Role of interleukin-6 in a patient with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome: assessment of outcomes following treatment with the anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab.

In this report, we describe treatment outcomes in the first case of a patient with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) treated with the anti-interleukin-6 (anti-IL-6) receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab. Since IL-6 levels are elevated in TRAPS, we hypothesized that tocilizumab might be effective. The patient, a 52-year-old man with lifelong TRAPS in whom treatment with etanercept and anakinra had failed, was administered tocilizumab for 6 months, and the therapeutic response was assessed by measurement of monocyte CD16 expression and cytokine levels. Following treatment, the evolving acute attack was aborted and further attacks of TRAPS were prevented. The patient did not require corticosteroids and showed significant clinical improvement in scores for pain, stiffness, and well-being. Moreover, the acute-phase response diminished significantly with treatment. Monocyte CD16 expression was reduced and the numbers of circulating CD14+CD16+ and CD14++CD16- monocytes were transiently decreased. However, cytokine levels were not reduced. This case supports the notion of a prominent role for IL-6 in mediating the inflammatory attacks in TRAPS, but blockade of IL-6 did not affect the underlying pathogenesis. These preliminary findings require confirmation.

Identifying the culprit allergen in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is the main form of rhinitis in children whereas in adults it accounts for about a third of cases of rhinitis. It is a risk factor for the development of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. The most common allergic triggers are grass and tree pollens, allergy to moulds and weeds is less common. Identifying the months of the year when an individual is symptomatic will help define the culprit allergen. If there is a clear recurring seasonal history the diagnosis may be made on the strength of the history. Skin prick tests are available in specialist clinics and are a useful tool in differentiating SAR from non-allergic rhinitis and defining the culprit allergen(s). Specific IgE tests for suspected allergens can be performed if skin tests are not available. A positive specific IgE test to an allergen does not necessarily mean that clinical allergy is present, it may reflect sensitisation of the immune system. Although, in general, specific IgE tests have a high negative predictive value they are less sensitive than skin prick tests for grass pollen and moulds. Allergen avoidance is the first step in the management of any allergic rhinitis. Oral non-sedating antihistamines are recommended as first-line treatment for mild SAR, higher doses may be necessary in moderate to severe SAR. Intranasal corticosteroids should be used in moderate to severe forms of SAR and also in mild forms where treatment with antihistamines has failed. There are no major differences in terms of efficacy between different corticosteroid preparations. Long-term growth studies in children using fluticasone, mometasone and budesonide (but not beclometasone) have been reassuring.

The role of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in rheumatology.

For many years, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs have been the mainstay of treatment for rheumatological disorders. Over the last few years, the emergence of biologic treatments has dramatically changed the management of numerous rheumatological diseases. However, immunoglobulin treatment has been used for decades and its use has still not been superseded in certain rheumatological diseases. In fact, despite the introduction of newer immunomodulatory drugs, there has been an ever-increasing number of clinical indications for which intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been tried. Immunoglobulins are plasma proteins secreted by plasma cells, forming a major component of the adaptive immune system. IVIG is a blood product prepared from plasma, each batch prepared from a pool of 10,000-20,000 donations. Multiple purification steps during the manufacturing process aim to eliminate all known transmissible pathogens, but cannot completely exclude the risk from unknown pathogens. It should be noted that there has been the transmission of hepatitis C in one batch of immunoglobulin, reported in 1994, resulting in more than 200 patients in the USA and Europe being affected. Nevertheless, IVIG remains relatively safe compared with other immunosuppressive drugs. Headaches and fatigue are common side effects but fortunately the more severe problems such as aseptic meningitis, venous thromboembolism and acute renal failure remain rare. High-dose immunoglobulin when administered i.v. has immunomodulatory properties. The precise mechanism of action of IVIG is complex and not yet fully understood.

British Lung Foundation/United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency Network Consensus Statement on the Definition, Diagnosis, and Management of Granulomatous-Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorders.

A proportion of people living with common variable immunodeficiency disorders develop granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD). We aimed to develop a consensus statement on the definition, diagnosis, and management of GLILD. All UK specialist centers were contacted and relevant physicians were invited to take part in a 3-round online Delphi process. Responses were graded as Strongly Agree, Tend to Agree, Neither Agree nor Disagree, Tend to Disagree, and Strongly Disagree, scored +1, +0.5, 0, -0.5, and -1, respectively. Agreement was defined as greater than or equal to 80% consensus. Scores are reported as mean ± SD. There was 100% agreement (score, 0.92 ± 0.19) for the following definition: "GLILD is a distinct clinico-radio-pathological ILD occurring in patients with [common variable immunodeficiency disorders], associated with a lymphocytic infiltrate and/or granuloma in the lung, and in whom other conditions have been considered and where possible excluded." There was consensus that the workup of suspected GLILD requires chest computed tomography (CT) (0.98 ± 0.01), lung function tests (eg, gas transfer, 0.94 ± 0.17), bronchoscopy to exclude infection (0.63 ± 0.50), and lung biopsy (0.58 ± 0.40). There was no consensus on whether expectant management following optimization of immunoglobulin therapy was acceptable: 67% agreed, 25% disagreed, score 0.38 ± 0.59; 90% agreed that when treatment was required, first-line treatment should be with corticosteroids alone (score, 0.55 ± 0.51).