Atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Association Between Severe Nonadherence to Hydroxychloroquine and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flares, Damage, and Mortality in 660 Patients From the SLICC Inception Cohort

OBJECTIVE

The goals of this study were to assess the associations of severe nonadherence to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), objectively assessed by HCQ serum levels, and risks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares, damage, and mortality rates over five years of follow-up.

METHODS

The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Inception Cohort is an international multicenter initiative (33 centers throughout 11 countries). The serum of patients prescribed HCQ for at least three months at enrollment were analyzed. Severe nonadherence was defined by a serum HCQ level <106 ng/mL or <53 ng/mL for HCQ doses of 400 or 200 mg/day, respectively. Associations with the risk of a flare (defined as a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 increase ≥4 points, initiation of prednisone or immunosuppressive drugs, or new renal involvement) were studied with logistic regression, and associations with damage (first SLICC/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI] increase ≥1 point) and mortality with separate Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Of the 1,849 cohort participants, 660 patients (88% women) were included. Median (interquartile range) serum HCQ was 388 ng/mL (244-566); 48 patients (7.3%) had severe HCQ nonadherence. No covariates were clearly associated with severe nonadherence, which was, however, independently associated with both flare (odds ratio 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80-6.42) and an increase in the SDI within each of the first three years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.92 at three years; 95% CI 1.05-3.50). Eleven patients died within five years, including 3 with severe nonadherence (crude HR 5.41; 95% CI 1.43-20.39).

CONCLUSION

Severe nonadherence was independently associated with the risks of an SLE flare in the following year, early damage, and five-year mortality.

Arterial thrombosis triggered by methotrexate-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient with antiphospholipid antibodies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and thrombotic events, and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies further raises the risk of these complications. Here we report a case of a patient with SLE and triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies who developed a popliteal artery thrombosis in the context of a severe hyperhomocysteinemia after the introduction of methotrexate (MTX) treatment. MTX is one of the most prescribed medications for a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. On the other hand, by interfering with folate metabolism, it may induce hyperhomocysteinemia, which, in turn, may increase the risk of vascular complications. Current recommendations suggest screening and, when possible, treating classical and disease-related cardiovascular risk factors in all lupus patients. Based on what observed in our case, we suggest a follow-up of homocysteine levels after the introduction of drugs capable of inducing hyperhomocysteinemia, such as MTX, in SLE patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Computed Tomography (CT) Calcium Scoring in Primary Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Future Cardiac Events in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex and chronic autoimmune disease that impacts multiple organ systems and presents with varying symptomatology that makes targeting treatment extremely difficult. The cardiovascular system and more specifically the coronary arteries are heavily affected by SLE causing increased atherosclerosis and subsequently increased acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and increased future cardiac events. ACS is a common occurrence in patients with SLE due to the premature development of atherosclerosis due to the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Calcium scoring has been effectively utilized to identify plaque burden in patients with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Calcium scoring is a score obtained from a computed tomography (CT) image using non-contrast imaging, which provides quantitative information regarding CAC and aids in assessing cardiovascular risk. A calcium score of zero Hounsfeild units can be obtained using CT calcium scoring which indicates no calcium is identified in the coronary arteries and is a strong negative risk predictor for coronary artery disease. Early screening of SLE patients with CT calcium scoring could aid in early detection and treatment subsequently leading to delay of premature coronary atherosclerosis and future cardiac events in this patient population. Multiple studies have used calcium scoring as a method to measure arterial calcification in SLE patients. The Society of Cardiovascular Imaging has now endorsed the idea of obtaining a baseline calcium artery score with a repeat progression scan in 3-5 years. Calcium scoring has also been identified as an effective initial tool for stratification and identification of possible ACS. The various advantages of early calcium scoring signify the further research needed to fully understand and implement the advantages calcium scoring has to offer patients with SLE.

GM-CSF receptor/SYK/JNK/FOXO1/CD11c signaling promotes atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis complicates chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting that a shared physiological pathway regulates inflammatory responses in these diseases wherein spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is involved. We aimed to identify a shared therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases. We used Syk-knockout atherosclerosis-prone mice to determine whether SYK is involved in atherosclerosis via the inflammatory response and elucidate the mechanism of SYK signaling. The Syk-knockout mice showed reduced atherosclerosis in vivo, and macrophages derived from this strain showed ameliorated cell migration in vitro. CD11c expression decreased on Syk-knockout monocytes and macrophages; it was upregulated by forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) after stimulation with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) mediated SYK signaling to FOXO1. Furthermore, FOXO1 inhibitor treatment mitigated atherosclerosis in mice. Thus, GM-CSF receptor/SYK/JNK/FOXO1/CD11c signaling in monocytes and macrophages and FOXO1 could be therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases.

