Long-term Remission Research Articles

Ten clinical conundrums in the management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory, multisystemic disease that is considered a form of ANCA-associated vasculitis and whose association with asthma and blood and tissue eosinophilia differentiate it from other types of vasculitis. Nevertheless, diagnosis of EGPA may be difficult or delayed not only because of the rarity of the disease, but also because other diseases can present with similar manifestations. We review a series of key areas in EGPA, namely, laboratory and clinical indicators of disease, diagnosis, role of biomarkers, induction and maintenance therapy, and use of traditional and novel drugs. This narrative review was based on a thorough search of PubMed. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of available tools for diagnosing EGPA, and more efforts should be made to identify clinical and laboratory red flags, with the purpose of achieving an early diagnosis before irreversible damage occurs. New effective therapies are available, although future research should target an approach that spares glucocorticoids, reduces the risk of flares and organ damage, and maintains long-term remission with minimum adverse effects.

Long-term clinical and endoscopic outcomes of ustekinumab in pediatric Crohn's disease with anti-tumor necrosis factor failure.

Only a few studies have reported the long-term effects of ustekinumab on pediatric Crohn's disease. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the long-term clinical and endoscopic outcomes of ustekinumab and its safety profile in pediatric-onset Crohn's disease with anti-tumor necrosis factor failure. Medical records of patients with pediatric-onset Crohn's disease in whom anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy failed and ustekinumab treatment was initiated from 2017 to 2022 at a Japanese tertiary children's hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the continuation rates at weeks 8, 52, and 106. The secondary outcomes were the steroid-free remission rates at weeks 8, 52, and 106, changes in the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease, and adverse events during follow-up. Forty-three patients were enrolled. The median ages at diagnosis and ustekinumab introduction were 9.7 (interquartile range: 6.7-13.0) years and 13.6 (interquartile range: 8.0-16.0) years. The median follow-up period was 136 (interquartile range: 102-172) weeks. The continuation rates were 100%, 91%, and 80% at weeks 8, 52, and 106, respectively. The incidence of discontinuation was 6.2% per patient-year of follow-up. The steroid-free remission rates were 44%, 71%, and 80% at weeks 8, 52, and 106, respectively. The Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease of patients in clinical remission at the last follow-up significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the safety profile was acceptable. Ustekinumab appeared effective in maintaining long-term clinical remission with endoscopic improvement in pediatric-onset Crohn's disease with anti-tumor necrosis factor failure.

IgA Vasculitis (Henoch–Schönlein Purpura): An Update on Treatment

Objective: IgA vasculitis (IgAV), previously named as Henoch–Schönlein purpura, is the most frequent systemic vasculitis in children. In adults, IgAV is less common although it is associated with more severe disease. In fact, the frequency of glomerulonephritis (referred to as IgAV nephritis) in adults is higher than in children and tends to present more severely, with around 10–30% of those affected eventually progressing to end-stage renal disease. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology, main clinical features, diagnosis of the disease, and latest clinical data regarding IgAV therapy. Methods: A narrative literature review, primarily based on articles published in PubMed, was conducted. In addition to discussing the main aspects of glucocorticoids and conventional disease-modifying drugs used in the management of IgAV, this review focuses on the latest information reported regarding biologics and potential future therapies. Results: Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy for IgAV, especially in adults with severe manifestations. Colchicine, dapsone, and methotrexate can be useful for controlling minor manifestations. Several immunomodulatory agents, such as cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil, have shown favorable results as glucocorticoid-sparing agents. Leflunomide has shown promising results but requires further study. The use of rituximab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing relapse frequency, lowering the cumulative glucocorticoid burden, and achieving long-term remission of the disease in children and adults with IgAV. Immunoglobulins and plasma exchange therapy can also be useful in difficult and life-threatening situations. Other potential therapies with encouraging results include TRF-budesonide, B-cell-directed therapy, B-cell-depleting agents, sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, and complement pathway inhibitors. Conclusions: Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy for IgAV, especially in adults with severe manifestations. The role of various immunomodulatory therapies, such as calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil, remains promising, while rituximab reduces the long-term side effects of glucocorticoids and can help achieve disease remission. Other potential therapies with encouraging results require further research.

