Disease Phenotype and Outcome Depending on the Age at Disease Onset in Patients Carrying the R92Q Low-Penetrance Variant in TNFRSF1A Gene

Disease phenotypes in adult patients with suspected undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases and PFAPA syndrome: Clinical and therapeutic implications

BACKGROUND

Undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases are characterized by recurrent or persistent fever, usually combined with other inflammatory manifestations, and negative or inconclusive genetic studies for monogenic autoinflammatory disorders.

AIMS

To define and characterize disease phenotypes in adult patients diagnosed in an adult reference center with undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases, and to analyze the efficacy of the drugs used in order to provide practical diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations.

METHODS

Retrospective study (2015-2022) of patients with undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases among all patients visited in our reference center. Demographic, clinical, laboratory features and detailed therapeutic information was collected.

RESULTS

Of the 334 patients with a suspected autoinflammatory disease, 134 (40%) patients (61% women) were initially diagnosed with undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases. Mean age at disease onset and at diagnosis was 28.7 and 37.7 years, respectively. In 90 (67.2%) patients, symptoms started during adulthood. Forty-four (32.8%) patients met diagnostic/classification criteria for adult PFAPA syndrome. In the remaining patients, four additional phenotypes were differentiated according to the predominant manifestations: a) Predominantly fever phenotype (n = 18; 13.4%); b) Predominantly abdominal/pleuritic pain phenotype (n = 9; 6.7%); c) Predominantly pericarditis phenotype (n = 18; 13.4%), and d) Complex syndrome phenotype (n = 45; 33.6%). Prednisone (mainly on demand), colchicine and anakinra were the drugs commonly used. Overall, complete responses were achieved with prednisone in 41.3%, colchicine in 40.2%, and anakinra in 58.3% of patients in whom they were used. By phenotypes, prednisone on demand was more effective in adult PFAPA syndrome and colchicine in patients with the abdominal/pleuritic pain pattern and PFAPA syndrome. Patients with complex syndrome achieved complete responses with prednisone (21.9%), colchicine (25.7%) and anakinra (44.4%), and were the group more often requiring additional immunosuppressive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of the largest single-center series of adult patients with undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases identified and characterized different disease phenotypes and their therapeutic approaches. This study is expected to contribute to increase the awareness of physicians for an early identification of these conditions, and to provide the best known therapeutic options.

Clinical presentation and genetic variants in patients with autoinflammatory diseases: results from the German GARROD registry

To investigate clinical symptoms and genetic variants in patients from the German anti-IL-1 registry for autoinflammatory orphan diseases (GARROD) between 2013 and 2022. Multicentre, retrospective analysis of demographic, clinical and genetic data of patients with autoinflammatory diseases (AID) who received anti-IL-1 targeted therapy. The cohort comprised 152 patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF; n = 71), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS; n = 43), TNF-receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS; n = 19), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD; n = 3) and unclassified AID (uAID; n = 16). Inflammatory attacks started in 61.2% of the patients before the age of 18 years. The delay between the first AID attack and anti-IL-1 therapy was 17.8 years. Monogenetic AIDs were diagnosed by clinical symptoms. Genetic analyses confirmed the diagnosis in 87.3% of patients with FMF, 65.2% with CAPS and 94.8% with TRAPS. Among this group, heterozygous MEFV variants and variants of unknown significance (VUS) were detected in 22.5% of patients with FMF, 51.2% with CAPS and 47.4% with TRAPS. Patients with VUS were older at disease onset which is consistent with a milder phenotype. Twenty-four patients had secondary AA amyloidosis (AA) at initiation of anti-IL-1 therapy. The mean age of these patients was 16.4 years at their first attack and 44.9 years at the time of AA diagnosis. Turkish-Armenian ancestry correlated with MEFV variants and higher FMF disease activity compared to German ancestry. Molecular genetic analyses should substantiate the clinical diagnosis of a monogenetic AID. Our data support the concept of variable penetrance of VUS which can be associated with late-onset AID.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated cycle syndrome: a case report and literature review

