Associations between bullous pemphigoid and hematological diseases: Literature review on mechanistic connections and possible treatments

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disorder that primarily occurs in elderly patients. Reports indicate that BP coexists with various hematological diseases, including acquired hemophilia A, hypereosinophilic syndrome, aplastic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, and hematological malignancies. Early identification of these comorbidities contributes to a better control and reduced mortality. This article details the atypical clinical manifestations of BP when associated with hematological diseases, specific diagnostic strategies, underlying mechanistic connections, and possible treatments. Cross-reactivity between autoantibodies and exposed abnormal epitopes, shared cytokines and immune cells, together with genetic susceptibility are the most common connections between BP and hematological diseases. Patients were most often successfully treated with oral steroids combined with medications specifically targeting the hematological disorders. However, the individual comorbidities require specific considerations.

Rituximab, Omalizumab, and Dupilumab Treatment Outcomes in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease of the skin. First-line treatment of systemic corticosteroids may cause serious adverse events. Rituximab, omalizumab, and dupilumab should be explored as alternative treatment options to improve outcomes.

Objective

To systematically review the rituximab, omalizumab, and dupilumab treatment outcomes in bullous pemphigoid.

Methods

A PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library search were conducted on March 10, 2022. A total of 75 studies were included using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Results

Use of rituximab (n=122), omalizumab (n=53) and dupilumab (n=36) were reported in 211 patients with BP. Rituximab led to complete remission in 70.5% (n=86/122) and partial remission in 23.8% (n=29/122) of patients within 5.7 months, with a recurrence rate of 20.5% (n=25/122). 9.0% (n=11/122) of patients died and infection (6.6%, n=8/122) was the most common adverse event. Omalizumab led to complete remission in 67.9% (n=36/53) and partial remission in 20.8% (n=11/53) of patients within 6.6 months, with a recurrence rate of 5.7% (n=3/53). 1.9% (n=1/53) of patients died and thrombocytopenia (1.9%, n=1/53) was observed as the most common adverse event. Dupilumab led to complete remission in 66.7% (n=24/36) and partial remission in 19.4% (n=7/36) of patients within 4.5 months of treatment without any reported adverse events, with a recurrence rate of 5.6% (n=2/36).

Conclusions

Rituximab, omalizumab, and dupilumab have similar clinical benefits for BP patients. However, rituximab resulted in higher recurrence rates, adverse events, and mortality rates.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022316454.

Rituximab for eradicating inhibitors in people with acquired haemophilia A

BACKGROUND

Acquired haemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder caused by the development of specific autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII. Standard treatment, usually steroids alone, or in combination with cyclophosphamide, aims to stop acute bleeds by using haemostatic agents to promote clotting. Rituximab may be an alternative approach to the treatment of acquired haemophilia by eradicating FVIII autoantibodies. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and adverse effects of rituximab for treating people with acquired haemophilia A.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's trials registers, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and conference proceedings (January 2021). We also undertook searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE and online trial registries (January 2021).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of rituximab for people with acquired haemophilia A, with no restrictions on gender, age or ethnicity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion.

MAIN RESULTS

No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no randomised clinical trials of rituximab for acquired haemophilia A. Thus, we are not able to draw any conclusions or make any recommendations on rituximab for eradicating inhibitors in people with acquired haemophilia A based on the highest quality evidence. Given that undertaking randomised controlled trials in this field is a complex task, we suggest that, while planning such trials, clinicians treating the disease continue to base their choices on alternative, lower-quality sources of evidence. In a future update of this review, we plan to appraise and incorporate eligible randomised controlled trials, as well as other high-quality, non-randomised studies.

Bullous Pemphigoid Associated with Acquired Hemophilia A: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune disorder with high morbidity and mortality. It results from the development of circulating autoantibodies against factor VIII. AHA can be seen in association with autoimmune vesiculobullous diseases, autoimmune diseases, malignancy, pregnancy, and medications. We report a 68-year-old Thai woman diagnosed and treated for bullous pemphigoid (BP) for 11 months who recently presented with a 3-day history of extensive hemorrhagic bullae and large intra-oral buccal hematoma. Laboratory investigations confirmed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, a low factor VIII level, a high factor VIII inhibitor level, and elevated anti-BPAG180 and anti-BPAG230 titers, confirming the diagnosis of BP associated with AHA. Immunosuppressive therapy with systemic corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide combined with bypassing agents for bleeding control resulted in significant clinical improvement and subsequent negative antibody levels. There was no recurrence after a 7-month follow-up period. Due to life-threatening bleeding in severe AHA cases, early diagnosis and effective treatment in this condition are essential.

