Patterns of immunosuppressive drug use during pregnancy in women with systemic vasculitis: A nationwide population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Systemic vasculitis (SV) rarely affects women of childbearing age and only small series have been reported to date in pregnant patients. The discovery of an unplanned pregnancy can be an urgent cause for modifying treatments. This study aimed to describe immunosuppressive drugs use before, during and after pregnancy in women with SV.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study using the French nationwide claims database. We included all women with SV being pregnant between 2013 and 2018. Exposure of interest was defined as exposure to oral systemic or injectable immunosuppressive drug identified using out-hospital reimbursement data and in-hospital reimbursement for expensive drugs.

RESULTS

Of 3,246,454 pregnancies, 649 pregnancies were observed in 606 women with SV. Immunosuppressant and glucocorticoids use decreased before pregnancy and then increased after pregnancy (48.4%, 40.7%, 50.4%, respectively before, during, after). Prevalence of glucocorticoids use was broadly stable during pregnancy from 27.9% to 27.6% and 23.7% in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively, with a daily dose of about 5 mg. The number of patients treated with non-recommended immunosuppressant during pregnancy gradually decreased before pregnancy and then increased after delivery, whereas proportion of systemic vasculitis flare, estimated from the glucocorticoids daily dose, did not increase significantly during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids use decreased before pregnancy and remained stable throughout, suggesting a vasculitis control during this period. Our findings support the importance of pre-conceptional consultations to review medications, and switch not-recommended and teratogenic medications to drugs considered being safe during pregnancy.

The Impact of High Dose Glucocorticoids on Bone Health and Fracture Risk in Systemic Vasculitides

Systemic vasculitides are a range of conditions characterized by inflammation of blood vessels which may manifest as single organ or life-threatening multisystem disease. The treatment of systemic vasculitis varies depending on the specific disease but historically has involved initial treatment with high dose glucocorticoids alone or in conjunction with other immunosuppressive agents. Prolonged glucocorticoid treatment is frequently required as maintenance treatment. Patients with small and large vessel vasculitis are at increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis may occur due to intrinsic factors such as chronic inflammation, impaired renal function and to a large extent due to pharmacological therapy with high dose glucocorticoid or combination treatments. This review will outline the known mechanism of bone loss in vasculitis and will summarize factors attributing to fracture risk in different types of vasculitis. Osteoporosis treatment with specific consideration for patients with vasculitis will be discussed. The use of glucocorticoid sparing immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of systemic vasculitis is a significant area of ongoing research. Adjunctive treatments are used to reduce cumulative doses of glucocorticoids and therefore may significantly decrease the associated fracture risk in patients with vasculitis. Lastly, we will highlight the many unknowns in the relation between systemic vasculitis, its treatment and bone health and will outline key research priorities for this field.

Risk Factors for Severe Outcomes in Patients With Systemic Vasculitis and COVID-19: A Binational, Registry-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease with a broad spectrum of clinical severity. Patients with systemic vasculitis have an increased risk of serious infections and may be at risk of severe outcomes following COVID-19. We undertook this study to establish the risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes in these patients, including the impact of immunosuppressive therapies.

METHODS

A multicenter cohort was developed through the participation of centers affiliated with national UK and Ireland vasculitis registries. Clinical characteristics and outcomes are described. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between potential risk factors and a severe COVID-19 outcome, defined as a requirement for advanced oxygen therapy, a requirement for invasive ventilation, or death.

RESULTS

The cohort included 65 patients with systemic vasculitis who developed COVID-19 (median age 70 years, 49% women), of whom 25 patients (38%) experienced a severe outcome. Most patients (55 of 65 [85%]) had antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Almost all patients required hospitalization (59 of 65 [91%]), 7 patients (11%) were admitted to intensive care, and 18 patients (28%) died. Background glucocorticoid therapy was associated with severe outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.7 [95% confidence interval 1.1-14.9]; P = 0.047), as was comorbid respiratory disease (adjusted OR 7.5 [95% confidence interval 1.9-38.2]; P = 0.006). Vasculitis disease activity and nonglucocorticoid immunosuppressive therapy were not associated with severe outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In patients with systemic vasculitis, glucocorticoid use at presentation and comorbid respiratory disease were associated with severe outcomes in COVID-19. These data can inform clinical decision-making relating to the risk of severe COVID-19 in this vulnerable patient group.