Recurring episodes of fever characterize tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) which is autosomal dominant. The primary symptoms of patients with TRAPS include prolonged fever, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and skin rashes. The prevalence of TRAPS appeared higher in Western countries than in Asian countries. Herein, we present the case of a 13-year-old girl who experienced intermittent fever for 8 years, with episodes that occur every 2 years. The patient demonstrated periodic fever, headache, vomiting, rash, and elevated inflammatory marker levels during the disease course. A heterozygous C55Y mutation was identified via a direct DNA sequencing of her genomic DNA. This mutation is located in exon 4 of TNFRSF1A. Genetic studies of her sister and mother revealed that they possessed the C55Y heterozygous mutation without demonstrating any clinical signs, while the father did not. Further, we conducted a thorough assessment of the literature and compiled the information from the eight TRAPS case series.

A patient with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome misdiagnosed as Kawasaki disease: A case report and literature review

This article reports a case of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) misdiagnosed as Kawasaki disease and summarizes the clinical features and therapeutic progress of TRAPS and the relationship between its clinical manifestations and gene mutations. We retrospectively analyzed a patient with tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A) -mutated auto-inflammatory disease who was misdiagnosed with Kawasaki disease in another hospital. The clinical features and therapeutic progress of TRAPS were analyzed by combining clinical features and gene reports of this case and literature review. TRAPS onset occurred in a female pediatric patient at the age of 4 months. The child and in his father at the age of 6 years, both of whom manifested periodic fever, and recurrent rash, as well as elevated leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) during episodes but normal between episodes. This child carried a heterozygous mutation in TNFRSF1A located in the region 6442923-6442931 on chromosome 12. The nucleic acid alteration was: c.298 (exon3) _c.306 (exon3) 291 delCTCAGCTGC, resulting in a 3 amino acid deletion p.L100_C 102del 292 (p.Leu100_Cys102del) (NM_001065). After etanercept treatment, the symptoms of fever and rash disappeared, and the levels of ESR, CRP, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were normal. Subsequently, no liver, kidney, or cardiac amyloidosis and severe etanercept-related adverse events were observed at 1-year follow-up. TRAPS pathogenesis is associated with TNFRSF1A mutation, which is characterized by periodic episodes of fever, mostly accompanied by recurrent rashes, periorbital edema, abdominal pain, and serious complications of organ amyloidosis. Moreover, etanercept can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms and high inflammation level of TRAPS.

Dermatologic Manifestations of Noninflammasome-Mediated Autoinflammatory Diseases

Autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) arise from disturbances that alter interactions of immune cells and tissues. They give rise to prominent (auto)inflammation in the absence of aberrant autoantibodies and/or autoreactive T cells. AIDs that are predominantly caused by changes in the inflammasome pathways, such as the NLRP3- or pyrin-associated inflammasome, have gained substantial attention over the last years. However, AIDs resulting primarily from other changes in the defense system of the innate immune system are less well-studied. These noninflammasome-mediated AIDs relate to, for example, disturbance in the TNF or IFN signaling pathways or aberrations in genes affecting the IL-1RA. The spectrum of clinical signs and symptoms of these conditions is vast. Thus, recognizing early cutaneous signs constitutes an important step in differential diagnoses for dermatologists and other physicians. This review provides an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and available treatment options highlighting dermatologic aspects of noninflammasome-mediated AIDs.

Paradigm shift in monogenic autoinflammatory diseases and systemic vasculitis: The VEXAS syndrome

VEXAS syndrome was described by the end of 2020 as an autoinflammatory disease caused by post-zygotic variants in the UBA1 gene. VEXAS syndrome occurs in adult males with recurrent fever, arthralgia/arthritis, ear/nose chondritis, neutrophilic dermatosis, lung inflammation, venous thrombosis, and different types of vasculitis. Common laboratory changes include raised acute phase reactants and macrocytic anemia. The coexistence of myelodysplasia is frequent, and bone marrow vacuolization of myeloid and erythroid precursors is characteristic. Glucocorticoids are effective at medium-high doses, but the remaining immunosuppressive drugs, either conventional or biological, have showed limited or absent efficacy. Azacitidine has been associated with a good response, especially in patients with accompanying myelodysplastic syndrome. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation appears to be the only curative therapy by now. VEXAS syndrome has become a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of autoinflammatory diseases and systemic vasculitis.