Rituximab and Omalizumab for the Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering skin disease worldwide. Systemic corticosteroids are considered the mainstay of therapy; however, they may cause significant adverse effects and treatment failures, so additional therapeutic modalities with better safety profiles are required. Rituximab and omalizumab are novel biologic agents administered in recent years for the treatment of BP, yet data regarding their use in the disease are limited.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to systematically review the current literature regarding the use of rituximab and omalizumab for the treatment of BP to evaluate their safety and efficacy.

METHODS

A systematic review of all publications evaluating patients with BP treated with rituximab or omalizumab was performed. The primary outcome was clinical response; secondary outcomes were adverse events and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

The systematic review included 35 publications (84 patients: 62 receiving rituximab and 22 receiving omalizumab). In total, 61 of 63 patients had not experienced disease control with systemic corticosteroids before receiving the biologic treatment. Complete response rates were 85% and 84% for rituximab and omalizumab, respectively. The recurrence rate was considerably lower with rituximab (29%) than with omalizumab (80%). Mean time to recurrence was 10.2 and 3.4 months, and adverse effects occurred in 24% and 20% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Available data, although potentially limited because of publication bias, suggest that rituximab and omalizumab have similar safety profiles and provide clinical benefit for patients with BP. The reviewed data indicated that rituximab resulted in lower recurrence rates and a longer time until recurrence than omalizumab.

Acquired hemophilia A presenting as progressive intra-abdominal hemorrhage, muscle hemorrhage and hemothorax postpartum: A case report and literature review

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare antibody-mediated condition in which autoantibodies form against a coagulation factor, most commonly factor VIII (FVIII), causing severe coagulopathy. Here the present report presents a case of AHA in a 35-year-old postpartum woman with continuous polyserous bloody effusions who was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou, China) in October 2017 without a history of trauma, anticoagulation treatment or coagulopathy. At presentation, the patient's hemoglobin level was low (70 g/l; normal range: 115–150 g/l) g/l, blood pressure was 89/58 mmHg (normal range, 90–140/60–90 mmHg), and activated partial thromboplastin time was 68.4 sec (normal range: 25.0–36.0 sec), with a normal international normalized ratio (0.94; normal range, 0.8–1.2). The reaction time in thrombography was prolonged (35.8 min; normal range: 5–10 min), coagulation FVIII had markedly decreased activity (12.6%; normal range, 60–150%), and FVIII inhibitor had a high titer [7.4 Bethesda units (BU)/ml; normal range, 0–0.6 BU/ml]. Notably, the patient's autoantibody level was markedly higher than normal (1:320; normal range: <1:100). The patient was successfully treated with bleeding control, eradication of FVIII inhibitor, and treatment of the underlying disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of AHA with polyserous bloody effusions in a patient with an autoimmune disorder during the postpartum period. Reports of such rare cases will aid the characterization of disease pathogenesis, which may in turn lead to the recognition and timely treatment of this rare disorder.

Successful Management of Acquired Hemophilia A Associated with Bullous Pemphigoid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background. Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare condition, due to the spontaneous formation of neutralizing antibodies against endogenous factor VIII. About half the cases are associated with pregnancy, postpartum, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, or adverse drug reactions. Symptoms include severe and unexpected bleeding that may prove life-threatening. Case Study. We report a case of AHA associated with bullous pemphigoid (BP), a chronic, autoimmune, subepidermal, blistering skin disease. To our knowledge, this is the 25th documented case of such an association. Following treatment for less than 3 months consisting of methylprednisolone at decreasing dose levels along with four courses of rituximab (monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 protein), AHA was completely cured and BP well-controlled. Conclusions. This report illustrates a rare association of AHA and BP, supporting the possibility of eradicating the inhibitor with a well-conducted short-term treatment.

Immunoglobulin G4-related acquired hemophilia: A case report

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a relatively rare and life-threatening bleeding disorder whose pathogenesis is not completely understood. The present study reports a rare case of immunogubulin (IgG)4-related AHA with multisystemic involvement. A 55-year old male patient presented with symptoms of bronchial asthma and multiple subdermal hematomas. Chest computed tomography showed multiple diffuse nodular lesions with thickening of bronchovascular bundles, and scattered high-density spots in both lung lobes. Laboratory investigations showed increased activated partial prothrombin time (120.0 sec), a markedly decreased factor VIII (FVIII) activity (0.5%), a high-titer of FVIII inhibitor (27.2 Bethesda units/ml) and a marked increase in serum IgG4 (>4.03 g/l) level. Left inguinal lymph node biopsy revealed capsular thickening with marked lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, occlusive phlebitis and irregular fibrosis. Immunostaining revealed numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells (>100 cells/human plasma fibronectin) in the nodular lesions, with an IgG4/IgG ratio of >40%. The symptoms were markedly alleviated following corticosteroid therapy. The current study presents the first reported case of a rare IgG4-related AHA that presented with unusual clinical features and multisystemic involvement. The patient responded well to corticosteroid therapy. Documentation of such rare cases will help in characterizing the pathogenesis, and prompt recognition and timely treatment of this rare disorder.

Rituximab for eradicating inhibitors in people with acquired haemophilia A

BACKGROUND

Acquired haemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder caused by the development of specific autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII. Rituximab may be an alternative approach to the treatment of acquired haemophilia by eradicating FVIII autoantibodies.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and summarise the efficacy and adverse effects of rituximab for treating people with acquired haemophilia A.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's trials registers, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and conference proceedings.Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's trials registers: 01 March 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of rituximab for people with acquired hemophilia A, with no restrictions on gender, age or ethnicity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion.

MAIN RESULTS

No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No randomised clinical trials of rituximab for acquired hemophilia A were found. Thus, based on the highest quality of evidence, we are not able to draw any conclusions or make any recommendations on rituximab for eradicating inhibitors in people with acquired haemophilia A. Given that undertaking randomised controlled trials in this field is a complex task, the authors suggest that, while planning such trials, clinicians treating the disease continue to base their choices on alternative, lower quality sources of evidence. The authors plan, for a future update of this review, to appraise and incorporate any randomised controlled trials, as well as other high-quality non-randomised studies.

[A single-center clinical study of 22 patients with acquired hemophilia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feature of underlying disorders, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies of patients with acquired hemophilia(AH).

METHODS

The clinical data and laboratory tests results of 22 patients with AH from March 2010 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients with AH were enrolled in our study, including 20 patients diagnosed as acquired hemophilia A (AHA) and 2 as acquired hemophilia B (AHB). Among the AHA patients, there were 10 males and 10 females with the median age of 37.5 (range, 2-95) years old. The median activity of FVIII (FVIII:C) of the 20 AHA patients was 1.9% (0.5%-39.0%). Soft tissue hematoma (80.0%) and subcutaneous bleeding (75.0%) were the most common clinical symptoms. Two male children were diagnosed as AHB (age 1 and 3 years old, respectively) with mild bleeding symptoms, and the activities of FIX (FIX:C) were 5.0% and 16.0%, respectively. In addition, an underlying disorder was found in 7 patients (31.8%). In laboratory testing, all patients had prolonged APTT, normal PT, decreased FVIII:C or FIX:C, positive antibody screening test or antibody titer (2-32 BU), and negative for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody. Nineteen out of 20 patients were treated with blood products to stop acute bleeding episodes. Corticosteroid alone was applied to 7 patients, corticosteroid combined with other immunosuppressive agents to 11 patients, rituximab to 3 patients. Nineteen patients responded well to hemostatic treatment, except 1 patient who died of fatal bleeding. The FVIII:C of 8 patients increased to a normal level with the median time of 42.5(21-145) days. After treatment, the activity of FIX:C of the 2 AHB patients achieved 35% and 24% in 48 and 60 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Acquired hemophilia is not an uncommon disease in clinical practices, which can occur in people of all ages. AH is a bleeding disorder with heterogeneous characteristics. Compared with adult, the clinical symptoms of children patients were mild, which lead to underdiagnosis.