Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Type Research Articles

TNF-α inhibitors in the management of refractory granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A report of two cases

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) that causes granulomatous necrotizing inflammation of small blood vessels. The goal of AAV treatment is to create a long-term remission. For inducing remission, the European League Against Rheumatism recommends using glucocorticoids (GCs) in combination with either cyclophosphamide (CYC) or rituximab (RTX). Despite this, in 10-40% the disease is resistant to initial treatment. In this report, we present two cases of refractory GPA that successfully achieved long-term remission using tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. The first case is a 27-year-old woman with GPA with involvement of upper airway, breast and central nervous system with active disease despite treatment with high dose GCs, CYC and RTX, successfully treated with infliximab and the disease was in complete remission for 54 months. The second case is a 35-year-old man with GPA with arthritis, lung cavitary lesions and nephritis resistant to treatment with high dose GCs, CYC and RTX, treated with adalimumab and the disease was in complete remission for 40 months.

#1475 Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) with glomerulonephritis (AAV-GN) in real world life

Abstract Background and Aims Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) with glomerulonephritis (AAV-GN) is a rare disease and the different treatment with plasma exchange are still controversial. We evaluate the AAV-GN outcomes of the last ten years in our centre. Method We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentations and outcomes of AAV-GN patients in our centre between 2013-2022. We compared the presentation and prognosis according to the type of ANCA, serum creatinine (SCr) and the use of plasma exchange (PLEX). We included patients with AAV and kidney biopsy with at least 6 months of follow-up. Patients with positivity for both MPO and PR3, anti-GBM antibodies or did not meet inclusion criteria were excluded. Results Of 64 patients reviewed, 13 were excluded: 3 lack of follow-up, 3 absence of renal biopsy, 3 ANCA negative, and 4 concomitant anti-GBM antibodies. A total of 51 patients were included in the analysis (Table 1): 28 women (54.9%), age 66.75 ± 15.24 years, (64.7% over 65 years) and 44 (86.3%) with ANCA-MPO (+). Results comparing ANCA-MPO and PR3 in Table 1. The most frequent form of presentation was anaemia with haemoglobin 9.87 ± 2.04 mg/dL, acute kidney injury (AKI) AKIN III (39.2%), median SCr 2.78 (1.58-5.22) mg/dL, 41 (80.4%) with microhematuria, proteinuria 2.62 ± 2.7g/g, and 8 (15.7%) alveolar haemorrhage. 18 patients (25.3%) required hemodialysis, and 7 (13.5%) were transient (4 requiring <1 month). Rituximab was more used than cyclophosphamide (p < 0.001). Of the patients treated with plasma exchange (PLEX, n = 11), 6 (54.5%) had alveolar haemorrhage and/or 7 (63.6%) SCr>5.6 mg/dL, with no further infections or mortality at one year. Of the patients diagnosed with SCr>5.6 mg/dL, 9 (81.8%) were men (p = 0.008), 7 (63.6%) received PLEX (p < 0.001) and 6 (54.4%) died (p = 0.003). As expected, in the multivariate binary logistic regression SCr>5.6 at diagnosis was identified as independent risk factor for PLEX (p = 0.02, OR = 15.6 (95% CI 3.16-76.92). There were 13 deaths (25.5%), 6 in the first year after diagnosis. The most used maintenance treatment was MMF (52.9%), SCr and glomerular filtration rates at 2 years were 1.5 mg/dL and 45.36 mL/min/1.72 m² respectively. Conclusion The most common AAV-GN in our centre are ANCA-MPO+, and mainly affect people over 65 years of age, with rituximab being the most used treatment. ANCA-MPO+ patients have worse renal function at 18 months of follow-up. Mortality is higher in AAV-GN with serum creatinine greater than 5.6 mg/dL at diagnosis and in ANCA-MPO+. PLEX therapy is more used in cases of alveolar hemorrhage or severe renal involvement, without presenting an impact in our cohort in the incidence of infections or mortality at one year of follow-up.

