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1.
J Drugs Dermatol ; 23(5): 376-379, 2024 05 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38709686

ABSTRACT

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Immunosuppression increases the risk of MCC and is associated with poor prognosis. Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have worse overall survival (OS) than patients with immunosuppression due to other causes. Treating MCC after organ transplantation is challenging, as checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, the standard of care for treating MCC, increases the risk of transplant rejection. This paper reviews the cases of two simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPKT) recipients with MCC and explores the role of immunosuppression in the development of MCC. Immunosuppression was discontinued and checkpoint inhibitor therapy was initiated in the first patient and considered by the second patient. In both cases, treatment failed, and the patients died shortly after developing metastatic MCC. These cases illustrate the need for improved multidisciplinary treatment regimens for MCC in OTRs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(5):376-377.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8234  .


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell , Kidney Transplantation , Pancreas Transplantation , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/therapy , Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/surgery , Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/pathology , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Pancreas Transplantation/adverse effects , Male , Fatal Outcome , Middle Aged , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Female , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Immunosuppression Therapy/adverse effects
2.
Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) ; 70(4): e20230871, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38716932

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical, pathological, prognostic features and treatment response of the coexistence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions with idiopathic membranous nephropathy. METHODS: This is a two-center retrospective cohort study. Patients of idiopathic membranous nephropathy were enrolled and divided into two groups with or without focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions according to the renal biopsy. Laboratory data and pathological manifestation were compared. Renal phospholipase A2 receptor was detected by immunofluorescence. During the follow-up, the effects of different therapies and renal function were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 236 patients were finally enrolled in this study, of which 60 and 176 idiopathic membranous nephropathy patients were enrolled in the FSGS+ and FSGS- groups, respectively. The FSGS+ group showed a higher percentage of hypertension history (38.3 vs. 20.0%, p=0.004), with a significantly higher level of systolic pressure [137 (120, 160) mmHg vs. 130 (120, 140) mmHg, p=0.009]. Main laboratory findings, including serial albumin (20.4±7.8 g/L vs. 24.5±6.7 g/L, p<0.001), 24-h proteinuria [5.61 (3.10, 7.87) g/day vs. 3.82 (2.31, 5.79) g/day, p=0.002], serial creatinine [80.8 (65.8, 97.9) µmol/L vs. 72.0 (58.7, 84.9) µmol/L, p=0.003], and estimated glomerular filtration rate [86 (66, 101) mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 95 (81, 108) mL/min/1.73 m2, p=0.007] showed significant differences between the two groups. Pathologically, patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions appeared with a higher percentage of crescents, a more severe degree of interstitial fibrosis, and a higher level of membranous nephropathy stage. Renal phospholipase A2 receptor showed a relatively lower positive rate of only 75.0% in the FSGS+ group in comparison with the positive rate of 90.3% in the FSGS- group (p=0.031). The prognosis was generally similar between the two groups. Among patients who were given non-immunosuppression treatment, those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions took a relatively longer period of time to achieve complete remission (29.3±7.0 m vs. 15.4±8.9 m, p=0.025) and experienced a higher rate of renal function deterioration (37.5 vs. 5.4%, p=0.033) compared with the other ones. While among those receiving immunosuppression treatment, both groups received similar remission rates. CONCLUSION: Compared with FSGS- group, idiopathic membranous nephropathy with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions represented more severe nephrotic syndrome and worse renal function. In view of the renal function decline during the follow-up, more aggressive treatment with the use of immunosuppressants should be considered for idiopathic membranous nephropathy patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions.


Subject(s)
Glomerulonephritis, Membranous , Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental , Immunosuppressive Agents , Humans , Glomerulonephritis, Membranous/pathology , Glomerulonephritis, Membranous/drug therapy , Glomerulonephritis, Membranous/complications , Glomerulonephritis, Membranous/physiopathology , Female , Male , Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/pathology , Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/drug therapy , Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/complications , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Adult , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Biopsy , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Proteinuria/etiology , Receptors, Phospholipase A2/immunology , Prognosis , Treatment Outcome , Kidney/pathology , Kidney/physiopathology
3.
Lupus Sci Med ; 11(1)2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724182