A single center survey study of systemic vasculitis and COVID-19 during the first months of pandemic

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 pandemic created concerns among patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Frequency of COVID-19 and impact of lockdown on treatment compliance in patients with vasculitis are largely unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Patients with ANCA-associated and large vessel vasculitis that have been followed-up in our clinic were contacted by phone and a questionnaire containing home isolation status, treatment adherence and history of COVID-19 between March 1st and June 30th, 2020 was applied.

RESULTS

The survey was applied to 103 patients (F/M: 59/44, mean age: 53.2±12.5). Thirty-three (32%) patients didn?t attend at least one appointment; 98(95.1%) noted that they spent 3 months in home isolation. Five patients (4.8%) received immunosuppressives irregularly and 3(2.9%) developed symptoms due to undertreatment. Four (3.9%) patients admitted to hospital with a suspicion of COVID-19, but none of them had positive PCR or suggestive findings by imaging. COVID-19 diagnosed in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis during hospitalization for disease flare and she died despite treatment.

DISCUSSION

Frequency of COVID-19 was low in patients with vasculitis in our single center cohort during the first months of pandemic. Although outpatient appointments were postponed in one-third of our patients, high compliance with treatment and isolation rules ensured patients with vasculitis overcome this period with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Management of Primary Small-Vessel Vasculitis

Small-vessel vasculitides (SVV) are a group of disorders that occur due to primarily systemic inflammation or as sequelae of an infection, malignancy, or other rheumatic disease. Arising in any organ including the skin, the clinical features of SVV encompass a variety of manifestations. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment should be performed as management protocols widely differ. Although rare, physicians should be familiar with the common types of SVV to ensure prompt management and prevention of severe, life-threatening end-organ damage. Given the variable manifestations and associated etiologies of SVV, the following review aims to discuss the pathogenesis of more prevalent SVVs, highlight distinguishing features to aid in patient evaluation and diagnosis, and examine evidence-based management options for treatment and care.

[Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) induced by Rituximab in two patients with vasculitis, and treated by hemodialysis]

Small and medium vessel vasculitides, either ANCA-associated or caused by anti-GBM antibodies, are multisystemic diseases with predominantly renal involvement that often require dialysis support; clinical remission can be induced with immunosuppressive therapies including apheretic treatments, high doses of steroids, and immune suppressants. In addition to the complications resulting from the primary pathological process, those associated with the immunosuppressive therapies are not negligible. Reversible Posterior Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a clinical condition with a hyperacute onset, which can complicate the evolution of vasculitides while treated by immunosuppressive therapy. Relevant pathogenic factors are represented by alterations of the cerebral blood-brain barrier or vasogenic and/or brain edema phenomena, also related to uncontrolled hypertension. We describe two cases of patients with systemic vasculitides, rapidly progressive renal failure (RPGN) requiring dialysis, and poor response to the initial immunosuppressive therapy who were treated subsequently with rituximab. PRES developed immediately after administration of the drug, which, however resulted effective on the course of the vasculitis in one case and not effective in the other. In both cases, the subsequent radiological controls showed a total resolution of the encephalic alterations observed during the acute phase.

One year in review 2018: systemic vasculitis

Systemic vasculitis are heterogeneous, complex and disabling disorders. Following the previous annual reviews of this series, this paper gives a brief overview on current knowledge about recent literature on small- and large-vessel systemic vasculitis, with a specific focus on pathogenetic and clinical aspects, novel possible disease-related biomarkers and current and future therapies that are in the pipeline.

Renal involvement in paediatric systemic vasculitis

BACKGROUND

Primary systemic vasculitis is a rare condition in children, which often has a slowly progressive course with diffuse symptoms and is therefore easily overlooked. Early initiation of treatment can prevent severe kidney disease. The aim of this study was to survey the extent of renal involvement in children with systemic vasculitis at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This observational retrospective study was based on a review of medical records, laboratory results and renal biopsies from first admission to last check-up at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, for the period 2000–14.

RESULTS

A total of 66 children (35 boys) under 18 years of age were treated at the hospital for primary systemic vasculitis in the period in question. Objective signs of renal involvement were found in 39 (59 %) at the first consultation and in 42 (64 %) over the course of the disease. Twenty-nine patients (44 %) underwent renal biopsy. Of the 41 patients with proven renal involvement that were still alive at the time of the last check-up, 12 continued to require treatment for renal impairment. Three patients had undergone renal transplantation, 18 were in remission on immunosuppressive or antihypertensive treatment, while 11 patients had achieved medication-free renal remission.

