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Costanzo G, Ledda AG, Sambugaro G. State of the art: the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:266-273. [PMID: 38788118 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with dysregulated cells in the immune system. The disease affects organs like kidneys, nervous system, joints, and skin. To manage SLE effectively, novel treatments targeting immune system components have been developed. This review investigates the therapeutic potential of existing targeted therapies and explores future innovative approaches for well tolerated, personalized treatment. RECENT FINDINGS SLE treatment involves cytokine targets and specific immunologic pathways, with even small molecules involved. SUMMARY The advanced therapeutic options in SLE management give clinicians more tools to control disease activity according to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Rong X, Sun X, Hao Y, Sun X, Li J, Nie H. Assessment of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and vessel density in newly diagnosed SLE patients without ocular symptoms. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:3599-3606. [PMID: 37462749 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) and peripapillary vessel density (PVD) in patients with newly diagnosed active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, in which 77 newly diagnosed SLE patients without ocular symptoms (including 36 active SLE patients and 41 inactive SLE patients) and 72 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited. All participants underwent OCT and OCTA to evaluate pRNFLT, PVD, and radial peripapillary capillary density (RPCD), respectively. Clinical data at the time of initial diagnosis of SLE, including erythrocyte, leukocyte, platelet, albumin-globulin ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, serum complement 3, serum complement 4, anti-dsDNA antibody, and 24-h proteinuria, were collected. RESULTS No difference was found in pRNFLT between active SLE patients, and healthy controls, average pRNFLT, superonasal RNFLT, and inferonasal pRNFLT were reduced in inactive SLE patients than in healthy controls (p≤0.008). Temporal PVD, inferotemporal PVD, and inferotemporal RPCD in active SLE patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (p≤0.043). There also was a trend towards lower temporal RPCD in active SLE than healthy controls (p=0.089). Average PVD, average RPCD, superonasal RPCD, inferonasal RPCD, and inferotemporal RPCD were decreased in inactive SLE patients than in healthy controls (p≤0.047). Additionally, inferotemporal RPCD in active SLE patients was positively associated with albumin-globulin ratio (p=0.041). Temporal RPCD was negatively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibody (p=0.012) and 24-h proteinuria (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS PRNFL and PVD damage existed in newly diagnosed SLE patients without ocular symptoms. Temporal and inferotemporal RPCD were associated with the laboratory indicators of impaired renal function in active SLE patients, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Rong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiaona Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yanjie Hao
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiaoying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Hongping Nie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Marinho A, Delgado Alves J, Fortuna J, Faria R, Almeida I, Alves G, Araújo Correia J, Campar A, Brandão M, Crespo J, Marado D, Matos-Costa J, Oliveira S, Salvador F, Santos L, Silva F, Fernandes M, Vasconcelos C. Biological therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Sjögren's syndrome: evidence- and practice-based guidance. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117699. [PMID: 37138867 PMCID: PMC10150407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are heterogeneous autoimmune diseases. Severe manifestations and refractory/intolerance to conventional immunosuppressants demand other options, namely biological drugs, and small molecules. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based guidance for the off-label use of biologics in SLE, APS, and SS. Recommendations were made by an independent expert panel, following a comprehensive literature review and two consensus rounds. The panel included 17 internal medicine experts with recognized practice in autoimmune disease management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2021. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease. A revision meeting with all experts anticipated the consensus meeting held in June 2021. All experts voted (agree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree) during two rounds, and recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved. A total of 32 final recommendations (20 for SLE treatment, 5 for APS, and 7 for SS) were approved by the experts. These recommendations consider organ involvement, manifestations, severity, and response to previous treatments. In these three autoimmune diseases, most recommendations refer to rituximab, which aligns with the higher number of studies and clinical experience with this biological agent. Belimumab sequential treatment after rituximab may also be used in severe cases of SLE and SS. Second-line therapy with baricitinib, bortezomib, eculizumab, secukinumab, or tocilizumab can be considered in SLE-specific manifestations. These evidence and practice-based recommendations may support treatment decision and, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with SLE, APS, or SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Marinho
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: António Marinho,
| | - José Delgado Alves
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
- Immune Response and Vascular Disease Unit - iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge Fortuna
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Departamento de Medicina, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Faria
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Almeida
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Glória Alves
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira - Centro Hospitalar Alto Ave, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Araújo Correia
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Campar
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Brandão
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Crespo
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Departamento de Medicina, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Marado
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Departamento de Medicina, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Matos-Costa
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Hospital Distrital de Santarém, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Susana Oliveira
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Unidade de Doenças Autoimunes, Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Lelita Santos
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Departamento de Medicina, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Linha de Investigação Clínica e Interdisciplinar em Meio Ambiente, Genética e Oncobiologia (CIMAGO), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fátima Silva
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Departamento de Medicina, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Milene Fernandes
- Real-World Evidence & Late Phase, CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services Unipessoal Lda, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Vasconcelos
- Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Shaban A, Leira EC. Neurological Complications in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2019; 19:97. [PMID: 31773306 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-019-1012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is commonly associated with neurological manifestations. Rapid recognition and treatment of these complications may improve outcomes. In this article, we review the neurological conditions associated with SLE, their diagnosis and management strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Recent meta-analysis showed that patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE were more likely to have positive antiphospholipid, antiribosomal P, and antineuronal antibodies. Another meta-analysis showed an association between SLE and antiphospholipid antibodies with cognitive impairment. Two large retrospective studies have shown that the peripheral nervous system is commonly involved in SLE frequently alongside the central nervous system. Neurological manifestations occur in most of SLE patients. Antiphospholipid antibodies are common in patients with SLE and increase the odds of neurological complications. Management typically involved a combination of treatments directed toward the neurological complication and therapies directed toward SLE itself. The efficacy of these treatment protocols, however, has not been rigorously studied and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shaban
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Enrique C Leira
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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He D, Zhang H, Xiao J, Zhang X, Xie M, Pan D, Wang M, Luo X, Bu B, Zhang M, Wang W. Molecular and clinical relationship between live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis vaccination and childhood onset myasthenia gravis. Ann Neurol 2019; 84:386-400. [PMID: 30246904 PMCID: PMC6175482 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective The incidence of childhood onset myasthenia gravis (CMG) in China is higher than that in other countries; however, the reasons for this are unclear. Methods We investigated the clinical and immunological profiles of CMG, and assessed the potential precipitating factors. For the mouse studies, the possible implication of vaccination in the pathogenesis was explored. Results In our retrospective study, 51.22% of the 4,219 cases of myasthenia gravis (MG) were of the childhood onset type. The cohort study uncovered that the pathophysiology of CMG was mediated by immune deviation, rather than through gene mutations or virus infections. The administration of the live‐attenuated Japanese encephalitis vaccine (LA‐JEV), but not the inactivated vaccine or other vaccines, in mice induced serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody production, reduced the AChR density at the endplates, and decreased both muscle strength and response to repetitive nerve stimulation. We found a peptide (containing 7 amino acids) of LA‐JEV similar to the AChR‐α subunit, and immunization with a synthesized protein containing this peptide reproduced the MG‐like phenotype in mice. Interpretation Our results describe the immunological profile of CMG. Immunization with LA‐JEV induced an autoimmune reaction against the AChR through molecular mimicry. These findings might explain the higher occurrence rate of CMG in China, where children are routinely vaccinated with LA‐JEV, compared with that in countries, where this vaccination is not as common. Efforts should be made to optimize immunization strategies and reduce the risk for developing autoimmune disorders among children. Ann Neurol 2018;84:386–400
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan He
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Minjie Xie
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of Education Committee of ChinaWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Dengji Pan
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Minghuan Wang
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Xiang Luo
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of NeurologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of Education Committee of ChinaWuhanHubeiChina
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a wide variety of clinical presentations as a result of its effect on several organ systems. Optic nerve involvement in SLE is very uncommon, but optic neuritis can be the initial manifestation of SLE. A previously healthy 47-year-old woman developed blurring of vision in the left eye for the last three weeks and associated periorbital pain that worsened with eye movement. On a review of systems, she reported a photosensitivity rash, painless oral ulcers, and generalized arthralgia. On examination, she had relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in the left eye. A visual field analysis revealed bilateral arcuate defects. Positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I, and low complement levels of C4 were found consistent with the diagnosis of SLE. We present a case of optic neuropathy as the initial manifestation of SLE in a 47-year-old lady and an associated review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Zahid
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Mustafa Iqbal
- Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, PAK
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Lee Loy J, Chamarthi G, Koratala A. An uncommon cause of loss of vision in a dialysis patient with lupus. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:244-245. [PMID: 30656056 PMCID: PMC6332756 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.1954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathy is an uncommon finding in dialysis patients and has been associated with uremia, ischemia (arteritic and nonarteritic), drugs (isoniazid, ethambutol), infections (tuberculosis), and intracranial hypertension. Inflammatory optic neuritis associated with lupus is relatively rare, but clinicians need to be aware of this condition and obtain urgent ophthalmology consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Lee Loy
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal TransplantationUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
| | - Gajapathiraju Chamarthi
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal TransplantationUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
| | - Abhilash Koratala
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal TransplantationUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
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Neuropsychiatric Involvement in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Neurol Res Int 2018; 2018:2548142. [PMID: 30002929 PMCID: PMC5996412 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2548142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by multisystem involvement, including the nervous system. In the present study, we aimed to assess neuropsychiatric manifestations in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) in Iran. Methods One hundred and forty-six pediatric onset patients with SLE who had registered in our pediatric rheumatology database were evaluated prospectively and cross sectionally within 2013-2015. Data including sex, age, age at the time of diagnosis, age at the time of study, physical examination, laboratory review, and neuropsychiatric inventory were extracted from this database. Classification of neuropsychiatric JSLE was according to the 1999 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE case definitions. Result A total number of 41 patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms were selected. The patients' average age was 12.2 years. The most common neuropsychiatric symptoms were seizures, migraine, and depression. The mean age at the onset of symptoms was 10.2 ± 3 years. Mean follow-up period was 57±34 (range: 12-120) months. From 41 SLE patients, 18 (43.9) presented symptoms at the time of diagnosis. In thirteen (31.7%) patients, neurological symptoms were developed more than 1 year after SLE diagnosis. Headache was the most common feature (13%), followed by seizure (9.5%) and chorea (3.4%). Other neurological manifestations included cranial nerve involvement (0.7%), loss of consciousness (2.7%), and impaired deep tendon reflex neuropathy (2.5%). The least common neuropsychiatric JSLE manifestation was aseptic meningitis seen in only one patient (0.7%). Conclusion The presence of headache, mood disorders, psychosis, depression, and other neuropsychological manifestations in a patient with JSLE should prompt investigations into diagnosis of the primary nervous system involvement in order to reduce mortality and morbidity.
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Dammacco R. Systemic lupus erythematosus and ocular involvement: an overview. Clin Exp Med 2017; 18:135-149. [PMID: 29243035 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-017-0479-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease of undefined etiology and with remarkably heterogeneous clinical features. Virtually any organ system can be affected, including the eye. SLE-related eye involvement can be diagnosed in approximately one-third of the patients and is usually indicative of disease activity. An early diagnosis and the adoption of suitable therapeutic measures are necessary to prevent sight-threatening consequences, especially in patients with juvenile SLE. Periocular lesions, such as eyelid involvement and orbital inflammation, are relatively rare and, in case of orbital masses, may require a biopsy control. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or secondary Sjögren's syndrome is the most frequent ophthalmic manifestation of SLE. According to its variable severity, lubricating tear drops may be sufficient in mild cases, whereas cyclosporine-A ophthalmic solution, glucocorticoids (GCs), methotrexate, and/or other immunosuppressive drugs may be required in the more severe cases. Partial occlusion of the lacrimal punctum by thermal cautery is rarely applied. Although uncommon, episcleritis and scleritis can sometimes be detected as an initial finding of SLE and reveal themselves as moderate to intense ocular pain, redness, blurred vision, and lacrimation. Unilateral or more often bilateral retinopathy is responsible for visual loss of variable severity and is ascribed to vasculitis of the retinal capillaries and arterioles. In addition to the combined treatment suitable for all patients with active SLE, intravitreal bevacizumab should be considered in cases of severe vaso-occlusive retinopathy and laser photocoagulation in cases of neovascularization. Purtscher-like retinopathy is likely ascribable to the formation of microemboli that results in retinal vascular occlusion and microvascular infarcts. Choroidal disease is characterized by monolateral or bilateral blurred vision. Because of the choroidal effusion, retinal detachment and secondary angle-closure glaucoma may occur. Ischemic optic neuropathy is characterized by acute-onset and progressive binocular visual impairment as a consequence of occlusion of the small vessels of the optic nerves due to immune complex vasculitis. Intravenous GC boluses followed by oral GCs and/or, in case of recurrence, intravenous cyclophosphamide and/or rituximab are commonly employed. Neovascularization can be treated by intravitreal bevacizumab and progression of retinal ischemic areas by retinal laser photocoagulation. Ocular adverse events (AE) have been described following the long-term administration of one or more of the drugs presently used for the treatment of SLE patients. Posterior subcapsular cataracts and secondary open-angle glaucoma are common AE of the prolonged GC administration. The long-term administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) sulfate is well known to be associated with AE, such as vortex keratopathy and in particular the often irreversible and sight-threatening maculopathy. Length of administration > 5 years, > 1000 g total HCQ consumption, > 6.5 mg/kg daily dosing, coexistence of renal disease, and preexisting maculopathy are all considered risk factors for HCQ-induced retinopathy. Ocular AE of additional immunosuppressive and biological agents are still poorly known, given the worldwide more limited experience with their long-term use. A thorough ophthalmological control is strongly recommended at closer intervals for all SLE patients, in step with the total length of exposure to the drugs and the cumulative dose administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Dammacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organ, University of Bari Medical School, Clinica Oculistica, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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