Interstitial lung disease in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a comprehensive review

The interplay between rheumatic diseases and pulmonary health

Patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) are prone to a number of comorbidities, particularly those affecting the respiratory system due to inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIMs) often present with progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). The prevalence of ILD varies among patients with RDs, with 11% in RA, 47% in SSc, and 41% in IIMs. Some diagnostic markers, including KL-6, cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and autoantibodies (anti-CCP), play a crucial role in assessing and predicting the course of pulmonary involvement in RDs. Lung fibrosis is a progressive disorder in SSc and RA, limiting the effiency of therapeutic interventions. Re-evaluating treatment approaches with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is crucial for understanding their impact on the risk of lung affections. Despite initial concerns surrounding methotrexate, recent evidence points to its benefits in RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Recognizing the intricate relationship between autoimmune RDs and lung affections is crucial for formulating effective treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts of rheumatologists and pulmonologists for early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and optimal patient outcomes in RA-ILD.

Pulmonary interstitial lesions in pemphigus mouse model: Verifying pemphigus may not be only limited to skin and mucosa

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been identified as a prevalent complication and significant contributor to mortality in individuals with pemphigus. In this study, a murine model of pemphigus was developed through the subcutaneous administration of serum IgG obtained from pemphigus patients, allowing for an investigation into the association between pemphigus and ILD. Pulmonary interstitial lesions were identified in the lungs of a pemphigus mouse model through histopathology, RT-qPCR and Sircol assay analyses. The severity of these lesions was found to be positively associated with the concentration of IgG in the injected serum. Additionally, DIF staining revealed the deposition of serum IgG in the lung tissue of pemphigus mice, indicating that the subcutaneous administration of human IgG directly impacted the lung tissue of the mice, resulting in damage. This study confirms the presence of pulmonary interstitial lesions in the pemphigus mouse model and establishes a link between pemphigus and ILD.

Moderators of Loneliness Trajectories in People with Systemic Sclerosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A SPIN COVID-19 Cohort Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Many individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at heightened risk for COVID-19 related morbidity and isolation due to interstitial lung disease, frailty, and immunosuppressant use. Minimal research has explored loneliness predictors in individuals with chronic illnesses during COVID-19. This study evaluated moderators of loneliness trajectories in individuals with SSc during COVID-19.

METHODS

Longitudinal data were analyzed across 30 timepoints from April 2020 to May 2022 from 775 adults in the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) COVID-19 Cohort. Hierarchical linear modeling evaluated cross-level moderators of loneliness trajectories, including marital status, baseline number of household members, number of virtual or telephone one-on-one or virtual group conversations, number of hours spent enjoying in-person household conversations or activities, and satisfaction with quality of in-person household conversations (all in the past week). Level-1 moderation analyses assessed effects of conversation, activity, and satisfaction means and slopes over time.

RESULTS

Baseline values were not statistically significant moderators of loneliness trajectories. Higher mean (averaged over time) virtual or telephone one-on-one and in-person household conversations, in-person household activity, and in-person household conversation satisfaction were associated with lower loneliness trajectories (ps < .05). The relationship between in-person household conversation satisfaction and loneliness trajectory was statistically significantly but minimally attenuated over time (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

For people with SSc, higher mean conversation, activity, and satisfaction variables were associated with lower levels of loneliness during the pandemic, but changes in these social variables were generally not predictive of changes in loneliness.

Clinical characteristics of patients with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease: a retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease is one of the most critical manifestations of connective tissue diseases that may cause morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics and treatment of the patients with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease.

METHOD

This retrospective observational study included patients from the Gulhane Rheumatology Interstitial Lung Disease cohort between October 2016 and June 2023. The patients were assessed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 63.4 ± 11.9 years. The frequencies of CTD were 34.1% Sjogren's syndrome, 30.1% rheumatoid arthritis, 25.4% systemic sclerosis, 5.8% undifferentiated connective tissue disease, 2.9% idiopathic inflammatory myositis, 1.2% mixt connective tissue disease, and 0.6% systemic lupus erythematosus in decreasing frequencies. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, which was the most common interstitial lung disease pattern in 103 (59.5%) patients, was most frequent among patients with SS and SSc (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.001). Usual interstitial pneumonia was most frequent among patients with RA (p < 0.001). All patients received immunosuppressive treatment, most commonly azathioprine. 57.2% were using immunosuppressives for ILD. Six patients had mortality, and infections were the leading cause.

CONCLUSIONS

As a critical manifestation of connective tissue diseases, immunosuppressive treatment is indispensable in the management of interstitial lung diseases especially those at an increased risk for progression. The treatment approaches should be assessed in a patient-based way. The patients under immunosuppressive treatment should be cautiously followed for infections. Key Points • Interstitial lung disease is a noteworthy manifestation of connective tissue diseases. • The clinical findings, treatment requirements, and progression vary according to the severity of the disease. • Immunosuppressive treatment may be essential in patients with worsening symptoms, impaired pulmonary function tests, and radiological findings.

[Wearables in rheumatology]

As a result of digitalization in medicine wearable computing devices (wearables) are becoming increasingly more important. Wearables are small portable electronic devices with which the user can record data relevant to health, such as number of steps, activity profile, electrocardiogram (ECG), heart and breathing frequency or oxygen saturation. Initial studies on the use of wearables in patients with rheumatological diseases show the opening up of new possibilities for prevention, disease monitoring and treatment. This study provides the current data situation and the implementation of wearables in the discipline of rheumatology. Additionally, future potential fields of application as well as challenges and limits of the implementation of wearables are illustrated.

E-cigarette-/Vape-Associated Lung Injury as a Cause of Interstitial Lung Disease

E-cigarette-/vape-associated lung injury (EVALI) refers to damage to lung tissue occurring as a result of e-cigarette utilization or via vaping of inhaled nicotine products. Vaping refers to the practice of inhaling an aerosol derived from heating a liquid or gas containing substances such as nicotine, cannabinoids, flavoring, or additives. Battery-operated e-cigarettes or vape pens are the vessels commonly used in this practice. EVALI, first described in the literature in 2019, has a non-specific course, presenting initially with cough and dyspnea. It can progress, however, to interstitial lung disease or result in damage to the lung parenchyma with concomitant inflammation and fibrosis. Imaging findings reflect the development of this inflammation and fibrosis, often visualized as ground-glass opacities on computed tomography (CT) scans. Formal biopsies are not required to make the diagnosis of EVALI, and thus, a gap exists in the scientific literature with regard to the pathology of lungs exposed to non-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) e-cigarettes. The following case details the clinical course of a 62-year-old male who presented to the outpatient pulmonology office with symptomology and exposure history consistent with EVALI, unique in presentation due to the timeline of his disease development. The patient initially presented to the clinic for the evaluation of a non-productive cough and exertional dyspnea beginning one year ago, with an associated new home oxygen requirement of 2 liters via nasal cannula. The patient's past medical history was relevant for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with the chemotherapeutic regimen that consists of etoposide phosphate, prednisone, vincristine sulfate (Oncovin), cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride (hydroxydaunorubicin), and rituximab, commonly known as EPOCH-R, as well as a social history relevant for a 35-pack-year smoking history. On further questioning, the patient revealed that following cessation of cigarette smoking, he began using non-THC e-cigarettes daily and had been doing so for 10 years prior to symptom onset. Imaging and biopsy findings consisted of a CT of the chest demonstrating concern for interstitial lung disease and an open lung biopsy demonstrating diffuse alveolar damage with eosinophilia. Given the patient's history, clinical symptoms, and imaging findings, a diagnosis of EVALI was established. This case was documented not only to increase awareness of the rising incidence of EVALI as the use of e-cigarettes and vapes becomes increasingly popular but also to further understand the inhalational injury sustained from non-THC e-cigarettes and other inhalational practices.

