Treatment of Churg-Strauss syndrome with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin

Monocentric study of IL-5 monoclonal antibody induction therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

OBJECTIVE

Although sporadic case reports have demonstrated successful management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) by anti-IL-5 therapy, larger-scale monocentric studies for the efficacy of mepolizumab (MEP), an IL-5 monoclonal antibody, are still lacking in Taiwan.

METHODS

Hospitalized EGPA patients aged at least 18 years were enrolled from November 1998 to October 2023, and analyzed for demographic, clinical, laboratory, medication and outcome data, focusing on the efficacy and safety of biologics use, particularly induction therapy with MEP.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven EGPA patients aged 10-70 years (43 ± 15) at disease diagnosis were recruited with 21 under combined corticosteroids/cyclophosphamide induction therapy. Seventeen patients received biologics with 13 under MEP therapy. Ten patients aged 19-71 years (48 ± 15) completed 12-month induction therapy with a 100 mg quadri-weekly subcutaneous injection regimen indicated for active or relapse disease. There were reduced BVAS with complete remission in 6 and partial remission in 4 patients, lower CRP levels, decreased eosinophil counts with an inhibition of 92∼96 %, and tapered prednisolone dosages from 5 to 25 (13.0 ± 6.3) to 0-10 (3.3 ± 3.1) mg/day. Only one patient had an adverse event of injection site reactions. Nine patients received the same regimen for annual maintenance therapy. All had a persistent clinical remission. In these patients, 13-56 injections (41 ± 15) were prescribed with a follow-up period of 12∼52 months (38 ± 14).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, induction therapy with a 12-month 100 mg MEP quadri-weekly subcutaneous injection regimen demonstrates the efficacy and safety for active and relapsing EGPA patients.

Intravenous cyclophosphamide and immunoglobulin ameliorated visual field defects in a patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Treating ocular involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) can be challenging. We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with EGPA who had severe bilateral visual field defects. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis (17,500 WBC/μL, 25.8 % eosinophils), negative MPO-ANCA titer, and elevated PR3-ANCA level (33.2 IU/mL). Diffusion-weighted MRI revealed bilateral hyperintense occipital lesions, which were more prominent on the left. Her therapy initially included a steroid pulse, followed by daily prednisolone, but her visual field defects remained refractory. The addition of intravenous cyclophosphamide (5 courses) and intravenous immunoglobulin decreased her optic neuropathy and resolved her visual field defects.

Successful Treatment of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Case of Refractory Peripheral Neuropathy and Comorbid Chronic Progressive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Treated With Mepolizumab

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis accompanied by granulomas and eosinophilic inflammation, exhibiting marked peripheral blood eosinophiliaandasthma. Neuropathy is a difficult-to-treat common manifestation that frequently remains after achieving clinical remission with current therapy in a subpopulation of patients with EGPA with or without life-threatening organ involvement. Refractory neuropathy regularly reduces the quality of life and requires glucocorticoids (GCs) and/or immunosuppressants for a long time. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy is a factor associated with a high risk of adverse effects. Mepolizumab, at three times the dose for severe asthma, provides benefits to induce the remission of relapsing or refractory EGPA and to reduce the doses of GC. Here, we present a case of EGPA successfully treated with mepolizumab at the reference dose for severe asthma. In this case, mepolizumab resolved peripheral neuropathy resistant to corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and intravenous immunoglobulin and contributed to the improvement of comorbid chronic pulmonary aspergillosis during GC dose reduction.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and severe cardiac involvement in a patient surviving for 34 years

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have reported a poor prognosis for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) patients with cardiac involvement.

CASE STUDY

A woman developed EGPA at 37 years of age, with weight loss, numbness in the right upper and lower extremities, muscle weakness, skin rash, abdominal pain, chest pain, an increased peripheral blood eosinophil count (4165/µL), and necrotizing vasculitis on peroneal nerve biopsy. The patient was treated with prednisolone, immunosuppressants, intravenous immune globulin, and mepolizumab, but she experienced many relapses, with chest pain, abdominal pain, numbness, and paralysis, over a long period. The patient died from aspiration pneumonia at 71 years of age after undergoing left total hip arthroplasty for left hip neck fracture.

RESULTS

Autopsy showed bronchopneumonia in the lower lung lobes on both sides, as well as infiltration of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes. There was no evidence of active vasculitis in either the lung or colon. At autopsy the heart showed predominantly subendocardial fibrosis and fatty infiltration, but no active vasculitis or eosinophilic infiltration.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, there have been no autopsy reports of EGPA patients who have survived for 34 years with recurrent cardiac lesions. In this case, the cardiac involvement (active vasculitis and eosinophilic infiltration) had improved by the time of death.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: Latest Findings and Updated Treatment Recommendations

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) causes necrotizing vasculitis and eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation in small- to medium-sized vessels, resulting in multiple organ damage. EGPA is classified as an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, with myeloperoxidase-ANCA detected in approximately one-third of the patients. Conventional treatment of EGPA relies on systemic glucocorticoids (GCs) in combination with cyclophosphamide when poor prognostic factors are present; however, the dilemma between disease control and drug-related adverse effects has long been a challenge. Recent studies have revealed that the genetic background, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations differ between ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients; however, mepolizumab, an interleukin (IL)-5 inhibitor, is effective in both groups, suggesting that the IL-5-eosinophil axis is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of both ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative EGPA. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on the pathophysiology of EGPA and focuses on the roles of eosinophils and ANCA. We then introduce the current treatment recommendations and accumulated evidence for mepolizumab on EGPA. Based on current unmet clinical needs, we discuss potential future therapeutic strategies for EGPA.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin: Mechanism of Action in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the mainstay of therapy for humoral immune deficiencies and numerous inflammatory disorders. Although the use of IVIG may be supplanted by several targeted therapies to cytokines, the ability of polyclonal normal IgG to act as an effector molecule as well as a regulatory molecule is a clear example of the polyfunctionality of IVIG. This article will address the mechanism of action of IVIG in a number of important conditions that are otherwise resistant to treatment. In this commentary, we will highlight mechanistic studies that shed light on the action of IVIG. This will be approached by identifying effects that are both common and disease-specific, targeting actions that have been demonstrated on cells and processes that represent both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Long-term mepolizumab treatment reduces relapse rates in super-responders with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

BACKGROUND

The mainstay of treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is systemic corticosteroid therapy; some patients also receive intravenous immunoglobulins, other immunosuppressive agents, and biologics. Mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, induces remission and decreases the daily corticosteroid dose; however, the clinical efficacy of mepolizumab in EGPA and the prognosis with long-term treatment with this drug are unknown.

METHODS

Seventy-one EGPA patients were treated at Hiratsuka City Hospital, Japan, between April 2018 and March 2022. We administered mepolizumab for a mean of 2.8 ± 1.7 years to 43 patients in whom remission could not be induced by conventional treatment. After excluding 18 patients who had received mepolizumab for less than 3 years, we classified 15 patients into a "super-responder group" (the daily dose of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant could be decreased, or the interval between IVIG treatments could be prolonged) and 10 patients into a "responder group" (neither of these changes was achievable). Eosinophil numbers, serum IgG levels, daily doses of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), and relapse frequency before and after mepolizumab initiation were determined.

RESULTS

Blood eosinophil count at diagnosis and the lowest serum IgG level before mepolizumab treatment were significantly higher in super-responders than in responders (p < 0.05). In super-responders, the prednisolone dose at last visit on mepolizumab treatment was lower than that before treatment (p < 0.01) and lower than that at last visit in the responders (p < 0.01). In both groups, peripheral blood eosinophil numbers and BVAS were lower after starting mepolizumab than before (p < 0.01). BVAS before mepolizumab (p < 0.05) and at last visit (p < 0.01) were lower in super-responders than in responders. Relapse rates every year after the start of mepolizumab were lower in super-responders than in responder groups (p < 0.01). In super-responders, relapse rates were lower during the 3 years following mepolizumab initiation (p < 0.01) and at last visit (p < 0.01) were significantly lower than after 1 year of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Mepolizumab treatment of super-responders sustainably reduced the relapse rate.

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Complications of Vasculitis Syndromes from Pathology to Bedside: Part 2-Peripheral Nervous System

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Peripheral nervous system vasculitides (PNSV) are a heterogeneous group of disorders with a clinical subset that may differ in prognosis and therapy. We provide a comprehensive update on the clinical assessment, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and follow-up of PNSV.

RECENT FINDINGS

Progress in neuroimaging, molecular testing, and peripheral nerve biopsy has improved clinical assessment and decision-making of PNSV, also providing novel insights on how to prevent misdiagnosis and increase diagnostic certainty. Advances in imaging techniques, allowing to clearly display the vessel walls, have also enhanced the possibility to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory vascular lesions, while recent histopathology data have identified the main morphological criteria for more accurate diagnosis and differential diagnoses. Overall, the identification of peculiar morphological findings tends to improve diagnostic accuracy by defining a clearer boundary between systemic and non-systemic neuropathies. Therefore, the definition of epineurium vessel wall damage, type of vascular lesion, characterization of lymphocyte populations, antibodies, and inflammatory factors, as well as the identification of direct nerve damage or degeneration, are the common goals for pathologists and clinicians, who will both benefit for data integration and findings translation. Nevertheless, to date, treatment is still largely empiric and, in some cases, unsatisfactory, thus often precluding precise prognostic prediction. In this context, new diagnostic techniques and multidisciplinary management will be essential in the proper diagnosis and prompt management of PNSV, as highlighted in the present review. Thirty to fifty percent of all patients with vasculitis have signs of polyneuropathy. Neuropathies associated with systemic vasculitis are best managed according to the guidelines of the underlying disease because appropriate workup and initiation of treatment can reduce morbidity. Steroids, or in severe or progressive cases, cyclophosphamide pulse therapy is the standard therapy in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathies. Some patients need long-term immunosuppression. The use of novel technologies for high-throughput genotyping will permit to determine the genetic influence of related phenotypes in patients with PNSV.

Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Benralizumab for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Complicated with Severe Neuropathy

The efficacy of benralizumab, as well as mepolizumab, to granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) involved with mononeuritis multiplex remains unclear. We experienced a case of EGPA presenting neuropathy with severe asthma. Muscle weakness due to neuropathy involved with gait disturbance was partly ameliorated by intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Mepolizumab (100 mg/day) did not promote further improvement of neuropathy. However, the administration of benralizumab instead of mepolizumab improved neuropathy quickly and enabled walking alone. The efficacy of benralizumab for EGPA and its complication has been maintained for over four years. Benralizumab may be a possible treatment for EGPA presenting neuropathy with severe asthma.

[Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with Guillain-Barré syndrome-like acute course. A case report]

A 57-years-old man with a history of bronchial asthma and pansinusitis developed acute progressive muscle weakness and sensory disturbance of the distal limbs after upper respiratory infection. On day 15 after onset of sensory disturbance and muscle weakness, the patient admitted to our hospital. A neurological examination revealed asymmetry weakness of both proximal and distal muscles, "glove and stocking type" hypoesthesia, and paresthesia without obvious pain. Blood tests and a nerve conduction study demonstrated eosinophilia and elevation of MPO-ANCA, axonal multiple mononeuropathy, respectively. The cerebrospinal fluid was normal. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) or Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) were suspected. So intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg) and high dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy (HDMP) followed by oral prednisolone were started. However, neurological symptoms did not improve. Sural nerve biopsy on day 31 revealed varying myelinating fiber loss at every nerve bundle and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. The results did not fulfill the pathologic criteria for EGPA, but supported the changes of vasculitis. Cyclophosphamide (CPA) pulse therapy was administered for the additional therapy. Neurological symptoms did not improve and worsened again after decreasing oral prednisolone; therefore, combined therapy with IVIg, HDMP, and CPA was administered. Neurological symptoms then diminished gradually and the MPO-ANCA level and number of eosinophils normalized. This case suggests the importance of early nerve biopsy to obtain pathological findings supportive of EGPA diagnosis to allow introduction of aggressive immunosuppressive therapy such as CPA in a case with acute progressive motor-sensory neuropathy due to EGPA mimicking GBS.

Successful early introduction of mepolizumab for peripheral neuropathy with a peripheral circulatory disorder in a patient with myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

A 26-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and progressive paralysis in the lower limbs. She had a history of bronchial asthma and experienced sinusitis, progressive peripheral neuropathy, polyarthritis, and leukocytosis with prominent eosinophilia. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Abdominal pain was considered to be an ischaemic enteritis associated with EGPA. She was administered 1,000 mg/day of methylprednisolone for 3 days and intravenous immunoglobulin (400 mg/kg/day of γ-globulin for 5 days) followed by 50 mg (1 mg/kg)/day of oral prednisolone due to rapidly progressing peripheral neuropathy. Her symptoms temporarily improved; however, peripheral neuropathy recurred after a week, and the eosinophil count increased. Eighteen days after following the resumed treatment, 300 mg of mepolizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody, was administered. Subjective symptoms, nerve conduction velocity, and skin perfusion pressure (an index of peripheral circulation in the lower extremities) improved after 4 weeks. Although mepolizumab has been approved for EGPA, there is no evidence of its efficacy against peripheral neuropathy. Early introduction of mepolizumab may contribute to an the early improved progressive peripheral neuropathy with eosinophilia.

Clinical Features of Patients with Active Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Successfully Treated with Mepolizumab

BACKGROUND

In some patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), remission cannot be induced, despite treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. We evaluated the clinical features of patients with EGPA in whom mepolizumab was effective.

METHODS

There were 59 EGPA patients treated at Hiratsuka City Hospital, Japan, between April 2018 and September 2020, and 30 of them received mepolizumab. Twenty (66.7%) experienced a "marked effect" (the daily dose of corticosteroid or immunosuppressant could be decreased, or the interval between intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments could be prolonged) and 10 (33.3%) experienced a "weak effect" (these measures were not achieved). Eosinophil numbers, serum IgG levels, daily doses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, and the interval between IVIG treatments at diagnosis and before and after mepolizumab initiation were determined.

RESULTS

Eosinophil numbers at diagnosis were significantly higher in the marked-effect group than in the weak-effect group (p < 0.05) but not before mepolizumab initiation or at the last visit. Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scores (BVASs) before mepolizumab initiation (p < 0.05) and at last visit (p < 0.01), and frequency of relapse before treatment initiation (p < 0.05) were significantly higher, and the serum IgG level before mepolizumab treatment was significantly lower in the weak-effect group than in the marked-effect group. The weak-effect group received higher doses of corticosteroids, even if the corticosteroid dose could be reduced for a while after mepolizumab initiation.

CONCLUSION

High peripheral blood eosinophil numbers at EGPA diagnosis were suggestive of a positive clinical response to mepolizumab.

Intravenous Immunoglobulins at the Crossroad of Autoimmunity and Viral Infections

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are blood preparations pooled from the plasma of donors that have been first employed as replacement therapy in immunodeficiency. IVIG interact at multiple levels with the different components of the immune system and exert their activity against infections. Passive immunotherapy includes convalescent plasma from subjects who have recovered from infection, hyperimmune globulin formulations with a high titer of neutralizing antibodies, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). IVIG are used for the prevention and treatment of several infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, or in case of a poorly responsive immune system. The evolution of IVIG from a source of passive immunity to a powerful immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory agent results in extensive applications in autoimmune diseases. IVIG composition depends on the antibodies of the donor population and the alterations of protein structure due to the processing of plasma. The anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity of IVIG has led us to think that they may represent a useful therapeutic tool even in COVID-19. The human origin of IVIG carries specific criticalities including risks of blood products, supply, and elevated costs. IVIG can be useful in critically ill patients, as well as early empirical treatment. To date, the need for further well-designed studies stating protocols and the efficacy/tolerability profile of IVIG and convalescent plasma in selected situations are awaited.