The 2021 EULAR/American College of Rheumatology Points to Consider for Diagnosis, Management and Monitoring of the Interleukin-1 Mediated Autoinflammatory Diseases: Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes, Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome, Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency, and Deficiency of the Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist

BACKGROUND

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediated systemic autoinflammatory diseases, including the cryopyrin- associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) and deficiency of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), belong to a group of rare immunodysregulatory diseases that primarily present in early childhood with variable multiorgan involvement. When untreated, patients with severe clinical phenotypes have a poor prognosis, and diagnosis and management of these patients can be challenging. However, approved treatments targeting the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 have been life changing and have significantly improved patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To establish evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with IL-1 mediated autoinflammatory diseases to standardise their management.

METHODS

A multinational, multidisciplinary task force consisting of physician experts, including rheumatologists, patients or caregivers and allied healthcare professionals, was established. Evidence synthesis, including systematic literature review and expert consensus (Delphi) via surveys, was conducted. Consensus methodology was used to formulate and vote on statements to guide optimal patient care.

RESULTS

The task force devised five overarching principles, 14 statements related to diagnosis, 10 on therapy, and nine focused on long-term monitoring that were evidence and/or consensus-based for patients with IL-1 mediated diseases. An outline was developed for disease-specific monitoring of inflammation-induced organ damage progression and reported treatments of CAPS, TRAPS, MKD and DIRA.

CONCLUSION

The 2021 EULAR/American College of Rheumatology points to consider represent state-of-the-art knowledge based on published data and expert opinion to guide diagnostic evaluation, treatment and monitoring of patients with CAPS, TRAPS, MKD and DIRA, and to standardise and improve care, quality of life and disease outcomes.

The 2021 EULAR/American College of Rheumatology points to consider for diagnosis, management and monitoring of the interleukin-1 mediated autoinflammatory diseases: cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome, mevalonate kinase deficiency, and deficiency of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

BACKGROUND

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediated systemic autoinflammatory diseases, including the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) and deficiency of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), belong to a group of rare immunodysregulatory diseases that primarily present in early childhood with variable multiorgan involvement. When untreated, patients with severe clinical phenotypes have a poor prognosis, and diagnosis and management of these patients can be challenging. However, approved treatments targeting the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 have been life changing and have significantly improved patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To establish evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with IL-1 mediated autoinflammatory diseases to standardise their management.

METHODS

A multinational, multidisciplinary task force consisting of physician experts, including rheumatologists, patients or caregivers and allied healthcare professionals, was established. Evidence synthesis, including systematic literature review and expert consensus (Delphi) via surveys, was conducted. Consensus methodology was used to formulate and vote on statements to guide optimal patient care.

RESULTS

The task force devised five overarching principles, 14 statements related to diagnosis, 10 on therapy, and nine focused on long-term monitoring that were evidence and/or consensus-based for patients with IL-1 mediated diseases. An outline was developed for disease-specific monitoring of inflammation-induced organ damage progression and reported treatments of CAPS, TRAPS, MKD and DIRA.

CONCLUSION

The 2021 EULAR/American College of Rheumatology points to consider represent state-of-the-art knowledge based on published data and expert opinion to guide diagnostic evaluation, treatment and monitoring of patients with CAPS, TRAPS, MKD and DIRA, and to standardise and improve care, quality of life and disease outcomes.

Detecting Blood Methylation Signatures in Response to Childhood Cancer Radiotherapy via Machine Learning Methods

Radiotherapy is a helpful treatment for cancer, but it can also potentially cause changes in many molecules, resulting in adverse effects. Among these changes, the occurrence of abnormal DNA methylation patterns has alarmed scientists. To explore the influence of region-specific radiotherapy on blood DNA methylation, we designed a computational workflow by using machine learning methods that can identify crucial methylation alterations related to treatment exposure. Irrelevant methylation features from the DNA methylation profiles of 2052 childhood cancer survivors were excluded via the Boruta method, and the remaining features were ranked using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance method to generate feature lists. These feature lists were then fed into the incremental feature selection method, which uses a combination of deep forest, k-nearest neighbor, random forest, and decision tree to find the most important methylation signatures and build the best classifiers and classification rules. Several methylation signatures and rules have been discovered and confirmed, allowing for a better understanding of methylation patterns in response to different treatment exposures.