Traditional and Emerging Strategies for Managing Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Insights into New Treatments

Background/Objectives: Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects individuals aged 50 and older, especially in Western countries. Although glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of PMR treatment, these drugs are associated with side effects, making it advisable to use them for the shortest duration possible. However, tapering or discontinuation of glucocorticoids often leads to disease relapses. In this review, we focus on the traditional management of PMR, as well as the potential for therapies that may reduce glucocorticoid use. Special attention is given to the efficacy of biologic agents in PMR management. Methods: A literature review, primarily based on articles published in PubMed, was conducted. In addition to discussing various glucocorticoids and conventional disease-modifying drugs used for the management of isolated PMR, this review specifically focused on the information reported regarding new therapies, with particular emphasis on biologic agents. Results: Prednisone or prednisolone at a dose ranging between 12.5 and 25 mg/day is the agreed-upon treatment for PMR. Due to the side effects associated with prolonged glucocorticoid use and the high frequency of relapses when glucocorticoids are tapered, glucocorticoid-sparing agents have emerged as tools in the management of PMR. Methotrexate has traditionally been the conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) unanimously recommended for use in PMR. Other conventional DMARDs, such as leflunomide, have shown promising results but require further study. The use of biologic agents has marked a significant step forward in the management of PMR. While anti-TNF agents failed to provide beneficial effects in isolated PMR, anti-IL-6 receptor agents, such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing relapse frequency, lowering the cumulative glucocorticoid burden, and achieving long-term remission of the disease. Other biologic agents, many of which have been used in giant cell arteritis, as well as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, are currently under investigation. Conclusions: Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment for isolated PMR but are associated with comorbidities, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions or frequent relapses. Glucocorticoid-sparing agents, such as methotrexate and biologics, in particular tocilizumab and sarilumab, offer alternatives, improving symptoms and reducing glucocorticoid use. While biologic agents reduce long-term side effects and help achieve disease remission, their use must consider potential side effects and higher costs compared to traditional therapies.

Obinutuzumab as a viable therapeutic strategy in rituximab-refractory childhood frequently relapsing, steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome that relapsed during B-cell depletion.

A subgroup of children with frequently-relapsing, steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome relapse during B-cell depletion after rituximab. A 15-year-old boy with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis became rituximab-refractory after 5 courses of treatments, with a relapse-free period shortened to 1month. Circulating total and memory B-cells were undetectable at the time of relapse. A single infusion of obinutuzumab sustained relapse-free remission up to the last follow-up at 18months. There was persistent hypogammaglobulinemia but no infection was observed. Obinutuzumab may be a viable option for attaining long-term remission with reasonable side effect profiles in patients who relapse during B-cell depletion after rituximab.

Comparative Analysis of Bispecific Antibodies and CAR T-Cell Therapy in Follicular Lymphoma.

The treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (RR-FL) is marked by a pivotal debate between chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). While both CAR-T therapy and BsAbs target similar immunobiology and molecular markers, their efficacy comparisons are hindered by the lack of direct clinical trial comparisons. Key trials, such as the ZUMA-5 study, underscore axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel)'s efficacy in treating RR-FL, achieving a 79% complete response rate with a median duration of response exceeding 3 years. Similarly, lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) in the TRANSCEND FL study reports a 94% complete response rate, emphasizing robust outcomes in heavily pretreated patients. Among BsAbs, mosunetuzumab showed promise in the GO29781 trial, with a 62% overall response rate in heavily pretreated RR-FL patients. Thus, CAR-T therapy offers potential curative benefits with a single infusion. However, its efficacy is tempered by significant adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, and cytopenias, requiring specialized management and patient monitoring. In contrast, BsAbs provide a more tolerable treatment option counterbalancing by lower response rates and frequent dosing requirements. Personalized treatment strategies are crucial because of these distinct efficacy and safety profiles. When considering cost-effectiveness, both therapies need to be evaluated in the context of their clinical outcomes and quality of life improvements. Cost-effectiveness considerations are essential; while CAR-T therapies incur higher initial costs, their potential for long-term remission may mitigate expenses associated with repeated treatments or hospitalizations. Future research into resistance mechanisms and optimal therapeutic sequencing will further refine RR-FL management strategies.

