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Hasegawa Y, Arinuma Y, Asakura H, Shindo R, Ino K, Kanayama Y, Tanaka T, Matsueda Y, Wada T, Oku K, Yamaoka K. Real-world efficacy of belimumab in achieving remission or low-disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective study. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:732-740. [PMID: 37522622 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road078] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of belimumab (BEL) on achieving low disease activity (LDA) and remission as an additive molecular-targeting agent to standard of care (SoC) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Clinical information was retrospectively collected from patients with SLE who received BEL additive to SoC (BEL + SoC), and from patients treated with SoC alone as a control arm. Disease activity was measured by SLE-disease activity score (SLE-DAS). The proportion of patients in LDA and remission at 12 months was compared after propensity score matching. The factors contributing to LDA and remission achievement were identified by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS BEL + SoC significantly reduced SLE-DAS at 6 months, with a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving LDA and remission at 12 months compared to SoC alone. The presence of arthritis at baseline was significantly associated with achieving LDA and remission. Additionally, both treatment groups experienced a significant reduction in daily glucocorticoid dose. CONCLUSIONS Adding BEL to SoC was beneficial for patients with arthritis, leading to higher proportion of achieving LDA and remission, while also reducing their glucocorticoid dose. Our results indicate the utility of BEL in a treat-to-target approach for SLE patients in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Hasegawa
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Arinuma
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Asakura
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Risa Shindo
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuma Ino
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Kanayama
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoki Tanaka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yu Matsueda
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Wada
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Oku
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yamaoka
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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Bertsias G, Askanase A, Doria A, Saxena A, Vital EM. A path to Glucocorticoid Stewardship: a critical review of clinical recommendations for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1837-1849. [PMID: 38281071 PMCID: PMC11215984 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) have revolutionized the management of SLE, providing patients with rapid symptomatic relief and preventing flares when maintained at low dosages. However, there are increasing concerns over GC-associated adverse effects and organ damage, which decrease patients' quality of life (QOL) and increase healthcare costs. This highlights the need to balance effective GC use and minimize toxicity in patients with SLE. Herein, we provide an overview of the theoretical considerations and clinical evidence, in addition to the variations and similarities across nine national and eight international recommendations regarding the use of GCs across SLE manifestations and how these compare with real-world usage. In line with this, we propose possible actions toward the goal of GC Stewardship to improve the QOL for patients with lupus while managing the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anca Askanase
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Amit Saxena
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Smith EMD, Aggarwal A, Ainsworth J, Al-Abadi E, Avcin T, Bortey L, Burnham J, Ciurtin C, Hedrich CM, Kamphuis S, Lambert L, Levy DM, Lewandowski L, Maxwell N, Morand E, Özen S, Pain CE, Ravelli A, Saad Magalhaes C, Pilkington C, Schonenberg-Meinema D, Scott C, Tullus K, Beresford MW. Defining remission in childhood-onset lupus: PReS-endorsed consensus definitions by an international task force. Clin Immunol 2024; 263:110214. [PMID: 38604255 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110214] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To derive childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) specific remission definitions for future treat-to-target (T2T) trials, observational studies, and clinical practice. METHODS The cSLE International T2T Task Force conducted Delphi surveys exploring paediatric perspectives on adult-onset SLE remission targets. A modified nominal group technique was used to discuss, refine, and agree on the cSLE remission target criteria. RESULTS The Task Force proposed two definitions of remission: 'cSLE clinical remission on steroids (cCR)' and 'cSLE clinical remission off steroids (cCR-0)'. The common criteria are: (1) Clinical-SLEDAI-2 K = 0; (2) PGA score < 0.5 (0-3 scale); (4) stable antimalarials, immunosuppressive, and biologic therapy (changes due to side-effects, adherence, weight, or when building up to target dose allowed). Criterion (3) in cCR is the prednisolone dose ≤0.1 mg/kg/day (maximum 5 mg/day), whereas in cCR-0 it is zero. CONCLUSIONS cSLE definitions of remission have been proposed, maintaining sufficient alignment with the adult-SLE definition to facilitate life-course research.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M D Smith
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
| | - A Aggarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - J Ainsworth
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Al-Abadi
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - T Avcin
- Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - L Bortey
- TARGET Lupus Public Patient Involvement and Engagement Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Burnham
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - C Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, Division of Medicine, University College London, UK
| | - C M Hedrich
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - S Kamphuis
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - L Lambert
- TARGET Lupus Public Patient Involvement and Engagement Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - D M Levy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - L Lewandowski
- Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit, Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - N Maxwell
- TARGET Lupus Public Patient Involvement and Engagement Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Özen
- Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - C E Pain
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Ravelli
- Direzione Scientifica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze Materno Infantili (DINOGMI), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Saad Magalhaes
- Paediatric Rheumatology Division, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State, University (UNESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - C Pilkington
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - D Schonenberg-Meinema
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Scott
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Tullus
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M W Beresford
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Jesus D, Henriques C, Matos A, Doria A, Inês LS. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score Remission and Low Disease Activity States Discriminate Drug From Placebo and Better Health-Related Quality of Life. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:788-795. [PMID: 38258369 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the ability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) remission and low disease activity (LDA) to discriminate active drug from placebo and to discriminate outcomes in the patients' perspective (health-related quality of life [HR-QoL]) in SLE trials. METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of the pooled Belimumab in Subjects With SLE (BLISS)-52 (NCT00424476) and BLISS-76 (NCT00410384) trials data. SLE-DAS remission and LDA attainment and discrimination between belimumab and placebo at 52 weeks were compared using chi-square tests. At week 52, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores were compared between patients attaining SLE-DAS remission versus nonremission and SLE-DAS LDA versus non-LDA using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Mean changes from week 0 to 52 in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were compared between groups using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for baseline scores. RESULTS At week 52, significantly more patients attained SLE-DAS LDA taking belimumab 1 mg/kg (17.9% vs 13.0%; P = 0.023; odds ratio [OR] 1.459; relative risk [RR] 1.377; number needed to treat [NNT] 20.4) and 10 mg/kg (21.7% vs 13.0%; P < 0.001; OR 1.853; RR 1.668; NNT 11.5) compared with placebo. Likewise, more patients attained SLE-DAS remission taking belimumab 10 mg/kg compared to placebo (14.7% vs 10.1%; P = 0.019; OR 1.532; RR 1.454; NNT 21.7). At week 52, patients attaining SLE-DAS remission and LDA presented higher SF-36 domain and summary scores (all P < 0.001) and FACIT-F scores (both P < 0.001). Mean improvements from baseline in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were significantly higher in patients achieving SLE-DAS remission and LDA. CONCLUSION SLE-DAS remission and LDA showed discriminant ability for identifying patients receiving active drug in SLE clinical trials. Attainment of these SLE-DAS targets are associated with better HR-QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Jesus
- Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal
| | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal, and Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, and Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD), Viseu, Portugal
| | | | - Luís S Inês
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal, and CHUC Lupus Clinic, Centro Hospitalar e Universit_ario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Saraiva L, Cunha RN, Jesus D, Gatto M, Zen M, Iaccarino L, da Silva JAP, Doria A, Inês LS. The SLE-DAS provides an accurate and feasible flare tool in the clinical setting: a validation study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1123-1129. [PMID: 37458482 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the criterion validity of the SLE disease activity score (SLE-DAS) flare tool and compare its performance in identifying flares against other instruments. METHODS Patients with SLE fulfilling SLE-DAS low disease activity at baseline were included from two academic lupus clinics. During follow-up, flares were identified by the senior attending clinician, applying the expert-consensus-based definition as gold-standard. The first clinical flare from flaring patients, and the first visit after baseline in patients without flares were analysed. In each no flare/flare visits, we assessed flares by SLE-DAS (score increase ≥1.72), classic-SELENA Flare Index (c-SELENA FI), revised-SELENA FI (r-SELENA FI), and SLEDAI-2K (score increase ≥4). We estimated the sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen's Kappa agreement of each flare tool against the gold-standard. RESULTS A total of 442 patients were included and followed-up for 22.9 (14.2) months. Incidence of flares was 8.19/100 patient-years, with 69 patients experiencing flares. The SLE-DAS identified 96.6% of the expert-defined flares implying a treatment change and classified 28.0% of those as moderate/severe. Sensitivity and specificity for the gold-standard flare definition were: SLE-DAS 97.1% and 97.3%, c-SELENA FI 88.4% and 98.1%, r-SELENA FI 88.4% and 96.8%, SLEDAI-2K 56.5% and 99.2%, respectively. Kappa coefficients of these instruments were 0.902 (95% CI: 0.847, 0.957), 0.870 (95% CI: 0.805, 0.935), 0.832 (95% CI: 0.761, 0.903), and 0.663 (95% CI: 0.557, 0.769), respectively. The number of flare misclassifications was lowest with the SLE-DAS, and highest with the SLEDAI-2K. CONCLUSION The SLE-DAS accurately identifies and categorizes flares as mild or moderate/severe. It is feasible and, thus, may help the physicians' treatment decisions in the clinical practice setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Saraiva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita N Cunha
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Diogo Jesus
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - José A P da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research-ICBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luís Sousa Inês
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Gatto M, Frontini G, Calatroni M, Reggiani F, Depascale R, Cruciani C, Quaglini S, Sacchi L, Trezzi B, Bonelli GD, L'Imperio V, Vaglio A, Furlan C, Zen M, Iaccarino L, Sinico RA, Doria A, Moroni G. Effect of Sustained Clinical Remission on the Risk of Lupus Flares and Impaired Kidney Function in Patients With Lupus Nephritis. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:1047-1056. [PMID: 38765576 PMCID: PMC11101726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This retrospective study on patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (LN) aimed to assess the probability of sustained clinical remission (sCR) and to investigate sCR effects on disease flares and impaired kidney function (IKF). Methods sCR was defined as clinical-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) = 0 and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 lasting ≥1 year; IKF: eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for >3 months. We analyzed the probability of achieving and maintaining sCR, and the yearly risk of flare. Cox models were used to identify predictors of sCR and IKF with variables analyzed as time-dependent covariates when appropriate. Results Of 303 patients followed-up with for 14.8 (interquartile range: 9.8-22) years, 257 (84.8%) achieved sCR. The probability of achieving sCR progressively increased over time reaching 90% at 15 years. Baseline age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.017; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.005-1.029; P = 0.004), hydroxychloroquine intake (HR: 1.385; 95% CI: 1.051-1.825; P = 0.021), and absence of arterial hypertension (HR: 0.699; 95% CI: 0.532-0.921; P = 0.011) were independent predictors of sCR. Among patients who achieved sCR, 142 (55.3%) developed a lupus flare after a median time of 3.6 (2.3-5.9) years. In the remaining 115 patients, sCR persisted for 9.5 (5.8-14.5) years. The probability of sCR to persist at 15 years was 38%. SLE flare risk decreased to 10%, 5%, and 2% in patients with sCR lasting <5, 5 to 10, and >10 years, respectively. At the last observation, 57 patients (18.81%) had IKF. sCR achievement (HR: 0.18, P < 0.001) and its duration (HR: 0.83, P < 0.001) were protective against IKF. Conclusion sCR is an achievable target in LN management and protects against IKF. The longer the sCR, the higher the chance of its persistence and the lower the risk of SLE flares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Frontini
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Depascale
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Cruciani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Silvana Quaglini
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucia Sacchi
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Trezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Grazia Dea Bonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University Milano-Bicocca, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Augusto Vaglio
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Furlan
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Renato Alberto Sinico
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Oiwa H, Suga T, Hosokawa Y, Araki K. Glucocorticoid-free remission in patients with SLE in the era of biologics: Immune complex disease is likely to benefit from current medications. Lupus 2024; 33:502-510. [PMID: 38470859 DOI: 10.1177/09612033241238055] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In addition to various immunosuppressive agents, belimumab and anifrolumab became available in Japan. We aimed to investigate glucocorticoid-free clinical remission in a single-centre retrospective cohort in October 2023. METHODS Our cohort included patients with SLE who needed to start or increase glucocorticoids for disease activity and were followed up for more than 1 year. We investigated the rate of achievement of clinical remission off corticosteroids (CR off C), defined as no clinical score on the SLEDAI-2K without glucocorticoids, baseline predictors of CR off C, medications used when CR off C was achieved, and flare rates following CR off C. RESULTS Out of the 60 patients followed for an average of 5.4 (±2.6) years, 17 (28.3%) achieved CR off C in 3.6 (±1.2) years after enrolment. Use of belimumab and anifrolumab accounted for eight (47.1%) of the achievers. Among the baseline data, male sex, recent enrolment, high glucocorticoid dose, and detection of immune complex (IC) significantly predicted CR off C, while lupus nephritis (LN) and a low C3 level tended to predict it. In the multivariate analysis, IC detection was the only predictor of CR off C. Clinical flares were observed in 5.9% of the achievers during a median 1.2 years after achievement of CR off C. CONCLUSION In the era of biologics, CR off C was achieved in 28.3% of the patient cohort requiring the start or increase of glucocorticoids for disease activity, with a relatively low rate of flares, suggesting that glucocorticoid-free clinical remission is an achievable target in SLE. IC disease, represented by male sex or nephritis, is likely to benefit from currently available medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Oiwa
- Department of Rheumatology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suga
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yohei Hosokawa
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kei Araki
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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Mathian A, Arnaud L, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Is it safe to withdraw low-dose glucocorticoids in SLE patients in remission? Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103446. [PMID: 37683819 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103446] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) remain a cornerstone of the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Numerous studies have emphasized the risk of damage accrual in SLE patient treated with GC, but currently, it is not possible to dissociate favorable and undesirable effects of GCs because their underlying mechanisms are entangled at the molecular level. Here, we review whether available data suggest that it is possible, feasible and desirable to taper and discontinue GC treatment in SLE. The main potential concern with GC withdrawal is the risk of SLE flare, which is strongly associated with increased organ damage, mortality, healthcare costs, decreased quality of life and work productivity. While most studies have assumed the cut off point for low doses (e.g. 7.5/mg/d) as the limit for safety, it is still controversial whether lower doses may influence damage accrual long-term. Also, a recent randomized trial has shown that a daily dose of 5 mg of prednisone in SLE patients in short-term remission can prevent up to 50-75% of flares, with an acceptable safety profile. However, this treatment is not mandatory for all patients. Yet, several observational studies highlight that discontinuation of GC is associated with lower damage accrual. Currently, we do not have a reliable method to identify patients who may require long-term low-dose GC. Therefore, further research is needed to identify a subgroup at high risk of relapse who would benefit from continuing prednisone. In the meantime, when considering the discontinuation of very low-dose prednisone, the decision must be individualized, as HCQ and conventional immunosuppressive agents are not without risk of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Mathian
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut E3M, Inserm, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Service de rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence des maladies auto-immunes et systémiques rares Est/Sud-Ouest (RESO), Strasbourg, France.
| | - Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit. Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute. Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bizkaia, Spain
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Parra Sánchez AR, van Vollenhoven RF, Morand EF, Bruce IN, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Weiss G, Tummala R, Al-Mossawi H, Sorrentino A. Targeting DORIS Remission and LLDAS in SLE: A Review. Rheumatol Ther 2023; 10:1459-1477. [PMID: 37798595 PMCID: PMC10654283 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00601-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Remission is the established therapeutic goal for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is currently defined by the widely adopted Definition Of Remission In SLE (DORIS) criteria. Attainment of remission is rare in the clinical setting, thus an alternative, pragmatic treatment target of low disease activity, as defined by the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), provides a less stringent and more attainable treatment goal for a wider proportion of patients compared with DORIS remission. Randomized controlled trials and real-world analyses have confirmed the positive clinical benefits of achieving either DORIS remission or LLDAS. The treat-to-target (T2T) approach utilizes practical clinical targets to proactively tailor individual treatment regimens. Studies in other chronic inflammatory diseases using the T2T approach demonstrated significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality-of-life measures compared with established standard of care. However, such trials have not yet been performed in patients with SLE. Here we review the evolution of DORIS remission and LLDAS definitions and the evidence supporting the positive clinical outcomes following DORIS remission or LLDAS attainment, before discussing considerations for implementation of these outcome measures as potential T2T objectives. Adoption of DORIS remission and LLDAS treatment goals may result in favorable patient outcomes compared with established standard of care for patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agner R Parra Sánchez
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center ARC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center ARC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric F Morand
- Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Gudrun Weiss
- Global Medical Affairs, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raj Tummala
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Hussein Al-Mossawi
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandro Sorrentino
- Global Medical Affairs, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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10
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Cruciani C, Zen M, Gatto M, Morand E, Doria A. Assessment of disease activity and damage in SLE: Are we there yet? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101896. [PMID: 38044231 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101896] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a great heterogenicity in course and clinical manifestations. Although prognosis improved in the last decades of the 20th century, mortality remains higher than in the general population and uncontrolled disease activity and therapy-related adverse effects have been identified as major contributors to damage accrual and poor outcomes. Assessment of disease activity and damage in SLE represents a great challenge even to the expert rheumatologist. Global disease activity indices are tools developed to assess activity across multiple organ systems. Several disease activity indices have been developed over the years, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, and knowing them is essential for understanding research studies, such as clinical trials, in which they are used. Organ-specific activity indices have been developed concurrently to represent organ involvement such as glomerulonephritis, cutaneous and musculoskeletal lupus manifestations. Regarding damage, the SLICC/ACR damage index has proven to be an effective tool for damage accrual assessment, yet not devoid of drawbacks. This review provides an overview of the most frequently utilized indices developed for the assessment of activity and damage in SLE highlighting their pros and cons when applied to the research and clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cruciani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy.
| | - Margherita Zen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy.
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and Turin Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Eric Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Rheumatology Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy.
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11
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Piga M, Tselios K, Viveiros L, Chessa E, Neves A, Urowitz MB, Isenberg D. Clinical patterns of disease: From early systemic lupus erythematosus to late-onset disease. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101938. [PMID: 38388232 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2024.101938] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disease with an insidious clinical presentation. In up to half of the cases, SLE onset is characterized by clinical and serological manifestations that, although specific, are insufficient to fulfill the classification criteria. This condition, called incomplete SLE, could be as challenging as the definite and classifiable SLE and requires to be treated according to the severity of clinical manifestations. In addition, an early SLE diagnosis and therapeutic intervention can positively influence the disease outcome, including remission rate and damage accrual. After diagnosis, the disease course is relapsing-remitting for most patients. Time in remission and cumulative glucocorticoid exposure are the most important factors for prognosis. Therefore, timely identification of SLE clinical patterns may help tailor the therapeutic intervention to the disease course. Late-onset SLE is rare but more often associated with delayed diagnosis and a higher incidence of comorbidities, including Sjogren's syndrome. This review focuses on the SLE disease course, providing actionable strategies for early diagnosis, an overview of the possible clinical patterns of SLE, and the clinical variation associated with the different age-at-onset SLE groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Piga
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy; Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic, AOU, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Kostantinos Tselios
- McMaster Lupus Clinic, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Luísa Viveiros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo, António, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Neves
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Portugal
| | | | - David Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College of London, United Kingdom
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12
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Chitpet P, Chaiamnuay S, Narongroeknawin P, Asavatanabodee P, Leosuthamas P, Pakchotanon R. The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Disease Activity Score and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000-based remission states in patients with SLE on damage accrual. Int J Rheum Dis 2023; 26:2509-2516. [PMID: 37875327 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14949] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the effect of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) remission state on damage accrual. METHODS This study classified SLE patients from the Lupus Clinic of the Royal Thai Army (LUCRA) cohort based on the SLE-DAS index, or Boolean-based, and SLEDAI-2K (Doria) remission state. Regression analysis models were constructed to identify predictors of the Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) during follow-up. RESULTS There were 197 patients identified; 97 patients met at least one definition of remission state, and 100 patients were in the non-remission group at enrollment. Of 97 patients, 97 achieved the SLE-DAS index-based definition, 74 achieved the SLE-DAS Boolean-based definition, and 55 achieved the Doria definition. The mean ± SD of follow-up was 4.77 ± 0.6 years. The changes in SDI over time were non-significantly lower in patients who met any definition of remission compared with those who did not. Multivariate analysis revealed that predictive factors for increased SDI were age and baseline SDI ≥ 1. SLE-DAS index, Boolean, and Doria-based definitions of remission at enrollment had no significant risk reduction on SDI compared with the non-remission group (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.37-1.32, p = .27; HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.37-1.44, p = .37; HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.39-1.65, p = .55, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients with SLE who achieved remission status according to the SLE-DAS index or SLEDAI-2K definitions did not show any significant difference in damage accrual compared to those who were not in remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patamarwadee Chitpet
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumapa Chaiamnuay
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pongthorn Narongroeknawin
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paijit Asavatanabodee
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornsawan Leosuthamas
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rattapol Pakchotanon
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Mendoza-Pinto C, Etchegaray-Morales I, Munguía-Realpozo P, Osorio-Peña ÁD, Méndez-Martínez S, Ramírez-Lara E, Zárate-Arellano D, Solis-Poblano JC, Ayón-Aguilar J, García-Carrasco M. Low disease activity state associated with fewer incident vertebral fractures in Mestizo women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2023; 32:1328-1334. [PMID: 37705367 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231202878] [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] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low disease activity state (LDAS) has been linked to a significant reduction in flares and damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the effect of LDAS on the risk of vertebral fractures (VFs) in subjects with SLE is unknown, considering that low bone mineral density (BMD) and VF are frequent in SLE. OBJECTIVE to evaluate whether achieving LDAS ≥50% of the observation time prevents new VF and BMD changes in Mestizo women. METHODS We carried out a longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study. Mestizo women with SLE were included for a median of an 8-year follow-up. LDAS was described as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score ≤4, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day, and stable immunosuppressive therapies. BMD measurements and lateral thoracic and lumbar radiographs for a semiquantitative analysis for VF were assessed at baseline and during the follow-up. Uni- and multivariable interval-censored survival regression models were carried out. RESULTS We included 110 patients: 35 (31.8%) had new VF. A total of 56 patients (50.1%) achieved LDAS ≥50% of the time during the follow-up and achieved a significantly lesser risk of incident VF (HR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.49). After adjusting by age, BMI, menopause, prevalent VF, baseline BMD, cumulative glucocorticoid use, and anti-osteoporotic therapy, LDAS-50 was significantly related to a decrease in the risk of a new VF (HR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.98). There was no association between LDAS and BMD measurement changes. When only patients on LDAS but not in remission (n = 43) were evaluated for the risk of incident VF, both uni- and multivariate analyses were significant (HR = 0.12; 95 CI, 0.04-47; p = 0.001, and HR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.7-0.88; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS LDAS ≥50% of the time was significantly associated with a diminished risk of new VF in Mestizo women with SLE, even in patients not in remission. However, LDAS did not help modify BMD changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mendoza-Pinto
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Specialties Hospital UMAE- CIBIOR, Mexican Institute for Social Security, Puebla, Mexico
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ivet Etchegaray-Morales
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Pamela Munguía-Realpozo
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Specialties Hospital UMAE- CIBIOR, Mexican Institute for Social Security, Puebla, Mexico
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ángel David Osorio-Peña
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | | | - Edith Ramírez-Lara
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Specialties Hospital UMAE- CIBIOR, Mexican Institute for Social Security, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Diana Zárate-Arellano
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Solis-Poblano
- Department of Haematology, Specialties Hospital UMAE, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Jorge Ayón-Aguilar
- Coordination of Health Research, Mexican Social Security Institute, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Mario García-Carrasco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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14
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Ceccarelli F, Perricone C, Natalucci F, Picciariello L, Olivieri G, Cafaro G, Bartoloni E, Roberto G, Conti F. Organ damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: A multifactorial phenomenon. Autoimmun Rev 2023:103374. [PMID: 37301273 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103374] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The prevention of chronic damage, especially in early disease phases, remains an unmet need in the management of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) patients, despite the application of a so-called treat-to-target strategy. The high proportion of SLE patients developing chronic damage suggests a multifactorial aetiology. Thus, besides disease activity, other factors may contribute to the development of damage. The revision of data published so far underlines that, next to disease activity, it is possible to identify other factors playing a relevant role in damage development and progression. In summary, the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and drugs used to treat SLE patients, in particular glucocorticoids, is strongly associated with SLE-related damage. Furthermore, recent data suggests the possible role of genetic background in determining the development of specific organ damage, in particular renal and neurological. Nonetheless, demographic factors, such as age, sex and disease duration could exert a role along with the presence of comorbidities. The contribution of different factors in determining damage development suggests the need for new outcomes to assess a comprehensive disease control including not only the assessment of disease activity, but also the evaluation of chronic damage development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Lupus Clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Perricone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Natalucci
- Lupus Clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Licia Picciariello
- Lupus Clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Olivieri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cafaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gerli Roberto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Lupus Clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Zucchi D, Cardelli C, Elefante E, Tani C, Mosca M. Treat-to-Target in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Reality or Pipe Dream. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093348. [PMID: 37176788 PMCID: PMC10178979 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093348] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Treat-to-target is a therapeutic approach based on adjustments to treatment at set intervals in order to achieve well-defined, clinically relevant targets. This approach has been successfully applied to many chronic conditions, and in rheumatology promising results have emerged for rheumatoid arthritis. For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defining the most meaningful treatment targets has been challenging, due to disease complexity and heterogeneity. Control of disease activity, the reduction of damage accrual and the patient's quality of life should be considered as the main targets in SLE, and several new drugs are emerging to achieve these targets. This review is focused on describing the target to achieve in SLE and the methods to do so, and it is also aimed at discussing if treat-to-target could be a promising approach also for this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Zucchi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Cardelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Elefante
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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16
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Zen M, Gatto M, Depascale R, Regola F, Fredi M, Andreoli L, Franceschini F, Urban ML, Emmi G, Ceccarelli F, Conti F, Bortoluzzi A, Govoni M, Tani C, Mosca M, Ubiali T, Gerosa M, Bozzolo EP, Canti V, Cardinaletti P, Gabrielli A, Tanti G, Gremese E, De Marchi G, De Vita S, Fasano S, Ciccia F, Pazzola G, Salvarani C, Negrini S, Di Matteo A, De Angelis R, Orsolini G, Rossini M, Faggioli P, Laria A, Piga M, Cauli A, Scarpato S, Rossi FW, De Paulis A, Brunetta E, Ceribelli A, Selmi C, Prete M, Racanelli V, Vacca A, Bartoloni E, Gerli R, Zanatta E, Larosa M, Saccon F, Doria A, Iaccarino L. Early and Late Response and Glucocorticoid-Sparing Effect of Belimumab in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Joint and Skin Manifestations: Results from the Belimumab in Real Life Setting Study-Joint and Skin (BeRLiSS-JS). J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040691. [PMID: 37109077 PMCID: PMC10146447 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040691] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the efficacy of belimumab in joint and skin manifestations in a nationwide cohort of patients with SLE. METHODS All patients with skin and joint involvement enrolled in the BeRLiSS cohort were considered. Belimumab (intravenous, 10 mg/kg) effectiveness in joint and skin manifestations was assessed by DAS28 and CLASI, respectively. Attainment and predictors of DAS28 remission (<2.6) and LDA (≥2.6, ≤3.2), CLASI = 0, 1, and improvement in DAS28 and CLASI indices ≥20%, ≥50%, and ≥70% were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS DAS28 < 2.6 was achieved by 46%, 57%, and 71% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. CLASI = 0 was achieved by 36%, 48%, and 62% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Belimumab showed a glucocorticoid-sparing effect, being glucocorticoid-free at 8.5%, 15.4%, 25.6%, and 31.6% of patients at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Patients achieving DAS-LDA and CLASI-50 at 6 months had a higher probability of remission at 12 months compared with those who did not (p = 0.034 and p = 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Belimumab led to clinical improvement in a significant proportion of patients with joint or skin involvement in a real-life setting and was associated with a glucocorticoid-sparing effect. A significant proportion of patients with a partial response at 6 months achieved remission later on during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Depascale
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Regola
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Urban
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari (SCIAC) 'Sapienza' University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari (SCIAC) 'Sapienza' University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tania Ubiali
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit Milano, ASST Gaetano Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Lombardia, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit Milano, ASST Gaetano Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Lombardia, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica P Bozzolo
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Canti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Cardinaletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Tanti
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra De Marchi
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Udine, Medical Area, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Udine, Medical Area, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Serena Fasano
- Deparment of Precision Medicine Napoli, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Deparment of Precision Medicine Napoli, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Pazzola
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Matteo
- Deparment of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Rheumatology Clinic, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossella De Angelis
- Deparment of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Rheumatology Clinic, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Rossini
- Unit of Rheumatology, University of di Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Faggioli
- ASST OVEST Milanese Presidio di Legnano, 20025 Legnano, Italy
| | - Antonella Laria
- ASST OVEST Milanese Presidio di Magenta, 20013 Magenta, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Traslazionali e Centro di Ricerca Immunologia Base e Clinica (CISI), University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Traslazionali e Centro di Ricerca Immunologia Base e Clinica (CISI), University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Enrico Brunetta
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maddalena Larosa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Saccon
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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17
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Fujio K. Functional Genome Analysis for Immune Cells Provides Clues for Stratification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040591. [PMID: 37189338 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recently, analysis of a functional genome database of genetic polymorphisms and transcriptomic data from various immune cell subsets revealed the importance of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in the pathogenesis of SLE. In particular, activation of the OXPHOS pathway is persistent in inactive SLE, and this activation is associated with organ damage. The finding that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which improves the prognosis of SLE, targets toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling upstream of OXPHOS suggests the clinical importance of this pathway. IRF5 and SLC15A4, which are regulated by polymorphisms associated with SLE susceptibility, are functionally associated with OXPHOS as well as blood interferon activity and metabolome. Future analyses of OXPHOS-associated disease-susceptibility polymorphisms, gene expression, and protein function may be useful for risk stratification of SLE.
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18
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Fragoulis GE, Bertsias G, Bodaghi B, Gul A, van Laar J, Mumcu G, Saadoun D, Tugal-Tutkun I, Hatemi G, Sfikakis PP. Treat to target in Behcet's disease: Should we follow the paradigm of other systemic rheumatic diseases? Clin Immunol 2023; 246:109186. [PMID: 36410686 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades the efficacy of biologic agents, mainly of anti-TNFs, in controlling the activity of serious manifestations of Behcet's Disease (BD) has been established. On the other hand, the clinical heterogeneity of BD has precluded the validation of a widely-accepted composite index for disease assessment and for target disease-state definitions, such as low disease activity and remission, and the testing of their implementation in clinical practice. Therefore, in contrast to other systemic rheumatic diseases, a treat-to-target strategy has not yet been developed in BD. There are several challenges towards this approach, including standardization of outcome measures for assessing the disease activity in each-affected organ and construction of a composite disease activity index. The challenges for the development of a treat-to-target strategy and possible solutions are discussed in this position paper, which stemmed from a round table discussion that took place in the 19th International Conference on BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Fragoulis
- Joint Rheumatology Program and First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Bahram Bodaghi
- Dept of Ophthalmology, IHU FOReSIGHT, Sorbonne University, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Ahmet Gul
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Jan van Laar
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Immunology, Division Clinical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gonca Mumcu
- Department of Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - David Saadoun
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, National reference center for autoinflammatory diseases and for rare systemic autoimmune diseases, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey; Eye Protection Foundation Bayrampasa Eye Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey; Behçet's Disease Research Center, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Rheumatology Program and First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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19
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Floris A, Chessa E, Sebastiani GD, Prevete I, Iannone F, Coladonato L, Govoni M, Bortoluzzi A, Mosca M, Tani C, Doria A, Iaccarino L, Franceschini F, Fredi M, Conti F, Spinelli FR, Bellisai F, D'Alessandro R, Zanetti A, Carrara G, Scirè CA, Cauli A, Piga M. Glucocorticoid tapering and associated outcome in patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus: the real-world GULP prospective observational study. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002701. [PMID: 36581383 PMCID: PMC9806067 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A subanalysis of the multicentre Early Lupus inception cohort was performed to investigate the real-world Glucocorticoids (GCs) Use in newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Patients (GULP). METHODS Patients starting prednisone (PDN) ≥5 mg/day and concomitant hydroxychloroquine or immunosuppressant within 12 months of SLE classification were enrolled. Core set variables were recorded at baseline and every 6 months, including changes in PDN dose, European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics damage index. Regression models analysed predictors of tapering PDN<5 mg/day at any time and outcomes associated with different patterns of GCs tapering. RESULTS The GULP study included 127 patients with SLE; 73 (57.5%) tapered and maintained PDN <5 mg/day, and 17 (13.4%) discontinued PDN within a 2-year follow-up. Renal involvement (HR: 0.41; p=0.009) and lower C3 serum levels (HR: 1.04; p=0.025) predicted a lack of PDN tapering below 5 mg/day. High ECLAM scores were associated with a greater probability of increasing PDN dose (OR: 1.6; p=0.004), independently of daily intake. Disease relapse rate did not statistically differ (p=0.706) between patients tapering PDN <5 mg/day (42/99, 42.4%) and those tapering PDN without dropping below 5 mg/day (13/28, 46.4%). Every month on PDN <5 mg/day associated with lower damage accrual (IRR: 0.96; p=0.007), whereas never tapering PDN <5 mg/day associated with a higher risk of developing GC-related damage (OR 5.9; p=0.014). CONCLUSION Tapering PDN <5 mg/day was achieved and maintained in half of newly diagnosed patients with SLE and may represent a good balance between the need to prevent damage accrual and the risk of disease relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Floris
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,UOC Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Chessa
- UOC Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Immacolata Prevete
- UOC di Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | - Florenzo Iannone
- Dipartimento dell’Emergenza e dei Trapianto di Organi - Sezione di Reumatologia, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro Scuola di Medicina, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Coladonato
- Dipartimento dell’Emergenza e dei Trapianto di Organi - Sezione di Reumatologia, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro Scuola di Medicina, Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- UOC e Sezione di Reumatologia - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, Ferrara, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- UOC e Sezione di Reumatologia - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, Ferrara, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy,U.O. Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- U.O. Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine - DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine - DIMED, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy,UOC di Reumatologia e Immunologia Clinica, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy,UOC di Reumatologia e Immunologia Clinica, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Spinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Zanetti
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society of Rheumatology, Milano, Italy
| | - Greta Carrara
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society of Rheumatology, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Cauli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,UOC Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,UOC Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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20
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Durao-Carvalho G, Fernández-González R, Goulden B, Farinha F, Isenberg D. Major determinants of prolonged remission in systemic lupus erythematosus: retrospective study over a 41+ year period. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:209-216. [PMID: 35451471 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac242] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate predictors of sustained complete remission (CR) for 3 and 5 years, minimum. METHODS Retrospective observational study from January 1978 to December 2019, including systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE) patients who attended the Lupus Clinic in a tertiary hospital, for at least 3 years. We used the BILAG score and serological profile to classify patients into CR, serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) and serological remission (SR). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate predictors of CR and Kaplan-Meier curves were obtained. RESULTS We included 564 patients; 15% achieved CR, 7% SACQ and 15% SR. Some 63% attained no remission. In the CR group, 73% sustained the remission for 5 years or more. Patients who did not reach any kind of sustained remission died significantly earlier (P < 0.001). Cumulative survival figures at 5, 10, 20 and 30 years were 100, 100, 94 and 90%, respectively, for CR patients and 96, 93, 77 and 58%, respectively, for patients in the no-remission group. Significant predictors of CR were White ethnicity [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.16 (95% CI 1.30-3.59); P = 0.003]; older age at diagnosis (>32 years) [HR 1.92 (1.24-2.97); P = 0.003]; absence of renal involvement [HR 2.55 (1.39-4.67); P = 0.002]; and of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) [HR 4.92 (1.55-15.59); P = 0.007]. CONCLUSION Patients not achieving any kind of sustained remission have a higher risk of early mortality. White ethnicity, older age at diagnosis, absence of renal involvement and of APS were significantly associated with CR. Predictors for sustained CR do not change whether a 3-year or 5-year period is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goncalo Durao-Carvalho
- Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar do Oeste-Unidade de Caldas da Rainha, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
| | | | - Bethan Goulden
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals
| | - Filipa Farinha
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals.,Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Isenberg
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals.,Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
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21
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Kandane-Rathnayake R, Golder V, Louthrenoo W, Chen YH, Cho J, Lateef A, Hamijoyo L, Luo SF, Wu YJJ, Navarra SV, Zamora L, Li Z, Sockalingam S, Katsumata Y, Harigai M, Hao Y, Zhang Z, Basnayake BMDB, Chan M, Kikuchi J, Takeuchi T, Bae SC, Oon S, O'Neill S, Goldblatt F, Ng KPL, Law A, Tugnet N, Kumar S, Tee C, Tee M, Ohkubo N, Tanaka Y, Yu D, Karyekar CS, Sing Lau C, Monk JA, Nikpour M, Hoi A, Morand EF. Lupus low disease activity state and remission and risk of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective, multinational, longitudinal cohort study. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2022; 4:e822-e830. [PMID: 38261390 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(22)00304-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treat-to-target goals for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been validated to protect against organ damage and to improve quality of life. We aimed to investigate the association between lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) and remission and risk of mortality in patients with SLE. We hypothesised that LLDAS has a protective association with mortality risk. METHODS In this prospective, multinational, longitudinal cohort study, we used data from patients with SLE in the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration cohort collected between May 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2020. Eligible patients were adults (aged ≥18 years) who met either the 1997 American College of Rheumatology modified classification criteria for SLE or the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and LLDAS, remission, and variations of remission with lower glucocorticoid thresholds were the primary exposure variables. Survival analyses were used to examine longitudinal associations between these endpoints and risk of mortality. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03138941. FINDINGS Among a total of 4106 patients in the cohort, 3811 (92·8%) patients were included in the final analysis (median follow-up 2·8 years [IQR 1·0-5·3]; 3509 [92·1%] women and 302 [7·9%] men), of whom 80 died during the observation period (crude mortality rate 6·4 deaths per 1000 person-years). LLDAS was attained at least once in 43 (53·8%) of 80 participants who died and in 3035 (81·3%) of 3731 participants who were alive at the end of the study (p<0·0001); 22 (27·5%) participants who died versus 1966 (52·7%) who were alive at the end of the study attained LLDAS for at least 50% of observed time (p<0·0001). Remission was attained by 32 (40·0%) of 80 who died and in 2403 (64·4%) of 3731 participants who were alive at the end of the study (p<0·0001); 14 (17·5%) participants who died versus 1389 (37·2%) who were alive at the end of the study attained remission for at least 50% of observed time (p<0·0001). LLDAS for at least 50% of observed time (adjusted hazard ratio 0·51 [95% CI 0·31-0·85]; p=0·010) and remission for at least 50% of observed time (0·52 [0·29-0·93]; p=0·027) were associated with reduced risk of mortality. Modifying the remission glucocorticoid threshold (<5·0 mg/day prednisolone) was more protective against mortality than current remission definitions (0·31 [0·12-0·77]; p=0·012), and glucocorticoid-free remission was the most protective (0·13 [0·02-0·96]; p=0·046). INTERPRETATION LLDAS significantly reduced the risk of mortality in patients with SLE. Remission did not further reduce the risk of mortality compared with LLDAS, unless lower glucocorticoid thresholds were used. FUNDING The Asia-Pacific Lupus Collaboration received funding from Janssen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, and UCB for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Golder
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiacai Cho
- Rheumatology Division, University Medical Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Aisha Lateef
- Rheumatology Division, University Medical Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Laniyati Hamijoyo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Shue-Fen Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Jian J Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Sandra V Navarra
- Joint and Bone Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Leonid Zamora
- Joint and Bone Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Zhanguo Li
- People's Hospital Peking University Health Sciences Centre, Bejing, China
| | - Sargunan Sockalingam
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Yanjie Hao
- Institute of Rheumatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Institute of Rheumatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Jun Kikuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research and Hanyang University Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shereen Oon
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean O'Neill
- Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia; Musculoskeletal flagship, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fiona Goldblatt
- Royal Adelaide Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | | | - Annie Law
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nicola Tugnet
- Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Rheumatology, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cherica Tee
- Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Michael Tee
- Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Naoaki Ohkubo
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | - Chak Sing Lau
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Julie A Monk
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Alberta Hoi
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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22
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Ugarte-Gil MF, Hanly J, Urowitz M, Gordon C, Bae SC, Romero-Diaz J, Sanchez-Guerrero J, Bernatsky S, Clarke AE, Wallace DJ, Isenberg DA, Rahman A, Merrill JT, Fortin PR, Gladman DD, Bruce IN, Petri M, Ginzler EM, Dooley MA, Ramsey-Goldman R, Manzi S, Jönsen A, van Vollenhoven RF, Aranow C, Mackay M, Ruiz-Irastorza G, Lim S, Inanc M, Kalunian K, Jacobsen S, Peschken C, Kamen DL, Askanase A, Pons-Estel BA, Alarcón GS. Remission and low disease activity (LDA) prevent damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) inception cohort. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1541-1548. [PMID: 35944946 PMCID: PMC10353886 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the independent impact of different definitions of remission and low disease activity (LDA) on damage accrual. METHODS Patients with ≥2 annual assessments from a longitudinal multinational inception lupus cohort were studied. Five mutually exclusive disease activity states were defined: remission off-treatment: clinical Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (cSLEDAI)-2K=0, without prednisone or immunosuppressants; remission on-treatment: cSLEDAI-2K score=0, prednisone ≤5 mg/day and/or maintenance immunosuppressants; low disease activity Toronto cohort (LDA-TC): cSLEDAI-2K score of ≤2, without prednisone or immunosuppressants; modified lupus low disease activity (mLLDAS): Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K score of 4 with no activity in major organ/systems, no new disease activity, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day and/or maintenance immunosuppressants; active: all remaining visits. Only the most stringent definition was used per visit. Antimalarials were allowed in all. The proportion of time that patients were in a specific state at each visit since cohort entry was determined. Damage accrual was ascertained with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Univariable and multivariable generalised estimated equation negative binomial regression models were used. Time-dependent covariates were determined at the same annual visit as the disease activity state but the SDI at the subsequent visit. RESULTS There were 1652 patients, 1464 (88.6%) female, mean age at diagnosis 34.2 (SD 13.4) years and mean follow-up time of 7.7 (SD 4.8) years. Being in remission off-treatment, remission on-treatment, LDA-TC and mLLDAS (per 25% increase) were each associated with a lower probability of damage accrual (remission off-treatment: incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.75, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.81; remission on-treatment: IRR=0.68, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.75; LDA: IRR=0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92; and mLLDAS: IRR=0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.89)). CONCLUSIONS Remission on-treatment and off-treatment, LDA-TC and mLLDAS were associated with less damage accrual, even adjusting for possible confounders and effect modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Francisco Ugarte-Gil
- Grupo Peruano de Estudio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistemicas, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | - John Hanly
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Murray Urowitz
- Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caroline Gordon
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, South Korea
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research and Hanyang University Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Juanita Romero-Diaz
- Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Sanchez-Guerrero
- Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
- Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- Divisions of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ann Elaine Clarke
- Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wallace
- Cedars Sinai/David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | - Joan T Merrill
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Paul R Fortin
- Centre ARThrite, Rheumatology, CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dafna D Gladman
- Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Center, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michelle Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellen M Ginzler
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mary Anne Dooley
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University and Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Susan Manzi
- Lupus Center of Excellence, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andreas Jönsen
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Cynthia Aranow
- Northwell Health Manhasset, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Meggan Mackay
- Northwell Health Manhasset, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit. BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, University of the Basque Country, Balakaldo, Spain
| | - Sam Lim
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Murat Inanc
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ken Kalunian
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Peschken
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Diane L Kamen
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Anca Askanase
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bernardo A Pons-Estel
- Centro Regional de Enfermedades Autoinmunes y Reumáticas (GO-CREAR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Graciela S Alarcón
- Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Zen M, Gatto M, Doria A. Defining the targets in SLE management: insights and unmet gaps. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1483-1485. [PMID: 36008131 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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Samões B, Zen M, Abelha-Aleixo J, Gatto M, Doria A. Caveats and pitfalls in defining low disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103165. [PMID: 35931316 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The treat-to-target strategy has been recently suggested in the management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and Definitions Of Remission In SLE (DORIS) remission were outlined as two concentric targets. The achievement of LLDAS was shown to be associated with lower frequency of SLE flare, decreased damage progression, better quality of life, and reduced mortality. In addition, LLDAS has successfully been tested in post-hoc analyses of a number of randomized controlled trials. However, it has been recently underlined that LLDAS includes a high proportion of patients in remission, raising the question if these endpoints are sufficiently distinct to consider their separation clinically relevant. Some studies suggest that the protective effect of LLDAS on damage might be due to the inclusion of patients who are in remission. Notably, clinical low disease activity (LDA) seems to be uncommon in SLE due to the relapsing-remitting pattern of the disease, in which low level of activity only occurs transiently. Moreover, since the domains included in LLDAS have several limitations, such as the use of a binomial disease activity index, the exclusion of some mild manifestations and the consideration of items subjected to variability (physician global assessment and glucocorticoids dose), not all patients in LDA are adequately represented by LLDAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Samões
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Margherita Zen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Joana Abelha-Aleixo
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
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25
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Rua-Figueroa Fernández de Larrinoa Í, Lozano MJC, Fernández-Cid CM, Cobo T, Salman Monte TC, Freire González M, Hidalgo Bermejo FJ, Román Gutiérrez CS, Cortés-Hernández J. Preventing organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus: the impact of early biological treatment. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:821-829. [PMID: 35815355 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2096406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the most important aims in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is to avoid or delay the accumulation of organ damage. The first five years after diagnosis are crucial for prognosis. AREAS COVERED This manuscript reviews available data on organ damage accrual in SLE and early therapeutic intervention as a possible strategy to prevent its long-term accrual. EXPERT OPINION Organ damage can be minimized by controlling disease activity and risk of flares, reducing the dose of glucocorticoids, and ensuring a proper therapeutic intervention with an early introduction of the right therapies. The current standard treatment cannot provide clinical remission in all patients with SLE. Therefore, there is a clinical need for introducing new therapeutic strategies able to achieve the main therapeutic objectives. The addition of biologic and other therapeutic agents to the standard of care is effective for controlling disease activity and for preventing severe flares, enabling a reduced use of glucocorticoids, and presumably reducing organ damage progression. Considering its efficacy and safety, early inclusion of biologic agents in the first lines of the treatment algorithm, at least in certain patients, could be considered as an innovative treatment approach to decrease disease burden in SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tatiana Cobo
