Compromiso pulmonar en vasculitis asociadas a anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos / Pulmonary manifestations of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis

This article reviews the pulmonary manifestations of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV). Its frequency in the different phenotypes of the disease, clinical manifestations and updated therapeutic recommendations are reviewed, aiming to alert the medical community about the existence of these diseases. We pretend to stimulate a timely suspicion, diagnostic precision, and the implementation of effective therapies, to reduce the eventual sequelae derived from a diagnostic omission or an inappropriate treatment for the different clinical scenarios in which these diseases appear.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in an argentinian cohort with ANCA-associated vasculitis / Características clínicas y factores pronósticos en una cohorte argentina de vasculitis asociada a ANCA

Abstract ANCA-associated vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of rare autoimmune conditions of unknown cause. Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were analyzed in 47 patients: 20 (42.5%) with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 17 (36.2%) with microscopic polyangiitis, 6 (12.8%) with renal-limited vasculitis, and 4 (8.5%) with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.5 ± 16.5 years and the median of BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) was 14 (4-42). The most frequent clinical manifesta tions were: general in 44 (93.6%), renal in 30 (63.8%) and respiratory in 28 (59.6%). All received corticosteroids at the beginning of treatment. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was associated in 20 (42.5%) and oral route in 14 (29.8%); azathioprine in 3 (6.4%) and rituximab in 2 (4.2%). At a median follow-up of 35.5 months (range 0.14- 234), 21 relapses were recorded in 14 patients. Overall mortality was 3.5 deaths per 100 patient-year in the whole group. Those over 55 years old, the presence of alveolar hemorrhage, those with FFS (Five Factor Score) of 2, and patients with MPA had poor prognosis. Renal involvement, ANCA pattern and BVAS were not associated to a poorer prognosis.

Resumen Las vasculitis asociadas a ANCA son un grupo heterogéneo de entidades autoinmunes, poco frecuentes, de etiología desconocida. Analizamos las características clínicas y factores pronóstico en 47 pacientes: 20 (42.5%) granulomatosis con poliangeítis, 17 (36.2%) poliangeítis microscópica, 6 (12.8%) vasculitis limitada al riñón y 4 (8.5%) granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue 53.5 ± 16.5 años y la mediana de BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) 14 (4-42). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: generales en 44 (93.6%), renales 30 (63.8%) y respiratorias en 28 (59.6%). Todos recibieron corticoides al inicio del tratamiento. Se asoció ciclofosfamida endovenosa en 20 (42.5%) y oral en 14 (29.8%); azatioprina en 3 (6.4%) y rituximab en 2 (4.2%). En una mediana de seguimiento de 35.5 meses (rango 0.14-234), se registraron 21 recaídas en 14 pacientes. La mortalidad fue 3.5 por cien pacientes-año en todo el grupo. Los mayores de 55 años, con presencia de hemorragia alveolar, FFS (Five Factor Score) de 2, y los casos con poliangeítis microscópica tuvieron peor pronóstico. El compromiso renal, el patrón de ANCA y el BVAS no se asociaron a peor pronóstico.

Eficácia e segurança de Rituximabe comparado a outras drogas no tratamento de vasculites sistêmicas: revisão rápida de evidências / Efficacy and safety of Rituximab compared to other drugs in the treatment of systemic vasculitides: rapid response review of evidence

Objetivo: descrever as evidências disponíveis na literatura científica sobre eficácia e segurança do rituximabe comparado a diferentes tratamentos. Materiais e métodos: é uma revisão rápida de evidências científicas para tomada de decisão informada por evidências em políticas e práticas de saúde. Conclusão: o Rituximabe tem eficácia e segurança similares à da Ciclofosfamida, para terapia de indução de remissão e para manutenção da remissão e, para pacientes com doença recidivante, o Rituximabe é mais eficaz que a Ciclofosfamida para manter a remissão. Para terapia de manutenção, Rituximabe é mais eficaz que Azatioprina, com perfil de segurança similar. Diferentes regimes de dosagem do Rituximabe tem eficácia e segurança similar para terapia de manutenção. O Infliximabe parece ser superior ao Rituximabe nos desfechos de eficácia (indução e manutenção da remissão).

