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Bhat R, Tonutti A, Timilsina S, Selmi C, Gershwin ME. Perspectives on Mycophenolate Mofetil in the Management of Autoimmunity. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023:10.1007/s12016-023-08963-3. [PMID: 37338709 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08963-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Before becoming a cornerstone in the treatment of numerous immune-mediated diseases, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was first introduced as an immunosuppressive agent in transplant immunology and later received the attention of rheumatologists and clinicians involved in the management of autoimmune diseases. MMF is now a widespread immunosuppressive drug for the treatment of several conditions, including lupus nephritis, interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis while being efficacious also as rescue therapy in various orphan diseases, including dermatomyositis and IgA-associated nephropathy. Similarly, case reports or series support a possible use of MMF in other rare autoimmune diseases. Beyond modulating lymphocyte activation, MMF acts on other immune and non-immune cells and these effects may explain the therapeutic profile of this medication. The effects of MMF are broadly characterized by the impact on the immune system and the antiproliferative and antifibrotic changes induced. In this latter case, mechanistic data on fibroblasts may in the future allow to reevaluate the use of MMF in selected patients with inflammatory arthritis or systemic sclerosis. Attention must be paid towards the possible occurrence of adverse events, such as gastrointestinal complaints and teratogenicity, while the risk of infections and cancer related to MMF needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rithika Bhat
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Antonio Tonutti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Suraj Timilsina
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA.
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Cooper EE, Pisano CE, Shapiro SC. Cutaneous Manifestations of "Lupus": Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Beyond. Int J Rheumatol 2021; 2021:6610509. [PMID: 34113383 PMCID: PMC8154312 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6610509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus, Latin for "wolf," is a term used to describe many dermatologic conditions, some of which are related to underlying systemic lupus erythematosus, while others are distinct disease processes. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus includes a wide array of visible skin manifestations and can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus in some cases. Cutaneous lupus can be subdivided into three main categories: acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Physical exam, laboratory studies, and histopathology enable differentiation of cutaneous lupus subtypes. This differentiation is paramount as the subtype of cutaneous lupus informs upon treatment, disease monitoring, and prognostication. This review outlines the different cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus and provides an update on both topical and systemic treatment options for these patients. Other conditions that utilize the term "lupus" but are not cutaneous lupus erythematosus are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E. Cooper
- Department of Dermatology, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, Austin 78701, USA
| | - Catherine E. Pisano
- Department of Dermatology, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, Austin 78701, USA
| | - Samantha C. Shapiro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, Austin 78701, USA
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Hannon CW, McCourt C, Lima HC, Chen S, Bennett C. Interventions for cutaneous disease in systemic lupus erythematosus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 3:CD007478. [PMID: 33687069 PMCID: PMC8092459 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007478.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Cutaneous disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is common. Many interventions are used to treat SLE with varying efficacy, risks, and benefits. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for cutaneous disease in SLE. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases up to June 2019: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Wiley Interscience Online Library, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saude (Virtual Health Library). We updated our search in September 2020, but these results have not yet been fully incorporated. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for cutaneous disease in SLE compared with placebo, another intervention, no treatment, or different doses of the same intervention. We did not evaluate trials of cutaneous lupus in people without a diagnosis of SLE. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were complete and partial clinical response. Secondary outcomes included reduction (or change) in number of clinical flares; and severe and minor adverse events. We used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence. MAIN RESULTS Sixty-one RCTs, involving 11,232 participants, reported 43 different interventions. Trials predominantly included women from outpatient clinics; the mean age range of participants was 20 to 40 years. Twenty-five studies reported baseline severity, and 22 studies included participants with moderate to severe cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE); duration of CLE was not well reported. Studies were conducted mainly in multi-centre settings. Most often treatment duration was 12 months. Risk of bias was highest for the domain of reporting bias, followed by performance/detection bias. We identified too few studies for meta-analysis for most comparisons. We limited this abstract to main comparisons (all administered orally) and outcomes. We did not identify clinical trials of other commonly used treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, that reported complete or partial clinical response or numbers of clinical flares. Complete clinical response Studies comparing oral hydroxychloroquine against placebo did not report complete clinical response. Chloroquine may increase complete clinical response at 12 months' follow-up compared with placebo (absence of skin lesions) (risk ratio (RR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 2.61; 1 study, 24 participants; low-quality evidence). There may be little to no difference between methotrexate and chloroquine in complete clinical response (skin rash resolution) at 6 months' follow-up (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.50; 1 study, 25 participants; low-quality evidence). Methotrexate may be superior to placebo with regard to complete clinical response (absence of malar/discoid rash) at 6 months' follow-up (RR 3.57, 95% CI 1.63 to 7.84; 1 study, 41 participants; low-quality