Rheumatoid Arthritis: Kanz L

Kötter I, Schmalzing M, Henes J, Vogel W, Kanz L. · Abteilung Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universitätsklinik Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland. · Z Rheumatol. · Pubmed #19011875 No free full text.

Abstract: Transplantations of autologous or allogeneic stem cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood are preformed for the treatment of resistant autoimmune diseases. Data have been systematically collected since 1996. We describe the historical development of this procedure for autoimmune diseases, the possible mechanisms of action, the options for stem cell collection, purging and conditioning (high-dose chemotherapy, combination with monoclonal anti-T- or B-cell antibodies, total body irradiation), as well as the reported outcomes in the literature.

Kötter I, Wacker A, Koch S, Henes J, Richter C, Engel A, Günaydin I, Kanz L. · University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine II, Tübingen, Germany. · Semin Arthritis Rheum. · Pubmed #17583775 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of the interleukin (IL)-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) anakinra in patients with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) refractory to standard treatments such as glucocorticosteroids (GC), immunosuppressive drugs, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-antagonists; to verify disease remission objectively by serial cytokine measurements; and to review the current literature on anakinra for this indication. METHODS: Four patients with AOSD--2 with acute flares of the chronic form of the disease and 2 with intermittent disease--were treated with prednisolone and methotrexate. One was also treated with several other immunosuppressive drugs including etanercept and infliximab. One patient had life-threatening symptoms (toxic megacolon, pneumonitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation) despite high-dose prednisolone. Treatment with anakinra 100 mg/d subcutaneously was initiated. White blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), liver enzymes, ferritin levels, and serum cytokines were analyzed. The current literature on the efficacy of anakinra for AOSD is reviewed. RESULTS: Patients with chronic AOSD quickly responded to anakinra treatment (1 day to 3 days). GC could be tapered. ESR, CRP, WBC, ferritin, and liver enzymes returned to normal. Serum cytokine measurements revealed moderately elevated IL-1beta levels and highly elevated IL-18 levels in active disease, which normalized with anakinra. TNF-alpha and IL-6 were moderately elevated only in the 2 patients with chronic AOSD. In the literature, 17 similar cases have been reported to date. CONCLUSIONS: Anakinra is effective in treatment-resistant and in life-threatening AOSD. IL-18 serum levels, in addition to CRP, ESR, liver enzymes, ferritin, and WBC, may be helpful in assessing disease activity and response to treatment.

Kötter I, Müller CA, Einsele H, Mohren M, Kanz L. · Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10 D-72076, Tübingen. · Z Rheumatol. · Pubmed #10502017 No free full text.

Abstract: We describe a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and a patient with hairy cell leukemia being effectively treated with alpha-interferon who developed a seropositive chronic polyarthritis formally fulfilling the ACR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. Because of its efficacy, interferon was not discontinued, and the arthritis treated with low-dose prednisolone or NSAIDS. These are the 19th and 20th case of symmetrical polyarthritis during alpha-interferon therapy fulfilling the criteria for RA. The possible mechanisms of the relatively frequent appearance of autoimmune diseases during interferon therapy are discussed.

Henes JC, Richter C, Kanz L, Koetter I. · Department of Internal Medicine II (Rheumatology, Immunology, Hematology, Oncology, Pulmology), University Hospital, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany. · Rheumatol Int. · Pubmed #17562043 No free full text.

Abstract: To evaluate the efficacy of Rituximab in a negatively selected patient cohort, with inadequate response to different disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) and to at least two biologicals. Fifteen patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis with inefficacy of an average of 5 DMARDS and 2.5 TNF antagonists were treated with Rituximab. Eight patients were ineffectively pretreated with Anakinra as well. The disease activity score (DAS28) and the morning stiffness served for assessment of the clinical response. For maintenance treatment different conventional DMARDs were used (4xMTX, 4xLeflunomide, 1xmycophenolate, 1xsirolimus, 1xhydroxychloroquine). At baseline visit the mean DAS 28 was 5.9. The mean duration of morning stiffness was 99.6 min. At month 6 the mean DAS28 was 3.95. Forty percent (6 patients) showed a good and 33% (5 patients) a moderate response. Morning stiffness improved to 43 min. In this negatively selected group of patients Rituximab was safe and effective.

Kopp HG, Moerike K, Kanz L, Hartmann JT. · No affiliation provided · Clin Pharmacol Ther. · Pubmed #16003297 No free full text.

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