2018 EULAR recommendations for a core data set to support observational research and clinical care in giant cell arteritis

A review of core outcome sets (COS) developed for different settings finds there is a subset of outcomes relevant for both research and routine care

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcomes selected for the same condition in core outcome sets (COSs) for research with those in COS for the routine care setting.

METHODS

A sample of COS was created from the most frequent five health areas within previous systematic reviews of COS for research and COS for routine care. Outcomes were extracted and categorized using an outcome taxonomy. Frequency of outcome domains included within COS were analyzed in subgroups according to research or care setting, patient involvement in COS development and health area. Matched sets of COS were created, where at least one research COS and one routine care COS exist for the same health condition, to identify the outcomes that were recommended for both settings. A similar process was used for a subset of paired COS matched in scope for both intervention and population as well as health condition.

RESULTS

The sample of COS comprised: 246 COS for research only, 76 COS for routine care only and 55 COS for both research and routine care. Across the 18 sets matched by health condition the median number (range) of outcomes included in both research COS and routine care COS was 6 (3-15), with differences noted across health areas. For the 11 paired COS matched by scope and health condition, the corresponding figures were 2 (2-8). Across all settings, COS that did not include patients as participants were less likely to include life impact outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Within a given health condition, a small number of core outcomes were found to be relevant for both research and care, offering a meaningful starting point for linking research and real-world evaluation.

Tocilizumab Vs Methotrexate in a Cohort of Patients Affected by Active GCA: A Comparative Clinical and Ultrasonographic Study

Introduction

No head-to-head study has assessed the superiority of tocilizumab versus methotrexate in giant cell arteritis (GCA), and few studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in terms of ultrasonographic findings, but without a control group. The primary endpoint was to assess whether tocilizumab was superior to methotrexate in inducing normalization of US findings, whereas the secondary endpoint was to assess the effectiveness of precocious withdrawal of glucocorticoids.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled all the patients with active GCA at our clinic. The inclusion criteria were clinical diagnosis of GCA; active disease; and clinical, laboratory, and US data, evaluated using the halo count (HC) and OMERACT GCA Ultrasonography Score (OGUS). Evaluations were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Twenty patients were treated with Tocilizumab and 9 with Methotrexate. All but three tocilizumab-treated patients achieved remission at six months, whereas at 12 months, all patients were in glucocorticoid-free remission. Up to three of the nine methotrexate patients experienced a lack of efficacy or minor relapses. Tocilizumab-treated patients showed a statistically significant difference between baseline and all follow-ups in terms of OGUS and HC, whereas the difference in the Methotrexate group was significant after 1 year. The mean glucocorticoid dosage significantly decreased in both groups. No severe adverse events or major relapses were reported.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the superiority in terms of rapidity of a tocilizumab-based scheme over a methotrexate-based scheme in inducing clinical and US remission. Precocious withdrawal of glucocorticoids did not increase the risk of relapse.

Vasculitis distribution and clinical characteristics in giant cell arteritis: a retrospective study using the new 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria

Introduction

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis of the elderly. In recent years, advanced imaging has to a certain extent replaced temporal artery biopsy (TAB) to aid diagnosis in many institutions and helped to identify three major phenotypes of GCA, namely, cranial GCA (c-GCA), large-vessel non-cranial GCA (LV-GCA), and a combination of these two patterns called mixed-GCA, which all show different clinical patterns. Recent 2022 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria respect the changing conception and clinical practice during the last two decades. In this cohort study, we present vasculitis distribution and baseline characteristics using the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria as well as the EULAR core data set.

Methods

In this retrospective study from Southern Norway, we identified all patients diagnosed with GCA between 2006 and 2019 in our single-center fast-track clinic (FTC). We included all patients who were examined using ultrasound (US) of cranial as well as non-cranial large vessels at diagnosis to depict vascular distribution. EULAR core data set, ACR 1990, and 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria were used to characterize the cohort.