[Autoinflammation-differences between children and adults]

Autoinflammatory diseases present as multisystemic inflammation and often manifest in early childhood. In contrast, in a few diseases, e.g., the recently described VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‑linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, the first symptoms occur exclusively in adulthood. This article describes how the phenotypic expression and severity of individual autoinflammatory diseases differ depending on age. Furthermore, differences in the development of organ damage in children and adults are pointed out. In addition to the hereditary periodic fever syndromes, the clinical picture of deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2, the interferonopathies, periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome as well as VEXAS and Schnitzler syndromes are highlighted.

Anakinra and canakinumab for patients with R92Q-associated autoinflammatory syndrome: a multicenter observational study from the AIDA Network

Background:

This study aims at describing the therapeutic outcome of patients carrying the R92Q variant in the TNFRSF1A gene treated with anakinra (ANA) or canakinumab (CAN) and identifying any factors predictive of complete response to IL-1 inhibition.

Methods:

Clinical data of patients treated with ANA or CAN for recurrent inflammatory attacks due to the presence of the R92Q variant were retrospectively collected and analysed.

Results:

Data about 20 treatment courses with IL-1 inhibitors (16 with ANA and 4 with CAN) from 19 patients were collected. Mean age at disease onset was 20.2 ± 14.8 years. In 5 cases (26%) the R92Q variant was found in a family member affected by recurrent fever. The therapeutic response was complete in 13(68%) and partial in 2 patients (11%); treatment failure was observed in 4 cases (21%). Median AIDAI decreased from 10 (interquartile range [IQR] = 28) to 0 (IQR = 1) at the 12-month follow-up visit (p < 0.001). Mean ESR and median CRP dropped respectively from 40.8 ± 24.8 to 9.1 ± 4.5 mm/h (p < 0.001) and from 3.0 (IQR = 1.9) to 0.3 (IQR = 0.3) mg/dl (p < 0.001) after 12 months of treatment. A steroid-sparing effect was observed from the third month of treatment (p < 0.01). Thirteen patients (65%) were still on treatment at the last follow-up visit (median duration of treatment 17 (IQR = 38) months). The presence of R92Q mutation in a symptomatic relative (p = 0.022), the relapsing remitting disease course (p < 0.001) and the presence of migratory erythematous skin rashes during fever attacks (p = 0.005) were associated with complete efficacy of IL-1 inhibitors.

Conclusions:

R92Q patients showed a favourable response to ANA and CAN, particularly when the mutation segregated in a family member and when a relapsing-remitting disease course or TNF-α receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) typical skin rash were observed. In the subgroup of patients not taking advantage of IL-1 blockage different molecular mechanisms underlying the autoinflammatory picture are likely to exist.

Biotechnological Agents for Patients With Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome-Therapeutic Outcome and Predictors of Response: Real-Life Data From the AIDA Network

Objective: To describe the role of biotechnological therapies in patients with tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and to identify any predictor of complete response. Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data from 44 Caucasian TRAPS patients treated with biologic agents were retrospectively collected in 16 Italian tertiary Centers. Results: A total of 55 biological courses with anakinra (n = 26), canakinumab (n = 16), anti-TNF-α agents (n = 10), and tocilizumab (n = 3) were analyzed. A complete response was observed in 41 (74.5%) cases, a partial response in 9 (16.4%) cases and a treatment failure in 5 (9.1%) cases. The frequency of TRAPS exacerbations was 458.2 flare/100 patients-year during the 12 months prior to the start of biologic treatment and 65.7 flare/100 patients-years during the first 12 months of therapy (p < 0.0001). The median duration of attacks was 5.00 (IQR = 10.50) days at the start of biologics and 1.00 (IQR = 0.00) days at the 12-month assessment (p < 0.0001). Likewise, a significant reduction was observed in the Autoinflammatory Disease Activity Index during the study period (p < 0.0001). A significant corticosteroid sparing effect was observed as early as the first 12 months of treatment both in the number of patients requiring corticosteroids (p = 0.025) and in the dosages employed (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction was identified in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p < 0.0001), C reactive protein (p < 0.0001), serum amyloid A (p < 0.0001), and in the 24-h proteinuria dosage during follow-up (p = 0.001). A relapsing-remitting disease course (OR = 0.027, C.I. 0.001-0.841, p = 0.040) and the frequency of relapses at the start of biologics (OR = 0.363, C.I. 0.301-0.953, p = 0.034) were significantly associated with a complete response. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Treatment with biologic agents is highly effective in controlling clinical and laboratory TRAPS manifestations. Patients with a relapsing-remitting course and a lower frequency of flares at the start of treatment show more likely a complete response to biologic agents.

Systemic autoinflammatory disease in adults

Systemic autoinflammatory disorders comprise an expanding group of rare conditions. They are mediated by dysfunction of the innate immune system and share a core of phenotypic manifestations including recurrent attacks of fever, cutaneous signs, chest or abdominal pain, lymphadenopathy, vasculopathy, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Diagnosis is often established in childhood, but a growing number of adult patients are being recognized with systemic autoinflammatory disorders, including adult-onset disease. In this review, we provide a concise update on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approach of systemic autoinflammatory disorders with an emphasis on the adult patient population. Despite the recent advances in genetic testing, the diagnosis of autoinflammatory disease in adult patients is often based on a thorough knowledge of the clinical phenotype. Becoming acquainted with the clinical features of these rare disorders may assist in developing a high index of suspicion for autoinflammatory disease in patients presenting with unexplained episodes of fever or inflammation.

Clinical Features at Onset and Genetic Characterization of Pediatric and Adult Patients with TNF-α Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS): A Series of 80 Cases from the AIDA Network

This study explores demographic, clinical, and therapeutic features of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) in a cohort of 80 patients recruited from 19 Italian referral Centers. Patients' data were collected retrospectively and then analyzed according to age groups (disease onset before or after 16 years) and genotype (high penetrance (HP) and low penetrance (LP) TNFRSF1A gene variants). Pediatric- and adult-onset were reported, respectively, in 44 and 36 patients; HP and LP variants were found, respectively, in 32 and 44 cases. A positive family history for recurrent fever was reported more frequently in the pediatric group than in the adult group (p < 0.05). With reference to clinical features during attacks, pericarditis and myalgia were reported more frequently in the context of adult-onset disease than in the pediatric age (with p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), while abdominal pain was present in 84% of children and in 25% of adults (p < 0.01). Abdominal pain was significantly associated also to the presence of HP mutations (p < 0.01), while oral aphthosis was more frequently found in the LP variant group (p < 0.05). Systemic amyloidosis occurred in 25% of subjects carrying HP variants. As concerns laboratory features, HP mutations were significantly associated to higher ESR values (p < 0.01) and to the persistence of steadily elevated inflammatory markers during asymptomatic periods (p < 0.05). The presence of mutations involving a cysteine residue, abdominal pain, and lymphadenopathy during flares significantly correlated with the risk of developing amyloidosis and renal impairment. Conversely, the administration of colchicine negatively correlated to the development of pathologic proteinuria (p < 0.05). Both NSAIDs and colchicine were used as monotherapy more frequently in the LP group compared to the HP group (p < 0.01). Biologic agents were prescribed to 49 (61%) patients; R92Q subjects were more frequently on NSAIDs monotherapy than other patients (p < 0.01); nevertheless, they required biologic therapy in 53.1% of cases. At disease onset, the latest classification criteria for TRAPS were fulfilled by 64/80 (80%) patients (clinical plus genetic items) and 46/80 (57.5%) patients (clinical items only). No statistically significant differences were found in the sensitivity of the classification criteria according to age at onset and according to genotype (p < 0.05). This study describes one of the widest cohorts of TRAPS patients in the literature, suggesting that the clinical expression of this syndrome is more influenced by the penetrance of the mutation rather than by the age at onset itself. Given the high phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease, a definite diagnosis should rely on both accurate working clinical assessment and complementary genotype.

