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Perez-Sancristobal I, Alvarez-Hernandez P, Lajas-Petisco C, Fernandez-Gutierrez B. Effect of combined treatment with prednisone and methotrexate versus prednisone alone over laboratory parameters in giant cell arteritis. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:108-112. [PMID: 38395494 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of combined treatment with prednisone and methotrexate (MTX) versus prednisone alone over laboratory parameters in giant cell arteritis (GCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial about usefulness of treatment with prednisone and MTX versus prednisone and placebo in GCA (Ann Intern Med 2001;134:106-114). As a part of follow-up of patients (n=42), we performed laboratory analysis in 20 time points during the two-year period of follow-up. To analyze differences, we calculated the area under the curve (AUC) for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, and platelets, and compared the results in both groups adjusting by time of follow-up, existence of relapses and dose of prednisone. RESULTS A total of 724 laboratory measurements were done. Median value of ESR was 33 [18-56] in patients with placebo and 26 [15-44] in patients with MTX (P=0.0002). No significant differences were observed in ESR during relapses. The mean ESR value followed a parallel course in both groups, but was lower in the group with MTX than in the group with placebo in 18 of 20 time points of follow-up. The AUC of ESR by time of follow-up was 28,461.7±12,326 in the group with placebo and 19,598.4±8,117 in the group with MTX (mean difference 8,863, 95% CI 1.542-16.184; P=0.019). The course of other laboratory parameters paralleled, without statistical significance, those observed for ESR. CONCLUSIONS These data, along with clinical data, suggest that MTX might play a role as a disease-modifying agent in the treatment of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Lajas-Petisco
- UGC Reumatologia, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Spain
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Kreis L, Dejaco C, Schmidt WA, Németh R, Venhoff N, Schäfer VS. The Meteoritics Trial: efficacy of methotrexate after remission-induction with tocilizumab and glucocorticoids in giant cell arteritis-study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II study. Trials 2024; 25:56. [PMID: 38225579 PMCID: PMC10790384 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GC) are the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA), even though they are associated with adverse side effects and high relapse rates. Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has shown promise in sustaining remission and reducing the cumulative GC dosage, but it increases the risk of infections and is expensive. After discontinuation of TCZ, only about half of patients remain in remission. Additionally, only few studies have been conducted looking at remission maintenance, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to maintain remission in GCA. Methotrexate (MTX) has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of relapse in new-onset GCA and is already a proven safe drug in many rheumatologic diseases. METHODS This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MTX in maintaining remission in patients with GCA who have previously been treated with GC and at least 6 months with TCZ. We hypothesize that MTX can maintain remission in GCA patients, who have achieved stable remission after treatment with GC and TCZ, and prevent the occurrence of relapses. The study design is a monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II trial randomizing 40 GCA patients 1:1 into a MTX or placebo arm. Patients will receive 17.5 mg MTX/matching placebo weekly by subcutaneous injection for 12 months, with the possibility of dose reduction if clinically needed. A 6-month follow-up will take place. The primary endpoint is the time to first relapse in the MTX group versus placebo during the 12-month treatment period. Secondary outcomes include patient- and investigator-reported outcomes and laboratory findings, as well as the prevalence of aortitis, number of vasculitic vessels, and change in intima-media thickness during the study. DISCUSSION This is the first clinical trial evaluating remission maintenance of GCA with MTX after a previous treatment cycle with TCZ. Following the discontinuation of TCZ in GCA, MTX could be a safe and inexpensive drug. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05623592. Registered on 21 November 2022. EU Clinical Trials Register, 2022-501058-12-00. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030571.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Kreis
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplaz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Andreas Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Németh
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Venhoff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstraße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Sebastian Schäfer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
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Mensch N, Hemmig AK, Aschwanden M, Imfeld S, Stegert M, Recher M, Staub D, Kyburz D, Berger CT, Daikeler T. Rapid glucocorticoid tapering regimen in patients with giant cell arteritis: a single centre cohort study. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003301. [PMID: 37460275 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated the feasibility of a rapid glucocorticoid tapering regimen to reduce glucocorticoid exposure in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) treated with glucocorticoids only. METHODS Newly diagnosed patients with GCA treated with a planned 26-week glucocorticoid tapering regimen at the University Hospital Basel were included. Data on relapses, cumulative steroid doses (CSD) and therapy-related adverse effects were collected from patients' records. RESULTS Of 47 patients (64% women, median age 72 years), 32 patients (68%) had relapsed. Most relapses were minor (28/32) and 2/3 of those were isolated increased inflammatory markers (19/32). Among major relapses, one resulted in permanent vision loss. The median time until relapse was 99 days (IQR 71-127) and median glucocorticoid dose at relapse was 8 mg (IQR 5-16). Nine of 47 patients stopped glucocorticoids after a median duration of 35 weeks and did not relapse within 1 year. Median CSD at 12 months was 4164 mg which is lower compared with published data. Glucocorticoid-associated adverse effects occurred in 40% of patients, most frequently were new onset or worsening hypertension (19%), diabetes (11%) and severe infections (11%). CONCLUSION We could demonstrate that 32% of patients remained relapse-free and 19% off glucocorticoids at 1 year after treatment with a rapid glucocorticoid tapering regimen. Most relapses were minor and could be handled with temporarily increased glucocorticoid doses. Consequently, the CSD at 12 months was much lower than reported in published cohorts. Thus, further reducing treatment-associated damage in patients with GCA by decreasing CSD seems to be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Mensch
