Predictors of Mortality in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Nationwide Analysis of Variables Associated With Sarcoid Inpatient Mortality

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem autoimmune disease that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify factors associated with in-hospital death for sarcoid patients on a national level.

METHODS

We performed a medical records review study of all adult sarcoid hospitalizations from 2016 to 2020 National Inpatient Sample database. A univariable screen followed by multivariable analysis was completed to identify predictors of in-hospital death among sarcoid patients.

RESULTS

There were 405,650 admissions with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, 10,210 of whom died. Multivariable analysis showed the following factors were independently associated with a higher odds of in-hospital death: age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.026-1.034), Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.066-1.116), male sex (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.101-1.331), other race (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.073-1.954), arrhythmia/heart blocks (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.617-1.995), cirrhosis/hepatic failure (OR, 8.26; 95% CI, 6.928-9.844), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (OR, 11.15; 95% CI, 4.172-29.802), infection (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 3.007-3.633), interstitial lung disease (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.193-1.438), heart failure/myocarditis (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.157-1.436), neurologic diagnoses (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.241-1.502), and pulmonary hypertension (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.305-1.652).

CONCLUSIONS

Our multiyear national analysis showed that 2.5% of hospital admissions with a sarcoid diagnosis ended in death. The following factors were associated with death: age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, male sex, other race, arrhythmia/heart blocks, cirrhosis/hepatic failure, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, infection, interstitial lung disease, heart failure/myocarditis, neurologic diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. This information can help clinicians by improving awareness of these life-threatening complications because early recognition and intervention may improve inpatient sarcoid outcomes.

Integrating VAI-Assisted Quantified CXRs and Multimodal Data to Assess the Risk of Mortality

To address the unmet need for a widely available examination for mortality prediction, this study developed a foundation visual artificial intelligence (VAI) to enhance mortality risk stratification using chest X-rays (CXRs). The VAI employed deep learning to extract CXR features and a Cox proportional hazard model to generate a hazard score ("CXR-risk"). We retrospectively collected CXRs from patients visited outpatient department and physical examination center. Subsequently, we reviewed mortality and morbidity outcomes from electronic medical records. The dataset consisted of 41,945, 10,492, 31,707, and 4441 patients in the training, validation, internal test, and external test sets, respectively. During the median follow-up of 3.2 (IQR, 1.2-6.1) years of both internal and external test sets, the "CXR-risk" demonstrated C-indexes of 0.859 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.851-0.867) and 0.870 (95% CI, 0.844-0.896), respectively. Patients with high "CXR-risk," above 85th percentile, had a significantly higher risk of mortality than those with low risk, below 50th percentile. The addition of clinical and laboratory data and radiographic report further improved the predictive accuracy, resulting in C-indexes of 0.888 and 0.900. The VAI can provide accurate predictions of mortality and morbidity outcomes using just a single CXR, and it can complement other risk prediction indicators to assist physicians in assessing patient risk more effectively.

Diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis comorbid with non-specific interstitial pneumonia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Although the imaging manifestations of pulmonary sarcoidosis have been described in detail in previous studies, a consensus has not been reached on the imaging presentation of non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) lookalike pattern as a distinct pattern in the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). No cases of pulmonary sarcoidosis comorbid with NSIP have been reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 53-year-old male presented to the hospital with a five-year history of recurrent coughing up sputum and a four-year history of shortness of breath. In addition to the typical features of pulmonary sarcoidosis, the patient's HRCT also showed unexpected interstitial changes in the lower lobes of both lungs, suggesting an NSIP pattern. Histopathology of the lung tissue in this region confirmed well-formed noncaseating epithelioid granulomas and pathological modifications of NSIP. After a rigorous exclusion diagnosis combining the patient's clinical features, radiological and pathological findings, we diagnosed this patient with pulmonary sarcoidosis comorbid with NSIP.

CONCLUSIONS

This suggests that NSIP may act as a rare comorbidity of pulmonary sarcoidosis thereby resulting in the patient's HRCT presenting differently from routine sarcoidosis imaging.

[Position paper of the Austrian Society for Rheumatology and the Austrian Society for Pneumology on the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis 2024]

In many cases sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease that requires interdisciplinary medical cooperation in the diagnostics, treatment and medical care during follow-up. Due to the often chronic course, it is of utmost importance to include patients with their priorities and wishes at an early stage and extensively in disease management and to establish a shared decision making whenever possible. In the process of writing this joint position paper, the expert group on interstitial and orphan lung diseases of the Austrian Society for Pulmonology and the working group on rheumatological lung disorders of the Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation sought to include patient advocacy groups as well as experts for rare organ manifestations of sarcoidosis. This position paper is not only meant to reflect current scientific and clinical standards but should also focus the national expertise and by networking and exchange to be a first step to strengthen cooperation between stakeholders to ultimately improve care for patients with sarcoidosis.

Clinical trials in pulmonary sarcoidosis; what is needed, what is happening and what is next?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is a clinical unmet need to improve treatment for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Both retrospective and prospective drug trials are hampered by the fact that patients with sarcoidosis are characterized by a heterogeneous presentation and disease course. In this review, an overview is given of different drug trials in pulmonary sarcoidosis with an emphasis on different primary endpoints and the problems related to them.

RECENT FINDINGS

In recent years, using significant input from patients with sarcoidosis, different task-forces/studies tried to develop a core set of most important outcomes to measure in future studies on treatment of sarcoidosis. Furthermore, at present, three major clinical trials are being conducted on new drugs for treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

SUMMARY

Progress has been made to develop a core set of outcomes measures that can be used in making a combined primary endpoint in future drug trials in sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary arteries stenosis - a case report

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is listed in Group 5 of the clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension, due to its complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. The most common cause of SAPH development is advanced lung fibrosis with the associated destruction of the vascular bed, and/or alveolar hypoxia. However, a substantial proportion of SAPH patients (up to 30%) do not have significant fibrosis on chest imaging. In such cases, the development of pulmonary hypertension may be due to the lesions directly affecting the pulmonary vasculature, such as granulomatous angiitis, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, chronic thromboembolism or external compression of vessels by enlarged lymph nodes. Based on the case of a 69-year-old female who developed SAPH due to pulmonary arteries stenosis, diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic management are discussed.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient, non-smoking female, diagnosed with stage II sarcoidosis twelve years earlier, presented with progressive dyspnoea on exertion, dry cough, minor haemoptysis and increasing oedema of the lower limbs. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showed complete occlusion of the right upper lobe artery and narrowing of the left lower lobe artery, with post-stenotic dilatation of the arteries of the basal segments. The vascular pathology was caused by adjacent, enlarged lymph nodes with calcifications and fibrotic tissue surrounding the vessels. Pulmonary artery thrombi were not found. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy and subsequently with balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Partial improvement in clinical status and hemodynamic parameters has been achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

An appropriate screening strategy is required for early detection of pulmonary hypertension in sarcoidosis patients. Once SAPH diagnosis is confirmed, it is crucial to determine the appropriate phenotype of pulmonary hypertension and provide the most effective treatment plan. Although determining SAPH phenotype is challenging, one should remember about the possibility of pulmonary arteries occlusion.

