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Castrejón I, Cano L, Cuadrado MJ, Borrás J, Galindo M, Salman-Monte TC, Amorós C, San Román C, Cabezas I, Comellas M, Muñoz A. Patient-reported outcome measures for systemic lupus erythematosus: an expert Delphi consensus to guide implementation in routine care. BMC Rheumatol 2024; 8:31. [PMID: 39010239 PMCID: PMC11251319 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-024-00401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may result in great impact on patients' quality of life, social relationships, and work productivity. The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine care could help capture disease burden to guide SLE management and optimize disease control. We aimed to explore the current situation, appropriateness, and feasibility of PROMs to monitor patients with SLE in routine care, from healthcare professionals' and patients' perspectives. METHODS A scientific committee developed a Delphi questionnaire, based on a focus group with patients and a literature review, including 22 statements concerning: 1) Use of PROMs in routine care (n = 2); 2) PROMs in SLE management (n = 13); 3) Multidisciplinary management of patients with SLE (n = 4), and 4) Aspects on patient empowerment (n = 3). Statements included in Sects. 2-4 were assessed from three perspectives: current use, appropriateness, and feasibility (with currently available resources). For each statement, panellists specified their level of agreement using a 7-point Likert scale. A consensus was reached when ≥ 70% of the panellists agreed (6,7) or disagreed (1,2) on each statement. RESULTS Fifty-nine healthcare professionals and 16 patients with SLE participated in the Delphi-rounds. A consensus was reached on the value of PROMs to improve SLE management (83%) and the key role of healthcare professionals (77%) and the need for a digital tool connected to the electronic medical record (85%) to promote and facilitate PROMs collection. PROMs most frequently used in clinical practice are pain (56%), patient's global assessment (44%) and fatigue (39%), all on visual analogue scales. Panellists agreed on the need to implement multidisciplinary consultation (79%), unify complementary tests (88%), incorporate pharmacists into the healthcare team (70%), and develop home medication dispensing and informed telepharmacy programmes (72%) to improve quality of care in patients with SLE. According to panellists, patient associations (82%) and nurses (80%) are critical to educate and train patients on PROMs to enhance patient empowerment. CONCLUSIONS Although pain, fatigue, and global assessment were identified as the most feasible, PROMs are not widely used in routine care in Spain. The present Delphi consensus can provide a road map for their implementation being key for SLE management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Castrejón
- Departamento de Medicina, Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónInstituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio MarañónUniversidad Complutense de Madrid, C. del Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Laura Cano
- Enfermería Reumatología, H. Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - María José Cuadrado
- Servicio de Reumatología, H. Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maria Galindo
- Servicio de Reumatología, H. 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alejandro Muñoz
- Servicio de Reumatología, H. Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
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Schultze M, Garal-Pantaler E, Pignot M, Levy RA, Carnarius H, Schneider M, Gairy K. Clinical and economic burden of organ damage among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a real-world setting in Germany. BMC Rheumatol 2024; 8:18. [PMID: 38755673 PMCID: PMC11100138 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-024-00387-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease, carries high risk of organ damage and burden to healthcare systems. SLE disease modification aims to reduce disease activity with minimal treatment toxicity and preventing or minimizing organ damage development. This real-world study utilizing healthcare administrative claims data assessed organ damage development, associated costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with SLE in Germany. METHODS Claims data from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, were obtained from the Betriebskrankenkassen German Sickness Fund Database. Adults (> 18 years) with a confirmed SLE diagnosis between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, (inclusion period) were included. The index date was calculated based on the first recorded SLE diagnosis during this period. Patients were propensity score-matched (1:3) to a comparator cohort without SLE by age, sex, and comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index). Organ damage was identified using an algorithm developed based on conditions described in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), using ICD-10-GM diagnostic codes, healthcare procedures, and/or treatments. RESULTS 2121 patients with SLE and 6308 comparator patients were included (mean follow-up time: 6.4 years). Organ damage prevalence increased from 60.5% at baseline to 83.0% during 6 years of follow-up in all patients with SLE, while 17.0% of patients with SLE did not develop organ damage. Patients with newly confirmed SLE diagnosis without organ damage at baseline were nearly twice as likely to develop organ damage within 5 years versus the comparator cohort (52.0% vs. 27.0%). Total annual costs per patient-year for patients with SLE with organ damage were more than double those of patients with SLE without organ damage; both the number of inpatient admissions and length of stay were higher. CONCLUSIONS The application of a recently developed algorithm allowed us to use claims data to elucidate SLE organ damage, and its associated high clinical and economic burden, in a large, representative sample in Germany. To our knowledge, this is the first European analysis of its kind involving a broad cohort of patients with SLE treated in the routine care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schultze
- Berlin Center for Epidemiology and Health Research, ZEG Berlin GmbH, Invalidenstr. 115, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Garal-Pantaler
- Health Care Research and Health Economics (Versorgungsforschung und Gesundheitsökonomie), Team Gesundheit GmbH, Rellinghauser Straße 93, 45128, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc Pignot
- Berlin Center for Epidemiology and Health Research, ZEG Berlin GmbH, Invalidenstr. 115, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roger A Levy
- Global Medical Affairs, GSK, 1250 S Collegeville Rd, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Heike Carnarius
- Specialty Care Medical Affairs, GSK GmbH & Co. KG, Heidenkampsweg 51, 20097, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Policlinic and Hiller Research Unit for Rheumatology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kerry Gairy
- GSK, Value Evidence and Outcomes, 980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9GS, UK
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Germain G, Worley K, MacKnight SD, Rubin B, Bell CF, Laliberté F, Urosevic A, Sheng Duh M, Concoff A. Evaluating the real-world effectiveness of belimumab in patients with SLE using SLE-related laboratory values and rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures: RAPID3, swollen joint count and tender joint count. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001111. [PMID: 38575172 PMCID: PMC11002435 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the real-world impact of intravenous belimumab treatment among patients with SLE using rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures and SLE-related laboratory values. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used US electronic medical record data from the United Rheumatology Normalised Integrated Community Evidence (UR-NICE) database. Adult patients with SLE who initiated intravenous belimumab between 1 January 2012 and 3 December 2019 (index), had 12 months of pre-index and 24 months of post-index clinical activity, and had ≥6 infusions of belimumab during the 24 months post-index were included. The primary outcome measure was time to first improvement of minimally important difference (MID) for Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), Patient Pain Index (PPI), swollen joint count, tender joint count (TJC), complement C3 and C4 and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies during the on-treatment follow-up period of up to 24 months. The secondary outcome measure evaluated the trajectories of these outcome measures for up to 24 months of belimumab treatment. RESULTS Of 495 patients included, between 21.0% and 52.1% had ≥1 record for each of the disease activity measures or laboratory values in the pre-index and post-index periods and were included in analyses for that measure. The proportion of patients achieving MID for each measure increased rapidly within 3 months, with continued gradual improvement throughout the remaining on-treatment period, up to 24 months. After 6 months, 52.3% and 55.3% of patients had achieved MID in RAPID3 and PPI, respectively. Outcome measure trajectories indicated improved disease activity with belimumab treatment, particularly in RAPID3, TJC and laboratory values. CONCLUSIONS In this real-world effectiveness study, belimumab therapy for SLE resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures within 3 months of treatment, with patients who remained on belimumab therapy experiencing improvement even up to 24 months of observation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Worley
- Value, Evidence & Outcomes, GSK Collegeville, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Bernard Rubin
- US Medical Affairs and Immuno-inflammation, GSK, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Ana Urosevic
- Groupe d'analyse, Ltée, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Concoff
- Hauppauge, NY and Exagen, United Rheumatology, Vista, California, USA
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Toor IK, Rastogi K, Ajmani S. Integrating spiritual disposition intervention into behavioral medicine: A case report on systemic lupus erythematosus from India. Lupus 2024; 33:420-429. [PMID: 38166465 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231225895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory systemic autoimmune disease. The disease manifests as the body's immune cells start attacking healthy connective tissue, which affects the skin, kidneys, blood vessels, brain, and other vital organs. As with any other chronic illness, the disease has psychological implications.Purpose: Literature suggests patients with SLE experience anxiety, depression, anger, and stress along with physiological symptoms. There is a strong association between the occurrence of stress and the onset of the disease. These psychological symptoms can be ameliorated through spiritual activities such as meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and reading.Mehtod: This case report is based on the importance of spirituality in the healthcare system. The study focuses on the concept of a whole-person-centered approach to the medical care industry. Spirituality has been proven to have a positive effect on health and illness. Hence, a 10-week intervention with 30 sessions focusing on spiritual dispositions was provided to the patient for this study, along with regular pharmacological treatment. The present case report is of a 56-year-old woman from New Delhi, India, who was diagnosed with SLE 2 years ago.Results: The results reveal the positive effect of the intervention, as it led to a significant decrease in stress levels and depressive symptoms; it also resulted in improved quality of life, an enhanced coping style, and bolstered health hardiness. There was an increase in the score of a spiritual personality.Conlcusion: Spiritual Disposition as an intervention was sucessfull in reducing psychological implications of the disease thus leading to overall positve growth in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishanpreet Kaur Toor
- Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kritika Rastogi
- Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sajal Ajmani
- Rheumatology Department at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
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5
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Pawar A, Joshi P, Singhai A. Study on disease activity of immunological disorders to correlate with thyroid function and other associated correlations. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:896-902. [PMID: 38736834 PMCID: PMC11086795 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1053_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Organ-specific immunological disorders involving organ/gland like the thyroid, liver, muscles, pancreas, etc., is a result of autoimmunity which can be with or without association with systemic immunological disorders. The thyroid gland is most commonly involved. We evaluated thyroid dysfunction and ESR among various immunological disorders and their correlation with disease activity and hemoglobin respectively. Material and Methods A cross-sectional/observational study was conducted by including 110 patients with different immunological disorders who came in as in-patients and outpatients in our institute for 18 months and various data were collected and evaluated to analyze the targeted parameters among the study group. Results We found a positive correlation between disease activity and thyroid dysfunction in different immunological disorders (only in Rheumatoid arthritis [P = 0.004) and Systemic lupus erythematosus (0.009) and not in other immunological disorders] among the study group. A positive correlation was found between ESR (Mean value - 19.63 and Standard Deviation (SD) - 09.473) and disease activity (only in Rheumatoid arthritis P = 0.0001) where a negative correlation was found between ESR and Hemoglobin (Mean value - 11.07 and SD - 01.91 (P = 0.001) in patients under study. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a positive correlation between thyroid dysfunction and ESR with disease activity, whereas demonstrated a negative correlation between ESR and Hemoglobin in patients with various immunological disorders under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Pawar
- Department of General Medicine, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prakash Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences and PGI, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishek Singhai
- Department of General Medicine, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Arnaud L, Parodis I, Devilliers H, Chasset F. Clinical trial outcomes for SLE: what we have and what we need. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001114. [PMID: 38360028 PMCID: PMC10875561 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The paradigm of drug approval in SLE currently relies on successful large phase III randomised controlled trials and a set of primary, secondary and additional end points. Taken together, these outcomes offer a nuanced understanding of the efficacy and safety of the investigational agent. In this review, we thoroughly examine the main outcomes used in SLE trials and highlight unmet requirements as well as potential venues for future trial design in SLE. Disease activity indices can be broadly categorised into global-specific and organ-specific indices, in particular for skin, joints and kidneys, but there is no universal consensus about their use in clinical trials. Because each of these instruments has its own intrinsic strengths and weaknesses, the assessment of treatment response has progressed from relying solely on one individual disease activity index to using composite responder definitions. Those are typically measured from the trial baseline to the end point assessment date and may be combined with the need to taper and maintain glucocorticoids (GCs) within prespecified ranges. Remission and low disease activity are two critical states in the perspective of 'Treat-to-Target' trials, but are not fully recognised by regulators. While significant progress has been made in clinical trial outcomes for SLE, there is a clear need for continued innovation. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between researchers, clinicians, patients as well as with regulatory agencies to refine existing outcome measures, incorporate meaningful and ethnically diverse patient perspectives, foster relevant digital opportunities and explore new therapeutic avenues, including early use of investigational agents. By doing so, we can advance our ability to manage SLE effectively and safely and improve the lives of those living with this complex and impactful autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Arnaud
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence Maladies Rares Est Sud-Ouest (RESO), Strasbourg, France
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Service de rhumatologie, Institut Karolinska, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hervé Devilliers
- Servide de Médecine interne, CHU Dijon - Bourgogne, Hôpital F. MITTERRAND, Dijon, France
| | - Francois Chasset
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de médecine, AP-HP, Service de Dermatologie et Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, and INSERM U1135, Paris, France
