Medicina (Jan 2024)

Interleukin-1 Blockers in Recurrent and Acute Pericarditis: State of the Art and Future Directions

  • Antonella Gallo,
  • Maria Grazia Massaro,
  • Sara Camilli,
  • Silvino Di Francesco,
  • Laura Gerardino,
  • Elena Verrecchia,
  • Ludovico Luca Sicignano,
  • Francesco Landi,
  • Raffaele Manna,
  • Massimo Montalto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020241
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 60, no. 2
p. 241

Abstract

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Diseases of the pericardium encompass a spectrum of conditions, including acute and recurrent pericarditis, where inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Anti-inflammatory therapy indeed forms the cornerstone of treating these conditions: NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids (as a second-line treatment) are recommended by current guidelines. However, these medications come with several contraindications and are not devoid of adverse effects. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the role of the inflammasome and potential therapeutic targets. Recurrent pericarditis also shares numerous characteristics with other autoinflammatory diseases, in which interleukin-1 antagonists have already been employed with good efficacy and safety. The objective of this review is to summarize the available studies on the use of anti-IL-1 drugs both in acute and recurrent pericarditis.

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