| 1. |
- Egan, Allyson C, et al.
(author)
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The Sound of Interconnectivity; The European Vasculitis Society 2022 Report
- 2022
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In: Kidney International Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 2468-0249. ; 7:8, s. 1745-1757
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The first European Vasculitis Society (EUVAS) meeting report was published in 2017. Herein, we report on developments in the past 5 years which were greatly influenced by the pandemic. The adaptability to engage virtually, at this critical time in society, embodies the importance of networks and underscores the role of global collaborations. We outline state-of-the-art webinar topics, updates on developments in the last 5 years, and proposals for agendas going forward. A host of newly reported clinical trials is shaping practice on steroid minimization, maintenance strategies, and the role of newer therapies. To guide longer-term strategies, a longitudinal 10-year study investigating relapse, comorbidity, malignancy, and survival rates is at an advanced stage. Disease assessment studies are refining classification criteria to differentiate forms of vasculitis more fully. A large international validation study on the histologic classification of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) glomerulonephritis, recruiting new multicenter sites and comparing results with the Kidney Risk Score, has been conducted. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) genomics offers potential pathogenic subset and therapeutic insights. Among biomarkers, ANCA testing is favoring immunoassay as the preferred method for diagnostic evaluation. Consolidated development of European registries is progressing with an integrated framework to analyze large clinical data sets on an unprecedented scale.
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| 2. |
- Gisslander, Karl, et al.
(author)
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Data quality and patient characteristics in European ANCA-associated vasculitis registries : data retrieval by federated querying
- 2023
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - 0003-4967. ; 83:1, s. 112-120
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives This study aims to describe the data structure and harmonisation process, explore data quality and define characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients across six federated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) registries. Methods Through creation of the vasculitis-specific Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable, VASCulitis ontology, we harmonised the registries and enabled semantic interoperability. We assessed data quality across the domains of uniqueness, consistency, completeness and correctness. Aggregated data were retrieved using the semantic query language SPARQL Protocol and Resource Description Framework Query Language (SPARQL) and outcome rates were assessed through random effects meta-analysis. Results A total of 5282 cases of AAV were identified. Uniqueness and data-type consistency were 100% across all assessed variables. Completeness and correctness varied from 49%-100% to 60%-100%, respectively. There were 2754 (52.1%) cases classified as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), 1580 (29.9%) as microscopic polyangiitis and 937 (17.7%) as eosinophilic GPA. The pattern of organ involvement included: lung in 3281 (65.1%), ear-nose-throat in 2860 (56.7%) and kidney in 2534 (50.2%). Intravenous cyclophosphamide was used as remission induction therapy in 982 (50.7%), rituximab in 505 (17.7%) and pulsed intravenous glucocorticoid use was highly variable (11%-91%). Overall mortality and incidence rates of end-stage kidney disease were 28.8 (95% CI 19.7 to 42.2) and 24.8 (95% CI 19.7 to 31.1) per 1000 patient-years, respectively. Conclusions In the largest reported AAV cohort-study, we federated patient registries using semantic web technologies and highlighted concerns about data quality. The comparison of patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes was hampered by heterogeneous recruitment settings.
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| 3. |
- Gisslander, Karl, et al.
(author)
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Overcoming challenges in rare disease registry integration using the semantic web - a clinical research perspective
- 2023
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In: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. - 1750-1172. ; 18, s. 1-3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The growing number of disease-specific patient registries for rare diseases has highlighted the need for registry interoperability and data linkage, leading to large-scale rare disease data integration projects using Semantic Web based solutions. These technologies may be difficult to grasp for rare disease experts, leading to limited involvement by domain expertise in the data integration process. Here, we propose a data integration framework starting from the perspective of the clinical researcher, allowing for purposeful rare disease registry integration driven by clinical research questions.
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| 4. |
- Hellmich, Bernhard, et al.
