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

CONTEXT

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

OBJECTIVE

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

DESIGN

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

SETTING

Multicenter.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with moderate-to-severe, active TED.

INTERVENTION

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

MAIN OUTCOME

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Combination With Topical Corticosteroids in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis With Inadequate Response, Intolerance, or Contraindication to Cyclosporine: Results From a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Clinical Trial (BREEZE-AD4)

BACKGROUND

Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus Kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK 2 inhibitor, was shown to improve the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib with background topical corticosteroids (TCS) in patients with moderate-to-severe AD and inadequate response, intolerance, or contraindication to cyclosporine A (CyA).

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase III study, patients were randomized 1:1:2:1 to placebo (N=93), baricitinib 1-mg (N=93), 2-mg (N=185), or 4-mg (N=92) with background TCS. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients receiving baricitinib 4-mg or 2-mg (+ TCS) versus placebo + TCS who achieved ≥75% improvement from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) at Week 16.

RESULTS

Baricitinib 4-mg + TCS was superior to placebo + TCS for EASI 75 (4-mg: 32%, placebo: 17%, p=0.031) at Week 16 and for improvements in itch, skin pain, and number of night-time awakenings due to itch. Improvements were maintained through 52 weeks of treatment. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were more common with baricitinib than placebo (+ TCS); most were mild or moderate. The most frequent TEAEs with baricitinib 4-mg + TCS were nasopharyngitis, herpes simplex, influenza, and headache. No deaths or deep vein thromboses were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Baricitinib 4-mg + TCS improved the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe AD through 52 weeks of treatment in patients with inadequate response, intolerance, or contraindication to CyA. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies of baricitinib in moderate-to-severe AD.

Insights into adult atopic dermatitis heterogeneity derived from circulating biomarker profiling in patients with moderate-to-severe disease

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous systemic inflammatory skin disease associated with dysregulated immune responses, barrier dysfunction and activated sensory nerves. To characterize circulating inflammatory profiles and underlying systemic disease heterogeneity within AD patients, blood samples from adult patients (N = 123) with moderate‐to‐severe AD in a phase 2 study of baricitinib (JAHG) were analysed. Baseline levels of 131 markers were evaluated using high‐throughput and ultrasensitive proteomic platforms, patient clusters were generated based on these peripheral markers. We implemented a novel cluster reproducibility method to validate cluster outcomes within our study and used publicly available AD biomarker data set (73 markers, N = 58 patients) to validate our findings. Cluster reproducibility analysis demonstrated best consistency for 2 clusters by k‐means, reproducibility of this clustering outcome was validated in an independent patient cohort. These unique JAHG patient subgroups either possessed elevated pro‐inflammatory mediators, notably TNFβ, MCP‐3 and IL‐13, among a variety of immune responses (high inflammatory) or lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers (low inflammatory). The high inflammatory subgroup was associated with greater baseline disease severity, demonstrated by greater EASI, SCORAD Index, Itch NRS and DLQI scores, compared with low inflammatory subgroup. African‐American patients were predominantly associated with the high inflammatory subgroup and increased baseline disease severity. In patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD, heterogeneity was identified by the detection of 2 disease subgroups, differential clustering amongst ethnic groups and elevated pro‐inflammatory mediators extending beyond traditional polarized immune responses. Therapeutic strategies targeting multiple pro‐inflammatory cytokines may be needed to address this heterogeneity.

Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Combined With Topical Corticosteroids for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Question

What is the efficacy and safety of 4 mg and 2 mg of baricitinib in combination with background topical corticosteroid (TCS) therapy in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD)?

Findings

In this randomized clinical trial of 329 adults with moderate to severe AD, at week 16, a validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) was achieved by 31% of patients receiving 4 mg of baricitinib with TCS therapy and 24% of patients receiving 2 mg of baricitinib with TCS therapy compared with 15% receiving placebo with TCS therapy.

Meaning

This study found a clinical benefit of Janus kinase inhibition in combination with TCS therapy, the mainstay treatment for AD.

Importance

Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor, effectively reduced disease severity in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in 2 phase 3 monotherapy studies.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of 4 mg and 2 mg of baricitinib in combination with background topical corticosteroid (TCS) therapy in adults with moderate to severe AD who previously had an inadequate response to TCS therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 randomized clinical trial, BREEZE-AD7 (Study of Baricitinib [LY3009104] in Combination With Topical Corticosteroids in Adults With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis) was conducted from November 16, 2018, to August 22, 2019, at 68 centers across 10 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Patients 18 years or older with moderate to severe AD and an inadequate response to TCSs were included. After completing the study, patients were followed up for up to 4 weeks or enrolled in a long-term extension study.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive 2 mg of baricitinib once daily (n = 109), 4 mg of baricitinib once daily (n = 111), or placebo (n = 109) for 16 weeks. The use of low-to-moderate potency TCSs was allowed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving a validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear), with a 2-point or greater improvement from baseline at week 16.

Results

Among 329 patients (mean [SD] age, 33.8 [12.4] years; 216 [66%] male), at week 16, a vIGA-AD score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) was achieved by 34 patients (31%) receiving 4 mg of baricitinib and 26 (24%) receiving 2 mg of baricitinib compared with 16 (15%) receiving placebo (odds ratio vs placebo, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.4-5.6]; P = .004 for the 4-mg group; 1.9 [95% CI, 0.9-3.9]; P = .08 for the 2-mg group). Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 64 of 111 patients (58%) in the 4-mg group, 61 of 109 patients (56%) in the 2-mg group, and 41 of 108 patients (38%) in the placebo group. Serious adverse events were reported in 4 patients (4%) in the 4-mg group, 2 (2%) in the 2-mg group, and 4 (4%) in the placebo group. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and folliculitis.

Conclusions and Relevance

A dose of 4 mg of baricitinib in combination with background TCS therapy significantly improved the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe AD, with a safety profile consistent with previous studies of baricitinib in AD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03733301

Baricitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and inadequate response to topical corticosteroids: results from two randomized monotherapy phase III trials

BACKGROUND

Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor, effectively reduced atopic dermatitis (AD) severity in a phase II study with concomitant topical corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe AD who had an inadequate response to topical therapies.

METHODS

In two independent, multicentre, double-blind, phase III monotherapy trials, BREEZE-AD1 and BREEZE-AD2, adults with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 to once-daily placebo, baricitinib 1 mg, 2 mg, or 4 mg for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

At week 16, more patients achieved the primary end point of Validated Investigator's Global Assessment of AD (0, 1) on baricitinib 4 mg and 2 mg compared with placebo in BREEZE-AD1 [N = 624; baricitinib 4 mg 16·8% (P < 0·001), 2 mg 11·4% (P < 0·05), 1 mg 11·8% (P < 0·05), placebo 4·8%], and BREEZE-AD2 [N = 615; baricitinib 4 mg 13·8% (P = 0·001), 2 mg 10·6% (P < 0·05), 1 mg 8·8% (P = 0·085), placebo 4·5%]. Improvement in itch was achieved as early as week 1 for 4 mg and week 2 for 2 mg. Improvements in night-time awakenings, skin pain and quality-of-life measures were observed by week 1 for both 4 mg and 2 mg (P ≤ 0·05, all comparisons). The most common adverse events in patients treated with baricitinib were nasopharyngitis and headache. No cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal perforation, significant haematological changes, or death were observed with any baricitinib dosage.

CONCLUSIONS

Baricitinib improved clinical signs and symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe AD within 16 weeks of treatment and induced rapid reduction of itch. The safety profile remained consistent with prior findings from baricitinib clinical development in AD, with no new safety concerns.

JAK1/JAK2 inhibition by baricitinib in diabetic kidney disease: results from a Phase 2 randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Inflammation signaled by Janus kinases (JAKs) promotes progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Baricitinib is an oral, reversible, selective inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2. This study tested the efficacy of baricitinib versus placebo on albuminuria in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for progressive DKD.

Methods

In this Phase 2, double-blind, dose-ranging study, participants were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to receive placebo or baricitinib (0.75 mg daily; 0.75 mg twice daily; 1.5 mg daily; or 4 mg daily), for 24 weeks followed by 4–8 weeks of washout.