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Explore organ-specific SLE burden by assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue changes associated with Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) organ system response (score improvement) and belimumab treatment. METHODS: Data from four phase III belimumab trials were pooled for post hoc analysis (GSK Study 217382): BLISS-52 (NCT00424476), BLISS-76 (NCT00410384), BLISS-SC (NCT01484496) and EMBRACE (NCT01632241). Patients with baseline organ system involvement were classed as organ system responders if SELENA-SLEDAI scores for that organ system decreased at any post-baseline visit. HRQoL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2)) and fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue)) changes over 52 weeks were compared between organ system responders and non-responders, and separately between belimumab versus placebo treatment arms among organ system responders. Group-level differences were compared using analysis of variance; differences were interpreted using published group-level minimal important difference (MID). RESULTS: In these post hoc analyses, musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous organ system responders had greater SF-36v2 improvements than non-responders across most SF-36v2 domains, but differences were largely MID), with FACIT-Fatigue also improving >MID for renal responders receiving belimumab. CONCLUSIONS: SLE disease burden differs with the organ system(s) involved. While these analyses are limited by mutual inclusivity of organ system groupings, differing patient numbers between groups and small numbers in some groups, they suggest that mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal organ system response improves SF-36v2 domain scores; cardiovascular and respiratory organ system response may meaningfully improve fatigue; and belimumab may offer additional HRQoL or fatigue benefits beyond standard therapy for musculoskeletal and renal responders.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Fatigue , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Quality of Life , Severity of Illness Index , Humans , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Fatigue/drug therapy , Fatigue/etiology , Female , Adult , Male , Middle Aged , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome , Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
4.
Cells ; 13(9)2024 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727277

ABSTRACT

Assessing immune responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) after liver transplant in patients on immunosuppressive therapy remains challenging. In this study, employing ELISPOT assays, 52 liver-transplant recipients were evaluated for antiviral T-cell activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), measuring interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion upon stimulation with CMV-specific peptides (CMV peptide pool, CMV IE-1, and pp65 antigens). Parameters such as stimulation index, mean spot size, and mean spot count were measured. The study found that heightened immunosuppression, especially with prednisolone in triple therapy, significantly dampened CMV-specific immune responses. This was demonstrated by decreased IFN-γ production by CMV-specific T-cells (CMV peptide pool: p = 0.036; OR = 0.065 [95% CI: 0.005-0.840], pp65 antigen: p = 0.026; OR = 0.048 [95% CI: 0.003-0.699]). Increased immunosuppression correlated with reduced IFN-γ secretion per cell, reflected in smaller mean spot sizes for the CMV peptide pool (p = 0.019). Notably, shorter post-transplant intervals correlated with diminished antiviral T-cell IFN-γ release at two years (CMV peptide pool: p = 0.019; IE antigen: p = 0.010) and five years (CMV peptide pool: p = 0.0001; IE antigen: p = 0.002; pp65 antigen: p = 0.047), as did advancing age (pp65 antigen: p = 0.016, OR = 0.932, 95% CI: 0.881-0.987). Patients with undetectable CMV antigens had a notably higher risk of CMV reactivation within six months from blood collection, closely linked with triple immunosuppression and prednisolone use. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between immunosuppression, immune response dynamics, and CMV reactivation risk, emphasizing the necessity for tailored immunosuppressive strategies to mitigate CMV reactivation in liver-transplant recipients. It can be concluded that, particularly in the early months post-transplantation, the use of prednisolone as a third immunosuppressant should be critically reconsidered. Additionally, the use of prophylactic antiviral therapy effective against CMV in this context holds significant importance.