Computed tomography machine learning classifier correlates with mortality in interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

A machine learning classifier system, Fibresolve, was designed and validated as an adjunct to non-invasive diagnosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The system uses a deep learning algorithm to analyze chest computed tomography (CT) imaging. We hypothesized that Fibresolve is a useful predictor of mortality in interstitial lung diseases (ILD).

METHODS

Fibresolve was previously validated in a multi-site >500-patient dataset. In this analysis, we assessed the usefulness of Fibresolve to predict mortality in a subset of 228 patients with IPF and other ILDs in whom follow up data was available. We applied Cox regression analysis adjusting for the Gender, Age, and Physiology (GAP) score and for other known predictors of mortality in IPF. We also analyzed the role of Fibresolve as tertiles adjusting for GAP stages.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 2.8 years (range 5 to 3434 days), 89 patients died. After adjusting for GAP score and other mortality risk factors, the Fibresolve score significantly predicted the risk of death (HR: 7.14; 95% CI: 1.31-38.85; p = 0.02) during the follow-up period, as did forced vital capacity and history of lung cancer. After adjusting for GAP stages and other variables, Fibresolve score split into tertiles significantly predicted the risk of death (p = 0.027 for the model; HR 1.37 for 2nd tertile; 95% CI: 0.77-2.42. HR 2.19 for 3rd tertile; 95% CI: 1.22-3.93).

CONCLUSIONS

The machine learning classifier Fibresolve demonstrated to be an independent predictor of mortality in ILDs, with prognostic performance equivalent to GAP based solely on CT images.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sarcoidosis Interactions

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very prevalent in sarcoidosis patients. Sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract may affect upper airway patency and increase the risk of OSA. Weight gain due to steroid use, upper airway myopathy due to steroids and sarcoidosis itself, and interstitial lung disease with decreased upper airway patency are other reasons for the higher OSA prevalence seen in sarcoidosis. Several clinical manifestations such as fatigue, hypersomnolence, cognitive deficits, and pulmonary hypertension are common to both OSA and sarcoidosis. Therefore, early screening and treatment for OSA can improve symptoms and overall patient quality of life.

Sarcoidosis Mortality in North Carolina: Role of Region, Race, and Other Sociodemographic Variables

Background

There is regional variability in sarcoidosis mortality across the United States. North Carolina ranks highly in sarcoidosis-related mortality, especially among African Americans (AA). We sought to determine any regional variability of sarcoidosis-related mortality and the relationship to sociodemographic determinants of health in North Carolina.

Methods

Counties in North Carolina were categorized into three distinct geographic regions: Western, Piedmont, and Eastern. Sarcoidosis deaths were stratified by region, race, and gender. We conducted a mapping and cluster analysis utilizing ArcGIS; Global and Local Moran's I was used to determine the prevalence, spatial autocorrelation, and clustering of mortality vis-a-vis various sociodemographic variables, occupational/environmental exposures, and levels of atmospheric particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). Multivariate linear regression with exposure limited to the county level was used to determine the relationship between sarcoidosis mortality and the variables of interest.

Results

Eastern North Carolina (ENC) had the highest age-adjusted sarcoidosis mortality rate (1.16/100,000 versus 0.49/100,000 in Piedmont and 0.32/100,000 in the Western region) with statistically significant high-high mortality clusters (P < .001 for Global Moran's I). Several sociodemographic and occupational factors (proportion of AA, obese adults, and individuals working in nature) were more prevalent in ENC. Region and proportion of AA were the significant mortality predictors in our multivariate analysis.

Limitations

This was a cross-sectional study with exposure limited to the county level. Associations do not imply causality and risks cannot be extrapolated to the individual level.

Conclusion

There is regional variability of sarcoidosis mortality in North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina had the highest mortality with high-high mortality clusters.

Organ involvement in newly diagnosed sarcoidosis patients in the Netherlands: The first large European multicentre prospective study

BACKGROUND

Clinical presentation and prevalence of organ involvement is highly variable in sarcoidosis and depends on ethnic, genetic and geographical factors. These data are not extensively studied in a Dutch population.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of organ involvement and the indication for systemic immunosuppressive therapy in newly diagnosed sarcoidosis patients in the Netherlands.

METHODS

Two large Dutch teaching hospitals participated in this prospective cohort study. All adult patients with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis were prospectively included and a standardized work-up was performed. Organ involvement was defined using the WASOG instrument.

RESULTS

Between 2015 and 2020, a total of 330 patients were included, 55% were male, mean age was 46 (SD 14) years. Most of them were white (76%). Pulmonary involvement including thoracic lymph node enlargement was present in 316 patients (96%). Pulmonary parenchymal disease was present in 156 patients (47%). Ten patients (3%) had radiological signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Cutaneous sarcoidosis was present in 74 patients (23%). Routine ophthalmological screening revealed uveitis in 29 patients (12%, n = 256)). Cardiac and neurosarcoidosis were diagnosed in respectively five (2%) and six patients (2%). Renal involvement was observed in 11 (3%) patients. Hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria were observed in 29 (10%) and 48 (26%, n = 182) patients, respectively. Hepatic involvement was found in 6 patients (2%). In 30% of the patients, systemic immunosuppressive treatment was started at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk organ involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon at diagnosis. Indication for systemic immunosuppressive therapy was present in a minority of patients.

Sarcoidosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is a very severe complication of the disease, largely impacting its morbidity and being one of its strongest predictors of mortality. With the recent modifications of the hemodynamic definition of pulmonary hypertension (mean arterial pulmonary pressure >20 instead of <25 mmHg,) its prevalence is presently not precisely known, but it affects from 3 to 20% of sarcoid patients; mostly, although not exclusively, those with an advanced, fibrotic pulmonary disease. Its gold-standard diagnostic tool remains right heart catheterization (RHC). The decision to perform it relies on an expert decision after a non-invasive work-up, in which echocardiography remains the screening tool of choice. The mechanisms underlying SAPH, very often entangled, are crucial to define, as appropriate and personalized therapeutic strategies will aim at targeting the most significant ones. There are no recommendations so far as to the indications and modalities of the medical treatment of SAPH, which is based upon the opinion of a multidisciplinary team of sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension and sometimes lung transplant experts.