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) represents a group of systemic autoimmune disorders characterized by immune-mediated organ dysfunction. Systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis, and Sjögren's syndrome are the most common CTDs that present with pulmonary involvement, as well as with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. The frequency of CTD-ILD varies according to the type of CTD, but the overall incidence is 15%, causing an important impact on morbidity and mortality. The decision of which CTD patient should be investigated for ILD is unclear for many CTDs. Besides that, the clinical spectrum can range from asymptomatic findings on imaging to respiratory failure and death. A significant proportion of patients will present with a more severe and progressive disease, and, for those, immunosuppression with corticosteroids and cytotoxic medications are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment. In this review, we summarized the approach to diagnosis and treatment of CTD-ILD, highlighting recent advances in therapeutics for the various forms of CTD.

Efficacy and safety of gut microbiota-based therapies in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 80 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that gut microbiota-based therapies may be effective in treating autoimmune diseases, but a systematic summary is lacking.

METHODS

Pubmed, EMbase, Sinomed, and other databases were searched for RCTs related to the treatment of autoimmune diseases with probiotics from inception to June 2022. RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis after 2 investigators independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 80 RCTs and 14 types of autoimmune disease [celiac sprue, SLE, and lupus nephritis (LN), RA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), spondyloarthritis, psoriasis, fibromyalgia syndrome, MS, systemic sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), oral lichen planus (OLP), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis] were included. The results showed that gut microbiota-based therapies may improve the symptoms and/or inflammatory factor of celiac sprue, SLE and LN, JIA, psoriasis, PSS, MS, systemic sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. However, gut microbiota-based therapies may not improve the symptoms and/or inflammatory factor of spondyloarthritis and RA. Gut microbiota-based therapies may relieve the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome, but the effect on fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score is not significant. Gut microbiota-based therapies may improve HbA1c in T1DM, but its effect on total insulin requirement does not seem to be significant. These RCTs showed that probiotics did not increase the incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota-based therapies may improve several autoimmune diseases (celiac sprue, SLE and LN, JIA, psoriasis, fibromyalgia syndrome, PSS, MS, T1DM, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis).

Sirtuin 6 ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via activation of lipid catabolism

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and serious interstitial lung disease with little effective therapies currently. Our incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis remains obstacles in therapeutic developments. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) has been shown to mitigate multiple organic fibrosis. However, the involvement of SIRT6-mediated metabolic regulation in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that SIRT6 was predominantly expressed in alveolar epithelial cells in human lung tissues by using a single-cell sequencing database. We showed that SIRT6 protected against bleomycin-induced injury of alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and pulmonary fibrosis of mice in vivo. High-throughput sequencing revealed enriched lipid catabolism in Sirt6 overexpressed lung tissues. Mechanismly, SIRT6 ameliorates bleomycin-induced ectopic lipotoxicity by enhancing lipid degradation, thereby increasing the energy supply and reducing the levels of lipid peroxides. Furthermore, we found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) was essential for SIRT6-mediated lipid catabolism, anti-inflammatory responses, and antifibrotic signaling. Our data suggest that targeting SIRT6-PPARα-mediated lipid catabolism could be a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases complicated with pulmonary fibrosis.

Abatacept in usual and in non-specific interstitial pneumonia associated with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of abatacept (ABA) in Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD) according to the radiological patterns of usual (UIP) or non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP).

METHODS

From an observational longitudinal multicentre study of 263 RA-ILD patients treated with ABA, those with UIP or NSIP were selected. Lung function, chest high resolution computerised tomography (HRCT) and dyspnoea were recorded and compared in both groups from baseline to the end of follow-up (progression definitions: improvement or worsening >10% of FVC or DLCO, changes in HRCT extension and 1-point change in the mMRC scale, respectively). Differences between final and baseline visits were calculated as the average difference (95% CI) through mixed effects models regression.

RESULTS

We studied 190 patients with UIP (n=106) and NSIP (n=84). General features were similar in both groups except for older age, positive rheumatoid factor, and previous sulfasalazine therapy, which were more frequent in patients with UIP. ILD duration up to ABA initiation was relatively short: median 16 [4-50] and 11 [2-36] months (p=0.36) in UIP and NSIP, respectively. Mean baseline FVC and DLCO were 82% and 63% in UIP and 89% and 65% in NSIP, respectively. Both parameters remained stable during 24 months with ABA. HRCT lesions and dyspnoea improved/stabilized in 73.1% and 90.5% and 72.9% and 94.6% of UIP and NSIP patterns, respectively.

CONCLUSION

ABA seems equally effective in stabilizing dyspnoea, lung function and radiological impairment in both UIP and NSIP patterns of RA-ILD. Early administration of ABA may prevent RA-ILD progression, regardless of the radiological pattern.

Early detection of interstitial lung disease in rheumatic diseases: A joint statement from the Portuguese Pulmonology Society, the Portuguese Rheumatology Society, and the Portuguese Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Society

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in connective tissue disease (CTD). Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential for informing treatment decisions and prognosis in this setting. Clear guidance on CTD-ILD screening, however, is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To establish recommendations for CTD-ILD screening based on the current evidence.

METHOD

Following an extensive literature research and evaluation of articles selected for their recency and relevance to the characterization, screening, and management of CTD-ILD, an expert panel formed by six pulmonologists from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, six rheumatologists from the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology, and six radiologists from the Portuguese Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine participated in a multidisciplinary discussion to produce a joint statement on screening recommendations for ILD in CTD.

RESULTS

The expert panel achieved consensus on when and how to screen for ILD in patients with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and systemic lupus erythematous.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lack of data on screening for CTD-ILD, an expert panel of pulmonologists, rheumatologists and radiologists agreed on a series of screening recommendations to support decision-making and enable early diagnosis of ILD to ultimately improve outcomes and prognosis in patients with CTD.