Antihypertensive effects of immunosuppressive therapy in autoimmune disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder that primarily affects women of childbearing age. While immune system dysfunction has been implicated in the development of hypertension (HTN) in SLE, the effect of immunomodulatory drugs on blood pressure (BP) control in SLE patients is unknown. In the present study, we hypothesized that first-line immunomodulatory therapies prescribed to SLE patients would have a beneficial impact on BP. We retrospectively analyzed the Research Data Warehouse containing de-identified patient data (n = 1,075,406) from the University of Mississippi Medical Center for all patients with a clinical diagnosis of SLE. BP responses were analyzed in SLE patients that were initially prescribed a single therapy (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), or prednisone). Of the 811 SLE patients who met criteria, most were hypertensive (56%), female (94%), and black (65%). Individuals prescribed MMF or hydroxychloroquine had significantly decreased BP and improved BP control at follow-up (>7 days and <3 months after initial visit). Our results suggest that MMF and hydroxychloroquine have beneficial effects on BP, independent of adjunctive antihypertensive therapies and existing renal disease.

Non-Traditional Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Atherosclerotic Risk Factors Related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of high mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Framingham risk score and other traditional risk factors do not fully reflect the CVD risk in SLE patients. Therefore, in order to stratify these high-risk patients, additional biomarkers for subclinical CVD are needed. The mechanisms of atherogenesis in SLE are still being investigated. During the past decades, many reports recognized that inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this report is to present novel proinflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic risk factors that are closely related to SLE inflammation and which determine an increased risk for the occurrence of early cardiovascular events.

[Heart involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome]

Cardiac involvement in systemic lupus (SL) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can be due to variables and involve different presentations. Pericarditis is the most common lupus manifestation and occurs in 16% to 25% of patients. While corticosteroids are usually very effective, colchicine may avoid steroids and prevent relapse. Myocarditis during SL is rare and often inaugural. They may manifest as chest pain, acute heart failure, arrhythmias or conduction disturbances, and may progress to dilated cardiomyopathy and/or permanent heart failure. Their prognosis is however generally good, even in the absence of treatment with cyclophosphamide for the less serious forms. Finally, coronary involvement in SL is most often due to atherosclerotic, thrombotic origin (generally in the context of associated APS), and exceptionally explained by coronary vasculitis. During APS, valve disease is frequent and usually asymptomatic. Thrombotic damage can be (1) coronary, typically manifesting as a myocardial infarction in a young subject with healthy coronary arteries, (2) much more rarely intracardiac, or (3) microcirculatory, generally as part of a catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) leading to a multiorgan failure. Finally, iatrogenic cardiac manifestations can exceptionally be seen during treatment with cyclophosphamide or antimalarials characterized by conduction disorders and/or heart failure.

Hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus: overview of current knowledge

The antimalarial hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has demonstrated several crucial properties for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we reviewed the main HCQ pharmacologic features, detailed its mechanism of action, and summarized the existing guidelines and recommendations for HCQ use in rheumatology with a systematic literature search for the randomized controlled trials focused on lupus. HCQ has been shown to decrease SLE activity, especially in mild and moderate disease, to prevent disease flare and to lower the long-term glucocorticoid need. The numerous benefits of HCQ are extended to pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Based on cohort studies, antithrombotic and metabolic HCQ’s effects were shown, including lipid-lowering properties, which might contribute to an improved cardiovascular risk. Moreover, early HCQ use in antinuclear antibodies positive individuals might delay the progression to SLE. Finally, HCQ has a significant favorable impact on long-term outcomes such as damage accrual and mortality in SLE. Based on these multiple benefits, HCQ is now the mainstay long-term treatment in SLE, recommended by current guidelines in all patients unless contraindications or side effects. The daily dose associated with the best compromise between efficacy and safety is matter of debate. The concern regarding retinal toxicity rather than proper efficacy data is the one that dictated the daily dosage of ⩽5 mg/kg/day actual body weight currently agreed upon.

Cardiac Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematous: An Overview of the Incidence, Risk Factors, Diagnostic Criteria, Pathophysiology and Treatment Options

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex connective tissue disease that can potentially affect every organ of the human body. In some cases, SLE may present with diverse cardiac manifestations including pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular disease, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and arrhythmias. Heart disease in SLE is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether traditional treatments for coronary artery disease significantly impact mortality in this population. Current therapeutic agents for SLE include glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and B cell-directed therapies. This article will provide a comprehensive review and update on this important disease state.

High-risk coronary plaque in SLE: low-attenuation non-calcified coronary plaque and positive remodelling index

Background

Positive remodelling index and presence of low-attenuation non-calcified plaque (LANCP) are characteristic vessel changes in unstable coronary plaques. We sought to characterise these high-risk plaque features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare them with controls.

Methods

A total of 72 patients who satisfied the SLICC classification criteria for SLE had coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies, 30 of which had follow-up CCTA, as screening for occult coronary atherosclerotic disease in asymptomatic individuals. A total of 100 consecutive controls with no known history of lupus, heart disease or revascularisation who had two coronary CT angiograms at least 1 year apart were included in the study. These were asymptomatic patients referred by their primary physicians for screening of coronary artery disease and the screening interval was decided by the primary physicians. The methodology for image acquisition was identical.

Results

LANCP burden at baseline was significantly greater in patients with SLE compared with controls. LANCP volume was significantly greater in patients over 60 years of age (p<0.05) and in those with current prednisone dose >10 mg/day. LANCP burden remained stable over follow-up. There were no significant differences in remodelling index compared with controls.

Conclusion

This is the first study describing high-risk CCTA features of coronary plaque in patients with SLE. Both LANCP and positive remodelling are common in SLE. These characteristic vessel changes may identify patients with SLE at increased risk of cardiovascular events and those in need for more frequent cardiac monitoring.

Neuro-psychiatric manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and results from the Swiss lupus cohort study

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with neuro-psychiatric (NP) manifestations. Frequency and patterns of neuro-psychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) vary substantially between patients. We conducted a systematic review (SR) of the literature and examined prevalence and characteristics of NPSLE in the Swiss SLE cohort study (SSCS).

Methods

The SR search was performed between January 1999 and January 2020. We included prospective/cross-sectional studies focusing on NPSLE. We secured study characteristics, cohort compositions and frequencies of NP manifestations, assessed heterogeneity across reports and investigated sources of variation using meta-regression models. Regarding the SSCS, we reviewed all patients included and classified NP manifestations.

Results

The SR searches identified 530 studies. We included 22 studies in our meta-analysis, the mean frequency of NPSLE ranged from 10.6% to 96.4%. The frequency of NPSLE in the SSCS was 28.1%. Severe events including cerebrovascular insults, seizures and psychosis appeared in 7.1%, 5.3% and 6.5% respectively. There was a linear relationship between duration of SLE and cumulative incidence of NPSLE.

Conclusions

The spectrum of NPSLE is very broad. The diagnostic work-up and rates of reported manifestations varied substantially across studies. We call for concerted efforts and consensus regarding definitions of NPSLE that will facilitate accurate diagnosis and attribution to SLE, particularly with a view to timely intervention and patient outcomes.

Intracellular homocysteine metabolites in SLE: plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine correlates with coronary plaque burden

Background and aims

We hypothesised that intracellular homocysteine and homocysteine metabolite levels in patients with SLE are disproportionately elevated compared with the levels seen in healthy subjects and that they are independently associated with coronary plaque in SLE.

Methods

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry absolute quantification assay was used for the determination of six analytes in both plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs): homocysteine (Hcy), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), methionine (Met), cystathionine (Cysta) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5m-THF). We then compared intracellular (PBMC) and extracellular (plasma) Hcy and Hcy metabolite (SAM, SAH, Met, Cysta and 5m-THF) concentrations in 10 patients with SLE and in 10 age, sex and ethnicity matched controls. Subjects with a history of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, alcohol consumption in excess of 3 units per day, anaemia, renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL) and pregnancy were excluded. All patients with SLE had two coronary CT angiography studies as screening for occult coronary atherosclerotic disease.

Results

Plasma from patients with SLE had higher levels of Hcy (p<0.0001), SAH (p<0.05), SAM (p<0.001) and lower levels of Met (p<0.05) and Cysta (p<0.001) compared with controls. PBMC intracellular concentrations from patients with SLE had higher levels of Cysta (p<0.05), SAH (p<0.05), SAM (p<0.001) and lower levels of 5m-THF (p<0.001). Plasma SAH showed a positive correlation with total coronary plaque, calcified plaque and non-calcified plaque (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Intracellular concentrations of Hcy metabolites were significantly different between patients with SLE and controls, despite similar intracellular Hcy levels. Plasma SAH was positively correlated with total coronary plaque, calcified plaque and non-calcified plaque.

Serum Homocysteine, Folate, and Vitamin B12 Levels in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have elevated cardiovascular risk. Hyperhomocysteinemia may be one of the contributing factors to this phenomenon. This study therefore aimed to compare the serum homocysteine levels and the levels of folate and vitamin B12, cofactors for homocysteine metabolism, between individuals with and without SLE.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library (from inception to March 31, 2019). Studies comparing serum homocysteine, folate or vitamin B₁₂ levels between individuals with and without SLE were selected. Of the 1040 screened studies, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 50 studies involving 4396 patients with SLE were included. Patients with SLE had a significantly higher serum level of homocysteine (standardized mean difference [SMD], 1.134; 95% CI, 0.795-1.474) and lower level of vitamin B₁₂ (SMD, -0.359; 95% CI, -0.638 to -0.080) than controls. The folate level didn't differ markedly between SLE patients and the control group (SMD, -0.276; 95% CI, -0.674-0.123). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results in adult SLE patients. A random effects meta-regression analysis revealed a significantly inverse correlation between the SMD of homocysteine levels and C3 levels (coefficient, -0.0356, 95% CI, -0.054 to -0.0171; P < .001) and C4 levels (coefficient, -0.0876, 95% CI, -0.1407 to -0.0345; P = .0012).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum homocysteine levels were higher and vitamin B₁₂ levels were lower among individuals with SLE than those without SLE. Physicians are encouraged to monitor these parameters and offer timely interventions for patients with SLE.

