High-dose Oral Corticosteroids Research Articles

Paradoxical exacerbation of sclerouveitis following Rituximab infusion.

To report on an unexpected side effect of Rituximab (RTX), a B-cell targeting monoclonal agent, in a patient with severe sclerouveitis, leading to severe visual loss. Observational case report. A 61-year-old female was treated with RTX for a severe sclerouveitis occurring with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Initially it responded partly to high dose of oral corticosteroids, however, her sclerouveitis recurred after two months during tapering below 20mg daily. The days following the RTX infusions, aggravation of the intraocular inflammation was seen, endangering visual acuity. No evidence for an infection or other cause were found. High doses of oral corticosteroids were started within one week, where after the ocular inflammation resolved. For persisting hypotony and chorioretinal detachment a combined pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification and silicone oil tamponade was performed. The retina remained attached under oil tamponade with partial improvement of the BCVA to finger counting. Ophthalmologist should be aware of the possibility of this paradoxical local reaction to RTX infusion, particularly in bilateral and/or severe cases, which carry a risk of a poor outcome.

Adverse Impacts of Corticosteroid Treatment on Osteoporosis/Osteopenia in Adult Asthmatics: A Retrospective ICARUS Cohort Study

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and oral corticosteroid (OCS) are often used in asthma management. This study evaluated the long-term effect of ICS/OCS on osteoporosis, osteopenia, fractures, and bone metabolism in adult asthmatics in real-world clinical practice. This is a retrospective study investigating de-identified electronic health records from Ajou University Medical Center (Korea). Adult asthmatics receiving maintenance ICS with/without OCS for at least 1 year were enrolled. They were classified into the high/low-dose of ICS or OCS groups. Primary outcomes (incidences of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fractures) and secondary outcomes (drug prescription and laboratory values related to bone metabolism including albumin and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) were compared after 5 years of follow-up. After propensity score matching, both high- and low-dose OCS groups included 468 patients, and high/low-dose ICS groups each comprised 1,252 patients. The risk of osteoporosis/major fracture was higher (hazard ratio [95% CI]; 2.00 [1.15-3.57]/3.03 [1.04-11.11]) in the high-dose OCS group (especially in females aged ≥50 years) than in the low-dose group, although the ICS groups showed no significant differences. The high-dose ICS group showed a higher risk of osteopenia (1.92 [1.05-3.70]) than the low-dose ICS group. The linear mixed model of laboratory values showed significantly decreased serum albumin and increased ALP in the high-dose OCS group than in the low-dose OCS group. The results of this study suggest that long-term use of OCS can increase the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures, while long-term use of ICS may increase the risk of osteopenia in adult asthmatics.

Polarization of circulating Follicular Helper T cells correlates with the severity of Bullous Pemphigoid.

T-follicular-helper (Tfh) cells form a distinct population of T-helper cells with different polarizations (type 1, type 2 and type 17) that regulates humoral responses and may participate in the pathophysiology of B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, such as bullous pemphigoid (BP), a dermatosis mediated by auto-antibodies specific for hemidesmosomal proteins. The aim was to evaluate the impact of superpotent topical corticosteroid (TCS) treatment, which is more effective and safer than high doses of oral corticosteroids and recommended first-line treatment of BP, on circulating Tfh cells. We compared by flow cytometry the frequency, polarization and activation of blood Tfh cells from patients with BP at baseline and longitudinally after initiation of TCS treatment to age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. We observed that circulating Tfh cells were more frequent in patients with BP at baseline than in healthy subjects and exhibited an activated phenotype. We further showed a decrease of type 1 and an increase of type 17 Tfh cells in the blood of patients, which resulted in a higher (type 2+type 17) to type 1 Tfh cell ratio. This ratio correlated positively with disease severity as measured by the Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index. Remarkably, along TCS treatment, although the frequency of Tfh cells returned to a level similar to control, the activated phenotype persisted. Interestingly serum IL-21 levels and the Tfh cell subset ratio, similarly to disease activity and serum anti-BP180 and anti-BP230 auto-antibodies, were decreased under the TCS treatment. Overall, our findings suggest an involvement of the polarization of Tfh cells in the pathophysiology of BP and open the door to a modulation of their activity for therapeutic purposes.

