Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in Chinese patients with anti-histamine refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by the spontaneous development of wheals, itching, and/or angioedema, for ≥6 weeks. In China, non-sedating H1-antihistamines (H1AH) are the recommended first-line treatment, with escalation up to 4× the standard dose in symptomatic patients to achieve control. Treatment options for Chinese patients who remain symptomatic on H1AH treatment are limited. This 20-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study investigated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab as an add-on therapy for the treatment of patients with CSU who remained symptomatic despite H1AH treatment in China. Adult patients (N = 418) diagnosed with refractory CSU for ≥6 months were randomized (2:2:1) to receive omalizumab 300 mg (OMA300), omalizumab 150 mg (OMA150) or placebo, subcutaneously, every 4 weeks. Primary outcome was change from baseline to Week 12 in weekly itch severity score (ISS7). Safety was assessed by rates of adverse events (AEs). Demographic and disease characteristics at baseline were comparable across treatment groups. At week 12, statistically significant greater decreases from baseline were observed in ISS7 with OMA300 (least square mean difference [LSM]: -4.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.70, -2.77; P < 0.001) and OMA150 (LSM: -3.79; 95% CI: -5.24, -2.33; P < 0.001) vs. placebo. Incidence of treatment-emergent AEs over 20 weeks was slightly higher with OMA300 (71.3%) compared to OMA150 and placebo groups (64.7% and 63.9%, respectively). The incidences of serious AEs were balanced between groups. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in Chinese adult patients with CSU who remained symptomatic despite H1AH therapy. Trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT03328897 Date of registration: 1 November 2017.

A Comparitive Study of Anticardiolipin Antibodies among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients from Western and Eastern India

INTRODUCTION

Anti-phospholipid antibodies (APA) like anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) are important cause of venous and arterial thrombosis and other occlusive vascular diseases. Prevalence of these antibodies in SLE patients at the time of diagnosis is not known in Indian SLE patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of ACA in SLE patients from Eastern and Western India and to correlate them with disease activity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy SLE patients from Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam and 85 SLE patients from Rheumatology Department, KEM Hospital, Mumbai were studied. SLE disease activity was evaluated by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score at the time of evaluation. All patients studied were in an active stage of disease.

RESULTS

Demographic data showed significant variations in the clinical manifestations of SLE between two regions. Renal manifestations were higher (42.9%) among SLE patients from Eastern region as compared with 37.6% patients from Western region. These patients were categorized as Lupus Nephritis (LN) and patients that did not show any renal manifestations were categories as non-LN. ACA to IgG and IgM subclasses were tested by ELISA. IgGACA positivity was 20%, 12.9% and IgM-ACA positivity was 18.6%, 12.9% where asIgG + IgM ACA positivity as found in 12.9%, 3.5% patients respectively among SLE patients from Eastern and Western India.

CONCLUSIONS

ACA positivity was higher among LN patients from Eastern India whereas the same was higher among non-LN patients from Western India. Hence detection of ACA alongwith associated clinical manifestations were helpful to evaluate their possible association with disease severity in SLE patients. A long term follow up of patients having ACA antibodies without thrombotic event is needed to detect their possible thrombotic event in future along with their clinical presentation from these two different geographic regions from India.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism in Indian patients with vitiligo: a case-control study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a common, acquired, idiopathic depigmenting skin disorder. Although the exact pathogenesis remains unknown, genetic susceptibility and autoimmune responses play a role in vitiligo development. Previous studies have suggested that the D allele of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with vitiligo in Indians and Koreans. Furthermore, significantly higher serum ACE levels have been demonstrated in patients with some autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to investigate any association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and vitiligo susceptibility in an Indian population, and to compare serum ACE levels in patients with vitiligo and healthy subjects.

METHODS

The ACE I/D genotypes of 79 patients with vitiligo and 100 normal individuals were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification. A meta-analysis was done to compare the distribution of the ACE I/D alleles and genotypes in the current and three previous studies. Serum ACE levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the frequency of the ACE I/D D allele was evident in patients with vitiligo in both the case-control study [P=0·005; odds ratio (OR) 1·87; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1·22-2·85] and the meta-analysis (P=0·044; OR 1·44; 95% CI 1·01-2·06). Serum ACE levels were significantly increased in patients with vitiligo compared with healthy subjects (P<0·0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with earlier reports, the ACE I/D D allele is associated with vitiligo susceptibility in the Indian population. The significantly elevated serum ACE levels in our cohort of patients with vitiligo concur with those previously found in patients with some other autoimmune diseases.

