Effects of Losartan on Patients Hospitalized for Acute COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) down-regulates angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, potentially increasing angiotensin II. We hypothesized that losartan compared to usual care decreases mortality and is safe in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to evaluate the effect of losartan versus usual care on 28-day mortality in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19. METHODS: Eligibility criteria included adults admitted for acute COVID-19. Exclusion criteria were hypotension, hyperkalemia, acute kidney injury, and use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors within 7 days. Participants were randomized to losartan 25-100 mg/day orally for the hospital duration or 3 months or the control arm (usual care) in 29 hospitals in Canada and France. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital mortality, organ support, and serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: The trial was stopped early because of a serious safety concern with losartan. In 341 patients, any SAE and hypotension were significantly higher in the losartan versus usual care groups (any SAE: 39.8% vs 27.2%, respectively, P = .01; hypotension: 30.4% vs 15.3%, respectively, P < .001) in both ward and intensive care patients. The 28-day mortality did not differ between losartan (6.5%) versus usual care (5.9%) (odds ratio, 1.11 [95% confidence interval, .47-2.64]; P = .81), nor did organ dysfunction or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Caution is needed in deciding which patients to start or continue using ARBs in patients hospitalized with pneumonia to mitigate risk of hypotension, acute kidney injury, and other side effects. ARBs should not be added to care of patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04606563.

Mouth opening in systemic sclerosis: A longitudinal analysis from the French National Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated mouth opening (MO) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). None have studied MO trajectories. OBJECTIVE: To study MO trajectories in SSc. METHODS: This multicentre study included patients enrolled in the French national SSc cohort with at least one MO assessment, described patients based on MO baseline measure, modeled MO trajectories, and associated MO measures with SSc prognosis. RESULTS: We included 1101 patients. Baseline MO was associated with disease severity. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, MO < 30 mm was associated with worse 30-year-survival (p<0.01) and risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (p<0.05). Individual MO trajectories were heterogenous among patients. The best model of MO trajectories according to latent-process mixed modeling showed that 88.8% patients had a stable MO trajectory and clustered patients into 3 groups that predicted SSc survival (p<0.05) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurrence (p<0.05). The model highlighted a cluster of 9.5% patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) (p<0.05) and high but decreasing MO over 1 year (p<0.0001) who were at increased risk of poor survival and ILD. CONCLUSION: MO, which is a simple and reliable measure, could be used to predict disease severity and survival in SSc. Although MO remained stable in most SSc patients, dcSSc patients with high but decreasing MO were at risk of poor survival and ILD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Heart and systemic sclerosis-findings from a national cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Heart involvement is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The prevalence of SSc-related cardiac involvement is poorly known. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence and prognosis burden of different heart diseases in a nationwide cohort of patients with SSc. METHODS: We used data from a multicentric prospective study using the French SSc national database. Focusing on SSc-related cardiac involvement, we aimed to determine its incidence and risk factors. RESULTS: Over the 3528 patients with SSc 312 (10.9%) had SSc-related cardiac involvement at baseline. They tended to have a diffuse SSc subtype more frequently, more severe clinical features, and presented more cardiovascular risk factors. From the 1646 patients available for follow-up analysis, SSc-related cardiac involvement was associated with an increased risk of death. There was no significant difference in overall survival between SSc-related cardiac involvement, ischaemic heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension. Regarding survival analysis, 98 patients developed SSc-related cardiac involvement at five years (5-year event rate: 11.15%). Regarding reduced LVEF < 50% and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, the 5-year event rate was 2.49% and 5.84% respectively. Pericarditis cumulative incidence at five years was 3%. Diffuse SSc subtype was a risk factor for SSc-related cardiac involvement and pericarditis. Female sex was associated with less left ventricular diastolic dysfunction incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our results describe the incidence and prognostic burden of SSc-related cardiac involvement at a large scale, with gender and diffuse SSc subtype as risk factors. Further analyses should assess the potential impact of treatment on these various cardiac outcomes.

A 1-Year Prospective French Nationwide Study of Emergency Hospital Admissions in Children and Adults with Primary Immunodeficiency.

PURPOSE: Patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) are at risk of serious complications. However, data on the incidence and causes of emergency hospital admissions are scarce. The primary objective of the present study was to describe emergency hospital admissions among patients with PID, with a view to identifying "at-risk" patient profiles. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational 12-month multicenter study in France via the CEREDIH network of regional PID reference centers from November 2010 to October 2011. All patients with PIDs requiring emergency hospital admission were included. RESULTS: A total of 200 admissions concerned 137 patients (73 adults and 64 children, 53% of whom had antibody deficiencies). Thirty admissions were reported for 16 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. When considering the 170 admissions of non-transplant patients, 149 (85%) were related to acute infections (respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal tract infections in 72 (36%) and 34 (17%) of cases, respectively). Seventy-seven percent of the admissions occurred during winter or spring (December to May). The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.8% (12 patients); death was related to a severe infection in 11 cases (8%) and Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoma in 1 case. Patients with a central venous catheter (n = 19, 13.9%) were significantly more hospitalized for an infection (94.7%) than for a non-infectious reason (5.3%) (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the annual incidence of emergency hospital admission among patients with PID is 3.4%. The leading cause of emergency hospital admission was an acute infection, and having a central venous catheter was associated with a significantly greater risk of admission for an infectious episode.

Interest of immunodeficiency screening in adult after admission in medical intensive care unit for severe infection, a retrospective and a prospective study: the Intensive Care Unit and Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiency (ICUSPID) study.

BACKGROUND: Primary immunodeficiency (PID) in adults is rare and mostly revealed by infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adults without predisposing factors who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for infection were screened for PID. RESULTS: Six PID cases were diagnosed, mostly revealed by encapsulated bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: Investigation of PID after ICU discharge should be considered to improve early detection.

JAK inhibitor improves type I interferon induced damage: proof of concept in dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis is an acquired auto-immune disease characterized by skin lesions and muscle-specific pathological features such as perifascicular muscle fibre atrophy and vasculopathy. Dermatomyositis patients display an upregulation of type I interferon-inducible genes in muscle fibres, endothelial cells, skin and peripheral blood. However, the effect of type I interferon on muscle tissue has not yet been determined. Our aim was to study the pathogenicity of type I interferon in vitro and to evaluate the efficacy of the type I interferon pathway blockade for therapeutic purposes. The activation of type I interferon in differentiating myoblasts abolished myotube formation with reduced myogenin expression while in differentiated myotubes, we observed a reduction in surface area and an upregulation of atrophy-associated genes. In vitro endothelial cells exposure to type I interferon disrupted vascular network organization. All the pathogenic effects observed in vitro were abolished by ruxolitinib. Finally, four refractory dermatomyositis patients were treated with ruxolitinib and improvement ensued in skin lesions, muscle weakness and a reduced serum type I interferon levels and interferon-inducbile genes scores. We propose JAK inhibition as a mechanism-based treatment for dermatomyositis, a finding that is relevant for the design of future clinical trials targeting dermatomyositis.

Rapid Push vs Pump-Infused Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Treatment: a Randomized Crossover Study of Quality of Life in Primary Immunodeficiency Patients.

PURPOSE: Subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) may be administered once a week with a pump or every other day with a syringe (rapid push). The objective of the study was to compare the impact of pump and rapid push infusions on patient's life quality index (LQI). METHODS: This study was a randomized, crossover, multicenter, non-inferiority trial conducted in adults with primary immunodeficiency (PID) accustomed to weekly infusions at home by pump. Patients used pump or rapid push for 3 months each according to the randomized sequence. Main criterion was PID-LQI factor I (treatment interference). Non-inferiority ratio was set at 90%. RESULTS: Thirty patients entered the study; 28 completed the two periods. IgRT exposure was similar during each period. At the end of each period, mean LQI factor 1 was 87.0 (IC95% [80.3; 94.3]) and 77.80 (IC95% [71.5; 84.7]) for pump and rapid push, respectively. There was a slightly larger effect of rapid push on treatment interference than with pump so that the primary endpoint could not be met. No difference was found on other LQI components, satisfaction (TSQM), or quality of life (SF36v2). Eight patients declared to prefer rapid push while 19 others preferred pump. Of rapid push infusions, 67.2% led to local reactions vs 71.8% of pump infusions (p = 0.11) illustrating its good tolerance. Rapid push and pump infusions achieved similar trough IgG levels with similar incidence of infections. Rapid push saved 70% of administration cost when compared to pump. CONCLUSIONS: Since IgRT is a lifelong treatment in PID patients, individualization of treatment is of paramount importance. Rapid push is a new administration method in the physician's armamentarium which is preferred by some patients and is cost-effective. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02180763 CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Self-administration of small volumes of immunoglobulins at home, every other day, using a syringe (rapid push) is a cost-effective alternative to administration of larger volumes by pump once a week. This study compared subcutaneous infusions of immunoglobulins either weekly via a pump or every other day via a syringe (rapid push). Rapid push is preferred by some patients and is cost-effective, therefore completing a physician's armamentarium.

Mortality causes and trends associated with giant cell arteritis: analysis of the French national death certificate database (1980-2011).

OBJECTIVES: Comprehensive analyses of cause-specific death patterns in GCA are sparse. We studied the patterns and time trends in GCA-related mortality using a large death certificate database. METHODS: We obtained multiple-cause-of-death data from the French national death certificate database for 1980-2011. GCA-associated deaths were defined as decedents ⩾55 years old with GCA listed as an underlying or non-underlying cause of death. Time trends of death rates were analysed and the mean age at death with GCA and in the general population ⩾55 years old were calculated. Standardized mortality odds ratios (SMORs) were calculated for 17 selected causes of death (based on 2000-11 data). RESULTS: The analyses pertained to approximately 15 000 death certificates listing GCA (including approximately 6300 for 2000-11). Annual standardized death rates for GCA increased to a peak in 1997 and then decreased (Spearman's correlation test, both P < 0.0001). Mean age at death was higher for GCA than for general population decedents (Student's t-test, P < 0.0001). GCA deaths were frequently or strongly associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection (1.85% of death certificates, SMOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 2.48, 3.82), hypertensive disease (20.78%, SMOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.97, 2.50), diabetes mellitus (11.27%, SMOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.23), certain infectious and parasitic diseases (12.12%, SMOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.55, 2.00) and ischaemic heart disease (16.54%, SMOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.35, 1.64). CONCLUSION: GCA is associated with increased risk of dying from large-vessel disease, other cardiovascular diseases and potentially treatment-related co-morbidities. These findings help provide better insights into the outcomes of GCA.

Early predictors of one-year mortality in patients over 65 presenting with ANCA-associated renal vasculitis: a retrospective, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of early death is particularly high in patients over the age of 65 presenting with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated renal vasculitis. We hypothesized that by combining disease severity markers, a comorbidity index and serious adverse event reports, we would be able to identify early predictors of one-year mortality in this population. METHODS: We performed a multicentre, retrospective study in the nephrology and internal medicine departments of six tertiary hospitals in northern France. A total of 149 patients (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age: 72.7 [68.5-76.8] years) presenting with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement were included between January 2002 and June 2015. The primary endpoint was the one-year mortality rate. RESULTS: Renal function was severely impaired at presentation (median [IQR] peak serum creatinine (SCr): 337 [211-522] µmol/l), and 45 patients required dialysis. The Five-Factor Score (FFS, scored as + 1 point for each poor prognostic factor (age > 65 years, cardiac symptoms, gastrointestinal involvement, SCr ≥150 µmol/L, and the absence of ear, nose, and throat involvement)) was ≥3 in 120 cases. The one-year mortality rate was 19.5%. Most of the deaths occurred before month 6, and most of these were related to severe infections. In a univariate analysis, age, a high comorbidity index, a performance status of 3 or 4, a lack of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, early severe infection, and disease activity parameters (such as the albumin level, haemoglobin level, peak SCr level, dialysis status, and high FFS) were significantly associated with one-year mortality. In a multivariable analysis, the best predictors were a high FFS (relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.57 [1.30-5.09]; p = 0.006) and the occurrence of a severe infection during the first month (RR [95%CI] = 2.74 [1.27-5.92]; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When considering various disease severity markers in over-65 patients with ANCA-associated renal vasculitis, we found that an early, severe infection (which occurred in about a quarter of the patients) is a strong predictor of one-year mortality. A reduction in immunosuppression, the early detection of infections, and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis might help to reduce mortality in this population.

Neutropenia in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency: a Rare Event Associated with Severe Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by infections and hypogammaglobulinemia. Neutropenia is rare during CVID. METHODS: The French DEFI study enrolled patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia. Patients with CVID and neutropenia were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among 473 patients with CVID, 16 patients displayed neutropenia (lowest count [0-1400]*106/L). Sex ratio (M/F) was 10/6. Five patients died during the follow-up (11 years) with an increased percentage of deaths compared to the whole DEFI group (31.3 vs 3.4%, P < 0.05). Neutropenia was diagnosed for 10 patients before 22 years old. The most frequent symptoms, except infections, were autoimmune cytopenia, i.e., thrombopenia or anemia (11/16). Ten patients were affected with lymphoproliferative diseases. Two patients were in the infection only group and the others belonged to one or several other CVID groups. The median level of IgG was 2.6 g/L [0.35-4.4]. Most patients presented increased numbers of CD21low CD38low B cell, as already described in CVID autoimmune cytopenia group. Neutropenia was considered autoimmune in 11 cases. NGS for 52 genes of interest was performed on 8 patients. No deleterious mutations were found in LRBA, CTLA4, and PIK3. More than one potentially damaging variant in other genes associated with CVID were present in most patients arguing for a multigene process. CONCLUSION: Neutropenia is generally associated with another cytopenia and presumably of autoimmune origin during CVID. In the DEFI study, neutropenia is coupled with more severe clinical outcomes. It appears as an "alarm bell" considering patients' presentation and the high rate of deaths. Whole exome sequencing diagnosis should improve management.

