Rituximab for granulomatosis with polyangiitis in the pandemic of covid-19: lessons from a case with severe pneumonia

Kv1.3 blockade by ShK186 modulates CD4+ effector memory T-cell activity of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis

OBJECTIVES

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a chronic relapsing systemic autoimmune vasculitis. Current treatment of GPA is unsatisfactory, as it relies on strong immunosuppressive regimens, with either CYC or rituximab, which reduce the immunogenicity of several vaccines and are risk factors for a severe form of COVID-19. This emphasizes the need to identify new drug targets and to develop treatment strategies with less harmful side effects. Since CD4+ effector memory T cells (TEM) play a key role in the pathogenesis of GPA, we aimed in this study to modulate CD4+TEM cell activity via Kv1.3 blockade using the specific peptide inhibiter, ShK-186.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples from 27 patients with GPA in remission and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were pre-incubated in vitro in the presence or absence of ShK-186, followed by stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, calcium ionophore and brefeldin-A. The effect of ShK-186 on the cytokine production (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-17, IL-21) within total and subsets of CD4+ T helper (CD4+TH) cells were assessed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

ShK-186 reduced the expression level of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-21 in CD4+TH cells from patients with GPA in vitro. Further analysis performed on sorted CD4+T cell subsets, revealed that ShK-186 predominantly inhibited the cytokine production of CD4+TEM cells. ShK-186 treatment reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines to the level seen in CD4+ TH cells from HCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Modulation of cellular effector function by ShK-186 may constitute a novel treatment strategy for GPA with high specificity and less harmful side effects.

A Case of Postcoronavirus Disease 2019 Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis Successfully Treated with Rituximab

We report a case of a 69-year-old Caucasian male with a history of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and Stage IIIa chronic kidney disease (CKD), who presented to the emergency department with positional dizziness, generalized weakness, weight loss, and suppressed appetite. Two months earlier, the patient was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient had non-oliguric acute kidney injury alongside preexisting CKD. The urinalysis showed hematuria and significant non-nephrotic proteinuria. His serological markers were positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with high titers. A kidney biopsy showed focal crescentic glomerulonephritis of the pauci-immune type. Initially, treatment with immunosuppressive medication was deferred because the biopsy findings suggested a poor renal outcome, as the cortical sample showed tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis of more than 50%. The patient was discharged but was later readmitted with worsening renal function, deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities, and patchy lung consolidation suggesting possible pneumonia, which was ruled out. He required dialysis and brief empiric antibiotics for pneumonia, and anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis, and was treated with intravenous (IV) pulsed steroids, followed by gradually tapering oral steroids and rituximab induction therapy. He continued dialysis three times a week. Three months after discharge, his renal function improved to near-baseline level, and he no longer required hemodialysis. He continues to be on maintenance IV rituximab therapy and low-dose oral steroids and is followed closely by a rheumatologist. Our case reflects the evolving state of understanding how COVID-19 impacts the immune system, its varying manifestations, and its management.

COVID-19 vaccination of patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines among patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) in China.

METHODS

Participants who were diagnosed with a chronic IMID were eligible for inclusion in this study. Age- and sex-matched healthy vaccinated individuals were set as the control group. All participants received two doses of the inactivated CoronaVac vaccine or three doses of the recombinant protein subunit vaccine ZF2001. Adverse events, IMID activity after vaccination, and the rate of COVID-19 in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

There were 158 patients in the IMID group, with an average age of 40 ± 14 years old, and 98 female subjects. In the IMID group, 123 patients received the inactivated CoronaVac vaccine, and 35 patients received the recombinant protein subunit vaccine ZF2001. There were 153 individuals in the control group, including 122 who received the CoronaVac vaccine and 31 who received the recombinant protein subunit vaccine ZF2001. The frequency of vaccine-related adverse events in the IMID group was less than that in the control group, all of which were mild local effects, and no serious events occurred. Of note, no disease flares occurred in the IMID group. No participants in either group subsequently got COVID-19, so the incidence rate was 0% in both groups.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 vaccination was found to be safe for IMID subjects, any adverse events were mild, and vaccination did not increase the risk of disease activity. Meanwhile, vaccination could effectively reduce the incidence of COVID-19 in IMID patients. In the future, studies with a larger sample size and a longer duration are needed.

COVID-19 after rituximab therapy in cSLE patients

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rituximab is a B-cell depleting therapy utilized in the treatment of SLE. In adults, rituximab has been associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess the impact of prior rituximab treatment on clinical outcomes from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children with SLE. To describe the impact of rituximab on outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection, we conducted a retrospective study of pediatric SLE patients in our center diagnosed with COVID-19 who had previously received rituximab between February 2019 and October 2022. Patients' clinical characteristics, disease activity, and outcomes were assessed. Of the eight subjects assessed, five required hospitalizations for COVID-19, four required ICU admission, and two were seen in the emergency department for their symptoms. One patient ultimately expired from her illness. The median time between rituximab administration and COVID-19 diagnosis was 3 months. We assessed the clinical outcomes, including the need of ICU admission and fatal outcome, of COVID-19 in our cSLE patient population after rituximab administration. Approximately 60% of our patients required hospitalization for their illness, and seven out of eight patients required healthcare utilization to include hospitalization and/or emergency department visits.

Hypogammaglobulinemia, late-onset neutropenia, and infections following rituximab

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-expressing B lymphocytes, has a well-defined efficacy and safety profile, and is broadly used to treat a wide array of diseases. In this review, we cover the mechanism of action of rituximab and focus on hypogammaglobulinemia and late-onset neutropenia-2 immune effects secondary to rituximab-and subsequent infection. We review risk factors and highlight key considerations for immunologic monitoring and clinical management of rituximab-induced secondary immune deficiencies. In patients treated with rituximab, monitoring for hypogammaglobulinemia and infections may help to identify the subset of patients at high risk for developing poor B cell reconstitution, subsequent infections, and adverse complications. These patients may benefit from early interventions such as vaccination, antibacterial prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Systematic evaluation of immunoglobulin levels and peripheral B cell counts by flow cytometry, both at baseline and periodically after therapy, is recommended for monitoring. In addition, in those patients with prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia and increased infections after rituximab use, immunologic evaluation for inborn errors of immunity may be warranted to further risk stratification, increase monitoring, and assist in therapeutic decision-making. As the immunologic effects of rituximab are further elucidated, personalized approaches to minimize the risk of adverse reactions while maximizing benefit will allow for improved care of patients with decreased morbidity and mortality.

CovAID: Identification of factors associated with severe COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory rheumatism or autoimmune diseases

Introduction

Autoimmune/inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) patients might be at-risk of severe COVID-19. However, whether this is linked to the disease or to its treatment is difficult to determine. This study aimed to identify factors associated with occurrence of severe COVID-19 in AIRD patients and to evaluate whether having an AIRD was associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 or death.

Materials and methods

Two databases were analyzed: the EDS (Entrepôt des Données de Santé, Clinical Data Warehouse), including all patients followed in Paris university hospitals and the French multi-center COVID-19 cohort [French rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD)]. First, in a combined analysis we compared patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19 to identify factors associated with severity. Then, we performed a propensity matched score case-control study within the EDS database to compare AIRD cases and non-AIRD controls.

Results

Among 1,213 patients, 195 (16.1%) experienced severe COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, older age, interstitial lung disease (ILD), arterial hypertension, obesity, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, auto-inflammatory diseases, and treatment with corticosteroids or rituximab were associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19. Among 35,741 COVID-19 patients in EDS, 316 having AIRDs were compared to 1,264 Propensity score-matched controls. AIRD patients had a higher risk of severe COVID-19 [aOR = 1.43 (1.08-1.87), p = 0.01] but analysis restricted to rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis found no increased risk of severe COVID-19 [aOR = 1.11 (0.68-1.81)].

Conclusion

In this multicenter study, we confirmed that AIRD patients treated with rituximab or corticosteroids and/or having vasculitis, auto-inflammatory disease, and sarcoidosis had increased risk of severe COVID-19. Also, AIRD patients had, overall, an increased risk of severe COVID-19 compares general population.

Temporal Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Infection Pattern in Patients Admitted with Hematological Diseases—A Single Center Experience from North India

Previous studies have shown the vulnerability of hematological patients with the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to compare the outcomes and risk factors for poor survival in patients with hematological conditions hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. Single centre, retrospective, cohort study included all patients with a hematological condition admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, New Delhi, India between 1 April 2020 and 31 May 2021. Of a total of 154 patients, 81 were in the pre-delta group and 73 were in the delta group out of which 21 (25.97%) in the pre-delta group and 24 (33.88%) patients in the delta group died. Haematological characteristics—age > 60 years, progressive hematological cancer, more than two lines of anti-cancer therapy, and active chemo-immunotherapy or targeted therapy were associated with higher mortality in the delta group. COVID-19 characteristics associated with higher mortality during the delta wave were severity of COVID infection, higher oxygen requirements, and COVID plasma therapy There were no deaths in individuals (n = 15) within the delta group who received COVID-19 vaccination. This study adds to the evidence that patients with hematological diseases are a particularly vulnerable group and the delta variant of the virus is associated with higher mortality. We could identify patient characteristics and features related to COVID-19 infection and underlying hematological conditions that were associated with poor outcomes in the delta sub-group. Vaccination was found to be an effective strategy for overcoming mortality and morbidity in these patients.

Autoimmune bullous diseases during COVID-19 pandemic: 2022 update on rituximab and vaccine

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a heterogeneous group of life-threatening disorders associated with subepidermal or intraepidermal blistering. Skin barrier alterations and prolonged immunosuppressive treatments increase the risk of infections in patients with AIBDs, who are considered fragile. COVID-19 pandemic had a heavy impact on these patients. Although advances have been made in terms of prevention and treatment of COVID-19, this topic remains significant as the pandemic and its waves could last several years and, so far, a relevant proportion of the population worldwide is not vaccinated. This review is a 2022 update that summarizes and discusses the pandemic's burden on AIBD patients mainly considering relevant studies in terms of: (i) sample dimension; (ii) quality of control populations; (iii) possible standardization by age, gender and country. The findings show that: (i) the risk of COVID-19 infection and its severe course were comparable in AIBD patients and in the general population, except for rituximab-treated patients that presented a higher risk of infection and severe disease; (ii) the mortality rate in COVID-19-infected bullous pemphigoid patients was higher than in the general population, (iii) 121 cases of AIBD onset and 185 cases of relapse or exacerbation occurred after COVID-19 vaccination and a causal relationship has not been demonstrated so far. Altogether, acquired knowledge on COVID-19 pandemic could also be important in possible, albeit undesirable, future pandemic scenarios.

Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis with COVID-19: A Single Center Experience

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients particularly presenting as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) are at extremely high risk of progressing to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD); therefore, timely intervention is important. We describe our experience of managing six AAV patients who were on treatment (induction phase) and developed COVID-19. Cyclophosphamide was stopped till RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was reported negative and patient had improved symptomatically. Out of our six patients, one died. Subsequently, cyclophosphamide was successfully resumed in all the surviving patients. In patients of AAV with COVID-19, close monitoring and withholding of cytotoxic medication and continuing steroids till active infection subsides is an effective treatment strategy until more and more data from well-conducted largescale studies become available for guidance.

Review of an Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Skin

Biologic therapies targeting B-cells are emerging as an effective strategy to treat a variety of immune-mediated diseases. One of the most studied B-cell-targeted therapies is rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that exemplifies B-cell depletion therapy and has served as the prototype for other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and the development of biosimilars. While there are multiple studies on the use of rituximab in dermatology, a comprehensive review of rituximab therapy in autoimmune skin conditions is lacking. In this literature review, we summarize indications, treatment efficacy, and safety of rituximab among common autoimmune diseases of the skin: pemphigus vulgaris, cutaneous lupus erythematous, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, thyroid dermopathy, autoimmune pemphigoid diseases, and cutaneous vasculitis diseases. Existing data on rituximab support the approach of rituximab, biosimilars, and newer B-cell-targeting therapies in immune-mediated cutaneous diseases. Overall, rituximab, which targets CD20, provides an effective alternative or concomitant option to traditional immunosuppressants in the management of various autoimmune diseases of the skin. Further studies are necessary to expand the understanding and possible utility of B-cell-targeted therapies among autoimmune skin diseases.

Lynch sendromu ve atipik hemolitik üremik sendrom ile takipli bir hastada COVID-19 sonrası ANCA ilişkili vaskülit gelişimi

COVID-19 asemptomatik olabileceği gibi birden fazla sistemi etkileyebilecek çok ciddi klinik tablolara da neden olabilir. Hastalık ilerledikçe, klinik deneyimimiz ve karşılaştığımız klinik sunumlar ve yönetim stratejileri de daha çeşitli ve farklı hale gelir. ANCA pozitifliği özellikle granülomatöz polianjit, mikroskobik PAN ve eozinofilik granülomatöz polianjit gibi küçük damar vaskülitlerinin tanısında bir gösterge olarak kullanılır. ANCA ile ilişkili vaskülit şiddetli solunum semptomları ile kendini gösterebilir. Bu hasta grubunun yönetimi çok zordur çünkü COVID -19 pnömonisi sıklıkla bu şikayetlerle karışabilir ve ANCA ile ilişkili vaskülit tedavisinde kullanılması gereken immünosupresif tedavide ciddi kısıtlamalara yol açar. Salgının başlangıcında, bilgimiz, COVID-19 ve vaskülitik sendromların kombinasyonu için immünosupresif tedavi alan hastalarda enfeksiyonlara karşı artan duyarlılık ve daha şiddetli hastalık nedeniyle sınırlıyken, daha sonra enfeksiyonlara sekonder vaskülit vakaları bildirilmiştir. Olgumuzda atipik hemolitik üremik sendrom (A-HUS) ve Lynch sendromu tanıları ile takip edilmekteyken, COVID -19 pnömonisi sonrası yeni başlayan ANCA pozitifliğine bağlı vaskülit ve alveoler kanama tanısı alarak immünosupresif tedavilerle başarıyla tedavi edilen zor ve ilginç bir vaka anlatılmıştır.

Promising Efficacy of a Third Dose of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients Treated with Anti-CD20 Antibody Who Failed 2-Dose Vaccination

Anti-CD20 antibodies react with CD20 expressed not only on malignant B cells, but also on normal B cells. It has been reported that patients treated with anti-CD20 antibodies had an insufficient response to two-dose mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. To investigate the efficacy of a third dose in these patients, we investigated serum IgG antibody titers for the S1 protein after a third vaccination in 22 patients treated with the anti-CD20 antibody who failed two-dose vaccination. Results showed that overall, 50% of patients seroconverted. Although no patient who received the third dose within 1 year of the last anti-CD20 antibody administration showed an increase in S1 antibody titer, 69% of patients who received the third dose more than 1 year after the last anti-CD20 antibody administration seroconverted. Our data show that a third dose of vaccination is effective in improving the seroconversion rate in patients treated with the anti-CD20 antibody who failed standard two-dose vaccination.

Progression of COVID-19 in a Patient on Anti-CD20 Antibody Treatment: Case Report and Literature Review

Accumulating evidence suggests that anti-CD20 treatments are associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman treated with the B-cell-depleting anti-CD20 antibody rituximab for seropositive rheumatoid arthritis with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causing a clinical relapse more than 4 weeks after the first manifestation. Persistently positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results along with a drop in cycling threshold (Ct) values, in addition to recovery of identical viral genotype by whole genome sequencing (WGS) during the disease course, argued against reinfection. No seroconversion was noted, as expected on anti-CD20 treatment. Several other case reports have highlighted potentially fatal courses of COVID-19 associated with B-cell-depleting treatments.

