Autoinflammatory Syndromes: Beyond Classical Rheumatology - A Critical Care Perspective
Abstract
Background: Autoinflammatory syndromes represent a diverse group of disorders characterized by dysregulated innate immune responses, often presenting with life-threatening complications requiring intensive care management. These conditions, historically considered rare rheumatologic entities, are increasingly recognized in critical care settings.
Objective: To provide critical care physicians with a comprehensive understanding of autoinflammatory syndromes, focusing on periodic fever syndromes, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), adult-onset Still's disease, and emerging genetic insights relevant to acute care management.
Methods: Narrative review of current literature with emphasis on critical care manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions.
Results: Autoinflammatory syndromes can present with severe systemic inflammation, multiorgan failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Early recognition and targeted therapy significantly improve outcomes.
Conclusions: Critical care physicians must maintain high clinical suspicion for autoinflammatory syndromes in patients with unexplained systemic inflammation, fever of unknown origin, and multiorgan dysfunction.
Keywords: Autoinflammatory syndromes, periodic fever, CAPS, Still's disease, critical care, innate immunity
Introduction
Autoinflammatory syndromes represent a paradigm shift in our understanding of immune-mediated diseases, characterized by dysregulated innate immunity without the autoantibodies or antigen-specific T-cell responses typical of autoimmune disorders¹. These conditions, first conceptualized by McDermott et al. in 1999², have evolved from rare genetic curiosities to recognized causes of critical illness requiring sophisticated intensive care management.
The critical care physician encounters these syndromes in several contexts: as primary presentations of undiagnosed disease, as complications of known conditions, or as differential diagnoses in patients with unexplained systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan failure³. Understanding these disorders is crucial, as delayed recognition can lead to prolonged ICU stays, inappropriate treatments, and potentially fatal complications.
Pathophysiology: The Innate Immune Storm
Molecular Mechanisms
Autoinflammatory syndromes result from mutations or dysregulation in genes controlling inflammasome assembly, cytokine processing, and inflammatory signaling pathways⁴. The inflammasome, a multiprotein complex central to innate immunity, becomes hyperactivated, leading to excessive interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 production⁵.
Key pathways implicated include:
NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway: Mutations in NLRP3 (CIAS1) lead to constitutive inflammasome activation, resulting in continuous IL-1β release characteristic of CAPS⁶.
Pyrin Inflammasome Dysfunction: MEFV gene mutations affect pyrin regulation, leading to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) through aberrant inflammasome activation⁷.
NF-κB Signaling Dysregulation: Multiple autoinflammatory conditions involve aberrant NF-κB activation, leading to sustained inflammatory gene transcription⁸.
Clinical Pearl 💎
The "Cytokine Storm" in Autoinflammation Unlike sepsis-induced cytokine storms that are typically polyclonal and involve both innate and adaptive immunity, autoinflammatory cytokine storms are predominantly innate, IL-1β-driven, and often responsive to specific cytokine blockade. This distinction is therapeutically crucial.
Periodic Fever Syndromes
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
FMF, caused by MEFV gene mutations, is the most common hereditary periodic fever syndrome⁹. While typically managed outpatient, critical care presentations include:
Acute Presentations:
- Status migrainosus with severe abdominal pain mimicking acute abdomen
- Acute chest syndrome with pleuritis and respiratory failure
- Protracted febrile attacks lasting >72 hours (Type II attacks)
- Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)¹⁰
Diagnostic Considerations:
- Tel Hashomer criteria remain standard, but genetic testing is increasingly utilized¹¹
- Elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) during attacks, often >100 mg/L
- Response to colchicine remains diagnostic but takes weeks to assess
Critical Care Management:
- High-dose colchicine (2-3 mg/day) for acute attacks
- IL-1 blockade (anakinra, canakinumab) for colchicine-resistant cases¹²
- Careful monitoring for amyloidosis in long-standing cases
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS)
TRAPS, caused by TNFRSF1A mutations, presents with prolonged febrile episodes and unique clinical features¹³.
ICU-Relevant Manifestations:
- Attacks lasting weeks to months
- Migratory erythematous rashes with underlying myalgia
- Severe abdominal pain with peritonitis-like presentation
- Orbital edema and conjunctivitis
- Cardiac involvement including pericarditis and myocarditis¹⁴
Therapeutic Hack 🔧 The "TNF Paradox" in TRAPS Despite being a TNF receptor disorder, TRAPS often responds poorly to TNF inhibitors and may paradoxically worsen with these agents. IL-1 blockade is the preferred biologic therapy, highlighting the downstream convergence of inflammatory pathways.
Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D Syndrome (HIDS/MKD)
Mevalonate kinase deficiency presents along a spectrum from mild HIDS to severe mevalonic aciduria¹⁵.
Critical Features:
- Attacks triggered by stress, trauma, or vaccination
- Lymphadenopathy, particularly cervical
- Severe abdominal pain with hepatosplenomegaly
- Elevated urinary mevalonic acid during attacks
- Potential for severe developmental delays in complete deficiency
Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS)
CAPS represents a spectrum of three overlapping conditions caused by gain-of-function mutations in NLRP3¹⁶:
Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS)
- Mildest form with cold-induced attacks
- Rarely requires critical care
Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS)
- Intermediate severity with sensorineural hearing loss
- May present with severe inflammatory episodes
Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID/CINCA)
- Most severe form with continuous inflammation
- Frequent ICU presentations in infancy
Critical Care Manifestations:
- Chronic meningitis with elevated CSF pressure and neutrophilia
- Progressive hearing loss requiring urgent intervention
- Arthropathy with growth plate involvement
- Chronic urticaria-like rash (notably non-pruritic)
- Multiorgan dysfunction in severe cases¹⁷
Diagnostic Oyster 🦪 The "Cold Urticaria That Isn't" CAPS-associated skin lesions are often misdiagnosed as urticaria or cold urticaria. Key differences include: non-pruritic nature, burning rather than itching sensation, presence of neutrophils rather than mast cells on biopsy, and excellent response to IL-1 blockade.
Treatment Approach
- Canakinumab (150 mg subcutaneous every 8 weeks) is first-line for severe CAPS¹⁸
- Anakinra (1-2 mg/kg daily) for acute presentations or pediatric cases
- Rilonacept as alternative IL-1 blockade
Adult-Onset Still's Disease (AOSD)
AOSD represents a paradigmatic autoinflammatory condition in adults, often presenting as fever of unknown origin in critical care settings¹⁹.
Clinical Presentation
Classic Triad:
- High-spiking fevers (>39°C) with quotidian pattern
- Evanescent salmon-pink rash
- Arthritis or arthralgia²⁰
Systemic Manifestations:
- Sore throat (often severe and preceding fever)
- Lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly
- Serositis (pleuritis, pericarditis)
- Myocarditis and cardiac tamponade
- Hepatitis with marked transaminase elevation
- Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome
Laboratory Features
Characteristic Pattern:
- Extremely elevated ferritin (>1000 ng/mL, often >5000 ng/mL)
- Low glycosylated ferritin (<20%)²¹
- Markedly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR >100 mm/hr, CRP >100 mg/L)
- Leukocytosis with neutrophilic predominance
- Negative ANA and rheumatoid factor
- Elevated liver enzymes
Critical Care Hack 🔧 The "Ferritin-to-ESR Ratio" In AOSD, calculate the ferritin-to-ESR ratio. A ratio >21.5 strongly suggests AOSD over other inflammatory conditions. This simple calculation can expedite diagnosis in the ICU setting.
Complications Requiring ICU Management
Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS):
- Occurs in 10-15% of AOSD patients²²
- Characterized by falling ferritin (paradoxically), cytopenias, hepatosplenomegaly
- May present as multiorgan failure
- Requires urgent immunosuppression
Cardiac Complications:
- Pericarditis with tamponade
- Myocarditis with heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension in chronic cases²³
Pulmonary Manifestations:
- Pleural effusions
- Acute lung injury/ARDS
- Pulmonary hypertension
Treatment in Critical Care
Acute Management:
- High-dose corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 1-2 mg/kg/day)
- IL-1 blockade (anakinra 1-2 mg/kg/day) for steroid-refractory cases
- IL-6 blockade (tocilizumab) as alternative biologic therapy²⁴
- Supportive care for organ dysfunction
Refractory Cases:
- Combination biologic therapy
- Plasma exchange for severe MAS
- Cyclosporine for MAS management
Genetic Insights and Precision Medicine
Next-Generation Sequencing in Critical Care
The advent of rapid whole-exome sequencing has revolutionized diagnosis of autoinflammatory syndromes²⁵. In critical care settings, consider genetic testing when:
- Unexplained recurrent fevers with systemic inflammation
- Early-onset severe inflammatory disease
- Family history of similar symptoms
- Atypical presentations of known syndromes
- Severe complications in young patients
Emerging Genetic Syndromes
PAPA Syndrome (Pyogenic Arthritis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Acne):
- PSTPIP1 mutations leading to pyrin dysregulation
- May present with severe skin infections and sepsis-like presentations²⁶
DIRA (Deficiency of IL-1 Receptor Antagonist):
- IL1RN mutations causing unopposed IL-1 activity
- Neonatal presentation with severe systemic inflammation
- Excellent response to anakinra replacement therapy²⁷
CANDLE Syndrome:
- Proteasome dysfunction leading to interferon signature
- Presents with chronic autoinflammation and lipodystrophy
- May require ICU support for severe inflammatory episodes²⁸
Pharmacogenomics
Colchicine Metabolism:
- CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein polymorphisms affect colchicine levels
- Important in patients receiving concurrent CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Monitor for toxicity in renal impairment²⁹
Biologic Response Prediction:
- IL1RN polymorphisms may predict anakinra response
- TNF promoter polymorphisms correlate with TNF inhibitor efficacy
- Emerging role of HLA typing in drug selection³⁰
Diagnostic Approach in Critical Care
Clinical Assessment Framework
Step 1: Pattern Recognition
- Fever characteristics (quotidian, irregular, continuous)
- Rash morphology and distribution
- Joint involvement pattern
- Family history and ethnicity
Step 2: Laboratory Screening
- Complete inflammatory panel (CBC, ESR, CRP, ferritin)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Cardiac biomarkers
- Lactate dehydrogenase
- Complement levels (C3, C4)
Step 3: Specialized Testing
- Genetic testing for suspected syndromes
- Urinary mevalonic acid (for HIDS)
- Serum amyloid A
- IL-18 levels (research settings)
Step 4: Imaging
- Echocardiography for cardiac involvement
- CT chest/abdomen for organomegaly and serositis
- Joint imaging for arthropathy
Differential Diagnosis
Infectious Causes:
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Tuberculosis
- Brucellosis
- Chronic viral infections (EBV, CMV)
Malignant Conditions:
- Lymphoma (particularly T-cell)
- Leukemia
- Solid organ malignancies with paraneoplastic syndromes
Other Autoinflammatory/Autoimmune:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Vasculitis syndromes
- Sarcoidosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Diagnostic Pearl 💎 The "Negative ANA Rule" In patients >40 years with suspected AOSD, a negative ANA has a negative predictive value of >95% for excluding SLE. This simple test can help differentiate between autoinflammatory and autoimmune etiologies.
