Effectiveness and safety of anakinra in gout patients with stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease or kidney transplantation: A multicentre, retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives: Interleukin (IL)-1β blocking is effective for the treatment of gout flares and is recommended in patients with contraindications to the standard of care, such as stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, efficacy and safety data regarding these agents are lacking in this population. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of anakinra for the treatment of gout flares in patients with stage 4-5 CKD or renal transplantation.

Methods: This retrospective study encompassing 3 academic centres included consecutive patients with stage 4-5 CKD or kidney transplantation who received anakinra for the treatment of acute gouty arthritis and completed at least one follow-up visit. Efficacy, occurrence of infection, and renal function variations were recorded.

Results: Of the 31 included patients (24 men, mean age 72±11 years), 25 were non-transplant subjects with stage 4-5 CKD (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, MDRD formula (eGFR) 22.7±6.5mL/min/1.73m²), and six had undergone kidney transplantation (mean eGFR 41.5±22.8mL/min/1.73m²). Median gout duration was 3.5 years, and the mean serum urate (SUA) level was 8.7mg/dL. Twenty-one (68%) patients had tophi, and 21 had gout arthropathy. Anakinra was efficacious in all patients (final VAS 10 and CRP level 10mg/L). Ten patients (32%) were anakinra dependent (i.e., required prolonged treatment with anakinra). A serious infection was recorded in only one patient, occurring 3 months after starting anakinra. No significant variation in renal function was observed.

Conclusion: Anakinra may be a safe therapeutic option for gout patients with advanced CKD. Further randomized controlled studies are required to confirm our results.

Keywords: Anakinra; Gout; Kidney transplantation; Safety; Stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease.