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Solomon DH, Kaplan MJ, Nigrovic PA, Bucala R. "Rounding Third Base and Heading Home": Arthritis & Rheumatology in 2024. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:819-822. [PMID: 38572586 DOI: 10.1002/art.42828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Solomon
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Peter A Nigrovic
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Bica BERG, de Souza AWS, Pereira IA. Unveiling the clinical spectrum of relapsing polychondritis: insights into its pathogenesis, novel monogenic causes, and therapeutic strategies. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:29. [PMID: 38627861 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00365-z] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem disease involving cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich structures. The diagnosis of this disease is mainly suggested by the presence of flares of inflammation of the cartilage, particularly in the ears, nose or respiratory tract, and more rarely, in the presence of other manifestations. The spectrum of clinical presentations may vary from intermittent episodes of painful and often disfiguring auricular and nasal chondritis to an occasional organ or even life-threatening manifestations such as lower airway collapse. There is a lack of awareness about this disease is mainly due to its rarity. In 2020, VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, a novel autoinflammatory syndrome, was described. VEXAS syndrome is attributed to somatic mutations in methionine-41 of UBA1, the major E1 enzyme that initiates ubiquitylation. This new disease entity connects seemingly unrelated conditions: systemic inflammatory syndromes (relapsing chondritis, Sweet's syndrome, and neutrophilic dermatosis) and hematologic disorders (myelodysplastic syndrome or multiple myeloma). Therefore, this article reviews the current literature on both disease entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca E R G Bica
- Reumatology Division of Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Esteves Junior 62, CEP 22231-160, Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Ivânio Alves Pereira
- Reumatologia da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina-UNISUL, Florian?polis, RJ, Brazil
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Boret M, Malfait T. Case report: diagnosis of VEXAS syndrome in a patient with therapy-resistant large vessel vasculitis. Acta Clin Belg 2024; 79:143-147. [PMID: 38314661 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2024.2312627] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
VEXAS (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Auto-Inflammatory, Somatic) syndrome is a recently identified multisystemic auto-inflammatory condition caused by somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene. This syndrome presents diagnostic challenges due to its rare nature and varied clinical manifestations. We report the clinical course of a 76-year-old man with therapy-resistant large vessel vasculitis and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), eventually confirmed as VEXAS syndrome. The patient responded well to corticosteroid therapy. However, over two years, he faced multiple hospital admissions due to inflammatory flare-ups during corticosteroid tapering. Several immunosuppressive therapies were attempted without success. Further research is essential to understand this complex syndrome's pathophysiology, genetics, clinical course, and treatment options, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boret
- Department of Nephrology, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - T Malfait
- Department of Nephrology, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
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Baur V, Stoevesandt J, Hueber A, Hüffmeier U, Kneitz H, Morbach H, Schultz E, Goebeler M. VEXAS-Syndrome, a newly described autoinflammatory systemic disease with dermatologic manifestations. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:1456-1463. [PMID: 37953404 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
VEXAS syndrome is a recently identified autoinflammatory systemic disease caused by an acquired somatic mutation of the X-linked UBA1 gene, the key enzyme of the first step of ubiquitylation. The acronym VEXAS stands for the characteristics Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory and somatic. The disease occurs in advanced adulthood preferentially in men and is characterized by hematological, rheumatological and dermatological symptoms. The latter include neutrophil-rich lesions reminiscent of Sweet's syndrome, erythema nodosum- and panniculitis-like skin manifestations and recurrent polychondritis of the nose and auricles. The presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles in myeloid and erythroid precursors in the bone marrow is characteristic. In up to half of the cases, VEXAS syndrome is associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. Dermatologists should be familiar with the clinical picture, as skin symptoms are often the first indicator of the disease. Molecular diagnostics are essential for confirming the diagnosis and risk stratification of affected patients. In this minireview we provide an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of VEXAS syndrome and illustrate its clinical picture with two own cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Baur
- Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical Private University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Johanna Stoevesandt
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Hueber
- Department of Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical Private University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Hüffmeier
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hermann Kneitz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Morbach
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erwin Schultz
- Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical Private University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Baur V, Stoevesandt J, Hueber A, Hüffmeier U, Kneitz H, Morbach H, Schultz E, Goebeler M. VEXAS-Syndrom, eine neu beschriebene autoinflammatorische Systemerkrankung mit dermatologischen Manifestationen. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:1456-1464. [PMID: 38082529 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15227_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDas VEXAS‐Syndrom ist eine kürzlich erstbeschriebene autoinflammatorische Systemerkrankung, die auf einer erworbenen, somatischen Mutation des X‐chromosomal lokalisierten UBA1‐Gens, dem Schlüsselenzym des ersten Schritts der Ubiquitinierung, beruht. Das Akronym VEXAS steht für die Charakteristika Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‐linked, autoinflammatory und somatic. Die Erkrankung tritt im fortgeschrittenen Erwachsenenalter vorzugsweise bei Männern auf und ist insbesondere durch hämatologische, rheumatologische und dermatologische Symptome gekennzeichnet. Letztere umfassen unter anderem neutrophilenreiche, an das Sweet‐Syndrom erinnernde Läsionen, Erythema nodosum‐ und Pannikulitis‐artige Hauterscheinungen sowie rezidivierende Polychondritiden an Nase und Ohrmuscheln. Das Vorliegen zytoplasmatischer Vakuolen in myeloiden und erythroiden Vorläuferzellen des Knochenmarks ist charakteristisch. In bis zur Hälfte der Fälle ist das VEXAS‐Syndrom mit einem myelodysplastischen Syndrom vergesellschaftet. Dermatologen sollten das Krankheitsbild kennen, da Hauterscheinungen oft der erste Indikator für die Erkrankung sind. Eine molekulare Diagnostik ist essenziell für die Diagnosesicherung und die Risikostratifizierung betroffener Patienten. In dieser Arbeit geben wir einen Überblick über die Pathophysiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie des VEXAS‐Syndroms und illustrieren das klinische Spektrum anhand zweier eigener Fälle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Baur
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - Johanna Stoevesandt
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Axel Hueber
- Abteilung für Rheumatologie, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - Ulrike Hüffmeier
- Humangenetisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Hermann Kneitz
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Henner Morbach
- Kinderklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Erwin Schultz
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
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Ruffer N, Krusche M. VEXAS syndrome: a diagnostic puzzle. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003332. [PMID: 37532466 PMCID: PMC10401208 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) is an adult-onset systemic autoinflammatory condition that is caused by an acquired deficiency of the UBA1 gene in hematopoietic progenitor cells. The clinical spectrum of the VEXAS syndrome currently comprises a broad range of phenotypes such as vasculitis, relapsing polychondritis and Sweet's syndrome. In the past, VEXAS patients have left clinicians puzzled and the true nature of this disease has not been captured until late 2020. This viewpoint describes the relevant clinical features of the VEXAS syndrome and reviews different approaches to establish the diagnosis. Finally, future directions within the field of systemic inflammatory diseases caused by somatic mutations are being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Ruffer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Krusche
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Kobak S. VEXAS syndrome: Current clinical, diagnostic and treatment approaches. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2023; 12:170-179. [PMID: 37662628 PMCID: PMC10468411 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
VEXAS syndrome, is a hemato-inflammatory chronic disease characterized with predominantly rheumatic and hematologic systemic involvement. It was first described in 2020 by a group of researchers in the United States. VEXAS syndrome is a rare condition that primarily affects adult males and is caused by a mutation in the UBA1 gene located on the X chromosome. Its pathogenesis is related to the somatic mutation affecting methionine-41 (p.Met41) in UBA1, the major E1 enzyme that initiates ubiquitylation. Mutant gene lead to decreased ubiquitination and activated innate immune pathways and systemic inflammation occur. The specific mechanism by which the UBA1 mutation leads to the clinical features of VEXAS syndrome is not yet fully understood. VEXAS is a newly define adult-onset inflammatory syndrome manifested with treatment-refractory fevers, arthritis, chondritis, vasculitis, cytopenias, typical vacuoles in hematopetic precursor cells, neutrophilic cutaneous and pulmonary inflammation. Diagnosing VEXAS syndrome can be challenging due to its rarity and the overlap of symptoms with other inflammatory conditions. Genetic testing to identify the UBA1 gene mutation is essential for definitive diagnosis. Currently, there is no known cure for VEXAS syndrome, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms. This may involve the use of anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and supportive therapies tailored to the individual patient's needs. Due to the recent discovery of VEXAS syndrome, ongoing research is being conducted to better understand its pathogenesis, clinical features, and potential treatment options. In this review article, the clinical, diagnostic and treatment approaches of VEXAS syndrome were evaluated in the light of the latest literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senol Kobak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Istinye University Faculty of Medicine, Liv Hospital, WASOG Sarcoidosis Clinic, Istanbul,Turkey
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Al-Hakim A, Cull A, Topping J, Nadat F, Milek J, Alhefzi R, McDermott MF, Owen R, Cargo C, Poulter J, Kent DG, Savic S. Recovery of Bone Marrow Function in VEXAS Syndrome-potential Role for Romiplostim. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e934. [PMID: 37520777 PMCID: PMC10374182 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Al-Hakim
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa Cull
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Topping
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Fatima Nadat
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Milek
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Razan Alhefzi
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Michael F. McDermott
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Owen
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Cargo
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - James Poulter
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Kent
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Sinisa Savic
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Kucharz EJ. VEXAS syndrome: a newly discovered systemic rheumatic disorder. Reumatologia 2023; 61:123-129. [PMID: 37223371 PMCID: PMC10201379 DOI: 10.5114/reum/163090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
VEXAS syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory disease associated with hematologic symptoms. The disease affects primarily males, and leads to death of a significant proportion of the patients. VEXAS syndrome is caused by a somatic mutation of the UBA1 gene in hematopoietic progenitor cells. The clinical picture of the syndrome consists of a number of organ manifestations including those akin to rheumatic diseases, arthritis, myalgia, vasculitis and chondritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenisz J Kucharz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Sangle SR, Hughes CD, Barry L, Qureshi S, Cheah CK, Poh YJ, D'Cruz DP. Relapsing polychondritis - A single Centre study in the United Kingdom. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103352. [PMID: 37146927 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103352] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare immune mediated inflammatory disorder that may result in damage and destruction of cartilaginous tissues. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP. Patients were investigated using pulmonary function tests, dynamic high-resolution CT scans, bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy and/or PET-CT scans along with autoimmune serology. Patients had other specialist reviews when indicated. RESULTS We identified 68 patients with a diagnosis of RP, 55 (81%) were Caucasian, 8 (12%) Afro Caribbean, 4 (6%) Asian and 1 patient had Mixed Ethnicity. Twenty-nine (43%) had pulmonary involvement and in 16, pulmonary involvement was the initial presentation. The mean age at onset was 44 years (range 17-74). There was a mean diagnostic delay of 55 weeks. 66 (97%) patients received a combination of oral Prednisolone and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Twelve of 19 (63%) received biologics, with an initial good response, and 10 remain on treatment. 11 patients with respiratory collapse required CPAP to maintain airway patency. Twelve (18%) patients died due to RP and 9 had respiratory complications. Two patients developed myelodysplasia and one had lung carcinoma. In a multivariate regression analysis, the prognostic variables were ethnicity, nasal chondritis, laryngotracheal stricture and elevated serum creatinine. CONCLUSION RP is a rare autoimmune condition often associated with significant delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Pulmonary involvement in RP may cause significant morbidity and mortality due to organ damage. Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs and biologics should be considered early in the disease course to minimise adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy and organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirish R Sangle
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Catherine D Hughes
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lucinda Barry
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Sumera Qureshi
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Chee Ken Cheah
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Yih Jia Poh
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - David P D'Cruz
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, 4th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College Medical School, London SE1 9RT, UK. david.d'
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a recently described, late-onset, acquired autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the UBA1 gene. The various clinical manifestations of VEXAS broadly divided into inflammatory or haematological. VEXAS defines a new disease category - the hematoinflammatory disorders triggered by somatic mutations restricted to blood but causing systemic inflammation with multi-organ involvement and associated with aberrant bone marrow status. VEXAS causes significant morbidity and reduced life expectancy, but the optimum standard of care remains undefined. AREAS COVERED This review describes the discovery of VEXAS, relevant genetic causes and immunopathology of the disease. A detailed account of its various clinical manifestations and disease mimics is provided. Current treatment and management options are discussed. EXPERT OPINION New rare variants in UBA1 and VEXAS-like UBA1 negative cases are reported. Consensus diagnostic criteria might be required to define VEXAS and its related disorders. Investigation of sporadic, VEXAS-like cases will require the application of deep sequencing using DNA obtained from various cellular or tissue locations. Prospective studies are needed to define the optimal supportive and treatment options for patients with varying disease severity and prognosis. VEXAS-specific hematopoietic stem cell transplant selection criteria also require development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Al-Hakim
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sinisa Savic
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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