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Musa M, Chukwuyem E, Ojo OM, Topah EK, Spadea L, Salati C, Gagliano C, Zeppieri M. Unveiling Ocular Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1047. [PMID: 38398361 PMCID: PMC10889738 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and multi-organ involvement. In this concise brief review, we highlight key insights into Ocular Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an intricate autoimmune disorder with diverse organ involvement. Emphasizing the formation of autoantibodies and immune complex deposition, we delve into the inflammation and damage affecting ocular structures. Clinical presentations, ranging from mild dry eye syndrome to severe conditions like retinal vasculitis, necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including clinical exams, serological testing, and imaging studies. Differential diagnosis involves distinguishing SLE-related ocular manifestations from other autoimmune and non-inflammatory ocular conditions. The multidisciplinary management approach, involving rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and immunologists, tailors treatment based on ocular involvement severity, encompassing corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and biologics. Follow-up is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Future perspectives revolve around advancing molecular understanding, refining diagnostic tools, and exploring targeted therapies. Novel research areas include genetic factors, microbiome composition, and biotechnology for tailored and effective SLE ocular treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Nigeria;
- Centre for Sight Africa, Onitsha 434112, Nigeria
| | | | - Oluwasola Michael Ojo
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
| | - Efioshiomoshi Kings Topah
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano 700006, Nigeria
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza Dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Garg S, Chewning B, Hutson P, Astor BC, Bartels CM. Reference Range of Hydroxychloroquine Blood Levels That Can Reduce Odds of Active Lupus and Prevent Flares. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:241-250. [PMID: 37667434 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent data show that lower hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) doses are associated with a two- to six-fold higher risk of lupus flares. Thus, establishing an effective reference range of HCQ blood levels with upper and lower bounds for efficacy may support individualizing HCQ dosing to prevent flares. METHODS HCQ levels in whole blood and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) were measured during the baseline visit and again during a standard of care routine follow-up visit. Active cross-sectional lupus at baseline was defined as SLEDAI ≥6; a within subject flare was defined as a subsequent three-point increase in SLEDAI with clinical symptoms requiring therapy change. We examined associations between active lupus and HCQ blood levels at baseline and flares and HCQ levels during 6 to 12-month routine lupus follow-up visits using mixed regression analysis. RESULTS Among 158 baseline patient visits, 19% had active lupus. Odds of active lupus were 71% lower in patients with levels within a 750 to 1,200 ng/mL range (adjusted odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.96). Using convenience sampling strategy during a pandemic, we longitudinally followed 42 patients. Among those patients, 17% flared during their follow-up visit. Maintaining HCQ levels within 750 to 1,200 ng/mL reduced the odds of a flare by 26% over a nine-month median follow-up. CONCLUSION An effective reference range of HCQ blood levels, 750 to 1,200 ng/mL, was associated with 71% lower odds of active lupus, and maintaining levels within this range reduced odds of flares by 26%. These findings could guide clinicians to individualize HCQ doses to maintain HCQ levels within this range to maximize efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Garg
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | | | - Paul Hutson
- University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Madison
| | - Brad C Astor
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
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Onishi A, Tsuji H, Takase Y, Nakakubo Y, Iwasaki T, Kozuki T, Yoshida T, Shirakashi M, Onizawa H, Hiwa R, Kitagori K, Akizuki S, Nakashima R, Yoshifuji H, Tanaka M, Morinobu A. Comparisons of SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2K and classification of disease activity based on the SLE-DAS with reference to patient-reported outcomes. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3909-3915. [PMID: 36943365 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) and its definitions to classify disease activity have been recently developed to overcome the drawbacks of the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), the performance of the SLE-DAS for patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has not been fully examined. We aimed to compare SLE-DAS with SLEDAI-2K and validate the classifications of disease activity based on SLE-DAS in terms of PROs. METHODS We assessed generic quality of life (QoL) using the Medical Outcome Survey 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), disease-specific QoL using the lupus patient-reported outcome tool (LupusPRO), burden of symptoms using the SLE Symptom Checklist (SSC), patient global assessment (PtGA) and physician global assessment (PhGA). RESULTS Of the 335 patients with SLE, the magnitudes of the mean absolute error, root mean square error, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion were comparable for most PROs between the SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2K. In contrast, SLEDAI-2K had a higher predictive value for health-related QoL of LupusPRO and PtGA than SLE-DAS. Low disease activity, Boolean and index-based remission and categories of disease activity (remission, mild and moderate/severe activity) were significantly associated with health-related QoL in LupusPRO, SSC and PhGA, but not SF-36 or PtGA. CONCLUSION No clear differences were identified in the use of the SLE-DAS over the SLEDAI-2K in assessing PROs in patients with SLE. The classification of disease activity based on the SLE-DAS was validated against several PROs. SLE-DAS and its categories of disease activity effectively explain some of the PROs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Onishi
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yudai Takase
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuto Nakakubo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kozuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuneyasu Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mirei Shirakashi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Onizawa
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Hiwa
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Kitagori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Akizuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ran Nakashima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masao Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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10
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Yerram KV, Baisya R, Kumar P, Mylavarapu R, Rajasekhar L. Serum interferon-alpha predicts in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalised with acute severe lupus. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e000933. [PMID: 37666572 PMCID: PMC10481835 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dysregulation of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is considered central to the immunological abnormalities observed in SLE. Short-term mortality during high disease activity in lupus is up to 30%. Adenovirus vector-introduced IFN-α into a lupus-prone mouse causes the development of glomerulonephritis and death within weeks. We studied serum IFN-α as a biomarker of in-hospital mortality in patients of SLE with high disease activity. METHODS Serum IFN-α (ELISA) was measured in patients hospitalised for acute severe lupus in a tertiary care rheumatology unit in India and the levels were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Serum IFN-α was compared with traditional clinical and serological markers associated with disease activity to assess which better prognosticates survival. RESULTS In a cohort of 90 patients with a mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) of 19.3 (±5.5), the mean serum IFN-α was 88±144 pg/dL. Levels were undetectable in patients with inactive disease. SLEDAI, anti double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody titres and serum IFN-α levels were higher and serum complement (C3) lower in non-survivors (p=0.003, p=0.017, p<0.001, p=0.029, respectively). Serum IFN-α level of 140 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 86.7%, specificity of 94.6%, positive predictive value of 76% and negative predictive value of 83.3% (p<0.001) in predicting mortality. The area under the curve for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.25 for C3, 0.72 for dsDNA, 0.77 for SLEDAI and 0.92 for serum IFN-α. CONCLUSIONS Serum IFN-α was better in predicting in-hospital mortality compared with conventional measures of disease activity such as anti-dsDNA, complements and SLEDAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Vardhan Yerram