INTERPRETATION

There is a high prevalence of renal involvement in paediatric patients treated for systemic vasculitis at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. At their final check-up, the majority of patients continue to require treatment and follow-up for kidney disease.

[Skin diseases due to systemic vasculitides and vasculopathies]

Vasculitis and vasculopathy are two distinct disease entities. Each entity comprises a large number of heterogeneous diseases, which can occur alone or associated with autoimmune, infectious or neoplastic diseases. The terms vasculitis and vasculopathy are often falsely used synonymously. A vasculitis initially causes inflammation of the vessel walls that may result in a secondary occlusion. In contrast, a vasculopathy is a primary occlusion of the vascular lumen, which is followed by inflammation after ischemia and ulceration. In most patients the distinction can be made based on the clinical presentation. A clear clinical diagnosis is then followed by targeted serological, histological and imaging procedures to confirm the clinical diagnosis. On this basis a well-founded treatment can be initiated. In the presence of vasculitis an anti-inflammatory therapy is indicated, whereas in the case of vasculopathy, removal of the vascular occlusion is the main focus. This article provides an overview of the various diseases and addresses the pathogenetic and clinical characteristics used to differentiate the individual disease entities. It also provides an insight into the therapy options and prophylaxis.

Update on systemic vasculitides

Management of systemic vasculitis has been revolutionised over the last decade with the introduction of targeted biological agents. With an increase in both the prevalence and the recognition of vasculitis as well as the high cost of these agents, it is important to ensure their most optimal utilisation. The goals of vasculitis therapy include the induction and maintenance of remissions, preventing relapses, reducing the toxicity of therapy with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality as well as improving the quality of life of those afflicted. This review focuses on the recent advances in the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of these conditions.

Immune response to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in patients with systemic vasculitis receiving standard of care therapy

AIM

To study the effect of standard of care therapy on antibody response and functionality following immunization with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in patients with primary systemic vasculitis compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

49 patients with vasculitis and 49 controls received a single dose (0.5ml) PCV13 intramuscularly. Ongoing treatments: azathioprine (AZA; n=11), cyclophosphamide (CYC; n=6), methotrexate (MTX; n=9), rituximab (n=3); anti-TNF (n=2), mycophenolate mofetil (n=2), prednisolone alone (n=15) and no active treatment (n=2). Specific antibody concentrations for serotypes 6B and 23F were determined using ELISA and opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) assay (23F) was performed, on serum samples taken immediately before and 4-6weeks after vaccination. Proportion of individuals with putative protective antibody concentration (≥1.0µg/mL) and positive antibody response (≥2-fold increase from prevaccination concentration) for both serotypes were calculated and groups were compared.

RESULTS

At baseline, 6 patients (12%) and 12 controls (24%) had protective antibody levels for both serotypes. After vaccination, antibodies increased for both serotypes in patients and controls (p<0.001), 32 patients (65%) and 35 controls (71%) reached protective level for 6B, and 32 patients (65%) and 37 controls (76%) for 23F. Compared to controls, patients had lower prevaccination geometric mean concentration (23F, p=0.01) and a numerical trend towards lower prevaccination level (6B) and postvaccination levels (both serotypes). Patients with prednisolone alone had lower prevaccination OPA (p<0.01) compared to controls. OPA increased after vaccination in both patients and controls (p<0.001), but improvement was better in controls (p=0.001). AZA, CYC or MTX, but not prednisolone alone, tended towards a lower proportion of patients reaching protective antibody levels (p=0.06), compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was safe and immunogenic in patients with established vasculitis. Treatment with DMARDs, mostly AZA, CYC and MTX but not systemic prednisolone may impair antibody response.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02240888. Registered 4 September, 2014.

One year in review 2017: systemic vasculitis

Systemic vasculitis is a group of heterogeneous, disabling disorders. Great interest has recently arisen in pathophysiology, clinical phenotypes and therapy of large- and small-vessel vasculitis. The general work hypothesis has been to promote research focused on disease-related pathogenetic pathways, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, thus leading towards more effective targeted treatments. Following the previous annual reviews of this series, we will hereby provide a critical digest of the recent literature on small- and large-vessel systemic vasculitis, with a specific focus on novel possible disease-related biomarkers and their impact on current and future therapies.

