Bioinformatics and systems-biology approach to identify common pathogenic mechanisms for COVID-19 and systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a heavy burden to the world, interestingly, it shares many clinical symptoms with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is unclear whether there is a similar pathological process between COVID-9 and SLE. In addition, we don't know how to treat SLE patients with COVID-19. In this study, we analyse the potential similar pathogenesis between SLE and COVID-19 and explore their possible drug regimens using bioinformatics and systems biology approaches.

METHODS

The common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted from the COVID-19 datasets and the SLE datasets for functional enrichment, pathway analysis and candidate drug analysis.

RESULT

Based on the two transcriptome datasets between COVID-19 and SLE, 325 common DEGs were selected. Hub genes were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. few found a variety of similar functional changes between COVID-19 and SLE, which may be related to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Besides, we explored the related regulatory networks. Then, through drug target matching, we found many candidate drugs for patients with COVID-19 only or COVID-19 combined with SLE.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 and SLE patients share many common hub genes, related pathways and regulatory networks. Based on these common targets, we found many potential drugs that could be used in treating patient with COVID-19 or COVID-19 combined with SLE.

Risk stratification for infection during immunosuppressive therapy in patients with lupus nephritis: A nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

The current prediction models for the risk of infection during immunosuppressive treatment for lupus nephritis (LN) lack a prediction time window and have poor pertinence. This study aimed to develop a risk stratification to predict infection during immunosuppressive therapy in patients with LN.

METHODS

This retrospective nested case-control study collected patients with LN treated with immunosuppressive therapy between 2014 and 2022 in the Nephrology ward in Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University and Huashan Hospital Baoshan Branch. Cases were defined as patients who experienced infection during the follow-up period; patients were eligible as controls if they did not have infection during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

There were 53 patients with infection by CTCAE V5.0 grade ≥2. According to the 1:3 nested matching, the 53 patients with infection were matched with 159 controls. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the change rate of fibrinogen (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99, p = 0.008), leukopenia (OR = 8.68, 95% CI: 1.16-301.72, p = 0.039), and reduced albumin (OR = 6.25, 95% CI: 1.38-28.24, p = 0.017) were independently associated with infection. The AUC of the ROC curve in the validation set of the multivariable logistic regression model in the internal random sampling was 0.864. The scores range from -2 to 10. The infection risk stratification ranges from 2.8% at score -2 to 97.5% at score 10.

CONCLUSION

A risk stratification was built to predict the risk of infection in patients with LN undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in Medina, Saudi Arabia: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic undoubtedly ranks among the most health-impacting pandemics throughout medical history. Although the COVID-19 global public health emergency has ended, lessons need to be learned to be more ready to face similar pandemics in the future. Few studies in Saudi Arabia discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) patients. Thus, this study was conducted to elaborate on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on AIRD patients and rheumatology practices in Saudi Arabia.  Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged over 14 with AIRD using a pre-designed validated survey questionnaire. Data were collected from AIRD patients who were following up between November 2021 to April 2022 at the Rheumatology Clinic of King Fahad General Hospital in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. This center was chosen as being the main hospital in the city following patients of AIRD.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients were included in our study, with the majority (n=264, 81.5%) being females. The mean age was 44.42±14.4 years. Clinical data revealed that 115 (35.5%) of our patients experienced mild COVID-19 infection, 19 (5.9%) suffered from respiratory insufficiency, and seven (2.2%) required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Non-compliance to medication was recorded at 25.2%. There were 115 (35.5%) patients who had an AIRD flare that was significantly higher among those who were not adherent to the medications (p<0.001). Disease flare was also significantly seen among patients who were not on prednisone or were on low doses of prednisone (p<0.001). The majority (n=33, 97.1%) of the 34 infected patients who had an AIRD flare had their flare-up at the same time as their COVID-19 infection (p<0.001). COVID-19 vaccination rate was 87.7% (n=284). The most common reason for non-vaccination in 40 (12.3%) patients was the patients' concern about disease flare-ups by the vaccine or interference of the vaccine with their medication (n=16, 4.9%).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a 35.5% (n=115) COVID-19 infection rate. The majority of our AIRD patients sustained minor infections that did not require hospitalization or ICU admission. The majority of the patients who underwent a severe COVID-19 infection course were not on prednisolone or were on low-dose prednisone. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and drug shortages, one in four patients (25.3%) stopped taking their medications and was significantly found to have a high prevalence of underlying AIRD flare. Despite the high vaccination rate, disease flare was the biggest concern for those who were not immunized. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, doctors should be aware of risk factors associated with severe AIRD outcomes that should be balanced based on the infection severity, underlying disease flares, and patient-centered education about medication adherence and vaccination.

A retrospective cohort study of Epstein-Barr virus infection status and systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are very closely related. This study estimated the impact of EBV infection status on clinical manifestations and disease remission in patients with SLE.

METHOD

A retrospective study was performed using electronic health records of patients with SLE. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2 K) was used to assess disease activity. VCAIgM or EAIgM positive or EBVDNA copies ≥ 50 IU/mL were defined as lytic infection group, EBNA-IgG or VCAIgG-positive and who were negative for both VCAIgM and EAIgM with EBVDNA copies < 50 IU/mL were defined as the latent infection group. The endpoint (disease remission) was defined as a decrease in SLEDAI-2 K score of ≥ 1 grade or ≥ 4 points from baseline. The association between EBV infection status and disease remission was assessed using propensity score weighting and multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

There were 75 patients with SLE in the EBV lytic infection group and 142 patients in the latent infection group. The SLEDAI-2 K score was higher in the lytic infection group (10.00 (6.25, 16.00) vs. 8.00 (5.00, 10.00), Z = 3.96, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the effect of EBV lytic infection on disease remission compared to latent infection (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.19-0.49, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SLE with lytic EBV infection have higher disease activity and take longer to achieve remission. Our study furthers our understanding of the relationship between SLE and EBV infection and may inform better treatment practices in the future.

The prevalence of neutropenia and association with infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a Swedish single-center study conducted over 14 years

Hematologic abnormalities are common manifestations of SLE, although neutropenia is observed less frequently and is not included in the classification criteria. Nonetheless, neutropenia is a risk factor for infections, especially those caused by bacteria or fungi. We aimed to evaluate the impact of neutropenia in SLE through a systematic investigation of all infections in a large cohort of well-characterized patients, focusing on neutropenia, lymphopenia, and hypocomplementemia. Longitudinal clinical and laboratory parameters obtained at visits to the Rheumatology Unit, Linköping University Hospital, and linked data on all forms of healthcare utilization for all the subjects included in our regional SLE register during 2008-2022 were assessed. Data regarding confirmed infections were retrieved from the medical records. Overall, 333 patients were included and monitored during 3,088 visits to a rheumatologist during the study period. In total, 918 infections were identified, and 94 occasions of neutropenia (ANC < 1.5 × 109/L) were detected in 40 subjects (12%). Thirty neutropenic episodes in 15 patients occurred in association with infections, of which 13 (43%) required in-hospital care, 4 (13%) needed intensive care, and 1 (3%) resulted in death. Bayesian analysis showed that patients with ≥ 1 occasion of neutropenia were more likely to experience one or more infections (OR = 2.05; probability of association [POA] = 96%). Both invasiveness (OR = 7.08; POA = 98%) and severity (OR = 2.85; POA = 96%) of the infections were significantly associated with the present neutropenia. Infections are common among Swedish SLE patients, 12% of whom show neutropenia over time. Importantly, neutropenia is linked to both the invasiveness and severity of infections. Awareness of the risks of severe infections in neutropenic patients is crucial to tailor therapies to prevent severe illness and death.

Risk factors for initial and recurrent severe infections in first hospitalized patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective study of a Chinese cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and associated factors of initial and recurrent severe infections in hospitalized patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

SLE patients that first hospitalized between 2010 and 2021 were studied retrospectively and divided into SLE with and without baseline severe infection groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe infection during follow-up. Cox regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for initial and recurrent severe infections.