Current Therapeutic Options for the Main Monogenic Autoinflammatory Diseases and PFAPA Syndrome: Evidence-Based Approach and Proposal of a Practical Guide

Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases are rare conditions caused by genetic abnormalities affecting the innate immunity. Previous therapeutic strategies had been mainly based on results from retrospective studies and physicians' experience. However, during the last years, the significant improvement in their genetic and pathogenic knowledge has been accompanied by a remarkable progress in their management. The relatively recent identification of the inflammasome as the crucial pathogenic mechanism causing an aberrant production of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in the most frequent monogenic autoinflammatory diseases led to the introduction of anti-IL-1 agents and other biologic drugs as part of the previously limited therapeutic armamentarium available. Advances in the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases have been favored by the use of new biologic agents and the performance of a notable number of randomized clinical trials exploring the efficacy and safety of these agents. Clinical trials have contributed to increase the level of evidence and provided more robust therapeutic recommendations. This review analyzes the treatment of the most frequent monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, namely, familial Mediterranean fever, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic fever syndrome, hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome/mevalonate kinase deficiency, and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, together with periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome, which is the most common polygenic autoinflammatory disease in children, also occurring in adult patients. Finally, based on the available expert consensus recommendations and the highest level of evidence of the published studies, a practical evidence-based guideline for the treatment of these autoinflammatory diseases is proposed.

Molecular and clinical spectrum of four pedigrees of TRAPS in Greece: results from a national referral center

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations of the TNFRSF1A gene. To address the association between TNFRSF1A mutations and clinical phenotype, we analyzed four pedigrees of TRAPS patients.

METHODS

Four Greek patients with TRAPS-like clinical features were screened for TNFRSF1A mutations by sequencing exons 2, 3 and 4. Following positive testing, twenty-two members of their families were also genetically and clinically screened.

RESULTS

Twenty-six members of four unrelated Greek families were investigated. The C73Y (c.305G>A) mutation of the TNFRSF1A gene was identified in five patients, with two of the five carrying a concomitant R92Q variation. We also identified seven C73W (c.306C>G), two T50M (c.236C>T) and seven R92Q (c.362G>A) carriers. Symptoms varied and the C73Y, C73W and T50M mutations were associated with the most severe clinical manifestations. The R92Q phenotype ranged from asymptomatic to mild disease. Molecular modelling linked pathogenicity with aberrant TNFRSF1A disulphide bond formation.

CONCLUSION

In this first pedigree analysis of TRAPS in Greece, we identified the rare C73Y TNFRSF1A mutation. A wide clinical spectrum was observed with the C73Y, C73W and T50M mutations that affect TNFRSF1A disulphide bonds and are associated with worse symptoms.

Role of Colchicine Treatment in Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS): Real-Life Data from the AIDA Network

Objective

To analyze the potential role of colchicine monotherapy in patients with tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) in terms of control of clinical and laboratory manifestations.

Methods

Patients with TRAPS treated with colchicine monotherapy were retrospectively enrolled; demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected and statistically analysed after having clustered patients according to different times at disease onset, penetrance of mutations, dosage of colchicine, and different disease manifestations.

Results

24 patients (14 males; 15 with pediatric disease onset) treated with colchicine monotherapy were enrolled. Colchicine resulted in a complete response in 3 (12.5%) cases, partial response in 14 (58.3%) patients, and lack of response in 7 (29.2%) patients. There were not significant differences in colchicine response between pediatric and adult disease onset (p = 0.42), between low- and high-penetrance mutations (p = 0.62), and according to different dosages (p = 0.66). No significant differences were identified in the frequency of specific disease manifestations between patients experiencing any response to colchicine and patients with lack of response.

Conclusions

Colchicine monotherapy is useful in a low percentage of TRAPS patients; nevertheless, it could be attempted in patients with milder phenotypes and at a lower risk of developing reactive amyloidosis.