Results

Participants (N = 129) were 63±9.1 (mean±standard deviation) years of age, 27.1% (35/129) women and 11.6% (15/129) African-American race. Baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.3±1% and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 45.0±12.1 mL/min/1.73 m² with first morning urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) of 820 (407–1632) (median; interquartile range) mg/g. Baricitinib, 4 mg daily, decreased morning UACR by 41% at Week 24 compared with placebo (ratio to baseline 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.93, P = 0.022). UACR was decreased at Weeks 12 and 24 and after 4–8 weeks of washout. Baricitinib 4 mg decreased inflammatory biomarkers over 24 weeks (urine C–X–C motif chemokine 10 and urine C–C motif ligand 2, plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and serum amyloid A). The only adverse event rate that differed between groups was anemia at 32.0% (8/25) for baricitinib 4 mg daily versus 3.7% (1/27) for placebo.

Conclusions

Baricitinib decreased albuminuria in participants with Type 2 diabetes and DKD. Further research is required to determine if baricitinib reduces DKD progression.

Baricitinib for systemic lupus erythematosus: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have substantial unmet medical need. Baricitinib is an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK)1 and JAK2 inhibitor that we hypothesised might have therapeutic benefit in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

METHODS

In this double-blind, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, 24-week phase 2 study, patients were recruited from 78 centres in 11 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, and had active disease involving skin or joints. We randomly assigned patients (1:1:1) to receive once-daily baricitinib 2 mg, baricitinib 4 mg, or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving resolution of arthritis or rash at week 24, as defined by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Efficacy and safety analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02708095.

FINDINGS

Between March 24, 2016, and April 27, 2017, 314 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n=105), baricitinib 2 mg (n=105), or baricitinib 4 mg (n=104). At week 24, resolution of SLEDAI-2K arthritis or rash was achieved by 70 (67%) of 104 patients receiving baricitinib 4 mg (odds ratio [OR] vs placebo 1·8, 95% CI 1·0-3·3; p=0·0414) and 61 (58%) of 105 patients receiving baricitinib 2 mg (OR 1·3, 0·7-2·3; p=0·39). Adverse events were reported in 68 (65%) patients in the placebo group, 75 (71%) patients in the baricitinib 2 mg group, and 76 (73%) patients in the baricitinib 4 mg group. Serious adverse events were reported in ten (10%) patients receiving baricitinib 4 mg, 11 (10%) receiving baricitinib 2 mg, and five (5%) receiving placebo; no deaths were reported. Serious infections were reported in six (6%) patients with baricitinib 4 mg, two (2%) with baricitinib 2 mg, and one (1%) with placebo.

INTERPRETATION

The baricitinib 4 mg dose, but not the 2 mg dose, significantly improved the signs and symptoms of active systemic lupus erythematosus in patients who were not adequately controlled despite standard of care therapy, with a safety profile consistent with previous studies of baricitinib. This study provides the foundation for future phase 3 trials of JAK1/2 inhibition with baricitinib as a new potential oral therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

JAK1/2 inhibition with baricitinib in the treatment of autoinflammatory interferonopathies

BACKGROUND

Monogenic IFN-mediated autoinflammatory diseases present in infancy with systemic inflammation, an IFN response gene signature, inflammatory organ damage, and high mortality. We used the JAK inhibitor baricitinib, with IFN-blocking activity in vitro, to ameliorate disease.

METHODS

Between October 2011 and February 2017, 10 patients with CANDLE (chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperatures), 4 patients with SAVI (stimulator of IFN genes-associated [STING-associated] vasculopathy with onset in infancy), and 4 patients with other interferonopathies were enrolled in an expanded access program. The patients underwent dose escalation, and the benefit was assessed by reductions in daily disease symptoms and corticosteroid requirement. Quality of life, organ inflammation, changes in IFN-induced biomarkers, and safety were longitudinally assessed.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were treated for a mean duration of 3.0 years (1.5-4.9 years). The median daily symptom score decreased from 1.3 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.93-1.78) to 0.25 (IQR, 0.1-0.63) (P < 0.0001). In 14 patients receiving corticosteroids at baseline, daily prednisone doses decreased from 0.44 mg/kg/day (IQR, 0.31-1.09) to 0.11 mg/kg/day (IQR, 0.02-0.24) (P < 0.01), and 5 of 10 patients with CANDLE achieved lasting clinical remission. The patients' quality of life and height and bone mineral density Z-scores significantly improved, and their IFN biomarkers decreased. Three patients, two of whom had genetically undefined conditions, discontinued treatment because of lack of efficacy, and one CANDLE patient discontinued treatment because of BK viremia and azotemia. The most common adverse events were upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and BK viruria and viremia.

