Rituximab for the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss)

Treatment strategies for ANCA-associated vasculitides: from standard protocols to future horizons

INTRODUCTION

ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV), classified into granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis represent a group of disorders characterized by necrotizing vasculitis of small vessels, endothelial injury and tissue damage. The outcomes and prognosis of AAV have undergone significant changes with the introduction of glucocorticoids (GCs) and other immunosuppressants (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil). The enhanced understanding of pathogenesis has subsequently led to the incorporation into clinical practice of drugs targeting specific therapeutic targets.

AREAS COVERED

After an extensive literature search of Pubmed, Medline, Embase of the most recent evidence, we provide an overview of available treatments, highlighting how newer drugs have integrated into standard protocols. Our review also explores potential new therapeutic targets, including B cell depletion and inhibition, T cell inhibition, complement inhibition, and IL-5 and IgE inhibition.

EXPERT OPINION

There is hope that the new treatment targets currently under study in AAV may enable a faster and more lasting clinical response, ensuring the reduction of possible side effects from therapies. Moreover, numerous aspects necessitate further exploration in the future, such as tailoring of GCs, integration of GCs-sparing agents, efficacy of combination therapy, optimal maintenance therapy, to reduce organ-damage and improve quality of life.

Burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in Europe

Background and aims

Real-world evidence characterising the burden of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in Europe is limited. The aim of this study was to characterise patients in a large European EGPA cohort.

Methods

This retrospective, non-interventional, longitudinal study (GSK ID: 214661) recruited cross-specialty physicians from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK to conduct medical chart reviews for patients with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of EGPA. Patients were ≥12 years of age at diagnosis with ≥1 year of follow-up data from the first clinical visit with the physician (index date). Outcome measures collected from index date to end of follow-up included clinical manifestations and healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU).

Results

In total, 407 patient medical charts were reviewed by 204 physicians; median (interquartile range) duration of follow-up from index date was 2.2 (1.7-3.5) years. Most patients (73.5%) had asthma. Patients underwent multiple diagnostic assessments, and 74.9% received ≥3 different therapies between diagnosis and end of follow-up (98.8% oral corticosteroids, 63.9% immunosuppressive therapies, 45.5% biologics). During follow-up, 84.5% of patients experienced EGPA clinical manifestations; most were considered moderate or severe and commonly affected the lungs (55.8%; including lung infiltrates 25.8% and severe asthma 24.8%), ear, nose and throat (53.3%), and skin (41.8%). HCRU was substantial: 26.0% of patients made emergency department visits, 36.6% were hospitalised and 84.8% had outpatient visits.

Conclusions

These real-world data show that EGPA presents a substantial burden to patients and the healthcare system. Earlier and better differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment may help reduce incidence of clinical manifestations and HCRU.

Monocentric study of IL-5 monoclonal antibody induction therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

OBJECTIVE

Although sporadic case reports have demonstrated successful management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) by anti-IL-5 therapy, larger-scale monocentric studies for the efficacy of mepolizumab (MEP), an IL-5 monoclonal antibody, are still lacking in Taiwan.

METHODS

Hospitalized EGPA patients aged at least 18 years were enrolled from November 1998 to October 2023, and analyzed for demographic, clinical, laboratory, medication and outcome data, focusing on the efficacy and safety of biologics use, particularly induction therapy with MEP.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven EGPA patients aged 10-70 years (43 ± 15) at disease diagnosis were recruited with 21 under combined corticosteroids/cyclophosphamide induction therapy. Seventeen patients received biologics with 13 under MEP therapy. Ten patients aged 19-71 years (48 ± 15) completed 12-month induction therapy with a 100 mg quadri-weekly subcutaneous injection regimen indicated for active or relapse disease. There were reduced BVAS with complete remission in 6 and partial remission in 4 patients, lower CRP levels, decreased eosinophil counts with an inhibition of 92∼96 %, and tapered prednisolone dosages from 5 to 25 (13.0 ± 6.3) to 0-10 (3.3 ± 3.1) mg/day. Only one patient had an adverse event of injection site reactions. Nine patients received the same regimen for annual maintenance therapy. All had a persistent clinical remission. In these patients, 13-56 injections (41 ± 15) were prescribed with a follow-up period of 12∼52 months (38 ± 14).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, induction therapy with a 12-month 100 mg MEP quadri-weekly subcutaneous injection regimen demonstrates the efficacy and safety for active and relapsing EGPA patients.

Severe heart failure and intracardiac thrombosis: going beyond the appearance for diagnosis and treatments

We describe the case of a 45-year-old female affected by asthma and nasal polyposis who presented to the emergency department because of worsening dyspnea and paresthesia of the left lower limb. Comprehensive instrumental examinations revealed the presence of severe left ventricle dysfunction, intra-cardiac thrombus, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, lung infiltrates, polyserositis, and neurological involvements. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome, a rare vasculitis of small-medium blood vessels with several organ involvements. Treatment with anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and cyclophosphamide led to a significant clinical improvement. However, a subcutaneous cardiac defibrillator was implanted because of the persistence of severe left ventricular dysfunction and the high cardiovascular risk phenotype. Indeed, several cardiac manifestations may occur in EGPA, particularly in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative disease. Therefore, clinicians should have high clinical suspicion because cardiac involvement in EGPA results in a poor prognosis if not diagnosed and adequately treated.

EULAR recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis: 2022 update

BACKGROUND

Since the publication of the EULAR recommendations for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in 2016, several randomised clinical trials have been published that have the potential to change clinical care and support the need for an update.

METHODS

Using EULAR standardised operating procedures, the EULAR task force undertook a systematic literature review and sought opinion from 20 experts from 16 countries. We modified existing recommendations and created new recommendations.

RESULTS

Four overarching principles and 17 recommendations were formulated. We recommend biopsies and ANCA testing to assist in establishing a diagnosis of AAV. For remission induction in life-threatening or organ-threatening AAV, we recommend a combination of high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) in combination with either rituximab or cyclophosphamide. We recommend tapering of the GC dose to a target of 5 mg prednisolone equivalent/day within 4-5 months. Avacopan may be considered as part of a strategy to reduce exposure to GC in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Plasma exchange may be considered in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. For remission maintenance of GPA/MPA, we recommend rituximab. In patients with relapsing or refractory eosinophilic GPA, we recommend the use of mepolizumab. Azathioprine and methotrexate are alternatives to biologics for remission maintenance in AAV.

