Steroid-treated Patients Research Articles

Sweet syndrome in pregnancy: A narrative review.

The aim of this review is to increase obstetrician awareness of pregnancy-associated Sweet syndrome. Patients present with fever, leukocytosis, and skin eruption, which can mimic other infectious or inflammatory conditions, but do not respond to antibiotics. A search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to review all reported cases of pregnancy-associated Sweet syndrome, an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis occurring during pregnancy or postpartum. A total of 33 episodes among 30 patients were identified, with the majority (54.5% [18]) of cases occurringwithin the second trimester. Among the 30 patients, skin lesions most commonly affected the head and neck (73.3% [22]), with rare oral or ocular involvement. Leukocytosis was the most common laboratory finding, reported in 96.7% [29] of patients, with neutrophil predominance noted in 70.0% [21]. The diagnosis was confirmed for all patients with pathognomonic results of skin biopsies. Of the 27 cases detailing treatment, systemic corticosteroids were most frequently used (19 cases), followed by conservative management (seven cases), and dapsone (one case). The dapsone-treated patient and 15 of the 19 steroid-treated patients experienced resolution, but additional management strategies were required in the remaining four individuals. Spontaneous resolution occurred during pregnancy in six of the seven conservatively managed individuals, with one patient experiencing spontaneous abortion shortly after skin eruption at 10 weeks of gestation. No associated maternal deaths were reported. Obstetric complications of pregnancy-associated Sweet syndrome included endomyometritis, sterile placental abscesses, and abdominal wall necrosis. Delivery of healthy infants occurred in 24 of the 25 cases that presented fetal outcome, which included two infants who underwent medically indicated preterm deliveries.

Patient perceptions of disease burden and treatment of myasthenia gravis based on sentiment analysis of digital conversations

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, autoimmune, antibody-mediated, neuromuscular disease. This study analyzed digital conversations about MG to explore unprovoked perspectives. Advanced search, data extraction, and artificial intelligence-powered algorithms were used to harvest, mine, and structure public domain digital conversations about MG from US Internet Protocol addresses (August 2021 to August 2022). Thematic analyses examined topics, mindsets, and sentiments/key drivers via natural language processing and text analytics. Findings were described by sex/gender and treatment experience with steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). The 13,234 conversations were extracted from message boards (51%), social media networks (22%), topical sites (21%), and blogs (6%). Sex/gender was confirmed as female in 5703 and male in 2781 conversations, and treatment experience was with steroids in 3255 and IVIg in 2106 conversations. Topics focused on diagnosis (29%), living with MG (28%), symptoms (24%), and treatment (19%). Within 3176 conversations about symptoms, eye problems (21%), facial muscle problems (18%), and fatigue (18%) were most commonly described. Negative sentiments about MG were expressed in 59% of conversations, with only 2% considered positive. Negative conversations were dominated by themes of impact on life (29%), misdiagnosis problems (27%), treatment issues (24%), and symptom severity (20%). Impact on life was a key driver of negativity in conversations by both men (27%) and women (34%), and treatment issues was a dominant theme in conversations by steroid-treated (29%) and IVIg-treated (31%) patients. Of 1382 conversations discussing treatment barriers, 36% focused on side effects, 33% on lack of efficacy, 21% on misdiagnosis, and 10% on cost/insurance. Side effects formed the main barrier in conversations by both steroid-treated and IVIg-treated patients. Capturing the patient voice via digital conversations reveals a high degree of concern related to burden of disease, misdiagnosis, and common MG treatments among those with MG, pointing to a need for treatment options that can improve quality of life.

Significant gut microbiota related to patterns of drinking and alcohol relapse in patients with alcoholic hepatitis undergoing stool transplant or corticosteroid therapy.

Alcohol-induced gut microbiota (GM) alterations are linked to alcohol use disorder (AUD) pathogenesis. Healthy donor stool transplant (fecal microbiota transplant [FMT]) reduced alcohol desire and improved clinical outcomes in small animal and human studies. Baseline and post-therapy-related GM changes in a real-world cohort with severe alcohol-related liver disease and AUD, patterns of drinking, and relapse have not been studied. We prospectively analyzed retrospective clinical data and stored samples to examine GM alterations in a cohort of severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) patients who underwent FMT or corticosteroid treatment followed for at least 12 months. The GM changes at baseline in the context of a pattern of drinking (binge vs. every day) and baseline and post-treatment alcohol relapse status (relapser vs. non-relapser). We identified 28 patients on FMT and 25 on corticosteroids who survived 1 year post-treatment. After necessary exclusions, the final cohort for various grouped GM analysis included 16 patients in the FMT arm and 14 on corticosteroids. Pedobacter and Streptophyta species at the commencement of treatment predicted alcohol relapse in steroid-ineligible patients receiving FMT and steroid-treated patients, respectively. At 6-12 months post-FMT, non-relapsers had elevated short-chain fatty acid-producing bacterial taxa linked with lower alcohol cravings. Alcohol relapse was significantly more in those on steroid therapy and was associated with the upregulation of the nucleotide metabolism pathway related to ethanol metabolism. We demonstrate pertinent baseline and post-treatment intestinal bacterial alterations that impact patterns of AUD patterns and relapse in SAH patients in the context of the therapy offered.

Predictive Ability of Different Scoring Models in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Alcoholic hepatitis is a major health problem which carries a high mortality despite treatment. Predicting severity of disease is of utmost importance to avoid overzealous and unnecessary treatment with steroids in each and every case. Maddrey’s discriminant function (DF) may not always be reliable in predicting such prognosis. Aim of the Study: To observe the predictive ability of Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score (GAHS), age, bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR) and creatinine (ABIC) score, model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score, and Lille’s score in determining the prognosis in severe alcoholic hepatitis. Materials and Methods: Patients of severe alcoholic hepatitis were enrolled in this study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and a DF score of >32. Once the decision to initiate corticosteroids was made, DF scores, MELD scores, GAHS scores, and ABIC scores were calculated on the day on initiation of therapy. On day 7, patients were re-assessed and Lille score was calculated in addition. Follow-up was obtained on repeat out-patient visit or telephonically after every 2 weeks till 90 days or till mortality, whichever occurred first. Statistical Analysis: The scores were compared among the survival and mortality groups to see association between mortality and severity of scores using Chi-square test of significance. Cut-offs providing a composite of best sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were derived on the basis of data of our study. P value of ≤ 0.05 was taken as a cut-off for significance. Results: Our study comprised 30 patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. At the end of 90-day follow-up, 23 patients survived with 7 (23%) mortalities because of liver failure and sepsis. On day 7, barring the ABIC score (0.713), the areas under curve of all scores were above 0.8 and were hence of comparable efficacy. Lille score performed the best at assessing treatment response but had the limitation of not being applicable at day 1. Conclusion: Severe alcoholic hepatitis carries a bad prognosis. Cut-offs of DF and MELD need to be raised, whereas they need to be lowered in the case of GAHS, ABIC, and Lille score to improve the predictive value of score. Steroid-treated patients should be evaluated preferably with Lille score for a better prediction of survival.

Prospective Comparative Short-Term Study of Autologous Leucocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Local Steroids in Chronic Plantar Fascitis

Objectives Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and is difficult to treat in most chronic and severe forms. Management of plantar fasciitis includes non-surgical options such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, physical therapy, orthotics, and surgical management includes plantar fasciotomy. Local injection of platelet-rich plasma as well as local steroids is an emerging concept in treating recalcitrant tendon and ligament pathology, including plantar fasciitis. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the outcome of patients treated with a single injection of autologous leucocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma with single-injection local steroids triamcinolone in chronic plantar fasciitis. Material and Methods The study was conducted for a duration of 24 months. In total, 60 patients with clinically diagnosed chronic plantar fasciitis were selected for study and divided in two groups using the single allocation randomization method as those treated with autologous injection leucocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma and those with injection local steroid triamcinolone and prospectively followed and compared. Results Both groups were evaluated subjectively and functionally at primary visit and then on follow-up at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks by VAS and hind foot AOFAS score. Conclusion We concluded that both injection platelet-rich plasma-treated and injection local steroid-treated patients provide symptomatic relief in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis both subjectively and functionally. The steroid treated group showed early symptomatic improvement at 2 weeks, and results at 12 weeks to further follow-up were suggestive that single-injection leucocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma provided better functional results.