Familial Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in a Sister and Brother

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a vasculitis characterized by an abnormally high number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood and tissues. EGPA is an extremely rare disorder, with an incidence of 0.5 to 3.7 new cases per million people per year and an overall prevalence of 2.4 to 14 per million adults. There is little knowledge about the genetic factors that influence this disease. There are only two reports of familial EGPA: one in Japan and one in Turkey. We herein report a third case of familial EGPA in a brother and sister who were negative for myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.

ANCA associated vasculitis

Vasculitis is characterized by inflammation of the vascular wall. It reaches vessels of different sizes and locations, conditioning multisystem and complex manifestations that require a holistic approach. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis has an annual incidence rate of 20 per million inhabitants. It is the result of the interaction of infectious, genetic and environmental factors and manifest itself with varied and unspecific symptoms, often reaching the general state, respiratory and renal systems. The combination of clinical, laboratory, imaging and fundamentally histological changes allows the diagnosis and classification of the extent / severity of the disease necessary for the decision of the therapeutics to be taken. Glucocorticoids are generally used; with methotrexate being considered when localized disease and cyclophosphamide, rituximab or azathioprine when generalized disease. A systematized approach can increase survival rates from 12% to 70% over a 5-year span.

Update on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a rare form of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis characterized by eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation and small to medium-size vessel vasculitis associated with bronchial asthma and eosinophilia. Its rarity and unique features such as eosinophilic inflammation have delayed progress of research regarding EGPA for several years, compared to other forms of ANCA-associated vasculitis. However, recently, attention to EGPA as a research subject has been gradually increasing. To resolve problems in existing criteria for EGPA, new classification criteria for EGPA generated by a large international cohort will be launched and is being expected to accelerate future studies. Pathogenesis and roles of ANCA in EGPA are still largely unknown; however, it has been reported that glomerulonephritis is more frequent in ANCA-positive patients than in ANCA-negative patients, while heart failure is more frequent in ANCA-negative patients than in ANCA-positive patients. In addition, a recent genome-wide association study has suggested the presence of two genetically distinct subgroups of EGPA, which correspond to ANCA-positive and -negative subgroups. Although responses to glucocorticoids in EGPA are generally good, patients with EGPA often experience a relapse. Currently, there is no standard therapy for EGPA based on accumulation of clinical trial results. Recently, clinical benefits of mepolizumab for EGPA were proved by a randomized controlled trial and mepolizumab was approved for EGPA. In addition, various new drugs are under evaluation. To find optimal use of these drugs and to resolve unmet needs, such as relapse prevention, will be needed in future.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis complicated by subarachnoid hemorrhage and coronary vasculitis: a case report and review of the literature

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is characterized by necrotizing vasculitis of small-sized vessels with extravascular granulomas and eosinophilic infiltration. The case of a 48-year-old Japanese woman with EGPA, who presented concurrently with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and coronary vasculitis, is reported. She initially presented with bronchial asthma, and then 8 months later she developed various symptoms caused by systemic eosinophilic vasculitis and was admitted to our hospital. Three days after admission, she started oral corticosteroid therapy, and her 2009 Five-Factor Score (FFS) was 0. However, she developed an SAH, followed by coronary vasculitis 1 day later. With extensive treatment with a combination of betamethasone, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab, her systemic vasculitis improved dramatically. This seems to be the first case of EGPA with SAH and coronary vasculitis. In previous reports of EGPA with SAH, 4 of 11 cases developed SAH as an exacerbation of systemic vasculitis during remission induction therapy. The present patient also had SAH during remission induction therapy. However, the period between bronchial asthma and SAH was only 8 months. This is the shortest among case reports of EGPA with SAH. In addition, the present patient rapidly developed coronary vasculitis. These findings suggest that EGPA causes SAH and coronary vasculitis as early complications of systemic vasculitis. In EGPA, it is necessary to pay careful attention to rapid changes of disease activity, even when the FFS indicates a good prognosis.

Longterm Prognosis of 121 Patients with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in Japan

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the risk factors for relapse or prognosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in Japanese patients presenting to our hospital.

METHODS

From June 1999 through March 2015, we retrospectively recruited 121 patients with EGPA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Frequent relapse was defined as disease occurrence at least once every 2 years after a period of initial remission. The study endpoint was the last examination performed. We used multiple logistic regression to analyze risk factors for relapse or survival in EGPA.

RESULTS

Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement with both abnormalities on endoscopy and biopsy (p < 0.01) and symptoms; myocardial involvement with both abnormalities on 1 or more cardiac investigations and symptoms (p < 0.01); and treatment at initial or maintenance with immunosuppressants (p < 0.01) or administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG; p < 0.01) were associated significantly more often with frequent relapse than with infrequent. Overall 5-, 10-, and 20-year survival rates were 91.1%, 83.7%, and 68.6%, respectively. Survival in EGPA was associated with age of onset < 65 years. Age at onset of EGPA was the only significant predictor of survival (p < 0.01). Myocardial or GI tract involvement did not affect mortality risk.

CONCLUSION

Patients with myocardial or GI tract involvement had frequent relapses, but these conditions were not reflected in increased mortality. Treatment with immunosuppressants or IVIG in addition to corticosteroids might have improved the prognosis in Japanese patients with EGPA.

[Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis: about 85 cases]

La présentation clinique, les étiologies et l'évolution des Vascularites leucocytoclasiques sont peu étudiées. L'objectif de notre travail est d'étudier les particularités épidémiologiques, cliniques, étiologiques et évolutives de cette entité. Nous avons mené une étude transversale portant sur 85 patients ayant une vascularite leucocytoclasique colligés dans le service de dermatologie de l'hôpital Farhat Hached de Sousse entre Janvier 2000 et Décembre 2013. Pour chaque patient, une fiche des données épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques et étiologiques a été remplie. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 47,65 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 10 à 78 ans. Cinquante trois femmes et 32 hommes étaient recensés (sexe ratio = 0,6). Les manifestations cutanées étaient dominées par le purpura vasculaire (88,2%). Les étiologies les plus fréquentes étaient les maladies systémiques (51%), les infections (20%) et les dermatoses neutrophiliques (14,5%). Les autres étiologies retrouvées étaient : les causes médicamenteuses (9,1%) et les hémopathies malignes (5,4%). Chez 30 patients (35,3%), l'étiologie n'a pas été retrouvée. Deux facteurs prédictifs à l'évolution aigue étaient retenus : la présence d'une infection récente (p= 0,014) et d'une prise médicamenteuse précédant l'éruption cutanée (p= 0,013). L'évolution chronique était corrélée positivement aux anticorps antinucléaires (p= 0,009), et à la cryoglobulinémie (p=0,025). Notre étude illustre la multitude des étiologies de vascularites leucocytoclasiques. La recherche d'une maladie sous-jacente est impérative afin de garantir une meilleure prise en charge thérapeutique.

[Therapeutic administration of immunoglobulins]

BACKGROUND

Intravenously administered immunoglobulins have multiple modes of action that are anti-inflammatory. They can therefore be beneficial in a number of autoimmune disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to analyze and summarize studies on the administration of intravenous immunoglobulins in rheumatological diseases.

METHODS

A selective search and analysis of the literature was carried out related to the mode of action and efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins in rheumatological diseases.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Intravenous immunoglobulins have a broad mode of action and can therefore be beneficial in almost all autoimmune diseases. Conditions in which they are of special benefit include immunothrombopenia (ITP), Kawasaki disease and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. In rare situations, they may also be indicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome and neuropathies, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), scleroderma, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis, pyoderma gangrenosum and scleromyxedema. Severe adverse events are rare. In view of the high costs of the therapy, intravenous immunoglobulins are mostly applied in emergency situations, as salvage therapy when other standard therapies have failed or when severe infections are a contraindication to the administration of immunosuppressants.

Heart failure not responsive to standard immunosuppressive therapy is successfully treated with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in a patient with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)

Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs represent the first-line treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, former Churg-Strauss syndrome), even though the combined therapy is not successful in achieving the disease remission in some patients with neurological or cardiac involvement. We describe a case of an EGPA male patient with impaired left ventricular function not responsive to glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive therapy. We observed that high-dose (2g/kg/4weeks) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy significantly improved cardiac function, which was deteriorated after reducing IVIG dose at 0.5g/kg/4weeks, and was restored increasing again IVIG dose to 2g/kg/4weeks. The finding highlights the relevance of IVIG as treatment of choice in EGPA patients with cardiac involvement not responsive to the standard glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive therapy. Moreover, at a follow-up of 24months, the continuance of high dose IVIG therapy was required to maintain a sustained remission of the heart failure.

[Current approaches to diagnosing and treating eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: The 2015 international guidelines]

The 2015 international guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as the Churg-Strauss syndrome, are detailed and an attempt is made to expand an evidence base, by attracting more recent available publications. The new guidelines should not be regarded as final standards; these are primarily to extend the possibilities of choosing a personified management strategy for patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and to serve as the starting point for further in-depth investigations.

Successful Use of Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Corticosteroid-Refractory Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Associated with Gastrointestinal Manifestations

We describe the case of a 33-year-old woman having corticosteroid-refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) who presented with abdominal pain and responded dramatically to plasma exchange. Eosinophilia, asthma history, neuropathy, pulmonary infiltrates, and paranasal sinus abnormalities confirmed the diagnosis of EGPA. Treatment was initiated with 1 g/day of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for 3 days followed by 60 mg/day of intravenous prednisolone without relieving abdominal pain. Then, plasma exchange was performed thrice. Abdominal pain disappeared after the first plasma exchange. Indication of plasma exchange for EGPA remains controversial; however, it may represent a valid option in cases with gastrointestinal involvement.

Th17 cells reflect colon submucosal pathologic changes in active eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) or eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG), or both, with asthma precede the onset of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in half of all EGPA patients. It is not known what determines whether patients with CEP or with EG following asthma will develop EGPA.

METHODS

We studied 17 EGPA patients and 12 patients with CEP but without EGPA. We assayed serum ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and VEGF, and the percentage of peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells producing IL-17 (Th17 cells), at both onset and remission. We also examined the numbers of submucosal eosinophils and the basement membrane-to-crypt and crypt-to-crypt distance to evaluate edema in the colon submucosa at onset and remission in EGPA and at onset in CEP.

RESULTS

Nine of 12 (75.0%) CEP patients had symptoms or endoscopic findings. Colonic submucosal eosinophil counts and edema in EGPA at onset were greater than at remission or in CEP at onset. Th17 cells (%) and serum ICAM-1 levels at onset were greater in EGPA than in CEP. In EGPA, peripheral blood Th17 cells (%) were significantly correlated with serum ICAM-1 level, colonic submucosal eosinophil count, and degree of edematous change; inversely correlated with serum VEGF level; but not correlated with VCAM-1 level.

CONCLUSIONS

Eosinophilia and colonic submucosal edematous change were greater in EGPA than in CEP. The mechanism of vasculitis in EGPA appears related to increases in serum Th17 cell numbers and ICAM-1 levels and decreases in VEGF levels.

Induction of Regulatory T Cells by Intravenous Immunoglobulin: A Bridge between Adaptive and Innate Immunity

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a polyclonal immunoglobulin G preparation with potent immunomodulatory properties. The mode of action of IVIg has been investigated in multiple disease states, with various mechanisms described to account for its benefits. Recent data indicate that IVIg increases both the number and the suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells, a subpopulation of T cells that are essential for immune homeostasis. IVIg alters dendritic cell function, cytokine and chemokine networks, and T lymphocytes, leading to development of regulatory T cells. The ability of IVIg to influence Treg induction has been shown both in animal models and in human diseases. In this review, we discuss data on the potential mechanisms contributing to the interaction between IVIg and the regulatory T-cell compartment.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss) (EGPA) Consensus Task Force recommendations for evaluation and management

OBJECTIVE

To develop disease-specific recommendations for the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) (EGPA).

METHODS

The EGPA Consensus Task Force experts comprised 8 pulmonologists, 6 internists, 4 rheumatologists, 3 nephrologists, 1 pathologist and 1 allergist from 5 European countries and the USA. Using a modified Delphi process, a list of 40 questions was elaborated by 2 members and sent to all participants prior to the meeting. Concurrently, an extensive literature search was undertaken with publications assigned with a level of evidence according to accepted criteria. Drafts of the recommendations were circulated for review to all members until final consensus was reached.

RESULTS

Twenty-two recommendations concerning the diagnosis, initial evaluation, treatment and monitoring of EGPA patients were established. The relevant published information on EGPA, antineutrophil-cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitides, hypereosinophilic syndromes and eosinophilic asthma supporting these recommendations was also reviewed.

DISCUSSION

These recommendations aim to give physicians tools for effective and individual management of EGPA patients, and to provide guidance for further targeted research.

An exploratory trial of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a preliminary multicenter report

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disorder without specific treatments. Although the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for autoimmune diseases has been reported, that for IPF remains unknown. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of IVIG for IPF.

METHODS

In an exploratory, multicenter, non-randomized and prospective trial, patients with progressive IPF were enrolled. Patients were treated with IVIG for five consecutive days (5-day IVIG) or once monthly for five consecutive months (5-month IVIG). Changes in the vital capacity (VC), diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 6-min walk test (6MWT) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients with IPF were treated with IVIG: 6 were in 5-day IVIG and 4 were in 5-month IVIG group. In 5-day IVIG group, the treatment effects were temporal, and physiological and HRCT findings deteriorated in three of six patients. In 5-month IVIG group, changes in %VC, %DLCO and walk distance in 6MWT at 6 months were -0.9 ± 5.3%, 6.9 ± 12.6% and 79 ± 58 m (mean ± standard deviation), respectively, and the treatment effects were long lasting. The change in VC 6 months after starting IVIG was smaller than that of 6-12 months after starting IVIG (after cessation of IVIG) (-0.02 ± 0.15 vs -0.33 ± 0.14 L, P = 0.022). Ground glass opacities were diminished in two of four patients. Adverse events were mild and tolerable.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study shows that once-monthly IVIG treatment may be effective and tolerable in patients with IPF.

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are implicated in the development and progression of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). We previously showed beneficial effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy combined with corticosteroid and immunosuppressant treatment on clinical symptoms, including mononeuritis multiplex and cardiac dysfunction, and Treg cell frequency, during EGPA. Whether the timing of administration (during initial treatment or at relapse after remission) or previous treatment affects the clinical and immunologic efficacy of IVIG is unknown. We evaluated whether the frequency of Treg cells varied depending on when IVIG was provided relative to the start of conventional therapy for EGPA.

METHODS

The patient population for this retrospective analysis comprised 17 patients with severe mononeuritis multiplex or heart failure whose EGPA did not respond to corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressant therapy. Ten patients first received IVIG during initial treatment, whereas the remaining 7 patients first received IVIG on relapse after remission. We measured the percentage of Treg cells, defined as FOXP3(+)CD4(+) T cells, present before the first round of IVIG and at 1 month after the last IVIG treatment.

RESULTS

FOXP3(+)CD4(+) T cells were increased in patients who required only a single course of IVIG to achieve remission compared with those who needed two or more courses. The dosage of prednisolone at initial IVIG was inversely correlated with the ratio of the number of FOXP3(+)CD4(+) T cells before IVIG and that at 1 month thereafter.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe EGPA who receive IVIG after nonresponse to high-dose prednisolone during initial treatment may need multiple courses of IVIG to achieve remission. An increase in the frequency of Treg cells after IVIG may predict the need for additional IVIG in EGPA.

Marked improvement of Churg-Strauss syndrome neuropathy by intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclophosphamide

A 42-year-old Japanese man developed Churg–Strauss syndrome 7 years after being diagnosed with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Prominent eosinophilia, subcutaneous nodules, and neuropathy in the left leg were seen. A pathological diagnosis of necrotizing vasculitis was determined by a biopsy of a subcutaneous nodule. The leg pain was severe and there was prominent atrophy of the thigh and calf, but the muscle weakness was mild. Serum anti-myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody was positive. Because the initial treatment with an intravenous methylprednisolone pulse at 1 g/day for 3 days was not sufficient, a onetime treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide at 15 mg/kg and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) at 400 mg/kg/day for 5 days were administered. Peripheral eosinophilia improved and the leg pain significantly improved. IVIG was repeated 1 month later and symptoms gradually improved further. The early diagnosis of Churg–Strauss syndrome and the early initiation of IVIG with cyclophosphamide were thought to be important.

Indications for IVIG in rheumatic diseases

The use of IVIG to treat a wide variety of immune-driven diseases has grown rapidly, although the mechanism of action is not completely understood. Increasing demand for IVIG coupled with concerns regarding potential transmissible agents has led to worldwide supply shortages. National agencies have therefore produced guidelines for its use, with the latest England and Wales guideline being published in 2011. Due to the rarity of the rheumatic diseases, the evidence for IVIG use has been shown to be lacking in some areas and promising in others. Conditions in which IVIG has been shown to have benefit include ITP, Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy occurring in the context of rheumatic disease, as well as in SLE, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and ANCA-associated vasculitides. This review looks at current IVIG use and is designed to be an aid for rheumatologists when considering the use of IVIG in clinical practice.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss): evolutions in classification, etiopathogenesis, assessment and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a peculiar hybrid condition of a systemic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and a hypereosinophilic disorder with frequent lung involvement that occurs in people with asthma. This review focuses on areas of evidence or persistent uncertainty in the classification, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis and management of EGPA and attempts to identify clues to the mechanisms in the development or course of the disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The 2013 revision of the EGPA definition formally placed the disease in the subset of ANCA-associated vasculitides. Recently published large case series underlined that the presence of ANCAs, found in 30-40% of EGPA, determines distinct but partly overlapping disease expression and the major detrimental effect of heart involvement on survival. There is some evidence that asthma in EGPA resembles a nonallergic eosinophilic asthma phenotype. Encouraging results have been reported for the treatment of EGPA with rituximab or with the eosinophil-targeted antiinterleukin-5 agent mepolizumab.

SUMMARY

The understanding of EGPA continues to advance, but many gaps in knowledge remain. The nomenclature remains a source of conceptual variance in terms of demonstrated presence or not of vessel inflammation or ANCAs in the diagnosis of EGPA. Distinguishing EGPA from hypereosinophilic syndromes can be problematic, and an understanding of the mechanistic relation between the vasculitis and the eosinophilic proliferation is profoundly lacking. Some evidence suggests distinct disease phenotypes, but this concept has not yet been translated to phenotype-adapted therapy.

Eosinophils in vasculitis: characteristics and roles in pathogenesis

Eosinophils are multifunctional granular leukocytes that are implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of disorders, including asthma, helminth infection, and rare hypereosinophilic syndromes. Although peripheral and tissue eosinophilia can be a feature of many types of small-vessel and medium-vessel vasculitis, the role of eosinophils has been best studied in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), where eosinophils are a characteristic finding in all three clinical stages of the disorder. Whereas numerous studies have demonstrated an association between the presence of eosinophils and markers of eosinophil activation in the blood and tissues of patients with EGPA, the precise role of eosinophils in disease pathogenesis has been difficult to ascertain owing to the complexity of the disease process. In this regard, results of clinical trials using novel agents that specifically target eosinophils are providing the first direct evidence of a central role of eosinophils in EGPA. This Review focuses on the aspects of eosinophil biology most relevant to the pathogenesis of vasculitis and provides an update of current knowledge regarding the role of eosinophils in EGPA and other vasculitides.

Vasculitic neuropathies

The vasculitic neuropathies are a diverse group of disorders characterised by the acute-to-subacute onset of painful sensory and motor deficits that result from inflammatory destruction of nerve blood vessels and subsequent ischaemic injury. They are common in patients with primary systemic vasculitis and are seen in vasculitis secondary to disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, viral infections, and diabetic inflammatory neuropathies. It is imperative that neurologists recognise these disorders to initiate treatment promptly and thereby prevent morbidity and mortality. To simplify the approach to patients with vasculitis of the peripheral nerves, a straightforward, dichotomous classification scheme can be used in which the vasculitic neuropathies are divided into two groups-nerve large arteriole vasculitis and nerve microvasculitis-on the basis of the size of the involved vessels. The size of the affected blood vessels correlates with the clinical course and prognosis in patients with vasculitic neuropathy.