The Association Between Age at Diagnosis and Disease Characteristics and Damage in Patients With ANCA-Associated Vasculitis.

This study examined the relationship between age at diagnosis and disease characteristics and damage in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Analysis of a prospective longitudinal cohort of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic GPA (EGPA) in the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (2013-2021). Disease cohorts were divided by age at diagnosis (years): children (<18), young adults (18-40), middle-aged adults (41-65), and older adults (>65). Data included demographics, ANCA type, clinical characteristics, Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) scores, ANCA Vasculitis Index of Damage (AVID) scores, and novel disease-specific and non-disease-specific damage scores built from VDI and AVID items. Analysis included data from 1020 patients with GPA/MPA and 357 with EGPA. Female predominance in GPA/MPA decreased with age at diagnosis. AAV in childhood was more often GPA and proteinase 3-ANCA positive. Children with GPA/MPA experienced more subglottic stenosis and alveolar hemorrhage; children and young adults with EGPA experienced more alveolar hemorrhage, need for intubation, and gastrointestinal involvement. Older adults (GPA/MPA) had more neurologic manifestations. After adjusting for disease duration, medications, tobacco, and ANCA, all damage scores increased with age at diagnosis for GPA/MPA (P < 0.001) except the disease-specific damage score, which did not differ (P = 0.44). For EGPA, VDI scores increased with age at diagnosis (P < 0.009), whereas all other scores were not significantly different. Age at diagnosis is associated with clinical characteristics in AAV. Although VDI and AVID scores increase with age at diagnosis, this is driven by non-disease-specific damage items.

Rituximab resistance at 3 months of induction therapy in newly diagnosed or relapsing ANCA associated vasculitis: a French multicentre study.

To evaluate rituximab (RTX) resistance at 3 months (M3) of induction therapy in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV). Multicentre French retrospective study conducted between 2010 and 2020 including patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing AAV (granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis) having received induction therapy with RTX. Primary endpoint was the presence of RTX resistance at 3 months (M3) defined as uncontrolled disease (worsening feature on the BVAS/WG 1 month after RTX induction) or disease flare (increase in BVAS/WG of ≥1 point before M3). Out of 121 patients included, we analysed 116 patients. Fourteen patients (12%) had RTX resistance at M3 with no difference in baseline demographics, vasculitis type, ANCA type, disease status or organ involvement. Patients with RTX resistance at M3 had a greater proportion of localized disease (43% vs 18%, P<0.05) and were less often treated by initial methylprednisolone (MP) pulse (21% vs 58%, P<0.01). Out of the 14 patients with RTX resistance, seven received additional immunosuppressive therapy. All patients were in remission at 6 months. Compared to responders, patients with RTX resistance at M3 were less often treated with prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (57% vs 85%, P<0.05). Twenty-four patients died during follow-up, one-third of them from infections and half of them from SARS-CoV-2. 12% of patients had RTX resistance at M3. These patients more often had localized form of the disease and were less treated by initial MP pulse and by prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Proteinuria and hematuria after remission induction are associated with outcome in ANCA-associated vasculitis

In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), hematuria and proteinuria are biomarkers reflecting kidney involvement at diagnosis. Yet, the prognostic value of their persistence after immunosuppressive induction therapy, reflecting kidney damage or persistent disease, remains uncertain. To study this, our post-hoc analysis included participants of five European randomized clinical trials on AAV (MAINRITSAN, MAINRITSAN2, RITUXVAS, MYCYC, IMPROVE). Urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR) and hematuria of spot urine samples collected at the end of induction therapy (four-six months after treatment initiation) were correlated with the occurrence of a combined endpoint of death and/or kidney failure, or relapses during follow-up. Among 571 patients (59% men, median age 60), 60% had anti-proteinase 3-ANCA and 35% had anti-myeloperoxidase-ANCA, while 77% had kidney involvement. After induction therapy, 157/526 (29.8%) had persistent hematuria and 165/481 (34.3%) had UPCR of 0.05 g/mmol or more. After a median follow-up of 28 months (inter quartile range 18-42), and adjustment for age, ANCA type, maintenance therapy, serum creatinine and persistent hematuria after induction, a UPCR of 0.05 g/mmol or more after induction was associated with significant risk of death/kidney failure (adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.06, 95% confidence interval (1.09-8.59) and kidney relapse (adjusted subdistribution HR 2.22, 1.16-4.24). Persistent hematuria was associated with significant kidney relapse (adjusted subdistribution HR 2.16, (1.13-4.11) but not with relapse affecting any organ nor with death/kidney failure. Thus, in this large cohort of patients with AAV, persistent proteinuria after induction therapy was associated with death/kidney failure and kidney relapse, whereas persistent hematuria was an independent predictor of kidney relapse. Hence, these parameters must be considered to assess long-term kidney prognosis of patients with AAV.