RESULTS

Among 1051 first hospitalized SLE patients, 164 (15.6%) had severe infection on admission. During a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 113 (10.8%) patients reached severe infection outcomes, including 27 with reinfection and 86 with initial severe infection (16.5% vs. 9.7%, p = .010). Patients with baseline severe infection had a higher cumulative incidence of reinfection (p = .007). After adjusting for confounding factors, renal involvement, elevated serum creatinine, hypoalbuminemia, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil treatment were associated with an increased risk of severe infection, especially initial severe infection. Low immunoglobulin, anti-dsDNA antibody positivity, and cyclophosphamide use significantly increased the risk of recurrent severe infection, with adjusted HR (95% CI) of 3.15 (1.22, 8.14), 3.60 (1.56, 8.28), and 2.14 (1.01, 5.76), respectively. Moreover, baseline severe infection and low immunoglobulin had a multiplicative interaction on reinfection, with adjusted RHR (95% CI) of 3.91 (1.27, 12.09).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of SLE, patients with severe infection had a higher risk of reinfection, and low immunoglobulin, anti-dsDNA antibody positivity, and cyclophosphamide use were independent risk factors for recurrent severe infection.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLE

Little is known about the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and autoimmune diseases, especially in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients met with many questions during the pandemic in COVID-19, such as how to minimize risk of infection, the complex pathological features and cytokine profiles, diagnosis and treatment, rational choice of drugs and vaccine, good nursing, psychological supervision, and so on. In this study, we review and discuss the multifaceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients living with SLE using the available literature. Cross-talk in implicated inflammatory pathways/mechanisms exists between SLE and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and SARS-CoV-2 displays similar clinical characteristics and immuno-inflammatory responses to SLE. Current epidemiological data inadequately assess the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with SLE. More evidence has shown that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine cannot prevent COVID-19. During the pandemic, patients with SLE had a higher rate of hospitalization. Vaccination helps to reduce the risk of infection. Several therapies for patients with SLE infected with COVID-19 are discussed. The cases in the study can provide meaningful information for clinical diagnosis and management. Our main aim is to help preventing infection and highlight treatment options for patients with SLE infected with COVID-19.

Risk Factors and Incidence of Serious Infections in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Undergoing Rituximab Therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk and protective factors of serious infection (SI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) within 180 days of rituximab (RTX) treatment.

METHODS

Patients with SLE treated with RTX were analyzed. SI was defined as any infectious disease requiring hospitalization. The clinical characteristics, laboratory profiles, medications, and incidence rate (IR) are presented. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier analysis for risk factors of SI were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients with SLE receiving RTX treatment were enrolled. The overall IR of SIs was 51.0/100 patient-years (PYs). Pneumonia (30.4/100 PYs), followed by soft tissue infections, intra-abdominal infections, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (all 6.1/100 PYs) were the leading types of SIs. Twelve patients died during the 180-day follow-up (crude mortality rate: 14.6/100 PYs). Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.88, 95% CI 1.30-6.38), and a background prednisolone (PSL) equivalent dosage ≥ 15 mg/day (HR 3.50, 95% CI 1.57-7.78) were risk factors for SIs among all patients with SLE. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed the risk of SI for patients with SLE with CKD and a background PSL equivalent dosage ≥ 15 mg/day (log-rank P = 0.001 and 0.02, respectively). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reduced the risk of SIs in patients with SLE (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.82; log-rank P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

SI was prevalent in patients with SLE after RTX treatment. Patients with SLE with CKD and high-dose glucocorticoid use required constant vigilance. HCQ may reduce the risk of SI among patients with SLE administered RTX.

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Review and Considerations for Older Populations

Though more common earlier in life, increasing attention is being focused on the development of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) in patients with advancing age. Studies show that CLE is more common in older populations than previously thought, and all CLE subtypes are possible in this group. Just like patients in the third or fourth decade of life, CLE may appear alongside or independent of systemic lupus erythematosus. Older populations manifesting CLE for the first time seem to have a lower risk of progression to systemic disease than younger peers, and are more commonly White. CLE must be carefully distinguished from other skin conditions that have a predilection for presentation in older populations, including rosacea, lichen planus, and other autoimmune conditions such as dermatomyositis or pemphigus/pemphigoid. It is thought that most CLE in older populations is drug-induced, with drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus being the most common subtype. Management of CLE in older patients focuses on eliminating unnecessary medications known to induce CLE, and otherwise treatment proceeds similarly to that in younger patients, with a few special considerations.

Increased Mortality Risk at Septic Condition in Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Effect of High-Fat Diet Consumption

In recent years, attention has increasingly focused on various infectious diseases. Although some fatalities are directly attributed to the causative virus, many result from complications and reactive inflammation. Patients with comorbidities are at a higher risk of mortality. Refractory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and epidermolysis bullosa, known for an elevated risk of sepsis, partly owe this to compromised surface barrier function. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Conversely, although the detrimental effects of a high-fat diet on health, including the onset of metabolic syndrome, are widely recognized, the association between diet and susceptibility to sepsis has not been extensively explored. In this study, we examined the potential causes and pathogenesis of increased sepsis susceptibility in inflammatory skin diseases using a mouse dermatitis model: keratin 14-driven caspase-1 is overexpressed (KCASP1Tg) in mice on a high-fat diet. Our findings reveal that heightened mortality in the dermatitis mouse model is caused by the inflamed immune system due to the chronic inflammatory state of the local skin, and administration of LPS causes a rapid increase in inflammatory cytokine levels in the spleen. Intake of a high-fat diet exacerbates these cytokine levels. Interestingly, we also observed a reduced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in monocytes from KCASP1Tg mice, potentially predisposing these animals to heightened infection risks and associated complications. Histological analysis showed a clear decrease in T and B cells in the spleen of KCASP1Tg mice fed a high-fat diet. Thickening of the alveolar wall, inflammatory cell infiltration, and alveolar hemorrhage were more prominent in the lungs of KCASP1Tg and KCASP1Tg with fat mice. We postulate that the chronic, non-infectious inflammation induces a negative feedback loop within the inflammatory cascade, and the suppressed expression of TLR4 renders the mice more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals with chronic skin inflammation to closely monitor disease progression upon infection and seek timely and appropriate treatment. Additionally, chronic inflammation of adipose tissue, induced by high-fat food intake, combined with dermatitis inflammation, may exacerbate infections, necessitating a review of dietary habits.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and damage: What has changed over the past 20 years?

The young age of onset and chronic/relapsing nature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) make SLE patients prone to develop and accrue organ damage as a result of long-standing disease activity and side effects of treatment. There is a growing interest in objectifying damage and identifying its risk factors. Still, the lack of therapeutic alternatives has led to difficulties in avoiding immunosuppressives particularly corticosteroids, which have been implicated in a large spectrum of organ damage in SLE patients. Moreover, it continues to be very challenging to determine what actually causes damage in different organ-systems. Cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the leading types of damage in patients with SLE, reported as early as 1976. Since then, many researchers have focused on identifying SLE or treatment-related and traditional risk factors. The same considerations are valid for other conditions, such as the occurrence of metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, susceptibility to infections, etc. On the other hand, diverse risk factors contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in SLE. Most evidence suggests that high initial levels of serum creatinine, hypocomplementemia, nephrotic range proteinuria, concomitant uncontrolled hypertension, Black and Hispanic ancestry, non-adherence to treatment, and biopsy findings such as diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (LN), a high chronicity index, tubular atrophy, and tubulointerstitial inflammation are risk factors for progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD) in LN. While cardiovascular disease, CKD and infections are leading causes of mortality in patients with SLE, hospitalizations are caused mostly by SLE disease flares and infections. Cognitive impairment and mood disorders are common in SLE but continue to impose a challenge on how to measure, manage and decipher the underlying pathogenesis. Nevertheless, they have a great impact on SLE patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and social functioning. Also, skin manifestations, such as alopecia and scaring, cataracts, and sicca symptoms result in a significant decrease in HRQoL. In light of recent developments in SLE treatment, we can expect to enter a period of new-age targeted therapies that will enable us to reduce disease activity and glucocorticoid usage further and positively alter the trajectory of damage development and accrual in SLE.