CONCLUSIONS

In the light of recent advancements, these recommendations provide updated guidance on AAV management. As substantial data gaps still exist, informed decision-making between physicians and patients remains of key relevance.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: sequential use of mepolizumab following rituximab for inadequate asthma control despite vasculitis remission

We report the case of a 54-year-old woman with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with mononeuritis multiplex, intestinal hemorrhage, cardiomyopathy, fever, and worsening asthma symptoms. She was initially treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide but eventually required rituximab to control a vasculitis flare. However, her asthmatic symptoms did not improve, despite attaining vasculitis remission. Symptoms abated only after the treatment transition to mepolizumab. After a 1-year interval, there were no further episodes of asthma exacerbation and no requirement for systemic steroid therapy. This report reinforces the use of rituximab for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and predominant vasculitic manifestations, whereas mepolizumab demonstrated better control of the persistent eosinophilic manifestations, ensuing sustained remission and improved quality of life.

GEMA 5.3. Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma

The Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma, better known by its acronym in Spanish GEMA, has been available for more than 20 years. Twenty-one scientific societies or related groups both from Spain and internationally have participated in the preparation and development of the updated edition of GEMA, which in fact has been currently positioned as the reference guide on asthma in the Spanish language worldwide. Its objective is to prevent and improve the clinical situation of people with asthma by increasing the knowledge of healthcare professionals involved in their care. Its purpose is to convert scientific evidence into simple and easy-to-follow practical recommendations. Therefore, it is not a monograph that brings together all the scientific knowledge about the disease, but rather a brief document with the essentials, designed to be applied quickly in routine clinical practice. The guidelines are necessarily multidisciplinary, developed to be useful and an indispensable tool for physicians of different specialties, as well as nurses and pharmacists. Probably the most outstanding aspects of the guide are the recommendations to: establish the diagnosis of asthma using a sequential algorithm based on objective diagnostic tests; the follow-up of patients, preferably based on the strategy of achieving and maintaining control of the disease; treatment according to the level of severity of asthma, using six steps from least to greatest need of pharmaceutical drugs, and the treatment algorithm for the indication of biologics in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma based on phenotypes. And now, in addition to that, there is a novelty for easy use and follow-up through a computer application based on the chatbot-type conversational artificial intelligence (ia-GEMA).

Renal involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a necrotizing vasculitis, which typically affects small-to medium-sized blood vessels. It is characterized by the presence of tissue infiltrates rich in eosinophils, along with the formation of granulomatous lesions. About 40% of cases have positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA), with predominant perinuclear staining, and anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) specificity in about 65% of cases. Typical manifestations of EGPA include the late onset of asthma, nasal and sinus-related symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, and significant eosinophilia observed in the peripheral blood. In contrast to granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, renal involvement in EGPA is less frequent (about 25%) and poorly studied. Necrotizing pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis is the most common renal presentation in patients with ANCA-positive EGPA. Although rarely, other forms of renal involvement may also be observed, such as eosinophilic interstitial nephritis, mesangial glomerulonephritis, membranous nephropathy, or focal sclerosis. A standardized treatment for EGPA with renal involvement has not been defined, however the survival and the renal outcomes are usually better than in the other ANCA-associated vasculitides. Nonetheless, kidney disease is an adverse prognostic factor for EGPA patients. Larger studies are required to better describe the renal involvement, in particular for patterns different from crescentic glomerulonephritis, and to favor the development of a consensual therapeutic approach. In this article, in addition to personal data, we will review recent findings on patient clinical phenotypes based on ANCA, genetics and the impact of biological drugs on disease management.

Therapeutic Advances in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is an eosinophilic vasculitis that affects a variety of organ systems. Historically, glucocorticoids and a variety of other immunosuppressants were used to abrogate the inflammation and tissue injury associated with EGPA. The management of EGPA has evolved greatly during the last decade with the development of novel targeted therapeutics that have resulted in significantly improved outcomes for these patients, with many more novel targeted therapies emerging.

Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology Guidelines for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis

Considerable variability exists in the way health-care providers treat patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis in Latin America. The most frequently used treatments for ANCA-associated vasculitis are cyclophosphamide and prolonged glucocorticoid tapers; however, randomised controlled trials conducted over the past 30 years have led to the development of several evidence-based treatment alternatives for these patients. Latin America faces socioeconomic challenges that affect access to care, and the use of certain costly medications with proven efficacy ANCA-associated vasculitis is often restricted. For these reasons, the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology developed the first ANCA-associated vasculitis treatment guidelines tailored for Latin America. A panel of local vasculitis experts generated clinically meaningful questions related to the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) format. Following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology, a team of methodologists conducted a systematic literature review. The panel of vasculitis experts voted on each PICO question and made recommendations, which required at least 70% agreement among the voting members. 21 recommendations and two expert opinion statements for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis were developed, considering the current evidence and the socioeconomic characteristics of the region. These recommendations include guidance for the use of glucocorticoids, non-glucocorticoid immunosuppressants, and plasma exchange.

HES and EGPA: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Elevated eosinophil counts are implicated in multiple diseases, from relatively prevalent organ-specific disorders such as severe eosinophilic asthma, to rare multisystem disorders such as hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Patients with these multisystem diseases, often associated with markedly elevated eosinophil counts, have a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality due to delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment. A thorough workup of symptomatic patients presenting with elevated eosinophil counts is essential, although in some cases the differential diagnosis may remain difficult because of overlapping presentations between HES and EGPA. Notably, first- and second-line treatment options and response to therapy may differ for specific HES and EGPA variants. Oral corticosteroids are the first line of treatment for HES and EGPA, except when HES is the result of specific mutations driving clonal eosinophilia that are amenable to targeted treatment with a kinase inhibitor. Cytotoxic or immunomodulatory agents may be required for those with severe disease. Novel eosinophil-depleting therapies, such as those targeting interleukin 5 or its receptor, have shown great promise in reducing blood eosinophil counts, and reducing disease flares and relapses in patients with HES and EGPA. Such therapies could reduce the side effects associated with long-term oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressant use. This review provides a pragmatic guide to approaching the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with systemic hypereosinophilic disorders. We highlight practical considerations for clinicians and present cases from real-world clinical practice to show the complexity and challenges associated with diagnosing and treating patients with HES and EGPA.

Biologic therapy in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease: Evidence- and practice-based guidance

OBJECTIVE

Vasculitis are a very heterogenous group of systemic autoimmune diseases, affecting large vessels (LVV), small vessels or presenting as a multisystemic variable vessel vasculitis. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based recommendations for the use of biologics in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease (BD).