Cancer Therapy-Induced Encephalitis

Encephalitis associated with cancer therapies is a rare but serious complication that can significantly impact patients’ quality of life and it requires prompt identification and management. Over the past two decades, immunotherapy—particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors—has become a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with up to half of metastatic cancer patients in economically developed countries now receiving these therapies. The widespread adoption of immunotherapy has led to improved survival rates and long-term remissions, even in patients with advanced metastatic disease. However, as immune modulators, these therapies can trigger a range of immune-related adverse events, including a variety of novel neurological toxicities. Among these, encephalitis is of particular concern due to its potential severity, which can compromise treatment outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on this condition, highlighting optimal diagnostic strategies and management approaches to mitigate the risk of significant morbidity, while also comparing encephalitis induced by immunotherapy with that caused by traditional chemotherapies and targeted oncologic treatments.

Stem cell transplantation and allogeneic immunity: post treatment control or HIV cure?

Long-lasting HIV remission has been reported in a small group of people with HIV (PWH) following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. While the mechanisms of HIV remission following release from antiretroviral therapy (ART) were not initially known, subsequent findings from clinical cases and preclinical nonhuman primate studies have implicated mechanisms of clearance. Here, we review the six currently published human cases of long-term ART-free HIV remission. Since the first report of ART-free HIV remission following HSCT, five subsequent cases of HSCT-induced sustained HIV remission have been published. While the pre- and posttransplant treatment conditions vary greatly, all but one received cells from donors homozygous for a 32 bp deletion in the gene that encodes CCR5 (ccr5Δ32), the major HIV coreceptor. Studies in nonhuman primates and the newest published individual suggest that while CCR5 deficiency can protect donor cells from infection early posttransplant, it is not required for long term remission, as ablation of the viral reservoir is likely due to allogeneic immunity mediating a graft-versus-reservoir response. Studies of HSCT in PLWH and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected monkeys show that those with durable remission are likely cured, demonstrated by complete ablation of the replication-competent HIV reservoir, gradual loss of anti-HIV immunity, and greater than 5 years of aviremia.

Analysis of methotrexate use practice in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis

Background. Pharmacoepidemiological studies play a key role in optimizing pharmacotherapy for various diseases. In particular, significant progress in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) necessitates a detailed analysis of the consumption of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The modern therapeutic concept for these conditions focuses on achieving and maintaining long-term remission, which positions methotrexate (MTX) as a first-line agent, characterized by high effectiveness, safety and advantageous pharmacoeconomic profiles.Objective: to investigate the characteristics of MTX use in real clinical practice among patients with RA and PsA during outpatient medical care.Material and methods. The study comprised two parts: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of MTX consumption dynamics in 2018, 2020, and 2023 via ATC/DDD (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification, ATC; defined daily dose, DDD) methodology, and a longitudinal non-interventional pharmacoepidemiological study conducted in 2023 using the medical information system “BARS. Healthcare”.Results. The ATC/DDD analysis demonstrated a significant increase in MTX consumption among patients with RA and PsA: from 302,428.6 to 319,114.3 DDDs per 1,000 patients per year for RA, and from 28,157.1 to 310,771.6 DDDs per 1,000 patients per year for PsA in 2018 and 2023, respectively. The most frequently prescribed dose of MT was 15 mg/week. The primary therapeutic combination for 55.8% of patients was “MT + nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs”, with 32.7% of patients also receiving glucocorticoids (GCs) as part of this combination. The study identified a high frequency of prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors, GCs, and cholecalciferol, highlighting the activity of diseases under consideration, potential complications, and the necessity for the prevention of clinically significant drug interactions.Conclusions. The conducted study confirmed that MTX remains the main drug for the treatment of RA and PsA. The ATC/DDD analysis demonstrated a significant increase in MTX consumption in recent years, correlating with its therapeutic effectiveness and accessibility. The high frequency of concomitant prescriptions underscores the complexity of treating RA and PsA and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to ensure safety and efficacy of the therapy.