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tarek C Salman Monte
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain
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26
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Ugarte-Gil MF, Gamboa-Cardenas RV, Reátegui-Sokolova C, Pimentel-Quiroz VR, Medina M, Elera-Fitzcarrald C, Zevallos F, Pastor-Asurza CA, Lofland J, Zazzetti F, Karyekar CS, Alarcón GS, Perich-Campos RA. LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state) and/or remission are associated with less damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a primarily Mestizo population: data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort. Lupus Sci Med 2022; 9:9/1/e000616. [PMID: 35193948 PMCID: PMC8867305 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective To determine if achieving lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) or remission prevents damage accrual in a primarily Mestizo population. Methods Patients with SLE from a single-centre cohort with at least two visits occurring every 6 months were included. The definitions used were the following: for remission, the 2021 Definition Of Remission In SLE; and for LLDAS, the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration. Damage accrual was ascertained with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Univariable and three multivariable interval-censored survival regression models were done: (1) remission versus not on remission; (2) LLDAS/remission versus active; and (3) remission and LLDAS (not on remission) versus active. Three similar multivariable models were also examined considering the duration on each state. Possible confounders included in these analyses were gender, age at diagnosis, socioeconomic status, educational level, disease duration, antimalarial use and SDI at baseline. Results Two hundred and eighty-one patients were included. Eighty-three patients (29.5%) showed increased SDI during the follow-up. In the analyses of remission, being on remission predicted a lower probability of damage (HR=0.456; 95% CI 0.256 to 0.826; p=0.010). In the analyses of LLDAS/remission, being on LLDAS/remission predicted a lower damage (HR=0.503; 95% CI 0.260 to 0.975; p=0.042). When both states were considered, remission but not LLDAS (not on remission) predicted a lower probability of damage (HR=0.423; 95% CI 0.212 to 0.846; p=0.015 and HR=0.878; 95% CI 0.369 to 2.087; p=0.768, respectively). When the duration of these states was taken into account, remission, LLDAS/remission and LLDAS not on remission were associated with a lower probability of damage accrual. Conclusions LLDAS and/or remission were associated with a lower probability of damage accrual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Francisco Ugarte-Gil
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru .,Grupo Peruano de Estudio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Rocio Violeta Gamboa-Cardenas
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.,Grupo Peruano de Estudio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Cristina Reátegui-Sokolova
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.,Unidad de Investigación Para La Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Victor Román Pimentel-Quiroz
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.,Unidad de Investigación Para La Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Mariela Medina
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudia Elera-Fitzcarrald
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.,Grupo Peruano de Estudio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Francisco Zevallos
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar Augusto Pastor-Asurza
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.,School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Graciela S Alarcón
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Risto Alfredo Perich-Campos
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.,School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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27
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Treat-to-target in systemic lupus erythematosus: advancing towards its implementation. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:146-157. [PMID: 35039665 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The treat-to-target (T2T) concept has improved outcomes for patients with diabetes, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. This therapeutic strategy involves choosing a well-defined, relevant target, taking therapeutic steps, evaluating whether the target has been achieved, and taking action if it has not. The T2T principle has been embraced by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experts, but measurable and achievable outcomes, and therapeutic options, are needed to make this approach possible in practice. Considerable evidence has been generated regarding meaningful 'state' outcomes for SLE. Low disease activity has been defined and studied, and the most aspirational goal, remission, has been defined by the Definition of Remission in SLE task force. By contrast, current therapeutic options in SLE are limited, and more effective and safer therapies are urgently needed. Fortunately, clinical trial activity in SLE has been unprecedented, and encouraging results have been seen for novel therapies, including biologic and small-molecule agents. Thus, with the expected advent of such treatments, it is likely that sufficiently diverse therapies for SLE will be available in the foreseeable future, allowing the routine implementation of T2T approaches in the care of patients with SLE.
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28
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Assunção H, Jesus D, Larosa M, Henriques C, Matos A, Le Guern V, Rubiño F, da Silva JAP, Rua-Figueroa I, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Doria A, Inês LS. Definition of Low Disease Activity State based on the SLE-DAS: Derivation and validation in a multicentre real-life cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3309-3316. [PMID: 34864894 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To derive and validate a definition of low disease activity (LDA) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS), in a real-life multicentre cohort of SLE patients. METHODS Derivation was conducted using data from a monocentric cohort of SLE (Portugal), and validation was performed in a multicentre cohort (Italy, France, and Spain). The Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) was used as comparator. We applied receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis against the LLDAS to determine the cut-off of SLE-DAS for LDA using bootstrap methodology. In a second step, we tested a definition of SLE-DAS LDA that included: (i) the statistically derived SLE-DAS upper threshold for LDA, and (ii) prednisone dose ≤7.5 mg/day. In the multicentre validation cohort, we assessed the classification performance of this SLE-DAS LDA definition. RESULTS We included 774 patients, 300 in the derivation and 474 in the validation cohorts, respectively. In the derivation cohort, the optimal cut-off to identify patients in LLDAS was SLE-DAS ≤2.48, presenting an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.965 (95%CI 0.935-0.994). When applied to the multicentre validation cohort, the SLE-DAS LDA definition showed a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 97.7% for LLDAS and an almost perfect agreement (Cohen's Kappa =0.933; p< 0.001). McNemar's test found no significant differences between the two definitions (p= 0.092). CONCLUSION The SLE-DAS LDA is a validated, accurate, and easy-to-use definition for classifying SLE patients in LDA state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Assunção
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
| | - Diogo Jesus
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Leiria, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior. Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,CISeD-Research Centre in Digital Services, Polytechnic of Viseu, Portugal
| | - Véronique Le Guern
- APHP, Internal Medicine Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Francisco Rubiño
- Rheumatology Department, Doctor Negrín University Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José A P da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iñigo Rua-Figueroa
- Rheumatology Department, Doctor Negrín University Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luís S Inês
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior. Covilhã, Portugal
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29
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van Vollenhoven RF, Bertsias G, Doria A, Isenberg D, Morand E, Petri MA, Pons-Estel BA, Rahman A, Ugarte-Gil MF, Voskuyl A, Arnaud L, Bruce IN, Cervera R, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Gordon C, Houssiau FA, Mosca M, Schneider M, Ward MM, Alarcon G, Aringer M, Askenase A, Bae SC, Bootsma H, Boumpas DT, Brunner H, Clarke AE, Coney C, Czirják L, Dörner T, Faria R, Fischer R, Fritsch-Stork R, Inanc M, Jacobsen S, Jayne D, Kuhn A, van Leeuw B, Limper M, Mariette X, Navarra S, Nikpour M, Olesinska MH, Pons-Estel G, Romero-Diaz J, Rubio B, Schoenfeld Y, Bonfá E, Smolen J, Teng YKO, Tincani A, Tsang-A-Sjoe M, Vasconcelos C, Voss A, Werth VP, Zakharhova E, Aranow C. 2021 DORIS definition of remission in SLE: final recommendations from an international task force. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:8/1/e000538. [PMID: 34819388 PMCID: PMC8614136 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective To achieve consensus on a definition of remission in SLE (DORIS). Background Remission is the stated goal for both patient and caregiver, but consensus on a definition of remission has been lacking. Previously, an international task force consisting of patient representatives and medical specialists published a framework for such a definition, without reaching a final recommendation. Methods Several systematic literature reviews were performed and specific research questions examined in suitably chosen data sets. The findings were discussed, reformulated as recommendations and voted on. Results Based on data from the literature and several SLE-specific data sets, a set of recommendations was endorsed. Ultimately, the DORIS Task Force recommended a single definition of remission in SLE, based on clinical systemic lupus erythematosus disease activitiy index (SLEDAI)=0, Evaluator’s Global Assessment <0.5 (0–3), prednisolone 5 mg/day or less, and stable antimalarials, immunosuppressives, and biologics. Conclusion The 2021 DORIS definition of remission in SLE is recommended for use in clinical care, education, and research including clinical trials and observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - David Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric Morand
- Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle A Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Anisur Rahman
- Medicine (Rheumatology), University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, Strasbourg University Hospitals, Strasbourg, France.,Strasbourg Federation of Translational Medicine (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ian N Bruce
- The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Caroline Gordon
- Rheumatology Research Group, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Frédéric A Houssiau
- Pole of Rheumatic Pathologies, Catholic University of Louvain, Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research, Brussels, Belgium.,Rheumatology Department, Saint-Luc University Clinics, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Matthias Schneider
- Policlinic for Rheumatology & Hiller Research Centre for Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Anka Askenase
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Rheumatology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | | | | | - Hermine Brunner
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Cindy Coney
- Lupus Foundation of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Thomas Dörner
- Charite University Hospitals Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raquel Faria
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Porto Hospital and University Center, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rebecca Fischer
- Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Murat Inanc
- Internal Medicine Rheumatology, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Jayne
- Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Maarten Limper
- Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Public Assistance, Paris Hospitals, Paris Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France
| | - Sandra Navarra
- Rheumatology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Medicine and Rheumatology, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Guillermo Pons-Estel
- Regional Center for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases (GO-CREAR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Juanita Romero-Diaz
- Immunology and Rheumatology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Yehuda Schoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eloisa Bonfá
- Rheumatology, University of Sao Paulo Faculty of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Y K Onno Teng
- Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Michel Tsang-A-Sjoe
- Rheumatology, VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anne Voss
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elena Zakharhova
- Rheumatology, A I Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation Faculty of Dentistry, Moskva, Russian Federation
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Disease, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
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Ugarte-Gil MF, Mendoza-Pinto C, Reátegui-Sokolova C, Pons-Estel GJ, van Vollenhoven RF, Bertsias G, Alarcon GS, Pons-Estel BA. Achieving remission or low disease activity is associated with better outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic literature review. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:e000542. [PMID: 34548375 PMCID: PMC8458331 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remission and low disease activity (LDA) have been proposed as the treatment goals for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several definitions for each have been proposed in the literature. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of remission/LDA according to various definitions on relevant outcomes in patients with SLE. METHODS This systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses using PubMed (1946-week 2, April 2021), Cochrane library (1985-week 2, week 2, April 2021) and EMBASE (1974-week 2, April 2021). We included longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in patients with SLE reporting the impact of remission and LDA (regardless their definition) on mortality, damage accrual, flares, health-related quality of life and other outcomes (cardiovascular risk, hospitalisation and direct costs). The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS We identified 7497 articles; of them, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Some articles reported a positive association with survival, although this was not confirmed in all of them. Organ damage accrual was the most frequently reported outcome, and remission and LDA were reported as protective of this outcome (risk measures varying from 0.04 to 0.95 depending on the definition). Similarly, both states were associated with a lower probability of SLE flares, hospitalisations and a better health-related quality of life, in particular the physical domain. CONCLUSION Remission and LDA are associated with improvement in multiple outcomes in patients with SLE, thus reinforcing their relevance in clinical practice. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020162724.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Francisco Ugarte-Gil