Long-term kidney outcome of patients with rheumatological diseases and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-glomerulonephritis: comparison with a primitive ANCA-glomerulonephritis cohort.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) may appear in the course of rheumatic diseases (RD) but the kidney involvement is very rare and the prognosis poorly defined. We retrospectively identified patients with RD among 153 patients with ANCA glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN). Their clinical/histological presentation and outcome were compared with that of primitive ANCA-GN patients (1:4) matched for sex, age, ANCA type and follow-up. Nine patients (5.9%) were included: three had rheumatoid arthritis, two systemic sclerosis, two psoriatic arthritis, one ankylosing spondylitis and one seronegative spondylarthritis. Seven patients were MPO positive, two PR3 positive. ANCA-GN developed 74 months after RD with microscopic haematuria and acute kidney dysfunction in all but two patients. After 68-month follow-up, four patients (44.4%) achieved response to therapy defined as eGFR >60/min/1,73 m2 or stable, no microscopic haematuria and negative ANCA. At ANCA-GN diagnosis, serum creatinine and C-reactive protein were significantly lower in RD-ANCA-GN (2.38 vs. 3.34mg/dl, p=0.05 and 2.3mg/dl vs. 7.2mg/dl; p=0.05, respectively) while haemoglobin was higher (12.3g/dl vs. 9.3g/dl p<0.01) than in the 36 primitive ANCA-GN patients of control group. At kidney biopsy, focal forms were more frequent in RD patients (44.45% vs. 18.75%, p=0.11). The treatment between the two groups was not significantly different. At last observation, the percentage of patients with ESKD was lower in RD than in controls (11.1%vs. 30.5%; p=0.23). Patients with RD seem to develop ANCA-GN with less severe clinical/histological kidney involvement, and better long-term kidney survival than primitive ANCA-GN. This is probably due to the strict monitoring of RD patients that allows a prompter ANCA-GN diagnosis and treatment.

Different Types of ANCA Determine Different Clinical Phenotypes and Outcome in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV).

AimAccumulating evidence supports the use of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) type to classify different clinical entities. We aimed to evaluate whether the presence and type of ANCA determine different diseases, based on clinical phenotypes, renal involvement, and response to treatment.Patients and MethodsDifferences in terms of clinical manifestations, disease activity, laboratory parameters, and histology were recorded between patients with focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis (FNGN) due to myeloperoxidase (MPO-), proteinase 3-ANCA(+) [PR3-ANCA(+)], and ANCA(-) disease at time of diagnosis. Patients were treated with the same protocol and followed-up for 24 months, in a scheduled basis of every month for the first year and every 3 months for the second year. Primary end points were: (i) Combined end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and/or death and (ii) The presence of major or minor relapse during follow-up and secondary endpoint was the combination of ESRD and reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 50%.ResultsA total of 92 patients (M/F 39/53, mean age 59.1 ± 15 years) diagnosed with FNGN due to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), 36 (39.1%) patients diagnosed with PR3-ANCA, 39 (42.4%) patients diagnosed with MPO-ANCA, and 17 (18.5%) patients diagnosed with ANCA(-) were included. Number of involved systems differed significantly between PR3-, MPO-ANCA, and ANCA(-), with only renal involvement in 3, 25.5, and 29% of patients, two systems involved in 33, 31, and 59% of patients, and > 3 systems involved in 64, 43.5, and 12% of patients, respectively (p = 0.002). Histology classification revealed focal, crescentic, mixed, and sclerotic type in 14, 64, 19, and 3% of PR3-ANCA(+), 8, 28, 18, and 46% of MPO-ANCA, and 41, 29, 6, and 24% of ANCA(-), respectively (p < 0.0001). Primary end point of ESRD ± Death was reached in 11 (30.6%), 16 (41%), and 6 (35.5%) patients with PR3-ANCA(+), MPO-ANCA(+), and ANCA(-), respectively (p = NS); similarly, ESRD± > 50% eGFR reduction in 8 (22.2%), 15 (38.5%), and 5 (29.4%) patients, respectively (p = NS), meaning that patients with MPO-ANCA(+) showed a propensity to decline renal function. Rate of relapse was increased in the presence of patients with PR3-ANCA(+), 14 (38.9%), 4 (11.8%), and 2 (10.3%) of patients with PR3-ANCA(+), MPO-ANCA(+), and ANCA(-), had at least one relapse during the two-year follow-up (p = 0.006).ConclusionClinical phenotype and renal histology differ significantly between PR3-ANCA(+), MPO-ANCA(+), and ANCA(-) disease and FNGN; however, renal function outcome is similar, despite the increased rate of relapses in patients with PR3-ANCA(+).

Necrotising Cutaneous Lesions in Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies- Associated Vasculitis Mimicking Necrotising Fasciitis

Necrotising vasculitis is a very rare occurrence and commonly caused by an underlying autoimmune pathology. Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis is an established cause for cutaneous manifestations of necrotising vasculitis, and is associated with multisystemic involvement, in which presentations of one system may feature predominantly and lead to misdiagnosis. A 33-year-old male presented with acute history of shortness of breath and necrotising blisters over both his ankles and arms. He was initially provisionally diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, which was eventually ruled out as the serological biomarkers (including low level of C3 and presence of cytoplasmic type of ANCA on indirect immunofluorescence) drew suspicion of an autoimmune pathology. A multidisciplinary approach led to the commencement of steroid, which improved the patient’s condition rapidly. The histological examination of sample from the skin biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV). The patient eventually recovered with excellent outcomes. Despite its rarity, any abnormal skin lesion may be a subtle presentation of necrotising cutaneous vasculitis. A high index of suspicion through a multidisciplinary approach, coupled with meticulous investigative process including serological biomarkers and skin biopsy, helps to avoid misdiagnosis which may be detrimental to the patient.

Proposal for a more practical classification of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

The nomenclature for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated kidney disease has evolved from honorific eponyms to a descriptive-based classification scheme (Chapel Hill Consensus Conference 2012). Microscopic polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis do not correlate with presentation, response rates and relapse rates as when comparing myeloperoxidase versus leukocyte proteinase 3. Here we discuss the limitations of the currently used classification and propose an alternative, simple classification according to (i) ANCA type and (ii) organ involvement, which provides important clinical information of prognosis and outcomes.

Muscle biopsy in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: diagnostic yield depends on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody type, sex and neutrophil count.

