease is clear; however, recent evidence suggests that inflammation may also play a role in the development of nonischemic heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We consider here the link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease in the RA community with a focus on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The effect of current anti-inflammatory therapeutics, used to treat RA patients, on cardiovascular disease are discussed as well as whether targeting resolution of inflammation might offer an alternative strategy for tempering inflammation and subsequent inflammation-driven comorbidities in RA.

The toxic effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on skeletal muscle: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review was to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis on the toxic effects of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on skeletal muscles. We designed the study according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies for qualitative and quantitative analyses were selected according to the following inclusion criteria: English language; size of sample (> 5 patients), adult (> age of 18) patients, treated with CQ/HCQ for inflammatory diseases, and presenting and not presenting with toxic effects on skeletal muscles. We collected data published from 1990 to April 2020 using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and SciELO. Risk of bias for observational studies was assessed regarding the ROBIN-I scale. Studies with less than five patients (case reports) were selected for an additional qualitative analysis. We used the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis at the confidence level of 0.05. We identified 23 studies for qualitative analysis (17 case-reports), and five studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. From case reports, 21 patients presented muscle weakness and confirmatory biopsy for CQ/HCQ induced myopathy. From observational studies, 37 patients out of 1,367 patients from five studies presented muscle weakness related to the use of CQ/HCQ, and 252 patients presented elevated levels of muscle enzymes (aldolase, creatine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase). Four studies presented data on 34 patients with confirmatory biopsy for drug-induced myopathy. No study presented randomized samples. The chronic use of CQ/HCQ may be a risk for drug-induced myopathy. There is substantiated need for proper randomized trials and controlled prospective studies needed to assess the clinical and subclinical stages of CQ/HCQ -induced muscle myopathy.

Safety management in treatment with antimalarials in rheumatology. Interdisciplinary recommendations on the basis of a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Antimalarial medication (AM) plays an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Updated evidence-based recommendations on the safety management of rheumatological treatment with AM are presented.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the databases Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane identified 1160 studies on the safety of treatment with AM in rheumatology. In addition, a manual search was carried out and 67 publications considered to be particularly relevant by the authors were analyzed in more detail. These publications served as a basis for consensus-based recommendations.

RESULTS

Treatment with AM in rheumatology should be carried out with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with a dosage not exceeding 5 mg/kg body weight/day. Patients should undergo a basic ophthalmological examination within the first 6 months of AM treatment. Pre-existing maculopathy, renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate, GFR <60 ml/min), tamoxifen comedication, a daily dose of >5 mg/kg HCQ or treatment with chloroquine (CQ) show an increased risk for AM-induced retinopathy. These patients should undergo an annual ophthalmological check from the beginning of the treatment, whereas patients with no risk factors are recommended to start this only after 5 years of taking the medication. The ophthalmological examination should comprise at least both an appropriate subjective and an objective method and these are usually an automated visual field test and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A visual field test revealing a parafoveal sensitivity loss and an OCT showing a parafoveal circumscribed loss of the photoreceptor layer or focal interruptions of the structural line of the outer segment are signs of a possible AM retinopathy. Determination of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood is appropriate to screen for cardiomyopathy and myopathy and should be checked before starting the treatment and then ca. every 3 months. The use of cardiac biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or troponin in serum, electrocardiograph (ECG) or cardiac imaging should be considered depending on the situation. An intake of HCQ is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding according to the current state of knowledge and is protective for mother and child in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

CONCLUSION

The updated recommendations on AM treatment in rheumatology in particular include a more rigorous measuring of doses, risk stratification in monitoring and defined ophthalmological examination methods to detect a possible retinopathy.