- Grupo Peruano de Estudio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudia Mendoza-Pinto
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Medicine School, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Cristina Reátegui-Sokolova
- Rheumatology, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Guillermo J Pons-Estel
- Centro Regional de Enfermedades Autoinmunes y Reumáticas (GO-CREAR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Graciela S Alarcon
- School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Bernardo A Pons-Estel
- Centro Regional de Enfermedades Autoinmunes y Reumáticas (GO-CREAR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Jesus D, Larosa M, Henriques C, Matos A, Zen M, Tomé P, Alves V, Costa N, Le Guern V, Iaccarino L, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Doria A, Inês LS. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) enables accurate and user-friendly definitions of clinical remission and categories of disease activity. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1568-1574. [PMID: 34407927 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is an unmet need for accurate and user-friendly definitions of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and remission. We aimed to derive and validate the SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) definitions for disease activity categories and clinical remission state. METHODS Derivation was conducted at Padova Lupus Clinic (Italy). Validation was prospectively performed at Cochin Lupus Clinic (France) and by post hoc analysis of BLISS-76 trial. At each clinic, an expert classified patients in three categories: remission, mild or moderate/severe activity. The SLE-DAS cut-offs were derived using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in Padova cohort; its performance was assessed against expert classification in Cochin cohort and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index in BLISS-76. Gold standard for clinical remission state was the fulfilment of Definition Of Remission In SLE. A Boolean and an index-based definitions of remission were sustained by chi-square automatic interaction detection algorithm. An SLE-DAS online calculator was developed and tested. RESULTS We included 1190 patients with SLE: 221 in the derivation cohort and 969 in the validation cohorts (150 from Cochin; 819 from BLISS-76). Derived cut-offs were: remission, SLE-DAS ≤2.08; mild activity, 2.08<SLE-DAS≤7.64; moderate/severe activity, SLE-DAS >7.64. Regarding validation in Cochin cohort, sensitivity and specificity are above 90%, 82% and 95% for remission, mild and moderate/severe activity, respectively. The SLE-DAS Boolean-based and index-based remission showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity above 97%. CONCLUSION The SLE-DAS is an accurate and easy-to-use tool for defining SLE clinical remission state and disease activity categories, validated against expert assessment and BILAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Jesus
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maddalena Larosa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,Research Centre in Digital Services, CISeD, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paulo Tomé
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Valter Alves
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,Research Centre in Digital Services, CISeD, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Nuno Costa
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | | | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luís Sousa Inês
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal .,CHUC Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Margherita Z, Enrico F, Marta LM, Roberto D, Micaela F, Mariele G, Maddalena L, Francesca S, Luca I, Andrea D. Immunosuppressive therapy withdrawal after remission achievement in patients with lupus nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:688-695. [PMID: 33909900 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Whether immunosuppressive therapy (IS) may be safely withdrawn in lupus nephritis (LN) is still unclear. We assessed rate and predictors of flare after IS withdrawal in patients with LN in remission. METHODS Patients with biopsy-proven LN treated with IS between 1980 and 2020 were considered. Remission was defined as normal serum creatinine, proteinuria <0.5 g/24h, inactive urine sediment, and no extra-renal SLE activity on stable immunosuppressive and/or antimalarial therapy and/or prednisone ≤5mg/day. IS discontinuation was defined as the complete withdrawal of immunosuppressants, flares according to SLEDAI Flare Index. Predictors of flare were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Among 513 SLE patients included in our database, 270 had LN. Of them, 238 underwent renal biopsy and were treated with ISs. Eighty-three patients (34.8%) discontinued IS, 46 ± 30 months after remission achievement. During a mean±SD follow-up of 116.5 ± 78 months, 19 patients (22.8%) developed a flare (8/19 renal) and were re-treated; 14/19 (73.7%) re-achieved remission after restarting therapy. Patients treated with IS therapy for at least three years after remission achievement had the lowest risk of relapse (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.093-0.867, p= 0.023). At multivariate analysis, antimalarial maintenance therapy (OR 0.194, 95%CI 0.038-0.978, p= 0.047), age at IS discontinuation (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.868-0.997, p= 0.040), remission duration >3 years before IS discontinuation (OR 0.231, 95%CI 0.058-0.920, p= 0.038) were protective against disease flares. CONCLUSIONS Withdrawal of IS is feasible in LN patients in remission for at least 3 years and on antimalarial therapy. Patients who experience flares can re-achieve remission with an appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zen Margherita
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Fuzzi Enrico
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Loredo Martinez Marta
- Division of Rheumatology, Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - Depascale Roberto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Fredi Micaela
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Clinical and Experimental Science Department, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Gatto Mariele
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Larosa Maddalena
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Saccon Francesca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Iaccarino Luca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Doria Andrea
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Nikfar M, Malek Mahdavi A, Khabbazi A, Hajialilo M. Long-term remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e13909. [PMID: 33277751 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remission has been introduced as a desirable outcome and the primary target of treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to identify the number of patients in remission and the long-term outcome of the disease and their predictors. METHOD Of the 379 patients in our SLE Database, a total of 193 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Remission was definition according to the definitions of remission in SLE. Three levels of remission were defined, including remission on-treatment, remission off-treatment and complete remission. In addition, we have defined a sustained remission for each level of remission in which the remission should last at least 5 years. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 96 months, remission on-treatment and off-treatment, and complete remission were obtained in 49.2%, 38.9% and 19.2% of patients, respectively. Predictors of remission on-treatment in multivariate regression analysis were adherence to therapy and remission induction during 6 months after treatment. Predictors of remission off-treatment were age ≥40 at the time of analysis and remission induction during 6 months after treatment. Poor outcome (SLE Damage Index ≥1) was observed in 28% of the patients. Age at disease onset <30, kidney and nervous system involvement and SLEDAI-2K ≥ 11 at the cohort entry were the risk factors of poor outcome in multivariate analysis. However, sustained remission on-treatment had a negative association with poor outcome. CONCLUSION Treatment with glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants and biologics in sequential or in combination may cause durable remission. Patients with durable remission have significantly lower organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhdeh Nikfar
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aida Malek Mahdavi
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Khabbazi
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Hajialilo
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Depascale R, Gatto M, Zen M, Saccon F, Larosa M, Zanatta E, Bindoli S, Doria A, Iaccarino L. Belimumab: a step forward in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:563-573. [PMID: 33630721 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1895744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic B cell-mediated autoimmune disease which can potentially involve several organs and systems. The development of SLE is associated with a complexity of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors leading to immune deregulation and production of autoantibodies. Therefore, novel therapies have focused on B cells as key effectors of SLE pathogenesis. Belimumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that antagonizes B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS); it is the first and the only biological drug approved for SLE in over 50 years.Areas covered: In this review we discuss the pharmacological properties of belimumab, new recommendations for its use in clinical practice and its evidence of efficacy and safety based on clinical trial and real-life data.Expert opinion: Efficacy and safety of belimumab in clinical practice have been well established. To date, it is known that early introduction of belimumab in SLE can maximize the efficacy of the drug. A number of questions are still open, such as the timing of belimumab discontinuation and its possible association with other biological drugs, which need to be assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sara Bindoli
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Fasano S, Coscia MA, Pierro L, Ciccia F. Which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in remission can withdraw low dose steroids? Results from a single inception cohort study. Lupus 2021; 30:991-997. [PMID: 33709836 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211002269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A progressive tapering until withdrawal of glucocorticoids (GC) is considered one of the main goals of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) management. However, which patient may be a candidate for safe GC withdrawal has not been determined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of low-dose GC withdrawal in SLE patients in remission and to identify predictors of flares. METHODS Eligible patients were SLE patients in prolonged clinical remission defined by a cSLEDAI = 0 for at least 2 years and on a stable SLE treatment (including daily 5 mg prednisone). Flares were defined by SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index. Predictors of flares after GC withdrawal were analyzed by Cox regression. RESULTS We selected 56 patients in whom a GC withdrawal was attempted. 98 patients were in the prednisone maintenance group. The proportion of patients experiencing a flare was not significantly lower in the maintenance group than in the withdrawal group (p = 0.81). However, among the withdrawal group, the rate of flares was significantly higher in serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) patients (p < 0,0001). At Cox regression analysis, duration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy and ≥5 year remission at withdrawal were protective factors, while a SACQ disease and history of lupus nephritis increased the risk of disease flare. CONCLUSION GC withdrawal is an achievable target in SLE and may be attempted in patients in complete remission.However, it might underline a caution in patients with SACQ disease who may be at greater risk forflare when GCare discontinued. HCQ therapy and durable remission can significantly reduce the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Fasano
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Pierro
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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Hamidou M, Néel A, Poupon J, Amoura Z, Ebbo M, Sibilia J, Viallard JF, Gaborit B, Volteau C, Hardouin JB, Hachulla E, Rieger F. Safety and efficacy of low-dose intravenous arsenic trioxide in systemic lupus erythematosus: an open-label phase IIa trial (Lupsenic). Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:70. [PMID: 33658052 PMCID: PMC7927234 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lupus animal model has shown that arsenic trioxide (ATO), a treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia, could be effective in SLE. This is the first clinical study to determine the safety and efficacy of a short course of intravenous ATO in patients with active SLE. METHODS This phase IIa, open-label, dose-escalating study enrolled 11 adult SLE patients with a non-organ threatening disease, clinically active despite conventional therapy. Patients received 10 IV infusions of ATO within 24 days. The first group received 0.10 mg/kg per injection, with dose-escalating to 0.15 mg/kg in a second group, and to 0.20 mg/kg in a third group. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and secondary endpoints were the number of SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4) responders at week 24 and reduction of corticosteroid dosage. In an exploratory analysis, we collected long-term data for safety and attainment of lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS). RESULTS Four serious AEs occurred (grade 3 neutropenia, osteitis, neuropathy), 2 of which were attributable to ATO (neutropenia in the 2 patients treated with mycophenolate). Two patients suffered a severe flare during the last 4 weeks of the trial. At W24, five patients among 10 were SRI-4 responders. Overall, mean corticosteroid dosage decreased from 11.25 mg/day at baseline to 6 mg/day at W24 (P < 0.01). In the long term, 6 patients attained LLDAS at W52, which continued at last follow-up (median LLDAS duration 3 years, range 2-4). CONCLUSIONS A short course of ATO has an acceptable safety profile in SLE patients and encouraging efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01738360 registered 30 November 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hamidou
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Nantes, France.