METHODS

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 on autoimmune diseases management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2022. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease and voted in two rounds, in June and September 2021. Recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved.

RESULTS

A total of 32 final recommendations (10 for LVV treatment, 7 for small vessels vasculitis and 15 for BD) were approved by the experts and several biologic drugs were considered with different supporting evidence. Among LVV treatment options, tocilizumab presents the higher level of supporting evidence. Rituximab is recommended for treatment of severe/refractory cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Infliximab and adalimumab are most recommended in treatment of severe/refractory BD manifestations. Other biologic drugs can be considered is specific presentations.

CONCLUSION

These evidence and practice-based recommendations are a contribute to treatment decision and may, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with these conditions.

Long-term mepolizumab treatment reduces relapse rates in super-responders with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

BACKGROUND

The mainstay of treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is systemic corticosteroid therapy; some patients also receive intravenous immunoglobulins, other immunosuppressive agents, and biologics. Mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, induces remission and decreases the daily corticosteroid dose; however, the clinical efficacy of mepolizumab in EGPA and the prognosis with long-term treatment with this drug are unknown.

METHODS

Seventy-one EGPA patients were treated at Hiratsuka City Hospital, Japan, between April 2018 and March 2022. We administered mepolizumab for a mean of 2.8 ± 1.7 years to 43 patients in whom remission could not be induced by conventional treatment. After excluding 18 patients who had received mepolizumab for less than 3 years, we classified 15 patients into a "super-responder group" (the daily dose of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant could be decreased, or the interval between IVIG treatments could be prolonged) and 10 patients into a "responder group" (neither of these changes was achievable). Eosinophil numbers, serum IgG levels, daily doses of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), and relapse frequency before and after mepolizumab initiation were determined.

RESULTS

Blood eosinophil count at diagnosis and the lowest serum IgG level before mepolizumab treatment were significantly higher in super-responders than in responders (p < 0.05). In super-responders, the prednisolone dose at last visit on mepolizumab treatment was lower than that before treatment (p < 0.01) and lower than that at last visit in the responders (p < 0.01). In both groups, peripheral blood eosinophil numbers and BVAS were lower after starting mepolizumab than before (p < 0.01). BVAS before mepolizumab (p < 0.05) and at last visit (p < 0.01) were lower in super-responders than in responders. Relapse rates every year after the start of mepolizumab were lower in super-responders than in responder groups (p < 0.01). In super-responders, relapse rates were lower during the 3 years following mepolizumab initiation (p < 0.01) and at last visit (p < 0.01) were significantly lower than after 1 year of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Mepolizumab treatment of super-responders sustainably reduced the relapse rate.

Evidence-Based Guideline for the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, characterized by asthma, eosinophilia and granulomatous or vasculitic involvement of several organs. The diagnosis and management of EGPA are often challenging and require an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Current practice relies on recommendations and guidelines addressing the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis and not specifically developed for EGPA. Here, we present evidence-based, cross-discipline guidelines for the diagnosis and management of EGPA that reflect the substantial advances that have been made in the past few years in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical subphenotypes and differential diagnosis of the disease, as well as the availability of new treatment options. Developed by a panel of European experts on the basis of literature reviews and, where appropriate, expert opinion, the 16 statements and five overarching principles cover the diagnosis and staging, treatment, outcome and follow-up of EGPA. These recommendations are primarily intended to be used by healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical industries and drug regulatory authorities, to guide clinical practice and decision-making in EGPA. These guidelines are not intended to limit access to medications by healthcare agencies, nor to impose a fixed order on medication use.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis - Advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare disease characterized by eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation and necrotizing vasculitis, pre-dominantly affecting small-to-medium-sized vessels. It is categorized as a primary antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAVs) but also shares features of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES); therefore, both vessel inflammation and eosinophilic infiltration are suggested to cause organ damage. This dual nature of the disease causes variable clinical presentation. As a result, careful differentiation from mimicking conditions is needed, especially from HES, given the overlapping clinical, radiologic, and histologic features, and biomarker profile. EGPA also remains a diagnostic challenge, in part because of asthma, which may pre-dominate for years, and often requires chronic corticosteroids (CS), which can mask other disease features. The pathogenesis is still not fully understood, however, the interaction between eosinophils and lymphocytes B and T seems to play an important role. Furthermore, the role of ANCA is not clear, and only up to 40% of patients are ANCA-positive. Moreover, two ANCA-dependent clinically and genetically distinct subgroups have been identified. However, a gold standard test for establishing a diagnosis is not available. In practice, the disease is mainly diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms and results of non-invasive tests. The unmet needs include uniform diagnostic criteria and biomarkers to help distinguish EGPA from HESs. Despite its rarity, notable progress has been made in understanding the disease and in its management. A better understanding of the pathophysiology has provided new insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets, which are reflected in novel biological agents. However, there remains an ongoing reliance on corticosteroid therapy. Therefore, there is a significant need for more effective and better-tolerated steroid-sparing treatment schemes.

Advances in the pharmacotherapeutic management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

INTRODUCTION

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare but potentially lethal systemic vasculitis. Only a few prospective therapeutic trials had been conducted in EGPA, and its treatment was mostly adapted from other vasculitides. Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting various pathways (e.g. interleukin-5 [IL5] or B cells) have been investigated.

AREAS COVERED

Published studies on treatments for EGPA using glucocorticoids, conventional immunosuppressants (such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine), antiIL5 pathway agents (mepolizumab, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for EGPA; benralizumab and reslizumab), other and future possible treatments [PubMed search, 01/1990-02/2023] are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

With advances made in the pharmacotherapeutic management of EGPA, the prognosis has gradually shifted from a potentially fatal to a more chronic course, for which more targeted and safer treatments can be used. However, glucocorticoids remain central. Rituximab is now a possible alternative to cyclophosphamide for induction, although data are still limited. AntiIL5 pathway therapies have been shown to be safe and effective in relapsing patients with EGPA, who often experience asthma and/or ears, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations, but long-term data are needed. Treatment strategies need to be optimized based on individual patient characteristics, likely with sequential, combination-based approaches, while topical airway treatments should not be forgotten.

