Kinetic profiles and management of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

OBJECTIVE

Immunosuppressive therapy may trigger hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation for increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe HBV reactivation in patients receiving treatment for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and to evaluate a predefined algorithm for its prevention.

METHODS

Physicians submitted data for patients receiving treatment for IMIDs and exhibiting HBV reactivation, defined as an increase of >1 log10 IU/ml of HBV DNA levels or DNA reappearance. We systematically reviewed cases in the literature.

RESULTS

The 35 physician-collected patients had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 14), connective tissue disease (n = 7), vasculitis (n = 5), and other diseases (n = 9). At baseline, 65.7% of patients were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 31.4% had a history of HBV infection, and 2.9% had occult HBV infection. Reactivation occurred a median of 35 weeks (range 2-397 weeks) after the start of corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive therapy. In all, 88.6% of patients were clinically asymptomatic, but 25.7% had severe hepatitis; none had fulminant hepatitis. Management was antiviral therapy for 91.4%, with discontinuation or decrease of immunosuppressive therapy for 45.7%. In pooling these 35 cases and 103 patients from the literature, 73.9% of patients were clinically asymptomatic, 33.3% had severe hepatitis, and 12.3% died and/or had fulminant hepatitis. Reactivation occurred early with rituximab or cyclophosphamide therapy and in HBsAg-positive/HBV DNA-positive patients. Using the predefined algorithm, 78% of patients with reactivation would have received preemptive antiviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

We provide new insights into HBV reactivation in patients receiving treatment for IMIDs. A predefined algorithm may be effective in reducing the risk of HBV reactivation in this population.

Vasculitides associated with malignancies: analysis of sixty patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristics and outcomes of vasculitides associated with malignancies.

METHODS

The requirement for inclusion in this retrospective, 10-year study was development of vasculitis in patients with a progressing malignancy. Malignancies secondary to immunosuppressants used to treat vasculitis were excluded. The main characteristics of vasculitides were analyzed and compared according to the type of malignancy.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included (male/female sex ratio 2.53, mean age 62.4 years). Mean followup duration was 45.2 months. Vasculitides were cutaneous leukocytoclastic (45%), polyarteritis nodosa (36.7%), Wegener's granulomatosis (6.7%), microscopic polyangiitis (5%), and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (5%). Malignancies were distributed as follows: hematologic in 63.1%, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 32.3%, lymphoid in 29.2%, and solid tumor in 36.9%. Vasculitides were diagnosed concurrently with malignancy in 38% of the cases. Manifestations of vasculitides were fever (41.7%), cutaneous involvement (78.3%), arthralgias (46.7%), peripheral neuropathy (31.7%), renal involvement (23.3%; 11.7% glomerulonephritis, 11.7% microaneurysms, 6.7% renal insufficiency), and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (20.4%). Vasculitis treatments were corticosteroids (78.3%) and immunosuppressant(s) (41.7%). Vasculitis was cured in 65% of patients, but 58.3% died, with 1 death secondary to vasculitis. Independent of subtype, patients with vasculitides associated with MDS more frequently had renal manifestations (P = 0.02) and steroid dependence (P = 0.04) and achieved complete remission less often (P = 0.04) than patients with vasculitides associated with other malignancies. Patients with vasculitides associated with a solid tumor more frequently had peripheral neurologic involvement (P = 0.05). Patients with vasculitides associated with lymphoid malignancy had less frequent arthralgias (P = 0.01) and renal involvement (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Vasculitides occurring during malignancies present distinctive features according to the vasculitis subtype and nature of the malignancy.

Maladie de Crohn à expression vulvopérinéale exclusive

INTRODUCTION

Vulvar involvement in Crohn's disease is uncommon. We report here a rare case of Crohn's disease affecting only the vulva and perineum.

CASE

A 55-year-old women had been followed at another hospital since 1995 for histology-proved Crohn's disease affecting only the vulvoperineal area. Treatment with infliximab led to a relapse in 2001. The patient was hospitalized because of a new vulvar and perineal flare-up, with major vulvar edema, aphthoid vulvar and perineal erosions and fissures. Findings from upper endoscopy and colonoscopy were normal. A biopsy sample of the ulcerated tissue showed inflammatory infiltration including histiocytes and macrophages. No microorganisms were found. The initial course was favorable, with systemic corticosteroid therapy and azathioprine. Clinical relapse during the corticosteroid tapering necessitated infliximab.