Familial Mediterranean fever is associated with increased risk for ischaemic heart disease and mortality-Perspective derived from a large database

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary, auto-inflammatory disease, characterised by recurrent, self-limiting attacks of fever with inflammation of the serosal membranes, joints, and skin. Chronic inflammation was previously associated with increased risk for ischaemic heart disease (IHD). However, the association between FMF and IHD remains unclear. The objective of this study is to determine whether this association exists.

METHODS

Utilising the database of the largest health-care provider in Israel, a cross-sectional study was performed. The incidence of IHD was compared between patients diagnosed with FMF and age and sex-matched controls. Chi-square and t-test were used for categorial and continuous variables, and cox logistics regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Survival analysis was made using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank test.

RESULTS

The study included 7670 patients diagnosed with FMF and an equal number of controls without FMF. In a univariate analysis FMF was found to be associated with higher prevalence of IHD (OR 1.33) and increased mortality (OR 1.29). In a multivariate analysis FMF was found to be independently associated with increased risk for IHD (OR 1.44).

CONCLUSION

The study shows that FMF is associated with both increased risk for IHD and higher mortality rates. An early diagnosis and treatment of this disease can potentially improve patients' life expectancy and decrease cardiac comorbidities.

Vitamin D and connective tissue diseases

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Recently, many studies have shown that the biologically active form of vitamin D-1,25(OH)₂ D-is involved in many biological processes, including immune system modulation, and patients affected by various autoimmune diseases, such as connective tissue diseases (CTD), showed low levels of vitamin D. It is not clear if vitamin D deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases or it is a consequence.

MATERIAL

We carried out a review of literature to summarize the existing connections between 25-OH vitamin D and CTD.

METHODS

We searched for articles on PubMed by keywords: vitamin D, connective tissue diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

RESULTS

The relationship between vitamin D and CTD is still not very clear, despite many studies having been performed and some data suggest a connection between these diseases and 25-OH vitamin D levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The limitations of the study, such as the heterogeneity of patients, methods used to measure vitamin D serum concentration and other biases, do not lead to unequivocal results to demonstrate a direct link between low vitamin D serum levels and autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to resolve conflicting results.

Blood Pressure Variability and Age-related Blood Pressure Patterns in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the relationship between age, blood pressure (BP), and BP variability (BPV) is not well understood. We studied visit-to-visit BPV, its relationship to age, clinical, and demographic characteristics, and its potential role as a CV risk factor in patients with SLE.

METHODS

We analyzed systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measures in our cohort using mixed-effects regression models. From these models, we then obtained estimates of the mean BP, the visit-to-visit SD, and the between-person SD. The estimated means were compared to the general population using data from the National Health Statistics Reports from 2001 to 2008. In addition, we examined the relationship between BP (means, variances), patient demographic and clinical characteristics, and subsequent CV events.

RESULTS

The mean SBP in SLE increased with age and was significantly higher in younger patients compared to the general population. BPV in SLE was elevated across all ages. BPV was significantly higher in African Americans, in patients with traditional CV risk factors, those with high disease activity, and in patients taking prednisone. Hydroxychloroquine was associated with significantly lower BPV. Within-person variability in DBP of ≥ 9 mmHg was highly associated with CV events in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Age-related BP patterns in SLE differ from the general population. Increased visit-to-visit BPV is affected by many disease-specific and traditional CV factors. Increased DBP variability is highly associated with CV events in SLE.

New therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus - past imperfect, future tense

The failure of many new, mostly biologic, drugs to meet their primary end points in double-blind clinical trials in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has caused a profound sense of disappointment among both physicians and patients. Arguably, the success of B cell depletion with rituximab in open-label clinical trials, the approval of belimumab (which blocks B cell-activating factor (BAFF)) for use in patients with lupus nephritis in the USA and in difficult-to-treat patients with SLE in the UK and the recognition that clinical trial design can be improved have given some cause for hope. However, changes to therapies in current use and the development of new approaches are urgently needed. The results of the latest studies investigating the use of several new approaches to treating SLE are discussed in this Review, including: fully humanized anti-CD20 and anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies; inhibition of tyrosine-protein kinase BTK; CD40 ligand blockade; interfering with the presentation of antigen to autoreactive T cells using a peptide approach; a receptor decoy approach using an analogue of Fcγ receptor IIB; dual blockade of IL-12 and IL-23; and inhibition of Janus kinases.

Systemic lupus erythematosus aggravates atherosclerosis by promoting IgG deposition and inflammatory cell imbalance

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience a premature and more severe presentation of coronary artery disease. The underlying mechanisms of accelerated coronary artery disease in SLE patients remain to be elucidated.