Limited increase in antibody titers following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for more than 3 years after final dose of anti-CD20 antibody

We investigated the efficacy of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in patients with B-cell malignancies treated with anti-CD20 antibody. Although T-cell-mediated immune responses were detected even in patients receiving R-CHOP treatment, the S1 antibody titer following BNT162b2 vaccination remained only marginally increased for more than 3 years after the final dose of anti-CD20 antibody. We found no relationship between the percent of B-cells and S1 antibody titer. The duration of this suppression was much longer than we anticipated. Further protection and treatment strategies against COVID-19 for these patients are warranted.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Information on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the presentation and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with CKD followed at any of the four pediatric nephrology centers in New Delhi from April 2020 to June 2021. Outcomes, including cardiopulmonary and renal complications, were reported in relation to underlying disease category and illness severity at presentation.

RESULTS

Underlying illness in 88 patients included nephrotic syndrome (50%), other CKD stages 1-4 (18.2%), CKD 5D (17%), and CKD 5T (14.8%). Thirty-two of 61 patients with symptomatic COVID-19 and 9/27 asymptomatic patients were admitted for median 10 (interquartile range 7-15) days. Seventeen (19.3%) patients developed moderate or severe COVID-19. Systemic complications, observed in 30 (34.1%), included acute kidney injury (AKI, 34.2%), COVID-19 pneumonia (15.9%), unrelated pulmonary disease (2.3%), and shock (4.5%). Nineteen (21.6%) had severe complications (AKI stage 2-3, encephalopathy, respiratory failure, shock). Eight (11%) of twelve (16.4%) patients with severe AKI required dialysis. Three (3.4%) patients, two with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in relapse and one with CKD 1-4, died due to respiratory failure. Univariate logistic regression indicated that patients presenting with nephrotic syndrome in relapse or moderate to severe COVID-19 were at risk of AKI (respective odds ratio, 95%CI: 3.62, 1.01-12.99; 4.58, 1.06-19.86) and/or severe complications (respective odds ratio, 95%CI: 5.92, 1.99-17.66; 61.2, 6.99-536.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CKD presenting with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 or in nephrotic syndrome relapse are at risk of severe complications, including severe AKI and mortality. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

More difficult still: Treating severe rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in the context of COVID-19 pneumonia

We present the case of a male patient with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, with simultaneous onset of p-ANCA positive rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. We discuss the different therapeutic possibilities, emphasising the appropriateness of their administration according to the time in the course of the infection.

COVID-19 in B Cell-Depleted Patients After Rituximab: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

B cell-targeting strategies such as rituximab are widely used in B cell hematologic malignancies, rheumatologic and musculoskeletal diseases and a variety of autoimmune disorders. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how exposure to anti-CD20 treatment profoundly affects B cell functions involved in anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity and significantly impacts on the clinical and serological course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long term immunity and vaccine responses. The data presented here suggest that the effects of B cell-depleting agents on adaptive immunity should be taken into account for the proper selection and interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and to guide appropriate therapeutic approaches and protective measures. Combination therapeutic strategies including immunotherapy in association with prolonged antiviral treatment may play a decisive role in the setting of B cell immune deficiencies.

COVID vaccination in patients under treatment with rituximab: A presentation of two cases from Iran and a review of the current knowledge with a specific focus on pemphigus

SARS‐COV2 vaccines were approved without long‐term monitoring due to emergent situations. This has raised some issues about the timing and protocol of receiving vaccines in specific situations such as patients receiving immunomodulatory agents including rituximab, which is widely used for various disorders such as multiple sclerosis, pemphigus, and many rheumatologic disorders. We described two cases of pemphigus vulgaris (a new case and one with flare‐up) following vaccination with Astrazeneca in Iran and reviewed the existing data in this regard through searching on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. All of the relevant papers published until June 28, 2021, which we could access their full‐texts were included. We found some recommendations made by rheumatologists, neurologists, and dermatologists in regard to vaccination timing in this group of patients and tried to summarize them to provide a practical guide for clinicians. Clinicians should perform a careful, individualized risk–benefit assessment for their patients and consider a delay in rituximab administration after completion of COVID vaccination if there is not any considerable risk of disease relapse or organ failure. Moreover, choosing vaccines with potential of providing protection after single dose, especially in countries with limited access to vaccines may be a reasonable approach.

Outcome of COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis patients receiving disease-modifying therapies

Background

With the spread of COVID-19, treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) should be resumed with caution due to the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) used in this subset of patients and the immunoregulatory effects of these drugs. We aim to assess the outcome of COVID-19 infection in MS patients receiving DMTs.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross-sectional study involving 45 COVID-19-infected patients previously diagnosed with MS. The data regarding their MS status and the type of DMT taken by the patients were extracted from the Isfahan MS Institute registry and were summarized. Diagnosis of MS was based on the 2017 McDonald Criteria, and the diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on computed tomography scan and polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs.

Results

Out of the 45 MS patients infected with COVID-19, 5 had unfavorable outcomes. Two patients deceased and the other three had persistent respiratory complications on the 4-week follow-up visit. Hypertension, diabetes, seizures, and rheumatoid arthritis were among the comorbidities that the patients reported. Both patients who died received rituximab as part of their MS treatment. All other patients recovered completely.

Conclusion

Each different drug category may possess a distinct risk for infection, therefore until robust evidence are available, the safest drug should be utilized or the therapy should be postponed, if possible, to minimize patient risk. Disease-modifying therapy use in MS patients should be cautiously applied as their effect on COVID-19 infection prognosis is not yet studied.

Unexpected Positive Effects of Rituximab and Corticosteroids on COVID-19 in a Patient Suffering from Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns among physicians and patients with autoimmune disorders about how this viral infection affects the patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. There are speculations about a higher incidence and severity of COVID-19 in patients receiving a variety of immunosuppressant drugs. However, we reported the rapid recovery from COVID-19 in a 67-year-old male with granulomatosis with polyangiitis who did not experience severe symptoms of the COVID-19 as expected, despite having a history of serious lung involvement due to the autoimmune disease. He received conventional medications to treat COVID-19, though he had been receiving rituximab and corticosteroids before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Prevention of the cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to taking the immunosuppressive drugs (rituximab and corticosteroids) could be a reason for these unexpected observations. Therefore, this case showed that taking immunosuppressive drugs is unlikely to be directly related to the increased severity of COVID-19.

The Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients with a History of Taking Rituximab: A Narrative Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently emerging disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Notably, the safety of immunosuppressive medications is a major concern during an infectious disease pandemic. Rituximab (RTX), as a monoclonal antibody against CD20 molecule, is widely used for the treatment of various diseases, mostly autoimmune diseases and some malignancies. Previous studies indicated that RTX, as an immunosuppressive medication, may be associated with the increased risk of infections. Moreover, given the wide use of RTX, a necessity of determining the different aspects of RTX use in the COVID-19 era is strongly felt. We reviewed current studies on the clinical courses of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It appears that the use of RTX does not increase morbidity and mortality in most patients. However, underlying diseases and other concomitant medications may play a role in the disease course, while the concerns of vaccine efficacy in patients receiving RTX still need to be addressed. Therefore, more controlled studies are needed for a better conclusion.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in rituximab-treated patients: B cells promote humoral immune responses in the presence of T-cell-mediated immunity

OBJECTIVES

Evidence suggests that B cell-depleting therapy with rituximab (RTX) affects humoral immune response after vaccination. It remains unclear whether RTX-treated patients can develop a humoral and T-cell-mediated immune response against SARS-CoV-2 after immunisation.

METHODS

Patients under RTX treatment (n=74) were vaccinated twice with either mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2. Antibodies were quantified using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and neutralisation tests. SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses were quantified by IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays. Prepandemic healthy individuals (n=5), as well as healthy individuals (n=10) vaccinated with BNT162b2, served as controls.

RESULTS

All healthy controls developed antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD of the spike protein, but only 39% of the patients under RTX treatment seroconverted. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD significantly correlated with neutralising antibodies (τ=0.74, p<0.001). Patients without detectable CD19+ peripheral B cells (n=36) did not develop specific antibodies, except for one patient. Circulating B cells correlated with the levels of antibodies (τ=0.4, p<0.001). However, even patients with a low number of B cells (<1%) mounted detectable SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were detected in 58% of the patients, independent of a humoral immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that vaccination can induce SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in RTX-treated patients, once peripheral B cells at least partially repopulate. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells that evolved in more than half of the vaccinated patients may exert protective effects independent of humoral immune responses.

COVID-19 and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: effect of disease and treatment on COVID-19 outcomes and vaccine responses

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases were considered to be at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of severe COVID-19. Data collected over the past year, however, suggest that a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel diseases does not increase risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 compared with people without these diseases. Furthermore, substantial data suggest that certain medications frequently used in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, in particular cytokine inhibitors, might even lower the risk for severe COVID-19. Conversely, glucocorticoids and potentially B-cell-depleting treatments seem to worsen COVID-19 outcomes. Additionally, the first data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with these diseases suggest that tolerability of vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is good, although the immune response to vaccination can be somewhat reduced in this patient group, particularly those taking methotrexate or CD20-targeted treatment.

Protracted severe COVID-19 pneumonia following rituximab treatment: caution needed

The outcomes of COVID-19 in patients treated with biologic agents are a subject of intense investigation. Recent data indicated that patients under rituximab (RTX) may carry an increased risk of serious disease. We performed an electronic search in Medline and Scopus using the keywords rituximab and COVID-19. We present a rare case of severe, protracted COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) who was infected a few days following RTX treatment. In a relevant literature search, we identified 18 cases of patients with rheumatic diseases (6 RA, 8 ANCA vasculitis, 3 systemic sclerosis and 1 polymyositis) treated with RTX who experienced an atypical and/or prolonged course of COVID-19 pneumonia with no evidence of cytokine storm. Our case indicates that RTX may unfavorably affect outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. B cell depletion may dampen the humoral response against the virus; we may hypothesize that B cell-depleted patients may be protected from cytokine storm but on the other hand may have difficulties in virus clearance leading to a protracted course. Taking into account that COVID-19 vaccines are available we may consider delaying RTX infusions at least in patients without life threatening disease, until vaccination is completed.