Adult primary angiitis of the central nervous system: isolated small-vessel vasculitis represents distinct disease pattern.

Objectives: We aimed to identify whether presentations and outcomes in adult patients with isolated small-vessel primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS) would differ from other patients with large/medium-vessel involvement. Methods: In the French PACNS cohort, we compared the characteristics, treatments and outcomes of patients with isolated small-vessel disease (normal CT, MR and/or conventional angiograms, brain biopsy positive for vasculitis) with other patients who had large/medium-vessel involvement (vessel abnormalities on CT, MR or conventional angiograms). A good functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale ⩽2 at last follow-up, regardless of the occurrence of relapse. Results: Among the 102 patients in the cohort, 26 (25%) had isolated small-vessel PACNS, whereas the 76 others demonstrated large/medium-vessel involvement. Patients with isolated small-vessel PACNS had more seizures (P < 0.0001), cognitive (P = 0.02) or consciousness impairment (P = 0.03) and more dyskinesias (P = 0.002) but less focal deficits (P = 0.0002) than other PACNS patients. They also had more abnormal cerebrospinal fluid analysis (P = 0.008) and gadolinium enhancements on MRI (P = 0.001) but less frequent acute ischaemic lesions (P < 0.0001) than patients with large/medium-vessel involvement. Treatments and modified Rankin scale at last follow-up did not differ between groups. Thirty-two (31%) patients relapsed; 14 (54%) with isolated small-vessel PACNS vs 18 (24%) with large/medium-vessel involvement (P = 0.004). Eight patients died, with no difference between the groups (P = 0.97). Conclusion: In our cohort, adult patients with isolated small-vessel PACNS presented some distinct disease features and relapsed more often than other PACNS patients who had large/medium-vessel involvement. Functional outcomes and mortality did not differ.

Maintenance therapy is associated with better long-term outcomes in adult patients with primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

Objective: We aimed to analyse the effect of maintenance therapy after induction on the outcomes of adult patients with primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS). Methods: We analysed long-term outcomes (relapse, survival and functional status) of patients enrolled in the French multicentre PACNS cohort who achieved remission after induction treatment and with ⩾12 months' follow-up, according to whether or not they received maintenance therapy. Good outcome was defined as relapse-free survival and good functional status (modified Rankin scale ⩽ 2) at last follow-up. Results: Ninety-seven patients [46 (47%) female, median age: 46 (18-78) years at diagnosis] were followed up for a median of 55 (5-198) months. Induction treatment consisted of glucocorticoids in 95 (98%) patients, combined with an immunosuppressant in 80 (83%) patients, mostly CYC. Maintenance therapy was prescribed in 48 (49%) patients, following CYC in 42 of them. Maintenance therapy was started 4 (3-18) months after glucocorticoid initiation. At last follow-up, good outcomes were observed in 32 (67%) patients who had received maintenance therapy vs 10 (20%) who had not (P < 0.0001). Thirty-two (33%) patients experienced relapse [10 (22%) had received maintenance therapy while 22 (45%) had not, P = 0.01]; four subsequently died from relapse. In the multivariate analysis, maintenance therapy was the only independent predictor of good outcome [odds ratio (OR) = 7.8 (95% CI: 3.21, 20.36), P < 0.0001]. Conclusion: The results of this long-term follow-up study suggest that maintenance therapy in adults with PACNS is associated with better functional outcomes and lower relapse rates. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Giant-cell arteritis: concordance study between aortic CT angiography and FDG-PET/CT in detection of large-vessel involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to assess the concordance of aortic CT angiography (CTA) and FDG-PET/CT in the detection of large-vessel involvement at diagnosis in patients with giant-cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS: We created a multicenter cohort of patients with GCA diagnosed between 2010 and 2015, and who underwent both FDG-PET/CT and aortic CTA before or in the first ten days following treatment introduction. Eight vascular segments were studied on each procedure. We calculated concordance between both imaging techniques in a per-patient and a per-segment analysis, using Cohen's kappa concordance index. RESULTS: We included 28 patients (21/7 women/men, median age 67 [56-82]). Nineteen patients had large-vessel involvement on PET/CT and 18 of these patients also presented positive findings on CTA. In a per-segment analysis, a median of 5 [1-7] and 3 [1-6] vascular territories were involved on positive PET/CT and CTA, respectively (p = 0.03). In qualitative analysis, i.e., positivity of the procedure suggesting a large-vessel involvement, the concordance rate between both procedures was 0.85 [0.64-1]. In quantitative analysis, i.e., per-segment analysis in both procedures, the global concordance rate was 0.64 [0.54-0.75]. Using FDG-PET/CT as a reference, CTA showed excellent sensitivity (95%) and specificity (100%) in a per-patient analysis. In a per-segment analysis, sensitivity and specificity were 61% and 97.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CTA and FDG-PET/CT were both able to detect large-vessel involvement in GCA with comparable results in a per-patient analysis. However, PET/CT showed higher performance in a per-segment analysis, especially in the detection of inflammation of the aorta's branches.