Objective: to describe the evidence available in the scientific literature on the efficacy and safety of rituximab compared to different treatments. Materials and Methods: is a rapid review of scientific evidence for evidence-informed decision making in health policy and practice. Conclusion: Rituximab has similar efficacy and safety to Cyclophosphamide, for remission induction therapy and for maintenance of remission, and for patients with relapsing disease, Rituximab is more effective than Cyclophosphamide in maintaining remission. For maintenance therapy, Rituximab is more effective than Azathioprine, with a similar safety profile. Different dosing regimens of Rituximab have similar efficacy and safety for maintenance therapy. Infliximab appears to be superior to Rituximab in efficacy outcomes (induction and maintenance of remission).

Rituximab use in adult glomerulopathies and its rationale / Uso do rituximabe em glomerulopatias em adultos e justificativas

Abstract Glomerulopathies are one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. In the last years, clinical research has made significant contributions to the understanding of such conditions. Recently, rituximab (RTX) has appeared as a reasonably safe treatment. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines (KDIGO) recommended RTX only as initial treatment in antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) and in non-responders patients with lupus nephritis (LN), but these guidelines have not been updated since 2012. Nowadays, RTX seems to be at least as effective as other immunosuppressive regimens in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). In minimal-change disease, (MCD) this drug might allow a long-lasting remission period in steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing patients. Preliminary results support the use of RTX in patients with pure membranous LN and immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), but not in patients with class III/IV LN or complement-mediated MPGN. No conclusion can be drawn in idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody glomerulonephritis (anti-GBM GN) because studies are small, heterogeneous, and scarce. Lastly, immunosuppression including RTX is not particularly useful in IgA nephropathy. This review presents the general background, outcomes, and safety for RTX treatment in different glomerulopathies. In this regard, we describe randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in adults, whenever possible. A literature search was performed using clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed.

Resumo As glomerulopatias figuram entre as principais causas de doença renal terminal. Nos últimos anos, a pesquisa clínica efetuou contribuições significativas para a compreensão desse grupo de patologias. Recentemente, o rituximabe (RTX) surgiu como um tratamento razoavelmente seguro. As diretrizes do Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recomendam o RTX apenas como tratamento inicial na vasculite associada ao ANCA (VAA) e em pacientes não respondedores com nefrite lúpica (NL), embora não sejam atualizadas desde 2012. Atualmente, o RTX parece ser pelo menos tão eficaz quanto outros esquemas imunossupressores na nefropatia membranosa idiopática (NMI). Na doença por lesão mínima (DLM), o medicamento pode proporcionar um período de remissão duradouro em pacientes córtico-dependentes ou com recidivas frequentes. Resultados preliminares corroboram o uso de RTX em pacientes com NL membranosa pura e glomerulonefrite membranoproliferativa (GNMP) mediada por imunoglobulina, mas não em pacientes com NL classe III/IV ou GNMP mediada por complemento. Os achados a respeito de glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (GESF) idiopática e doença por anticorpo antimembrana basal glomerular (anti-MBG) não são conclusivos em função do pequeno número, porte e heterogeneidade dos estudos publicados até o presente momento. Por fim, a imunossupressão com RTX não é particularmente útil na nefropatia por IgA. A presente revisão apresenta o racional da prescrição de RTX nas diferentes glomerulopatias, desfechos e segurança. Nesse sentido, foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) realizados em adultos, sempre que possível. Pesquisas bibliográficas foram realizadas nas bases de dados do clinictrials.gov e no PubMed.

Tormenta de citoquinas: reacción adversa inhabitual por rituximab. caso clínico / Shock as an adverse reaction to rituximab: case report

Rituximab is a plausible alternative first-line treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Adverse effects related to its infusion are common and usually have a benign course. However, there have been reports of refractory cardiogenic shock simulating septic shock. We report an 81-year-old male with the diagnosis of ANCA associated vasculitis. Rituximab 500 mg was administered intravenously for a relapse. The infusion proceeded without incident. However, 24 hours after its administration the patient began with fever, chills, coughing and strong malaise. The patient was transferred to the critical patient unit where a septic shock was suspected and resuscitative measures were started. However, the fast response to moderate doses of vasoactive drugs and complementary tests did not support an infectious etiology for the shock. Antimicrobials were discontinued and systemic corticosteroids were maintained, achieving remission of the symptoms. Shock as an unusual adverse reaction to Rituximab was suspected.

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the induction therapy of ANCA-associated vasculitis / Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para a terapia de indução para vasculite associada a ANCA

Abstract The purpose of these recommendations is to guide the appropriate induction treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients with active disease. The recommendations proposed by the Vasculopathies Committee of the Brazilian Society Rheumatology for induction therapy of AAV, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and renal-limited vasculitis, were based on systematic literature review and expert opinion. Literature review was performed using Medline (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane database to retrieve articles until October 2016. PRISMA guidelines were used for the systematic review and articles were assessed according to the Oxford levels of evidence. Sixteen recommendations were made regarding different aspects of induction therapy for AAV. The purpose of these recommendations is to serve as a guide for therapeutic decisions by health care professionals in the management of AAV patients presenting active disease.