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Ritasman Baisya
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Phani Kumar
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rammohan Mylavarapu
- Microbiology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Liza Rajasekhar
- Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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11
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Arkema EV, Saleh M, Simard JF, Sjöwall C. Epidemiology and Damage Accrual of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Central Sweden: A Single-Center Population-Based Cohort Study Over 14 Years From Östergötland County. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023; 5:426-432. [PMID: 37469135 PMCID: PMC10425583 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Variations in prevalence and incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) within a geographically defined area of central Sweden over a time period of 14 years were examined. Longitudinal differences in disease activity, laboratory test results, and damage accrual were investigated. METHODS Adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in Östergötland County between 2008 and 2021 (mean adult population: 357,000 citizens) with confirmed SLE were identified and followed prospectively until death, December 31, 2021, or emigration. We estimated annual incidence per 100,000 inhabitants stratified by sex and age. Linear regression with year of diagnosis as the outcome assessed whether each clinical measurement at diagnosis varied over time. RESULTS Prevalence on December 31, 2021, was 71.5 of 100,000 (87% female). One hundred twenty-six new cases were identified during the study period, yielding a mean annual incidence of 3.0 of 100,000 inhabitants; this was higher in females (4.8/100,000) than in males (1.2/100,000). Mean age at diagnosis was 43.7 years (SD 17.3). Age at diagnosis and disease activity measures increased over the calendar year of diagnosis (P < 0.05) whereas disease manifestations, including lupus nephritis, did not vary significantly. Accrual of organ damage was demonstrated over time since diagnosis and stratified by sex, lupus nephritis, and corticosteroid-related damage. Approximately 40% developed damage within 5 years. CONCLUSION SLE prevalence and incidence estimates remained constant over 14 years, and disease phenotypes at SLE onset were similar. SLE was diagnosed also among older individuals with a smaller female-to-male ratio. Estimates of prevalence and incidence were comparable to previous Scandinavian reports but lower than observed in registry data from the US and the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia F. Simard
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCalifornia
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12
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Arora S, Block JA, Nika A, Sequeira W, Katz P, Jolly M. Does higher quality of care in systemic lupus erythematosus translate to better patient outcomes? Lupus 2023; 32:771-780. [PMID: 37121602 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231172664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess if high quality of care (QOC) in SLE results in improved outcomes of quality of life (QOL) and non-routine health care utilization (HCU). METHODS One hundred and forty consecutive SLE patients were recruited from the Rheumatology clinic at an academic center. Data on QOC and QOL were collected along with demographics, socio-economic, and disease characteristics at baseline. LupusPRO assessing health-related (HR) QOL and non (N)HRQOL was utilized. Follow up QOL and HCU were collected prospectively at 6 months. High QOC was defined as those meeting ≥80% of the eligible quality indicators. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed with QOC and high QOC as independent variables and HRQOL and NHRQOL as dependent variables at baseline and follow up. Multivariable models were adjusted for demographics and disease characteristics. Secondary outcomes included non-routine HCU and disease activity at follow up. RESULTS Baseline and follow up data on 140 and 94 patients, respectively, were analyzed. Mean (SD) performance rate (QOC) was 78.6 (13.4) with 52% patients in the high QOC group. QOC was associated with better NHRQOL at baseline and follow up but not with HRQOL. Of all the NHRQOL domains, QOC was positively associated with treatment satisfaction. QOC or high QOC were not associated with non-routine HCU and were instead associated with higher disease activity at follow up. CONCLUSION Higher QOC predicted better NHRQOL by directly impacting treatment satisfaction in SLE patients in this cohort. Higher QOC, however, was not associated with HRQOL, HCU, or improvement in disease activity at follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Arora
- Department of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joel A Block
- Department of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ailda Nika
- Department of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Winston Sequeira
- Department of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Patricia Katz
- Department of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meenakshi Jolly
- Department of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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P A, Ingle V, Singhai A, Khadanga S, Joshi R, Saigal S, Kotnis A. Aetiologies of Acute Complications in Autoimmune Rheumatologic Diseases: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e35916. [PMID: 37050995 PMCID: PMC10085520 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) present unique challenges in clinical practice. Many of them present in medical emergencies in an unstable state and need immediate evaluation for further plans of action. The clinical conundrum is to distinguish between sepsis, disease flare, or Addisonian crisis (AC) (secondary to steroid withdrawal). This may be further complicated by overlapping clinical features like shock/fever and the coexistence of a combination of the above pathophysiologic mechanisms (e.g. AC with sepsis or AC with disease flare). The known biomarkers may not perform optimally to distinguish them and additional supportive investigations like imaging, cultures, autoimmune serological markers, etc. are needed. Ultimately the boundaries between "the art of medicine" and "the science of medicine" may get blurred, as the established literature evidence falls short and the expert opinion is needed in a time-sensitive manner. In this pragmatic study, researchers have attempted to explore the presentation of rheumatologic emergencies on the above three differentials (sepsis, disease flare, and AC). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, adult patients (age >18 years) with ARD who had unplanned hospital admission due to acute worsening were enrolled. This study was conducted over one year, after getting the Institutional Human Ethics Committee's approval. All relevant hematological, immunological, and hormonal parameters (specifically morning cortisol) were collected and analyzed. The aim was to find the individual and combined prevalence of sepsis, disease flare, or AC in this study group. RESULTS Forty-one patients were analyzed, with females in the majority (95%) and the dominant age group being 26-49 years (56.1%). A majority had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (56.1%) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (31.7%); the rest were other connective tissue diseases (12.2%). High-risk Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) score 2-3 was present in 29.3% while the rest had low-risk scores (qSOFA score 0-1). Thirty-two percent had severe disease activity, 46% had mild to moderate disease activity, and 22% of patients had no disease activity. While 78% of patients had low procalcitonin (PCT) values <0.5 microgm/L (low risk of sepsis), 15% had <20 microgm/L, and 7% percentage of patients had serum levels >20 microgm/L (high risk of sepsis). A total of 73.2% of patients had no evidence of infection while 26.8% had either microbiological/radiological evidence of infection. Only 7% of all patients had the presence of an AC. qSOFA scores didn't statistically correlate with a diagnosis of infection or AC but positively correlated with PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) values. Serum PCT didn't correlate with the presence of infection with statistically significance (p-value 0.217). CONCLUSION Infections and sepsis are the most important considerations in the emergency presentations of ARDs. Disease flare and AC are also important differentials. Current inflammatory biomarkers like serum CRP and PCT may be less valuable for discriminating between infectious and non-infectious sepsis, especially in chronic inflammatory diseases like ARDs. qSOFA scores may have a prognostic role with less discriminant value. Management of ARD emergencies needs better biomarkers and more research is warranted.
