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Objective:To evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics between different genders of Chinese patients with systemic sclerosis(SSc).Methods:The data of SSc patients registered in Chinese Rheumatism Data Center between August 2008 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 1 844 patients with SSc were enrolled in the study. The ratio of males to females was 289 to 1 555. The onset age was (48.6±13.7) years in males and (45.5±13.1) years in females( P<0.001). Male patients represented shorter disease duration [2.0(0.0, 4.0)years vs.3.0(1.0, 7.0) years, P<0.001],higher proportion of diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) [63.0% (182/289)vs.44.2%(688/1 555), P<0.001]. Although more man patients experienced smoking [47.4%(137/289) vs. 1.7%(27/1 555), P<0.001] and exposure to harmful environments [7.6%(22/289) vs. 2.1%(33/1 555), P<0.001], there was no statistically significant difference in interstitial lung disease between male and female patients [69.3%(181/261) vs. 74.5%(1 085/1 457), P=0.084].Otherwise, Raynaud′s phenomenon [87.7% (1 364/1 555) vs.75.4%(218/289), P<0.001], arthritis [11.1%(173/1 555) vs.6.9%(20/289), P=0.032], gastroesophageal reflux disease [22.0%(342/ 1 555) vs.13.1%(38/289), P=0.001], and leucopoenia [10.7(161/1 511)% vs. 6.1%(17/279), P=0.019] were more common in female patients, but finger ulcer was less common [22.5%(350/1 555) vs. 30.4%(88/289), P=0.004]. Antinuclear antibody(ANA) positivity rate [85.6%(1 310/1 531) vs. 78.6%(221/281), P=0.003], anti-RNP antibody positivity rate [23.1%(342/1 479) vs.14.0%(38/271), P=0.001], anti-SSA antibody positivity rate [28.2%(419/1 487) vs.13.9%(38/274), P<0.001] were higher in female patients. Physician′s global assessment(PGA) scores [1.4 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 1.0 (0.3, 1.6), P<0.001] and modified Rodnan Skin Score(mRSS) [18.0 (9.5, 28.0) vs. 14.0 (5.0, 28.0), P=0.003] were higher in males. Conclusion:Even though male SSc patients account for a small proportion, more extensive skin involvement, finger ulcers and higher PGA are manifested in males. Physicians need pay attention to these clinical disparities between different genders in SSc.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients at different age of onset.Methods:Data of SSc patients with onset age ≥18 years old who were registered in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Chinese Rheumatism Data Center from August 2008 to June 2020 were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups by the age of onset according to the age segmentation of the World Health Organization. Counting variables were presented as frequency (percentage). Quantitative results were presented as mean±standard deviation, or median, inter quartile range. Differences between groups were analyzed by analysis of variance, the Mann-Whitney test or the chi-square test, depen-ding on the distribution of the variables.Results:Six hundred and eighty-two SSc patients were included. Accor-ding to the age of onset, they were divided into three groups: youth group (18-44 years old), middle-aged group (45-59 years old) and elderly group (over 60 years old). There were 361 patients in the youth group,245 patients in the middle age group and 76 patients in the elderly group. The mean age of onset was (43.8±12.1) years. The variables with significant different among the groups were as the following: left ventricular diastolic dysfunction [14.0%(14/100), 38.8%(39/98), 65.4%(17/26); χ2=30.756, P<0.001]; cardiac arrhythmias [1.9% (7/361), 3.7% (9/361), 7.9% (6/76), χ2=7.38, P=0.024), Raynaud's phenomenon [94.7% (342/361), 89.4%(219/245), 89.5%(68/76), χ2=6.73, P=0.035], loss of finger pad substance [36.9%(133/360), 25.4% (62/244), 18.4% (14/76), χ2=15.184, P=0.001]; digital ulcer [31.0% (112/361), 23.0% (56/244), 15.8% (12/76), χ2=9.86, P=0.007]; arthritis [16.3%(59/361), 13.5%(33/245), 5.3%(4/76), χ2=6.49, P=0.039], digital contracture [11.6%(42/361), 5.7%(14/245), 9.2%(7/76), χ2=6.10, P=0.047]; positive anti-RNP antibody [32.3% (116/359), 20.7% (50/241), 17.3% (13/75), χ2=14.06, P=0.001]; and positive anti-centromere antibody [8.9% (32/351), 18.4%(45/239), 23.7%(18/76), χ2=17.78, P<0.001] were significantly different between the young age group and elder group. Conclusion:The predominant age of disease onset of SSc is middle and young age. Elder onset SSc patients are more likely to have left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and young onset patients are more likely to have microvascular lesions, which needs more attentions by clinicians.