Resumo O objetivo destas recomendações é orientar o tratamento apropriado de indução em pacientes com vasculite associada a anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (VAA) ativa. As recomendações propostas pelo Comitê de Vasculopatias da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para a terapia de indução para vasculites associadas aos anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (VAA), inclusive granulomatose com poliangiite, poliangiite microscópica e vasculite limitada ao rim, foram baseadas em uma revisão sistemática da literatura e na opinião de especialistas. A revisão da literatura foi feita com as bases de dados Medline (PubMed), Embase e Cochrane para consultar artigos até outubro de 2016. As diretrizes Prisma (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Principais itens para reportar revisões sistemáticas e metanálises) foram usadas para a revisão sistemática e os artigos foram avaliados de acordo com os níveis de evidência Oxford. Dezesseis recomendações foram feitas em relação a diferentes aspectos da terapia de indução para VAA. O objetivo dessas recomendações é servir como um guia para decisões terapêuticas por profissionais da saúde no tratamento de pacientes com VAA que apresentem a doença ativa.

O rituximabe como uma opção para pacientes com vasculite sistêmica grave refratária à terapia convencional: relato de sete casos e revisão de literatura / Rituximab as an alternative for patients with severe systemic vasculitis refractory to conventional therapy: report of seven cases and literature review

Resumo O maior entendimento das bases fisiopatológicas e do comportamento das vasculites sistêmicas, aliado ao desenvolvimento de regimes terapêuticos com perfil de segurança e eficácia cada vezes melhores, modificou drasticamente o prognóstico dos pacientes diagnosticados com essas entidades clínicas. Recentemente, o emprego do rituximabe no tratamento de pacientes com vasculites ANCA associadas em ensaios clínicos randomizados se mostrou uma opção importante em casos selecionados, especialmente pacientes refratários ou intolerantes à terapia-padrão com ciclofosfamida e corticosteroides. O presente artigo traz o relato de sete casos de vasculites sistêmicas com tratamento bem-sucedido com rituximabe.

Abstract The greater understanding of pathophysiology and behavior of systemic vasculitis, together with the development of therapeutic regimens with increasingly better safety and efficacy profiles, dramatically changed the prognosis of patients diagnosed with these clinical entities. Recently, the use of rituximab in the treatment of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis in randomized clinical trials showed an important alternative in selected cases, especially patients refractory or intolerant to standard therapy with cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. This article presents the report of seven cases of systemic vasculitis successfully treated with rituximab.

Vasculitis de grandes vasos en paciente con vasculitis ANCA (+): Caso clínico / Large vessel involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis: Report of one case

Pauci-immune glomerulonephritis in systemic vasculitides usually have anti-neuthrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). However, vasculitides of large vessels such as Takayasu’s and giant cell (temporal) arteritis do not. Exceptionally ANCA(+) small vessel vasculitides are associated with large vessel vasculitis. It may be a coincidence or both vasculitides have a common pathogenesis. We report a 30 years old woman on hemodialysis due to a chronic glomerulonephritis ANCA(+) diagnosed nine years ago. Eight years later, she presented with an aortitis with severe stenosis of distal aorta and vasculitis of left subclavian artery. She was treated with adrenal steroids and cyclophosphamide. During the ensuing five years she has been stable and without signs of reactivation of the disease.

Vasculitis asociadas a anticuerpos anti-citoplasma de neutrófilos: avances en patogenia y tratamiento / Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis: advances in pathogenesis and treatment

ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) associated vasculitis or AAVare a group of diseases with predominant inflammation of small vessels and the presence of detectable ANCA in serum. Due to these common features, it is considered that AAV share pathogenic mechanisms. Consequently, a similar therapeutic approach has been developed. A new nomenclature has been recently proposed, with AAV including "granulomatosis with polyangiitis" (GPA, formerly Wegener's granulomatosis), "microscopic polyangiitis" (MPA), "eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis" (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss disease) and renal limited vasculitis. Research on AAV has shown significant advances in the last two decades, including advances in the knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms such as the pro-inflammatory role of ANCA, AAV murine models and genetic links. Evidence on previous immunosuppressive therapies has improved significantly and new, promissory drugs have been introduced, Rituximab being the most important. We review the advances of pathogenic mechanisms and treatment for these diseases.