Results

Seventy-seven patients were diagnosed with GCA at our institution in the aforementioned period. Seventy-one patients (92.2%) were diagnosed with the help of US and included in the further analysis. The 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria allocated 69 patients (97.2%), while the ACR 1990 classification criteria allocated 49 patients (69.0%) in our cohort as having GCA. Mixed-GCA was the most common type in 33 patients (46.5%). Weight loss was significantly more common in patients with large-vessel non-cranial vasculitis in LV-GCA and mixed-GCA. Headache, on the other hand, was significantly more common in patients with involvement of cranial vessels.

Conclusion

Mixed GCA was the most common form of GCA in our cohort. In our study, the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria seem to be a more useful tool compared with the old ACR 1990 classification criteria to allocate GCA patients diagnosed and treated at our US-based FTC as having GCA.

Ultrasonography in the assessment of disease activity in cranial and large-vessel giant cell arteritis: a prospective follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated sensitivity to change and discriminative abilities of vascular US scores in disease monitoring in the follow-up of a prospective cohort of new-onset cranial and large-vessel (LV) GCA patients.

METHODS

Baseline and follow-up (8 weeks, 24 weeks and 15 months) US of temporal arteries (TA), carotid and axillary arteries (LV) included assessment of halo and measurement of the intima media complex (IMC). Max IMC, max halo IMC, sum IMC, sum halo IMC, mean IMC, halo count and the Southend halo score were calculated. The provisional OMERACT US score, OGUS, was obtained, taking the average of temporal arteries and axillary arteries IMCs divided by their normal cut-off values.

RESULTS

Baseline US was positive in 44/47 patients (72% TA, 72% LV). Sensitivity to change of all composite US scores containing TAs was evident by week 8 onward. LVs responded poorly and new axillary US lesions emerged in six patients despite clinical remission. The OGUS showed a large magnitude of change and is considered the score least prone to potential bias. All TA-based US scores showed moderate-strong correlation with disease activity markers. OGUS, TA halo count, Southend TA halo score, TA sum IMC and TA mean IMC showed potential to discriminate remission and relapse with area under the curve ≥0.8.

CONCLUSIONS

The OGUS is suggested as an outcome measurement for the assessment of treatment response in clinical trials. The abilities of US scores to discriminate remission and relapse are encouraging and should be further explored.

Frequency of visual involvement in a 10-year interdisciplinary cohort of patients with giant cell arteritis

BACKGROUND

We present the largest study of the frequency and nature of visual complications in a cohort of 350 patients consecutively diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA).

METHODS

All individuals were assessed using structured forms and diagnosed using imaging or biopsy. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyse data for predicting visual loss.

RESULTS

Visual symptoms occurred in 101 (28.9%) patients, with visual loss in one or both eyes in 48 (13.7%) patients. Four patients had binocular visual loss. Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (N=31), retinal artery obstruction (N=8) and occipital stroke (N=2) were the main causes of visual loss. Of the 47 individuals who had repeat visual acuity testing at 7 days, three individuals had improvement to 6/9 or better. After introducing the fast-track pathway, the frequency of visual loss decreased from 18.7% to 11.5%. Age at diagnosis (odds ratio (OR) 1.12) and headache (OR 0.22) were significant determinants of visual loss in a multivariate model. Jaw claudication trended to significance (OR 1.96, p=0.054).

CONCLUSIONS

We recorded a visual loss frequency of 13.7% in the largest cohort of patients with GCA examined from a single centre. Although improvement in vision was rare, a dedicated fast-track pathway reduced visual loss. Headache could result in earlier diagnosis and protect against visual loss.