CONCLUSION

Upon baricitinib treatment, clinical manifestations and inflammatory and IFN biomarkers improved in patients with the monogenic interferonopathies CANDLE, SAVI, and other interferonopathies. Monitoring safety and efficacy is important in benefit-risk assessment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01724580 and NCT02974595.

FUNDING

This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NIAID, and NIAMS. Baricitinib was provided by Eli Lilly and Company, which is the sponsor of the expanded access program for this drug.

JAK1/2 inhibition with baricitinib in the treatment of autoinflammatory interferonopathies

BACKGROUND. Monogenic IFN–mediated autoinflammatory diseases present in infancy with systemic inflammation, an IFN response gene signature, inflammatory organ damage, and high mortality. We used the JAK inhibitor baricitinib, with IFN-blocking activity in vitro, to ameliorate disease.

METHODS. Between October 2011 and February 2017, 10 patients with CANDLE (chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperatures), 4 patients with SAVI (stimulator of IFN genes–associated [STING-associated] vasculopathy with onset in infancy), and 4 patients with other interferonopathies were enrolled in an expanded access program. The patients underwent dose escalation, and the benefit was assessed by reductions in daily disease symptoms and corticosteroid requirement. Quality of life, organ inflammation, changes in IFN-induced biomarkers, and safety were longitudinally assessed.

RESULTS. Eighteen patients were treated for a mean duration of 3.0 years (1.5–4.9 years). The median daily symptom score decreased from 1.3 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.93–1.78) to 0.25 (IQR, 0.1–0.63) (P < 0.0001). In 14 patients receiving corticosteroids at baseline, daily prednisone doses decreased from 0.44 mg/kg/day (IQR, 0.31–1.09) to 0.11 mg/kg/day (IQR, 0.02–0.24) (P < 0.01), and 5 of 10 patients with CANDLE achieved lasting clinical remission. The patients’ quality of life and height and bone mineral density Z-scores significantly improved, and their IFN biomarkers decreased. Three patients, two of whom had genetically undefined conditions, discontinued treatment because of lack of efficacy, and one CANDLE patient discontinued treatment because of BK viremia and azotemia. The most common adverse events were upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and BK viruria and viremia.

CONCLUSION. Upon baricitinib treatment, clinical manifestations and inflammatory and IFN biomarkers improved in patients with the monogenic interferonopathies CANDLE, SAVI, and other interferonopathies. Monitoring safety and efficacy is important in benefit-risk assessment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01724580 and NCT02974595.

FUNDING. This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NIAID, and NIAMS. Baricitinib was provided by Eli Lilly and Company, which is the sponsor of the expanded access program for this drug.

Do established prognostic factors explain the different mortality rates in ICU septic patients around the world?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper was to clarify if previously established prognostic factors explain the different mortality rates observed in ICU septic patients around the world.

METHODS

This is a sub-study from the PROGRESS study, which was an international, prospective, observational registry of ICU patients with severe sepsis. For this study we included 10930 patients from 24 countries that enrolled more than 100 patients in the PROGRESS. The effect of potential prognostic factors on in-hospital mortality was examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The complete set of data was available for 7022 patients, who were considered in the multivariate analysis. Countries were classified according to country income, development status, and in-hospital mortality terciles. The relationship between countries' characteristics and in-hospital mortality was evaluated using linear regression.

