Table 2.
Immunosuppression Regimen and Side Effects Before Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibitor Initiation in 38 Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis*
| Variables | Mean ± Standard Deviation or n (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum prednisone dose for CS, mg | 45 ± 15.2 | |
| No. of SSA used for CS | 0 | 2 (5) |
| 1 | 21 (55) | |
| 2 | 12 (32) | |
| 3 | 2 (5) | |
| 4 | 1 (3) | |
| First SSA agent used for CS [average maximum dose] | Mycophenolate | 16 (44) [2059 mg/d] |
| Methotrexate | 11 (31) [16.7 mg/wk] | |
| Azathioprine | 8 (22) [171.4 mg/d] | |
| Hydroxychloroquine | 1 (3) | |
| Prednisone side effect experienced | 29 (76) | |
| Multiple prednisone side effects experienced | 21 (55) | |
| Prednisone side effects | Weight gain | 22 (58) |
| Gastroesophageal reflux | 9 (24) | |
| Mood lability | 7 (19) | |
| Osteopenia/osteoporosis | 6 (17) | |
| Fluid retention | 4 (11) | |
| Appetite change | 3 (8) | |
| Diabetes | 3 (8) | |
| Skin fragility/bruising | 3 (8) | |
| Myopathy | 2 (5) | |
| Diaphoresis | 2 (5) | |
| Insomnia | 2 (6) | |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperglycemia | 1 (3) | |
| Infection | 0 (0) | |
| SSA side effect experienced | 11 (30) | |
| Multiple SSA side effects experienced | 2 (5) | |
| SSA side effects | Infection | 4 (11) |
| Gastrointestinal intolerance | 4 (11) | |
| Transaminitis | 2 (5) | |
| Mouth sores | 1 (3) | |
| Pruritis | 1 (3) | |
| Hair loss | 1 (3) | |
| Thrombocytopenia | 1 (3) | |
| Anemia | 0 | |
| Leukopenia | 0 | |
*
Steroid data presented with denominator of 38 patients, all of whom had steroid treatment at some point in clinical course, and 36 of whom had steroid treatment for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) specifically. Steroid-sparing agent (SSA) data are presented with denominator of 37 patients who received SSA treatment.