Immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies to proteinase 3 in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, ANCA alone are not sufficient to generate disease, and some evidence suggests that infectious triggers may serve as inciting events for AAV disease activity. Antibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig)M isotype often serve as markers of recent infection, and IgM ANCA have been identified previously in patients with AAV, although the frequency and clinical relevance of IgM ANCA is not well established. We sought to characterize IgM ANCA more clearly by creating a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgM antibodies to proteinase 3 [IgM proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA], which we applied to two large, clinically well-characterized trial cohorts of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. In the first cohort, IgM PR3-ANCA occurred with a frequency of 15·0%, and were associated with a higher degree of disease severity and a trend towards a higher rate of alveolar haemorrhage (29·6 versus 15·7%, P = 0·10). Analysis of follow-up samples in this cohort showed that the presence of IgM PR3-ANCA was transient, but could recur. In the second cohort, IgM PR3-ANCA occurred with a frequency of 41·1%, and were also associated with a higher degree of disease severity. A higher rate of alveolar haemorrhage was observed among those with IgM PR3-ANCA (45·3 versus 15·8%; P < 0·001). The association of transient IgM PR3-ANCA with an acute respiratory manifestation of AAV suggests a possible link between an infectious trigger and AAV disease activity.

Are urinary levels of high mobility group box 1 markers of active nephritis in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis?

The objective of this study is to evaluate urinary high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels as markers for active nephritis in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in comparison with urinary CD4(+) effector memory T cells and urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Twenty-four AAV patients with active nephritis and 12 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated. In nine patients, samples were also obtained during remission. Urinary levels of HMGB1 were measured by Western blot. CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+) effector memory T cells (CD4(+) CD45RO(+) CCR7(-) ) were determined in urine and whole blood by flow cytometry. Measurement of urinary levels of MCP-1 and serum HMGB1 levels were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AAV patients with active nephritis had higher median intensity of HMGB1 in urine than HC [10·3 (7·05-18·50) versus 5·8 (4·48-7·01); P = 0·004]. Both urinary HMGB1 and MCP-1 levels decreased significantly from active nephritis to remission. The urinary MCP-1/creatinine ratio correlated with Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) (P = 0·042). No correlation was found between the HMGB1/creatinine ratio and 24-h proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), MCP-1/creatinine ratio, BVAS and serum HMGB1. A positive correlation was found between urinary HMGB1/creatinine ratio and CD4(+) T cells/creatinine ratio (P = 0·028) and effector memory T cells/creatinine ratio (P = 0·039) in urine. Urinary HMGB1 levels are increased in AAV patients with active nephritis when compared with HC and patients in remission, and urinary HMGB1 levels are associated with CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+) effector memory T cells in urine. Measurement of urinary HMGB1 may be of additional value in identifying active glomerulonephritis in AAV patients.

Clinical outcomes of remission induction therapy for severe antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reasons that complete remission is not achieved or maintained with original treatment in some patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) treated with rituximab (RTX) or with cyclophosphamide/azathioprine (CYC/AZA). METHODS: The Rituximab in AAV trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the rate of remission induction among patients treated with RTX (n = 99) and patients treated with CYC followed by AZA (n = 98). Glucocorticoids were tapered over a period of 5 months. The primary outcome measure was lack of disease activity without glucocorticoid treatment at 6 months. To determine the most important reason for failure to achieve the primary outcome, 7 hierarchical categories of reasons were defined retrospectively (uncontrolled disease, adverse event leading to therapy discontinuation, severe flare, limited flare, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis >0, prednisone treatment at any dosage, and other). RESULTS: Although remission (lack of disease activity) was achieved in 170 of the 197 patients (86%) in the first 6 months, the primary outcome measure was not achieved in 42%. There were 3 deaths. Twenty-four percent of the patients failed to achieve the primary end point due to active disease: 10 (5%) experienced uncontrolled disease in the first month and 37 (19%) experienced flares after initial improvement. In the majority of such patients, treatment with blinded crossover or according to best medical judgment led to disease control. Ninety-one percent of patients who had uncontrolled disease or experienced a severe flare had proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA. When patients with uncontrolled disease were excluded from analysis, those who were PR3-ANCA positive were found to experience fewer flares when treated with RTX compared to CYC/AZA (8 of 59 [14%] versus 20 of 62 [32%]; P = 0.02). Neither ANCA titers nor B cell counts predicted disease flare. CONCLUSION: Current treatment regimens are largely successful in controlling AAV, but in approximately one-fourth of patients, active disease persists or recurs in the first 6 months despite treatment. PR3-ANCA positivity is a risk factor for recurrence or persistence of severe disease. ANCA titers and B cell detectability are poor predictors of both disease relapse and disease quiescence in the first 6 months.

