Controlled trial of pulse methylprednisolone versus two regimens of pulse cyclophosphamide in severe lupus nephritis

Immune-mediating and immunosuppressive pharmacotherapies for proliferative lupus nephritis

INTRODUCTION

Proliferative lupus nephritis is a common and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Affected patients are at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and extra-renal comorbidities. In recent years, the prognosis for patients with proliferative lupus nephritis has improved thanks to advancements in management regimens. Despite these advances, lupus nephritis continues to present therapeutic complexities and unmet needs.

AREAS COVERED

Research was conducted across major databases to identify the most relevant articles pertaining to immune-mediating and immunosuppressive therapies in lupus nephritis.

EXPERT OPINION

The prognosis for patients with proliferative lupus nephritis remains severe. Some drugs used in this disease may be unable to control activity, and most of them have a low therapeutic index and may cause severe and life-threatening side effects. Nonetheless, better management of traditional drugs and the introduction of novel therapies have improved renal prognosis and reduced local and systemic adverse events in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis.

Impact of Glucocorticoid Dose on Complete Response, Serious Infections, and Mortality During the Initial Therapy of Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Control Arms of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of glucocorticoid regimens on renal response, infections, and mortality among patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the control arms of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We included RCTs of biopsy-proven LN that used a protocolized regimen of glucocorticoids in combination with mycophenolic acid analogs or cyclophosphamide and reported the outcomes of complete response (CR), serious infections, and death. The starting dosage of glucocorticoids, tapering method, and administration of glucocorticoid pulses were abstracted. Meta-analysis of proportions, meta-regression, and subgroup meta-analysis were performed at 6 and 12 months for all outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty RCT arms (3,231 patients with LN) were included. The predicted rates of CR, serious infections, and death when starting on oral prednisone at 25 mg/day without pulses were 19.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3-31.5), 3.2% (95% CI 2.4-4.0), and 0.2% (95% CI 0.0-0.4), respectively. Starting on prednisone at 60 mg/day (without pulses) increased the rates to 34.6% (95% CI 16.9-52.3), 12.1% (95% CI 9.3-14.9), and 2.7% (95% CI 0.0-5.3), respectively. Adding glucocorticoid pulses increased the rates of CR and death but not serious infections. We observed a dose-response gradient between the initial glucocorticoid dosage and all the outcomes at six months after accounting for the administration of glucocorticoid pulses, underlying immunosuppressant, and baseline proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

A higher exposure to glucocorticoids during the initial therapy of LN was associated with better renal outcomes at the cost of increased infections and death.

Type I interferon gene expression signature as a marker to predict response to cyclophosphamide based treatment in proliferative lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the longitudinal effect of cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment on type-I interferon (IFN) signature in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) and its role in predicting treatment response.

METHODS

Fifty-four biopsy proven proliferative LN patients scheduled to receive high-dose (HD) or low-dose (LD) CYC were recruited and followed up for six months. At six months, patients were classified as clinical responders (CR) or non-responders (NR) to treatment, using the EULAR/EDTA criteria. An IFN-gene based score (IGS) was developed from the mean log-transformed gene expression of MX1, OAS1, IFIT1, OASL, IFIT4, LY6E, IRF7 at baseline, three and six months. Longitudinal changes of IGS within and between groups were assessed and ΔIGS, which is the difference in IGS between baseline and three months was calculated. Independent predictors of non-response were identified and an ROC analysis was performed to evaluate their utility to predict NR.

RESULTS

There was a dynamic change in IGS within the HD, LD, CR, and NR groups. Compared to baseline, there was a significant decrease in IGS at three months in HD and LD groups (HD group: 2.01 to 1.14, p = .001; LD group = 2.01 to 0.81, p < .001), followed by a significant increase from three to six months in LD group (LD: 0.81 to 1.51, p = .03; HD: 1.14 to 1.54, p = .300). A decrease in IGS from baseline to three months was seen in both CR (2.13 to 0.79, p < .001) and NR groups (1.83 to 1.27, p = .046), and a significant increase from three to six months was observed only in the CR group (CR: 0.79 to 1.57, p = .006; NR: 1.27 to 1.46, p = 1). ΔIGS (baseline to three months) was higher in CR compared to NR group (-1.339 vs -0.563, p = .017). ROC analysis showed that the model comprising of 0.81 fold decrease in IGS from baseline to three months, endocapillary hypercellularity and interstitial inflammation on renal histopathology predicted non-response with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 71.4%.

CONCLUSION

In proliferative LN, treated with HD or LD-CYC, combined model comprising of decrease in IGS score by 0.81 fold from baseline to three months, along with important histopathological features such as endocapillary hypercellularity and interstitial inflammation had better predictive capability for non-response.

Evidence based treatment for lupus nephritis: present perspectives and challenges

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease known for its high heterogeneity among individuals, which affects various organs including the kidneys. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent and life-threatening manifestation of the disease, with up to 50% of patients developing kidney involvement. Classification of renal involvement in lupus is based on specific histopathological findings, guiding therapeutical decisions. Immunosuppressive therapy, particularly glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil, has been the mainstay of treatment for many years, while rates of complete remission have not changed dramatically. Despite advancements in therapy, in an important proportion of patients LN leads to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Emerging therapies including belimumab, voclosporin, and obinutuzumab offer promising results in improving renal outcomes, especially in refractory or relapsing disease. Maintenance therapy is crucial to prevent disease flares and preserve renal function. Supportive measures including lifestyle modifications and non-immunosuppressive pharmacological interventions are nowadays also essential in managing LN. This review emphasizes recent advances of therapy and challenges regarding treatment optimization with strategies to improve long-term outcomes.

Thrombotic microangiopathy due to primary antiphospholipid syndrome: successful treatment with eculizumab

Antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy includes a variety of histological lesions, including thrombotic microangiopathy, which is not included among the diagnostic criteria of antiphospholipid syndrome. Whereas in secondary antiphospholipid syndrome, e.g. to systemic lupus erythematosus, there is emerging evidence of a benefit from complement blockade with eculizumab, optimal treatment of primary antiphospholipid syndrome-associated thrombotic microangiopathy is currently unknown. We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, presenting with a clinical picture of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome with frequent relapses, treated with eculizumab (four 900 mg weekly doses followed by 1200 mg fortnightly infusions) leading to resolution of hemolysis, long-term remission and partial kidney function recovery (peak serum creatinine 3.8 mg/dL, decreased and stabilized around 2.5 mg/dL) over a follow up period of over 2 years.

Predictors of renal relapse in Koreans with lupus nephritis after achieving complete response: a 35-years of experience at a single center

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Renal relapse has known to be a poor prognostic factor in patients with lupus nephritis (LN), but there were few studies that identified the risk factors of renal relapse in real world. We conducted this study based on 35-years of experience at a single center to find out predictors of renal relapse in Korean patients with LN after achieving complete response (CR).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, laboratory, pathologic and therapeutic parameters in 296 patients of LN who reached CR. The cumulative risk and the independent risk factors for renal relapse were examined by Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period from CR was 123 months. Renal relapse had occurred in 157 patients. Renal relapse occurred in 38.2%, 57.6% and 67.9% of patients within 5-, 10-, and 20-year, respectively. The age at diagnosis of SLE and LN were significantly younger, and the proportions of severe proteinuria and serum hypoalbuminemia were higher in patients with renal relapse. Interestingly, the proportion of receiving cytotoxic maintenance treatment was higher in patients with renal relapse. In Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, only young-age onset of LN (by 10 years, HR = 0.779, p = 0.007) was identified to independent predictor of renal relapse.