Therapeutic Strategies
First-Line Therapies
Colchicine:
- Standard therapy for FMF
- Dose: 1-2 mg daily (adjust for renal function)
- Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity and drug interactions
Corticosteroids:
- Effective for acute episodes of most autoinflammatory syndromes
- Use judiciously due to long-term complications
- Consider steroid-sparing agents early
Biologic Therapies
IL-1 Blockade:
- Anakinra: Short-acting IL-1 receptor antagonist
- Dose: 1-2 mg/kg/day subcutaneous
- Rapid onset of action (hours to days)
- Useful for acute presentations³¹
- Canakinumab: Long-acting IL-1β monoclonal antibody
- Dose: 150-300 mg every 8 weeks
- Preferred for maintenance therapy
- Superior compliance³²
IL-6 Blockade:
- Tocilizumab: Effective for AOSD and systemic JIA
- Particularly useful when IL-1 blockade fails
- Monitor for infection and liver toxicity³³
TNF Inhibition:
- Generally less effective than IL-1 blockade
- May worsen some conditions (TRAPS)
- Consider for specific indications only
Critical Care-Specific Considerations
Drug Interactions:
- Colchicine with CYP3A4 inhibitors (azoles, macrolides)
- Biologic agents with live vaccines
- Immunosuppression in critically ill patients
Infection Risk:
- Bacterial infections more common than opportunistic
- Maintain high index of suspicion
- Consider prophylaxis in high-risk patients³⁴
Monitoring Parameters:
- Regular CBC, liver function tests
- Lipid profiles with IL-1 blockade
- Injection site reactions with subcutaneous agents
Complications and Emergency Management
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
HLH represents a life-threatening complication of several autoinflammatory syndromes³⁵.
Clinical Recognition:
- Fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias
- Elevated ferritin, triglycerides, LDH
- Low fibrinogen, elevated soluble CD25
- Hemophagocytosis on bone marrow biopsy
HScore Calculator:
- Validated tool for HLH probability
- Incorporates clinical and laboratory parameters
- Score >169 suggests HLH (sensitivity 93%, specificity 86%)³⁶
Treatment Approach:
- Immediate: Dexamethasone 10 mg/m²/day
- Early: Etoposide if no improvement in 48-72 hours
- Targeted: Address underlying autoinflammatory trigger
- Supportive: Manage organ dysfunction
Cardiac Complications
Pericarditis and Tamponade:
- Common in AOSD and TRAPS
- May require urgent pericardiocentesis
- Consider systemic anti-inflammatory therapy
Myocarditis:
- Can present as heart failure or arrhythmias
- Cardiac MRI for diagnosis
- May require mechanical circulatory support
Respiratory Failure
Causes:
- Pleural effusions
- Pulmonary edema (cardiac or non-cardiac)
- Acute lung injury from systemic inflammation
Management:
- Mechanical ventilation as needed
- Address underlying inflammatory process
- Careful fluid management
Special Populations
Pediatric Considerations
Neonatal Presentations:
- NOMID/CINCA with multiorgan involvement
- DIRA requiring immediate IL-1 replacement
- Consider genetic syndromes in unexplained neonatal inflammation
Vaccination Considerations:
- Live vaccines contraindicated during biologic therapy
- Ensure age-appropriate vaccinations before starting immunosuppression
- Consider pneumococcal and influenza vaccination
Pregnancy and Reproductive Health
Pregnancy Management:
- Most autoinflammatory syndromes improve during pregnancy
- Colchicine safe in pregnancy (Category C)
- Limited data on biologics in pregnancy³⁷
- Multidisciplinary approach with maternal-fetal medicine
Fertility Considerations:
- Male fertility may be affected by colchicine (reversible)
- Disease activity can impact reproductive outcomes
- Plan pregnancies during disease remission
Elderly Patients
Late-Onset Presentations:
- AOSD commonly presents in elderly
- Higher risk of complications and comorbidities
- More frequent differential diagnoses (malignancy, infection)
- Careful monitoring for drug toxicities
Emerging Therapies and Future Directions
Novel Therapeutic Targets
JAK Inhibition:
- Tofacitinib showing promise in refractory cases
- Targets downstream inflammatory pathways
- May be useful when cytokine blockade fails³⁸
Complement Inhibition:
- Eculizumab for atypical presentations
- Targeting alternative inflammatory cascades
- Limited data in autoinflammatory syndromes
Personalized Medicine Approaches
Biomarker Development:
- Serum cytokine profiles for treatment selection
- Genetic testing for therapy prediction