Methods

By using atherosclerosis combining a SLE murine model, we proved that the onset of SLE aggravates atherosclerosis. Although the onset of SLE reduced blood lipids slightly, immune deviation contributed to aggravated atherosclerosis in lupus mice. Lupus atheroma were characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, such as gathered dendritic cells, macrophages, and IgG deposition.

Results

Decreased lymphocytes and magnified dendritic cells in the spleen were also observed in lupus mice. Hydroxychloroquine prevented atherosclerosis progression mainly by reversing immune status abnormality caused by SLE. Serum interferon alfa levels were not changed in lupus mice.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggested that anti-inflammatory therapies and hydroxychloroquine provide a new possible strategy for treating SLE patients with atherosclerosis.

[Case of a Сombination of Lupus Erythematosus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Myocardial Infarction]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations with damage to various organs and systems of the body. There are bad prognostic factors for SLE: damage to the heart, kidney, central nervous system, the development of hematological crises and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. A number of authors consider systemic lupus erythematosus a "new" risk factor for atherosclerosis. The overall risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with SLE is 10 times higher than in the general population. The article presents clinical case report of the development of myocardial infarction in a woman with SLE, receiving therapy for secondary antiphospholipid syndrome.

The role of neutrophil extracellular traps in rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases are a collection of disorders defined by the presence of inflammation and destruction of joints and internal organs. A common feature of these diseases is the presence of autoantibodies targeting molecules commonly expressed in neutrophils. These preformed mediators are released by neutrophils but not by other immune cells such as macrophages. Neutrophils, major players in the host innate immune response, initiate a cell death mechanism termed neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation as a way to ensnare pathogens. NETs are also a source of released self-molecules found in rheumatic diseases. Subsequently, research on the role of NETs in the onset, progression and resolution of inflammation in rheumatic diseases has intensified. This Review has two aims. First, it aims to highlight the mechanisms required for the generation of NETs, the research landscape of which is rapidly changing. Second, it aims to discuss the role of neutrophils and NETs in systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis (specifically anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis), rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Our goal is to clarify the field of NET research in rheumatic diseases in the hope of improving the therapeutic approaches utilized for these diseases.

Elevated serum complement levels and higher gene copy number of complement C4B are associated with hypertension and effective response to statin therapy in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) features high frequency of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and fluctuating complement levels. The clinical trial Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE) aimed to evaluate whether atorvastatin treatment reduced the progression of atherosclerosis in 221 patients with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE), using carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) as surrogates. We leveraged APPLE biorepository and trial data to investigate the relationship between complement and CVD in cSLE.

Methods

Gene copy numbers (GCNs) for total C4, C4A and C4B were measured by TaqMan-based real-time PCR and Southern blotting, and analysed with laboratory and clinical parameters through Student's t-test and χ² analyses. Effects of total C4, C4A and C4B GCNs on the response to placebo or atorvastatin treatment and progression of CIMT were examined by regression analyses.

Results

At baseline, C4 protein levels strongly correlated with GCNs of total C4 (p=1.8×10^-6). Each copy of C4 gene increased mean serum C4 by 3.28 mg/dL. Compared with those without hypertension (N=142), individuals with hypertension demonstrated significantly elevated serum levels for C4 and C3 at baseline and serially (C4: P=5.0×10^-25; C3: P=5.84×10^-20). Individuals with ≥2 C4B genes had 2.5 times the odds of having hypertension (p=0.016) and higher diastolic blood pressure (p=0.015) compared with those with C4B deficiency. At the study end, subjects with ≥2 C4B and atorvastatin treatment had significantly slower increase in CIMT compared with those treated with placebo (p=0.018).

Conclusions

cSLE with hypertension had elevated serum levels of C4 and C3 and higher GCN of C4B; cSLE with ≥2 C4B genes would benefit from statins therapy to prevent atherosclerosis.

Pharmacotherapy Pearls in Rheumatology for the Care of Older Adult Patients: Focus on Oral Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs and the Newest Small Molecule Inhibitors

Providing safe and effective pharmacotherapy to geriatric patients with rheumatologic disorders is challenging. Multidisciplinary care involving rheumatologists, primary care physicians, and other specialties can optimize benefit and reduce adverse outcomes. Oral disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide, and the small molecule inhibitors tofacitinib and apremilast have distinctive monitoring requirements and specific adverse reaction profiles. This article provides clinically relevant pearls for use of these interventions in older patients.

Disease characteristics and causes of early and late death in a group of Croatian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus deceased over a 10-year period

AIM

To assess the causes of early death (ED) and late death (LD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and determine the features of deceased SLE patients followed-up in a single Croatian tertiary hospital center, because little if any data on causes of death (CODs) in SLE patients are available for Croatia.

METHOD

We identified SLE patients regularly followed-up at the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, who died from 2002 to 2011. Death was ascertained by matching our institutional records with the Croatian National Death Database. Patients were grouped according to their disease duration to ED and LD and compared by demographic characteristics, classification criteria, organ damage, and CODs.

