A case of AA amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis effectively treated with Infliximab

Renal AA amyloidosis: presentation, diagnosis, and current therapeutic options: a review

Amyloid A amyloidosis is thought to be the second most common form of systemic amyloidosis behind amyloidosis secondary to monoclonal Ig. It is the result of deposition of insoluble fibrils in the extracellular space of tissues and organs derived from the precursor protein serum amyloid A, an acute phase reactant synthesized excessively in the setting of chronic inflammation. The kidney is the most frequent organ involved. Most patients present with proteinuria and kidney failure. The diagnosis is made through tissue biopsy with involvement of the glomeruli in most cases, but also often of the vessels and the tubulointerstitial compartment. The treatment usually targets the underlying etiology and consists increasingly of blocking the inflammatory cascade of cytokines with interleukin-1 inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors, and tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors to reduce serum amyloid A protein formation. This strategy has also shown efficacy in cases where an underlying etiology cannot be readily identified and has significantly improved the prognosis of this entity. In addition, there has been increased interest at developing effective therapies able to clear amyloid deposits from tissues, albeit with mitigated results so far.

Serum Amyloid A Protein–Associated Kidney Disease: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

Serum amyloid A protein (AA) amyloidosis, also known as secondary amyloidosis, is a known consequence of chronic inflammation and results from several conditions including inflammatory arthritis, periodic fever syndromes, and chronic infection. AA amyloidosis can lead to multiorgan dysfunction, including changes in glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria. Definitive diagnosis requires tissue biopsy, and management of AA amyloid kidney disease is primarily focused on treating the underlying inflammatory condition to stabilize glomerular filtration rate, reduce proteinuria, and slow potential progression to kidney failure. In this narrative review, we describe the causes, pathophysiology, presentation, and pathologic diagnosis of AA amyloid kidney disease using an illustrative case of biopsy-proven AA amyloid kidney disease in a patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis who had a favorable response to interleukin 6 inhibition. We conclude the review with a description of established and more novel therapies for AA amyloidosis including published cases of use of tocilizumab (an interleukin 6 inhibitor) in biopsy-proven AA amyloid kidney disease.

Biologic therapy for amyloid A amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis treated with interleukin 6 therapy: Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Secondary amyloidosis is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is histologically characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in target organs, such as the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Controlling the inflammatory response is essential to prevent organ dysfunction in amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis secondary to RA, and no clear treatment strategy exists.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS

A 66-year-old woman with RA, who had been treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for 1 year, presented with recurrent abdominal pain and prolonged diarrhea. Endoscopy showed chronic inflammation, and colon tissue histology confirmed AA amyloidosis.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

After tocilizumab therapy was begun, her diarrhea and abdominal pain subsided, and articular symptoms improved. Biologic drugs for RA have been used in patients with secondary AA amyloidosis, including tumor necrosis factor and Janus kinase inhibitors, interleukin 6 blockers, and a T cell modulator. Here, we systematically review existing case reports and compare the outcomes of RA-related AA amyloidosis after treatment with various drugs.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that biologic drugs like tocilizumab might be treatments of choice for AA amyloidosis secondary to RA.

Long-term follow-up of secondary amyloidosis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy: A STROBE-compliant observational study

There are no treatment modalities, which were proven to prevent the deposition of amyloid, proteinuria, and loss of renal function due to amyloidosis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (anti-TNFs) were shown to decrease the production of serum amyloid A protein.We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-TNFs in secondary (AA) amyloidosis patients treated in a single center.Thirty-seven patients with AA amyloidosis were started an anti-TNF for AA amyloidosis between March 2001 and June 2008 and followed until May 2016 unless deceased. They were surveyed for the endpoints of death, development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), switch to another agent due to worsening of amyloidosis and adverse events.Among the 37 patients, 12 (32%) had died, 9 (24%) had ESRD, and 8 (22%) had started another group of biologic due to worsening of amyloidosis indicated by an increase in proteinuria, 5 (14%) patients are still doing well with anti-TNFs, and 3 (8%) are off treatment at the end of a median follow-up of 10 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.5-10.5) years since the start of anti-TNFs and 10 (IQR: 8-13) years since the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis. Most common serious adverse events were sepsis and thrombotic events observed in 8 and 4 patients, respectively.Treatment with anti-TNFs may be associated with a higher survival rate compared with historic cohorts of AA amyloidosis, especially when started early with a lower serum creatinine level at baseline. Caution is needed regarding serious adverse events, especially infections.