Janus Kinase Inhibitors and Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases: An Unexplored Field

Rheumatic diseases are often complicated by lung disease, commonly presenting as interstitial lung disease (ILD), with potentially detrimental consequences for patient survival. Although less frequent in pediatric patients, pulmonary involvement may be observed in almost all childhood-onset rheumatic conditions. The development of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs has significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, disease remission is not always complete or long-lasting, and treatment may need to be discontinued due to adverse effects. A novel class of drugs, namely Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis), has been proposed to provide a significant survival benefit for patients with rheumatic diseases. Despite the ample literature on the efficacy and safety of JAKis in rheumatic disease, only a few studies have investigated the effectiveness of these drugs in patients with pulmonary involvement, and only two case reports have presented results in pediatric patients. We provide an overview of the rationale for using JAKis in ILDs associated with rheumatic disease and summarize the main studies evaluating their efficacy in both adult and pediatric patients. The present review highlights the need for controlled long-term studies to assess the efficacy and safety of JAKis in pediatric rheumatic disease complicated by lung disease.

Evaluation of Measurement Properties and Differential Item Functioning in the English and French Versions of the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale-6: A Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Study

OBJECTIVE

Loneliness has been associated with poorer health-related quality of life but has not been studied in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The current study was undertaken to examine and compare the psychometric properties of the English and French versions of the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale-6 (ULS-6) in patients with SSc during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study used baseline cross-sectional data from 775 adults enrolled in the Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network (SPIN) COVID-19 Cohort. Reliability and validity of ULS-6 scores overall and between languages were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), differential item functioning (DIF) through the multiple-indicator multiple-cause (MIMIC) model, omega/alpha calculation, and correlations of hypothesized convergent relationships.

RESULTS

CFA for the total sample supported the single-factor structure (comparative fit index [CFI] 0.96, standardized root mean residual [SRMR] 0.03), and all standardized factor loadings for items were large (0.60-0.86). The overall MIMIC model with language as a covariate fit well (CFI 0.94, SRMR 0.04, root mean square error of approximation 0.11). Statistically significant DIF was found for 3 items across language (βitem2  = 0.14, P < 0.001; βitem4  = -0.07, P = 0.01; βitem6  = 0.13, P < 0.001), but these small differences were without practical measurement implications. Analyses demonstrated high internal consistency with no language-based convergent validity differences.

CONCLUSION

Analyses demonstrated evidence of acceptable reliability and validity of ULS-6 scores in English- and French-speaking adults with SSc. DIF analysis supported use of the ULS-6 to examine comparative experiences of loneliness without adjusting for language.

Ultrasound for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in diffuse connective tissue diseases

Patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases frequently develop interstitial lung disease, which carries a worse prognosis and shortens survival. High-resolution computed tomography is the first-choice test, and is competitive with histopathology, however, the cost and radiation may limit its use, particularly for screening. Lung ultrasound is a rapid, accessible, reproducible, and inexpensive study that is useful for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, extensive training is not required to identify the alterations associated with these lung diseases. B lines and pleural irregularities compose the ultrasonographic interstitial syndrome, although, it must be kept in mind that it is not specific, and it is necessary to rule out haemodynamic, cardiovascular, and infectious abnormalities. This review highlights the elevated prevalence of this lung condition in the main rheumatological diseases, with emphasis on the usefulness of pulmonary ultrasound.

E-Selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1 Biomarkers Address the Concern of the Challenging Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) constitutes the most critical comorbidity in autoimmune diseases (ADs) and its early diagnosis remains a challenge for clinicians. Accordingly, we evaluated whether E-selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1, key molecules in endothelial damage, could be useful biomarkers for the detection of AD-ILD+. We recruited patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD+ (n = 21) and systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD+ (n = 21). We included comparison groups of patients: RA-ILD- (n = 25), SSc-ILD- (n = 20), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 21). Serum levels of these proteins were determined by ELISA. E-selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1 serum levels were increased in RA-ILD+ and IPF patients in comparison to RA-ILD- patients. Additionally, SSc-ILD+ and IPF patients exhibited higher ICAM-1 levels than those with SSc-ILD-. The ability of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1 to discriminate RA-ILD+ from RA-ILD- patients, and ICAM-1 to distinguish SSc-ILD+ from SSc-ILD- patients was confirmed using ROC curve analysis. Furthermore, elevated levels of ET-1 and E-selectin correlated with lung function decline in RA-ILD+ and SSc-ILD+ patients, respectively. In conclusion, our findings support the relevant role of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1 in RA-ILD+ patients as well as of ICAM-1 in SSc-ILD+ patients, constituting potential screening blood biomarkers of ILD in AD. Moreover, this study suggests ET-1 and E-selectin as possible indicators of worsening lung function in RA-ILD+ and SSc-ILD+ patients, respectively.

Activation of Autoreactive Lymphocytes in the Lung by STING Gain-of-function Mutation Radioresistant Cells

Gain-of-function mutations in the dsDNA sensing adaptor STING lead to a severe autoinflammatory syndrome known as STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in Infancy (SAVI). SAVI patients develop interstitial lung disease (ILD) and commonly produce anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), indicative of concomitant autoimmunity. Mice heterozygous for the most common SAVI mutation, V154M (VM), also develop ILD, triggered by nonhematopoietic VM cells, but exhibit severe peripheral lymphopenia, low serum Ig titers and fail to produce autoantibodies. In contrast, we now show that lethally irradiated VM mice reconstituted with WT stem cells (WT→VM chimeras) develop ANAs and lung-reactive autoantibodies associated with accumulation of activated lymphocytes and formation of germinal centers in lung tissues. Moreover, when splenocytes from WT→VM chimeras were adoptively transferred into unmanipulated Rag1 -/- mice, donor T cells accumulated in the lung. Overall, these findings demonstrate that expression of the VM mutation in non-hematopoietic cells can promote the activation of immunocompetent autoreactive lymphocytes.

Summary

Chimeric mice expressing STING only in non-hematopoietic cells develop systemic and lung directed autoimmunity which recapitulates what is seen in pediatric patients with SAVI disease.

Thoracic Involvement in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Pathogenesis and Management

Thoracic involvement is one of the main determinants of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), with different prevalence and manifestations according to the underlying disease. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common pulmonary complication, particularly in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other thoracic manifestations include pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), mostly in patients with SSc, airway disease, mainly in RA, and pleural involvement, which is common in systemic lupus erythematosus and RA, but rare in other ARDs.In this review, we summarize and critically discuss the current knowledge on thoracic involvement in ARDs, with emphasis on disease pathogenesis and management. Immunosuppression is the mainstay of therapy, particularly for ARDs-ILD, but it should be reserved to patients with clinically significant disease or at risk of progressive disease. Therefore, a thorough, multidisciplinary assessment to determine disease activity and degree of impairment is required to optimize patient management. Nevertheless, the management of thoracic involvement-particularly ILD-is challenging due to the heterogeneity of disease pathogenesis, the variety of patterns of interstitial pneumonia and the paucity of randomized controlled clinical trials of pharmacological intervention. Further studies are needed to better understand the pathogenesis of these conditions, which in turn is instrumental to the development of more efficacious therapies.

Connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease is alleviated by tripterine through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt, apoptosis, and TNF-α signalling pathways

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with various rheumatic diseases. However, more interventions need to be sought. Tripterine, an extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F, has been widely studied for its powerful anti-inflammatory effect. However, its mechanism of action in treating connective tissue disease-related (CTD)-ILD remains unclear.