Insights on the Evidence of Cardiotoxicity of Hydroxychloroquine Prior and During COVID-19 Epidemic

The recent empirical use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revived the interest in its cardiac toxicity, increasingly sidelined over time. We aimed to assess and compare the profile of cardiac adverse drug reactions (CADRs) associated with HCQ before and during COVID-19. We performed a retrospective comparative observational study using the French Pharmacovigilance network database between 1985 and May 2020 to assess all postmarketing CADRs associated with HCQ notified before COVID-19 in its approved indications for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (preCOV), and those concerning its empirical use in COVID-19 (COV). Eighty-five CADR in preCOV were compared with 141 CADRs in COV. The most common CADR of preCOV were cardiomyopathies (42.4%) and conduction disorders (28.2%), both statistically more frequent than in COV (P < 0.001). COV notifications significantly highlighted repolarization and ventricular rhythm disorders (78.0%, P < 0.001) as well as sinus bradycardias (14.9%, P = 0.01) as compared with preCOV. Estimated incidence of CADR was significantly higher among patients exposed to off-label use of HCQ in COVID-19 (2.9%) than before COVID-19 in its approved indications (0.01%, P < 0.001). The use of HCQ in COVID-19 sheds a new light on the spectrum of its cardiac toxicity. This fosters the value of a closer monitoring of all patients treated with HCQ, regardless of its indication, and the importance of an update of its summary of product characteristics.

Cardiac Complications Attributed to Hydroxychloroquine: A Systematic Review of the Literature Pre-COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Hydroxychloroquine has been used for rheumatological diseases for many decades and is considered a safe medication. With the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been an increase in reports associating cardiotoxicity with hydroxychloroquine. It is unclear if the cardiotoxic profile of hydroxychloroquine is previously underreported in the literature or is it a manifestation of COVID-19 and therapeutic interventions. This manuscript evaluates the incidence of cardiotoxicity associated with hydroxychloroquine prior to the onset of COVID-19.

METHODS

PubMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for keywords derived from MeSH terms prior to April 9, 2020. Inclusion eligibility was based on appropriate reporting of cardiac conditions and study design.

RESULTS

A total of 69 articles were identified (58 case reports, 11 case series). The majority (84%) of patients were female, with a median age of 49.2 (range 16-92) years. 15 of 185 patients with cardiotoxic events were in the setting of acute intentional overdose. In acute overdose, the median ingestion was 17,857 ± 14,873 mg. 2 of 15 patients died after acute intoxication. In patients with long-term hydroxychloroquine use (10.5 ± 8.9 years), new onset systolic heart failure occurred in 54 of 155 patients (35%) with median cumulative ingestion of 1,493,800 ± 995,517 mg. The majority of patients improved with the withdrawal of hydroxychloroquine and standard therapy.

CONCLUSION

Millions of hydroxychloroquine doses are prescribed annually. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiac complications attributed to hydroxychloroquine were uncommon. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system to understand the presence or absence of potential medication interactions with hydroxychloroquine in this new pathophysiological state.

Acute myocardial dysfunction in lupus: outcomes in Asian Indians

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial dysfunction is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We describe the outcome in a small series of Asian Indian patients and examine associated factors.

METHODS

SLE patients who fulfilled the 2012 SLICC criteria and developed new-onset myocardial dysfunction were included in this retrospective case series. Acute myocardial dysfunction was defined as global hypokinesia and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% on echocardiography (with or without symptoms) in patients with SLE. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression.

RESULTS

This study included 37 patients with mean age 28.2 ± 11.2 years and median (range) LVEF of 35% (18-48%) at presentation. A majority had active disease, with SLEDAI-2k ≥ 5 in 26 (of 28). All patients received oral corticosteroids and a majority received additional immunosuppression, including pulse methylprednisolone in 28 and cyclophosphamide in 27. Nine patients died during hospitalisation (25%), a majority due to infections. Death was significantly associated with elevated procalcitonin at presentation (p = 0.05), elevated white cell count (p = 0.02) and low complement C3 (p = 0.03). In those who survived, long-term outcomes were good, with complete myocardial recovery in 14 (64%). A higher ejection fraction at presentation was associated with complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small series of patients of SLE with acute myocardial dysfunction, we report a significant in-hospital mortality due to infections. Many of the patients who died had elevated procalcitonin at presentation. A diligent search for infection seems prudent in lupus patients who present with acute myocardial dysfunction. Key Points • In patients of SLE with acute myocardial dysfunction who were treated with immunosuppression, there was significant short-term mortality due to infections. • This mortality was associated with elevated procalcitonin at baseline and may suggest some of them had pre-existing hidden sepsis. • A prudent search for infections in these patients before immunosuppression may help to decrease short-term mortality.