Targeting Lipid Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells for Anticancer Treatment.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are small subpopulations (0.0001-0.1%) of cancer cells that are crucial for cancer relapse and therapy resistance. The elimination of each CSC is essential for achieving long-term remission. Metabolic reprogramming, particularly lipids, has a significant impact on drug efficacy by influencing drug diffusion, altering membrane permeability, modifying mitochondrial function, and adjusting the lipid composition within CSCs. These changes contribute to the development of chemoresistance in various cancers. The intricate relationship between lipid metabolism and drug resistance in CSCs is an emerging area of research, as different lipid species play essential roles in multiple stages of autophagy. However, the link between autophagy and lipid metabolism in the context of CSC regulation remains unclear. Understanding the interplay between autophagy and lipid reprogramming in CSCs could lead to the development of new approaches for enhancing therapies and reducing tumorigenicity in these cells. In this review, we explore the latest findings on lipid metabolism in CSCs, including the role of key regulatory enzymes, inhibitors, and the contribution of autophagy in maintaining lipid homeostasis. These recent findings may provide critical insights for identifying novel pharmacological targets for effective anticancer treatment.

Autoantibodies towards HFE and SYT5 in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis relapse.

Identification of those at high and low risk of disease relapse is a major unmet need in the management of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Precise stratification would allow tailoring of immunosuppressive medication. We profiled the autoantibody repertoire of AAV patients in remission to identify novel autoantibodies associated with relapse risk. Plasma samples collected from 246 AAV patients in remission were screened for novel autoantibodies using in-house generated protein arrays including 42 000 protein fragments representing 18 000 unique human proteins. Patients were categorized based on the occurrence and frequency of relapses. We modelled the association between these antibodies and relapse occurrence using descriptive and high dimensional regression approaches. We observed nine autoantibodies at higher frequency in samples from AAV patients experiencing multiple relapses compared with patients in long-term remission off therapy (LTROT). LASSO analysis identified six autoantibodies that exhibited an association with relapse occurrence after sample collection. Antibodies targeting HFE and SYT5 were identified as associated with relapse in both analyses. Through a broad protein array-based autoantibody screening, we identified two novel autoantibodies directed against HFE and SYT5 as candidate biomarkers of relapse in AAV.

Long-term retreatment outcomes after definitive management of Graves’ disease with radioactive iodine versus surgery

BackgroundCommon treatments for Graves’ disease include antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine (RAI), and surgery. RAI avoids surgical morbidity, but rate and durability of remission varies across studies. This study directly compared the long-term results of Graves’ disease treated by surgery versus RAI and hypothesized that RAI would be associated with lower rates of long-term biochemical remission and higher likelihood of retreatment. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included individuals diagnosed with Graves’ disease who were treated surgically, with RAI, or both at a tertiary referral center. Definitive retreatment was defined as additional RAI or surgery after index treatment, and retreatment was defined as requiring ATD or a second definitive treatment after index treatment. Remission was defined by normalization of thyroid stimulating hormone without retreatment at 6 months. ResultsIndex definitive therapy was total thyroidectomy for 72 patients and RAI for 104 patients. The median follow-up time was 3.6 years. The rate of remission at 6 months in the RAI group (68.8%) was lower than that in the surgery group (98.6%) (odds ratio: 0.03, P < .001). Patients who underwent index RAI experienced a significantly higher cumulative incidence of any retreatment at all time points than those who underwent index surgery (P < .001). Among RAI patients who achieved euthyroidism within 6 months, 19% developed subsequent relapse requiring ATD therapy or retreatment. ConclusionThe need for retreatment after index therapy for Graves’ disease is significantly lower after thyroidectomy than after RAI.