Effects of Biologic Agents in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Amyloidosis Treated with Hemodialysis

Objective Our objective was to examine the safety and effects of therapy with biologics on the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with reactive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis on hemodialysis (HD). Methods Twenty-eight patients with an established diagnosis of reactive AA amyloidosis participated in the study. The survival was calculated from the date of HD initiation until the time of death, or up to end of June 2015 for the patients who were still alive. HD initiation was according to the program of HD initiation for systemic amyloidosis patients associated with RA. Results Ten patients had been treated with biologics before HD initiation for a mean of 28.2 months (biologic group), while 18 had not (non-biologic group). HD was initiated in patients with similar characteristics except for the tender joint count, swollen joint count, and disease activity score (DAS)28-C-reactive protein (CRP). History of biologics showed that etanercept was frequently used for 8 patients as the first biologic. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate according to a Kaplan-Meier analysis (p=0.939) and or associated risk of death in an age-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model (p=0.758) between both groups. Infections were significantly more frequent causes of death in the biologic group than in the non-biologic group (p=0.021). However, treatment with biologics improved the DAS28-CRP score (p=0.004). Conclusion Under the limited conditions of AA amyloidosis treated with HD, the use of biologics might affect infection and thus may not improve the prognosis. Strict infection control is necessary for the use of biologics with HD to improve the prognosis.

Targeting protein aggregation for the treatment of degenerative diseases

The aggregation of specific proteins is hypothesized to underlie several degenerative diseases, which are collectively known as amyloid disorders. However, the mechanistic connection between the process of protein aggregation and tissue degeneration is not yet fully understood. Here, we review current and emerging strategies to ameliorate aggregation-associated degenerative disorders, with a focus on disease-modifying strategies that prevent the formation of and/or eliminate protein aggregates. Persuasive pharmacological and genetic evidence now supports protein aggregation as the cause of postmitotic tissue dysfunction or loss. However, a more detailed understanding of the factors that trigger and sustain aggregate formation and of the structure-activity relationships underlying proteotoxicity is needed to develop future disease-modifying therapies.

Serum amyloid A as a marker of persistent inflammation and an indicator of cardiovascular and renal involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein, involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess serum concentration of SAA in RA patients, with reference to other inflammatory parameters and markers of extra-articular involvement.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 140 RA patients, low/moderate disease activity (L/MDA) in 98 (70%) patients and high disease activity (HDA) in 42 (30%). Comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessment was performed with evaluation of electrocardiogram and carotid intima-media thickness.

RESULTS

The mean SAA concentration [327.0 (263.4) mg/L] was increased highly above the normal value, even in patients with L/MDA. Simultaneously, SAA was significantly higher in patients with HDA versus L/MDA. The mean SAA concentration was significantly higher in patients treated with glucocorticoids, was inversely associated with QTc duration, and was markedly higher in patients with atherosclerotic plaques, emphasizing increased CV risk. SAA was significantly higher in patients with increased cystatin-C level.

CONCLUSIONS

In RA patients, high serum SAA concentration was strongly associated with activity of the disease and risk of CV and renal involvement. Recurrent assessment of SAA may facilitate searching patients with persistent inflammation and risk of extra-articular complications.