E030 Osteonecrosis of the spine in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Abstract Background/Aims Osteonecrosis (ON) is a well-known complication of several rheumatic diseases, affecting the hip, knee, shoulder, or ankle. The involvement of spine and other sites with ON has been reported with catastrophic APS, although the nature of this association is not completely clear. In antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombosis of blood vessels is considered a possible mechanism, along with other risk factors, such as active disease, thrombocytopenia, glucocorticoid use and associated autoimmune diseases, making the pathophysiology multifactorial. We report a case of a 66-year-old male with APS who developed bone infarcts/osteonecrosis after withdrawal of anticoagulation for APS, which was necessitated by a bleeding complication and introduction of steroids for immune thrombocytopenia. Methods A 66-year-old male came to us with history of unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for which he was on antiplatelet and anticoagulation for over 20 years. He was diagnosed to have high titre anti cardiolipin antibody (ACA)(186 U/ml) without other autoimmune conditions. He had an episode of bladder hematoma in August 2022, needing his anticoagulation to be suspended temporarily. He was also found to have profound thrombocytopenia with raised inflammatory markers. Considering it to be immune mediated he was started on high dose oral corticosteroids and was later maintained with azathioprine while the oral prednisolone dose was gradually brought down to 10 mg daily in about 3 months’ time. His thrombocytopenia improved progressively however he developed an unprovoked DVT in October 2022 and was restarted on anticoagulation. He continued to have low dose steroids for about 6 months. Meanwhile, he started having a new onset of low back pain in December 2022. An MRI of the whole spine showed multilevel osteonecrosis with haemorrhagic cavities in a few vertebral bodies. Results This case highlights three interesting points. The first is the atypical presentation of the osteonecrosis involving vertebral bodies. Osteonecrotic lesions in the spine of a patient with catastrophic primary antiphospholipid syndrome has been reported. Our case signifies that although vertebral bodies are an uncommon site for avascular necrosis in patients with APS, it is not rare. Secondly, the pathogenesis of ON is complex. Whether ACA are directly responsible for this condition or whether they are the bystanders remains controversial. ACA have shown to be an independent risk factor for developing ON in many studies. Thirdly, steroids are known to be an important risk factor in patients presenting with osteonecrosis. The vascular compromise could be attributed to a steroid induced hypercoagulative state, abnormal lipid metabolism, or fat embolism. Conclusion ON in APS is unusual and its underlying pathophysiology remains multifactorial. However, when complicated by the high ACA levels, active disease, difficult anticoagulation (bleeding tendencies), thrombocytopenia or prolonged use of steroids, it can lead to hypercoagulable state causing micro thrombosis and avascularisation. Disclosure M. Shah: None. K. Putchakayala: None.

Relentless Placoid Chorioretinitis Responsive to Intravitreal Triamcinolone and Systemic Adalimumab

Purpose: We describe a case of relentless placoid chorioretinitis that was responsive to intravitreal triamcinolone (IVT) and systemic adalimumab, but suboptimally responsive to oral prednisone. Methods: Interventional case report. Results: A 23-year-old woman presented with macular placoid chorioretinitis in the left eye and visual acuity of finger counting at 3 feet. Despite a 2-week course of 60mg oral prednisone, the choroiditis expanded dramatically in the mid-periphery. She was admitted to the hospital for high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, which stopped progression of disease. After discharge, the patient was started on adalimumab and restarted oral prednisone, however upon resumption of oral prednisone 60mg, the disease started to progress again over the next 2 weeks. An intravitreal injection of triamcinolone (IVT) 2mg was given, which halted progression of the disease for at least 9 weeks, at which time it was felt that the adalimumab started to also have an effect. Visual acuity 9 weeks after IVT had improved to 20/20. The patient was lost to follow-up after this point. Conclusion: This is a case of relentless placoid chorioretinitis that continued to progress despite high-dose oral corticosteroids, but which responded to intravitreal triamcinolone and systemic adalimumab. This indicates that intravitreal corticosteroids may represent an alternative treatment option to oral corticosteroids in the short-term management of macula-threatening non-infectious chorioretinitis, particularly in patients with a sub-optimal response to oral corticosteroids.

Long-Term Follow-up of Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Patients Treated with Mepolizumab: A Nationwide Real-Life Study of 59 Patients

Background Mepolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against IL-5, has proven efficacious for the treatment of FIP1L1 ∷ PDGFRA ( F/P)-negative Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) in two randomized controlled trials with short term follow-up. However, both its efficacy and safety profiles on the long term are unknown. Methods All F/P-negative HES patient treated with mepolizumab in France from 2003 to 2022 in either GlaxoSmithKline-sponsored randomized trials (MHE100185 and HES200622) or long-term access programs (MHE100901 and MHE10417) were included. For each study visit, we retrospectively collected the following data: drug doses (and spacing), HES-disease status, absolute eosinophil counts (AEC), and doses of oral corticosteroids (OCS). Clinical remission (CR) was defined as the absence of symptoms related to HES. Complete hematological remission (CHR) was defined as an AEC < 0.5 x 10 9/L, and relapse by the occurrence of new or worsening of HES-related symptoms, irrespective of either AEC or increase of HES treatments. Relapse-free survival was modeled using a Kaplan-Meier method. We also assessed the rates of “super responses”, a new outcome measure defined as the combination of both CR, CHR and complete withdrawal of OCS at last follow-up. Results and discussion Data were available for 64 out of the 80 patients identified. All patients ultimately received 300mg subcutaneous mepolizumab, but 27 (45.8%) patients had initially been started on higher doses (700 or 750 mg intravenous). Five patients were excluded because of misdiagnoses despite initially high AEC and HES-mimicking presentation (IgG4-related disease (n=1), Castleman's disease (n=1), lymphoma (n=2) and STAT6 gain-of-function mutation (n=1)). Ultimately, the study population consisted of 59 patients (idiopathic HES, n=51; lymphocytic HES, n=8) with chronic HES sensitive to high-dose OCS yet who remained OCS-dependent on the long run (median [IQR] dose of OCS at baseline: 11 [9-20] mg/d). In median, patients had two organs involved, with gastro-intestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous manifestations being the most frequent symptoms. After a median follow-up of 4.5 [2.5-12.3] years, 11 patients (19%) relapsed, among whom five were clearly related to prior mepolizumab spacing to more than four weeks between injections (Figure 1). In details, most of the patients were in CR (n=55, 93%) and/or in CHR (n=56, 95%) at last follow-up, including 38 (64%) OCS-free patients who fulfilled criteria for super response. No baseline predictive factor for super response was evidenced. When focusing on the 21 (36%) patients with more than eight years of follow-up (median 14.4 [12.2-17.3] years), outcomes tended to be the same as those of the overall population. At last follow-up more than 70% of patients were able to space mepolizumab's infusions for more than four weeks (median time between two injections at last follow-up: 8 [4-11] months). Ultimately, four patients were able to discontinue mepolizumab without subsequent relapse with more than two years of follow-up. There was no new safety signal, and no patient withdrew mepolizumab due to a treatment-related adverse event. Conclusion Mepolizumab remains highly efficacious in the long-term (including in patients with more than 10 years of follow-up), enabling sustained disease remission despite tapering of OCS and spacing of injections. Very few cases of mepolizumab failure were identified, among which the leading cause was HES misdiagnosis.

Mogamulizumab for Refractory CD3-CD4+ Lymphocytic-Variant Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

OCS Introduction. Lymphocytic hypereosinophilic syndrome (L-HES) is an indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by chronic blood hypereosinophilia and eosinophil-related organ damage secondary to the production of eosinophilopoietic cytokines (including interleukin-5) by clonal T cells, among which CD3-CD4+ T cells are the most frequent subset. Both high exposure to oral corticosteroids (OCS), failure and/or toxicity of OCS-sparing therapies and the risk of progression to AITL (up to 5 - 10% of patients) underscore the unmet need for novel treatments targeting the clonal T-cells (and not only eosinophils). We previously reported that peripheral CD3-CD4+ T cells express C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). We hypothesized that mogamulizumab, an afucosylated monoclonal antibody targeting CCR4-positive cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, could be beneficial for refractory L-HES patients. Methods. We assessed both the expression of CCR4 by clonal CD3-CD4+ T cells in the skin and lymph nodes as well as theability of mogamulizumab to induce ADCC in vitro on sorted CD3-CD4+ T cells from two L-HES patients, using homologous sorted NK cells as effector cells. We then set up a compassionate use program of intravenous mogamulizumab (1.0 mg/kg weekly for the first 28-day cycle, then on days 1 and 15 from subsequent cycles) for refractory L-HES patients despite treatment with immunosuppressants and/or biologics targeting the IL-5 pathway. Complete blood response was defined as complete if the subset of CD3-CD4+ T cells was <0.5% of all lymphocytes, or as partial if the number of CD3-CD4+ T cells decreased by >50% without reaching complete response at the time of the last perfusion. Results. Significant CCR4 expression on tissue CD4+ T cells was evidenced, and NK cells indeed led to the lysis of CD3-CD4+ T-cells coated with mogamulizumab (10 μg/ml). Four patients with refractory L-HES (despite treatment with high-dose OCS, n=4; pegylated interferon alpha 2a; n=3; or mepolizumab, a single patient) and active disease entered the compassionate use program (Table 1). Despite substantial tapering in OCS doses, all cases showed clinical response. Blood responses (either partial or complete, two patients each) and sharp decrease in absolute eosinophil counts (AEC) were reported in all patients ( Figure 1). Both patients with lymph node enlargement rapidly improved. Although prolonged blood and clinical responses have been observed after discontinuation of mogamulizumab, relapses still occurred preceded by an increase in T-cell clone size and absolute eosinophil count (AEC). Rechallenging a relapse with a short course of mogamulizumab resulted in a complete remission for a further 12 months in case #1. In terms of safety, mogamulizumab was discontinued in two patients due to adverse events: one for recurrent infusion-related reactions and one for infectious events. Lymphopenia was reported in 3/4 cases but was preexisting in the 3 cases. Case #4 reported a serious adverse event related to a tumor lysis syndrome leading to the massive release of IL-5 and subsequent rebound of AEC. Hence lower doses of mogamulizumab, transient use of OCS and/or mepolizumab should be considered in patients with very high number of CD3-CD4+ T cells who are about to start mogamulizumab. Discussion. Mogamulizumab represents a new therapeutic option for L-HES patients with severe refractory HES, T-cell clone related symptoms and/or large or rapidly increasing clonal T-cell counts. In patients who achieve complete remission under mogamulizumab, whether fixed repeated (e.g., every 6 months) infusions could be beneficial to prevent relapses and transformation into high-grade lymphoma remains to be investigated. Figure legend. Hematological responses to mogamulizumab in four refractory lymphocytic HES patients. oral corticosteroids; pINF-α: pegylated interferon alpha; MEPO: mepolizumab; MOGA: mogamulizumab.

P18 Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in children: report of three cases

Abstract Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an acquired, subepidermal blistering skin disease characterized by autoantibodies against type VII collagen, which links the epidermis to the dermis at the dermo-epidermal junction. Clinically, patients have skin fragility and blisters over trauma-prone sites, scarring, milia and onychodystrophy. The diagnosis can be challenging as it shares clinical and histopathological features with other immunobullous diseases. Although exceptionally rare in children, we report three paediatric patients with EBA and variable disease severity. The main clinical features were blisters (n = 3), milia (n = 3), scarring (n = 2), oral erosions (n = 2) and onychodystrophy (n = 1). Histological findings were nonspecific, showing a subepidermal blister with various inflammatory infiltrates. On direct immunofluorescence a bright deposit of IgG was seen, and the antibodies adhered to the dermal side of the salt-split in two cases. ELISA analysis confirmed circulating autoantibodies against type VII collagen in one patient. All received a course of oral corticosteroids alongside steroid-sparing agents such as dapsone, azathioprine and rituximab depending on clinical response and shared favourable prognosis. Early use of topical steroids can help but high-dose oral corticosteroids are often required as well as steroid-sparing agents such as dapsone, methotrexate, azathioprine, ciclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide and rituximab. In our experience, although the treatment approaches have been different, all the patients had favourable outcomes.

Potential impact of mepolizumab in stepping down anti-osteporotic treatment in corticosteroid-dependent asthma.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are commonly used for the acute management of severe asthma exacerbations or as maintenance therapy; however, chronic use is associated with significant toxicities, e.g., osteoporosis. In the REal worlD Effectiveness and Safety (REDES) study of mepolizumab in a multicentric Spanish cohort of asthma patients, mepolizumab effectively reduced clinically severe asthma exacerbations and decreased OCS dependence. This post-hoc analysis further evaluates mepolizumab's de-escalation effect on OCS dose. Patients enrolled in REDES who had OCS consumption data available for 12months pre- and post-mepolizumab treatment were included in this analysis. Primary outcomes were to determine the change in the proportion of patients eligible for anti-osteoporotic treatment due to the changes in OCS consumption before and after 1year of mepolizumab treatment. All analyses are descriptive. Approximately one-third (98/318; 30.8%) of patients in REDES were on maintenance OCS at the time of mepolizumab treatment initiation. In REDES, mean cumulative OCS exposure decreased by 54.3% after 1year of treatment. The proportion of patients on high-dose OCS (≥7.5mg/day) fell from 57.1% at baseline to 28.9% after 12months of mepolizumab treatment. Thus, 53.6% of OCS-dependent asthma patients treated with mepolizumab would cease to be candidates for anti-osteoporotic treatment according to guidelines thresholds.

