EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. Report of a Task Force of the EULAR Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics

Quality indicators for systemic lupus erythematosus based on the 2019 EULAR recommendations: development and initial validation in a cohort of 220 patients

BACKGROUND

Quality of care is receiving increased attention in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We developed quality indicators (QIs) for SLE based on the 2019 update of European League Against Rheumatism recommendations.

METHODS

A total of 44 candidate QIs corresponding to diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, were independently rated for validity and feasibility by 12 experts and analysed by a modified Research and Development Corporation/University of California Los Angeles model. Adherence to the final set of QIs and correlation with disease outcomes (flares, hospitalisations and organ damage) was tested in a cohort of 220 SLE patients with a median monitoring of 2 years (IQR 2-4).

RESULTS

The panel selected a total of 18 QIs as valid and feasible. On average, SLE patients received 54% (95% CI 52.3% to 56.2%) of recommended care, with adherence ranging from 44.7% (95% CI 40.8% to 48.6%) for diagnosis-related QIs to 84.3% (95% CI 80.6% to 87.5%) for treatment-related QIs. Sustained remission or low disease activity were achieved in 26.8% (95% CI 21.1% to 33.2%). Tapering of prednisone dose to less than 7.5 mg/day was achieved in 93.6% (95% CI 88.2% to 97.0%) while 73.5% (95% CI 66.6% to 79.6%) received the recommended hydroxychloroquine dose. Higher adherence to monitoring-related QIs was associated with reduced risk for a composite adverse outcome (flare, hospitalisation or damage accrual) during the last year of observation (OR 0.97 per 1% adherence rate, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99).

CONCLUSION

We developed QIs for assessing and improving the care of SLE patients. Initial real-life data suggest face validity, but a variable degree of adherence and a need for further improvement.

High disease activity status suggests more severe disease and damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Disease severity in SLE is an important concept related to disease activity, treatment burden and prognosis. We set out to evaluate if high disease activity status (HDAS), based on ever attainment of a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) disease activity score of ≥10, is an indicator for disease severity in SLE.

METHODS

Using prospectively collected data, we assessed the association of HDAS with sociodemographic and disease characteristics and adverse clinical outcomes using logistic regression or generalised estimating equations.

RESULTS

Of 286 patients with SLE, who were observed for a median (range) of 5.1 years (1-10.8 years), 43.7% experienced HDAS at least once during the observational period. Autoantibody positivity, particularly anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm positivity, were associated with increased likelihood of HDAS. Age ≥45 years at diagnosis was associated with reduced likelihood of HDAS (p=0.002). Patients with HDAS had higher Physician Global Assessment score (>1: OR 8.1, p<0.001) and were more likely to meet criteria for flare (mild/moderate flare: OR 4.4, p<0.001; severe flare: OR 17.2, p<0.001) at the time of experiencing HDAS. They were also more likely to have overall higher disease activity, as defined by time-adjusted mean SLEDAI-2K score in the highest quartile (OR 11.7, 95% CI 5.1 to 26.6; p>0.001), higher corticosteroid exposure (corticosteroid dose in highest quartile: OR 7.7, 95% CI 3.9 to 15.3; p<0.001) and damage accrual (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.9; p=0.003) when compared with non-HDAS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HDAS is associated with more severe disease, as measured by higher disease activity across time, corticosteroid exposure and damage accrual. The occurrence of HDAS may be a useful prognostic marker in the management of SLE.

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway for women with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome

OBJECTIVES

SLE and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE/APS) are complex and rare systemic autoimmune diseases that predominantly affect women of childbearing age. Women with SLE/APS are at high risk of developing complications during pregnancy. Therefore, clinical practice guidelines recommend that patients with SLE/APS should receive multidisciplinary counselling before getting pregnant. We investigated the clinical effectiveness of implementing a multidisciplinary clinical pathway including prepregnancy counselling of patients with SLE/APS.

METHODS

A clinical pathway with specific evaluation and prepregnancy counselling for patients with SLE/APS was developed and implemented in a tertiary, academic hospital setting. Patients were prospectively managed within the clinical pathway from 2014 onwards and compared with a retrospective cohort of patients that was not managed in a clinical pathway. Primary outcome was a combined outcome of disease flares for SLE and thromboembolic events for APS. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal pregnancy complications.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients with 112 pregnancies were included in this study. The primary combined outcome was significantly lower in the pathway cohort (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.20 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.75)) which was predominantly determined by a fivefold risk reduction of SLE flares (aOR 0.22 (95% CI 0.04 to 1.09)). Maternal and fetal pregnancy complications were not different between the cohorts (respectively, aOR 0.91 (95% CI 0.38 to 2.17) and aOR 1.26 (95% CI 0.55 to 2.88)).

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of this study suggest that patients with SLE/APS with a pregnancy wish benefit from a multidisciplinary clinical pathway including prepregnancy counselling.

The Impact of Serum Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody on Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Pediatric-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, is characterized by the overproduction of autoantibodies. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) have been recognized in SLE for decades. To date, their association with SLE disease activity, especially in pediatric-onset SLE (pSLE) patients, is limited.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of pSLE patients with ANCAs from 2010 to 2020. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, renal histological features, treatment and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: A total of 70 pediatric-onset SLE patients (9 ANCA-positive vs. 61 ANCA-negative) with a median age of 12.23 years (age ranging from 4 years to 18 years) at diagnosis were enrolled. Among patients with ANCAs, MPO-ANCA was found in seven and PR3-ANCA in two of those cases. Patients with ANCAs had a tendency to have hematuria compared with those without ANCAs (66 vs. 24.6%, respectively; p = 0.026). Of the 70 SLE patients, 8 with ANCAs and 44 without ANCAs underwent renal biopsies. Patients with ANCAs (25%, 2/8) were more likely to lack the typical full-house pattern in their renal immunofluorescence (IF) staining.

Conclusion: pSLE patients with ANCAs tend to have hematuria and an absence of typical IF histology. However, patients with and without ANCAs showed no difference in their clinical presentations and treatment outcomes.

Hydroxychloroquine treatment in European patients with lupus erythematosus: dosing, retinopathy screening and adherence

BACKGROUND

Use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is common in patients with lupus erythematosus. Long-term use (ie, ≥5 years) and high-dose HCQ (ie, >5 mg/kg/day) are both risk factors for developing HCQ retinopathy. Advances in our understanding of HCQ retinopathy have led to changes in the recommendations for HCQ dosing and retinopathy screening. The latest EULAR guidelines for the management of SLE recommend a maximum HCQ dose of 5 mg/kg/day and ophthalmological screening at baseline and annually after 5 years of HCQ treatment.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess whether the EULAR guidelines are affecting HCQ prescription patterns and screening frequencies in Europe. Furthermore, we inventoried adherence to HCQ.