Subject(s)
Cytomegalovirus Infections , Cytomegalovirus , Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay , Immunocompromised Host , Interferon-gamma , Liver Transplantation , T-Lymphocytes , Humans , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Cytomegalovirus/immunology , Male , Female , Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay/methods , Middle Aged , Cytomegalovirus Infections/immunology , Cytomegalovirus Infections/virology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Interferon-gamma/metabolism , Interferon-gamma/immunology , Aged , Adult , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Immunosuppression Therapy
5.
Med Sci Monit ; 30: e943240, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711247

ABSTRACT

Behçet uveitis poses significant management challenges, owing to its intricate pathogenesis and the severe prognosis it harbors, frequently culminating in irreversible visual impairment and an elevated risk of blindness. This review synthesizes contemporary insights into personalized immunosuppressive strategies for Behçet uveitis, emphasizing the necessity for a customized approach in recognition of the disease's heterogeneity and the variable responsiveness to treatment. This discourse elaborates on the application, efficacy, and safety profiles of traditional immunosuppressants, highlighting a paradigm shift toward integrative combination therapies aimed at diminishing reliance on glucocorticoids and mitigating their associated adverse effects. This thorough evaluation seeks to enlighten clinical practices and spearhead future investigations aimed at refining the management of Behçet uveitis, championing a personalized, multidisciplinary strategy to amplify therapeutic efficacy and enhance patient quality of life.


Subject(s)
Behcet Syndrome , Immunosuppressive Agents , Uveitis , Humans , Behcet Syndrome/drug therapy , Behcet Syndrome/therapy , Behcet Syndrome/immunology , Uveitis/immunology , Uveitis/drug therapy , Uveitis/therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Precision Medicine/methods , Quality of Life
6.
Adv Exp Med Biol ; 1447: 131-138, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724790

ABSTRACT

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) with oral treatments has been limited in the past due to the increased risk of adverse effects associated with oral agents. However, in recent years, a shift toward the minimization of adverse effects has been explored. Although existing treatment options like oral corticosteroids and Immunosuppressive therapies have been utilized for acute flare-ups of AD, their long-term use is limited by adverse effects and the need for lab monitoring. New systemic treatment options such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are emerging as a promising therapy, due to their quick onset and antipruritic features. However, the black box warning associated with this medication class requires careful selection of appropriate candidates and patient education despite early favorable safety profiles seen in AD trials. Discussion of other oral agents, like antibiotics and antihistamines, and their role in AD management are also clarified.


Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Atopic , Humans , Administration, Oral , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Histamine Antagonists/therapeutic use , Histamine Antagonists/adverse effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/adverse effects
7.
Arch Iran Med ; 27(5): 277-286, 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690795

ABSTRACT

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is classified within the Herpesvirales order and is prevalent in 50%‒80% of the general population. Most carriers experience this infection without noticeable clinical symptoms. HCMV causes a lifelong latent infection that can be reactivated due to immune disorders and inflammation. The reactivation of HCMV becomes particularly significant when it coincides with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis in IBD patients was identified years ago, the role of CMV in triggering flare-ups, acute severe colitis, treatment resistance, and other outcomes in IBD patients experiencing CMV reactivation remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this review, we aim to address an updated insight into aspects related to the CMV colitis in IBD patients including epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic tests, histology, place of immunosuppressants and indications for antiviral treatment. We suggest for personalized and thorough assessment based on the disease phase and colitis severity when prescribing drugs to these patients. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of regular patient follow-up to monitor drug side effects, ensuring treatment success, and minimizing the risk of colectomy.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Cytomegalovirus Infections , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Humans , Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Risk Factors , Cytomegalovirus , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Adult , Colitis/virology
8.
J Int Med Res ; 52(5): 3000605241247705, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38698526

ABSTRACT

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is a novel drug combination that is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ritonavir is a cytochrome P450 3A inhibitor and a P-glycoprotein inhibitor that increases the plasma concentration of tacrolimus and other medications. We describe the cases of two patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir: a patient who had undergone kidney transplantation and another with a history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Toxic concentrations of tacrolimus were induced in both. This case series highlights the risk associated with the concomitant administration of tacrolimus and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Drug Interactions , Kidney Transplantation , Ritonavir , Tacrolimus , Humans , Ritonavir/therapeutic use , Tacrolimus/therapeutic use , Tacrolimus/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Female , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Drug Combinations , COVID-19/virology , Aged , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
9.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1376276, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38745658