Protocolo de tratamiento del brote de esclerosis múltiple

Multiple sclerosis relapses consist of symptoms and signs caused by a new focal or multifocal inflammatory event in the central nervous system and must be distinguished from pseudo-relapses, related to the reappearance of residual symptoms from previous attacks, often in the context of fever or infection. Treating the relapse will hasten short-term recovery but will not modify the prognosis in the long-term. There are no differences between using high-dose oral or parenteral corticosteroids, but follow-up with a tapered oral regimen is not recommended. Mild symptoms (eg, localized sensory symptoms) can be managed on an outpatient basis or left untreated, but corticosteroid therapy is advised for disabling symptoms (eg, optic neuritis, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, paresis). In the case of severe relapses and in the absence of a response to corticosteroids in the first week, a low threshold is advised so as to indicate plasma exchange, even if the diagnosis of the demyelinating syndrome is not fully established.

Impact of Anti-IL5 Therapies on Patients with Severe Uncontrolled Asthma and Possible Predictive Biomarkers of Response: A Real-Life Study.

Severe Uncontrolled Asthma (SUA) counts for more than 25% of cases of severe asthma. The main factors that impair the quality of life of these patients are high doses of oral corticosteroids, the presence of exacerbations, and reduced lung function. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in real life, the clinical improvement of patients with SUA treated with anti-interleukin 5 (IL5) therapies: mepolizumab and benralizumab, together with the search for biomarkers associated with the response. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study that included patients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma in a tertiary hospital receiving biological therapies. Three types of response were evaluated: improvement in lung function, reduction in exacerbations, and decrease in the use of oral corticosteroids. After 12 months of treatment, significant reductions were found in the number of exacerbations, the use of oral corticosteroids, and blood eosinophil levels for both biological therapies (p < 0.001). Lung function improved, achieving a significant improvement in %FEV1 (p < 0.001), as well as asthma control, with a significant increase in asthma control test (ACT) scores in both therapies. The markers associated with the corticosteroid-saving effect were the low doses of oral corticosteroids and absence of exacerbations for mepolizumab, and higher blood eosinophilia, absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and reduction in oral corticosteroid cycles for benralizumab. The greatest improvement in lung function in both therapies was linked to lower previous FEV1 levels and absence of other respiratory diseases. The reduction in exacerbations was associated with absence of exacerbations the previous year for mepolizumab and never smokers for benralizumab. The results of this real-life study confirm the clinical benefit obtained after the introduction of an anti-IL5 biological therapy and the possible predictive biomarkers of response to treatment.

52 Use of corticosteroids in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: experience from a pediatric rheumatology center

BackgroundChildhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE) is a rare but severe multisystem autoimmune/inflammatory disease that can affect any organ system and cause significant damage, disability and/or death. Corticosteroids are one of the important therapeutic weapons for childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Prednisone doses are increased during flare-ups of lupus disease, and then progressively reduced to reach a threshold dose in order to avoid the harmful effects of this treatment in growing children. The oral route is by far the most used over prolonged periods, however corticosteroid boluses are recommended in the treatment of severe acute attacks of the disease.ObjectiveAssess the use of corticosteroids in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the risk of steroid-related damage.MethodsPatients with childhood -onset SLE (n = 83) treated at paediatric rheumatology centre were followed for 36 months. Information on medication use, disease activity as measured by SLEDAI was collected.ResultsEighty-three (83) patients were studied. Female: male ratio was 1:49. Mean ages at lupus onset and diagnosis were respectively: 10, 12 (±3,88_ and 11, 3 (±3,62) years. Corticosteroids were used in 92% of cases in oral form and on 37% of cases as a bolus of high dose intravenous methylprednisolone. The indication of corticoids bolus was significantly related to severe forms (p = 0,001), high disease activity (p = 0, 00008), and macrophage activation Syndrome (p = 0, 0006). The doses varied between 0.5–1 g/1.73m2. The mean initial disease activity in these patients was 30 ± 10, while that found after taking the treatment was 12.9 ± 15. The decrease was statistically significant (p = 0, 000001). More than half of our patients were on high dose oral corticosteroids (2 mg/kg/d) and only 1/5 of the patients benefited from a dose of (1 mg/kg/day). The use of corticosteroids has been associated with significant side effects, including growth delay (22%), cushingoid obesity (58%), stretch marks (49%), osteoporosis (33%), femoral head osteonecrosis (1%), infections (54%). The association of certain side effects with a high dose of oral corticosteroids (2 mg/kg/day) was significant in this case cushingoid obesity (p = 0, 0003), stretch marks (p = 0.014).ConclusionCorticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy for prompt control of acute disease related inflammation in patients with SLE; they remain the first-line treatment for significant lupus manifestations, especially severe forms and life-threatening situations Higher dosage and longer duration of therapy, which are common in SLE, result in greater risk of adverse effects. Their use wisely is the guarantee of a better response and the reduction of deleterious effect.