CONCLUSION

Young-age onset of LN was only independent predictor and the patients with severe proteinuria and serum hypoalbuminemia also tended to relapse more, despite of sufficient maintenance treatment. Studies on more effective maintenance treatment regimens and duration are needed to reduce renal relapse.

Kidney involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: From the patient assessment to a tailored treatment

In the last few years, several studies have provided new evidence for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with lupus nephritis. Evidence showing dissociation between clinical and histological findings has prompted reevaluation of the role of the kidney biopsy as a tool for diagnosis and follow-up. In therapeutics, four immunosuppressive schemes now have supporting evidence for use as initial therapy. Current challenges include individualized selection of the best immunosuppressive regimen, an unmet need for non-invasive biomarkers of disease activity to inform treatment responses and guide subsequent therapy, holistic patient management in this complex, multisystem disease, and ultimately the development of more targeted therapies directed at specific effector pathways driving glomerular inflammation and damage in order to improve treatment response. In this communication, we review the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to lupus nephritis, as well as evaluation of response to therapy and disease control.

Management of Lupus Nephritis: New Treatments and Updated Guidelines

Management of lupus nephritis has evolved considerably over the past years. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of clinical trials that form the basis for the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes and EULAR/ERA-EDTA updated guidelines and present day trials that will change the landscape of lupus nephritis therapy in years to come. In addition, we highlight the issues related to cost of therapy, resistant disease, and downstream adverse effects of specific therapies.

Multidisciplinary approach to lupus nephritis: Clinical pearls, pitfalls, and positioning of newly-approved agents

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major course of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), best managed by a multidisciplinary group. To this end, we gathered a group of rheumatologists, nephrologists and a nephropathologist to review current evidence regarding diagnosis and management of LN. In this consensus paper, we summarize the key points from this meeting and provide practice guidelines for the management of kidney involvement in SLE, in view of emerging new data concerning novel agents approved recently. Renal biopsy is indispensable for the management of LN. Yet, important pearls and pitfalls need to be considered regarding indications and interpretation, which are summarized in informative tables. In new-onset LN, experts agreed that, although belimumab may be added from disease onset, patients with moderate to severe proliferative nephritis (defined as: NIH activity index > 5 plus ≥ 1 of the following: (i) NIH chronicity index > 2, (ii) proteinuria > 3 g/24 h, and (iii) increase in serum creatinine > 20%) may be more likely to benefit the most. In all other patients who have already started standard-of-care treatment with either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CY), belimumab could be considered in cases with an inadequate clinical response by 3 months, or in cases that experience a nephritic flare following initial response, or have an inability to reduce the dose of glucocorticoids. In all circumstances, the drug should be given as add-on therapy, that is, in combination with a standard-of-care therapy (MMF or CY). Voclosporin could be considered for up to 3 years, in combination with MMF, in patients with heavy proteinuria (well above the nephrotic range), wherein a quick reduction of protein loss in urine is desirable to avoid the complications of the nephrotic syndrome, either as part of the initial regimen, or in cases of inadequate reduction of proteinuria with MMF. In view of the potential scarring effects, long-term administration beyond the first year requires further documentation.

Weaning Maintenance Therapy in Lupus Nephritis: For Whom, When, and How?

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the main determinants of the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LN flares can lead to organ damage with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and impair patients' survival. The "treat-to-target" strategy, which aims at obtaining and maintaining remission or low disease activity of SLE to alleviate symptoms and prevent organ damage, also refers to the control of residual activity in the kidney. But damage in SLE can also come from treatments, and toxicities related to long-term use of treatments should be prevented. This may contribute to the frequent nonadherence in patients with SLE. The de-escalation or even weaning of treatments whenever possible, or "think-to-untreat" (T2U) strategy, is to be considered in patients with LN. This possibility of treatment weaning in LN was explored in retrospective cohorts, on the basis of long-term clinical remission. It was also proposed prospectively with a kidney-biopsy-based approach, combining clinical and pathologic remission to secure treatment weaning. The WIN-Lupus trial was the first randomized controlled trial comparing the continuation to the discontinuation of maintenance immunosuppressive therapy (IST) after 2 to 3 years in patients with LN in remission. It showed a higher risk of severe SLE flares in patients who discontinued treatment, but also a possibility of weaning without flare in some patients, who need to be better identified. We propose here a narrative review of the available literature on the weaning of treatment in LN and discuss how to secure a T2U strategy.

[General recommendations for the management of glomerular diseases-2023]

Glomerular diseases are associated with extrarenal complications, such as thromboembolism, cardiovascular events and particularly infections. A thorough knowledge of the various immunosuppressants and their associated toxicity profile is therefore of great importance. While nephrologists usually have extensive experience with calcineurin inhibitors and antimetabolites, two other compounds (rituximab, in severe cases cyclophosphamide) are used comparatively infrequently and will be discussed in more detail. Moreover, practical recommendations for the prevention of thromboembolism in states of nephrosis and for the prophylaxis of Pneumcystic jirovecii pneumonia are provided.

Protective effects of methylprednisolone-cyclophosphamide treatment on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Methylprednisolone (MP) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) combination treatment has shown great benefits in improving pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and high safety. Currently, the mechanism underlying the effects of MP-CTX on improving PF remains unclear. This study determined the effects of MP-CTX combination treatment on the modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and T-cell immunity in PF.

METHODS

PF rat models were induced by bleomycin stimulation. MP (3 mg/kg) and MP-CTX (MP: 3 mg/kg; CTX: 8 mg/kg) combination were administered in the PF + MP and PF + MP + CTX groups, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Ashcroft score, and Masson trichrome staining were performed to measure lung morphology in PF. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay were performed to quantify inflammatory factors. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels were determined using commercial kits. α-Smooth muscle actin (SMA) and collagen I levels were determined using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The T-cell count was evaluated using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

MP-CTX reduced lung injury, collagen deposition, and α-SMA and collagen I levels in a bleomycin-induced PF rat model. Additionally, MP-CTX decreased the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6) but increased the activities of SOD and GSH-PX. Furthermore, MP-CTX changed T-cell types in lung tissues, such as increasing CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ cell count.

CONCLUSIONS

MP-CTX combination treatment improved the degree of PF by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and improving T-cell immunity. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of MP-CTX on PF.

Clinical-Pathological Characteristics of Renal Injuries Identify Different Clusters in Patients With Antiphospholipid Antibodies

Introduction

Significant heterogeneity still exists in the nomenclature of renal involvement in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

We applied a hierarchical cluster analysis to determine subgroups of patients according to clinical, laboratory, and renal histology characteristics in a cohort of subjects with confirmed antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positivity and biopsy proven aPL-related renal injuries. Kidney outcomes were then assessed at 12 months.