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of tripterine in CTD-ILD treatment by combining network pharmacology and an in vivo experiment.

Methods: The related targets of tripterine were obtained after searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, GeneCards, Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals database, and SymMap database. Following this, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, GeneCards, Genebank, and DrugBank were used to screen the targets of CTD-ILD. A target-signalling pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape. Additionally, topological analysis was performed. Protein interaction analysis was performed using the STRING online analysis platform. Following this, Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signalling pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Subsequently, the molecular docking between tripterine and the core targets was verified. Finally, experimental verification was performed in bleomycin-induced model mice.

Results: A total of 134 common targets and 10 core targets of tripterine, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A, protein kinase B (Akt) α (Akt1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 1, Jun transcription factor family, tumour protein 53, MAPK3, nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1, and caspase 8, were obtained. GO enrichment analysis revealed that, while treating CTD-ILD, tripterine was mainly involved in cytokine receptor binding, receptor-ligand activity, signal receptor activation, cytokine activity, protein ubiquitination, deoxyribonucleic acid transcriptase activity, etc. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the most significant signalling pathways were multiple viral infections and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, TNF, and apoptosis signalling pathways. Molecular docking results revealed that tripterine had good docking activity with the core targets. Experimental studies also demonstrated that tripterine could inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt, apoptosis, and TNF-α signalling pathways in lung tissue and significantly improve lung pathology and collagen deposition in the model mice.

Conclusions: This study preliminarily revealed the potential molecular biological mechanism of tripterine while treating CTD-ILD might be related to inhibiting the PI3K/Akt, apoptosis, and TNF-α signalling pathways. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. and its extract could be used clinically for treating CTD-ILD.

Guidelines of the Polish Respiratory Society on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases Other than Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The recommendations were developed as answers to previously formulated questions concerning everyday diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. They were developed based on a review of the current literature using the GRADE methodology. The experts suggest that PF-ILD be diagnosed based on a combination of different criteria, such as the aggravation of symptoms, progression of radiological lesions, and worsening of lung function test parameters. The experts recommend a precise diagnosis of an underlying disease, with serological testing for an autoimmune disease always being included. The final diagnosis should be worked out by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Patients with an interstitial lung disease other than IPF who do not meet the criteria for the progressive fibrosis phenotype should be monitored for progression, and those with systemic autoimmune diseases should be regularly monitored for signs of interstitial lung disease. In managing patients with interstitial lung disease associated with autoimmune diseases, an opinion of an MDT should be considered. Nintedanib rather than pirfenidon should be introduced in the event of the ineffectiveness of the therapy recommended for the treatment of the underlying disease, but in some instances, it is possible to start antifibrotic treatment without earlier immunomodulatory therapy. It is also admissible to use immunomodulatory and antifibrotic drugs simultaneously. No recommendations were made for or against termination of anti-fibrotic therapy in the case of noted progression during treatment of a PF-ILD other than IPF. The experts recommend that the same principles of non-pharmacological and palliative treatment and eligibility for lung transplantation should be applied to patients with an interstitial lung disease other than IPF with progressive fibrosis as in patients with IPF.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for identifying pathogens in patients with rheumatic diseases and diffuse pulmonary lesions: A retrospective diagnostic study

Objective

Lung involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatic diseases. This study aimed to assess the application value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for identifying pathogens in patients with rheumatic diseases and diffuse pulmonary lesions.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who were diagnosed with rheumatic diseases and presenting diffuse pulmonary lesions on chest radiography in Xiangya Hospital from July 2018 to May 2022. Clinical characteristics were summarized, including demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, radiological and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes. Pulmonary infection features of these patients were analyzed. Furthermore, diagnostic performance of mNGS and conventional methods (including smear microscopy, culture, polymerase chain reaction assay, and serum immunological test) in identifying pulmonary infections and causative pathogens were compared.

Results

A total of 98 patients were included, with a median age of 58.0 years old and a female proportion of 59.2%. Of these patients, 71.4% showed the evidence of pulmonary infections. Combining the results of mNGS and conventional methods, 129 infection events were detected, including 45 bacterial, 40 fungal and 44 viral infection events. Pulmonary mixed infections were observed in 38.8% of patients. The detection rates of mNGS for any pathogen (71.4% vs 40.8%, P &lt; 0.001) and mixed pathogens (40.8% vs 12.2%, P &lt; 0.001) were higher than that of conventional methods. Moreover, mNGS had a significantly higher sensitivity (97.1% vs. 57.1%, P &lt; 0.001) than conventional methods in identifying pulmonary infections, while its specificity (92.9% vs. 96.4%, P = 0.553) were comparable to conventional methods. Antimicrobial and antirheumatic treatments were markedly modified based on mNGS results in patients with rheumatic diseases and diffuse pulmonary lesions.

Conclusions

For patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases and presenting diffuse pulmonary lesions, mNGS is a powerful complement to conventional methods in pathogen identification due to its high efficiency and broad spectrum. Early application of mNGS can provide guidance for precision treatment, and may reduce mortality and avoid antibiotic abuse.

Immature platelet fraction in rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Platelets have an effect on the hemostatic defense of the lung. Immature platelet fractions (iPF) reflects the number of young platelets containing ribonucleic acid in the circulation and real-time production. Information about their roles in rheumatic diseases is limited and there are no studies on iPF in RA with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Our aim is to investigate the association between the iPF level and occurrence of ILD in RA and the correlation of iPF with disease activity in general or only in RA with ILD.

METHODS

The study included 50 RA patients without ILD, 33 RA patients with ILD, and 30 healthy controls. Demographic data, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), autoantibodies, and iPF were evaluated. ILD was diagnosed by using high-resolution computed tomography with clinical findings and chest X-ray. The samples were analyzed for complete blood count with platelet indices included, on Mindray BC-6800 hematology analyzer, Hamburg, Germany.

RESULTS

iPF levels were higher in RA patients with ILD compared to healthy controls and RA patients without ILD. A weakly positive correlation between DAS28 with iPF was found in all RA patients. iPF levels were found as 2.85 to detect ILD with 66.7% sensitivity and 65% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the iPF was detected higher in RA with ILD compared to RA without ILD. iPF, a routine cheap and easy test during hemogram, can provide important information in terms of disease activity and lung involvement in RA.

Management of progressive pulmonary fibrosis associated with connective tissue disease

INTRODUCTION

: Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent and severe complication of connective tissue disease (CTD).

AREAS COVERED

: In this narrative review, we update the most relevant differential characteristics of fibrotic ILD associated with CTD (CTD-ILD) and propose a diagnostic and therapeutic approach based on a review of the articles published between 2002 and 2022 through PubMed.

EXPERT OPINION

: The subset of ILD, mainly the radiological/histological pattern and the degree of fibrotic component, usually determines the prognosis and therapeutic strategy for these patients. Some patients with CTD-ILD can develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) with severe deterioration of lung function, rapid progression to chronic respiratory failure, and high mortality. PPF has been described in many CTDs, mainly in systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to improve patient outcomes.

Angiogenic T Cells: Potential Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Autoimmune Diseases?

(1) Background: We explored, for the first time, the contribution of angiogenic T cells (TAng) in interstitial lung disease associated to autoimmune disease (AD-ILD+) as potential biomarkers of the disease, evaluating their role in the underlying vasculopathy and lung fibrosis. Additionally, the relationship of TAng with clinical manifestations and cellular and molecular endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers was assessed. (2) Methods: We included 57 AD-ILD+ patients (21 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD+, 21 with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD+ and 15 with other AD-ILD+) and three comparative groups: 45 AD-ILD− patients (25 RA-ILD− and 20 SSc-ILD−); 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients; 21 healthy controls (HC). TAng were considered as CD3+CD184+CD31+ by flow cytometry. (3) Results: A similar TAng frequency was found between AD-ILD+ and IPF, being in both cases lower than that observed in AD-ILD− and HC. A lower TAng frequency was associated with negative Scl-70 status and lower FEV1/FVC ratio in SSc-ILD+, as well as with men in RA-ILD+ and non-specific interstitial pneumonia radiological pattern in other AD-ILD+. No relationship between TAng and endothelial progenitor cells, endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression and protein levels was disclosed. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest TAng as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ILD in AD.

Immune alveolitis in interstitial lung disease: an attractive cytological profile in immunocompromised patients

Background

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a major diagnostic tool in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Its use remains largely quantitative, usually focused on cell differential ratio. However, cellular morphological features provide additional valuable information. The significance of the “immune alveolitis” cytological profile, characterized by lymphocytic alveolitis with activated lymphocytes and macrophages in epithelioid transformation or foamy macrophages desquamating in cohesive clusters with lymphocytes, remains unknown in ILD. Our objective was to describe patients’ characteristics and diagnoses associated with an immune alveolitis profile in undiagnosed ILD.

Methods

We performed a monocentric retrospective observational study. Eligible patients were adults undergoing diagnostic exploration for ILD and whose BAL fluid displayed an immune alveolitis profile. For each patient, we collected clinical, radiological and biological findings as well as the final etiology of ILD.

Results

Between January 2012 and December 2018, 249 patients were included. Mean age was 57 ± 16 years, 140 patients (56%) were men, and 65% of patients were immunocompromised. The main etiological diagnosis was Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) (24%), followed by drug-induced lung disease (DILD) (20%), viral pneumonia (14%) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) (10%). All PCP were diagnosed in immunocompromised patients while HP was found in only 8% of this subgroup. DILD and viral pneumonia were also commonly diagnosed in immunocompromised patients (94% and 80%, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the additional value of BAL qualitative description in ILD. We suggest incorporating the immune alveolitis profile for the diagnosis and management of ILD, especially in immunocompromised patients, since it guides towards specific diagnoses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-01871-w.

Systemic lupus erythematosus/ANCA-associated vasculitis overlap: An explanation for atypical lupus manifestation

The coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) as an overlapping syndrome is not common. Here, we report a case of a 33-year-old woman, with recent SLE diagnosis due to skin, kidney, articular, and immunologic compromise, in whom a chest CT scan showed bilateral nodules, consolidations, and tree-in-bud pattern; thoracoscopic lung biopsy revealed diffuse non-caseating granulomas, without other features of sarcoid, organizing pneumonia, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis with high positive p-ANCA titers. Overlap between SLE and AAV was a possible explanation for lupus granulomatous pneumonitis, and for this reason, a multidisciplinary meeting was held to evaluate complex patients with interstitial lung diseases patients.

Education and Use of Lung Ultrasound in Rheumatology and Pneumology in Spain: A SER-SEPAR Survey

INTRODUCTION

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a clinical and research tool with great potential in the diagnosis and monitoring of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) present in systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD). Appropriate training in LUS is essential for the correct and safe use of this technique.

OBJECTIVE

To document the current state of LUS education and use among Spanish rheumatologists and pneumologists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A national online survey was designed for members of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the ILD Area of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery. The survey consisted of 22 questions on demographics, professional activity, performance and training in LUS.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-five (56.72% rheumatologists, 41.79% pneumologists) responded to the survey. Of these, 56.30% were part of an ILD Unit in their centre. LUS in clinical practice was performed by 35.82% but only 14.93% performed it in ILD, mainly for diagnostic purposes. Training in LUS of responders had been diverse in format, content and sponsors. The vast majority (87.79%) considered that the optimal model of education in LUS should be standardized and structured and consist of a combination of theoretical-practical courses and the conduct of a minimum number of supervised LUS examinations, with competency assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

The current lack of formal structured education in LUS is an opportunity to develop quality educational programmes in this emerging field.

Clinical approach to neuro-rheumatology

Recognizing the neurologic manifestations of systemic rheumatologic diseases and certain isolated autoimmune neurologic diseases poses challenges to the clinician. Using a systematic approach allows the clinician to diagnose these conditions more readily and to initiate treatment more rapidly. Specific neurological syndromes frequently associated with rheumatologic or specific autoimmune conditions can suggest the diagnosis. A targeted history and examination can identify neurological and systemic clues that help to identify an underlying rheumatologic condition. Judicious use of laboratory and radiographic studies can help confirm suspected diagnoses. This article will review some of the neurological syndromes typical of rheumatologic disease and outline an approach to evaluating for unknown rheumatologic disease in this context.

Targeting GM-CSF in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders

Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was originally identified as a growth factor for its ability to promote the proliferation and differentiation in vitro of bone marrow progenitor cells into granulocytes and macrophages. Many preclinical studies, using GM-CSF deletion or depletion approaches, have demonstrated that GM-CSF has a wide range of biological functions, including the mediation of inflammation and pain, indicating that it can be a potential target in many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This review provides a brief overview of GM-CSF biology and signaling, and summarizes the findings from preclinical models of a range of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and the latest clinical trials targeting GM-CSF or its receptor in these disorders.

Efficacy and safety of biological drugs in interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue diseases

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most important manifestations of connective tissue diseases (CTD) due to its association with high morbidity and mortality.

AREAS COVERED

Literature review focused on the evidence on efficacy and safety of biological therapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Rituximab (RTX) is the most studied drug, though tocilizumab (TCZ) has methodologically more robust evidence, whereas abatacept (ABA) has only anecdotal reports. RTX studies suggest a clinically relevant effect on lung function and fibrosis in refractory to conventional treatment patients, with a good safety profile. Its multi-level efficacy in systemic sclerosis and the potentially more favorable response of anti-synthetase syndrome, especially when administered early in acute-onset or exacerbated ILD stand out over current standard of care, pending the availability of randomized controlled clinical trials. The significant and clinically meaningful benefit found in lung function and fibrosis with TCZ in faSScinate and focuSSced trials represents a change with respect to the usual practice, reinforcing the importance of treatment in early subclinical or clinical SSc-ILD patients with risk factors for ILD progression. This evidence has led to the inclusion of both RTX and TCZ in the expert-based therapeutic algorithms or recommendations for CTD-ILD management.