RESULTS

The online questionnaire was completed by 2936 patients with systemic, cutaneous or juvenile lupus from 33 countries. The majority were female (86.5%) and diagnosed with SLE (81.2%). Among those taking HCQ, the median HCQ dose reported was 4.26 mg/kg/day. More than one-third of respondents (36.8%) exceeded the recommended maximal HCQ dose of 5 mg/kg/day. Baseline ophthalmological screening had been done in 857 out of 1017 respondents diagnosed in the past 10 years (84.3%). Of patients using HCQ ≥5 years, 69.2% reported yearly retinopathy screening. Lastly, 17.3% of patients reported that they skipped HCQ once a week or more often.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study demonstrate that higher than recommended dosages of HCQ are prescribed to more than one-third of patients with lupus in Europe. Recent recommendations regarding screening for retinopathy are incompletely implemented.

The additional use of hydroxychloroquine can improve the live birth rate in pregnant women with persistent positive antiphospholipid antibodies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of additional treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for pregnant women with persistent positive antiphospholipid antibodies or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).

METHOD

We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to 31th December 2019. Two authors performed study selection, data collection, and data analysis independently.

RESULT

Five retrospective studies involving 477 pregnancies were selected. The live birth rate was significantly improved in the experimental group (OR, 3.29; 95 % CI, 1.45-7.49; P = 0.004). Additionally, pregnancy loss was associated with the additional use of HCQ (OR, 0.30;95 % CI, 0.13-0.69; P = 0.004). However, HCQ had no significant association with preterm delivery (OR, 0.43; 95 % CI, 0.13-1.37; P = 0.16) and fetal growth restriction showed an OR of 0.22 (95 % CI, 0.13-1.88; P = 0.55).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that receiving HCQ as an additional treatment can improve the live birth rate in pregnant women with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies.

Human Cytomegalovirus and Autoimmune Diseases: Where Are We?

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the β-subgroup of the herpesvirus family. After the initial infection, the virus establishes latency in poorly differentiated myeloid precursors from where it can reactivate at later times to cause recurrences. In immunocompetent subjects, primary HCMV infection is usually asymptomatic, while in immunocompromised patients, HCMV infection can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases, whose clinical severity parallels the degree of immunosuppression. The existence of a strict interplay between HCMV and the immune system has led many to hypothesize that HCMV could also be involved in autoimmune diseases (ADs). Indeed, signs of active viral infection were later found in a variety of different ADs, such as rheumatological, neurological, enteric disorders, and metabolic diseases. In addition, HCMV infection has been frequently linked to increased production of autoantibodies, which play a driving role in AD progression, as observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Documented mechanisms of HCMV-associated autoimmunity include molecular mimicry, inflammation, and nonspecific B-cell activation. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the various ADs arising from or exacerbating upon HCMV infection, focusing on the potential role of HCMV-mediated immune activation at disease onset.

Initial hydroxychloroquine monotherapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: report of three cases

Glucocorticoids (GCs) use is associated with increased organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the treatment goal is to stop their use. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) without daily GCs may benefit patients by minimising the cumulative dose of GCs, but clinical experience with HCQ monotherapy is limited. To accumulate evidence for initial HCQ monotherapy in SLE, we retrospectively analysed three new SLE patients who visited Yokohama City University Hospital in 2015. The patients were all Japanese females with a mean age of 26.0 ± 5.3 years, high anti-dsDNA antibody titres, no major organ damage, and a mean pre-treatment Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score of 9.3 ± 3.1. During the mean observation period of 3.8 ± 0.8 years, none of them received daily GCs or immunosuppressants, but one of the three patients were treated with short-term oral GCs and NSAIDs for a skin rash or arthralgia flairs. SLEDAI-2K was reduced to 3.3 ± 1.2. No other new SLE symptoms emerged, and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI) of them were maintained at 0. None of the patients developed HCQ-related retinal toxicity. Current experience with initial HCQ monotherapy suggests that such a therapeutic strategy may be useful in managing disease activity and preserving cumulative GCs in SLE patients without organ involvements.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of subcutaneous anifrolumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, active skin disease, and high type I interferon gene signature: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

300 mg of intravenous anifrolumab every 4 weeks added to standard-of-care treatment for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) reduced disease activity and glucocorticoid requirement in a previous phase 3 trial. Because patients might find subcutaneous administration more convenient than intravenous delivery, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of subcutaneous anifrolumab in patients with SLE, active skin disease, and a high type I interferon gene signature.

METHODS

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study was done at 12 hospitals and outpatient clinics in Hungary, South Korea, Poland, and the USA. Eligible patients were aged 18-70 years, and had SLE with high type I interferon gene signature and an activity score on the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) of at least 10. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned (3:1:3:1) by use of a voice-web response system to receive either 150 mg of subcutaneous anifrolumab or corresponding placebo, or 300 mg of subcutaneous anifrolumab or corresponding placebo in addition to stable standard-of-care treatment. The study was double-blinded with respect to intervention but not dose, until 12 weeks. Doses of oral glucocorticoids were tapered after week 12. The primary pharmacokinetic endpoint was the serum concentration of anifrolumab based on the maximum concentration after the first dose and the minimum (trough) concentration before subsequent doses and was measured in all patients who received anifrolumab and had at least one quantifiable serum pharmacokinetics observation following the first dose. The primary pharmacodynamic endpoint was neutralisation of the type I interferon pharmacodynamic signature at week 12 and was assessed in all patients with a high type I interferon pharmacodynamics signature at baseline based on a 21-gene test. Safety was evaluated in the full analysis set, which included all patients who received at least one dose of anifrolumab. This trial is completed and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02962960.