Results

A total of 123 aPL-positive patients were included in the study (101 [82%] female, 109 [88.6%] with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], 14 (11.4%) with primary APS [PAPS]). Three clusters were identified. Twenty-three patients (18.7%) were included in the first cluster (cluster 1), characterized by a higher prevalence of glomerular capillary and arteriolar thrombi and fragmented red blood cells in the subendothelial space. Cluster 2 included 33 patients (26.8%) and showed a higher prevalence of fibromyointimal proliferative lesions as seen in hyperplastic vasculopathy. Cluster 3 was the largest (67 patients, mainly with SLE) and was characterized by higher prevalence of subendothelial edema, of both glomerular capillaries and arterioles.

Conclusion

Three different clusters of patients with aPL and renal injuries emerged from our study as follows: the first, with the worst renal prognosis, was associated with features of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), thrombosis, triple aPL positivity and higher adjusted Global APS Score (aGAPSS) values; the second, characterized by hyperplastic vasculopathy with an intermediate prognosis, was seen more frequently in patients with cerebrovascular manifestations; and the third, more benign in terms of outcomes and with no overt association with thrombotic features, was characterized by endothelial swelling in concomitant lupus nephritis (LN).

Combination strategies for lupus nephritis: facts and controversies

INTRODUCTION

There is an unmet need to improve the efficacy of therapeutic regimens in lupus nephritis (LN). Cocktail immunosuppressive therapy for the synergistic effect of individual drugs may enhance efficacy and enable dosage reduction. However, the potential increase in the risk of serious and opportunistic infections is a concern. Moreover, the timing of combination therapy, adoption of a step-up or step-down approach, and the choice of drugs is still controversial, partly related to the cost-effectiveness issue.

AREAS COVERED

Evidence of a combination of conventional, newer immunosuppressive, and biologic/targeted agents in LN.

EXPERT OPINION

Early combination of conventional regimens with anti-B cell activation factor (anti-BAFF) or calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) enhances the therapeutic effect without increasing serious adverse events in LN. However, combining anti-CD20 and anti-BAFF biologics appears to be less promising from the results of clinical trials. Initial combination strategy may be more cost-effective for patients at risk of treatment failure and renal function deterioration. With the availability of more options, the treat-to-target approach in LN is increasingly feasible and further studies are needed to compare the step-up and step-down approaches in the treatment of LN.

Low- Versus High-dose Cyclophosphamide in Class III/IV Lupus Nephritis: A Retrospective Study from South Asia

Introduction

The comparative efficacy of low-dose cyclophosphamide (LD-CYC) and high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-CYC) for treatment of lupus in South Asians is not well established. We aimed to compare treatment outcomes in South Asian patients with class III and IV lupus nephritis treated with either regimen.

Method

This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted in Sri Lanka. Patients with biopsy-proven class III or IV lupus nephritis were recruited. The HD-CYC group was defined as having received ≥6 doses of 0.5-1 g/m2 cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by quarterly doses. The LD-CYC group was defined as having received six doses of 500 mg CYC at two-weekly intervals. The primary outcome was treatment failure defined as persistent nephrotic range proteinuria or renal impairment at 6 months.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were recruited (HD-CYC 34, LD-CYC 33), all South Asian ethnicity. The HD-CYC group had received treatment between 2000 and 2013, and the LD-CYC group from 2013 onward. The HD-CYC and LD-CYC groups had 30/33 (90.9%) and 31/34 (91.2%) females, respectively. Nephrotic syndrome and nephrotic range proteinuria on presentation were seen in 22/33 (67%) and 20/32 (62%) in the HD-CYC and LD-CYC groups, respectively, and renal impairment was seen in 5/33 (15%) of the HD-CYC group and 7/32 (22%) of the LD-CYC group (P > 0.05). Treatment failure and complete or partial remission occurred in 7/34 (21%) and 28/34 (82%), respectively, of HD-CYC and 10/33 (30%) and 24/33 (73%), respectively, of LD-CYC (P > 0.05). Adverse events rates were similar.

Conclusion

This study suggests that LD-CYC and HD-CYC induction is comparable in South Asian patients with class III and IV lupus nephritis.

[A multicenter study on the tolerance of intravenous low-dose cyclophosphamide in systemic lupus erythematosus]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety of low-dose cyclophosphamide and high-dose cyclophosphamide in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A total of 1 022 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from 24 hospitals in China between March 2017 to July 2018 were enrolled. Their clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, adverse events, reasons for stopping receiving intravenous cyclophosphamide and comorbidities were collected. Among them, 506 SLE patients received short-interval low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy (SILD IV-CYC, 400 mg every two weeks), and 256 patients underwent high-dose cyclophosphamide therapy (HD IV-CYC, 500 mg/m² of body surface area every month), the side effects between the two groups were compared, the remaining 260 SLE patients were treated with IV-CYC irregularly. Moreover, a total of 377 patients in SILD IV-CYC group and 214 patients in HD IV-CYC group had medical records of the reasons for stopping recei-ving IV-CYC. The reasons for stopping receiving IV-CYC in these two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

In this study, only 40.27%(238/591)of the SLE patients stopped receiving intravenous cyclophosphamide for the causes of disease improvement, however, up to 33.67% (199/591) of the patients for the reason of drug-related side effects. There were 83 patients out of 214 (38.79%) with high-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide treatment who stopped receiving IV-CYC for the drug-related side effects, which was significantly higher than that in the low-dose cyclophosphamide group (30.77%, 116/337, P=0.048). Of theses 506 patients in SILD IV-CYC group, 88 (17.39%) patients experienced gastrointestinal reactions, 66 (13.04%) suffered from infections, 49 (9.68%) had myelosuppression and 68 (13.44%) had alopecia, respectively. Among the 256 patients in the HD IV-CYC group, 80 (31.25%) experienced gastrointestinal reactions, 57 (22.27%) suffered from infections, 51 (19.92%) had myelosuppression and 49 (19.14%) had alopecia. Moreover, 71 (25.18%) of 282 female patients with age between 16 to 45 years in SILD IV-CYC group had abnormal menstruation, while menstrual disorder occurred in 39.72% (56/141) patients of HD IV-CYC group. There was no difference of drug-induced hepatic injury, hemorrhagic cystitis and fatigue between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose cyclophosphamide showed a lower prevalence of adverse events than high-dose cyclophosphamide in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

The history of lupus throughout the ages

The word lupus (Latin term for the wolf) was used indistinctively since the Middle Ages for several types of diseases characterized by ulcerous lesions, mainly in the lower limbs. In the middle of the 18th century, the French dermatologist Cazenave mentioned for the first time the term "lupus érythémateux," while Kaposi reported discoid lupus as a separate entity. The true turning point in the history of lupus occurred at the beginning of the 19th century, when the distinction between lupus vulgaris and cutaneous lupus in its modern sense emerged slowly. Major subsequent contributions from Kaposi, Sequiera and Balean, and Osler enabled the recognition of the systemic nature of the disease, with its modern history being marked by the recognition of DNA as the main target of antinuclear antibodies and the central role of interferons. Although many nonpharmacologic treatments have been used throughout the ages, glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, and immunosuppressive agents mainly appeared in the second half of the 20th century. The beginning of the 21st century is now characterized by an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and the appearance of biologic and targeted treatments, paving the way for a better care of lupus patients.

Comparison of short interval and low dose (SILD) with high dose of cyclophosphamide in the susceptibility to infection in SLE: a multicentrereal-world study

Objective

Infection is a major cause of death in patients with SLE. This study aimed to explore the infection rate in patients with SLE receiving a low dose of intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV-CYC).

Methods

Clinical parameters of 1022 patients with SLE from 24 hospitals in China were collected. Patients were divided into the short-interval and lower-dose (SILD, 400 mg every 2 weeks) IV-CYC group and the high-dose (HD, 500 mg/m2of body surface area every month) IV-CYC group. The clinical data and infection rate between the two groups were compared.

Results

Compared with HD IV-CYC, the infection rate of the SILD IV-CYC group was significantly lower (13.04% vs 22.27%, p=0.001). Respiratory tract infection (10.28% vs 15.23%, p=0.046) and skin/soft tissue infection (1.78% vs 4.3%, p=0.040) were significantly decreased in the SILD IV-CYC group. Moreover, infections occurred most likely in patients with SLE with leucopenia (OR 2.266, 95% CI 1.322 to 3.887, p=0.003), pulmonary arterial hypertension (OR 2.756, 95% CI 1.249 to 6.080, p=0.012) and >15 mg/day of glucocorticoid (OR 2.220, 95% CI 1.097 to 4.489, p=0.027).

Conclusions

SILD IV-CYC showed a lower frequency of infection events than high-dose IV-CYC in patients with SLE.

Immunosuppressive therapy versus supportive care in IgA nephropathy patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease

The use of immunosuppressive therapy for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is controversial. We performed a monocentric retrospective study on 83 consecutive IgAN patients with stage 3 or 4 CKD and proteinuria ≥0.75 g/d (age 41 [33-56] years, 72% male, estimated glomerular filtration rate 36.1 [25.4-47.5] mL/min/1.73 m2) who received uncontrolled supportive care (Supp) (n = 36), corticosteroids/corticotherapy (CS) (n = 14), or CS combined with monthly pulses of cyclophosphamide (CS + CFM) (n = 33) between 2010 and 2017. Patients were followed until composite endpoint (doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage kidney disease (dialysis or kidney transplant) or death, whichever came first) or end of study (January 2020). Patients were followed for a median of 29 (95% confidence interval = 25.2-32.7) months, and 12 (15%) patients experienced the composite endpoint. Within the limitation of a retrospective study, our results suggest no benefit from immunosuppressive therapy in patients with IgAN with stage 3 and 4 CKD as compared with supportive care. There were no differences between the 3 studied groups regarding age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, Oxford classification score, arterial hypertension, and therapy with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Mean kidney survival time for the entire cohort was 81.0 (95% confidence interval = 73.1-89.0) months, without significant differences between the 3 groups. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for IgAN progression factors, immunosuppressive therapy was not associated with better kidney survival when compared with supportive therapy.

Severe lupus nephritis in the present days

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is a chronic autoimmune disease. Despite improvement in patient and renal prognosis, the disease continued to be associated with a high rate of end stage kidney disease. Along the last decades, it seems that the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have progressively changed. The forms with renal insufficiency at presentation seem to have progressively reduced in developed countries in favour of more mild clinical presentations with urinary abnormalities only. To this clinical change does not correspond a less severe histological lesions, in fact, the extent of active lesions at kidney biopsy are unchanged, whereas chronic lesions are becoming less frequent and less severe. Meanwhile, new types of severe LN defined by the variable association of demographic, clinical, histological characteristics at diagnosis or during the follow-up are gradually emerging and require attention in assessing the therapy and prognosis. During the last years, randomized controlled trials have reported the efficacy of new drugs in association with standard therapy to improve the rate of short- and medium-term renal response. One of the advantages is that these results were obtained with reduced dosage of corticosteroids whose protracted use is associated with increase of chronic organ damage. Optimization of therapeutical strategies, tailored on the demographic clinical and histological characteristics, with combination of old and new drugs are urgently needed for severe LN.

Predictors of increase in chronicity index and of kidney function impairment at repeat biopsy in lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

Based on available data, the histological predictors of long-term outcome of lupus nephritis (LN) are not clearly defined. Aims of this retrospective study were: (i) to evaluate the change of chronicity index from the first to second kidney biopsy and to find the predictors of chronicity index increase and (ii) to detect the clinical/histological features at first and at second kidney biopsy associated with long-term kidney function impairment.

METHODS

Among 203 biopsy proven LN subjects, 61 repeated kidney biopsy 49 months after the first biopsy. The reasons for repeated biopsy were: nephritic flares in 25 (41%), proteinuric flares in 21 (36%) of patients and protocol biopsy in 14 (23%) of cases.

RESULTS

During 23-year follow-up, 25 patients presented a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30%. At repeat biopsy, chronicity index increased in 44 participants (72%) and did not increase in 17 (28%). Nephritic syndrome and serum creatinine >1.6 mg/dL at presentation correlated with chronicity index increase (p=0.031, 0.027, respectively), cyclophosphamide therapy tended to protect against chronicity index increase (p=0.059). Kidney flares occurred in 53.6% of patients with vs 23.5% of those without chronicity index increase (p=0.035). Chronicity index increases of 3.5 points in patients with kidney flares vs 2 in those without flares (p=0.001). At second, but not at first kidney biopsy, two different models predicted eGFR decrease at multivariate analysis. The first included activity index >3 (OR: 3.230; p=0.013) and chronicity index >4 (OR: 2.905; p=0.010), and the second model included moderate/severe cellular/fibrocellular crescents (OR: 4.207; p=0.010) and interstitial fibrosis (OR: 2.525; p=0.025).

CONCLUSION

At second biopsy, chronicity index increased in 3/4 of participants. Its increase was predicted by kidney dysfunction at presentation and occurrence of LN flares. Kidney function impairment was predicted by both activity and chronicity index and by some of their components at repeated biopsy, but not at first biopsy.

A Histology-Guided Approach to the Management of Patients with Lupus Nephritis: Are We There Yet?

Renal involvement is a frequent complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It occurs in up to two-thirds of patients, often early during the disease course, and is the most important predictor of the morbidity and mortality of SLE patients. Despite tremendous improvements in the approach of the lupus nephritis (LN) therapy, including the recent approval of two new disease-modifying therapies, up to 50% of patients do not obtain a renal response and up to 25% will eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 10 years of diagnosis. Given the lack of correlation between clinical features and histological lesions, there is an increasing need for a histology-guided approach to the management of patients with LN. Apart from the initial diagnosis of type and severity of renal injury in SLE, the concept of a repeat kidney biopsy (either in a for-cause or a per-protocol scenario) has begun to gain increasing popularity in the nephrology community. Herein, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the most important areas of utility of the kidney biopsy in patients with LN.

Revisited Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis of LN is complex, and the majority causes of LN are the renal deposition of circulating or/and in situ-formed immune complexes. These immune complexes trigger glomerular and tubulointerstitial inflammation, which finally leads to proteinuria and loss of renal function. Despite the emergence of new biological agents, cyclophosphamide (CY), an alkylating agent, is still the first-line drug widely used to treat patients with severe LN. In this review, we outline the application history, molecular structure, and pharmacokinetics of CY in the treatment of LN. We also detail its latest known immunopharmacological mechanisms, with a focus on supplemental regulation and inhibition of CD4 and CD8 positive T cells, differences in the use of various guidelines, and the combination with other drugs. The side effects of CY are also mentioned in this review.

Adsorption Properties and Quantum Molecular Descriptors of the Anti-cancer Drug Cytophosphane on the Armchair Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A DFT Study

Abstract:

In the current work, the adsorption of cytophosphane (cytophosphane is a chemotherapeutic drug and is used to treat several specific autoimmune diseases and malignant processes) on the (5,5) SWCNT was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations in terms of geometry, energy gap, charge transfer, molecular electrostatic potential surface, and density of state analysis. The behavior of the binding properties and the electronic structures revealed that the cytophosphane molecule could be adsorbed on the SWCNT by the adsorption energy of approximately -100.3 kcal mol-1. Also, it was found that the electronic properties of the SWCNT are very sensitive to the presence of cytophosphane molecules so that the energy gap of the nanotube is changed about 61% after the adsorption process. Based on calculated results, the SWCNT is expected to be suitable as a drug carrier for the delivery of cytophosphane drug.

Lupus Nephritis: Improving Treatment Options

Despite improvements in patient and renal death rates following the introduction of potent immunosuppressive drugs in earlier decades, a sizeable fraction of patients with lupus nephritis is burdened with suboptimal or delayed responses, relapses, chronic use of glucocorticoids and accrual of renal (chronic renal insufficiency) and extra-renal organ damage. The recently approved combinatory treatments comprising belimumab or voclosporin added to conventional agents, especially mycophenolate, hold promise for further improving disease outcomes and enabling a faster steroid tapering, thus being relevant to the treat-to-target context. However, it remains uncertain whether these dual regimens should become the first-line choice for all patients or instead be prioritized to certain subgroups. In the present article, we summarize the existing lupus nephritis management recommendations, followed by a critical appraisal of the randomized trials of belimumab and voclosporin, as well as the available data on obinutuzumab and other novel compounds under development. We conclude that pending the identification of accurate clinical, histological, or translational predictors for guiding personalized decisions, it is of utmost importance that lupus nephritis patients are monitored closely with appropriate treatment adjustments aiming at a prompt, deep response to ensure long-term preservation of kidney function.

Controversies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Are We Treating Our Patients Adequately?

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by great clinical heterogeneity. The objectives of its management are to make a timely diagnosis and to initiate treatment as promptly as possible so organ damage can be avoided while at the same time exposure to potentially toxic drugs is minimized so that its overall course and outcome improve. In reviewing the current literature, it became quite clear that there are specific topics in which controversies do exist. These include how to treat patients with incomplete lupus erythematosus, the real possibility of abandoning altogether the use of oral glucocorticoids, and the pros and cons of the use of cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil for the induction treatment of lupus nephritis. Herein we discuss different points of view regarding these still unresolved issues; these comments represent a debate that took place during the PANLAR Virtual Congress (Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology) and that was organized by the PANLAR Lupus study group, GLADEL (Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio del Lupus) on September 19, 2020.

Low dosage use of cyclophosphamide improves the survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of cyclophosphamide (CYC) on organ involvement and SLE patients' overall and cause-specific mortality.

METHODS

Information about CYC prescription was taken from the Jiangsu Lupus database, which was set up to collect medical records from SLE patients since their first admission during 1999-2009 in Jiangsu province, China. Follow-up studies were carried out in 2010 and 2015 to check the survival status of the patients. Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI. Kaplan-Meier model was used to assess the effect of CYC on mortality between organ involvement and non-involvement.

RESULTS

There were 221 deaths observed out of 2446 SLE patients. CYC users decreased overall mortality of SLE (8.4%) with adjusted HR (95% CI) of 0.74 (0.56-0.97), as compared to non-users. A decrease in overall mortality of SLE was found in the low dosage (< 600 mg) of CYC users, with adjusted HR (95% CI) of 0.54 (0.36-0.81). The protection of CYC on mortality of SLE was further observed in subgroups, such as female; SLEDAI score ≥ 15 group; and those with neuropsychiatric, renal, and hematological involvements, and low serum C3. In addition, CYC could eliminate the differences in mortality between organ involvement and non-involvement, including renal, neuropsychiatric, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and hematological involvement, but not for mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal involvement.

CONCLUSION

Low dosage use of CYC decreased the risk of overall mortality of SLE. CYC might improve the survival of SLE patients with renal, neuropsychiatric, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and hematological involvements. Key Points • Cyclophosphamide decreases overall mortality of SLE patients. • Decreased mortality is mainly observed from low dosage use of cyclophosphamide. • Cyclophosphamide improves the survival of SLE patients when major systems such as renal, neuropsychiatric, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and hematological are involved.

Mechanism of Action and Efficacy of Immunosupressors in Lupus Nephritis

Approximately 70% of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus will have clinical evidence of kidney damage during their evolution. Patients with impaired renal function at onset and those with recurrent flares have a poor prognosis. Understanding the mechanism of action of immunosuppressants is essential for proper prescription. Steroids inhibit the DNA sequence that promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines. Phosphoramide mustard, metabolite of cyclophosphamide, cross-link with the DNA, causing the aggregation of an alkyl group, causing cell death. Mycophenolate inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, prevents de novo synthesis of guanine, inducing cell arrest in S phase. Azathioprine blocks the synthesis of purines and induces apoptosis. Calcineurin inhibitors prevent the dephosphorylation of NFAT and reduce the production of interleukin 2. Antimalarials alter the enzymatic release of lysosomes by increasing intravesicular pH. The mechanism of action of rituximab is related to complement-dependent cytotoxicity and the elimination of anti-CD20-labeled B cells. Progress in the knowledge and management of low doses of steroids may change the current paradigm and reduce the frequency of related adverse events. Mycophenolate seems to be a better choice than cyclophosphamide for induction, it is also preferred over azathioprine as a maintenance immunosuppressive agent, although azathioprine is preferred in women with a desire for conception, those pregnant, or with low resources. For treatment-resistant cases, tacrolimus, rituximab or belimumab may be effective. Ongoing clinical trials with new drugs offer promising results.