Pathogenesis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis and potential targets for biologic treatment.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are autoimmune diseases in which the small vessels are inflamed. Clinical observations suggest a pathogenic role for ANCA. Such a role is supported by in vitro experimental data and animal models, particularly for myeloperoxidase-ANCA. An in vivo pathogenic role of ANCA directed to proteinase 3 has, however, not been fully substantiated. Additionally, the pathogenic role of B cells, T cells, and the alternative pathway of complement in AAV have been elucidated. Insight into these pathogenic pathways involved in AAV has opened and will further open new ways for targeted biologic treatment. In this review the pathogenesis of AAV and potential targets for biologic treatment are discussed.

High mobility group box1 (HMGB1) in relation to cutaneous inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

SUMMARY: Photosensitivity is characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Upon ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, patients develop inflammatory skin lesions in the vicinity of sunburn cells (SBCs). High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is released from apoptotic and activated cells and exerts inflammatory actions through ligation to its receptors. METHODS: Eleven SLE patients and 10 healthy controls (HCs) were exposed to UVB. Skin biopsies were taken before and at one, three and 10 days after irradiation. Sections were stained for SBC, HMGB1, CD3, CD68, interferon-induced protein MxA and cleaved caspase 3. In vitro experiments with UVB-irradiated keratinocytes were also performed. Higher numbers of cells that had released HMGB1 were seen in the skin of SLE patients compared to HCs before and after irradiation. HMGB1-negative nuclei correlated with the presence of SBCs, and with the number of cleaved caspase 3 positive cells in lupus skin. RESULTS: HMGB1 release is increased in the skin of SLE patients compared to HCs. Upon UVB exposure, HMGB1 release further increases in SLE patients and is related to the number of apoptotic cells. Our data suggest that HMGB1, probably released from apoptotic keratinocytes, contributes to the development of inflammatory lesions in the skin of SLE patients upon UVB exposure.

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) polymorphisms are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and disease severity in lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: Interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with their receptors (RAGE) plays an important role in inflammation in auto-immune diseases. Several functional polymorphisms of RAGE have been described. In this study we analysed the role of RAGE polymorphisms in disease susceptibility for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, we investigated whether these polymorphisms in SLE are associated with serum levels of soluble RAGE (sRAGE), renal involvement (lupus nephritis (LN)) and its outcome. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study DNA samples of 97 SLE patients, 114 LN patients and 429 healthy controls (HC) were genotyped for four RAGE polymorphisms: -429 T/C, -374 T/A, 2184 A/G and Gly82Ser. Differences in genotype frequencies and allele frequencies were tested between patients and HCs. In SLE patients, sRAGE was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, association of genotypes with sRAGE and disease severity in LN was analysed. RESULTS: The C allele of -429 T/C, the T allele of -374 T/A and the G allele of 2184 A/G were significantly more prevalent in SLE and LN compared with HC. In LN, the C allele of RAGE -429 T/C, the A allele of -374 T/A and the G allele of RAGE 2184 A/G polymorphism were significantly associated with more proteinuria and worse renal function during the first two years of treatment. No association of genotype with sRAGE was found. CONCLUSION: RAGE polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE and LN. In addition, some of these polymorphisms are likely to be associated with disease severity and initial response to treatment in LN.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis: where to go?

Enormous progress has been made during the last 25 years in our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV). This has led to improvements in early diagnosis, treatment and secondary prevention of these diseases. Nevertheless, there are still unmet needs in the AAV. With respect to diagnosis and follow-up, sensitive biomarkers that reflect disease activity, also during smouldering disease, are needed. In the field of aetiopathogenesis, genetic and epigenetic studies are being performed not only directed at the autoimmune response but also at the expression of, possibly modified, autoantigens. Environmental factors, in particular microbial factors, are also being explored. This will enable analysis of gene-environment interactions in the AAV, so elucidating further their aetiopathogenesis. Explaining the differences in clinical presentation between proteinase 3 (PR3)-associated AAV and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-associated AAV requires an adequate animal model for PR3-ANCA disease, which is currently lacking. Although many large randomized controlled trials have built a base for a rational therapeutic approach in the AAV, late morbidity and mortality is still significant. The availability of new biologicals and the development of sensitive biomarkers for disease activity could further improve prognosis for patients suffering from AAV.

EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD). METHODS: A EULAR task force was composed of experts representing 11 European countries, consisting of eight rheumatologists, four clinical immunologists, one rheumatologist/clinical immunologist, one infectious disease physician, one nephrologist, one paediatrician/rheumatologist and one clinical epidemiologist. Key questions were formulated and the eligible spectrum of AIIRD, immunosuppressive drugs and vaccines were defined in order to perform a systematic literature review. A search was made of Medline from 1966 to October 2009 as well as abstracts from the EULAR meetings of 2008 and 2009 and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) meetings of 2007 and 2008. Evidence was graded in categories I-IV, the strength of recommendations was graded in categories A-D and Delphi voting was applied to determine the level of agreement between the experts of the task force. RESULTS: Eight key questions and 13 recommendations addressing vaccination in patients with AIIRD were formulated. The strength of each recommendation was determined. Delphi voting revealed a very high level of agreement with the recommendations among the experts of the task force. Finally, a research agenda was proposed. CONCLUSION: Recommendations for vaccination in patients with AIIRD based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion were formulated. More research is needed, particularly regarding the incidence of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and the safety of vaccination in patients with AIIRD.

The relation between bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and vitamin D status in ankylosing spondylitis patients with active disease: a cross-sectional analysis.

SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a well recognized complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study indicates that increased bone turnover, inflammation, and low vitamin D levels are important in the pathophysiology of AS-related osteoporosis, and that bone turnover markers (BTM) are valuable markers to detect bone loss in AS. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to elucidate the pathophysiology of AS-related osteoporosis by investigating the relation between bone mineral density (BMD), BTM, vitamin D, and clinical assessments of disease activity and physical function, as well as to identify parameters that are related to low BMD (osteopenia or osteoporosis) in AS patients with active disease. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight consecutive Dutch AS outpatients were included in this cross-sectional study. Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, ASAS-endorsed disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), bone formation markers procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC), bone resorption marker serum C-telopeptides of type I collagen (sCTX), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHvitD), lumbar spine and hip BMD, and vertebral fractures were assessed. Z-scores of BTM were calculated using matched 10-year cohorts of a Dutch reference group to correct for the normal influence that age and gender have on bone turnover. RESULTS: sCTX Z-score, OC Z-score, BASDAI, age, and gender were independently related to low BMD. In addition, PINP Z-score, ESR, 25OHvitD, age, and gender were independently related to sCTX and/or OC Z-score. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that increased bone turnover, inflammation, and low vitamin D levels are important in the pathophysiology of AS-related osteoporosis. Furthermore, sCTX and OC Z-scores seem to be valuable markers to detect bone loss in AS patients in daily clinical practice where BMD of the lumbar spine, measured by DXA, may be overestimated due to osteoproliferation in patients with advanced AS.

Effectiveness of rituximab treatment in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of B cell depletion with rituximab, a chimeric murine/human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with active primary SS, as determined by the revised American-European Consensus Group criteria, and a rate of stimulated whole saliva secretion of > or =0.15 ml/minute were treated with either rituximab (1,000 mg) or placebo infusions on days 1 and 15. Patients were assigned randomly to a treatment group in a ratio of 2:1 (rituximab:placebo). Followup was conducted at 5, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. The primary end point was the stimulated whole saliva flow rate, while secondary end points included functional, laboratory, and subjective variables. RESULTS: Thirty patients with primary SS (29 female) were randomly allocated to a treatment group. The mean +/- SD age of the patients receiving rituximab was 43 +/- 11 years and the disease duration was 63 +/- 50 months, while patients in the placebo group were age 43 +/- 17 years and had a disease duration of 67 +/- 63 months. In the rituximab group, significant improvements, in terms of the mean change from baseline compared with that in the placebo group, were found for the primary end point of the stimulated whole saliva flow rate (P = 0.038 versus placebo) and also for various laboratory parameters (B cell and rheumatoid factor [RF] levels), subjective parameters (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory [MFI] scores and visual analog scale [VAS] scores for sicca symptoms), and extraglandular manifestations. Moreover, in comparison with baseline values, rituximab treatment significantly improved the stimulated whole saliva flow rate (P = 0.004) and several other variables (e.g., B cell and RF levels, unstimulated whole saliva flow rate, lacrimal gland function on the lissamine green test, MFI scores, Short Form 36 health survey scores, and VAS scores for sicca symptoms). One patient in the rituximab group developed mild serum sickness-like disease. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that rituximab is an effective and safe treatment strategy for patients with primary SS.