RESULTS

Mean in-hospital mortality was 49.2%. Severe sepsis in-hospital mortality varied widely in different countries, ranging from 30.6% in New Zealand to 80.4% in Algeria. Classification as developed or developing country was not associated with in-hospital mortality (P=0.16), nor were levels of gross national product per capita (P=0.15). Patients in the group of countries with higher in-hospital mortality had a crude OR for in-hospital death of 2.8 (95% CI 2.5-3.1) in comparison to those in the lower risk group. After adjustments were made for all other independent variables, the OR changed to 2.9 (95% CI 2.5-3.3).

CONCLUSION

Severe sepsis mortality varies widely in different countries. All known markers of disease severity and prognosis do not fully explain the international differences in mortality. Country income does not explain this disparity either. Further studies should be developed to verify if other organizational or structural factors account for disparities in patient care and outcomes.

Randomized trial evaluating serial protein C levels in severe sepsis patients treated with variable doses of drotrecogin alfa (activated)

Introduction

Serial alterations in protein C levels appear to correlate with disease severity in patients with severe sepsis, and it may be possible to tailor severe sepsis therapy with the use of this biomarker. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose and duration of drotrecogin alfa (activated) treatment using serial measurements of protein C compared to standard therapy in patients with severe sepsis.

Methods

This was a phase 2 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Adult patients with two or more sepsis-induced organ dysfunctions were enrolled. Protein C deficient patients were randomized to standard therapy (24 μg/kg/hr infusion for 96 hours) or alternative therapy (higher dose and/or variable duration; 24/30/36 μg/kg/hr for 48 to 168 hours). The primary outcome was a change in protein C level in the alternative therapy group, between study Day 1 and Day 7, compared to standard therapy.

Results

Of 557 patients enrolled, 433 patients received randomized therapy; 206 alternative, and 227 standard. Baseline characteristics of the groups were largely similar. The difference in absolute change in protein C from Day 1 to Day 7 between the two therapy groups was 7% (P = 0.011). Higher doses and longer infusions were associated with a more pronounced increase in protein C level, with no serious bleeding events. The same doses and longer infusions were associated with a larger increase in protein C level; higher rates of serious bleeding when groups received the same treatment; but no clear increased risk of bleeding during the longer infusion. This group also experienced a higher mortality rate; however, there was no clear link to infusion duration.

Conclusions

The study met its primary objective of increased protein C levels in patients receiving alternative therapy demonstrating that variable doses and/or duration of drotrecogin alfa (activated) can improve protein C levels, and also provides valuable information for incorporation into potential future studies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00386425.

Global utilization of low-dose corticosteroids in severe sepsis and septic shock: a report from the PROGRESS registry

INTRODUCTION

The benefits and use of low-dose corticosteroids (LDCs) in severe sepsis and septic shock remain controversial. Surviving sepsis campaign guidelines suggest LDC use for septic shock patients poorly responsive to fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy. Their use is suspected to be wide-spread, but paucity of data regarding global practice exists. The purpose of this study was to compare baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients treated or not treated with LDC from the international PROGRESS (PROmoting Global Research Excellence in Severe Sepsis) cohort study of severe sepsis.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the PROGRESS registry were evaluated for use of vasopressor and LDC (equivalent or lesser potency to hydrocortisone 50 mg six-hourly plus 50 microg 9-alpha-fludrocortisone) for treatment of severe sepsis at any time in intensive care units (ICUs). Baseline characteristics and hospital mortality were analyzed, and logistic regression techniques used to develop propensity score and outcome models adjusted for baseline imbalances between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 8,968 patients with severe sepsis and sufficient data for analysis were studied. A total of 79.8% (7,160/8,968) of patients received vasopressors, and 34.0% (3,051/8,968) of patients received LDC. Regional use of LDC was highest in Europe (51.1%) and lowest in Asia (21.6%). Country use was highest in Brazil (62.9%) and lowest in Malaysia (9.0%). A total of 14.2% of patients on LDC were not receiving any vasopressor therapy. LDC patients were older, had more co-morbidities and higher disease severity scores. Patients receiving LDC spent longer in ICU than patients who did not (median of 12 versus 8 days; P <0.001). Overall hospital mortality rates were greater in the LDC than in the non-LDC group (58.0% versus 43.0%; P <0.001). After adjusting for baseline imbalances, in all mortality models (with vasopressor use), a consistent association remained between LDC and hospital mortality (odds ratios varying from 1.30 to 1.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Widespread use of LDC for the treatment of severe sepsis with significant regional and country variation exists. In this study, 14.2% of patients received LDC despite the absence of evidence of shock. Hospital mortality was higher in the LDC group and remained higher after adjustment for key determinates of mortality.