Differences in rituximab use between pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists for the treatment of refractory lupus nephritis and renal flare in childhood-onset SLE

BACKGROUND

Consensus treatment plans have been developed for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. However, patients who do not respond to initial therapy, or who develop renal flare after remission, warrant escalation of treatment. Our objective was to assess current practices of pediatric nephrologists and rheumatologists in North America in treatment of refractory proliferative LN and flare.

METHODS

Members of Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) and the American Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) were surveyed in November 2015 to assess therapy choices (other than modifying steroid dosing) and level of agreement between rheumatologists and nephrologists for proliferative LN patients. Two cases were presented: (1) refractory disease after induction treatment with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide (CYC) and (2) nephritis flare after initial response to treatment. Survey respondents chose treatments for three follow up scenarios for each case that varied by severity of presentation. Treatment options included CYC, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), rituximab (RTX), and others, alone or in combination.

RESULTS

Seventy-six respondents from ASPN and foty-one respondents from CARRA represented approximately 15 % of the eligible members from each organization. Treatment choices between nephrologists and rheumatologists were highly variable and received greater than 50 % agreement for an individual treatment choice in only the following 2 of 6 follow up scenarios: 59 % of nephrologists, but only 38 % of rheumatologists, chose increasing dose of MMF in the case of LN refractory to induction therapy with proteinuria, hematuria, and improved serum creatinine. In a follow up scenario showing severe renal flare after achieving remission with induction therapy, 58 % of rheumatologists chose CYC and RTX combination therapy, whereas the top choice for nephrologists (43 %) was CYC alone. Rheumatologists in comparison to nephrologists chose more therapy options that contained RTX in all follow up scenarios except one (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy choices for pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists in the treatment of refractory LN or LN flare were highly variable with rheumatologists more often choosing rituximab. Further investigation is necessary to delineate the reasons behind this finding. This study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in developing consensus treatment plans for pediatric LN.

Voclosporin: a novel calcineurin inhibitor for the management of lupus nephritis

INTRODUCTION

Kidney survival rates in lupus nephritis (LN) remain suboptimal, with 10-20% of patients progressing to end-stage kidney disease by 10-20 years. Recently, the landscape of LN management has changed with the advent of new molecules that have demonstrated safety and efficacy in clinical trials.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we approach the current state of LN management, the unmet therapeutic needs, and deep dive into voclosporin, a novel calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) that has demonstrated improved efficacy when added to a mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and glucocorticoid regimen, without an increase in adverse events. We focus on the characteristics of this new CNI and the studies that led to its approval by the US FDA.

EXPERT OPINION

Voclosporin adds to therapeutic options for LN. This drug offers potential advantages over other CNIs. The addition of voclosporin to a standard-of-care regimen of MMF/glucocorticoids demonstrated higher and faster response rates. As other regimens, a combination of CNI, MMF, and glucocorticoids must be individualized and is not appropriate for all patients. Some questions remain to be answered for this regimen, such as the length of treatment, the tapering schedule, and its long-term safety and efficacy for preserving kidney function.

Cyclophosphamide-associated bladder cancers and considerations for survivorship care: A systematic review

PURPOSE

We performed a systematic review to assess the clinical features of cyclophosphamide-associated bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to August 2020 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies that associated bladder cancer with prior cyclophosphamide use on an individual level were included.

RESULTS

We identified 121 studies spanning over a 50-year period with 285 patients. The most common malignant indication for cyclophosphamide was lymphoma (25%), while the most common non-malignant indication was ANCA-associated vasculitides (26%). Hematuria and dysuria were the most prevalent symptoms prior to a cyclophosphamide-associated bladder cancer diagnosis, and median age at diagnosis was 55 years. Conventional urothelial carcinoma (UC) was the most common bladder-associated diagnosis (74%), although a broad range of cancer types were represented, notably leiomyosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. About half of bladder cancers were muscle invasive at diagnosis and median latency time was 10.0 years; 33% of patients had a bladder cancer related death.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the largest pooled analysis of patients with cyclophosphamide-associated bladder cancer. These bladder cancers have a propensity for younger age at diagnosis, more advanced stage at diagnosis, and variant histology. There was a substantial number of patients with latency time of ≥20 years independent of cumulative cyclophosphamide dose. These findings support consideration of screening and long-term surveillance of cancer survivors with a history of cyclophosphamide therapy for bladder cancer.

Comparison of Different Uses of Cyclophosphamide in Lupus Nephritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to compare the relative efficacy and safety of different uses of cyclophosphamide (CYC) in lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE and PubMed for articles from the database till June 2018.

RESULTS

12 randomized controlled trials with 994 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that the short-interval lower-dose intravenous CYC regime remarkably reduced 24-hour proteinuria [mean difference (MD) -0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.62 to -0.27; I2 0%], incidence of major infections [odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.95; I2 42%], gonadal toxicity (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.62; I2 0%), and leukopenia (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.94, I2 0%), while high-dose regime had an obvious lower probability of doubling of serum creatinine (Scr) level (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.19 to 4.95; I2 0%). However, the difference in the complete and total remission rates between the two regimens was not observed.

CONCLUSION

The result suggested that the short-interval lower-dose CYC regime remarkably reduced 24-hour proteinuria and the incidence of adverse events, while the long-course high-dose regime played a significant role in reducing the rate of doubling Scr level.

Stem Cell Therapy as a Treatment for Autoimmune Disease-Updates in Lupus, Scleroderma, and Multiple Sclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Evidence for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in autoimmune disease has been building since the 1990s; however, many clinicians may not yet be aware of its applications to autoimmune disease. We review the basic tenets of HCT and evidence for autologous HCT in multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and lupus with an emphasis on recent advanced phase trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

In MS, the phase 3 randomized MIST trial and the phase 2 randomized ASTIMS trial demonstrated the efficacy of autologous HCT in refractory MS over disease-modifying therapies and mitoxantrone, respectively. In SSc, the phase 3 randomized ASTIS trial and the phase 2 randomized SCOT trial demonstrated the efficacy of autologous HCT in advanced SSc compared to cyclophosphamide. The evidence for HCT in autoimmune diseases continues to grow, particularly in MS and SSc. In lupus, large, comparative trials are still needed. Across autoimmune diseases, questions that still remain to be answered include optimizing patient selection to limit TRM, the appropriate use of MAC, and the necessity for graft manipulation. Furthermore, collaboration between disease-specific and transplant physicians is imperative to expand the appropriate use of HCT in routine clinical practice.

Relevance of immunomodulatory therapy for interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that prominently leads to skin and tissue fibrosis. The efficacy of autologous stem cell transplantation not only attests to the autoimmune pathophysiology for systemic sclerosis, but also for interstitial lung disease as its most frequent manifestation of fatal organ involvement. Accordingly, a variety of immunomodulatory therapies were tried on patients with systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease. Until very recently, all of these therapeutic approaches constituted off-label treatment for systemic sclerosis, given that neither of these therapies was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency. For tocilizumab, this has now changed with FDA approval in March 2021. Already 2020, nintedanib, which is an antifibrotic drug that does not target autoimmunity, became the first approved drug for interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis. The present review analyzes the evidence for immunomodulatory treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. The review focuses on randomized controlled trials, which provides evidence for the effects of drugs such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, rituximab and tocilizumab.

