Rheumatological manifestations of hepatitis C: incidence in a rheumatology and non-rheumatology setting and the effect of methotrexate and interferon

Burden, Outcome, and Comorbidities of Extrahepatic Manifestations in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide and is associated with negative consequences, including cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, and increased risk of mortality. In addition to liver-related morbidities, HCV is also associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, including mixed cryoglobulinemia, diabetes mellitus, cardiocerebrovascular disease, lymphoma, and autoimmune diseases. These non-liver-related complications of HCV increase the complexity of this disease and can contribute to the economic burden, morbidity, quality of life, and mortality throughout the world. Therefore, understanding how this virus can contribute to each extrahepatic manifestation is worth investigating. Currently, the advancement of HCV treatment with the advent of direct-acting anti-viral agents (DAAs) has led to a high cure rate as a result of sustained virologic response and tremendously reduced the burden of extrahepatic complications. However, HCV-associated extrahepatic manifestations remain a relevant concern, and this review aims to give an updated highlight of the prevalence, risk factors, associated burdens, and treatment options for these conditions.

Hcv and Autoimmunity in Rheumatic Diseases

HCV is a global health problem affecting mainly the liver and often characterized by extrahepatic manifestions mediated by autoimmune reactions. Among these, arthritis and arthralgia are most frequent, as well as the presence of cryoglobulinemia that may induce vasculitis, and sicca syndrome. Thus, HCV appears to be a trigger for autoimmune response as demonstrated by the finding of autoantibody in a high percentage of serum of these patients. Therefore, it is important that clinicians recognize these autoimmune manifestations as symptoms due to an autoimmune activity triggered by HCV, in order to give the correct diagnosis and start an effective therapy strategy. Therefore, clinical examination, searching of markers of infection as well as autoantibody patterns should be performed to make a correct differential diagnosis. The treatment should be based on antiviral drugs associated to immunosuppressive drugs according to autoimmune manifestations.

Hepatic pathological features in naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C who have developed thyroid disorder

Knowing the hepatic pathological features encountered in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and the fact that extrahepatic manifestations occur only in people with certain characteristics of the immune system, we tried to evaluate, qualitatively and semi-quantitatively, the liver pathological aspects encountered in 96 patients with CHC, previously untreated with Interferon (naïve), who showed or did not show signs of thyroid disorder (TD), hospitalized in the 2nd Medical Clinic of the Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Romania, within a period of five years (2007-2012). Following hormonal, immunological, and thyroid ultrasound investigations, 14 (14.58%) of the 96 patients showed signs of TD. The main clinical forms of TD in the studied patients with CHC were autoimmune thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism. In the patients with CHC with TD, we found mild chronic hepatitis in 14.28% of cases, the appearance of moderate chronic hepatitis was found in 71.42% patients, and the appearance of severe chronic hepatitis was found in 14.28% patients, while in the patients with CHC without TD we found chronic mild hepatitis in 62.19% of cases, the appearance of moderate chronic hepatitis was met in 32.92% patients, and the appearance of severe chronic hepatitis was found in 4.87% of patients. Mild and moderate fibrosis were found only in CHC patients without TD in a percentage of 25.6% and 65.85%, respectively, while severe fibrosis was found at 12.19% among CHC patients without TD and 92.85% among CHC patients with TD. The pathological aspect of liver cirrhosis was found only in those with TD (7.14%). In conclusion, the pathological features which define the liver necroinflammatory process, as encountered at the pathological examination in CHC patients with TD are the same as in any active chronic hepatitis, the differences being represented by the higher percentage of the periportal and the preseptal necrosis (piecemeal necrosis), as well as by the higher score of portal inflammation. In addition, the severe hepatic fibrosis and the histopathological appearance of the liver cirrhosis have only defined the cases of CHC with TD.