Comparison of halo and compression signs assessed by a high frequency ultrasound probe for the diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnosis performances of halo and compression signs alone and combined, assessed by a high frequency 22-MHz probe, and test their agreement in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study on patients suspected with GCA, halo sign was defined as hypo or iso-echogenic circumferential aspect of the vessel wall in transverse or longitudinal view; and compression sign was defined as visibility of the vessel wall upon transducer-imposed compression of the artery. Agreement of the two signs was tested using the Cohen's kappa statistic.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients (50% women) were included with a mean age of 74.4 years. Twenty participants (25%) were ultimately treated for GCA. Halo and compression signs have respective prevalences of 35% and 48%, with respective sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 80% for the halo sign; and 85% and 65% for the compression sign. The kappa coefficient for the global agreement of the two signs was 0.67 (95% confident interval: 0.54-0.85). Combination of the two signs give a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 81.7%.

CONCLUSION

Halo and compression signs assessed by a high frequency probe, show a good level of agreement for the diagnosis of GCA and improve ultrasound specificity when combined together.

A Critical Look at Race-Based Practices in Rheumatology Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To assess how race has been incorporated into rheumatology practice guidelines, including how race is defined and used in diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

METHODS

We searched race and ethnicity terms in all clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) that were published between 2010 and 2020 and publicly available on professional society websites. Findings were summarized and assessed through standardized data abstraction forms. Key themes were identified through a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

A total of 23 ACR clinical practice guidelines and 42 EULAR recommendations were reviewed. In total, 16 of 65 (25%) of the guidelines used race terms in their text. No guideline clearly defined race, and race was often conflated with ethnicity and/or genetic ancestry. Reported racial categories varied substantially by guideline and often used classifications that oversimplified and excluded non-White races. Research with insufficient racial diversity was used to make race-based recommendations for Black patients that may not be generalizable. Additionally, recommendations using research on predominantly White populations reinforced data of White populations as normative and perpetuated race-based stereotypes, especially for rare diseases. Structural causes of identified racial disparities were not discussed in clinical guidelines.

CONCLUSION

There is an urgent need for standardized race reporting in rheumatology. Recommendations are provided to enhance consistency and accuracy of race and ethnicity terms, mitigate conflation of race with ethnicity or genetic ancestry, encourage a critical reanalysis of race-based diagnostic tools and treatment options, and better address the structural causes of racial disparities.

Patients' Baseline Characteristics, but Not Tocilizumab Exposure, Affect Severe Outcomes Onset in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Real-World Study

Objectives: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is associated with severe outcomes such as infections and cardiovascular diseases. We describe here the impact of GCA patients’ characteristics and treatment exposure on the occurrence of severe outcomes. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from real-world GCA patients with a minimum of six-months follow-up. We recorded severe outcomes and treatment exposure. In the survival analysis, we studied the predictive factors of severe outcomes occurrence, including treatment exposure (major glucocorticoids (GCs) exposure (>10 g of the cumulative dose) and tocilizumab (TCZ) exposure), as time-dependent covariates. Results: Among the 77 included patients, 26% were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The mean cumulative dose of GCs was 7977 ± 4585 mg, 18 patients (23%) had a major GCs exposure, and 40 (52%) received TCZ. Over the 48-month mean follow-up period, 114 severe outcomes occurred in 77% of the patients: infections—29%, cardiovascular diseases—18%, hypertension—15%, fractural osteoporosis—8%, and deaths—6%. Baseline diabetes and overweight were predictive factors of severe outcomes onset (HR, 2.41 [1.05−5.55], p = 0.039; HR, 2.08 [1.14−3.81], p = 0.018, respectively) independently of age, sex, hypertension, and treatment exposure. Conclusion: Diabetic and overweight GCA patients constitute an at-risk group requiring tailored treatment, including vaccination. The effect of TCZ exposure on the reduction of severe outcomes was not proved here.

Utility of serum complement factors C3 and C4 as biomarkers during therapeutic management of giant cell arteritis

OBJECTIVE

There is a strong unmet need for biomarkers in giant cell arteritis (GCA), as C-reactive protein (CRP) may be unreliable in patients treated with Tocilizumab (TCZ). We aimed to assess whether C3 and C4 are useful biomarkers in GCA patients, particularly in those treated with TCZ.