The international PROGRESS registry of patients with severe sepsis: drotrecogin alfa (activated) use and patient outcomes

Introduction

Since the launch of drotrecogin alfa activated (DrotAA), institutions and individual countries have published data on its use in clinical practice, based on audit or registry data. These studies were limited in size and geographic locale and included patients with greater disease severity and higher mortality than those in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to compare baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes (using appropriate statistical adjustments) of patients treated or not treated with DrotAA from the international PROGRESS (Promoting Global Research Excellence in Severe Sepsis) cohort study of severe sepsis.

Methods

PROGRESS was a global, non-interventional, multi-center, prospective, observational study of patients having a diagnosis of severe sepsis treated in intensive care units at a participating institution. All treatment modalities were as per standard of care at the participating institutions. Baseline characteristics and hospital mortality were analyzed and regression techniques used to develop propensity and outcome models adjusted for baseline imbalances between groups.

Results

Overall, 14,543 patients from 37 countries were enrolled and 12,492 had complete data for analysis. Germany was the highest enrolling country (1,810; 14.5%) and the US had the most DrotAA patients (206, 23.3%); 882 (7%) overall received DrotAA therapy. DrotAA-treated patients were younger (median age 58 vs. 61 years), had greater organ dysfunction (cardiovascular: 90% vs. 74%; respiratory: 90% vs. 81%; renal: 60% vs. 45%; metabolic: 63% versus 42%; 3 or more organ dysfunctions: 84% vs. 67%) and had a higher median APACHE II score (26 vs. 23, all with P < 0.001). Although in-hospital mortality was similar for DrotAA and non-DrotAA-treated patients (49.6% vs. 49.7%, respectively), after adjusting for imbalances, patients receiving DrotAA had a 28% (0.60 to 0.86, 95% Confidence Intervals) reduction in the odds of death and a relative risk reduction of 17% (P = 0.0003).

Conclusions

In the PROGRESS registry, DrotAA-treated patients were younger, more severely ill, and had fewer co-morbidities than patients not treated with DrotAA. After adjustment for group differences, a significant reduction in the odds of death was observed for patients that received DrotAA compared with those that did not.

ADDRESS (ADministration of DRotrecogin alfa [activated] in Early stage Severe Sepsis) long-term follow-up: one-year safety and efficacy evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that drotrecogin alfa (activated) has an acceptable safety profile 1 yr from randomization.

DESIGN

One-year follow-up of patients participating in a placebo-controlled clinical study of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in severe sepsis patients at low risk of death (the ADDRESS study).

SETTING

The study was conducted at 516 hospitals in 34 countries.

PATIENTS

The study included 2,640 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

One-year follow-up was performed as an addendum to the placebo-controlled ADDRESS study. Treatment groups were compared using the chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier estimates.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Survival status at 1 yr was obtained for 90% of patients enrolled in the study (n = 2,376). The difference in mortality rate between drotrecogin alfa (activated) and placebo patients was numerically smaller at 1 yr (34.2% and 34.0%, respectively, p = .94) than at 28 days (18.5% and 17.0%, respectively, p = .34). In the subgroups defined by organ dysfunction class (single or multiple) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (<25 or >or=25), the differences in mortality rate between treatment groups at 1 yr were consistent with those observed at 28 days; no significant differences in mortality rates between treatment groups were observed. No additional serious adverse events were reported during the period between hospital discharge and 1 yr.

CONCLUSIONS

No increased risk of death or evidence of harm at 1 yr was associated with drotrecogin alfa (activated) administration in patients with severe sepsis at lower risk of death.