Unmet needs and evidence gaps in hypereosinophilic syndrome and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) are rare systemic inflammatory disorders with overlapping symptoms, elevated eosinophil counts, and heterogenous clinical presentations. Although progress has been made in recent years, there are substantial gaps in our understanding of the pathologic mechanisms involved in these diseases, as well as numerous unmet needs relating to both diagnosis and patient management. For example, in most cases of HES, the underlying cause of hypereosinophilia is unknown, while in EGPA, although a polygenic genetic susceptibility has been found, understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms remains largely elusive. Delineating differences between certain disease variants may be challenging, and there are no reliable predictive markers of disease course. In addition, the current diagnostic criteria for HES and classification criteria for EGPA are not easy to implement in a nonspecialist setting, and specialist referral pathways need to be signposted more clearly. Furthermore, disease-specific activity scores need to be developed to aid the assessment of treatment effects, and improved biomarkers are needed to aid with treatment stratification. In this review, we outline the limitations of our current understanding of HES and EGPA and highlight areas for future work, which ultimately should help improve patient management and outcomes.

New Insights into Pathogenesis and Treatment of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: Autoantibodies and Beyond

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a group of rare systemic diseases affecting small-caliber vessels. The damage caused by AAV mainly involves the lung and kidneys. AAV includes three different types: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Although the different phenotypic forms of AAV share common features, recent studies have shown that there are significant differences in terms of pathogenetic mechanisms involving both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Advances in our understanding of pathogenesis have enabled the development of immuno-targeted therapies. This review illustrates the characteristics of the various forms of AAV and the new therapies available for this disease that can have lethal consequences if left untreated.

Advances in the maintenance of ANCA vasculitis remission

The maintenance treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAVs) has benefited from the results of several prospective clinical trials focusing on the evaluation of new drugs, therapeutic strategies, and adjuvant treatments. They also showed that rituximab was the most effective agent to maintain remission. However, because treatments can induce adverse events, including facilitating infections, therapeutic strategies should be adapted to find the optimal dose(s) and their administration duration(s) and to make them commensurate to the expected severity of relapse. That task is not easy to achieve because we have not yet been able to identify the clinical or biological parameters that can predict when a relapse will occur and its severity. Among AAVs, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) has pathogenic and clinical specificities, and new drugs directly address those features. If rituximab could have a place such as in other AAVs, anti-IL5 biotherapies could also be prescribed successfully for maintenance. Another aim of vasculitis maintenance therapy is to control the disease with less prednisone than in the past. Herein, we emphasize the importance of individually devising a maintenance regimen adapted to the objectives of keeping the patient in remission without the adverse events related to the prescribed treatment(s).

Successful treatment with rituximab and plasmapheresis of renal involvement of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare disorder characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, and systemic vasculitis. Renal involvement is not regarded as a prominent feature and the treatment is still under study.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of fever, renal dysfunction, eosinophilia, and the presence of MPO-ANCA. Based on the renal pathological examination which showed extravascular eosinophilic-predominant inflammation and crescentic glomerulonephritis, EGPA was diagnosed. Considering the acute kidney injury, prominent eosinophilia, and strongly positive anti-MPO antibodies, pulse steroid therapy was administered, followed by intravenous rituximab. Plasmapheresis was also provided (9 sessions). The eosinophil count was normalized, and renal dysfunction was reversed. The patient no longer requires dialysis.

Conclusions

Renal involvement of EGPA is rare, and consensus on its treatment is still lacking, because of a lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. We treated our patient as a case with high severity. For patients with severe disease, the addition of cyclophosphamide to glucocorticoid therapy is commonly used. However, rituximab and plasmapheresis combined with systemic glucocorticoid therapy were found to be beneficial because the renal function and other clinical conditions were almost fully recovered. Thus, our treatment is highly effective against renal involvement of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Severe eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis responding to a combination of rituximab and mepolizumab

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, is a multisystem antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive vasculitis, characterized by the presence of chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma and prominent peripheral blood eosinophilia. Although the most commonly involved organ is the lung, followed by the skin, EGPA can affect any organ system. Herein, we present the complicated case of an 18-year-old male patient with severe life-threatening EGPA, with central nervous system, cardiac and gasterointestinal involvement, which was resistant to initial treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. The patient responded well, achieving complete remission after the addition of rituximab and mepolizumab to glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide.

Treatments of refractory eosinophilic lung diseases with biologics

Biologics targeting the molecules associated with type 2 inflammation have significantly improved the outcomes of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Chronic eosinophilic airway/lung diseases including chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis, eosinophilic bronchitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis share clinical features with eosinophilic asthma and CRPwNP, which are mostly adult-onset and may develop simultaneously or consecutively. These eosinophilic airway/lung diseases respond well to initial treatment with systemic corticosteroids, but often recur when the corticosteroids are tapered. The management of these "refractory" cases is an unmet need for clinicians. We first reviewed the standard treatments for these chronic eosinophilic airway/lung diseases, followed by the definition and prevalence of refractory diseases and the role of biologics in their management. The available evidence varies from case reports and case series to randomized control trials, depending on the type of disease; however, these studies provide not only a direction for clinical practice, but also insights into the pathophysiology of each disease. Physicians should discuss the efficacy and costs of biologics in patients with refractory eosinophilic airway/lung diseases to minimize not only the current symptoms, but future risks as well.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A review

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare, multi-system, inflammatory disease, belonging to the group of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV). Previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, EGPA is characterised by late-onset asthma, eosinophilia and vasculitis affecting small-to-medium vessels. This disease behaves differently in many aspects to the other AAV and is often excluded from AAV studies. The disease is poorly understood and, due to it rarity and unique manifestations, there has been limited research progress to optimise our understanding of its complex pathogenesis and ability to develop management options - although the success of interleukin-5 inhibitors such as Mepolizumab has been a welcome development. The pathophysiology also appears to be different to other forms of AAV and hence management strategies that work for AAV may not fully apply to this condition. There is no current standard therapy for EGPA although corticosteroids are almost universally used for treatment alongside other agents and encouraging modes of treatment continue to evolve beyond glucocorticoid immunosuppression (including interleukin-5 inhibition). There is therefore a significant ongoing unmet need for efficacious steroid-sparing immunosuppressing agents. The prognosis also diverges from other forms of AAV, and we discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnosis, management and prognosis in this article.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: case report and literature review

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a multisystem disorder characterised by asthma, blood and tissue eosinophilia and small-vessel vasculitis. Eosinophilic tissue infiltration and extravascular granuloma formation can lead to damage in any organ, but it is classically seen to cause pulmonary infiltrates, sino-nasal disease, peripheral neuropathy, renal and cardiac involvement, and rashes. EGPA is part of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis syndromes, with the antibody being detected in ∼30-40% of cases and mostly against myeloperoxidase. Two genetically and clinically distinct phenotypes, defined by the presence or absence of ANCA have been identified. Treatment for EGPA focuses on inducing and maintaining disease remission. To date, oral corticosteroids remain first-line agents whilst second-line treatments include immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil. However, long-term steroid usage results in multiple and well-known adverse health effects and new insights into the pathophysiology of EGPA have allowed for the development of targeted biologic therapies, like the anti-eosinophilic, anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibodies.