Turkish experience in rheumatoid arthritis patients with clinical apparent amyloid deposition

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the frequency of clinical apparent amyloid deposition, clinical features and outcome in our rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Medical records of 1415 RA patients were examined. During routine follow-up, RA patients with proteinuria on urinalysis, underwent rectal biopsy.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (0.78%) were diagnosed with clinical apparent amyloid deposition. While the mean annual incidence of AA amyloidosis between 2001 and 2005 was 0.2%, it was 0.13% between 2006 and 2011. At initial presentation, three RA-related AA amyloidosis patients had nephrotic-range proteinuria and renal insufficiency, four had only nephrotic-range proteinuria, three had non-nephrotic-range proteinuria, and one had non-nephrotic-range proteinuria and renal insufficiency. The mean age in RA patients with AA amyloidosis was 60.8 years and disease duration was 12 years. Ten of 11 cases had positive rheumatoid factor. Two RA patients with AA amyloidosis who had been diagnosed in the pre-anti-TNF era died. Of the rest nine patients with AA amyloidosis, eight were administered anti-TNF therapy and one was given rituximab. In four patients, anti-TNF therapy led to disappearance of clinical features, decrement in proteinuria and resulted in improvement of or at least stabilization of renal functions. One patient using anti-TNF therapy died because of tuberculosis. One patient discontinued anti-TNF therapy and developed end-stage renal disease. Two patients have been started to be given anti-TNF therapy recently. In one patient who was given rituximab, there was regression of proteinuria and improvement in renal functions.

CONCLUSIONS

We diagnosed a 0.78% frequency of AA amyloidosis in RA. It seems that - other than the risks of infection, tuberculosis - anti-TNF drugs seem to be effective on RA disease activity and also have renoprotective effects in RA patients with AA amyloidosis.

Study on the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with AA amyloidosis

OBJECTIVES

Although treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has progressed by the use of biologics, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is still an intractable complication in patients with RA. In the present study, safety and efficacy of 1-year treatment with an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) on RA and AA amyloidosis were estimated.

METHODS

TCZ (8 mg/kg every 4 weeks) was administered to five RA patients complicated with AA amyloidosis. The primary end point was improvement in renal dysfunction and the secondary end point was CDAI at 1 year after the treatment.

RESULTS

An improvement in the renal dysfunction, including urinary protein secretion, was found, in four patients including two patients who were refractory to etanercept, with a remarkable decrease of SAA concentration, and the progression of organ dysfunction was prevented at 1 year in all patients treated with TCZ. The mean clinical disease activity index decreased from 33.9 to 4.7 (p = 0.012) in five patients treated with TCZ for 1 year. Three non-serious adverse events were observed in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TCZ ameliorates renal dysfunction in RA patients complicated with AA amyloidosis who are refractory to conventional therapies, thereby suggesting that TCZ has a potential to regulate AA amyloidosis.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and related factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in patients with many chronic diseases, but has not been well recognized in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the prevalence of GERD symptoms in 278 outpatients with RA and their association with such clinical factors as age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, medications drugs, and functional status evaluated by the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ). GERD symptoms were evaluated by Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG). The mean FSSG score for all patients was 5.6, and 82 patients were considered to have GERD symptoms (FSSG score ≥8), thus the overall prevalence of GERD symptoms was 29.5%. MHAQ score and height were significantly higher and lower, respectively, and prednisolone usage was significantly more in the patients with GERD symptoms than those without. These three clinical factors were also significantly associated with GERD symptoms by univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHAQ was the only clinical factor related to GERD symptoms. In conclusion, the prevalence of GERD symptoms in RA patients was high and strongly associated with decreased functional status, suggesting that physicians should pay attention to GERD symptoms in RA management, especially for patients with low functional status.

Successful treatment of protein-losing enteropathy due to AA amyloidosis with octreotide in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare syndrome of gastrointestinal protein loss that may complicate a variety of diseases. This excessive protein loss across the gut epithelium can be explained by several mechanisms, such as augmentation of the intestinal mucosal capillary permeability, mucosal disruption, intestinal or mesenteric vasculitis, and lymphangiectasia. However, these pathophysiologic alterations of the gut are closely linked to the underlying cause, and primary treatment for PLE should be directed at the underlying condition. Here, we report a female patient with rheumatoid arthritis who developed severe PLE due to AA amyloidosis and was successfully treated with octreotide. She had been suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for 18 years, and her arthritic symptoms at the time of presentation were not definite but manifested as severe diarrhea and general edema with hypoalbuminemia. PLE due to gastrointestinal amyloidosis was confirmed by increased fecal α1-antitrypsin clearance and a colonoscopic biopsy that was positive for amyloid deposits. The diarrhea dissipated with conventional treatment, but the general edema resolved only after introducing a long-acting somatostatin analog (octreotide), along with a gradual recovery of the serum albumin level. This case teaches us that in the case of PLE due to AA amyloidosis that is refractory to conventional treatment, the administration of octreotide should be considered.