DISCUSSION

Vulvar localizations of Crohn's disease are uncommon. They may precede gastrointestinal involvement by many years or very rarely be isolated, as here. Typical clinical appearance includes edema and ulcerations. Other causes of granulomatous vulvar and perineal lesions must be ruled out. There is no consensus for its treatment. This case indicates that infliximab, which is used in fistulized Crohn's disease, can be useful for vulvar and perineal involvement. Physicians must recognize that on rare occasions vulvar involvement is possible without any gastrointestinal localization.

Superficial venous thrombophlebitis as the initial manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome: study of the first 3 cases

BACKGROUND

Superficial venous thrombophlebitis (SVT), often perceived as benign, can coexist with hypercoagulable states. Predisposing risk factors for SVT are similar to those observed for deep venous thrombosis. Association of eosinophilia with SVT is a rare situation that can reveal neoplasia, malignant blood disorders, or vasculitis, but it has never been described in hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). We herein describe the clinical and biological features, outcome, and response to therapy of 3 patients with SVT associated with eosinophilia that revealed HES.

OBSERVATIONS

Superficial venous thrombophlebitis was the initial manifestation of HES in all 3 patients. The mean eosinophil count at diagnosis was 2.4 x 10(3)/muL. All patients received corticosteroids and anticoagulants as the initial treatment, with marked improvement of SVT and return of the eosinophil count to reference limits. All patients experienced relapse and remained dependent on corticosteroid therapy. Two patients received interferon alfa with dramatic regression of SVT, allowing a decrease in the dose of corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

We report, to our knowledge, the first 3 cases of SVT related to HES. Superficial venous thrombophlebitis was difficult to treat, with dependence on corticosteroid therapy and partial efficacy of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Interferon alfa was effective in preventing relapse of SVT related to HES. Mechanisms implied in this thrombogenesis are multiple and remain speculative.

Takayasu's arteritis: An update on physiopathology

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic large vessel vasculitis. The physiopathology of TA has not been completely elucidated, but it appears to be multifactorial and to mainly involve cellular immunity. The pathologic sequence could implicate stimulation from an antigen that triggers heat shock protein (HSP)-65 expression in aortic tissue which, in turn, induces MHC class I-related chain A (MICA). T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells expressing NKG2D receptors could recognize MICA, resulting in acute inflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines released from these infiltrating cells induce matrix metalloproteinases and amplify the inflammatory response, inducing more MHC antigen and costimulatory molecule expression on vascular cells and, thus, recruiting more mononuclear cells. Alpha-beta T-cells then infiltrate and specifically recognize one or a few autoantigens presented by a shared epitope associated with specific MHC on the dendritic cells (DC). These DC simultaneously cooperate to some extent with B-cells and determine a humoral immunity mainly constituted by anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies that could trigger complement-dependent cytotoxicity against endothelial cells. The use of corticosteroids and of other immunosuppressive agents can bring TA into remission in most patients. A better understanding of the immunological mechanisms responsible for the vascular injury has led to trials of anti-TNF-alpha agents with encouraging results. In the near future, new drugs specifically designed to target some of the mechanisms described above may be able to expand the physician's therapeutic arsenal in TA.

Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome in adult systemic disease: report of twenty-six cases and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze specific clinical findings, underlying disorders, treatments, outcomes, and prognostic factors for reactive hemophagocytic syndrome (RHS) in systemic disease.

METHODS

Data were collected using standardized forms as part of a French national survey. Adult cases without an underlying malignancy, diagnosed on bone marrow or lymph node biopsy, were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cases (7 men, 19 women, mean age 47.4 +/- 17.7 years) were studied. Systemic diseases included systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 14), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 2), adult onset systemic Still's disease (n = 4), polyarteritis nodosa (n = 2), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 1), pulmonary sarcoidosis (n = 1), systemic sclerosis (n = 1), and Sjögren's syndrome (n = 1). RHS occurred in 2 distinct clinical settings in the course of systemic disease. RHS was associated with an active infection in 15 patients (bacterial infections, 10 cases; viral, 3 cases; tuberculosis, 1 case; and aspergillosis, 1 case) and with the onset of a systemic disease alone in 9 cases. Isolated RHS occurred in 2 cases. The overall mortality rate was 38.5%. Two factors were associated with mortality: corticosteroid treatment at the time of RHS diagnosis, and thrombocytopenia (odds ratio = 28, 95% confidence interval = 13.3-238.9).

CONCLUSIONS

When RHS occurs in the course of an active systemic disease (situation only reported in cases of systemic lupus or adult Still's disease), immunosuppressive therapy should be used. In contrast, when RHS is present concomitantly with an active infection, immunosuppressive therapy needs to be lowered and antibiotic therapy should be instituted.

Primary chronic interstitial nephritis in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In Crohn's disease, cases of interstitial nephritis with renal failure have been reported in connection with the use of mesalamine.

METHODS

We observed 4 patients with severe interstitial nephritis proven by examination of kidney biopsy specimens. Renal failure was discovered before or simultaneously with the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, and patients were not treated with mesalamine. Impairment of renal function progressed to end-stage renal failure in 3 of the 4 patients.

RESULTS

Our results show that the kidney can be an extraintestinal target of Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Several unanswered questions remain concerning the frequency of interstitial nephritis in patients with Crohn's disease, as well as the exact role of mesalamine in the development of chronic interstitial nephritis.

Spontaneous resolution of hemophagocytic syndrome associated with acute parvovirus B19 infection and concomitant Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in an otherwise healthy adult

Reported here is the case of a patient who spontaneously recovered from hemophagocytic syndrome associated with acute B19 infection and concomitant Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. The previously healthy 37-year-old-man was hospitalized after 10 days of high fever, arthralgia and arthritis and was determined to have hemophagocytic syndrome. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen, early antigen and parvovirus B19 (B19) were found. B19 DNA and low-level EBV DNA were detected in bone marrow, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The patient recovered spontaneously without any treatment. Two months later anti-B19 IgG antibodies were detected, while at 9-month follow-up, anti-B19 IgM antibodies were no longer detectable and B19 DNA had disappeared from serum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous resolution of hemophagocytic syndrome associated with acute B19 infection and concomitant EBV reactivation in an otherwise healthy adult.

Intracranial aneurysm associated with relapsing polychondritis

We describe a 50-year-old man with relapsing polychondritis (RP) involving auricular cartilage, uveitis and hearing loss, who had an aneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery. Intracranial aneurysm is a rare manifestation of RP.

[Microbiological diagnosis of bacteremia from a catheter: a simple method? Results of a retrospective study]

Diagnosing catheter-related bloodstream infections is important but not always easy and a failure to make the diagnosis may have serious consequences. A high rate of unnecessary catheter removal is noted. We retrospectively compared the clinical and usual methods of microbiological diagnoses of catheter-related sepsis to the speed of detection of the catheter versus peripheral blood cultures using the Bact-Alert system. We analyzed 50 files of patients with central indwelling devices: 16 single lumen catheters and 34 implanted ports. Twenty-one catheters were classified as infected, and we observed an earlier positivity of catheter versus peripheral blood in all cases, but significant for 19 patients. According to standard diagnosis methods, 29 catheters were estimated non-infected, a more rapid detection of peripheral culture was reported for 17 specimens and, for another eight patients, the time of detection was equal to blood culture drawn from the catheter. In this group, four discrepancies were recorded with a differential time in favor of sepsis related to catheters ranging from 0.5 to 2 hours. Because of its simplicity and low cost, we believed that this method could be the first step of a diagnosis of catheter-related sepsis and could, therefore, avoid unjustified removal, in particular for the implanted ports for which the diagnostic methods are less codified than for catheters. A prospective study is ongoing; the design of the study focuses only on implanted ports.

[Aspirin and antiphospholipid syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Antiphospholipid syndrome is the most frequent cause of acquired thrombophilia. Aspirin may have some indications. CURRENT KONWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: The usefulness of low doses of aspirin is now well demonstrated in the prevention of obstetric complications associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (especially pregnancy loss). When heparin is combined with low-dose aspirin, the recurrent rate of fetal loss is lower than 30%. In patients with arterial or venous thrombosis, there is a high rate of recurrence during the two first years except if high-dose warfarin was used (i.e., INR > or = 3). The association warfarin-aspirin in secondary prevention of thrombosis may be evaluated in prospective studies. It is not so clear in the literature and in our experience that warfarin is superior to aspirin in stroke recurrence prevention in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies, except in Sneddon's syndrome. There are no guidelines in primary thrombosis prevention in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. In lupus patients, aspirin may not be sufficient after many years of follow-up in preventing a first episode of thrombosis. Prospective studies may be undertaken. Atherosclerotic patients with antiphospholipid antibodies are particularly exposed to the risk of thrombosis after revascularisation or angioplasty and stent implantation. Aspirin may have a place in those patients but these must be evaluated. FUTUR PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: Except in prevention of obstetric complications, the usefulness of aspirin in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies must be evaluated in prospective studies.

[Value of intravenous immunoglobulins during antiphospholipid syndrome]

BACKGROUND

The antiphospholipid syndrome was individualized 12 years ago. Treatment was initially based on steroids, immunosuppressive drugs and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. More recently, several retrospective studies have established that in most clinical conditions therapeutic doses of oral vitamin K antagonists (INR > or = 3) are sufficient to control the disease.

THE ROLE OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY

However, high dose immunoglobulin therapy is still indicated in a few cases, especially in life-threatening immune peripheral thrombocytopenia, and in recurrent foetal loss: in the latter indication, immunoglobulin therapy alone is efficient in 80% of cases.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Prospective studies are needed to assess the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in neurological complications occurring in spite of anticoagulant therapy, and in the context of repeated foetal losses when antithrombotic therapy with aspirin and subcutaneous heparin has failed.

[Systemic reaction induced my minocycline treatment: a report of four patients and a review of the literature]

We report four cases of the side effects of minocycline seen during the last two years in our department. There was one case of drug-related lupus and three cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including one eosinophilic pneumopathy with pericarditis, one nephropathy and one severe, pseudo-infectious episode of high fever, rash, lympadenopathy, hepatitis and eosinophilia. Minocycline is a tetracycline agent widely used for acne therapy in France and all over the world. During the last few years, there has been an increasing number of reports concerning systemic adverse reactions to minocycline, with on the one hand auto-immune disorders (lupus, autoimmune hepatitis, vascularitis with ANCA), occurring after a prolonged course of therapy and reported recently in the last few years, and on the other hand, hypersensitivity reactions (eosinophilic pneumopathies, hepatitis, nephropathies, myocarditis, serum sickness or pseudo-infectious reactions), occurring precociously in the course of therapy, and potentially severe. Although these side effects are uncommon in the context of the high number of patients who have been prescribed the drug, the first-line antibiotic therapy in acne must probably be reconsidered.

[Involvement of large arteries by Horton's disease]

Up to 15% of patients with temporal arteritis, may have large vessel involvement. The ascending aorta, aortic arch, subclavian and axillary arteries are most frequently involved. These localisations may be the presenting feature but usually, temporal arteritis is known or symptomatic at the time of large vessel involvement discovering. When corticosteroids are given in adequate doses, the response is favorable in most patients with limbs localisation but aortic localisation is associated with a markedly increased risk for the development of aneurysm and dissection which may cause death.

Systemic capillary leak syndrome: report on 13 patients with special focus on course and treatment

BACKGROUND

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare condition characterized by unexplained episodic capillary hyperpermeability due to a shift of fluid and protein from the intravascular to the interstitial space. This results in diffuse swelling, weight gain, and renal shut-down. From the first publication in 1960, only 34 cases have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To collate enough patients to observe the natural history of the disease and evaluate the efficacy of empiric treatments.

DESIGN

Multicentric retrospective study.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (6 women and 7 men) were collated with a mean follow-up of 6.4 years. Eight patients are still alive after a mean of 5.6 years (range 1 to 15). Three patients out of the 11 who were not lost to follow-up died; 1 during an attack and 2 because of a progression towards multiple myeloma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series shows an improvement in the prognosis of SCLS due most likely to improved management during attacks. Some patients' disease could evolve into a multiple myeloma. Treatment is still empiric and no prophylactic therapy, including terbutaline associated with aminophylline, has clearly proven its efficacy.

Pregnancy in relapsing polychondritis: twenty-five pregnancies in eleven patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant women with relapsing polychondritis (RP).

METHODS

Retrospective review of 11 records selected from among those of 116 female RP (Michet's criteria) patients.

RESULTS

In these 11 women, 25 pregnancies occurred after or concomitantly with the onset of RP. The mean (+/- SD) age at RP onset was 25 +/- 5 years (range 15-31). Therapeutic abortion was performed in 1 woman because of ongoing cyclophosphamide treatment. Disease flare occurred in 7 of 24 pregnancies, requiring treatment modification in 2 cases. RP was considered stable in 16 and asymptomatic in 1 of the 24. Treatment of RP was with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (2 of 24), steroids (13 of 24), dapsone (7 of 24), or plasma exchanges (1 of 24); no treatment was given in 8 of the 24 pregnancies. In 14 pregnancies, the course was uneventful. Ten pregnancies were complicated by ectopic nidation (n = 3), spontaneous abortion (n = 3), premature birth (n = 3), and premature rupture of membranes (n = 1). Eighteen normal children were born.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy does not seem to modify the course of RP. Successful pregnancies may be achieved in women with RP. No RP was observed in the neonates.

Management of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Main trends, unsolved questions, practical and educational aspects

Therapeutic guidelines are progressively emerging in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). For primary APS, prevention of recurrent miscarriages is frequently achieved by a combination of heparin plus aspirin. Steroids should not be used in the absence of associated systemic lupus erythematosus. Long term warfarin aimed at an INR of 3-3.5 is effective for the secondary prevention of thrombosis. However, some doubt is raising regarding the pertinence of INR monitoring in patients with a lupus anticoagulant. Education is an important part of the management of patients with APS. Coincident risk factors for thrombosis have to be suppressed or controlled. Psychological aspects also need to be carely considered during the course of this chronic disorder.

[A new cause of prolonged fever of unknown origin: progesterone substitution therapy]

OBJECTIVES

Over the last 3 years, we examined 15 patients on progesterone substitution therapy who presented prolonged fever. Many explanations had been put forward before the diagnosis was suggested. We recall the thermogenic effect of progesterone.

METHODS

Based on a retrospective analysis, we reported the clinical and biological features of 15 patients with prolonged fever due to progesterone substitution therapy and prospectively followed the temperature curves of 9 menopaused women who received substitution therapy for the first time.

RESULTS

The 15 case reports were quite typical. Often onset occurred with an acute infectious episode. Following this episode, the patients continued to take their temperature and discovered persistent fever. The context was often one of anxiety-depression rich in functional symptomatology. Laboratory findings included a normal sedimentation rate in all patients. Several days after treatment withdrawal temperature returned to normal. The prospective study confirmed the thermogenetic effect of almost all progesterone substitution drugs.

CONCLUSION

The thermogenic effect of natural progesterone is well known but it must be recalled that all progesterone agents with 5-beta metabolites have the same effect. Since metabolic clearance is long, the thermogenic effect may persist for several days after withdrawal.

[Pachydermodactyly: report of a case]

This 20 year old white patient complained of progressive thickening of his fingers over a period of four years. The second, third and fifth fingers of each hand indeed appeared podgy. The soft tissue on each side of the first phalanx was swollen, firm without adherence to the bone. The skin of the interdigital space was hyperpigmented and lichenified. This case illustrates the clinical and histologic features of digital fibromatosis which are discussed.

[Antiphospholipid syndrome. 20 cases]

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed the clinical and biological characteristics as well as the clinical course and outcome observed in 20 patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and clinical signs including thrombosis or repeated spontaneous abortion to better identify the recently described antiphospholipid syndrome.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all patients observed in our unit from 1981 to 1992 who fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: a) at least one episode of arterial or venous thrombosis and/or repeated spontaneous abortions, b) positive for antiphospholipid antibodies.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included, 3 with systemic lupus erythematosus (according to the American Rheumatism Association criteria). Arterial or venous thrombosis occurred in 9 and 16 respectively, including exceptional cases of cerebral phlebitis and thrombosis of dermal capillaries. High blood pressure was recorded in 8. Only 1 or 2 types of antiphospholipid antibodies were found in most patients. Anticardiolipin, a circulating anticoagulant and a false-positive Bordet-Wassermann reaction were found together in only 3 out of 16. In addition, the antibody level varied independently from the thrombotic events. There was no case with a clinical course from primary antiphospholipid syndrome to systemic erythromatosus lupus. The effect to treatment on occurrence of new thrombotic events was studied. Three patients suffered one or more haemorrhagic events during antivitamin K treatment.

CONCLUSION

It is difficult to establish a differentiation between primary antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus-like syndromes, and precise methods of identifying antiphospholipid antibodies should be further developed.

[Hyperthyroidism and hypersecretion of chorionic gonadotropin in gastric adenocarcinoma]

We report a case of hyperthyroidism complicating and revealing a metastatized adenocarcinoma of the stomach with high circulating levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and its beta component. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a non-trophoblastic tumor with hyperthyroidism and secreting quantities of these hormones. High circulating levels of beta component in such patients have been considered to be a sign of malignancy. The mechanisms of thyroid stimulation could be related to the biological activity of certain forms of the human chorionic gonadotropin.