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) in patients with severe sepsis presenting with purpura fulminans, meningitis, or meningococcal disease: a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in recent clinical studies

INTRODUCTION

We report data from adult and pediatric patients with severe sepsis from studies evaluating drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA) and presenting with purpura fulminans (PF), meningitis (MEN), or meningococcal disease (MD) (PF/MEN/MD). Such conditions may be associated with an increased bleeding risk but occur in a relatively small proportion of patients presenting with severe sepsis; pooling data across clinical trials provides an opportunity for improving the characterization of outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of placebo-controlled, open-label, and compassionate-use trials was conducted. Adult patients received infusions of either DrotAA or placebo. All pediatric patients (<18 years old) received DrotAA. 189 adult and 121 pediatric patients presented with PF/MEN/MD.

RESULTS

Fewer adult patients with PF/MEN/MD met cardiovascular (68.3% versus 78.8%) or respiratory (57.8% versus 80.5%) organ dysfunction entry criteria than those without. DrotAA-treated adult patients with PF/MEN/MD (n = 163) had an observed 28-day mortality rate of 19.0%, a 28-day serious bleeding event (SBE) rate of 6.1%, and an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rate of 4.3%. Six of the seven ICHs occurred in patients with MEN (three of whom were more than 65 years old with a history of hypertension). DrotAA-treated adult patients without PF/MEN/MD (n = 3,088) had an observed 28-day mortality rate of 25.5%, a 28-day SBE rate of 5.8%, and an ICH rate of 1.0%. In contrast, a greater number of pediatric patients with PF/MEN/MD met the cardiovascular organ dysfunction entry criterion (93.5% versus 82.5%) than those without. DrotAA-treated PF/MEN/MD pediatric patients (n = 119) had a 14-day mortality rate of 10.1%, an SBE rate of 5.9%, and an ICH rate of 2.5%. DrotAA-treated pediatric patients without PF/MEN/MD (n = 142) had a 14-day mortality rate of 14.1%, an SBE rate of 9.2%, and an ICH rate of 3.5%.

CONCLUSION

DrotAA-treated adult patients with severe sepsis presenting with PF/MEN/MD had a similar SBE rate, a lower observed 28-day mortality rate, and a higher observed rate of ICH than DrotAA-treated patients without PF/MEN/MD. DrotAA-treated pediatric patients with severe sepsis with PF/MEN/MD may differ from adults, because all three outcome rates (SBE, mortality, and ICH) were lower in pediatric patients with PF/MEN/MD.

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) in the treatment of severe sepsis patients with multiple-organ dysfunction: data from the PROWESS trial

OBJECTIVE

Based on the results of the PROWESS trial the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products has recently approved drotrecogin alfa (activated) for treatment of adult patients with severe sepsis and multiple-organ failure. We report study's data on efficacy and safety in patients with multiple-organ dysfunction.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in 164 medical centers.

PATIENTS

1271 patients (75.2% of the intention-to-treat population, n=1690) with multiple-organ dysfunction at study entry.

INTERVENTIONS

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) n=634, 24 micro g/kg per hour for 96 h or placebo ( n=637).

RESULTS

Observed 28-day mortality was significantly lower with drug treatment than with placebo (26.5%vs. 33.9%), cardiovascular and respiratory organ dysfunction resolved more rapidly over the first 7 days, and serious bleeding events were more frequent (2.4% vs. 1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with drotrecogin alfa (activated) significantly reduced 28-day mortality and more quickly resolved cardiovascular and respiratory organ dysfunction. The difference in serious bleeding event rates may be clinically significant; however, the overall benefit-risk profile appears favorable.

Severe hypoglycaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia: a comparative study of insulin lispro and regular human insulin

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential of insulin lispro to limit the frequency of severe hypoglycaemia without compromising glycaemic control in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes who are at a high risk of severe hypoglycemia. Research design and methods An open-label, randomised, 12-month comparative crossover study of insulin lispro and regular human insulin was performed in 33 patients with type 1 diabetes with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness. The efficacy of each treatment was evaluated by glycaemic control (HbA(1c)), eight-point home blood glucose profiles, and the frequency and severity of hypoglycaemic episodes and quality of life.