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Bell CF, Huang SP, Yu LH, DerSarkissian M, Germain G, Concoff AL, Averell CM, Rubin B, Gu YM, Duh MS, Wallace DJ. A 5-Year Retrospective, Observational Study Assessing Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Outcome Measures to Characterize Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Burden in the USA. Rheumatol Ther 2023; 10:261-274. [PMID: 36471198 PMCID: PMC9931978 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-022-00509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We evaluated the use of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease measures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a US community-based rheumatology physician network over 5 years. METHODS This retrospective, observational cohort study (GSK Study 213818) of patients with SLE utilized electronic medical records (01 January 2010-31 December 2019) from the United Rheumatology Normalized Integrated Community Evidence database. The index was the date of first SLE diagnosis recorded in the database; the observation period was 5 years post-index. RA disease measures evaluated were: Pain Index, Multi-Dimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MD-HAQ), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA), Physician Global Assessment (PGA), Swollen Joint Count (SJC), Tender Joint Count (TJC), Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28). The number of patients with measures utilized, the score on each measure, and proportion of patients per disease activity category were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 5990 patients with SLE were included. The most frequently used measures were Pain Index, SJC, TJC, MD-HAQ, PtGA, RAPID3, and PGA (cumulative use over Years 1-5: 23.9-71.3%). For all measures, frequency of use was lowest in Year 1, followed by a general increase from Year 1 to Year 5. Scores remained relatively stable for most measures, and the proportion of patients in remission or with low/moderate disease activity per RAPID3 increased. CONCLUSION RA disease measure utilization in SLE was generally infrequent but increased over time. Pain Index and MD-HAQ were the most commonly applied cumulatively across 5 years of follow-up. The rationale for the increased use of these measures in SLE over time requires further exploration. In the absence of a clinically applicable SLE-specific measure, the use of RA measures, for example in conjunction with SLE measures, may provide an alternative approach for measuring disease activity, representing an opportunity to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Bell
- GSK, US Value, Evidence and Outcomes, 410 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
| | - Shirley P Huang
- GSK, US Value, Evidence and Outcomes, 410 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlyne M Averell
- GSK, US Value, Evidence and Outcomes, 410 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Bernard Rubin
- GSK, US Value, Evidence and Outcomes, 410 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
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15
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Alsuwayegh A, Almaghlouth IA, Almasaoud MA, Alzaid AS, Alsuhaibani AA, Almana LH, Alabdulkareem SM, Abudahesh JA, AlRuthia Y. Cost Consequence Analysis of Belimumab versus Standard of Care for the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1917. [PMID: 36767283 PMCID: PMC9915237 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Belimumab use for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been limited, in part due to its high acquisition cost relative to the standard of care (SoC) and the uncertainties about its cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the cost and effectiveness of belimumab versus the SoC alone for the management of SLE using real-world data from the perspective of public healthcare payers in Saudi Arabia. METHODS Data were retrieved from a national prospective cohort of SLE, Saudi Arabia. Adult SLE patients (≥18 yrs.) treated with belimumab plus the SoC or the SoC alone for at least six months were recruited. The effectiveness was measured using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Unit costs for health services and prescription drugs were retrieved from the Saudi ministry of health. Nonparametric bootstrapping with inverse probability weighting was conducted to generate the 95% confidence limits for the cost and effectiveness. RESULTS A total of 15 patients on belimumab plus the SoC and 41 patients on the SoC alone met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were females (91.07%) with a mean age of 38 years. The mean difference in cost and SLEDAI-2K score reduction between belimumab versus the SoC were USD 5303.16 [95% CI: USD 2735.61-USD 7802.52] and 3.378 [95% CI: 1.769-6.831], respectively. Belimumab demonstrated better effectiveness but higher cost in 96% of the bootstrap cost-effectiveness distributions. CONCLUSION Future studies should use more robust research designs and a larger sample size to confirm the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Alsuwayegh
- Corporate Department of Pharmacy Services, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim A. Almaghlouth
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yazed AlRuthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Nikoloudaki M, Nikolopoulos D, Koutsoviti S, Flouri I, Kapsala N, Repa A, Katsimbri P, Theotikos E, Pitsigavdaki S, Pateromichelaki K, Bertsias A, Elezoglou A, Sidiropoulos P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D, Bertsias G. Clinical response trajectories and drug persistence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients on belimumab treatment: A real-life, multicentre observational study. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1074044. [PMID: 36685524 PMCID: PMC9845912 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1074044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To obtain real-world data on outcomes of belimumab treatment and respective prognostic factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Observational study of 188 active SLE patients (median disease duration 6.2 years, two previous immunosuppressive/biological agents) treated with belimumab, who were monitored for SLEDAI-2K, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state), remission (DORIS/Padua definitions), SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index, SLICC/ACR damage index and treatment discontinuations. Group-based disease activity trajectories were modelled followed by multinomial regression for predictive variables. Drug survival was analysed by Cox-regression. Results At 6, 12 and 24 months, LLDAS was attained by 36.2%, 36.7% and 33.5%, DORIS-remission by 12.3%, 11.6% and 17.8%, and Padua-remission by 21.3%, 17.9% and 29.0%, respectively (attrition-corrected). Trajectory analysis of activity indices classified patients into complete (25.5%), partial (42.0%) and non-responder (32.4%) groups, which were predicted by baseline PGA, inflammatory rash, leukopenia and prior use of mycophenolate. During median follow-up of 15 months, efficacy-related discontinuations occurred in 31.4% of the cohort, especially in patients with higher baseline PGA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.78 per 1-unit; 95% CI 1.32-5.85). Conversely, PGA improvement at 3 months predicted longer drug retention (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33-0.97). Use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with lower risk for safety-related drug discontinuation (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.85). Although severe flares were reduced, flares were not uncommon (58.0%) and contributed to treatment stops (odds ratio [OR] 1.73 per major flare; 95% CI 1.09-2.75) and damage accrual (OR 1.83 per mild/moderate flare; 95% CI 1.15-2.93). Conclusions In a real-life setting with predominant long-standing SLE, belimumab was effective in the majority of patients, facilitating the achievement of therapeutic targets. Monitoring PGA helps to identify patients who will likely benefit and stay on the treatment. Vigilance is required for the prevention and management of flares while on belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Koutsoviti
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Flouri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sofia Pitsigavdaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Katerina Pateromichelaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonia Elezoglou
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece,*Correspondence: George Bertsias,
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Allam NT, Ali MA, El-Abed DM, Zahran AM. Serum beta2-microglobulin level in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Relation to disease activity. THE EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGIST 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Gavan SP, Bruce IN, Payne K. Valuing Health Gain from Composite Response Endpoints for Multisystem Diseases. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:115-122. [PMID: 36008224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to demonstrate how to estimate the value of health gain after patients with a multisystem disease achieve a condition-specific composite response endpoint. METHODS Data from patients treated in routine practice with an exemplar multisystem disease (systemic lupus erythematosus) were extracted from a national register (British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics Register). Two bespoke composite response endpoints (Major Clinical Response and Improvement) were developed in advance of this study. Difference-in-differences regression compared health utility values (3-level version of EQ-5D; UK tariff) over 6 months for responders and nonresponders. Bootstrapped regression estimated the incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), probability of QALY gain after achieving the response criteria, and population monetary benefit of response. RESULTS Within the sample (n = 171), 18.2% achieved Major Clinical Response and 49.1% achieved Improvement at 6 months. Incremental health utility values were 0.0923 for Major Clinical Response and 0.0454 for Improvement. Expected incremental QALY gain at 6 months was 0.020 for Major Clinical Response and 0.012 for Improvement. Probability of QALY gain after achieving the response criteria was 77.6% for Major Clinical Response and 72.7% for Improvement. Population monetary benefit of response was £1 106 458 for Major Clinical Response and £649 134 for Improvement. CONCLUSIONS Bespoke composite response endpoints are becoming more common to measure treatment response for multisystem diseases in trials and observational studies. Health technology assessment agencies face a growing challenge to establish whether these endpoints correspond with improved health gain. Health utility values can generate this evidence to enhance the usefulness of composite response endpoints for health technology assessment, decision making, and economic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Gavan
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England, UK.