Iguratimod decreases bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in association with inhibition of TNF-α in mice

Severe interstitial lung disease secondary to connective tissue diseases, characterized by pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, often have very poor prognosis due to lack of effective treatments. Iguratimod (IGU) shows encouraging efficacy in treating connective tissue diseases, however, the underlying mechanism is still to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the impact of IGU on bleomycin-induced interstitial lung disease and the related tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) signaling pathway in mice and in the alveolar epithelial cell A549. We found IGU decreased pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and expression of fibrosis-related genes such as Collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) induced by bleomycin. IGU inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition as evidenced by decreased E-cadherin expression but increased vimentin expression. IGU reduced TNF-α production in the pulmonary fibrosis murine model and in the in vitro cultured A549 cells. Furthermore, IGU ameliorated TNF-α-induced severe pulmonary fibrosis and inhibited TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB. In addition, IGU decreased IL-6 production and phosphorylation of STAT3. In conclusion, the IGU-mediated anti-fibrogenesis effect was associated with the inhibition of TNF-α and NF-κB.

Correlation Between Serum Tumor Marker Levels and Connective Tissue Disease-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective

The main aims of this study were to explore the relationships between serum tumor markers and connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) and to evaluate the clinical value of tumor markers for investigating interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD).

Methods

The study included 235 patients with CTD (90 CTD without ILDs, 145 CTD-ILD). Clinical information and the levels of inflammatory and tumor markers, including carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, CA125, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA153, and cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA21-1), were obtained in all the patients.

Results

A significant difference between CTD with or without ILD and higher levels of tumor markers was observed in the CTD-ILD group, including CA19-9 (p<0.001), CEA (p<0.001), CA153 (p<0.001), and CYFRA21-1 (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in serum tumor marker levels in the various types of CTD (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, inflammatory myositis, systemic sclerosis, and mixed connective tissue disease). The levels of CA153 [odds ratio (OR)=1.159] and CYFRA21-1 (OR=2.269) were clearly related to the risk of CTD-ILD. The diagnostic value of CA153 [area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)=0.736] and CYFRA21-1 (AUC=0.718) was confirmed for ILDs in CTD patients, at cut-off values of 9.45 U/mL and 2.13 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

There is a positive correlation between serum tumor marker levels and CTD-ILD. Higher levels of CA153 and CYFRA21-1 suggest an increased risk of developing ILD and may therefore be useful as biomarkers for detecting CTD-ILD in the clinical setting.

Efficacy and Safety of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. F for Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F (TwHF), a Chinese herbal medicine used to treat CTD-ILD patients in China, has been previously found to have immunoinhibitory, antifibrotic and anti inflammatory effects. It has also shown good results in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TwHF for CTD-ILD. Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases up to May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TwHF plus conventional therapy versus conventional therapy alone were included. We followed the PRISMA checklist, and applied Cochrane handbook 5.1.0 and RevMan 5.3 for data analysis and quality evaluation of the included studies. Results: Based on Cochrane handbook 5.1.0, nine RCTs consisting 650 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were selected for further analysis. The obtained data showed significant improvement in lung function with TwHF plus conventional treatment compared with conventional treatment (post-treatment FVC% (MD= 8.68, 95%Cl (5.10, 12.26), p < 0.00001), FEV1% (MD = 11.24, 95%Cl (6.87, 15.61), p < 0.00001), TLC% (MD = 5.28, 95%Cl (0.69, 9.87), p = 0.02)], but no significant difference in the post-treatment DLCO% [(MD = 4.40, 95%Cl (-2.29, 11.09), p = 0.20)]. Moreover, the data showed that TwHF combined with conventional treatment significantly reduced the HRCT integral of patients [MD = -0.65, 95% (-1.01, -0.30), p = 0.0003], the level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (MD = -9.52, 95%Cl (-11.55, -7.49), p < 0.00001), c-reactive protein (CRP) (MD = -8.42, 95%Cl (-12.47, -4.38), p < 0.0001), and rheumatoid factor (MD = -25.48, 95%Cl (-29.36, -21.60), p < 0.00001). Compared to conventional therapy, TwHF combined with conventional therapy significantly improved clinical effects (RR = 1.33, 95%Cl (1.17, 1.51), p < 0.0001), in five trials with 354 patients. In terms of improvement of symptoms and signs, the TwHF group showed a more significant improvement than the conventional treatment group (Cough (MD = -0.96, 95%Cl (-1.43, -0.50), p < 0.0001), velcro rales (MD = -0.32, 95%Cl (-0.44, -0.20), p < 0.00001), shortness of breath (MD = -1.11, 95%Cl (-1.67, -0.56), p < 0.0001)], but no statistical difference in dyspnea (MD = -0.66, 95%Cl (-1.35, 0.03), p = 0.06). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse reactions. Conclusion: The performed meta-analysis indicated that TwHF combined with conventional treatment was more beneficial to patients for improving symptoms, lung function and laboratory indicators. As it included studies with relatively small sample size, the findings require confirmation by further rigorously well-designed RCTs.

Sjögren's syndrome: a systemic autoimmune disease

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by ocular and oral dryness resulting from lacrimal and salivary gland dysfunction. Besides, a variety of systemic manifestations may occur, involving virtually any organ system. As a result, the disease is characterized by pleomorphic clinical manifestations whose characteristics and severity may vary greatly from one patient to another. Sjögren's syndrome can be defined as primary or secondary, depending on whether it occurs alone or in association with other systemic autoimmune diseases, respectively. The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome is still elusive, nevertheless, different, not mutually exclusive, models involving genetic and environmental factors have been proposed to explain its development. Anyhow, the emergence of aberrant autoreactive B-lymphocytes, conducting to autoantibody production and immune complex formation, seems to be crucial in the development of the disease. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome is based on characteristic clinical signs and symptoms, as well as on specific tests including salivary gland histopathology and autoantibodies. Recently, new classification criteria and disease activity scores have been developed primarily for research purposes and they can also be useful tools in everyday clinical practice. Treatment of Sjögren's syndrome ranges from local and symptomatic therapies aimed to control dryness to systemic medications, including disease-modifying agents and biological drugs. The objective of this review paper is to summarize the recent literature on Sjögren's syndrome, starting from its pathogenesis to current therapeutic options.

Immature Platelet Fraction in Rheumatoid Arthritis with Interstitial Lung Disease

BACKGROUND

Platelets have an effect on the hemostatic defense of the lung. Immature platelet fractions (iPF) reflects the number of young platelets containing ribonucleic acid in the circulation and real-time production. Information about their roles in rheumatic diseases is limited and there are no studies on iPF in RA with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Our aim is to investigate the association between the iPF level and occurrence of ILD in RA and the correlation of iPF with disease activity in general or only in RA with ILD.

METHODS

The study included 50 RA patients without ILD, 33 RA patients with ILD, and 30 healthy controls. Demographic data, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), autoantibodies, and iPF were evaluated. ILD was diagnosed by using high-resolution computed tomography with clinical findings and chest X-ray. The samples were analyzed for complete blood count with platelet indices included, on Mindray BC-6800 hematology analyzer, Hamburg, Germany.