High-Resolution CT Scan Fibrotic Patterns in Stage IV Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: Impact on Pulmonary Function and Survival

BACKGROUND

Different patterns of fibrosis on high-resolution CT scans (HRCT) have been associated with reduced survival in some interstitial lung diseases. Nothing is known about HRCT scan patterns and survival in sarcoidosis.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Will a detailed description of the extent and pattern of HRCT scan fibrosis in patients with stage IV pulmonary sarcoidosis impact pulmonary function and survival?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Two hundred forty patients with stage IV sarcoidosis at two large tertiary institutions were studied. The earliest HRCT scan with fibrosis was reviewed for extent of fibrosis (< 10%, 10%-20%, and > 20%) and presence of bronchiectasis, upper lobe fibrocystic changes, basal subpleural honeycombing, ground-glass opacities (GGOs), large bullae, and mycetomas. Presence of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) and pulmonary function testing performed within 1 year of HRCT were recorded. Patients were followed up until last clinic visit, death, or lung transplantation.

RESULTS

The mean age was 58.4 years. Seventy-four percent were Black, 63% were female, and mean follow-up was 7.4 years. Death or LT occurred in 53 patients (22%). Thirty-one percent had > 20% fibrosis, 25% had 10%-20% fibrosis, and 44% had < 10% fibrosis. The most common HRCT abnormalities were bronchiectasis (76%), upper lobe fibrocystic changes (36%), and GGOs (28%). Twelve percent had basal subpleural honeycombing, and 32% had SAPH. Patients with > 20% fibrosis had more severe pulmonary impairment, were more likely to have SAPH (53%), and had worse survival (44% mortality; P < .001). Upper lobe fibrocystic changes, basal subpleural honeycombing, and large bullae were associated with worse pulmonary function and worse survival. Patients with basal subpleural honeycombing had the worst pulmonary function and survival (55% mortality; P < .001). GGOs were associated with worse pulmonary function but not worse survival, and mycetomas were associated with worse survival but not worse pulmonary function. A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that basal subpleural honeycombing (hazard ratio, 7.95), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide < 40% (HR, 5.67) and White race (hazard ratio, 2.61) were independent predictors of reduced survival.

INTERPRETATION

HRCT scan features of fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis had an impact on pulmonary function and survival. Presence of >20% fibrosis and basal subpleural honeycombing are predictive of worse pulmonary function and worse survival in patients with stage IV pulmonary sarcoidosis.

An Analysis of the Readability of Online Sarcoidosis Resources

Introduction Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas in multiple organ systems. The presentation can vary widely; although some patients with sarcoidosis can be asymptomatic, sarcoidosis can also present in others with symptomatic multiorgan system involvement. Considering the potential severity of the disease, patients need to be well-informed about sarcoidosis to better manage their health. This study aims to assess the readability levels of online resources about sarcoidosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. The term "sarcoidosis" was searched online using both Google and Bing to find websites written in English. Each website was categorized by type: academic, commercial, government, nonprofit, and physician. The readability scores for each website were calculated using six different readability tests: the Flesch-Kincaid reading ease (FKRE), Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL), Gunning fog score (GFS), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), automated readability index (ARI), and Coleman-Liau index (CLI). FKRE gives a score that corresponds to the difficulty of the text, while the remaining tests give a score that corresponds to a grade level in terms of reading ability. A one-sample t-test was used to compare all test scores with the national recommended standard of a sixth-grade reading level. Our null hypothesis was that the readability scores of the websites searched would not differ statistically significantly from the sixth-grade reading level and that there would be no significant differences across website categories. To evaluate the difference between the categories of websites, ANOVA testing was used. Results Thirty-four websites were analyzed. Each of the six readability tests for the websites had an average score, which corresponded to being significantly harder to read than the nationally recommended sixth-grade reading level (p<0.001). None of the mean readability scores showed a statistically significant difference across the five different website categories. Conclusions This is the first study, to our knowledge, to examine the readability of online English resources on sarcoidosis and calculate standardized readability scores for them. It implies that the online English material for sarcoidosis is above the health literacy recommended reading levels for patients. There is a need to simplify the material to be easier to read for patients.

Phenotypes and Serum Biomarkers in Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease, which is diagnosed on a compatible clinical presentation, non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in one or more tissue samples, and exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous disease. Considering its heterogeneity, numerous aspects of the disease remain to be elucidated. In this context, the identification and integration of biomarkers may hold significance in clinical practice, aiding in appropriate selection of patients for targeted clinical trials. This work aims to discuss and analyze how validated biomarkers are currently integrated in disease category definitions. Future studies are mandatory to unravel the diverse contributions of genetics, socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, and other sociodemographic variables to disease severity and phenotypic presentation. Furthermore, the implementation of transcriptomics, multidisciplinary approaches, and consideration of patients' perspectives, reporting innovative insights, could be pivotal for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and the optimization of clinical assistance.

Epidemiology of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic, granulomatous disease with variable presentation earning it the term "the great mimicker." The current epidemiology confirms that the disease occurs worldwide, affecting both sexes, and all races, ethnicities, and ages. To date, no causal exposure or agent has been identified. The organ systems most frequently affected by sarcoidosis are also those with greatest exposure to the natural world suggesting environmental and lifestyle contributions to the disease. These include particulate matter, microorganisms, nicotine, and obesity. In this article, we review the epidemiology of sarcoidosis and discuss these non-genetic risk factors in the hope of providing important insight into sarcoidosis and stimulating future research.

Sarcoidosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening complication of advanced sarcoidosis. Many mechanisms can cause an elevation of pulmonary pressure in sarcoidosis, leading to precapillary or postcapillary pulmonary hypertension. Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension contributes to severe exertional dyspnea, reduced exercise capacity, and notably compromised the survival. Despite the critical functional and prognostic implications of pulmonary hypertension in sarcoidosis, there is a scarcity of specific guidelines on the management of these patients due to a lack of evidence. Hence, further research is required to identify subgroups of patients who may benefit from pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies and/or immunosuppressive therapies.

Predictors of Mortality in Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder that affects individuals of all racial/ethnic origins and occurs at any time of life. Spontaneous remission is frequent and may occur in 2 of 3 patients, while the remaining cases have chronic, progressive disease, with some patients presenting with organ- and life-threatening involvements. Many reports have investigated which features may be related to poor outcomes in patients with sarcoidosis. Pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure from pulmonary fibrosis are the most common complications associated with the cause of death in sarcoidosis. Other major causes of death include cardiac, neurologic, hepatic involvement, and hemoptysis from aspergilloma.

Fibrotic Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis (fPS) affects about 20% of patients. fPS carries a significant morbidity and mortality. However, its prognosis is highly variable, depending mainly on fibrosis extent, functional impairment severity, and the development of pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, fPS outcomes are also influenced by several other complications, including acute exacerbations, and infections. fPS natural history is unknown, in particular regarding the risk of progressive self-sustaining fibrosis. The management of fPS is challenging, including anti-inflammatory treatment if granulomatous activity persists, rehabilitation, and in highly selected patients antifibrotic treatment and lung transplantation.

Anti-inflammatory Therapy for Sarcoidosis

Over 50% of patients with sarcoidosis will require anti-inflammatory therapy at some point in their disease course. Indications for therapy are to improve health-related quality of life, prevent or arrest organ dysfunction (or organ failure) or avoid death. Recently published treatment guidelines recommended a stepwise approach to therapy however there are some patients for whom up front combination or more intense therapy maybe reasonable. The last decade has seen an explosion of studies and trials evaluating novel therapeutic agents and treatment strategies. Currently available anti-inflammatory therapies and several novel therapies are discussed here.

Monitoring of Sarcoidosis

This article focuses on the monitoring of pulmonary sarcoidosis. The monitoring of sarcoidosis is, in part, focused on serial change in major organ involvement but also includes diagnostic re-evaluation and review of change in quality of life. Recent criteria for progression of fibrotic interstitial lung disease are adapted to pulmonary sarcoidosis. The frequency and nature of monitoring are discussed, integrating baseline risk stratification and strategic treatment goals. Individual variables used to identify changes in pulmonary disease severity are discussed with a focus on their flaws and the need for a multidimensional approach. Other key monitoring issues are covered briefly.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Diagnosis of sarcoidosis depends on a compatible clinical and imaging presentation, histologic finding of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, and exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous diseases. This study has reviewed the diagnostic algorithms and approaches of sarcoidosis.

High-Risk Sarcoidosis: A Focus on Pulmonary, Cardiac, Hepatic and Renal Advanced Diseases, as Well as on Calcium Metabolism Abnormalities

Although sarcoidosis is generally regarded as a benign condition, approximately 20-30% of patients will develop a chronic and progressive disease. Advanced pulmonary fibrotic sarcoidosis and cardiac involvement are the main contributors to sarcoidosis morbidity and mortality, with failure of the liver and/or kidneys representing additional life-threatening situations. In this review, we discuss diagnosis and treatment of each of these complications and highlight how the integration of clinical, pathological and radiological features may help predict the development of such high-risk situations in sarcoid patients.

Cardiac Screening and Disease Characteristics of Patients with Ocular Sarcoidosis

PURPOSE

This is a retrospective nonrandomized cohort study investigating the prevalence, timing, and type of cardiac sarcoidosis indications on electrocardiogram in patients with diagnosed or suspected ocular sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Medical histories of individuals seen from 2005 to 2020 at two centers with diagnosed or suspected ocular sarcoidosis were searched, and statistical methods were used to evaluate the relevance of each aspect obtained.

RESULTS

Approximately 16% of the individuals in our cohort showed signs of cardiac sarcoidosis on ECG, primarily bundle branch blocks, and premature ventricular contractions, close to the time of their initial ocular sarcoidosis documentation. Males exhibited higher rates of clinically significant extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis. No other demographic differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance for further differentiation of non-infectious sarcoidosis and the utility of electrocardiogram screening. Studies with larger cohorts of ocular sarcoidosis might be needed to elucidate demographic differences within this patient population.

Imaging of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis-A Review

Sarcoidosis is the classic multisystem granulomatous disease. First reported as a disorder of the skin, it is now clear that, in the overwhelming majority of patients with sarcoidosis, the lungs will bear the brunt of the disease. This review explores some of the key concepts in the imaging of pulmonary sarcoidosis: the wide array of typical (and some of the less common) findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are reviewed and, with this, the concept of morphologic/HRCT phenotypes is discussed. The pathophysiologic insights provided by HRCT through studies where morphologic abnormalities and pulmonary function tests are compared are evaluated. Finally, this review outlines the important contribution of HRCT to disease monitoring and prognostication.

Clinical-radiological-pathological correlation in pulmonary hypertension with unclear and/or multifactorial mechanisms

Ever since the second world symposium on pulmonary hypertension (PH) held in Evian, France, in 1998, PH has been classified into five major clinical groups. Group 5 PH includes a variety of distinct conditions with unclear and/or multifactorial underlying pathologies. Management of these patients is challenging as the number of patients within these groups is often small, not all individuals with certain underlying conditions are affected by PH and patients exhibit distinct symptoms due to different underlying diseases. Studies and clinical trials in these groups are largely lacking and mostly restricted to case series and registry reports. Nonetheless, the worldwide burden of group 5 PH is estimated to be significant in terms of the prevalence of some associated diseases. Group 5 PH encompasses six subgroups, including haematological disorders (inherited and acquired chronic haemolytic anaemia and chronic myeloproliferative disorders), systemic disorders (sarcoidosis, pulmonary Langerhans's cell histiocytosis and neurofibromatosis type 1), metabolic disorders (glycogen storage diseases and Gaucher disease), chronic renal failure with or without haemodialysis, pulmonary tumour thrombotic microangiopathy and fibrosing mediastinitis.

Clinical Manifestations and Management of Fibrotic Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis represents a distinct and relatively uncommon manifestation within the spectrum of sarcoidosis and has substantial morbidity and mortality. Due to the scarcity of research focused on this specific disease subtype, our current understanding of pathogenesis and optimal management remains constrained. This knowledge gap underscores the need for further investigation into areas such as targeted therapies, lung transplantation, and quality of life of patients with fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis. The primary aim of this review is to discuss recent developments within the realm of fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, prognosis, and potential treatment modalities.

Lung transplantation in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology and variable clinical course. Pulmonary sarcoidosis is the most common presentation and accounts for most morbidity and mortality related to sarcoidosis. While sarcoidosis generally has good outcomes, few patients experience chronic disease. A minority of patients progress to a specific phenotype of sarcoidosis referred to advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis (APS) which includes advanced fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure, leading to high morbidity and mortality. In patients with advanced disease despite medical therapy, lung transplantation may be the last viable option for improvement in quality of life. Though post-transplant survival is similar to that of other end-stage lung diseases, it is imperative that patients are evaluated and referred early to transplant centers with experience in APS. A multidisciplinary approach and clinical experience are crucial in detecting the optimal timing of referral, initiating comprehensive transplantation evaluation and listing, discussing surgical approach, and managing perioperative and post-transplant care. This review article seeks to address these aspects of lung transplantation in APS.

