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Rovin BH, Ayoub IM, Chan TM, Liu ZH, Mejía-Vilet JM, Floege J. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of LUPUS NEPHRITIS. Kidney Int 2024; 105:S1-S69. [PMID: 38182286 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
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Abstract
Despite improvements in patient and renal death rates following the introduction of potent immunosuppressive drugs in earlier decades, a sizeable fraction of patients with lupus nephritis is burdened with suboptimal or delayed responses, relapses, chronic use of glucocorticoids and accrual of renal (chronic renal insufficiency) and extra-renal organ damage. The recently approved combinatory treatments comprising belimumab or voclosporin added to conventional agents, especially mycophenolate, hold promise for further improving disease outcomes and enabling a faster steroid tapering, thus being relevant to the treat-to-target context. However, it remains uncertain whether these dual regimens should become the first-line choice for all patients or instead be prioritized to certain subgroups. In the present article, we summarize the existing lupus nephritis management recommendations, followed by a critical appraisal of the randomized trials of belimumab and voclosporin, as well as the available data on obinutuzumab and other novel compounds under development. We conclude that pending the identification of accurate clinical, histological, or translational predictors for guiding personalized decisions, it is of utmost importance that lupus nephritis patients are monitored closely with appropriate treatment adjustments aiming at a prompt, deep response to ensure long-term preservation of kidney function.
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Vollbach K, Schuetz C, Hedrich CM, Speth F, Mönkemöller K, Brunner J, Neudorf U, Rietschel C, Hospach A, Kallinich T, Hinze C, Wagner N, Tönshoff B, Weber LT, Latta K, Thumfart J, Bald M, Wiemann D, Zappel H, Tenbrock K, Haffner D. Working Towards a Treat-to-Target Protocol in Juvenile Proliferative Lupus Nephritis - A Survey of Pediatric Rheumatologists and Nephrologists in Germany and Austria. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:851998. [PMID: 35529329 PMCID: PMC9072733 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.851998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe treatment practices for juvenile proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) class III and IV of pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists in Germany and Austria in preparation for a treat-to-target treatment protocol in LN. METHODS Survey study by members of the Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (GKJR) and the German Society for Pediatric Nephrology (GPN) on diagnostics and (concomitant) therapy of LN. RESULTS Fifty-eight physicians completed the survey. Overall, there was a considerable heterogeneity regarding the suggested diagnostics and management of juvenile proliferative LN. Increased urinary protein excretion, either assessed by 24 h urine collection or spot urine (protein-creatinine ratio), and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate were specified as important parameters for indication of kidney biopsy to diagnose proliferative LN and monitoring of therapy. Corticosteroids were generally proposed for induction and maintenance therapy, most often in conjunction with either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CP) as steroid-sparing immunosuppressants. MMF was clearly preferred over CP for induction therapy of LN class III, whereas CP and MMF were equally proposed for LN class IV. MMF was most often recommended for maintenance therapy in conjunction with oral corticosteroids and continued for at least 3 years and 1 year, respectively, after remission. Hydroxychloroquine was widely accepted as a concomitant measure followed by renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in cases of arterial hypertension and/or proteinuria. CONCLUSION The majority of pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists in Germany and Austria propose the use of corticosteroids, most often in combination with either MMF or CP, for treatment of proliferative LN in children. The considerable heterogeneity of responses supports the need for a treat-to-target protocol for juvenile proliferative LN between pediatric rheumatologists and nephrologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Vollbach
- Department of Pediatrics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian M Hedrich
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Speth
- Universitätsmedizin Hamburg, Kinder- und Jugendklinik, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Mönkemöller
- Department of Pediatrics, Kinderkrankenhaus Amsterdamer Strasse, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Brunner
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, and Danube Private University, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Ulrich Neudorf
- Clinic for Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Rietschel
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Clementine Kinderhospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anton Hospach
- Center for Pediatric Rheumatology, Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tilmann Kallinich
- German Rheumatism Research Center, Leibniz Institute, Berlin, and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and SPZ (Center for Chronically Sick Children), Berlin, Germany
| | - Claas Hinze
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Norbert Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kay Latta
- Clementine Kinderhospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Thumfart
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Bald
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dagobert Wiemann
- Division of Pediatric Diabetology/Endocrinology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hildegard Zappel
- Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Tenbrock
- Department of Pediatrics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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Rovin BH, Adler SG, Barratt J, Bridoux F, Burdge KA, Chan TM, Cook HT, Fervenza FC, Gibson KL, Glassock RJ, Jayne DR, Jha V, Liew A, Liu ZH, Mejía-Vilet JM, Nester CM, Radhakrishnan J, Rave EM, Reich HN, Ronco P, Sanders JSF, Sethi S, Suzuki Y, Tang SC, Tesar V, Vivarelli M, Wetzels JF, Floege J. KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases. Kidney Int 2021; 100:S1-S276. [PMID: 34556256 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 711] [Impact Index Per Article: 237.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Gururani S, Devarasetti PK, Uppin M, Rajasekhar L. Treatment outcomes in refractory lupus nephritis: Data from an observational study. Lupus 2021; 30:1725-1731. [PMID: 34304627 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211033980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite current advances in treatment, refractory lupus nephritis (RLN) continues to pose a challenge. The present paper studies the clinical profile and treatment outcomes in patients with RLN. METHODS This observational, bidirectional study enrolled consecutive lupus nephritis (LN) patients from August 2018 to January 2019, who either failed to improve within three months, did not achieve partial renal response (PR) at six months, or did not achieve complete renal response (CR) after two years of treatment. Patients were followed every three months; treatment details and outcomes [CR, PR, no renal response (NR)], doubling serum creatinine, and death were recorded. Group comparisons were made using ANOVA and chi-square test. Factors affecting renal response were studied using linear regression. RESULTS Forty-five of forty-eight enrolled patients completed at least nine months of follow-up and were included in outcome analysis. The median (IQR) SLE duration was three years (2-6 years). The majority of patients (n = 25) had proliferative LN (ISN/RPS class III/IV), with nine patients having pure membranous LN (class V). The mean activity and chronicity indices were 8 and 0. Over a median (IQR) follow-up period of 15 (12-27) months, 28 had CR, 9 had PR, and 8 showed no response to a switch in an immunosuppressive (IS) agent. Repeat renal biopsy (n = 8) with a mean (±SD) biopsy interval of 2 (±1) years showed histological class transformation in more than half of the patients. There was no significant difference in treatment outcome and time to attain response based on individual IS agent or sequence of IS agents used. None of the variables (duration of SLE or nephritis, baseline SLEDAI, leukopenia, hypertension, elevated anti-dsDNA, low complements, serum albumin, 24-hour urinary protein, biopsy class) predicted renal response on univariate analysis. No patient had a doubling of serum creatinine or progression to end-stage renal disease. There were three deaths, all related to infection. CONCLUSION A change in immunosuppression produces response in most RLN patients while a fifth of them showed no response to therapy. No predictor of renal response was identified. Histologic class switch was frequent. Renal function did not decline over a year of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Gururani
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Phani Kumar Devarasetti
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Megha Uppin
- Department of Pathology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Liza Rajasekhar
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
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Kostopoulou M, Fanouriakis A, Cheema K, Boletis J, Bertsias G, Jayne D, Boumpas DT. Management of lupus nephritis: a systematic literature review informing the 2019 update of the joint EULAR and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations. RMD Open 2021; 6:rmdopen-2020-001263. [PMID: 32699043 PMCID: PMC7425195 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyse the current evidence for the management of lupus nephritis (LN) informing the 2019 update of the EULAR/European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association recommendations. Methods According to the EULAR standardised operating procedures, a PubMed systematic literature review was performed, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018. Since this was an update of the 2012 recommendations, the final level of evidence (LoE) and grading of recommendations considered the total body of evidence, including literature prior to 2012. Results We identified 387 relevant articles. High-quality randomised evidence supports the use of immunosuppressive treatment for class III and class IV LN (LoE 1a), and moderate-level evidence supports the use of immunosuppressive treatment for pure class V LN with nephrotic-range proteinuria (LoE 2b). Treatment should aim for at least 25% reduction in proteinuria at 3 months, 50% at 6 months and complete renal response (<500–700 mg/day) at 12 months (LoE 2a-2b). High-quality evidence supports the use of mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (MMF/MPA) or low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY) as initial treatment of active class III/IV LN (LoE 1a). Combination of tacrolimus with MMF/MPA and high-dose CY are alternatives in specific circumstances (LoE 1a). There is low-quality level evidence to guide optimal duration of immunosuppression in LN (LoE 3). In end-stage kidney disease, all methods of kidney replacement treatment can be used, with transplantation having the most favourable outcomes (LoE 2b). Conclusions There is high-quality evidence to guide the initial and subsequent phases of class III/IV LN treatment, but low-to-moderate quality evidence to guide treatment of class V LN, monitoring and optimal duration of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kostopoulou
