AB1012 Cyclosporine in Resistant Systemic Jia – A Cheaper Alternative to Biologics for Developing Countries
Authors: P.P. Giri, P. Pal
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), though well responsive to corticosteroids (1), but toxicity limit their prolonged usage. Other disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been tried to limited effect (1). Only the newer biologic agents (Anakinra, Tocilizumab) are promising (1), but in a developing country like India, accessibility and prohibitive costs limit their use. We started trying Cyclosporine for the cost benefit in steroid dependent or refractory sJIA specially in those who relapsed with predominant systemic symptoms. Here, we present a series of 15 cases of frequently relapsing, steroid dependent sJIA most of whom were successfully treated with oral Cyclosporine in conjunction with methotrexate ± low dose steroids. <h3>Objectives</h3> 1.To assess the efficacy of Cyclosporine in patients of steroid unresponsive or steroid dependent Systemic JIA. 2. To evaluate the optimum dosing and blood level to achieve and maintain remission. 3. To observe for side effects in long term use. <h3>Methods</h3> Clinical records of children fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of sJIA admitted at the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata during the time period July 2009 to November 2014 were reviewed. The data collected included details of clinical and laboratory features, treatment and outcome. In this prospective study a total of 82 sJIA was diagnosed. 15 were refractory and included as a candidate for cyclosporine therapy. All patients irrespective of their symptoms, were put on methotrexate at 15mg/m<sup>2</sup>/wk. <i>Criteria for initiating Cyclosporine:</i> sJIA relapsing frequently (at least 3 times) on withdrawing or attempting to taper off steroids, in spite of being on Methotrexate +/- Hydroxychloroquine. All the patients were monitored regularly clinically and as well as biochemically <h3>Results</h3> Among the 15 patients of frequently relapsing, steroid dependent sJIA, 13 responded to cyclosporine and Steroid could be withdrawn completely after a mean duration of 6.15 months of starting Cyclosporine.2 patients relapsed while on Cyclosporine after achieving remission, but could be managed with a short course of steroid.Remaining 11 never relapsed after initiation of Cyclosporine. So we achieved a permanent remission rate of 73% (P value0.02) with a mean follow up of 15 months after starting cyclosporine. At present: Off Steroid, off Cyclosporine – 11 (9 never relapsed, 2 relapsed but responded to short course steroids). Off Steroid, on Cyclosporine– 2 (never relapsed). Did not respond to Cyclosporine – 2. The mean dose of Cyclosporine to achieve the remission was 3.9 mg/kg/day. The mean blood level in which remission was induced was 138.4 ng/ml. There was no significant side effect noted except hirsuitism in one and another one developed transient hypertension. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Cyclosporine was found to be effective in almost 75% of frequently relapsing steroid dependent sJIA to achieve and maintain remission. Cyclosporine was found to be a cheaper alternative to Tocilizumab as the average cost of therapy for a 20 kg patient on Cyclosporine was found to be 10,000 INR (143 EURO)/patient over a 6 months period; which would amount to 100,000INR (1430 EURO)/patient with Tocilizumab for the same duration. (Anakinra not available in India.) <h3>References</h3> 2011 ACR Recommendations for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Initiation and Safety Monitoring of Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Arthritis and Systemic Features. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared