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Mucke J, Aringer M. [EULAR recommendations 2023 on the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus -Implications for treatment in Germany]. Z Rheumatol 2024:10.1007/s00393-024-01544-5. [PMID: 39037547 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-024-01544-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The 2023 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) faced several tasks: the newly approved medications anifrolumab and voclosporin as well as the additional approval of belimumab for lupus nephritis had to be conceptionally fitted into the management of SLE. Novel data on hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids, additional results for the treat-to-target goals remission and low disease activity and experience with respect to vaccinations and infections had to be considered. Additionally, EULAR specified a slightly modified structure. The update was further developed with 5 overarching principles and 13 recommendations. An SLE activity score is required for each patient visit. All SLE patients should receive hydroxychloroquine at a target dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Glucocorticoids should only be used if necessary and reduced to not more than 5 mg prednisone equivalent daily in the long-term or, even better, tapered off. If the target of remission or low disease activity is not reached, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate and/or belimumab or anifrolumab should be used. For lupus nephritis, Euro-Lupus cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate are options for induction therapy and mycophenolate or azathioprine for maintenance. In the case of severe nephritis, the addition of belimumab or a calcineurin inhibitor (voclosporin or tacrolimus) should be considered. It is important that treatment should be continued for at least 3 years. This review article describes the details of the new recommendations against the background of relevant studies in recent years and classifies them in the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Mucke
- Klinik für Rheumatologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
- Hiller-Forschungszentrum für Rheumatologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - Martin Aringer
- Bereich Rheumatologie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III und Universitätscentrum für Autoimmun- und Rheumatische Erkrankungen (UCARE), Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
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Jacobson R, Goldman D, Fava A, Magder L, Petri M. Hydroxychloroquine Improves Low Complement Levels. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38831658 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Having a low complement level is associated with clinical systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and future organ damage. We studied the association of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) whole blood levels with changes in complement level. METHODS We performed two analyses on data prospectively collected from an SLE cohort. In the first (a "new starts on HCQ" analysis), we compared changes in complement level between those starting HCQ and those not starting it. The second analysis evaluated the association between HCQ whole blood levels and low complement level in all cohort visits using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS In the "new starts on HCQ" analysis, a higher percentage of patients starting HCQ (as reflected in HCQ blood levels >50) experienced a normalization of C4 level compared to those not starting HCQ (23 of 57 [40%] vs. 9 of 56 [13%]; P = 0.011), as well as a significantly greater increase in both C3 and C4 level (P = 0.048 and P = 0.017, respectively). In the "all cohort visits" analysis, there was a statistically significant higher probability of having normal C4 levels in visits with higher HCQ whole blood levels (odds ratio 1.8-2.6 depending on the levels). This relationship was most pronounced for whole blood HCQ levels of 200 ng/mL or more. CONCLUSION We observed significant improvement in complement levels when HCQ was started and among those with higher whole blood levels of HCQ, particularly with respect to C4. Modulating the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to complement consumption may be one mode by which HCQ prevents poor outcomes in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Fava
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Peng-Cheng L, Meng-Na L, Jian-Bin L, Shu-Jiao Y, Wu R. Advancements on the impact of hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30393. [PMID: 38711668 PMCID: PMC11070867 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30393] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has gained significant attention as a therapeutic option for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because of its multifaceted mechanism of action. It is a lipophilic, lysosomotropic drug, that easily traverses cell membranes and accumulates in lysosomes. Once accumulated, HCQ alkalizes lysosomes within the cytoplasm, thereby disrupting their function and interfering with processes like antigen presentation. Additionally, HCQ has shown potential in modulating T-cell responses, inhibiting cytokine production, and influencing Toll-like receptor signaling. Its immunomodulatory effects have generated interest in its application for autoimmune disorders. Despite its established efficacy, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal therapeutic concentrations and their correlation with adverse effects such as retinal toxicity. Therefore, standardized dosing and monitoring guidelines are crucial. In this study, we provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms, efficacy, dosing variations, and retinal toxicity profiles of HCQ, which are essential to optimize SLE treatment protocols and ensure patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Peng-Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lv Meng-Na
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li Jian-Bin
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Shu-Jiao
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Paredes-Ruiz D, Martin-Iglesias D, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Balancing risks and benefits in the use of hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:359-373. [PMID: 38112074 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2294938] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and glucocorticoids (GCs) constitute the oldest and more used drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite this long experience, both are still subject to a number of uncertainties, mainly regarding the dose. AREAS COVERED We review the main mechanisms of action, the clinical and toxic effects of HCQ and GCs and analyze the recommendations for the use of both in guidelines published since 2018. We offer a set of recommendations based on the pharmacology, mechanisms of action and clinical evidence. EXPERT OPINION HCQ is the backbone therapy for SLE, and a judicious use must be accomplished, using doses that allow a good control of lupus without compromising the safety of treatments very much prolonged over the time. Stable doses of 200 mg/day seem to accomplish both conditions. GCs should be used more judiciously, with methyl-prednisolone pulses as the main therapy for inducing rapid remission and doses ≤5-2.5 mg/day be never exceeded in long-term maintenance treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Paredes-Ruiz
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, The Basque Country, Spain
| | - Daniel Martin-Iglesias
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, The Basque Country, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, The Basque Country, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, The Basque Country, Spain
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Chong KM, Jiang H, Lo EAG, Hong WZ, Wong ETY, Chan GC, Cho J. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Utility and Gaps. J Clin Med 2024; 13:451. [PMID: 38256585 PMCID: PMC10816431 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020451] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), outcomes have remained suboptimal. Persistent disease activity, patient comorbidities and drug toxicities contribute to the accrual of progressive irreversible damage and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Currently, similar drug doses and regimens are promulgated in the treatment guidelines for all SLE patients, despite the vast differences in patient and environmental factors that affect the drugs' metabolism and blood concentrations. This causes a disconnect between drug dosing and drug blood concentrations, which can then result in unpredictability in drug toxicities and therapeutic effects. In this review, we discuss commonly used oral immunosuppressive medications in SLE, their pharmacogenomics, and factors affecting their metabolism and blood concentrations. Further, we highlight the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in SLE, which is the first accessible step to individualising therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kar Mun Chong
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore;
| | - He Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (H.J.); (E.A.G.L.)
| | - Elaine Ah Gi Lo
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (H.J.); (E.A.G.L.)
| | - Wei-Zhen Hong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.-Z.H.); (E.T.-Y.W.); (G.C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Emmett Tsz-Yeung Wong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.-Z.H.); (E.T.-Y.W.); (G.C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Gek Cher Chan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.-Z.H.); (E.T.-Y.W.); (G.C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Jiacai Cho
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore;
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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