Antimyeloperoxidase-associated proliferative glomerulonephritis: an animal model.

To develop an animal model for antimyeloperoxidase (MPO)-associated necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis (NCGN), we immunized Brown Norway rats with MPO and localized a neutrophil lysosomal enzyme extract, primarily consisting of MPO and elastinolytic enzymes, plus H2O2, the substrate of MPO, to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Upon immunization rats developed antibodies and positive skin tests to MPO. After unilateral perfusion of the left kidney with the lysosomal enzyme extract and H2O2, MPO and immunoglobulin (Ig)G localized transiently along the GMB. At the time of maximal inflammation, at 4 and 10 d after perfusion, MPO, IgG, and C3 could not be detected anymore. MPO-immunized rats perfused with the lysosomal enzyme extract and H2O2, in contrast to control-immunized and/or control-perfused rats, developed a proliferative GN characterized by intra- and extracapillary cell proliferation, ruptured Bowman's capsule, periglomerular granulomatous inflammation, and formation of giant cells. Monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), and to a far lesser extent T cells were found in the glomeruli. Interstitial infiltrates consisted of monocytes, PMN, and T cells. Granulomatous vasculitis of small vessels was found at 10 d after perfusion. The proliferative NCGN in this rat model closely resembles human anti-MPO-associated pauci-immune NCGN, and enables the study of the pathophysiology of anti-MPO-associated NCGN.

Inhibition of neutrophil-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by endothelial cells is not impaired in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis patients.

Leucocyte transendothelial migration is strictly regulated to prevent undesired inflammation and collateral damage of endothelial cells by activated neutrophils/monocytes. We hypothesized that in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients' dysregulation of this process might underlie vascular inflammation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils from AAV patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (HC, n = 12) were isolated. The influence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on neutrophil/monocytes function was tested by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine (fMLP)- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated ROS production, degranulation and interleukin (IL)-8 production. In addition, the ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMC to produce tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the presence or absence of HUVEC was tested. HUVEC inhibited ROS production dose-dependently by fMLP-stimulated neutrophils but did not influence degranulation. No differences between neutrophils from HC and AAV were found. However, in only one active patient was degranulation inhibited significantly by HUVEC only before cyclophosphamide treatment, but not 6 weeks later. Co-cultures of HUVEC with LPS-stimulated neutrophils/monocytes increased IL-8 production while TNF-alpha production was inhibited significantly. There was no apparent difference between AAV patients and HC in this respect. Our findings demonstrate that HUVEC are able to inhibit ROS and modulate cytokine production upon stimulation of neutrophils or monocytes. Our data do not support the hypothesis that endothelial cells inhibit ROS production of neutrophils from AAV patients inadequately. Impaired neutrophil degranulation may exist in active patients, but this finding needs to be confirmed.

The formation of autoantibodies and antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents in relation to clinical response in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of antibody formation to TNF-α blocking agents on the clinical response in AS patients treated with infliximab (IFX), etanercept (ETA), or adalimumab (ADA), and to investigate the development of ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA antibodies in association with the formation of antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents. METHODS: Consecutive AS outpatients with active disease who started treatment with IFX (n=20), ETA (n=20), or ADA (n=20) were included in this longitudinal observational study. Clinical data were collected prospectively at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of anti-TNF-α treatment. At the same time points, serum samples were collected. In these samples, antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents, serum TNF-α blocker levels, and ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA antibodies were measured retrospectively. RESULTS: Anti-IFX, anti-ETA, and anti-ADA antibodies were induced in 20%, 0%, and 30% of patients, respectively. Although ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected during anti-TNF-α treatment, no significant association was found between the presence of these autoantibodies and the formation of antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents. Patients with anti-IFX or anti-ADA antibodies had significantly lower serum TNF-α blocker levels compared to patients without these antibodies. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were found between serum TNF-α blocker levels and assessments of disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that antibody formation to IFX or ADA is related to a decrease in efficacy and early discontinuation of anti-TNF-α treatment in AS patients. Furthermore, autoantibody formation does not seem to be associated with antibody formation to TNF-α blocking agents.