FINDINGS

Between March 14, 2017, and Oct 26, 2017, 36 patients were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg of anifrolumab (n=14), 300 mg of anifrolumab (n=13), or placebo (n=9). Two patients in the anifrolumab 150 mg group were excluded from the pharmacodynamic analysis set (n=34). Ten (71%) of 14 patients in the anifrolumab 150 mg group, ten (77%) of 13 patients in the anifrolumab 300 mg group, and nine (100%) of the nine patients in the placebo group completed 52 weeks of treatment. At week 12, pre-dose mean trough serum concentrations of anifrolumab were more than dose proportional between the anifrolumab 150 mg group (19·82 μg/mL [SD 15·01]) and the anifrolumab 300 mg group (60·28 μg/mL [43·66]), and the pharmacokinetics were non-linear. At week 12, the median percentage neutralisation of the type I interferon gene signature was higher with 150 mg (88·0% [median absolute deviation 7·4]) and 300 mg (90·7% [3·3]) of anifrolumab than with placebo (18·5% [8·1]), and more patients in the anifrolumab 150 mg group and the anifrolumab 300 mg group than in the placebo group had neutralisation of 75% or more (eight [67%] of 12 vs ten [77%] of 13 vs one [11%] of nine). At least one adverse event was reported by 23 (85%) of 27 patients in the anifrolumab groups and by seven (78%) of nine patients in the placebo group; most adverse events were of mild-to-moderate severity. Serious adverse events were reported in six (22%) of 27 patients in the anifrolumab groups (four patients in the 150 mg group and two in the 300 mg group). No serious adverse events were reported in the placebo group. Herpes zoster infection was reported by three (11%) of 27 patients in the anifrolumab groups and by one (11%) of nine patients in the placebo group. There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

Anifrolumab, administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks to patients with SLE and moderate-to-severe skin manifestations, had non-linear pharmacokinetics that were more than dose proportional, and neutralised the type I interferon gene signature in a dose-dependent manner. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies of intravenous anifrolumab, supporting the continued development of anifrolumab as a subcutaneously administered therapy for patients with SLE.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

Treating systemic lupus erythematosus in the 21st century: new drugs and new perspectives on old drugs

Besides treating acute flares, the management of SLE should aim at preventing organ damage accrual and drug-associated harms, improving health-related quality of life and prolonging survival. At present, therapy is based on combinations of antimalarials (mainly HCQ), considered the backbone of SLE treatment, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs. However, these regimens are not universally effective and a substantial degree of damage can be caused by exposure to glucocorticoids. In this review we provide a critical appraisal of the efficacy and safety of available treatments as well as a brief discussion of potentially novel compounds in patients with SLE. We emphasize the use of methylprednisolone pulses for moderate–severe flares, followed by low–moderate doses of oral prednisone with quick tapering to maintenance doses of ≤5 mg/day, as well as the prompt institution of immunosuppressive drugs in the setting of severe disease but also as steroid-sparing agents. Indications for the use of biologic agents, namely belimumab and rituximab, in refractory or organ-threatening disease are also presented. We conclude by proposing evidence- and experience-based treatment strategies tailored to the clinical scenario and prevailing organ involvement that can aid clinicians in managing this complex disease.

The use of anti-TNF-alpha therapies for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Where are we now?

INTRODUCTION

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by multiple pathologies in which sustained inflammatory activity leads to progressive tissue destruction and organ damage. One of the main proinflammatory cytokines playing a key role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or SLE, is tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha.

AREAS COVERED

The introduction of TNF-alpha inhibitors revolutionized the treatment of RA and other conditions including psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spodylitis. We review here the efficacy and safety of TNF-alpha blockers in SLE focussing on why it has not been more widely used since TNF-alpha was reported to be increased in SLE patients and to correlate with disease activity.

EXPERT OPINION

We summarize the reported SLE cases that have received TNF-alpha blockers and the main results to date. We reflect on whether there is a case to reconsider the use of TNF-alpha blockade in SLE.

Delayed diagnosis adversely affects outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus: Cross sectional analysis of the LuLa cohort

Objective

Despite increased physician’s awareness and improved diagnostic and serological testing in the recent years, the interval between the initial symptoms and the diagnosis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still very long. Our aim was to study this delay and its association to the outcome of the disease.

Methods

Information on demographics, onset of first symptoms, first physicians visit and time of diagnosis was assessed by self-reported questionnaires among SLE patients in Germany (LuLa cohort, n = 585) in the year 2012. Disease activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire; SLAQ), disease related damage (Brief Index of Lupus Damage; BILD), health related quality of life (Short Form 12) and fatigue (FSS) were chosen as proxies for outcome. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the association of the delay in diagnosis to the outcome, adjusted for age, disease duration and sex.

Results

Mean duration between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of SLE was 47 months (SD 73). The longer the time to diagnosis, the higher the disease activity (β = 0.199, p < 0.0001), the disease-related damage (β = 0.137, p = 0.002) and fatigue (β 0.145, p = 0.003) and the lower the health-related quality of life (physical β = −0.136, p = 0.004, mental β = −0.143, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

In systemic lupus erythematosus, longer time to diagnosis was associated with worse outcome. Concepts in care with the intention to shorten the time to diagnosis are needed to improve the long-term outcome of the disease.

Ischemic Stroke in the Young

The purpose of this article is to address several challenging questions in the management of young patients (those age 60 and under) who present with ischemic stroke. Do genetic thrombophilic states, strongly associated with venous thrombosis, independently cause arterial events in adults? Should cases of patent foramen ovale be closed with mechanical devices in patients with cryptogenic stroke? What are the optimal treatments for cerebral vein thrombosis, carotid artery dissection, and antiphospholipid syndrome and are DOACs acceptable treatment for these indications? What is the mechanism underlying large vessel stroke in patients with COVID-19? This is a narrative review. We searched PubMed and Embase and American College of physicians Journal club database for English language articles since 2000 looking mainly at randomized clinical trials, Meta analyses, Cochran reviews as well as some research articles viewed to be cutting edge regarding anticoagulation and cerebrovascular disease. Searches were done entering cerebral vein thrombosis, carotid dissection, anticoagulation therapy and stroke, antiphospholipid antibody and stroke, stroke in young adults, cryptogenic stroke and anticoagulation, patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke, COVID-19 and stroke.

Multimorbidity among incident Finnish systemic lupus erythematosus patients during 2000-2017

The objective of the study was to examine the risk of other morbidities among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 1006 adult new-onset SLE patients were identified during 1.1.2000- 31.12.2014 from the register of Social Insurance Institution. For each case three general population controls matched according to age, sex and place of residence at the index day were sampled from the population register. Both groups were followed up from the index date until the end of 2017 or until death. The national register on specialized care was explored to gather broadly their 12 organ-specific morbidities, which were found among 91.2% of SLE patients and 66.7% of comparators. The rate ratio (RR) was elevated in almost all disease groups. Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and genitourinary conditions were the most common comorbidities with RRs of 1.82 (1.68 to 1.97), 1.91 (1.76 to 2.08) and 1.91 (1.73 to 2.09), respectively. Men with SLE had a significantly higher risk for diseases of the genitourinary system and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases compared to women with SLE. The risk of concurrent morbidities is essential to note in the care of SLE patients.

Update on antimalarials and systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

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

RECENT FINDINGS

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

SUMMARY

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

Update οn the diagnosis and management of systemic lupus erythematosus

Clinical heterogeneity, unpredictable course and flares are characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although SLE is-by and large-a systemic disease, occasionally it can be organ-dominant, posing diagnostic challenges. To date, diagnosis of SLE remains clinical with a few cases being negative for serologic tests. Diagnostic criteria are not available and classification criteria are often used for diagnosis, yet with significant caveats. Newer sets of criteria (European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2019) enable earlier and more accurate classification of SLE. Several disease endotypes have been recognised over the years. There is increased recognition of milder cases at presentation, but almost half of them progress overtime to more severe disease. Approximately 70% of patients follow a relapsing-remitting course, the remaining divided equally between a prolonged remission and a persistently active disease. Treatment goals include long-term patient survival, prevention of flares and organ damage, and optimisation of health-related quality of life. For organ-threatening or life-threatening SLE, treatment usually includes an initial period of high-intensity immunosuppressive therapy to control disease activity, followed by a longer period of less intensive therapy to consolidate response and prevent relapses. Management of disease-related and treatment-related comorbidities, especially infections and atherosclerosis, is of paramount importance. New disease-modifying conventional and biologic agents-used alone, in combination or sequentially-have improved rates of achieving both short-term and long-term treatment goals, including minimisation of glucocorticoid use.

Quality of care predicts outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional analysis of a German long-term study (LuLa cohort)

Objective

Our aim was to study the quality of medical care in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to understand gaps and to analyze the association with outcome of the disease.

Methods

Information on demographics and medical care was assessed by self-reported questionnaires among SLE patients (LuLa cohort, 2011, n = 580). In total, 21 aspects of medical care were analyzed. Univariate analysis selected 10 predictor variables for further analysis: (1) urine examination and (2) blood test in the previous year, (3) taking antimalarials, (4) taking vitamin D and calcium if the dosage of prednisolone was greater than 7.5 mg/day, counseling regarding (5) lipid metabolism, (6) vaccination, and (7) blood pressure, and treatment of the comorbidities (8) hypertension, (9) osteoporosis and (10) lipid metabolism disorder. The association of these 10 items with the outcome of the disease, assessed in 2015, was analyzed by linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, disease duration and sex.

Results

On average six of the 10 items were met (±1.7). Receiving more clinical care in 2013 was predictive for low disease activity (SLAQ, p = 0.024, β = –0.104, corr. R²= 0.048), low progress in disease-related damage (Delta Brief Index of Lupus Questionnaire, p = 0.048, β = –0.132, corr. R²= 0.036) and high health-related quality of life (SF-12 physical, p = 0.035, β = 0.100, corr. R²= 0.091) in 2015.

Conclusion

Our study illustrates a link between the quality of care and the SLE outcome parameters disease activity, disease-related damage and quality of life. Consistent considerations of these care parameters, which are recommended in several management guidelines, could therefore be a good approach to improve the outcome of patients with SLE.

Procoagulant microparticles are associated with arterial disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Microparticles (MPs) have been associated with inflammatory and thrombotic disease. High levels of MPs have been identified in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and associated with cardiovascular disease. We analyzed the procoagulant activity of MPs and its correlation with arteriosclerosis and arterial thrombosis in SLE patients. Eighty-seven patients with SLE were included: 22 (25.3%) with associated antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), 32 (36.8%) without antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and 33 (37.9%) with aPL but without APS. Subclinical arteriosclerosis, defined as the presence and number of plaques, was evaluated by ultrasonography of carotid arteries. Thrombotic events were confirmed by objective methods. The procoagulant activity of MPs was determined by a functional assay with annexin V. Subclinical arteriosclerosis was found in 19 (21.8%) patients. Thirteen episodes of arterial thrombosis and eight of venous thrombosis were recorded. The procoagulant activity of MPs was greater in patients with arterial thrombosis (17.28 ± 8.29 nM vs 12.96 ± 7.90 nM, p < 0.05). In patients without arterial thrombosis, greater procoagulant activity of MPs was identified in patients with multiple (≥ 2) carotid plaques (17.26 ± 10.63 nM vs 12.78 ± 7.15 nM, p = 0.04). In the multivariate analysis, the procoagulant activity of MPs was independently associated with multiple (≥ 2) carotid plaques and arterial thrombosis [OR = 1.094 (95%CI 1.010-1.185), p = 0.027 and OR = 1.101 (95%CI 1.025-1.182), p = 0.008; respectively]. In conclusion, the procoagulant activity of MPs is associated with arteriosclerosis burden and arterial thrombosis in patients with SLE.

Evaluation of belimumab treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a clinical practice setting: Results from a 24-month OBSErve study in Argentina

Objective

To describe clinical effectiveness of belimumab for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in real-world practice in Argentina.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study analysed medical record data of patients with SLE treated with belimumab in 15 centres in Argentina. Primary endpoint: overall clinical response (assessed on a scale similar to the 6-point Physician Global Assessment) at months 6, 12, 18 and 24, all versus index (belimumab initiation). Secondary endpoints: improvement in disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI), SLE manifestations, and corticosteroid dose change.

Results

Records for 81 patients (91% female) were analysed. Clinical improvements were reported for 95%, 95%, 98% and 100% patients at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. Mean SELENA-SLEDAI score decreased from 11.21 at index to 4.76, 3.77, 3.86 and 2.17 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. Number of flares decreased from 1.05 at index to 0.21, 0.09, 0.22 and 0.30 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. Mean corticosteroid dose was 14.59 mg/day at index, and 6.45, 5.18, 5.17 and 4.78 mg/day at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively.

Conclusions

Real-world patients with SLE treated with belimumab in Argentina demonstrated clinical improvements and reductions in corticosteroid dose.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease: a pragmatic review mapping disease severity and progression

Objective

The understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis remains incomplete. This review assessed LN development in SLE, within-LN progression and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods

A keyword-based literature search was conducted, and 26 publications were included.

Results

Overall, 7–31% of patients had LN at SLE diagnosis; 31–48% developed LN after SLE diagnosis, most within 5 years. Class IV was the most commonly found LN class and had the worst prognosis. Histological transformation occurred in 40–76% of patients, more frequently from non-proliferative rather than proliferative lesions. Cumulative 5- and 10-year ESRD incidences in patients with SLE were 3% and 4%, respectively, and 3–11% and 6–19%, respectively, in patients with SLE and LN.

Conclusions

Elevated serum creatinine was identified as a predictor of worsening disease state, and progression within LN classes and from SLE/LN to ESRD. This review highlights the substantial risk for developing LN and progressing to ESRD amongst patients with SLE.

