Macrophages in obesity are characterised by increased IL-1ß response to calcium-sensing receptor signals.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is complicated by inflammatory activation of the innate immune system. Stimulation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) by extra-cellular calcium ions ([Ca2+]ex) can trigger NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammation. We hypothesised, that this mechanism might contribute to the activation of adipose tissue (AT) in obesity, and investigated [Ca2+]ex-induced, CaSR mediated IL-1ß release by macrophages in obesity. METHODS: [Ca2+]ex-induced IL-1ß release was investigated in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) generated from peripheral blood of patients with obesity and from normal-weight controls. Visceral and subcutaneous AT biosamples were stimulated with [Ca2+]ex, and IL-1ß release, as well as expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokine genes, was determined. RESULTS: Both MDM and AT readily responded with concentration-dependent IL-1ß release already at low, near physiological concentrations to addition of [Ca2+]ex, which was more than 80 fold higher than the LPS-induced effect. IL-1ß levels induced by [Ca2+]ex were significantly higher not only in MDM from patients with obesity compared to controls, but also in visceral versus subcutaneous AT. This fat-depot difference was also reflected by mRNA expression levels of inflammasome and cytokine genes. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity renders macrophages more susceptible to [Ca2+]ex-induced IL-1ß release and pyroptosis. Increased susceptibility was independent of the response to LPS and circulating CRP arguing against mere pro-inflammatory pre-activation of monocytes. Instead, we propose that CaSR mediated signalling is relevant for the deleterious innate immune activation in obesity.

Humoral and cellular response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases under real-life conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Successful vaccination is key to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Immunosuppressive medication is known to potentially compromise vaccination responses, and expansion of our knowledge on vaccination efficacy in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) is therefore of utmost importance. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre observational study and evaluated the efficacy of approved COVID-19 vaccines in 303 adult AIIRD patients. Serum levels of IgG antibodies against the S1 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins (anti-S IgG) were measured at least two weeks after vaccination. In a subgroup of patients without humoral response, T-cell responses were determined using an interferon-γ gamma release assay. RESULTS: Overall seropositivity rate was 78.5% and was significantly lower in patients under immunosuppressive therapy (75.7 vs 93.2%, P = 0.009). No difference regarding the vaccination type was observed. Glucocorticoids, mycophenolate-mofetil, TNF inhibitors, tocilizumab, abatacept and rituximab were all associated with non-response after proper vaccination. The risk was highest under RTX therapy (OR 0.004, 95% CI 0.001, 0.023, P < 0.0001). A strong negative correlation was observed between time since vaccination with an mRNA vaccine and anti-S antibody levels (r=-0.6149, P < 0.0001). In patients without humoral response, a T-cell response was found in 50%. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination in patients with AIIRD is effective using any approved vaccine. Humoral response might be impaired depending on the individual immunosuppressive medication. The risk of non-response is highest under rituximab therapy. Anti-S IgG antibody levels wane over time after mRNA vaccination. Importantly, 50% of humoral non-responders showed a T-cellular response, suggesting T-cell-mediated protection to a certain extent.

Expansion of CD4+CD8+ double-positive T cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients is associated with erosive disease.

OBJECTIVES: CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells are expanded in the peripheral blood of a subset of patients with RA. This study examines the clinical significance of DP T cells in RA. METHODS: In 70 RA patients, DP T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Clinical data were obtained, and hand and feet radiographs were scored according to the Sharp/van der Heijde (SvdH) method. The association between DP T cell frequency and erosive joint destruction was analysed by correlation and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen RA patients (27.1%) displayed increased DP T cell frequencies, which correlated with age (r = 0.288, P =0.016). Expansion of DP T cells was associated with the occurrence of erosions (94,7% vs 43,1%, P <0.001), with a higher SvdH joint damage score (24.5 vs 6, P =0.008) and with more frequent use of biologic or targeted-synthetic DMARDs (68.4% vs 38%, P =0.02). In patients with non-erosive disease, DP T cell frequencies correlated with the joint space narrowing score (n = 28, r = 0.44, P =0.02). Logistic regression revealed DP T cells to be associated with erosive disease (OR 1.90, P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Expansion of DP T cells is associated with joint damage and frequent escalation of therapy, possibly suggesting a contribution to more severe RA.