Comparative Risks of Infection With Belimumab Versus Oral Immunosuppressants in Patients With Nonrenal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the comparative risk of infection with belimumab versus oral immunosuppressants for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Using observational data from a US multicenter electronic health record database, we identified patients with SLE but without lupus nephritis who initiated belimumab, azathioprine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate between 2011 and 2021. We designed and emulated hypothetical target trials to estimate the cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) of serious infection and hospitalization for serious infection comparing belimumab versus each oral immunosuppressant. We used propensity score overlap weighting to balance baseline covariates and adjusted for adherence to treatment group using inverse probability of treatment weighting. We also assessed the control outcome of traumatic injury.

RESULTS

Among 21,481 patients, we compared 2841 and 6343 initiators of belimumab and azathioprine, 2642 and 8242 initiators of belimumab and methotrexate, and 2813 and 8407 initiators of belimumab and mycophenolate, respectively. After propensity score overlap weighting, all covariates were balanced in each comparison. The mean age of the cohort was 45 years, and 94% were women. Compared with azathioprine and mycophenolate, belimumab was associated with lower risks of both serious infection (HR 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.92 and HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.61-0.78) and hospitalization for infection (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57-0.94 and HR 0.56 95% CI 0.43-0.71). The risk of infection was also lower for belimumab compared with methotrexate (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.97). There were no differences in traumatic injury risks across treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Belimumab was associated with lower risks of serious infection than with oral immunosuppressants. This finding should inform risk/benefit considerations for SLE treatment.

Factors and Reasons for Non-vaccination among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Single-centre, Cross-sectional Study

Objective This study aimed to clarify the vaccination coverage of vaccine-preventable diseases and the factors and reasons for non-vaccination among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods This single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 September to 30 November 2020 in a 715-bed regional tertiary-care teaching hospital in Japan. A questionnaire survey was undertaken to investigate the vaccination status of patients with SLE, and the factors and reasons for not receiving the influenza vaccine, 23-valent-pneumococcal-polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), varicella vaccine live (VVL), and recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). Results The vaccination coverage for the influenza vaccine, PPSV23, PCV13, VVL, and RZV was 61%, 22%, 19%, 3.4%, and 0%, respectively, among 261 patients. The most common reason for vaccine hesitancy was 'efficacy concerns about vaccines' for the influenza vaccine and 'cost' for PPSV23 and PCV13. The factors significantly associated with non-vaccination were prescription of high-dose glucocorticoids and no history of visits to other internal medicine clinics for the influenza vaccine; a younger age and prescription of high-dose glucocorticoids for PPSV23; and a younger age, no medication with hydroxychloroquine, no history of hospitalisation in internal medicine, and extensive clinical experience of the doctor for PCV13. Conclusion These findings, which demonstrated that the factors and reasons for non-vaccination varied by vaccine type, suggest that individualised strategies should be used to promote vaccination in this population.

Approach to vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus on biological treatment

In recent years, treat-to-target strategy and early intervention strategies with immunosuppressive agents have attempted to improve the prognosis and outcome in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. However, infectious complications due to side effects of medication remain a major concern in routine practice. In this regard, vaccine immunity and vaccination programmes are of the utmost importance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in terms of morbidity and mortality. Encouragingly, research investigations have increased exponentially, both in monitoring the vaccines efficacy, and in determining the immune response while patients are on immunosuppression., However, in this biological era in rheumatology, relatively little data have been published investigating these parameters in those receiving biological agents, therefore, no definitive consensus about a vaccination policy for patients with SLE is currently available. In this review, we aim to address what is established about vaccinating patients with SLE on biological agents and discuss potential problems.

Safety profile of baricitinib in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: an integrated analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety of the oral Janus kinase inhibitor baricitinib in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving stable background therapy. Topics of special interest included infections and cardiovascular and thromboembolic events.

METHODS

This analysis included integrated safety data from three randomised, placebo-controlled studies (one phase 2 and two phase 3) and one long-term extension study. Data are reported in three data sets: placebo-controlled, extended exposure and all-baricitinib. Outcomes include treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), AEs of special interest and abnormal laboratory changes. Proportions of patients with events and incidence rates (IRs) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 1655 patients received baricitinib for up to 3.5 years (median duration 473 days). With baricitinib 4 mg, baricitinib 2 mg and placebo, respectively, 50.8%, 50.7% and 49.0% of patients reported at least one infection and 4.4%, 3.4% and 1.9% of patients had a serious infection. The most common treatment-emergent infections included urinary tract infection, COVID-19, upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis. Herpes zoster was more common with baricitinib 4 mg (4.7%) vs baricitinib 2 mg (2.7%) and placebo (2.8%). Among baricitinib-4 mg, 2 mg and placebo-treated patients, respectively, 4 (IR=0.9), 1 (IR=0.2) and 0 experienced at least one positively adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular event, and 0, 3 (IR=0.6) and 2 (IR=0.4) reported at least one positively adjudicated venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this integrated safety analysis in patients with SLE are not substantially different to the established safety profile of baricitinib. No increased venous thromboembolism was found.

A Framework to Overcome Challenges in the Management of Infections in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Infections remain one of the leading causes of death in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), despite awareness of factors contributing to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases in SLE. Clinicians report challenges and barriers when encountering infection in SLE as certain infections may mimic a lupus flare. There are no evidence-based practice guidelines in the management of fever in SLE, with suboptimal implementations of evidence-based benefits related to infectious disease control and/or prevention strategies in SLE. Vigilance in identifying an opportunistic infection must be stressed when confronted by a diagnostic challenge during a presentation with a febrile illness in SLE. A balanced approach must focus on management of infections in SLE, and reduction in the glucocorticoids dose, given the need to control lupus disease activity to avoid lupus related organ damage and mortality. Clinical judgement and application of biomarkers of lupus flares could reduce false positives and overdiagnosis and improve differentiation of infections from lupus flares. Further precision-based risk and screening measures must identify individuals who would benefit most from low dose immunosuppressive therapy, targeted immune therapy, and vaccination programs.

CD27 on human memory B cells-more than just a surface marker

Immunological memory protects the human body from re-infection with an earlier recognized pathogen. This memory comprises the durable serum antibody titres provided by long-lived plasma cells and the memory T and B cells with help from other cells. Memory B cells are the main precursor cells for new plasma cells during a secondary infection. Their formation starts very early in life, and they continue to form and undergo refinements throughout our lifetime. While the heterogeneity of the human memory B-cell pool is still poorly understood, specific cellular surface markers define most of the cell subpopulations. CD27 is one of the most commonly used markers to define human memory B cells. In addition, there are molecular markers, such as somatic mutations in the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains and isotype switching to, for example, IgG. Although not every memory B cell undergoes somatic hypermutation or isotype switching, most of them express these molecular traits in adulthood. In this review, I will focus on the most recent knowledge regarding CD27+ human memory B cells in health and disease, and describe how Ig sequencing can be used as a tool to decipher the evolutionary pathways of these cells.

Donor-Derived Transmission of Scedosporiosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients from a Systemic lupus erythematosus donor

Donor-derived infection (DDI) associated with Scedosporium spp is extremely rare, and results in a very poor prognosis. The present study reports a probable DDI due to Scedosporium boydii (S. boydii) from a donor with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus. Two recipients developed Scedosporiosis after kidney transplantation from the same donor. Recipient 1 died of central nervous system infection due to S. boydii based on the clinical presentations, and the positive metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and culture results for the cerebrospinal fluid. The other recipient with urinary tract obstruction due to S. boydii, which was identified through the positive culture and mNGS results of the removed stents, was successfully treated by stent replacement and voriconazole administration. Undiagnosed disseminated donor infection and the transmission of S. boydii should be given attention, particularly when the donor and recipients have primary immunodeficiency disease. The screening of donors and recipients for S. boydii using mNGS may be helpful in guiding antifungal prophylaxis and treatment recipients, due to its higher sensitivity and shorter diagnostic time relative to other traditional techniques.