At the Heart of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: into Cardiac and Vascular Involvement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an overview of existing literature on pathogenetic and clinical aspects of cardiac and vascular involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

RECENT FINDINGS

In EGPA, cardiac and vascular involvement are more common than previously thought. However, no international recommendations on the topic are available yet. Herein, we summarize the existing evidence on the topic and propose a diagnostic approach for cardiac involvement in EGPA. The prevalence of cardiovascular involvement in patients with EGPA varies greatly among published studies, ranging between 3.1-18.7% for occlusive arterial disease, 5.8-30% for venous thrombosis and 17-92% for heart involvement. Cardiac involvement in EGPA is associated with high mortality even though manifestations are heterogeneous. In principle, every anatomical structure of the heart can be involved, and EGPA-related heart disease may be completely asymptomatic at first. A careful diagnostic work-up for early detection and prompt treatment initiation is therefore required. While cardiac manifestations are more common in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-negative patients, arterial and venous thrombotic events are not linked to ANCA status but correlate closely with disease activity and accumulate at disease onset. Thrombotic events (mainly venous) are considerably more frequent in EGPA than in the general population contributing substantially to morbidity and highlighting the importance of developing specific prevention strategies for patients who are diagnosed with EGPA.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

This review aims to describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a small to medium vessel necrotizing vasculitis, typically classified with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangitis (MPA) as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, less than 50% of patients with EGPA have a positive ANCA test. Among all the vasculitides, asthma and eosinophilia are unique features of EGPA. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is very rare and the diagnosis may be missed as the disease evolves over time. Polyneuropathies are common and may be severe, requiring aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Heart involvement is the most common cause of death in EGPA. Biopsy of involved tissue supports a clinically suspected diagnosis but is not always feasible. Treatment of EGPA is primarily dictated by the severity of disease and prognostic factors. More severe disease frequently requires the use of aggressive therapy such as cyclophosphamide. Once treatment is initiated, patients can achieve good control of symptoms; unfortunately, disease relapses are common and prolonged treatment with corticosteroids is often necessary for asthma management. A better understanding of the disease heterogeneity is needed for the development of better therapies.

Genetics of ANCA-associated vasculitis: role in pathogenesis, classification and management

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) comprises granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), that share features of pauci-immune small-vessel vasculitis and the positivity of ANCA targeting proteinase-3 (PR3-ANCA) or myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA). AAV syndromes are rare, complex diseases and their aetio-pathogenesis is mainly driven by the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. In patients with GPA and MPA, the genetic associations are stronger with ANCA specificity (PR3- versus MPO-ANCA) than with the clinical diagnosis, which, in keeping with the known clinical and prognostic differences between PR3-ANCA-positive and MPO-ANCA-positive patients, supports an ANCA-based re-classification of these disorders. EGPA is also made up of genetically distinct subsets, which can be stratified on ANCA-status (MPO ANCA-positive versus ANCA-negative); these subsets differ in clinical phenotype and possibly in their response to treatment. Interestingly, MPO-ANCA-positive patients with either MPA or EGPA have overlapping genetic determinants, thus strengthening the concept that this EGPA subset is closely related to the other AAV syndromes. The genetics of AAV provides us with essential information to understand its varied phenotype. This Review discusses the main findings of genetic association studies in AAV, their pathogenic implications and their potential effect on classification, management and prognosis.

Safety and effectiveness of mepolizumab therapy in remission induction therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of mepolizumab (MPZ), an anti-interleukin-5 antibody, as remission induction therapy for severe eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

METHODS

The clinical courses of patients with severe EGPA over 6 months were retrospectively investigated and compared between patients treated with high-dose corticosteroid (CS) plus MPZ therapy (MPZ group, n = 7) and those treated with high-dose CS plus intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY) pulse therapy (IVCY group, n = 13). The primary endpoints were the MPZ retention rate and the IVCY completion rate. The secondary endpoints were adverse events and changes in the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), Vascular Damage Index (VDI), eosinophil counts, and concomitant CS doses, and the extent and rates of these changes were compared between the MPZ and IVCY groups.

RESULTS

Regarding the primary endpoints, the MPZ retention rate was 100%, and the IVCY completion rate was 61.5%. Regarding the secondary endpoints, adverse events were detected in 2/7 patients (28.6%) in the MPZ group and 7/13 patients (53.8%) in the IVCY group. BVAS and eosinophil counts significantly decreased in both groups at and after month 1, but there was no significant difference in the magnitude of changes between the two groups. VDI scores did not significantly increase in either group, and the degree of changes did not significantly differ between the two groups. Although concomitant CS doses significantly decreased at and after month 1 in both groups, the rates of decrease in CS doses at and after month 3 were significantly higher in the MPZ group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that the use of MPZ as remission induction therapy for severe EGPA might be safe and effective for controlling disease activity and reducing CS doses.

Therapeutic advances in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years, therapeutic advances in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) have changed our treatment paradigm. This review will summarize and discuss updates in management of EGPA, with a particular focus on biologic therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The anti-interleukin (IL)-5 agent mepolizumab (the first FDA-approved drug specifically for EGPA) is effective in induction and maintenance of remission particularly in patients with predominantly asthma and allergic manifestations, though efficacy in ANCA-positive, vasculitic disease is unclear; additional anti-IL-5 agents are under study. Rituximab is currently recommended for remission induction in severe disease, particularly in ANCA-positive patients with vasculitic manifestations, though the supportive evidence is mostly observational. Evidence supporting use of traditional DMARDs and other biologic agents such as omalizumab remains limited and observational.

SUMMARY

Although management of this heterogeneous disease remains challenging and unanswered questions remain, advances in biologics (particularly anti-IL-5 agents and an evolving interest in rituximab) have expanded our treatment armamentarium in EGPA.

