Lillian Barra1, Grace Yang2, Christian Pagnoux3. 1. Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. Electronic address: lillian.barra@sjhc.london.on.ca. 2. Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. 3. Vasculitis Clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Mount. Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK) affects mostly young women and causes significant morbidity. Most patients are refractory to glucocorticoids (GC) or relapse when GC doses are reduced. The objective of this study is to summarize the literature pertaining to the effectiveness of non-GC drugs for the treatment of TAK. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were searched for English-language studies of TAK patients with a sample size >5. Studies were included if the effectiveness of non-GC drugs for the treatment of TAK was reported. Random effects meta-analyses of various effect measures were performed. RESULTS: Of the 915 studies identified by the search, 14 of small molecule immunosuppressants (IS) and 25 of biologic therapies were included. Studies had a high risk of bias. Pooled remission rates were similar for both categories of non-GC drugs: 58% (95% CI: 40-74%) and 64% (95% CI: 56-72%), respectively. The relapse rate was 54% (95% CI: 39-68%) for IS therapies and 31% (95% CI: 22-41%) for biologics. Both significantly decreased GC doses and acute phase reactants. Observational studies suggested that anti-TNF agents were more effective than IS at maintaining remission. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of biologics were of small sample size: abatacept was not effective and the trial of tocilizumab was underpowered to detect a difference in time to relapse versus placebo. Serious adverse events were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: Non-GC agents were moderately effective in inducing remission in TAK, but relapse rates were high. Larger, better designed studies are required to determine the optimal treatment regimen for TAK.
BACKGROUND:Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK) affects mostly young women and causes significant morbidity. Most patients are refractory to glucocorticoids (GC) or relapse when GC doses are reduced. The objective of this study is to summarize the literature pertaining to the effectiveness of non-GC drugs for the treatment of TAK. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were searched for English-language studies of TAK patients with a sample size >5. Studies were included if the effectiveness of non-GC drugs for the treatment of TAK was reported. Random effects meta-analyses of various effect measures were performed. RESULTS: Of the 915 studies identified by the search, 14 of small molecule immunosuppressants (IS) and 25 of biologic therapies were included. Studies had a high risk of bias. Pooled remission rates were similar for both categories of non-GC drugs: 58% (95% CI: 40-74%) and 64% (95% CI: 56-72%), respectively. The relapse rate was 54% (95% CI: 39-68%) for IS therapies and 31% (95% CI: 22-41%) for biologics. Both significantly decreased GC doses and acute phase reactants. Observational studies suggested that anti-TNF agents were more effective than IS at maintaining remission. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of biologics were of small sample size: abatacept was not effective and the trial of tocilizumab was underpowered to detect a difference in time to relapse versus placebo. Serious adverse events were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: Non-GC agents were moderately effective in inducing remission in TAK, but relapse rates were high. Larger, better designed studies are required to determine the optimal treatment regimen for TAK.
Authors: K S M van der Geest; G Treglia; A W J M Glaudemans; E Brouwer; M Sandovici; F Jamar; O Gheysens; R H J A Slart Journal: Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging Date: 2021-05-03 Impact factor: 9.236