Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by various clinical manifestations and immunologic abnormalities. Cardiovascular and respiratory system involvement are increasingly recognized as critical for patients' prognosis. In this review, current knowledge concerning diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of the cardiac and pulmonary lupus manifestations are discussed.

METHOD

Review of the literature.

RESULTS

Although pericarditis is the most frequent heart manifestation in the context of lupus, valvular disease and less often myocarditis may be detected. In the latter, treatment should be prompt and aggressive to prevent chronic sequelae like congestive heart failure. Later on disease course, accelerated atherosclerosis is considered as one of the most important co-morbidities of SLE with cardiovascular events being one of the leading causes of death at relatively young ages. Stratification of the patients at risk and stringent management of the traditional risk factors are warranted. Respiratory system involvement affects all anatomic structures of the lungs, pleura and pulmonary vasculature while its severity ranges from asymptomatic pleural disease to acute respiratory failure. The most common features include pleuritis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary embolism on the background of antiphospholipid syndrome. Less usual complications include lupus pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, shrinking lung syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

CONCLUSION

There are no specific guidelines for the management of these manifestations and therapeutic approach remains empiric.

Abnormal Cardiac Biomarkers in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and No Prior Heart Disease: A Consequence of Antimalarials?

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often undiagnosed in its early phases. Specific heart biomarkers may identify patients at risk. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated factors for such biomarkers in SLE.

METHODS

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured simultaneously in 151 consecutive patients with no history of heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). None had electrocardiographic abnormalities suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. Cross-sectional comparisons and logistic regression analyses were performed. Patients with abnormal biomarkers were investigated to delineate the specific cause.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (16/151, 10.6%) had elevated BNP, and 9 of them also had abnormal cTnI. Compared to subjects with normal biomarkers, they were older, had longer disease and antimalarial (AM) use duration, and more frequently persistent creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation. Multivariable regression analysis showed prolonged AM treatment (> 5.6 yrs) and persistent CPK elevation to be important predictors for elevated cardiac biomarkers. Six patients were diagnosed with definite (based on endomyocardial biopsy, n = 2) or possible (based on cardiac magnetic resonance after exclusion of other causes) AM-induced cardiomyopathy (AMIC); all had both BNP and cTnI elevated. Alternative causes were identified in 5, while no definitive diagnosis could be made in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSION

About 10% of patients with SLE had elevated myocardial biomarkers, in the absence of prior cardiac disease or PAH. One-third of them were diagnosed with AMIC. Prolonged AM therapy and persistent CPK elevation conferred an increased risk for abnormal BNP and cTnI, which might predict AMIC.

Practice Variations in the Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Canada

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Canada.

METHODS

A 63-question electronic survey was developed with the Canadian Rheumatology Association and others. Descriptive analyses of responses were performed.

RESULTS

Survey respondents (n = 175) reported varying practices in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of SLE. Performance of laboratory investigations for diagnosis and monitoring varied, with 78% of responders performing them at least every 6 months. Validated measures of SLE disease activity and damage were not commonly used. Most common first-line agents besides steroids for induction therapy for class III or IV lupus nephritis included intravenous cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil. Antimalarial use was common, with 96% of respondents using these in active skin disease. Over 60% of respondents indicated that 80-100% of their patients were taking antimalarials, while another 25% indicated they used these drugs in up to 80% of their patients. There were 71% of responders who reported completing frequent (6-12 mos) ophthalmology screening in patients taking antimalarials. Biologics were infrequently used. Responders were more likely to stop azathioprine and chloroquine than hydroxychloroquine in pregnant patients with SLE. Other aspects of routine care including vaccination and cardiovascular risk management varied considerably. The majority (80%) agreed that a dedicated multidisciplinary care team would improve SLE care.

CONCLUSION

Considerable practice variation in SLE management was noted. This may help inform future recommendations for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of SLE in Canada.

Hydroxychloroquine prescription trends and predictors for excess dosing per recent ophthalmology guidelines

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy may be more common than previously recognized; recent ophthalmology guidelines have revised recommendations from ideal body weight (IBW)-based dosing to actual body weight (ABW)-based dosing. However, contemporary HCQ prescribing trends in the UK remain unknown.

Methods

We examined a UK general population database to investigate HCQ dosing between 2007 and 2016. We studied trends of excess HCQ dosing per ophthalmology guidelines (defined by exceeding 6.5 mg/kg of IBW and 5.0 mg/kg of ABW) and determined their independent predictors using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Among 20,933 new HCQ users (78% female), the proportions of initial HCQ excess dosing declined from 40% to 36% using IBW and 38% to 30% using ABW, between 2007 and 2016. Among these, 47% of women were excess-dosed (multivariable OR 12.52; 95% CI 10.99–14.26) using IBW and 38% (multivariable OR 1.98; 95% CI,1.81–2.15) using ABW. Applying IBW, 37% of normal and 44% of obese patients were excess-dosed; however, applying ABW, 53% of normal and 10% of obese patients were excess-dosed (multivariable ORs = 1.61 and 0.1 (reference = normal); both p < 0.01). Long-term HCQ users showed similar excess dosing.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of HCQ users in the UK, particularly women, may have excess HCQ dosing per the previous or recent weight-based guidelines despite a modest decline in recent years. Over half of normal-BMI individuals were excess-dosed per the latest guidelines. This implies the potential need to reduce dosing for many patients but also calls for further research to establish unifying evidence-based safe and effective dosing strategies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1634-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Monophasic Disease Course in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective.

Disease course in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is primarily relapsing-remitting. Long quiescent and chronically active patterns are less frequent. We recently described an atypical “monophasic” course in a small number of patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of such patients in a defined SLE cohort.

Methods.

The inception patients of the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic (enrolled within 18 mos of diagnosis) were investigated. No time interval > 18 months was allowed between consecutive visits. A monophasic course was defined as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 = 0 (serology excluded), achieved within 5 years since enrollment and maintained for ≥ 10 years. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results.

Of 267 inception patients, 27 (10.1%) achieved prolonged clinical remission (≥ 10 yrs) and 20 (7.5%) sustained remission for the entire followup (18 yrs on average). Twelve patients were receiving no maintenance treatment 10 years after achieving remission. Clinical manifestations at diagnosis (apart from skin and musculoskeletal involvement) included 25% in each of central nervous system involvement and lupus nephritis (LN). Half the patients were serologically active. Ten years after achieving remission, two-thirds of the patients had discontinued glucocorticosteroids; the remaining were treated with 5 mg/day on average. Seven patients relapsed after 10 years, 4 with arthritis, 2 LN, and 1 catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome.

Conclusion.

A monophasic disease course was observed in 7.5% in this inception cohort. Patients sustained remission for 18 years on average, eventually without medications. Further study of such patients may provide unique pathophysiologic insights for SLE.

Severe brady-arrhythmias in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence, etiology and associated factors

Background

Severe brady-arrhythmias, requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM), have been sparsely reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of such arrhythmias in a defined lupus cohort.

