Prednisolone-equivalent Dose Research Articles

9175 Pretransplant Clinical Characteristics Related To Change In Bone Mineral Density In Adults 1 Year After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation At Bucaramanga, Colombia Reference Center

Abstract Disclosure: G.A. Parra-Serrano: None. C.L. Sossa: None. K.J. Moreno Medina: None. M. Ochoa: None. A. Reyes Gonzalez: None. A. Plata: None. P. Mantilla Mantilla: None. Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) , refractory to pharmacological management, increases 10-year survival by 80%, Chronic complications include alterations in bone metabolism, that increase appearance of osteoporosis (13.8 - 17%), non traumatic fractures, and loss of Bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip -4.2%, L1L4 -2% and femoral neck-9%. Methods Calculate Change at (BMD) in adults undergoing allogenic (HSCT) after 1y and determine pretransplant factors related to this change. Composite endpoint osteoporosis/lowbonemass (osteoporosis Tscore<-2.5 and/or low bone mass Zscore-2.0) 1 year after transplant, Adult patients Retrospective cohort study, ethical comittee approval, anonymized database, undergoing allogeneic (HSCT) between 2009 and 2022, (BMD) measured at lumbar spine (L1L4) and femoral neck before and one year after transplant; Also paraclinical variables: TSH, vitaminD, kidney function, glucocorticoid, Graft vs host disease, disease relapse, diabetes. Descriptive analisis performed, simple linear regresion analisis for delta L1L4 and femoral neck BMD before and 1 year after transplant, and multivariate regresion analisis for variables p<0.2 on simple lineal regression analysis . Results 123 patients, (48 included, 73 excluded (22 died, 50 densitometry data not suitable)). BMD change At lumbar spine, -4.7% (NS) , and at femoral neck -9.8% (p<0.05), Simple regression analysis no correlation for preclinical variables at lumbar spine. negative correlation between prednisolone dose at femoral neck BMD (p 0.007, coefficient B -0.0086 [IC95% -0.014, 0.0025]). Mutivariate regression analysis performed for BMD diference at femoral neck, after adjusting for variables p<0.2 on simple regression analysis, model that include (prednisone dose, diabetes and relapse before transplant showed Rsquare 0.19 coefficient 0.0092 p 0.003. For every gram of glucocorticoid (prednisolone) bone loss decrease -0.9% of BMD at femoral neck at 1 year follow up. Proportion of patients with composite osteoporosis/lowbonemass at femoral neck pre-transplant (n2) 4.17%, postransplant (n14) 29.17%. * p 0.0005. no difference observed at lumbar spine. Fracture incidence n2 (4%) at lumbar spine and n1 (2%) at femoral neck. Conclusions At femoral neck, People with HSCT present significant decrease in (BMD) and higuer incidence of Osteoporosis or low bone mass, not observed at lumbar spine, after adjusting for multiple variables. for every 1gr of prednisolone equivalent dose, (BMD) decrease -0.9%, at femoral neck p0.003. The model only explain 19% of change of BMD at femoral neck, that suggest immune response caused by allogenic transplantation might be responsible, in part, of BMD change. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Frequent Unrecognized Vertebral Fractures Associated with Increased Body Fat Mass in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have an increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFs). Ethnic variations may partly contribute to the fracture risk. This study aimed to demonstrate the VFs and body fat mass in Asian patients with DMD. Demographic data and DMD-related parameters of the enrolled patients were collected. Lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs were performed for VF assessment. Genant classification was applied for VF severity grading (mild, moderate and severe). Body composition analysis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed. Serum calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were determined. There were 25 children and adolescents with DMD enrolled. Median (IQR) age was 12.9 (9.6, 19.3) years. Nine patients (36%) had VFs with a total of 31 sites of VFs (mild, N=10; moderate, N=3 and severe, N=18). These VFs had never been recognized prior to this study. Comparing with the non-VF group, the VF group received a significantly greater cumulative prednisolone equivalent dose (1,258 (948, 1,664) vs. 291 (17, 823) mg/kg, p=0.003). Body fat mass, represented by fat mass index and body fat percentage Z-scores was greater in the VF group [2.46 (2.21, 2.51) vs. 1.63 (0.36, 2.07), p=0.011 and 4.4 (3.1, 5.5) vs. 1.8 (0.6, 3.5), p=0.008, respectively]. No differences in serum calciotropic hormones and vitamin D status were demonstrated between patients with and without VFs. VFs were frequent in patients with DMD. Patients with VFs had greater cumulative glucocorticoid dose and body fat mass than those without VFs.

Risk of avascular necrosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Insights from a nationwide cohort study and the impact of corticosteroid use

Background and aimCorticosteroid use is a risk factor for avascular necrosis (AVN) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are often exposed to higher corticosteroid usage. We investigated the epidemiology and risk factors of AVN in a nationwide population-based cohort of IBD patients. MethodsPatients newly diagnosed with IBD were identified, and sex- and age-matched participants from the general population were selected in a 1:3 IBD:non-IBD ratio. We investigated newly diagnosed AVN and assessed the incidence rates and risk of AVN with multivariate Cox regression models. ResultsDuring the median follow-up period of 7.22±3.85 years, 357 (0.62 %) were newly diagnosed with AVN. The risk of AVN was higher in IBD (aHR = 1.42, 95 % CI: 1.25–1.62). Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients showed a particularly elevated risk of developing AVN. IBD patients with higher cumulative corticosteroid intake and exposed to a mean prednisolone-equivalent daily dose>20 mg for >1 month were at higher risk of AVN. In Crohn's disease (CD), longer exposure time to >20 mg prednisolone-equivalent presented a trend in increased risk. ConclusionAVN risk was higher in IBD than in those without, particularly in UC and corticosteroid use in IBD could pose a crucial role. These underscore the importance of considering the AVN etiological factors, particularly corticosteroid use.

Real-world effectiveness of belimumab in patients with lupus in China: RELIABLE observational cohort study protocol

IntroductionThe efficacy of belimumab in SLE has been demonstrated in randomised clinical trials, and its real-world effectiveness has been shown in studies in several countries. While belimumab was approved for...

Longitudinal evaluation of adverse events due to steroid use in primary immune thrombocytopenia: A population-based study.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the steroid use patterns and the risk of AEs in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). A total of 2691 newly diagnosed adults with ITP between 2011 and 2018 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, and the date of first steroid use was defined as the index date. Post-index steroid use was calculated on a 90-day basis as a time-dependent variable and categorized by the average prednisolone-equivalent daily dose (<10 mg vs. ≥10 mg) and intensity (medication possession ratio <80% vs. ≥80%). Patients were followed up for 1 year from the index date for acute AE events, while chronic AEs were assessed until death, or end of 2019. Compared to patients with low-dose+low-intensity steroid use, those with high-dose+high-intensity steroid use were associated with a higher risk of acute AE (adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR]: 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-1.78, p < 0.01) and chronic AE (aIRR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.47, p < 0.01). Metabolic/endocrine and ophthalmologic disorders demonstrated the strongest correlation with a high dose and intensity. The joint effect of steroid dose and intensity was observed in patients with ITP, and the findings suggest that steroids should be used carefully.

Association between oral corticosteroid starting dose and the incidence of pneumonia in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: a nation-wide claims database study.

A previous study demonstrated that half of patients started oral corticosteroids (OCS) for ulcerative colitis (UC) exacerbations at lower doses than recommended by Japanese treatment guidelines (initial OCS prednisolone equivalent dose, 30-40 mg). This may relate to physician's concern about infection, especially pneumonia including Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), from high OCS doses. We assessed whether pneumonia incidence is increased with guideline-recommended OCS initial doses. This retrospective cohort study used the Japan Medical Data Center claims database (2012-2021). The whole cohort consisted of all UC patients who started OCS during the study period meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The matched cohort was created by propensity score matching; the lower (initial OCS dose < 30 mg), guideline-recommended (30-40 mg), and higher groups ( > 40 mg) in a 2:2:1 ratio. Pneumonia incidence in the primary analysis was evaluated in the matched cohort. A Poisson regression model determined pneumonia-related risk factors in the whole cohort. After screening, 3,349 patients comprised the whole cohort; 1,775 patients comprised the matched cohort (lower dose, n = 710; guideline-recommended dose, n = 710; higher dose, n = 355). The incidence of any pneumonia was low; no differences were observed in incidence rates across these dose subgroups. In total, 3 PJP cases were found in the whole cohort, but not detected in the matched cohort. Several risk factors for any pneumonia were identified, including age, higher comorbidities index, treatment in large facility and hospitalization. The incidence of pneumonia, including PJP, in UC patients was low across initial OCS dose treatment subgroups.