A Patient with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Successfully Weaned from Corticosteroids Through Remission Induction Therapy with Mepolizumab

The patient was a 74-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital for fever, purpura, abdominal pain, and bilateral numbness. Although the patient tested negative for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), he presented with an elevated peripheral eosinophil count, increased inflammatory responses, duodenitis, cholecystitis, lung lesions, renal disorder, and peripheral neuropathy. The skin biopsy findings revealed vasculitis. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Given the advanced age of the patient, in addition to the poor general condition and hepatic and renal dysfunction, administration of immunosuppressants was considered to pose a high risk. After obtaining informed consent, remission induction therapy was initiated with mepolizumab (300 mg/M) in combination with high-dose corticosteroid therapy (equivalent to 70 mg/day of prednisolone). After treatment initiation, eosinophil counts and inflammatory responses decreased. Moreover, the abdominal pain and purpura resolved, and renal/hepatic dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy also improved. While the corticosteroid dose was subsequently reduced, no relapse was observed. Approximately 2 years later, the corticosteroid was discontinued. After the discontinuation of the corticosteroid, the patient continued treatment with mepolizumab alone and has remained in remission for approximately 6 months. Therefore, mepolizumab may be useful as a remission induction therapy in ANCA-negative EGPA resistant to steroids.

The management of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: what has changed in the last 10 years?

The management of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis has substantially improved in the last decade. For the induction of remission, rituximab is increasingly used in place of cyclophosphamide, particularly for patients with proteinase 3 (PR3)-associated vasculitis or relapsing disease, and those wishing to preserve their fertility. A lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids, with a more rapidly tapering schedule, is preferable and is as effective and safer than the standard-dose regimen. Avacopan, the complement C5a receptor inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of associated vasculitis and may replace glucocorticoids in the future. Plasma exchange provides no additional benefit for patients with severe anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, although it is still used in selected patients on a case-by-case basis. Rituximab is preferred for the maintenance of remission, repeated at fixed time intervals. The duration for which immunosuppressive therapy should be given is uncertain, but is generally longer for patients with PR3 disease or persistent anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity. The anti-interleukin 5 monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, is effective for the treatment of non-severe eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Several other targeted therapies are in the pipeline and further progress is expected in the coming years.

[Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis : Update on classification and management]

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare chronic inflammatory systemic disease that occurs in patients with bronchial asthma and is associated with significant blood and tissue eosinophilia. Another characteristic is vasculitis of small and/or medium-sized vessels, which may be absent in prodromal stages of the disease and is therefore no longer an obligatory part of the disease definition. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) can be detected in approximately one third of patients. The ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative EGPA are genetically distinct diseases with common clinical manifestations, which, however, occur with different frequencies. Cardiac involvement is associated with a poor prognosis. Permanent organ damage often occurs as a result of the underlying disease or treatment, especially with glucocorticoids (GC). The standard treatment of EGPA consists of GC in combination with cyclophosphamide for severe organ involvement or medium potency immunosuppressants for more prognostically favorable manifestations. Biologics are increasingly being used in the treatment of EGPA. The interleukin (IL) 5 antagonist mepolizumab reduces the risk of relapses and decreases the demand for GC in patients with relapsing EGPA without severe organ involvement. In analogy to the approach to other ANCA-associated vasculitides, the use of rituximab in ANCA-positive EGPA patients with severe vasculitis recurrence is a possible option, even though formal evidence for such an approach is currently low and formal approval is lacking.

Switching from omalizumab to mepolizumab therapy improved extra-pulmonary abdominal and cutaneous vasculitis symptoms in a patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic vasculitis of small-to-medium-sized vessels. Both eosinophilic infiltration and vasculitis are thought to contribute to multi-organ damage. Some biologics have been used to reduce the required dose of corticosteroids in EGPA, but no single agent can ensure a complete control of this disease. Here, we describe a patient with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-negative relapsing EGPA whose asthma control was improved by omalizumab, but she continued to develop flares of abdominal and cutaneous vasculitis symptoms. After switching to mepolizumab therapy, her blood hypereosinophilia and extra-pulmonary symptoms were significantly improved. Moreover, the dose of daily maintenance corticosteroid could be tapered off. The experience from our case suggests that biologics targeting interleukin-5 may be more effective than omalizumab in the management of extra-thoracic manifestations in EGPA.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss syndrome) imitating Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS): a case report

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is associated with vasculitic neuropathy and being rare can present as subacute symmetric sensorimotor quadriparesis mimicking Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS). It warrants timely diagnosis as treatment for both conditions is different and vasculitic neuropathy needs long-term immunosuppression. Nerve biopsy of our patient showed eosinophilic infiltration along with mononuclear infiltrate. Typical histopathological presentations of EGPA are different among different organs and eosinophilic infiltration is rarely observed in peripheral nerve and kidney involvements.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old female with a history of asthma with 3-week duration of acute onset ascending weakness, preceded by severe pain and burning in glove and stocking pattern. Nerve conduction studies could not rule out Guillain–Barre syndrome initially, but subsequent studies show axonal affection and she received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) but her weakness progressed after slight improvement. Her bloodwork revealed marked eosinophilia (> 50%) with computed tomography (CT) paranasal sinuses showing pansinusitis with background history of asthma led us towards eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and later antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies came out positive with nerve biopsy showing perivascular mononuclear inflammation with eosinophils. She was started on steroids immediately and then received intravenous rituximab in view of long-term immunosuppression with maintenance steroids and on follow-up she improved.

Conclusion

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a small-vessel vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with significant paranasal sinuses involvement. Mononeuritis multiplex is the most common presentation of vasculitic neuropathy of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, but they can mimic Guillain–Barre syndrome and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis, since the treatment strategies for these conditions are radically different.

Novel Targets for Drug Use in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by medium and small vessels inflammation. Cardiac vasculitic involvement is one of the most severe manifestations with a significant impact on patients' long-term prognosis: anyway, a specific therapeutic approach for heart involvement in EGPA has not been explored yet. Current regimen consists of a long-term therapy with high dose of glucocorticoids, causing the well-known related-adverse events; immunosuppressive drugs are used in patients with severe manifestations, with some limitations. New therapeutic approaches are needed for patients with refractory disease or contraindications to conventional therapies. The quest for the ideal therapy is going toward a more and more personalized approach: on the one hand, efforts are made to use already existing therapies in the most appropriate way; on the other hand, new insights into EGPA pathogenesis allow the discovery of new targets, as demonstrated by mepolizumab and rituximab, targeting eosinophils, and B-cell compartments. This review summarizes the emerging therapies used in EGPA, focusing on the most recent studies on biologics and analyzing their efficacy and safety.

B-Cell-Depleting Therapy Improves Myocarditis in Seronegative Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Cardiac involvement is a major mortality cause in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), requiring novel therapeutics to spare the use of cyclophosphamide with known cardiotoxicity. Despite the observed efficacy of B-cell-depleting therapy in myocarditis of seropositive microscopic polyangiitis, it remains to be elucidated in seronegative EGPA. A retrospective study was performed in 21 hospitalized active patients aged 20 to 70 years with five-factor score 1 or 2, eosinophil counts 10,034 ± 6641/μL and vasculitis scores 27 ± 6. Overt myocarditis was identified in 10 cases, at disease onset in 6 and relapse in 4, with endomyocarditis in 4 and myopericarditis in 4. Five seronegative and one seropositive patient received rituximab with an induction regimen 375 mg/m² weekly × 4 for refractory or relapse disease, and the same regimen for annual maintenance therapy. All cases had lower eosinophil counts, improved cardiac dysfunction and clinical remission with a relapse-free follow-up, 48 ± 15 months after the induction treatment. One seronegative endomyocarditis patient had eosinophilia and disease relapse with asthma attack and worsening cardiac insufficiency 24 months after induction, achieving clinical remission under anti-IL-5 therapy. Our findings suggest the suppression of IL-5-mediated eosinophilia as an action mechanism of B-cell-depleting therapy in seronegative EGPA myocarditis.

A real-world assessment of mycophenolate mofetil for remission induction in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a form of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for remission induction in AAV excluded patients with EGPA. Despite this, MMF is commonly used in these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effectiveness and tolerance of MMF in EGPA remission induction. A retrospective, two-center, real-world study was conducted in patients with EGPA who received MMF in addition to prednisolone for newly diagnosed or relapsing disease between 2009 and 2019. Baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-month outcome data were extracted from electronic health records. The primary outcome was disease remission, defined as a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score of 0 at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included disease relapse, median prednisolone dose at 12 months and drug tolerance. In total, 15 patients (73% male, median age 57) with EGPA (11 newly diagnosed/4 relapsing) were identified. At 6 months, 67% had achieved disease remission. At 12 months, this was maintained (66.7%) and 4 patients had relapsed. All but one patient remained on MMF at study completion and all patients tolerated MMF. Our real-world data suggest that MMF is an effective and well-tolerated agent for achieving disease remission in EGPA. A future randomized controlled trial of MMF in this neglected orphan disease is now warranted.

[ANCA-associated vasculitis]

GPA/MPA INDUCTION OF REMISSION

As demonstrated in the ADVOCATE-trial avacopan allows for a substantial reduction of glucocorticoid (GC) use during induction of remission. A future role of avacopan in the treatment of GPA and MPA is likely. Likewise, the PEXIVAS-trial showed that GC reduction of up to 60 % compared to standard dose was equal effective. The same trial proved no benefit of plasma exchange in addition to standard induction of remission. Plasma exchange therefore is now mostly obsolete.

GPA/MPA MAINTENANCE

Rituximab is well established as maintenance therapy in AAV. The optimal duration however is still unknown. The MAINRITSAN 3 study indicates that prolonged use of more than 2 years is beneficial. EGPA:  In line with earlier clinical evidence a GWAS including 534 EGPA patients indicated at last 2 distinct subgroups. The conception of a predominantly "vasculitis" and a more "eosinophilic" phenotype is supported by this genetic evidence and most likely will lead to more differentiated therapies. With the IL5-antibody mepolizumab a first principle targeting the eosinophilic component of EGPA is now available and proved to be clinically beneficial.

Rituximab and Mepolizumab Combination Therapy for Glucocorticoid-Resistant Myocarditis Related to Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), which belongs to the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides, is characterized by eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation and small to medium-sized vessel vasculitis associated with bronchial asthma and eosinophilia. It sometimes causes severe organ damage, of which myocardial damage is one of the most important for determining the prognosis. A case of EGPA-associated myocarditis that was refractory to glucocorticoid therapy and responded successfully to rituximab (RTX) and mepolizumab (MPZ) combination therapy is presented. A 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with EGPA-associated myocarditis due to pre-existing asthma, eosinophilia, mononeuritis multiplex, and eosinophilic myocarditis by myocardial biopsy. Transthoracic echocardiography showed thickening of the cardiac wall, pericardial effusion, and left ventricular hypokinesis. Although the myocarditis was refractory to methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral high-dose prednisolone, the disease activity reached remission with the successful tapering of glucocorticoid after initiation of the RTX and MPZ combination therapy. Combination therapy with RTX and MPZ can be a good treatment option for EGPA-associated myocarditis for which it is difficult to give intravenous cyclophosphamide due to cardiac dysfunction.

Multi-targeted therapy for refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis characterized by intracerebral hemorrhage and cardiomyopathy: a case-based review

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder classified under anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, predominantly affecting small- to medium-sized vessels, characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Most patients with EGPA experience peripheral neuropathy, whereas intracerebral hemorrhage is rare as EGPA-related presentation in central nervous system involvement, causing severe morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a 45-year-old man with refractory EGPA who developed intracerebral hemorrhage as the first manifestation, followed by cardiac involvement. This patient with a history of bronchial asthma developed a right putaminal hemorrhage caused by EGPA. Although intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY) and mepolizumab (MPZ) induced remission, relapse was frequently observed. Subsequently, he developed cardiomyopathy despite administration of rituximab (RTX) substituted from IVCY and MPZ. Combined immunosuppressive therapy, including IVCY, MPZ, and RTX was required to inhibit vascular inflammation, leading to sustained remission. We review previously published literature while focusing on the clinical features of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage caused by EGPA and describe clinical characteristics for detecting EGPA in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, emphasizing rapid evaluation and recognition of EGPA and adequate intervention in the early vasculitic phase of this disease. We also refer to the immunological aspects of this case. It is important to consider "multi-targeted therapy" through interleukin-5 suppression and B cell depletion in the management of refractory EGPA.

2021 American College of Rheumatology/Vasculitis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based recommendations and expert guidance for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

METHODS

Clinical questions regarding the treatment and management of AAV were developed in the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) format (47 for GPA/MPA, 34 for EGPA). Systematic literature reviews were conducted for each PICO question. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. Each recommendation required ≥70% consensus among the Voting Panel.