Serious Infection Rates Among Patients with Select Autoimmune Conditions: A Claims-Based Retrospective Cohort Study from Taiwan and the USA

INTRODUCTION

Serious infections are an important concern for patients with autoimmune conditions. We sought to estimate serious infection rates among patients with select autoimmune conditions relative to the general population in Taiwan and the USA.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study estimated setting-specific standardized serious infection incidence rates and ratios among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, including extra-renal lupus and lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis and primary membranous nephropathy, compared with the general population using insurance claims for hospitalizations between 2000 and 2013. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios for serious infections, adjusting for age, sex, index year, prior serious infection, comorbidities and medications.

RESULTS

In Taiwan, serious infection rates were 22.7, 28.7, 70.6, 43.4 and 215.3 per 1000 person-years among the general population and among cohorts of patients with primary membranous nephropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, extra-renal lupus and lupus nephritis, respectively. In the USA, serious infection rates were 2.6, 9.0, 15.6, 21.0 and 63.3 per 1000 person-years among the general population and among cohorts of patients with primary membranous nephropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, extra-renal lupus and lupus nephritis, respectively. Patients had significantly higher serious infection rates than the general population in both settings, largely driven by bacterial, respiratory, urinary tract and opportunistic infections. Patients with lupus nephritis had the highest burden of serious infections relative to the general population, with 7- to 25-fold higher adjusted hazard ratios in Taiwan and the USA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study identified a significant excess serious infection burden among patients with targeted autoimmune conditions compared with the general populations in Taiwan and the USA.

The association of systemic lupus erythematosus with short-term mortality in sepsis: a population-level analysis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with higher risks of sepsis and sepsis-related mortality compared to the general population. However, the prognostic impact of SLE in sepsis is uncertain. We used statewide data to identify hospitalizations aged ≥18 years in Texas with sepsis, with and without SLE during 2014-2017. Multilevel logistic regression with propensity adjustment (primary model), propensity score matching, and multivariable logistic regression without propensity adjustment were used to estimate the association of SLE with short-term mortality (defined as in-hospital mortality or discharge to hospice) among sepsis hospitalizations. Among 283,025 sepsis hospitalizations, 2933 (1.0%) had SLE. Compared to sepsis hospitalizations without SLE, those with SLE were younger (aged ≥65 years, 25.0% vs 57.0%) and had higher burden of comorbidities (mean Deyo comorbidity index 3.0 vs 2.6). Short-term mortality of sepsis hospitalizations with and without SLE was 22.9% vs 31.3%. SLE remained associated with lower short-term mortality on the secondary models, but not on the primary one (adjusted odds ratio: 0.905; 95% confidence interval: 0.817-1.001). When in-hospital mortality was used as secondary outcome, SLE was associated with mortality only on propensity score matching. The increased sepsis-related mortality in SLE is driven by higher risk of sepsis, but not by higher case fatality among septic patients. SLE may be associated with lower risk of mortality among septic patients, but further studies are needed due to heterogeneity of the prognostic associations across models.

Risk of Bloodstream Infection in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Exposed to Prolonged Medium-to-High-Dose Glucocorticoids

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exposed to medium to high doses of glucocorticoids.

METHODS

This study included 1109 treatment episodes with prolonged (≥4 weeks) medium-to-high-dose glucocorticoids (≥15 mg/day prednisolone) in 612 patients with SLE for over 14 years. Clinical features regarding systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), immunosuppressant use, and laboratory results were obtained from the electronic medical database. The primary outcome of this study was the 1-year incidence of BSI. The effect of clinical factors on the outcome was investigated using a generalized estimating equation.

RESULTS

During a total of 1078.64 person-years, 30 cases of BSI occurred, with an incidence rate of 2.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88-3.97) per 100 person-years. Mortality rate of the treatment episodes with BSI was 16.7%, which was significantly higher than that in the other episodes (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 19.59, 95% CI 7.33-52.44). When the incidence rate of BSI was stratified by baseline glucocorticoid dose and SLEDAI-2K score, a higher incidence rate of BSI occurred as disease activity or baseline glucocorticoid dose increased. In the multivariable analysis, SLEDAI-2K ≥20 (adjusted IRR (aIRR) 4.66, 95% CI 2.17-10.00), initial baseline prednisolone ≥ 60 mg/day (aIRR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-5.32), and cumulative prednisolone dose ≥15 mg/day during the previous 6 months (aIRR 2.13, 95% CI 1.03-4.40) significantly increased the risk of BSI.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SLE exposed to prolonged medium-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, the 1-year incidence rate of BSI was significantly higher than previously reported in the general patients with SLE. Severe disease activity, and high-dose glucocorticoid treatment previously or at baseline increased the risk of BSI.

Evidence of immune response to BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with Belimumab

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate humoral and cell-mediated response after three doses of BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with Belimumab (BLM).

METHODS

SLE patients were vaccinated with three doses of BNT162b2-mRNA vaccine (two-dose primary vaccination, third booster dose after 6 months). The humoral immune response was assessed one and 6 months after the second dose (T1, T2), and 6 months after the booster dose (T3). Serological assay was performed (The Liaison® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG chemiluminescent). Spike-specific T-cell response was monitored 6 months after the second vaccine dose and the percentage of cytokines producing T cells was assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Twelve patients [12F; median age 46 years (IQR 8.25); median disease duration 156 months (IQR 188)] were enrolled. At T1, all patients showed seroconversion (median anti-Spike IgG levels 1610 BAU/mL, IQR 1390). At T2--day of the third dose--a significant reduction of median anti-Spike IgG antibodies levels was observed [214 BAU/mL (IQR 94); p = 0.0009]. Anti-Spike IgG were significantly increased at T3, reaching a median value of 1440 BAU/mL (IQR 1316; p = 0.005). Despite declining humoral immunity, almost 60% of patients mounted a virus-specific CD4 + T-cell response 6 months after primary vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

BLM does not impair humoral response to primary BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. During the follow-up, a decline in antibody levels is evident and the third dose is crucial to increase the specific immune response. Finally, we observed a recall T-cell response to the Spike antigen 6 months after the first vaccination cycle.

Infection in systemic lupus erythematosus-associated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a potential key to improve outcomes

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and associated factors of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated diffusive alveolar hemorrhage (SLE-DAH) stratified by infection status in a national representative cohort.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included 124 consecutive patients with SLE-DAH in a tertiary care center between 2006 and 2021. The diagnosis of DAH was made based on a comprehensive evaluation of clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiologic findings, and bronchoalveolar lavage. Demographics, clinical features, and survival curves were compared between patients with bacterial, non-bacterial, and non-infection groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors independently associated with bacterial infection in SLE-DAH.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients with SLE-DAH developed bacterial infection after DAH occurrence, thirty-two patients developed fungal and/or viral infection, and thirty-four patients were categorized as non-infection. The bacterial infection group have a worse prognosis (OR 3.059, 95%CI 1.469-6.369, p = 0.002) compared with the other two groups, with a mortality rate of 60.3% within 180 days after DAH occurrence. Factors independently associated with bacterial infections in SLE-DAH included hematuria (OR 4.523, 95%CI 1.068-19.155, p = 0.040), hemoglobin drop in the first 24 h after DAH occurred (OR 1.056, 95%CI 1.001-1.115, p = 0.049), and anti-Smith antibody (OR 0.167, 95%CI 0.052-0.535, p = 0.003). Glucocorticoid pulse therapy and cyclophosphamide were administered in more than 50% of patients regardless of their infectious status. According to clinical experience at our hospital and in previous studies, we recommended a comprehensive management algorithm for SLE-DAH based on infection stratification.

CONCLUSION

Infection, especially bacterial infection, is a severe complication and prognostic factor of SLE-DAH. Comprehensive management strategies, including diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and monitoring, based on infection stratification may fundamentally improve outcomes of patients with SLE-DAH. Key Points • Bacterial infection is an important, but neglected, prognosis factor of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated diffusive alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). • Hematuria, hemoglobin drop, and anti-Smith antibody can independently predict bacterial infections in SLE-DAH. • We put forward a comprehensive management algorithm based on infection stratification for SLE-DAH.

Physician Perspectives on Vaccination in Patients With Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: An International Survey

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the perspective of physicians who care for patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIIRD) toward vaccination.

METHODS

Physicians who care for patients with AIIRD were invited to participate in an online survey regarding their vaccination perspectives in adult patients with AIIRD.