Treatment with Biologic Agents Improves the Prognosis of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Amyloidosis

Objective.

Reactive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a serious and life-threatening systemic complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the safety of therapy with anti-tumor necrosis factor and anti-interleukin 6 biologic agents in RA patients with reactive AA amyloidosis, together with prognosis and hemodialysis (HD)-free survival, in comparison with patients with AA amyloidosis without such therapy.

Methods.

One hundred thirty-three patients with an established diagnosis of reactive AA amyloidosis participated in the study. Clinical data were assessed from patient records at the time of amyloid detection and administration of biologics. Survival was calculated from the date when amyloid was first demonstrated histologically or the date when biologic therapy was started until the time of death or to the end of 2010 for surviving patients. Patients who had started HD were selected for inclusion only after the presence of amyloid was demonstrated.

Results.

Fifty-three patients were treated with biologic agents (biologic group) and 80 were not (nonbiologic group). Survival rate was significantly higher in the biologic group than in the nonbiologic group. Nine patients in the biologics group and 33 in the nonbiologic group started HD. Biologic therapy had a tendency for reduced risk of initiation of HD without any statistical significance.

Conclusion.

Patients with amyloidosis have a higher mortality rate, but the use of biologic agents can reduce risk of death. The use of biologics may not significantly influence the HD-free survival rate.

Remission of proteinuria and preservation of renal function in patients with renal AA amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Renal AA amyloidosis presents as a life-threatening disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although several newly developed immunosuppressive drugs have been tried, patients often progress to end-stage renal failure with unsatisfactory survival rate.

METHODS

A total of nine consecutive cases of severe nephrotic renal AA amyloidosis presented to us. Complete remission of proteinuria was observed in four cases (responders), and the remaining five reached the end point of haemodialysis or death (non-responders); these groups were retrospectively compared. The patients were treated with immunosuppressants, biological drugs and anti-hypertensive drugs. Levels of serum creatinine (S-Cr), urinary protein-creatinine ratio (UP/UCr), blood pressure (BP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Histological characteristics of renal amyloid deposition and extent of kidney injury were also scored.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment, clinical data (S-Cr, UP/UCr, BP and CRP) and histological severity (glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury and extent of amyloid deposition) observed in the renal biopsy specimen were not significantly different between the groups. Following therapeutic intervention, proteinuria disappeared (UP/UCr <0.3) in responders within 12 ± 5.4 months but persisted in non-responders. Consequently, renal function stabilized in responders, but it deteriorated in all non-responders. Strict inflammatory control along with optimal control of hypertension was achieved in responders during the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of histological severity, intensive therapeutic intervention that includes strict inflammatory control and optimal control of hypertension may change the histology-predicted prognosis of RA-associated renal AA amyloidosis.

Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by inflammation of the synovium and surrounding structures, has a prevalence of 0.5-1%. Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is an inflammatory condition of the small- and medium-sized vessels that affects up to 5% of patients with RA with intestinal involvement in 10-38% of these cases. Clinically apparent RV of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, while rare, is often catastrophic, resulting in ischemic ulcers and bowel infarction. Vasculitis of the colon may present as pancolitis clinically similar to ulcerative colitis. Rectal biopsies that include submucosal vessels are positive for vasculitis in up to 40% of cases. Abnormal esophageal motility in RA may result in heartburn and dysphagia. Chronic atrophic gastritis may be associated with hypergastrinemia and hypo- or achlorhydria, promoting small bowel bacterial overgrowth. RA is the most common cause of secondary amyloidosis with GI symptoms in 22% of affected patients. Although amyloid is usually found in the liver, it is rarely evident clinically. Felty's syndrome occurs in less than 1% of patients with RA and is characterized by neutropenia and splenomegaly. The liver may be involved with portal fibrosis or nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Liver histology is abnormal in 92% of RA patients at autopsy, although the changes are usually mild without associated hepatomegaly. Drug-induced liver disease may occur with aspirin, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate. Significant liver damage is rare if the drug is discontinued or the patient is properly monitored. RA can affect both the GI tract and the liver; changes are usually mild except with RV.