Optic perineuritis.

This review paper aims at discussing pathogenesis, etiology, clinical features, management, and prognosis of OPN. Optic perineuritis (OPN) is an inflammatory process primarily involving the optic nerve sheath. Clinically, OPN usually presents with unilateral, gradual decline of visual function, eye pain, and/or pain on eye movements, disc edema and various features of optic nerve dysfunction, including visual field defects. It can mimic typical optic neuritis. In most cases of OPN, the disease is isolated with no specific etiology being identified, however, it can also occur secondary to a wide range of underlying systemic diseases. OPN is clinically diagnosed and radiologically confirmed based on the finding of circumferential perineural enhancement of the optic nerve sheath on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unlike optic nerve, OPN is not typically self-limited without treatment. High-dose oral corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in OPN. The initiation of therapy usually causes rapid and dramatic improvement in signs and symptoms. In general, OPN usually has a relatively good visual prognosis, which is influenced by delays between the onset of visual loss and the initiation of steroid therapy as well as the presence of underlying systemic diseases.

Clinical burden related to oral corticosteroid treatment of severe asthma in Spain: LEVANTE study

Background Severe asthma treatment with oral corticosteroids (OCS) added to inhaled corticosteroids and a long-acting β2-agonist (ICS-LABA) may result in more treatment burden and increased adverse effects. Objective and methods This ambispective multicenter observational study aimed at describing the clinical burden in patients with severe asthma on stable high-dose ICS-LABA who received OCS during ≥6 months (maintenance group) or ≥2 cycles in the previous 12 months (bursts group). Data collection comprised a retrospective 12-month baseline period and 2 follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months. Results Eighty-nine patients were evaluable (30 on maintenance, 59 on bursts). At baseline, mean (SD) daily prednisone equivalent exposure in the total population was 24.6 (14.7) mg: 13.8 (9.4) mg on maintenance and 29.9 (14.3) mg on bursts. During the 6-month follow-up period, mean (SD) daily dose in the total cohort was 22.5 (18.8) mg: 17.2 (18.6) mg on maintenance and 28.4 (20.6) mg on bursts. The overall annual severe exacerbations rate during the 12-month baseline period was 2.05 per patient-year and 1.5 per patient-year over the 6-month follow-up, and frequency of hospitalizations and emergency department visits were similar on both maintenance and bursts use. Conclusions Results show a suboptimal control of severe asthma despite such high doses of OCS and persistence of disease burden regardless of the prescribing pattern in maintenance or bursts. There is therapeutic inertia to continue using OCS despite the increased risk of adverse effects and the availability of biologics.

Hypereosinophilic\xa0syndrome presenting as coagulopathy

BackgroundHypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is an extremely uncommon group of disorders. It rarely presents with coagulopathy without cardiac involvement.Case presentationA 33-year-old previously healthy male with no history of atopic disease presented with abdominal pain, hematochezia, peripheral eosinophilia as high as 10,000 eos/µL, right and left portal vein, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombi with ischemic colitis resulting in hemicolectomy and small bowel resection. Despite an extensive workup for primary and secondary etiologies of hypereosinophilia by hematology/oncology, infectious disease, rheumatology and allergy/immunology, no other clear causes were identified, and the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic HES. His eosinophilia was successfully treated with high-dose oral corticosteroids (OCS) and subsequently transitioned to anti-IL-5-receptor therapy with benralizumab. He has continued this treatment for over a year with no recurrence of eosinophilia or thrombosis while on benralizumab.ConclusionIn patients with an unexplained coagulopathy and eosinophilia, eosinophilic disorders such as HES should be considered. Corticosteroid-sparing agents, such as benralizumab show promise for successfully treating these patients.