- Real-time monitoring of treatment response
Precision Dosing:
- Therapeutic drug monitoring for biologics
- Pharmacokinetic modeling
- Individualized dosing strategies³⁹
Quality of Life and Long-Term Outcomes
Prognosis
Generally Favorable with Treatment:
- Most patients achieve remission with appropriate therapy
- Early diagnosis and treatment prevent complications
- Genetic counseling important for familial forms
Long-Term Complications:
- Amyloidosis (particularly with FMF and TRAPS)
- Hearing loss (CAPS syndromes)
- Growth retardation in pediatric cases
- Cardiovascular complications⁴⁰
Monitoring Strategies
Regular Assessment:
- Disease activity scores
- Organ function monitoring
- Drug toxicity surveillance
- Quality of life measures
Transition of Care:
- ICU to ward protocols
- Hospital to outpatient transition
- Pediatric to adult care transitions
Clinical Decision-Making Tools
ICU Assessment Checklist
Upon ICU Admission:
- [ ] Fever pattern documentation
- [ ] Rash photography and description
- [ ] Family history obtained
- [ ] Complete inflammatory laboratory panel
- [ ] Cardiac evaluation (ECG, echo, biomarkers)
- [ ] Infectious workup initiated
- [ ] Consider genetic testing
Treatment Decision Points:
- [ ] Corticosteroid initiation criteria met
- [ ] Biologic therapy considerations
- [ ] Infection exclusion completed
- [ ] Multidisciplinary consultation arranged
Response Assessment
Clinical Improvement Indicators:
- Fever resolution within 24-48 hours (IL-1 blockade)
- Rash fading and symptom improvement
- Normalization of acute phase reactants
- Resolution of organ dysfunction
Treatment Failure Criteria:
- Persistent fever after 72 hours of appropriate therapy
- Progressive organ dysfunction
- New complications development
- Lack of biomarker improvement
Economic Considerations
Cost-Effectiveness
Biologic Therapies:
- High acquisition costs but reduce hospitalizations
- Improved quality of life and productivity
- Prevention of long-term complications
- Cost-effectiveness varies by syndrome and severity⁴¹
Diagnostic Strategies:
- Early genetic testing may reduce diagnostic delays
- Targeted therapy selection reduces trial-and-error approaches
- ICU length of stay reduction with appropriate treatment
Conclusion
Autoinflammatory syndromes represent a critical frontier in intensive care medicine, requiring heightened awareness and specialized management approaches. The evolution from rare genetic disorders to recognized causes of critical illness reflects our growing understanding of innate immune dysregulation. Key principles for critical care management include:
High Clinical Suspicion: Maintain awareness of autoinflammatory syndromes in patients with unexplained fever, rash, and systemic inflammation.
Rapid Diagnosis: Utilize clinical criteria, specialized laboratory testing, and genetic analysis to expedite diagnosis.
Targeted Therapy: Implement specific treatments based on underlying pathophysiology, particularly IL-1 blockade.
Multidisciplinary Care: Collaborate with rheumatology, genetics, and specialized services for optimal outcomes.
Complication Management: Recognize and treat life-threatening complications including HLH, cardiac involvement, and multiorgan failure.
Long-term Perspective: Consider transition planning and long-term monitoring even in acute care settings.
As our understanding of these syndromes continues to evolve, critical care physicians must stay abreast of diagnostic advances and therapeutic innovations. The integration of genetic medicine, precision therapeutics, and personalized care approaches will continue to improve outcomes for patients with these challenging conditions.
Future research directions include development of rapid diagnostic tools, novel therapeutic targets, and predictive biomarkers to guide treatment selection. The collaboration between critical care medicine, rheumatology, and medical genetics will be essential in advancing care for patients with autoinflammatory syndromes.
References
McGonagle D, McDermott MF. A proposed classification of the immunological diseases. PLoS Med. 2006;3(8):e297.
McDermott MF, Aksentijevich I, Galon J, et al. Germline mutations in the extracellular domains of the 55 kDa TNF receptor, TNFR1, define a family of dominantly inherited autoinflammatory syndromes. Cell. 1999;97(1):133-144.
Hedrich CM. Shaping the spectrum - From autoinflammatory to autoimmune diseases. Clin Immunol. 2016;165:21-28.
Broderick L, De Nardo D, Franklin BS, Hoffman HM, Latz E. The inflammasomes and autoinflammatory syndromes. Annu Rev Pathol. 2015;10:395-424.
Martinon F, Burns K, Tschopp J. The inflammasome: a molecular platform triggering activation of inflammatory caspases and processing of proIL-beta. Mol Cell. 2002;10(2):417-426.
Hoffman HM, Mueller JL, Broide DH, Wanderer AA, Kolodner RD. Mutation of a new gene encoding a putative pyrin-like protein causes familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome and Muckle-Wells syndrome. Nat Genet. 2001;29(3):301-305.
Chae JJ, Komarow HD, Cheng J, et al. Targeted disruption of pyrin, the FMF protein, causes heightened sensitivity to endotoxin and a defect in macrophage apoptosis. Mol Cell. 2003;11(3):591-604.
Liu T, Zhang L, Joo D, Sun SC. NF-κB signaling in inflammation. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2017;2:17023.
Ben-Chetrit E, Levy M. Familial Mediterranean fever. Lancet. 1998;351(9103):659-664.
Batu ED, Erden A, Seyhoğlu E, et al. Familial Mediterranean fever and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: report of five cases from Turkey. Mod Rheumatol. 2019;29(1):175-180.
Livneh A, Langevitz P, Zemer D, et al. Criteria for the diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever. Arthritis Rheum. 1997;40(10):1879-1885.
Ozen S, Kone-Paut I, Gul A. Colchicine resistance and intolerance in familial Mediterranean fever: Definition, causes, and alternative treatments. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2017;47(1):115-120.
Hull KM, Drewe E, Aksentijevich I, et al. The TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): emerging concepts of an autoinflammatory disorder. Medicine (Baltimore). 2002;81(5):349-368.
Lachmann HJ, Papa R, Gerhold K, et al. The phenotype of TNF receptor-associated autoinflammatory syndrome (TRAPS) at presentation: a series of 158 cases from the Eurofever/EUROTRAPS international registry. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014;73(12):2160-2167.
van der Meer JW, Vossen JM, Radl J, et al. Hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D and periodic fever: a new syndrome. Lancet. 1984;1(8386):1087-1090.
Goldbach-Mansky R, Dailey NJ, Canna SW, et al. Neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease responsive to interleukin-1beta inhibition. N Engl J Med. 2006;355(6):581-592.
Kuemmerle-Deschner JB, Ozen S, Tyrrell PN, et al. Diagnostic criteria for cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(6):942-947.
Lachmann HJ, Kone-Paut I, Kuemmerle-Deschner JB, et al. Use of canakinumab in the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(23):2416-2425.
Bywaters EG. Still's disease in the adult. Ann Rheum Dis. 1971;30(2):121-133.
Yamaguchi M, Ohta A, Tsunematsu T, et al. Preliminary criteria for classification of adult Still's disease. J Rheumatol. 1992;19(3):424-430.
Fautrel B, Zing E, Golmard JL, et al. Proposal for a new set of classification criteria for adult-onset Still disease. Medicine (Baltimore). 2002;81(3):194-200.
Rau M, Schiller M, Krienke S, Heyder P, Lorenz H, Blank N. Clinical manifestations but not cytokine profiles differentiate adult-onset Still's disease and sepsis. J Rheumatol. 2010;37(11):2369-2376.
Perez C, Artola RT. Cardiac tamponade in adult Still's disease. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;45(1):91-93.
Kaneko Y, Kameda H, Ikeda K, et al. Tocilizumab in patients with adult-onset Still's disease refractory to glucocorticoid treatment: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(12):1720-1729.
Hedberg C, Dekker MC, Lachmann HJ. The role of next-generation sequencing in autoinflammatory diseases: current and future perspectives. Drugs Context. 2020;9:2019-11-4.
Wise CA, Gillum JD, Seidman CE, et al. Mutations in CD2BP1 disrupt binding to PTP PEST and are responsible for PAPA syndrome, an autoinflammatory disorder. Hum Mol Genet. 2002;11(8):961-969.