Revisiting TNF Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS): Current Perspectives

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autosomal dominant autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by prolonged and recurrent episodes of fever, abdominal and/or chest pain, arthralgia, myalgia, and erythematous rash. TRAPS is associated with heterozygous variants in the TNFRSF1A gene, which encodes the TNFR1 (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1) receptor. Disease-causing variants are found exclusively in the extracellular domain of TNFR1 and affect receptor structure and binding to the TNF ligand. The precise mechanism of the disease is still unclear, but it is thought that intracellular accumulation of misfolded mutant protein leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress and enhanced inflammatory responses through constitutive activation of various immune pathways. Other possible mechanisms contributing to the disease pathogenesis include defective receptor shedding, TNF-induced cell death, production of reactive oxygen species, and autophagy impairment. Patients' leucocytes are hyperresponsive to stimulation and produce elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Systemic autoimmune (AA) amyloidosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in TRAPS. Over the last two decades, new therapies have changed the progression and outcome of the disease. In this review, we summarize clinical data from 209 patients with validated pathogenic variants reported in the literature and discuss TRAPS diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment options.

Consensus protocols for the diagnosis and management of the hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes CAPS, TRAPS and MKD/HIDS: a German PRO-KIND initiative

BACKGROUND

Rare autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) including Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS), Tumor Necrosis Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) and Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency Syndrome (MKD)/ Hyper-IgD Syndrome (HIDS) are genetically defined and characterized by recurrent fever episodes and inflammatory organ manifestations. Early diagnosis and early start of effective therapies control the inflammation and prevent organ damage. The PRO-KIND initiative of the German Society of Pediatric Rheumatology (GKJR) aims to harmonize the diagnosis and management of children with rheumatic diseases nationally. The task of the PRO-KIND CAPS/TRAPS/MKD/HIDS working group was to develop evidence-based, consensus diagnosis and management protocols including the first AID treat-to-target strategies.

METHODS

The national CAPS/TRAPS/MKD/HIDS expert working group was established, defined its aims and conducted a comprehensive literature review synthesising the recent (2013 to 2018) published evidence including all available recommendations for diagnosis and management. General and disease-specific statements were anchored in the 2015 SHARE recommendations. An iterative expert review process discussed, adapted and refined these statements. Ultimately the GKJR membership vetted the proposed consensus statements, agreement of 80% was mandatory for inclusion. The approved statements were integrated into three disease specific consensus treatment plans (CTPs). These were developed to enable the implementation of evidence-based, standardized care into clinical practice.

RESULTS

The CAPS/TRAPS/MKD/HIDS expert working group of 12 German and Austrian paediatric rheumatologists completed the evidence synthesis and modified a total of 38 statements based on the SHARE recommendation framework. In iterative reviews 36 reached the mandatory agreement threshold of 80% in the final GKJR member survey. These included 9 overarching principles and 27 disease-specific statements (7 for CAPS, 11 TRAPS, 9 MKD/HIDS). A diagnostic algorithm was established based on the synthesized evidence. Statements were integrated into diagnosis- and disease activity specific treat-to-target CTPs for CAPS, TRAPS and MKD/HIDS.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRO-KIND CAPS/TRAPS/MKD/HIDS working group established the first evidence-based, actionable treat-to-target consensus treatment plans for three rare hereditary autoinflammatory diseases. These provide a path to a rapid evaluation, effective control of disease activity and tailored adjustment of therapies. Their implementation will decrease variation in care and optimize health outcomes for children with AID.

Phenotypic variability in two patients with tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic fever syndrome emphasizes a rare manifestation: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic fever syndrome (TRAPS) is caused by heterozygote mutations in TNFRSF1A, characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks. In this report, we described two patients with different heterozygote mutations in TNFRSF1A. Patient 1, a 15-year-old male, had suffered from recurrent fever attacks accompanied by abdominal pain, eye manifestations, and myalgia with increased acute phase reactants since the age of 6-month. He had been unsuccessfully treated with colchicine for having familial Mediterranean fever without an identifiable MEFV mutation since the age of 4-year. At the age of 15 years, he was diagnosed with immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy due to massive proteinuria and renal biopsy findings. Next generation sequencing revealed NM_001065.3: c.236C>T; p. (Thr79Met); T50M heterozygote mutation in TNFRFS1A. He was treated with methylprednisolone and cyclosporine for IgA nephropathy, thereafter with canakinumab for TRAPS. Patient 2, a 17-year-old female, had recurrent arthritis attacks accompanied by increased acute phase reactants for the last two months. She had neither fever attacks nor rashes or myalgia. Her physical examination was normal between attacks. Magnetic resonance imaging of both knees and ankles showed no signs of chronic arthritis. MEFV analyzes showed no mutation. Next generation sequencing revealed NM_001065.3: c.362G>A; p.(Arg121Gln); R92Q heterozygote mutation in TNFRFS1A. Arthritis attacks were treated successfully with ibuprofen thereafter. In conclusion, we wish to emphasize the diversity of the clinical manifestations between these two patients with distinct sequence variants in TNFRSF1A. Moreover, we presented a rare manifestation of TRAPS, IgA nephropathy.

p.RQ92 mutation associated with amyloidosis

Secondary amyloidosis can be found in some monogenic autoinflammatory diseases. In this study we present an 83-year-old man with no relevant medical history who presented with iron deficiency anaemia. In the study, a gastroscopy was performed with duodenum biopsy showing secondary AA-type amyloidosis. Genetic analyses of monogenic autoinflammatory diseases revealed the heterozygous p.R92Q variant in the TNFRSF1A gene, with negative results in the complementary tests for other causes of amyloidosis. In TRAPS, secondary amyloidosis has usually been associated with mutations affecting cysteine residues, but until now no association has been demonstrated with the p.RQ92 variant. Secondary amyloidosis may be present in carriers of the p.RQ92 variant, therefore it is important to diagnose it to prevent possible complications.

Treating TNF Receptor Associated Periodic Fever Syndrome in End-Stage Renal Failure

Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is a rare monogenic autoinflammatory disease. Its most severe manifestation is secondary amyloidosis. A 44-year-old male presented with nephrotic syndrome. Kidney biopsy was conclusive for secondary amyloidosis. The patient and his children had a history of recurrent febrile periods since infancy. All subjects were positive for a heterozygous variant of the TNFRSF1A gene, confirming TRAPS diagnosis. The patient progressed to end-stage renal failure and developed recurrent pericarditis episodes. He was started on anakinra while on hemodialysis with marked reduction of his serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels. Meanwhile he received a cadaveric renal transplant and maintains anakinra treatment. Despite renal failure being the most feared complication of AA amyloidosis caused by TRAPS, little data is available about safety of anti-IL-1 treatment in patients with severe kidney failure. The authors report this case of a patient on dialysis treated with anakinra in which no complications were registered. Though amyloidosis is established, the authors believe containing its progression and reducing inflammatory activity can improve patient prognosis and reduce recurrence of amyloidosis in kidney transplant, as has been demonstrated in transplanted patients due to familial Mediterranean fever amyloidosis.

Hereditary Autoinflammatory Disorders: Recognition and Treatment

The autoinflammatory diseases encompass approximately 30 monogenic disorders in which inborn errors in the innate immune system lead to episodic systemic inflammation. Largely mediated by dysregulation of myeloid cells, interleukin (IL)-1β, type I interferon, and NF-κB, these disorders have rapidly expanded over the past several years, and increasing numbers of patients identified. Crossover disorders, bridging autoinflammation and immunodeficiency, have recently been described. This article focuses on the clinical presentation of IL-1 and interferon-driven autoinflammatory disorders, and discusses novel diseases with features of immunodeficiency. Approaches to the clinical diagnosis, genetic testing, and treatment of these disorders are addressed.

Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: General concepts and presentation in adult patients

Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases (AIFD) are rare disorders characterized by an uncontrolled increase of the systemic inflammatory response, which is caused by mutations in genes involved in inflammatory pathways. Over the last few years, new genes and proteins responsible for new monogenic AIFD have been identified and a substantial improvement in their treatment has been achieved. Monogenic AIFD manifestations typically begin during childhood, but they can also occur in adults. Compared to pediatric patients, adults usually present with a less severe disease and fewer long-term complications. In addition, patients with adult-onset disease carry low-penetrance mutations more often than pathogenic variants. A late-onset of AIFD may be occasionally associated with the presence of somatic mutations. In this study, we review the most frequent monogenic AIFD, and others recently described, which may occur during adulthood.