Non HCV-related infectious cryoglobulinemia vasculitis: Results from the French nationwide CryoVas survey and systematic review of the literature

In patients with infectious cryoglobulinemia vasculitis (CryoVas) in the absence of hepatitis C virus infection, data on presentation, therapeutic management and outcome are lacking. We conducted a nationwide survey that included patients with HCV-negative CryoVas. We describe here the presentation, therapeutic management and outcome of 18 patients with non-HCV infectious CryoVas and 27 additional patients identified form a systematic review of the literature. We included 18 patients, mean age 57.9±13.5 years. Infectious causes were viral infections in 8 patients [hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 4, and cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, parvovirus B19 and human immunodeficiency virus in one case each], pyogenic bacterial infection in 6 patients, parasitic infection in 2 patients, and leprosy and candidiasis in one case each. Baseline manifestations were purpura (78%), glomerulonephritis (28%), arthralgia (28%), peripheral neuropathy (22%), skin necrosis (22%), cutaneous ulcers (17%), and myalgia (11%). Cryoglobulinemia was type II in 2/3 of cases. Most cases received specific anti-infectious therapy as first-line therapy, sometimes associated with corticosteroids, achieving sustained remission in the majority of cases. Refractory or relapsing patients, frequently related to HBV infection, showed a complete remission after rituximab in addition to antiviral therapy. In contrast, corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents used in the absence of anti-infectious agents were frequently associated with refractory CryoVas. Viral and pyogenic bacterial infections represent the main causes of non-HCV infectious CryoVas. Antimicrobial therapy is commonly associated with sustained remission. Immunosuppressive agents should be considered only as a second-line option in patients with refractory vasculitis.

Biologic therapy in ANCA-negative vasculitis

Standard therapeutic schemes for vasculitis are usually associated with numerous side effects and uneven clinical response. However, recent advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of these systemic diseases have resulted in the development of a group of biologic agents potentially useful in patients with vasculitis. Thus, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α drugs may be effective in patients with refractory Kawasaki disease but have failed to do so in giant cell arteritis, and their role in Takayasu arteritis is yet unclear. Preliminary reports on the use of the anti-IL6-receptor antibody, tocilizumab, in large-vessel vasculitis have been encouraging. Interferon alpha has showed positive results in hepatitis B virus-associated polyarteritis nodosa, and hepatitis C virus-induced cryoglobulinemia. Early experience with rituximab in several types of vasculitis has been quite promising, but must be confirmed in ongoing randomized clinical trials. The development of new biologic targeted therapies will probably open a hopeful future for patients with vasculitis.

Catastrophic gastrointestinal complication of systemic immunosuppression

We present a case of acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in a patient with systemic vasculitis immunosuppressed on cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. The patient presented with a diffuse haemorrhagic oesophagitis and a non-specific duodenitis. Biopsies taken from the oesophagus and duodenum demonstrated infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) respectively. Viral infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract is a recognised complication of immunosuppression and HSV is one of the most common pathogens. CMV on the other hand most commonly causes a colitis or less commonly oesophagitis. CMV enteritis is rare as is the synchronous infection with two viral agents in an immunocompromised patient having being described in a few case series only. Viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract in immunocompromised patients should be treated with systemic anti-viral medication and consideration to withdrawal of the immunosuppressive therapy if possible and appropriate. The authors highlight the need for a high suspicion of viral infection in immunosuppressed patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Efficacy and safety of rituximab as maintenance therapy for relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis—a case series

The objective of this work was to study the efficacy and safety of pre-emptive rituximab (RTX) in a series of patients with severe relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). GPA is a systemic vasculitis with a high relapse rate despite successful remission induction. Drug toxicity with repeated induction treatments and long-standing immunosuppression poses a problem. Based on the findings in reports on RTX for rheumatoid arthritis, we treated patients with severe relapsing GPA with pre-emptive RTX, 1,000 mg 2 weeks apart every 6 months, aiming at achieving sustainable remission. All patients at one centre with relapsing GPA in spite of traditional maintenance treatment, who had received more than or equal to three cycles of RTX as regularly repeated pre-emptive maintenance therapy every 6 months, were included in this retrospective study. Information on disease manifestations and activity, treatments, lab parameters and adverse events was extracted from the medical files. Of the 12 included patients, all with a positive proteinase 3–anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, generalised disease and a median disease duration of 35 months (21–270), 92 % (11/12) achieved sustainable remission during a median follow-up time of 32 months (range 21–111) from first RTX treatment. Concomitant immunosuppressants were reduced. Infections were the most common adverse events, but infections were an issue also before the start of RTX. RTX administered every 6 months seems to be an effective maintenance treatment in a population with severe, relapsing long-standing GPA. Granulomatous as well as vasculitic manifestations responded equally well. Infections are a problem in this patient group but no new safety problems were identified.

Cytomegalovirus-related necrotising vasculitis mimicking Henoch-Schönlein syndrome

Viral vasculitides have been previously reported in the literature, the role of infections in their pathogenesis ranging from direct cause to trigger event. Here we report the case of a 3-year-old immunocompetent girl who developed a systemic vasculitis leading to ileal perforation, mimicking a full blown picture of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. High dosage steroid treatment was started, with good response. The anatomopathological examination of the resected gastrointestinal tract showed features of necrotising vasculitis and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related inclusion bodies in the endothelial cells, with direct correlation to vascular damage. The causative role of viral infection was revealed by the presence of CMV DNA in patient's blood and positive IgG titer against the virus. Steroid therapy was then tapered: the patient achieved clinical remission, which still persists after a six-months follow-up. Our report suggests that CMV vasculitis is probably more frequent than previously thought, even in immunocompetent patients, with a protean clinical presentation, mimicking other types of vasculitides.

Acute dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with beriberi and cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis: an unusual potential complication of two rare disorders

We report the case of a 45-year-old patient who presented with acute dilated cardiomyopathy. During admission the patient was consecutively diagnosed with cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis and beriberi. In both diseases, cardiac involvement may occur as dilated cardiomyopathy. Thiamin deficiency was the final cause for the severe cardiac manifestations (cardiac acute beriberi or Shoshin syndrome), which returned to normal after thiamin supplementation.

[Systemic vasculitides: novel nomenclature and novel therapeutic approaches]

A novel nomenclature of systemic vasculitides is proposed by the 2012 Chapel Hill Consensus Conference. It aims at substituting established eponyms and introducing new terms and groups closer to our current understanding of vasculitis pathophysiology. In parallel, a therapeutic revolution is taking place partially based on the concept of re-induction of immune tolerance for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Two major multicentric randomized studies have shown that rituximab (RTX), monoclonal antibody capable of selectively killing B lymphocytes, is not inferior when compared to cyclophosphamide (CYC) to induce remission in AAV, and superior in the case of disease relapse. Thus, a hot debate is taking place whether or not to maintain CYC or use RTX in AAV. An individual-based choice may be wise for the moment being.

Role and interactions of annexin A1 and oestrogens in the manifestation of sexual dimorphisms in cerebral and systemic inflammation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Gender differences in inflammation are well described, with females often showing more robust, oestrogen-associated responses. Here, we investigated the influence of gender, oestrogen and the anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1 (AnxA1) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in murine cerebral and mesenteric microvascular beds.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Intravital microscopy was used to visualize and quantify the effects of LPS (10 μg·per mouse i.p.) on leukocyte-endothelial interactions in male and female wild-type (WT) mice. The effects of ovariectomy ± oestrogen replacement were examined in WT and AnxA1-null (AnxA1(-/-) ) female mice.

KEY RESULTS

LPS increased leukocyte adherence in the cerebral and mesenteric beds of both male and female WT mice; females showed exacerbated responses in the brain versus males, but not the mesentery. Ovariectomy further enhanced LPS-induced adhesion in the brain but not the mesentery; its effects were reversed by oestrogen treatment. OVX AnxA1(-/-) mice also showed exaggerated adhesive responses to LPS in the brain. However, these were unresponsive to ovariectomy and, paradoxically, responded to oestrogen with a pronounced increase in basal and LPS-induced leukocyte adhesion in the cerebrovasculature.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data confirm the fundamental role of AnxA1 in limiting the inflammatory response in the central and peripheral microvasculature. They also (i) show that oestrogen acts via an AnxA1-dependent mechanism to protect the cerebral, but not the mesenteric, vasculature from the damaging effects of LPS and (ii) reveal a paradoxical and potentially toxic effect of the steroid in potentiating the central response to LPS in the absence of AnxA1.