RESULTS

We present 26 recommendations and 5 ungraded position statements for GPA/MPA, and 15 recommendations and 5 ungraded position statements for EGPA. This guideline provides recommendations for remission induction and maintenance therapy as well as adjunctive treatment strategies in GPA, MPA, and EGPA. These recommendations include the use of rituximab for remission induction and maintenance in severe GPA and MPA and the use of mepolizumab in nonsevere EGPA. All recommendations are conditional due in part to the lack of multiple randomized controlled trials and/or low-quality evidence supporting the recommendations.

CONCLUSION

This guideline presents the first recommendations endorsed by the American College of Rheumatology and the Vasculitis Foundation for the management of AAV and provides guidance to health care professionals on how to treat these diseases.

2021 American College of Rheumatology/Vasculitis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based recommendations and expert guidance for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

METHODS

Clinical questions regarding the treatment and management of AAV were developed in the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) format (47 for GPA/MPA, 34 for EGPA). Systematic literature reviews were conducted for each PICO question. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. Each recommendation required ≥70% consensus among the Voting Panel.

RESULTS

We present 26 recommendations and 5 ungraded position statements for GPA/MPA, and 15 recommendations and 5 ungraded position statements for EGPA. This guideline provides recommendations for remission induction and maintenance therapy as well as adjunctive treatment strategies in GPA, MPA, and EGPA. These recommendations include the use of rituximab for remission induction and maintenance in severe GPA and MPA and the use of mepolizumab in nonsevere EGPA. All recommendations are conditional due in part to the lack of multiple randomized controlled trials and/or low-quality evidence supporting the recommendations.

CONCLUSION

This guideline presents the first recommendations endorsed by the American College of Rheumatology and the Vasculitis Foundation for the management of AAV and provides guidance to health care professionals on how to treat these diseases.

Rituximab for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a systematic review of observational studies

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the available evidence about the use of rituximab (RTX) and other biologic agents in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) patients and to provide useful findings to inform the design of future, reliable clinical trials.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane library databases on RTX, and an extensive literature search was conducted on other biologic agents.

RESULTS

Forty-five papers pertinent to our questions were found: 16 retrospective cohort studies, 8 case series, 3 prospective cohort studies and 18 single case reports, for a total of 368 EGPA patients. More than 80% of evaluable patients achieved complete or partial remission with a tendency towards a higher rate of complete response in the pANCA-positive subgroup.

CONCLUSION

Although the majority of the evaluable EGPA patients treated with RTX appears to achieve complete remission, we strongly believe that a number of sources of heterogeneity impair a clear interpretation of results and limit their transferability in clinical practice. Differences in design, enrolment criteria, outcome definition and measurement make a comparison among data obtained from studies on RTX and other biologic agents unreliable.

Systemic hypereosinophilic syndromes: when autoimmunity is Th2 mediated

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clinical conditions associated with hypereosinophilia represent a field of particular interest, taking into account the epidemiological impact of the different primary and secondary forms. In addition to a classical Th1 response, also Th2 cells can be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, among them eosinophilic forms such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

In patients with severe asthma, recent evidence highlights the role of pathogenic autoantibodies against autologous eosinophil proteins (e.g. eosinophil peroxidase) suggest the role of autoimmune mechanisms, particularly in patients in which asthma is included in eosinophilic vasculitis with antineutrophilic autoantibody positivity. Is now evident that in addition to Th2 cells, also type 2 innate lymphoid cells and Th1/Th17 cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of hypereosinophilic syndrome.

SUMMARY

The definition of cellular and molecular mechanisms and the critical role of specific cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of hypereosinophilic syndrome open the way to new therapeutic strategies by using biological agents targeting these specific factors.

Novel Therapies for ANCA-associated Vasculitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to discuss the most recent evidence on the treatment innovations and future prospective in the management of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAVs).

RECENT FINDINGS

In AAV, a growing body of research is available on novel treatment options for remission induction and to clarify some uncertainties concerning the optimal use of available drugs. Efforts are being made to reduce the toxicity associated with high-dose, prolonged glucocorticoids (GC) regimens. Despite major advances in the prognosis of AAV, relapses are still common and the intensity and duration of remission treatment constitute a great challenge in the management of these chronic conditions. A paradigm shift in practice in the management of AAV is being supported by recent evidence suggesting the comparable efficacy and improved safety profile of schemes with a reduced dose of GC for the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with severe granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Moreover, recent appraisal of pathogenetic mechanisms, including complement activation pathways, has introduced the revolutionary concept of an alternative to GC, such as avacopan. Plasma exchange failed to prevent end-stage renal disease and mortality in patients with severe renal involvement or pulmonary haemorrhage according to a large multicentre randomised trial. Intensified immunosuppressive strategies for patients with life-threatening manifestations, including the combination of rituximab (RTX) with cyclophosphamide (CYC) have revealed promising preliminary data. New evidence for the use of alternative immunosuppressive agents (e.g. mycophenolate mofetil or abatacept) for the induction of remission in patients with non-severe disease is emerging. Several studies have been recently published, or are ongoing, to assess the optimal strategy and duration of maintenance of remission with the available treatment options (GC, azathioprine, and RTX). Preliminary evidence supports the superiority of a more prolonged course of maintenance treatment. The management of refractory or relapsing eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) has been improved by the recent demonstration of efficacy and safety of an interleukin-5 inhibitor, mepolizumab. Ongoing randomised studies will clarify the role of RTX in patients with severe manifestations of EGPA.

Ovalbumin/lipopolysaccharide induced vasculitis in rats: a new predictive model

OBJECTIVES

Currently, there are several animal models for vasculitis. Ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide (OVA, LPS) are well established for causing inflammation and used as an adjunct in the vasculitis induction. However, to date, none has established the effect of OVA and LPS in disease induction. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to develop a new animal model for vasculitis using OVA/LPS in rats.

METHODS

A total of 42 Wistar rats were divided randomly into seven groups (n=6/group), normal control, and three different doses (0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg) of OVA and LPS treated groups. Half of the rats in each group received only intraperitoneal sensitization, while the remaining half rats were additionally subjected to a one-week intranasal challenge.

RESULTS

Results showed that both OVA/LPS in their respective groups have significantly increased circulating inflammatory cells, C-reactive protein (CRP), Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), Kidney damage markers (BUN, Creatinine), and liver function enzymes (AST, ALT) in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

OVA/LPS induced vascular inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. However, the higher (5 mg/kg) dose of ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide has contributed to severe vascular inflammation through increasing inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that OVA/LPS may contribute as a possible model for vasculitis in rats.