Influence of pulmonary rehabilitation on symptoms of anxiety and depression in interstitial lung disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) cause fibrosis of lung parenchyma, leading to impaired quality of life, dyspnea, and functional decline. Individuals with ILD experience a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. Recent research has demonstrated pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression in those with COPD.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the influence of PR on symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with ILD?

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a PRISMA-2020-compliant systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating PR's effect on anxiety and depression in patients with ILD. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and PsycINFO from inception until April 3, 2023. A narrative synthesis was conducted where a quantitative approach was not feasible.

RESULTS

Five RCTs (n = 281) were included. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was the most common type of ILD (k = 3). One study reported clinically-significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety among patients with IPF, and two studies for symptoms of depression among patients with sarcoidosis. Dropout rates were similar between intervention and control groups. All studies were at a high risk of bias.

INTERPRETATION

Pulmonary rehabilitation is not detrimental to anxiety or depression for patients with ILD, and may improve symptoms of anxiety in IPF and depression in sarcoidosis. However, no conclusion can be drawn from available evidence, which is limited by heterogeneous populations/interventions, sample sizes and unexpectedly low prevalences of clinically-significant anxiety or depression. Further adequately powered RCTs that focus on anxiety and depressive symptoms as primary outcomes are needed.

Pulmonary Function in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

The pulmonary function test (PFT) has been widely used in sarcoidosis. It may vary due to the severity, extent, and the presence of complications of the disease. Although the PFT of most sarcoidosis patients is normal, there are still 10-30% of cases who may experience a decrease in the PFT, with a progressive involvement of lungs. Restrictive ventilatory impairment due to parenchymal involvement has been commonly reported, and an obstructive pattern can also be present related to airway involvement. The PFT may influence treatment decisions. A diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) < 60% as well as a forced vital capacity (FVC) < 70% portends clinically significant pulmonary sarcoidosis pathology and warrants treatment. During follow-up, a 5% decline in FVC from baseline or a 10% decline in DLCO has been considered significant and reflects the disease progression. FVC has been recommended as the favored objective endpoint for monitoring the response to therapy, and an improvement in predicted FVC percentage of more than 5% is considered effective.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: A comprehensive review: Past to present

Sarcoidosis is a sterile non-necrotizing granulomatous disease without known causes that can involve multiple organs with a predilection for the lung and thoracic lymph nodes. Worldwide it is estimated to affect 2-160/100,000 people and has a mortality rate over 5 years of approximately 7%. For sarcoidosis patients, the cause of death is due to sarcoid in 60% of the cases, of which up to 80% are from advanced cardiopulmonary failure (pulmonary hypertension and respiratory microbial infections) in all races except in Japan were greater than 70% of the sarcoidosis deaths are due to cardiac sarcoidosis. Scadding stages for pulmonary sarcoidosis associates with clinical outcomes. Stages I and II have radiographic remission in approximately 30%-80% of cases. Stage III only has a 10%-40% chance of resolution, while stage IV has no change of resolution. Up to 40% of pulmonary sarcoidosis patients progress to stage IV disease with lung parenchyma fibroplasia, bronchiectasis with hilar retraction and fibrocystic disease. These patients are at highest risk for the development of precapillary pulmonary hypertension, which may occur in up to 70% of these patients. Sarcoid patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension can respond to targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension medications. Stage IV fibrocytic sarcoidosis with significant pulmonary physiologic impairment, >20% fibrosis on HRCT or pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension have the highest risk of mortality, which can be >40% at 5-years. First line treatment for patients who are symptomatic (cough and dyspnea) with parenchymal infiltrates and abnormal pulmonary function testing (PFT) is oral glucocorticoids, such as prednisone with a typical starting dose of 20-40 mg daily for 2 weeks to 2 months. Prednisone can be tapered over 6-18 months if symptoms, spirometry, PFTs, and radiographs improve. Prolonged prednisone may be required to stabilize disease. Patients requiring prolonged prednisone ≥10 mg/day or those with adverse effects due to glucocorticoids may be prescribed second and third line treatements. Second and third line treatments include immunosuppressive agents (e.g., methotrexate and azathioprine) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) medication; respectively. Effective treatments for advanced fibrocystic pulmonary disease are being explored. Despite different treatments, relapse rates range from 13% to 75% depending on the stage of sarcoid, number of organs involved, socioeconomic status, and geography. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate for sarcoidosis over a 5 year follow up is approximately 7%. Unfortunately, 10%-40% of patients with sarcoidosis develop progressive pulmonary disease, and >60% of deaths resulting from sarcoidosis are due to advance cardiopulmonary disease. Oral glucocorticoids are the first line treatment, while methotrexate and azathioprine are considered second and anti-TNF agents are third line treatments that are used solely or as glucocorticoid sparing agents for symptomatic extrapulmonary or pulmonary sarcoidosis with infiltrates on chest radiographs and abnormal PFT. Relapse rates have ranged from 13% to 75% depending on the population studied.

Quality of life in sarcoidosis

Having sarcoidosis often has a major impact on quality of life of patients and their families. Improving quality of life is prioritized as most important treatment aim by many patients with sarcoidosis, but current evidence and treatment options are limited. In this narrative review, we describe the impact of sarcoidosis on various aspects of daily life, evaluate determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and provide an overview of the different patient-reported outcome measures to assess HRQoL in sarcoidosis. Moreover, we review the current evidence for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to improve quality of life for people with sarcoidosis.

Phenotypes of Sarcoidosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension-A Challenging Mystery

Sarcoidosis has been a well-recognised risk factor for pulmonary hypertension (PH) for a long time, but still, the knowledge about this concatenation is incomplete. Sarcoidosis-associated PH (SAPH) is an uncommon but serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality among sarcoidosis patients. The real epidemiology of SAPH remains unknown, and its pathomechanisms are not fully explained. Sarcoidosis is a heterogeneous and dynamic condition, and SAPH pathogenesis is believed to be multifactorial. The main roles in SAPH development play: parenchymal lung disease with the destruction of pulmonary vessels, the extrinsic compression of pulmonary vessels by conglomerate masses, lymphadenopathy or fibrosing mediastinitis, pulmonary vasculopathy, LV dysfunction, and portal hypertension. Recently, it has been recommended to individually tailor SAPH management according to the predominant pathomechanism, i.e., SAPH phenotype. Unfortunately, SAPH phenotyping is not a straightforward process. First, there are gaps in our understanding of undergoing processes. Second, the assessment of such a pivotal element as pulmonary vasculature on a microscopic level is non-feasible in SAPH patients antemortem. Finally, SAPH is a dynamic condition, multiple phenotypes usually coexist, and patients can switch between phenotypes during the course of sarcoidosis. In this article, we summarise the basic knowledge of SAPH, describe SAPH phenotypes, and highlight some practical problems related to SAPH phenotyping.

Exposure-response analyses of efzofitimod in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis

Background: Preliminary evidence for efficacy in pulmonary sarcoidosis has been shown for efzofitimod. Here we present supportive evidence of efficacy based on an exposure-response analysis. Methods: Data from two studies (Phase 1, N = 24, single dose in healthy volunteers, and Phase 1b/2a, N = 25, multiple doses over 24 weeks in participants with pulmonary sarcoidosis) were used to build a population pharmacokinetic model. Using this model, the relationship between efzofitimod exposure and three prespecified efficacy parameters [mean daily oral corticosteroid (OCS) dose, percent-predicted forced vital capacity (ppFVC) and King's Sarcoidosis Questionnaire-Lung (KSQ-Lung) score] was explored. Linear regression described the relationship of efzofitimod exposure and OCS reduction, ppFVC and KSQ-Lung score. Logistic regression related efzofitimod exposure to the probability of achieving a minimal clinically important difference for ppFVC and KSQ-Lung score. Due to the small study size, trends (not statistical significance) in relationships are reported. Results: In patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, as efzofitimod exposure increased, the mean daily OCS dose decreased, and ppFVC and KSQ-Lung score improved over baseline. The slope for all the endpoints by both linear and logistic regression showed an improving trend with increased exposure. Conclusion: These preliminary findings of a positive exposure-response across multiple efficacy endpoints support the claim that proof of concept has been established for the use of efzofitimod in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03824392.

Pulmonary hemodynamics and transplant-free survival in sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension: Results from an international registry

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a risk factor for mortality in patients with sarcoidosis. Severe PH in chronic lung disease has previously been defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥ 35 mmHg or mPAP 25 ≥ mmHg with cardiac index (CI) ≤ 2 L/min/m2. However, there is no clear definition denoting severity of sarcoidosis-associated PH (SAPH). We aimed to determine pulmonary hemodynamic cut-off values where transplant-free survival was worse among patients with SAPH. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of the Registry of SAPH database focusing on pulmonary hemodynamic predictors of transplant-free survival among patients with precapillary SAPH. Cox regression was performed to determine which pulmonary hemodynamic values predicted death or lung transplantation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed on statistically significant predictors to determine pulmonary hemodynamic cut-off values where transplant-free survival was decreased. Decreased transplant-free survival occurred among SAPH patients with mPAP ≥ 40 mmHg and SAPH patients with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≥ 5 Woods units (WU). Transplant-free survival was not decreased in patients who fulfilled prior criteria of severe PH in chronic lung disease. We identified new cut-offs with decreased transplant-free survival in the SAPH population. Neither cut-off of mPAP ≥ 40 mmHg nor PVR ≥ 5 WU has previously been shown to be associated with decreased transplant-free survival in SAPH. These values could suggest a new definition of severe SAPH. Our PVR findings are in line with the most recent European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guideline definition of severe PH in chronic lung disease.

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis: joining the dots

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology. A minority of patients with sarcoidosis develop sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SAPF), which may become progressive. Genetic profiles differ between patients with progressive and self-limiting disease. The mechanisms of fibrosis in SAPF are not fully understood, but SAPF is likely a distinct clinicopathological entity, rather than a continuum of acute inflammatory sarcoidosis. Risk factors for the development of SAPF have been identified; however, at present, it is not possible to make a robust prediction of risk for an individual patient. The bulk of fibrotic abnormalities in SAPF are located in the upper and middle zones of the lungs. A greater extent of SAPF on imaging is associated with a worse prognosis. Patients with SAPF are typically treated with corticosteroids, second-line agents such as methotrexate or azathioprine, or third-line agents such as tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. The antifibrotic drug nintedanib is an approved treatment for slowing the decline in lung function in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, but more evidence is needed to assess its efficacy in SAPF. The management of patients with SAPF should include the identification and treatment of complications such as bronchiectasis and pulmonary hypertension. Further research is needed into the mechanisms underlying SAPF and biomarkers that predict its clinical course.

Organ involvement and assessment in sarcoidosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years new recommendations have been published about organ assessment in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Screening for pulmonary, cardiac, ocular, neurologic and renal involvement and hypercalcemia is recommended in the work-up for sarcoidosis, additionally, screening for hypercalciuria at the time of the diagnosis might be beneficial.

SUMMARY

One of the goals in the work-up of sarcoidosis is to assess the extent and severity of organ involvement. Timely and accurate assessment leads to determination of treatment indication. Screening for pulmonary involvement should include pulmonary imaging and pulmonary function tests. Screening for cardiac involvement should include a clear history including palpitations and collapse and a baseline electrocardiogram or 24-h Holter monitoring. At diagnosis, ophthalmological assessment is recommended. Furthermore, serum calcium level and serum creatinine level should be obtained. Although routine 24-h urinary calcium excretion is not included in the guidelines, performing this test routinely can be considered. On indication, neurologic, rheumatologic or dermatologic assessment can be performed.

Molecular Mechanism in the Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients with Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, especially lung and mediastinal hilar lymph nodes. The clinical course and manifestations are unpredictable: spontaneous remission can occur in approximately two thirds of patients; up to 20% of patients have chronic course of the lung disease (called advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis, APS) resulting in progressive loss of lung function, sometimes life-threatening that can lead to respiratory failure and death. The immunopathology mechanism leading from granuloma formation to the fibrosis in APS still remains elusive. Recent studies have provided new insights into the genetic factors and immune components involved in the clinical manifestation of the disease. In this review we aim to summarize the clinical-prognostic characteristics and molecular pathways which are believed to be associated with the development of APS.

Multiple Correspondence Analysis and HLA-Associations of Organ Involvement in a Large Cohort of African-American and European-American Patients with Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with predominant pulmonary involvement and vast heterogeneity of clinical manifestations and disease outcomes. African American (AA) patients suffer greater morbidity and mortality. Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis, we identified seven clusters of organ involvement in European American (EA; n = 385) patients which were similar to those previously described in a Pan-European (GenPhenReSa) and a Spanish cohort (SARCOGEAS). In contrast, AA (n = 987) had six, less well-defined and overlapping clusters with little similarity to the cluster identified in the EA cohort evaluated at the same U.S. institutions. Association of cluster membership with two-digit HLA-DRB1 alleles demonstrated ancestry-specific patterns of association and replicated known HLA effects.These results further support the notion that genetically influenced immune risk profiles, which differ based on ancestry, play a role in phenotypic heterogeneity. Dissecting such risk profiles will move us closer to personalized medicine for this complex disease.