Managing Psoriasis in Patients with HBV or HCV Infection: Practical Considerations

Considered more efficacious and safer than traditional systemic drugs, biologic therapies have dramatically improved the quality of life of patients with psoriasis. Recently, there has been a proliferation of new targeted treatment options, including anti-interleukin-17, anti-interleukin-12/23, as well as small-molecule drugs such as apremilast. There are nevertheless some concerns regarding their use, especially in patients with chronic infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). It has been estimated that two billion individuals are infected with HBV worldwide and approximately 240 million have chronic HBV infection. Moreover, there are approximately 71 million individuals with chronic HCV infection worldwide, with a high percentage of them unaware of being infected. As patients with HBV and HCV infections are excluded from controlled clinical trials investigating new drugs, data regarding their safety in patients with psoriasis are based almost exclusively on case reports and small retrospective cohort studies and need to be constantly updated. The risk of HBV reactivation can be defined as: high risk (≥ 10%), moderate risk (1-10%), and low risk (< 1%) depending on the type of immunosuppressive therapy stratified by the presence or absence of hepatitis B surface antigen but positivity to anti-hepatitis B core antigen. Hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients treated with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, ustekinumab, or cyclosporine carry a high or moderate risk of HBV reactivation and should be considered candidates for prophylactic anti-HBV therapy. Once therapy is commenced, it is important to check HBV DNA levels every 3 months. Hepatitis B virus reactivation typically occurs with immune reconstitution and therefore antiviral therapy should continue for 6-12 months after stopping immunosuppression. Hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients who are prescribed methotrexate, acitretin, or apremilast have a low risk and need to be monitored for viral reactivation by determining alanine aminotransferase and HBV DNA levels every 3 months. No conclusive data are available for interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 inhibitors. Anti-hepatitis B core antigen-positive patients treated with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, ustekinumab, and cyclosporine are linked to a moderate risk of reactivation, and they should preferably undergo HBV DNA or hepatitis B surface antigen and alanine aminotransferase testing rather than be subjected to routine pre-emptive therapy. Anti-hepatitis B core antigen-positive patients receiving methotrexate, acitretin, or apremilast have a low risk of reactivation and do not require anti-HBV therapy, nor should monitoring be considered mandatory. No conclusive data are available for interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 inhibitors.

Management of hepatitis B and C infections in rheumatologic disease

Hepatitis B and C viruses present dual considerations in rheumatic disease as both etiologic factors and important comorbidities that must be assessed and addressed. This review summarizes the link between hepatitis B and arthritis and polyarteritis nodosa as well as hepatitis C and arthritis, Sicca syndrome and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Recent data pertaining to the antiviral management in these conditions, especially regarding the use of the direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C, are also presented. Additionally, guidance on testing and treatment of hepatitis B and C as comorbidities in the context of systemic inflammatory rheumatic conditions and the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic therapy are discussed.

Considerations in the Diagnosis and Management of Lower-Extremity Infections in Injection Heroin Users: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

On a national level, heroin-related hospital admissions have reached an all-time high. With the foot being the fourth most common injection site, heroin-related lower-extremity infections have become more prevalent owing to many factors, including drug preparation, injection practices, and unknown additives.

METHODS

We present a 16-month case series in which eight patients with lower-extremity infections secondary to heroin abuse presented to The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

RESULTS

Three cases of osteomyelitis were seen. All of the infections were cultured and yielded a wide array of microbes, including Staphyloccoccus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Serratia, Prevotella, and Eikenella. All of the patients were treated with intravenous antibiotic agents, with nearly all receiving combination therapy. Seven of the eight patients underwent surgery during their hospital stay, with two undergoing amputation. Only half of the patients followed up after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series brings to light many considerations in the diagnosis and management of the heroin user, including multivariable attenuation of immunity, existing predisposition to infection backed by unsterile drug preparation and injection practices, innocuous presentation of deep infections, microbial spectrum, and recommendations on antimicrobial intervention, noncompliance, and poor follow-up. By having greater knowledge in unique considerations of diagnosis and treatment, more efficient care can be provided to this unique patient population.