Clinical Characteristics of Children With Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: A Single-Center Experience.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is an infiltration of the kidney interstitium with inflammatory cells. Medications are most frequently blamed for the etiology. Patients may present with non-specific signs and symptoms. Therefore, the diagnosis of ATIN is often delayed. In this study, clinical characteristics, treatment protocols, and outcomes of children diagnosed with ATIN were presented. This is a retrospective study based on the data of 18 patients diagnosed with ATIN between 2017 and 2022 at Gazi University. Patients were divided into two groups: steroid-treated (n=13) and non-steroid-treated (n=5). Clinical features and laboratory evaluations were compared between the groups. The mean age of the patients was 14.4±2.6 years, and the great majority were girls (88.9%, n=16). ATIN was mostly medication-related (n=17, 94.4%). Steroids were started in one-third of patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Steroids were started in 45.4% of the patients with eosinophilia, 75% of those with pyuria, 66.6% of those with hematuria, and half of the patients with increased kidney echogenicity. The kidney functions returned to normal ranges in all patients. In steroid-treated patients, although recovery times for serum creatinine were longer (7.2±2.5 vs. 71.2±100.7 days), blood eosinophil count reached normal values more rapidly (5.4±2.3 vs. 3.1±1.0 days). ATIN can be associated with diverse clinical presentations. The first and most important step of treatment is to discontinue the medication responsible for the etiology. Steroid treatment improves eosinophilia more rapidly. However, randomized controlled studies are needed to determine further treatment steps and establish a more definite treatment protocol.

Glucocorticoid Therapy in COVID-19-Induced Organizing Pneumonia: A Rare Occurrence.

Background Although the incidence of post-COVID-19 organizing pneumonia (OP) is low, the mortality and morbidity in select patients appear to be high. Anticipating specific populations who may be at higher risk and initiating treatment earlier could reduce mortality. Research question Does treatment with high dose, standard dose, or no glucocorticoids for COVID-19 infection impact the incidence and clinical outcome in COVID-19-induced OP? Study design and methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study conducted from 03/01/2020 to 06/30/2021 in hospitalized patients over the age of 18 with confirmed COVID-19 infection and computed tomography (CT) scan evidence of OP. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained from the institution (STUDY00002241). Patients'demographics and oxygen requirements at the time of diagnosis, at the time of discharge, and at one, three, six, 10, and 12 months post-discharge were obtained. The dose, duration, and choice of glucocorticoid therapy were recorded for each subject, as well as oxygen requirements during hospitalization. Despite radiological evidence of OP, patients on minimal supplemental oxygen requirements did not receive high-dose or long-duration glucocorticoidtherapy. Results A total of 881 patients were admitted with COVID-19, of which 42 met the study criteria. Three patients underwent a lung biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of organizing pneumonia. All other patients were diagnosed based on CT imaging and clinical presentation. Of the patients, 17% did not receive any steroid treatment, while 36% received dexamethasone and 43% received prednisone. The most common oxygen requirement at the time of discharge for steroid-treated patients was nasal cannula (55%) and room air (29%). The incidence of OP in this patient population was 0.05 with a mortalityrate of 14%. Interpretation and relevance The incidence of post-COVID-19 OP appears to be lower than anticipated. Steroids for patients on lower supplemental oxygen requirements were discontinued although they had radiological evidence of OP. Patients who were on higher supplemental oxygen requirements at 10 days were continued on steroids regardless of imaging. The decision to continue steroids should be based on individual patient characteristics such as oxygen requirements. In the future, larger multicenter cohort studies would help understand further treatment of post-COVID-19-associated OP. Anticipating specific populations who may be at higher risk and starting treatment earlier could help reduce mortality.

Ocular Surface, Intraocular Pressure, and Lens Condition in Bronchodilator and Steroid-Treated Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the ocular surface, intraocular pressure, and lens condition in bronchodilator- and steroid-treated chronic pulmonary disease patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional clinical study, 101 patients with chronic pulmonary disease were treated with an inhaler and/or nebulized therapy for bronchodilatation. The patients were evaluated in 2 groups namely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. We investigated the effects of patient demographic characteristics, smoking, and medications on the presence of dry eye disease (DED), intraocular pressure, and cataract. Results: Patients had a mean age of 66.4 ± 11.9 years, and 46.5% (n = 47) were female. A unit increase in the length of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β-agonists (LABA) combination use was associated with a 1.02-fold increase in cataract risk (OR: 1.02, CI: 1.01–1.04, p = 0.016), and current smokers had 10.8 times as many cataracts (OR: 10.79, CI: 1.70–68.30, p = 0.011). Patients who used a nebulized corticosteroid had a 9.15 times higher risk of developing dry eyes than those who did not (OR: 9.15, CI: 2.34–35.75, p = 0.001). In patients using ICS-LABA, in comparison to formoterol beclomethasone, salmeterol fluticasone was found to increase the risk 7.49-fold for DED (OR: 7.49, CI: 1.48–35.75, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Nebulizer delivery of steroids is associated with dry eyes and cataracts. Smoking, aging, and long-term inhaled steroid use have all been linked to an increased risk of cataracts. Longitudinal and larger sample size studies are needed to explore cause-effect relationships.

