1
|
Wang P, Zhou R, Xue F, Zhou H, Bai J, Wang X, Ma Y, Song Z, Chen Y, Liu X, Fu R, Sun T, Ju M, Dai X, Dong H, Yang R, Liu W, Zhang L. Single-dose rituximab plus glucocorticoid versus cyclophosphamide plus glucocorticoid in patients with newly diagnosed acquired hemophilia A: A multicenter, open-label, randomized noninferiority trial. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:28-37. [PMID: 37851608 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare but serious bleeding disorder. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the efficacy of immunosuppression therapy for AHA lacks. We conducted the first multicenter RCT aiming to establish whether the single-dose rituximab combination regimen was noninferior to the cyclophosphamide combination regimen. From 2017 to 2022, 63 patients with newly diagnosed AHA from five centers were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive glucocorticoid (methylprednisolone 0.8 mg/kg per day for the first 3 weeks and then tapered) plus single-dose rituximab (375 mg/m2 ; n = 31) or plus cyclophosphamide (2 mg/kg per day until inhibitor becomes negative, for a maximum of 5 weeks; n = 32). The primary outcome was complete remission (CR, defined as FVIII activity ≥50 IU/dL, FVIII inhibitor undetectable, immunosuppression tapered and no bleeding for 24 h without bypassing agents) rate measured within 8 weeks. The noninferiority margin was an absolute difference of 20%. Twenty-four (77.4%) patients in the rituximab group and 22 (68.8%) patients in the cyclophosphamide group achieved CR, which showed the noninferiority of the single-dose rituximab-based regimen (absolute difference = -8.67%, lower limit of the 95% confidence interval = -13.11%; Pnoninferiority = 0.005). No difference was found in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events. Single-dose rituximab plus glucocorticoid regimen showed similar efficacy and safety, without a reported risk of secondary malignancies or reproductive toxicity seen in cyclophosphamide, it might be recommended as a first-line therapy for AHA, especially in China where there is a young age trend in AHA patients. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03384277.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- PanJing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongfu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Hemostasis and Thrombosis Diagnostic Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianghua Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yueshen Ma
- Office of Biostatistics, Center for Information and Resources of State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Song
- Center for Information and Resources of State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaofan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongfeng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Mankai Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyue Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Huan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Renchi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marder W, McCune WJ, Wang L, Wing JJ, Fisseha S, McConnell DS, Christman GM, Somers EC. Adjunctive GnRH-a treatment attenuates depletion of ovarian reserve associated with cyclophosphamide therapy in premenopausal SLE patients. Gynecol Endocrinol 2012; 28:624-7. [PMID: 22296584 PMCID: PMC3396751 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.650752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We measured antimullerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, in women with lupus treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC) (group I), CYC plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) (group II) or neither (group III). We hypothesized that AMH would be diminished in women exposed to CYC versus women receiving adjunctive GnRH-a treatment or no CYC exposure. METHODS Forty-eight premenopausal lupus patients were retrospectively divided into three treatment groups: CYC alone (group I, n = 11), CYC + GnRH-a (group II, n = 10) and neither (group III, n = 27). Serum AMH levels between groups were compared using a nonparametric test (Wilcoxon rank-sum). Multiple linear regression adjusting for age was performed. RESULTS AMH (ng/mL) levels at the last collection were significantly lower in group I versus group III (mean ± SD: 0.18 ± 0.20 group I vs 1.33 ± 1.59 group III; p = 0.015), and versus group II (mean ± SD: 0.86 ± 1.06; p = 0.018). When centered on age 30 years, average AMH levels for group I, group II and group III were 0.20, 0.44 and 1.00, respectively. When adjusted for age, AMH between all groups was significantly different (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Posttreatment AMH levels were significantly higher among patients receiving CYC + GnRH-a compared to CYC alone, suggesting that GnRH-a coadministration mitigates CYC-induced ovarian injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Marder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5358, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bertsias G, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas DT. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-06551-1.00132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
4
|
Raptopoulou A, Linardakis C, Sidiropoulos P, Kritikos HD, Boumpas DT. Pulse cyclophosphamide treatment for severe refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2010; 19:744-7. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203309358601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus includes a variety of lupus erythematosus specific skin lesions that, in some cases, can be disfiguring and refractory to conventional therapy. This short report describes our experience in treating six patients with severe, refractory subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus with monthly cyclophosphamide pulses, followed by azathioprine as maintenance therapy. Significant clinical improvement of the subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions was achieved in all patients, with four patients in complete remission and two in partial remission. Mean time to clinical response was 4.33 ± 1.36 months. Minor adverse events and no relapses were noted in a follow-up period of more than 3 years. Lupus (2010) 19, 744—747.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Raptopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 1 Voutes Street, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - C. Linardakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 1 Voutes Street, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - P. Sidiropoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 1 Voutes Street, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - HD Kritikos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 1 Voutes Street, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - DT Boumpas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, 1 Voutes Street, 71110 Heraklion, Greece,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ntali S, Bertsias G, Boumpas DT. Cyclophosphamide and Lupus Nephritis: When, How, For How Long? Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2010; 40:181-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-009-8196-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