Systemic vasculitis: a critical digest of the recent literature

Herewith we provide a critical digest of the recent literature on systemic vasculitis. In this manuscript, we reviewed all the articles published during the last 12 months on large-, medium- and small-vessel vasculitis and selected the most relevant studies regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis and management of systemic vasculitis. In particular we focused the attention on giant cell arteritis, ANCA-associated vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia.

[Rapid progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and skin involvement as a clinical manifestation of vasculitis: a case report]

Systemic vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by infiltrates consisting of neutrophils infiltrated the walls of blood vessels of various caliber. The most common clinical manifestation is renal involvement, nervous system, lungs and skin. These disorders may be manifested by changes in the image of urine in the form of a nephritic syndrome, deterioration of renal function, haemoptysis and ulceration of the skin. Characteristic for systemic vasculitis is the presence of neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), which binds to the specific antigens generate immune complexes, which then activates a cascade of inflammatory reactions and lead to damage of vascular walls. The treatment includes steroids and cyclophosphamide and therapeutic plasma exchange treatments, and after reaching remission therapy is continued by low-dose steroids and azathioprine. A case of a man with systemic vasculitis is presented, in whom symptoms were present in the form of nephritic syndrome and RPGN, and has developed sores on the skin of abdomen and lower limbs. After the use of prednisone at a dose of 1 mg/kg and pulses of cyclophosphamide, remission has been achieved, patient restored normal kidney function, and the massive skin lesions have healed.

Treat-to-target in vasculitis: is this a sensible approach?

It is possible to achieve substantial initial control of systemic vasculitis in the majority of patients. However, the 'target' has shifted considerably over the last 20-30 years from keeping patients alive to maintaining good quality disease control, avoiding the development of comorbidities - either as a result of disease or treatment, and also preventing relapses. This expansion of potential targets that can be achieved in systemic vasculitis has arisen because we have more effective therapies, but more importantly we have developed a framework within which targets can be created reproducibly. In other words we have much clearer definitions of what constitutes clinical disease activity, relapse, remission and morbidity. These targets are based on simple clinical evaluation, limited laboratory assessments of patients that can be undertaken by any secondary care facility. As a result of this they remain at a clinical level and may not address the most important targets, which are curing disease and that would be the aspiration to move towards. The first step towards that is to move from clinically-based targets towards mechanistic targets based primarily around the pathophysiological drivers of disease. That in turn may lead to identification of specific targets that can turn off disease. The systemic vasculitides are heterogeneous and although for ANCA-associated vasculitis in the short term treatments are similar, the development of clear understanding of mechanisms and new targets may bring with it the promise of much more focused therapies that will address only individual targets and therefore personalize therapy for each individual condition and patient.

Systemic vasculitis in myelodysplastic syndromes

The development of immunological abnormalities in various neoplasms is a rather common phenomenon. The prevalence of life-threatening systemic vasculitis in malignancy, however, is much lower. Nonetheless we found an unexpected frequency of several autoimmune manifestations, including systemic vasculitis, in certain myelodysplastic syndromes. We illustrate this finding with the case of a 43-year-old man with signs of polyarteritis nodosa-like systemic vasculitis during progression of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. Subsequently, we review the literature on the combination of myelodysplastic syndromes and systemic vasculitis and discuss the prognostic consequences, considerations for treatment and possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

[Rituximab therapy for systemic manifestations and MALT lymphomas of the parotid gland in Sjögren's disease: preliminary data]

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab (RT) in cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CGV) and MALT lymphomas of the parotid gland (PG) in patients with Sjögren's disease (SD).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

RT therapy was performed in 13 patients with SD and CGV and in 17 with SD and PC MALT lymphoma. Eleven patients with SD received RT monotherapy and 19 with this disease had combined therapy with RT and cyclophosphan (CP). RT was used intravenously dropwise at a dose of 500 mg weekly or once every two weeks in combination with intravenous dropwise CP 1000 mg the next day with 4-6 per course. For the diagnosis of MALT lymphomas, all the patients with SD underwent incisional PG biopsy under local anesthesia at the Research Institute of Rheumatology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. PG biopsy specimens were histologically and immunohistochemically studied at the Russian Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. In 11 cases, B-cell clonality was identified from immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain genes rearrangements, by using polymerase chain reaction at the Hematology Research Center, Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation.