Wegener's granulomatosis patients show an adequate antibody response to influenza vaccination.

OBJECTIVES: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic vasculitis characterised by relapsing and remitting disease activity. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to control disease, but increase susceptibility to infection. Therefore, influenza vaccination should be considered in WG patients. This study was performed to assess the immunogenicity of influenza vaccination in WG patients. METHODS: A randomised, controlled trial was performed in WG patients with quiescent disease, defined as a Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) less than 2. Patients were randomly assigned to receive influenza vaccination (n = 49) or to participate as controls (n = 23). In addition, healthy controls (n = 49) were vaccinated. At entry and at 1 and 3-4 months after entry, antibody responses to vaccination were determined. Furthermore, disease activity was measured (BVAS), adverse effects were recorded and antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) titres were determined. RESULTS: WG patients achieved high seroprotection rates to all three influenza strains, comparable with healthy controls. Only the A/H1N1 strain patients had a lower seroconversion rate (p = 0.002) and geometric mean titre (p = 0.037) than controls. After 1 month, one control and one vaccinated WG patient had developed active disease. At 3-4 months, two additional control patients had developed active disease compared with none of the vaccinated patients (p = 0.099). Vaccination did not influence ANCA titres. Adverse effects did not differ between patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination in WG patients with quiescent disease induced a sufficient antibody response. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR1130.

Analysis of C1q polymorphisms suggests association with systemic lupus erythematosus, serum C1q and CH50 levels and disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Several findings link systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with C1q, the first molecule of the classical complement pathway. Polymorphisms of the C1qA gene are associated with low serum C1q levels in patients with cutaneous LE, but C1q polymorphisms have not been studied in patients with systemic lupus. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether polymorphisms of the C1q genes are associated with SLE, disease phenotypes, serum C1q and CH50 levels. METHODS: DNA for genetic analysis was obtained from 103 Caucasian patients with SLE and their family members. Five tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag SNPs) served as unique markers for underlying SNPs in the genes of the C1q protein. The pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) was applied to trios to determine association of markers with SLE, SLE phenotypes, low serum C1q and low CH50. Single SNP association and haplotype analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The PDT revealed a significant association of the tag SNP rs631090 (covering the C1qB gene) with SLE (p = 0.02). Rs631090 was moderately associated with low serum C1q levels (p = 0.06). In addition, the tag SNPs rs292001 and rs294183 were associated with more severe SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index score>0; p = 0.007 and p = 0.02, respectively). Haplotype analysis and single SNP association analysis showed no significant associations, but additional analyses revealed that marker rs587585 is associated with low serum C1q and CH50 levels. CONCLUSIONS: C1q polymorphisms are associated with SLE, serum C1q and CH50 levels in a stable founder population of patients with SLE. Although the studied population was small and allele frequencies were low, this is the first study to suggest an association of C1q polymorphisms with SLE.

Comparison of disease activity measures for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis.

AIM: Currently, several different instruments are used to measure disease activity and extent in clinical trials of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, leading to division among investigative groups and difficulty comparing study results. An exercise comparing six different vasculitis instruments was performed. METHODS: A total of 10 experienced vasculitis investigators from 5 countries scored 20 cases in the literature of Wegener granulomatosis or microscopic polyangiitis using 6 disease assessment tools: the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), The BVAS for Wegener granulomatosis (BVAS/WG), BVAS 2003, a Physician Global Assessment (PGA), the Disease Extent Index (DEI) and the Five Factor Score (FFS). Five cases were rescored by all raters. RESULTS: Reliability of the measures was extremely high (intraclass correlations for the six measures all = 0.98). Within each instrument, there were no significant differences or outliers among the scores from the 10 investigators. Test/retest reliability was high for each measure: range = 0.77 to 0.95. The scores of the five acute activity measures correlated extremely well with one another. CONCLUSIONS: Currently available tools for measuring disease extent and activity in ANCA-associated vasculitis are highly correlated and reliable. These results provide investigators with confidence to compare different clinical trial data and helps form common ground as international research groups develop new, improved and universally accepted vasculitis disease assessment instruments.