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus Aschwanden
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Imfeld
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Stegert
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mike Recher
- University Centre for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunodeficiency, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diego Kyburz
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph T Berger
- University Centre for Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, Translational Immunology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Gomes de Pinho Q, Daumas A, Benyamine A, Bertolino J, Ebbo M, Schleinitz N, Harlé JR, Jarrot PA, Kaplanski G, Berbis J, Boucekine M, Rossi P, Granel B. Predictors of Relapses or Recurrences in Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis: A Medical Records Review Study. J Clin Rheumatol 2023; 29:e25-e31. [PMID: 36727749 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common systemic vasculitis in individuals aged ≥50 years. Its course is marked by a high relapse rate requiring long-term glucocorticoid use with its inherent adverse effects. We aimed to identify factors associated with relapses or recurrences in GCA at diagnosis. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients with GCA diagnosed between 2009 and 2019 and followed for at least 12 months. We recorded their characteristics at onset and during follow-up. Factors associated with relapses or recurrences were identified using multivariable analysis. RESULTS We included 153 patients, among whom 68% were female with a median age of 73 (47-98) years and a median follow-up of 32 (12-142) months. Seventy-four patients (48.4%) had at least 1 relapse or recurrence. Headache and polymyalgia rheumatica were the most frequent manifestations of relapses. The first relapse occurred at a median time of 13 months after the diagnosis, with a median dose of 5.5 (0-25) mg/d of glucocorticoids.In multivariable analysis, patients with relapses or recurrences had a higher frequency of cough and scalp tenderness at diagnosis (20.3% vs 5.1%; odds ratio [OR], 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-17.94; p = 0.022; and 41.9% vs 29.1%; OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.07-5.39; p = 0.034, respectively). Patients with diabetes mellitus at diagnosis had fewer relapses or recurrences during follow-up (5.4% vs 19%; OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.83; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Cough and scalp tenderness at diagnosis were associated with relapses or recurrences, whereas patients with diabetes experienced fewer relapses or recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Gomes de Pinho
- From the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Aurélie Daumas
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Médecine Interne, Gériatrie et Thérapeutique
| | - Audrey Benyamine
- From the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Julien Bertolino
- From the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Mikaël Ebbo
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Nicolas Schleinitz
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Jean-Robert Harlé
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Pierre André Jarrot
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Conception, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique
| | - Gilles Kaplanski
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Conception, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique
| | - Julie Berbis
- Faculté de Médecine de la Timone, Laboratoire de Santé Publique, EA 3279, Centre d'Étude et de Recherche sur les Service de Santé et la Qualité de Vie, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed Boucekine
- Faculté de Médecine de la Timone, Laboratoire de Santé Publique, EA 3279, Centre d'Étude et de Recherche sur les Service de Santé et la Qualité de Vie, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Rossi
- From the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Service de Médecine Interne
| | - Brigitte Granel
- From the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Service de Médecine Interne
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Szekeres D, Al Othman B. Current developments in the diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1066503. [PMID: 36582285 PMCID: PMC9792614 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1066503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis is the most common vasculitis in adults above 50 years old. The disease is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of medium and large arteries, particularly the temporal artery, and is associated acutely with headache, claudication, and visual disturbances. Diagnosis of the disease is often complicated by its protean presentation and lack of consistently reliable testing. The utility of color doppler ultrasound at the point-of-care and FDG-PET in longitudinal evaluation remain under continued investigation. Novel techniques for risk assessment with Halo scoring and stratification through axillary vessel ultrasound are becoming commonplace. Moreover, the recent introduction of the biologic tocilizumab marks a paradigm shift toward using glucocorticoid-sparing strategies as the primary treatment modality. Notwithstanding these developments, patients continue to have substantial rates of relapse and biologic agents have their own side effect profile. Trials are underway to answer questions about optimal diagnostic modality, regiment choice, and duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denes Szekeres
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Bayan Al Othman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Bayan Al Othman,