RF09 | PSAT88 Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), ACTH and Cortisol Responses to Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Introduction In critically ill adults, high plasma free cortisol in face of suppressed plasma ACTH coincides with high plasma pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), the ACTH precursor (1). Further augmenting the systemic glucocorticoid availability with hydrocortisone treatment further lowered plasma ACTH, while plasma POMC remained unaffected (2). The dynamics of POMC in relation to ACTH and free cortisol prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission are unknown, as well as the impact hereon of glucocorticoid treatment. Also, elevated plasma POMC concentrations have not yet been confirmed in pediatric ICU (PICU) patients. In pediatric cardiac surgery-induced critical illness, we hypothesized that plasma POMC is elevated and that plasma ACTH transiently rises per-operatively and becomes suppressed once free cortisol has risen on PICU day 1 and 2. In addition, we hypothesized that in patients receiving glucocorticoids per-operatively, plasma ACTH is further suppressed while plasma POMC is unaffected. Methods From 53 children aged 0-36 months, who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to the PICU, blood samples were taken prior to surgery (pre-operatively, available samples N=51), during surgery (per-operatively, N=47), on the following morning (PICU day 1, N=40) and the day hereafter (PICU day 2, N=24). Blood samples were also collected from 24 age- and gender-matched healthy children. To investigate the impact of synthetic glucocorticoid treatment on the endogenous plasma hormone concentrations, patients were categorized into steroid-naive (total N=38) and steroid-treated patients (total N=15). Plasma hormone concentrations were quantified with highly-specific ELISA (POMC), RIA (ACTH, cortisol, CBG) or colorimetric assays (albumin). Cross reactivity with synthetic glucocorticoids within the used cortisol RIA is minimal (<0.27% for methylprednisolone, <0.1% for dexamethasone). Free cortisol was estimated with the adapted Coolens’ formula. Results Plasma POMC was increased pre-operatively (p<0.0001) but no longer thereafter (p>0.05), irrespective of steroid treatment. Plasma ACTH in patients was never higher than in healthy children. While in steroid-naive patients, plasma ACTH became suppressed only by PICU day 1 (p<0.0001), steroid-treated patients had already suppressed plasma ACTH per-operatively (p≤0.0001). In steroid-naive patients, plasma free cortisol was increased from per-operatively onwards (p≤0.002), while in steroid-treated patients, plasma free cortisol (endogenous) concentrations always remained comparable to those of healthy children (p>0.05). Conclusion Pre-operatively high plasma POMC, not followed by increased ACTH, suggests a centrally-activated HPA-axis already prior to surgery and an immature pituitary processing of POMC into ACTH. Systemic glucocorticoid availability is elevated from surgery onwards, likely driven by ACTH-independent mechanisms. Further increasing systemic glucocorticoid availability exogenously with glucocorticoid administration accelerates the suppression of plasma ACTH. The long-term impact of early glucocorticoid treatment in critically ill children remains to be investigated. References (1) Téblick A. et al. Critical Care 2021. (2) Téblick A. et al. Endocrinology 2022. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:42 p.m. - 1:47 p.m.

Steroids Therapy in Patients With Severe COVID-19: Association With Decreasing of Pneumonia Fibrotic Tissue Volume.

