Project description:Aim: To investigate clinical implications of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity detected in COVID-19 patients during follow up. Materials and methods: A retrospective survey in a hospital database was carried out to detect COVID-19 patients in which ANCAs had been tested. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected from this hospital database and compared between ANCA-negative and -positive patients. Results: ANCAs were tested in 87 COVID-19 patients. Eight had positivity in at least one ANCA test. COVID-19 symptoms on admission and rate of pulmonary involvement were similar. Acute phase reactant levels were higher in ANCA-positive patients. Rate of mortality was higher in the ANCA-positive group without statistical significance. Conclusion: ANCA positivity detected during COVID-19 in patients without a prior diagnosis of any rheumatic condition may be related with worse outcomes.
Project description:PurposeWe investigated whether antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity is associated with vascular manifestations at diagnosis of Behçet's disease (BD) and poor outcomes during follow-up.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1060 patients with BD. Among them, 808 patients could be diagnosed with BD based on the revised version of the International Criteria for Behçet's Disease (ICBD) in 2014 (2014 ICBD criteria) and 588 patients could be diagnosed with BD based on the International Study Group (ISG) criteria proposed in 1990 (1990 ISG criteria). We examined the sites and patterns of vascular involvement in the BD patients at diagnosis and evaluated adverse outcomes during follow up, such as all-cause mortality, acute coronary syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis.ResultsAmong the 808 patients with BD based on the 2014 ICBD criteria, the rate of ANCA positivity at diagnosis was 2.2%. ANCA-positive BD patients exhibited a higher frequency of overall vascular manifestations (22.2% vs. 6.1%) and higher frequencies of vascular involvement in the upper extremities and visceral arteries than ANCA-negative BD patients (5.6% vs. 0.1% and 5.6% vs. 0.1%). Among the 588 BD patients based on the 1990 ISG criteria, similarly, ANCA-positive BD patients exhibited a higher frequency of vascular manifestations than ANCA-negative BD patients. ANCA positivity, however, did not seem to be associated with poor outcomes in BD patients during follow up.ConclusionANCA positivity in BD patients was found to be associated with cross-sectional vascular involvement in the upper extremities and visceral arteries at diagnosis but was not predictive of poor outcomes during follow-up.
Project description:ObjectivesTo investigate the rate of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity and its clinical significance in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).MethodsThis study included 178 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 who were enrolled in a cohort at a single centre. Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA levels in stored blood sera were measured using immunoassay kits. Mortality, mechanical ventilator care, and severe infection were assessed as three poor outcomes. The 2022 American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for the three subtypes of AAV were applied only to patients who had MPO-ANCA or PR3-ANCA among study subjects.ResultsThe detection rate of ANCA positivity was 18.5%. MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA were found in 22 (12.4%) and 14 (7.9%) patients, respectively. However, neither MPO-ANCA nor PR3-ANCA affected the three poor outcomes. According to the new criteria, 12 (6.7%) and 21 (11.8%) patients were classified as having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), respectively.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 infection may increase the rate of ANCA positivity. Although it might not affect poor outcomes, it might contribute to the classification of GPA and MPA despite uncertain clinical significance.
Project description:Myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA) is well-known as a serological marker for small-vessel vasculitis. However, when a smoker with interstitial lung disease (ILD) exhibits serum ANCA positivity without systemic vasculitis, diagnosis is a matter of debate; the relationship between smoking and ANCA is unknown. We report a case of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) with elevated MPO-ANCA. Surgical lung biopsy showed emphysema and fibrotic interstitial pneumonia without vasculitis. The MPO-ANCA level decreased after smoking cessation, and no vasculitis or progression was observed during 3 years of follow-up. This suggested that smoking cessation was related to normalization of MPO-ANCA and corresponding disease activity.
Project description:ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two rituximab (RTX) regimens for the induction of remission in severe antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV): the four-dose (375 mg/m2 intravenously weekly) versus the two-dose (1000 mg intravenously biweekly) regimen.MethodsA systematic review was performed to identify studies using the four- and/or two-dose RTX regimens for induction of remission in severe AAV. Disease status 6 months after RTX infusion was required for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they received concomitant cyclophosphamide or plasma exchange. The primary end point was the proportion of patients in complete remission at 6 months. The pooled estimate was obtained by using meta-analysis methods for proportions with random effects. Secondary end points included antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody status, number of patients with B-cell depletion, mean prednisone dose, infections, and death.ResultsA total of 27 studies and 506 patients were included for analysis: 361 patients received the four-dose regimen, and 145 patients received the two-dose regimen. Most patients had relapsing disease at inclusion (83% and 92% of patients, respectively). There was no significant difference between the four- and two-dose regimens, with a complete remission achieved in 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70-96) and 91% (95% CI: 79-99) of patients, respectively. At 6 months, both regimens were associated with a similar mean daily prednisone dose (8.1 mg), infections (12% in both), and death (1% vs 0%, respectively).ConclusionNo difference was found in terms of efficacy or safety between the four- and two-dose RTX regimens for induction of remission in severe AAV.
Project description:BackgroundCholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) is an uncommon but well-known cause of renal failure in native kidneys, but little is known about CES in kidney transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, histopathology, and prognosis of CES after kidney transplantation.MethodsCES cases in both transplanted and native kidneys (control group) were identified by searching the databases of the divisions of Nephrology and Pathology of our institution. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Biopsies were classified according to the latest Banff 2019 Update. Second, a systematic literature search was performed (December 01, 2020) of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials, Google Scholar, and Web of Science.ResultsCES was observed in for-cause biopsies of 11 out of 2350 (0.47%) kidney transplant recipients transplanted between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2018 (0.0009 cases per person-year). All patients had ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor, and 9 donors were expanded criteria donors. Graft loss occurred in 27.3% of the patients diagnosed with CES. Eight transplant biopsies with CES were also classified as biopsy-proven acute rejection. Transplant biopsies showed signs of inflammation (arteritis, n = 7; interstitial inflammation, n = 5; tubulitis, n = 7). One patient with CES in a native kidney was identified. The biopsy of the native kidney only showed arteritis and classified as an isolated "v" lesion. The literature search resulted in 188 unique articles of which 20 were included. A total of 47 cases of CES after kidney transplantation was reported. Cholesterol emboli were found in <1% of all kidney transplant biopsies. In 57.8% of the kidney transplant biopsies with CES described in literature, concomitant inflammation was present.ConclusionsCES is an uncommon cause of kidney transplant failure, although the incidence of CES may be underestimated. CES may mimic rejection as it can be accompanied by arteritis.
Project description:Patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) could develop significant urological complications, such as hydroureteronephrosis, renal amyloidosis and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here, we presented a 12-year-old boy carrying pathogenic COL7A1 mutation with diagnosis of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). The patient had concomitant gross hematuria and proteinuria. Pathological examinations and immunostaining of renal biopsy showed glomeruli with mesangial hypercellularity and deposition of IgA, which were indicative of IgAN. Interestingly, serological evaluation showed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) directed against myeloperoxidase and proteinase 3. Treatment with glucocorticoid, immunosuppressants, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and antibiotics efficiently improved hemato-proteinuria, and ANCAs became negative as well. This case of DEB presented a unique collection of clinical manifestations and pathological alterations. IgAN and serum positive ANCA were possibly associated with sustained infection secondary to DEB, and can be managed by empirical treatment for primary IgAN.
Project description:BackgroundKidney involvement is common in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV). It tends to be aggressive, and in some patients, the kidney involvement may reach the criteria of acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we aim to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients and find risk factors for poor outcomes.MethodsPatients diagnosed with AAV in our hospital from February 2003 to February 2017 were included. Those who reached the KDIGO AKI criteria were reclassified according to the KDIGO AKI stage. The clinical features of these patients were analyzed. Also, according to the variation of serum creatinine 3 months after AKI episode, patients were further divided into two groups: patients whose serum creatinine (Scr) level at the third month decreased by 30% or more from the peak Scr level was classified into G1 and others were classified into G2. Long-term renal and survival outcomes of these patients were analyzed with a Cox model. The renal endpoint was reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the survival endpoint was death. Nomograms were built based on cox models.ResultsOf 141 AAV patients included, during the median follow-up period of 64.0 (IQR 34.8, 85.4) months, 36 (25.5%) patients reached renal endpoints, and 22 (15.6%) patients died. The median renal survival time was 35.9 (IQR 21.3, 72.6) months and the median survival time was 48.4 (IQR 26.8, 82.8) months. Multivariate analysis showed that poor recovery of Scr level at 90 days (P < 0.001, RR = 9.150, 95%CI 4.163-20.113), BVAS score (P = 0.014, RR = 1.110, 95% CI1.021-1.207), and AKI stage 3 (P = 0.012 RR = 3.116, 95%CI 1.278-7.598) were independent risk factors for renal endpoints; poor recovery of Scr level at 90 days (P = 0.010, RR = 3.264, 95%CI 1.326-8.035), BVAS score (P = 0.010, RR = 1.171, 95%CI 1.038-1.320) and age (P = 0.017, RR = 1.046, 95%CI 1.008-1.086) were independent risk factors for all-cause death. The c-index of nomograms is 0.830 for the renal outcome and 0.763 for the survival outcome.ConclusionKDIGO AKI stage 3 is the risk factor for ESRD in AAV patients with AKI. The BVAS score and level of kidney function recovery at 90 days are the independent risk factors for both ESRD and all-cause death and are of predictive value for the outcome.
Project description:BackgroundTreatment of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and severe renal involvement is not established. We describe outcomes in response to rituximab (RTX) versus cyclophosphamide (CYC) and plasma exchange (PLEX).MethodsA retrospective cohort study of MPO- or PR3-ANCA-positive patients with AAV (MPA and GPA) and severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Remission, relapse, ESKD and death after remission-induction with CYC or RTX, with or without the use of PLEX, were compared.ResultsOf 467 patients with active renal involvement, 251 had severe kidney disease. Patients received CYC (n=161) or RTX (n=64) for remission-induction, and 51 were also treated with PLEX. Predictors for ESKD and/or death at 18 months were eGFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at diagnosis (IRR 3.09 [95% CI 1.49 to 6.40], P=0.002), renal recovery (IRR 0.27 [95% CI 0.12 to 0.64], P=0.003) and renal remission at 6 months (IRR 0.40 [95% CI 0.18 to 0.90], P=0.027). RTX was comparable to CYC in remission-induction (BVAS/WG=0) at 6 months (IRR 1.37 [95% CI 0.91 to 2.08], P=0.132). Addition of PLEX showed no benefit on remission-induction at 6 months (IRR 0.73 [95% CI 0.44 to 1.22], P=0.230), the rate of ESKD and/or death at 18 months (IRR 1.05 [95% CI 0.51 to 2.18], P=0.891), progression to ESKD (IRR 1.06 [95% CI 0.50 to 2.25], P=0.887), and survival at 24 months (IRR 0.54 [95% CI 0.16 to 1.85], P=0.330).ConclusionsThe apparent benefits and risks of using CYC or RTX for the treatment of patients with AAV and severe kidney disease are balanced. The addition of PLEX to standard remission-induction therapy showed no benefit in our cohort. A randomized controlled trial is the only satisfactory means to evaluate efficacy of remission-induction treatments in AAV with severe renal involvement.
Project description:OBJECTIVE:To evaluate circulating cytokine profiles in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), classified by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) specificity (proteinase 3 ANCA [PR3-ANCA] versus myeloperoxidase ANCA [MPO-ANCA]) or by clinical diagnosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA] versus microscopic polyangiitis [MPA]). METHODS:A panel of 29 cytokines was tested in 186 patients with active AAV at inclusion into the Rituximab in AAV trial. Cytokine concentrations were compared between groups within each classification system. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, and renal insufficiency were performed, with each biomarker as a dependent variable and ANCA specificity and clinical diagnosis as explanatory variables of interest. RESULTS:Levels of 9 circulating cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], IL-15, IL-18, CXCL8/IL-8, CCL-17/thymus and activation-regulated chemokine [TARC], IL-18 binding protein [IL-18 BP], soluble IL-2 receptor ? [sIL-2R?], and nerve growth factor ? [NGF?]) were significantly higher in PR3-AAV than MPO-AAV, 4 cytokines (sIL6R, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II [sTNFRII], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [sICAM-1]) were higher in MPO-AAV than in PR3-AAV, 6 cytokines (IL-6, GM-CSF, IL-15, IL-18, sIL-2R?, and NGF?) were higher in GPA than in MPA, and 3 cytokines (osteopontin, sTNFRII, and NGAL) were higher in MPA than in GPA (all P < 0.05). For nearly all cytokines, the difference between PR3-AAV and MPO-AAV was larger than that between GPA and MPA. The multivariate analysis showed that 8 cytokines (IL-15, IL-8, IL-18 BP, NGF-?, sICAM-1, TARC, osteopontin, and kidney injury molecule 1 (P < 0.05) distinguished patients with AAV better (lower P values and larger effect sizes) when grouped by ANCA specificity than by clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION:Distinct cytokine profiles were identified for PR3-AAV versus MPO-AAV and for GPA versus MPA. Differences in these circulating immune mediators are more strongly associated with ANCA specificity than with clinical diagnosis, suggesting that heterogeneity in the AAV subtypes extends beyond clinical phenotypes.