- Department of Nephrology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece .,Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Unit, "Laikon" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital Attikon, Athens, Greece.,Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Kim Cheema
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Boletis
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Unit, "Laikon" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital Attikon, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, and Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Update on the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of lupus nephritis. RECENT FINDINGS The recent criteria enable the earlier classification of lupus nephritis based on kidney biopsy and compatible serology. Treatment of active nephritis includes low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate, followed by maintenance immunosuppression. Recent trials have suggested superiority of regimens combining mycophenolate with either calcineurin inhibitor or belimumab, although their long-term benefit/risk ratio has not been determined. Encouraging results with novel anti-CD20 antibodies confirm the effectiveness of B cell depletion. Achievement of low-grade proteinuria (< 700-800 mg/24 h) at 12-month post-induction is linked to favorable long-term outcomes and could be considered in a treat-to-target strategy. Also, repeat kidney biopsy can guide the duration of maintenance immunosuppression. Lupus nephritis has increased cardiovascular disease burden necessitating risk-reduction strategies. An expanding spectrum of therapies coupled with ongoing basic/translational research can lead to individualized medical care and improved outcomes in lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kostopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Adamichou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 71008 Voutes-Stavrakia, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 71008 Voutes-Stavrakia, Heraklion, Greece.
- Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-FORTH, Heraklion, Greece.
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8
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Fanouriakis A, Kostopoulou M, Cheema K, Anders HJ, Aringer M, Bajema I, Boletis J, Frangou E, Houssiau FA, Hollis J, Karras A, Marchiori F, Marks SD, Moroni G, Mosca M, Parodis I, Praga M, Schneider M, Smolen JS, Tesar V, Trachana M, van Vollenhoven RF, Voskuyl AE, Teng YKO, van Leew B, Bertsias G, Jayne D, Boumpas DT. 2019 Update of the Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79:713-723. [PMID: 32220834 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-216924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 404] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update the 2012 EULAR/ERA-EDTA recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS Following the EULAR standardised operating procedures, a systematic literature review was performed. Members of a multidisciplinary Task Force voted independently on their level of agreeement with the formed statements. RESULTS The changes include recommendations for treatment targets, use of glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and management of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The target of therapy is complete response (proteinuria <0.5-0.7 g/24 hours with (near-)normal glomerular filtration rate) by 12 months, but this can be extended in patients with baseline nephrotic-range proteinuria. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended with regular ophthalmological monitoring. In active proliferative LN, initial (induction) treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF 2-3 g/day or mycophenolic acid (MPA) at equivalent dose) or low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY; 500 mg × 6 biweekly doses), both combined with glucocorticoids (pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone, then oral prednisone 0.3-0.5 mg/kg/day) is recommended. MMF/CNI (especially tacrolimus) combination and high-dose CY are alternatives, for patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria and adverse prognostic factors. Subsequent long-term maintenance treatment with MMF or azathioprine should follow, with no or low-dose (<7.5 mg/day) glucocorticoids. The choice of agent depends on the initial regimen and plans for pregnancy. In non-responding disease, switch of induction regimens or rituximab are recommended. In pure membranous LN with nephrotic-range proteinuria or proteinuria >1 g/24 hours despite renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade, MMF in combination with glucocorticoids is preferred. Assessment for kidney and extra-renal disease activity, and management of comorbidities is lifelong with repeat kidney biopsy in cases of incomplete response or nephritic flares. In ESKD, transplantation is the preferred kidney replacement option with immunosuppression guided by transplant protocols and/or extra-renal manifestations. Treatment of LN in children follows the same principles as adult disease. CONCLUSIONS We have updated the EULAR recommendations for the management of LN to facilitate homogenization of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto Kostopoulou
- Department of Nephrology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Kim Cheema
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Aringer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Bajema
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - John Boletis
- Nephrology Department and Renal Transplantation Unit, "Laikon" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Frangou
- Department of Nephrology, Limassol General Hospital, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Frederic A Houssiau
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jane Hollis
- Lupus nurse specialist, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adexandre Karras
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Stephen D Marks
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Nephrology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manuel Praga
- Nephrology Department, Research Institute Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre (i+12), Department of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Department of Rheumatology & Hiller Research Unit Rheumatology, UKD, Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Tesar
- Department of Nephrology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Trachana
- Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology Referral Center, First Pediatric Clinic, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre E Voskuyl
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Y K Onno Teng
- Centre of expertise for Lupus-, Vasculitis- and Complement-mediated Systemic autoimmune diseases, Department of Internal Medicine - section Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece .,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Yo JH, Barbour TD, Nicholls K. Management of refractory lupus nephritis: challenges and solutions. Open Access Rheumatol 2019; 11:179-188. [PMID: 31372070 PMCID: PMC6636187 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s166303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Refractory lupus nephritis, broadly defined as failure to attain clinical remission after appropriate induction immunosuppressive therapy, is associated with an increased risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease and mortality. This is a challenging issue in clinical practice, as modern induction therapy despite proven efficacy can still be associated with treatment failure. Moreover, newer therapies have failed in recent years to displace or even match existing protocols for effective induction of remission. Refractory disease is generally assessed on the basis of clinical parameters, which may be unreliable, and renal biopsy, which is often not performed in a standard or timely fashion. Persisting histological inflammation in 30%–50% of patients who have attained clinical remission highlights the disparity between clinical and immunological response to therapy. The lack of an international consensus regarding what constitutes refractory lupus nephritis compounds clinician indecision regarding optimal management for these patients. Moreover, non-adherence to prescribed therapy versus primary treatment failure can be challenging to discriminate, and the time point at which non-response becomes treatment failure is unclear. In this review, we assess the key published evidence for the treatment of refractory lupus nephritis and provide practical recommendations based around the use of adjunctive therapies. These agents include rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors, with evidence consisting largely of observational or uncontrolled studies, as well as some of the biologic therapies currently under investigation through prospective clinical trials. The poor prognosis of refractory lupus nephritis demands regular review of patient response and the flexibility to switch or augment therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Yo
- Department of Nephrology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - T D Barbour
- Department of Nephrology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Nicholls
- Department of Nephrology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Kronbichler A, Brezina B, Gauckler P, Quintana LF, Jayne DRW. Refractory lupus nephritis: When, why and how to treat. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:510-518. [PMID: 30844548 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Refractory lupus nephritis indicates an inadequate response to lupus nephritis therapy. It implies persisting or worsening disease activity despite therapy, but the definition is complicated by the parameters of response, proteinuria and renal function, that do not discriminate clearly between activity and irreversible damage. Understanding the causes of refractory disease and developing treatment strategies is important because these patients are more likely to develop poor outcomes, especially end stage renal disease. This review explores current concepts and definitions of refractory disease and summarises treatment approaches that have been used in observational cohort studies and case series. We highlight the importance of optimising adherence to the prescribed immunosuppressive and supportive measures and avoidance of diagnostic delay. Treatment options include higher dose glucocorticoid, switching between cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate acid derivates, or addition of rituximab, the latter potentially in combination with belimumab. Less evidence supports extracorporeal treatment (plasma exchange or immunoadsorption), calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine A or tacrolimus), intravenous immunoglobulin and stem cell transplantation. Improvements in understanding what refractory disease is and how definitions can be integrated into treatment pathways has the potential to enhance lupus nephritis outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kronbichler
- Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals, United Kingdom; Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Biljana Brezina
- Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp Gauckler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Luis F Quintana
- Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals, United Kingdom; Servicio de Nefrología y Trasplante Renal, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David R W Jayne
- Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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11
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Thong KM, Chan TM. Infectious complications in lupus nephritis treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lupus 2019; 28:334-346. [PMID: 30744523 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319829817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infection is an important concern in lupus nephritis treatment, but few studies have focused on this complication. Available data suggest marked variation in occurrence and outcome. This meta-analysis and review aims to provide an overview of infective complications, focusing on the risk factors and outcomes. METHODS Original articles on lupus nephritis Class III/IV/V published in the period January 1980 to December 2016 were identified from the Pubmed/Medline electronic database. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to investigate total and serious infections at different phases of treatment and their associated factors. A descriptive review that included all studies was also performed, providing details on the types of infection, infection-related mortality, and potential impact of different eras on infection rates. RESULTS A total of 56 studies (32 randomized controlled trials) were included. The incidence rates of overall and serious infections were higher during the induction than maintenance phase of therapy, with serious infections occurring at 8.2-50 and 3.5 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Recent data, predominantly from Asia, suggested lower rates of overall infections with induction regimens that included tacrolimus compared with mycophenolate (risk ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.76, p = 0.001). Mycophenolate as induction treatment was associated with lower overall infection risks than cyclophosphamide in non-Asians (risk ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.75, p < 0.001). The rates of serious infections were 4.1-25% in Asian and 4.4-8.5% in non-Asian countries; with infection-related mortality rates of 0-6.7% in Asian, compared to 0-2.1% in non-Asian locations. CONCLUSIONS Infection remains a serious complication during treatment of lupus nephritis, but the reported rates and outcomes varied markedly. Mycophenolate was associated with lower infection risk than cyclophosphamide in non-Asians. Infection-related deaths appeared more common in Asian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Thong
- 1 Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,2 Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - T M Chan
- 1 Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Anutrakulchai S, Panaput T, Wongchinsri J, Chaishayanon S, Satirapoj B, Traitanon O, Pima W, Rukrung C, Thinkhamrop B, Avihingsanon Y. A multicentre, randomised controlled study of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium for the treatment of relapsed or resistant proliferative lupus nephritis: an Asian experience. Lupus Sci Med 2016; 3:e000120. [PMID: 26835147 PMCID: PMC4716419 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2015-000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective The optimal treatment of relapse or resistant lupus nephritis (LN) is still unclear. Mycophenolate might be an alternative therapy to avoid toxicities of cyclophosphamide (CYC). This study was aimed to compare enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) versus intravenous CYC as an induction therapy. Methods The study was a 12-month period of multicentre, open-labelled randomised controlled trial. Fifty-nine patients who had relapsed (36%) or who were resistant to previous CYC treatment (64%) and all who were biopsy-proven class III/IV, were randomised into CYC (n=32) and EC-MPS groups (n=27). The CYC group received intravenous CYC 0.5–1 g/m2 monthly and the EC-MPS group was treated with EC-MPS 1440 mg/day for first 6 months. After induction therapy, both groups received EC-MPS 720 mg/day until the end of study at 12 months. Results The study was prematurely terminated due to high rate of serious adverse events in CYC arm. Death and serious infections were observed more in the CYC group (15.6% in CYC and 3.5% in EC-MPS; p=0.04). The early discontinuation rates, mainly from serious infections, were significantly higher in CYC group (percentage differences of 16.9; 95% CI 1.3 to 32.4). At the 12th month, both arms were comparable in terms of complete and partial remission rates (68% CYC and 71% EC-MPS) and times to remission (96 days CYC and 97 days EC-MPS). Composites of unfavourable outcomes (death, doubling of serum creatinine, non-remission and intolerance to treatment) were 46.9% and 37% in CYC and EC-MPS (risk difference=9.84; p=0.44). Conclusions EC-MPS may have comparable efficacy, but was better tolerated than CYC. EC-MPS should be an alternative choice of treatment for difficult-to-treat LN, particularly in CYC-experienced LN patients. Due to an early termination of the study, further clinical implementation could be cautiously used. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov ID#NCT01015456.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thanachai Panaput
- Department of Medicine , Khon Kaen Regional Hospital , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | | | | | - Bancha Satirapoj
- Department of Medicine , Phramongkutklao Hospital , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Opas Traitanon
- Department of Medicine , Thammasart University , Pathumthani , Thailand
| | - Warabhorn Pima
- Medical University Research Network of the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools (MedResNet) , Thailand
| | - Chutima Rukrung
- Chulalongkorn Clinical Research Center (ChulaCRC) , Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Bandit Thinkhamrop
- Department of Biostatistics and Demography, Faculty of Public Health , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Yingyos Avihingsanon
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok,Thailand; Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Fanouriakis A, Bertsias G. Treat-to-target in lupus: what does the future hold? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/ijr.15.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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