Induction and maintenance of remission with mycophenolate mofetil in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Issue 11 (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berti, Alvise; Alsawas, Mouaz; Jawaid, Tabinda; Prokop, Larry J; Lee, Jiwon M; Jeong, Gwang Hun; Quintana, Luis F; Moiseev, Sergey; Vaglio, Augusto; Tesar, Vladimir; Geetha, Duvuru; Shin, Jae I l; Kronbichler, Andreas
• Is Part Of: Nephrology dialysis transplantation. Volume 37:Issue 11(2022)
• Page Start: 2190
• Page End: 2200
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: ANCA-associated vasculitis -- granulomatosis with polyangiitis -- microscopic polyangiitis -- MMF -- mycophenolate mofetil; Nephrology -- Periodicals; Hemodialysis -- Periodicals; Kidneys -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; Hemodialysis; Kidneys -- Transplantation; Nephrology; Periodicals; 616.61
• DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfab357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0931-0509

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Uncertainties exist about the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), particularly for remission maintenance. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III trials assessing the use of MMF in AAV, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). A comprehensive search of several databases (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus) from inception to 5 May 2020 has been conducted. Trial data were extracted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and estimates (ES) for MMF efficacy (remission-induction and maintenance). Severe adverse effects (SAEs) were collected. Results: From 565 articles captured, 10 met the predefined criteria, 5 phase II and 5 III trials; 4 assessed remission-induction, 3 remission maintenance and 3 both. The pooled OR for remission-induction at 6 months was 1.06 (95% confidence interval 0.74, 1.52), with no significant difference by subgroup meta-analysis of trials stratified by different study-level features (i.e. kidney disease, MPA, myeloperoxidase-ANCA positivity, newly diagnosed disease) (P > 0.05). The overall ES for remission maintenance at the end of follow-up ranged between 51% and 91% (I 2 = 74.8%). Subgroup meta-analysis identified kidney involvement as a possible source of heterogeneity, yielding a significantly higher rate of sustained remission in trials enrolling only patients with kidney involvement (92%, 76–100%) versus those enrolling patients with and without kidney involvement (56%, 45–66%). Results were similar in multiple sensitivity analyses. During follow-up, the frequency of SAEs in MMF-based treatment arms was 31.8%. Conclusions: In AAV, MMF use was significantly associated with higher sustained remission rates in trials enrolling only patients with kidney involvement. These findings might influence clinical practice. Graphical Abstract: