Temporal relationship between sarcoidosis and malignancies in a nationwide cohort of 1942 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the phenotype of sarcoidosis according to the time when a malignancy is diagnosed (preexisting to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, concomitant, or sequential) and to identify prognostic factors associated with malignancies in a large cohort of patients with sarcoidosis. METHODS: We searched for malignancies in the SARCOGEAS cohort, a multicenter nationwide database of consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis according to the ATS/ESC/WASOG criteria. Solid malignancies were classified using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) nomenclature, and hematological malignancies using the 2016 WHO classification. We excluded patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of sarcoidosis based exclusively on demonstrating granulomas in tissues also involved by malignant cells. RESULTS: Out of 1942 patients with sarcoidosis, 233 (12%) developed 250 malignancies, including solid (n = 173), hematological (n = 57), and both types of malignancies (n = 3). Concerning the time interval between the diagnoses of both conditions, 83 (36%) patients were diagnosed with malignancy at least 1 year before sarcoidosis diagnosis, 22 (9%) had s synchronous diagnosis of both diseases, and 118 (51%) developed malignancies at least 1 year after the diagnosis of sarcoidosis (the remaining cases developed malignancies in different time intervals). The multivariate-adjusted model showed that individuals with sarcoidosis who developed a malignancy had an hazard ratio (HR) of 2.27 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.62-3.17] for having an asymptomatic clinical phenotype at diagnosis of sarcoidosis and that spleen (presence vs. absence: HR = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.21-3.51) and bone marrow (presence vs. absence: HR = 3.04; 95% CI, 1.77-5.24) involvements were independent predictors for the development of all-type malignancies. No predictive factors were identified when the analysis was restricted to the development of solid malignancies. The analysis limited to the development of hematological malignancies confirmed the presence of involvement in the spleen (HR = 3.73; 95% CI, 1.38-10.06) and bone marrow (presence vs. absence: HR = 8.00; 95% CI, 3.15-20.35) at the time of sarcoidosis diagnosis as predictive factors. CONCLUSION: It is essential to consider the synchronous or metachronous timing of the diagnosis of malignancies in people with sarcoidosis. We found that half of the malignancies were diagnosed after a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, with spleen and bone marrow involvement associated with a four to eight times higher risk of developing hematological malignancies. Key messages What is already known on this topic Malignancies are one of the comorbidities more frequently encountered in people with sarcoidosis What this study adds Malignancies occur in 12% of patients with sarcoidosis Malignancy may precede, coincide with, or follow the diagnosis of sarcoidosis One-third were identified before sarcoidosis, and half were diagnosed after Spleen and bone marrow involvement are risk factors for developing hematological malignancies How this study might affect research, practice or policy Patients with sarcoidosis should be regularly monitored for neoplasms, informed of the increased risk, and educated on early detection. Those with spleen or bone marrow involvement must be closely followed.

Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants for immune-related adverse events and checkpoint inhibitor effectiveness in melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate an association between immunosuppression for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and impaired survival in patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors. Whether this is related to corticosteroids or second-line immunosuppressants is unknown. In the largest cohort thus far, we assessed the association of immunosuppressant type and dose with survival in melanoma patients with irAEs. METHODS: Patients with advanced melanoma who received immunosuppressants for irAEs induced by first-line anti-PD-1 ± anti-CTLA-4 were included from 18 hospitals worldwide. Associations of cumulative and peak dose corticosteroids and use of second-line immunosuppression with survival from start of immunosuppression were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: Among 606 patients, 404 had anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4-related irAEs and 202 had anti-PD-1-related irAEs. 425 patients (70 %) received corticosteroids only; 181 patients (30 %) additionally received second-line immunosuppressants. Median PFS and OS from starting immunosuppression were 4.5 (95 %CI 3.4-8.1) and 31 (95 %CI 15-not reached) months in patients who received second-line immunosuppressants, and 11 (95 %CI 9.4-14) and 55 (95 %CI 41-not reached) months in patients who did not. High corticosteroid peak dose was associated with worse PFS and OS (HRadj 1.14; 95 %CI 1.01-1.29; HRadj 1.29; 95 %CI 1.12-1.49 for 80vs40mg), while cumulative dose was not. Second-line immunosuppression was associated with worse PFS (HRadj 1.32; 95 %CI 1.02-1.72) and OS (HRadj 1.34; 95 %CI 0.99-1.82) compared with corticosteroids alone. CONCLUSIONS: High corticosteroid peak dose and second-line immunosuppressants to treat irAEs are both associated with impaired survival. While immunosuppression is indispensable for treatment of severe irAEs, clinicians should weigh possible detrimental effects on survival against potential disadvantages of undertreatment.