evidence). At 12 months' follow-up, there may be little to no difference between azathioprine and ciclosporin in complete clinical response (malar rash resolution) (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.52; 1 study, 89 participants; low-quality evidence). Partial clinical response Partial clinical response was reported for only one key comparison: hydroxychloroquine may increase partial clinical response at 12 months compared to placebo, but the 95% CI indicates that hydroxychloroquine may make no difference or may decrease response (RR 7.00, 95% CI 0.41 to 120.16; 20 pregnant participants, 1 trial; low-quality evidence). Clinical flares Clinical flares were reported for only two key comparisons: hydroxychloroquine is probably superior to placebo at 6 months' follow-up for reducing clinical flares (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.89; 1 study, 47 participants; moderate-quality evidence). At 12 months' follow-up, there may be no difference between methotrexate and placebo, but the 95% CI indicates there may be more or fewer flares with methotrexate (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.83; 1 study, 86 participants; moderate-quality evidence). Adverse events Data for adverse events were limited and were inconsistently reported, but hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and methotrexate have well-documented adverse effects including gastrointestinal symptoms, liver problems, and retinopathy for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine and teratogenicity during pregnancy for methotrexate. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports the commonly-used treatment hydroxychloroquine, and there is also evidence supporting chloroquine and methotrexate for treating cutaneous disease in SLE. Evidence is limited due to the small number of studies reporting key outcomes. Evidence for most key outcomes was low or moderate quality, meaning findings should be interpreted with caution. Head-to-head intervention trials designed to detect differences in efficacy between treatments for specific CLE subtypes are needed. Thirteen further trials are awaiting classification and have not yet been incorporated in this review; they may alter the review conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora W Hannon
- Dermatologist, Masters of Public Health Program, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Hermenio C Lima
- Department of Dermatology, Clinical Unit for Research Trials and Outcomes in Skin (CURTIS), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suephy Chen
- Emory University Hospital, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cathy Bennett
- Office of Research and Innovation, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Coláiste Ríoga na Máinleá in Éirinn, Dublin, Ireland
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Jung UH, Kwak SG, Choe JY, Lee SS, Kim SK. The Effect of Mycophenolate Mofetil on Non-Renal Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results from Korean Lupus Network Registry. J Korean Med Sci 2019; 34:e185. [PMID: 31293110 PMCID: PMC6624417 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to identify the effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on non-renal manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS The study population comprised 439 SLE patients from the Korean Lupus Network registry who were followed up annually and completed the baseline survey and two follow-up visits from 2014 to 2018. Disease activity, laboratory markers, and clinical manifestations including mucocutaneous lesions, arthritis, serositis, neurological disorders, and hematologic/immunologic abnormalities were assessed. All variables by group (MMF and non-MMF) effects with time (baseline, 1st follow-up, and 2nd follow-up) were analyzed by generalized estimation equation. RESULTS Seventy-two patients were treated with MMF. There was significant difference in frequencies of malar rash, arthritis, renal disorder, and hematologic disorder between MMF and non-MMF groups in total SLE patients. In subgroup analysis of hematologic abnormalities in total patients, frequency of leukopenia was significantly different between the two groups during follow-up (P = 0.001), but frequencies of hemolytic anemia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia were not. In addition, frequencies of leukopenia in patients without lupus nephritis were significantly decreased in MMF group compared to non-MMF group (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION This study showed that MMF might be a beneficial treatment for hematologic abnormalities, especially leukopenia, in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ui Hong Jung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang Gyu Kwak
- Department of Medical Statistics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jung Yoon Choe
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Shin Seok Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seong Kyu Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
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Gordon C, Amissah-Arthur MB, Gayed M, Brown S, Bruce IN, D’Cruz D, Empson B, Griffiths B, Jayne D, Khamashta M, Lightstone L, Norton P, Norton Y, Schreiber K, Isenberg D. The British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 57:e1-e45. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gordon
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham,
- Rheumatology Department, City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust,
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham,
| | - Maame-Boatemaa Amissah-Arthur
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham,
| | - Mary Gayed
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham,
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham,
| | - Sue Brown
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath,
| | - Ian N. Bruce
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Institute for Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre,
- The Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology, NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester,
| | - David D’Cruz
- Louise Coote Lupus Unit, Guy’s Hospital, London,
| | - Benjamin Empson
- Laurie Pike Health Centre, Modality Partnership, Birmingham,
| | | | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge,
- Lupus and Vasculitis Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge,
| | - Munther Khamashta
- Lupus Research Unit, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas’ Hospital,
- Division of Women’s Health, King’s College London,
| | - Liz Lightstone
- Section of Renal Medicine and Vascular Inflammation, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London,
| | | | | | | | - David Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK
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Apostolopoulos D, Morand EF. It hasn't gone away: the problem of glucocorticoid use in lupus remains. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:i114-i122. [PMID: 28013208 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of SLE remains complex, and management is constrained by a lack of safe, effective, targeted therapies. Physicians, also, are constrained by a lack of evidence-based approaches with existing agents, including glucocorticoids, utilized in the majority of patients. While Cushingoid side effects of glucocorticoids are widely recognized, emerging literature now suggests that glucocorticoid use actually contributes to harmful outcomes in SLE, over and above these effects. These studies provide a compelling case for a re-evaluation of the long-term use of glucocorticoids in SLE, focusing on minimizing glucocorticoid exposure as part of the strategy to improve long-term outcomes. In this article, we review the evidence for the harmful effects of glucocorticoids in SLE, and propose therapeutic options that reduce reliance on glucocorticoids. We propose that it is time for the lupus community to have a louder conversation about glucocorticoid use, and for any residual complacency about their risk-benefit ratio to be banished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Apostolopoulos
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
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Ordi-Ros J, Sáez-Comet L, Pérez-Conesa M, Vidal X, Mitjavila F, Castro Salomó A, Cuquet Pedragosa J, Ortiz-Santamaria V, Mauri Plana M, Cortés-Hernández J. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium versus azathioprine in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomised clinical trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1575-1582. [PMID: 28450313 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) versus azathioprine (AZA) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease. METHODS A multicentre, 24-month, superiority, open-label, randomised controlled trial (NCT01112215) was conducted with 240 patients (120 per arm) receiving either EC-MPS (target dose: 1440 mg/day) or AZA (target dose: 2 mg/kg/day) in addition to prednisone and/or antimalarials. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission, assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), at 3 and 24 months. Secondary endpoints included time to clinical remission, BILAG A and B flare rates, time to flare, corticosteroid reduction and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS Proportion of patients achieving clinical remission (clinical SLEDAI=0) was higher in the EC-MPS group at 3 (32.5% vs 19.2%; treatment difference, 13.3 (CI 2.3 to 24), p=0.034) and 24 months (71.2% vs 48.3%; treatment difference, 22.9 (CI 10.4 to 34.4), p<0.001). EC-MPS was superior with respect to time to clinical remission (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.91; p=0.017). BILAG A/B and B flares occurred more frequently in the AZA group (71.7% vs 50%, p=0.001 and 21.67% vs 8.3%, p=0.004, respectively). EC-MPS was superior with respect to time to first BILAG A/B (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.3 to 2.56; p=0.0004) and BILAG A flare (HR 2.84; 95% CI 1.37 to 5.89; p=0.003). AEs were similar in both groups except for leucopenia that occurred more frequently with AZA. CONCLUSIONS EC-MPS was superior to AZA in treating SLE and preventing further relapses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01112215; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Ordi-Ros
- Autoimmune Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Research Institute Vall d'Hebrón Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Sáez-Comet
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Miguel Servet Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mercedes Pérez-Conesa
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Miguel Servet Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Xavier Vidal
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Vall d'Hebrón Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Mitjavila
- Internal Medicine Department, Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Castro Salomó
- Internal Medicine Department, Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital, Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Josefina Cortés-Hernández
- Autoimmune Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Research Institute Vall d'Hebrón Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Tselios K, Gladman DD, Su J, Urowitz MB. Mycophenolate Mofetil in Nonrenal Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Observational Cohort Study. J Rheumatol 2016; 43:552-8. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.150779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), along with corticosteroids, is considered as the standard of care in lupus nephritis (LN); however, little is known regarding its efficacy in extrarenal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine its effectiveness in nonrenal SLE.Methods.One hundred seventy-seven patients with SLE were enrolled; 105 for whom MMF was introduced for active LN (mean age 35.6 ± 10.7 yrs, mean disease duration 8.9 ± 7.8 yrs) and 72 for extrarenal manifestations (mean age 38.6 ± 11.7 yrs, mean disease duration 11.7 ± 9.2 yrs). The main indication for MMF initiation was based on the respective SLE Disease Activity Index element that was present at that time. Patients were subdivided according to the major nonrenal manifestation. Improvement was defined as the absence of the initial clinical or laboratory manifestation after 6 and 12 months.Results.Cumulatively, the initial clinical manifestation or hematological abnormality was resolved in 42/72 nonrenal patients (58.3%) after 6 months and in 45/72 (62.5%) after 12 months. Corticosteroid dose was reduced in 44/72 patients (61.1%, p < 0.001, mean dose 18.4 ± 12.6 mg/day at baseline to 12.1 ± 9.0 mg/day after 12 mos, p < 0.05). In renal patients, 40 (38.1%) had complete resolution of the extrarenal manifestation after 6 months, while 53 (50.5%) achieved complete response after 12 months. Prednisone dose was reduced in 73/105 patients (69.5%) after 12 months (mean dose 29.2 ± 16.6 mg/day at baseline to 15.3 ± 9.7 mg/day, p < 0.001).Conclusion.MMF seems to be an efficacious alternative in refractory to standard of care nonrenal manifestations of SLE in the long term, allowing for disease activity control and significant reduction in corticosteroid dose.
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James JA, Danda D. New perspectives and insights to Asian systemic lupus erythematosus: renal disease, genetic predisposition and disease activity. Int J Rheum Dis 2013; 16:611-4. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. James
- Departments of Arthritis and Clinical Immunology; Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Oklahoma City USA
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, and Pathology; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City OK USA
| | - Debashish Danda
- Departments of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology; Christian Medical College & Hospital; Vellore India
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