Giant Cell Arteritis: Updates and Controversies.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic granulomatous vasculitis affecting the medium and large-size arteries, and may present with a range of ophthalmic findings. This review will cover GCA epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment. GCA is commonly found in elderly patients and individuals of Scandinavian descent. Recent publications suggest it may be more common in African Americans and Hispanics than previously thought. It is very rare in Asian and Middle-Eastern populations, and there is little data regarding African populations. Genetic studies have identified increased risk associated with HLA-DRB1*04. Rather than a response to a specific antigen such as varicella zoster virus, current immunology research suggests that GCA results from changes associated with the aging immune system. Arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is the most common ophthalmic manifestation of GCA, but central or branch retinal artery occlusion, ophthalmic artery occlusion, cranial neuropathies causing diplopia, and more rarely anterior segment ischemia and anisocoria may also occur. Clinical testing including visual field testing, OCT, OCT-A, ICG and fluorescein angiography can be helpful in suggesting a diagnosis in addition to the clinical exam. GCA is ultimately a clinical diagnosis, but it is usually supported with lab results, pathology, and/or imaging. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) remains the gold standard diagnostic test although its sensitivity is debated and practice patterns still vary with respect to sample length and whether unilateral or simultaneous bilateral biopsies are performed. Some studies have reported higher sensitivity of ultrasounds over TAB, with added benefits of time efficiency and cost effectiveness, promoting the diagnostic use of ultrasounds. MRI and even PET CT protocols offer additional options for less invasive diagnostic testing. Vision-threatening GCA is treated acutely with emergent admission for intravenous methylprednisolone, and long-term high dose oral corticosteroids remain the standard of care, despite common and sometimes serious side effects. The use of steroid-sparing alternatives such as tocilizumab is becoming more common and additional agents are being investigated.

Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI and other neurological symptoms in patients with West syndrome

ObjectivesReport a series of children with West syndrome (WS) treated with vigabatrin (VGB) who developed characteristic MRI alterations. In the majority, these adverse events were asymptomatic; however, some of the patients developed movement disorders and acute encephalopathy. MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of our epilepsy clinical and EEG database of 288 patients with WS seen between 2014 and 2020. All patients who received VGB alone or with concomitant therapies, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), high-dose oral corticosteroids, ketogenic diet, valproate, levetiracetam, or topiramate, were evaluated. ResultsIn 44 of 288 patients with WS receiving VGB, MRI findings compatible with VGB-associated brain abnormalities were identified; median age at diagnosis was 6.29 months (range, 2 weeks to 11 months). The etiology of WS with vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI (VABAM) was unknown in 22 (52.27%), genetic in seven (15.9%), genetic-structural in three (6.8%), structural malformative in three others (6.8%), and structural acquired in eight patients (18.2%). Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI was asymptomatic in 25 of 44 patients. Ten of 44 (22.7%) infants were reported to have had a movement disorder (choreoathetosis, dystonic posturing). Nine of 42 infants exhibited progressive psychomotor deterioration associated with signs and symptoms of encephalopathy. ConclusionMRI abnormalities were observed in infants treated with VGB and they appeared to be dose dependent. In our study common locations for MRI abnormalities included globi pallidi and brainstem, followed by thalami and dentate nuclei. Risk factors for the development of VABAM may include age younger than 11 months and higher VGB dose of VGB (>165 mg/kg/day). Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on MRI usually resolved following VGB discontinuation, probably after a period of 3 months.

741 A complex clinical mosaic of severe autoimmune calcific constrictive pericarditis with striking haemodynamic response to immunosuppressive therapy