Patients and methods

The database of the Toronto Lupus Clinic ( n = 1366) was searched for patients who received a PPM. Demographic, clinical, immunological and therapeutic variables along with electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic findings (based on the last available test prior to PPM) were analyzed. Patients with a PPM (cases) were compared with age-, sex- and disease duration-matched patients without a PPM (controls). Analysis was performed with SAS 9.0; p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Eighteen patients were identified, 13 (0.95%) with complete atrioventricular block and 5 (0.37%) with sick sinus syndrome. Disease duration at PPM implantation was 22 ± 12 years. Compared to controls, cases had more frequently coronary artery disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia and longer antimalarial (AM) treatment duration. The prevalence of first-degree atrioventricular block, right bundle branch block, left anterior fascicular block and septal hypertrophy was also higher. AM treatment was significantly associated with brady-arrhythmias (OR = 1.128, 95% CI = 1.003–1.267, p = 0.044). Nine patients had prior heart disease and one received a PPM two years after renal transplantation. Eight patients did not have any potential risk factors; prolonged AM therapy (mean 22 years) might have been the cause.

Conclusions

Apart from known causes, prolonged AM treatment may be associated with severe brady-arrhythmias in SLE. Certain ECG and echocardiographic characteristics may represent indicators of an ongoing damage in the conduction system.

Lupus myocarditis: a single center experience and a comparative analysis of observational cohort studies

Background Lupus myocarditis (LM) is reported in 3-9% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but limited evidence exists regarding optimal treatment and prognosis. This study aims to describe LM in a defined lupus cohort as compared with the existing literature. Patients and methods Patients with LM were identified from the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic database. Diagnosis was based on clinical manifestations and electrocardiographic, imaging, and biochemical criteria. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic variables and outcomes were collected in a standardized data retrieval form. A literature review was performed to identify cohort studies reporting on LM treatment and outcome. A comparative analysis was conducted between our patients and the combined cohort of the existing studies. Results Thirty patients were diagnosed with LM (prevalence 1.6%) and compared with a cumulative cohort of 117 patients from five distinct studies. No significant differences were found regarding the age at diagnosis (32.6 ± 13.4 years) and SLE duration (2.5 years median). Concomitant lupus activity from other organ systems was observed in 97% of the patients. Chest pain was more frequently reported in our cohort whereas dyspnea was more prominent in the other studies. Diagnostic criteria were similar across studies. Therapeutic approach was comparable and consisted of glucocorticosteroids (96.6%) and immunosuppressives (70%). Mortality was approximately 20% whereas another 20% of the patients achieved partial and 60% complete recovery. Conclusions LM usually occurs early in the disease course and in the context of generalized lupus activity. Despite aggressive therapy, approximately 40% of the patients died or had residual heart damage.

Glucocorticoid use and factors associated with variability in this use in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Inception Cohort

Objectives

To describe glucocorticoid (GC) use in the SLICC inception cohort and to explore factors associated with GC use. In particular we aimed to assess temporal trends in GC use and to what extent physician-related factors may influence use.

Methods

Patients were recruited within 15 months of diagnosis of SLE from 33 centres between 1999 and 2011 and continue to be reviewed annually. Descriptive statistics were used to detail oral and parenteral GC use. Cross sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to explore factors associated with GC use at enrolment and over time.

Results

We studied 1700 patients with a mean (s.d.) follow-up duration of 7.26 (3.82) years. Over the entire study period, 1365 (81.3%) patients received oral GCs and 447 (26.3%) received parenteral GCs at some point. GC use was strongly associated with treatment centre, age, race/ethnicity, sex, disease duration and disease activity. There was no change in the proportion of patients on GCs or the average doses of GC used over time according to year of diagnosis.

Conclusion

GCs remain a cornerstone in SLE management and there have been no significant changes in their use over the past 10-15 years. While patient and disease factors contribute to the variation in GC use, between-centre differences suggest that physician-related factors also contribute. Evidence-based treatment algorithms are needed to inform a more standardized approach to GC use in SLE.

Smoking Is the Most Significant Modifiable Lung Cancer Risk Factor in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To assess lung cancer risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), relative to demographics, drug exposures, smoking, and disease activity.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 14 SLE cohorts. We calculated adjusted HR estimates for lung cancer in SLE, relative to demographics, smoking, time-dependent medication exposures, and cumulative disease activity [mean adjusted SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores]. This project was approved by the ethics boards of all participating institutions, including the Institutional Review Board of the McGill University Health Centre. The ethics approval number for the Cancer Risk study is GEN-06-031.

RESULTS

Within these 14 SLE cohorts, 49 incident lung cancers occurred. Among lung cancer cases, 59.0% were in the highest SLEDAI quartile at baseline versus 40.8% of lung cancer-free SLE controls. The vast majority (84.2%) of SLE lung cancer cases were ever-smokers at baseline, versus 40.1% of those without lung cancer. In adjusted models, the principal factors associated with lung cancer were ever smoking (at cohort entry) and current age. Estimated adjusted effects of all drugs were relatively imprecise, but did not point toward any drug exposures as strong lung cancer risk factors.

CONCLUSION

We saw no clear evidence for drugs as a trigger for lung cancer risk in SLE, although drug risk estimates were relatively imprecise. Smoking may be the most significant modifiable lung cancer risk factor in SLE.

Nitrated nucleosome levels and neuropsychiatric events in systemic lupus erythematosus; a multi-center retrospective case-control study

Background

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) there is no serological test that will reliably distinguish neuropsychiatric (NP) events due to active SLE from those due to other causes. Previously we showed that serum levels of nitrated nucleosomes (NN) were elevated in a small number of patients with NPSLE. Here we measured serum NN in samples from a larger population of patients with SLE and NP events to see whether elevated serum NN could be a marker for NPSLE.

Methods

We obtained serum samples from patients in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics (SLICC) inception cohort. This included 216 patients with NP events and two matched controls with SLE but no NP events for each of these patients. For the NP patients we tested samples taken before, during and after the NP event.

Results

Twenty-six patients had events attributed to SLE according to the most stringent SLICC attribution rule. In these patients there was no association between onset of event and elevated serum NN. In 190 patients in whom events were not attributed to SLE by the SLICC rules, median serum NN was elevated at the onset of event (P = 0.006). The predominant clinical features in this group of 190 patients were headache, mood disorders and anxiety.

Conclusions

Serum NN levels rise at the time of an NP event in a proportion of patients with SLE. Further studies are needed to determine the value of serum NN as a biomarker for NPSLE.

More Consistent Antimalarial Intake in First 5 Years of Disease Is Associated with Better Prognosis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective.

To examine whether more consistent use of antimalarial agents (AM) leads to better results in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

From a longitudinal cohort study, we identified inception patients with a minimum of 5 years of followup. They were divided into 3 groups: patients who took AM > 60% of the time (group A), those who took AM < 60% of the time (group B), and those who did not receive AM (group C) during the first 5 years of followup. Outcomes included increase in Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), flare, achieving low disease activity (LDA), adjusted mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000, cumulative doses of steroids (CMS), and AM-related retinal toxicity. Regression analysis models were constructed to identify predictors of the outcomes.

Results.

There were 459 patients identified: 236 (51.4%) in group A, 88 (19.2%) in group B, and 135 (29.4%) in group C. The changes in SDI, flare event, and CMS were significantly lower in group A, which more often achieved LDA. Multivariable analysis revealed that the patients in group A had a lower risk of increasing SDI and were more likely to achieve LDA at Year 5 compared to the patients in group C. Patients taking AM had lower CMS over the 5 years of followup. There was only 1 patient with AM-related retinal toxicity in each group.

Conclusion.

More consistent use of an AM over the first 5 years of SLE is associated with better outcomes.

Evolution of Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Longterm Prospective Study

Objective.

We previously reported the effect of certain factors on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 250 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) followed for 8 years. The aim of this study was to delineate their evolution after 15 years of followup.

Methods.

There were 210 women with SLE and 138 age-matched healthy women available for analysis after 15 years. Cardiovascular events (CVE) included angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (fatal and nonfatal), transient ischemic attack, and stroke (fatal and nonfatal). Analysis was performed with SAS 9.3 software; p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results.

CVE occurred in 41/210 patients (19.5%) and 9/138 controls (6.5%), most of them in the second part (2008–2015) of the study (24/210, 11.4% vs 17/241, 7.1% in SLE group). Coronary artery disease was more common in patients (32/210, 15.2% vs 5/138, 3.6%, p = 0.0041). There was no significant difference for cerebrovascular disease (10/210, 4.8% vs 3/138, 2.2%, p = 0.213). SLE was the most prominent CVE predictor in the first 8 years (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–6.3). Hypertension and diabetes were more frequent in patients who developed CVE during the second half of the study. Thirty-one deaths occurred in patients with SLE (10 because of CVD) and 6 in controls (none because of CVD).

Conclusion.

The relative importance of atherosclerotic risk factors is significantly differentiated over time in SLE. Disease-related factors seem to dominate CV risk during the early stages while traditional factors, partially related to corticosteroid treatment, play a significant role later in the disease course.

Sustained complete renal remission is a predictor of reduced mortality, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in lupus nephritis

Objective

The objective of this paper is to identify the relationship between patients with lupus nephritis (LN) who achieve sustained complete renal remission (CR) and renal outcome and survival.

Methods

From a longitudinal cohort study we identified patients with LN with CR. We compared the outcomes of patients who achieved sustained CR for at least five years (Group A) with those less than five years (Group B). The outcomes were death, SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI), renal flare, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 50 ml/min, and doubling of serum creatinine. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of the outcomes.

Results

A total of 345 patients were identified, 132 patients in Group A and 213 patients in Group B. The duration of CR in Group A was 11.76 ± 7.34 years but only 1.24 ± 1.24 years in Group B ( p < 0.001). Death, increasing renal SDI, renal flare, renal transplantation, ESRD or eGFR < 50 ml/min, and doubling of serum creatinine in Group A were significantly lower than Group B. Multivariable analysis revealed that Group A patients were at a lower risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07–0.61; p = 0.004), increasing renal SDI (HR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21–0.76; p = 0.01), developing ESRD or eGFR < 50 ml/min (HR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12–0.61; p = 0.001), and doubling of serum creatinine (HR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.61; p = 0.001) compared with Group B.

Conclusion

Sustained CR for at least five years is a predictor of better prognosis in patients with LN.

Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-centre experience

Introduction Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), characterized by decreased lung volumes and extra-pulmonary restriction. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of SLS in our lupus cohort with emphasis on prevalence, presentation, treatment and outcomes. Patients and methods Patients attending the Toronto Lupus Clinic since 1980 ( n = 1439) and who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) performed during follow-up were enrolled ( n = 278). PFT records were reviewed to characterize the pattern of pulmonary disease. SLS definition was based on a restrictive ventilatory defect with normal or slightly reduced corrected diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in the presence of suggestive clinical (dyspnea, chest pain) and radiological (elevated diaphragm) manifestations. Data on clinical symptoms, functional abnormalities, imaging, treatment and outcomes were extracted in a dedicated data retrieval form. Results Twenty-two patients (20 females) were identified with SLS for a prevalence of 1.53%. Their mean age was 29.5 ± 13.3 years at SLE and 35.7 ± 14.6 years at SLS diagnosis. Main clinical manifestations included dyspnea (21/22, 95.5%) and pleuritic chest pain (20/22, 90.9%). PFTs were available in 20 patients; 16 (80%) had decreased maximal inspiratory (MIP) and/or expiratory pressure (MEP). Elevated hemidiaphragm was demonstrated in 12 patients (60%). Treatment with prednisone and/or immunosuppressives led to clinical improvement in 19/20 cases (95%), while spirometrical improvement was observed in 14/16 patients and was mostly partial. Conclusions SLS prevalence in SLE was 1.53%. Treatment with glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressives was generally effective. However, a chronic restrictive ventilatory defect usually persisted.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Outcomes of Lupus Nephritis in an International Inception Cohort Using a Multistate Model Approach

OBJECTIVE

To study bidirectional change and predictors of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria in lupus nephritis (LN) using a multistate modeling approach.

METHODS

Patients in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics inception cohort were classified annually into estimated GFR state 1 (>60 ml/minute), state 2 (30-60 ml/minute), or state 3 (<30 ml/minute) and estimated proteinuria state 1 (<0.25 gm/day), state 2 (0.25-3.0 gm/day), or state 3 (>3.0 gm/day), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or death. Using multistate modeling, relative transition rates between states indicated improvement and deterioration.

RESULTS

Of 1,826 lupus patients, 700 (38.3%) developed LN. During a mean ± SD follow-up of 5.2 ± 3.5 years, the likelihood of improvement in estimated GFR and estimated proteinuria was greater than the likelihood of deterioration. After 5 years, 62% of patients initially in estimated GFR state 3 and 11% of patients initially in estimated proteinuria state 3 transitioned to ESRD. The probability of remaining in the initial states 1, 2, and 3 was 85%, 11%, and 3%, respectively, for estimated GFR and 62%, 29%, and 4%, respectively, for estimated proteinuria. Male sex predicted improvement in estimated GFR states; older age, race/ethnicity, higher estimated proteinuria state, and higher renal biopsy chronicity scores predicted deterioration. For estimated proteinuria, race/ethnicity, earlier calendar years, damage scores without renal variables, and higher renal biopsy chronicity scores predicted deterioration; male sex, presence of lupus anticoagulant, class V nephritis, and mycophenolic acid use predicted less improvement.