Antirheumatic drugs and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nationwide, population-based cohort study.

To assess the association between antirheumatic drugs and of the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a nationwide rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort. Using claim data from the 2000-2020 National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 21 457 incident patients with RA from 2002 to 2020 without prior liver diseases. A time-varying multivariable Cox regression model was applied to estimate for the association of NAFLD with the use of antirheumatic drugs after adjusting potential confounders, show as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age-, sex-, and obesity-related comorbidities. Multivariable time-dependent Cox regression analyses showed that defined daily dose (DDD) of NSAID (aHR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05) and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day (aHR, 2.39; 95% CI: 1.85-3.09) were risk factors of NAFLD in patients with RA, while prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day (aHR of 0.53; 95% CI: 0.40-0.71) and HCQ use (aHR of 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.93) were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. In addition, a history of hospitalizations, number of outpatient visits, age, male, and leflunomide use were associated with the development of NAFLD in some subgroups. This study reveals that NSAID use and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in patients with RA, while the use of HCQ and prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day decreased the risk of NAFLD.

Effect of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with low dose or no corticosteroids.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) responder index (SRI)-4 response has been achieved with belimumab treatment in patients with moderate disease activity in cornerstone clinical trials and following studies. However, most studies involved patients treated with a mean prednisolone-equivalent dose of approximately 10 mg/d and focused on the steroid-sparing effect of belimumab. We aimed to identify the effect of belimumab in patients with mild-to-moderate SLE who were treated with low-dose or no corticosteroids. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients treated with belimumab for at least 6 months between May 2021 and June 2022. The primary endpoint was SRI-4 response at 6 months. Thirty-one patients were included (13 low dose- and 18 steroid non-users). The mean age was 39.2 ± 11.4 years, and 90.3% of patients were female. The baseline Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score was 6.0 (4.0-9.0). The primary endpoint was achieved in 32.3% (10/31) of patients. Significant improvements in anemia, C4 levels, and SELENA-SLEDAI score were observed during treatment. Univariate analysis showed that the baseline SELENA-SLEDAI and arthritis were significantly associated with SRI-4 response at 6 months, and only the SELENA-SLEDAI remained significant (p = 0.014) in multivariate analysis. This cohort study is the first to report the efficacy of belimumab after minimizing the effect of corticosteroids. Belimumab showed efficacy in improving the SELENA-SLEDAI score, anemia, and low C4 in patients who did not receive corticosteroids or received only low doses.

Association of Different Prescribing Patterns for Oral Corticosteroids With Fracture Preventive Care Among Older Adults in the UK and Ontario