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor (IPT) is an infrequent condition often masquerading as a malignant tumor, resulting in misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical resection. The emerging concept of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) has gained widespread recognition, encompassing entities like IgG4-related hepatic IPT. Clinically and radiologically, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies have proven effective in managing this condition. Case Presentation: A 3-year-old Chinese boy presented to the clinic with an 11-month history of anemia, fever of unknown origin, and a tender hepatic mass. Blood examinations revealed chronic anemia (Hb: 6.4 g/L, MCV: 68.6 fl, MCH: 19.5 pg, reticulocytes: 1.7%) accompanied by an inflammatory reaction and an elevated serum IgG4 level (1542.2 mg/L). Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography unveiled a 7.6 cm low-density mass in the right lateral lobe, while magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated slight hypointensity on T1-weighted images and slight hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, prompting suspicion of hepatic malignancy. A subsequent liver biopsy revealed a mass characterized by fibrous stroma and dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of IgG4-positive plasma cells, leading to the diagnosis of IgG4-related hepatic IPT. Swift resolution occurred upon initiation of corticosteroid and mycophenolate mofetil therapies. Conclusion: This study underscores the diagnostic approach to hepatic IPT, utilizing histopathology, immunostaining, imaging, serology, organ involvement, and therapeutic response. Early histological examination plays a pivotal role in clinical guidance, averting misdiagnosis as a liver tumor and unnecessary surgical interventions.


Subject(s)
Granuloma, Plasma Cell , Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease , Immunoglobulin G , Humans , Male , Granuloma, Plasma Cell/diagnosis , Granuloma, Plasma Cell/immunology , Granuloma, Plasma Cell/drug therapy , Child, Preschool , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease/diagnosis , Liver Diseases/diagnosis , Liver Diseases/immunology , Diagnosis, Differential , Liver/pathology , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Liver/immunology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Biopsy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
10.
Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd ; 1682024 May 06.
Article in Dutch | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38747608

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, caused by an autoimmune reaction. Treatment options have largely increased over the years. In this article, we present two clinical cases. Patient A has a classic relapsing remitting course of multiple sclerosis with satisfactory effect on second line therapy. Patient B had a stable disease course until a new relapse occurred after the initiation of TNF-alpha blocking therapy because of Crohn's disease. The co-occurrence of multiple auto-immune diseases creates challenges, but also opportunities in choosing the right treatment strategy.


Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting , Humans , Adult , Female , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/drug therapy , Treatment Outcome , Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Crohn Disease/drug therapy , Male , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
11.
Arq Bras Oftalmol ; 87(4): e20220142, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38747753

ABSTRACT

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare and potentially devastating bilateral diffuse granulomatous panuveitis. It is caused by surgical or non-surgical eye injuries and is an uncommon and serious complication of trauma. It is diagnosed clinically and supported by imaging examinations such as ocular ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography. Its treatment consists of immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and sometimes steroid-sparing drugs, such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Fast and effective management with systemic immunosuppressive agents allows for disease control and achievement of good visual acuity in the sympathizing eye. By contrast, enucleation should be considered only in situations where the injured eye has no light perception or in the presence of severe trauma. In addition to a bibliographic review of this topic, we report six cases involving different immunosuppressive and surgical treatment modalities.


Subject(s)
Immunosuppressive Agents , Ophthalmia, Sympathetic , Humans , Ophthalmia, Sympathetic/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Visual Acuity
12.
Exp Dermatol ; 33(5): e15095, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38742822

ABSTRACT

Limited data exist on the factors associated with hospitalization and mortality in Asian inpatients with autoimmune bullous dermatoses (AIBDs). This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors affecting hospitalization and mortality rates in Asian patients with AIBDs. A retrospective analysis of patients with AIBDs treated at Siriraj Hospital during a 17-year period was performed using the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes. The characteristics of inpatients and outpatients were compared, and mortality rates and associated factors were identified. The study included 360 AIBD patients (180 inpatients, 180 outpatients). Inpatients were significantly younger than outpatients. The identified risk factors for hospitalization were malignancy (odds ratio [OR] 2.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-8.04; p = 0.034), moderate to severe disease (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.49-4.34; p < 0.001), systemic corticosteroid use ≥15 mg/day (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.21-4.41; p = 0.013) and oral cyclophosphamide treatment (OR 9.88, 95% CI 3.82-33.7; p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed mortality rates of 26%, 36% and 39% for inpatients with pemphigus at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. For inpatients with pemphigoid, the corresponding rates were 28%, 38% and 47%. Infections, particularly pneumonia, were the predominant cause of death in both conditions. This study confirmed that both Asian ethnicity and healthcare disparities may be correlated with adverse outcomes in patients with AIBDs. Pemphigus mortality rates were substantially greater in Asian patients than in Caucasian patients. Continuous monitoring of factors contributing to hospitalization and mortality is imperative to improve treatment outcomes.


Subject(s)
Asian People , Autoimmune Diseases , Hospitalization , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Aged , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/drug therapy , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/mortality , Autoimmune Diseases/mortality , Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy , Adult , Risk Factors , Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use , Aged, 80 and over , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Neoplasms/mortality , Young Adult , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Age Factors
13.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1325171, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38715598

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK)- myasthenia gravis (MG) is caused by pathogenic autoantibodies against MuSK that correlate with disease severity and are predominantly of the IgG4 subclass. The first-line treatment for MuSK-MG is general immunosuppression with corticosteroids, but the effect of treatment on IgG4 and MuSK IgG4 levels has not been studied. Methods: We analyzed the clinical data and sera from 52 MuSK-MG patients (45 female, 7 male, median age 49 (range 17-79) years) from Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Belgium, and 43 AChR-MG patients (22 female, 21 male, median age 63 (range 2-82) years) from Italy, receiving different types of immunosuppression, and sera from 46 age- and sex-matched non-disease controls (with no diagnosed diseases, 38 female, 8 male, median age 51.5 (range 20-68) years) from the Netherlands. We analyzed the disease severity (assessed by MGFA or QMG score), and measured concentrations of MuSK IgG4, MuSK IgG, total IgG4 and total IgG in the sera by ELISA, RIA and nephelometry. Results: We observed that MuSK-MG patients showed a robust clinical improvement and reduction of MuSK IgG after therapy, and that MuSK IgG4 concentrations, but not total IgG4 concentrations, correlated with clinical severity. MuSK IgG and MuSK IgG4 concentrations were reduced after immunosuppression in 4/5 individuals with before-after data, but data from non-linked patient samples showed no difference. Total serum IgG4 levels were within the normal range, with IgG4 levels above threshold (1.35g/L) in 1/52 MuSK-MG, 2/43 AChR-MG patients and 1/45 non-disease controls. MuSK-MG patients improved within the first four years after disease onset, but no further clinical improvement or reduction of MuSK IgG4 were observed four years later, and only 14/52 (26.92%) patients in total, of which 13 (93.3%) received general immunosuppression, reached clinical remission. Discussion: We conclude that MuSK-MG patients improve clinically with general immunosuppression but may require further treatment to reach remission. Longitudinal testing of individual patients may be clinically more useful than single measurements of MuSK IgG4. No significant differences in the serum IgG4 concentrations and IgG4/IgG ratio between AChR- and MuSK-MG patients were found during follow-up. Further studies with larger patient and control cohorts are necessary to validate the findings.


Subject(s)
Autoantibodies , Immunoglobulin G , Myasthenia Gravis , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases , Receptors, Cholinergic , Humans , Myasthenia Gravis/immunology , Myasthenia Gravis/blood , Myasthenia Gravis/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Female , Adult , Aged , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology , Receptors, Cholinergic/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult , Adolescent , Autoantibodies/blood , Autoantibodies/immunology , Aged, 80 and over , Immunosuppression Therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Severity of Illness Index , Child
17.
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak ; 34(5): 514-517, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720208

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of microneedling in combination with topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% versus topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% for treatment of refractory stable vitiligo. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Dermatology, PNS Shifa, Karachi, Pakistan, from December 2022 to May 2023. METHODOLOGY: The study included 30 clinically diagnosed individuals of either gender who had refractory symptoms and aged between 20 and 60 years. For every patient, two comparable lesions on two comparable limb regions were selected. Group A (right side) received treatment with both topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% twice daily in addition to microneedling every two weeks, whereas, Group B (left side) was treated with topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% only. Every lesion was investigated as a separate entity. Both groups were subsequently observed for a further six months. RESULTS: When topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% was combined with microneedling, the total re-pigmentation rate was substantially higher than the usage of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% alone. Fifty-three percent of lesions treated with topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% alone and 76.7% of lesions treated with microneedling in conjunction with it showed a good-to-excellent response. No adverse negative effects were noted. During the follow-up period, no problems or recurrences were noted. CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus ointment combined with microneedling is a successful treatment for refractory stable vitiligo. KEY WORDS: Dermapen, Depigmentation, Microneedling, Tacrolimus ointment, Vitiligo.