CONCLUSION

In LN, the expected improvement or deterioration in renal outcomes can be estimated by multistate modeling and is preceded by identifiable risk factors. New therapeutic interventions for LN should meet or exceed these expectations.

Hospitalizations in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in an Academic Health Science Center

Objective.

Hospitalization occurs in about 10% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) each year and accounts for most of the direct cost of SLE patient care. We aimed to determine the frequency of admissions of patients with SLE and describe their causes and outcomes.

Methods.

We identified all hospitalizations at University Health Network in the periods 2011–2012 and 2013–2015 with an International Classification of Diseases, 10th ed. code of M32 (SLE). A retrospective chart review of these patients categorized them based on SLE care provider and cause of admission. Frequency of emergency room visits and duration of hospitalization were ascertained. Poisson and linear regressions were performed to determine factors associated with frequency and duration of hospitalizations.

Results.

There were 247 unique patients with SLE who were hospitalized a total of 491 times: 87.4% were women, average age of 43.9 ± 17.9 years, and disease duration 13.7 ± 12.3 years. Incidental causes were most common (35.6%); 21.4% and 22.4% of admissions were because of active SLE and infection, respectively. The patients with SLE averaged 1.6 hospitalizations lasting 8.5 days. Thirteen percent of hospitalizations resulted in intensive care unit admission, and 2.8% of hospitalizations resulted in death. Patient employment was associated with fewer hospitalizations during 2011–2015. Antimalarial use was associated with fewer hospitalizations as well as shorter length of stay during 2011–2012. The presence of damage correlated with increased hospitalizations. Higher educational level and antimalarial use correlated with shorter length of stay.

Conclusion.

Patients with SLE are frequently hospitalized, often because of active SLE or infection, and re-hospitalized within a short period of time.

Breast cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): receptor status and treatment

Objective There is a decreased risk of breast cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus the general population; little is known regarding the receptor status of breast cancers in SLE, or treatment. Methods Breast cancer cases occurring after SLE diagnosis were ascertained through linkage with tumor registries. We determined breast cancer positivity for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and/or Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), as well as cancer treatment. Results We obtained information on ER, PR, and/or HER2 status for 63 SLE patients with breast cancer. Fifty-three had information on ER and/or PR status; 36 of these (69%) were ER positive. Thirty-six of the 63 had information on HER2 status; of these, 26 had complete information on all three receptors. Twenty-one of these 26 (81%) were HER2 negative; seven of 26(27%) were triple negative. All but one patient underwent surgery; 11.5% received both non-tamoxifen chemotherapy and radiotherapy, 16.4% radiotherapy without non-tamoxifen chemotherapy, and 14.7% received non-tamoxifen chemotherapy without radiotherapy. Conclusion ER positivity was similar to historical general population figures, with a trend toward a higher proportion of triple-negative breast cancers in SLE (possibly reflecting the relatively young age of our SLE patients).

Osteonecrosis in SLE: prevalence, patterns, outcomes and predictors

Objective Osteonecrosis is a serious comorbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of symptomatic osteonecrosis, determine the pattern of joint involvement, identify the outcomes and investigate predictive factors in a large cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus followed prospectively. Methods At the Toronto Lupus Clinic patients have been followed prospectively according to a standard protocol since 1970. Osteonecrosis is recorded if patients are symptomatic and is confirmed by imaging. The site of osteonecrosis is recorded and whether or not surgery was performed. For determination of prevalence, pattern and outcome of osteonecrosis a longitudinal cohort design was performed. For the predictive factors, only patients with incident osteonecrosis were included and were matched for gender, year of entry to clinic (within 5 years), year of birth (within 5 years) and disease duration (within 3 years) with systemic lupus erythematosus patients without osteonecrosis. Results Of 1729 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus registered in the database, 234 (13.5%) developed symptomatic osteonecrosis in 581 sites. Hips and knees were most commonly affected and 47% of the patients had multiple sites involved. More than half of the joints involved at first occurrence of osteonecrosis had surgery. Univariate analysis identified black race, damage, elevated cholesterol and glucocorticosteroids as predictive factors, but glucocorticosteroids remained as the primary predictor for the development of osteonecrosis on multivariable analysis. Conclusion Despite advancements in the assessment and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, symptomatic osteonecrosis continues to be a significant comorbidity. Strategies to minimize glucocorticosteroid use are necessary to prevent this serious complication.

Disease evolution in late-onset and early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare clinical features, disease activity, and outcome in late-onset versus early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) over 5 years of follow up

Method

Patients with SLE since 1970 were followed prospectively according to standard protocol and tracked on a computerized database. Patients entering the cohort within one year of diagnosis constitute the inception cohort. Patients with late-onset (age at diagnosis ≥50) disease were identified and matched 1:2 based on gender and first clinic visit (±5) years with patients with early-onset disease (age at diagnosis 18–40 years).

Results

A total of 86 patients with late-onset disease (84.9% female, 81.4% Caucasian, mean age at SLE diagnosis ± SD 58.05 ± 7.30) and 169 patients with early-onset disease (86.4% female, 71% Caucasian, mean age at SLE diagnosis ± SD 27.80 ± 5.90) were identified. At enrollment, late-onset SLE patients had a lower total number of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, with less renal and neurologic manifestations. Mean SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores were lower in late-onset SLE, especially renal features and anti-dsDNA positivity. Over 5 years, mean SLEDAI-2K scores decreased in both groups, while mean Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI) scores increased more significantly in the late-onset group; they developed more cardiovascular, renal, and ocular damage, and had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

Although the late-onset SLE group had a milder presentation and less active disease, with the evolution of disease, they developed more organ damage likely as a consequence of cardiovascular risk factors and aging.

Development of a Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index (GTI) using multicriteria decision analysis

OBJECTIVES

To develop a Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index (GTI) to assess glucocorticoid (GC)-related morbidity and GC-sparing ability of other therapies.

METHODS

Nineteen experts on GC use and outcome measures from 11 subspecialties participated. Ten experts were from the USA; nine from Canada, Europe or Australia. Group consensus methods and multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) were used. A Composite GTI and Specific List comprise the overall GTI. The Composite GTI reflects toxicity likely to change during a clinical trial. The Composite GTI toxicities occur commonly, vary with GC exposure, and are weighted and scored. Relative weights for items in the Composite GTI were derived by group consensus and MCDA. The Specific List is designed to capture GC toxicity not included in the Composite GTI. The Composite GTI was evaluated by application to paper cases by the investigators and an external group of 17 subspecialists.

RESULTS

Thirty-one toxicity items were included in the Composite GTI and 23 in the Specific List. Composite GTI evaluation showed high inter-rater agreement (investigators κ 0.88, external raters κ 0.90). To assess the degree to which the Composite GTI corresponds to expert clinical judgement, participants ranked 15 cases by clinical judgement in order of highest to lowest GC toxicity. Expert rankings were then compared with case ranking by the Composite GTI, yielding excellent agreement (investigators weighted κ 0.87, external raters weighted κ 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the development and initial evaluation of a comprehensive instrument for the assessment of GC toxicity.