Identifying and mitigating modifiable gaps in fracture preventive care for people with relapsing-remitting conditions such as eczema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are prescribed high cumulative oral corticosteroid doses may decrease fracture-associated morbidity and mortality. To estimate the association between different oral corticosteroid prescribing patterns and appropriate fracture preventive care, including treatment with fracture preventive care medications, among older adults with high cumulative oral corticosteroid exposure. This cohort study included 65 195 participants with UK electronic medical record data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (January 2, 1998, to January 31, 2020) and 28 674 participants with Ontario, Canada, health administrative data from ICES (April 1, 2002, to September 30, 2020). Participants were adults 66 years or older with eczema, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving prescriptions for oral corticosteroids with cumulative prednisolone equivalent doses of 450 mg or higher within 6 months. Data were analyzed October 22, 2020, to September 6, 2022. Participants with prescriptions crossing the 450-mg cumulative oral corticosteroid threshold in less than 90 days were classified as having high-intensity prescriptions, and participants crossing the threshold in 90 days or more as having low-intensity prescriptions. Multiple alternative exposure definitions were used in sensitivity analyses. The primary outcome was prescribed fracture preventive care. A secondary outcome was major osteoporotic fracture. Individuals were followed up from the date they crossed the cumulative oral corticosteroid threshold until their outcome or the end of follow-up (up to 1 year after index date). Rates were calculated for fracture preventive care and fractures, and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression models comparing high- vs low-intensity oral corticosteroid prescriptions. In both the UK cohort of 65 195 participants (mean [IQR] age, 75 [71-81] years; 32 981 [50.6%] male) and the Ontario cohort of 28 674 participants (mean [IQR] age, 73 [69-79] years; 17 071 [59.5%] male), individuals with high-intensity oral corticosteroid prescriptions had substantially higher rates of fracture preventive care than individuals with low-intensity prescriptions (UK: 134 vs 57 per 1000 person-years; crude HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 2.19-2.51, and Ontario: 73 vs 48 per 1000 person-years; crude HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.29-1.72). People with high- and low-intensity oral corticosteroid prescriptions had similar rates of major osteoporotic fractures (UK: crude rates, 14 vs 13 per 1000 person-years; crude HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.98-1.15 and Ontario: crude rates, 20 vs 23 per 1000 person-years; crude HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.96). Results from sensitivity analyses suggested that reaching a high cumulative oral corticosteroid dose within a shorter time, with fewer prescriptions, or with fewer or shorter gaps between prescriptions, increased fracture preventive care prescribing. The results of this cohort study suggest that older adults prescribed high cumulative oral corticosteroids across multiple prescriptions, or with many or long gaps between prescriptions, may be missing opportunities for fracture preventive care.

Risk of alanine aminotransferase flare in patients with previous hepatitis B virus exposure on biological modifier therapies-A population-based study.

It is uncertain whether biological therapies would increase the risk of hepatitis among patients with past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare in patients with past HBV infection while using biological therapies. Patients who received biological therapies for ≥3months from 2000 to 2019 were identified from a population-based database in Hong Kong. Patients with past HBV infection were compared with a control group without prior HBV exposure. The primary endpoint was development of ALT flare within 5 years of starting biological therapies, defined as ALT >80 IU/L. There were 2471 and 2394 patients with and without past HBV infection respectively. There was a non-significant increase in risk of ALT flare among the HBV-exposed group (27.6% vs. 23.7%, p=.055). In multivariable analysis, using prednisolone-equivalent dose of >20 mg daily, male sex and concomitant immunosuppressants were risk factors for ALT flare. The risk of ALT flare was significantly higher with anti-CD20 when compared to other biological agents (36.1% vs. 14.5%, p < .01), but was not significantly different among anti-tumour necrosis factor, anti-cytokine, Janus kinase inhibitors and T cell/B cell inhibitors or anti-integrin (15.2% vs. 14.6% vs. 11.7% vs. 11.1%, p=.82). Among patients with documented hepatitis B surface antigen seroreversion, 96% were on anti-CD20. Our study further supports the current suggestion of prophylactic anti-viral before starting anti-CD20 in HBV-exposed patients. While other biological therapies appear to have a lower risk for ALT flare, this result needs further confirmation.

Seroprevalence of Strongyloides infection among steroid recipients in a tertiary care centre in North India.

Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis), a unique parasite, can cause mortal disease even years after the exposure. Iatrogenic use of steroids can complicate asymptomatic infections to a life-threatening hyperinfection and/or disseminated infection. Data regarding seroprevalence of strongyloidiasis remains scarce and this knowledge gap needs due attention in many endemic countries including India. The present study is aimed at assessing the seroprevalence of Strongyloides infection and the need for routine screening among individuals receiving steroid therapy. Eighty patients receiving steroid therapy and thirty healthy volunteers who had not received any immunosuppressive drugs and/or anthelminthic therapy in last six months were enrolled as cases and controls respectively and they were screened by Strongyloides IgG ELISA. Among the 80 patients on steroids, the mean cumulative prednisolone equivalent dose received was 8.2 g (±11.2 g) for a mean duration of 184 days, 16 patients (20%, 95% CI 11.9-30) had a positive Strongyloides IgG serology. Only 4 controls (4/30, 13.3%, CI 3.8-30.7) tested positive (p=0.4). Our study demonstrated a Strongyloides seroprevalence of 20% in the study population emphasizing the need for screening for Strongyloides infection prior to immunosuppressive therapy in order to prevent hyperinfection or possible dissemination.