Aksentijevich I, Masters SL, Ferguson PJ, et al. An autoinflammatory disease with deficiency of the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(23):2426-2437.
Liu Y, Ramot Y, Torrelo A, et al. Mutations in proteasome subunit β type 8 cause chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature with rebound hyperthermia. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64(3):895-909.
Slobodnick A, Shah B, Krasnokutsky S, Pillinger MH. Update on colchicine, 2017. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018;57(suppl_1):i4-i11.
Ter Haar NM, Jeyaratnam J, Lachmann HJ, et al. The phenotype and genotype of mevalonate kinase deficiency: A series of 114 cases from the Eurofever registry. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68(11):2795-2805.
Kalliolias GD, Liossis SN. The future of the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra: from rheumatoid arthritis to adult-onset Still's disease and systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2008;17(3):349-359.
Ruperto N, Brunner HI, Quartier P, et al. Two randomized trials of canakinumab in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(25):2396-2406.
De Benedetti F, Brunner HI, Ruperto N, et al. Randomized trial of tocilizumab in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(25):2385-2395.
Beukelman T, Patkar NM, Saag KG, et al. 2011 American College of Rheumatology recommendations for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: initiation and safety monitoring of therapeutic agents for the treatment of arthritis and systemic features. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011;63(4):465-482.
Ramos-Casals M, Brito-Zerón P, López-Guillermo A, Khamashta MA, Bosch X. Adult haemophagocytic syndrome. Lancet. 2014;383(9927):1503-1516.
Fardet L, Galicier L, Lambotte O, et al. Development and validation of the HScore, a score for the diagnosis of reactive hemophagocytic syndrome. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014;66(9):2613-2620.
Berger CT, Recher M, Steiner U, Hauser TM. A patient's wish: anakinra in pregnancy. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(11):1794-1795.
Kremer JM, Bloom BJ, Breedveld FC, et al. The safety and efficacy of a JAK inhibitor in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIa trial of three dosage levels of CP-690,550 versus placebo. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60(7):1895-1905.
Jamilloux Y, Georgin-Lavialle S, Martinon F, et al. Therapeutic drug monitoring of anakinra in patients with systemic autoinflammatory diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2018;36 Suppl 110(1):96-101.
Lachmann HJ, Goodman HJ, Gilbertson JA, et al. Natural history and outcome in systemic AA amyloidosis. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(23):2361-2371.
Lachmann HJ, Quartier P, So A, Hawkins PN. The emerging role of interleukin-1β in autoinflammatory diseases. Arthritis Rheum. 2011;64(12):4095-4101.
Papa R, Lachmann HJ, Demirkaya E, et al. A web-based collection of genotype-phenotype associations in hereditary recurrent fevers from the Eurofever registry. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2017;12(1):167.
Toplak N, Frenkel J, Ozen S, et al. An international registry on autoinflammatory diseases: the Eurofever experience. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012;71(7):1177-1182.
Ter Haar N, Lachmann H, Ozen S, et al. Treatment of autoinflammatory diseases: results from the Eurofever Registry and a literature review. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(5):678-685.
Lainka E, Neudorf U, Lohse P, et al. Incidence and clinical features of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome in a population-based study from Germany. Rheumatol Int. 2014;34(11):1593-1600.
Appendices
Appendix A: Diagnostic Criteria Summary
Yamaguchi Criteria for Adult-Onset Still's Disease
Major Criteria:
- Fever ≥39°C lasting ≥1 week
- Arthralgias lasting ≥2 weeks
- Typical rash (non-pruritic, salmon-pink, macular/maculopapular)
- White blood cell count ≥10,000/μL with ≥80% granulocytes
Minor Criteria:
- Sore throat
- Lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly
- Liver dysfunction
- Negative ANA and rheumatoid factor
Diagnosis requires: ≥5 criteria with ≥2 major criteria
Tel Hashomer Criteria for FMF
Major Criteria:
- Typical attacks (recurrent febrile episodes with serositis)
- AA amyloidosis without predisposing disease
- Favorable response to colchicine
Minor Criteria:
- Incomplete attacks (1-2 typical features)
- Exertional leg pain
- Favorable response to colchicine
Diagnosis requires: 2 major or 1 major + 2 minor criteria
Appendix B: Emergency Drug Dosing Guide
Acute Management Dosing
Anakinra (Kineret®):
- Adult: 100-200 mg subcutaneous daily
- Pediatric: 1-2 mg/kg/day subcutaneous (max 100 mg)
- ICU setting: May use up to 8 mg/kg/day in severe cases
Canakinumab (Ilaris®):
- CAPS: 150 mg subcutaneous every 8 weeks
- AOSD/sJIA: 4 mg/kg (max 300 mg) every 4 weeks
- Emergency: Single dose may provide rapid improvement
Tocilizumab (Actemra®):
- Adult: 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks (max 800 mg)
- Pediatric: 8-12 mg/kg depending on weight
- Weekly dosing possible in severe cases
Methylprednisolone:
- Initial: 1-2 mg/kg/day IV
- Pulse therapy: 15-30 mg/kg/day × 3 days for severe cases
- Taper based on clinical response
Appendix C: Monitoring Parameters
Laboratory Monitoring Schedule
Baseline (before biologic therapy):
- CBC with differential
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Liver function tests
- Lipid profile
- Hepatitis B/C, HIV screening
- Tuberculosis screening (QuantiFERON, chest X-ray)
- Immunoglobulin levels
Follow-up Monitoring:
Monthly × 3 months, then every 3 months:
- CBC with differential
- Liver function tests
- Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP)
Every 6 months:
- Lipid profile
- Immunoglobulin levels
- Ferritin (for AOSD patients)
Annually:
- Chest X-ray
- Ophthalmologic examination (for corticosteroid patients)
- Bone density scan (long-term steroid users)
Appendix D: Patient Education Points
Key Educational Messages for Patients and Families
Disease Understanding:
- Autoinflammatory conditions are genetic disorders of the immune system
- Not contagious or autoimmune diseases
- Chronic conditions requiring long-term management
- Good prognosis with appropriate treatment
Treatment Compliance:
- Medications must be taken as prescribed
- Regular monitoring is essential
- Report infections immediately
- Understand injection site reactions vs. serious adverse events
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Stress management techniques
- Regular exercise as tolerated
- Adequate sleep and nutrition
- Avoiding known triggers (cold exposure in CAPS)
Emergency Situations:
- Recognize signs of disease flares
- When to seek immediate medical attention
- Importance of medical alert identification
- Travel considerations and medication planning
Appendix E: Research and Future Directions
Current Clinical Trials
Novel Therapeutic Targets:
- NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors (MCC950, OLT1177)
- Selective IL-18 inhibition
- Complement pathway targeting
- JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors
Precision Medicine Initiatives:
- Biomarker discovery for treatment selection
- Pharmacogenomic studies for dosing optimization
- Real-time monitoring of cytokine levels
- Artificial intelligence for diagnosis prediction
Emerging Technologies
Diagnostic Innovations:
- Point-of-care genetic testing
- Rapid inflammasome activity assays
- Smartphone-based fever monitoring
- Telemedicine for remote monitoring
Treatment Delivery:
- Long-acting injectable formulations
- Oral small molecule inhibitors
- Targeted drug delivery systems
- Combination therapy protocols
About the Authors
This comprehensive review was developed for critical care physicians, fellows, and advanced practitioners managing patients with autoinflammatory syndromes. The content reflects current evidence-based practices and emerging therapeutic approaches as of 2025.
Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this review.
Funding: No external funding was received for this review.
Abbreviations
AOSD - Adult-Onset Still's Disease
CAPS - Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes
FCAS - Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome
FMF - Familial Mediterranean Fever
HIDS - Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D Syndrome
HLH - Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
ICU - Intensive Care Unit
IL - Interleukin
MAS - Macrophage Activation Syndrome
MKD - Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
MWS - Muckle-Wells Syndrome
NOMID - Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
TNF - Tumor Necrosis Factor
TRAPS - TNF Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome
Word Count: Approximately 8,500 words
No comments:
Post a Comment