BackgroundWe use longitudinal chest CT images to explore the effect of steroids therapy in COVID-19 pneumonia which caused pulmonary lesion progression.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 78 patients with severe to critical COVID-19 pneumonia, among which 25 patients (32.1%) who received steroid therapy. Patients were further divided into two groups with severe and significant-severe illness based on clinical symptoms. Serial longitudinal chest CT scans were performed for each patient. Lung tissue was segmented into the five lung lobes and mapped into the five pulmonary tissue type categories based on Hounsfield unit value. The volume changes of normal tissue and pneumonia fibrotic tissue in the entire lung and each five lung lobes were the primary outcomes. In addition, this study calculated the changing percentage of tissue volume relative to baseline value to directly demonstrate the disease progress.ResultsSteroid therapy was associated with the decrease of pneumonia fibrotic tissue (PFT) volume proportion. For example, after four CT cycles of treatment, the volume reduction percentage of PFT in the entire lung was −59.79[±12.4]% for the steroid-treated patients with severe illness, and its p-value was 0.000 compared to that (−27.54[±85.81]%) in non-steroid-treated ones. However, for the patient with a significant-severe illness, PFT reduction in steroid-treated patients was −41.92[±52.26]%, showing a 0.275 p-value compared to −37.18[±76.49]% in non-steroid-treated ones. The PFT evolution analysis in different lung lobes indicated consistent findings as well.ConclusionSteroid therapy showed a positive effect on the COVID-19 recovery, and its effect was related to the disease severity.

Insulin Dosing and Glycemic Outcomes Among Steroid-treated Hospitalized Patients

ObjectiveTo determine the optimal insulin-to-steroid dose ratio for the attainment of glycemic control in hospitalized patients. MethodsWe retrospectively studied data collected from the electronic health records within an academic medical center from 18 599 patient-days where patients were treated concurrently with insulin and steroids. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, which included demographic and clinical variables, were performed to assess the relationships between the exposures of total and basal insulin-to-steroid ratios and the outcomes of glycemic control (all blood glucose readings on the following patient-day were >70 and ≤180 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia within 3 subgroups of steroid dosing: low (≤10-mg prednisone equivalent dose [PED]), medium (from >10-mg to ≤40-mg PED), and high (>40-mg PED). ResultsIncreased insulin-to-steroid ratio was associated with increased odds of both glycemic control and hypoglycemia. The optimal total insulin-to-steroid ratio for attaining glycemic control was 0.294 U/kg/10-mg PED in the low-dose subgroup, 0.257 U/kg/10-mg PED in the medium-dose subgroup, and 0.085 U/kg/10-mg PED in the high-dose subgroup. The optimal basal insulin-to-steroid ratio was 0.215 U/kg/10-mg PED in the low-dose subgroup, 0.126 U/kg/10-mg PED in the medium-dose subgroup, and 0.036 U/kg/10-mg PED in the high-dose subgroup. ConclusionIncreasing insulin-to-steroid ratios are positively associated with glycemic control and hypoglycemia. Our study suggests that approximately 0.3 U/kg/10-mg PED is an optimal dose for low- and medium-dose steroids, whereas approximately 0.1 U/kg/10-mg PED is an optimal dose for high-dose steroids. Further prospective studies are needed to identify insulin regimens that will optimize glycemic control in steroid-treated patients while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Memory CD4+ T-Cell Lymphocytic Angiopathy in Fatal Forms of COVID-19 Pulmonary Infection.

The immunopathological pulmonary mechanisms leading to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)-related death in adults remain poorly understood. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and peripheral blood sampling were performed in 74 steroid and non-steroid-treated intensive care unit (ICU) patients (23–75 years; 44 survivors). Peripheral effector SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were detected in 34/58 cases, mainly directed against the S1 portion of the spike protein. The BAL lymphocytosis consisted of T cells, while the mean CD4/CD8 ratio was 1.80 in non-steroid- treated patients and 1.14 in steroid-treated patients. Moreover, strong BAL SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell responses were detected in 4/4 surviving and 3/3 non-surviving patients. Serum IFN-γ and IL-6 levels were decreased in steroid-treated patients when compared to non-steroid treated patients. In the lung samples from 3 (1 non-ICU and 2 ICU) additional deceased cases, a lymphocytic memory CD4 T-cell angiopathy colocalizing with SARS-CoV-2 was also observed. Taken together, these data show that disease severity occurs despite strong antiviral CD4 T cell-specific responses migrating to the lung, which could suggest a pathogenic role for perivascular memory CD4 T cells upon fatal COVID-19 pneumonia.

Clinical Predictors of Relapse in a Cohort of Steroid-Treated Patients With Well-Controlled Myasthenia Gravis.

ObjectiveDespite the high efficiency of glucocorticoids (GCs), ~18–34% patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may experience relapses of the disease. Here, we aim to identify clinical factors related to relapses during steroid tapering or after withdrawal in MG patients who were well-managed on steroid monotherapy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on 125 MG patients from the Xuanwu Hospital MG Trial Database. Patients were treated with corticosteroids and achieved minimal manifestation status (MMS) or better. Patients were divided into steroid reduction subset (N = 74) and steroid withdrawal subset (N = 51). Clinical characteristics and therapeutic data were compared between patients with disease relapse and those who maintained clinical remission at the last follow-ups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify risk factors of relapse in each subset.ResultsThirty-seven (29.6%) patients experienced relapses during the follow-up periods. Relapse during the steroid reduction was significantly associated with drug reducing duration (HR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.74–0.89, P < 0.001). Risk of relapse was augmented if the drug reducing duration was <11.5 months (HR 27.80, 95%CI 5.88–131.57, P < 0.001). Among patients who discontinued the steroids, those with onset symptoms of bulbar weakness (adjusted HR 3.59, 95%CI 1.19–10.81, P = 0.023) were more likely to experience relapse.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that patients could benefit from prolonged steroid-reducing duration to prevent disease relapse. Patients with bulbar weakness at disease onset should be proposed to take long-term steroids or other immunosuppressants.

Effect of Steroid Treatment on the Diagnostic Yield of Baseline PET CT in Aggressive B Cell Lymphoma

Aggressive B cell lymphomas often require prompt steroid treatment prior to baseline 18f-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (PET CT) scan and definitive treatment in order to alleviate symptoms and/or prevent organ damage. Since lymphomas are a steroid sensitive malignancy, there is a concern that steroid prophase might affect PET CT results and diagnostic yield.We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of steroid treatment prior to baseline PET CT scan on the standardized uptake value (SUV) max and additional PET CT parameters by examining two groups of patients: steroid-naïve and steroid-treated patients. The effect of steroid administration on SUV max was examined across different daily and weekly steroid doses and durations of treatment.Between January of 2017 and May 2020, 187 newly diagnosed patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma who had a pre-treatment PET CT scan were evaluated. 160 patients (85.5%) had Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)/ High-grade B-cell lymphoma, 13 patients (7%) had primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma, 9 patients (4.8%) had primary DLBCL of the central nervous system and 5 patients (2.7%) had Burkitt lymphoma.132 patients (70.6%) were included in the steroid-naïve group and 55 patients (29.4%) in the steroid-treated group. In the steroid-treated group, the mean duration of steroid treatment was 10.49 (±9.28) days. Average daily dose of steroid treatment was equivalent to 72.27 (±36) mg of prednisone and the mean cumulative prednisone dose during the week prior to PET CT scan was equivalent to 367.95 (±239.9) mg of prednisone.There was no statistical significant difference between the groups in age, gender or KI67. However, patients in the steroid treated group had a significantly higher stage of disease compared to the steroid-naïve group (mean 3.44 compared to 2.99, respectively, p=0.01). The steroid-treated group also had a trend towards a higher IPI score (mean 2.45 versus 2.08, p=0.08) and a trend towards a higher LDH level (mean 2309.89 U/L, range 250-81374 versus mean 877.65 U/L, range 272-22036, p= 0.07), as depicted in table 1.There was no statistical difference in SUV max between the steroid-naïve and steroid-treated groups (p=0.97). This was consistent across various steroid treatment durations and dosage regimes. Patients in the steroid-treated group had a trend towards a higher tumor burden and a larger tumor volume compared to the steroid-naïve group, however it did not reach statistical significance. Mean tumor volume was 179.04 cm 3 in the steroid naïve group and 337.06 cm 3 in the steroid treated group (p=0.17). Mean tumor burden was 1944.84 in the steroid-naïve group and 3016.94 in the steroid-treated group (p=0.09).There was no difference in additional PET CT parameters including SUV mean, SUV max and SUV mean of liver and mediastinum between the groups as depicted in table 2.In conclusion, in aggressive B cell lymphoma, pre-treatment with steroids prior to initial PET CT scan does not affect SUV max or other PET CT parameters and does not reduce PET CT diagnostic yield. [Display omitted] DisclosuresGurion: Medison: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; JC Health Care: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria.