RESULTS

Cutaneous manifestations of vasculitis disappeared in 75% of cases after monotherapy with RT and in 100% of cases after combination therapy with RT and CP. At 6-month follow-up, a complete response to therapy remained in 25% of the patients after a course of monotherapy and in 83% after combined therapy. Serum monoclonal Ig cryoglobulins and their urinary light chains ceased to be detectable in 75% of the patients in both groups at 3 months. At 6 months, a recurrence of mixed monoclonal cryoglobulinemia was seen in 50 and 43% of cases after monotherapy and combined therapy, respectively. The clinical and laboratory response of cryoglobunemic glomerulonephritis to combined therapy with RT and CP was complete in 60% of cases at 6-month follow-up. After RT monotherapy, the patients with SD and PG MALT lymphoma achieved a complete clinical response in 88%, of whom histological and immunohistochemical reexaminations of PG biopsy specimens revealed no signs of MALT lymphoma in 71% of cases. B-cell clonality remained in the PG biopsy specimens following RT monotherapy. After the combination of RT and CP, a complete clinical response to therapy was observed in 100% of the patients, a complete histological response and a complete molecular one were seen in 83 and 60%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RT showed its efficacy in treating SD patients with CGV and PG MALT lymphomas.

Polymyalgia rheumatica as presenting manifestation of vasculitis involving the lower extremities in a patient with ulcerative colitis

Extraintestinal features may be observed in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We describe a 69-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed as having polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Prednisone was progressively tapered to complete discontinuation a year and a half after PMR diagnosis. However, at that time, she started to complain of asthenia, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, weight loss and bloody diarrhoea. A colonoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of left-sided UC. She experienced several flares of the disease that required admission and treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and azathioprine. Colectomy was performed as the disease became refractory to these therapies. Four months after surgery, when the patient was not receiving any corticosteroid therapy, she started to feel dull and achy pain in the thighs along with claudication of the lower limbs. An 18F-fluorodeoxyglucosepositron emission tomography with CT (FDG PET/CT) disclosed an inflammatory process with mild-moderate diffuse increased metabolism in the thoracic aorta and markedly increased FDG uptake in the in the femoral and posterior tibial arteries on both sides. Treatment with the anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody-adalimumab (40 mg every 2 weeks subcutaneously) along with prednisone (initial dose 15 mg/day) yielded rapid improvement of symptoms. Also, a new FDG PET/CT performed 4 months later disclosed marked decrease of FDG uptake in the involved arteries.This report emphasises the importance of suspecting the presence of large- and medium-vessel vasculitis in a patient with UC presenting with musculoskeletal features. It also highlights the beneficial effect of TNF-antagonists in vasculitis associated to UC.

The manifestation of systemic vasculitis in the central nervous system--a case report

We present a case of a patient with systemic vasculitis suffering--besides heart, skin and gastrointestinal lesions--from the rarely reported involvement of the central nervous system. Even though the diagnosis could not be ascertained precisely, immunosuppressive therapy led to prompt regression of symptoms including initially present neurologic manifestations.

Systemic vasculitis

The systemic vasculitides are characterized by inflammation of blood vessel walls. Vessels of any type, in any organ can be affected, resulting in a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. The heterogenous nature of vasculitides presents a diagnostic challenge. The American College of Rheumatology classification criteria and the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference nomenclature are the most widely used to distinguish different forms of vasculitis. The Chapel Hill Consensus Conference nomenclature defines 10 primary vasculitides based on vessel size (large, medium, and small). The diagnosis relies on the recognition of a compatible clinical presentation supported by specific laboratory or imaging tests and confirmatory histology. Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody testing has been of particular benefit in defining a subgroup of small vessel vasculitides. Treatment is based on clinical presentation and the pattern of organ involvement. Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment for many forms of vasculitis. Additional immunosuppressive agents, including methotrexate and cyclophosphamide, are sometimes required. Newer approaches, such as the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor or B cell therapies, are being tried in resistant cases. Patients can experience considerable treatment-related toxicity, especially infection from immunosuppressive therapy and adverse effects from steroids (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, cataract). Vitamin D and calcium prophylaxis are recommended in patients on long-term steroid therapy.

[Systemic vasculitis: study of 27 cases in Senegal]

Studies on vasculitis in black Africa are rare. The purpose of this report is to describe a retrospective study of systemic vasculitis managed in the internal medicine, ORL and cardiolology departments of the Aristide le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal from 1995 to 2007. A series of 27 cases involving 7 men and 20 women with a mean age of 49 years was compiled. Primary vasculitis included Horton disease in 3 cases, Wegener disease in 2, Takayasu disease in 1, and Buerger disease in 1. Secondary vasculitis included mixed cryoglobulinemia with Gougerot Sjögren syndrome in 7 cases, primary Goujeröt syndrome in 4, rheumatoid arthritis in 3, nodosa periarteritis with hepatitis B in 2, SHARP syndrome in 1, and polymyositis in 1. The remaining two cases involved abdominal periaortitis including one associated with retrosperitoneal fibrosis and tuberculosis and the other with spondylarthropathy. Corticotherapy in combination with anticoagulants, immunosuppressive therapy, and surgery, when necessary, allowed effective management in 24 cases. The findings of this study show that systemic vasculitis can have numerous etiologies and indicate that secondary forms are the most common. Appropriate care modalities are needed to prevent severe outcome in Senegalese hospitals.

An approach to the diagnosis and management of systemic vasculitis

The systemic vasculitides are a complex and often serious group of disorders which, while uncommon, require careful management in order to ensure optimal outcome. In most cases there is no known cause. Multi-system disease is likely to be fatal without judicious use of immunosuppression. A prompt diagnosis is necessary to preserve organ function. Comprehensive and repeated disease assessment is a necessary basis for planning therapy and modification of treatment protocols according to response. Therapies typically include glucocorticoids and, especially for small and medium vessel vasculitis, an effective immunosuppressive agent. Cyclophosphamide is currently the standard therapy for small vessel multi-system vasculitis, but other agents are now being evaluated in large randomized trials. Comorbidity is common in patients with vasculitis, including the cumulative effects of potentially toxic therapy. Long-term evaluation of patients is important in order to detect and manage relapses.

Protective effects of carvedilol on systemic vascular damage induced by angiotensin II: organ-specific effects independent of antihypertensive effects

BACKGROUND

The protective effect of carvedilol on multiple organ damage induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of carvedilol on the heart, liver, and kidney in rats infused with Ang II.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups: control (no treatment), continuously infused with Ang II (150 etag/min for 72 hr), and treated with Ang II + carvedilol (90 mg/kg/d). Histological sections of the myocardium, kidney, and liver were analyzed for the presence of necrosis.

RESULTS

Ang II induced arterial hypertension which was not affected by carvedilol treatment (tail-cuff blood pressures, control: 125+/-13.6, Ang II: 163+/-27.3, Ang II + CV: 178+/-39.8 mmHg, p<0.05). Also, there were perivascular inflammation and necrosis in the myocardium, kidney, and hepatocytes necrosis around the terminal vein. Carvedilol treatment fully prevented damage to the heart and kidney and attenuated liver lesions induced by the Ang II infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of carvedilol on perivascular damage induced by Ang II infusion depended on the target organ. The prevention of heart damage occurred independently of the antihypertensive effects of carvedilol.

Update on the management of systemic vasculitis: what did we learn in 2009?

In the past two decades, the clinical investigation of systemic vasculitis has advanced from small case series and cohort studies to large multicentric randomised controlled clinical trials. The growing evidence gathered from all these trials led to the development of international consensus guidelines on the management of systemic vasculitides. The combination of cyclophosphamide and prednisone is still regarded the induction treatment of first choice for most types of generalised systemic vasculitis. However, treatment-associated adverse events of this regimen occur frequently and have a considerable negative effect on outcomes. Therefore, the major challenge in the treatment of systemic vasculitis is the search for treatments that are less toxic, but similarly effective compared to cyclophosphamide. In 2009, several studies have addressed these issues. It was shown that the cumulative dosage can be reduced by pulse versus oral administration without losing efficacy. Furthermore, new data indicate that targeted treatments such as rituximab might have the potential to replace cyclophosphamide in the future. In this article, the key studies in the field of vasculitis that might affect clinical management are reviewed and their potential relevance for patient care and future research is discussed.