Amyloid and the GI tract

Amyloidosis is characterized by the extracellular deposition of an abnormal fibrillar protein, which disrupts tissue structure and function. Amyloid may be localized to a single organ, such as the GI tract, or be systemic where the amyloid type is defined by the respective fibril precursor protein. Among patients with systemic amyloidosis, histological involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is very common but often subclinical. The presence and pattern of GI symptoms varies substantially, not only between the different amyloid types but also within them. GI presentations are frequently nonspecific and include macroglossia, dyspepsia, hemorrhage, a change in bowel habit and malabsorption. Endoscopic and radiological features of amyloidosis are also nonspecific, with the small intestine most commonly affected. In the absence of specific treatments for GI amyloidosis, therapy is aimed at reducing or eliminating the supply of the respective fibril precursor protein. Supportive measures such as nutritional support and antidiarrheal agents should be instigated while awaiting the clinical improvement associated with a successful reduction in the abundance of the fibril precursor protein. GI tract surgery should be performed only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, as there is a risk of decompensation of organs affected by amyloid.

A case with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic reactive AA amyloidosis showing rapid regression of amyloid deposition on gastroduodenal mucosa after a combined therapy of corticosteroid and etanercept

Systemic reactive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is one of the critical complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, there are several useful reports of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy for RA-related systemic reactive AA amyloidosis patients. However, the time-kinetic transition between effective anti-inflammatory therapies and regression of AA amyloid deposits remains uncertain. Here, we report a RA patient with systemic reactive AA amyloidosis who was successfully treated with prednisolone and etanercept, showing marked regression of gastroduodenal mucosal amyloid deposits within only 4 months. This is the first case report of RA-related systemic reactive AA amyloidosis histopathologically demonstrating rapid regression of amyloid deposits on gastroduodenal mucosa after adequate suppression of the underlying inflammatory condition.

Effective Anti-TNF-α Therapy Can Induce Rapid Resolution and Sustained Decrease of Gastroduodenal Mucosal Amyloid Deposits in Reactive Amyloidosis Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective.

To examine the effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) therapy in patients with reactive AA amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Fourteen patients with reactive AA amyloidosis associated with RA were prospectively evaluated. Four patients were treated with infliximab and 10 with etanercept. The mean period of anti-TNF therapy was 20.1 ± 13.8 months. Laboratory findings and renal function were examined before and after initiation of anti-TNF therapy. In 9 patients the area of amyloid deposits in serial gastroduodenal mucosal biopsy specimens was examined and image analysis was performed.

Results.

C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein levels were significantly reduced after initiation of anti-TNF therapy. Twenty-four hour creatinine clearance improved in 4 patients, did not change in 5, and deteriorated in 3. Twenty-four hour urinary protein excretion was significantly decreased in 3 patients, not exacerbated in 6, and increased in 3 after initiation of anti-TNF therapy. The biopsy specimens from the 9 patients who underwent serial gastroduodenal biopsies showed significant decreases in the area of amyloid deposits, from 8.8% ± 6.4% to 1.6% ± 0.6% (p = 0.003) after initiation of anti-TNF therapy. Four patients showed a sustained decrease in the areas of amyloid deposits in their third biopsy specimens, and amyloid deposits were not detectable in 2.

Conclusion.

Our results indicate a striking effect of anti-TNF therapy for rapid removal and sustained disappearance of amyloid deposits in gastric mucosal tissue with amelioration of renal functions in patients with reactive amyloidosis due to RA.