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Immunosuppressive (IS) agents are recommended for the first-line treatment of patients with active Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) together with glucocorticoids (GCs). However, there is limited data comparing the efficacy and outcomes of different IS agents for this purpose. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of two most frequently used first-line IS agents, namely methotrexate (MTX) and azathioprine (AZA) in TAK patients. TAK patients who received any IS agent in addition to GCs as the initial therapy were included in this multicentre, retrospective cohort study. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data of the patients were assessed. In addition, a matched analysis (cc match) using variables 'age', 'gender' and 'diffuse aortic involvement' was performed between patients who received MTX or AZA as the first-line IS treatment. We recruited 301 patients (F/M: 260/41, mean age: 42.2 ± 13.3 years) from 10 tertiary centres. As the first-line IS agent, 204 (67.8 %) patients received MTX, and 77 (25.6 %) received AZA. Less frequently used IS agents included cyclophosphamide in 17 (5.6 %), leflunomide in 2 (0.5 %) and mycophenolate mofetil in one patient. The remission, relapse, radiographic progression and adverse effect rates were similar between patients who received MTX and AZA as the first-line IS agent. Vascular surgery rate was significantly higher in the AZA group (23% vs. 9 %, p = 0.001), whereas the frequency of patients receiving ≤5 mg/day GCs at the end of the follow-up was significantly higher in the MTX group (76% vs 62 %, p = 0.034). Similarly, the rate of vascular surgery was higher in AZA group in matched analysis. Drug survival was similar between MTX and AZA groups (median 48 months, MTX vs AZA: 32% vs 42 %, p = 0.34). IS therapy was discontinued in 18 (12 MTX, 6 AZA) patients during the follow-up period due to remission. Among those patients, two patients had a relapse at 2 and 6 months, while 16 patients were still on remission at the end of a mean 69.4 (±50.9) months of follow-up. Remission, relapse, radiographic progression and drug survival rates of AZA and MTX were similar for patients with TAK receiving an IS agent as the first-line f therapy. The rate of vascular surgery was higher and the rate of GC dose reduction was lower with AZA compared to MTX at the end of the follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the treatment outcomes of TNF inhibitors and tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with Takayasu arteritis. Takayasu arteritis patients who were refractory to conventional immunosuppressive (IS) drugs and received biologic treatment were included in this multicenter retrospective cohort study. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data during follow-up were recorded. Remission, glucocorticoid (GC) sparing effect, drug survival was compared between TNF inhibitor and TCZ treatments. Also, a subgroup matched comparison was performed between groups. One hundred and eleven (F/M: 98/13) patients were enrolled. A total of 173 biologic treatment courses (77 infliximab, 49 TCZ, 33 adalimumab, 9 certolizumab, 3 rituximab, 1 ustekinumab and 1 anakinra) were given. Tocilizumab was chosen in 23 patients and TNF inhibitors were chosen in 88 patients as first-line biologic agent. Complete/partial remission rates between TCZ and TNF inhibitors were similar at 3rd month and at the end of the follow-up. GC dose decrease (≤4 mg) or discontinuation of GCs was achieved in a similar rate in both groups (TNF inhibitors vs TCZ: 78% vs 59%, p = 0.125). Drug survival rate was 56% in TNF inhibitors and 57% in TCZ group (p = 0.22). The use of concomitant conventional ISs did not affect the drug survival (HR =0.78, 95% CI =0.42–1.43, p = 0.42). The match analysis showed similar results between groups in terms of relapse, decrease in GC dose, surgery need and mortality. The efficacy and safety outcomes and drug survival rates seem to be similar for TNF inhibitors and tocilizumab in patients with Takayasu arteritis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few reports concerning Mycobacterium tilburgii infection in humans because this bacterium is non-cultivatable. Herein, using new molecular techniques, we report the case of an immunocompromised patient with fatal disseminated lymphadenitis that was caused by M. tilburgii .26 years old Caucasian HIV negative female patient presented with abdominal pain. Her clinical assessment revealed disseminated lymphadenitis, that was acid fast bacilli positive. Further molecular evaluation showed the causative agent as M. tilburgii . Despite anti mycobacterial therapy and careful management of intervening complications patient died because of an intraabdominal sepsis. This is the first fatal M. tilburgii infection in the literature. This case points the importance of careful management of patient's immune status and intervening infections besides implementation of effective drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]