Correlation between the clinical remission and histological remission in repeat biopsy findings of quiescent proliferative lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

The optimal duration of maintenance therapy is controversial in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN). Discordance between clinical parameters of renal remission and histological findings has made repeat biopsy a compulsory tool to confirm the histological remission (HR), but the timing is debatable. Aim of this study was to find the correlation of sustained complete clinical remission (CR) in sever lupus nephritis with histological findings on repeat kidney biopsy and appropriate duration of treatment in maintenance phase after achieving complete clinical remission.

METHODS

Repeated kidney biopsy (biopsy 2) was performed on patients of biopsy proven (biopsy 1) proliferative LN who had been in CR for at least 2-years. The clinical and histologic findings of these groups (biopsy 1 and biopsy 2) were compared. Total 29 patients were included for the final analysis. Group 2 was further divided as per the duration of sustained CR (>48 months & <48 months). Regression analysis were used to find predictors of the HR.

RESULTS

Average time taken to achieve CR was 9(range 2-24) months. Average duration of follow up and maintenance therapy was 68 ± 17.8 and 62.5 ± 14.2 months respectively. In the repeat kidney biopsy, HR was observed in 93.1% patients. Immunofluorescence study (IF) was normal in 72% of the patients. Normal light microscopy (LM) findings were observed in 58% patients. Transformation from proliferative to nonproliferative LN was noted in 82% cases. Other than the duration of CR on maintenance therapy and blood pressure, rest of the variables failed to predict HR. In sustained remission for more than 48-months group, 100% patients achieved HR whereas only 84% in 24-48-months group.

CONCLUSION

Sustained CR on maintenance immunosuppressive therapy for more than 48-months duration predicts HR in repeat kidney biopsy findings in quiescent proliferative LN. Hence the minimum duration of maintenance therapy in proliferative LN should be at least for another 48 months after achieving CR.

Corticosteroids are the major contributors to the risk for serious infections in autoimmune disorders with severe renal involvement

INTRODUCTION

We sought to investigate the infection profile and associated risk factors in a compiled cohort of patients with autoimmune disorders with severe renal involvement treated with aggressive immunosuppressive (IS) regimens.

METHODS

A total of 162 patients with aggressive glomerulonephritis [101 with lupus nephritis (LN), 24 with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CryoVasc), and 37 with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV)] were retrospectively reviewed for any infection occurrence. Infection incidence, type, site, and grade (1-5) were recorded. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for infections.

RESULTS

A total of 179 infection episodes occurred during a follow-up of 468 patient-years. Eighty-two patients (50.6%) had at least one infection. The incidence rates of infections and severe infections were 38.2 and 14.3 events per 100 patient-years. Patients with AAV had more infections than those with CryoVasc and LN (100.6, 47.5, and 26.6 infections per 100-patient-years, respectively; p = 0.002). Most patients developed infections early during the initial induction therapy (62.1% in the first 6 months of follow-up). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high-dose oral corticosteroids (≥ 0.5 mg/kg/day in the first month of induction therapy) was an independent predictor of any infection (HR 2.66; 95% CI, 1.5-4.73), severe infections (HR 2.45; 95% CI, 1.03-5.82), and pulmonary infections (HR 2.91; 95% CI, 1.05-8.01). Pulmonary involvement increased the risk for pulmonary infections (HR 3.67; 95% CI, 1.32-10.1) and severe infections (HR 2.45; 95% CI, 1.01-5.92).

CONCLUSION

Infections occur frequently with current IS regimens in aggressive glomerulonephritis. Pulmonary involvement and high-dose corticosteroid regimen were the most significant risk factors for infections. Key Points • Infections occur frequently with current immunosuppressive regimens in autoimmune aggressive glomerulonephritis. • High-dose corticosteroids are the major contributors to the risk for serious infections.

Per-protocol repeat kidney biopsy portends relapse and long-term outcome in incident cases of proliferative lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

In patients with LN, clinical and histological responses to treatment have been shown to be discordant. We investigated whether per-protocol repeat kidney biopsies are predictive of LN relapses and long-term renal function impairment.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with incident biopsy-proven active proliferative (class III/IV±V) LN from the database of the UCLouvain were included in this retrospective study. Per-protocol repeat biopsies were performed after a median [interquartile range (IQR)] time of 24.3 (21.3-26.2) months. The National Institutes of Health activity index (AI) and chronicity index (CI) scores were assessed in all biopsies.

RESULTS

Despite a moderate correlation between urinary protein/creatinine ratios (UPCR) and AI scores at repeat biopsy (r = 0.48; P = 0.001), 10 patients (23.8%) with UPCR < 1.0 g/g still had a high degree of histological activity (AI > 3). High AI scores (continuous) in repeat biopsies were associated with an increased probability and/or shorter time to renal relapse (n = 11) following the repeat biopsy [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.3; P = 0.007], independently of proteinuria levels. High CI scores (continuous) in repeat biopsies were associated with a sustained increase in serum creatinine levels corresponding to ≥120% of the baseline value (HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9; P = 0.016) through a median (IQR) follow-up time of 131.5 (73.8-178.2) months, being also the case for acute tubulointerstitial inflammation and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy in repeat but not baseline biopsies.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the usefulness of per-protocol repeat biopsies, herein performed after a median time of 24 months from baseline, as an integral part of the treatment evaluation, also in patients showing adequate clinical response.

Treating systemic lupus erythematosus in the 21st century: new drugs and new perspectives on old drugs

Besides treating acute flares, the management of SLE should aim at preventing organ damage accrual and drug-associated harms, improving health-related quality of life and prolonging survival. At present, therapy is based on combinations of antimalarials (mainly HCQ), considered the backbone of SLE treatment, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs. However, these regimens are not universally effective and a substantial degree of damage can be caused by exposure to glucocorticoids. In this review we provide a critical appraisal of the efficacy and safety of available treatments as well as a brief discussion of potentially novel compounds in patients with SLE. We emphasize the use of methylprednisolone pulses for moderate–severe flares, followed by low–moderate doses of oral prednisone with quick tapering to maintenance doses of ≤5 mg/day, as well as the prompt institution of immunosuppressive drugs in the setting of severe disease but also as steroid-sparing agents. Indications for the use of biologic agents, namely belimumab and rituximab, in refractory or organ-threatening disease are also presented. We conclude by proposing evidence- and experience-based treatment strategies tailored to the clinical scenario and prevailing organ involvement that can aid clinicians in managing this complex disease.

Long term follow-up of Behçet's syndrome patients treated with cyclophosphamide

OBJECTIVES

CYC remains an important treatment option for Behçet's syndrome (BS) patients with life-threatening manifestations. However, adverse events may occur with CYC and this has led to increased use of biologic agents in other vasculitides. We investigated short and long term adverse events associated with CYC use in BS patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all BS patients treated with CYC between 1972 and 2006. Patients were called in and a standard form was used for collecting demographic characteristics, indication for CYC, its cumulative dose and short term adverse events, defined as those causing discontinuation of CYC, hospitalization and/or death, long term adverse events, including infertility and malignancy, and outcome.

RESULTS

Of 5790 BS patients, 198 (3.4%) had used at least one dose of CYC. Main indications were vascular or neurological involvement. After a median follow-up of 17 years, 52 (26%) patients had died, 113 (57%) could be contacted, and 33 (17%) were lost to follow-up. Vascular involvement was the leading cause of death (n = 27). Seventeen (9%) patients experienced short term adverse events with haemorrhagic cystitis being the most common. After a median follow-up of 25 years (interquartile range: 15-26 years), 17 malignancies occurred in 15 (8%) patients. Infertility was experienced by 26 (30%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Long term adverse events such as malignancy and infertility were major problems in our BS patients treated with CYC. These results underline the need for safer treatment modalities that are at least as effective as CYC.

Influence of glutathione S transferase A1 gene polymorphism (-69C > T, rs3957356) on intravenous cyclophosphamide efficacy and side effects: a case-control study in Egyptian patients with lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVES

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a cytotoxic drug of a narrow therapeutic window that is commonly used in lupus nephritis (LN) treatment. However, 30-40% of patients experience CYC resistance. CYC inactivation is mediated by the glutathione S transferases (GSTs) superfamily: GST class A (GSTA) has the greatest activity and contains 5 isoenzymes. Polymorphisms of genes involved in the drug metabolism could alter the drug pharmacokinetics and effectiveness. CYC pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics are extensively studied in malignancies; however, scarce data are available about this issue in the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Prediction of the drug response helps the achievement of the highest benefit-to-risk ratio. The aim of this case-control study was to address the association between GSTA1 polymorphism (-69C > T, rs3957356), and the rate of response to and side effects of intravenous CYC in LN patients.

METHODS

Ninety-four patients were included and divided into matched groups: resistant and responsive. Genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism method after amplification.

RESULTS

A significant association between the TT genotype, and CYC resistance and partial response was observed. Concerning the recessive model, none of the patients within the TT group achieved complete remission. CYC side effects were more common with the polymorphism under the genotype, recessive model, and allele distributions. When patients' pre- and post-treatment characteristics were compared, patients with the TT genotype did not show any significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

LN patients with GSTA1 (-69C > T, rs3957356) TT genotype have the highest risk of CYC unresponsiveness and toxicity. Key-Points • LN patients with the wild genotype of GSTA1 have the greatest probability of achieving a complete renal response to IV CYC. • The homozygous GSTA1 (-69C > T, rs3957356) TT genotype is associated with the highest risk of LN unresponsiveness to IV CYC. • The homozygous GSTA1 (-69C > T, rs3957356) TT genotype is associated with the highest risk of CYC-related side effects.

2019 Update of the Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis

OBJECTIVE

To update the 2012 EULAR/ERA-EDTA recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

Following the EULAR standardised operating procedures, a systematic literature review was performed. Members of a multidisciplinary Task Force voted independently on their level of agreeement with the formed statements.

RESULTS

The changes include recommendations for treatment targets, use of glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and management of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The target of therapy is complete response (proteinuria <0.5-0.7 g/24 hours with (near-)normal glomerular filtration rate) by 12 months, but this can be extended in patients with baseline nephrotic-range proteinuria. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended with regular ophthalmological monitoring. In active proliferative LN, initial (induction) treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF 2-3 g/day or mycophenolic acid (MPA) at equivalent dose) or low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY; 500 mg × 6 biweekly doses), both combined with glucocorticoids (pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone, then oral prednisone 0.3-0.5 mg/kg/day) is recommended. MMF/CNI (especially tacrolimus) combination and high-dose CY are alternatives, for patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria and adverse prognostic factors. Subsequent long-term maintenance treatment with MMF or azathioprine should follow, with no or low-dose (<7.5 mg/day) glucocorticoids. The choice of agent depends on the initial regimen and plans for pregnancy. In non-responding disease, switch of induction regimens or rituximab are recommended. In pure membranous LN with nephrotic-range proteinuria or proteinuria >1 g/24 hours despite renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade, MMF in combination with glucocorticoids is preferred. Assessment for kidney and extra-renal disease activity, and management of comorbidities is lifelong with repeat kidney biopsy in cases of incomplete response or nephritic flares. In ESKD, transplantation is the preferred kidney replacement option with immunosuppression guided by transplant protocols and/or extra-renal manifestations. Treatment of LN in children follows the same principles as adult disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We have updated the EULAR recommendations for the management of LN to facilitate homogenization of patient care.

The Evolving Role of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Treating Lupus Nephritis

The overall kidney survival among lupus nephritis patients has improved with currently used induction immunosuppression regimens of corticosteroids and either cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil; however, there still remains a significant number of lupus nephritis patients who do not achieve remission with these regimens. Investigators have looked at other immunosuppressive regimens for lupus nephritis, and there has been interest in the use of calcineurin inhibitors in this regard. Calcineurin inhibitors are potentially an attractive option because of their established ability to inhibit T cell function, attenuate proteinuria through non-immunologic means, and their safety in pregnancy and lactation. In this review, we discuss the findings and limitations of selected trials that evaluated the use of calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of lupus nephritis, either with corticosteroids alone or as a component of multitarget therapy when combined with mycophenolate mofetil. There may be a role for calcineurin inhibitors among patients with heavy proteinuria, as well as younger patients with refractory lupus nephritis. The multitarget therapy trials reveal higher rates of remission compared with mycophenolate mofetil alone and cyclophosphamide; however, some trials highlight the possibility of more infectious adverse events. We discuss the need for further study of calcineurin inhibitors in more diverse patient populations and the need for trials with longer follow-up with "hard" endpoints beyond proteinuria reduction, such as worsening CKD or repeat protocol biopsies, given the calcineurin inhibitors ability to reduce proteinuria non-immunologically and thus increased rate of relapse when the drug is tapered. While there may indeed be a space for calcineurin inhibitors to help increase remission rates in lupus nephritis patients, more work is needed to help address the questions the studies available to date have yet to answer.

Lupus Nephritis: Duration of Therapy and Possibility of Withdrawal

Lupus nephritis is the most common organ-threatening manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, affecting more than one-third of patients. Induction of remission and maintenance of relapse-free disease have been and continue to be a critical focus of investigation. Because the need for renal replacement therapy in those with an insufficient response to therapy is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality, providers and patients are willing to accept moderate to high levels of adverse events associated with treatment. Current standard-of-care regimens for induction and maintenance immunosuppression have led to resumption of adequate renal function and minimization of proteinuria for many patients. Current practice is to maintain maintenance immunosuppression indefinitely for fear of flare upon therapy withdrawal. For those with sustained quiescent disease after several years of maintenance therapy, the risk-to-benefit analysis for ongoing immunosuppression shifts toward an increasing consideration of the adverse effects of immunosuppressive agents. The time has come to begin to study, in a careful and controlled manner, the possibility of withdrawal of immunosuppressant therapy in patients with nephritis who have achieved sustained remission.