Prevalence and associated factors of resting electrocardiogram abnormalities among systemic lupus erythematosus patients without cardiovascular disease

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) cardiovascular disease (CVD) abnormalities (ECG-CVD) are predictive of subsequent CVD events in the general population. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are vulnerable to CVD. We aimed to determine the prevalence of ECG-CVD in SLE patients and to examine the risk factors associated with ECG-CVD.

Methods

A 12-lead resting supine ECG was performed on consecutive adult patients attending the clinic. One cardiologist interpreted the ECGs. ECG-CVD were defined as the presence of one or more of the following 4 elements (ECG-4): ST-segment and/or T-wave abnormalities, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left axis deviation (LAD), left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right bundle branch block (RBBB). ECG-5 included the same elements as ECG-4 and the Q-wave. Repeated measurement data were created and the associations between ECG-4/ECG-5 and demographics were evaluated with univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

Of 487 SLE patients, 104 (21.4%) and 118 (24.2%) patients had one or more of the ECG-4 and ECG-5 elements, respectively. A higher prevalence of ECG-CVD was found in patients with a longer SLE disease duration, and the burden of ECG-CVD elements increased with age. Increased age, active SLE disease, and damage were associated with ECG4 and ECG-5, while treatment of hyperlipidemia was protective.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of ECG-4 (21.4%) and ECG-5 (24.2%) was found in this SLE cohort. Controlling SLE disease activity is important since it was associated with ECG-4 and ECG-5. Early identification of ECG-4 and ECG-5 in SLE patients might allow for better stratification and risk management.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and pulmonary arterial hypertension: links, risks, and management strategies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the second highest prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), after systemic sclerosis, among the connective tissue diseases. SLE-associated PAH is hemodynamically defined by increased mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest (≥25 mmHg) with normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (≤15 mmHg) and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Estimated prevalence ranges from 0.5% to 17.5% depending on the diagnostic method used and the threshold of right ventricular systolic pressure in studies using transthoracic echocardiogram. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial with vasoconstriction, due to imbalance of vasoactive mediators, leading to hypoxia and impaired vascular remodeling, collagen deposition, and thrombosis of the pulmonary circulation. Multiple predictive factors have been recognized, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, pleuritis, pericarditis, anti-ribonuclear protein, and antiphospholipid antibodies. Secure diagnosis is based on right heart catheterization, although transthoracic echocardiogram has been shown to be reliable for patient screening and follow-up. Data on treatment mostly come from uncontrolled observational studies and consist of immunosuppressive drugs, mainly corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, as well as PAH-targeted approaches with endothelin receptor antagonists (bosentan), phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil), and vasodilators (epoprostenol). Prognosis is significantly affected, with 1- and 5-year survival estimated at 88% and 68%, respectively.

Breast cancer in systemic lupus

Objective There is a decreased breast cancer risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus the general population. We assessed a large sample of SLE patients, evaluating demographic and clinical characteristics and breast cancer risk. Methods We performed case-cohort analyses within a multi-center international SLE sample. We calculated the breast cancer hazard ratio (HR) in female SLE patients, relative to demographics, reproductive history, family history of breast cancer, and time-dependent measures of anti-dsDNA positivity, cumulative disease activity, and drugs, adjusted for SLE duration. Results There were 86 SLE breast cancers and 4498 female SLE cancer-free controls. Patients were followed on average for 7.6 years. Versus controls, SLE breast cancer cases tended to be white and older. Breast cancer cases were similar to controls regarding anti-dsDNA positivity, disease activity, and most drug exposures over time. In univariate and multivariate models, the principal factor associated with breast cancers was older age at cohort entry. Conclusions There was little evidence that breast cancer risk in this SLE sample was strongly driven by any of the clinical factors that we studied. Further search for factors that determine the lower risk of breast cancer in SLE may be warranted.

Prevalence and associated factors of low bone mass in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are often treated with glucocorticoids, which place them at risk of bone loss. Objectives The objectives of this article are to determine: (1) the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and factors associated with low BMD and (2) the prevalence of symptomatic fragility fractures in inception patients of the Toronto Lupus Cohort (TLC). Methods Prospectively collected data from the TLC (1996-2015) of inception patients' first BMD were analyzed. For pre-menopausal women/males <50 years, BMD 'below expected range for age' was defined by Z-score ≤ -2.0 SD. For post-menopausal women/males age 50 or older, osteoporosis was defined by T-score ≤ -2.5 SD and low bone mass by T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 SD. Patients' BMDs were defined as abnormal if Z-score ≤ -2.0 or T-score < -1.0 SD, and the remainder as normal. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were employed. Results Of 1807 patients, 286 are inception patients with BMD results (mean age 37.9 ± 13.7 years); 88.8% are female. The overall prevalence of abnormal BMD is 31.5%. In pre-menopausal women ( n = 173), the prevalence of BMD below expected range is 17.3%. In post-menopausal women ( n = 81), the prevalence of osteoporosis and low BMD are 12.3% and 43.2%, respectively. Age and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids are statistically significantly associated with abnormal BMD in multivariate analysis. Of 769 inception patients from TLC, 11.1% experienced symptomatic fragility fractures (peripheral and vertebral) over the course of their disease. Conclusion The prevalence of low BMD is high in SLE patients, and is associated with older age and higher cumulative glucocorticoid dose.

Monoclonal gammopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus

We studied the prevalence, type and associated features of monoclonal gammopathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients included in the University of Toronto Lupus Database with an abnormal band on serum electropheresis were identified. Monoclonal gammopathy patients were matched with two controls each from the same database by age at SLE diagnosis, sex and disease duration. Of 1083 patients followed at the Lupus Clinic 59 (5.4%) were identified with monoclonal gammopathy. The gammopathies included 32 with IgG, 14 IgM and 12 IgA, one undefined. Nine (15.3%) malignancies were detected in monoclonal gammopathy and 12 (10.1%) in the controls during the entire course of their disease ( P = 0.13). None had multiple myeloma. There was no difference between patients with monoclonal gammopathy and their controls with respect to disease activity, damage, or dose of steroids. The mean ESR and gammaglobulin levels in the monoclonal gammopathy patients were higher than the controls at last visit. We conclude that monoclonal gammopathy is more frequent in SLE patients than in the general population and has a benign course in patients with SLE. There were no differences in disease manifestations, treatment approaches, or malignancies between SLE patients with and those without monoclonal gammopathy. Lupus (2007) 16, 426—429.