COVID-19 vaccination and antirheumatic therapy

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination will be the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS. Patients on immunosuppressive therapy will be among the earliest to be vaccinated. Some evidence indicates immunosuppressive therapy inhibits humoral response to the influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis B vaccines. The degree to which this will translate to impaired COVID-19 vaccine responses is unclear. Other evidence suggests withholding MTX for 2 weeks post-vaccination may improve responses. Rituximab has been shown to impair humoral responses for 6 months or longer post-administration. Decisions on withholding or interrupting immunosuppressive therapy around COVID-19 vaccination will need to be made prior to the availability of data on specific COVID-19 vaccine response in these patients. With this in mind, this article outlines the existing data on the effect of antirheumatic therapy on vaccine responses in patients with inflammatory arthritis and formulates a possible pragmatic management strategy for COVID-19 vaccination.

Prolonged in-hospital stay and higher mortality after Covid-19 among patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with B-cell depleting immunotherapy

Prolonged Covid-19 is an emerging issue for patients with lymphoma or immune deficiency. We aimed to examine prolonged length of in-hospital stay (LOS) due to Covid-19 among patients with lymphoma and assess its determinants and outcomes. Adult patients with lymphoma admitted for Covid-19 to 16 French hospitals in March and April, 2020 were included. Length of in-hospital stay was analyzed as a competitor vs death. The study included 111 patients. The median age was 65 years (range, 19-92). Ninety-four patients (85%) had B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Within the 12 months prior to hospitalization for Covid-19, 79 patients (71%) were treated for their lymphoma. Among them, 63 (57%) received an anti-CD20 therapy. Fourteen patients (12%) had relapsed/refractory disease. The median LOS was 14 days (range, 1-235). After a median follow-up of 191 days (3-260), the 6-month overall survival was 69%. In multivariable analyses, recent administration of anti-CD20 therapy was associated with prolonged LOS (subdistribution hazard ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.42-3.6, p < 0.001) and higher risk of death (hazard ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.04-4.52, p = 0.039). An age ≥ 70 years and relapsed/refractory lymphoma were also associated with prolonged LOS and decreased overall survival. In conclusion, an age ≥ 70 years, a relapsed/refractory lymphoma and recent administration of anti-CD20 therapy are risk factors for prolonged LOS and death for lymphoma patients hospitalized for Covid-19. These findings may contribute to guide the management of lymphoma during the pandemic, support evaluating specific therapeutic approaches, and raise questions on the efficacy and timing of vaccination of this particular population.

Long-Term Safety of Rituximab (Risks of Viral and Opportunistic Infections)

Purpose of Review

We reviewed the current data on infections associated with rituximab use published over the last 5 years.

Recent Findings

New literature was available on rates of serious infections, Hepatitis B reactivation and screening, and infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Summary

Rates of infection varied by study and population, however, higher risk of infection in patients with underlying rheumatologic diseases was seen in those who required a therapy switch, had a smoking history, and those undergoing retreatment who had a serious infection with their first course of therapy. With regards to HBV, the proportion of patients screened continues to be inadequate. Despite the upfront cost, HBV screening and prophylaxis were found to be cost effective. There is still limited data regarding COVID-19 severity in the setting of rituximab, however, rituximab, especially in combination with steroids, may lead to more severe disease and higher mortality.

B cell depletion impairs vaccination-induced CD8+ T cell responses in a type I interferon-dependent manner

OBJECTIVES

The monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab is frequently applied in the treatment of lymphoma as well as autoimmune diseases and confers efficient depletion of recirculating B cells. Correspondingly, B cell-depleted patients barely mount de novo antibody responses during infections or vaccinations. Therefore, efficient immune responses of B cell-depleted patients largely depend on protective T cell responses.

METHODS

CD8⁺ T cell expansion was studied in rituximab-treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and B cell-deficient mice on vaccination/infection with different vaccines/pathogens.

RESULTS

Rituximab-treated RA patients vaccinated with Influvac showed reduced expansion of influenza-specific CD8⁺ T cells when compared with healthy controls. Moreover, B cell-deficient JHT mice infected with mouse-adapted Influenza or modified vaccinia virus Ankara showed less vigorous expansion of virus-specific CD8⁺ T cells than wild type mice. Of note, JHT mice do not have an intrinsic impairment of CD8⁺ T cell expansion, since infection with vaccinia virus induced similar T cell expansion in JHT and wild type mice. Direct type I interferon receptor signalling of B cells was necessary to induce several chemokines in B cells and to support T cell help by enhancing the expression of MHC-I.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on the stimulus, B cells can modulate CD8⁺ T cell responses. Thus, B cell depletion causes a deficiency of de novo antibody responses and affects the efficacy of cellular response including cytotoxic T cells. The choice of the appropriate vaccine to vaccinate B cell-depleted patients has to be re-evaluated in order to efficiently induce protective CD8⁺ T cell responses.

Rheumatological complications of Covid 19

Introduction

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hardships in the 21st century with more than 150 million infections. Various immunological phenomena have been described during the course of the infection, and this infection has also triggered autoimmunity. Rheumatological illnesses have been described following resolution of the acute infection; hence we sought to conduct a review of the rheumatological complications of COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a literature search for articles relating to sequelae of COVID-19 from Jan 2020 to 30th April 2021.

Results

We found a number of reports of inflammatory arthritis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. SLE and renal disease have been described, and vasculitis also appears to be a common complication. Rhabdomyolysis and myositis has also been reported in a number of patients. We also found some evidence of large vessel vasculitis in ‘long COVID’ patients.

