Interleukin-1 antagonists: a new class of drugs for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis. A practical guide for the clinical cardiologist

Anti-interleukin (IL)-1 agents have been developed for the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases characterized by overproduction of IL-1. Idiopathic recurrent pericarditis with inflammatory phenotype (fever, leukocytosis, and elevation of C-reactive protein) has similar features and responds well to this treatment. At present, in Italy, prescription of anakinra is possible for idiopathic recurrent pericarditis with corticosteroid dependence and colchicine resistance. Anakinra is a recombinant antagonist of IL-1 receptor and blocks either IL-1 alpha (released from pericardial cells) or IL-1 beta (derived for inflammatory cells, during pericarditis). Anakinra is prescribed at the dose of 2 mg/kg/day subcutaneously up to 100 mg/day subcutaneously for at least 3 to 6 months with subsequent tapering. Anakinra allows a quick control of symptoms after 1-2 doses and a fast and safe tapering and withdrawal of corticosteroids. Colchicine can be used together with anakinra. The most common side effect is represented by local skin injection site reactions after 1-2 weeks of therapy. These reactions are usually transient and can be treated by anti-histamines and topical corticosteroids. Less common side effects include elevation of transaminases (4-5%), cutaneous or respiratory infections (2-3%), and leukopenia (1-3%). Side effects are rarely responsible for permanent discontinuation of therapy. The aim of the present review is to provide a practical guide on the use of these drugs for cardiologists, who are often not familial with this new therapy for pericarditis.

Automated summary

Anakinra is a treatment for idiopathic recurrent pericarditis, acting by blocking IL-1 to control symptoms. Besides local skin injection site reactions, other side effects are rare.