RESULTS

We identified 90 patients (68 women), who died at the age of 58±15 years. The most frequent COD category was cardiovascular diseases (40%), followed by infections (33%), active SLE (29%), and malignancies (17%). No significant difference was found between the frequencies of causes of ED and LD, except for stroke, which caused only LD≥10 years after the diagnosis. SLE was reported in death certificates of only 41 of 90 patients.

CONCLUSION

Although stroke occurred both in the early and late disease course, it was primarily associated with LD. Given the low proportion of SLE recorded in death certificates of deceased SLE patients, matching of institutional and vital statistics records may be required to assess the true impact of SLE on mortality.

Therapeutic Impact of Statins on the Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Systematic Review of the Literature and a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is strong evidence of a rise in cardiovascular risk in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, especially in those with Sistemic Lupus Erythematosus. Until now, there are a few trials that assess the potencial benefit of statins on the incidence of cardiovascular events and on lipid profile of patients with SLE. This evidence has not been synthesized and assessed altogether.

METHODS

We performed a search in databases of literature published until August of 2016 (Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Clinical Evidence, DynaMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS), identifying controlled clinical trials that could estimate the impact of statins on mortality, cardiovascular events, C-reactive protein and lipid profile in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The quality of the information available was assessed with a meta-analysis, using a random effects model, employing the RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

6 trials and 412 patients were included in the analysis. The use of statins in patients with SLE was found to significantly reduce the levels of serum total cholesterol (mean difference [MD] -31,4 mg/dL; CI 95% -43,0; -19,9), and serum low density cholesterol (MD -31,4 mg/dL; IC 95% -43,0; -19,9), but had no impact on levels of serum triglycerides (MD 4 mg/dL; IC 95% 2,49; 6,21) and C-reactive protein (MD -0,78; IC 95% -1,43; -0,13). No evidence was found about the impact on the risk of mortality or cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSION

Statins have a significant effect on the levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein, however, more randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are necessary to assess the impact on mortality and cardiovascular risk.

Aortic, carotid intima-media thickness and flow- mediated dilation as markers of early atherosclerosis in a cohort of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

The aims of this study were to identify the presence of endothelial dysfunction as a marker of early atherosclerosis by measuring aortic and carotid intimal-medial thickness (aIMT and cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and their correlation with traditional and no traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in children with rheumatic diseases. Thirty-nine patients (mean age 15.3 ± 5.7 years), 23 juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 9 juvenile spondyloarthropathies, 7 connective tissue diseases (mean disease duration and onset respectively 5 ± 3.6 and 10 ± 5 years), and 52 healthy children matched for sex and age were enrolled. Demographic data (age, sex, familiarity for cardiovascular disease), traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis (BMI, active and passive smoking, dyslipidemia), activity disease indexes (reactive count protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) autoantibodies, and complement tests were collected. aIMT, cIMT, and FMD were assessed following a standardized protocol by high-resolution ultrasonography. Patients resulted significantly more exposed to passive smoking and had a lower BMI and higher homocysteine level than controls. cIMT and aIMT were significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.001) and correlated with age at diagnosis (p < 0.001 r 0.516 and 0.706, respectively) but not with mean disease duration. FMD % was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Subclinical atherosclerosis occurs in pediatric rheumatic diseases, mainly in early onset forms, and aIMT is an earlier marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. Premature endothelial dysfunction could be included in the follow-up of children with rheumatic disorders to plan prevention strategies of cardiovascular disease already in pediatrics.

Epidemiology and risk factors of coronary artery aneurysm in Taiwan: a population based case control study

OBJECTIVES

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is usually an asymptomatic and rare disease. There are limited epidemiological data for CAA in Asian populations and in the rest of the world.

DESIGN

A retrospective case control study.

SETTING

A population based, database study from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, between 2005 and 2011.

PARTICIPANTS

CAA patients identified using International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) code 414.11 with CAA examinations.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence rate and mortality rate of CAA were calculated. We also matched patients with non-CAA patients according to age, gender and index year at a 1:10 ratio to explore the risk factors for CAA using conditional logistic regression.

RESULT

A total of 1397 CAA patients were identified between 2005 and 2011; 41.9% were paediatric patients and 58.1% were adults. The incidence rate and mortality rate of CAA in Taiwan were 0.87 and 0.05 per 10⁵ person-years, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes were 7.97, 2.09, 2.48 and 1.51, respectively. Of note, aortic dissection (aOR 6.76), aortic aneurysm (aOR 5.82) and systemic lupus erythematosus (aOR 4.09) were found to be significantly associated with CAA.

CONCLUSION

In Taiwan, CAA patients were distributed across both paediatric and adult populations. Apart from cardiovascular risk factors, aortic diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus need to be investigated further in CAA patients.