Sepsis Mortality Is high in Patients With Connective Tissue Diseases Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

OBJECTIVES: Patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD) such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk for infections. This study investigated the outcome and characteristics of CTD patients under intensive care unit (ICU) treatment for sepsis. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted and reviewed all patients with a CTD diagnosis admitted to the ICU of a university hospital for sepsis between 2006 and 2019. Mortality was computed and multivariate logistic regression was used to detect independent risk factors for sepsis mortality. Furthermore, the positive predictive value of ICU scores such as Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 44 patients with CTD (mean age 59.8 ± 16.1 years, 68.2% females), most of them with a diagnosed SLE (61.4%) followed by systemic sclerosis (15.9%). 56.8% (n = 25) were treated with immunosuppressives and 81.8% (n = 36) received glucocorticoids. Rituximab was used in 3 patients (6.8%). The hospital mortality of septic CTD patients was high with 40.9%. It was highest among systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (85.7%). SOFA score and diagnosis of SSc were independently associated with mortality in multivariate logistic regression (P = 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), SOFA and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were good predictors of sepsis mortality in the investigated cohort (SAPS II AUC 0.772, P = 0.002; SOFA AUC 0.756, P = 0.004; APACHE II AUC 0.741, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital sepsis mortality is high in CTD patients. SSc diagnoses and SOFA were independently associated with mortality. Additionally, common ICU scores were good predictors for mortality.

Mortality of Sepsis in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis and Comparison With a Control Group.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a high risk of infections that may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission in case of resulting sepsis. Data regarding the mortality of these patients are very limited. This study investigated clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with RA admitted to the ICU for sepsis and compared the results to a control cohort without RA. METHODS: All patients with RA as well as sex-, age-, and admission year-matched controls admitted to the ICU of a university hospital for sepsis between 2006 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Mortality was calculated for both the groups, and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for sepsis mortality. The positive predictive value of common ICU scores was also investigated. RESULTS: The study included 49 patients with RA (mean age 67.2 ± 9.0 years, 63.3% females) and 51 matched controls (mean age 67.4 ± 9.5 years, 64.7% females). Among the patients with RA, 42.9% (n = 21) were treated with conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and 30.6% (n = 15) received glucocorticoids only. Seven (14.3%) patients received biologic (b) DMARDs. The hospital mortality was higher among patients with RA (42.9% vs 15.7%, P = .0016). Rheumatoid arthritis was independently associated with mortality in multivariate logistic regression (P = .001). In patients with RA, renal replacement therapy (P = .024), renal failure (P = .027), and diabetes mellitus (P = .028) were independently associated with mortality. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were good predictors of sepsis mortality in patients with RA (APACHE II area under the curve [AUC]: 0.78, P = .001; SAPS II AUC: 0.78, P < .001; SOFA AUC 0.78, P < .001), but their predictive power was higher among controls. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital sepsis mortality was higher in patients with RA than in controls. Rheumatoid arthritis itself is independently associated with an increased sepsis mortality. Renal replacement therapy, renal failure, and diabetes were associated with an increased mortality. Common ICU scores were less well predictors of sepsis mortality in patients with RA compared to non-RA controls.

Outcome of Patients With Necrotizing Vasculitis Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for Sepsis: Results of a Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Vasculitis patients have a high risk for infections that may require intensive care unit (ICU) treatment in case of resulting sepsis. Since data on sepsis mortality in this patient group is limited, the present study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of vasculitis patients admitted to the ICU for sepsis. METHODS: The medical records of all necrotizing vasculitis patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital for sepsis in a 13-year period have been reviewed. Mortality was calculated and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for sepsis mortality. Moreover, the predictive power of common ICU scores was further evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 34 patients with necrotizing vasculitis (mean age 69 ± 9.9 years, 35.3% females). 47.1% (n = 16) were treated with immunosuppressives (mostly cyclophosphamide, n = 35.3%) and 76.5% (n = 26) received glucocorticoids. Rituximab was used in 4 patients (11.8%).The in-hospital mortality of septic vasculitis patients was 41.2%. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.003) was independently associated with mortality in multivariate logistic regression. Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and SOFA scores were good predictors of sepsis mortality in the investigated vasculitis patients (APACHE II AUC 0.73, p = 0.02; SAPS II AUC 0.81, p < 0.01; SOFA AUC 0.898, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis mortality was high in vasculitis patients. SOFA was independently associated with mortality in a logistic regression model. SOFA and other well-established ICU scores were good mortality predictors.

Low vaccination rates among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a German outpatient clinic.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of acquiring infections due to two reasons: the disease itself and the immunosuppressive therapy. Vaccinations against preventable diseases are therefore of utmost importance for these group of patients. To estimate vaccination frequencies among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, we studied patients in a survey and calculated vaccination rates based on their vaccination documents. Patients have been recruited from our outpatient clinic during one of their routine visits. For the statistical analysis, they have been divided by age (≥60 vs <60 years) and medication (DMARD, Biologics, TNF inhibitors) for further subgroup analysis. Among the studied patients (n = 331), we found rather low vaccination rates, in particular for the strongly recommended vaccines against Pneumococcus and Influenza (33 and 53%, respectively). Furthermore, protection rates for important basic vaccinations, e.g. against Pertussis, were found to be very low with 12% only. Beside these findings, we saw age-dependent differences for a variety of vaccines: while Pneumococcus and Influenza vaccines were more often given to patients ≥60 years, MMR, Pertussis, Diphtheria and Hepatitis were significantly more often applied to younger patients. Vaccination rates have to be improved among RA patients, in particular for vaccines protecting from respiratory tract infections such as Pneumococcus.

In vitro response pattern of monocytes after tmTNF reverse signaling predicts response to anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with TNF inhibitors is very efficient in the majority of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it does not achieve a sufficient treatment response in 40-50% of the cases. Goal of the study was to assess functional ex vivo-tests of RA monocytes as prognostic parameters of the subsequent treatment response. METHODS: 20 anti-TNF naïve RA patients were enrolled in a prospective, open-label trial, and Etanercept therapy was initiated. Prior to treatment, reverse signaling was induced in peripheral blood monocytes by tmTNF crosslinking via TNFR2:Ig construct Etanercept in a standardized ex vivo-assay. Released cytokine and cytokine receptor concentrations were determined as parameters of the monocyte response. RESULTS: Crosslinking of tmTNF and consecutive reverse signaling led to production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and of soluble cytokine decoy receptors such as sTNFR1 and sIL-1R2. Several of the measured concentrations were found to correlate with the treatment response according to the EULAR criteria. The correlation was most pronounced in sTNFR1 concentrations (r = -0.657, p = 0.0031), which also predicted a good clinical response with the highest sensitivity and specificity according to EULAR criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we propose that the tmTNF crosslinking-triggered shedding of soluble decoy receptors and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines could contribute to the clinical efficacy of TNF inhibitors, and that in vitro quantification of this secretion by RA monocytes prior to treatment can be used to predict the clinical response. Further development of such standardized tests could be a step towards personalized medicine by providing rheumatologists with a rational choice for first line biological therapy in patients with RA.

Methotrexate - Safe Backbone for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the primarily used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). MTX is a safe agent, even when used for years - provided that treatment is regularly monitored and prescribers follow some simple rules, such as prescribing tablets of a single strength only. Proper patient education contributes greatly to safe treatment. The knowledge of important pharmacologic facts, possible interactions, and clinical warning signs also helps to prevent or recognize intoxications early. Therefore, this review addresses key aspects regarding the safety of MTX. In this respect, it includes adverse events, possible interactions with frequently used drugs and details on the rare but life-threatening intoxication, e.g., due to erroneous daily intake.

Symptoms and Severity of COVID-19 in Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Experience of a University Medical Center.

Background: The pandemic situation of the novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)) and its associated disease (coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)) represents a challenging condition with a plethora of aspects. The course of COVID-19 in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatic diseases (RD) is not well known. Our study is one step toward closing this gap by collecting data on vaccination rates, infection-free survival, and individual symptom severity. Methods: We conducted a prospective questionnaire-based study between April 2022 and October 2022 at our university hospital. Outward patients over the age of 18 years were screened for participation and reported about their infection/infection-free survival since the start of the pandemic. Results: Finally, 156 patients were included in the study, 117 (75.0%) of which had inflammatory bowel disease and 39 (25.0%) patients with rheumatic disease. Altogether, 143 (91.7%) persons had received at least one vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. A total of 153 patients provided information regarding their COVID-19 history: 81 patients (52.0%) self-reported about their SARS-CoV-2 infection. In general, courses of infection were mild: only two patients (2.5% of patients with reported COVID-19) were hospitalized due to COVID-19 with one (1.2%) of the two needing intensive care. Asymptomatic COVID-19 had been described by 7 persons (8.6% of patients with reported COVID-19). Acute COVID-19 was accompanied by fatigue/tiredness in 58 persons (71.6% of patients with history of COVID-19) as the most frequent symptom. Other complaints were common cold (55 patients = 67.9%), cough (51 patients = 63.0%), headache (44 patients = 54.3%), and fever (35 patients = 43.2%). Stratified by vaccination status (unvaccinated vs. at least once vaccinated), the time to infection differed significantly (logrank test: p = 0.04, Chi2 4.1). At least once vaccinated people had a median COVID-19-free survival of 28.5 months (confidence interval (CI): 23.6 months-not reached). Without any vaccination, the estimated time to infection was 25.1 months (CI: 23.6 months-not reached). Conclusion: Our IMID patients have a high rate of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Data show a significantly longer infection-free survival in vaccinated IMID patients as compared to unvaccinated patients. Discrimination between symptoms of COVID-19 and a concomitant inflammatory disease is difficult as complaints might be overlapping. This trial is registered with DRKS00028880.

[Fibromyalgia as a Rheumatic Pain Syndrome]. / Das Fibromyalgiesyndrom als Schmerzsyndrom in der Rheumatologie.

Epidemiology and pathophysiology: Fibromyalgia is significantly more common in people with rheumatic diseases than in the general population. Nevertheless, it can occur independent of other diseases. Physical and psychosocial factors are responsible for the genesis for fibromyalgia making it a multifactorial disease. Most importantly, central pain processing seems to be abnormal. The relevance of a small fibre neuropathy is yet to be determined. For the very first time, a study was able to demonstrate that fibromyalgia might be passively transferred from one organism to another in an experimental setting.Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia is a clinical diagnose. Besides generalized pain, sleep disturbances and fatigue are common features. Furthermore, there can be an association with depressive disorders. Determining the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and the Symptom Severity Score (SSS) can help in diagnosing Fibromyalgia and to determine severity of the disease.Therapy: Cornerstones of the treatment are patient education, physical exercise, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. In therapy-resistant cases, a multimodal approach might be considered. Analgesic drugs, particularly opioids, should basically be avoided or only be used for a short period of time. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is a promising treatment candidate. Another possible approach might be the use of TENS. While there are positive observational studies on the therapeutic use of cannabinoids, evidence from controlled trials is still missing.

Influenza, Pneumococcal and Herpes Zoster Vaccination Rates in Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination rates are known to be low in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD). We therefore aimed to determine current vaccination rates against influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and herpes zoster in a cohort of patients with AIIRD in Germany. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with an AIIRD were recruited from our outpatient clinic during their regular consultations. The individual vaccination status regarding influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and herpes zoster was obtained by reviewing the vaccination documents. RESULTS: A total of 222 AIIRD patients (mean age 62.9 ± 13.9 years) were included. In total, 68.5% were vaccinated against influenza, 34.7% against Streptococcus pneumoniae and 13.1% against herpes zoster (HZ). The pneumococcal vaccination was outdated in 29.4% of the vaccinated patients. Vaccination rates were significantly higher in patients ≥60 years old (odds ratio (OR) 2.167, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.213-3.870, p = 0.008 for influenza, OR 4.639, 95% CI 2.555-8.422, p < 0.0001 for pneumococcal and OR 6.059, 95% CI 1.772-20.712, p = 0.001 for HZ vaccination). Ages > 60 years, female sex, glucocorticoid use and influenza vaccination were all independently associated with a pneumococcal vaccination. Regarding influenza vaccination, only a positive pneumococcal vaccination history remained independently associated. In patients with HZ vaccination, glucocorticoid use and a preceding pneumococcal vaccination were independently associated with HZ protection. CONCLUSIONS: The frequencies of vaccinations against influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and HZ have increased during recent years. While this can be partly explained by continuous efforts in patient education during the outpatient visits, the COVID-19 pandemic might also have contributed. Nevertheless, the persistently high incidence and mortality of these preventable diseases in patients with AIIRDs mandates further efforts to increase vaccination coverage, particularly in SLE patients.

[Osteoarthritis: what's new?] / Arthrose ­ neue therapeutische Ansätze.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common disease. As a consequence of the ageing society, osteoarthritis prevalence will further increase. Age itself, trauma, unequal load distribution and overweight are risk factors. Cellular senescence and overweight have been in the focus of scientific interest for the last few years. Both risk factors are able to facilitate joint inflammation, independent of a mechanical approach. Senescent chondrocytes as well as adipocytes can produce increased amounts of inflammatory cytokines. Cornerstones of the therapy are patient education including information on the character/course of the disease and intentional weight loss. Although NSAIDs can be recommended as analgesics, their contraindications limit the widespread use. Alternatively, acetaminophen or low-potency opioids such as tramadol might be considered. Topical NSAIDs and intraarticular glucocorticoid injections can be helpful in pain reduction particularly in knee osteoarthritis. There is still no general recommendation for nutritional supplements including chondroitin or glycosaminoglycan, but they might be considered as an accompanying therapy. With the current non-approval of the nerve growth factor (NGF)-antibody tanezumab, a new therapeutical option for OA suffered a setback. Unfortunately, the results of the phase 2 study on the Wnt inhibitor lorecivivint are barely encouraging. However, the results of the according phase 3 study are eagerly awaited.

COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases in a German Outpatient Clinic: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: In the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, highly effective and safe vaccines became available. Since patients with rheumatic diseases show increased susceptibility to infections and typical medications raise the risk of severe COVID-19, high vaccination coverage is of significant importance to these patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients with different rheumatic diseases were asked for their vaccination status regarding COVID-19, influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae during their routine consultations. Any reported vaccination was validated with their personal vaccination card and/or by reviewing the CovPass smartphone app. Reasons for not having a COVID-19 vaccination were documented. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients (mean age 62.3 ± 14.1 years) were included, the majority of them (44.3%) with rheumatoid arthritis, followed by spondyloarthritis (27.4%) and connective tissue diseases (21.4%). Vaccination coverage for SARS-CoV-2 was 80.1%; 85.6% got at least the first vaccination shot. Both valid influenza and pneumococcus coverage were associated with a higher probability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (odds ratio (OR) 6.243, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.637-14.783, p < 0.0001 and OR 6.372, 95% CI 2.105-19.282, p = 0.0003, respectively). The main reason for a missing SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (70%) was being sceptical about the vaccine itself (i.e., the subjective impression that the vaccine was not properly tested and fear of unwanted side effects). CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 is high in patients with rheumatic diseases. Nevertheless, there are unmet needs regarding vaccination education to further increase vaccination rates.