RESULTS

iPF levels were higher in RA patients with ILD compared to healthy controls and RA patients without ILD. A weakly positive correlation between DAS28 with iPF was found in all RA patients. iPF levels were found as 2.85 to detect ILD with 66.7% sensitivity and 65% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the iPF was detected higher in RA with ILD compared to RA without ILD. iPF, a routine cheap and easy test during hemogram, can provide important information in terms of disease activity and lung involvement in RA.

Antifibrotic Therapy: Is There a Role in Myositis-Interstitial Lung Disease?

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality amongst autoimmune diseases, including myositis. Despite first-line therapy with immunosuppression, many inflammatory ILDs advance to a fibrotic stage. In such patients, progressive fibrosis may be amenable to treatment with antifibrotic medications, which were initially studied and approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We here review the available data that support the use of antifibrotics in connective tissue diseases and progressive fibrosing ILDs. There is now a growing body of evidence in both large randomized clinical trials and on the evolving pathophysiologic pathways to support the use of antifibrotics in select patients with autoimmune ILD and a fibrotic phenotype. Further study of antifibrotics in combination with immunosuppressive medications, and in the myositis-ILD population, is needed.

Safety and efficacy of rituximab in connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Rituximab (RTX) is widely used in the treatment of connective tissue disease (CTD) because it can target and eliminate pathogenic B cells. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the common complications of CTD; however, the clinical benefits of RTX in connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) are still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of RTX in CTD-ILD patients.

METHODS

We performed a systematic online query in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to February 2020. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies on the use of RTX and conventional treatment in CTD-ILD patients were comprehensively reviewed and investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 6 studies, including 242 participants, were analysed. The pooled results showed that RTX is superior to conventional treatment methods in improving forced vital capacity and modified Rodnan skin scores (MRSS) in patients with systemic sclerosis (P＜0. 05), but there was no statistically significant difference between RTX and conventional treatment method in the improvement of lung diffusion function. The risk of adverse effects declined in the RTX therapy groups compared with the conventional therapy groups in terms of infection and the blood system.

CONCLUSION

The pooled results of this meta-analysis indicated that RTX is well tolerated, and RTX is able to improve or stabilize pulmonary function in CTD-ILD patients.

Efficacy of cyclophosphamide in treating connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung diseases

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are some of the first and most serious complications of connective tissue diseases (CTDs). However, the pathogenesis of CTD-related ILDs (CTD-ILDs) is still unclear and their treatment often depends on functional and radiographic disease progression as well as on patient age and comorbidities. It can be difficult to manage CTD-ILDs due to their heterogeneous nature, the lack of robust therapeutic data, and the few well-defined outcome measures. This review focuses on cyclophosphamide due to its crucial role in the treatment of systemic sclerosis-related ILD, particularly in the case of patients with progressive ILD. This narrative review was performed using PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve English language papers published between 2000 and April 2020 concerning the treatment of CTD-ILDs with cyclophosphamide.

Education and Use of Lung Ultrasound in Rheumatology and Pneumology in Spain: A SER-SEPAR Survey

INTRODUCTION

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a clinical and research tool with great potential in the diagnosis and monitoring of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) present in systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD). Appropriate training in LUS is essential for the correct and safe use of this technique.

OBJECTIVE

To document the current state of LUS education and use among Spanish rheumatologists and pneumologists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A national online survey was designed for members of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the ILD Area of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery. The survey consisted of 22 questions on demographics, professional activity, performance and training in LUS.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-five (56.72% rheumatologists, 41.79% pneumologists) responded to the survey. Of these, 56.30% were part of an ILD Unit in their centre. LUS in clinical practice was performed by 35.82% but only 14.93% performed it in ILD, mainly for diagnostic purposes. Training in LUS of responders had been diverse in format, content and sponsors. The vast majority (87.79%) considered that the optimal model of education in LUS should be standardized and structured and consist of a combination of theoretical-practical courses and the conduct of a minimum number of supervised LUS examinations, with competency assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

The current lack of formal structured education in LUS is an opportunity to develop quality educational programmes in this emerging field.

Targeted therapies in interstitial lung disease secondary to systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. Current status and future development

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are characterized by systemic manifestations and multiple organ involvement, including the lung. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a cardinal manifestation of lung involvement in patients with ARD and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are used as first -line treatment. Targeted therapies, such as biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and anti- fibrotic agents are new treatment options. In this review we discuss the role of targeted therapies in patients with ILD secondary to ARD.

Identification of a Missense Mutation in the Surfactant Protein A2 Gene in a Chinese Family with Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a large group of disorders, most of which lead to progressive scarring of lung tissue. The scarring associated with ILD eventually affects your ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. The typical symptoms of ILD are shortness of breath at rest or aggravated by exertion and dry cough. In this study, we enrolled a family with ILDs from central south region of China. Three patients suffered from repeated cough and shortness of breath. The high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) testing further confirmed the diagnosis of interstitial lung lesions. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were applied to detect the genetic lesion of the family. By employing WES, a novel heterozygous mutation (NM_001098668: c.554C>T/p.A185V) of surfactant protein A2 (SFTPA2) was identified in the affected individuals and absent in the healthy members. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that this mutation is disease-causing mutation and located in an evolutionarily conserved site of SFTPA2 protein. The novel mutation may disrupt the stability of SFTPA2 protein and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, finally leading to ILD under the influence of microorganisms. Our study not only expands the spectrum of SFTPA2 mutations but also helps the family members to mitigate ILD risk factors. The study also supplements and improves genetic testing strategies and ILD risk estimation methodologies for China.

GM-CSF: A Promising Target in Inflammation and Autoimmunity

The cytokine, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), was firstly identified as being able to induce in vitro the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow progenitors into granulocytes and macrophages. Much preclinical data have indicated that GM-CSF has a wide range of functions across different tissues in its action on myeloid cells, and GM-CSF deletion/depletion approaches indicate its potential as an important therapeutic target in several inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, for example, rheumatoid arthritis. In this review, we discuss briefly the biology of GM-CSF, raise some current issues and questions pertaining to this biology, summarize the results from preclinical models of a range of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and list the latest clinical trials evaluating GM-CSF blockade in such disorders.