This study aimed to examine the sensitivity of muscle biopsy (MB) in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), identify factors predicting MB positivity and assess the prognostic value of a positive MB. We conducted a single-centre retrospective study of AAV with an MB performed at diagnosis. AAV classification [granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)] followed the European Medicines Agency algorithm. A logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with MB positivity. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Among 276 AAV patients (1995-2018), 101 had an MB. Seventy-eight patients were included: 33 with GPA, 25 with MPA and 20 with EGPA. MB samples were positive in 45 cases (58%): 17 GPA, 16 MPA and 12 EGPA. Univariate analysis focussed on GPA and MPA, revealed that the MB yield was higher in females [22/31 (71%) vs 11/27 (41%); P = 0.02] and in anti-MPO patients [25/37 (68%) vs 6/19 (32%) for anti-PR3; P = 0.01]. By multivariate analysis, three factors predicted MB positivity: anti-MPO ANCA [odds ratio (OR) 10.67 (CI 2.09, 81.68)], female sex [OR 5.3 (CI 1.16, 32.35)] and neutrophil count [OR 1.33 (CI 1.07, 1.8)]. MB positivity had no impact on relapse, death or end-stage renal disease-free survival. MB is a safe and efficient diagnostic tool for AAV. Predictors of MB yield include ANCA type, sex and neutrophil count. MB cannot substitute for kidney biopsy when indicated, but should be considered in other cases.

Disease and treatment-related morbidity in young and elderly patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis

ObjectiveAging may be a risk factor for morbidity in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We compared the rate and better characterized the type of disease- and treatment-related complications affecting young and elderly patients with AAV. MethodsAll new cases of granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis diagnosed in three referral centers between 2000–2016 were included. Patients were stratified by age into young or elderly (< or ≥65 years old, respectively). Data were collected from diagnosis until end of follow-up, with scheduled annual visits or additional visits in case of relapse or complication requiring hospitalization. ResultsOf 141 patients included, 42 were elderly and 99 were young at the time of AAV diagnosis. Median follow-up was 58.0 [25–75% IQR, 31.0–60.0] months in young and 48.0 [23.25–60.0] months in elderly patients (p>0.05).Overall, the elderly group was associated to higher damage accrual assessed by Vasculitis Damage Index during follow-up (β=0.28, p<0.05).Sixty-three (44.7%) patients had acute kidney injury due to AAV-glomerulonephritis at diagnosis. In contrast to elderly, young patients showed significant improvement in renal function over time, particularly in the first 6 months while on induction treatment (ΔeGFR, median [25–75%IQR], 5.3 [0.4–14] versus 22.8 [5.9–52.1] ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.008), without significant changes after ANCA type stratification.Despite similar immunosuppressive therapy approaches and relapse rates, elderly patients had a higher rate of severe infections compared to younger patients (HR 2.1, 95% CIs: 1.1–4.4, p=0.043). ConclusionsElderly patients with AAV had higher susceptibility to disease- and treatment-related morbidity than younger patients, particularly to renal and infective morbidity.

Clinical characteristics of patients with vasculitis positive for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody targeting both proteinase 3 and myeloperoxidase: a retrospective study.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) may target proteinase 3 (PR3) or myeloperoxidase (MPO). Although a few patients with vasculitis have both MPO- and PR3-ANCA, the details of their clinical characteristics are not known. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients with dual MPO- and PR3-ANCA-positive vasculitis. The medical records of patients with ANCA and vasculitis confirmed by biopsy were reviewed. The age at diagnosis, sex, and data on organ involvement of the kidney, lung, upper airways, skin, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract were collected. Clinical variables were analyzed according to ANCA specificity. Of 85 patients with ANCA and vasculitis included in this study, 67 (78.8%) had MPO-ANCA, 10 (11.8%) had PR3-ANCA, and 8 (9.4%) had both MPO- and PR3-ANCA. Patients with MPO- PR3 + ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) were younger at diagnosis (median, 54.4years; p < 0.05) than patients with MPO + PR3- AAV (67.0years) or dual-ANCA AAV (MPO + PR3 + , 68.5years). The initial glomerular filtration rate in patients with MPO + PR3- AAV (22.0ml/min) was significantly lower than that in patients with MPO- PR3 + AAV (108.6ml/min, p < 0.05), but was not different from that in dual-ANCA AAV patients (16.5ml/min). Upper airway involvement also differed with ANCA type (MPO+ PR3- , 35.8% vs. MPO- PR3 + , 70.0% vs. MPO + PR3+ , 75.0%, p < 0.05). The involvement of other organs did not differ according to ANCA type. Age at diagnosis, kidney involvement, and upper airway involvement were associated with ANCA type. Patients with dual-ANCA-positive vasculitis had considerably more kidney dysfunction than patients with MPO- PR3+ AAV. They also had more upper airway involvement than patients with MPO+ PR3- AAV.

Disease Activity, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Type, and Lipid Levels in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis

Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was undertaken to develop a clearer understanding of the association between changes in disease activity and lipid levels in AAV, which may inform CVD risk stratification in this population. Lipid levels were assessed in stored serum samples (obtained at baseline and month 6) from the Rituximab for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial, which randomized patients to receive either rituximab or cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine. Paired t-tests and multivariable linear regression were used to assess changes in lipid levels. Of the 142 patients with serum samples available, the mean ± SD age was 52.3 ± 14.7 years, 72 (51%) were male, 95 (67%) were proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA positive, 72 (51%) had received a new diagnosis of AAV, and 75 (53%) were treated with rituximab. Several lipid levels increased between baseline and month 6, including total cholesterol (+12.4 mg/dl [95% confidence interval (95% CI) +7.1, +21.0]), low-density lipoprotein (+10.3 mg/dl [95% CI +6.1, +17.1]), and apolipoprotein B (+3.5 mg/dl [95% CI +1.0, +8.3]). These changes were observed among newly diagnosed and PR3-ANCA-positive patients but not among those with relapsing disease or myeloperoxidase-ANCA-positive patients. There was no difference in change in lipid levels between rituximab-treated patients and cyclophosphamide-treated patients. Changes in lipid levels correlated with changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate but not with other inflammatory markers or glucocorticoid exposure. Lipid levels increased during remission induction among patients with newly diagnosed AAV and those who were PR3-ANCA positive. Disease activity and ANCA type should be considered when assessing lipid profiles to stratify CVD risk in patients with AAV.

Efficacy and Safety of Belimumab and Azathioprine for Maintenance of Remission in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of belimumab as adjunctive therapy to maintain remission in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsIn this multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, patients with AAV (ages ≥18 years) were randomized 1:1 to receive azathioprine (2 mg/kg/day), low‐dose oral glucocorticoids (≤10 mg/day), and either intravenous belimumab (10 mg/kg) or placebo, following remission induction with rituximab or cyclophosphamide along with glucocorticoids. The primary end point was time to first protocol‐specified event (PSE), with first PSE defined as a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) of ≥6, presence of ≥1 major BVAS item, or receipt of prohibited medications for any reason, resulting in treatment failure (adjusted for ANCA type [proteinase 3 (PR3) or myeloperoxidase (MPO)], disease stage at induction, and induction regimen). Vasculitis relapse was defined as the PSE of either a BVAS activity score of ≥6 or receipt of prohibited medications for vasculitis. Changes in treatment practice led to truncation of the study population from ~300 patients to ~100 patients.ResultsThe intent‐to‐treat population totaled 105 patients with AAV, of whom 52 (40 with PR3‐ANCAs, 12 with MPO‐ANCAs) received placebo and 53 (41 with PR3‐ANCAs, 12 with MPO‐ANCAs) received belimumab; 27 of the patients were in rituximab‐induced disease remission, while 78 were in cyclophosphamide‐induced disease remission at baseline. Compared with placebo, treatment with belimumab did not reduce the risk of a PSE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.44–2.59; P = 0.884) or vasculitis relapse (adjusted HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.29–2.65; P = 0.821). The overall rate of PSEs was low (11 [21.2%] of 52 patients receiving placebo, 10 [18.9%] of 53 patients receiving belimumab). Vasculitis relapse in the placebo group (n = 8) occurred independent of the induction regimen, disease stage, or ANCA type. All vasculitis relapses in the belimumab group (n = 6) occurred in patients who had PR3‐ANCA–associated vasculitis with cyclophosphamide‐induced disease remission. Adverse events occurred in 49 (92.5%) of 53 patients receiving belimumab and 43 (82.7%) of 52 patients receiving placebo, with no new safety concerns.ConclusionBelimumab plus azathioprine and glucocorticoids for the maintenance of remission in AAV did not reduce the risk of relapse.

MICROSCOPIC POLYANGIITIS PRESENTING AS TRANSFUSION-RELATED ACUTE LUNG INJURY IN PATIENT WITH SOLITARY KIDNEY

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Disease 1 SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: 10/09/2018 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM INTRODUCTION: Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a type of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) characterized by small to medium sized vessel inflammation. We present a rare case of MPA which manifested following blood transfusion for symptomatic anemia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60 year old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), atrial fibrillation and normocytic anemia. She was managed with IV fluids, insulin drip, and amiodarone with good response. She received 2 units of packed RBCs resulting in respiratory distress and intubation. Chest X-ray showed bilateral fluffy infiltrates with no cardiomegaly. She was transferred to our facility for possible transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI). She was found to be in acute hypoxic respiratory failure, septic shock and acute kidney injury. She was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, vasopressors, and inotropes. Suspected TRALI was managed with supportive measures. Renal function continued to deteriorate necessitating dialysis. Patient was difficult to wean from ventilator and required tracheostomy for long term ventilation. Because of lack of improvement and concern for pulmonary renal syndrome, ANCA studies were ordered. Anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies were 19.8 (normal <9) and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA) titers were elevated at 1:160. Anti-nuclear antibodies were negative. Discussion with multiple specialists concluded that renal biopsy would be risky due to solitary kidney and the patient would not tolerate thoracotomy for open lung biopsy; however, the clinical picture was consistent with microscopic polyangiitis. Under guidance of rheumatology, patient was started on high-dose prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Following this, she showed marked improvement in pulmonary and renal function. Dialysis was stopped and creatinine trended to acceptable levels. She was able to be discharged to rehab facility for physical therapy and subsequently sent home. She did not require dialysis on an outpatient basis. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing MPA in the setting of other diseases such as DKA and anemia requiring transfusion. In addition, this case highlights the importance of prompt detection of MPA and AAV as these conditions are quick to respond to immunosuppressive therapies1. Although we were not able to obtain confirmatory tissue biopsy, our patient’s lingering disease was rapidly improved following initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is an interesting case of MPA masking as TRALI with concomitant AKI. While MPA is an uncommon entity2, our case teaches that AAV should be considered in all patients with unexplainable renal dysfunction and pulmonary infiltrates, even without confirmatory biopsy. Reference #1: 1. P H Nachman, S L Hogan, J C Jennette and R J Falk. Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis. JASN. January 1, 1996 vol. 7 no. 1 33-39 Reference #2: 2. Watts RA, Mooney J, Skinner J, Scott DG, Macgregor AJ. The contrasting epidemiology of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) and microscopic polyangiitis. Rheumatology. 2012 May;51(5):926-31. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/ker454. Epub 2012 Jan 17. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Alexander Goldstein, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Muhammad Habib, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Muhammad Malik, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Lusine Nahapetyan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Manish Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Thien Vo, source=Web Response

Renal-limited vasculitis with elevated levels of multiple antibodies.

Renal-limited vasculitis (RLV) is a type of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis that presents with crescentic glomerulonephritis with no other organ involvement. Although several studies reported patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis who were dual positive for proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA or ANCA and anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody, patients positive for all three antibodies, i.e., triple-positive patients, were rarely reported. We herein report the case of a male with pauci-immune type crescentic glomerulonephritis positive for MPO-ANCA, PR3-ANCA, and anti-GBM antibody. Renal biopsy led to the definitive diagnosis of RLV with pauci-immune-type crescentic glomerulonephritis. Fluorescence immunostaining showed no linear deposition of IgG on GBM, indicating no involvement of anti-GBM associated diseases. Intensive therapy, including prednisolone, plasma exchange, and intravenous cyclophosphamide, was effective. We report the case of triple-positive patient with crescentic glomerulonephritis, who was successfully treated with glucocorticoid, plasma exchange, and cyclophosphamide, suggesting that treatment for RLV in the patient with serological triple antibodies positivity in the absence of linear IgG deposition could benefit from the combination therapy regimen for plasma exchange and primary induction of remission against microscopic polyangiitis.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in Patient with Crohn’s Disease