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Objective:To describe a series of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with the combination of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).Methods:The medical records of 472 SSc patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2012 and October 2020 were reviewed and a retrospective analysis of the characteristics of patients with SRC and PAH among SSc patients was conducted.Results:Thirteen patients suffered from SRC and PAH in the SSc patients, 1 case was limited cutaneous SSc, and 12 cases were diffuse cutaneous SSc. Five patients had renal crisis before pulmonary arterial hypertension, 4 patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension before the occurrence of renal crisis, and the remaining 4 patients were found at the same time. Among them, 11 patients had Raynaud's phenomenon, 7 had gastrointestinal bleeding, 6 had pulmonary edema and 3 had telangiectasias. Twelve cases were positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and 4 cases were positive for anti-Scl-70 antibodies. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)>1 400 ng/L in 11 patients. Two patients had thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Among the 13 patients, 3 patients died during hospitalization, 2 patients were lost to follow-up, and 2 patients died within 5 years of follow-up. Six patients survived, and 1 of the 4 patients with regular dialysis were discharged from dialysis.Conclusion:In patients with scleroderma, SRC can occur earlier, later than, or at the same time with SSc-PAH. Patients may have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and higher level of NT-proBNP. PDE5i or ERAs may be beneficial.
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With the recognition of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-related vasculitis and widespread vaccination against viral hepatitis B, the prevalence of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) varied considerably. In our study, patients diagnosed as polyarteritis nodasa (PAN)based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology(ACR) criteria were reclassified using 2007 European Medicines Agency(EMA) algorithm modified by 2012 Chapel Hill Consensus Conference(CHCC) definitions, aiming to evaluate the new classification criteria for the diagnosis of PAN. A total of 113 PAN patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, who were classified into three subtypes including 9 patients with cutaneous, 80 with classic and 24 Hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated PAN. All patients were reclassified according to 2007 EMA algorithm using CHCC 2012 definitions. As a result, 7 patients were diagnosed as microscopic polyangiitis(MPA) and 19 patients with unclassified vasculitis based on the new classification criteria. The diagnostic rate of PAN was gradually declined as the classification criteria of vasculitides was update. However, there are quite a few PAN patients in China, whom rheumatologists should pay attention to the early diagnosis and treatment.
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IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of affected organs. With a deeper understanding of this disease among Chinese scholars and the rich experience in diagnosis and treatment in recent years, an expert group was organized by China Alliance for Rare Diseases and Chinese Rheumatology Association in 2020 and developed the first Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-related diseases. This consensus comprehensively summarizes the principles of the diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-RD and thus provides a basis for its diagnosis and treatment by clinicians.
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Objective:To build a medical service experience system based on role play of hospital staff, and explore its contribution to upgrading medical service, elevating medical service quality, and improving patients′ satisfaction.Methods:An indicator system for medical service experience was developed via literature review. 20 newly recruited hospital employees in 2019 were sampled randomly to form a service experience team, who were arranged to experience the full medical service process of outpatients and inpatients based on role play. The questionnaire for service quality based on patient perception and expectation was used to survey the expectation and perception values of those role players on their medical service experiences, and summarize the defects found on such six dimensions as hospital reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, assurance, empathy and cost-effectiveness. After due corrections of these defects, further experiences and patient satisfaction survey were made to assess the effects of such actions taken. Paired t test was used respectively in statistical analysis of service experience value and actual perception value, as well as the perception values before and after the actions taken, and χ2 test was used for a statistical analysis of patient satisfaction. Results:Role players experienced respectively at the emergency, outpatient and inpatient departments of the hospital for a week in August 2019. Statistics of their experiences indicated≥0.50 points difference between the mean expectation and perception values on doctor-patient communication, patient help responsiveness, outpatient process, examination report delivery duration, service attitude, patient trust on medical workers, medical environment and patient privacy protection.Following a 3-month reform, role players found improvements in such aspects as hospital reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, assurance, empathy and cost-effectiveness; patient satisfaction improved sizably in December 2019 over January of the same year( P<0.05). Conclusions:The construction and application of the medical service experience system based on role play of hospital staff prove highly useful in upgrading medical service actions, improving medical service quality, and improving patient satisfaction.