078 Association between oral corticosteroid prescribing patterns and appropriate fracture preventive care: UK and Ontario population-based cohort studies

Atopic eczema, asthma and COPD are commonly treated with oral corticosteroids (OCS). OCS increase fracture risk. Guidelines recommend fracture preventive care (bone mineral density measurements or fracture-preventive medications, including bisphosphonates) when individuals are prescribed >=450mg prednisolone equivalent dose in 6 months. People are prescribed OCS in different patterns (e.g., continuously or intermittently). We hypothesised people receiving intermittent OCSs were less likely to receive adequate fracture-preventive care than people receiving the same cumulative OCS dose continuously.

Factors associated with severe COVID-19 in people with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy: results from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance physician-reported registry

ObjectivesTo investigate factors associated with severe COVID-19 in people with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).MethodsDemographic data, clinical characteristics and COVID-19 outcome severity of adults with IIM were obtained from the COVID-19...

The absolute risk of incident type 2 diabetes following exposure to systemic corticosteroids in selected steroid-related and phenotypic groups.

Exposure to corticosteroids is known to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We estimated the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in selected patient groups exposed to systemic corticosteroids. In a retrospective, observational cohort study, using real-world data from UK primary care, patients were selected who had at least one episode of exposure to oral or intravenous corticosteroids for any indication. Corticosteroid-exposed patients were matched with non-exposed patients. Relative dosage was estimated as a weight-based, prednisolone-equivalent dose. Crude rates of progression to type 2 diabetes were determined for patient groups defined by relevant steroid-related and phenotypic characteristics present at corticosteroid exposure. Overall, rates of incidence of type 2 diabetes were 12.5 and 6.7 events per thousand person-years' (pkpy) exposure, respectively, in those who received at least one dose of corticosteroids versus those never exposed. This represented a rate ratio of 1.85 (95% CI 1.74-1.97). The incidence of type 2 diabetes was found to be associated with several of the selected characteristics, both individually and multi-dimensionally. The highest rate of incident type 2 diabetes was observed in very severely obese men aged 46-55 years having had the longest corticosteroid exposure and highest corticosteroid dose (190 incident events pkpy exposure). Corticosteroid exposure increased the risk of incident type 2 diabetes, and there was evidence of both a dose-response and a duration response. The impact of corticosteroid exposure upon the rate of incident type 2 diabetes appeared, however, to involve a complex, multi-dimensional interaction between the selected characteristics, some of which might be impacted by reverse causality.

Single-cell RNA sequencing to decipher the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222 and mRNA-1273 vaccines in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

ObjectivesTo investigate the differences between the vector vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) and mRNA-based vaccine mRNA-1273 (Moderna) in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD), and to explore the cell-cell interactions between high and low anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels in patients with rheumatic arthritis (RA) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).MethodsFrom September 16 to December 10, 2021, we consecutively enrolled 445 participants (389 patients with AIRD and 56 healthy controls), of whom 236 were immunized with AZD1222 and 209 with mRNA-1273. The serum IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain was quantified by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay at 4-6 weeks after vaccination. Moreover, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from RA patients at 4-6 weeks after vaccination for scRNA-seq and further analyzed by CellChat. ScRNA-seq of PBMCs samples from GSE201534 in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were also extracted for analysis.ResultsThe anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity rate was 85.34% for AIRD patients and 98.20% for healthy controls. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG level was higher in patients receiving mRNA-1273 than those receiving AZD1222 (β: 35.25, 95% CI: 14.81-55.68, p=0.001). Prednisolone-equivalent dose >5 mg/day and methotrexate use in AIRD patients, and non-anti-tumor necrosis factor-α biologics and Janus kinase inhibitor use in RA patients were associated with inferior immunogenicity. ScRNA-seq revealed CD16-monocytes were predominant in RA patients with high anti-SARS-CoV2-IgG antibodies, and enriched pathways related to antigen presentation via MHC class II were found. HLA-DRA and CD4 interaction was enhanced in high anti-SARS-CoV2-IgG group.ConclusionsmRNA-1273 and AZD1222 vaccines exhibited differential immunogenicity in AIRD patients. Enriched pathways related to antigen presentation via MHC class II in CD16-monocytes might be associated with higher anti-SARS-CoV2-IgG level in RA patients and further study is warranted.