Clinical manifestations and coronary artery disease risk factors at diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: data from an international inception cohort

Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) comprises 27 centres from 11 countries. An inception cohort of 918 SLE patients has been assembled according to a standardized protocol between 2000 and 2006. Clinical features, classic coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, as well as other potential risk factors were collected. Of the 918 patients 89% were females, and of multi racial origin. Less than half the patients were living in a permanent relationship, 58% had post secondary education and 51% were employed. Eight percent had family history of SLE. At enrolment, with at mean age of diagnosis of 34.5 years, a significant number of patients already had CAD risk factors, such as hypertension (33%) and hypercholesterolemia (36%). Only 15% of the patients were postmenopausal, 16% were current smokers and 3.6% had diabetes at entry to the SLICC-RAS (Registry for Atherosclerosis). A number of patients in this multi-racial, multi-ethnic inception cohort of lupus patients have classic CAD risk factors within a mean of 5.4 months from diagnosis. This cohort will be increased to 1500 patients to be followed yearly for 10 years. This will provide a unique opportunity to evaluate risk factors for accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE. Lupus (2007) 16, 731—735.

Cardiovascular events prior to or early after diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics cohort

Objective

To describe the frequency of myocardial infarction (MI) prior to the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and within the first 2 years of follow-up.

Methods

The systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) atherosclerosis inception cohort enters patients within 15 months of SLE diagnosis. MIs were reported and attributed on a specialised vascular event form. MIs were confirmed by one or more of the following: abnormal ECG, typical or atypical symptoms with ECG abnormalities and elevated enzymes (≥2 times upper limit of normal), or abnormal stress test, echocardiogram, nuclear scan or angiogram. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

31 of 1848 patients who entered the cohort had an MI. Of those, 23 patients had an MI prior to SLE diagnosis or within the first 2 years of disease. Of the 23 patients studied, 60.9% were female, 78.3% were Caucasian, 8.7% black, 8.7% Hispanic and 4.3% other. The mean age at SLE diagnosis was 52.5±15.0 years. Of the 23 MIs that occurred, 16 MIs occurred at a mean of 6.1±7.0 years prior to diagnosis and 7 occurred within the first 2 years of follow-up. Risk factors associated with early MI in univariate analysis are male sex, Caucasian, older age at diagnosis, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, family history of MI and smoking. In multivariate analysis only age (OR=1.06 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), hypertension (OR=5.01, 95% CI 1.38 to 18.23), hypercholesterolaemia (OR=4.43, 95% CI 1.51 to 12.99) and smoking (OR=7.50, 95% CI 2.38 to 23.57) remained significant risk factors.

Conclusions

In some patients with lupus, MI may develop even before the diagnosis of SLE or shortly thereafter, suggesting that there may be a link between autoimmune inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Modified Framingham Risk Factor Score for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective.

The traditional Framingham Risk Factor Score (FRS) underestimates the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine whether an adjustment to the FRS would more accurately reflect the higher prevalence of CAD among patients with SLE.

Methods.

Patients with SLE without a previous history of CAD or diabetes followed regularly at the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic were included. A modified FRS (mFRS) was calculated by multiplying the items by 1.5, 2, 3, or 4. In the first part of the study, using one-third of all eligible patients, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the FRS and the different multipliers for the mFRS. In the second part of the study, using the remaining 2/3 of the eligible patients, we compared the predictive ability of the FRS to the mFRS. In the third part of the study, we assessed the prediction for CAD in a time-dependent analysis of the FRS and mFRS.

Results.

There were 905 women (89.3%) with a total of 95 CAD events included. In part 1, we determined that a multiplier of 2 provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. In part 2, 2.4% of the patients were classified as moderate/high risk based on the classic FRS and 17.3% using the 2FRS (the FRS with a multiplier of 2). In part 3, a time-dependent covariate analysis for the prediction of the first CAD event revealed an HR of 3.22 (p = 0.07) for the classic FRS and 4.37 (p < 0.0001) for the 2FRS.

Conclusion.

An mFRS in which each item is multiplied by 2 more accurately predicts CAD in patients with SLE.

Mycophenolate Mofetil in Nonrenal Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Observational Cohort Study

Objective.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), along with corticosteroids, is considered as the standard of care in lupus nephritis (LN); however, little is known regarding its efficacy in extrarenal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine its effectiveness in nonrenal SLE.

Methods.

One hundred seventy-seven patients with SLE were enrolled; 105 for whom MMF was introduced for active LN (mean age 35.6 ± 10.7 yrs, mean disease duration 8.9 ± 7.8 yrs) and 72 for extrarenal manifestations (mean age 38.6 ± 11.7 yrs, mean disease duration 11.7 ± 9.2 yrs). The main indication for MMF initiation was based on the respective SLE Disease Activity Index element that was present at that time. Patients were subdivided according to the major nonrenal manifestation. Improvement was defined as the absence of the initial clinical or laboratory manifestation after 6 and 12 months.

Results.

Cumulatively, the initial clinical manifestation or hematological abnormality was resolved in 42/72 nonrenal patients (58.3%) after 6 months and in 45/72 (62.5%) after 12 months. Corticosteroid dose was reduced in 44/72 patients (61.1%, p < 0.001, mean dose 18.4 ± 12.6 mg/day at baseline to 12.1 ± 9.0 mg/day after 12 mos, p < 0.05). In renal patients, 40 (38.1%) had complete resolution of the extrarenal manifestation after 6 months, while 53 (50.5%) achieved complete response after 12 months. Prednisone dose was reduced in 73/105 patients (69.5%) after 12 months (mean dose 29.2 ± 16.6 mg/day at baseline to 15.3 ± 9.7 mg/day, p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

MMF seems to be an efficacious alternative in refractory to standard of care nonrenal manifestations of SLE in the long term, allowing for disease activity control and significant reduction in corticosteroid dose.

Antimalarials as a risk factor for elevated muscle enzymes in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

To investigate the relationship between antimalarials (AM) and elevated muscle enzymes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Patients—Methods

325 lupus patients with abnormal creatine phosphokinase (CPK) for at least two consecutive clinic visits were enrolled; 54 patients on statins/fibrates ( n = 43) and/or active myositis ( n = 14) were excluded. The control group consisted of 1453 lupus patients with no CPK elevation during follow-up. Descriptive statistics and Cox regression analyses were performed, p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Cases and controls did not differ regarding age at SLE diagnosis, gender ratio, or disease duration. AM use was more frequent in cases, which had more prolonged AM use. Total frequency of elevated CPK in AM users was 216/1322 (16.3%). Chloroquine was associated with a 3.3-fold, and hydroxychloroquine with a 3.1-fold, increased risk for CPK elevation. Black race was associated with higher CPK (HR = 2.941), whereas female gender was protective (HR = 0.697). 203 patients were followed for 7.3 ± 5.6 years; 49.8% had persistent and 14.8% intermittent CPK elevation, while in 35.4% CPK was normalized. Clinical proximal muscle weakness developed in 5/203 patients.

Conclusions

Chronic AM use is a potential risk factor for muscle enzyme elevation in SLE patients. CPK abnormalities persist in almost two thirds of the patients, but this remains mainly a biochemical finding, evolving to clinical myopathy in about 2.5%.