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Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for severe/refractory vasculo-Behcet′s disease (BD).Method:The clinical data of severe/refractory vasculo-BD patients treated with anti-TNFα mAbs were retrospectively analyzed. Response of anti TNFα mAbs was analyzed. The dosage changes of glucocorticoid, the level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) before and after treatment were recorded, as well as side effects.Result:Sixteen patients were enrolled. Arterial lesions were reported in 12 patients, including 9 with arterial aneurysm, 6 with arterial dilation, 2 with stenosis and 2 with occlusion. Seven patients presented venous thrombosis, including lower extremity veins ( n=6), cerebral venous sinus ( n=2) and inferior vena cava system ( n=2). Two cases had both arterial and venous involvement. Before the application of TNFα mAbs, all 16 patients failed to response to prednisone or its equivalent dose of 40 (7.5-90) mg/d in combination with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, thalidomide or azathioprine for median 4 (0-156) months. After a mean duration of treatment for (17.1±6.5) months, 15 patients achieved complete remission and 1 patient achieved partial remission. Three patients received surgery without any postoperative complications. After using anti TNFα mAbs, the dosage of prednisone [5(0-12.5)mg/d vs. 40(7.5-90)mg/d, P<0.01], ESR [(7.3±4.6) mm/1h vs. (33.5±26.7) mm/1h, P<0.01] and hsCRP [1.9(0.2-11.4) mg/L vs. 24.3(0.4-113.9) mg/L, P<0.01] were significantly decreased. Side effects were observed in 2 patients. One developed pulmonary infection 12 months after adalimumab with conventional treatment. Another patient had allergy to infliximab then switched to adalimumab. Conclusion:In combination with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, anti-TNF α mAbs are effective and well-tolerated in severe/refractory vasculo-BD, with a favorable steroid -sparing effect and rare postoperative complications.
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Objective@#To investigate the clinical characteristics of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) patients with renal involvement.@*Methods@#PAN patients admitted to the department of rheumatology, department of pediatrics, department of nephrology, general internal medicine department and department of vascular surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2012 to August 2018 were enrolled in this study and were divided into two groups according to renal involvement or not. The clinical characteristics were analyzed.@*Results@#A total of 94 PAN patients were finally enrolled and 57 (60.64%) presented kidney manifestation. The mean age of onset was (37.76±17.40) years old and the interval from onset to diagnosis was 10 (0 to 240) months. Forty patients were misdiagnosed once or more times. In patients with renal involvement, 9 cases suffered from renal ischemia or infarction, 31 with microscopic haematuria, 26 with proteinuria, renal artery or its branch involved in 17 cases, renal vein thrombosis in 1 case, 4 cases with pyeloureterectasis, one case with renal fascia thickening, 33 cases with impaired renal function (serum creatinine>84 μmol/L) including creatinine>140 μmol/L in 10 patients. Renal artery branch stenosis was the most common presentation [9 cases (52.94%)] of renal vascular involvement, other abnormalities including nodular dilatation [4 cases (23.53%)], occlusion [3 cases (17.65%)]. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the PAN patients with and without renal involvement in the following: age of onset [(33.72±16.13) years vs. (43.97±17.66) years, t2=2.901, P=0.005], weight loss(≥4kg since PAN onset) [25(43.86%) vs. 7(18.92%), χ2=6.216, P=0.013], elevation of diastolic blood pressure [22(38.60%) vs. 7(18.92%), χ2=4.072, P=0.044], acromegaly gangrene [18(31.58%) vs. 21(56.76%), χ2=5.859, P=0.015], and gastrointestinal artery involvement [20(35.09%) vs. 6(1.22%), χ2=3.993, P=0.046]. Laboratory parameters and the application of glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide therapies were similar in two groups (all P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#Young PAN patients are more likely to be associated with renal involvement, especially gastrointestinal arteries.
