Intravenous administration of anakinra in children with macrophage activation syndrome

• Main Authors: Omkar Phadke, Kelly Rouster-Stevens, Helen Giannopoulos, Shanmuganathan Chandrakasan, Sampath Prahalad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-06-01
• Series: Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12969-021-00585-3

Abstract Background Subcutaneous anakinra is an interleukin-1 inhibitor used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Recent reports suggest anakinra can be a valuable addition to the treatment of COVID-19 associated cytokine storm syndrome and the related multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children. Herein, we describe our experience with intravenously administered anakinra. Findings 19 Patients (9 male) received intravenous (IV) anakinra for treatment of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic JIA (SJIA) or secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). In most cases the general trend of the fibrinogen, ferritin, AST, and platelet count (Ravelli criteria) improved after initiation of IV anakinra. There were no reports of anaphylaxis or reactions associated with administration of IV anakinra. Conclusion Intravenous administration of anakinra is an important therapeutic option for critically ill patients with MAS/HLH. It is also beneficial for those with thrombocytopenia, subcutaneous edema, neurological dysfunction, or very young, hospitalized patients who need multiple painful subcutaneous injections.