Rituximab in the Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Autoimmune Diseases: Experience from a Single Referral Center and Literature Review

In the present study, we aimed to report our experience with rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of patients with ILD associated with AD (AD-ILD) at a single center. For this purpose, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of RTX-treated AD-ILD-patients seen from May 2016 until March 2020 at a referral center for individuals with ILD were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, an updated literature review was conducted. A total of 26 patients (mean age 58.3 ± 11.1 years at ILD diagnosis) was included. The most common ADs related to ILD were systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis (including anti-synthetase syndrome) and rheumatoid arthritis. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 12) and usual interstitial pneumonia (n = 11) were the predominant radiological patterns. The sustained improvement in PFTs was observed from the start of RTX, with a statistically significant increase in DLCO from basal to one year after RTX (mean + 4.2%, p = 0.024). Overall, there were no differences when comparing PFT outcome according to the radiological pattern or the specific type of AD. In conclusion, RTX constitutes a good therapeutic option to preserve lung function in patients with AD-ILD, regardless of the radiological pattern or the underlying AD.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases: at the crossroads of thromboinflammation and autoimmunity

Inflammation and coagulation are key basic mechanism of protection against all potentially pathogenic mechanical and biological factors targeting human organism from inner and outer environment. On the other hand, uncontrolled inflammation results in hypercoagulation, inhibition of anticoagulation and alteration of mechanisms responsible for resolution of inflammation, while production of “procoagulant” mediators (thrombin, tissue factor and others), activation of platelets and of vascular endothelial cells maintains inflammation. All factors taken together serve as the basis for a pathological process called thromboinflammation or immunothrombosis. Currently thromboinflammation is considered in the broad sense as a universal pathogenetic mechanism of numerous widespread acute and chronic conditions, including immune-mediated (autoimmune) inflammatory rheumatic diseases, oftentimes complicated by severe irreversible damage to vital organs. Thromboinflammation gained specific attention during СОVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, caused by SARS-Cov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2). COVID-19 is considered currently as systemic thromboinflammation syndrome, manifesting via generalized thrombosis of arterial and venous macro- and microvasculature, termed as COVID-19-coagulopathy. The paper discusses common pathogenetic coagulopathy mechanisms in COVID-19 and immune-mediated (autoimmune) inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IMRDs), associated with overproduction of antiphospholipid antibodies, activation of the complement system, and dis-regulated synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, etc. Delineating the autoimmune subtype of thromboinflammation, identification of genetic (i.e., genes encoding the complement system and others) and molecular-biologic biomarkers associated with higher occurrence of COVID-19-coagulopathy are the most relevant undertakings for the current practice. Gaining insights into mechanisms of thromboinflammation and converting them into potential pharmacotherapies of IMDs would facilitate and accelerate the drafting of effective therapeutic strategies for COVID-19. 

Risk of interstitial lung disease in patients with newly diagnosed systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease: A nationwide, population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess interstitial lung disease (ILD) risk among patients newly diagnosed with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), dermatomyositis (DMtis), polymyositis (PM), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

METHOD

Using the 1997-2013 Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 62,930 newly diagnosed SARD patients from 2001 to 2013. We selected 251,720 individuals without SARD diagnoses who were matched (1:4) with SARD patients by age, sex and year of index date. We compared the incidence rates (IRs) of ILD (consistent diagnosis with ICD-9 code 515, 516.3, 516.8, 516.9 or 517 after a ILD-related radiological or pathological procedure) between the specific SARD subgroups and the corresponding non-SARD comparison groups. Using multivariable Cox regression analyses, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ILD in the various SARD groups compared with comparison groups after adjusting for age, sex and Charlson comorbidity index.

RESULTS

The IR of ILD was greatest among patients with SSc (1,364 per 10⁵ years), followed by DMtis (1,011 per 10⁵ years), PM (831 per 10⁵ years), pSS (196 per 10⁵ years), RA (109 per 10⁵ years) and SLE (120 per 10⁵ years). Multivariable analyses showed that the risk of ILD was increased among patients with SSc (HR, 172.63), DMtis (HR, 119.61), PM (HR, 84.89), SLE (HR, 32.18), pSS (HR, 17.54), or RA (HR, 8.29).

CONCLUSION

This population-based, cohort study demonstrates that the risk of ILD is significantly increased in patients with newly diagnosed SARDs.

Implications of COVID-19 in pediatric rheumatology

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global public health issue threatening millions of lives worldwide. Although the infection is mild in most of the affected individuals, it may cause severe clinical manifestations such as acute respiratory distress syndrome or cytokine storm leading to death. Children are affected less, and most experience a milder disease. As rheumatologists, we deal with the uncontrolled response of the immune system, and most of the drugs we use are either immune modulators or immunosuppressants. Thus, the rheumatologists participate in the multidisciplinary management of COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, our patients with rheumatic diseases constitute a vulnerable group in this pandemic. In this review, a systematic literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases, and 231 COVID-19 patients with rheumatic diseases have been identified. Only one of these patients was a child. Among these, 9 (3.9%) died due to COVID-19. In light of the current data, the aspects of COVID-19 resembling rheumatic diseases, the possible reasons for why children are affected less severely, the hypothetic role of available vaccines in preventing COVID-19, the unique position of patients with rheumatic diseases in this pandemic, and the use of anti-rheumatic drugs in COVID-19 treatment are discussed.

The Spectrum of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Autoimmune Diseases: Data of a 3.6-Year Prospective Study from a Referral Center of Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Transplantation

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) may occur in patients with a rheumatic autoimmune disease (AD), increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the prevalence of AD in patients diagnosed with an ILD. In this prospective study, we determined the spectrum of ILD associated with AD (AD-ILD) among patients sent for assessment to a single clinic of ILD and lung transplantation from a referral center between May 2016 and December 2019. ILD diagnosis was made by pneumologists based on clinical and radiological findings and pulmonary function test abnormalities. All patients with ILD were also assessed by experienced rheumatologists. During the period of assessment, 338 patients were diagnosed with ILD. Among them, 32.8% fulfilled definitions for an AD. Most cases with AD-ILD had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (27.0%), systemic sclerosis (26.1%) or anti-synthetase syndrome (17.1%). Interestingly, 18% of the patients with AD-ILD were diagnosed as having an interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. Antinuclear antibodies and non-specific interstitial pneumonia were the most frequent positive autoantibodies and radiological pattern found in AD-ILD patients, respectively. In conclusion, our study indicates that a high number of ILD patients have a related AD. Consequently, close collaboration among rheumatologists and pneumologists is needed.

Rationale for and clinical development of anti-fractalkine antibody in rheumatic diseases

Introduction: Rheumatic diseases are inflammatory diseases that damage target organs via multiple subsets of immune cells. Fractalkine (FKN) acts as chemoattractant as well as adhesion molecule. It contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases through multiple mechanisms: the migration of monocytes and cytotoxic effector T cells, the proliferation and activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes, angiogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis. FKN has potential as a new therapeutic target, and clinical trials on anti-FKN monoclonal antibodies for RA are ongoing. FKN-targeted therapy has been developed and a humanized anti-FKN monoclonal antibody is currently being tested in phase 2 clinical trials. Areas covered: This review summarizes accumulated evidence on the involvement of FKN in RA and other rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myositis, Sjögren's syndrome (SS), osteoarthritis, and systemic vasculitis. Expert opinion: A phase 1/2a clinical trial on anti-FKN demonstrated its safety, tolerability, and clinical efficacy. Anti-FKN therapy has potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis and interstitial lung diseases associated with RA. Based on recent findings, other rheumatic diseases, including SLE, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, and SS, may also be treated using anti-FKN therapy.