Can endolysosomal deacidification and inhibition of autophagy prevent severe COVID-19?

The possibility is examined that immunomodulatory pharmacotherapy may be clinically useful in managing the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), known to result from infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. The dominant route of cell entry of the coronavirus is via phagocytosis, with ensconcement in endosomes thereafter proceeding via the endosomal pathway, involving transfer from early (EEs) to late endosomes (LEs) and ultimately into lysosomes via endolysosomal fusion. EE to LE transportation is a rate-limiting step for coronaviruses. Hence inhibition or dysregulation of endosomal trafficking could potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. Furthermore, the acidic luminal pH of the endolysosomal system is critical for the activity of numerous pH-sensitive hydrolytic enzymes. Golgi sub-compartments and Golgi-derived secretory vesicles also depend on being mildly acidic for optimal function and structure. Activation of endosomal toll-like receptors by viral RNA can upregulate inflammatory mediators and contribute to a systemic inflammatory cytokine storm, associated with a worsened clinical outcome in COVID-19. Such endosomal toll-like receptors could be inhibited by the use of pharmacological agents which increase endosomal pH, thereby reducing the activity of acid-dependent endosomal proteases required for their activity and/or assembly, leading to suppression of antigen-presenting cell activity, decreased autoantibody secretion, decreased nuclear factor-kappa B activity and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production. It is also noteworthy that SARS-CoV-2 inhibits autophagy, predisposing infected cells to apoptosis. It is therefore also suggested that further pharmacological inhibition of autophagy might encourage the apoptotic clearance of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells.

Update on antimalarials and systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is highlighting the most recent evidence on the clinical efficacy and toxicity of antimalarials in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

RECENT FINDINGS

New data confirm the effects of antimalarials in preventing SLE activity, damage and infections and in decreasing mortality. An important reduction in use of health resources is related to continued antimalarial use. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may prevent preeclampsia in pregnant women with SLE. HCQ ocular toxicity is infrequent and could be associated with blood levels. Gastrointestinal and skin toxicity are underrecognized and could influence adherence. Prolongation of QT interval is extremely unusual with HCQ. Doses of HCQ of 200 mg/day seem to offer a good efficacy/toxicity balance. HCQ protection against herpes zoster and Pneumocystis jirovecii infection has been shown. On the contrary, HCQ prescription by doctors and adherence by patients are both under recommended standards. The recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in a significant shortage of HCQ in many countries with possible consequences in the correct treatment of lupus patients.

SUMMARY

Recent evidence reinforces the central role of HCQ in SLE therapy. The reduction in activity, damage accrual and mortality is consistent across studies, countries and ethnical groups. On the contrary, and despite the well established beneficial effects of prolonged regular HCQ therapy, many SLE patients do never take this drug or it is eventually stopped in the setting of severe flares, pregnancy or presumed toxicity. Every effort must be made to assure the correct prescription of HCQ and not to withdraw the drug unless unequivocal signs of toxicity are present.

Prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with overt myocardial dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus. A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Small case-series have reported overt myocardial dysfunction to be associated with positive antiphospholipid antibodies in patients of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there is no case-control study that has examined this association.

METHODS

This case-control study recruited patients of SLE (fulfilling SLICC criteria) with overt myocardial dysfunction as cases and those without this as controls. Overt myocardial dysfunction was defined by echocardiography as global left ventricular dysfunction and reduced ejection fraction (<50%). Those patients with a prior diagnosis of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease or severe pulmonary artery hypertension were excluded. Antibodies tested included lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies (IgM and IgG) and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein 1 antibodies (IgM and IgG). Patients with positive tests underwent repeat testing for persistent positivity after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

This study included 51 patients (21 cases and 30 controls) having a mean (SD) age of 33 (13.3) years, and disease duration (median, IQR) of 28 months (12-38 months). The mean ejection fraction of cases was 31.7 (9.3)% while that of controls was 55.7 (1.7)% (p = 0.03). The frequency (percentage) of positive antiphospholipid antibodies was not significantly different between cases and controls (43%, 40%, p = 0.8). The frequency (percentage) of anti-cardiolipin antibody was also not significant between the groups (38%, 37%, p = 0.57). Serositis and leucopenia were more prevalent in SLE patients with myocardial dysfunction (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

This study did not find any significant association of anti-phospholipid antibodies with overt myocardial dysfunction in patients of SLE.

Screening for Fabry Disease in patients with unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy

Fabry Disease (FD) is a systemic disorder that can result in cardiovascular, renal, and neurovascular disease leading to reduced life expectancy. FD should be considered in the differential of all patients with unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We therefore performed a prospective screening study in Edmonton and Hong Kong using Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing on patients with undiagnosed LVH. Participants found to have unexplained LVH on echocardiography were invited to participate and subsequently subjected to DBS testing. DBS testing was used to measure α-galactosidase (α-GAL) enzyme activity and for mutation analysis of the α-galactosidase (GLA) gene, both of which are required to make a diagnosis of FD. DBS testing was performed as a screening tool on patients (n = 266) in Edmonton and Hong Kong, allowing for detection of five patients with FD (2% prevalence of FD) and one patient with hydroxychloroquine-induced phenocopy. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) by GLA genotype showed a higher LVMI in patients with IVS4 + 919G > A mutations compared to those without the mutation. Two patients were initiated on ERT and hydroxychloroquine was discontinued in the patient with a phenocopy of FD. Overall, we detected FD in 2% of our screening cohort using DBS testing as an effective and easy to administer screening tool in patients with unexplained LVH. Utilizing DBS testing to screen for FD in patients with otherwise undiagnosed LVH is clinically important due to the availability of effective therapies and the value of cascade screening in extended families.

[Safety management of the treatment with antimalarial drugs in rheumatology. Interdisciplinary recommendations based on a systematic literature search]

BACKGROUND

Antimalarial medication (AM) plays an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Updated evidence-based recommendations on the safety management of rheumatological treatment with AM are presented.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the databases Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane identified 1160 studies on the safety of treatment with AM in rheumatology. In addition, a manual search was carried out and 67 publications considered to be particularly relevant by the authors were analyzed in more detail. These publications served as a basis for consensus-based recommendations.

RESULTS

Treatment with AM in rheumatology should be carried out with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with a dosage not exceeding 5 mg/kg body weight/day. Patients should undergo a basic ophthalmological examination within the first 6 months of AM treatment. Pre-existing maculopathy, renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate, GFR <60 ml/min), tamoxifen comedication, a daily dose of >5 mg/kg HCQ or treatment with chloroquine (CQ) show an increased risk for AM-induced retinopathy. These patients should undergo an annual ophthalmological check from the beginning of the treatment, whereas patients with no risk factors are recommended to start this only after 5 years of taking the medication. The ophthalmological examination should comprise at least both an appropriate subjective and an objective method and these are usually an automated visual field test and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A visual field test revealing a parafoveal sensitivity loss and an OCT showing a parafoveal circumscribed loss of the photoreceptor layer or focal interruptions of the structural line of the outer segment are signs of a possible AM retinopathy. Determination of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood is appropriate to screen for cardiomyopathy and myopathy and should be checked before starting the treatment and then ca. every 3 months. The use of cardiac biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or troponin in serum, electrocardiograph (ECG) or cardiac imaging should be considered depending on the situation. An intake of HCQ is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding according to the current state of knowledge and is protective for mother and child in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

CONCLUSION

The updated recommendations on AM treatment in rheumatology in particular include a more rigorous measuring of doses, risk stratification in monitoring and defined ophthalmological examination methods to detect a possible retinopathy.

Sicherheitsmanagement der Therapie mit Antimalariamitteln: was bedeuten die neuen Empfehlungen für die Praxis?

Antimalariamittel (AM) haben nach wie vor eine große Bedeutung in der Rheumatologie. Die aktualisierten Empfehlungen zum Sicherheitsmanagement mit AM wurden auf der Basis einer systematischen Literaturaturrecherche und im interdisziplinären Konsens erarbeitet. Verantwortlich war die Kommission Pharmakotherapie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie. Um Nebenwirkungen frühzeitig zu entdecken, bzw. Komplikationen im Zusammenhang mit der AM-Therapie vorzubeugen, sind folgende Maßnahmen empfohlen: Die rheumatologische Therapie mit AM sollte mit Hydroxychloroquin (HCQ) erfolgen und die Dosis von 5 mg/kg Körpergewicht (KG) nicht übersteigen. In den ersten 6 Monaten der Therapie ist eine augenärztliche Untersuchung empfohlen. Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung einer AM-induzierten Retinopathie sind vorbestehende Makulopathie, Niereninsuffizienz mit glomerulärer Filtrationsrate (GFR)< 60 ml/min, Tamoxifen-Begleittherapie, Tagesdosen HCQ > 5 mg/kg KG, sowie die Therapie mit Chloroquin (CQ). Bei Vorliegen von Risikofaktoren werden die weiteren Kontrolluntersuchungen einmal pro Jahr empfohlen, ansonsten erst ab dem fünften Jahr, dann ebenfalls jährlich. Die ophthalmologische Untersuchung sollte mindestens eine subjektive und eine objektive Methode beinhalten. Empfohlen wird jeweils das automatisierte Gesichtsfeld (aGF) und die optische Kohärenztomografie (OCT). In der aGF lassen bei einer AM-Retinopathie eine parafoveale Empfindlichkeitsabnahme und in der OCT eine umschriebene Verdünnung der Photorezeptorenschicht parafoveal sowie fokale Unterbrechung der Außensegmentstrukturlinie den Verdacht auf eine AM-Retinopathie zu. Zur Erkennung von Kardiomyopathie bzw. Myopathie wird zu Beginn und dann alle 3–6 Monate die Bestimmung von Creatinkinase (CK) und Laktatdehydrogenase (LDH) im Serum empfohlen. Ergänzend können bei Verdacht auf AM-induzierte Kardiomyopathie Troponin, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Elektrokardiogramm (EKG), sowie eine kardiale Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) erwogen werden. Bei Verdacht auf AM-induzierte Myopathie ist die Muskelbiopsie mit elektronenmikroskopischer Untersuchung der Goldstandard. Die Behandlung mit HCQ verursacht bei Einnahme in der Schwangerschaft keine Fehlbildungen der ungeborenen Kinder und ist sowohl in der Schwangerschaft wie auch Stillzeit nach gegenwärtigem Wissenstand sicher. Die aktualisierten Empfehlungen zum Sicherheitsmanagement der Therapie mit AM enthalten strengere Dosisvorgaben, Definition für Risikofaktoren für AM-Retinopathie und geeignete ophthalmologische Untersuchungen, sowie Stratifizierung im Monitoring.

Revisiting hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for patients with chronic immunity-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, also known as antimalarial drugs, are widely used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and have recently become the focus of attention because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rheumatologists have been using antimalarials to manage patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases for decades. It is an appropriate time to review their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms impact on disease activity and survival of systemic lupus erythematosus patient, including antiplatelet effect, metabolic and lipid benefits. We also discuss possible adverse effects, adding a practical and comprehensive approach to monitoring rheumatic patients during treatment with these drugs.

Heart Failure Risk Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Chronic Inflammation

Background

Inflammation may contribute to incident heart failure (HF). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prototypic inflammatory condition, may serve as a model for understanding inflammation‐related HF risk.

Methods and Results

Using the Vanderbilt University Medical Center electronic health record, we retrospectively identified 9889 patients with RA and 9889 control patients without autoimmune disease matched for age, sex, and race. Prevalent HF at entry into the electronic health record or preceding RA diagnosis was excluded. Incident HF was ascertained using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9), codes and medications. Over 177 566 person‐years of follow‐up, patients with RA were at 21% greater risk of HF (95% CI, 3–42%) independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Among patients with RA, higher CRP (C‐reactive protein) was associated with greater HF risk (P<0.001), while the anti‐inflammatory drug methotrexate was associated with ≈25% lower HF risk (P=0.021). In a second cohort (n=115) of prospectively enrolled patients with and without RA, we performed proteomics and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to discover circulating markers of inflammation associated with cardiac structure and function. Artemin levels were higher in patients with RA compared with controls (P=0.009), and higher artemin levels were associated with worse ventricular end‐systolic elastance and ventricular‐vascular coupling ratio (P=0.044 and P=0.031, respectively).