Drugs used in incident systemic lupus erythematosus – results from the Finnish nationwide register 2000–2007

The objectives of the study were to examine the initial, first-year anti-rheumatic outpatient therapy in patients with incident SLE, as well as the concomitant use of drugs for certain comorbidities, compared to the use in the general population. The Finnish nationwide register data on special reimbursements for medication costs was screened to identify the inception cohort of 566 adult SLE patients (87% females, mean age 46.5 ± 15.9 years) over the years 2000–2007. The patients were linked to the national Drug Purchase Register. Of those, 90% had purchased at least once some disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during the first year. Hydroxychloroquine was the most common (76%), followed by azathioprine (15%) and methotrexate (13%). With the exception of increase in mycophenolate mofetil, the proportions remained stable over the whole study period 2000–2007. Drugs for cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and obstructive pulmonary disease were more frequently purchased than in the sex- and age-adjusted population, with rate ratios ranging from 1.6 to 7.8. Over the years 2000–2007, almost all the patients with incident SLE in Finland started with a DMARD. Higher percentages of SLE patients were on medication for several common chronic diseases than in the population as a whole.

Association between antiphospholipid antibodies and all-cause mortality among end-stage renal disease patients with and without SLE: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the presence of aPL and/or LA and all-cause mortality among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with and without SLE.

METHODS

We included ESRD patients >18 years old followed at an urban tertiary care centre between 1 January 2006 and 31 January 2014 who had aPL measured at least once after initiating haemodialysis. All SLE patients met ACR/SLICC criteria. APL/LA+ was defined as aCL IgG or IgM >40 IU, anti-β2glycoprotein1 IgG or IgM >40 IU or LA+. Deaths as at 31 January 2014 were captured in the linked National Death Index data. Time to death was defined from the first aPL measurement.

RESULTS

We included 34 SLE ESRD and 64 non-SLE ESRD patients; 30 patients died during the study period. SLE ESRD patients were younger [40.4 (12.5) vs 51.9 (18.1) years, P = 0.001] and more were women (88.2% vs 54.7%, P < 0.001) vs non-SLE ESRD patients. The frequency of aPL/LA+ was 24% in SLE and 13% in non-SLE ESRD (P = 0.16). Median (inter-quartile range) follow-up time was 1.6 (0.3-3.5) years in SLE and 1.4 (0.4-3.2) years in non-SLE, P = 0.74. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality for SLE patients who were aPL/LA+ vs aPL/LA- was 9.93 (95% CI 1.33, 74.19); the adjusted HR for non-SLE aPL/LA+ vs aPL/LA- was 0.77 (95% CI 0.14, 4.29).

CONCLUSION

SLE ESRD patients with aPL/LA+ had higher all-cause mortality risk than SLE ESRD patients without these antibodies, while the effects of aPL/LA on mortality were comparable among non-SLE ESRD patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an acquired, multiorgan, autoimmune disease. Clinical presentation is extremely variable and heterogeneous. It has been shown that SLE itself is an independent risk factor for developing both arterial and venous thrombotic events since SLE patients have an Odds Ratio (OR) for thrombosis that varies depending on the clinical and laboratory characteristics of each study cohort. The risk of developing a thrombotic event is higher in this setting than in the general population and may further increase when associated with other risk factors, or in the presence of inherited or acquired pro-thrombotic abnormalities, or trigger events. In particular, a striking increase in the number of thrombotic events was observed when SLE was associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The presence of aPLs has been described in about 50% of SLE patients, while about 20% of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients have SLE. While APS patients (with or without an autoimmune disease) have been widely studied in the last years, fewer studies are available for SLE patients and thrombosis in the absence of APS. Although the available literature undoubtedly shows that SLE patients have a greater prevalence of thrombotic events as compared to healthy subjects, it is difficult to obtain a definite result from these studies because in some cases the study cohort was too small, in others it is due to the varied characteristics of the study population, or because of the different (and very copious) laboratory assays and methods that were used. When an SLE patient develops a thrombotic event, it is of great clinical relevance since it is potentially life-threatening. Moreover, it worsens the quality of life and is a clinical challenge for the clinician.

Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic inflammation: mechanisms underlying premature cardiovascular events in rheumatologic conditions

A variety of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases associate with an increased risk of atherosclerotic events and premature cardiovascular (CV) disease. Although this recognition has stimulated intense basic science and clinical research, the precise nature of the relationship between local and systemic inflammation, their interactions with traditional CV risk factors, and their role in accelerating atherogenesis remains unresolved. The individual rheumatic diseases have both shared and unique attributes that might impact CV events. Understanding of the positive and negative influences of individual anti-inflammatory therapies remains rudimentary. Clinicians need to adopt an evidence-based approach to develop diagnostic techniques to identify those rheumatologic patients most at risk of CV disease and to develop effective treatment protocols. Development of optimal preventative and disease-modifying approaches for atherosclerosis in these patients will require close collaboration between basic scientists, CV specialists, and rheumatologists. This interface presents a complex, important, and exciting challenge.

Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcome of patients with acute coronary syndromes and systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Due to the chronic inflammation associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), patients develop premature atherosclerosis and the disease is a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction. The best interventional treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in these patients is unclear. The objective of this study is to describe the baseline characteristics, clinical manifestations, treatment and in-hospital outcome of patients with SLE and ACS.

METHODS

Eleven SLE patients with ACS were analyzed retrospectively between 2004 and 2011. The following data were obtained: age, gender, clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics, Killip class, risk factors for ACS, myocardial necrosis markers (CK-MB and troponin), creatinine clearance, left ventricular ejection fraction, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), drugs used during hospital stay, treatment (medical, percutaneous or surgical) and in-hospital outcome. The statistical analysis is presented in percentages and absolute values.

RESULTS

Ten of the patients (91%) were women. The median age was 47 years. Typical precordial pain was present in 91%. Around 73% had positive erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The vessel most often affected was the anterior descending artery, in 73%. One patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, seven underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with bare-metal stents and three were treated medically. In-hospital mortality was 18%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small number of patients, our findings were similar to those in the literature, showing coronary artery disease in young people with SLE due to premature atherosclerosis and a high mortality rate.

Prevalence of vascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus compared with type-1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study of two cohorts

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with considerable cardiovascular morbidity that has not yet been directly compared with other diseases with known cardiovascular risk.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-one patients of the multicentre Swiss SLE cohort study (SSCS) were cross-sectionally assessed for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). SLE patients were compared with a cohort of 193 patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus being followed at the University Hospital Basel. A subgroup analysis of 50 age- and sex-matched patients from the University Hospital Basel was performed.

Results

Of patients within the SSCS 13.3% had one or more vascular events: 8.3% CHD, 5% CVD and 1.2% PAD. In type-1 diabetes mellitus patients, 15% had vascular events: 9.3% CHD, 3.1% CVD and 5.6% PAD. In the matched subgroup, 26% of SLE patients had vascular events (14% CHD) compared with 12% in type-1 DM patients (2% CHD). Cardiovascular risk factors were similar in both groups. Vascular events in SLE patients were associated with age, longer disease duration, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular morbidity in SLE is at least as frequent as in age- and sex-matched type-1 diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, aggressive screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors should be performed.

Carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with lower bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures (VF) have been associated with atherosclerosis in the general population. We sought to investigate the relationship between BMD and VF and carotid atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We studied 122 women with SLE. All patients had BMD, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque assessment by ultrasound.

Results

Mean age at study entry was 44 years and mean disease duration was 11 years. Carotid plaque was found in 13 (11%) patients (9 postmenopausal and 4 premenopausal). Patients in the highest IMT quartile were more likely to be older ( p = 0.001), have a higher body mass index ( p = 0.008), and exhibit dyslipidemia at study entry ( p = 0.041), compared with the lower three quartiles. BMD at the lumbar spine was lower in patients in the highest IMT quartile compared with the lower quartiles in the multivariate logistic analysis, however, there was no association between lumbar or total hip BMD and IMT ( p = 0.91 and p = 0.6, respectively). IMT measurements did not differ according to the presence or absence of VF (0.08 ± 0.12 vs. 0.06 ± 0.03 mm, p = 0.11). A trend towards higher incidence of VF was found in patients with carotid plaque compared with those without (33% vs. 21%; p = 0.2).

Conclusions

In patients with SLE, the presence of carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with low BMD or VF.

Interferon-alpha, immune activation and immune dysfunction in treated HIV infection

Type I interferons (IFNs) exert anti-viral effects through the induction of numerous IFN-stimulated genes and an immunomodulatory effect on innate and adaptive immune responses. This is beneficial in controlling virus infections but prolonged IFN-α activity in persistent virus infections, such as HIV infection, may contribute to immune activation and have a detrimental effect on the function of monocytes and T and B lymphocytes. Activation of monocytes, associated with increased IFN-α activity, contributes to atherosclerotic vascular disease, brain disease and other ‘age-related diseases' in HIV patients treated with long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). In HIV patients receiving ART, the anti-viral effects of IFN-α therapy have the potential to contribute to eradication of HIV infection while IFN-α inhibitor therapy is under investigation for the treatment of immune activation. The management of HIV patients receiving ART will be improved by understanding more about the opposing effects of IFN-α on HIV infection and disease and by developing methods to assess IFN-α activity in clinical practice.

Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with several forms of pulmonary hypertension. It can cause pulmonary hypertension through pulmonary thromboembolic disease, left heart disease and lung disease as well as causing an isolated pulmonary vasculopathy called pulmonary arterial hypertension. The true prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with lupus is not known but probably is no more than 1%. Currently, treatment for lupus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension is with pulmonary vasodilators including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists and prostacyclin analogues, as it is for other causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Case series suggest there may be a special role for immunosuppression in this rare group of patients. We present two brief case histories and summarise our experience over 15 years. Prognosis is better in lupus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension than in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, but unfortunately it remains a fatal condition in most patients.