Successful pregnancy after cyclophosphamide therapy for lupus nephritis

Protective effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast, against cyclophosphamide-induced placental toxicity via modulation of NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway in rats

BACKGROUNDS & AIM

Placental insufficiency is a serious complication that affects pregnancy and fetal growth. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is considered one of the chemotherapeutic agents. Unfortunately, CYC not only affects tumor cells but also affects healthy cells causing multiple injuries including the placenta. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist; montelukast (MK), on CYC-induced placental injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight female Wister rats were randomly divided into 8 experimental groups. Group 1: control pregnant group; Group 2: MK 5 mg-treated pregnant rats; Group 3: MK 10 mg-treated pregnant rats; Group 4: MK 20 mg-treated pregnant rats; Group 5: pregnant rats received CYC (20 mg/kg, i.p); Group 6: pregnant rats received MK 5 mg and CYC; Group 7: pregnant rats received MK 10 mg and CYC; Group 8: pregnant rats received MK 20 mg and CYC. Placental malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), placental growth factor (PlGF), and Nod-like receptor p3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were measured. Histological changes, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and cleaved caspase-3 immuno-expressions were also evaluated.

RESULTS

CYC showed a significant decrease in placental GSH, TAC, and PlGF with a significant increase in placental MDA, NLRP3, and immuno-expression of IL-1β and caspase-3. MK showed significant improvement in all oxidative stress (MDA, GSH and TAC), inflammatory (NLRP3 and IL-1β), and apoptotic (caspase-3) parameters.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, MK was proved to have a possible protective role in CYC-induced placental injury via modulation of NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Successful pregnancy after cyclophosphamide therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

Introduction and importance

The use of cyclophosphamide in women of childbearing age with severe systemic lupus erythematosus is normally indicated. However, cyclophosphamide is generally avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of teratogenicity, especially since its effect on fetal survival is poorly understood. This is a case report of a lupus patient exposed to cyclophosphamide during pregnancy.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old woman with a history of lupus presented to our outpatient clinic in the 12th week of pregnancy for her sixth routine cyclophosphamide bolus. The fetal echocardiogram result with the gynecology consultation was normal with the recommendation for a medical termination of pregnancy, which has been refused by the patient. Shared decision-making with the patient included a discussion of the maternal risks of continuation of pregnancy in the setting of worsening systemic function and the fetal risks of definitive treatment with cyclophosphamide for a lupus flare and the patient decided to proceed with the pregnancy. Treatment with immunosuppressants, including azathioprine was initiated replacing cyclophosphamide with close monitoring of her and the fetus every month.

Clinical discussion

The first trimester of pregnancy seems to be particularly susceptible to fetal malformations, although CPA effects on fetuses in later stages of pregnancy are also reported occasionally. Nonetheless, its repercussions on fetal survival remain poorly comprehended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exposing pregnancy to cyclophosphamide could end with pregnancy loss. Based on our experience, the survival of the fetus is strongly in doubt when cyclophosphamide is required to treat lupus in the mother. However, in rare cases, it could be without complications.

Refractory Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in Early Pregnancy

Background and Objectives

Anti-N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis classically affects women of childbearing age, producing a disproportionate number of pregnant women with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The typical presentation includes progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, and alterations in consciousness, all of which present potential risks to the fetus. First-line and second-line treatments similarly pose teratogenic potential; therefore, randomized studies with supportive data on pregnancy and fetal outcomes are lacking.

Methods

We present a case of refractory anti-NMDAR encephalitis during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy with the successful use of rituximab and cyclophosphamide and resultant healthy pregnancy.

Results

The patient was treated with an escalating immunotherapy regimen from 11 to 15 weeks of gestation, including steroids, plasma exchange, IV immunoglobulins, and rituximab, with no clinical response. At 16 weeks of gestation, she received cyclophosphamide with clinical improvement after 4 weeks. She subsequently gave birth to a healthy, term baby boy, who continued to do well at the follow-up.

Discussion

This case illustrates the effective use of cyclophosphamide in the second trimester of pregnancy for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The use of second-line therapies remains an individualized decision because the relative risk-to-benefit ratio in pregnant women is incompletely understood.

Immunotherapy for Pemphigus: Present and Future

Pemphigus is a chronic and severe autoimmune bullous disease caused by autoantibodies targeting adhesion molecules between keratinocytes. It requires 2–3 years on average to manage the disease. To date, although Rituximab combined with short-term systemic glucocorticoids was accepted as first-line therapy, systemic glucocorticoids remain the primary therapeutic option for pemphigus patients, successfully decreasing morbidity and mortality from pemphigus. However, novel therapeutic strategies are desirable due to the low efficacy in some subset of patients and the long-term severe adverse effects of traditional therapies. Recently, immunotherapy has proved to be encouraging for disease control or cure. Based on the current understanding of the immune mechanisms of pemphigus, we review the immune targets and corresponding agents applied in practice or under clinical trials. The goals of the novel treatments are to improve the quality of life of pemphigus patients by improving efficacy and safety, minimizing side effects, achieving fast disease control, or curing the disease.

Role of JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathway in protective effect of sildenafil in cyclophosphamide-induced placental injury in rats

AIMS

Chemotherapeutic agents; cyclophosphamide (CYC) is used for treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Grievously, CYC is non-selective as it affects both tumor and healthy cells resulting in systemic toxicity including placenta. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil (Sild) on CYC-induced placental injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two female Wister rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups. Group 1: control pregnant group; Group 2: Sild-treated pregnant rats; Group 3: pregnant rats received CYC; Group 4: pregnant rats received Sild and CYC. Placental malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), platelet growth factor (PlGF), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cleaved caspase-3 were measured. Histological changes, Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB), Connexin 43 (GJA1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immuno-expressions were also evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

CYC showed significant decrease in placental GSH, NOx, PlGF, GJA1 and PCNA immuno-expressions but significant increase in placental MDA, TNF-α, JNK, P38MAPK, ERK, caspase-3 and NF-kB immuno-expression. Sild showed significant improvement in all oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sild is a promising protective drug against placental injury induced by CYC through antagonizing MAPK (JNK, ERK, and p38) signaling pathway with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus after cyclophosphamide therapy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often affects females of reproductive age and Cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent leading to premature ovarian insufficiency (POF) and labelled category D for pregnancy is used as induction therapy for severe manifestations of lupus. There have been multiple case series reflecting variable outcomes of pregnancies after cyclophosphamide use for cancers and autoimmune diseases. With increasing maternal age, we have an increasing population of lupus patients who may wish to conceive after having received cyclophosphamide therapy. The objective of our study was to improve our understanding of the impact of cyclophosphamide exposure on fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with SLE.We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who had received intravenous cyclophosphamide at our academic institute in the time period from 2000-2018 and identified 440 patients which included 157 female patients of reproductive age. There were 37 documented pregnancies after the cyclophosphamide infusion, of which 23 patients had successful outcomes; 4 elective abortion and 10 miscarriages. There were 17 patients who developed POF, of which 7 also had end stage renal disease. The average cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide in the patients who had successful pregnancy was 4080.37 mg compared to 2806.25 mg in those who had a miscarriage (p 0.164) and 5526.47 mg in those who developed POF (p 0.046). Using multiple regressions to evaluate risk factors impacting pregnancy outcomes, when taken as a set, the predictors including race, serological profile, exposure to steroids and Mycophenolate mofetil, age at cyclophosphamide infusion, age at pregnancy, and cumulative cyclophosphamide dose accounted for 46.29% of the variance in outcome of pregnancy (p 0.23) and 39.58% of the variance in development of premature ovarian failure (p 0.008). We noted statistical significance in the impact of maternal age at time of pregnancy (p 0.04) and duration of time between the last infusions to subsequent pregnancy (p 0.02) to pregnancy outcome.Our findings suggest that a longer time interval between the last cyclophosphamide infusion and subsequent pregnancy was favorable for a successful outcome and higher cumulative cyclophosphamide dose is more likely to be associated with premature ovarian failure.

A Case of De Novo Antiglomerular Basement Membrane Disease Presenting during Pregnancy

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis during pregnancy is uncommon. We present a case of a young female diagnosed with antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease during pregnancy. Case Presentation. A 23-year-old woman approximately 15 weeks pregnant experienced weakness, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia for one week and anuria for 48 hours. No known drug allergies and no significant social or family history for kidney or genitourinary disease were reported. Laboratory analysis revealed anemia, life-threatening hyperkalemia, AKI, and elevated antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies. Renal biopsy revealed 100% cellular crescents, confirming the diagnosis. The patient was treated using plasmapheresis and methylprednisolone followed by oral steroids, azathioprine, and tacrolimus. At 24 weeks and 4 days of gestation, the patient had hypoxic respiratory failure as well as preterm premature rupture of membranes. Due to the development of infection and lack of renal recovery, immunosuppression was discontinued. At 28 weeks and 0 days of gestation, the patient developed uncontrollable hypertension requiring emergent delivery. Postpartum, her hypertension improved without signs of preeclampsia though still requires dialysis. Discussion. Pregnancy presents a unique challenge for providers treating patients with anti-GBM disease. Fetal safety should be considered and risks thoroughly discussed with the patient when choosing an immunosuppressive regimen for this condition.

Glomerular Disease and Pregnancy

Nephrologists are routinely involved in the care of pregnant women with glomerulonephritis. Prepregnancy counseling is vital to inform women of the potential risks of pregnancy and to reduce those risks by optimizing clinical status and medications. In general, for all glomerulonephritides, the best pregnancy outcomes are achieved when the disease is in remission and the woman has preserved renal function with no proteinuria or hypertension. Each glomerulonephritis has specific considerations, for example in lupus nephritis, mycophenolate is teratogenic and must be stopped at least 6 weeks before conception, hydroxychloroquine is recommended for all pregnant women, and flares are frequently encountered and must be treated appropriately. De novo glomerulonephritis should be considered when significant proteinuria is found early in pregnancy or an acute kidney injury with active urine is encountered. Biopsy can be safely undertaken in the first trimester. Treatment is often with corticosteroids, azathioprine, and/or tacrolimus. Rituximab is increasingly used for severe disease. Women with glomerulonephritis should ideally be managed in a joint renal-obstetric clinic. This review details the approach to the care of women with glomerulonephritis from prepregnancy counseling, through antenatal care and delivery, to the postpartum period. Special attention is given to medications and treatment of glomerulonephritis in pregnancy.

Use of synthetic and biologic DMARDs during pregnancy

Introduction: Since most of the autoimmune diseases (AID) affect mostly women in their fertile years, and fertility is in general preserved, the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during conception, pregnancy, and lactation has been a matter of concern in the treatment of women affected by AID. Areas covered: We performed a comprehensive review of the latest and most relevant research papers published in the field and discussed different aspects related to the use of synthetic and biologic DMARDs and immunosuppressants in the preconceptional period, during pregnancy and lactation in AID patients, both in males and females. Expert commentary: Active AID impose an increased risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Family planning with proper contraception and shared decision-making on the ideal time to conceive with treatment adjustment must be a rule. One of the main challenges when counseling and/or adjusting treatment of patients that are planning a pregnancy is to provide a medication that is at the same time efficacious and safe at the conceptional period and to developing the fetus.

Septic Episodes in a Premature Infant After In Utero Exposure to Rituximab

Rituximab is an increasingly used immunotherapeutic agent for women of reproductive age for treatment of autoimmune diseases, leukemias, and lymphomas. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets B-cell surface antigen CD20 and can cross the placenta. Current evidence of the impact of this medication on the developing fetus is limited, but there is little to suggest that fetal exposure to this medication places an infant at increased risk of immunosuppression and subsequent infection. Here we report a case of in utero rituximab exposure that was associated with 2 severe septic episodes with Enterococcus faecalis, in a premature infant of 29 weeks' gestational age with a birth weight of 820 g. The patient had a critically depressed B-lymphocyte subset of 10% and undetectable immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA levels at 37 weeks' postmenstrual age. Interestingly, both episodes of sepsis coincided with transition from donor human milk to formula feeds. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, antibiotics, and donor human milk. We postulate that placental transfer of rituximab, prematurity, and the low levels of protective maternal antibodies increased the susceptibility of this patient to sepsis by E faecalis, a resident of the normal gut flora, whereas the secretory IgA in donor human milk may have played a protective role.

Critical review of the current recommendations for the treatment of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases during pregnancy and lactation

The crucial issue for a better pregnancy outcome in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is appropriate planning, with counseling of the ideal timing and treatment adaptation. Drugs used to treat rheumatic diseases may interfere with fertility or increase the risk of miscarriages and congenital abnormalities. MTX use post-conception is clearly linked to abortions as well as major birth defects, so it should be stopped 3months before conception. Leflunomide causes abnormalities in animals even in low doses. Although in humans, it does not seem to be as harmful as MTX, when pregnancy is detected in a patient on leflunomide, cholestyramine is given for washout. Sulfasalazine can be used safely and is an option for those patients who were on MTX or leflunomide. Azathioprine is generally the immunosuppressive of choice in many high-risk pregnancy centers because of the safety profile and its steroid-sparing property. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus can also be used as steroid-sparing agents, but experience is smaller. Although prednisone and prednisolone are inactivated in the placenta, we try to limit the dose to the minimal effective one, to prevent side effects. Antimalarials have been broadly studied and are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Among biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic agents (bDMARD), the anti-TNFs that have been used for longer are the ones with greater experience. The large monoclonal antibodies do not cross the placenta in the first trimester, and after conception, the decision to continue medication should be taken individually. The experience is larger in women with inflammatory bowel diseases, where anti-TNF is generally maintained at least until 30weeks to reduce fetal exposure. Live vaccines should not be administrated to the infant in the first 6months of life. Pregnancy data for rituximab, abatacept, anakinra, tocilizumab, ustekinumab, belimumab, and tofacitinib are limited and their use in pregnancy cannot currently be recommended.

Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

For many years pregnancy has been contraindicated in patients with SLE, particularly when kidney involvement was present. Today, pregnancy is no longer considered impossible in women with lupus. Yet, lupus pregnancies are still considered high-risk. The prognosis has considerably improved for pregnant women but the fetal risk, although progressively reduced, is still higher in pregnancies of patients with SLE than in pregnancies of healthy women. Miscarriage, premature delivery, and preeclampsia, as well as heart problems in the baby are the major complications that can occur. In this paper we will review the outcome of pregnant women with SLE, the influence of lupus on fetal outcome, the effects of pregnancy on lupus, and the management of pregnant lupus patients based on our personal experience and the revision of the most recent and significant papers on the subject.

Immunosuppression in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Most pregnancies are successful in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly if the disease is quiescent and there are no signs of active nephritis. There is no major impact of immunosuppression on maternal outcome. However, high doses of cyclosporine and glucocorticoids are used which may favor development of hypertension or preeclampsia. Some immunosuppressive drugs may exert toxic effects on the fetus. Glucocorticoids may cause small birth weight, and azathioprine and calcineurin inhibitors may be associated with lower birth weight, gestational age and prematurity. Cyclophosphamide may cause fetal malformation when given in the first trimester. Mycophenolate and leflunomide are teratogenic drugs and should be withdrawn before conception in case of programmed pregnancy or should be rapidly discontinued in case of unexpected pregnancy. Option counseling for pregnancy and correct use of immunosuppressive drugs are prerequisites for a successful pregnancy in women with lupus.

Maternal, pregnancy and fetal outcomes in de novo anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease in pregnancy: a systematic review

Background

Outside of pregnancy, anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited knowledge regarding de novo anti-GBM disease in pregnancy.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to identify maternal, pregnancy and fetal outcomes in de novo anti-GBM disease in pregnancy. Studies were selected from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases and conference proceedings, without language restriction.

Results

Data from eight patients were derived from seven case reports and one unpublished case. Most (6/8) patients presented after the first trimester. During pregnancy, acute kidney injury (5/8), anemia (5/8), hematuria (8/8) and proteinuria (8/8) were common. When hemodialysis was required antepartum (5/8), renal function recovery to independence of renal replacement was unlikely (2/5). While pulmonary involvement was common (5/8), no permanent damage was reported (0/8). The majority of cases ended in live births (6/8) although prematurity (6/6), intrauterine growth restriction (2/6), small for gestational age (4/6) and complications of prematurity (1/6) were common. When anti-GBM levels were tested in the living newborn, they were detectable (2/5), but no newborn renal or lung disease was reported (0/6). Complications in pregnancy included gestational diabetes (3/8), hyperemesis gravidarum (2/8) and preeclampsia (2/8).

Conclusions

Live births can be achieved in de novo anti-GBM disease in pregnancy, but are commonly associated with adverse maternal, pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Only with awareness of common presentations, and management strategies can outcomes be optimized.

KDOQI US commentary on the 2012 KDIGO clinical practice guideline for glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages throughout the world. Because these disorders are relatively rare, it is difficult to perform randomized clinical trials to define optimal treatment for many of the specific glomerulopathies. In the absence of high-grade evidence to guide the care of glomerular diseases, in June 2012, KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) published an international clinical guideline for GN. The Work Group report represents an important review of the literature in this area and offers valid and useful guidelines for the most common situations that arise in the management of patients with glomerular disease. This commentary, developed by a panel of clinical experts convened by the National Kidney Foundation, attempts to put the GN guideline into the context of the US health care system. Overall, we support the vast majority of the recommendations and highlight select areas in which epidemiological factors and medical practice patterns in this country justify modifications and adjustments in order to achieve favorable outcomes. There remain large gaps in our knowledge of the best approaches to treat glomerular disease and we strongly endorse an expanded clinical research effort to improve the health and long-term outcomes of children and adults with GN.