FRI0355 Comparison of Rituximab with Cyclophosphamide as Induction Therapy in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome): A 24 Months Follow-Up Analysis
Authors: N. Venhoff, K. Halmschlag, M. Rizzi, R. Voll, J. Thiel
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2016)

<h3>Background</h3> Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) forms part of the ANCA associated vasculitides (AAV) and is associated with eosinophilia and asthma. To date no consensus exists on induction and maintenance therapy and refractory patients still represent a considerable therapeutic challenge. We recently reported on the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) as induction therapy in EGPA. So far there are no data on RTX in comparison with cyclophosphamide (CYC) in this disease. <h3>Objectives</h3> To investigate the potential of RTX compared with CYC in EGPA as induction therapy and during long-term follow-up. <h3>Methods</h3> Retrospective analysis in a single-center cohort of 46 EGPA patients. Remission and disease activity were determined by BVAS. Laboratory follow-up included C-reactive protein, eosinophils, IgE, IgG, IgA, IgM, ANCA, and peripheral CD19<sup>+</sup> B-cell count. <h3>Results</h3> Eleven patients treated with RTX for relapsing or refractory disease were compared with twelve age- and sex-matched patients treated with CYC for remission induction. Median disease duration was longer in RTX patients (49 months, IQR 7–66 vs. 8.5 months, IQR 0–7; p=0.0025). Prior to induction therapy there was no significant difference in median BVAS (14 vs. 12.5) and in FFS (1 vs. 0.75). Median eosinophil percentages were increased in both RTX (18.4%) and CYC (6.75%) treatment groups (n.s.). 73% of the RTX-treated patients were ANCA-positive compared to only 23% of the CYC-treated patients. Median prednisolone dose per day at induction was significantly higher in CYC-treated patients (35 mg/day, IQR 26–138) than in RTX-treated patients (17.5 mg/day, IQR 10–30). After 3 months all patients in both treatment groups were in partial or complete remission. For maintenance therapy all but two patients per group received standard immunosuppressive treatment with a predominance of azathioprine (AZA) (n=7 per group). Median cumulative prednisolone doses during the first treatment year including high doses for remission induction were 3.6 g in RTX- and 3.8 g in CYC-treated patients (p=0.725). Within an observation period of 24 months after remission induction 3 patients in the RTX group and 2 patients in the CYC group had major relapses (n.s.). In two of the 3 relapsing patients after RTX treatment peripheral B-cell counts were evaluated showing a beginning repopulation of the peripheral B-cell compartment. Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM remained stable in both treatment groups during follow-up. <h3>Conclusions</h3> RTX was effective in remission induction in EGPA patients. Remarkably this was the fact even in patients refractory to prior CYC treatment and in ANCA negative patients. During follow up the number of major relapses was comparable in both treatment groups. Prior to relapse the peripheral B cell compartment showed beginning repopulation in RTX-treated patients. <h3>References</h3> Thiel J, Hässler F, Salzer U, Voll RE, Venhoff N. Rituximab in the treatment of refractory or relapsing eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome). Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Sep 24;15(5):R133. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared