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Nakai T, Honda N, Soga E, Fukui S, Kitada A, Yokogawa N, Okada M. Effect of remission, clinical remission with active serology, and glucocorticoid dosage on the pregnancy outcome of pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:63. [PMID: 38459603 PMCID: PMC10924338 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remission is a key treatment target in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) management. Given the direct correlation between lupus flares and elevated risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), securing remission before conception becomes crucial. However, the association between clinical remission with active serology, and the risk of APOs is not thoroughly understood. Additionally, determining the optimal glucocorticoid dosage during pregnancy to mitigate APO risks remains under-researched. This study investigated the risk of APOs in relation to remission/serological activity status in patients in clinical remission/glucocorticoid dosage. METHODS Pregnant patients with SLE, who were followed up at two Japanese tertiary referral centers, and had their remission status assessed at conception, were included in this study. We categorized the patients into two groups based on whether they achieved Zen/Doria remission at conception and analyzed the APO ratio. We also examined the influence of serological activity in pregnant patients with clinical remission and analyzed the optimal glucocorticoid dosage to minimize the APO ratio. RESULTS Of the 96 pregnancies included, 59 achieved remission at conception. Pregnant patients who achieved remission showed a significant decrease in the APO ratio compared with those who did not. (overall APO: odds ratio (OR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-0.65, p < 0.01, maternal APO: OR 0.34, 95%CI 0.13-0.85, p = 0.021, neonatal APO: OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.17-0.90, p = 0.028). Conversely, no statistical difference was observed in the APO ratio based on serological activity in pregnant patients with clinical remission. (overall APO: OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.21-1.79, p = 0.37, maternal APO: OR 1.25, 95%CI 0.32-4.85, p = 0.75, neonatal APO: OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.29-2.39, p = 0.73). A glucocorticoid dose of prednisolone equivalent ≥ 7.5 mg/day at conception correlated with increased APO. (overall APO: OR 3.01, 95%CI 1.23-7.39, p = 0.016, neonatal APO: OR 2.98, 95% CI:1.23-7.22, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Even with active serology, achieving clinical remission can be a clinical target for reducing APOs in patients who wish to conceive. In addition, if clinically feasible, reducing the glucocorticoid dosage to < 7.5 mg/day before conception could be another predictive factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Nanase Honda
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Soga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Kitada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoto Yokogawa
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Nakai T, Honda N, Soga E, Fukui S, Kitada A, Yokogawa N, Okada M. A retrospective analysis of the safety of tacrolimus use and its optimal cut-off concentration during pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: study from two Japanese tertiary referral centers. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:15. [PMID: 38178242 PMCID: PMC10765865 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus is one of the major treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is considered to be a pregnancy-compatible medication. Since little is known about tacrolimus safety during pregnancy complicated by SLE, this study was designed. METHODS We included SLE pregnant patients who were followed up at two Japanese tertiary referral centers. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess each adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) risk. Moreover, we assessed the influence of tacrolimus on the APO ratio in pregnant patients with lupus nephritis, and the impact of combined tacrolimus-aspirin therapy on the APO ratio relative to patients exclusively administered tacrolimus. RESULTS Of the 124 pregnancies, 29 were exposed to tacrolimus. Multivariate analysis showed no statistical difference in APO ratio. (overall APO: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-2.03; p = 0.50; maternal APO: aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.36-3.83; p = 0.80; neonatal APO: aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.38-3.21; p = 0.86; PROMISSE APO: aOR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.14-1.74; p = 0.27). Blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during pregnancy and after delivery did not differ between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that tacrolimus concentration > 2.6 ng/ml was related to reduced preterm birth rate. (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.61-1.00, sensitivity: 93% and specificity: 75%). Regarding effect of tacrolimus on lupus nephritis during pregnancy, tacrolimus showed no increased risk of APO, blood pressure or eGFR during pregnancy and after delivery. (overall APO: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.25-4.08; p = 0.98; maternal APO: OR 1.60, 95% CI, 0.39-6.64; p = 0.51; neonatal APO: OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.17-3.03; p = 0.65, PROMISSE APO: OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.08-3.22; p = 0.47). Tacrolimus-aspirin combination therapy showed a protective tendency against hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, preeclampsia and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS Tacrolimus use during pregnancy with SLE and lupus nephritis showed no significant influence on APO, blood pressure, or renal function; therefore tacrolimus may be suitable for controlling lupus activity during pregnancy. In addition, when using tacrolimus during pregnancy, we should aim its trough concentration ≥ 2.6 ng/ml while paying careful attention to possible maternal side effects of tacrolimus. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Nanase Honda
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Soga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Kitada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoto Yokogawa
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Nakai T, Fukui S, Sawada H, Ikada Y, Tamaki H, Kishimoto M, Okada M. Disease-modifying effect and long-term safety of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A single-center retrospective study. Lupus 2023; 32:1518-1527. [PMID: 37858981 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231208845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease modification in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is important for minimizing disease activity while limiting treatment-associated toxicities. Belimumab can be used as a remission-induction/maintenance systemic lupus erythematosus therapy; however, its disease-modifying effects are unclear. We aimed to determine these effects in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS This single-center retrospective cohort study included 92 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab. We analyzed the changes in flare free rate/lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) attainment rate/glucocorticoid dosage/Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics and American College of Rheumatology damage index (SDI) score/drug retention rate after treatment initiation. RESULTS Fifty-two weeks after initiating belimumab, the flare rate decreased from 82.6% to 14.1% (p < .01). Until week 52 and 1000 days after initiating belimumab treatment, > 70% and ∼90% of the patients attained lupus low disease activity state, respectively. Belimumab treatment significantly reduced glucocorticoid demand (initiation day, 8.88 (6.00-15.00) mg/d; week 52, 5.00 (2.00-7.00) mg/d; final day of the study period, 3.00 (0.46-6.06) mg/d, initiation day vs. week 52: p < .01, initiation day vs. final day: p < .01); at the end of the study period, 68.5% of patients required ≤5 mg/d prednisolone, and 22.8% discontinued glucocorticoids. Most patients were SDI progression-free (week 52, ∼95%; day 1000, ∼90%), and belimumab showed a high drug retention rate (week 52, 90%; day 1000 > 80%). CONCLUSION Most patients experienced lupus low disease activity state, reduced flare rate and glucocorticoid demand, and a stable SDI trend after belimumab treatment initiation. Given its efficacy and retention rate, belimumab treatment may serve as a fundamental strategy in disease modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, St Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Emergency and General Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Haruki Sawada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yukihiko Ikada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamaki
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Kishimoto
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Nikoloudaki M, Nikolopoulos D, Koutsoviti S, Flouri I, Kapsala N, Repa A, Katsimbri P, Theotikos E, Pitsigavdaki S, Pateromichelaki K, Bertsias A, Elezoglou A, Sidiropoulos P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D, Bertsias G. Clinical response trajectories and drug persistence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients on belimumab treatment: A real-life, multicentre observational study. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1074044. [PMID: 36685524 PMCID: PMC9845912 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1074044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To obtain real-world data on outcomes of belimumab treatment and respective prognostic factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Observational study of 188 active SLE patients (median disease duration 6.2 years, two previous immunosuppressive/biological agents) treated with belimumab, who were monitored for SLEDAI-2K, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state), remission (DORIS/Padua definitions), SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index, SLICC/ACR damage index and treatment discontinuations. Group-based disease activity trajectories were modelled followed by multinomial regression for predictive variables. Drug survival was analysed by Cox-regression. Results At 6, 12 and 24 months, LLDAS was attained by 36.2%, 36.7% and 33.5%, DORIS-remission by 12.3%, 11.6% and 17.8%, and Padua-remission by 21.3%, 17.9% and 29.0%, respectively (attrition-corrected). Trajectory analysis of activity indices classified patients into complete (25.5%), partial (42.0%) and non-responder (32.4%) groups, which were predicted by baseline PGA, inflammatory rash, leukopenia and prior use of mycophenolate. During median follow-up of 15 months, efficacy-related discontinuations occurred in 31.4% of the cohort, especially in patients with higher baseline PGA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.78 per 1-unit; 95% CI 1.32-5.85). Conversely, PGA improvement at 3 months predicted longer drug retention (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33-0.97). Use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with lower risk for safety-related drug discontinuation (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.85). Although severe flares were reduced, flares were not uncommon (58.0%) and contributed to treatment stops (odds ratio [OR] 1.73 per major flare; 95% CI 1.09-2.75) and damage accrual (OR 1.83 per mild/moderate flare; 95% CI 1.15-2.93). Conclusions In a real-life setting with predominant long-standing SLE, belimumab was effective in the majority of patients, facilitating the achievement of therapeutic targets. Monitoring PGA helps to identify patients who will likely benefit and stay on the treatment. Vigilance is required for the prevention and management of flares while on belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Koutsoviti
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Flouri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sofia Pitsigavdaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Katerina Pateromichelaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonia Elezoglou
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece,*Correspondence: George Bertsias,
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Nakai T, Ikeda Y, Yamaguchi K, Asano T, Iwata F, Kidoguchi G, Fukui S, Ozawa H, Kawaai S, Kitada A, Suda M, Nomura A, Tamaki H, Okada M. A case report of two systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancies with early placental exposure to belimumab: Case report with review. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 7:82-86. [PMID: 36029470 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since its approval for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), belimumab has been widely used. However, its pregnancy safety profile has been underinvestigated. We present the pregnancy outcomes of two cases of early placental exposure to belimumab and summarise the pregnancy outcomes in previous reports regarding placental exposure to belimumab. Case 1 describes a 27-year-old woman with an 18-year history of SLE and lupus nephritis class III. We introduced belimumab 19 months prior to conception to control her proteinuria and discontinued its use at 5 weeks and 5 days of gestation. Her lupus activity was stable throughout pregnancy, and at 37 weeks and 1 day of gestation, she delivered a healthy girl with no anomaly. At delivery, the girl was small for gestational age, but at the 1-year follow-up, there was no delay in her growth or any serious infection. Case 2 describes a 32-year-old woman with a 15-year history of SLE. We introduced belimumab 9 months prior to conception and discontinued its use at 7 weeks and 1 day of gestation. Although her lupus was well controlled without belimumab, a missed abortion occurred, which was possibly due to foetal factors. Although there is accumulating data on the safety of belimumab use during pregnancy, it seems necessary to cautiously use this medication in pregnant women, until further analyses are conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Ikeda
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yamaguchi
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Takahiro Asano
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Futoshi Iwata
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Genki Kidoguchi
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kawaai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Ayako Kitada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Masei Suda
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Suwa Chuo Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nomura
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamaki
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
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Nakai T, Fukui S, Kidoguchi G, Ikeda Y, Kitada A, Nomura A, Tamaki H, Kishimoto M, Okada M. Effect and safety profile of belimumab and tacrolimus combination therapy in thirty-three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3735-3745. [PMID: 35939162 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Belimumab combined with mycophenolate mofetil has been proven to be effective for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in several randomized controlled trials. Calcineurin inhibitors are also useful in controlling the activity of SLE. However, the safety and effectiveness of belimumab-calcineurin inhibitor combination therapy have not been addressed. Therefore, the current single-center retrospective study aimed to analyze the safety/efficacy profile of belimumab-tacrolimus (B-T) combination therapy in patients with SLE. METHOD Patients with SLE administered tacrolimus and belimumab during treatment were included in the study. Samples were analyzed for the drug retention rate, SLE flare rate, infection incidence rate, and glucocorticoid-sparing effect of the B-T combination therapy. RESULTS Thirty-three patients with SLE were treated with B-T combination therapy at our institution. Four patients discontinued treatment due to insufficient response or adverse events. The drug retention rate was over 90% at week 52 and approximately 80% at day 1000. Only one patient developed serious infection. The lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) achievement ratio was 9.1% on the day of initiation and improved to 64.0% at 52 weeks after initiation. SLE flares were observed in three patients (9.1%) in the first 52 weeks after initiation, and in five patients (15.2%) throughout the study period. A glucocorticoid-reducing effect was also observed in patients treated with B-T combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS In most patients with SLE, B-T combination therapy is well tolerated with a good efficacy profile and glucocorticoid-reducing effect. Thus, B-T combination therapy represents a feasible option for patients with refractory lupus. Key Points • The safety and effectiveness of belimumab-calcineurin inhibitor combination therapy have not been addressed. • The drug retention rate of belimumab-tacrolimus combination therapy was over 90% at week 52 and around 80% on day 1000 • Almost none of the patients suffered from severe infection after the initiation of belimumab-tacrolimus combination therapy. • Belimumab-tacrolimus combination therapy is efficacious in suppressing lupus activity and achieving LLDAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Emergency and General Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Genki Kidoguchi
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Ikeda
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Kitada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nomura
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamaki
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Kishimoto
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Nakai T, Fukui S, Ikeda Y, Suda M, Tamaki H, Okada M. Glucocorticoid discontinuation in patients with SLE with prior severe organ involvement: a single-center retrospective analysis. Lupus Sci Med 2022; 9:9/1/e000682. [PMID: 35654482 PMCID: PMC9163542 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2022-000682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective Long-term glucocorticoid use in SLE may have significant side effects; however, glucocorticoid discontinuation is occasionally associated with disease flare-ups. Therefore, we evaluated the risk factors for disease flares and the flare rate on glucocorticoid tapering in patients with prior severe organ involvement. Methods Data of patients with SLE with glucocorticoid tapering at our institution were retrospectively analysed. We divided the patients by the presence of prior severe organ involvement and compared flare rates after glucocorticoid discontinuation. Furthermore, we determined risk factors for flares after glucocorticoid discontinuation. Results In total, 309 patients with SLE were screened, 73 of whom met the inclusion criteria; 49 were classified as SLE with prior severe organ involvement. No significant differences were noted in the 52-week flare rate after glucocorticoid discontinuation between patients with and without prior severe organ involvement (16.7% vs 18.2%, p=1.0). Hypocomplementaemia, elevated anti-dsDNA antibody titres more than twice the upper limit of the laboratory reference range, positive anti-Smith/anti-ribonucleoprotein antibody, and use of any immunosuppressant on the day of glucocorticoid discontinuation were negatively associated with flare-free remission. Conclusions Glucocorticoid discontinuation after gradual tapering can often be achieved in patients with SLE, even with prior severe organ involvement, especially when the disease is clinically and serologically stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Japan.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology, St Luke's International University, Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Ikeda
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Masei Suda
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Suwa Central Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamaki
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Chuo-ku, Japan
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