Physiopathology of pain in systemic erythematosus lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that promotes chronic inflammation, with periods of activation and remission. Pain is commonly one of the first symptoms reported by patients with lupus. It interferes with patients' quality of life, leading to a decrease in strength and difficulty in performing daily activities. Given the chronic nature of the disease, the high prevalence of pain and its negative impact on the quality of life of patients with lupus, the present literature review study aims to explain the pathophysiology of pain in systemic lupus erythematosus and the implications of the chronic process and contributing factors. During periods of systemic lupus erythematosus activity, pain is a significant symptom. Despite this, several studies show that severe pain can occur in patients with in mild to moderate disease activity. Also, in the early stages of the disease, the pain may be accentuated by the greater activity of the disease. However, even when advanced disease is under control, there can be comorbidities and accumulated damage that can also cause high levels of pain. This sensitivity is due to the overlap of primary, secondary, and tertiary pain pathologies, which feedback and make this symptom one of the main concerns of patients with lupus. Understanding the pathophysiology of pain in systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as its chronification and contribution factors, is essential to identify effective therapeutic alternatives in these patients at each stage of pain pathology (primary, secondary, and tertiary).

Predictors of low disease activity and clinical remission following belimumab treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives

To identify predictors of low disease activity and clinical remission following belimumab treatment in SLE.

Methods

SLE patients who received belimumab 10 mg/kg (N = 563) in the BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 clinical trials were surveyed. The performance of baseline factors in predicting attainment of low disease activity (defined as Lupus Low Disease Activity State) or clinical remission [defined as clinical (c)SLEDAI-2K = 0] at week 52 from treatment initiation was evaluated using logistic regression. Organ damage was assessed using the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI).

Results

We demonstrated a negative impact of established organ damage on attainment of Lupus Low Disease Activity State [SDI > 0; odds ratio (OR): 0.44; 95% CI 0.22, 0.90; P = 0.024] and the primary Lupus Low Disease Activity State condition, i.e. SLEDAI-2K ⩽ 4 with no renal activity, pleurisy, pericarditis or fever (SDI > 1; OR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.27, 0.77; P = 0.004); cognitive impairment/psychosis was found to mainly account for the latter association. Baseline SDI scores > 1 predicted failure to attain cSLEDAI-2K = 0 (OR: 0.53; 95% CI 0.30, 0.94; P = 0.030), with cutaneous damage mainly driving this association. Anti–dsDNA positivity increased (OR: 1.82; 95% CI 1.08, 3.06; P = 0.025) and cardiovascular damage reduced (OR: 0.13; 95% CI 0.02, 0.97; P = 0.047) the probability of attaining cSLEDAI-2K = 0 along with a daily prednisone equivalent intake restricted to ⩽7.5 mg.

Conclusion

Belimumab might be expected to be more efficacious in inducing low disease activity and clinical remission in SLE patients with limited or no organ damage accrued prior to treatment initiation. Patients with positive anti–dsDNA titres might be more likely to achieve clinical remission along with limited or no CS use.

Practical approach to vasculitides in adults: an overview of clinical conditions that can mimic vasculitides closely

Primary systemic vasculitides are rare diseases affecting blood vessel walls. The type and patterns of distribution of the organs affected usually reflect the size of the vessels predominantly involved, and the patterns of clinical manifestations are generally useful to reach a specific diagnosis. However, presenting symptoms may lack adequate specificity for a prompt diagnosis, leading to a diagnostic (and therapeutic) delay, often causing irreversible damage to the affected organs. Due to their rarity and variable clinical presentation, the diagnosis of primary vasculitides could be challenging for physicians. Vasculitis mimickers, i.e. the clinical conditions that could be likely mistaken for vasculitides, need to be carefully ruled out, especially before starting the immunosuppressive therapy. We present here a practical approach to the diagnosis of primary systemic vasculitides involving large, medium and small size vessels, and reviewed most of the conditions that could mimic primary systemic vasculitides.

In utero exposure to Azathioprine in autoimmune disease. Where do we stand?

Azathioprine (AZA), an oral immunosuppressant, is safe during pregnancy. Some reports suggested different impairments in the offspring of mothers with autoimmune diseases (AI) exposed in utero to AZA. These observations are available from retrospective studies or case reports. However, data with respect to the long-term safety in the antenatally exposed child are still lacking. The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge in this field and to focus on the need for a prospective study on this population. We performed a PubMed search using several search terms. The actual data show that although the risk of congenital anomalies in offspring, as well as the infertility risk, are similar to those found in general population, there is a higher incidence of prematurity, of lower weight at birth and an intra-uterine delay of development. There is also an increased risk of materno- fetal infections, especially cytomegalovirus infection. Some authors raise the interrogations about neurocognitive impairment. Even though the adverse outcomes might well be a consequence of maternal illness and disease activity, interest has been raised about a contribution of this drug. However, the interferences between the external agent (in utero exposure to AZA), with the host (child genetic susceptibility, immune system anomalies, emotional status), environment (public health, social context, availability of health care), economic, social, and behavioral conditions, cultural patterns, are complex and represent confounding factors. In conclusion, it is necessary to perform studies on the medium and long-term outcome of children born by mothers with autoimmune diseases, treated with AZA, in order to show the safety of AZA exposure. Only large-scale population studies with long-term follow-up will allow to formally conclude in this field. TAKE HOME MESSAGES.

The Enlargement of Abdominal Lymph Nodes Is a Characteristic of Autoimmune Liver Disease

Background

The enlargement of lymph nodes is a common clinical sign in connective tissue disease (CTD) and viral hepatitis. In this research, we evaluated the incidence of enlarged lymph nodes in autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). Moreover, we identified the clinical significance of abdominal lymph node enlargement in AILD.

Methods

The characteristics of abdominal lymph nodes, including their morphology and distribution, were assessed by ultrasonography and computed tomography in 125 patients with AILD, 54 with viral hepatitis, 135 with CTD, and 80 healthy controls. The pathological and laboratory results of 106 AILD patients were collected to analyze the association between lymphadenectasis and disease activity.

Results

Enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes was found in 69.6% of patients with AILD, 63% of patients with viral hepatitis, 29.6% of patients with CTD, and 2% of healthy controls. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate transpeptidase (GGT), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were significantly increased in AILD patients with lymphadenectasis (LA) in contrast to patients without lymphadenectasis (NLA) (P < 0.05). The pathological characteristics of inflammation, cholestasis, and focal necrosis were more common in the LA group than in the NLA group (P < 0.05). As shown by multivariate logistic regression analysis, interface hepatitis (OR = 3.651, P < 0.05), cholestasis (OR = 8.137, P < 0.05), and focal necrosis (OR = 5.212, P < 0.05) were related to LA.

Conclusions

The percentage of abdominal lymph node enlargement in AILD subjects was significantly higher than that in CTD subjects. Therefore, the enlargement of lymph nodes can represent a noninvasive indicator of histological and biochemical inflammation activity in AILD.

Combining clinical and candidate gene data into a risk score for azathioprine-associated leukopenia in routine clinical practice

Leukopenia is a serious, frequent side effect associated with azathioprine use. Currently, we use thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) testing to predict leukopenia in patients taking azathioprine. We hypothesized that a risk score incorporating additional clinical and genetic variables would improve the prediction of azathioprine-associated leukopenia. In the discovery phase, we developed four risk score models: (1) age, sex, and TPMT metabolizer status; (2) model 1 plus additional clinical variables; (3) sixty candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms; and (4) model 2 plus model 3. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) of the risk scores was 0.59 (95%CI: 0.54-0.64), 0.75 (0.71-0.80), 0.66 (0.61-0.71), and 0.78 (0.74-0.82) for models one, two, three and four, respectively. During the replication phase, models two and four (AUC=0.64, 95%CI: 0.59-0.70 and AUC=0.63, 95%CI: 0.58-0.69, respectively) were significant in an independent group. Compared to TPMT testing alone, additional genetic and clinical variables improve the prediction of azathioprine-associated leukopenia.

Temporal relationships between systemic lupus erythematosus and comorbidities

OBJECTIVE

To examine the burden of comorbidities prior to and after the diagnosis of SLE and its impact on mortality.

METHODS

We identified 1605 incident cases of SLE and 6284 matched controls from the UK primary care. The risks of comorbidities before (prevalence; odds ratios) and after SLE diagnosis (incidence; hazard ratios) and the impact of comorbidities at diagnosis on all-cause mortality were estimated.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, SLE was associated with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 2.25 (1.97-2.56), 3.37 (2.49-4.57) and 3.54 (1.89-6.63) for a Charlson comorbidity index of 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5, respectively. Following diagnosis, SLE also associated with increased risk of developing any comorbidity with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.13-1.49). At diagnosis, SLE was associated with a greater risk of cancer, cardiovascular, renal, liver, rheumatological and neurological diseases as well as depression, anaemia and psoriasis. Risks of developing incident comorbidity in the categories of neoplasm, cardiovascular, genitourinary, metabolic/endocrine, gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases, chronic pulmonary diseases, musculoskeletal/connective tissue and neurological diseases were higher in SLE patients. People with SLE had higher mortality risk compared with controls, with adjusted hazard ratio of 1.91 (95% CI, 1.62-2.26); after further adjusting for comorbidities this reduced to 1.64 (1.37-1.97). Comorbidities at SLE diagnosis accounted for 27.6% of the apparent difference in mortality between SLE patients and matched controls.

CONCLUSION

People with SLE have increased risks of multiple comorbidities both prior to and after diagnosis and this contributes significantly to all-cause mortality.

[Oral glucocorticoids : Therapeutic use and treatment monitoring in inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

Glucocorticoids (GC) have been proven drug substances in rheumatology for more than 70 years. They act very rapidly in high doses through membrane stabilizing effects. Genomic therapeutic effects of GC even in very low doses are mainly due to inhibition of the functions of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), which promotes the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators, adhesion molecules and other regulatory proteins. Indications for the use of GC in high doses in rheumatology are always given when a life-threatening, dangerous or treatment-resistant situation is involved. Lower doses of GC, usually administered orally, are particularly used in rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and collagenosis. In clinical practice the general principle is to use the smallest possible effective dose of GC for the shortest possible time in order to achieve the therapeutic effect of GC without running the risk of unacceptably severe side effects.

When systemic lupus erythematosus affects vision: a rare presentation of this condition

A 23-year-old woman with fever, oral ulcers, arthalgias and weight loss of 2-week duration suddenly developed blurred vision, with reduced visual acuity, cotton wool exudates and retinal vascular tortuosity. Laboratory testing revealed anaemia, lymphopaenia, positive antinuclear antibody and high anti-dsDNA antibody titre with low complement components. There was no evidence of infection, clinching the diagnosis of lupus retinopathy. Steroid therapy alone was highly effective and was also accompanied by a normalisation of haemoglobin and lymphocyte counts, after which azathioprine was added. Hydroxychloroquine was introduced after resolution of retinal changes. Immunosuppressive therapy was progressively tapered over the course of 12 months and then discontinued, and the patient remains in remission 48 months after the initial presentation. Our patient exemplifies a very rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. We emphasise the importance of its early detection and complexity of treatment in order to reduce visual morbidity.

Hydroxychloroquine may be beneficial in preeclampsia and recurrent miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) and vasculoplacental disorders, such as preeclampsia (PE), affect women of childbearing age worldwide. Vascular endothelial dysfunction and immunological impairment are associated with both RM and PE. To date, there is no effective or optimal therapeutic approach for these conditions. Notably, aspirin use is only partially effective in the prevention of PE. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has demonstrated beneficial effects on disease flares, pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular impairment in systemic erythaematosus lupus (SLE) through its immunomodulatory, vasculoprotective and antithrombotic properties. Here, in the context of the underlying physiological dysregulation associated with PE and RM, the beneficial properties and potential therapeutic efficacy of HCQ are reviewed in anticipation of the results of current and future trials. Two related trials addressing RM in the absence of maternal autoimmune disease are ongoing. Other trials addressing pregnancy outcomes in the presence of maternal autoimmune disease are forthcoming. In this review, we hypothesise that the immunological and endothelial effects of HCQ may be beneficial in the context of PE and RM, regardless of the maternal autoimmune status.

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune systemic disorder characterized by arterial, venous, or small vessel thrombosis and/or recurrent early pregnancy loss, fetal loss, or pregnancy morbidity in the setting of documented persistent antiphospholipid antibodies that include the lupus anticoagulant, or moderate-high titer anticardiolipin, or anti-β2Glycoprotein I antibodies. Associated clinical manifestations include livedo reticularis, cutaneous ulcerations, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, valvular heart disease, and nephropathy. The degree of risk associated with antiphospholipid antibody depends on the characteristics of the antiphospholipid antibody profile and on the presence of additional thrombotic risk factors. Current standard treatment for unprovoked thrombosis is long-term warfarin or other vitamin K antagonist therapy. Treatment to prevent recurrent obstetric complications is low-dose aspirin and prophylactic heparin, usually low-molecular-weight heparin. Optimal treatment for standard therapy failures or for certain nonthrombotic manifestations is uncertain, although nonanticoagulation therapies that address multiple demonstrated mechanisms of disease are being explored.