Optimal Monitoring For Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review

Objective.

Premature coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly affects morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several studies have detected factors influencing the atherosclerotic process, as well as methods to quantify the atherosclerotic burden in subclinical stages. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the minimum investigations to optimally monitor CHD risk in SLE.

Methods.

English-restricted literature review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines through Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases, from inception until May 2014 (Medline until October 2014). Specific search terms included, among others, “SLE,” “atherosclerosis,” “CHD,” “myocardial ischemia,” “acute coronary syndrome,” “myocardial infarction,” and “angina pectoris.” We identified 101 eligible articles, 23 with cardiovascular events (CVE) as endpoints and 78 with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment.

Results.

Certain traditional and disease-specific factors were identified as independent predictors for CHD. Among the former were age (particularly postmenopausal state), male sex, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Disease activity and duration, cumulative damage, antiphospholipid antibodies, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and renal disease were the most consistent disease-related factors. Corticosteroids were linked to increased CHD risk whereas antimalarials were protective. Concerning imaging techniques, carotid ultrasonography (intima-media thickness and plaque) was shown to independently predict CVE.

Conclusion.

Premature CHD in SLE is multifactorial; modifiable variables should be monitored at frequent intervals to ensure prompt management. Disease-specific factors also affect the atherogenic process and should be evaluated regularly. Carotid ultrasonography may hold promise in predicting CVE in selected high-risk patients.

Lack of Interferon and Proinflammatory Cyto/chemokines in Serologically Active Clinically Quiescent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain clinically quiescent for prolonged periods despite anti-dsDNA antibodies and/or low complements, indicating the presence of immune complexes. The immune mechanisms leading to this quiescence are unknown. However, in addition to activating complement, immune complex uptake by various cells leads to the production of interferon (IFN)-α and other proinflammatory factors that are also involved in tissue damage. Here we investigate whether production of these factors is reduced in SACQ patients.

METHODS

The levels of 5 IFN-induced genes and 19 cyto/chemokines were measured in SACQ patients and were compared with those in serologically and clinically active (SACA) and serologically and clinically quiescent (SQCQ) patients. SACQ and SQCQ were defined as ≥ 2 years without clinical activity, with/without persistent serologic activity, respectively, and off corticosteroids/immunosuppressives. SACA was defined as disease activity compelling immunosuppression. Levels of OAS1, IFIT1, MX1, LY6E, and ISG15 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a composite score (IFN-5) derived from this. Plasma cyto/chemokines were measured by Luminex assay. Nonparametric univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

There were no differences in gene expression or cyto/chemokine levels between SACQ and SQCQ patients. The SACQ IFN-5 score was significantly lower than that of SACA (p = 0.003) and was driven by SACQ status, not by autoantibody profile or disease duration. Levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly lower in SACQ than SACA.

CONCLUSION

The levels of proinflammatory factors in SACQ mirror those of SQCQ patients, indicating reduced production of these factors despite the presence of immune complexes.

Dyslipidemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: just another comorbidity?

OBJECTIVE

Among traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, dyslipidemia is believed to decisively affect the long-term prognosis of lupus patients, not only with regard to cardiovascular events but also by influencing other manifestations, such as lupus nephritis. The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, evidence for its impact on atherosclerosis manifestations and management of dyslipidemia in lupus patients.

METHODS

English-restricted MEDLINE database search (Medical Subject Headings: lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus and dyslipidemia or hyperlipidemia).

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyslipidemia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ranges from 36% at diagnosis to 60% or even higher after 3 years, depending on definition. Multiple pathogenetic mechanisms are implicated, including antibodies against lipoprotein lipase and cytokines affecting the balance between pro- and anti-atherogenic lipoproteins. Dyslipidemia has a clear impact on clinical cardiovascular disease and surrogate markers for subclinical atherosclerosis. Moreover, it negatively affects end-organ damage (kidneys and brain). Treatment with statins yielded contradictory results as per minimizing cardiovascular risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Dyslipidemia is a significant comorbidity of lupus patients with multiple negative effects in the long term. Its treatment represents a modifiable risk factor; prompt and adequate treatment can minimize unnecessary burden in lupus patients, thus reducing hospitalizations and their overall morbidity and mortality.

Utility of untimed single urine protein/creatinine ratio as a substitute for 24-h proteinuria for assessment of proteinuria in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction

In this study, we determined: (1) the utility of an untimed sample of urine protein/creatinine ratio (PCR) as a screening test for proteinuria, (2) its ability to accurately measure proteinuria, and (3) cutoff values for PCR predicting protein content in a 24-h urine collection sample (24hP) of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/day.

Methods

Analysis was performed on data from a single lupus cohort (2008–2014). Proteinuria was measured in a 24hP and with PCR. On the basis of 24hP, samples were divided into 4 groups: group 1, <0.5 g/day; group 2, 0.5–0.99 g/day; group 3, 1–1.99 g/day; and group 4, ≥2 g/day. To determine the validity of PCR in screening for proteinuria, the Pearson correlation coefficient was determined for the urine samples with normal PCR (<0.05 g/mmol) and normal 24hP (<0.5 g/day). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PCR were calculated. To determine the ability of PCR to accurately measure the level of proteinuria, in addition to the correlation between 24hP and PCR, agreement was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient, concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot between 24hP/24hC and PCR. The best cutoffs for PCR predicting a 24hP of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/day were determined with the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The correlation of the samples with normal PCR as well as 24hP (n = 552) was 0.29 (p < 0.0001). PCR sensitivity and specificity against 24hP were 91 % and 83 %, respectively. The PPV was 82.5 %, and the NPV was 91.4 %. The correlation for all samples (n = 1233) was high, but low to moderate for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. The agreement for all samples was appropriate but poor for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. PCR cutoffs for 24hP of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/day were 0.08, 0.16, and 0.35 g/mmol, respectively.

Conclusions

PCR can be used as a screening test for proteinuria, and the best cutoff value to predict a 24hP of 0.5 g/day is 0.08 g/mmol (800 mg/g). The accurate level of proteinuria should be measured by the gold standard test, 24hP.

Prognostic implications of active discoid lupus erythematosus and malar rash at the time of diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: Results from a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) may have prognostic implications for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine the impact of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and malar rash on SLE disease activity.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the Toronto Lupus Clinic prospective cohort study. We compared SLE patients with active DLE or malar rash at SLE diagnosis to SLE patients who never developed CLE. Outcomes were assessed at one and five years, including Adjusted Mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (AMS).

RESULTS

A total of 524 SLE patients (284 without CLE, 65 with DLE, and 175 with malar rash) were included. Mean AMS scores in patients without CLE at one and five years were 5.96 ± 5.06 and 4.00 ± 3.52, which did not differ significantly from scores at one (6.93 ± 5.31, p = 0.17) and five years (4.29 ± 2.62, p = 0.63) in the DLE group. In patients with malar rash, AMS scores at one (8.30 ± 6.80, p < 0.001) and five years (5.23 ± 3.06, p = 0.004) were higher than controls without CLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Malar rash may be a marker of more severe systemic disease over time, while DLE has no significant impact on general SLE disease activity.

