The limitations of recurrent pericarditis
The limitations of recurrent pericarditis
DISEASE PREVALENCE
Recurrent pericarditis is diagnosed when there is recurrence of pericarditis signs and symptoms at least 4 to 6 weeks after resolution of an initial acute pericarditis episode.1
A retrospective study of 944 patients with recurrent pericarditis from January 2007 to March 2017 found that the median duration of disease was approximately 6 months for those with 1 recurrence and approximately
3 years for those with ≥2 recurrences.3
post-cardiac
injury pericarditis~125,000
pericarditis~40,000
≥2 recurrences*~14,000
*Nearly 50% turnover in this population annually with ~7000 patients coming in and out of the pool each year.2
UNDERLYING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Recurrent pericarditis is driven by an interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α)– and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)–mediated autoinflammatory response.4
IL-1α and IL-1β are key cytokines that mediate the pathophysiology of many inflammatory processes, and have been implicated as a causative factor in recurrent pericarditis.4
- Recurrent pericarditis results from IL-1α– and IL-1β–mediated inflammation of the pericardial sac
- IL-1α and IL-1β bind to the universally expressed cell surface receptor, IL-1 receptor type-1, triggering a cascade of inflammatory mediators and autoinflammation
- Preformed IL-1α is released by damaged/inflamed pericardial cells; it may contribute to the maintenance and amplification of inflammation via activation of the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which then augments the inflammatory response by production of IL-1β in a cascade amplification system
THE RISK OF RECURRENCE
Despite treatment with commonly prescribed therapies, patients may continue to experience recurrences.4
NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids do not target the IL-1–mediated cycle of autoinflammation specifically.4,5
The first and only FDA-approved treatment for recurrent pericarditis, ARCALYST offers your patients more than just symptom relief. ARCALYST has been proven to prevent recurrent percarditis flares.
It is an IL-1 inhibitor that blocks the underlying mechanism that drives inflammation. It can be used to relieve pericarditis symptoms and significantly reduce the risk of future pericarditis episodes.6