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Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) patients with renal involvement. Methods PAN patients admitted to the department of rheumatology, department of pediatrics, department of nephrology, general internal medicine department and department of vascular surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2012 to August 2018 were enrolled in this study and were divided into two groups according to renal involvement or not. The clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results A total of 94 PAN patients were finally enrolled and 57 (60.64%) presented kidney manifestation. The mean age of onset was (37.76±17.40) years old and the interval from onset to diagnosis was 10 (0 to 240) months. Forty patients were misdiagnosed once or more times. In patients with renal involvement, 9 cases suffered from renal ischemia or infarction, 31 with microscopic haematuria, 26 with proteinuria, renal artery or its branch involved in 17 cases, renal vein thrombosis in 1 case, 4 cases with pyeloureterectasis, one case with renal fascia thickening, 33 cases with impaired renal function (serum creatinine>84 μmol/L) including creatinine>140 μmol/L in 10 patients. Renal artery branch stenosis was the most common presentation [9 cases (52.94%)] of renal vascular involvement, other abnormalities including nodular dilatation [4 cases (23.53%)], occlusion [3 cases (17.65%)]. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the PAN patients with and without renal involvement in the following: age of onset [(33.72±16.13) years vs. (43.97±17.66)years, t2=2.901, P=0.005], weight loss(≥4kg since PAN onset) [25(43.86%) vs. 7(18.92%), χ2=6.216, P=0.013], elevation of diastolic blood pressure [22(38.60%) vs. 7 (18.92%), χ2=4.072, P=0.044], acromegaly gangrene [18(31.58%) vs. 21(56.76%), χ2=5.859, P=0.015], and gastrointestinal artery involvement [20(35.09%) vs. 6(1.22%), χ2=3.993, P=0.046]. Laboratory parameters and the application of glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide therapies were similar in two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion Young PAN patients are more likely to be associated with renal involvement, especially gastrointestinal arteries.
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The application of immunological checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has modified many treatment strategies of malignant tumors, which has become a milestone in cancer therapy. The principle of action can be explained as "brake theory". After releasing the brakes by ICIs, unprecedented systemic toxicities, even some refractory and fatal immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) may develop. In this article, we summarized the recommended treatments of grade 3-4 severe irAEs in the latest European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)/American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) and Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guidelines and consensus. We also performed a systemic review of case reports and reviews of irAEs up to May 20, 2019 in PubMed and Chinese journals. Successful applications of specific immunosuppressive drugs and stimulating factors beyond the above guidelines and consensus were supplemented and highlighted, including agents blocking interleukin 6 (IL-6), rituximab, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) monoclonal antibody (mAb), anti-integrin 4 mAb, Janus kinase inhibitors, thrombopoietin receptor agonists and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) etc. We put some concerns of using high-dose steroids for long-term, and emphasize the secondary infections, tumor progression, and unavailability of ICI re-challenge during steroid treatment. We propose the "De-escalation Therapy" principle for severe and refractory irAEs, and suggest that immunosuppressive drugs specifically targeting cytokines should be used as early as possible. Many irAEs in the era of immunotherapy are unprecedented compared with traditional chemotherapy and small-molecule targeted therapy, which is a big challenge to oncologists. Therefore, the establishment of multidisciplinary system is very important for the management of cancer patients.
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Immunocheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activated the patients' tumor immunity to kill the tumor cell, and brought new hope to patients with tumor. However, a series of immunocheckpoint inhibitors related adverse effects (irAEs) may also occur based on immune injury. Glucocorticoids are the basis for the treatment of such irAEs. However, the usage, dosage and course of treatment of glucocorticoid in irAEs are different from those in classic autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, long-term use of large doses of glucocorticoids may cause serious adverse effects too. In this paper, the mechanism, dosage forms, adverse effects and management of glucocorticoids are described in detail, providing references and suggestions for oncologists to apply glucocorticoids in clinical practice.
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The increasing use of immunocheckpoint inhibitors in tumors has brought new hope of survival to patients with advanced tumors. However, the immune system activated by immunocheckpoint inhibitors, mainly activated T-cell immunity, may attack normal tissues and organs of the human body and lead to a variety of adverse effects. In the lung, they could induce checkpoint inhibitor associated pneumonitis (CIP). CIP is different from known pulmonary interstitial pneumonitis, and had a potentially fatal risk if it was not being properly treated. We will summarize the characteristics of CIP and give our advice on how to manage immunocheckpoint inhibitor associated pneumonitis.