[Castleman's disease, pathophysiology, advances in diagnosis and treatment]. / Enfermedad de Castleman, fisiopatología, avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Castleman's disease (CD) encompasses a heterogeneous set of reactive lymphoproliferative processes that share well-defined histologic features. CD is considered a rare or minority disease. The incidence of CD is not fully known, although it is estimated at less than 1 per 100,000 inhabitants. It has a bimodal distribution (30-40 years and then 60-80 years). The incidence is similar in both sexes, although the unicentric variant seems to have a slight predominance in women with a 2:1 ratio. CD is classified into a hyalinovascular form (this being the most frequent) and a plasmocellular form, related to the HIV and VHH-8 viruses, which together with other autoimmune mechanisms develop hyperproduction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by B lymphocytes. There are different lines of treatment, where the use of anti IL-6 stands out, being siltuximab the most used as orphan drug in this pathology.

Characterisation of the coexistence between sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome. Analysis of 43 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To characterise the key epidemiological, clinical, immunological, imaging, and pathological features of the coexistence between sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: All centres included in two large multicentre registries (the Sjögren Syndrome Big Data Consortium and the Sarco-GEAS-SEMI Registry) were contacted searching for potential cases of coexistence between SS and sarcoidosis seen in daily practice. Inclusion criteria were the fulfilment of the current classification criteria both for SS (2016 ACR/EULAR) and sarcoidosis (WASOG). The following features were considered for evaluating a coexisting immunopathological scenario between the two diseases: non-caseating granulomas (NCG), focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (FLS) and positive anti-Ro antibodies. RESULTS: We identified 43 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (38 women, with a mean age of 53 years at diagnosis of SS and of 52 years at diagnosis of sarcoidosis). In 28 (65%) cases, sarcoidosis was diagnosed concomitantly with SS, or during the follow-up of patients with an already diagnosed SS, while in the remaining 15 (35%), SS was diagnosed during the follow-up of an already diagnosed sarcoidosis. Patients in whom sarcoidosis was diagnosed first showed a lower mean age (43.88 vs. 55.67 years, p=0.005) and were less frequently women (73% vs. 96%, p=0.04) in comparison with those in whom sarcoidosis was diagnosed concomitantly with SS, or during the follow-up of an already diagnosed SS. We identified the following immunopathological scenarios: a combination of NCG involving extrasalivary tissues and anti-Ro antibodies in 55% of patients, a coexistence of both pathological scenarios (extrasalivary NCG and FLS in MSGB) in 42% (with positive anti-Ro antibodies in two thirds of cases), and NCG involving salivary glands and anti-Ro antibodies in 3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: We have characterised the largest reported series of patients who fulfilled the current classification criteria for both SS and sarcoidosis. This implies that sarcoidosis (and not just the presence of isolated NCG on salivary gland biopsy) may, like other systemic autoimmune diseases, coexist with SS, and that a sarcoidosis diagnosis does not preclude the development of SS in the future.

Therapy-resistant dermatomyositis with extensive 'lumbar belt' calcinosis.

Calcinosis cutis (CC) is the umbrella term for calcium salt deposition on skin and subcutaneous tissue. We present a unique case of CC associated with anti-Mi2-positive dermatomyositis, having a distinctive distribution of subcutaneous calcifications appearing as a 'lumbar belt'. Treatment of CC remains challenging for clinicians due to a lack of high-quality evidence. Corticosteroids, methotrexate, bisphosphonates, intravenous immunoglobulin replacement, rituximab and sodium thiosulfate failed to halt calcinosis progression in this case. Newer therapies, such as Janus kinase inhibitors, should be considered.

Cutaneous and Ganglion Sarcoidosis Induced by Polycaprolactone Facial Filler: A New Expression of ASIA Syndrome?

Dermal fillers are applied using a minimally invasive technique with a good safety profile. However, they can have side effects. We present the case of a patient who, 2 months after undergoing polycaprolactone (Ellansé®) injections, developed nodular facial and nodal lesions that were compatible with sarcoidosis on histology. This complication has not been previously described for polycaprolactone and could be the expression of an autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants. LEARNING POINTS: Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) is a recently devised umbrella term for autoimmune diseases caused by adjuvants.Aesthetic procedures, which are increasingly common, may be a cause of ASIA syndrome.Polycaprolactone is a bioabsorbable polymer with a safe profile but can have adverse events, including systemic sarcoidosis.

Clinical characterization and outcomes of 85 patients with neurosarcoidosis.

To analyze the frequency and clinical phenotype of neurosarcoidosis (NS) in one of the largest nationwide cohorts of patients with sarcoidosis reported from southern Europe. NS was evaluated according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System Sarcoidosis recently proposed by Stern et al. Pathologic confirmation of granulomatous disease was used to subclassify NS into definite (confirmation in neurological tissue), probable (confirmation in extraneurological tissue) and possible (no histopathological confirmation of the disease). Of the 1532 patients included in the cohort, 85 (5.5%) fulfilled the Stern criteria for NS (49 women, mean age at diagnosis of NS of 47.6 years, 91% White). These patients developed 103 neurological conditions involving the brain (38%), cranial nerves (36%), the meninges (3%), the spinal cord (10%) and the peripheral nerves (14%); no patient had concomitant central and peripheral nerve involvements. In 59 (69%) patients, neurological involvement preceded or was present at the time of diagnosis of the disease. According to the classification proposed by Stern et al., 11 (13%) were classified as a definite NS, 61 (72%) as a probable NS and the remaining 13 (15%) as a possible NS. In comparison with the systemic phenotype of patients without NS, patients with CNS involvement presented a lower frequency of thoracic involvement (82% vs 93%, q = 0.018), a higher frequency of ocular (27% vs 10%, q < 0.001) and salivary gland (15% vs 4%, q = 0.002) WASOG involvements. In contrast, patients with PNS involvement showed a higher frequency of liver involvement (36% vs 12%, p = 0.02) in comparison with patients without NS. Neurosarcoidosis was identified in 5.5% of patients. CNS involvement prevails significantly over PNS involvement, and both conditions do not overlap in any patient. The systemic phenotype associated to each involvement was clearly differentiated, and can be helpful not only in the early identification of neurological involvement, but also in the systemic evaluation of patients diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis.

[Transition process from paediatric to adult care in patients with inborn errors of metabolism. Consensus statement]. / Proceso de transición de la asistencia pediátrica a la adulta en pacientes con errores congénitos del metabolismo. Documento de consenso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The transition process from paediatric to adult care is a subject of great interest in recent years, especially in chronic diseases with childhood onset, such as inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Advances in diagnosis and treatment of these diseases have improved their prognosis, with a high number of patients with IEM who currently reach adult age and need to be attended to by non-paediatric professionals. The objective of this work is to establish action guidelines so that the specialists involved can guarantee a successful transition of these patients' healthcare. METHODOLOGY: After carrying out a bibliographic review of the subject, the authors, beginning with their own experience, produced an initial document which was subjected to successive debates until the final document was obtained. The consensus recommendation was decided by the majority in case of criterion discrepancy. RESULTS: A series of recommendations are presented for the best clinical management of the transitions of care of patients with IEM from the paediatric to adult care setting in order to achieve the best results in this process given the special characteristics of this patient subgroup and the main difficulties entailed in the transition process. CONCLUSIONS: The role of the internal medicine doctor in this transition process and correct interrelation with the paediatric and social setting is stressed. Furthermore, actions and attitudes are suggested to improve the quality of said transition.

[Thyroid and lipidic dysfunction associated with bexarotene in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma]. / Disfunción tiroidea y lipídica asociada a bexaroteno en el linfoma cutáneo de células T.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bexarotene is a synthetic selective X receptor rexinoide approved for the systemic treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. During treatment is very frequent the occurrence of hypothyroidism and severe mixed hyperlipidemia, both are reversibles and dose-dependent adverse events. Increase of triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol level (up to even higher levels have been associated with pancreatitis in some cases) is widely described (as is the case with other retinoids) but decrease in HDL-cholesterol is poored know. We review our experience with the use of bexarotene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a serie of 3 clinical report of patients treated with bexarotene in whose, in addition to these well-known adverse event, a serious lowering of HDL-cholesterol was observed. RESULTS: The 3 patients studied had metabolic complications like central hypothyroidism and severe mixed hyperlipidemia; with special emphasis on the sharp fall (mean decrease>83%) in the HDL-cholesterol level. Cholesterol lowering medication and substitutive hormonal replacement with levotiroxine resulted in an improvement of the biochimical parameters without reaching the correct goals. CONCLUSIONS: Bexarotene produce as predictable side effects severe mixed hyperlipidemia with marked decrease in HDL-cholesterol levels and central hypothyroidism, being the both reversible and dose-dependent. A reflection on the possible aetiological mechanisms and implications of this phenomenon are included.