Mood Disorders in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results From an International Inception Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the frequency, characteristics, and outcome of mood disorders, as well as clinical and autoantibody associations, in a multiethnic/racial, prospective inception cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Patients were assessed annually for mood disorders (4 types, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) and 18 other neuropsychiatric events. Global disease activity scores (SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI-2K]), damage scores (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI]), and Short Form 36 subscales, mental and physical component summary scores were collected. Time to event, linear and ordinal regressions, and multi-state models were used as appropriate.

RESULTS

Among the 1,827 patients with SLE, 88.9% were female, and 48.9% were Caucasian. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 35.1 ± 13.3 years, disease duration was 5.6 ± 4.8 months, and the length of followup was 4.7 ± 3.5 years. During the course of the study, 863 (47.2%) of the 1,827 patients had 1,627 neuropsychiatric events. Mood disorders occurred in 232 (12.7%) of 1,827 patients, and 98 (38.3%) of 256 mood disorder events were attributed to SLE. The estimated cumulative incidence of any mood disorder after 10 years was 17.7% (95% confidence interval 15.1, 20.2%). A greater risk of mood disorder was associated with concurrent neuropsychiatric events (P ≤ 0.01), and a lower risk was associated with Asian race/ethnicity (P = 0.01) and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (P = 0.003). Mood disorders were associated with lower mental health and mental component summary scores but not with the SLEDAI-2K, SDI, or lupus autoantibodies. Among the 232 patients with depression, 168 (72.4%) were treated with antidepressants. One hundred twenty-six (49.2%) of 256 mood disorders resolved in 117 (50.4%) of 232 patients.

CONCLUSION

Mood disorders, the second most frequent neuropsychiatric event in patients with SLE, have a negative impact on health-related quality of life and improve over time. The lack of association with global SLE disease activity, cumulative organ damage, and lupus autoantibodies emphasizes the multifactorial etiology of mood disorders and a role for non-lupus-specific therapies.

The frequency and outcome of lupus nephritis: results from an international inception cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine nephritis outcomes in a prospective multi-ethnic/racial SLE inception cohort.

METHODS

Patients in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics inception cohort (≤15 months of SLE diagnosis) were assessed annually for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Health-related quality of life was measured by the Short Form (36 questions) health survey questionnaire (SF-36) subscales, mental and physical component summary scores.

RESULTS

There were 1827 patients, 89% females, mean (s.d.) age 35.1 (13.3) years. The mean (s.d.) SLE duration at enrolment was 0.5 (0.3) years and follow-up 4.6 (3.4) years. LN occurred in 700 (38.3%) patients: 566/700 (80.9%) at enrolment and 134/700 (19.1%) during follow-up. Patients with nephritis were younger, more frequently men and of African, Asian and Hispanic race/ethnicity. The estimated overall 10-year incidence of ESRD was 4.3% (95% CI: 2.8%, 5.8%), and with nephritis was 10.1% (95% CI: 6.6%, 13.6%). Patients with nephritis had a higher risk of death (HR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.48, 5.99; P = 0.002) and those with eGFR <30 ml/min at diagnosis had lower SF-36 physical component summary scores (P < 0.01) and lower Physical function, Physical role and Bodily pain scores. Over time, patients with abnormal eGFR and proteinuria had lower SF-36 mental component summary (P ≤ 0.02) scores compared to patients with normal values.

CONCLUSION

LN occurred in 38.3% of SLE patients, frequently as the initial presentation, in a large multi-ethnic inception cohort. Despite current standard of care, nephritis was associated with ESRD and death, and renal insufficiency was linked to lower health-related quality of life. Further advances are required for the optimal treatment of LN.

Factors associated with damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Inception Cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We studied damage accrual and factors determining development and progression of damage in an international cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

METHODS

The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Inception Cohort recruited patients within 15 months of developing four or more 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE; the SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) was measured annually. We assessed relative rates of transition using maximum likelihood estimation in a multistate model. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated the probabilities for time to first increase in SDI score and Cox regression analysis was used to assess mortality.

RESULTS

We recruited 1722 patients; mean (SD) age 35.0 (13.4) years at cohort entry. Patients with damage at enrolment were more likely to have further worsening of SDI (SDI 0 vs ≥1; p<0.001). Age, USA African race/ethnicity, SLEDAI-2K score, steroid use and hypertension were associated with transition from no damage to damage, and increase(s) in pre-existing damage. Male gender (relative transition rates (95% CI) 1.48 (1.06 to 2.08)) and USA Caucasian race/ethnicity (1.63 (1.08 to 2.47)) were associated with SDI 0 to ≥1 transitions; Asian race/ethnicity patients had lower rates of new damage (0.60 (0.39 to 0.93)). Antimalarial use was associated with lower rates of increases in pre-existing damage (0.63 (0.44 to 0.89)). Damage was associated with future mortality (HR (95% CI) 1.46 (1.18 to 1.81) per SDI point).

CONCLUSIONS

Damage in SLE predicts future damage accrual and mortality. We identified several potentially modifiable risk factors for damage accrual; an integrated strategy to address these may improve long-term outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of hCDR1 (Edratide) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: results of phase II study

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of hCDR1 (Edratide) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Patients (n=340) with SLE ≥4 ACR criteria (4–11, mean 7) with active disease (SLEDAI-2K of 6–12). Patients were on average 7.1 years post-diagnosis and their organ involvement was mainly musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous and haematologic. Placebo or Edratide was administered subcutaneously weekly at doses of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.5 mg. The co-primary endpoints were SLEDAI-2K SLE Disease Activity and Adjusted Mean SLEDAI (AMS) reduction in patients compared with controls using a landmark analysis. Secondary outcomes were improvement in British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) Responder Index and medicinal flare analysis.

Results

Edratide was safe and well tolerated. The primary endpoints based solely on SLEDAI-2K and AMS were not met. The secondary predefined endpoint, BILAG, was met for the 0.5 mg Edratide arm in the intention to treat (ITT) cohort (N=316) (OR=2.09, p=0.03) with trends in the 1.0 and 2.5 mg doses. There was also a positive trend in the Composite SLE Responder Index of the ITT cohort. Post hoc analysis showed that the BILAG secondary endpoint was also met for the 0.5 mg Edratide for a number of subgroup dose levels, including low or no steroids, seropositivity and patients with 2 grade BILAG improvement.

Conclusions

The favourable safety profile and encouraging clinically significant effects noted in some of the endpoints support the need for additional longer term Edratide studies that incorporate recent advances in the understanding and treatment of SLE, including steroid treatment algorithms, and using a composite primary endpoint which is likely to include BILAG.

Trial registration number

NCT00203151.