Methotrexate an Old Drug with New Tricks

Methotrexate (MTX) is the first line drug for the treatment of a number of rheumatic and non-rheumatic disorders. It is currently used as an anchor disease, modifying anti-rheumatic drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite the development of numerous new targeted therapies, MTX remains the backbone of RA therapy due to its potent efficacy and tolerability. There has been also a growing interest in the use of MTX in the treatment of chronic viral mediated arthritis. Many viruses—including old world alphaviruses, Parvovirus B19, hepatitis B/C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus—have been associated with arthritogenic diseases and reminiscent of RA. MTX may provide benefits although with the potential risk of attenuating patients’ immune surveillance capacities. In this review, we describe the emerging mechanisms of action of MTX as an anti-inflammatory drug and complementing its well-established immunomodulatory activity. The mechanisms involve adenosine signaling modulation, alteration of cytokine networks, generation of reactive oxygen species and HMGB1 alarmin suppression. We also provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of MTX toxic effects. Lastly, we discussed the efficacy, as well as the safety, of MTX used in the management of viral-related rheumatic syndromes.

Introducing treat-to-target strategies of autoimmune extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection

INTRODUCTION

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is recognized as one of the hepatic viruses most often associated with extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs). It is currently accepted that cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) is the key autoimmune extrahepatic disease associated with HCV infection. Therapeutic approaches have mainly been based on the use of old antiviral interferon (IFN)-based regimens and immunosuppressive therapies, often with an inadequate balance between therapeutic benefits and excess side effects. Areas covered: Therapeutic management of HCV patients with EHMs, including both non-autoimmune (cardiovascular, hematological, general features) and autoimmune complications (organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases). Therapies included antiviral (IFN, ribavirin, direct-acting antivirals - DAAs-) and non-antiviral (immunosuppressive agents, rituximab, plasma exchanges) options. The review analyses the current evidence for proposing a treat-to-target (T2T) approach for HCV-related autoimmune EHMs based on an organ-by-organ strategy. Expert commentary: Eradication of HCV must be considered the key T2T in the therapeutic approach to HCV-related EHMs, as there has been a disruptive change due to the appearance of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) as game-changers in HCV therapy, with an efficacy reaching nearly 100%. In this scenario, the central role played until now by IFN and ribavirin is not currently supported and they will not be used in the future.

Challenges in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease and concurrent viral hepatitis infection

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require long-term administration of immunomodulatory treatments to maintain disease remission. Due to the high worldwide prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) virus infections, presence of concurrent hepatitis can be a relevant clinical issue to manage when treating IBD. Areas covered: The paper summarizes epidemiological data about IBD and HBV/HCV infection and reviews current knowledge about the natural history of HBV and HCV in the IBD setting, concentrating on risk of hepatitis reactivation during immunosuppressive treatment. Most updated recommendations for management of HBV and HCV infections in IBD patients are discussed. Expert commentary: The development of new drugs for IBD with different molecular targets and the availability of potent and efficacious antiviral drugs for HBV and HCV will simplify management of hepatitis infection in IBD patients in the near future.

Approach and management of patients with chronic hepatitis B and C during the course of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease and chronic viral hepatitis are 2 distinct but common conditions throughout the world. Mostly, both need life-long follow-up. Since immunosuppressive drugs remain corner stones of inflammatory bowel disease management, one should be aware of the concomitant presence of chronic viral hepatitis in such patients to prevent serious (even fatal) outcomes. Recently, new treatment options have become available in the treatment of both inflammatory bowel disease and chronic viral hepatitis. In this review, we have discussed and summarized current treatment and follow-up strategies for those 2 important public health issues in light of available literature.

An update on the management of hepatitis C virus-related arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related arthritis is an uncommon disease belonging to the autoimmune disorders due to the chronic stimulus exerted by the virus on the immune system. It shows two clinical subsets: a symmetrical polyarthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis but less aggressive and an intermittent mono-oligoarthritis involving the lower limbs.

AREAS COVERED

We extensively review the current literature using the largest electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE) with regard to HCV-related arthritis (HCVrA) and studies focusing on the co-existence of HCV and other kinds of arthritides.

EXPERT OPINION

The therapeutic approach to HCVrA remains largely empirical, because few studies have been published on this topic. Mainstream treatment based on the administration of hydroxychloroquine and low doses of corticosteroid is still largely preferred. Cyclosporine represents a useful alternative due to its antiviral properties. Anti-TNF agents are safe, but their hypothetic use appears excessive for a mild disorder such as HCVrA. IFN-α (and more recently pegylated IFN-α) when administered as a component of the combined (IFN-α + ribavirin) anti-HCV therapy can promote the appearance or the worsening of several autoimmune HCV-related disorders, including arthritis. New and forthcoming antiviral molecules will be used in the near future for a revolutionary IFN-free treatment.

Hepatobiliary manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: The gut, the drugs and the liver

Abnormal liver biochemical tests are present in up to 30% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and therefore become a diagnostic challenge. Liver and biliary tract diseases are common extraintestinal manifestations for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), and typically do not correlate with intestinal activity. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is the most common hepatobiliary manifestation of IBD, and is more prevalent in UC. Approximately 5% of patients with UC develop PSC, with the prevalence reaching up to 90%. Cholangiocarcinoma and colon cancer risks are increased in these patients. Less common disorders include autoimmune hepatitis/PSC overlap syndrome, IgG4-associated cholangiopathy, primary biliary cirrhosis, hepatic amyloidosis, granulomatous hepatitis, cholelithiasis, portal vein thrombosis, liver abscess, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatitis B reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy is a major concern, with screening and vaccination being recommended in serologically negative cases for patients with IBD. Reactivation prophylaxis with entecavir or tenofovir for 6 to 12 mo after the end of immunosuppressive therapy is mandatory in patients showing as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, independently from viral load. HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive patients, with or without anti-HBs, should be closely monitored, measuring alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis B virus DNA within 12 mo after the end of therapy, and should be treated if the viral load increases. On the other hand, immunosuppressive therapy does not seem to promote reactivation of hepatitis C, and hepatitis C antiviral treatment does not influence IBD natural history either. Most of the drugs used for IBD treatment may induce hepatotoxicity, although the incidence of serious adverse events is low. Abnormalities in liver biochemical tests associated with aminosalicylates are uncommon and are usually not clinically relevant. Methotrexate-related hepatotoxicity has been described in 14% of patients with IBD, in a dose-dependent manner. Liver biopsy is not routinely recommended. Biologics-related hepatotoxicity is rare, but has been shown most frequently in patients treated with infliximab. Thiopurines have been associated with veno-occlusive disease, regenerative nodular hyperplasia, and liver peliosis. Routine liver biochemical tests are recommended, especially during the first month of treatment. All these conditions should be considered in IBD patients with clinical or biochemical features suggestive of hepatobiliary involvement. Diagnosis and management of these disorders usually involve hepatologists and gastroenterologists due to its complexity.

Chronic pain among liver transplant candidates

CONTEXT

Little systematic research has been conducted to understand pain among persons with end-stage liver disease, especially among liver transplant candidates. Appropriate pain assessment and management are important areas of consideration as treatment options are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the nature of chronic pain in patients with end-stage liver disease, the extent to which pain affects daily level of functioning, and the variety and effectiveness of current treatments.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Academic medical center in the Southeastern United States.

PATIENTS

Data were collected from 108 consecutive adult liver transplant candidates.

RESULTS

Most (77%) reported having experienced moderate levels of bodily pain within the past 24 hours. Patients with only alcoholic cirrhosis reported less pain than patients with cirrhosis due to other causes (alcoholism and hepatitis C, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, only hepatitis C). Pain interfered significantly across all 10 functional domains assessed. Although 90% reported being prescribed a variety of analgesic agents (most commonly short-acting opioids), patients reported experiencing only 33% pain relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain is a significant problem among liver transplant candidates, and current pain treatments are perceived to be relatively ineffective. Increased understanding is needed to safely and effectively evaluate and treat such medically complicated patients.

Treatment with Peg-IFNα2a/ribavirin and low-dose NSAID for patients with chronic hepatitis C and rheumatoid syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To examine the safety and efficiency of using Peg-IFNα2a/ribavirin and low-dose NSAID therapy in patients with rheumatoid syndrome (RS) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

METHODS

A group of 10 patients (group 1) known to have RS and established CHC undergoing Peg-IFNα2a/ribavirin and low-dose NSAID therapy was compared with a control group of 10 patients (group 2) also with CHC and associated RS, with no antiviral treatment. Their charts were reviewed for serological and clinical signs of rheumatic disease evolution while undergoing this type of treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of a follow-up period of 12 months, patients receiving low-dose NSAID and Peg-IFNα2a/ribavirin therapy showed a sustained virusological response and also decreased levels of inflammation serological markers, with an improvement in the clinical rheumatic symptoms. In contrast, patients in group 2 showed no significant clinical modification in their rheumatic status.

CONCLUSION

Peg-IFNα2a/ribavirin and low-dose NSAID in patients with RS and CHC appear to be well tolerated and can be efficient for rheumatic manifestations. Further controlled studies are required to confirm the results.

Prevalence of fibromyalgia among patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: relationship to viral characteristics and quality of life

OBJECTIVES

We determined the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in a cohort of subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the relationship to subject demographics, viral characteristics, and quality of life.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of a cohort of HCV-infected individuals, all subjects underwent a standard assessment including history, clinical examination, and functional assessments for pain and disability.

RESULTS

A total of 185 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 48.7 years, and 110 (59%) were women. A total of 106 (57%) of the subjects met criteria for the presence of FMS. Widespread pain and ≥11 tender points were present in all of the subjects with FMS, fatigue in 98 (92%), and depression in 60 (57%). Among those with FMS, mean pain score was 70±11.78 and 36% reported some functional impairment on (HAQ-DI>0), with 17% reporting moderate-to-severe functional impairment (HAQ-DI≥1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a high prevalence of FMS (57%) among subjects with chronic HCV infection, one third of whom reported some degree of functional impairment. Recognition and management of this condition in such patients will help improve their quality of life.

Review article: prevention and management of hepatitis B and C infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Viral hepatitis is a very common infection.

AIM

To review the prevention and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Bibliographical searches were performed in MEDLINE up to September 2010.

RESULTS

The prevalence of both HBV and HCV infection in IBD patients is now similar to that of the general population. All IBD patients should be screened for HBV markers at diagnosis. Liver dysfunction in IBD patients treated with immunosuppressants is more frequent and severe in HBV than in HCV carriers and is associated with combined immunosuppression. Inpatients receiving anti-TNF drugs, HBV reactivation is common unless anti-viral prophylaxis is administered. HBsAg-positive patients should receive anti-viral prophylaxis before starting immunosuppressants. As interferon might worsen underlying IBD, nucleoside ⁄ nucleotide analogues are preferred for anti-viral prophylaxis in patients with HBV (tenofovir ⁄ entecavir are preferred to lamivudine). IBD patients should be vaccinated against HBV at diagnosis. The response rate to HBV vaccination is low, mainly in those receiving anti-TNF therapy. The serological response to HBV vaccine should be confirmed, and patients with an inadequate response should receive a second full series of vaccine. Peginterferon (ribavirin) for HCV infection is as effective and safe as in non-IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present manuscript poses a series of questions on the prevention and management of HBV/HCV infection in IBD, and attempts to answer them using scientific evidence in order to provide practical conclusions for the clinician.

Rare incidence of methotrexate-specific lesions in liver biopsy of patients with arthritis and elevated liver enzymes

Introduction

The present study objective was to evaluate the incidence of methotrexate (MTX)-specific liver lesions from the analysis of a liver biopsy of inflammatory arthritis patients with elevated liver enzymes.

Methods

A case-control study was performed with 1,571 arthritis patients on long-term low-dose MTX therapy. Results of liver biopsy were analyzed in 41 patients with elevated liver enzymes. The expression of autoimmune markers was also assessed. This population was compared with 41 disease control subjects obtained from the same database, also on MTX but without elevated liver enzymes, matched for age, sex and rheumatic disease.

Results

Compared with the disease controls, patients with liver biopsy showed lower disease duration and lower MTX exposure, weekly and cumulative doses, reflecting shorter treatment duration due to liver abnormalities. Liver biopsies showed 17 autoimmune hepatitis-like (AIH-like) lesions, 13 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-like lesions, seven limited liver lesions, and two primary biliary cirrhoses. However, MTX-specific lesions with dystrophic nuclei in hepatocytes were seen in only two cases. Liver biopsy lesions were associated with autoimmune markers (P = 0.007); notably, AIH-like lesions were associated with rheumatoid arthritis and with the presence of the HLA-DR shared epitope.

Conclusions

MTX-specific liver lesions are rarely observed in arthritis patients under long-term MTX therapy and elevated liver enzymes.

Inflammatory bowel disease and hepatitis B and C

The risk of viral B and C hepatitis has long been considered to be increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Blood transfusion and surgery have been identified as the two main risk factors, suggesting nosocomial transmission could be involved. However, recent epidemiologic surveys have found that prevalence in IBD patients is similar to or even lower than that in the general population. Part of the explanation of these recent data may lie in the application of protective measures against viral infection (hepatitis B virus [HBV] vaccination and hepatitis C virus [HCV]-free blood transfusions). Sometimes fatal viral reactivations have been reported in patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Two periods can be distinguished: a) during therapy, a rise in viremia associated with a decrease of immune-mediated hepatic lesions; b) after cessation of therapy, an immune rebound with a destruction of virus-infected hepatocytes. For HBV, preemptive strategy consisting of an antiviral analog is efficient in chronic HBs antigen carriers. For HCV, the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on the natural history is unclear. Most studies report improved comfort although no biopsies were performed before and after immunosuppressive treatment. Physicians managing IBD patients should be aware of the need for screening and institute preventive measures against B and C hepatitis.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a patient affected by systemic sclerosis

The currently recommended treatment for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is pegilated interferon α (IFN α) plus ribavirin. Despite the numerous benefits of this therapy, there is an increasing concern regarding his tolerance. Among the most common side effects, interferon may trigger the onset or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. When chronic hepatitis C coexists with an autoimmune disorder, it is not clear whether using interferon is better than avoiding it. We evaluated the disease state of a 55-year old female affected by sistemic sclerosis (SSc), during and after therapy with IFNα pegilated plus ribavirin for chronic HCV infection. We were worried about the potential worsening of the autoimmune disease during the therapy, but we were confident that we would give our patient a short course of peginterferon and ribavirin. A mild, asymptomatic worsening of lung SSc was observed during IFN administration, without life threatening symptoms. After 24 months follow up we observed the maintenance of the virological response and a good control of the rheumatological disease. Thus, in liver disease at high risk of progression and concomitant SSc, the antiviral therapy with IFNα is a feasible approach.

Hepatitis C-associated rheumatic disorders

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important causative agent of liver diseases. However, HCV infection is also associated with numerous hematologic, renal, dermatologic, rheumatic, and autoimmune disorders. These include arthralgia, arthritis, vasculitis, sicca syndrome, myalgia, and fibromyalgia. The purpose of this article is to review the prevalence and spectrum of rheumatic disorders and autoimmune phenomena in HCV-infected patients. It evaluates and current treatment options including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, low-dose corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, penicillamine, combined antiviral therapy, cyclosporin A, anti-TNF-a agents, and rituximab. It concludes that larger, controlled studies are needed to establish further the treatment indications, efficacy, and safety of these agents.

Hepatitis C virus-related arthritis

Although asymptomatic joint involvement and arthralgias are frequent in patients with hepatitis C virus chronic infection (HCV), a true arthritis affects only up to 4% of the subjects. HCV-related arthritis (HCVrA) is usually distinguished in two clinical subsets: a more frequent symmetrical polyarthritis (SP), similar to rheumatoid arthritis but much less serious, and an intermittent mono-oligoarthritis (IMO) that involves medium and large sized joints, mainly the ankle. This latter subset is strictly related to the presence of HCV-induced mixed cryoglobulinemia and its cutaneous manifestations, in particular purpura. According to recent reports, anti-CCP antibodies are considered very useful in differentiating the SP subset from rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of HCVrA is still largely empirical because few studies have analyzed this topic. However, COXIBs, NSAIDs, low doses of corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine and less frequently methotrexate and penicillamine have been used with partial or complete control of symptoms. On the basis of recent studies, the administration of cyclosporine also seems to be sufficiently safe. The scarcely aggressive nature of HCVrA does not favour the use of anti-TNF agents. Specific anti-viral therapy (interferon-alpha+ribavirin) must be accurately evaluated because interferon-alpha can induce the development or the worsening of several autoimmune HCV-related disorders including arthritis.

Risks of immunosuppressive therapies including biologic agents in patients with rheumatic diseases and co-existing chronic viral infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A number of chronic viral infections could be reactivated by immunosuppressive agents used in rheumatic diseases. In this review, we will focus on the complex effect of immunosuppressive agents, including biologic agents, on the natural course of chronic viral infections as well as an approach to the prevention and management of therapy-induced viral reactivation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Chronic viral infections that are affected by immunosuppression in the setting of an underlying rheumatic disease include those due to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or human immunodeficiency virus, and latent infections from Epstein-Barr virus, JC virus, or varicella zoster virus. The most recent data of the effects of immunosuppressive agents are reviewed, with special emphasis on the effects of biologic therapies (anti-tumor necrosis factor, anti-B cell), on these viral agents.

SUMMARY

Clinicians should be aware of the risk for viral reactivation of an underlying chronic viral infection during immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the existence of such risk, the presence of chronic viral infection is not a contraindication to immunosuppressive therapy, given that appropriate pretherapy screening and close monitoring is applied.

Syndromes and complications of interferon therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Interferons are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. They are integral players in immunity and a number of immune-mediated complications can arise during interferon therapy. We have reviewed the occurrence of these complications, and the mechanisms behind them.

RECENT FINDINGS

Case reports and follow-up studies of large cohorts of patients on interferon therapy have confirmed that immune-mediated complications are uncommon but can occur in a number of different organ systems. IFNalpha production is induced by specific autoantibody-nuclear antigen immune complexes, and has a key role in the development and maintenance of autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

SUMMARY

Interferon therapy can precipitate immune-mediated abnormalities de novo or can exacerbate an existing autoimmune tendency. This is manifest in the rise in titre of existing antibodies and in the development of clinical disease in patients with preexisting antibodies. Type I interferons have a key role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Hepatitis C and arthritis: an update

Extrahepatic symptoms during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are common and varied. Arthritis can be seen either as part of autoimmune processes (eg, associated with cryoglobulinemia) or independently. Whether the manifestation is specifically attributable to HCV infection or rather to the nonspecific result of a chronic inflammatory process is not clear. The literature available at this time is insufficient to guide the most appropriate course of treatment of HCV arthritis. Standard antirheumatic treatment can be considered, but with caution, because some of these medications occasionally may be hepatotoxic and response to therapy seems variable. Treatment decisions should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Drug-Induced Musculoskeletal Disorders

Drug-induced musculoskeletal disorders represent a broad clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic biological abnormalities to severe and even life-threatening diseases. Since an increasing number of drugs have been implicated in inducing rheumatic symptoms and/or syndromes, this review is not meant to be exhaustive, bearing in mind that the development of any musculoskeletal disorder should be considered as possibly related to a medication. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the more frequent drug-induced musculoskeletal disorders. These include: (i) arthralgias and arthropathies, including chondropathies and inflammatory arthritis; (ii) connective tissue diseases, especially lupus-like syndromes; (iii) periarticular disorders, including tendinopathies, enthesopathies and frozen shoulder; (iii) bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia and osteonecrosis; and (iv) myopathies. Although virtually all drug classes may induce musculoskeletal disorders, a significant part of them are related to corticosteroids, vaccines, antibacterials and lipid-lowering agents. Knowledge of drug-induced musculoskeletal disorders avoids carrying out unnecessary investigations, and allows optimal management of the patients, i.e. early discontinuation of the offending agent, adequate treatment monitoring and/or intervention with appropriate preventive actions.

Rheumatologic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C infection

The many rheumatologic manifestations associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection include arthralgia, myalgia, arthritis, vasculitis, and sicca syndrome. Arthralgia is the most common extrahepatic manifestation and may indicate mixed cryoglobulinemia or an adverse reaction to interferon therapy. HCV arthritis unrelated to cryoglobulinemia is far less common but constitutes an independent entity. The picture may mimic rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly as rheumatoid factor is present in 50-80% of cases. Tests are usually negative for antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), which may help to differentiate the two conditions. The management of HCV arthritis is empirical and poorly standardized. Although low-dose glucocorticoid therapy, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate have been used successfully in several patients, little is known about their hepatic safety profile. Arthritis associated with cryoglobulinemia usually responds to antiviral treatment. Sicca syndrome is common in patients with chronic HCV infection and shares similarities with primary Sjögren syndrome, suggesting that HCV infection may deserve to be included among the causes of secondary Sjögren syndrome. HCV-associated vasculitis is usually related to cryoglobulinemia, although a few cases of polyarteritis nodosa-like disease affecting the medium-sized vessels have been reported. Other conditions reported in patients with chronic HCV infection include fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome, and osteosclerosis.

Methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: clinical practice guidelines based on published evidence and expert opinion

OBJECTIVES

To develop clinical practice guidelines for the use of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using the evidence-based approach and expert opinion.

METHODS

A scientific committee used a Delphi procedure to select five questions, which formed the basis for developing recommendations. Evidence providing answers to the five questions was sought in the Cochrane databases, PubMed, and proceedings of meetings of the French Society for Rheumatology, European League Against Rheumatism, and American College of Rheumatology. Using this evidence, a group of rheumatologists developed and validated the recommendations. For each recommendation, the level of evidence and the extent of agreement among experts were specified.

RESULTS

The recommendations were as follows: 1: The starting dosage for methotrexate in patients with RA should not be less than 10 mg/week and should be determined based on disease severity and patient-related factors; 2: When a patient with RA shows an inadequate response to methotrexate, the dosage should be increased at intervals of 6 weeks, up to 20 mg/week, according to tolerance and patient-related factors; 3: When starting methotrexate treatment in a patient with RA, preference should be given to the oral route. A switch to the intramuscular or subcutaneous route should be considered in patients with poor compliance, inadequate effectiveness, or gastrointestinal side effects; 4: At present, there is no evidence indicating that a change in methotrexate dosage is in order when a TNF antagonist is given concomitantly; 5: The investigations that are mandatory before starting methotrexate therapy in a patient with RA consist of a full blood cell count, serum transaminase levels, serum creatinine with computation of creatinine clearance, and a chest radiograph. In addition, serological tests for the hepatitis viruses B and C and a serum albumin assay are recommended. In patients with a history of respiratory disease or current respiratory symptoms, lung function tests with determination of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide are recommended; 6: Investigations that are mandatory for monitoring methotrexate therapy in patients with RA consist of full blood cell counts and serum transaminase and creatinine assays. These tests should be obtained at least once a month for the first 3 months then every 4-12 weeks; 7: Folate supplementation can be given routinely to patients treated with methotrexate for RA. In practice, a minimal dosage of 5 mg of folic acid once a week, at a distance from the methotrexate dose, is appropriate; 8: In the event of respiratory symptoms possibly related to methotrexate toxicity, the drug must be stopped and symptom severity evaluated. Should evidence of serious disease be found, the patient should be admitted immediately or advice from a pulmonologist should be obtained immediately.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations about methotrexate therapy for RA were developed. These recommendations should help to improve practice uniformity and, ultimately, to improve the management of RA.

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is an immune-complex-mediated systemic vasculitis involving small-medium-sized vessels. A causative role of hepatitis C virus in over 80% patients has been definitively established, with heterogeneous geographical distribution. This review focuses on recent etiopathogenetic, clinico-diagnostic, and therapeutical studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hepatitis C virus cannot be integrated into the host genome; it may exert a chronic stimulus to the immune system. The interaction between hepatitis C virus envelope protein E2 with B-cell CD 81 receptor may increase the frequency of VDJ rearrangement in antigen-reactive B lymphocytes. One consequence is the activation of various protooncogenes, including anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. The extended B-cell survival is responsible for autoantibody and immune-complex production, including mixed cryoglobulins; some malignancies, mainly B-cell lymphomas, may complicate cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Environmental or viral/host genetic cofactors should be relevant in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus-related diseases. Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis may overlap with other diseases (systemic vasculitides, Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, lymphoma), which should be carefully considered for a correct diagnosis and treatment. Cumulative survival of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is significantly lower compared with the general population. Therapeutic strategies for cryoglobulinemic vasculitis include etiologic (antiviral), pathogenetic (cyclophosfamide, rituximab), or symptomatic (steroids, plasmapheresis) treatments, which should be tailored to the individual patient according to the severity/activity of clinical symptoms.

SUMMARY

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis represents a crossroads among autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders; as hepatitis C virus infection is the major causative factor, cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is an important model for etiopathogenetic studies of virus-related diseases.