METHOD

We retrospectively enrolled all patients who underwent C3 and C4 measurement at baseline. All patients were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after diagnosis, as part of routine follow-up. Two assessments after the end of the observational period, in case of further relapses, were also included.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean ± sd levels (mg/dL) of C3 (133 ± 28.99) and C4 (25.9 ± 9.04) were within normal ranges. During follow-up, C3 and C4 decreased in patients attaining remission (107.07 ± 19.86, p = 0.0006; 19.86 ± 10.27, p = 0.01, respectively) and sustained remission (95.85 ± 18.04, p = 0.001; 15.61 ± 9.75, p = 0.006). In TCZ-treated patients, even stronger decreases in C3 (83.11 ± 19.66, p = 0.001) and C4 (8.26 ± 3.83, p < 0.0001) were observed, and their values were not correlated with CRP or erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

CONCLUSION

C3 and C4 do not seem useful in the diagnosis of GCA, as normal values do not rule out active vasculitis. However, C3 and C4 correlate with disease activity. As the low C4 levels found in TCZ-treated patients are not correlated with CRP, C4 should be evaluated as a potential biomarker of disease activity and treatment response.

Comparison of 18- and 22-MHz probes for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of giant cell arteritis

PURPOSE

Little is known about the diagnostic concordance of images provided by ultrasound probes with emitting frequencies below or above 20 MHz for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

METHODS

We compared, using Cohen's kappa statistic, data obtained with an 18-MHz and a 22-MHz probe for the ultrasonographic evaluation of temporal arteries in 80 patients referred for suspected GCA.

RESULTS

The halo sign was found in 25% of cases with the 18-MHz probe and in 35% with the 22-MHz probe. The compression sign was positive in 42% of cases with the 18-MHz probe and 48% with the 22-MHz probe. GCA was finally diagnosed in 20 patients (25%). The kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.76 (P < .001) for the halo sign, and 0.75 (P < .001) for the compression sign.

CONCLUSIONS

Images obtained by 18 MHz and 22-MHz frequency probes showed a good level of agreement for the diagnosis of GCA, but the 22-MHz probe yielded a correct diagnosis of GCA in 3 of the 7 patients in whom examination with the 18-MHz probe was negative.

Temporal Artery Ultrasound to Diagnose Giant Cell Arteritis: A Practical Guide

The diagnostic modalities for giant cell arteritis (GCA) have evolved significantly in recent years. Among the different diagnostic tools developed, Doppler ultrasound of the temporal arteries, with a sensitivity and specificity reaching 69% and 82%, respectively, is now recognized as superior and, therefore, is a first-line diagnostic tool in GCA. Moreover, with the increasing development of new ultrasound technologies, the accuracy of Doppler ultrasound in GCA seems to be constantly improving. In this article, we describe in detail the scanning technique to perform while realizing Doppler ultrasound of temporal arteries to assess GCA, as well as the diagnostic performance of this tool according to current literature.

Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis: a single centre NHS experience using imaging (ultrasound and PET-CT) as a diagnostic and monitoring tool

Tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor blocker, is approved for relapsing, refractory giant cell arteritis (GCA). We report real-life clinical experience with TCZ in GCA including assessment of responses on imaging (ultrasound (US) and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-computed Tomography (18FDG-PET-CT)) during the first year of treatment. We included 22 consecutive patients with GCA treated with TCZ where EULAR core data set on disease activity, quality of life (QoL) and treatment-related complications were collected. Pre-TCZ US and 18FDG-PET/CT findings were available for 21 and 4 patients, respectively, where we determined the effect on US halo thickness, temporal and axillary artery Southend Halo Score and Total Vascular Score on 18FDG-PET-CT. The 22 patients with GCA (10 cranial, 10 large vessel, 2 both) had a median disease duration of 58.5 (range, 1-370) weeks prior to initiation of TCZ. Half had used prior conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARDs). TCZ was initiated for refractory (50%), ischaemic (36%) or relapsing (14%) disease. Median follow-up was 43 (12-52) weeks. TCZ was discontinued due to serious adverse events (SAEs) in two patients. On treatment with TCZ, 4 discontinued prednisolone, 11 required doses ≤2.5 mg, 2 required daily dose of 2.5-5 mg and 5 needed prednisolones ≥5 mg daily. QoL improved by 50%. Total US halo thickness decreased in 38 arterial segments, median temporal artery Halo Score decreased from 11 to 0, axillary artery Halo Score remained stable. Median Total Vascular Score on FDG-PET/CT reduced from 11.5 to 6.5. In our experience, TCZ showed an excellent response with acceptable safety in GCA, with improvement on US and FDG-PET/CT imaging.

Long-term follow-up of 89 patients with giant cell arteritis: a retrospective observational study on disease characteristics, flares and organ damage

The objective of the study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis including flares and organ damage in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) from a tertiary referral centre and compare these features in different subgroups. In this retrospective observational study, patients with GCA who were followed up in our vasculitis clinic between 1998 and 2018 were evaluated by a predefined protocol. Patients with and without cranial symptoms were compared for clinical and laboratory features, flares and permanent damage findings. Vasculitis Damage Index and Large Vessel Vasculitis Index of Damage were used for damage assessment. Records of 89 patients (median follow-up time 46 months) were analysed; mean time to diagnosis after initial symptom was longer in patients with acute vision loss (11 ± 4 vs. 4.8 ± 1.1 months p = 0.002). EGG (n = 19) was younger (63 ± 2 vs. 69 ± 1 years old p = 0.01); had higher mean CRP (141.8 ± 107.3 vs. 76.6 ± 67.9 mg/dL p = 0.023) and ESR (120.8 ± 25.1 vs. 99.3 ± 24.3 mm/h p = 0.004) at diagnosis. PET-CT detected large vessel vasculitis in 42/48 (87.5%) cases of the entire cohort. Thirty-one patients had flares and proportion of flared patients was significantly higher in patients with cranial symptoms. At least one damage item (DI) was present in 54 (60.7%) patients. The development of damage was found to be associated with flares. Evaluation of our cohort revealed the importance of early diagnosis for prevention of vision loss in GCA. Patients without cranial symptoms were younger, present with higher inflammatory response and for these, PET-CT was the main diagnostic tool. Relapse rate was higher in patients with cranial symptoms. Flares and accompanying corticosteroid treatment may contribute to organ damage in GCA.

EULAR recommendations for a core data set for pregnancy registries in rheumatology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is an urgent need for robust data on the trajectories and outcomes of pregnancies in women with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD). In particular when rare outcomes or rare diseases are to be investigated, collaborative approaches are required. However, joint data analyses are often limited by the heterogeneity of the different data sources.To facilitate future research collaboration, a European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Task Force defined a core data set with a minimum of items to be collected by pregnancy registries in rheumatology covering the period of pregnancy and the 28-day neonatal phase in women with any underlying IRD.

METHODS

A stepwise process included a two-round Delphi survey and a face-to-face meeting to achieve consensus about relevant items.

RESULTS

A total of 64 multidisciplinary stakeholders from 14 different countries participated in the two rounds of the Delphi process. During the following face-to-face meeting of the EULAR Task Force, consensus was reached on 51 main items covering 'maternal information', 'pregnancy' and 'treatment'. Generic instruments for assessment are recommended for every item. Furthermore, for the five most frequent IRDs rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases, disease-specific laboratory markers and disease activity measurements are proposed.

CONCLUSION

This is the first consensus-based core data set for prospective pregnancy registries in rheumatology. Its purpose is to stimulate and facilitate multinational collaborations that aim to increase the knowledge about pregnancy course and safety of treatment in women with IRDs during pregnancy.

Imaging for Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Outcome Prediction of Large Vessel Vasculitides

Purpose of Review

To discuss and summarize the latest evidence on imaging techniques in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). This is a report on the performance of ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG-PET), and other emerging imaging techniques in diagnosis, outcome prediction, and monitoring of disease activity.

Recent Findings

Imaging techniques have gained an important role for diagnosis of large vessel vasculitides (LVV). As signs of vasculitis, US, MRI, and CT show a homogeneous arterial wall thickening, which is mostly concentric. PET displays increased FDG uptake in inflamed artery walls. US is recommended as the initial imaging modality in GCA. MRI and PET/CT may also detect vasculitis of temporal arteries. For TAK, MRI is recommended as the first imaging modality as it provides a good overview without radiation. Extracranial LVV can be confirmed by all four modalities. In addition, MRI and PET/CT provide consistent examination of the aorta and its branches. New techniques such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound, PET/MRI, and auxiliary methods such as “computer-assisted quantitative analysis” have emerged and need to be further validated.

Summary

Imaging has partly replaced histology for confirming LVV. Provided experience and adequate training, US, MRI, CT, or PET provide excellent diagnostic accuracy. Imaging results need to complement history and clinical examination. Ongoing studies are evaluating the role of imaging for monitoring and outcome measurement.

The relationship between glycated haemoglobin levels and the risk of giant cell arteritis - a case-control study

Objectives

The EULAR core dataset for observational studies in GCA does not include glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c). A multivariable score to stratify the pre-test probability of GCA also does not include HbA_1c. There have been contradictory reports about diabetes mellitus being a risk factor for GCA. We report the first study analysing the relationship of pre-diagnosis HbA_1c with the risk of GCA.

Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective case–control study conducted in Norfolk, UK. All GCA cases were diagnosed with imaging or biopsy. Each case was assigned two age- and sex-matched controls. The primary outcome measure was the glycaemic status (HbA_1c categorized into euglycaemia, pre-diabetes or diabetes mellitus) at diagnosis between cases and controls. The HbA_1c was compared between two groups using the Mann–Whitney U test. The glycaemic categorization was compared using the χ² test.

Results

One hundred and twelve cases and 224 controls were included. The median (interquartile range) of HbA_1c of cases and controls was 40 (37, 43) and 41 (39, 47) mmol/mol (P < 0.001), respectively. Ten of 112 cases and 52 of 224 controls had diabetes mellitus. The χ² test demonstrated a significant interaction between glycaemic state and GCA (P = 0.006). Individuals with diabetes mellitus had an odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.32 (0.13, 0.74) (P = 0.008) of having GCA compared with euglycaemic individuals.

Conclusion

HbA_1c in the diabetic range reduces the probability of GCA. HbA_1c should be considered in any multivariable score to calculate the risk of GCA, and in future development of diagnostic and classification criteria. There is a need for an epidemiological study looking at the possibility of a protective nature of diabetes mellitus against GCA or whether it is only a mimic.

The anti-viral facet of anti-rheumatic drugs: Lessons from COVID-19

The outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has posed the world at a pandemic risk. Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which causes pneumonia, requires intensive care unit hospitalization in about 10% of cases and can lead to a fatal outcome. Several efforts are currently made to find a treatment for COVID-19 patients. So far, several anti-viral and immunosuppressive or immunomodulating drugs have demonstrated some efficacy on COVID-19 both in vitro and in animal models as well as in cases series. In COVID-19 patients a pro-inflammatory status with high levels of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-1 receptor (R)A and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α has been demonstrated. Moreover, high levels of IL-6 and TNF-α have been observed in patients requiring intensive-care-unit hospitalization. This provided rationale for the use of anti-rheumatic drugs as potential treatments for this severe viral infection. Other agents, such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine might have a direct anti-viral effect. The anti-viral aspect of immunosuppressants towards a variety of viruses has been known since long time and it is herein discussed in the view of searching for a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection.