Low-dose Oral Corticosteroids Research Articles

Methylprednisolone taper is an effective addition to multimodal pain regimens after total shoulder arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial: 2022 Neer Award winner

Perioperative corticosteroids have shown potential as nonopioid analgesic adjuncts for various orthopedic pathologies, but there is a lack of research on their use in the postoperative setting after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a methylprednisolone taper on a multimodal pain regimen after TSA. This study was a randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03661645) of opioid-naive patients undergoing TSA. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative dexamethasone only (control group) or intraoperative dexamethasone followed by a 6-day oral methylprednisolone (Medrol) taper course (treatment group). All patients received the same standardized perioperative pain management protocol. Standardized pain journal entries were used to record visual analog pain scores (VAS-pain), VAS-nausea scores, and quantity of opioid tablet consumption during the first 7 postoperative days (POD). Patients were followed for at least one year postoperatively for clinical evaluation, collection of patient-reported outcomes, and observation of complications. A total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study; 32 in the control group and 35 in the treatment group. The groups had similar demographics and comorbidities. The treatment group demonstrated a reduction in mean VAS pain scores over the first 7 POD. Between POD 1 and POD 7, patients in the control group consumed an average of 17.6 oxycodone tablets while those in the treatment group consumed an average of 5.5 tablets. This equated to oral morphine equivalents of 132.1 and 41.1 for the control and treatment groups, respectively. There were fewer opioid-related side effects during the first postoperative week in the treatment group. The treatment group reported improved VAS pain scores at 2-week, 6-week, and 12-week postoperatively. There were no differences in Europe Quality of Life, shoulder subjective value (SSV), at any time point between groups, although American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire scores showed a slight improvement at 6-weeks in the treatment group. At mean follow-up, (control group: 23.4months; treatment group:19.4months), there was 1 infection in the control group and 1 postoperative cubital tunnel syndrome in the treatment group. No other complications were reported. A methylprednisolone taper course shows promise in reducing acute pain and opioid consumption as part of a multimodal regimen following TSA. As a result of this study, we have included this 6-day methylprednisolone taper course in our multimodal regimen for all primary shoulder arthroplasties. We hope this trial serves as a foundation for future studies on the use of low-dose oral corticosteroids and other nonnarcotic modalities to control pain after shoulder surgeries.

Assessing the Efficacy of Steroids as a Single Modality Treatment for Kimura Disease: A Retrospective Analysis.

Kimura disease is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder, that usually affects the head and neck sites. The use of steroid for its management has been long reviewed in literature alongside immune suppression, but there are only few studies that compare the efficacy of steroid as a single modality treatment for the same. A middle-aged patient, hailing from southern state of India, presented to our outpatient clinic with right sided facial swelling for 2 years. Patient was diagnosed as a case of kimura disease of head and neck with cytological analysis and other investigations. Patient was managed medically with low dose oral corticosteroids and followed up for 6 months. This is a retrospective analysis of the efficacy of this single modality treatment. Patients with Kimura disease with no renal involvement, low dose oral corticosteroids can be tried as a single modality treatment, provided there are no contra indications for the same. Although long term follow up is essential to look for recurrence rates and associated long term benefits for the same.

Conquering pyoderma gangrenosum: exploring non-steroidal treatment options

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis frequently related to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and often associated with exacerbation of intestinal disease and/or loss of treatment efficacy. The mainstay of treatment is long-term immunosuppression, often with high doses of corticosteroids or low doses of ciclosporin. PG has been reported to respond to TNF alpha inhibitors. We report a patient of recalcitrant PG who responded very well to treatment with golimumab. A 61-year-old known case of PG since 4 years, who also had history of hypertension, pulmonary TB (treated), had been treated with dapsone, thalidomide, colchicine and corticosteroids in the past with partial response and frequent relapses. In February 2021, the patient while being on low-dose oral corticosteroids and colchicine, presented with large painful ulcer over back of his right thigh, which rapidly worsened. In agreement with the pulmonologist, the patient was started on Injection golimumab in addition to intravenous dexamethasone with slow tapering of steroid dosage following the improvement of the cutaneous lesion. Patient reported a near-total resolution of lesion after two doses. He is maintaining well with golimumab. PG can be poorly responsive despite adequate treatment with conventional modalities. High dose steroid therapy with all expected iatrogenic complications and treatment with cyclosporine in such an elderly patient with hypertension and history of tuberculosis seemed to be inappropriate. For all these reasons, a treatment with the TNF alpha inhibitor golimumab, appeared to be the most reasonable therapeutic choice for a patient.

Rheumatoid meningitis: a rare neurological complication of rheumatoid arthritis.

To describe the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of rheumatoid meningitis (RM) in Chinese patients. The patients admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of RM in the past 8 years were retrospectively analyzed. Six patients with RM were identified among 933 patients admitted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The symptoms of meningitis occurred after onset of arthritis in five patients and before onset in one. Headache (n=6), hyperacute focal neurological deficits (n=4) and seizures (n=3) were the most prevalent symptoms. The nadir modified Rankin Scale score was ≥3 in five patients. Rheumatoid factor was elevated in all patients, and interleukin-6 levels in cerebrospinal fluid were dramatically elevated in three of four tested patients. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed that the meninges were affected in all patients and the cerebral parenchyma was affected in one patient. The lesions were generally located in the frontoparietal region and showed restricted diffusion along the adjacent subarachnoid space. RM occurred during disease-modifying therapy in four patients. In the acute episode, three patients improved on tocilizumab and the other three improved on pulse corticosteroids. For maintenance therapy, two patients received combined therapy of tocilizumab and other immunosuppressive agents, one received adalimumab and methotrexate, and two received low-dose oral corticosteroids with an immunosuppressive agent. Five patients had a good outcome, and one died of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after stabilization of his neurologic conditions. No relapse of RM occurred on immunotherapy during follow-up. Chinese patients with RM share some remarkable clinical and neuroimaging features and respond well to appropriate immunotherapy. Tocilizumab could be a treatment option for this severe complication of RA.

Effective Role of Teledermatology in Managing Chronic Urticaria Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sir, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common dermatological disorder characterized by pruritus and weals with or without angioedema. More than 50 million patients are affected globally by CU.[1] Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a threat even today, disrupting the healthcare systems and patient care. Patients with CU are also affected by the variable durations of lockdowns, social distancing measures, and travel restrictions. CU may be severe at times, requiring immediate medical care. However, usual patients of CU can be managed through teledermatology effectively. Teledermatology is a way of communication where personal information such as age, gender, medical history, and images of the skin lesions are shared by a patient to a physician. It can have real-time online consultation (synchronous) with a physician or can undertake sharing personal information through E-mails and messaging platforms (store-and forward technique, asynchronous), which is the most widely used method. Teledermatology can also be hybrid where both asynchronous and synchronous can be combined.[2] A multicenter study by Kocatürk et al.[1] which shared the experiences of Urticaria centers of Reference and Excellence (UCAREs) during this pandemic in managing CU found that there was a significant decrease in the face-to-face consultations during the pandemic due to obvious reasons and simultaneous increase in the teleconsultations by 600%. They have also mentioned that remote consultations have been a useful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the long-term consequences of remote care of CU patients are yet to be characterized. There have been a few studies regarding the long-term outcomes of telehealth especially for allergy consultations. Waibel[3] found that both new and follow-up visits to the allergist were well complied by patients and demonstrated significant monetary savings. In another multicenter study by Waibel et al.,[4] tele-allergy supported most of the patients without in-person consultation with high patient satisfaction and significant time and cost savings. We have been interviewing and providing consultations to CU patients during the pandemic. Most of the old patients under follow-up are satisfied by the teledermatology. However, new-onset urticaria with fever needs attention and face-to-face consultation in lieu of early manifestation of COVID-19. CU patients do not require vigorous mucocutaneous examinations to be performed at every visit in face-to-face consultations. Patient’s disease exacerbations or control can be objectively calculated through the valid Urticaria Activity Scores over 7 days and Urticaria Control Test, which can well be filled and discussed through telephonic consultations or Internet and communication technologies (ICTs). Moreover, antihistamines dosages can also be titrated in CU patients with disease exacerbations or remissions through teledermatology and may alleviate the need to visit the centers amidst the pandemic. Patients have been treating using teledermatology with updosing of antihistamines or short course of corticosteroids to control CU. A recent study during the COVID-19 pandemic by Thomas et al.[5] which was performed in a tertiary allergy center with 23.2% of urticaria/angioedema referrals found that teleconsultation-based allergy service models may be more time and cost-effective and also improve patient accessibility to a specialized care. None of the studies during the literature search demonstrated any counter to remote consultation of urticaria/angioedema during the pandemic. It is also recommended to maintain the ongoing treatments with antihistamines and omalizumab during the present pandemic, but to be cautious with the use of immunosuppressives for CU.[1] This can well be monitored through teledermatology. However, in a resistant-CU patient, short courses of low-dose oral corticosteroids and cyclosporine may be utilized for disease control. Treating dermatologists or allergists should be cautious and should not forbid their use. Recalcitrant or refractory CU in the COVID-19 pandemic may be treated with short courses of corticosteroids and cyclosporine as there are reports of improved clinical outcomes with cyclosporine and low-dose corticosteroids treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19.[6] The experience with teleconsultation or ICTs has been satisfactory as per various studies. Moreover, in our experience also, it provided a great relief and satisfaction to the urticaria patients especially who required tailoring of dosages and counseling regularly. Monitoring patients with CU on treatment may be well managed by teledermatology as there is no requirement of repeated clinical examination in already-established cases of CU. Validated scores and questionnaires are sufficient to assess the disease severity or disease control in CU patients and can be obtained through teleconsultation or ICTs. Non-face-to-face consultations during COVID-19 in CU patients may be more time saving and cost effective; moreover, it may also significantly decrease the chances of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection. However, face-to-face consultations may not be replaced fully by teleconsultations using ICTs, but it may be an effective alternative during the present pandemic. Further, large and long-term studies are required in future to provide much improved and validated results. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Beclomethasone dipropionate: efficacy and safety of the administration by nebulization.

The advent of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) brought a revolution in the management of asthma, representing now the cornerstone in this pathological condition treatment. Indeed, these drugs have clearly shown to possess a high degree of both efficacy and safety. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is the first molecule tested in the early 1970s. When administered via nebulizers or pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI), BDP was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms frequency and severity in asthmatic patients, even in those previously treated with low-dose oral corticosteroids. The drug was thus produced to be administered by nebulization or via pMDI. Nebulizers are a practical and efficient tool for administering inhaled drugs in patients of all degree of severity and belonging to all ages, but are especially useful for those unable to utilize other inhaler devices correctly. BDP aerosolization, when generated by modern pneumatic nebulizers, can deliver particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) value of 2.9-3.7 µm. This ability allows the deposition of the drug in small caliber airways, and considerably reduces the amount of drug deposited in the oropharynx, thus improving this molecule pharmacokinetics. This review aims to analyze the factors influencing the efficacy and safety of ICS, evaluating in detail the characteristics of BDP administered by nebulization.

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of standard care versus steroids plus standard care for treatment of pneumonia in adults admitted to Kenyan hospitals (SONIA)

Background: It is unclear if adjunctive steroid therapy reduces mortality in community-acquired pneumonia, as very few studies have had mortality as a primary outcome. This question has become even more relevant following demonstration of a mortality benefit of dexamethasone when used in patients with COVID-19 who had severe disease. This has led to increased prescription of steroids in adults with community acquired pneumonia in low-resource settings even when their COVID-19 diagnosis is uncertain due to low testing rates. This pragmatic parallel randomised-controlled open-label trial will determine if adjunctive low-dose steroids for treatment of adults admitted to hospital with community acquired pneumonia whose SARS-CoV-2 status is either unknown or negative reduces mortality. Methods: We will enroll and randomize 2180 patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia into two arms; in Stratum A-participants will receive standard care for the treatment of community acquired pneumonia. In Stratum B-participants will receive a 10-day course of low-dose oral corticosteroids in addition to standard care. All participants will be followed up to 30 days post randomization and their final status recorded (alive or dead). An immunology sub study will be conducted on a subset of the trial participants (50 per arm) to determine the correlation of pre-existing and treatment induced immune and metabolic changes with study outcomes. Discussion: Mortality among adults admitted to hospital with community acquired pneumonia in resource-limited settings is high. Steroids are readily available in these settings. If the addition of steroids to standard care for community acquired pneumonia is found to be beneficial, this easily scalable intervention would significantly reduce the currently high mortality associated with the illness.

Successful treatment of exanthematous lichen planus in a young adult with low dose oral corticosteroid and isotretinoin.

Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin and mucosal membranes often with a chronic course lasting months to years with episodes of relapses. Classically it presents as flat topped, purple, polygonal, pruritic papules on the volar aspect of wrists and forearms, ankles, lower legs, and lumbo-sacral spine. We report a young woman with an exanthematous/eruptive variant of lichen planus who had a sudden outbreak of multiple papules and plaques all over the body with relative sparing of head and neck region. Eruptive lichen planus is rarely reported in adults and effective treatments are not well documented. We prescribed a short course of oral corticosteroid to which the patient did not respond. This was followed by oral isotretinoin and there was dramatic improvement in her symptoms and cutaneous lesions. A short course of oral corticosteroid followed with oral isotretinoin may be considered as a valuable management plan for exanthematous lichen planus. This combination may avoid serious adverse effects of both drugs when prescribed in high doses.

Pooled safety results across phase 3 randomized trials of intravenous golimumab in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

BackgroundIntravenous (IV) golimumab, a TNFi, is approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We analyzed pooled safety results from three phase 3 IV golimumab trials in these rheumatologic diseases and hypothesized that the safety profile of IV golimumab would be similar to that established for other TNFi, including subcutaneous golimumab.MethodsData from three double-blind, randomized trials of IV golimumab in patients with RA, PsA, and AS, each with a placebo-controlled period and an extension of active treatment, were included. Golimumab 2 mg/kg was administered at weeks 0 and 4, then every 8 weeks through week 100 (RA) or week 52 (PsA, AS). Concomitant low-dose, oral corticosteroids were permitted. Concomitant methotrexate was required in the RA trial and permitted in the PsA and AS trials; placebo patients crossed over to golimumab at weeks 24 (RA, PsA) and 16 (AS), respectively. Adverse events (AEs), including infections, serious infections, malignancies, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), were assessed through week 112 (RA) or week 60 (PsA, AS).ResultsIn total, 539 patients were randomized to placebo, and 740 patients were randomized to golimumab; 1248 patients received ≥ 1 golimumab administration. Among the placebo and golimumab patients, respectively, during the placebo-controlled periods, 40.6% and 50.3% had an AE, 2.4% and 3.8% had a serious AE, and 0.4% and 0.8% had a serious infection. Among all golimumab-treated patients, the numbers of events/100 patient-years (95% CI) were as follows: AEs, 175.2 (169.0, 181.6); serious AEs, 12.7 (11.0, 14.5); serious infections, 3.4 (2.5, 4.4); active tuberculosis, 0.4 (0.1, 0.8); opportunistic infection, 0.2 (0.1, 0.6); malignancies, 0.4 (0.2, 0.9), and MACE, 0.5 (0.2, 1.0). There were no cases of lymphoma. Three (0.6%) placebo-treated patients and 6 (0.5%) golimumab-treated patients died during the studies. Concomitant methotrexate was associated with increased occurrence of elevated alanine transaminase levels and lower incidence of antibodies to golimumab. During the placebo-controlled periods, serious infections in the placebo and golimumab groups were more common in patients receiving concomitant low-dose oral corticosteroids vs. those not receiving corticosteroids.ConclusionsIV golimumab demonstrated a safety profile that was broadly consistent across these rheumatologic indications and with other TNFi, including subcutaneous golimumab. Concomitant methotrexate or corticosteroids were associated with an increase in specific AEs.Trial registrationsClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00973479. Registered on September 9, 2009. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02181673. Registered on July 4, 2014. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02186873. Registered on July 10, 2014.

Low-dose oral corticosteroids in asthma associates with increased morbidity and mortality.

Long-term oral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment for severe asthma is known to cause significant adverse effects, but knowledge on effects of lower exposures in general asthma populations is limited. We aimed to explore this in a nationwide Danish asthma population. Users of asthma medication aged 18-45 years were identified in the Danish nationwide registers during 1999-2018 and followed prospectively in an open-cohort design. Incident OCS users were matched 1:4 to nonusers by propensity scores with replacement. Associations between OCS use and incident comorbidities were examined by Cox regression. Mortality rates, causes of death and rates of unscheduled hospital visits were assessed. OCS users (n=30 352) had, compared with nonusers (n=121 408), an increased risk of all outcomes with evident dose-response relationships starting at cumulative doses of ≤500 mg (prednisolone-equivalent). Hazard ratios ranged from 1.24 (95% CI 1.18-1.30) for fractures to 8.53 (95% CI 3.97-18.33) for adrenal insufficiency. Depression/anxiety had the highest incidence rate difference at 4.3 (95% CI 3.6-5.0) per 1000 person-years. Asthma-specific mortality rates were generally low at 0.15 (95% CI 0.11-0.20) and 0.04 (95% CI 0.02-0.06) per 1000 person-years for OCS users and nonusers, respectively. Mortality rates and unscheduled hospital visits increased with increasing OCS exposure. The study findings should be interpreted with their observational nature in mind. However, we found that even at low cumulative exposure, OCS use in asthma management was associated with increased risk of comorbidities, mortality and unscheduled hospital visits. Effective strategies for optimising asthma control and reducing OCS use are pivotal in asthma management.

Comparison of low dose oral Methotrexate vs Systemic Corticosteroids for treatment of Oral Lichen Planus

Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder. WHO considers OLP a premalignant lesion. This makes management of OLP important to avoid its malignant transformation. Corticosteroids are considered as the first-line of treatment. Different other treatment modalities are also in use for OLP. But there is no statistically significant data available for a particular therapy. The recent evidences suggest methotrexate may effectively be used in low dose in the treatment of OLP. Aim: To compare the frequency of complete resolution of mucosal lesions of oral lichen planus with low dose oral methotrexate versus systemic corticosteroids. Methods: It was a randomized control trial conducted at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital Lahore in six months. A sample of 60 patients was divided into two sub groups namely Group -A (methotrexate) and Group - B (corticosteroid) using lottery method. More than 75% resolution of mucosal lesions clinically was considered as complete resolution at the end of 8th week. Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.55±12.38 years. On 8th week, frequency of complete resolution of mucosal lesions was 73.3% in Group A and 60% in Group B with an insignificant difference (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Methotrexate group A showed more complete resolution of mucosal lesions than corticosteroid group B with insignificant statistical difference. Keywords: Oral Lichen Planus, Mucosal lesions, Malignant transformation, Methotrexate, Corticosteroids

The Outcome of Prompt Concomitant Single-Dose High-Concentration Intratympanic and Tapered Low-Dose Oral Systemic Corticosteroid Treatment for Sudden Deafness.

To investigate the efficacy of prompt concomitant corticosteroid treatment with single application of high-concentration intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone and tapered low-dose systemic methylprednisolone of an idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Between September 2017 and September 2019, 86 adult patients met the criteria for the diagnosis of ISSNHL at baseline evaluation. The patients received immediate concomitant treatment with single high-concentration (24 mg/mL) IT dexamethasone and low-dose (48 mg) oral methylprednisolone for 1 week followed by tapered doses. Improvement in pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) was determined after 1 and 6 months. A total of 63 patients met the requirements for the analysis. PTA improved in 71% and WRS improved in 59% of patients with ISSNHL. PTA and WRS were statistically significantly different at different time points during the intervention (p<0.0005). Hearing improved in all measured frequencies from 125 to 8000 Hz until the second follow-up. In 65.4% of patients with tinnitus, the WRS has improved compared with 27.3% without tinnitus (p<0.05). In 69.2% of patients without vertigo, the WRS has improved compared with 41.7% with vertigo (p<0.05). Prompt concomitant single high-concentration IT and low-dose systemic corticosteroid treatment is efficient in recovering hearing loss and speech discrimination in ISSNHL. Tinnitus positively predicts hearing outcome. Vertigo negatively predicts speech discrimination recovery.

P0357VALIDATION OF THE ANCA RENAL RISK SCORE IN A LONDON COHORT: POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TREATMENT ON PREDICTION OUTCOME

Abstract Background and Aims A renal risk score was recently developed to predict the risk of progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN). The score defines three risk groups, each with distinct renal survival at 36 months: 68% of high-risk patients reaching ESKD, compared to 26% and 0% in the medium- and low-risk groups, respectively. The majority of patients (101/115) used to define the risk score were treated with IV cyclophosphamide and steroids. At our centre, we employ a combined low-dose IV cyclophosphamide, rituximab and oral corticosteroid induction regimen, with or without plasma exchange (PEX) depending on disease severity, for ANCA-GN. A recent cohort study suggested this combination regimen may lead to better renal survival. We thus hypothesized that choice of remission-induction treatment may affect prediction accuracy of the risk tool. We retrospectively test the validity of the ANCA renal risk score in patients with ANCA-GN treated at our centre. Method All patients with newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven ANCA-GN from 2006-19 were identified from local renal histopathology database. Patients with relapsing ANCA-GN, EGPA, other coexisting GN, or missing data on induction therapy or eventual renal outcome were excluded. ANCA-negative pauci-immune GN was included. Baseline demographics, ANCA serology, initial therapy and parameters in the ANCA risk score (including % normal glomeruli, % tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis (TAIF), and estimated glomerular filtration rate were collected. All patients were stratified using the risk tool and Kaplan Meier survival analysis was applied to examine the ESKD prediction. Subgroup analysis was then performed for patients who received the combination regimen of cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Results 178 patients with a median follow up of 44 month were included in the analysis. The median age was 62 years and 82 patients (46%) were female. 94(53%) were MPO-ANCA positive, 66(37%) PR3-ANCA positive, 15 (8%) ANCA-negative, and 3 (2%) were double PR3/MPO-ANCA positive. 148 (83%) patients received the combination regimen, and 45 had concurrent PEX. Total of 37 (21%) patients reached ESKD. 29 (78%) of these, developed ESKD within 36 months of initial diagnosis. Using the risk score, 64(36%), 76(43%) and 38(21%) patients were deemed low-, medium- and high-risk, respectively. Very distinct poor renal survival at 36 months was seen in high-risk group (55% reaching ESKD, p&amp;lt;0.01), but was less apparent between low- (95%) and medium-risk (90%)(p=0.052) (Figure1); In the subgroup of patients treated with combination regimen without concurrent PEX, the high-risk subgroup continues to demonstrate poor renal survival at 36 months (60% ESKD), but renal survival between low- and medium-risk group were comparable (0 and 2% respectively, p=0.57) (Figure 2). Conclusion In our cohort, the ANCA Renal Risk Score reliably predicted rapid ESKD progression at 36-month in high-risk patients, but was less accurate for distinguishing patients with low-and medium-risk. The subgroup analysis suggested combined cyclophosphamide and rituximab therapy may have modified long-term renal outcome especially in the medium-risk cohort, influencing the accuracy of the prediction tool. Large multi-centre cohorts are required to further evaluate the potential impact of treatment on predicting outcome.

Atopic Dermatitis in Older Adults: A Review of Treatment Options

Atopic dermatitis (AD) in older adults (elderly AD) has recently emerged as a newly defined subgroup of AD. When selecting treatment options, clinical characteristics of elderly AD and age-specific factors of older patients must be considered. As in other age groups, regular application of moisturizers in combination with topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, adjunctive administration of oral antihistamines/anti-allergic drugs, and avoidance of exacerbating factors comprise basic treatments for elderly AD. For moderate-to-severe cases and/or in those with a decreased ability to use topical treatments, powerful anti-inflammatory treatments may become necessary as additional treatment options. While low-dose oral corticosteroids may be useful for cases of elderly AD, careful attention should be paid to adverse effects. Oral cyclosporine (ciclosporin) is less commonly used due to the increased risk of malignancy and organ toxicity in older patients with AD. Narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy may also be useful for older patients, although the necessity of frequent hospital visits for irradiation therapy may become a burden of disease for such patients. As a biologic, dupilumab therapy markedly improves skin lesions and itch in older patients with AD, with a rapid response and non-serious adverse effects. Nevertheless, injection pain, expensive medical care, and regular follow-up every 2 weeks are disadvantages of dupilumab therapy. Therefore, clinicians must prioritize individualized treatment options that will reduce the burden of disease for cases of elderly AD.

Integrating high dose inhaled corticosteroids into oral corticosteroids stewardship

Uncertainties still surround high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) use in asthma. In hindsight, certain aspects of the ICS development story can help elucidate why. In 1973, Cameron et al. [1] signed a brilliant paper reporting the results of a double blind, randomised controlled trial demonstrating the oral corticosteroid (OCS)-sparing effect of ICS as the primary outcome. A few years later, the assessment of this benefit was mitigated when a complete weaning of OCS remained unachievable [2]. The benefit of ICS was therefore understood to be mostly based on an improved safety profile purportedly due to reduced systemic diffusion. Thus, the understanding of how ICS was of any benefit to asthma patients when compared to OCS was mostly based on a greater safety profile supposedly due to a reduced systemic diffusion. Similarly, topically administered corticosteroids were also developed in the same time period for diseases affecting the skin, the eyes, the nose or the joints. As for ICS, whether or not these formulations reduce corticosteroid-associated adverse events remains largely debated [3]. If high doses of ICS are equivalent to low dose OCS, they should be considered as such <http://bit.ly/2CYssfB>

P4434The first report of significantly improvement of NT-proBNP level in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with tofacitinib during 12-month follow-up

Abstract Objectives To prospectively investigate the effect of tofacitinib (TOFA), the first oral reversible inhibitor of JAK approved for RA treatment, on the levels of NT-proBNP, as a predictor of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients (pt) with active RA. Methods Twenty six RA pt (median age 54 [40; 62] years, 81% female, disease duration 44 [24; 63,0] month (m), moderate to high activity (SDAI–27 (22; 35)), positive for ACCP (73%)/RF (77%), who were non-responders to methotrexate (MTX) at least 15 mg/week and other synthetic DMARDs) free of clinical overt cardiovascular disease were treated with TOFA and followed for 12 m. TOFA therapy was started in all pt in dose 5 mg BID per os with dose escalation to 10 mg BID in 8 (31%) pt. TOFA used in combination with MTX in 24 (92%) pt, leflunomide in 1 (4%). Low-dose oral corticosteroids (&lt;10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) were received by 9 (35%) pt. Remission was achieved in 38,5% (SDAI). Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and the NT-proBNP levels were measured at baseline and after 12m. At baseline the most of pt had multiple CVRF and subclinical organ damage. Cardioprotective therapy received 16 (57%) pt (beta-AB–7, ARA/ACE inhibitors–11, statins–11, dihydropyridine CCB-7). Twenty controls matched for CVRF were included for comparison of normal NT-proBNP levels. Results The NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in RA pt than in the control group (median 62.2 (26.9–101.7) pg/mL vs 44.0 (34.0–54.3) pg/mL, p&lt;0.05). At baseline NT-proBNP level was higher in female than in male (p=0,019). All 3 (11,5%) RA pt with a NT-proBNP level over 125 pg/mL were asymptomatic and exhibited normal echocardiography. Median SDAI were significantly reduced following TOFA treatment (from 26.8 to 4.7, p&lt;0.001, respectively). During follow-up, no RA pt exhibited a cardiovascular event or CHF. NT-proBNP levels decreased by 63% over the 12-m of TOFA treatment (from 62.16 pg/mL to 14.8 pg/mL, p=0.011). The incidence rate of arterial hypertention (58% vs 65%), overweight (62% vs 62%), abdominal obesity (58% vs 62%), smokers (27% vs 27%), menopausal status (52% vs 52%), DM type 2 (7% vs 7%), mSCORE≥5% (23% vs 27%), subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (58% vs 58%) did not change significantly. An increase in body mass index (BMI) was observed from 26.5 [22.9; 29.0] to 26.9 [24.0; 30.1], p&lt;0.001 and in HDL level from 1.37 [1.06; 1.87] to 1.90 [1.29; 2.16], p&lt;0.01. The percentage change in the NT-proBNP level significantly correlated with the percentage change in the BMI (r=0,6, p=0,007), SDAI (r=0.51, p=0.009). Changes in NT-proBNP levels in RA pt with remission was greater than that observed in pt who didn't achieve remission (−87% vs −26%, p=0,005). The percentage change in the NT-proBNP level was not correlated with the percentage change in other CVRF. Conclusion TOFA decreased the NT-proBNP level in patients with RA without clinical overt cardiovascular disease and CHF. TOFA may have a cardioprotective effect in those with active RA.

12. Dramatic improvement of chronic pleural effusion with abatacept treatment in longstanding rheumatoid arthritis, after chest sepsis during treatment with anti-TNF-α

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disorder, with various pulmonary manifestations, including parenchymal disease (interstitial lung disease), inflammation of the pleura (thickening and effusions), and inflammation of the airways and pulmonary vasculature (vasculitis and pulmonary hypertension). These changes may reflect chronic immune activation, increased susceptibility to infection, or direct toxicity from disease modifying or biological therapy. This case report describes a 69-year-old male with longstanding seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who developed severe pneumonia during adalimumab treatment, with subsequent persistent right basal pleural effusion. Treatment with abatacept has resulted in remission with significant decrease in size of the pleural effusion.

Recent advances in risk prediction, therapeutics and pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the world's commonest primary glomerular disease with variable clinical presentation and progression rates that are dependent on clinical-pathologic phenotype and duration of follow-up. Overall 4-40% of patients progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) by 10 years. Treatment decisions remain a challenge due to these variations. The ultimate goal of management is to prevent progression to ESKD and of vital importance is the potential reversible early detection of active glomerular inflammation prior to scarring. IgAN is globally, is the most common biopsy proven glomerulonephritis and a leading cause of ESKD. The Oxford pathological classification was devised by a collaborative pathology and nephrology network to provide an evidence-based scoring system with reproducible independent pathology features of predictive value. Clinical variables that alter prognosis include male sex, increasing age, increased body weight, smoking, Pacific Asian ethnicity, hypertension, proteinuria, and complement deficiency. Excellent conservative therapy is the cornerstone of therapy with tight blood control, renin-angiotensin system inhibition, and statin therapy. The role of immunosuppressive therapy including corticosteroids in IgAN remains open with ongoing clinical trials of low dose oral corticosteroids and enteric coated budesonide. Complement activation contributes to the pathogenic process of IgAN with evidence from genetic, serological, histological and in-vitro studies. This knowledge has translated to clinical trials of investigational agents directly targeting the alternative pathway.

PRS7 SEVERE AND UNCONTROLLED ASTHMA IN SOUTH KOREA: PROPORTION OF EXACERBATION LEADING TO HOSPITALIZATION OR INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ADMISSION

To estimate proportion of exacerbation leading to hospitalization or intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients with severe and uncontrolled asthma in Korea. This study was performed using nationally representative data, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Sample 2016, that included medical and pharmacy claims of approximately 1.4 million patients. To define patients and exacerbation, we used the recommendation of European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society and Global Initiative for Asthma guideline. We included patients with severe and uncontrolled asthma defined as subjects satisfying all conditions as follows: (1) ≥1 claim of asthma diagnosis (ICD-10 code J45/J46); (2) ≥1 claim of inhaled corticosteroid [ICS]); (3) ≥1 claim of additional controller or ≥180 days use of add-on low dose oral corticosteroids (OCS); and (4) ≥2 exacerbations or ≥1 exacerbation leading to hospitalization or ICU admission. Additional controller included LABA, leukotriene modifiers, theophylline, and tiotropium. Low dose OCS was defined as ≤7.5 mg/day prednisolone (or equivalent). Exacerbation was defined as outpatient visit, emergency department visit, hospitalization, or ICU admission with asthma diagnosis with corticosteroids bursts (defined as >30 mg/day prednisolone for >3 days or 200 mg hydrocortisone injection). Proportion of exacerbation leading to hospitalization or ICU admission was estimated as dividing the number of exacerbation episode with hospitalization or ICU admission by the number of exacerbation episode in patients with severe and uncontrolled asthma. Among eighty patients (with 138 exacerbation episodes) with severe and uncontrolled asthma, the mean age was 57.65 years, and 53.75% were women. The proportion of exacerbation leading to hospitalization or ICU admission was 53.62%. Of the exacerbations leading to hospitalization or ICU admission, the proportion of exacerbation leading to ICU admission was 13.51%. Among patients with severe and uncontrolled asthma, the occurrence of exacerbation requiring hospitalization or ICU admission was relatively high. Effective management strategy is needed.

Bilateral femoral head necrosis with low dose oral corticosteroid therapy for pan-hypopituitarism

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