Author: Lisa Christ
Bergmann et al. (2598) observed stabilisation of disease activity in 3 systemic sclerosis (Ssc) patients treated with CD19 CAR T-cells at 6 months follow-up.
Taubmann et al. (0783) concluded that the overall safety of CD19 CAR T cells therapy in autoimmune diseases appears to be high, and higher-grade CRS or ICANS is rare.
Burja et al. (0627) found that SSA antibodies are associated with more severe lung involvement in SSc patients enrolled in the EUSTAR database.
Sequí-Sabater et al. (0020) analysed serum proteins in 89 patients with Sjögren’s disease (PEA) and identified three distinctive molecular signatures associated with relevant clinical profiles.
Siero et al. (1137) identified an association between nailfold capillaroscopy findings and sKL-6 levels in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies–related interstitial lung disease (ILD). Capillary loss and avascular areas showed a significant association with the presence of ILD, and worse FVC and DLCO values.
Oldroyd et al. (2575) showed that the risk stratification recommended by The International Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening clearly and appropriately stratified cancer risk in a real-world idiopathic inflammatory myopathy cohort of 290 patients.
Nagle et al. (0725) observed an increased risk of death, ESKD, and progression before remission or relapse in patients with severe granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis flare who received the PEXIVAS reduced-dose glucocorticoid (GC) regimen as compared to standard dose GC. After one year, no significant differences were found in serious infections. These results are in contrast to two RCTs (LOVAS, PEXIVAS). The authors recommend increased vigilance when using the reduced dose GC regimen, especially in patients receiving rituximab (RTX) as induction therapy or with creatinine > 300 µmol/L.
Dutertre et al. (0854) presented follow-up results of the RTX in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (REOVAS) trial, which supports similar efficacy of RTX as compared to conventional strategy in inducing and maintaining remission. However, in ACNA-positive patients, RTX was associated with better relapse-free survival. Therefore, patients with ANCA-positive EGPA may not only have a distinct clinical phenotype, but also a distinct response to treatment.
Kaymakci et al. (2557) evaluated clinicopathologic findings of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) who underwent thoracic aorta repair. Most patients had active aortitis in the histopathologic evaluation despite “clinical” remission. The authors conclude that chronic, smoldering aortic inflammation likely contributes to the development of aortic aneurysm and dissection.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Christ
Lisa is a physician and clinical scientist at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital, in Bern, Switzerland.
Her research interests include vasculitis, in particular giant cell arteritis, cancer immunology and Sjögren’s disease. She conducted a proof-of-concept study in giant cell arteritis, the GUSTO trial, and translational research on biomarkers.
Lisa is a founding member of the Vasculitis Association Switzerland (VASAS) and a member of the EMEUNET Visibility and Global Affairs Subcommittee.