[Controlling glucocorticoid treatment in critically ill patients with rheumatism exemplified by systemic lupus erythematosus]

BACKGROUND

Infections are one of the most common clinical problems in patients with rheumatic diseases who need to be treated with glucocorticoids in an intensive care unit. To date, there are no recommendations for the standardized control of glucocorticoid treatment in such situations.

OBJECTIVE

Based on a literature search this paper provides an overview of evidence-based and eminence-based recommendations for the control of glucocorticoid treatment under intensive care conditions using the example of systemic lupus erythematosus.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out using a MeSH term search in the PubMed database.

RESULTS

Infections are one of the most common causes for the treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases in intensive care units. In the case of systemic lupus erythematosus it is particularly challenging to distinguish the infection from increased disease activity or to treat the parallel occurrence. Patients in an intensive care unit are exposed to an increased level of physical stress due to the severity of the disease, which is why special attention should be paid to symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency. Evidence-based recommendations for prophylaxis of an adrenal crisis only exist in relation to perioperative procedures and not for the situation of severe infections.

CONCLUSION

The use of glucocorticoids in systemic lupus erythematosus is often chronic and there is an increased risk of infections. In the case of infections (or simultaneous disease flare) adequate anti-infective treatment should be administered, the treatment with glucocorticoids should be adjusted accordingly and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency should simultaneously be looked for.

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Ameliorates Murine Lupus

Current guidelines encourage administering pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar-13 to patients with lupus, but whether such vaccinations affect disease severity is unclear. To address this issue, we treated 3-month-old MRL-lpr mice, that spontaneously develop a lupus-like syndrome, with Prevnar-13 or vehicle control. After 3 months, we quantified circulating anti-Pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule (PPS) antibodies and signs of disease severity, including albuminuria, renal histology and skin severity score. We also compared immunophenotypes and function of T and B cells from treated and untreated animals. Prevnar-13 elicited the formation of anti-pneumococcal IgM and IgG. Prevnar-13 treated animals showed reduced albuminuria, renal histological lesions, and milder dermatitis compared to vehicle-treated controls. Mitigated disease severity was associated with reduced and increased T follicular helper cells (T_FH) and T follicular regulatory cells (T_FR), respectively, in Prevnar-treated animals. T cells from Prevnar-13 vaccinated mice showed differential cytokine production after aCD3/aCD28 stimulation, with significantly decreased IL-17 and IL-4, and increased IL-10 production compared to non-vaccinated mice. In conclusion, pneumococcal vaccination elicits anti-pneumococcal antibody response and ameliorates disease severity in MRL-lpr mice, which associates with fewer T_FH and increased T_FR. Together, the data support use of Prevnar vaccination in individuals with SLE.

The Role of Meibography in the Diagnosis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Ocular Surface Diseases

Purpose

To evaluate dysfunction in various ocular surface diseases (OSDs) including primary meibomian gland disease (MGD), perennial allergic conjunctivitis, and primary and secondary Sjögren syndromes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 146 patients (111 women and 35 men) with symptomatic OSDs was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: the non-MGD group (55 patients) and the MGD group (91 patients). All patients had an evaluation of ocular surface symptoms and clinical tests, including tear film breakup time (BUT), the first and the mean noninvasive breakup time (NIKBUTf and NIKBUTavg, respectively). The meibomian gland loss of the lower eyelid was quantified using meibography and the meiboscale.

Results

There was no significant difference regarding age or sex ratio between the two groups. The meiboscale in the MGD group was significantly higher than that in the non-MGD group (P = 0.003). The non-MGD patients were more symptomatic than those in the MGD group (P = 0.043). There were no significant differences between MGD and non-MGD groups regarding a Schirmer test (P = 0.195), BUT (P = 0.719), NIKBUTf (P = 0.96), or NIKBUTavg (P = 0.70). In the whole population, there was a negative correlation between meiboscale and NIKBUT (r = -0.21, P = 0.02), but no other correlations were found.

Conclusions

Meibomian gland dysfunction was observed among different OSDs. Meibomian gland loss evaluated by meibography might help identify MGD in patients suffering from OSD.

Translation Relevance

Meibography provides a better understanding of MGD in several OSD. It may be useful to integrate this objective analysis to improve treatments of OSD associated to MGD.

Definitions of remission in systemic lupus erythematosus: a post-hoc analysis of two randomised clinical trials

BACKGROUND

The Definitions Of Remission In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (DORIS) international task force has proposed remission definitions that are amenable to scientific testing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate their suitability as outcome measures in studies of systemic lupus erythematosus.

METHODS

In this post-hoc study, we applied remission definitions as specified by DORIS criteria at multiple timepoints in the BLISS-52 (n=865) and BLISS-76 (n=819) clinical trials. All definitions required physician's global assessment scores less than 0·5 (possible range 0-3). The DORIS 1 definitions required clinical systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K)=0 (with serological items excluded). The DORIS 2 definitions required a score of D or E in all British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) domains. The definitions were assessed in the trial populations both with (on therapy) and without (off therapy) treatment allowance-ie, low-dose glucocorticoids (prednisone ≤5 mg/day) and maintenance immunosuppressive and biological agents. Antimalarial agents were allowed in all definitions. The definitions were applied irrespective of serological activity (anti-double stranded DNA positivity, or low C3 or C4) and with normal serology. Finally, we applied modifications similar to DORIS on therapy but allowing higher prednisone doses (≤10 mg/day).

FINDINGS

In the pooled dataset, the remission definition most frequently attained was the modified (prednisone ≤10 mg/day) DORIS 1a on therapy definition, which required a SLEDAI-2K score of 0 and permitted serological activity (237 [17·8%] of 1333 participants at week 52), followed by the unmodified (predisone ≤5 mg/day) DORIS 1 on therapy definition (140 [10·5%] of 1336 participants at week 52) based on these two definitions. We detected no significant difference between the placebo and belimumab groups. Proportions of patients achieving off therapy and BILAG-based definitions were low (≤0·9% at all timepoints). Sustained attainment of certain on therapy definitions showed an ability to discriminate between patients who received belimumab 10 mg/kg and patients who received placebo.

INTERPRETATION

Attainment of DORIS remission definitions was infrequent overall. Use of clinical SLEDAI-2K=0 in the definitions yielded higher proportions of attainment than did use of BILAG D or E. Attainment was also higher using definitions that allowed for serological activity and maintenance treatment. Addition of the durability aspect to on therapy definitions led to an ability to discriminate between belimumab and placebo.