331 Association between oral corticosteroid prescribing patterns and appropriate fracture preventive care in people with atopic eczema in the UK

(Atopic) eczema is commonly treated with oral corticosteroids (OCS), which increase fracture risk. Fracture-preventive medications, including bisphosphonates, are recommended to counter the negative effects of OCS on bone health when individuals are prescribed >=450mg prednisolone equivalent dose (PED) in 6 months. People with eczema are prescribed OCS in different patterns (e.g., continuously or intermittently). We hypothesised people receiving intermittent OCSs were less likely to receive adequate fracture-preventive care than people receiving the same cumulative OCS dose continuously.

Abstract 70: High dose intravenous therapy augments complete anterior pituitary hormoanl recovery in primary autoimmune hypophysitis

Background: Glucocorticoid treatment of primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH) is well established; however, dose, route, and recovery predictors are not well-defined.Aims: Systematic review of published literature for use of glucocorticoids as first line of management in PAH- to analyze treatment protocol, baseline and post-treatment clinical, hormonal, and radiological features.Results: 152 cases (females-69.8%; age-41±13.9 years) with PAH [(94-oral steroid group (OSG); 58-intravenous steroid group (IVSG)] were included. Clinical recovery [headache, 79% vs.97%; visual deficits, 58% vs.90%; cranial nerve palsy, 50% vs.87%] between OSG and IVSG were comparable. Complete anterior pituitary hormonal (APH) recovery was significantly higher in IVSG (39.02% vs.20.89%, p=0.04) predominantly due to corticotroph axis recovery (56.7% vs. 27.3%), whereas recovery of other APH axes were not different. Persistent APH deficit was higher in OSG (52.2% vs. 29.3%, p=0.02). Radiologically, regression of pituitary enlargement (72% vs. 64%) and resolution of stalk thickening (76% vs. 64%) between groups was not different. Trend towards lesser recurrence in IVSG (19.3% vs. 32.9%) was seen. Prednisolone equivalent dose (mg)/day was significantly higher in IVSG [30 (24-65) vs. 136 (73-136)] with similar treatment duration (weeks) [8 (8-20) vs. 10 (6-10)]. Reported major adverse effects did not differ between groups. DI predicted poor hormonal recovery in IVSG, while no other parameter affected recovery.Conclusion: High-dose pulse IVS leads to better APH recovery and may decrease recurrence. Preserving the cortisol axis prevents long-term hormone replacement and adrenal crisis in future.

Rate and risk factors of recurrent immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis in patients with lung cancer.

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become standard treatments for lung cancer patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) was the leading cause of death among ICIs-related adverse events (irAEs). Recurrent episodes of CIP without rechallenge of ICIs were reported in several cases and maybe a unique feature of CIP. Knowledge gaps remain regarding the rate and risk factors associated to CIP’s recurrence.MethodsData from 1,102 lung cancer patients receiving ICIs treatment between January 2016 and January 2021 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. CIP was diagnosed according to typical clinical features and/or new typical imaging changes. Recurrence of CIP (CIP-R) was defined as recurrent CIP after initial CIP improved after proper treatment. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors associated with CIP recurrence.ResultsEighty out of 1,102 (7.26%) patients were diagnosed with CIP. Twenty of those 78 (25.64%) patients suffered CIP-R, 2 patients died and were therefore excluded from the denominator. The median onset of initial pneumonitis for patients without and with recurrence was 3.49 months [interquartile range (IQR), 0.26–31.93 months] and 2.78 months (IQR, 1.22–20.93 months), respectively (P=0.48). The median interval duration between initial CIP and CIP-R was 1.54 months (IQR, 0.98–16.70 months). Recurrence of CIP was more common in males (P=0.03), squamous histology (P=0.016), and in patients who received chest radiotherapy (P=0.049). The duration of prednisolone equivalent dose ≥15 mg/day in CIP-R was significantly shorter, at 3.71 weeks (2.86–6.57 weeks) compared with 6.36 weeks in those without recurrence (IQR, 3.12–9.86 weeks) (P=0.001). Non-squamous histology [odds ratio (OR), 0.182; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.038–0.860; P=0.031] and prolonged administration of prednisolone equivalent dose ≥15 mg/day for more than 4 weeks (OR, 0.082; 95% CI: 0.02–0.342; P=0.001) were independently associated with a decreased odds of CIP-R development.ConclusionsCIP-R in a real-world lung cancer cohort is not uncommon, both in patients with and without rechallenge of ICIs. A duration of prednisolone equivalent dose ≥15 mg/day of at least 4 weeks during the tapering process of corticosteroids were recommend in patients with CIP.

Examination of the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on acquired hemophilia A in elderly patients with bloodstream infections

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is an acquired autoantibody (inhibitor) against blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) that significantly reduces FVIII activity and causes a bleeding tendency. Immune acquired coagulation factor deficiency. The peak age of onset is in the 70s. In Japan, which has an aging society, the number of reports has recently been increasing, and it should be noted that AHA is a bleeding disease that can occur in the elderly. Examined 5 cases of AHA that were experienced in our hospital. The FVIII inhibitor level, APTT, underlying disease, treatment history, and outcome were retrospectively examined using medical records. The age of onset was 76-93 years. At the time of diagnosis, the Hb (mg/dL) value was 6.1-10.3, the APTT was 75.6-203.2 seconds, the FVIII inhibitor value (BU/mL) was 18-686, and the platelet count was within the normal range in all cases. Bleeding control was possible using a bypass hemostatic agent in 4 patients. All patients underwent immunosuppressive therapy. Two patients were discharged alive and 3 patients died. The cause of death was infectious disease in all cases. The total prednisolone-equivalent dose of the deceased patients was 1,240-3,206 mg; one patient was treated with cyclophosphamide and was treated with dexamethasone. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy is expected to increase the risk of infection in elderly patients. The risk assessment of AHA treatment-related bloodstream infections is insufficient, and it will be necessary to accumulate data and consider appropriate assessments and countermeasures.

Efficacy and safety of belimumab during maintenance therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

ObjectivesThe efficacy of belimumab (BEL) during maintenance therapy in patients with SLE remains unclear in the real-life clinical setting. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of BEL in patients with SLE during maintenance therapy.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, maintenance therapy was defined as low-dose glucocorticoid (GC) therapy (prednisolone equivalent dose of ≤0.2 mg/kg/day) in patients with a Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score <10. Participants comprised patients with SLE on HCQ or MMF [standard-of-care (SoC) group: n = 103] and those on BEL plus SoC (BEL+SoC group: n = 100). Selection bias was minimized using propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). GC dose trajectories were modelled using growth mixture modelling (GMM). The primary end point was GC dose at 52 weeks.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in patient characteristics between the two groups after IPTW adjustment. The BEL+SoC group exhibited a significant decrease in GC dose. GC dose at 52 weeks and relapse rate were significantly lower in the BEL+SoC group than in the SoC group. The proportion of patients in one of four groups defined by GMM for which GC dose was tapered to 0 mg within 52 weeks (GC tapering-discontinuation group) was significantly higher in the BEL+SoC group than in the SoC group. In the BEL+SoC group, low SELENA-SLEDAI score and low GC dose at baseline were associated with being GC dose-tapering discontinuation.ConclusionThe present study suggests that BEL is suitable for patients with SLE during maintenance therapy.