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da Silva SJR, do Nascimento JCF, Germano Mendes RP, Guarines KM, Targino Alves da Silva C, da Silva PG, de Magalhães JJF, Vigar JRJ, Silva-Júnior A, Kohl A, Pardee K, Pena L. Two Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1758-1814. [PMID: 35940589 PMCID: PMC9380879 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and virulent human-infecting coronavirus that emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, causing a respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has massively impacted global public health and caused widespread disruption to daily life. The crisis caused by COVID-19 has mobilized scientists and public health authorities across the world to rapidly improve our knowledge about this devastating disease, shedding light on its management and control, and spawned the development of new countermeasures. Here we provide an overview of the state of the art of knowledge gained in the last 2 years about the virus and COVID-19, including its origin and natural reservoir hosts, viral etiology, epidemiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, emerging variants, and vaccines, highlighting important differences from previously known highly pathogenic coronaviruses. We also discuss selected key discoveries from each topic and underline the gaps of knowledge for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severino Jefferson Ribeiro da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Jessica Catarine Frutuoso do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Renata Pessôa Germano Mendes
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Klarissa Miranda Guarines
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Caroline Targino Alves da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Poliana Gomes da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jurandy Júnior Ferraz de Magalhães
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Virology, Pernambuco State Central Laboratory (LACEN/PE), 52171-011 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,University of Pernambuco (UPE), Serra Talhada Campus, 56909-335 Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Public Health Laboratory of the XI Regional Health, 56912-160 Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Justin R J Vigar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Abelardo Silva-Júnior
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), 57072-900 Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Pardee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Lindomar Pena
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Das S, Goswami RP, Sinha D, Ghosal A, Datta A, Sarkar S. Efficacy of leflunomide as a steroid‐sparing agent in treatment of Indian giant cell arteritis patients: A 2‐year follow‐up study. Int J Rheum Dis 2022; 25:650-658. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shyamashis Das
- Department of Rheumatology Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I‐NK) Kolkata India
| | - Rudra Prosad Goswami
- Department of Rheumatology All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi India
| | - Debanjali Sinha
- Department of Rheumatology Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I‐NK) Kolkata India
| | - Anirban Ghosal
- Department of Neurology Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I‐NK) Kolkata India
| | - Ashis Datta
- Department of Neurology Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I‐NK) Kolkata India
| | - Sanjukta Sarkar
- Department of Radiology Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I‐NK) Kolkata India
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Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071799. [PMID: 35407411 PMCID: PMC8999932 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent primary large-vessel vasculitis in individuals older than 50. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are considered the cornerstone of treatment. GC therapy is usually tapered over months according to clinical symptoms and inflammatory marker levels. Considering the high rate of GC-related adverse events in these older individuals, immunosuppressive treatments and biologic agents have been proposed as add-on therapies. Methotrexate was considered an alternative option, but its clinical impact was limited. Other immunosuppressants failed to demonstrate a significant favourable benefit/risk ratio. The approval of tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor brought significant improvement. Indeed, tocilizumab had a noticeable effect on cumulative GCs’ dose and relapse prevention. After the improvement in pathophysiological knowledge, other targeted therapies have been proposed, with anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL-17, anti-IL-1, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, Janus kinase inhibitors or anti-granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor therapies. These therapies are currently under evaluation. Interestingly, mavrilimumab, ustekinumab and, to a lesser extent, abatacept have shown promising results in phase 2 randomised controlled trials. Despite this recent progress, the value, specific condition and optimal application of each treatment remain undecided. In this review, we discuss the scientific rationale for each treatment and the therapeutic strategy.
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Abstract
Large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) manifests as inflammation of the aorta and its major branches and is the most common primary vasculitis in adults. LVV comprises two distinct conditions, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis, although the phenotypic spectrum of primary LVV is complex. Non-specific symptoms often predominate and so patients with LVV present to a range of health-care providers and settings. Rapid diagnosis, specialist referral and early treatment are key to good patient outcomes. Unfortunately, disease relapse remains common and chronic vascular complications are a source of considerable morbidity. Although accurate monitoring of disease activity is challenging, progress in vascular imaging techniques and the measurement of laboratory biomarkers may facilitate better matching of treatment intensity with disease activity. Further, advances in our understanding of disease pathophysiology have paved the way for novel biologic treatments that target important mediators of disease in both giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. This work has highlighted the substantial heterogeneity present within LVV and the importance of an individualized therapeutic approach. Future work will focus on understanding the mechanisms of persisting vascular inflammation, which will inform the development of increasingly sophisticated imaging technologies. Together, these will enable better disease prognostication, limit treatment-associated adverse effects, and facilitate targeted development and use of novel therapies.
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