Lymphocyte Subsets and Pulmonary Nodules to Predict the Progression of Sarcoidosis

The search for biological markers, which allow a relatively accurate assessment of the individual course of pulmonary sarcoidosis at the time of diagnosis, remains one of the research priorities in this field of pulmonary medicine. The aim of our study was to investigate possible prognostic factors for pulmonary sarcoidosis with a special focus on cellular immune inflammation markers. A 2-year follow-up of the study population after the initial prospective and simultaneous analysis of lymphocyte activation markers expression in the blood, as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung biopsy tissue of patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis, was performed. We found that some blood and BAL fluid immunological markers and lung computed tomography (CT) patterns have been associated with a different course of sarcoidosis. We revealed five markers that had a significant negative association with the course of sarcoidosis (worsening pulmonary function tests and/or the chest CT changes)-blood CD4+CD31+ and CD4+CD44+ T lymphocytes, BALF CD8+CD31+ and CD8+CD103+ T lymphocytes and a number of lung nodules on chest CT at the time of the diagnosis. Cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity and odds ratio for predictors of sarcoidosis progression were calculated. These markers may be reasonable predictors of sarcoidosis progression.

From Karl Wurm and Guy Scadding's staging to 18F-FDG PET/CT scan phenotyping and far beyond: perspective in the evading history of phenotyping in sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown etiology involving any organ or tissue along with any combination of active sites, even the most silent ones clinically. The unpredictable nature of the sites involved in sarcoidosis dictates the highly variable natural history of the disease and the necessity to cluster cases at diagnosis based on clinical and/or imaging common characteristics in an attempt to classify patients based on their more homogeneous phenotypes, possibly with similar clinical behavior, prognosis, outcome, and therefore with therapeutic requirements. In the course of the disease's history, this attempt relates to the availability of a means of detection of the sites involved, from the Karl Wurm and Guy Scadding's chest x-ray staging through the ACCESS, the WASOG Sarcoidosis Organ Assessment Instruments, and the GenPhenReSa study to the 18F-FDG PET/CT scan phenotyping and far beyond to new technologies and/or the current "omics." The hybrid molecular imaging of the 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, by unveiling the glucose metabolism of inflammatory cells, can identify high sensitivity inflammatory active granulomas, the hallmark of sarcoidosis-even in clinically and physiologically silent sites-and, as recently shown, is successful in identifying an unexpected ordered stratification into four phenotypes: (I) hilar-mediastinal nodal, (II) lungs and hilar-mediastinal nodal, (III) an extended nodal supraclavicular, thoracic, abdominal, inguinal, and (IV) all the above in addition to systemic organs and tissues, which is therefore the ideal phenotyping instrument. During the "omics era," studies could provide significant, distinct, and exclusive insights into sarcoidosis phenotypes linking clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histologic characteristics with molecular signatures. In this context, the personalization of treatment for sarcoidosis patients might have reached its goal.

Linking cardiac and extracardiac sarcoidosis and their clinical outcome: 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis in patients with systemic cardiac sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the link between cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and extra-CS (ECS) in systemic CS (SCS) patients in terms of extent and clinical outcome by serial FDG-PET/CT.

METHODS

Thirty-five SCS patients treated for > 2 years were enrolled in this study. In the overall analysis, patient-based comparisons of the complete resolution (CR) and recurrence rate between CS and ECS lesions were performed. Then, subgroup analyses were performed according to the extent (mono- vs. multi-organ ECS group) and clinical outcome (stable vs. unstable ECS group) of ECS. Pre-treatment cardiac FDG uptake was compared between the mono- and multi-organ ECS groups. The rates of CR, recurrence, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The CR rate was significantly higher in CS than ECS lesions [77.1% (27/35) vs. 48.5% (17/35), p = 0.01], whereas recurrence rates were similar between CS and ECS [40.7% (11/27) vs. 58.8% (10/17)]. Both the mono- and multi-organ ECS groups showed similar SUV_max, cardiac metabolic volume, and cardiac metabolic activity in the pre-treatment condition. The CR rates were similar between the mono- and multi-organ ECS groups [71.4% (15/21) vs. 85.7% (12/14)], but the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the multi-organ ECS group [60.0% (9/15) vs. 16.7% (2/12), p = 0.02]. The CR [71.4% (5/7) vs. 78.6% (22/28)] and recurrence rates [60.0% (3/5) vs. 36.3% (8/22)] were not significantly different between the stable and unstable ECS groups. The occurrence of MACE was also not significantly different between the mono- and multi-organ ECS groups [19.0% (4/21) vs. 28.6% (4/14)] or between the stable and unstable ECS groups [42.9% (3/7) vs. 17.8% (5/28)].

CONCLUSIONS

CS lesions respond to treatment better than ECS lesions, and the extent and clinical outcome of ECS lesion are not linked with those of CS lesions.

Pulmonary vasodilator therapy in sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension may decrease lung function decline and mortality

The efficacy of treating sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) with pulmonary vasodilator therapy is unclear. The INCREASE trial showed improvement in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and in decline in functional vital capacity (FVC) in patients with interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. We hypothesize that patients with SAPH treated with pulmonary vasodilators have reduced decline in FVC. We retrospectively analyzed patients with SAPH who underwent lung transplantation evaluation. The primary objective was to compare change in FVC between patients with SAPH who received pulmonary vasodilators (treated) and those who did not (untreated). Secondary objectives were to compare the change in 6MWD, change in oxygen requirement, transplant rates, and mortality between treated and untreated SAPH patients. We identified 58 patients with SAPH; 38 patients received pulmonary vasodilator therapy, and 20 patients did not. Treated SAPH patients had significantly less decline in FVC than untreated SAPH patients (+54 mL vs. -357 mL, p < 0.01). Treated SAPH patients had significantly higher survival than untreated SAPH patients. Receiving PH therapy was significantly associated with a change in FVC (estimate 0.36 ± 0.07, p < 0.01) and decreased mortality (hazard ratio 0.29, confidence interval 0.12-0.67, p < 0.01). Among patients with SAPH, those who received pulmonary vasodilator therapy had significantly less decline in FVC and increased survival. Receiving pulmonary vasodilator therapy was significantly associated with FVC change and decreased mortality. These study findings point towards potential benefit of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in SAPH patients. Further prospective studies are required to fully elucidate the benefits of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in SAPH.

Sarcoidosis: Epidemiology and clinical insights

Sarcoidosis is characterized by noncaseating granulomas which form in almost any part of the body, primarily in the lungs and/or thoracic lymph nodes. Environmental exposures in genetically susceptible individuals are believed to cause sarcoidosis. There is variation in incidence and prevalence by region and race. Males and females are almost equally affected, although disease peaks at a later age in females than in males. The heterogeneity of presentation and disease course can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Diagnosis is suggestive in a patient if one or more of the following is present: radiologic signs of sarcoidosis, evidence of systemic involvement, histologically confirmed noncaseating granulomas, sarcoidosis signs in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and low probability or exclusion of other causes of granulomatous inflammation. No sensitive or specific biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis exist, but there are several that can be used to support clinical decisions, such as serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels, human leukocyte antigen types, and CD4 Vα2.3+ T cells in BALF. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic patients with severely affected or declining organ function. Sarcoidosis is associated with a range of adverse long-term outcomes and complications, and with great variation in prognosis between populations. New data and technologies have moved sarcoidosis research forward, increasing our understanding of the disease. However, there is still much left to be discovered. The pervading challenge is how to account for patient variability. Future studies should focus on how to optimize current tools and develop new approaches so that treatment and follow-up can be targeted to individuals with more precision.

The Lung Transplant Candidate, Indications, Timing, and Selection Criteria

Lung transplantation can be lifesaving for patients with advanced lung disease. Demographics are evolving with recipients now sicker but determining candidacy remains predicated on one's underlying lung disease prognosis, along with the likelihood of posttransplant success. Determining optimal timing can be challenging, and most programs favor initiating the process early and proactively to allow time for patient education, informed decision-making, and preparation. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation is used to elucidate disease progrnosis and identify risk factors for poor posttransplant outcomes. Candidacy criteria vary significantly by center, and close communication between referring and transplant providers is necessary to improve access to transplant and outcomes.

Clinical significance of serum autoantibodies in patients with sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

The association between sarcoidosis and autoimmunity has been reported for years. However, the significance of autoantibodies in the pathophysiology and clinical management of sarcoidosis is not well understood. No autoantibodies that can be used as serologic biomarkers to diagnose the disease, monitor the state of the disease, and predict the prognosis of patients are established.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive analysis of serum autoantibodies and analyzed their associations with clinical features of sarcoidosis.

RESULTS

Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases-associated autoantibodies had a higher prevalence of advanced radiographic stage and consolidations in high-resolution computed tomography than patients without autoantibodies (p < .05). Age, sex, clinical history, pulmonary function tests, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels, rheumatoid factor, and the number of involved organs were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There may be an association between autoantibodies and more advanced pulmonary lesions in patients with sarcoidosis. Further investigations are needed to establish the significance of autoantibodies.

Systemic treatment in sarcoidosis: Experience over two decades

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of systemic treatment in a cohort of sarcoidosis patients and identify presenting clinical features as predictive factors of the need for systemic immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 342 patients diagnosed and followed-up from January 1999 to December 2019 in a University Hospital in Northern Spain. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established according to ATS/ERS/WASOG criteria. A comparative analysis was performed between treated and untreated patients. Predictive factors of treatment prescription according to initial clinical manifestations were identified (multivariate analysis).

RESULTS

Mean age at diagnosis was 47.7±15.1 years, with a slight female predominance (51.8%) and Caucasian majority (94.2%). The main clinical manifestation was thoracic involvement (88.3%). Extrathoracic manifestations were detected in 68.4% cases, mainly cutaneous (34.2%), articular (27.8%) and ocular (17.8%). A total of 207 (60.5%) patients required systemic treatment. Glucocorticoid therapy was the most widely used (60.5%). Conventional immunosuppressive therapy in 25.4%, more frequently MTX (21.9%). Biologic therapy was prescribed in 12.9%, especially adalimumab (9.1%). Male gender (OR: 1.65; 95%CI: 1.06-2.56), intrathoracic (OR: 2.41; 95%CI: 1.22-4.76), ocular (OR: 4.14; 95%CI: 2.01-8.52), parotid (OR: 1.60; 95%CI: 1.39-1.94), neurological (OR: 5.00; 95%CI: 1.68-14.84), and renal (OR: 1.59; 95%CI: 1.38-1.94) involvement were identified as risk factors associated with the need of systemic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Most patients (60.5%) of sarcoidosis in our series required systemic therapy. An association between certain characteristics at initial presentation (male gender, lung, ocular, parotid, neurological and renal involvement) and the need of systemic treatment was identified.

An expert overview of pulmonary fibrosis in sarcoidosis

INTRODUCTION

Advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis refers to phenotypes of pulmonary sarcoidosis that often lead to significant loss of lung function, respiratory failure, or death. Around 20% of patients with sarcoidosis may progress to this state which is mainly driven by advanced pulmonary fibrosis. Advanced fibrosis often presents with associated complications of sarcoidosis including infections, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary hypertension.

AREAS COVERED

This article will focus on the pathogenesis, natural history of disease, diagnosis, and potential treatment options of pulmonary fibrosis in sarcoidosis. In the expert opinion section, we will discuss the prognosis and management of patients with significant disease.

EXPERT OPINION

While some patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis remain stable or improve with anti-inflammatory therapies, others develop pulmonary fibrosis and further complications. Although advanced pulmonary fibrosis is the leading cause of death in sarcoidosis, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the management of fibrotic sarcoidosis. Current recommendations are based on expert consensus and often include multidisciplinary discussions with experts in sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension, and lung transplantation to facilitate care for such complex patients. Current works evaluating treatments include the use of antifibrotic therapies for treatment in advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Treat to target and tight control: Could be a new approach in the treatment of sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease with multisystemic involvement. Although it is accepted as a benign disease, it can sometimes cause life-threatening organ (heart, brain) involvement that determines the prognosis of the disease. There are conflicting opinions about the treatment of the disease. In the generally accepted treatment approach the "step-by-step" model has gained weight. According to this approach, corticosteroids (CS) drugs alone are preferred in the first step in patients who require treatment. In the second step, immunosuppressive drugs (IS) are used in patients who do not respond to CS and/or have contraindications to CS use, and biologics (TNF-alpha inhibitors) are used in the third step. This treatment approach may be valid in cases with mild sarcoidosis. However, although sarcoidosis is considered a benign and self-limiting disease in some major organ involvement, the "step-by-step" approach may be a treatment option that puts the patient's life in danger. In such selected patients, much more rigorous, early and combined treatment approaches that definitely include CS, IS or biologic drugs may be required. In selected sarcoidosis patients with high risk, early diagnosis, "treat-to-target" (T2T) and "tight control" follow-up of patients seems to be a rational approach. This article reviews the "step-down" treatment regimens in light of recent literature data and hypothesizes that the T2T model may be a probable new treatment approach in patients with sarcoidosis.