MO168MANAGEMENT OF ANTICOAGULANT RELATED NEPHROPATHY: SLOVENIAN CASE SERIES AND REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE

Abstract Background and Aims Anticoagulant-related nephropathy is a recently recognized form of acute kidney injury associated with previously underdiagnosed kidney damage in addition to (usually) excessive anticoagulation. It occurs in patients receiving warfarin as well as those receiving direct oral anticoagulants. Method We collected and analyzed cases of Slovenian patients with pathohistologically documented anticoagulant-related nephropathy associated with all types of anticoagulant treatment from the first case in 2014 to 2020. We also performed an analysis of previously documented cases of anticoagulant-related nephropathy in the global literature (PubMed) in the period from their first mention until recently. Results In Slovenia, 13 patients with anticoagulant-related nephropathy have been histologically verified so far. All patients were diagnosed with concomitant underlying renal disease, and 80% had IgA nephropathy, which was disproportionately mild according to the degree of renal function impairment. After supportive measures and reversal of excessive anticoagulation, 8 of 13 patients were further treated with corticosteroids, resulting in significant improvement in renal function. During the follow-up period, a total of one steroid-treated patient died due to infectious complications and one patient progressed to end-stage renal failure. In the worldwide literature, we found 46 case reports or case series of patients with anticoagulant-related nephropathy. Failure of restitution of renal function with the need for maintenance dialysis was reported much more frequently compared to the results of our cohort (up to 67% vs. 8.3%) Conclusion To our knowledge, the Slovenian cohort of patients with histologically established anticoagulant-related nephropathy is the largest reported series to date that received corticosteroid therapy in addition to conservative measures. Our results indicate that steroids have a beneficial effect, likely exerted via suppression of hemoglobin-associated oxidative stress and inflammation. However, considering the polimorbidity of these patients, the benefit of additional steroid therapy must be weighed against the potential risks of side effects, especially life-threatening infections.

P468 Analysis of international spontaneous reporting system databases for safety of corticosteroids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Determinants, Incidence and consequences of Corticosteroid Excess (DICE)-impact study

Abstract Background Long-term use of corticosteroids (CS) may result in significant risk of adverse events (AEs), and the true incidence of AEs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving CS is unknown.1 Such AE data may be reported in spontaneous reporting systems (SRS). Using data-mining algorithms for disproportionality, we determined the frequency of AEs of special interest (AESIs) associated with CS in patients with IBD. Methods The FDA SRS database (FAERS) was examined for AE reports associated with prednisone/prednisolone (PRED) or budesonide (BUD) use for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis from Q1 2008 to Q4 2019. The incidence of key predefined AESIs was determined and the association with CS therapy was assessed using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) criteria. Results Totals of 420,913 and 33,215 all-cause AEs were reported for PRED and BUD, respectively. The number of AE reports for each CS increased over time (Figure 1) and this was reflected in an increase in the proportion of reports of all AEs over time relating to CS. Common AEs reported with CS therapy included diarrhoea, abdominal pain, pyrexia and weight loss (Figure 2). Compared with other drugs and based on the PRR criteria, AESIs including osteonecrosis, adrenal insufficiency and Cushingoid complications were more frequently reported in patients treated with PRED; adrenal insufficiency, pancreatitis and Cushingoid complications were more frequently reported in patients treated with BUD (Table 1). There was no confounding effect from gender or disease type identified between CS and any of the AESIs in patients with IBD. Conclusion Analysis of FAERS demonstrated that steroid-treated patients with IBD report AEs that are consistent with the known safety profile for CS. Cushingoid complications and adrenal insufficiency were common signals for PRED and BUD. The increased reporting of AEs over time may reflect growth in CS prescribing, or growing awareness and reporting of CS AEs by prescribers. This analysis will be repeated in multiple international SRS systems to provide a global image of AEs for CS use in IBD. Reference

Provision and standards of care for treatment and follow-up of patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH)

BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a substantial UK health burden, but there is variation in care, facilities and in opinion regarding management. We conducted an audit of service provision and care...

Aetiology, course and treatment of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in paediatric patients: a cross-sectional web-based survey

BackgroundAcute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is a significant cause of acute renal failure in paediatric and adult patients. There are no large paediatric series focusing on the aetiology, treatment and courses...

Systemic Corticosteroids and Lung Function Recovery after Respiratory Viral Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients

PurposeRespiratory viral infection (RVI) in lung transplant recipients (LTR) have variably been associated with poor outcomes. Our center uses systemic corticosteroids (orally or intravenous) in some RVI cases to treat inflammation based on clinical judgment, but evidence for this is limited.MethodsWe reviewed all adult LTR diagnosed with RVI (via nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoscopy) between 2017 and 2019. The primary outcome was recovery of lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) at next stable visit between 1- and 12-months post-infection, expressed as a ratio between stable, representative FEV1 at follow up divided by stable FEV1 prior to infection (FEV1 recovery ratio). We modelled the association between steroid use and FEV1 recovery ratio using linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, transplant type, FEV1 presentation ratio (FEV1 at time of viral infection divided by stable FEV1 prior), hospitalization, coexistent bacterial or fungal infection, time post-transplant and CLAD status at infection.Results158 patients were diagnosed with RVI, 62 (39%) of whom received corticosteroids. 9 patients (6%) died prior to any follow-up lung function, including two deaths attributed to infection and two to bronchiolitis obliterans. Baseline characteristics were similar between steroid treated and untreated, but steroid-treated patients had a lower FEV1 presentation ratio (0.90 vs. 1.00, p=0.0094) and were more likely to have CLAD at infection (26% vs. 10%, p=0.0268). Mean FEV1 recovery ratio was 1.00 (SD 0.20) with no relationship to specific virus type. Steroid treatment was not associated with FEV1 recovery ratio either unadjusted (p=0.3709) or adjusted (p=0.4498).ConclusionTreatment with systemic corticosteroids was not associated with improved FEV1 recovery in our cohort even after adjustment for presentation severity and other factors. This suggests systemic steroids have limited utility in the management of RVI in this population. Respiratory viral infection (RVI) in lung transplant recipients (LTR) have variably been associated with poor outcomes. Our center uses systemic corticosteroids (orally or intravenous) in some RVI cases to treat inflammation based on clinical judgment, but evidence for this is limited. We reviewed all adult LTR diagnosed with RVI (via nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoscopy) between 2017 and 2019. The primary outcome was recovery of lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) at next stable visit between 1- and 12-months post-infection, expressed as a ratio between stable, representative FEV1 at follow up divided by stable FEV1 prior to infection (FEV1 recovery ratio). We modelled the association between steroid use and FEV1 recovery ratio using linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, transplant type, FEV1 presentation ratio (FEV1 at time of viral infection divided by stable FEV1 prior), hospitalization, coexistent bacterial or fungal infection, time post-transplant and CLAD status at infection. 158 patients were diagnosed with RVI, 62 (39%) of whom received corticosteroids. 9 patients (6%) died prior to any follow-up lung function, including two deaths attributed to infection and two to bronchiolitis obliterans. Baseline characteristics were similar between steroid treated and untreated, but steroid-treated patients had a lower FEV1 presentation ratio (0.90 vs. 1.00, p=0.0094) and were more likely to have CLAD at infection (26% vs. 10%, p=0.0268). Mean FEV1 recovery ratio was 1.00 (SD 0.20) with no relationship to specific virus type. Steroid treatment was not associated with FEV1 recovery ratio either unadjusted (p=0.3709) or adjusted (p=0.4498). Treatment with systemic corticosteroids was not associated with improved FEV1 recovery in our cohort even after adjustment for presentation severity and other factors. This suggests systemic steroids have limited utility in the management of RVI in this population.

MiRNAs, Myostatin, and Muscle MRI Imaging as Biomarkers of Clinical Features in Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by dystrophin gene mutations. The phenotype and evolution of this muscle disorder are extremely clinical variable. In the last years, circulating biomarkers have acquired remarkable importance in their use as noninvasive biological indicators of prognosis and in monitoring muscle disease progression, especially when associated to muscle MRI imaging. We investigated the levels of circulating microRNAs (myo-miRNAs and inflammatory miRNAs) and of the proteins follistatin (FSTN) and myostatin (GDF-8) and compared results with clinical and radiological imaging data. In eight BMD patients, including two cases with evolving lower extremity weakness treated with deflazacort, we evaluated the expression level of 4 myo-miRNAs (miR-1, miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-133b), 3 inflammatory miRNAs (miR-146b, miR-155, and miR-221), FSTN, and GDF-8 proteins. In the two treated cases, there was pronounced posterior thigh and leg fibrofatty replacement assessed by muscle MRI by Mercuri score. The muscle-specific miR-206 was increased in all patients, and inflammatory miR-221 and miR-146b were variably elevated. A significant difference in myostatin expression was observed between steroid-treated and untreated patients. This study suggests that microRNAs and myostatin protein levels could be used to better understand the progression and management of the disease.