Genomic Effects of Glucocorticoids in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This is an interventional basic science trial for Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) focused on measuring Immunosuppressive Drugs, Methylprednisolone, PREDNISONE, Steroids, Autoimmunity Read More

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:

  1. Aged 18-80 years.
  2. Has a diagnosis of SLE based on the 1997 Update of the 1982 American College of Rheumatology Revised Criteria for Classification of SLE.
  3. Currently enrolled in study 94-AR-0066.
  4. Able to provide informed consent.
  5. Willing to allow genetic testing.
  6. Has a primary care physician or other healthcare provider who will manage all health conditions related or unrelated to the study objectives.
  7. If receiving immunosuppressive therapies other than glucocorticoids for SLE, then on a stable dose (defined as no increases in dose for the 60 days prior to screening).
  8. A. If receiving glucocorticoid therapy and not experiencing a lupus flare at the time of the screening visit, then potential participants must be on a daily prednisone or prednisone-equivalent dose less than or equal to 10 mg/day and agree to undergo a glucocorticoid taper.

B. If receiving glucocorticoid therapy experiencing a lupus flare at the time of the screening visit, then potential participants must be on a daily prednisone or prednisone-equivalent dose less than or equal to 15mg/day. A glucocorticoid taper will not be performed.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Body mass index (BMI) < 18 or > 40.
2. History of a severe allergic reaction to glucocorticoids.
3. History of a severe adverse cardiovascular or psychiatric event related to glucocorticoid administration.
4. Use of a glucocorticoid at a prednisone-equivalent dose 10 mg/day in the 15 days prior to screening (> 15 mg/day if experiencing a flare on the day of the screening visit).
5. A previously established diagnosis of an active solid or hematologic malignancy.
6. A previously established diagnosis of untreated osteoporosis. For the purpose of this study, osteoporosis is defined as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan obtained within 2 years of screening demonstrating a hip or spine bone mineral density T score less than or equal to -2.5 in men or greater than or equal to 50 in postmenopausal women.
7. A previously established diagnosis of untreated osteopenia with a high fracture risk. For the purpose of this study, osteopenia is defined as a DEXA scan obtained within 2 years of screening demonstrating a hip or spine bone mineral density T score < -1 and > -2.5 in men or greater than or equal to 50 in postmenopausal women. For the purpose of this study, a high fracture risk is defined as a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture > 20%, or a FRAX 10-year risk of hip fracture > 3%.
8. A previously established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or a fasting blood glucose level greater than or equal to 125 mg/dL at the time of screening. For patients without a previously established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and a fasting blood glucose level < 125 mg/dL at the time of screening, no additional screening tests (e.g., HbA1c or oral glucose tolerance test) will be performed. A history of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia that is not present at the time of screening in the absence of treatment will not be considered an exclusion criterion.
9. Cancer chemotherapy within the 5 years prior to screening.
10. Surgery requiring general anesthesia in the 8 weeks prior to screening.
11. History of an infection requiring IV antibiotics in the 30 days prior to screening.
12. A positive test for HIV or hepatitis A, B, or C virus infection.
13. A positive or indeterminate test for active or latent tuberculosis (interferon gamma release assay [IGRA]) without evidence of prior treatment.
14. History of chronic or possible latent untreated parasitic, amebic, fungal, or mycobacterial infections.
15. Use of desmopressin in the 30 days prior to screening.
16. Use of one of the following cytochrome P450 isozyme (CYP) 3A4 inducers in the 30 days prior to screening: nafcillin, rifabutin, rifampin, St. John s wort, or troglitazone.
17. Use of one of the following CYP3A4 inhibitors in the 30 days prior to screening: clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole.
18. Use of belimumab or rituximab within the past 180 days.
19. Vaccination within the past 30 days.
20. Pregnancy, current or in the 90 days prior to screening.
21. Currently breastfeeding.
22. Any electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormality that is clinically significant.
23. Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, contraindicates participation in this study.

Laboratory evaluations that will be used to establish eligibility are listed in sections 6 and 7, below. For exclusion criteria that involve previously established diagnoses, such as active malignancy, osteoporosis, or diabetes mellitus, any previously obtained diagnostic studies will be considered, but diagnostic testing for the sole purpose of establishing eligibility will not be performed.