RESULTS

Eighteen (55%) patients experienced one or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia in the 48 weeks of study. There was a trend to a lower incidence of severe hypoglycaemia during treatment with insulin lispro in comparison with regular human insulin (55 vs 84 episodes, p=0.087). This resulted principally from a 47% lower incidence of nocturnal severe hypoglycaemia with insulin lispro (25 vs 47 episodes, p=0.11). The lower frequency of severe hypoglycaemia associated with insulin lispro was not explained by differences in glycated haemoglobin between insulin treatments (HbA(1c) 9.1% insulin lispro vs 9.3% regular human insulin).

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with type 1 diabetes, who have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, treatment with insulin lispro may be associated with a lower incidence of severe hypoglycaemia manifested predominantly through less frequent nocturnal episodes. Insulin lispro may have a beneficial role in the management of patients with diabetes at risk of severe hypoglycaemia, although a larger study is required to confirm these findings.

The action profile of lispro is not blunted by mixing in the syringe with NPH insulin

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of mixing the insulin analog lispro (Humalog) with NPH (Humulin I) before injection on lispro's fast, short action profile.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 12 healthy volunteers received subcutaneous abdominal injections of 0.1 U/kg regular insulin and 0.2 U/kg NPH insulin as follows: lispro and NPH injected separately (treatment group A), lispro and NPH mixed in the syringe up to 2 min before single injection (treatment group B), and human regular insulin and NPH mixed and injected as in group B (treatment group C), on separate occasions, in random order. Plasma glucose was maintained for 12 h by intravenous 20% glucose. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were compared by analysis of variance for repeated measures.

RESULTS

Peak plasma insulin levels (2.6 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.6 ng/ml, P = 0.075), total glucose infused (121.5 +/- 32.8 vs. 135.0 +/- 49.0 vs. 117.3 +/- 39.9 mg.kg-1.min-1, P = 0.53), and maximum glucose infusion rate (GIRmax) (8.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 8.0 +/- 1.7 vs. 7.1 +/- 2.4 mg.kg-1.min-1, P = 0.65) were not significantly different between treatments. The times until peak insulin concentrations were similar in treatment groups A and B, but significantly shorter than in treatment group C (0.9 +/- 0.3 and 1.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.4 h, respectively, P = 0.042). The times until GIRmax were also not different (113.9 +/- 41 and 122.0 +/- 45 vs. 209.0 +/- 51.3 min, respectively, P = 0.002). The glucose infusion rate (GIR) then fell to 50% GIRmax more quickly in treatment groups A and B than in treatment group C (239.9 +/- 40.5 vs. 292.4 +/- 133.3 vs. 399.5 +/- 78.3, respectively, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The action profile of lispro is not attenuated by mixing lispro with NPH in the syringe immediately before injection. The advantages are available to those individuals who need to combine types of insulin before injection to achieve optimal diabetes control.

Lymphedema: results of surgical treatment in 64 patients (1936-1964)

Patients with peripheral lymphedema are usually treated without operation. In some, however, operations are required in order to reduce swelling, ensure comfort, and improve function and appearance. Because new surgical approaches are available for the treatment of peripheral lymphedema, we reviewed our previous operative experiences for these conditions at the Mayo Clinic to provide a reference to which the newer procedures may be compared. Sixty-four patients underwent operation for peripheral lymphedema between 1936 and 1964. Follow-up information was obtained on 56 patients. Seventeen patients required three procedures to alleviate the swelling in an extremity. Morphologic aspects of the excised tissue were also evaluated in these cases. Results were considered excellent in 13, good in 22, fair in 8, and poor in 13. Complications of operation consisted primarily of wound infections, hematomas, and necrosis of skin flaps.

Recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Long-term follow-up of the Putti-Platt and Bankart procedures

Follow-up of 176 patients among 223 who underwent 232 repairs for recurrent shoulder dislocation (average follow-up, 10.2 years) revealed a recurrence rate of 11%. Among the twenty with recurrence, important factors were youth, athletic activity, inadequate immobilization, a history of contralateral dislocation, and a family history of shoulder dislocation. Redislocation occurred two years or more after operation in seven of the twenty patients with recurrence. Surgical repair permitted good function without significant pain in most cases.

PARAESTHESIAS OF UPPER EXTREMITY

Images