Subject(s)
Immunosuppressive Agents , Ointments , Tacrolimus , Vitiligo , Humans , Vitiligo/therapy , Vitiligo/drug therapy , Tacrolimus/administration & dosage , Tacrolimus/therapeutic use , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome , Combined Modality Therapy , Needles , Young Adult , Administration, Cutaneous , Administration, Topical , Dry Needling/methods , Percutaneous Collagen Induction
18.
Adv Rheumatol ; 64(1): 38, 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720354

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study examines the association of standard-of-care systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) medications with key outcomes such as low disease activity attainment, flares, damage accrual, and steroid-sparing, for which there is current paucity of data. METHODS: The Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration (APLC) prospectively collects data across numerous sites regarding demographic and disease characteristics, medication use, and lupus outcomes. Using propensity score methods and panel logistic regression models, we determined the association between lupus medications and outcomes. RESULTS: Among 1707 patients followed over 12,689 visits for a median of 2.19 years, 1332 (78.03%) patients achieved the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), 976 (57.18%) experienced flares, and on most visits patients were taking an anti-malarial (69.86%) or immunosuppressive drug (76.37%). Prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine were utilised with similar frequency across all organ domains; methotrexate for musculoskeletal activity. There were differences in medication utilisation between countries, with hydroxychloroquine less frequently, and calcineurin inhibitors more frequently, used in Japan. More patients taking leflunomide, methotrexate, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid were taking ≤ 7.5 mg/day of prednisolone (compared to > 7.5 mg/day) suggesting a steroid-sparing effect. Patients taking tacrolimus were more likely (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] 13.58 [2.23-82.78], p = 0.005) to attain LLDAS. Patients taking azathioprine (OR 0.67 [0.53-0.86], p = 0.001) and methotrexate (OR 0.68 [0.47-0.98], p = 0.038) were less likely to attain LLDAS. Patients taking mycophenolate mofetil were less likely to experience a flare (OR 0.79 [0.64-0.97], p = 0.025). None of the drugs was associated with a reduction in damage accrual. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a steroid-sparing benefit for most commonly used standard of care immunosuppressants used in SLE treatment, some of which were associated with an increased likelihood of attaining LLDAS, or reduced incidence of flares. It also highlights the unmet need for effective treatments in lupus.


Subject(s)
Antimalarials , Azathioprine , Glucocorticoids , Hydroxychloroquine , Immunosuppressive Agents , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Methotrexate , Prednisolone , Standard of Care , Humans , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Female , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Hydroxychloroquine/therapeutic use , Male , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Adult , Azathioprine/therapeutic use , Prednisolone/therapeutic use , Methotrexate/therapeutic use , Antimalarials/therapeutic use , Cohort Studies , Middle Aged , Mycophenolic Acid/therapeutic use , Leflunomide/therapeutic use , Calcineurin Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Logistic Models , Propensity Score , Severity of Illness Index , Tacrolimus/therapeutic use , Symptom Flare Up , Treatment Outcome , Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use
19.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1384640, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720904