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England, UK; NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Katherine Payne
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, England, UK
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Ameer MA, Chaudhry H, Mushtaq J, Khan OS, Babar M, Hashim T, Zeb S, Tariq MA, Patlolla SR, Ali J, Hashim SN, Hashim S. An Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Pathogenesis, Classification, and Management. Cureus 2022; 14:e30330. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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20
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Bruce IN, Furie RA, Morand EF, Manzi S, Tanaka Y, Kalunian KC, Merrill JT, Puzio P, Maho E, Kleoudis C, Albulescu M, Hultquist M, Tummala R. Concordance and discordance in SLE clinical trial outcome measures: analysis of three anifrolumab phase 2/3 trials. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:962-969. [PMID: 35580976 PMCID: PMC9213793 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In the anifrolumab systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) trial programme, there was one trial (TULIP-1) in which BILAG-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) responses favoured anifrolumab over placebo, but the SLE Responder Index (SRI(4)) treatment difference was not significant. We investigated the degree of concordance between BICLA and SRI(4) across anifrolumab trials in order to better understand drivers of discrepant SLE trial results. Methods TULIP-1, TULIP-2 (both phase 3) and MUSE (phase 2b) were randomised, 52-week trials of intravenous anifrolumab (300 mg every 4 weeks, 48 weeks; TULIP-1/TULIP-2: n=180; MUSE: n=99) or placebo (TULIP-1: n=184, TULIP-2: n=182; MUSE: n=102). Week 52 BICLA and SRI(4) outcomes were assessed for each patient. Results Most patients (78%–85%) had concordant BICLA and SRI(4) outcomes (Cohen’s Kappa 0.6–0.7, nominal p<0.001). Dual BICLA/SRI(4) response rates favoured anifrolumab over placebo in TULIP-1, TULIP-2 and MUSE (all nominal p≤0.004). A discordant TULIP-1 BICLA non-responder/SRI(4) responder subgroup was identified (40/364, 11% of TULIP-1 population), comprising more patients receiving placebo (n=28) than anifrolumab (n=12). In this subgroup, placebo-treated patients had lower baseline disease activity, joint counts and glucocorticoid tapering rates, and more placebo-treated patients had arthritis response than anifrolumab-treated patients. Conclusions Across trials, most patients had concordant BICLA/SRI(4) outcomes and dual BICLA/SRI(4) responses favoured anifrolumab. A BICLA non-responder/SRI(4) responder subgroup was identified where imbalances of key factors driving the BICLA/SRI(4) discordance (disease activity, glucocorticoid taper) disproportionately favoured the TULIP-1 placebo group. Careful attention to baseline disease activity and monitoring glucocorticoid taper variation will be essential in future SLE trials. Trial registration numbers NCT02446912 and NCT02446899.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard A Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Eric F Morand
- Center for Inflammatory Disease, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Manzi
- Department of Medicine, Lupus Center of Excellence, Autoimmunity Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kenneth C Kalunian
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joan T Merrill
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Patricia Puzio
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca US, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Christi Kleoudis
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca US, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Micki Hultquist
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca US, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Raj Tummala
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca US, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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Bruce IN, Golam S, Steenkamp J, Wang P, Worthington E, Desta B, Psachoulia K, Erhardt W, Tummala R. Indirect treatment comparison of anifrolumab efficacy versus belimumab in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Comp Eff Res 2022; 11:765-777. [PMID: 35546484 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Assess the comparative efficacy of anifrolumab 300 mg versus belimumab 10 mg/kg in adults with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving standard therapy. Patients and methods: Population-adjusted simulated treatment comparisons (primary analyses) and matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (supporting analyses) were conducted using individual patient data from TULIP-1/TULIP-2 and summary-level data from BLISS-52/BLISS-76. Results: Compared with belimumab-treated patients, anifrolumab-treated patients were more than twice as likely to achieve a reduction of four or more points in SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score (simulated treatment comparison odds ratio: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.16-5.25) and SLE Responder Index-4 response (odds ratio: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.22-5.58) at 52 weeks. Conclusion: Patients with moderate-to-severe SLE are more likely to achieve an improvement in disease activity with anifrolumab than with belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Sarowar Golam
- Global Market Access & Pricing, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, 431 50, Sweden
| | | | - Pearl Wang
- EVERSANA™, Burlington, ON, L7N 3H8, Canada
| | | | - Barnabas Desta
- BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Konstantina Psachoulia
- Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Wilma Erhardt
- Global Market Access & Pricing, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, 431 50, Sweden
| | - Raj Tummala
- Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
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22
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Satti E, Ostensen M, Darrgham S, Hadwan N, Ashour H, Al Emadi S. Characteristics and Obstetric Outcomes in Women With Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qatar. Cureus 2022; 14:e24382. [PMID: 35611042 PMCID: PMC9124580 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnant women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are considered to have a high risk of obstetric complications with the emergence of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on this high-risk group. METHODS This cross-sectional cohort study (March to December 2020) was conducted at the largest tertiary center in Qatar (Hamad Medical Corporation). Eighty consecutive patients following up at the center during pregnancy were surveyed through telephonic interviews. Data on COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes were extracted from electronic hospital records. RESULTS Eighty pregnant women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases were included. Among them, 17 (21.3%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.9-31.8%) were diagnosed with COVID-19, five were hospitalized, and only one required intensive care unit admission. The proportion of adverse obstetric outcomes in the cohort was 29.5% (n = 23; 95% CI: 19.7-40.9%). Prematurity (n = 14; 19.4%) and caesarean section (n = 30; 41.1%) were the most prevalent adverse events. There was no statistical difference in adverse pregnancy outcomes between women with and without COVID-19. CONCLUSION COVID-19 did not affect pregnancy outcomes in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Satti
- Intenal Medicine, Rheumatology Section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Monika Ostensen
- Department of Rheumatology, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, NOR
| | - Soha Darrgham
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Biomathematics Research Core, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, QAT
| | - Nawal Hadwan
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Hadeel Ashour
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Samar Al Emadi
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
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23