Conclusions

RA, a prototypic chronic inflammatory condition, is associated with increased risk of HF. Among patients with RA, higher levels of CRP were associated with greater HF risk, while methotrexate was associated with lower risk.

[A rare cause of impaired general condition: Muscular and cardiac toxicity of antimalarials]

INTRODUCTION

This case report signifies the need to systemically assess antimalarial toxicity in those undergoing long-term treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 59-year-old man with a history of ischemic-labeled heart disease revealed by conduction disorders and cutaneous lupus treated initially with hydroxychloroquine followed by chloroquine consulted for asthenia and weight loss. Clinically, he had a muscular atrophy, a motor deficit, and an abolition of the osteo-tendinous reflexes in the lower limbs. Adverse drug effects of the antimalarial therapy were suspected-specifically, muscular and cardiac toxicity. The diagnosis was confirmed with a muscle biopsy, which showed typical and florid vacuolar myopathy. Cessation of the drug resulted in a slow regression of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac and muscular toxicity related to antimalarials are rare and sometimes fatal; thus, they must be systematically assessed in a patient with several years of exposure. A muscle biopsy could be sufficient to allow for the diagnosis.

Chronic inflammatory diseases, myocardial function and cardioprotection

The association between chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) and increased cardiovascular (CV) risk is well documented and can be a most threatening complication in these patients. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying increased CV risk remain elusive, especially in their cellular and biochemical pathways. Using animal models to understand mechanisms underlying cardiac involvement are limited. Additionally, treatments may influence cardiovascular events through different outcomes. Some drugs used to treat CIDs can negatively affect cardiac function by a direct toxicity, whereas others may protect the myocardium. In the present article, we focus on the cardiac manifestations and risk factors, the pathogenetic mechanisms, and the effect of treatments on myocardial function and cardioprotection for five common worldwide CIDs (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease). We also give recommendations in order to evaluate common targets between CID and CV disease (CVD) and to design therapies to alleviate CID-related CVD. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.23/issuetoc.

Heart failure risk in systemic lupus erythematosus compared to diabetes mellitus and general medicaid patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a similar risk of myocardial infarction as those with diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether the risk of heart failure (HF) in SLE is similar to the elevated risk in DM is unknown. We sought to estimate the rates and risks for HF hospitalization among US Medicaid patients with SLE and to compare them to those for DM and the general Medicaid population.

METHODS

Using U.S. Medicaid data from 2007-2010, we identified patients with SLE or DM, and a matched cohort from the general Medicaid population and calculated incidence rates (IR), incidence rate ratios (IRR) and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of a first HF hospitalization.

RESULTS

We identified 37,902 SLE (93% female, mean age 40.1 ± 12.1), 76,657 DM (93% female, mean age 40.0 ± 12.1), and 158,695 general Medicaid patients (93% female, mean age 40.2 ± 12.1). The IR per 1000-person years was 6.9 (95% CI 6.3-7.5) for SLE, 6.6 (95% CI 6.2-7.0) for DM, and 1.6 (95% CI 1.5-1.8) for general Medicaid patients. The highest IRR compared to general Medicaid was seen among SLE patients in age group 18-39 (14.7, 95% CI 13.9-15.5). Multivariable-adjusted HRs for HF compared to general Medicaid population were similar for SLE (2.7, 95% CI 2.3-3.1) and DM (3.0, 95% CI 2.6-3.4).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of HF among SLE patients was 2.7-fold higher than general Medicaid patients, and similar to DM. Further investigation into the biologic mechanism of HF among SLE compared to non-SLE and DM patients may shed light on the findings of this study.