FUNDING

Swedish Rheumatism Association, Professor Nanna Svartz Foundation, Ulla and Roland Gustafsson Foundation, Region Stockholm, and Karolinska Institutet Foundations.

Adopting Graduate Competencies in Opioid Prescribing for Massachusetts Physician Assistant Programs: A Statewide Public Health Response

Opioid addiction has become a national epidemic. Morbidity and mortality from prescription and synthetic opioid use and abuse have increased at an alarming rate in recent years. Ensuring that physician assistant (PA) graduates have the knowledge to become safe prescribers of medications, including opiates, is a goal of PA training programs. Achieving that goal requires fostering PA student competence regarding current issues in pain control, drug use and misuse, polypharmacy, diversion, self-medication, and substance use disorder. We present a public health approach to addressing that need. Our approach involved developing consensus among the 9 PA programs in Massachusetts concerning the adoption and implementation of statewide, graduate core competencies for the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse. The process implemented in Massachusetts could be used as a model in other states and might be relevant to addressing other public health crises. We present the adopted competencies as well as individual PA programs' curricular approaches.

Predisposing factors to nonfatal cardiovascular events in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. An observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study in Spain from the risk/systemic lupus erythematosus thematic network

Very few studies have been published on cardiovascular morbidity in Spanish patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Moreover, knowledge of the predictive factors for the occurrence of nonfatal events in this group of patients is scarce.This was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study designed to ascertain the prevalence of nonfatal cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in 335 Spanish women diagnosed with SLE between 2003 and 2013.The average patient age was 36.0 years (range: 26.4-45.6); 35 patients (10.7%) experienced at least 1 CVE, which most frequently affected the brain, followed by the heart, and finally, the peripheral vasculature. Both the number of admissions because of SLE (95% confidence interval [CI] odds ratio [OR] = 1.024-1.27, P = .017) and the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) chronicity index score (95% CI OR = 1.479-2.400, P = .000) resulted in an increase in the OR of these patients presenting a CVE. Regarding the classic risk factors, only the interaction between hypertension (HT) and treatment with antihypertensive drugs influenced the presence of CVEs (95% CI OR = 2.165-10.377, P = .000). The presence of a family history of early cardiovascular disease was also related to CVEs (95% CI OR = 2.355-40.544, P = .002). Binary logistic regression including the above factors resulted in a model in which the 3 main variables in each group persisted, implying that they must be independent of each other. However, the weight of the interaction between the family history of early cardiovascular disease and the interaction between HT and the use of antihypertensives was higher than for the number of admissions for SLE.The SLE disease activity over time (measured using the SLICC) and the number of hospital admissions due to the disease itself, both increase the risk of women with SLE presenting a CVE. Classic cardiovascular risk factors, especially HT and its treatment, as well as a family history of early CVEs, should be considered when assessing the risk of nonfatal CVEs in women with SLE.

Classification of Lupus Nephritis; Time for a Change?

Renal biopsy plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of kidney disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The current pathologic classification of lupus nephritis is widely accepted but remains a work in progress. We discuss the key challenges in lupus nephritis classification and review new approaches to improve clinical utility and prognostic value.

Clinical pitfalls of leishmaniasis and Whipple's disease hidden behind systemic lupus erythematosus: A case series

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease that can affect major organs possibly leading to life-threatening complications and appears with heterogeneous clinical picture. SLE could present with broad spectrum of clinical and laboratory features that can resemble those of other diseases, such as hemopoietic malignancies, infections, or immune-mediated disorders. Its complexity and protean features overlap with many other diseases, hindering the differential diagnosis. Rarely, true overlap with other diseases may occur. Herein, we report a case series of two patients affected by infectious diseases, namely visceral leishmaniasis and Whipple's disease (WD), intertwined with clinical or serological features of SLE. In both cases, several confounding factors have led to a delay in the diagnosis. Moreover, we first describe the persistent elevation of autoantibodies and a monoclonal gammopathy in a patient with WD. Awareness of unusual presentations of infections or other rare disorders, which may be encountered in clinical practice when taking care of SLE patients, is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment of potentially lethal diseases.

Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy - implications of research advances for rheumatology care

Despite advances in therapy for rheumatic diseases, hydroxychloroquine remains almost universally recommended for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and is often used in the management of other rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the major dose-limiting toxicity of hydroxychloroquine is retinopathy that can lead to loss of vision. New highly sensitive screening methods can identify early stages of retinopathy, and studies that include these modalities have indicated a substantially higher prevalence of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy than was previously recognized, resulting in revisions to ophthalmology guidelines and the recommendation of a low dose of hydroxychloroquine for many patients. However, the efficacy of low-dose hydroxychloroquine for treating SLE and other rheumatic diseases is unknown. Further studies are required to establish the effectiveness and retinal safety of the latest hydroxychloroquine treatment recommendations.

Integrated safety profile of atacicept: an analysis of pooled data from the atacicept clinical trial programme

Objective

To characterize the overall safety profile of atacicept, we conducted an integrated analysis of pooled safety data from all 17 clinical studies to date.

Methods

Three data sets were used to investigate safety endpoints: a double-blind placebo-controlled set (n = 1568), an SLE set (n = 761) and a full analysis set (n = 1845; including all 17 studies).

Results

Of 1568 patients in the double-blind placebo-controlled-set, 30.8% received placebo, and 8.2, 24.5 and 36.5% received atacicept 25, 75 and 150 mg, respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) rates (adjusted by treatment-exposure) were generally higher with atacicept vs placebo, but no consistent association was found between atacicept dose and specific TEAEs or mortality. Serious infection and serious TEAE rates were similar for atacicept and placebo. The TEAE-related discontinuation rates were higher with atacicept vs placebo (16.1 vs 10.9/100 patient-years). In the full analysis set, 11 deaths occurred during treatment. Across indications, exposure-adjusted mortality rates/100 patient-years (95% CI) were 3.60 (0.90, 14.38), 0.34 (0.05, 2.43) and 1.18 (0.49, 2.82) with atacicept 25, 75 and 150 mg, respectively, and 0.44 (0.06, 3.12) with placebo. In SLE patients, exposure-adjusted mortality rates were 1.45 (0.54, 3.87) with atacicept 150 mg and 0.78 (0.29, 2.07) across all atacicept-treated patients. No deaths occurred with atacicept 75 mg or placebo. In the SLE and double-blind placebo-controlled sets, pharmacodynamic effects of atacicept were not associated with increased infection rates.

Conclusion

The results of this integrated safety analysis support further development and evaluation of atacicept in selected patients for whom potential benefits might outweigh risks.