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McArn AC, Nixon AR, Jarrell KL. Voclosporin: A Novel Calcineurin Inhibitor for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis. Ann Pharmacother 2022; 56:10600280221075331. [PMID: 35168373 DOI: 10.1177/10600280221075331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the safety, efficacy, and potential role in therapy of voclosporin, an oral calcineurin inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2021 as an adjunct treatment for lupus nephritis. DATA SOURCES A literature search was conducted using PubMed with the following terms: voclosporin, Lupkynis, and lupus nephritis (January 1, 2010, to December 1, 2021). FDA product labeling was also reviewed for pertinent data sources. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All articles were considered for inclusion. English-language articles selected included preclinical and clinical studies examining the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and/or safety of voclosporin. DATA SYNTHESIS Voclosporin has been studied as an adjunct immunosuppressive agent in patients with lupus nephritis. Drug design allows for a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile than other calcineurin inhibitors. Data suggest that adding this newly approved calcineurin inhibitor to a regimen of mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids produces promising therapeutic results. As such, voclosporin has been approved for use in patients with active lupus nephritis who are maintained on immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and a corticosteroid. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Voclosporin may be a favorable calcineurin inhibitor in patients with lupus nephritis, due to a predictable pharmacokinetic profile. This allows for decreased therapeutic drug monitoring and suggests a favorable adverse effect profile. However, cost remains a consideration with this new agent. CONCLUSIONS Current available data suggest that voclosporin is a promising adjunct treatment option for patients with active lupus nephritis who are maintained on mycophenolate mofetil and a corticosteroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann C McArn
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ada, OH, USA
| | - Alexander R Nixon
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ada, OH, USA
| | - Katherine L Jarrell
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ada, OH, USA
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24
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Bell CF, Ajmera MR, Meyers J. An evaluation of costs associated with overall organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in the United States. Lupus 2022; 31:202-211. [PMID: 35060407 PMCID: PMC8988287 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211073670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 33-50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop organ damage within 5 years of diagnosis. Real-world studies that capture the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs associated with SLE-related organ damage are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCRU and costs associated with organ damage in patients with SLE in the USA. METHODS This retrospective study (GSK study 208380) used the PharMetrics Plus administrative claims database from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2019. Patients with SLE and organ damage were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/10 codes derived from the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. The first observed diagnosis of organ damage was designated as the index date. Selection criteria included: ≥18 years of age; ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient claims for SLE (≥30 days apart before the index date; ICD-9: 710.0 or ICD-10: M32, excluding M32.0); ≥1 inpatient or ≥3 outpatient claims for organ damage within 6 months for the same organ system code; continuous enrollment of 12 months both pre- and post-index date. The proportion of patients with new organ damage, disease severity, SLE flares, SLE-related medication patterns, HCRU and all-cause costs (2018 US$) were assessed 12 months pre- and post-index date. RESULTS Of the 360,803 patients with a diagnosis of SLE, 8952 patients met the inclusion criteria for the presence of new organ damage. Mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 46.4 (12.2) years and 92% of patients were female. The most common sites of organ damage were neuropsychiatric (22.0%), ocular (12.9%), and cardiovascular (11.4%). Disease severity and proportion of moderate/severe flare episodes significantly increased from pre- to post-index date (p < 0.0001). Overall, SLE-related medication patterns were similar pre- versus post-index date. Inpatient, emergency department and outpatient claims increased from pre- to post-index date and mean (SD) all-cause costs were 71% higher post- versus pre-index date ($26,998 [57,982] vs $15,746 [29,637], respectively). CONCLUSIONS The economic impact associated with organ damage in patients with SLE is profound and reducing or preventing organ damage will be pivotal in alleviating the burden for patients and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Bell
- US Value Evidence and Outcomes, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mayank R Ajmera
- 549595Health Economics, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Juliana Meyers
- 549595Health Economics, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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25
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Pinte L, Negoi F, Ionescu GD, Caraiola S, Balaban DV, Badea C, Mazilu D, Dumitrescu B, Mateescu B, Ionescu R, Parvu MI, Baicus C. COVID-19 Vaccine Does Not Increase the Risk of Disease Flare-Ups among Patients with Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121283. [PMID: 34945754 PMCID: PMC8707188 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports describing post-vaccine autoimmune phenomena, in previously healthy individuals, increased the concerns regarding the risk of disease flare-ups in patients with immune diseases. We aimed to assess the potential risk of disease flare-up, after receiving the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine, during a follow-up period of 6 months. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study, enrolling the patients with autoimmune- and immune-mediated diseases who voluntarily completed our questionnaire, both online and during hospital evaluations. Based on their decision to receive the vaccine, the patients were divided into two groups (vaccinated and non-vaccinated). Participants who chose not to receive the vaccine served as a control group in terms of flare-ups. RESULTS A total of 623 patients, 416 vaccinated and 207 non-vaccinated, were included in the study during hospital evaluations (222/623) and after online (401/623) enrolment. There was no difference concerning the risk of flare-up between vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients (1.16, versus 1.72 flare-ups/100 patients-months, p = 0.245). The flare-ups were associated with having more than one immune disease, and with a previous flare-up during the past year. CONCLUSIONS We did not find an increased risk of flare-up following COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune-/immune-mediated diseases, after a median follow-up of 5.9 months. According to our results, there should not be an obvious reason for vaccine hesitancy among this category of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Pinte
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Florentina Negoi
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Georgeta Daniela Ionescu
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Simona Caraiola
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Daniel Vasile Balaban
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Departments, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 01082 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Badea
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Diana Mazilu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Departments, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Dumitrescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Rheumatology Department, Ion Stoia Clinical Centre of Rheumatic Diseases, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Mateescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Ruxandra Ionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Departments, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Magda Ileana Parvu
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Cristian Baicus
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.V.B.); (C.B.); (D.M.); (B.D.); (B.M.); (R.I.); (C.B.)