Long-term outcome of unilateral adrenalectomy for primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a form of Cushing's syndrome (CS) characterized by heterogeneous cortisol secretion and clinical comorbidities. Previously, bilateral adrenalectomy was the standard treatment for PBMAH, but this approach carried a high risk of primary adrenocortical insufficiency. In recent decades, unilateral adrenalectomy (U-Adx) has emerged as an effective alternative. However, limited research exists on its postoperative efficacy and prognostic predictors. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness and prognostic predictors of U-Adx in treating PBMAH. A total of 61 patients with PBMAH diagnosis who underwent U-Adx at a single center between 2004 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were categorized into persistent hypercortisolism and remission groups based on postoperative biochemical outcomes at the last follow-up (>12 months after U-Adx). Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum cortisol, and 24-h urinary-free cortisol (24-h UFC) levels were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. We further examined whether baseline plasma ACTH, serum cortisol, 24-h UFC levels, and the inhibition of cortisol and 24-h UFC after a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) could predict non-remission following U-Adx. Additionally, we explored the improvements in hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, osteoporosis, and other complications in patients with PBMAH post-U-Adx. After U-Adx, 22 of the 45 patients (48.89%) achieved initial remission within 6 months. At the last follow-up, 25 of the 45 patients underwent all required biochemical tests and cortisol assessment tests, among which eight of 25 (32.00%) were in remission and 17 of 25 (68.00%) were experiencing persistent hypercortisolism. Moreover, five of those 25 patients exhibited recurrence after initial remission. Baseline 24-h UFC level > 2 times the upper limit of normal (2ULN) and unsuppressed 24-h UFC after LDDST may predict persistent hypercortisolism postoperatively. Lastly, long-term postoperative follow-up revealed that hypertension decreased with hypercortisolism remission, whereas osteoporosis worsened with persistent hypercortisolism. The short-term remission rate of hypercortisolism was 48.89% in patients with PBMAH treated with U-Adx, while a long-term remission rate of 32.00% was achieved after a median follow-up of 38.58 months. Furthermore, this finding suggests that baseline 24-h UFC level > 2ULN and unsuppressed 24-h UFC after LDDST predict persistent hypercortisolism in the long-term post-U-Adx. Finally, U-Adx improved cortisol circadian rhythm alterations and ACTH suppression in the patients in the remission group, thereby substantially alleviating hypertension and delaying the development of osteoporosis linked to PBMAH.

7392 Unilateral Adrenal Embolization In Cushing Disease-A Lifesaving Emergent Procedure

Abstract Disclosure: M. Sadiq: None. B. Irshad: None. A. Haider: None. Case presentation: A 59-year-old female was diagnosed with Cushing Disease (CD) thirteen years ago with symptomatic hypercortisolism. Hypokalemia and elevated 24-hour urine cortisol (392 ug/24 hr, n 0-50 ug/24 hr) were noted at the time of diagnosis. Following LDDST, morning cortisol was 30.5 ug/dl, and HDDST showed greater than 50% suppression. A pituitary macroadenoma with bilateral cavernous sinus extension was noted on MRI Sella. Due to cavernous sinus invasion, she was not considered a surgical candidate and underwent Gamma knife radiation. 24-hour urine cortisol decreased significantly (20 ug/24 hours). Two years follow-up MRI brain showed an empty Sella and AM cortisol was noted to be normal at 12.2 ug/ dl with no evidence of AI. She was lost to follow-up and reestablished almost ten years after her initial gamma knife and was symptomatic from hypercortisolism. 24-hour urine cortisol at 85.4 mcg/24 hr, abnormal salivary cortisol x 2 (0.24 and 0.20 mcg/dl n &amp;lt; 0.09 mcg/dl) confirming hypercortisolism. MRI of Sella showed recurrent adenoma with bilateral sellar masses. She was referred to Neurosurgery and was started on Ketoconazole and Paseriotide once-monthly injections. She developed new onset diastolic heart failure &amp; upper GI bleeding, requiring hospitalization. High ACTH level of 668 pg/ml (n. 6.6- 65 pg/ ml). 8 am cortisol was 107.6 ug/dl which was suppressed to 16.1 after 8 mg overnight Decadron. Repeat Gamma knife was planned but due to her decline, it was decided to do unilateral adrenal artery embolization to reduce hypercortisolism. IR-guided adrenal artery embolization of the left middle &amp; inferior adrenal arteries was performed. She required stress dosing of HC post-embolization which was tapered off while monitoring 8 am cortisol which started to rise &amp; 24-hour cortisol levels were noted to be normal (51.2 mcg/24 H) on post-embolization day eight. Gamma knife radiation treatment was performed a month later after which she was noted to have GWS and required Hydrocortisone 15/10 mg twice daily, which she has been taking to date. 24-hour urine cortisol remains normal at 11.8 mcg/24 h. Discussion: Treatment for CD is primarily surgical. Radiotherapy is a second-line alternative in tumors that are non-amenable to surgery. Radiotherapy takes time to achieve its full effect. Cushing Disease patients with significant hypercortisolism and resultant complications require urgent treatment. Unilateral Adrenalectomy is described in literature to curb the cortisol burden . Similarly Unilateral Adrenal artery embolization offers less invasive approach to treat patients considered unfit for surgery. Conclusion: Unilateral adrenal artery embolization can be considered a bridging treatment in CD to reduce cortisol burden and improve the metabolic profile following which a more definitive treatment such as repeat surgery or radiotherapy can lead to long-term remission. Presentation: 6/1/2024

12342 Retrospective Multicenter Study Of Prolactinomas In Men

Abstract Disclosure: M.A. Guitelman: None. G. Cardenas: None. A. Rogozinski: None. C. Ballarino: None. M.F. Battistone: None. K. Danilowicz: None. S. Diez: None. P. Fainstein-Day: None. A. Furioso: None. V. Garcia Roel: None. M.S. Gonzalez Pernas: None. D.A. Katz: None. M.G. Loto: None. S. Mallea Gil: None. M.P. Manavela: None. M.S. Martinez: None. K.A. Miragaya: None. P. Slavinsky: None. S. Sosa: None. J. Tkatch: None. G. Tubert: None. M. Vitale: None. M. Glerean: None. Prolactinomas in men: a retrospective multicenter study Introduction and Objectives: prolactinomas in men have recently been included by the World Health Organization as a more aggressive tumor category due to their size, invasiveness and response to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate clinical, biochemical, and imaging characteristics, therapeutic response, and long-term evolution (outcome) of a cohort of men with prolactinoma. Patients and Methods: multicenter retrospective study including 311 men with prolactinoma. Initial clinical parameters, therapeutic modalities, PRL normalization rate and gonadal recovery, as well as tumor reduction were analyzed. The results were expressed as median (min-max range). Results: 35 micro (Mi) and 276 macroadenomas (Ma) were found (199 invasive, 71 Giant ≥4 cm). The median age at diagnosis was 41 (13-84) and 40 y-old (15-73) for micro and macro respectively. The most frequent reasons for consultation were symptoms of hypogonadism in patients with Mi, while visual disturbances, headache, and incidental findings were seen in patients with Ma. Apoplexy as presentation was observed in two patients with Ma. Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism was present in 90 % of patients in whole cohort. Median basal PRL was 144 in Mi and 1633 ng/ml in Ma. Treatment with cabergoline (CAB) was indicated in all but one patient with Ma who remitted after surgery. Normalization of PRL was achieved in 85.7% and 65.7% of Mi and Ma respectively. The median follow-up time was 48 months (6-240). Sixty-three Ma and only one Mi were submitted to surgery, 2 patients achieved remission criteria (Mi/Ma); a patient with micro experienced recurrence after 3 years, the remaining patients continued or started CAB after surgery. Ki-67 ≥3% was reported in 17/46 available pathologies. The maximum dose of CAB was 4.5 and 12 mg/wk , with a median of 0.5 and 1.5 mg/wk for Mi and Ma, respectively. Resistance to CAB (dose ≥3mg/week) occurred in 5.7% Mi and 35.4% Ma. Gonadal function recovery without testosterone requirement was achieved in 80% of Mi and 63% of Ma. Tumor remnant was observed in 34% and 49% of Mi and Ma respectively Ten patients with Ma received radiotherapy. Five patients presented CSF fistula during treatment with CAB, and another 3 impulse control disorder. One patient with carcinomatous transformation was treated with temozolomide. Conclusions: In our series of 311 men with prolactinomas, majority Ma consulted for neuro-ophthalmological symptoms, while hypogonadism was the most frequent initial symptom in Mi, despite the fact that 90% of the total population showed it at presentation. Giant, invasive and proliferative tumor were highly prevalent in Ma. Pharmacological treatment continues to be the first line of choice, with a high rate of normalization of PRL and recovery of gonadal function, but a low rate of long-term remission. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Dupilumab Induces Long-term On-Treatment Clinical Remission in Patients With Type 2 Asthma

Remission is proposed as a multicomponent outcome for patients with severe asthma. This post hoc analysis of QUEST (NCT02414854) and TRAVERSE (NCT02134028) evaluated whether dupilumab treatment leads to clinical asthma remission (≥12 months with no severe exacerbations, zero oral corticosteroids [OCS] use, stabilized or improved lung function, patient-reported asthma control <1.5) and assessed its durability in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe type 2 asthma (blood eosinophils ≥150 cells/μL or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥20 ppb at parent-study baseline) who are not on maintenance OCS. In QUEST, patients (≥12 years) were randomized to dupilumab 200/300 mg or placebo every 2 weeks (q2w) for 52 weeks. In TRAVERSE, all patients received dupilumab 300 mg q2w for up to 96 weeks. We assessed proportion of patients meeting criteria for on-treatment clinical remission up to 48 weeks of TRAVERSE. At QUEST baseline, 1040 patients receiving dupilumab and 544 on placebo had type 2 asthma; of those, 842 (dupilumab/dupilumab) and 437 (placebo/dupilumab) enrolled in TRAVERSE. At QUEST Week 52 (Year 1), 37.2% of patients receiving dupilumab met clinical remission criteria, compared with 22.2% on placebo (all P < .001). At Week 48 of TRAVERSE (Year 2 overall), 42.8% (dupilumab/dupilumab) and 33.4% (placebo/dupilumab) of patients met clinical remission criteria. Overall, 29.5% of patients in the dupilumab/dupilumab group met the criteria at both Years 1 and 2. Dupilumab treatment enabled approximately one-third of patients with type 2 asthma to meet the multicomponent endpoint for on-treatment clinical asthma remission for up to 2 years.

Remission of hypertension after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass: a systematic review of randomized control trials

BackgroundBesides its benefits for weight loss, current findings suggest that bariatric surgery can induce remission of hypertension. Limited data report the effect of bariatric surgery on this obesity-associated comorbidity. ObjectiveCompare the short-term, mid-term, and long-term remission of hypertension after sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass MethodsFour databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on hypertension remission at <1 year, 2–4 years, and ≥5 years. Patients with a history of hypertension and who had primary bariatric surgery were included. ResultsAfter reviewing 11,814 studies, only 11 RCTs were included. In total, the analysis included 2323 patients, with 1158 in the SG group (49.85%) and 1165 in the RYGB group (50.15%). It was found that SG and RYGB procedures had comparable hypertension remission at ≤1 year (Relative risk: 1.11, 95% CI .83–1.48, P = .49), and between 2 and 4 years (Relative risk: 1.11, 95% CI .90–1.37, P = .34). However, there was a significant difference in hypertension remission at ≥ 5 years, favoring RYGB (relative risk: 1.39, 95% CI 1.06–1.82, P = .02). ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrates that RYGB is superior to SG in resolving hypertension beyond 5 years postoperatively. These findings highlight the long-term benefits of RYGB over SG in managing hypertension, providing valuable insights for surgical decision-making and patient counseling.

Predictors of Durable Remission After Successful Surgery for Cushing Disease: Results From the Multicenter RAPID Registry.

Cushing disease (CD) affects mortality and quality of life along with limited long-term remission, underscoring the need to better identify recurrence risk. The identification of surgical or imaging predictors for CD remission after transsphenoidal surgery has yielded some inconsistent results and has been limited by single-center, single-surgeon, or meta-analyses studies. We sought to evaluate the multicenter Registry of Adenomas of the Pituitary and Related Disorders (RAPID) database of academic US pituitary centers to assess whether robust nonhormonal recurrence predictors could be elucidated. Patients with treated CD from 2011 to 2023 were included. The perioperative and long-term characteristics of CD patients with and without recurrence were assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses. Of 383 patients with CD from 26 surgeons achieving postoperative remission, 288 (75.2%) maintained remission at last follow-up while 95 (24.8%) showed recurrence (median time to recurrence 9.99 ± 1.34 years). Patients with recurrence required longer postoperative hospital stays (5 ± 3 vs 4 ± 2 days, P = .002), had larger average tumor volumes (1.76 ± 2.53 cm 3 vs 0.49 ± 1.17 cm 3 , P = .0001), and more often previously failed prior treatment (31.1% vs 14.9%, P = .001) mostly being prior surgery. Multivariable hazard prediction models for tumor recurrence found younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, P = .002) and Knosp grade of 0 (OR = 0.09, reference Knosp grade 4, P = .03) to be protective against recurrence. Comparison of Knosp grade 0 to 2 vs 3 to 4 showed that lower grades had reduced risk of recurrence (OR = 0.27, P = .04). Other factors such as length of stay, surgeon experience, prior tumor treatment, and Knosp grades 1, 2, or 3 failed to reach levels of statistical significance in multivariable analysis. This multicenter study centers suggests that the strongest predictors of recurrence include tumor size/invasion and age. This insight can help with patient counseling and prognostication. Long-term follow-up is necessary for patients, and early treatment of small tumors may improve outcomes.

Long-term remission of Hailey-Hailey disease by Er:YAG ablative laser therapy.

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare genetic therapy-resistant blistering disease with great disease burden. Treatment is currently focused on symptomatic relief. Er:YAG ablative laser therapy is a therapeutic modality with promising results, though evidence is currently scarce. To analyse the effect of Er:YAG ablative laser therapy on clinical remission of erosive plaques in HHD and on patient's quality of life (QoL). In this observational study eight patients were included and 77 erosive plaques were treated once only by Er:YAG laser and assessed for clinical remission. QoL was evaluated by obtaining Skindex-29 and DLQI questionnaires before laser therapy, 6 weeks and 3 years after laser therapy. Skin biopsies were taken to evaluate the depth of laser ablation. The intercellular distance between keratinocytes, the number of desmosomes and intermediate filament distribution were studied by electron microscopy before and after laser therapy and in clinically uninvolved skin and were compared to subjects without HHD. One single Er:YAG laser ablation to mid-dermis resulted in complete remission of 97.4% of HHD plaques (75/77) after median 38 months (range 7-63 months) and significantly improved QoL. Laser therapy restored the number of desmosomes, decreased intercellular distance and diminished perinuclear retraction of keratin filaments to a level comparable to the patient's clinically uninvolved skin. After laser ablation, the skin showed significantly fewer ultrastructural aberrations compared to the patient's clinically uninvolved skin and rather resembled the skin of healthy control individuals. One single Er:YAG laser treatment resulted in long-term remission of HHD and significantly improved QoL. Our findings support a greater role for ablative laser surgery in the management of this recalcitrant disorder.

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.