| | - Antoine Néel
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Joel Poupon
- Department of Biological Toxicology, AP-HP, Lariboisière Hospital, University Paris VII, Paris, France
| | - Zahir Amoura
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Centre National de Référence pour le Lupus, Institut E3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France
| | - Mikael Ebbo
- Service de Médecine Interne, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Sibilia
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Benjamin Gaborit
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Christelle Volteau
- Plateforme de Méthodologie et Biostatistiques, CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Eric Hachulla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares du Nord et Nord-Ouest de France (CeRAINO), University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - François Rieger
- MEDSENIC, SAS, a company with CNRS participation, Strasbourg, France
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Mejía-Vilet JM, Ayoub I. The Use of Glucocorticoids in Lupus Nephritis: New Pathways for an Old Drug. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:622225. [PMID: 33665199 PMCID: PMC7921306 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.622225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids therapy has greatly improved the outcome of lupus nephritis patients. Since their discovery, their adverse effects have counterbalanced their beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. Glucocorticoids exert their effects through both genomic and non-genomic pathways. Differential activation of these pathways is clinically relevant in terms of benefit and adverse effects. Ongoing aims in lupus nephritis treatment development focus on a better use of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressant drugs and biologics. Newer regimens aim to decrease the peak glucocorticoid dose, allow a rapid glucocorticoid tapering, and intend to control disease activity with a lower cumulative glucocorticoid exposure. In this review we discuss the mechanisms, adverse effects and recent strategies to limit glucocorticoid exposure without compromising treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Mejía-Vilet
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Isabelle Ayoub
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Piga M, Floris A, Sebastiani GD, Prevete I, Iannone F, Coladonato L, Govoni M, Bortoluzzi A, Mosca M, Tani C, Doria A, Iaccarino L, Franceschini F, Fredi M, Conti F, Spinelli FR, Galeazzi M, Bellisai F, Zanetti A, Carrara G, Scirè CA, Mathieu A. Risk factors of damage in early diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus: results of the Italian multicentre Early Lupus Project inception cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:2272-2281. [PMID: 31840179 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate risk factors for damage development in a prospective inception cohort of early diagnosed SLE patients. METHODS The Early Lupus Project recruited an inception cohort of patients within 12 months of SLE classification (1997 ACR criteria). At enrolment and every 6 months thereafter, the SLICC/ACR Damage Index was recorded. The contribution of baseline and time-varying covariates to the development of damage, defined as any SLICC/ACR Damage Index increase from 0 to ≥1, was assessed using univariate analysis. Forward-backward Cox regression models were fitted with covariates with P < 0.05 to identify factors independently associated with the risk of damage development. RESULTS Overall, 230 patients with a mean (s.d.) age of 36.5 (14.4) years were eligible for this study; the mean number of visits per patient was 5.3 (2.7). There were 51 (22.2%) patients with SLICC/ACR Damage Index ≥1 after 12 months, 59 (25.6%) after 24 months and 67 (29.1%) after 36 months. Dyslipidaemia [P = 0.001; hazard ratio (HR) 2.9; 95% CI 1.5, 5.6], older age (P = 0.001; HR 3.0; 95% CI 1.6, 5.5), number of organs/systems involved (P = 0.002; HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1, 1.8) and cardiorespiratory involvement (P = 0.041; HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0, 3.7) were independently associated with an increased risk of developing damage. Risk profiles for damage development differed for glucocorticoid-related and -unrelated damage. HCQ use (P = 0.005; HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2, 0.8) reduced the risk of glucocorticoid-unrelated damage. CONCLUSION We identified risk factors of damage development, but little effect of glucocorticoids, in this early SLE cohort. Addressing modifiable risk factors from the time of SLE diagnosis might improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Cagliari and AOU University Clinic, Cagliari
| | - Alberto Floris
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Cagliari and AOU University Clinic, Cagliari
| | | | - Imma Prevete
- UOC di Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome
| | - Florenzo Iannone
- Dipartimento dell'Emergenza e dei Trapianto di Organi - Sezione di Reumatologia, Università di Bari, Bari
| | - Laura Coladonato
- Dipartimento dell'Emergenza e dei Trapianto di Organi - Sezione di Reumatologia, Università di Bari, Bari
| | - Marcello Govoni
- UOC e Sezione di Reumatologia - Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- UOC e Sezione di Reumatologia - Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara
| | - Marta Mosca
- UOC di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa
| | - Chiara Tani
- UOC di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Pisa
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova
| | - Franco Franceschini
- UOC di Reumatologia e Immunologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- UOC di Reumatologia e Immunologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma
| | - Francesca Romana Spinelli
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma
| | - Mauro Galeazzi
- UOC di Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena
| | | | - Anna Zanetti
- Società Italiana di Reumatologia, Unità Epidemiologica, Milano.,Divisione di Biostatistica, Epidemiologia e Salute Pubblica, Dipartimento di Statistica e Metodi Quantitativi, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Greta Carrara
- Società Italiana di Reumatologia, Unità Epidemiologica, Milano
| | | | - Alessandro Mathieu
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Cagliari and AOU University Clinic, Cagliari
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Whittall Garcia LP, Gladman DD, Urowitz M, Touma Z, Su J, Johnson SR. New EULAR/ACR 2019 SLE Classification Criteria: defining ominosity in SLE. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:767-774. [PMID: 33452003 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the ominosity of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Classification Criteria by determining its predictive role for disease severity in the first 5 years following diagnosis. METHODS 867 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the Toronto Lupus Clinic were included (all first 12 months after SLE diagnosis). The EULAR/ACR criteria score was calculated based on baseline information. To determine disease severity in the first 5 years after diagnosis, adjusted mean SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (AMS), flares, remission and immunosuppressive treatment were used as outcomes. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) registry comprised the validation cohort. RESULTS Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, a EULAR/ACR score of 20 was used as a threshold to compare outcomes between groups. In the first 5 years of disease course, patients with a score of ≥20 had higher AMS scores (p<0.001) and were more likely to ever experience a flare (p<0.001). These patients had lower probabilities of achieving remission and higher requirements for immunosuppressives. Results were confirmed in the SLICC validation cohort. Patients with a score of ≥20 had higher AMS during the first 5 years of disease (5.4 vs 3.1% and ≥20 vs <20 respectively, p≤0.001). The score correlated with AMS (r=0.43, p≤0.001) in the same time frame. CONCLUSION A EULAR/ACR score of ≥20 is an indicator of ominosity in SLE. Patients with a score of ≥20 were characterised by a more active disease course throughout the first 5 years. These criteria provide prognostic information regarding disease severity in the first 5 years following diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Whittall Garcia
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dafna D Gladman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Urowitz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zahi Touma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jiandong Su
- Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sindhu R Johnson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Piga M, Arnaud L. The Main Challenges in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Where Do We Stand? J Clin Med 2021; 10:E243. [PMID: 33440874 PMCID: PMC7827672 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-mediated multi-systemic disease characterized by a wide variability of clinical manifestations and a course frequently subject to unpredictable flares. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology and optimization of medical care, patients with SLE still have significant mortality and carry a risk of progressive organ damage accrual and reduced health-related quality of life. New tools allow earlier classification of SLE, whereas tailored early intervention and treatment strategies targeted to clinical remission or low disease activity could offer the opportunity to reduce damage, thus improving long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, the early diagnosis of SLE is still an unmet need for many patients. Further disentangling the SLE susceptibility and complex pathogenesis will allow to identify more accurate biomarkers and implement new ways to measure disease activity. This could represent a major step forward to find new trials modalities for developing new drugs, optimizing the use of currently available therapeutics and minimizing glucocorticoids. Preventing and treating comorbidities in SLE, improving the management of hard-to-treat manifestations including management of SLE during pregnancy are among the remaining major unmet needs. This review provides insights and a research agenda for the main challenges in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de Références des Maladies Systémiques et Auto-immunes Rares Est Sud-Ouest (RESO), 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Kernder A, Elefante E, Chehab G, Tani C, Mosca M, Schneider M. The patient's perspective: are quality of life and disease burden a possible treatment target in systemic lupus erythematosus? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:v63-v68. [PMID: 33280017 PMCID: PMC7719037 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A few decades ago, the therapy goal of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was survival and the prevention of organ failure. Today, clinical remission and low disease activity are believed to be the optimal therapeutic targets. These aims are difficult to reach for many patients, but they still do not address the health-related quality of life (QoL) that is significantly impaired in SLE patients. Even in the state of remission, QoL and fatigue are insufficient controlled. Thus, patient-oriented research is essential to design new strategies for the management of lupus patients. The INTEGRATE project analyses the patients' and physicians' perspectives to pave the way to design an innovative therapeutic strategy for lupus and focuses on the multifaceted dimensions of the disease burden. Shared decision making (SDM) could include the patient's perspective of SLE to treatment strategy and consider QoL and the burden of lupus into the process of therapy decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kernder
- Department Rheumatology & Hiller-Research Unit Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elena Elefante
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gamal Chehab
- Department Rheumatology & Hiller-Research Unit Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Department Rheumatology & Hiller-Research Unit Rheumatology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Golder V, Tsang-A-Sjoe MWP. Treatment targets in SLE: remission and low disease activity state. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:v19-v28. [PMID: 33280016 PMCID: PMC7719036 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Treat-to-target strategies have changed the approach to management of many chronic conditions, with improvements in patient outcomes. The key to success of treat to target is the availability of validated treatment endpoints, which have been difficult to derive for SLE, a condition notorious for its heterogeneity. This review will focus on the development and validation of the definitions of remission in SLE framework and the lupus low disease activity state. Lupus low disease activity state is more attainable than remission, with a stepwise concentric relationship between the target states indicating increasing stringency. Both lupus low disease activity state and definitions of remission in SLE remission have been proven to be associated with reduction in disease flares, reduced risk of accrual of irreversible end organ damage, and improvement in patient reported outcomes. These endpoints have therefore provided the key for the development of a treat-to-target approach in clinical practice in SLE and for the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Golder
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michel W P Tsang-A-Sjoe
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Arnaud L, Tektonidou MG. Long-term outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: trends over time and major contributors. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:v29-v38. [PMID: 33280012 PMCID: PMC7719040 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SLE is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disorder of high heterogeneity in clinical presentation, treatment response and prognosis. Long-term outcomes in SLE have been dramatically improved over the past decades, however, increased morbidity and mortality, especially among young individuals, still exists. Unmet needs include residual disease activity and frequent flares, glucocorticoid treatment dependency and toxicity, comorbidity burden, reduced health-related quality of life, health disparities and damage. The main determinants of long-term outcomes in SLE are age, sex, race/ethnicity, genetic profile, environmental factors including smoking, disease activity, major organ involvement such as lupus nephritis and CNS involvement, comorbidities including cardiovascular disease and serious infections, coexistence with APS, treatment adherence, socio-economic factors and access to care. In this review we discuss trends in long-term outcomes in SLE over the years and major contributors such as genetic, disease-related, treatment, comorbidity, socio-economic and other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, INSERM UMR-S 1109, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares (RESO), Strasbourg, France
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Joint Rheumatology Program, Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Yang Z, Cheng C, Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhao J, Wang Q, Tian X, Hsieh E, Li M, Zeng X. Prevalence, predictors and prognostic benefits of remission achievement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2020; 74:208-218. [PMID: 32986933 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review and evaluate the prevalence, potential predictors and prognostic benefits of remission achievement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Studies reporting prevalence, predictors and prognostic benefits of remission in adult SLE patients were searched and selected from Pubmed and EMBASE databases. Studies were reviewed for relevance and quality. Two reviewers independently assessed studies and extracted data. RESULTS Data from forty-one studies including 17270 patients were included and analyzed. Although no consensus has been achieved on the definition of remission, clinical disease activity, serological activity, duration and treatment are agreed to be critical components of defining remission status. In most studies published in the recent 5 years, 42.4% to 88% patients achieved and maintained the remission status for one year, and 21.1% to 70% for at least 5 years. Factors associated with remission included older age at diagnosis, lower baseline disease activity and absence of major organ involvement, while positive serological results were shown to be negatively associated with remission. Remission-especially prolonged remission-when achieved, demonstrated an association with lower accrual of damage and better quality of life among patients with SLE. CONCLUSIONS Remission is an achievable and desirable target for SLE patients, proven to be associated with prognostic benefits. Further development and assessment of a clear remission definition, a risk stratification model as well as a full algorithm with frequency of monitoring, timepoints for treatment adjustment and drug withdrawal are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuliang Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xinping Tian
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Evelyn Hsieh
- Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Lupus low disease activity (SLE) in patients treated with belimumab: a single-center real-life experience (2016-2019). Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:923-927. [PMID: 32797364 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have been conducting an evaluation of innovative therapies in patients with SLE during the past 15 years. We combine the results observed on extension studies from four different trials in patients receiving either intravenous or subcutaneous belimumab, and evaluated, in Caucasian and Black Brazilian patients. METHODS Seventy-four patients were part of the study. The Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) shown to be an available tool to detect a response in trials was used in this study and statistical comparisons between the different result groups were determined. The period of evaluation was from 12 to 48 months. RESULTS Seventy-four patients completed the initial study. Four refused to continue the extension evaluation. Seven belonged to the black group (10%); sixty-three were Caucasian (90%). One patient was discontinued due to pregnancy. Nine received a subcutaneous presentation (12.8%). In the subgroup analysis, one patient in the black group had flare (14.2%); five in the intravenous administration had severe flares (8.1%) and were discontinued. Ten had flares adjusted with steroids (eight articular or skin reactivation) and two with renal disease. Of the five severe flares, two required hospitalization. The mean time duration to achieve LLDAS was 6 months. Twenty-seven achieved a steroid-free status and the remaining two patients on 2.5 mg and seventeen were stable on daily 5.0 mg of prednisone. CONCLUSIONS Using the LLDAS, it was possible to show that the majority of patients receiving belimumab for prolonged periods go into remission steroid-free or in low disease activity in association with the corresponding immunosuppressive treatment. Key Points • Prolonged real-life evaluation confirms the efficacy and steroid-sparing of Belimumab in SLE patients with active disease.