Anti-C reactive protein antibodies in Indian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by over production of autoantibodies. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a phylogenetically highly conserved plasma protein that participates in the systemic response to inflammation. Anti-CRP antibodies might have biological functions of pathogenetic interest in SLE. We evaluated anti-CRP antibodies in Indian SLE patients and their association with anti-dsDNA antibodies and complement levels (C3 and C4). One hundred SLE patients diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria were included. Disease activity was assessed using SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Anti-CRP autoantibodies were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluroscence test (Euroimmun Lubeck, Germany). High sensitivity CRP and complement levels (C3, C4) were detected using a Nephelometer. (BN ProSpec, Dade Behring, Germany). Anti-CRP antibodies were detected in 26% of SLE patients. Mean age of disease onset among anti-CRP positives was 22.4 ± 7.5, and 26.6 ± 9.3 years among anti-CRP negatives (P > 0.05). Anti-dsDNA positivity was significantly higher among anti-CRP positives (32.7%) as compared to anti-CRP negatives (16%) (P = 0.00519). No statistically significant difference was observed in SLEDAI scores of anti-CRP positive group and anti-CRP negative group (P > 0.05). We observed a positive correlation between anti-CRP antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies.

Prevalence and causalities of tobacco consumption (TC) among adolescents: a cross sectional study at Pune

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Health risks associated with tobacco consumption (TC) are well known. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and causality of tobacco consumption among adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 6577 participants aged 12 to 20 years from 21 schools and colleges in Pune during year 2005/6. Data on socio demographic profile, family members' tobacco habits and respondents' tobacco consumption habits were collected by self-administered questionnaire. Convenience sampling method was used for data collection.

RESULTS

Complete information on age, gender and participants' consumption of tobacco was available for 6119 students. This data was used for analysis. Average age of the students was 16.9 +/- 1.79 years. 51% were boys. 9% lived in the hostels. Prevalence of TC was 4.2% (256). Prevalence increased from 2.1% at < 14 years to 9.8% at 18 to 20 years of age. Respondents aged < 14 years spent about Rs. 110 per month on tobacco while those over 18 years of age spent about Rs.142 per month (P < 0.05). Significantly (p < 0.0001) more boys (85.2%) consumed tobacco compared to girls (14.8%). Hostel residents consumed tobacco more than those not living in hostel (13% Vs 8.6%). Significantly more (p < 0.0001) number of fathers and brothers of TCs consumed tobacco than non TCs. (Fathers: 53.1% Vs 29.7%), (Brothers: 5.7% Vs 1.1%).

CONCLUSION

Tobacco consumption among adolescents in Pune is low. However to reduce it further, intervention should start prior to teenage before they form their opinion and start consuming tobacco.

Anti-C1q antibodies and their association with complement components in Indian systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype autoimmune disease, characterized by immune complex formation and systemic inflammation. Complement components such as C1q and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) play an important role in the clearance of immune complexes. Anti-C1q antibodies are associated with lupus nephritis and reduced levels of the complement components. The objective of this study was to detect anti-C1q antibodies in SLE patients and to evaluate their association with the complement components. Sixty SLE patients were included, of whom 75% had lupus nephritis (LN) and 25% were without renal manifestations (non-LN). The disease activity was assessed at the time of evaluation by the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). Anti-C1q antibodies, circulating immune complexes, and serum MBL levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The anti-C1q antibody prevalence was 58.3%. The LN patients showed 60% anti-C1q positivity with a higher percentage in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis patients (51.9%). Anti-dsDNA positivity was slightly higher among the anti-C1q positives than in the anti-C1q negatives (65.7% vs. 60%). A higher percentage of reduced C3 and C4 levels was noted among the anti-C1q positives. The LN patients showed a higher percentage of low MBL levels among anti-C1q negatives than in the anti-C1q positives (61.1% vs. 55.6%). Non-LN patients showed a higher percentage of low MBL levels among anti-C1q positives than among anti-C1q negatives (87.5% vs. 57.1%). Anti-C1q antibodies were found in both LN and non-LN patients, but there was no correlation with the clinical severity of the disease.

Vitiligo patients from India (Mumbai) show differences in clinical, demographic and autoantibody profiles compared to patients in western countries

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a common, idiopathic skin disorder characterized by depigmented skin due to the loss of cutaneous melanocytes. Several studies have reported the clinical and demographic characteristics of Indian vitiligo patients, however, none has characterized their antibody profiles.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the clinical, demographic and serological details of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India, and to evaluate the data for any associations between clinical presentations and the occurrence of antibody responses.

METHODS

Vitiligo patients (n = 79) were recruited to the study and their clinical and demographic details recorded. Serum antibodies, including those against melanocyte-specific antigens, thyroid antigens and keratinocytes, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of vitiligo was independent of sex, and non-segmental vitiligo was the most common form of the disease occurring in 65% of the patients. Patients with segmental vitiligo (mean age = 14.4 ± 4.6 years) presented at a younger age than those with non-segmental disease (mean age = 32.5 ± 17.8 years). Personal and family histories of other autoimmune diseases occurred in 3% and 8% of patients, respectively. Antibodies were detected against tyrosinase, tyrosine hydroxylase, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin and keratinocytes at frequencies of 11%, 22%, 18%, 24% and 27%, respectively. Overall, antibodies were more common in patients with non-segmental vitiligo (50-67%) than in those with segmental disease (0-17%), and were detected more frequently in patients with shorter disease durations (<10 years).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides novel information relative to the clinical details, demographic features and serological parameters of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India. Important distinctions from similar surveys conducted in European patients were evident such as an infrequency of family history, a low prevalence of clinical autoimmune disease, and an absence of particular antibody specificities. These differences may have a bearing on the pathogenesis and course of the disease in Indian patients.

Comorbidity, age and stage at diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC)

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Background: Stage at diagnosis is a crucial predictor of outcome in CRC. The purpose of this study is to determine if comorbidity and age affect the stage at which CRC is diagnosed. Identifying variables that influence stage might improve outcomes in CRC. Due to frequent contact with the health care system, we hypothesize that patients with greater comorbidity and older age are more likely to be diagnosed with early-stage disease. Methods: We present data from two distinct patient populations: using the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium (CanCORS) database, we identified CRC patients treated at 15 Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals from 2003-present. We also identified CRC patients treated from 2003-present at 10 non-VA, fee-for-service (FFS) practices in North and South Carolina. Data were abstracted by retrospective chart review. Comorbidity was calculated by the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) with high comorbidity defined as CCI =3. Older age was defined as age =70 years. Data were analyzed using logistic regression where the odds of late stage at diagnosis were modeled as influenced by older age, high CCI, and race. The analysis included estimation of adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios. Results: 347 VA and 282 FFS patients were included. 98% VA vs 50% FFS were male; 43% VA vs 27% FFS were aged =70; 56% VA vs 70% FFS were white; 26% VA vs 44% FFS presented with metastatic CRC; and 21% VA vs 6% FFS had a CCI =3. In both patient populations, regression analysis showed that older age, high CCI and white race were not significant predictors of stage at diagnosis. VA 95% confidence intervals (CI's) were 0.52–1.41 (age =70), 0.50–1.75 (CCI =3), and 0.42–1.11 (white race). FFS 95% CI's were 0.52–1.53 (age =70), 0.36–2.78 (CCI =3), and 0.74–2.11 (white race). Broader 95% CI's in the FFS analysis were due to smaller sample size. Conclusions: In CRC patients, age and comorbidity were not related to stage at diagnosis. The findings are similar whether the patients were treated in a fee-for-service or VA health system. While older age and greater illness might provide more contact with the health care system, this exposure did not result in earlier diagnosis of CRC. Future studies will examine the impact of comorbidity on CRC treatment and survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Choice of adjuvant and first-line metastatic chemotherapy (CT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) treated in the Carolinas

17039

Background: CT choice is influenced by many factors including published evidence, guidelines, cost, reimbursement, patient considerations, key opinion leaders, and anecdote. Substantial locoregional variation in practice patterns can exist, and therefore studies of locoregional practice provide important information on local drivers of care. Methods: Using a population-based strategy, we identified CRC patients who developed metastatic disease since 6/1/03 from 9 Duke Oncology Network community practices and 1 academic practice in North and South Carolina. Demographic, comorbidity, diagnostic, stage, initial treatment, and metastatic treatment data were abstracted by retrospective chart review, double-entered and verified for accuracy. Results: Of the first 743 charts screened, 306 were eligible (mean age 61 (SD 13), 49% male; 65% white; 22% black; 77% colon cancer and 19% rectal; stages II 8%, III 16%, IV 64%). 26 earlier stage rectal cancer patients received neoadjuvant treatment, 50% infusional fluorouracil (5FU) and 42% capecitabine (Cap). 46 colon cancer patients received adjuvant CT, including 5FU/leucovorin (LVN; 54%), 5FU/LVN/oxaliplatin (21%), Cap (9%), and 5FU/LVN/irinotecan (7%). First-line CT for metastatic colon cancer (n=149) included FOLFOX+-bevacizumab (Bev; 42%), Cap/oxaliplatin +- Bev (23%), 5FU/LVN + Bev (9%), FOLFIRI +- Bev (7%), IFL +- Bev (7%), clinical trial (7%), Cap (3%), and unknown (1%). 54% of patients received Bev overall, reflecting 49% usage before 6/05 and 69% after 6/05. CT was not offered for 25 (8%) at initial diagnosis. Conclusion: Locoregional practice patterns in the Carolinas suggest that for adjuvant treatment of CRC, oxaliplatin has been used in 21% of adjuvant and 75% of first-line metastatic colon CT regimens, and that bevacizumab use has increased to 69% of first-line metastatic CRC patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Paget's disease from Western India

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To prospectively study prevalence of Paget's disease from Western India.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seventeen consecutive cases from Western India from 1998 to 2005 are analysed for the clinical, biochemical, skeletal profile. Seventeen cases (15 males & 2 females) with mean age of 62 were diagnosed

RESULTS

The Western Indian cohort of Paget's disease has male preponderance with a mean age of 62 years at onset. Its clinical features are pain, fracture and typical skeletal involvement. It is a non-familial, polyostotic disease with pelvis, skull, spine and femur being the commonly affected bone sites. Elevated alkaline phosphatase is typical which responds well to bisphosphonate therapy in 6 months. Most cases do well with low dose alendronate (10-20mg/day).

CONCLUSIONS

Paget's disease in western India is rare with classical clinical, radiological and biochemical features and responds well to low dose alendronate therapy. In eight years, seventeen cases of Paget's disease were seen from Western India indicating though still rare is present in this population of Western India.

Measurement of quality of care for adjuvant chemotherapy of colorectal cancer

6071

Background: Although adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) is a crucial component of the therapy for stage III colon cancer and stage II and III rectal cancer patients, little is known about how best to measure whether quality care is being delivered. We sought to provide policy-makers and stake-holders with an inventory of the available measures and their usefulness. Methods: The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for all publications which might contain quality measures (QMs) pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Our analysis was confined to QMs pertaining to adjuvant CT for CRC, based on US data, and published after 1990. Identified QMs were quantitatively rated based on the concepts of importance/usability, scientific acceptability, and validity or how well they had been tested. Results: 3,429 abstracts were reviewed, of which 843 articles underwent full text evaluation. Ultimately 74 articles met the established inclusion criteria for containing QMs, 32 of which pertained to adjuvant CT. These 32 articles contained 10 QMs, 8 of which had major flaws limiting their applicability. The two most ideal measures are presented in the table . Among the reasons some measures did not rate highly was the failure to utilize standard staging definitions or reliance on administrative inpatient databases, which do not account for chemotherapy administered on an out-patient basis. Conclusions: Very few measures of the quality of adjuvant CT for CRC have been published to date and fewer rate highly with regard to the concepts of importance/usability, scientific acceptability, and validity. Future research should focus on refining existing QMs and on developing new QMs which target important leverage points with respect to the provision of adjuvant therapy for CRC.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

A bicarbonate anion-dependent anti-'N' MoAb

While studying the serologic characteristics of certain monoclonal blood group antibodies, we observed a hybridoma clone (5A-11E10) with anti-N-like serologic specificity that was dependent on the presence of the bicarbonate anion. The diluted cell culture supernatant preferentially agglutinated M-N+ RBCs by immediate spin. This supernatant also agglutinated M-N+ RBCs that had been treated with trypsin or sialidase (to remove N-reactivity), suggesting anti-'N' activity. Anti-'N' specificity was confirmed by the supernatant's non-reactivity with N+ RBCs treated with papain (to remove 'N' reactivity) or with ('N'-negative) M+N-U- RBCs. The requirement for bicarbonate in the MoAb's formulation was not a function of pH. Both sodium and ammonium bicarbonate supported agglutination, but neither sulfate nor carbonate was effective.