[Update Churg-Strauss syndrome]

The Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is the rarest subtype of the so-called anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) and has the lowest frequency of ANCA-positivity (around 30%). In addition to asthma and blood eosinophilia, CSS is characterized by end-organ damage, which can be caused by either vasculitis and/or tissue infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes. The CSS shares many etiological and clinical features of other hypereosinophilic syndromes. Recently, a distinct genetic background could be demonstrated for both the ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative subtypes of CSS as compared to the other two forms of AAV. Among other cytokines, interleukin-5 (IL-5) could be identified as a key mediator of eosinophilia. Therefore, recent clinical trials in CSS aimed to target IL-5. Outside of clinical trials, treatment of CSS is adapted to disease stage and activity, as recommended for other types of AAV.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in vasculitic ulcers: a case of polyarteritis nodosa

Introduction

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotizing medium-size-vessel vasculitis with variable clinical manifestations. Diagnosis is confirmed by histology or angiography. The mainstay of treatment is corticosteroids alone or combined with cyclophosphamide (CYF).

Case report

Seventy-one-year-old female, follow-up started in 1997 at the age of 56 for suspected relapsing febrile viral exanthema. Skin biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of lymphomatoid papulosis was made, with complete response to treatment with dapsone. In 2005, she presented with arthralgia, lower limb (LL) edema, livedo reticularis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). PAN was confirmed on histology and visceral angiography; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were negative. She responded to prednisolone but relapsed in 2006. Twelve cycles of CYF were administered, with clinical, angiographic and analytical improvement. In 2008, a new relapse occured with LL neuropathic pain and ESR elevation. Electromyogram (EMG) confirmed axonal sensory polyneuropathy (PNP). Azathioprine was started with a poor response. A second EMG, 12 months later in 2009 still evidenced PNP, and nerve biopsy confirmed vasculitic neuropathy. In 2010, she had ulcers in LL and iron-deficient anemia. She started intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for six cycles, achieving ulcer healing, absence of pain, no anemia and ESR normalization.

Discussion

IVIG therapy has proven benefit in Kawasaki disease, also showing efficacy in refractory ANCA-associated vasculitis. In PAN, only very few case reports show benefit. In this case, IVIG therapy induced total remission of LL ulcers and PNP, suggesting that it may be useful in selected cases of refractory PAN.

Efficacy of early intravenous immunoglobulin for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis with drastically progressive neuropathy: a synopsis of two cases

Two women, 66-year-old and 63-year-old, were admitted for drastically progressive neuropathy, and diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Steroid pulse therapy failed to exert effect upon neuropathy, so we administered early intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for fear of immobilization of neuropathy. This resulted in marked improvement in neuropathy without apparent side effects. Recent evidence suggests the efficacy of IVIG for steroid refractory neuropathy associated with EGPA, but has previously been administered during the chronic phase resulting in slow improvement. Our two successfully treated cases indicate the efficacy of early IVIG in preventing the immobilization of neuropathy, especially in progressive cases.

The advantage of specific intravenous immunoglobulin (sIVIG) on regular IVIG: experience of the last decade

During the last decade it has been shown that some components of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are responsible for their broadly therapeutic application. Currently, such specific subfractions are defined as specific IVIG (sIVIG) and are affinity-purified from commercial IVIGs that target specific antigens/antibodies related to a specific autoimmune disease. A remarkable example of the therapeutic potential of sIVIG is the proven enhanced anti-inflammatory potency of sialylated and recombinant sialylated IVIG obtained from total IVIG. In other experimental models, it has also been demonstrated that sIVIG work in many other contrivances, such as revealing anti-idiotypic networks blocking pathogenic antibodies ameliorating disease activity. sIVIG has also been shown to exert its action by modulating specific receptors expressed on immune cells in both inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Indeed, sIVIG has emerged as a novel approach to treat different immune-mediated conditions in a more accurate antigen-specific manner. Herein we review experimental evidence supporting sIVIG-efficacy in treating autoimmune diseases and inflammation.

Delay in diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome: a case report

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a well established disorder of the blood vessels. However, it is still sometimes not diagnosed early enough to avoid serious complications. It is the later stage that carries the more serious complications. Therefore, we emphasize the ways in which the diagnosis can be made early enough to avoid this stage of the disease. We report a case of CSS that was not diagnosed early and so the patient went on to develop severe cardiac and neurological manifestations. In this report we discuss the techniques and the methods to diagnose CSS and discuss their effectiveness in establishing the diagnosis. We also explore late cardiac and neurological complications because these are particularly serious complications later in the disease. We conclude that the criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology for CSS is the best tool available for early diagnosis and that late stage manifestations of CSS carry high rates of morbidity and mortality.

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment increases regulatory T cells in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

OBJECTIVE

We studied the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment on clinical symptoms and regulatory T (Treg) cell frequency in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

METHODS

Twenty-two EGPA patients with severe mononeuritis multiplex or cardiac dysfunction received IVIG therapy combined with conventional therapy (corticosteroid, immunosuppressants, or both). As a control, 24 EGPA patients without severe vasculitic symptoms were treated with conventional therapy. Before, during, and after treatment, we determined percentages of Treg cells and other relevant cells in patients' peripheral blood.

RESULTS

The frequency of CD25+ among CD4+ T cells was lower at onset in the study group than in controls but increased significantly after IVIG treatment, relative to controls. The frequency of CD25+ among CD4+ T cells correlated with the frequency of FOXP3+ among CD4+ T cells and interleukin 10 produced by CD25+CD4+ T cells.

CONCLUSION

The increase in Treg cells seen with the combination of IVIG and conventional therapy may promote remission in EGPA.