Microscopic polyangiitis and non-HBV polyarteritis nodosa with poor-prognosis factors: 10-year results of the prospective CHUSPAN trial.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the 10-year outcomes of 64 patients with non-HBV polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and Five-Factor Score-defined poor-prognosis factors enrolled (1994-2000) in the prospective, randomised, open-label CHUSPAN trial. METHODS: The 64 patients were randomised to receive 12 (33: 23 MPA, 10 PAN) or 6 (31: 17 MPA, 14 PAN) cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulses combined with glucocorticoids. Ten-year follow-up of these patients included times to relapse(s), failure(s) and/or deaths calculated from treatment onset. Data were censored after 120 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Eleven patients were lost to-follow-up (mean±SD follow-up: 61.9±35.2 months), with no between-group difference. As previously reported, baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory values were comparable for the 2 groups. After induction, 53/64 (83%) entered remission, with comparable percentages for both groups. The regimen was intensified for 11 initial non-responders: 4 achieved remission and 8 died before doing so. During extended follow-up, 26 patients experienced ≥1 relapse(s): 12 in the 12-pulse group and 14 in the 6-pulse group (p=0.47). At 10 years, overall and disease-free survival rates were 57.4% and 29.9%, with no between-group differences (p=0.185 and p=0.367, respectively). Factors associated with shorter disease-free survival were age ≥65 years and alveolar haemorrhage at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 3-year CHUSPAN trial results indicated the superiority of 12 vs. 6 CYC pulses, that early advantage progressively declined and became non-significant by 10 years.

Loss of base-to-apex circumferential strain gradient: A specific pattern of Fabry cardiomyopathy?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac manifestations in Fabry disease are mainly characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aims of this study were (1) to describe the pattern of regional strain in patients with Fabry disease and (2) to assess whether this pattern may help differentiate patients with Fabry disease from patients with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: Seventy-seven subjects were investigated: patients with Fabry disease (n=37; 57% with LVH), patients with HCM (n=21), and healthy controls (n=19). Global and segmental longitudinal and circumferential strain (CS) analyses were performed by two-dimensional speckle strain imaging. Base-to-apex longitudinal and CS gradient, defined as the peak gradient difference between averaged basal and apical strain, was calculated. RESULTS: Longitudinal strain gradient did not differ between controls and Fabry patients without hypertrophy (respectively: -10±3.2 vs -8±4.3, P=.41) or between the HCM group and Fabry patients with hypertrophy (respectively: -7.5±4.5 vs -9±4.5, P=.37). The CS gradient was lower in Fabry patients without hypertrophy compared to the controls (respectively: 1±8 vs 14.2±9.5, P<.01), and lower in Fabry patients with hypertrophy compared to the HCM group (respectively: 0.5±8 vs 6±9, P<.01). Base-to-apex CS gradient was lost in both Fabry groups. CONCLUSION: Loss of base-to-apex CS gradient may be a specific left ventricular deformation pattern of Fabry cardiomyopathy in patients with and without LVH.

Treatment of giant-cell arteritis, a literature review.

Giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in people aged more than 50 years. Despite the frequency of this disease, there is currently no international consensus on its therapeutic modalities. The aim of this study was to conduct a review on an international literature about the treatment of GCA, whatever the clinical pattern might be. Oral corticosteroids remain the cornerstone treatment, possibly preceded by intravenous bolus in complicated forms. In cases of glucocorticoid (GC) dependence or GC-related side effects, a GC-sparing agent may be necessary. Methotrexate is one of the most used treatments despite its low level of evidence and mild efficacy. Cyclophosphamide and tocilizumab look promising but require validation in further studies. The results for TNF-α blockers and azathioprine are disappointing. Preventing complications of prolonged corticosteroid therapy is a world challenge and the management of GC-induced osteoporosis is not the same from one country to another. There is a significant risk of arterial thrombosis, mainly at treatment onset, which may encourage to associate an antiplatelet therapy, especially in patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Place of statins in the treatment of the disease is uncertain.

Tumor-Like Presentation of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the clinical and imaging features of patients with tumor-like presentation of primary angiitis of the central nervous system. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients enrolled in the French primary angiitis of the central nervous system cohort, who initially presented tumor-like brain lesions and compared them with other patients within the cohort. RESULTS: The 10 patients with tumor-like presentation in the cohort were younger and had more seizures at diagnosis than the other 75 patients (median of 37 [30-48] years versus 46 [18-79] years; P=0.008; 9 [90%] with seizures versus 22 [29%], P<0.001; respectively). All 10 patients had a biopsy (stereotactic procedure in 7 and open-wedge surgery in 3). Histological findings suggestive of vasculitis were observed in 9 patients in whom conventional cerebral angiography and magnetic resonance angiography were negative. In the remaining patient, vascular imaging demonstrated diffuse bilateral large- and medium-sized vessel involvement (biopsy did not reveal vasculitis). All patients with tumor-like presentation received glucocorticoids, combined with cyclophosphamide in 9 cases. With a median follow-up of 27 (12-130) months, 5 (50%) patients relapsed, but achieved remission again after treatment intensification. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with tumor-like presentation of primary angiitis of the central nervous system represent a subgroup characterized with mainly small-sized vessel disease that requires histological confirmation because vascular imaging is often normal. Although relapses are not uncommon, global outcomes are good under treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide.

Plasma exchanges for the treatment of severe systemic necrotizing vasculitides in clinical daily practice: Data from the French Vasculitis Study Group.

The use of plasma exchanges (PLEX) in systemic necrotizing vasculitides (SNV) still need to be codified. To describe indications, efficacy and safety of PLEX for the treatment of SNV, we conducted a multicenter retrospective study on patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) or non-viral polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) treated with PLEX. One hundred and fifty-two patients were included: GPA (n = 87), MPA (n = 56), EGPA (n = 4) and PAN (n = 5). PLEX were used for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) in 126 cases (86%), alveolar hemorrhage in 64 cases (42%), and severe mononeuritis multiplex in 23 cases (15%). In patients with RPGN, there was a significant improvement in renal function compared to baseline value (P < 0.0001), the plateau being reached at month 3 after PLEX initiation, and estimated glomerular filtration rate improved especially as the number of PLEX increased. In patients with alveolar hemorrhage, mechanical ventilation was discontinued in all patients after a median time of 15 days. Patients treated for mononeuritis multiplex showed improvement of severe motor weakness. After a median follow of 22 months, 18 deaths (12%) were recorded, mainly in patients with RPGN and within the first 6 months. Incidence of end-stage renal disease and/or death was similar between groups of different baseline renal function, but was increased in MPO-ANCA compared to PR3-ANCA. Adverse events attributable to PLEX were recorded in 63%. No death occurred during PLEX. This large series describes indications, efficacy and safety of PLEX in daily practice. Randomized controlled studies are ongoing to define optimal indications, PLEX regimen and concomitant medications.

Vasculitis secondary to anti-C1q antibodies induced by Toxocariasis.

INTRODUCTION: Vasculitides occurring during parasitic infection are rare and may imply different mechanisms. METHODS: A case report of cutaneous vasculitis and visceral damage during a larva migrans syndrome. RESULTS: We report the case of a 64-year-old man who developed a purpura along with fever, respiratory failure, abdominal pain and myalgia. Immunological screening showed a high titer of both antinuclear antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies along with anti-C1q antibodies. Toxocara canis serology returned highly positive with a positive western-blot. The use of antiparasitic drugs in combination with corticosteroids resulted in a dramatic improvement in the patient's condition. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the systemic complications that may occur during Toxocara canis infection, including vasculitis and immunological disorder.