Conclusions

This review highlights a number of important complications such as inflammatory arthritis, lupus-like disease, myostis and vasculitis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Perfect Storm: A Rheumatologist's Point of View on COVID-19 Infection

The new coronavirus infection (Covid-19) is a pandemic that has affected the whole world and progresses with high morbidity and mortality. It has a high contagion rate and a course capable of rapid lung involvement with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary insufficiency. A severe clinical picture develops as a result of a "perfect cytokine storm" which results from possible immunological mechanisms triggered by the viral infection. Immune system dysregulation and possible autoinflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms are responsible for a higher amount of cytokines release from immune cells. Although no clear treatment of Covid-19 infection has emerged yet, it is argued that some disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be effective in addition to anti-viral treatments. These drugs (anti-malarial drugs, colchicum dispert, biologics) have been well known to rheumatologists for years because they are used in the treatment of many inflammatory rheumatologic diseases. Another important issue is whether DMARDs, which can cause severe immunosuppression, pose a risk for Covid-19 infection and whether they have been discontinued beforehand. Although there are insufficient data on this subject, considering the risk of disease reactivation, patients may continue their DMARDs treatment under the supervision of a rheumatologist. In this article, the possible immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Covid-19 infection and the efficacy and safety of various DMARDs used in the treatment are discussed from a rheumatologist's perspective in the light of recent literature data.

COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis on rituximab: case-based review

A 77-year-old man with past medical history of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) on rituximab and prednisone, presented to the hospital with worsening cough and shortness of breath. He had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection by nasal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) while asymptomatic, 6 weeks earlier. He started with cough and shortness of breath 2 weeks after his initial positive test. After developing symptoms, he tested negative twice by nasal swab PCR, but the PCR of his bronchioloalveolar lavage was positive for SARS-CoV-2. He did not develop antibodies against coronavirus. Prednisone 15 mg daily was continued, and he received remdesivir, and convalescent plasma with quick recovery. We reviewed the literature to search for similar cases. Our case suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients on rituximab may have an atypical presentation and the diagnosis may be delayed due to negative PCR testing in the nasal swab. Patients may benefit from treatment with convalescent plasma.

Updated APLAR consensus statements on care for patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

AIM

To update previous guidance of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) on the management of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

Research questions were formulated focusing on diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with RMD within the context of the pandemic, including the management of RMD in patients who developed COVID-19. MEDLINE was searched for eligible studies to address the questions, and the APLAR COVID-19 task force convened 2 meetings through video conferencing to discuss its findings and integrate best available evidence with expert opinion. Consensus statements were finalized using the modified Delphi process.

RESULTS

Agreement was obtained around key aspects of screening for or diagnosis of COVID-19; management of patients with RMD without confirmed COVID-19; and management of patients with RMD with confirmed COVID-19. The task force achieved consensus on 25 statements covering the potential risk of acquiring COVID-19 in RMD patients, advice on RMD medication adjustment and continuation, the roles of telemedicine and vaccination, and the impact of the pandemic on quality of life and on treatment adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence primarily from descriptive research supported new recommendations for aspects of RMD care not covered in the previous document, particularly with regard to risk factors for complicated COVID-19 in RMD patients, modifications to RMD treatment regimens in the context of the pandemic, and COVID-19 vaccination in patients with RMD.

COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients Undergoing B Cell Depletion Therapy and Those with Humoral Immunodeficiency States: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The role of humoral immunity has been well established in reducing infection risk and facilitating viral clearance in patients with COVID-19. However, the relationship between specific antibody responses and severity of COVID-19 is less well understood.

METHODS

To address this question and identify gaps in knowledge, we utilized the methodology of a scoping review to interrogate risk of infection and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with iatrogenic and inborn humoral immunodeficiency states based on existing literature.

RESULTS

Among patients with iatrogenic B-cell depletion, particularly with agents targeting CD20, our analysis found increased risk of severe COVID-19 and death across a range of underlying disease states. Among patients with humoral inborn errors of immunity with COVID-19, our synthesis found that patients with dysregulated humoral immunity, predominantly common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 than patients with humoral immunodeficiency states due to X-linked agammaglobulinemia and other miscellaneous forms of humoral immunodeficiency. There were insufficient data to appraise the risk of COVID-19 infection in both populations of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work identifies potentially significant predictors of COVID-19 severity in patients with humoral immunodeficiency states and highlights the need for larger studies to control for clinical and biologic confounders of disease severity.

Management of thyroid disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak: a position statement from the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM)

This position statement was prepared to guide endocrinologists on the best approach to managing thyroid disorders during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The most frequent thyroid hormonal findings in patients with COVID-19, particularly in individuals with severe disease, are similar to those present in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome and require no intervention. Subacute thyroiditis has also been reported during COVID-19 infection. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during the COVID-19 pandemic may follow usual practice; however, should avoid frequent laboratory tests in patients with previous controlled disease. Well-controlled hypo and hyperthyroidism are not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity. Newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism during the pandemic should be preferably treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), bearing in mind the possibility of rare side effects with these medications, particularly agranulocytosis, which requires immediate intervention. Definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism (radioiodine therapy or surgery) may be considered in those cases that protective protocols can be followed to avoid COVID-19 contamination or once the pandemic is over. In patients with moderate Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) not at risk of visual loss, glucocorticoids at immunosuppressive doses should be avoided, while in those with severe GO without COVID-19 and at risk of vision loss, intravenous glucocorticoid is the therapeutic choice. Considering that most of the thyroid cancer cases are low risk and associated with an excellent prognosis, surgical procedures could and should be postponed safely during the pandemic period. Additionally, when indicated, radioiodine therapy could also be safely postponed as long as it is possible.