[Clinical characteristics, cellular and molecular basis of hypertension in elderly]. / Características clínicas, bases celulares y moleculares de la hipertensión arterial del anciano.

The prevalence of arterial hypertensión (AH) increases with ageing, and, on the other hand, it acquires a series of clinical characteristics that differentiates it from AH in young persons or in subjects in average ages of the life. In the present article we will study several cellular or molecular mechanisms, which relate AH and aging. Moreover, we will discuss certain clinical peculiarities of AH in the elderly such as the relation with arterial stiffness and with isolated systolic hypertension. We will finalize proposing objectives of control of blood pressure in the elderly as well as marking strategies to delay, or prevent, the development of this, not always well-known, form of AH.

[Incidence and clinical features of patients with comorbidity attended in internal medicine areas]. / Incidencia y características clínicas de los pacientes con pluripatología ingresados en una unidad de medicina interna.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the incidence and clinical features of patients with numerous disorders--comorbidity patients (CP)--and to clinically validate the CP criteria defined by a panel of experts (patients with 2 or more chronic diseases, distributed into seven categories). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective observational study of all patients, attended in internal medicine areas of a tertiary teaching hospital, during June 2003. Patients were stratified in 3 cohorts: CP, palliative, and general (GE). Incidence of CP, functional evaluation (at baseline, at admission, and at discharge), and burden of hospital care (by means of urgent and programmed visits, as well as episodes of hospitalization) in the last 12 months were analyzed. A multivariate analysis of predictors of survival and functional deterioration (fall in Barthel's scale > or = 10 points between baseline-discharge values) was performed in the CP cohort. RESULTS: 339 patients (CP cohort: 132; palliative: 52; GE: 155) were included. The overall incidence was 38.9/100 admissions/month. CP were older (75 [11] vs 67 [16]); had higher mortality (19.3% vs 6.1%; relative risk [RR]: 3.66 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-8.13]; lower functional ability at baseline (45 vs 95), at admission (20 vs 75), and at discharge (20 vs 95); higher rates of significant functional deterioration (16% vs 7%; RR = 2.47 [95% CI, 1.15-5.35]); and required more burden of hospital care by means of urgent care (3.6 [3.4] episodes vs 2.4 [1.9]), and hospitalizations (1.9 [1.3] vs 1.5 [1]) than GE patients. Chronic digestive/hepatic diseases (odds ratio [OR] = 48.3 [2.4-980.9], peripheric vascular disease/diabetes with visceral involvement (OR = 5.6 [CI 95%, 1.1-28.6]), and better functional ability at admission were associated with survival. Female gender (OR ) 46.6 [CI 95%, 4.5-486.9]), chronic lung disease (OR = 8.9 [CI 95%, 1.2-64]), and neurologic disease with disability (OR = 8 [CI 95%, 1.1-58.9]), were associated with significant functional deterioration during hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The defined CP criteria were highly accurate in detecting a population of patients with high attention in Internal Medicine areas, high mortality rates, clinical frailty (more need of hospital care), and significant functional deterioration. Barthel's scale identified correctly this group of patients, and was independently associated with survival.

[Glucose effectiveness and components of the metabolic syndrome in recently diagnosed hypertensive patients]. / Efectividad de la glucosa y componentes del síndrome metabólico en pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial de diagnóstico reciente.

BACKGROUND: Glucose effectiveness (SG) is a parameter that indicates the glucose ability to clearing itself from the plasma independently of insulin's action. Our purpose was to analyze the cluster characteristics associated with the metabolic syndrome in a group of non-obese, recent-onset hypertensives and to test if there was a correlation with SG and the effectiveness of glucose at basal insulin point (GEZI). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 36 patients with mild hypertension with normal basal glucose levels. We determined plasma lipid subfractions, apolipoproteins and urate levels. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (TTGI) and minimal model analysis according to Bergman was performed and SG, GEZI and insulin sensitivity (SI) were calculated. RESULTS: Patients with lower SG and GEZI had higher levels of total triglycerides (Tg) (r = 0.42; p = 0.01 and r = 0.48; p = 0.002, respectively) and triglycerides bind to VLDL (Tg-VLDL) (r = 0.40; p < 0.01 and r = 0.49; p = 0.002, respectively). When the cluster of metabolic syndrome was analyzed, SG was inversely related to uric acid levels and to the waist-hip index. However, SI was only related to the uric acid levels (r = 0.38; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In non-obese, recently diagnosed hypertensive patients, the SG parameter seems to be an early marker for the development of metabolic syndrome.