EULAR points to consider for conducting clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multi-organ disease, characterised by relapses and remissions. DESIGN: ng a high-quality randomised controlled trial poses many challenges. We have developed evidenced-based recommendations for points to consider in conducting clinical trials in patients with SLE. METHODS: The EULAR Task Force on SLE comprised 19 specialists and a clinical epidemiologist. Initially, the evidence for clinical trial end-points in SLE was evaluated and this has been reported separately. A consensus approach was developed by the SLE Task Force in formulating recommendations for points to consider when conducting clinical trials in SLE. RESULTS: The literature review revealed that most outcome measures used in phase 2/3 trials in SLE have not actually been validated in clinical trials, although other forms of validation have been undertaken. The final recommendations for points to consider for conducting clinical trials in SLE address the following areas: study design, eligibility criteria, outcome measures including adverse events, concomitant therapies for SLE and its complications. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for points to consider when conducting clinical trials in SLE were developed using an evidence-based approach followed by expert consensus. The recommendations should be disseminated, implemented and then reviewed in detail and revised using an evidence-based approach in about 5 years, by which time there will be further evidence to consider from current clinical trials.

EULAR recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis. METHODS: An expert group (10 rheumatologists, 3 nephrologists, 2 immunolgists, 2 internists representing 8 European countries and the USA, a clinical epidemiologist and a representative from a drug regulatory agency) identified 10 topics for a systematic literature search through a modified Delphi technique. In accordance with standardised EULAR operating procedures, recommendations were derived for the management of large vessel vasculitis. In the absence of evidence, recommendations were formulated on the basis of a consensus opinion. RESULTS: Seven recommendations were made relating to the assessment, investigation and treatment of patients with large vessel vasculitis. The strength of recommendations was restricted by the low level of evidence and EULAR standardised operating procedures. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of evidence and expert consensus, management recommendations for large vessel vasculitis have been formulated and are commended for use in everyday clinical practice.

EULAR recommendations for the management of primary small and medium vessel vasculitis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of small and medium vessel vasculitis. METHODS: An expert group (consisting of 10 rheumatologists, 3 nephrologists, 2 immunologists, 2 internists representing 8 European countries and the USA, a clinical epidemiologist and a representative from a drug regulatory agency) identified 10 topics for a systematic literature search using a modified Delphi technique. In accordance with standardised EULAR operating procedures, recommendations were derived for the management of small and medium vessel vasculitis. In the absence of evidence, recommendations were formulated on the basis of a consensus opinion. RESULTS: In all, 15 recommendations were made for the management of small and medium vessel vasculitis. The strength of recommendations was restricted by low quality of evidence and by EULAR standardised operating procedures. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of evidence and expert consensus, recommendations have been made for the evaluation, investigation, treatment and monitoring of patients with small and medium vessel vasculitis for use in everyday clinical practice.

EULAR points to consider for conducting clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus: literature based evidence for the selection of endpoints.

OBJECTIVE: To assess available evidence on the use of end-points (outcome measures) in clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as a part of the development of evidence-based recommendations for points to consider in clinical trials in SLE. METHODS: The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Task Force on SLE comprised 19 specialists, a clinical epidemiologist and a research fellow. Key questions addressing the evidence for clinical trial end-points in SLE were compiled using the Delphi technique. A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed using McMaster/Hedges clinical query strategies and an array of relevant terms. Evidence was categorised based on sample size and type of design, and the categories of available evidence were identified for each recommendation. The strength of recommendation was assessed based on the category of available evidence and agreement on the statements was measured across the 19 specialists. RESULTS: Eight questions were generated regarding end-points for clinical trials. The evidence to support each proposition was evaluated. The literature review revealed that most outcome measures used in phase 2/3 trials in SLE have not been formally validated in clinical trials, although some indirect validation has been undertaken. CONCLUSION: This systematic literature review forms the evidence base considered in the development of the EULAR recommendations for end-points in clinical trials in SLE.