ABSTRACT

Background: For children with severe aplastic anemia, if the first immunosuppressive therapy (IST) fails, it is not recommended to choose a second IST. Therefore, for patients without matched sibling donor (MSD) and matched unrelated donor (MUD), haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HSCT) can be chosen as a salvage treatment. This article aims to explore the comparison between upfront Haplo-HSCT and salvage Haplo-HSCT after IST. Methods: 29 patients received salvage Haplo-HSCT, and 50 patients received upfront Haplo-HSCT. The two groups received Bu (Busulfan, 3.2mg/kg/d*2d on days -9 to-8), CY (Cyclophosphamide, 60mg/kg/d*2d on days -4 to-3), Flu (fludarabine, 40mg/m2/d*5d on days -9 to -5) and rabbit ATG (Anti-thymocyte globulin, total dose 10mg/kg divided into days -4 to -2). Results: The OS of the salvage Haplo-HSCT group showed no difference to the upfront Haplo-HSCT group (80.2 ± 8.0% vs. 88.7 ± 4.8%, p=0.37). The FFS of the salvage Haplo-HSCT group also showed no difference to the frontline Haplo-HSCT group (75 ± 8.2% vs. 84.9 ± 5.3%, p=0.27). There was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications after transplantation between the two groups, except for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). In the grouping analysis by graft source, the incidence of II-IV aGVHD in patients using PBSC ± BM+UCB was lower than that in the PBSC ± BM group (p=0.010). Conclusion: Upfront Haplo-HSCT and salvage Haplo-HSCT after IST in children with acquired severe aplastic anemia have similar survival outcomes. However, the risk of TMA increases after salvage Haplo-HSCT. This article provides some reference value for the treatment selection of patients. In addition, co-transplantation of umbilical cord blood may reduce the incidence of GVHD.


Subject(s)
Anemia, Aplastic , Graft vs Host Disease , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Salvage Therapy , Transplantation, Haploidentical , Humans , Anemia, Aplastic/therapy , Anemia, Aplastic/mortality , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Male , Female , Child , Child, Preschool , Salvage Therapy/methods , Adolescent , Graft vs Host Disease/etiology , Graft vs Host Disease/prevention & control , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Transplantation Conditioning/methods , Infant , Treatment Outcome , Immunosuppression Therapy/methods
20.
Clin Transplant ; 38(5): e15329, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38722085

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppression reduction for BK polyoma virus (BKV) must be balanced against risk of adverse alloimmune outcomes. We sought to characterize risk of alloimmune events after BKV within context of HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch (mMM) risk score. METHODS: This single-center study evaluated 460 kidney transplant patients on tacrolimus-mycophenolate-prednisone from 2010-2021. BKV status was classified at 6-months post-transplant as "BKV" or "no BKV" in landmark analysis. Primary outcome was T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR). Secondary outcomes included all-cause graft failure (ACGF), death-censored graft failure (DCGF), de novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA), and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). Predictors of outcomes were assessed in Cox proportional hazards models including BKV status and alloimmune risk defined by recipient age and molecular mismatch (RAMM) groups. RESULTS: At 6-months post-transplant, 72 patients had BKV and 388 had no BKV. TCMR occurred in 86 recipients, including 27.8% with BKV and 17% with no BKV (p = .05). TCMR risk was increased in recipients with BKV (HR 1.90, (95% CI 1.14, 3.17); p = .01) and high vs. low-risk RAMM group risk (HR 2.26 (95% CI 1.02, 4.98); p = .02) in multivariable analyses; but not HLA serological MM in sensitivity analysis. Recipients with BKV experienced increased dnDSA in univariable analysis, and there was no association with ABMR, DCGF, or ACGF. CONCLUSIONS: Recipients with BKV had increased risk of TCMR independent of induction immunosuppression and conventional alloimmune risk measures. Recipients with high-risk RAMM experienced increased TCMR risk. Future studies on optimizing immunosuppression for BKV should explore nuanced risk stratification and may consider novel measures of alloimmune risk.


Subject(s)
BK Virus , Graft Rejection , Graft Survival , Kidney Function Tests , Kidney Transplantation , Polyomavirus Infections , Tumor Virus Infections , Viremia , Humans , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , BK Virus/immunology , BK Virus/isolation & purification , Female , Male , Polyomavirus Infections/immunology , Polyomavirus Infections/virology , Polyomavirus Infections/complications , Middle Aged , Graft Rejection/etiology , Graft Rejection/immunology , Follow-Up Studies , Tumor Virus Infections/immunology , Tumor Virus Infections/virology , Viremia/immunology , Viremia/virology , Prognosis , Risk Factors , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Adult , Postoperative Complications , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Kidney Failure, Chronic/surgery , Kidney Failure, Chronic/immunology , Kidney Diseases/virology , Kidney Diseases/immunology , Kidney Diseases/surgery , Transplant Recipients
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