Immunoglobulin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus: A narrative review

Immunoglobulins play a fundamental role in the protection of the human body against internal and external threats. They also contribute to the immune system homeostasis and maintenance of self-tolerance. Hypogammaglobulinemia is occasionally encountered in routine clinical practice by rheumatologists. Low levels of immunoglobulins can occur as primary or secondary issues and may predispose patients to various forms of infection. However, the impact of the low immunoglobulin level abnormality varies with the underlying condition. In this narrative review, we shed light on the overall types and functions of immunoglobulins for clinicians. We discuss important principles of immunoglobulin measurements. We then consider the primary and secondary causes of low immunoglobulins with a special focus on hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

COVID-19 outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases treated with rituximab: a cohort study

Background

Various observations have suggested that the course of COVID-19 might be less favourable in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases receiving rituximab compared with those not receiving rituximab. We aimed to investigate whether treatment with rituximab is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Methods

In this cohort study, we analysed data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, which included patients aged 18 years or older with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The primary endpoint was the severity of COVID-19 in patients treated with rituximab (rituximab group) compared with patients who did not receive rituximab (no rituximab group). Severe disease was defined as that requiring admission to an intensive care unit or leading to death. Secondary objectives were to analyse deaths and duration of hospital stay. The inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score method was used to adjust for potential confounding factors (age, sex, arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, body-mass index, interstitial lung disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, corticosteroid use, chronic renal failure, and the underlying disease [rheumatoid arthritis vs others]). Odds ratios and hazard ratios and their 95% CIs were calculated as effect size, by dividing the two population mean differences by their SD. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04353609.

Findings

Between April 15, 2020, and Nov 20, 2020, data were collected for 1090 patients (mean age 55·2 years [SD 16·4]); 734 (67%) were female and 356 (33%) were male. Of the 1090 patients, 137 (13%) developed severe COVID-19 and 89 (8%) died. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, severe disease was observed more frequently (effect size 3·26, 95% CI 1·66–6·40, p=0·0006) and the duration of hospital stay was markedly longer (0·62, 0·46–0·85, p=0·0024) in the 63 patients in the rituximab group than in the 1027 patients in the no rituximab group. 13 (21%) of 63 patients in the rituximab group died compared with 76 (7%) of 1027 patients in the no rituximab group, but the adjusted risk of death was not significantly increased in the rituximab group (effect size 1·32, 95% CI 0·55–3·19, p=0·53).

Interpretation

Rituximab therapy is associated with more severe COVID-19. Rituximab will have to be prescribed with particular caution in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Funding

None.

Point of view on the vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an unmet clinical need for the guidelines on vaccination of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD). This position paper summarises the current data on COVID-19 infection in patients with AIIRD and development of vaccines against COVID-19, discusses the aspects of efficacy and safety of vaccination, and proposes preliminary considerations on vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with AIIRD, mainly based on the expert opinion and knowledge on the use of other vaccines in this population of patients.

Major role of IgM in the neutralizing activity of convalescent plasma against SARS-CoV-2

Characterization of the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is essential to help control the infection. The neutralization activity of plasma from patients with COVID-19 decreases rapidly during the first weeks after recovery. However, the specific role of each immunoglobulin isotype in the overall neutralizing capacity is still not well understood. In this study, we select plasma from a cohort of convalescent patients with COVID-19 and selectively deplete immunoglobulin A, M, or G before testing the remaining neutralizing capacity of the depleted plasma. We find that depletion of immunoglobulin M is associated with the most substantial loss of virus neutralization, followed by immunoglobulin G. This observation may help design efficient antibody-based COVID-19 therapies and may also explain the increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 of autoimmune patients receiving therapies that impair the production of immunoglobulin M (IgM).

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of immunosuppressed patients hospitalized with COVID-19: experience from London

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health emergency. Despite the widely hypothesized role of a cytokine storm in disease severity, no study thus far has explored the association between immunosuppression and disease severity in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the association between the use of immunosuppressant medication and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

METHODS

Nine hundred and eighty-one consecutive patients hospitalized between 12 March 2020 and 15 April 2020, who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), were enrolled in this cohort study and subdivided by immunosuppression status. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 28 days (median 37 days) for the primary end-point of mortality. Secondary end-points included the composite of intubation or death, and the composite of mortality, intubation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requirement.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 354 (36.1%) of study patients died. The immunosuppressed cohort (n = 31) had significantly higher mortality rates (aHR: 2.067, 95% CI: 1.20-3.57, P = 0.009). There was no association between immunosuppression and the composite end-point of mortality or intubation (aHR: 1.49 95% CI: 0.88-2.51, P = 0.14) and of the composite end-point of mortality, intubation or CPAP (aHR: 1.36 95% CI: 0.81-2.30 P = 0.245).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort study of 981 confirmed COVID-19 patients consecutively hospitalized at a large North West London hospital, immunosuppressant use was associated with significantly higher mortality rates. These results support the current UK government's early isolation ('shielding') policy for these individuals and should be used to guide future research.