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Immunotherapy of malignant tumors has become a hot spot in the field of cancer research and treatment, bringing new hope to patients with advanced cancer. Activation of molecular programmer death protein-1 and T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4-related signaling pathways at the immunological checkpoint can inhibit T lymphocyte activation and thereby block the inflammatory response. Tumor cells achieve immune escape by activating the molecular pathways associated with immune checkpoints. The immune checkpoint inhibitor can wake up T lymphocytes and enhance the body's clearance of tumor cells. However, the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors is not specific to tumor cells, and it can cause side effects of multiple systems including the cardiovascular system while killing tumor cells. We will summarize the relevant cardiac side effects and give advice on how to manage it.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a major breakthrough in cancer therapy. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) may occur during treatment due to their unique mechanism of action. Dermatologic toxicities appear to be one of the most prevalent irAEs. The most common symptoms are maculopapular rash and pruritus. Serious dermatologic AEs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, are rare. In this review, we summarized guidelines of management of immunotherapy-related toxicities and case reports, and proposed treatment recommendation.
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As a new type of anti-cancer drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown remarkable therapeutic effects in many malignant tumors. By virtue of their targets and mechanisms of action, ICIs can cause autoimmune and inflammatory effects, termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Unlike traditional therapies, irAEs are latent and unstable. Severe adverse reactions will force patients to discontinue treatment and even affect their survival. Therefore, with the wide application of ICIs in clinical practice, clinicians need to fully understand the possible adverse reactions of such drugs and appropriate treatment strategies, in order to improve the survival rate and treatment effect of patients receiving ICIs. In this article, we review the incidence, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of immune-related endocrine events that may occur with administration of ICIs.
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The increasing use of target therapy and immunocheckpoint inhibitors in cancers has brought new hope of survival to patients with advanced tumors. However, more and more adverse side-effects and toxicities of these medications had been reported, affect almost all human organs including the eye. These adverse effects may affect the entire ocular tissues, like eyelid, eye lashes, conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, retina, optic nerve and so on, which are always been ignored by patients and doctors. In this paper we will summarize the characteristics of the related ocular diseases and give our advice on how to diagnose and manage these diseases.
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Immunotherapy for malignant tumors is a hot spot in current research and treatment of cancer. The activation of programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA)-4 relevant signaling pathway can inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes. Tumor cells can achieve immune escape by activating this signaling pathway. By inhibiting this signaling pathway, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activate T lymphocytes to clear the tumor cells. Therefore, the adverse effects of ICIs are mainly immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The digestive system, including gastrointestinal tract and liver are vital organs of digestion and absorption, metabolism and detoxification, as well as important immune related organs, which are the commonly affected system of irAEs. This review separately explains the incidence, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of liver and gastrointestinal adverse events in ICIs.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in management of malignant tumor. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have been introduced to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in recent years. Currently, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are considered to have minor side effects and do not independently increase the risk of infection. However, they may cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can require immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants, leading to opportunistic infections. Furthermore, there were reports about reactivation of chronic/latent infections without irAEs. Thus, immune checkpoint inhibitor related infections have drawn more and more attention in the world. In this paper, we described the potential mechanism, available clinical data and recommendation of diagnosis and management for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor related infections.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made remarkable breakthroughs in cancer treatment. However, the widely use of ICIs is associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These adverse events can affect any organ system. In this article, we have made a systemic review about the clinical characteristics of rheumatic irAEs, and also summarized irAEs in patients with pre-exsiting rheumatic disease. We also focus on the management of rheumatic irAEs.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors are able to reactivate the immune system therefore enhance the anti-tumor effects. However, over-activated T cells may induce immune related adverse events (irAEs). Hematological irAEs are rarely reported, which mainly represent as mono-lineage cytopenia or pancytopenia, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), neutropenia and aplastic anemia, sometimes even lethal, such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The clinical manifestations of hematological irAEs will be summarized and recommendations of diagnosis and treatment are proposed.