Performance of SCORE2, QRISK3 and PREVENT equations in systemic lupus erythematosus.

BackgroundAssessment of contemporary cardiovascular risk scores using clinically relevant endpoints is lacking in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).AimThis study aimed to assess and compare the performances of SCORE2, QRISK3 and PREVENT equations in SLE.MethodsSLE patients with no prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) who underwent a baseline cardiovascular risk assessment including coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring at the French national SLE reference center between 2014 and 2024 were retrospectively included.

Serum interferon-beta level determined by an ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay is increased in clinically active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus.

Type I interferons, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are expressed at very low levels under physiological conditions. In this study, we focused on IFN-beta (IFN) β-for its potential use as a biomarker of SLE activity and compared three different technologies for its quantification in the serum of healthy donors and patients with SLE. A total of 93 serum samples from healthy donors and 463 serum samples from lupus patients were tested using either ELISA, digital ELISA based on Single Molecule Array (Simoa®) technology, or a novel ultrasensitive immunoassay (S-Plex®) based on electrochemiluminescence.

Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-associated severe episodes of monoclonal gammopathy-associated capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson disease).

Background: Monoclonal gammopathy-associated capillary leak syndrome (MG-CLS) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of hypovolemic shock caused by a sudden increase in capillary permeability. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a rise in MG-CLS episodes and increased mortality. We aimed to explore the association between MG-CLS and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Progressive repigmentation of hypopigmented lesions in discoid lupus erythematosus with anifrolumab: A report of two cases.

We report two cases of patients with refractory discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and dark skin phototypes who experienced progressive perifollicular repigmentation of depigmented lesions under anifrolumab therapy, with sustained improvement over 18 months. These observations highlight a potential novel effect of anifrolumab on cicatricial dyspigmentation in DLE. This effect may represent a valuable therapeutic option for DLE-related damage, particularly in patients with darker skin types.

Rapid Detection of Anti-IFN-α2 Autoantibodies Using a New Automated VIDAS Assay Prototype.

Autoantibodies neutralizing Type I interferons increase the risk of severe viral diseases and are linked to autoimmune conditions. The automated VIDAS assay is suitable for anti-IFN-α2 IgGs quantification, offering a swift, reliable, user-friendly, single test for clinical management.

Anti-RNApol3-Associated myocarditis: an emerging disease linking autoimmunity and infection.

Background: Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is a severe condition primarily triggered by viruses. Anti-RNA polymerase III autoantibodies (RNApol3) which are typically found in patients with severe systemic sclerosis, have been reported in patients with influenza-related FM. Our objective is to provide additional insight into RNApol3-associated FM.

Comparison of flares in 85 patients with SLE who maintained, discontinued or reduced dose of hydroxychloroquine during a prospective study of ophthalmological screening for retinopathy (PERFOCTAPS Study).

Objective: Little is known about the risk of SLE flares associated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reduction or cessation, especially after ophthalmological screening. We analysed the risk of SLE flares after HCQ reduction or discontinuation after detection of early ophthalmological toxicity.

Methods: This study includes all patients with SLE among the 109 included in the prospective PERFOCTAPS Study and treated with HCQ for at least 5 years.

Relapsing polychondritis: tracheobronchial involvement and differential diagnoses.

This review is describing the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to tracheobronchial involvement in relapsing polychondritis (RP), with a focus on differential diagnoses of inflammatory origin. RP is a systemic auto-immune disease that mainly affects cartilage structures, progressing through inflammatory flare-ups between phases of remission and ultimately leading to deformation of the involved cartilages. Besides the damage of auricular or nasal cartilage, tracheobronchial and cardiac involvement are the most severe, and can seriously alter the prognosis.

Interferon-α biological activity is associated with disease activity and risk of flare in cutaneous lupus erythematosus: A monocentric study of 184 patients.

Background: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is associated with unpredictable flares and may induce permanent damage. There is currently no biomarker routinely available in CLE.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of interferon-α (IFN-α) biological activity as biomarker of CLE activity and risk of flare.

Lymphadenopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: no microbial trigger found by shotgun metagenomics in a retrospective study on 38 patients.

Objectives: Lymphadenopathy is a classical manifestation of SLE flare, occurring in approximately half of patients during the course of the disease. Lymphadenopathy in SLE is frequently associated with fever. Microbial infection may play a role in SLE onset and flares.

French protocol for the diagnosis and management of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Because Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a rare disease, and due to the significant prognostic impact of early management, a diagnosis confirmed by a physician with experience in SLE is recommended, for example from an expert center. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, existing manifestations should be identified in particular, renal involvement by an assessment of proteinuria, disease activity and severity should be determined, potential complications anticipated, associated diseases searched for, and the patient's socioprofessional and family context noted. Therapeutic management of SLE includes patient education on recognizing symptoms, understanding disease progression as well as when they should seek medical advice.

Risk of flare in patients with SLE in remission after hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine withdrawal.

Objective: Previous studies have provided evidence that the discontinuation of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and chloroquine (CQ), in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with an increased risk of disease flares, with limited information on the level of disease activity at the time of HCQ/CQ discontinuation. Here we aimed to describe the risk of SLE flare after withdrawal of HCQ or CQ in patients with SLE in remission.

Methods: Case-control study (1:2) comparing the evolution of patients with SLE after HCQ/CQ withdrawal for antimalarial retinopathy (cases) with patients with SLE matched for sex, antimalarial treatment duration and age at SLE diagnosis, whose antimalarial treatment was continued throughout the entire follow-up period (controls).