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Gatto M, Saccon F, Zen M, Regola F, Fredi M, Andreoli L, Tincani A, Urban ML, Emmi G, Ceccarelli F, Conti F, Bortoluzzi A, Govoni M, Tani C, Mosca M, Ubiali T, Gerosa M, Bozzolo E, Canti V, Cardinaletti P, Gabrielli A, Tanti G, Gremese E, De Marchi G, De Vita S, Fasano S, Ciccia F, Pazzola G, Salvarani C, Negrini S, Puppo F, Di Matteo A, De Angelis R, Orsolini G, Rossini M, Faggioli P, Laria A, Piga M, Mathieu A, Scarpato S, Rossi FW, Paulis A, Brunetta E, Ceribelli A, Selmi C, Prete M, Racanelli V, Vacca A, Bartoloni E, Gerli R, Larosa M, Iaccarino L, Doria A. Early Disease and Low Baseline Damage as Predictors of Response to Belimumab in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Real‐Life Setting. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1314-1324. [DOI: 10.1002/art.41253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliera–Universitaria di Ferrara Cona Ferrara Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliera–Universitaria di Ferrara Cona Ferrara Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giacomo Tanti
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma Rome Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli‐IRCCS Rome Italy
| | | | | | - Serena Fasano
- Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Naples Italy
| | - Giulia Pazzola
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio EmiliaIRCCS Reggio Emilia Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio EmiliaIRCCS, and Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Matteo Piga
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Cagliari University Clinic and University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | - Alessandro Mathieu
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Cagliari University Clinic and University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | | | | | | | - Enrico Brunetta
- Humanitas Research Hospital and Università degli Studi di Milano Milan Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Reumatologia ed Immunologia ClinicaIRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas Milan Italy
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Università degli Studi di Milano and Reumatologia ed Immunologia ClinicaIRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas Milan Italy
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Saccon F, Zen M, Gatto M, Margiotta DPE, Afeltra A, Ceccarelli F, Conti F, Bortoluzzi A, Govoni M, Frontini G, Moroni G, Dall'Ara F, Tincani A, Signorini V, Mosca M, Frigo AC, Iaccarino L, Doria A. Remission in systemic lupus erythematosus: testing different definitions in a large multicentre cohort. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79:943-950. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesRemission in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is defined through a combination of ‘clinical SLE Disease Activity Index (cSLEDAI)=0’, ‘physician's global assessment (PGA) <0.5’ and ‘prednisone (PDN) ≤5 mg/day’. We investigated the performance of these items, alone or in combination, in defining remission and in predicting SLICC/ACR Damage Index.MethodsWe tested seven potential definitions of remission in SLE patients followed-up for ≥5 years: PDN ≤5 mg/day; PGA <0.5; cSLEDAI=0; PGA <0.5 plus PDN ≤5 mg/day; cSLEDAI=0 plus PGA <0.5; cSLEDAI=0 plus PDN ≤5 mg/day; cSLEDAI=0 plus PDN ≤5 mg/day plus PGA <0.5. The effect of these definitions on damage was evaluated by Poisson regression analysis; the best performance was identified as the lowest Akaike and Bayesian information criterion (AIC and BIC). Positive and negative predictive values in identifying no damage increase were calculated.ResultsWe included 646 patients (mean±SD disease duration 9.2±6.9 years). At multivariate analysis, ≥2 consecutive year remission according to all definitions protected against damage (OR, 95% CI: PGA <0.5 0.631, 0.444 to 0.896; cSLEDAI=0 0.531, 0.371 to 0.759; PGA <0.5 plus PDN ≤5 mg/day 0.554, 0.381 to 0.805; cSLEDAI=0 plus PGA <0.5 0.574, 0.400 to 0.826; cSLEDAI=0 plus PDN ≤5 mg/day 0.543, 0.376 to 0.785; cSLEDAI=0 plus PDN ≤5 mg/day plus PGA <0.5 0.532, 0.363 to 0.781, p<0.01 for all), except PDN ≤5 mg/day, which required four consecutive years (OR 0.534, 95% CI 0.325 to 0.877, p=0.013). Positive and negative predictive values were similar; however, cSLEDAI=0 showed the best performance (AIC 1082.90, BIC 1109.72, p<0.0001). Adding PGA <0.5 and/or PDN ≤5 mg/day to cSLEDAI=0 decreased remission duration (−1.8 and −1.5 year/patient, respectively) without increasing cSLEDAI=0 performance in predicting damage accrual.ConclusionscSLEDAI=0 is the most attainable definition of remission, while displaying the best performance in predicting damage progression in the short-to-mid-term follow-up.
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Ajeganova S, Gustafsson T, Lindberg L, Hafström I, Frostegård J. Similar progression of carotid intima-media thickness in 7-year surveillance of patients with mild SLE and controls, but this progression is still promoted by dyslipidaemia, lower HDL levels, hypertension, history of lupus nephritis and a higher prednisolone usage in patients. Lupus Sci Med 2020; 7:e000362. [PMID: 32095248 PMCID: PMC7008707 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2019-000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and factors promoting it in patients with SLE and controls. Methods Consecutive patients with SLE and age-matched, sex-matched population controls from the SLEVIC cohort were assessed at inclusion and after 7 years with standardised data collection and carotid ultrasound. Effect of risk factors on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression was examined with adjusted linear mixed models. Results A total of 77 patients and 74 controls, 68% and 61% of the original cohort, completed follow-up. The patients were (mean) 47 years old, 90% were women, and controls were 51 years old, 92% women. Patients had disease duration of (mean) 11 years, mild disease activity and low severity at both assessments. Baseline cIMT did not differ between the groups. An average absolute cIMT progression was 0.009 mm/year in patients and 0.011 mm/year in controls, intergroup difference p=0.9.Of factors at inclusion, dyslipidaemia, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and carotid plaque in patients and controls, and higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL and LDL:HDL ratios and triglycerides in patients were associated with cIMT progression. Of factors at follow-up, hypertension and blood lipids in patients and HDL in controls were significantly associated with cIMT progression. History of lupus nephritis and a higher average dose of prednisolone used since diagnosis were associated with cIMT progression in patients. Associations of risk factors with cIMT progression were stronger in presence of plaques. Conclusion We observed a statistically comparable progression of cIMT in patients with mild SLE and controls over 7 years, which implies that progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in some patients with SLE could follow that of the general population. Traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, history of lupus nephritis and higher use of corticosteroids promote cIMT progression in SLE. Detection of carotid plaque may add to CV risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ajeganova
- Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Sciences, Rheumatology Division, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Gustafsson
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnea Lindberg
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingiäld Hafström
- Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Frostegård
- Section of Immunology and Chronic Disease, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhou X, Chen H, Wei F, Zhao Q, Su Q, Lei Y, Yin M, Tian X, Liu Z, Yu B, Bai C, He X, Huang Z. The Inhibitory Effects of Pentacyclic Triterpenes from Loquat Leaf against Th17 Differentiation. Immunol Invest 2019; 49:632-647. [PMID: 31795780 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2019.1698599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loquat leaf is an herb that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Th17 cells play a fundamental role in mediating SLE pathological deterioration. In our study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of pentacyclic triterpenes from loquat leaf on T helper 17 (Th17) cells and the therapeutic efficacy of OA in Lupus nephritis (LN) development. METHODS We isolated three pentacyclic triterpene compounds rom loquat leaf by bioassay-directed fractionation and separation method. There were methyl corosolate (MC), uvaol (UL), and oleanolic acid (OA) Firstly, we elucidated Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) inhibitory activity of these three compounds in the cell-based assay and Th17 differentiation in vitro assay. Then, we used OA-treated pristine-induced LN mice to evaluate the therapeutic effects of OA in LN development. Anti-dsDNA level in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression in spleen cells by Flow cytometry (FCM), histomorphologic examination of kidneys were performed by periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Pentacyclic triterpene compounds (MC, UL, OA) displayed inhibition of RORγt activity in cell-based assay and Th17 differentiation in vitro. Furthermore, our results also showed that OA could significantly decrease serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels, IL-17A and IFN-γ expression and alleviate renal pathological damage in OA-treated group mice than in the model group mice. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that OA can improve the clinical manifestation of LN, indicating potential application in SLE therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zhou
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanpeng Chen
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengjiao Wei
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyu Zhao
- ICU Center, Department of Infection Control, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center , Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Su
- Animal Experiment Center, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Yin
- ICU Center, Department of Infection Control, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuyan Tian
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Animal Experiment Center, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolan Yu
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College , Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Bai
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xixin He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaofeng Huang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
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Margiotta DPE, Fasano S, Basta F, Pierro L, Riccardi A, Navarini L, Valentini G, Afeltra A. The association between duration of remission, fatigue, depression and health-related quality of life in Italian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2019; 28:1705-1711. [PMID: 31707917 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319884651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of duration of remission on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS We conducted a 5-year retrospective study on two Italian cohorts. Remission was defined as a continuative period of no clinical disease activity, according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2 K, and a permitted maximum prednisone dose of 5 mg/day. HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36) during the last visit. RESULTS We enrolled 136 female SLE patients. During observation, 15 (11%) patients had been in remission for ≥1 and <2 years, 15 (11%) for ≥2 and <3 years, 19 (14%) for ≥3 and <4 years, 9 (7%) for ≥4 and <5 years, and 53 (39%) had been in prolonged remission for ≥5 years. In the multivariate model, considering depression and fatigue as covariates, patients in prolonged remission showed significantly better scores in the physical functioning (p = 0.039), role physical (p = 0.029), bodily pain (p = 0.0057), general health (p = 0.0033) and social functioning (p = 0.0085) components of the SF36, compared with those in remission <5 years or unremitted. Subsequent mediation analyses found that these effects were partly influenced by depression. CONCLUSION Lupus remission could improve the HRQoL of SLE patients, particularly when associated with appropriate management of depression and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P E Margiotta
- Unit of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fasano
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - F Basta
- Unit of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - L Pierro
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Riccardi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Valentini
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Afeltra
- Unit of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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