Abstract Autoimmune constrictive pericarditis constitutes a conundrum to modern cardiology with much uncertainty surrounding both pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies. We hereby describe the case of a 35-year-old woman of Nigerian origin with severe right heart failure secondary to calcific constrictive pericarditis. Her past medical history included coagulation factor XI deficiency, leukopenia, 2nd trimester miscarriage and premature labour due to placenta previa with fibrin deposition. Further investigations revealed atrial fibrillation, severe biatrial enlargement, moderate tricuspid and mitral regurgitation, pericardial thickening, post-capillary pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dip-and-plateau pattern, compatible with severe constrictive pericarditis. Extensive screening for infectious and autoimmune causes only revealed borderline positive ANA (1:80). Thereafter, the patient underwent complete surgical pericardiectomy with pericardial biopsies revealing fibrous thickening, diffuse calcification and lymphocyte/macrophage infiltrates, in the absence of giant multinucleated cells or granulomas. The patient was later discharged but soon experienced relapse of exertional dyspnoea presenting with right-sided haemo-pneumothorax (requiring pleural drainage), diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, large right-sided basal and infrascissural pleural effusion, and ascites. She was treated with high dose iv furosemide, oral ibuprofen and colchicine, suspension of rate control medications, achieving initial reduction in pulmonary oedema and ascites, relapsing however after attempts to switch to oral diuretic therapy. Due to the finding of persistent lymphopenia, further immunological tests were conducted, revealing raised IgG1 levels as well as altered peripheral lymphocyte populations (raised CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD8+ central memory, reduced CD8 effector memory). This finding in conjunction with the history of factor XI deficiency, 2nd trimester miscarriage and placental fibrin deposition as well as the observation of painful cutaneous nodules at sites of venepuncture, suggestive of Koebner’s phenomenon, veered the diagnostic focus to a potential autoimmune aetiology and in particular to systemic lupus erythematosus (&amp;gt;10 ACR-EULAR score points with case reports describing all the above as potential disease manifestations). Furthermore, revision of thoracic CT scans, demonstrated bilateral migratory peribronchovascular nodules with ground-glass halo. CT- guided biopsies thereof were performed revealing focal alveolar damage with capillaritis and alveolar haemorrhage, further corroborating the clinical suspicion of autoimmune disease and justifying the introduction of high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy. In liaison with our tertiary rheumatology centre, the patient was later switched to mycophenolate with gradual weaning from corticosteroid. Concurrent cardiological follow-up revealed persistence of good haemodynamic status (NYHA class II, absence of pulmonary oedema and ascites) with oral diuretic therapy, regression of cutaneous symptoms and echocardiography demonstrating consistent reduction in both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. This constitutes to our knowledge the first report of autoimmune calcific constrictive pericarditis with significant haemodynamic response to immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the relative rarity of this disease entity, early recognition and instatement of immunosuppressive treatment may prove fundamental to halt and potentially reverse the haemodynamic progression of this highly morbid condition.

Adverse Side Effects Associated with Corticosteroid Therapy: A Study in 39 Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis.

BackgroundThe tolerability of high-dose oral corticosteroids in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) has not been systematically assessed. We evaluated adverse side effects (ASEs) of corticosteroid treatment in patients with gMG.Material/MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted of ASEs reported as being related to corticosteroid treatment in 39 patients with gMG who were treated with oral corticosteroids for ≥1 year.ResultsMedian (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 60 (21) years, 53.8% of patients were women, and 66.7% were aged ≤65 years. Median (IQR) prednisone treatment duration was 14 (2) months; median (IQR) daily dose was 40 (15) mg. The median number of ASEs reported as corticosteroid-related was 2/patient (IQR, 1). Pre-diabetes and weight gain were most common (each 43.6% of patients). Bruising, insomnia, and osteoporosis were more prevalent in patients aged >65 years, while irritability, osteopenia, and pre-diabetes were more common in patients aged ≤65 years, although differences were not statistically significant. Irritability and weight gain were more prevalent in women (P=0.010 for irritability); osteoporosis and pre-diabetes more common in men (P=0.015 for osteoporosis). ASEs were generally more common in the high-dose prednisone group (>30 mg/day), but were only statistically significant for irritability (P=0.001).ConclusionsCorticosteroid-related ASEs were common in patients with gMG. Some of these ASEs can have serious medical consequences, and certain ASEs appeared to be associated with specific patient characteristics. Demographics and comorbidities of patients with gMG must be carefully considered before corticosteroid initiation. Potential ASEs, such as unanticipated osteoporosis in men, require extra vigilance.

High-dose short-course oral corticosteroid protocol for treatment of primary frozen shoulder: a retrospective cohort study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of high-dose prednisolone on the functional outcome of patients with early-stage primary frozen shoulder.MethodsEighteen patients treated with oral prednisolone at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day for primary frozen shoulder were retrospectively evaluated. The patients’ range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Constant–Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scale score were recorded at baseline and at 4 weeks and 6 months after treatment.ResultsRapid recovery of shoulder motion was noted at 4 weeks with the exception of abduction, which was maintained at 6 months. Significant improvement in pain perception and the Constant–Murley score was evident at 4 weeks and extended to 6 months. The DASH and ASES scores did not show significant improvement in the first 4 weeks but were significantly improved at 6 months.ConclusionHigh-dose oral prednisolone treatment provides rapid symptom resolution that persists long after drug discontinuation. The early treatment period is characterized by marked reduction in pain and rapid recovery of shoulder motion. Improvements in functional outcomes and disability indices tend to be more subtle in the early period but significantly improve during late treatment.