Vasculitis asociadas a anticuerpos anti-citoplasma de neutrófilos: Clínica y tratamiento / Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: Clinical aspects and treatment

Las vasculitis asociadas a anticuerpos anti-citoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) comprenden a un grupo de enfermedades caracterizadas por la inflamación de la pared de pequeños vasos. Analizamos las características epidemiológicas y clínicas en una serie de 47 pacientes: 23 (49%) granulomatosis de Wegener (GW), 15 (32%) poliangeítis microscópica (PAM) y nueve (19%) vasculitis limitada al riñón (VLR). La edad media al inicio de los síntomas fue de 50.7 ± 14.9 años. La manifestación clínica más frecuente fue el compromiso renal en 41 (87%) pacientes, seguido por el pulmonar en 26 (55%) y el otorrinolaringológico en 17 (36%). En 26 (55%) se asoció compromiso renal y pulmonar. La forma clínica más frecuente fue la generalizada en 23 (49%), seguida por la grave en 18 (38%). El 89% presentaron determinaciones de ANCA positivas. Cuatro (8%) no recibieron tratamiento inmunosupresor de inicio. De los 43 que recibieron tratamiento de inicio, 29 (67%) tuvieron remisión completa, con un tiempo de remisión promedio de 35.3 meses. Once (26%) presentaron recaídas, diez (91%) recaídas mayores y uno (9%) menor. Doce (28%) fallecieron, siete en forma temprana y cinco durante la evolución de la enfermedad. Quince (31%) evolucionaron a insuficiencia renal crónica. Los 26 pacientes en seguimiento tuvieron respuesta al tratamiento y 20 (77%) de ellos estaban en remisión al finalizar el estudio. Las vasculitis asociadas a ANCA continúan siendo enfermedades de alta morbilidad y mortalidad, a pesar de las mejorías logradas con los tratamientos inmunosupresores.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis, comprise a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the wall of small vessels. We analyzed epidemiological and clinical characteristics in a series of 47 patients, 23 (49%) with Wegener granulomatosis (WG), 15 (32%) with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and nine (19%) with renal limited vasculitis (RLV). The mean age at onset of symptoms was 50.7 ± 14.9 years. The most frequent clinical manifestation was renal involvement in 41 (87%), followed by pulmonary manifestations in 26 (55%) and ENT involvement in 17 (36%). In 26 (55%) it presented with simultaneous pulmonary and renal involvement. The most frequent clinical category was the generalized form in 23 (49%), followed by the severe form in 18 (38%). Eighty nine percent of patients had positive ANCA test. Four (8%) received no immunosuppressive treatment. Of the 43 patients who were treated, 29 (67%) achieved complete remission with an average length of remission of 35.3 months. Eleven (26%) had a relapse, ten (91%) had a major relapse and one had a minor relapse. Twelve (28%) patients died, seven died early and five late during the course of the disease. Fifteen (31%) progressed to chronic renal failure. All 26 patients in follow-up had response to treatment and 20 (77%) were in remission at the end of the study. Despite the improvements achieved with immunosuppressive treatments, morbidity and mortality rates in ANCA-associated vasculitis remain high.

Atualização do tratamento das vasculites associadas a anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos / Treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: update

As vasculites antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA, anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos) associadas (VAAs) são caracterizadas por uma inflamação sistêmica das artérias de pequeno e médio calibre (especialmente no trato respiratório superior e inferior, e nos rins). As VAAs compreendem a granulomatose de Wegener (agora chamada de granulomatose com poliangeíte), poliangeíte microscópica, VAA limitada ao rim e a síndrome de Churg-Strauss. Neste artigo, discutiremos as fases de tratamento dessas vasculites, como fase de indução (com ciclofosfamida ou rituximab) e fase de manutenção (com azatioprina, metotrexato ou rituximab). Além disso, discutiremos como manusear os casos refratários à ciclofosfamida.

In its various forms, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is characterized by a systemic inflammation of the small and medium-sized arteries (especially in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, as well as in the kidneys). The forms of AAV comprise Wegener's granulomatosis (now called granulomatosis with polyangiitis), microscopic polyangiitis, renal AAV, and Churg-Strauss syndrome. In this paper, we discuss the phases of AAV treatment, including the induction phase (with cyclophosphamide or rituximab) and the maintenance phase (with azathioprine, methotrexate, or rituximab). We also discuss how to handle patients who are refractory to cyclophosphamide.