RESULTS

Survey responses of 370 physicians from Asia (41.1%), North America (41.6%), Europe (13.8%), and other countries (3.5%) were analyzed. Participants stated that rheumatologists (58.2%) should be primarily responsible for vaccination coverage, followed by general internists (19.3%) and family medicine practitioners (12.8%). Additionally, 96.7% of participants considered vaccination very important (≥ 4/5 rating) for patients with AIIRD. Despite these sentiments, only one-third (37%) reported vaccinating the majority (≥ 60%) of their patients.

CONCLUSION

Physicians who care for patients with AIIRD agree that vaccines are effective and safe in patients with AIIRD. Unfortunately, they often do not ensure that their patients are adequately vaccinated. Further studies are needed to investigate how to improve vaccination coverage for this high-risk patient population.

Physicians' Agreement on and Implementation of the 2019 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Vaccination Guideline: An International Survey

Objective

To evaluate the perspective of healthcare professionals towards the 2019 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) vaccination guideline in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD).

Methods

Healthcare professionals who care for patients with AIIRD were invited to participate in an online survey regarding their perspective on the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with AIIRD. Level of agreement and implementation of the 6 overarching principles and 9 recommendations were rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1~5).

Results

Survey responses of 371 healthcare professionals from Asia (42.2%) and North America (41.6%), Europe (13.8%), and other countries were analyzed. Only 16.3% of participants rated their familiarity with the 2019 EULAR guideline as 5/5 ("very well"). There was a high agreement (≥4/5 rating) with the overarching principles, except for the principles applying to live-attenuated vaccines. There was a high level of agreement with the recommendations regarding influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations; implementation of these recommendations was also high. Participants also reported a high level of agreement with the remaining recommendations but did not routinely implement these recommendations.

Conclusion

The 2019 update of EULAR recommendations for the vaccination of adult patients with AIIRD is generally thought to be important by healthcare professionals, although implementation of adequate vaccination is often lacking. Better education of healthcare providers may be important to optimize the vaccination coverage for patients with AIIRD.

Clinical characteristics of SLE patients infected with Epstein-Barr virus and potential associated risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features and potential associated risk factors of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

METHODS

A total of 121 newly diagnosed SLE patients who had never used immunosuppressive drugs (treatment-naïve) and 191 previously treated SLE patients from January 2017 to January 2020 were enrolled in this study. And 115 age- and sex-matched non-rheumatic disease controls were also included.

RESULTS

A significantly higher incidence of EBV DNA positivity and higher viral DNA copies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were observed among treatment-naïve and previously treated SLE patients compared with controls. The positivity rate of EBV DNA was further increased in previously treated SLE patients compared with that in treatment-naïve patients. EBV DNA-positive treatment-naïve SLE patients presented lower incidence of hemolytic anemia and more affected organ number than EBV DNA-negative patients. EBV DNA-positive treated SLE patients showed older age, longer immunosuppressive duration, higher IgG level, and higher Th/Ts ratio than EBV DNA-negative patients. Patients responding well to treatment with decreased SLE disease activity index scores had a transformation of EBV DNA from positive to negative in treated SLE patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age, higher IgG level, and longer immunosuppressive duration were associated risk factors for EBV DNA positivity in SLE patients, while higher TNF-α level was a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

Older age, higher IgG level, and longer immunosuppressive duration are associated with the positivity of EBV DNA in SLE patients. A seroconversion of EBV DNA indicates an association between EBV positivity and therapy response, while larger number cases are needed to confirm. Key Points • Older age, higher IgG level, and longer immunosuppressive duration are associated with EBV DNA positivity in SLE patients. • A seroconversion of EBV DNA might be an indicator to reflect the SLE therapy -response.

Pilot study on accelerated aging in lupus using epigenetic biomarkers of age

OBJECTIVE

Despite an important increase in lifespan over the last decades, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) still have to face a high morbi-mortality, particularly related to cardiovascular diseases, infections and cancers. Such events are more commonly found during old age in the general population, raising the hypothesis of an acceleration of the aging process in SLE patients. In this pilot study, we wanted to test the hypothesis that SLE would be associated with an accelerated biological aging measured by the epigenetic clocks models.

METHODS

We applied DNA methylation-based biomarkers of age in publicly available datasets of SLE patients. For every SLE patient and control included in the dataset, we calculated their epigenetic age and a measure of epigenetic age acceleration, according to Horvath's epigenetic clock model.

RESULTS

We included in our analysis two distinct DNA methylation datasets of 30 subjects (among which 15 with SLE) and 55 subjects (among which 30 with SLE), respectively. In both datasets, there was a statistically significant correlation between chronological age and epigenetic age. We did not observe any statistically significant difference in the measure of epigenetic age acceleration between SLE patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

We did not observe any evidence of an accelerated biological aging in SLE patients, according to Horvath's epigenetic clock model.

A survey of systemic lupus erythematosus patients' attitudes toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in Southwest China

Introduction

Vaccination is the most effective measure for prevention against infectious diseases in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, it is important to know SLE patients' attitudes toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the attitude toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccination among SLE patients in Southwest China and its influencing factors.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire was conducted to collect data regarding SLE patients' demographics, history of infections, medications, comorbidities, attitudes toward infection and vaccination, rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and role of health professionals in promoting vaccination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the vaccination willingness-associated factors.

Results

A total of 251 patients participated in the survey and 240 questionnaires were completed and statistically analyzed. The influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates were 8.3 and 1.7%, respectively. The top three reasons for non-vaccination were worrying about the SLE exacerbation or flare resulting from the vaccine or its adjuvants, being concerned about adverse events, and the lack of awareness of vaccine availability. More than half of the participants were willing to be vaccinated against influenza (56.2%) and pneumococcus (52.9%). Factors associated to the willingness to receive the influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine were being afraid of infection, believing in the efficacy of influenza vaccination, lower family income, less perceived care from family members, perceived susceptibility to pneumococcal infection, and perceiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccination as beneficial for health.

Conclusions

The influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates are low among SLE patients in Southwest China. The positive perspective of vaccination on health represented the most impacting factor on their willingness to undergo influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. Non-vaccinated patients were mainly concerned about exacerbation of the disease or adverse events caused by vaccines. It is important to improve the compliance with the guideline-recommended roles of health professionals and to promote the collaboration between rheumatology and primary care teams.

Prescribing Patterns of Hydroxychloroquine and Glucocorticoids Among Lupus Patients After New-Onset End-Stage Renal Disease

OBJECTIVE

Optimal strategies for managing lupus medications after end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have not been addressed. The objective was to identify the current US-wide prescribing patterns of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and oral glucocorticoids (GS) among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with incident ESRD enrolled in the US Renal Data System (USRDS) registry.

METHODS

We identified incident ESRD patients age ≥18 years with SLE as a primary cause of ESRD between January 2006 and June 2013. Patients who were started on dialysis at ESRD onset and enrolled in Medicare Part D within 93 days as required by Medicare were included.

RESULTS

Among the 2,654 new-onset ESRD patients with Part D, the median duration of follow-up was 761 days (interquartile range [IQR] 374-1,375). At baseline, 1,076 patients (41%) were not receiving HCQ or GS, 220 (8%) were prescribed HCQ alone, 509 (19%) were prescribed both HCQ and GS, and 849 (32%) were prescribed GS alone. Of the 1,983 patients who either never received or discontinued HCQ after ESRD onset, 667 (34%) continued GS to the end of the follow-up period. The median GS dose was lower for patients taking HCQ (14 mg [IQR 9-21]) compared to patients who were never prescribed HCQ (15 mg [IQR 9-27]) or patients who discontinued HCQ after ESRD (17 mg [IQR 10-27]; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of patients with lupus nephritis and new-onset ESRD received GS monotherapy at high doses. As GS-related complications contribute to hospitalizations and deaths in SLE ESRD, changing these prescribing practices may improve morbidity and mortality outcomes.

Comparison of short interval and low dose (SILD) with high dose of cyclophosphamide in the susceptibility to infection in SLE: a multicentrereal-world study

Objective

Infection is a major cause of death in patients with SLE. This study aimed to explore the infection rate in patients with SLE receiving a low dose of intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV-CYC).

