THU0190 Pilot study of the safety and efficacy of leflunomide (lef) in patients with wegener’s granulomatosis (wg) in remission
Authors: C Metzler, C Fink, P Lamprecht, WL Gross, E Reinhold-Keller
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2001)

<h3>Background</h3> WG is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by small-vessel vasculitis leading to organ damage and the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies against proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA). Treatment of this condition is difficult; the established Fauci?s scheme (daily low dose cyclophosphamide+prednisone) is effective, however it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. As WG is an autoimmune disease, the proven effectiveness of LEF in the treatment of inflammation and autoimmune disease in animal models, and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggests a potential benefit for WG patients. <h3>Objectives</h3> To investigate the safety and efficacy of different dose levels of LEF, and to study the maintenance of remission by LEF in 20 WG patients in a 52 week, single-centre, open label study. Patients who completed the study and benefited from LEF were offered continuation of treatment for up to 2 years. <h3>Methods</h3> WG patients who have been in complete/incomplete remission induced by Fauci?s scheme received a LEF loading dose (100 mg QD for 3 days) followed by 20 mg QD. After 12 weeks, the dose was increased to 30 mg daily in all patients, following a loading dose (100 mg QD for 2 days). In the absence of complete remission after 24 weeks, the dose was increased to 40 mg daily following a loading dose (100 mg QD for 2 days). The primary efficacy variables measured were organ involvement assessed by the disease extent index (DEI), Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), the ANCA titer and relapse occurrence. Adverse events (AEs) were observed by the patient as in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. All 20 patients who entered the study were included in the efficacy and safety analyses. <h3>Results</h3> All patients experienced at least one AE, with the average being 8.3 mentions per patient. The most frequently reported AE was mild upper respiratory infection (40%). Nine patients (45%) experienced AEs considered to be causally related to study medication. Hypertension was reported in 3 patients and diarrhoea, nausea, and alopecia were experienced by 2 patients each. One patient who reported a severe AE discontinued from the study due to visual field defects, possibly causally related. The mean total DEI scores were 3.2 at baseline, 2.3 at week 52 and 3.3 at endpoint (defined as the final visit), respectively. The mean total BVAS score was 10.6 at baseline, 5.6 at week 24, 8.4 at week 52 and 9.5 at endpoint. No marked changes over time were observed for either the mean total DEI or BVAS scores. At endpoint, there was no change in ANCA titer in 25% of patients, however, 55% showed an increase of more than two titer steps compared to the baseline value. Only one patient showed a decrease from baseline to endpoint. At 24 weeks, 11 patients were increased to 40 mg due to incomplete remission. Nine of these patients experienced additional organ involvement in their disease that necessitated increased corticosteroid doses in 4 patients. One patient discontinued LEF treatment due to lack of efficacy and new renal involvement was considered as a relapse. <h3>Conclusion</h3> LEF used for the treatment of WG patients was well tolerated at the doses studied. The extent and activity of WG remained constant throughout the whole study period, and remission was maintained in the majority of patients.