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology Departments, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 072202 Bucharest, Romania; (F.N.); (G.D.I.); (M.I.P.)
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Connelly K, Golder V, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Morand EF. Clinician-reported outcome measures in lupus trials: a problem worth solving. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e595-e603. [PMID: 38287623 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains a disease of high unmet clinical need. Because of substantial patient heterogeneity, the execution of clinical trials that successfully determine the efficacy of novel therapeutics compared with placebo is a continuous challenge. Clinician-reported outcome measures of treatment response used in SLE trials have evolved from the use of individual disease activity indices, including the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), to composite responder definitions such as the SLE Responder Index (SRI) and BILAG-Based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA), which are based on these indices. However, these approaches have notable drawbacks and defining the optimal clinical trial outcome measure for SLE remains a research goal. In this Viewpoint, we explore the strengths and limitations of existing indices and composite assessments, illustrating features which should be investigated in future analysis of trial data. Further, we provide a platform from which to advance new approaches to endpoint design, which is crucial to improve the interpretability and success of subsequent clinical trials in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Connelly
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Vera Golder
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | | | - Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
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27
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Molina Collada J, Trives L, Castrejón I. The Importance of Outcome Measures in the Management of Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases. Open Access Rheumatol 2021; 13:191-200. [PMID: 34285602 PMCID: PMC8285275 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s276980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic inflammatory diseases include a diverse and heterogeneous group of multifaceted disorders in which clinical history and physical examination are essential to make treatment choices and for optimizing outcomes. Composite outcome measures have become very relevant in rheumatology to evaluate disease activity as they capture the most important dimensions of the disease into one single measure. Most outcome measures may include disease manifestations, laboratory data, physician examination as well as the patient perspective as different outcome dimensions of the disease into a simple index. These outcome measures have proved their utility for guiding treatment in treat-to- target strategies and personalized medicine, with remission being the ultimate goal. In this narrative review, we go over the most commonly used outcome measures in rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, including psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus to provide a practical summary for clinicians for everyday routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Molina Collada
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Trives
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Castrejón
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
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28
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Imran S, Thabah MM, Azharudeen M, Ramesh A, Bobby Z, Negi VS. Liver Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Prospective Observational Study. Cureus 2021; 13:e15691. [PMID: 34277279 PMCID: PMC8284411 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In this study, we aimed to examine and analyze liver abnormalities among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including both newly diagnosed patients and those being followed up, as well as the prevalence of lupus hepatitis. Methods This was a prospective observational study. Clinical data, liver function tests (LFTs), and the findings from the ultrasonography of the abdomen among the patients were prospectively recorded and evaluated. Results Overall, 28 of the total 135 (20.7%) patients had liver abnormalities, including biochemical and those detected via ultrasonography. Ten patients had transaminitis, defined as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels >2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Nine patients had elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) of >2 times ULN. In three patients, transaminitis was due to anti-tubercular therapy (ATT)-induced hepatitis; in seven (5.2%), no specific cause for transaminitis could be identified, and hence they were classified as cases of lupus hepatitis. On comparing clinical features between patients with (n=7) and without lupus hepatitis (n=128), the condition was more prevalent in newly diagnosed SLE patients compared to those who had been on follow-up [six (85.7%) vs. 30 (23.6%), p=0.002]. All seven patients with lupus hepatitis had complete resolution of the transaminitis on follow-ups. However, one patient who had received ATT (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) died. Ultrasonography showed fatty liver in seven patients and chronic liver disease in one patient. Conclusion In this study, transaminitis due to lupus hepatitis was seen in newly diagnosed lupus patients and was not associated with disease activity. Before diagnosing lupus hepatitis, drug-induced liver disease has to be ruled out, and if persistent LFT abnormalities are present, further workup is suggested to rule out overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis and/or autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaik Imran
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, IND
| | - Molly Mary Thabah
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, IND
| | - Mohamed Azharudeen
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, IND
| | - Ananthakrishnan Ramesh
- Radiodiagnosis, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, IND
| | - Zachariah Bobby
- Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, IND
| | - Vir S Negi
- Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, IND
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29
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Bruminhent J, Autto S, Rotjanapan P, Ngarmjanyaporn P, Bushyakanist A, Kirdlarp S, O-Charoen P, Setthaudom C, Pisitkun P. A Prospective Study of Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cell-Mediated Immune Monitoring and Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Receiving Immunosuppressants. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab248. [PMID: 34189173 PMCID: PMC8231397 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) on CMV infection in patients with autoimmune diseases receiving immunosuppressants have not been explored. Methods Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were preemptively monitored for clinically significant CMV infection (CsCMVI; defined as plasma CMV DNA loads >3 log10 IU/mL). CMV-specific CMI was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (QuantiFERON-CMV [QF]) before as well as 1 and 3 months after intense immunosuppressive therapy. Results The study included 55 patients with active SLE; patients were a mean age (SD) of 34 (13) years and had a median SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score (SD) of 14 (8), and 93% were female. Most patients had renal involvement (67%), received methylprednisolone (93%), and were CMV-seropositive (95%). Thirteen (23.6%) patients developed CsCMVI. Among patients with active SLE who were QF-negative (QF-) and QF-positive (QF+) before receiving immunosuppressive therapy, 28.6% and 25% developed CsCMVI, respectively (P = .69). However, 1 month postimmunosuppression, more QF- than QF+ patients developed CsCMVI (44.4% vs 11.8%; P = .03; adjusted hazard ratio, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.07-23.10; P = .04). Conclusions Patients with active SLE and low CMV-specific T-cell responses could develop CMV infection after receiving immunosuppressants. Further studies should focus on CMV-specific CMI among patients with autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackrapong Bruminhent
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suphanan Autto
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Porpon Rotjanapan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pintip Ngarmjanyaporn
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asalaysa Bushyakanist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Deparment of Medicine, Rayong Hospital in Honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Rayong, Thailand
| | - Suppachok Kirdlarp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Pichaya O-Charoen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chavachol Setthaudom
- Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathobodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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