Methods

Clinical parameters of 1022 patients with SLE from 24 hospitals in China were collected. Patients were divided into the short-interval and lower-dose (SILD, 400 mg every 2 weeks) IV-CYC group and the high-dose (HD, 500 mg/m2of body surface area every month) IV-CYC group. The clinical data and infection rate between the two groups were compared.

Results

Compared with HD IV-CYC, the infection rate of the SILD IV-CYC group was significantly lower (13.04% vs 22.27%, p=0.001). Respiratory tract infection (10.28% vs 15.23%, p=0.046) and skin/soft tissue infection (1.78% vs 4.3%, p=0.040) were significantly decreased in the SILD IV-CYC group. Moreover, infections occurred most likely in patients with SLE with leucopenia (OR 2.266, 95% CI 1.322 to 3.887, p=0.003), pulmonary arterial hypertension (OR 2.756, 95% CI 1.249 to 6.080, p=0.012) and >15 mg/day of glucocorticoid (OR 2.220, 95% CI 1.097 to 4.489, p=0.027).

Conclusions

SILD IV-CYC showed a lower frequency of infection events than high-dose IV-CYC in patients with SLE.

Factors associated with poor outcomes in SLE patients with COVID-19: Data from ReumaCoV-Brazil register

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate factors associated with COVID-19 severity outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a prospective, multi-stage cohort study-"The ReumaCoV Brazil"-designed to monitor patients with immune-mediated rheumatologic disease (IMRD) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. SLE adult patients with COVID-19 were compared with those without COVID-19. SLE activity was evaluated by the patient global assessment (PGA) and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K).

RESULTS

604 SLE patients were included, 317 (52.4%) with COVID-19 and 287 (47.6%) in the control group. SLE COVID-19 patients reported a lower frequency of social isolation and worked more frequently as health professionals. There was no difference in the mean SLEDAI-2K score between groups in the post-COVID-19 period (5.8 [8.6] vs. 4.5 [8.0]; p = 0.190). However, infected patients reported increased SLE activity according to the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) during this period (2.9 [2.9] vs. 2.3 [2.6]; p = 0.031. Arterial hypertension (OR 2.48 [CI 95% 1.04-5.91], p = 0.041), cyclophosphamide (OR 14.32 [CI 95% 2.12-96.77], p = 0.006), dyspnea (OR: 7.10 [CI 95% 3.10-16.23], p < 0.001) and discontinuation of SLE treatment medication during infection (5.38 [CI 95% 1.97-15.48], p = 0.002), were independently associated with a higher chance of hospitalization related to COVID-19. Patients who received telemedicine support presented a 67% lower chance of hospitalization (OR 0.33 [CI 95% 0.12-0.88], p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Hypertension and cyclophosphamide were associated with a severe outcome, and telemedicine can be a useful tool for SLE patients with COVID-19.

Impact of severe infections in SLE: an observational study from the Spanish national registry

OBJECTIVE

Infections are a common complication of SLE. Our objective was to evaluate their causes and impact on the survival of patients with SLE.

METHODS

Analysis of the admissions and death causes in patients diagnosed with SLE from the Spanish Hospital Discharge Database and the infection-related deaths of the Spanish population from the National Statistical Institute, between 2016 and 2018.Only infections recorded as the main diagnosis were analysed (severe or clinically relevant infection).

RESULTS

Among 18 430 admissions in patients with SLE, disease activity was the cause of admission in 19% of all patients and infection in 15%. However, infection was the main cause of death (25%) while SLE activity was responsible for only 6% of deaths (p<0.001). Severe infection exceeded SLE as a cause of death for patients dying at ages between 40-59 (23% vs 4%, p<0.001), 60-79 (26% vs 6%, p<0.001) and older than 80 years (25% vs 6%, p<0.001). Infection was the cause of death in 8% of the Spanish population, a significantly lower rate when compared with patients with SLE (p<0.001). Compared with the general population, infections were the highest relative cause of death in patients with SLE, particularly at younger ages: 40% vs 3% for those below 20 years old (p<0.01), 33% vs 4% between 20 and 39 (p<0.001), 23% vs 5% between 40 and 59 (p<0.001), 26% vs 5% between 60 and 79 (p<0.001) and 25% vs 9% for those older than 80 years (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our nationwide study confirms that infections are the leading cause of death in SLE in Spain, with the highest proportion occurring in young patients with lupus compared with the general population of the same age range.

Malignancies among newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patients and their survival

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of malignancies among newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to reference individuals. Another aim was to assess the survival of SLE patients with malignancy compared to references with malignancy. Finnish adult (>17 years) newly diagnosed SLE patients were identified by their drug reimbursement decisions made during 1.1.2000-31.12.2014 from the register of the Social Insurance Institution. For each case, three population controls were individually selected by age, sex and place of residence. Overall, 1006 SLE patients (women 84%), with a mean age of 45.5 years (SD 16 years) and 3005 population controls were linked to Finnish Cancer Registry, and the information about incident malignancies was retrieved from the day the special reimbursement decision for SLE medication was accepted (index day, ID) until 31.12.2018 or until death. The patients diagnosed with malignancy were followed up until 31.12.2019 considering survival. During the follow-up, 85 SLE patients (women 78%) and 192 controls (women 78%) had developed one or more malignancy after the ID. The incidence rate ratio for any malignancy was 1.41 (95% CI 1.08-1.85). The most common malignancy in SLE patients was non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with twelve cases. SLE patients with malignancy had a lower adjusted 15-year survival than controls with malignancy, 27.1% versus 52.4%, and the adjusted hazard ratio for death was 1.68 (95% CI 1.17-2.43). Our results confirm that SLE patients have a higher risk for overall malignancy. The results also suggest that SLE patients with malignancy have lower survival than their references with malignancy.

Predictors of infection requiring hospitalization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a time-to-event analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the predictors of serious infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Serious infections were identified in SLE patients in a prospectively-followed single centre cohort. Associations of serious infection with disease-related variables and medication use were analysed using Cox and related regression models.

RESULTS

346 patients were followed for a mean (SD) of 6.6 (3.7) years. 86 episodes of serious infection were observed, with an incidence rate of 3.8 episodes per 100 person-years. Patients who had serious infection had higher baseline SLE Damage Index (SDI) and Charlston Comorbidity Index (CCI); they were also more likely to have high disease activity status (HDAS), and higher disease activity in multiple clinical domains, higher flare rates, higher time-adjusted prednisolone dose exposure, and less time in lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS). Patients who have received cyclophosphamide, rituximab and mycophenolate were more likely to have experienced serious infection. After multivariable adjustment in Cox regression analysis, cyclophosphamide, higher SDI score, and higher disease activity were associated with an increased hazard of first serious infection. History of previous serious infection conferred the highest risk. Lymphopenia was also a modest but statistically significant predictor of serious infection.

CONCLUSION

History of previous serious infection was the strongest predictor of serious infection in our SLE cohort. This study also suggests that clinical factors such as damage accrual, disease activity, and choice of immunosuppressant, can each have an independent risk in predicting serious infection particularly the first episode.

A 20-Year-Old Woman with Fever and Right Upper Quadrant Abdominal Pain

A 20-Year-Old Woman with Fever and Abdominal PainA 20-year-old woman presented for evaluation of fever and right upper quadrant pain. How do you approach the evaluation, and what is the diagnosis?