(author)
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EULAR recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis : 2022 update
- 2024
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 83:1, s. 30-47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Since the publication of the EULAR recommendations for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in 2016, several randomised clinical trials have been published that have the potential to change clinical care and support the need for an update. Methods: Using EULAR standardised operating procedures, the EULAR task force undertook a systematic literature review and sought opinion from 20 experts from 16 countries. We modified existing recommendations and created new recommendations. Results: Four overarching principles and 17 recommendations were formulated. We recommend biopsies and ANCA testing to assist in establishing a diagnosis of AAV. For remission induction in life-threatening or organ-threatening AAV, we recommend a combination of high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) in combination with either rituximab or cyclophosphamide. We recommend tapering of the GC dose to a target of 5 mg prednisolone equivalent/day within 4-5 months. Avacopan may be considered as part of a strategy to reduce exposure to GC in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Plasma exchange may be considered in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. For remission maintenance of GPA/MPA, we recommend rituximab. In patients with relapsing or refractory eosinophilic GPA, we recommend the use of mepolizumab. Azathioprine and methotrexate are alternatives to biologics for remission maintenance in AAV. Conclusions: In the light of recent advancements, these recommendations provide updated guidance on AAV management. As substantial data gaps still exist, informed decision-making between physicians and patients remains of key relevance.
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| 5. |
- Moiseev, Sergey, et al.
(author)
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International consensus on antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies testing in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- 2020
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In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. - 1073-449X. ; 202:10, s. 1360-1372
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An international consensus on antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) testing in eosinophilic granulomatosiswith polyangiitis (EGPA) is presented.ANCA, specific formyeloperoxidase (MPO), can be detected in 30-35% of patients with EGPA. MPO-ANCA should be tested with antigen-specific immunoassays in any patient with eosinophilic asthma and clinical features suggesting EGPA, including constitutional symptoms; purpura; polyneuropathy; unexplained heart, gastrointestinal, or kidney disease; and/or pulmonary infiltrates or hemorrhage.Apositive MPO-ANCA result contributes to the diagnostic workup for EGPA. Patients with MPO-ANCA-associated EGPA have vasculitis features, such as glomerulonephritis, neuropathy, and skin manifestations, more frequently than patients with ANCA-negative EGPA. However, the presence of MPO-ANCA is neither sensitive nor specific enough to identifywhether a patient should be subclassified as having "vasculitic"or "eosinophilic"EGPA. At present, ANCA status cannot guide treatment decisions, that is,whether cyclophosphamide, rituximab, ormepolizumab should be added to conventional glucocorticoid treatment. In EGPA, monitoring of ANCA is only useful when MPO-ANCA was tested positive at disease onset.
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| 6. |
- Podesta, Manuel Alfredo, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of hypogammaglobulinemia in ANCA-associated vasculitis after a rituximab-based induction: a multicentre study
- 2023
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In: Rheumatology. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 62:8, s. 2850-2854
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Rituximab has become the cornerstone of induction treatment in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). B-cell depletion may increase the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia, potentially leading to severe infections. This study aims to assess factors associated with hypogammaglobulinemia in AAV patients treated with rituximab. Methods This retrospective cohort study included AAV patients treated with rituximab induction in 14 European centres. Severe adverse events (SAEs) were defined as episodes requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics, malignancies, or death. Linear and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of IgG levels and of the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia, defined as IgG <= 7 g/l at 6 months. Results The study included 227 patients. IgG levels at 6 months were lower than baseline (P < 0.001). Patients requiring intravenous antibiotics during the first 6 months had lower IgG levels at 6 months (P = 0.004). Age [beta (95% CI): -0.23 (-0.38, -0.08) per 10 years, P = 0.003], oral glucocorticoid dose at induction [beta (95% CI): -0.37 (-0.51, -0.24) per sqrt-transformed mg prednisone, P < 0.001] and concomitant use of intravenous glucocorticoid pulses [beta (95% CI): -0.88 (-1.73, -0.02), P = 0.044] were associated with IgG levels at 6 months. Hypogammaglobulinemia was identified in 97 (42.7%) patients. In multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia were age [OR (95% CI): 1.46 (1.15, 1.86) per 10 years, P = 0.002] and oral glucocorticoid dose at induction [OR (95% CI): 1.52 (1.23, 1.89) per 10 mg prednisone, P < 0.001]. Conclusions In AAV patients treated with rituximab, hypogammaglobulinemia at 6 months after induction is common, and lower IgG levels are associated with serious infections. The risk of hypogammaglobulinemia in these patients increases with age and higher glucocorticoid doses.
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