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Che M, Moran SM, Smith RJ, Ren KYM, Smith GN, Shamseddin MK, Avila-Casado C, Garland JS. A case-based narrative review of pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome/complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. Kidney Int 2024; 105:960-970. [PMID: 38408703 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.12.021] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy caused by uncontrolled activation of the alternative complement pathway in the setting of autoantibodies to or rare pathogenic genetic variants in complement proteins. Pregnancy may serve as a trigger and unmask atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome/complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (aHUS/CM-TMA), which has severe, life-threatening consequences. It can be difficult to diagnose aHUS/CM-TMA in pregnancy due to overlapping clinical features with other thrombotic microangiopathy syndromes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, the distinction among thrombotic microangiopathy etiologies in pregnancy is important because each syndrome has specific disease management and treatment. In this narrative review, we discuss 2 cases to illustrate the diagnostic challenges and evolving approach in the management of pregnancy-associated aHUS/CM-TMA. The first case involves a 30-year-old woman presenting in the first trimester who was diagnosed with aHUS/CM-TMA and treated with eculizumab from 19 weeks' gestation. Genetic testing revealed a likely pathogenic variant in CFI. She successfully delivered a healthy infant at 30 weeks' gestation. In the second case, a 22-year-old woman developed severe postpartum HELLP syndrome, requiring hemodialysis. Her condition improved with supportive management, yet investigations assessing for aHUS/CM-TMA remained abnormal 6 months postpartum consistent with persistent complement activation but negative genetic testing. Through detailed case discussion describing tests assessing for placental health, fetal anatomy, complement activation, autoantibodies to complement regulatory proteins, and genetic testing for aHUS/CM-TMA, we describe how these results aided in the clinical diagnosis of pregnancy-associated aHUS/CM-TMA and assisted in guiding patient management, including the use of anticomplement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Che
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah M Moran
- Department of Nephrology, Cork University, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard J Smith
- University of Iowa Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kevin Y M Ren
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graeme N Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Khaled Shamseddin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmen Avila-Casado
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jocelyn S Garland
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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van Gendt J, Emaus R, Visschedijk MC, Touw DJ, Bouwknegt DG, de Leeuw K, Prins JR, Malik P, Mian P. Pharmacokinetics of Monoclonal Antibodies Throughout Pregnancy: A Systematic Literature Review. Clin Pharmacokinet 2024; 63:589-622. [PMID: 38583128 PMCID: PMC11106164 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-024-01370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although little information is available on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) during pregnancy, multiple mAbs are being used during pregnancy for various indications. The aim of this systematic literature review was to characterize the PK of mAbs throughout pregnancy. METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed and Embase on 21 April 2023. Articles were included when information on PK or exposure parameters of mAbs in pregnant women was available. RESULTS A total of 42 relevant articles were included, of which eight discussed adalimumab, three certolizumab pegol, five eculizumab, one golimumab, 12 infliximab (IFX), two natalizumab, one canakinumab, one omalizumab, five tocilizumab, eight ustekinumab, and five vedolizumab. One of the 42 studies reported information on clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (VD) of IFX; all other studies only reported on serum concentrations in the pre-pregnancy state, different trimesters, and the postpartum period. For all of the assessed mAbs except IFX, serum concentrations were similar to concentrations in the pre-pregnancy state or modestly decreased. In contrast, IFX trough concentrations generally increased in the second and third trimesters in comparison to the non-pregnant state. CONCLUSION Available information suggests that the anatomical and physiological changes throughout pregnancy may have meaningful effects on the PK of mAbs. For most mAbs (not IFX), modestly higher dosing (per mg) maybe needed during pregnancy to sustain a similar serum exposure compared to pre-pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Gendt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Emaus
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M C Visschedijk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D G Bouwknegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K de Leeuw
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - P Malik
- Calico Life Sciences, South San Francisco, USA
| | - Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Reynolds L, Luo Z, Singh K. Diabetic complications and prospective immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219598. [PMID: 37483613 PMCID: PMC10360133 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus is increasing globally. Individuals who have been burdened with diabetes for many years often develop complications as a result of hyperglycemia. More and more research is being conducted highlighting inflammation as an important factor in disease progression. In all kinds of diabetes, hyperglycemia leads to activation of alternative glucose metabolic pathways, resulting in problematic by-products including reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end products. This review takes a look into the pathogenesis of three specific diabetic complications; retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy as well as their current treatment options. By considering recent research papers investigating the effects of immunotherapy on relevant conditions in animal models, multiple strategies are suggested for future treatment and prevention of diabetic complications with an emphasis on molecular targets associated with the inflammation.
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Tegenge MA, Mahmood I, Struble EB, Sauna Z. Pharmacokinetics of antibodies during Pregnancy: Impact of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of antibodies (Part 2). Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:109915. [PMID: 36842918 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
In Part 1, we provided a general description of macromolecules, pharmacokinetics (PK) characteristics in non-pregnant subjects, and the physiological changes during pregnancy. Here we further elaborate on the impact of pregnancy on the PK of antibodies through illustrative case studies (immunoglobulins, infliximab, adalimumab and eculizumab). Using published data from nonclinical and clinical studies, we present measured or calculated PK parameters from pregnant subjects comparing with data from non-pregnant subjects, if available. Due to the paucity of PK data evaluating PK of antibodies during pregnancy, we also provide examples of PK studies for small molecules. Finally, we draw conclusions on the nature and direction of PK changes for both antibodies and small molecules as well as provide recommendations for areas that would benefit from further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Million A Tegenge
- Division of Clinical Evaluation and Pharmacology/Toxicology, Office of Tissue and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Iftekhar Mahmood
- Mahmood Clinical Pharmacology Consultancy LLC, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Evi B Struble
- Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissue and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Zuben Sauna
- Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissue and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Chen J, Liu Q, He J, Li Y. Immune responses in diabetic nephropathy: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic target. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958790. [PMID: 36045667 PMCID: PMC9420855 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic, inflammatory disease affecting millions of diabetic patients worldwide. DN is associated with proteinuria and progressive slowing of glomerular filtration, which often leads to end-stage kidney diseases. Due to the complexity of this metabolic disorder and lack of clarity about its pathogenesis, it is often more difficult to diagnose and treat than other kidney diseases. Recent studies have highlighted that the immune system can inadvertently contribute to DN pathogenesis. Cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses can target the kidney due to increased expression of immune-related localization factors. Immune cells then activate a pro-inflammatory response involving the release of autocrine and paracrine factors, which further amplify inflammation and damage the kidney. Consequently, strategies to treat DN by targeting the immune responses are currently under study. In light of the steady rise in DN incidence, this timely review summarizes the latest findings about the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of DN and discusses promising preclinical and clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jinhan He
- *Correspondence: Jinhan He, ; Yanping Li,
| | - Yanping Li
- *Correspondence: Jinhan He, ; Yanping Li,
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Beltagy A, Aghamajidi A, Trespidi L, Ossola W, Meroni PL. Biologics During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Among Women With Rheumatic Diseases: Safety Clinical Evidence on the Road. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:621247. [PMID: 34122062 PMCID: PMC8189556 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.621247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Females are generally more affected by autoimmune diseases, a fact that underlines the relationship with pregnancy and the safety of anti-rheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Biologic therapies are increasingly prescribed to treat and maintain remission in a significant number of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The experience with the use of biologics during gestation is extremely lacking because of the observational nature of the available studies and the difficulty in designing proper clinical trials in pregnancy. Among the studied biologics, more information was published on TNFα inhibitors and, in particular, on their potential passage through the placenta and impact on the fetus. Currently, a fragment of anti-TNFα monoclonal IgG, certolizumab pegol, is considered safe with almost no placental transfer. Subsequent observations are suggesting a comparable safety for the soluble TNFα receptor etanercept. Another biologic, eculizumab, the anti-C5a antibody used to treat complement-mediated microangiopathies, is also considered safe due to the unique engineered IgG2/4κ formulation that limits its passage through the placental barrier. Still, long-term data about children born to women treated with biologics in pregnancy are not attainable. Data on breastfeeding are currently available for several biologics. This article reviews the literature available about which drugs are considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, which are not, and on future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Beltagy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Azin Aghamajidi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laura Trespidi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Wally Ossola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
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Eliesen GAM, van Drongelen J, van den Broek PHH, Sarlea A, van der Heijden OWH, Langemeijer S, Greupink R, Volokhina EB, Russel FGM. Placental disposition of eculizumab, C5 and C5-eculizumab in two pregnancies of a woman with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:2128-2131. [PMID: 32986871 PMCID: PMC8056731 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Eculizumab is known to cross the placenta to a limited degree, but recently therapeutic drug levels in cord blood were found in a single case. We report maternal, cord and placental levels of unbound eculizumab, C5 and C5‐eculizumab in two pregnancies of a paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria patient who received 900 mg eculizumab every 2 weeks. In both pregnancies, cord blood concentrations of unbound eculizumab were below 4 μg/mL, while C5‐eculizumab levels were 22 and 26 μg/mL, suggesting that a considerable fraction of C5 was blocked in the newborn. Concentrations in each placenta of unbound eculizumab were 41 ± 3 and 45 ± 4 μg/g tissue, of C5‐eculizumab 19 ± 2 and 32 ± 3 μg/g, and of C5 20 ± 3 and 30 ± 2 μg/g (mean ± SD, in three tissue samples per placenta). Placental levels of unbound eculizumab were higher than those of C5‐eculizumab complexes, while maternal concentrations were approximately equal, suggesting selective transport of unbound eculizumab across the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby A M Eliesen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris van Drongelen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra H H van den Broek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrei Sarlea
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Saskia Langemeijer
- Department of Haematology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Greupink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elena B Volokhina
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Russel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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