Humoral and cellular response in convalescent COVID-19 lupus patients

In SLE, underlying immune dysregulation and immunosuppression may increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 and impair the humoral and adaptive response. We aimed to characterize COVID-19 infection, identifying susceptibility and severity risk factors, assessing the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and analyzing the cellular response. We established a prospective cohort of lupus patients to estimate the COVID-19 incidence compared to the reference general population. Data were collected via telephone interviews and medical record review. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were measured cross-sectionally as part of routine surveillance. Longitudinal changes in antibody titers and immunological profile from convalescent COVID-19 patients were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 week after symptom onset. From immunological studies, PBMCs from convalescent patients were extracted and analyzed by flow cytometry and gene expression analysis. We included 725 patients, identifying 29 with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection and 16 with COVID-19-like symptoms without PCR-testing. Of the 29 confirmed cases, 7 had severe disease, 8 required hospital admission (27.6%), 4 intensive care, and 1 died. COVID-19 accumulated incidence was higher in lupus patients. Health care workers and anti-SSA/Ro52 antibody positivity were risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility, and hypocomplementemia for severity. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were detected in 8.33% of patients. Three fourths of confirmed COVID-19 cases developed antibodies. High prednisone doses were associated with lack of antibody response. Antibody titers declined over time (39%). Convalescent patients at week 12 after symptom onset displayed a CD8⁺T cell reduction and predominant Th17 with a mild Th2 response, more pronounced in severe COVID-19 disease. Longitudinal immune response analysis showed a progressive sustained increase in CD8⁺ T and B memory cells with a decrease of Th17 signaling. Lupus patients are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and new susceptibility and severity risk factors were identified. Lupus patients were able to mount humoral and cellular responses despite immunosuppressive therapy.

Immunogenicity and Safety of mRNA Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure to control the spread of COVID-19 and reduce associated complications. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 41 adult SLE patients receiving two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Comirnaty-BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine were enrolled. The quantitative determination of anti-trimeric spike protein-specific IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was assessed before (T0), 21 days after the administration of the first dose of the vaccine (T1), and between 21 and 28 days after the second dose (T2). They were compared with the same determinations from a cohort of 29 patients with C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency hereditary angioedema (C1-INH-HAE) as controls. All the SLE patients and controls demonstrated a positive serological response after a single dose of the vaccine (T1), which significantly increased after the second dose (T2). No significant difference was found between SLE patients and controls at T1 [t(52.81) = -0.68; p = 0.49] and at T2 [t(67.74) = -0.22; p = 0.825]. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) analysis showed that the vaccine did not influence SLE activity or caused disease flare in our cohort. In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccines produced a satisfactory response in SLE patients without variation in the disease activity.

Association of low-dose glucocorticoid use and infection occurrence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Infection is a major cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, minimizing the risk of infection is an important clinical goal to improve the long-term prognosis of SLE patients. Treatment with ≥7.5 mg prednisolone (PSL) or equivalent has been reported to increase the risk of infections. However, it remains unclear whether <7.5 mg PSL or equivalent dose affects the risk of infection in SLE patients. This study evaluated the association between the occurrence of infection in patients with SLE and low-dose glucocorticoid (GC) usage, especially <7.5 mg PSL or equivalent, to explore the GC dose that could reduce infection occurrence.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included patients from the Japanese multicenter registry of patients with SLE (defined as ≥4 American College of Rheumatology 1997 revised criteria) over 20 years of age. The PSL dose was categorized as PSL 0-2.5, 2.6-5.0, 5.1-7.5, and 7.6-15.0 mg. The primary outcome was infection requiring hospitalization. We conducted a multivariable analysis using time-dependent Cox regression analysis to assess the hazard ratio of infection occurrence compared with a dose of 0-2.5 mg PSL or equivalent in the other three PSL dose groups. Based on previous reports and clinical importance, the covariates selected were age, sex, and concurrent use of immunosuppressants with GC. In addition, two sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 509 SLE patients was 46.7 years; 89.0% were female, and 77.2% used multiple immunosuppressants concomitantly. During the observation period, 52 infections requiring hospitalization occurred. The incidence of infection with a PSL dose of 5.0-7.5 mg was significantly higher than that in the PSL 0-2.5 mg group (adjusted hazard ratio: 6.80, 95% confidence interval: 2.17-21.27). The results of the two sensitivity analyses were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that the use of 5.0-7.5 mg PSL or equivalent could pose an infection risk in SLE patients. This finding indicates that PSL dose should be reduced to as low as possible in SLE patients to avoid infection.

Gut Barrier Damage and Gut Translocation of Pathogen Molecules in Lupus, an Impact of Innate Immunity (Macrophages and Neutrophils) in Autoimmune Disease

The gut barrier is a single cell layer that separates gut micro-organisms from the host, and gut permeability defects result in the translocation of microbial molecules from the gut into the blood. Despite the silent clinical manifestation, gut translocation of microbial molecules can induce systemic inflammation that might be an endogenous exacerbating factor of systemic lupus erythematosus. In contrast, circulatory immune-complex deposition and the effect of medications on the gut, an organ with an extremely large surface area, of patients with active lupus might cause gut translocation of microbial molecules, which worsens lupus severity. Likewise, the imbalance of gut microbiota may initiate lupus and/or interfere with gut integrity which results in microbial translocation and lupus exacerbation. Moreover, immune hyper-responsiveness of innate immune cells (macrophages and neutrophils) is demonstrated in a lupus model from the loss of inhibitory Fc gamma receptor IIb (FcgRIIb), which induces prominent responses through the cross-link between activating-FcgRs and innate immune receptors. The immune hyper-responsiveness can cause cell death, especially apoptosis and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis), which possibly exacerbates lupus, partly through the enhanced exposure of the self-antigens. Leaky gut monitoring and treatments (such as probiotics) might be beneficial in lupus. Here, we discuss the current information on leaky gut in lupus.

Predictive model of risk and severity of enteritis in systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

To describe the clinical and laboratory features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) enteritis and to establish a predictive model of risk and severity of lupus enteritis (LE).

METHODS

Records of patients with SLE complaining about acute digestive symptoms were reviewed. The predictive nomogram for the diagnosis of LE was constructed by using R. The accuracy of the model was tested with correction curves. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) program and a Decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for the verification of LE model. Receiver operating characteristic curve was also employed for evaluation of factors in the prediction of severity of LE.

RESULTS

During the eight year period, 46 patients were in the LE group, while 32 were in the non-LE group. Abdominal pain, emesis, D-dimer >5 μg/mL, hypo-C3, and anti-SSA positive remained statistically significant and were included into the prediction model. Area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curve in this model was 0.909. Correction curve indicated consistency between the predicted rate and actual diagnostic rates. The DCA showed that the LE model was of benefit. Forty-four patients were included in developing the prediction model of LE severity. Infection, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), CT score, and new CT score were validated as risk factors for LE severity. The AUC of the combined SLEDAI, infection and new CT score were 0.870.

CONCLUSION

The LE model exhibits good predictive ability to assess LE risk in SLE patients with acute digestive symptoms. The combination of SLEDAI, infection, and new CT score could improve the assessment of LE severity.

Loss of Gut Barrier Integrity In Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease and its etiology remains unknown. Increased gut permeability has been reported in lupus patients, yet whether it promotes or results from lupus progression is unclear. Recent studies indicate that an impaired intestinal barrier allows the translocation of bacteria and bacterial components into systemic organs, increasing immune cell activation and autoantibody generation. Indeed, induced gut leakage in a mouse model of lupus enhanced disease characteristics, including the production of anti-dsDNA antibody, serum IL-6 as well as cell apoptosis. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been suggested to be one of the factors that decreases gut barrier integrity by outgrowing harmful bacteria and their products, or by perturbation of gut immune homeostasis, which in turn affects gut barrier integrity. The restoration of microbial balance eliminates gut leakage in mice, further confirming the role of microbiota in maintaining gut barrier integrity. In this review, we discuss recent advances on the association between microbiota dysbiosis and leaky gut, as well as their influences on the progression of lupus. The modifications on host microbiota and gut integrity may offer insights into the development of new lupus treatment.

Medication Interruptions and Subsequent Disease Flares During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Online Study of Patients With Rheumatic Disease

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess trends in anxiety and interruptions in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use among patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate whether DMARD interruptions were associated with disease flares.

METHODS

ArthritisPower, the Vasculitis Patient-Powered Research Network, and other patient organizations invited members to join a 52-week longitudinal study, with baseline surveys completed March 29 to June 30, 2020, with follow-up through May 2021. Logistic regression incorporating generalized estimating equations evaluated associations between interruptions in DMARD use and self-reported disease flares at the next survey, adjusting for demographic characteristics, medications, disease, and calendar time.

RESULTS

Among 2,424 patients completing a median of 5 follow-up surveys, the mean age was 57 years, 87% were female, and the most common conditions were rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety T scores decreased from April 2020 (58.7) to May 2021 (53.7) (P < 0.001 for trend). Interruptions in DMARD use decreased from April (11.2%) to December 2020 (7.5%) (P < 0.001) but increased through May 2021 (14.0%) (P < 0.001). Interruptions in DMARD use were associated with a significant increase in severe flares (rated ≥6 of 10) at the next survey (12.9% versus 8.0% [odds ratio (OR) 1.71 (95% confidence interval [95% CI 1.23, 2.36]) although not any flare (OR 1.18 [95% CI 0.89, 1.58])].

CONCLUSION

Anxiety and interruptions in DMARD use initially decreased over time, but DMARD interruptions increased during 2021, possibly related to an increase in COVID-19 cases or vaccine availability. Interruptions in DMARD use were associated with increased rates of severe disease flares, highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary DMARD interruptions.

Surgical resection of lupus nephritis with pulmonary Aspergillus infection: a case report and review of the literature

We report a 58-year-old Asian woman who was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis, together with a mixed pulmonary bacterial and fungal infection including Aspergillus. The infection did not respond well to the routine administration of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal drugs, and the patient’s creatinine levels continued to rise and protein remained in her urine. The patient’s SLE persisted without going into remission. Finally, surgical resection of the pulmonary aspergilloma brought the SLE back under control.

Tuberculosis among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Indonesia: a Cohort study

Background

Previous studies have identified systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), but data from TB endemic countries are still relatively scarce. We examined TB in a large cohort of SLE patients in Indonesia.

Methods

All patients registered in a lupus registry of the top-referral hospital for West-Java between 2008 and 2020 were included. Data on SLE characteristics and treatment were retrieved from the registry, and data on TB diagnosis, localization and outcome were extracted from medical records. Cox-proportional hazard model was used to examine risk factors for development of TB.

Results

Among 1278 SLE patients followed over a total of 4804 patient years, 131 patients experienced 138 episodes of TB, a median 2 years (IQR 0.6–5.4) after diagnosis of SLE. A total of 113 patients (81.9%) had pulmonary and 61 (44.2%) had extra-pulmonary involvement, with disseminated disease in 26 of 138 episodes (18.8%), and 13 of 131 patients (9.9%) died from TB. The estimated TB incidence was 2,873 cases per 100,000 person years. In multivariate cox regression analysis, development of TB was associated with household TB contact (HR 7.20; 95%CI 4.05-12.80), pulse methylprednisolone therapy (HR 1.64; 95%CI 1.01-2.67) and age ≤ 25 years old at SLE diagnosis (HR 1.54; 95%CI 1.00-2.35).

Conclusion

There is a high burden of TB in SLE patients in this TB endemic setting, underlining the need for evaluation or implementation of TB preventive strategies.

Two subsets of human marginal zone B cells resolved by global analysis of lymphoid tissues and blood

B cells generate antibodies that are essential for immune protection, but their subgroups are poorly defined. Here, we perform undirected deep profiling of B cells in matched human lymphoid tissues from deceased transplant organ donors and blood. In addition to identifying unanticipated features of tissue-based B cell differentiation, we resolve two subsets of marginal zone B (MZB) cells differing in cell surface and transcriptomic profiles, clonal relationships to other subsets, enrichment of genes in the NOTCH pathway, distribution bias within splenic marginal zone microenvironment, and immunoglobulin repertoire diversity and hypermutation frequency. Each subset is present in spleen, gut-associated lymphoid tissue, mesenteric lymph nodes, and blood. MZB cells and the lineage from which they are derived are depleted in lupus nephritis. Here, we show that this depletion is of only one MZB subset. The other remains unchanged as a proportion of total B cells compared with health. Thus, it is important to factor MZB cell heterogeneity into studies of human B cell responses and pathology.

Use of telemedicine for follow-up of lupus nephritis in the COVID-19 outbreak: The 6-month results of a randomized controlled trial

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the short-term patient satisfaction, compliance, disease control, and infection risk of telemedicine (TM) compared with standard in-person follow-up (FU) for patients with lupus nephritis (LN) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

This was a single-center open-label randomized controlled study. Consecutive patients followed at the LN clinic were randomized to either TM or standard FU (SF) group in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the TM group received FU via videoconferencing. SF group patients continued conventional in-person outpatient care. The 6-month data were compared and presented.

Results

From June to December 2020, 122 patients were randomized (TM: 60, SF: 62) and had at least 2 FUs. There were no baseline differences, including SLEDAI-2k and proportion of patients in lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS), between the two groups except a higher physician global assessment score (PGA) in the TM group. After a mean FU of 19.8 ± 4.5 weeks, the overall patient satisfaction score was higher in the TM group. More patients in the TM group had hospitalization (15/60, 25.0% vs 7/62, 11.3%; p = .049) with higher baseline PGA (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08–1.26) being the independent predictor. The proportions of patients remained in LLDAS were similar in the two groups (TM: 75.0% vs SF: 74.2%, p = .919). None of the patients had COVID-19.

Conclusions

TM FU resulted in better patient satisfaction and similar short-term disease control in patients with LN compared to standard care. However, it was associated with more hospitalizations and might need to be complemented by in-person visits especially in patients with higher PGA.

Influenza Vaccination in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Efficacy, Effectiveness, Safety, Utilization, and Barriers

Influenza increases morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis but is preventable through vaccination. This systematic review of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, WHO Clinical Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov publications until August 2021 identified 45 reports (16,596 patients), including 8.5% with renal involvement or lupus nephritis: 9 studies (10,446 patients) on clinical effectiveness, 20 studies (1327 patients) on vaccine efficacy, 22 studies (1116 patients) on vaccine safety, 14 studies (4619 patients) on utilization rates, and 5 studies (3220 patients) on barriers. Pooled seroconversion rates ranged between 46% and 56%, while seroprotection rates ranged from 68% to 73% and were significantly associated with age and disease duration. Influenza infection was lower in vaccinated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared with unvaccinated patients. Disease activity scores did not change significantly after vaccination and reported flares were mild to moderate. Pooled current vaccination rate was 40.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.7%-46.5%) with significant heterogeneity and associated with the gross domestic product (P = .002) and disease duration (P = .001). Barriers to vaccination were the lack of doctor recommendation (57.4%) and concerns over the safety or efficacy of the vaccine (12.7%).

Hematological malignancies in systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis-a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and complex multi-system autoimmune disorder. Higher risks of hematological malignancies (HM) were observed in SLE patients, which was associated with higher mortality. The mechanism and risk factors of HM oncogenesis in SLE patients are still under investigation. The aim of this study was to explore clinical characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of SLE patients with or without HM in the Chinese population.

METHODS

A retrospective, case-controlled study was conducted in 72 SLE patients between January 2013 and December 2020. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and compared between the two groups of patients with HM and those without HM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors of HM oncogenesis. The survival rate was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 72 SLE patients in this study, fifteen complicated with HM and 57 without HM were identified. The incidence rate of HM was approximately 0.24% with elevated standardized incidence ratios of lymphoma and leukemia (27.559 and 12.708, respectively). Patients with HM were older when diagnosed with SLE, with a higher frequency of infection and splenomegaly, lower levels of hemoglobin and high-density lipoprotein compared with those without HM. Fewer patients with HM expressed positive anti-dsDNA antibody (26.7% vs 66.7%, P = 0.005) or received hydroxychloroquine treatment (40.0% vs 86.0%, P = 0.001). Older age at SLE diagnosis (OR=1.122, 95% CI: 1.037-1.214) was regarded as an independent risk factor of HM oncogenesis. Female (RR= 0.219, 95% CI: 0.070-0.681) and hydroxychloroquine (RR= 0.281, 95% CI: 0.094-0.845) were protective factors of mortality in SLE patients.

CONCLUSIONS

SLE patients with an older age are at an increased risk of HM carcinogenesis. The prognosis of male patients with SLE tends to be poorer whether complicated with HM. The association of antinuclear antibody spectrum, medication, and HM oncogenesis in SLE needs further investigation.