Predictors of incident proteinuria among patients with SLE

Risk factors for subsequent lupus nephritis in patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a crucial organ involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with LN have higher morbidity and mortality rates than those without. Among all patients with LN, 20-40% had delayed onset, but the data for patients with juvenile-onset SLE (jSLE), who have a higher percentage of LN than patients with adult-onset SLE (aSLE), were limited. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for subsequent LN in patients with jSLE.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2008 and 2018 in a single tertiary medical centre. Patients with diagnosed jSLE were reviewed. We investigated those without LN at diagnosis and whether they developed LN afterward. The primary outcome was the development of subsequent LN. Clinical manifestations at diagnosis, serial laboratory data, and treatments were reviewed during follow-up periods.

RESULTS

Among the 48 patients with jSLE without initial LN, 20 developed subsequent LN later (Group 1), whereas 28 remained free of LN (Group 2). There was no difference in the percentage of initial manifestations except for more discoid rashes in Group 2 patients. In the Cox regression model, elevated average anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody, low average serum complements, and high average erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels during follow-up were predictors of subsequent LN. After adjusting for these factors in multivariable analyses, only high average anti-dsDNA antibody and high average ESR levels remained predictive of subsequent LN. For every 100 IU/ml increase in anti-dsDNA antibody, the risk for subsequent LN in jSLE increases by 1.29 times (hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.055-1.573).

CONCLUSION

Persistently high anti-dsDNA antibody and ESR levels during the follow-up period were risk factors for subsequent LN in patients with jSLE.

Correlation Between Quantitative Anti-dsDNA Levels with Severity of Proteinuria in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation of quantitative anti-dsDNA level with proteinuria levels in patients with lupus nephritis in a tertiary care hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 76 patients of newly diagnosed SLE coming to Fatima Memorial Hospital were included in the study period between January 2020 to June 2020. Demographic data such as age, gender, lupus manifestations such as serositis, arthritis, mucocutaneous disease, and neuropsychiatric manifestations were recorded. Quantitative anti-dsDNA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and proteinuria was estimated by 24h urinary protein collection. Data was analyzed by SPSS 23. Association between categorical variables was assessed using chi-square test. For comparison of categorical independent and continuous dependent variable t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was applied.

RESULTS

The median age of the cohort was 29 (with inter quartile range - IQR - of 13) years. The female gender comprised of 68 (89.4%) of the cohort population. The median anti-dsDNA level was 54.9 (183.6 IQR) IU, and baseline proteinuria of the cohort was 520mg/dL (1.49 IQR). There was a significant association of anti-dsDNA level with systemic features such as arthritis (p=<0.01), serositis (p=<0.01) and, Raynaud's phenomenon (p=<0.01). NPSLE and mucocutaneous features did not show statistically significant association (p=0.91 and 0.14 respectively). Baseline anti-dsDNA showed a statistically significant correlation with baseline proteinuria levels (p=<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative anti-dsDNA is directly correlated with nephritis measured as proteinuria, and can be detected even before organ involvement. Hence, it can determine disease course and guide early treatment.

Lipoprotein(a) in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with history of proteinuria and reduced renal function

OBJECTIVE

Proteinuria is the clinical expression of lupus nephritis and despite recent advances in the therapeutic armamentarium for lupus nephritis, morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Therefore, the identification of factors that predict lupus nephritis is paramount in preventing damage accrual and disease progression. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) is a primarily genetically inherited plasma lipoprotein with pro-thrombotic and pro-atherosclerotic effects. Elevated Lp(a) has been observed at early stages of renal impairment in the general population and is associated with the development of chronic kidney disease. However, little is known about renal implications of Lp(a) in SLE. Thus, we evaluated Lp(a) and atherosclerotic events, thrombotic events, renal disease, and disease activity in patients with SLE.

METHODS

SLE patients fulfilling the revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or SLICC classification criteria with a measurement of Lp(a) were included in the analysis. A cutoff of 125 nmol/L was chosen based on expert opinion. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences between patient characteristics and Lp(a) levels. Logistic regression or linear regression were used, where appropriate, to assess the association between Lp(a) values and the measured outcomes.

RESULTS

Lp(a) levels from 562 patients were analyzed. There was an association between elevated Lp(a) and a history of proteinuria (OR 1.58, p-value = 0.02). This association remained significant following adjustment for age, sex, race, low C3, and elevated anti-dsDNA (OR = 1.55, p-value = 0.04). There was also an association with eGFR < 60 (p = 0.02). Patients with elevated Lp(a) had higher physician global activity (p = 0.01) and erythrocyte sediment rate (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Elevated Lp(a) was associated with proteinuria, independent of known factors associated with lupus proteinuria, as well as reduced eGFR and physician global activity. Our findings highlight the potential role of Lp(a) as a noninvasive biomarker for early renal disease in SLE.

Genetic Polymorphisms and the Clinical Response to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment Towards Personalized Medicine

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, an aberrant autoimmune response to self-antigens, which affect organs and tissues. There are several immune-pathogenic pathways, but the exact one is still not well known unless it is related to genetics. SLE and other autoimmune diseases are known to be inseparable from genetic factors, not only pathogenesis but also regarding the response to therapy. Seventy-one human studies published in the last 10 years were collected. Research communications, thesis publication, reviews, expert opinions, and unrelated studies were excluded. Finally, 32 articles were included. A polymorphism that occurs on the genes related to drugs pharmacokinetic, such as CYP, OATP, ABC Transporter, UGT, GST or drug-target pharmacodynamics, such as FCGR, TLR, and BAFF, can change the level of gene expression or its activity, thereby causing a variation on the clinical response of the drugs. A study that summarizes gene polymorphisms influencing the response to SLE therapy is urgently needed for personalized medicine practices. Personalized medicine is an effort to provide individual therapy based on genetic profiles, and it gives better and more effective treatments for SLE and other autoimmune disease patients.

Corticosteroid dosing and opioid use are high in patients with SLE and remain elevated after belimumab initiation: a retrospective claims database analysis

Objectives

To investigate corticosteroid and opioid use among patients with SLE and to examine the impact of belimumab initiation on the use of other SLE therapies.

Methods

We identified adult patients with SLE (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision/10th Revision 710.0 and M32) between 1 January 2012 and 31 May 2018 (earliest SLE diagnosis=index date) within MarketScan administrative claims data. Patients were followed from index date for a minimum of 12 months and until the earlier of disenrolment in their health plan or study end (31 May 2018). Corticosteroid utilisation, corticosteroid dose (in prednisone equivalents) and opioid utilisation (overall, by strength (weak, strong) and by duration (chronic use defined as >90 days of cumulative drug supply)) were measured during follow-up. Oral corticosteroid and opioid use were compared in the 6 months before and after initiation of belimumab.

Results

There were 49 413 patients with SLE eligible for analysis (mean (SD) age: 50.1 (14.0) years, 90.2% female). Of these, 68.5% received corticosteroids, and the average number of prescriptions was 4.59 (4.11) over the first 12 months of follow-up. Among patients with oral corticosteroids, average daily dose was 19.4 (14.2) mg and 59.6% had an average daily dose of ≥15 mg. Half (52.6%) had at least one opioid prescription and of these, 34.6% had chronic use over the first 12 months of follow-up. Among patients initiating belimumab during follow-up (n=1710), oral corticosteroid use decreased by 9.1% (p=0.001), and average daily dose decreased from 14.5 (18.4) mg to 11.9 (18.0) mg (p<0.001) in the 6 months after initiation compared with the 6 months prior. Initiation of belimumab had no impact on prevalence of opioid use.

Conclusions

A high proportion of patients with SLE are treated with corticosteroids to control SLE and opioid therapy to manage chronic pain. While there was no change in opioid use, oral corticosteroid use and dose intensity decreased following initiation of belimumab.

Predictors of predominant Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS-50)

AIM

The Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) is a potential treat to target goal in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients in LLDAS for more than half of the observation time have about a 50% lower risk of new organ damage and have reduced mortality. We identified predictors of being in LLDAS ≥50% of the observation time.

METHODS

A total of 2228 SLE patients who had at least three clinical visits were included. Percentage of time in LLDAS was calculated based on the proportion of days under observation. LLDAS-50 was defined as being in LLDAS for ≥50% of the observation time. We used the stepwise selection procedure in logistic regression to identify predictors of LLDAS-50.

RESULTS

A total of 1169 (52.5%) SLE patients, but only 37.6% of African Americans, achieved LLDAS-50. In the multivariable model, African American ethnicity, hypocomplementemia, serositis, renal activity, arthritis, anti-RNP, anti-dsDNA, vasculitis, malar rash, discoid rash, thrombocytopenia, and immunosuppressive use were negative predictors of LLDAS-50. Older age at diagnosis, longer disease duration, higher education level, and greater percentage of time taking hydroxychloroquine remained positive predictors of LLDAS-50.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort, only 52.5% achieved LLDAS-50. This proportion was even less in African Americans. A higher percentage of time taking hydroxychloroquine was a modifiable positive predictor of LLDAS-50. Anti-RNP, anti-dsDNA, and low complement were negatively associated with LLDAS-50. Our findings further emphasize the importance of inclusion of African Americans in clinical trials and hydroxychloroquine adherence in both clinical practice and clinical trials.

Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy - implications of research advances for rheumatology care

Despite advances in therapy for rheumatic diseases, hydroxychloroquine remains almost universally recommended for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and is often used in the management of other rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the major dose-limiting toxicity of hydroxychloroquine is retinopathy that can lead to loss of vision. New highly sensitive screening methods can identify early stages of retinopathy, and studies that include these modalities have indicated a substantially higher prevalence of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy than was previously recognized, resulting in revisions to ophthalmology guidelines and the recommendation of a low dose of hydroxychloroquine for many patients. However, the efficacy of low-dose hydroxychloroquine for treating SLE and other rheumatic diseases is unknown. Further studies are required to establish the effectiveness and retinal safety of the latest hydroxychloroquine treatment recommendations.

Assessing the relative impact of lupus nephritis on mortality in a population-based systemic lupus erythematosus cohort

OBJECTIVE

There is limited knowledge on the relative impact of lupus nephritis (LN) on morbidity and mortality in population-based systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) cohorts. Here, the primary aim was to compare mortality rates between patients with and without LN in a population-based SLE cohort.

METHODS

The study cohort included all SLE patients resident in the city of Oslo during 1999-2008. Follow-up time was median 14 (0-15) years. Presence of LN was defined according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE. LN class was determined by renal biopsy. Data on kidney function, including presence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), were obtained from patient charts. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated by comparing deaths in the SLE cohort with age- and gender-matched population controls.

RESULTS

We found that 98/325 SLE patients (30%) developed LN, 92% of whom had occurrence within the first five years from disease onset. Incidence rate of ESRD was 2.3 per 1000 patient-years. A total of 56 deaths occurred during the study period, corresponding to an overall SMR in the SLE cohort of 2.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-3.4). Estimated SMR for LN patients was 3.8 (95% CI 2.1-6.2), and for SLE patients without LN it was 1.7 (95% CI 0.9-2.7).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based SLE cohort, we found that LN was associated with increased morbidity and mortality, whereas SLE patients who did not develop LN had good overall prognoses regarding survival.

2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus

Our objective was to update the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), based on emerging new evidence. We performed a systematic literature review (01/2007–12/2017), followed by modified Delphi method, to form questions, elicit expert opinions and reach consensus. Treatment in SLE aims at remission or low disease activity and prevention of flares. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended in all patients with lupus, at a dose not exceeding 5 mg/kg real body weight. During chronic maintenance treatment, glucocorticoids (GC) should be minimised to less than 7.5 mg/day (prednisone equivalent) and, when possible, withdrawn. Appropriate initiation of immunomodulatory agents (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) can expedite the tapering/discontinuation of GC. In persistently active or flaring extrarenal disease, add-on belimumab should be considered; rituximab (RTX) may be considered in organ-threatening, refractory disease. Updated specific recommendations are also provided for cutaneous, neuropsychiatric, haematological and renal disease. Patients with SLE should be assessed for their antiphospholipid antibody status, infectious and cardiovascular diseases risk profile and preventative strategies be tailored accordingly. The updated recommendations provide physicians and patients with updated consensus guidance on the management of SLE, combining evidence-base and expert-opinion.

The study of interactions between genome and exposome in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical and serological manifestations. This may reflect a complex and multifactorial etiology involving several identified genetic and environmental factors, though not explaining the full risk of SLE. Established SLE risk genotypes are either very rare or with modest effect sizes and twin studies indicate that other factors besides genetics must be operative in SLE etiology. The exposome comprises the cumulative environmental influences on an individual and associated biological responses through the lifespan. It has been demonstrated that exposure to silica, smoking and exogenous hormones candidate as environmental risk factors in SLE, while alcohol consumption seems to be protective. Very few studies have investigated potential gene-environment interactions to determine if some of the unexplained SLE risk is attributable hereto. Even less have focused on interactions between specific risk genotypes and environmental exposures relevant to SLE pathogenesis. Cohort and case-control studies may provide data to suggest such biological interactions and various statistical measures of interaction can indicate the magnitude of such. However, such studies do often have very large sample-size requirements and we suggest that the rarity of SLE to some extent can be compensated by increasing the ratio of controls. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge on gene-environment interactions in SLE. We argue for the prioritization of studies that comprise the increasing details available of the genome and exposome relevant to SLE as they have the potential to disclose new aspects of SLE pathogenesis including phenotype heterogeneity.

Clinical and Serological Associations with the Development of Incident Proteinuria in Danish Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective.

In a longitudinal cohort study, we investigated whether clinical and serological manifestations at the time of classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were predictive of subsequent development of incident proteinuria as a biomarker of incident lupus nephritis.

Methods.

Patients fulfilling SLE classification criteria but having no proteinuria prior to or at the time of classification were included. Data on SLE manifestations, vital status, criteria-related autoantibodies, and SLE-associated medications were collected during clinical visits and supplemented by chart review. HR were calculated by Cox regression analyses.

Results.

Out of 850 patients with SLE, 604 had not developed proteinuria at the time of SLE classification. Of these 604 patients, 184 (30%) developed incident proteinuria following SLE classification. The patients had a median followup of 11 years and 7 months. Younger age and history of psychosis at the time of classification were associated with development of incident proteinuria, just as were lymphopenia (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08–2.06), anti-dsDNA (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01–1.87), and a high number of autoantibodies (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.48).

Conclusion.

The risk of incident proteinuria after onset of SLE was increased by the presence of lymphopenia, anti-dsDNA antibodies, psychosis, younger age, and a high number of autoantibodies at onset.

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) - Pathophysiological concepts and treatment options

The systemic autoimmune/inflammatory condition systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifests before the age of 16 years in 10-20% of all cases. Clinical courses are more severe, and organ complications are more common in patients with juvenile SLE. Varying gender distribution in different age groups and increasing severity with younger age and the presence of monogenic disease in early childhood indicate distinct differences in the pathophysiology of juvenile versus adult-onset SLE. Regardless of these differences, classification criteria and treatment options are identical. In this article, we discuss age-specific pathomechanisms of juvenile-onset SLE, which are currently available and as future treatment options, and propose reclassification of different forms of SLE along the inflammatory spectrum from autoinflammation to autoimmunity.