6
|
Fertility and rheumatic diseases. J Reprod Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
7
|
Bellver J, Pellicer A. Ovarian stimulation for ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:1803-10. [PMID: 19632675 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2008] [Revised: 04/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the current evidence regarding the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome and female infertility, as well as the risks associated with ovarian stimulation for ovulation induction and IVF. To establish, based on this information, guidelines for safe and successful assisted reproductive technology (ART). DESIGN A MEDLINE computer search was performed to identify relevant articles. RESULT(S) Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome are not related to infertility, except for cases of amenorrhea accompanying severe flares, renal insufficiency-related hypofertility, and ovarian failure secondary to cyclophosphamide (CTX) therapy. The most threatening conditions in affected women undergoing ovarian stimulation are lupus flares and thrombosis, with the latter being especially associated with the occurrence of an overt ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Friendly ovarian stimulation, single embryo transfer, avoidance of OHSS, administration of coadjuvant therapy, and use of natural E(2) or P through a nonoral route may constitute the safest approach. Systemic lupus manifested in acute flares, badly controlled arterial hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, advanced renal disease, severe valvulopathy or heart disease, and major previous thrombotic events are situations on which to discourage ART, especially due to the high risk of complications for both mother and fetus during pregnancy and puerperium. CONCLUSION(S) Ovarian stimulation for ovulation induction and IVF seems to be safe and successful in well-selected women with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Bellver
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Appel GB, Contreras G, Dooley MA, Ginzler EM, Isenberg D, Jayne D, Li LS, Mysler E, Sánchez-Guerrero J, Solomons N, Wofsy D. Mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide for induction treatment of lupus nephritis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2009; 20:1103-12. [PMID: 19369404 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2008101028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 689] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may offer advantages over intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) for the treatment of lupus nephritis, but these therapies have not been compared in an international randomized, controlled trial. Here, we report the comparison of MMF and IVC as induction treatment for active lupus nephritis in a multinational, two-phase (induction and maintenance) study. We randomly assigned 370 patients with classes III through V lupus nephritis to open-label MMF (target dosage 3 g/d) or IVC (0.5 to 1.0 g/m(2) in monthly pulses) in a 24-wk induction study. Both groups received prednisone, tapered from a maximum starting dosage of 60 mg/d. The primary end point was a prespecified decrease in urine protein/creatinine ratio and stabilization or improvement in serum creatinine. Secondary end points included complete renal remission, systemic disease activity and damage, and safety. Overall, we did not detect a significantly different response rate between the two groups: 104 (56.2%) of 185 patients responded to MMF compared with 98 (53.0%) of 185 to IVC. Secondary end points were also similar between treatment groups. There were nine deaths in the MMF group and five in the IVC group. We did not detect significant differences between the MMF and IVC groups with regard to rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, or infections. Although most patients in both treatment groups experienced clinical improvement, the study did not meet its primary objective of showing that MMF was superior to IVC as induction treatment for lupus nephritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald B Appel
- Department of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cigni A, Faedda R, Atzeni MM, Pileri PV, Alagna S, Rovasio P, Satta AE, Loi MR, Sini A, Satta V, Masala A. Hormonal strategies for fertility preservation in patients receiving cyclophosphamide to treat glomerulonephritis: a nonrandomized trial and review of the literature. Am J Kidney Dis 2008; 52:887-96. [PMID: 18971013 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2008.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prepubertal patients receiving chemotherapy are relatively resistant to cyclophosphamide-induced germinal cell alterations. We studied the possible protective effect of testosterone and triptorelin to inhibit gonadal activity in men and women receiving cyclophosphamide, respectively. STUDY DESIGN Nonrandomized trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 28 consecutive patients, 11 men and 17 women, from a university medical center with various forms of glomerulonephritis, treated with cyclophosphamide. INTERVENTION Men received cyclophosphamide plus testosterone; women were divided into 2 groups: 13 patients (group A) received cyclophosphamide plus triptorelin; 4 (group B) received only cyclophosphamide. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and serum luteinizing hormone levels and, in addition, sperm counts and testosterone levels in men and estradiol levels in women were measured before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide. RESULTS All 10 men became azoospermic or severely oligospermic during treatment; after 12 months, all except 1 had a normal sperm count and FSH levels were normal. In women during cyclophosphamide therapy, amenorrhea occurred in all patients. After cessation of therapy, all women in group A started to menstruate regularly, and at the end of follow-up, ovulatory cycles were demonstrated in all women. Hormone levels showed no significant changes throughout the observation period. Six women conceived, and the pregnancies were brought to term successfully without complications. In group B, all 4 women developed sustained amenorrhea; serum FSH and luteinizing hormone levels at the end of therapy and follow-up were significantly higher with respect to baseline; estradiol levels at the end of follow-up were significantly lower compared with baseline and corresponding values in group A. LIMITATIONS The substudy in men is uncontrolled, the substudy in women is nonrandomized. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests a protective effect of testosterone and triptorelin against cyclophosphamide-induced gonadal damage in men and women with various forms of kidney disease, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cigni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gidoni Y, Holzer H, Tulandi T, Tan SL. Fertility preservation in patients with non-oncological conditions. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 16:792-800. [PMID: 18549688 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60144-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In addition to cancers, many non-oncological conditions, including chromosomal abnormalities and autoimmune disorders, are currently treated with gonadotoxic agents that can lead to premature ovarian failure. Because of the young age of some of the women affected by these conditions, attempts to preserve fertility and ovarian function are recommended. To date, retrieval of immature oocytes followed by in-vitro maturation and vitrification has been found to be especially useful for women who cannot undergo ovarian stimulation, or when there is a contraindication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yariv Gidoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, H3A 1A1, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
McNaughton S, Farley D, Staggs R, Heinz D, Gray W. Pregnancy, Fertility, and Contraception Risk in the Context of Chronic Disease. J Nurse Pract 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2008.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
12
|
Boumpas DT, Sidiropoulos P, Bertsias G. Optimum therapeutic approaches for lupus nephritis: what therapy and for whom? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 1:22-30. [PMID: 16932624 DOI: 10.1038/ncprheum0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2005] [Accepted: 07/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The optimum therapy for patients with lupus nephritis is a hotly debated topic. Prospective randomized studies in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis have established the superiority of cyclophosphamide to azathioprine, both of which are used in combination with corticosteroids. Although high-dose, intermittent administration of cyclophosphamide (pulse therapy) has significantly reduced the toxicity associated with this drug, premature ovarian failure and infections remain considerable problems. Short-term to intermediate-term, randomized controlled trials have shown that mycophenolate mofetil is a good option for the induction and maintenance of remission in lupus nephritis patients. Additional longer-term trials involving more patients and stricter outcomes based on renal function are needed, however, before claims that mycophenolate mofetil is superior to cyclophosphamide can be substantiated. Until such data are available, physicians caring for patients with lupus nephritis can use mycophenolate mofetil as induction or maintenance therapy for selected patients under close observation. Small noncontrolled trials with short-term follow-up suggest that up to 50% of patients who are refractory to cyclophosphamide might have a clinically significant response to rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against B cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Departments of Internal Medicine and of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, at the Medical School, University of Crete, Greece.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alexander JJ, Quigg RJ. Systemic lupus erythematosus and the brain: what mice are telling us. Neurochem Int 2006; 50:5-11. [PMID: 16989923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2006.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2006] [Revised: 07/26/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms occur in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex, autoimmune disease of unknown origin. Although several pathogenic mechanisms have been suggested to play a significant role in the etiology of the disease, the exact underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Several inbred strains of mice are used as models to study SLE, which exhibit a diversity of central nervous system (CNS) manifestations similar to that observed in patients. This review will attempt to give a brief overview of the CNS alterations observed in these models, including biochemical, structural and behavioral changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessy J Alexander
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC5100, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Heng BC. Delayed motherhood through oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation - a perspective from Singapore. Reprod Biomed Online 2006; 12:660-2. [PMID: 16792839 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation technology have brought hope not only to women facing premature loss of ovarian function, but also to healthy women seeking delayed motherhood. This is a major issue of contention in healthcare ethics. Proponents of this new technology argue that this enables women to pursue educational and career goals in their youth, so that they have greater financial security for children in later life. Nevertheless, this argument may be flawed by the reality that even if the cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue were optimized in the future, this would in no way be a guaranteed route for women to have biological children later in life. Moreover, because only a limited amount of autologous reproductive material can be cryopreserved and stored for a single healthy woman, there is a risk of material depletion before reproductive success is attained. Another prime consideration is the increased morbidity and mortality associated with clinical assisted reproduction in older women. Hence, it is imperative that delayed motherhood through the cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissues be viewed with extreme caution, and mandatory counselling should be given to all patients if such a medical procedure ultimately finds approval for widespread application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boon Chin Heng
- Stem Cell Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119074 Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
|