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Crohn’s disease are two distinct chronic inflammatory diseases that may involve various organ systems, including the alimentary tract and the oropharynx. In both diseases there is an association with different types of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. We describe a patient previously diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, presenting 20 years later with a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and histological evidence of crescentic glomerulonephritis and surrounded by severe interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, ultimately diagnosed as having granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

The Pharmacogenomic Association of Fcγ Receptors and Cytochrome P450 Enzymes With Response to Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide Treatment in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis

The Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial compared rituximab to cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. We undertook the current study to determine whether known single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Fcγ receptors (FcγR) or cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were associated with the response to treatment with rituximab and cyclophosphamide, respectively. Functional SNPs for FcγR (FcγRIIa 519G>A, FcγRIIb 695T>C, FcγRIIIa 559T>G) and CYP enzymes (CYP2B6 1459C>T, CYP2C19 681G>A) were analyzed by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified genomic DNA. Each SNP was tested as a predictor of complete remission at 6 months or remission with continued prednisone administration using logistic regression and including the covariates of baseline Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis, ANCA type, and new versus relapsing disease. The associations of these SNPs with the secondary outcomes of time to complete remission, time to relapse, or time to B cell reconstitution were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard tests. No significant associations were identified between complete remission and any FcγR genotype in the rituximab group or any CYP genotype in the cyclophosphamide group. However, when the treatment groups were combined, an association was found between the 519AA genotype of FcγRIIa and complete remission (P = 0.01). The 519AA genotype predicted complete remission (P = 0.006) and a shorter time to complete remission (P < 0.001). The finding that the homozygous FcγRIIa 519AA variant was associated with complete response and a shorter time to complete response in the RAVE trial, independent of treatment type, implies that FcγRIIa may be broadly involved in disease pathogenesis and response to therapy.

Myeloperoxidase-Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Positive and ANCA-Negative Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's): Distinct Patient Subsets.

To examine the relationship of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) type and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) diagnosis with demographic features, disease manifestations, and clinical outcomes. We focused on patients who account for the differences between ANCA type and disease type classifications: anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA). We performed a pooled analysis of the Wegener's Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial and the Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis trial comparing patients with MPO-ANCA-positive GPA and patients with ANCA-negative GPA to patients with proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive GPA and patients with MPO-ANCA-positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Of the 365 patients analyzed, 273 (75%) had PR3-ANCA-positive GPA, 33 (9%) had MPO-ANCA-positive GPA, 15 (4%) had ANCA-negative GPA, and 44 (12%) had MPO-ANCA-positive MPA. MPO-ANCA-positive GPA patients were younger at diagnosis compared to MPO-ANCA-positive MPA patients (53 versus 61 years; P = 0.02). Their disease manifestations and rates of relapse were similar to those of PR3-ANCA-positive GPA patients. Relapse was more frequent in MPO-ANCA-positive GPA patients than in patients with MPO-ANCA-positive MPA at trial entry as well as at 12 and 18 months. ANCA-negative patients with GPA had lower Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis scores at trial entry than PR3-ANCA-positive patients with GPA (4.5 versus 7.7; P < 0.01), primarily because of a lower prevalence of renal involvement. We were unable to demonstrate important clinical differences between MPO-ANCA-positive and PR3-ANCA-positive patients with GPA. The risk of relapse was associated more closely with disease type than with ANCA type in this patient cohort. These findings deserve consideration in the assessment of relapse risk in patients with AAV.

Clinical outcomes of treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis based on ANCA type

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the classification of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) according to ANCA type (anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) or anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies) predicts treatment response.MethodsTreatment responses were...