Macrophage activation syndrome: a potentially fatal complication of rheumatic disorders

Lung Involvement in Children with Hereditary Autoinflammatory Disorders

Short-lived systemic inflammatory reactions arising from disrupted rules in the innate immune system are the operating platforms of hereditary autoinflammatory disorders (HAIDs). Multiple organs may be involved and aseptic inflammation leading to disease-specific phenotypes defines most HAIDs. Lungs are infrequently involved in children with HAIDs: the most common pulmonary manifestation is pleuritis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), respectively caused by mutations in the MEFV and TNFRSF1A genes, while interstitial lung disease can be observed in STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), caused by mutations in the TMEM173 gene. The specific pleuropulmonary diseases may range from sub-clinical abnormalities during inflammatory flares of FMF and TRAPS to a severe life-threatening disorder in children with SAVI.

Anti-inflammatory panacea? The expanding therapeutics of interleukin-1 blockade

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Blockade of interleukin (IL)-1 signaling is one of the oldest biologic therapies, yet the use of these agents is on the rise as the role of IL-1 activation is being recognized in a wide spectrum of inflammatory disorders. This review will cover established and emerging uses of IL-1 antagonism in rheumatic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Expanding off-label indications for IL-1 blockade include neutrophil-dominant skin diseases, including pyoderma gangrenosum, hidradenitis supperativa, and pustular psoriasis. There is also increasing evidence for the use of IL-1 blockade in heart failure associated with rheumatic diseases. Somatic mosaicism in NLRP3 may explain the onset of later-in-life presentations of periodic fevers which are responsive to IL-1 blockade. Of importance, clinical response to anti-IL-1 therapy does not always denote protection from autoinflammatory disease complications such as macrophage activation syndrome or amyloidosis.

SUMMARY

Indications for IL-1 blocking therapies will likely continue to broaden, but given the rarity of many rheumatic diseases which respond to such treatment, rigorous, large clinical trials for each indication are unlikely to occur. Thus, recommended use of these medications will often fall to the discretion of the astute physician. However, medication cost and hurdles of insurance approval, rather than drug efficacy, may be the primary limitation for more widespread use.

Macrophage activation syndrome triggered by coeliac disease: a unique case report

BACKGROUND

Macrophage activation syndrome is described as a "clinical syndrome of hyperinflammation resulting in an uncontrolled and ineffective immune response" in the context of an autoinflammatory or rheumatic disease. Current associations of macrophage activation syndrome with autoimmune disease most notably include a host of rheumatological conditions and inflammatory bowel disease. Epidemiological studies have shown that macrophage activation syndrome is precipitated by autoimmune disease more commonly than previously thought. Diagnosing the precipitating factor is essential for effective treatment and prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a six year old girl with coeliac disease diagnosed after two episodes of secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Her condition only responded to treatment once the patient was placed on a gluten free diet. Further immunological testing confirmed anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies, however histological biopsy was deemed inappropriate due to the severity of her condition. She has remained stable with no further episodes of macrophage activation syndrome since commencing a gluten free diet.

CONCLUSION

This case report is the first literature that links macrophage activation syndrome to coeliac disease and highlights the challenge of diagnosing coeliac disease with unusual features such as associated prolonged fever. Clinicians should have a low threshold for screening children with other autoimmune diseases for coeliac disease.

Combination Immunosuppressive Therapy Including Rituximab for Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Adult-Onset Still's Disease

Hemophagocytic lymphopcytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening condition. It can occur either as primary form with genetic defects or secondary to other conditions, such as hematological or autoimmune diseases. Certain triggering factors can predispose individuals to the development of HLH. We report the case of a 25-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with HLH in the context of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) during a primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). During therapy with anakinra and dexamethasone, he was still symptomatic with high-spiking fevers, arthralgia, and sore throat. His laboratory values showed high levels of ferritin and C-reactive protein. His condition improved after the addition of rituximab and cyclosporine to his immunosuppressive regimen with prednisolone and anakinra. This combination therapy led to a sustained clinical and serological remission of his condition. While rituximab has been used successfully for HLH in the context of EBV-associated lymphoma, its use in autoimmune diseases is uncommon. We hypothesize that the development of HLH was triggered by a primary EBV infection and that rituximab led to elimination of EBV-infected B-cells, while cyclosporine ameliorated the cytokine excess. We therefore propose that this combination immunosuppressive therapy might be successfully used in HLH occurring in the context of autoimmune diseases.

A xenograft model of macrophage activation syndrome amenable to anti-CD33 and anti-IL-6R treatment

Transgenic expression of key myelosupportive human cytokines in immune-deficient mice corrects for the lack of cross-species activities of stem cell factor (SCF), IL-3, and GM-CSF. When engrafted with human umbilical cord blood (UCB), these triple-transgenic mice produce BM and spleen grafts with much higher myeloid composition, relative to nontransgenic controls. Shortly after engraftment with UCB, these mice develop a severe, fatal macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) characterized by a progressive drop in rbc numbers, increased reticulocyte counts, decreased rbc half-life, progressive cytopenias, and evidence of chronic inflammation, including elevated human IL-6. The BM becomes strikingly hypocellular, and spleens are significantly enlarged with evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis and activated macrophages engaged in hemophagocytosis. This manifestation of MAS does not respond to lymphocyte-suppressive therapies such as steroids, i.v. immunoglobulin, or antibody-mediated ablation of human B and T cells, demonstrating a lymphocyte-independent mechanism of action. In contrast, elimination of human myeloid cells using gemtuzumab ozogamicin (anti-CD33) completely reversed the disease. Additionally, the IL-6R antibody tocilizumab delayed progression and prolonged lifespan. This new model of MAS provides an opportunity for investigation of the mechanisms driving this disease and for the testing of directed therapies in a humanized mouse.

Review: Macrophage activation syndrome in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: an under-recognized complication?

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening complication of rheumatic diseases that is thought to be caused by the activation and uncontrolled proliferation of T lymphocytes and macrophages, leading to widespread haemophagocytosis and cytokine overproduction. It is seen most commonly in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but is increasingly recognized also in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (J-SLE). Recognition of MAS in patients with J-SLE is often challenging because it may mimic the clinical features of the underlying disease or be confused with an infectious complication. This review summarizes the characteristics of patients with J-SLEassociated MAS reported in the literature or seen by the authors and analyses the distinctive clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic issues that the occurrence of MAS may raise in patients with J-SLE. Lupus (2007) 16, 587—592.

2016 Classification Criteria for Macrophage Activation Syndrome Complicating Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation Collaborative Initiative

To develop criteria for the classification of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). A multistep process, based on a combination of expert consensus and analysis of real patient data, was conducted. A panel of 28 experts was first asked to classify 428 patient profiles as having or not having MAS, based on clinical and laboratory features at the time of disease onset. The 428 profiles comprised 161 patients with systemic JIA-associated MAS and 267 patients with a condition that could potentially be confused with MAS (active systemic JIA without evidence of MAS, or systemic infection). Next, the ability of candidate criteria to classify individual patients as having MAS or not having MAS was assessed by evaluating the agreement between the classification yielded using the criteria and the consensus classification of the experts. The final criteria were selected in a consensus conference. Experts achieved consensus on the classification of 391 of the 428 patient profiles (91.4%). A total of 982 candidate criteria were tested statistically. The 37 best-performing criteria and 8 criteria obtained from the literature were evaluated at the consensus conference. During the conference, 82% consensus among experts was reached on the final MAS classification criteria. In validation analyses, these criteria had a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.99. Agreement between the classification (MAS or not MAS) obtained using the criteria and the original diagnosis made by the treating physician was high (κ=0.76). We have developed a set of classification criteria for MAS complicating systemic JIA and provided preliminary evidence of its validity. Use of these criteria will potentially improve understanding of MAS in systemic JIA and enhance efforts to discover effective therapies, by ensuring appropriate patient enrollment in studies.

The Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Cohort of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: 2010–2013

Objective.

We aimed to identify the (1) demographic/clinical characteristics, (2) medication usage trends, (3) variables associated with worse disease activity, and (4) characteristics of patients with persistent chronic arthritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry’s systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) cohort.

Methods.

Demographics, disease activity measures, and medications at enrollment of patients with sJIA in the CARRA Registry were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multivariate analyses were conducted to identify associations with increased disease activity. Medication usage frequencies were calculated by year.

Results.

There were 528 patients with sJIA enrolled in the registry (2010–2013). There were 435 patients who had a complete dataset; of these, 372 met the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria and were included in the analysis. At enrollment, median disease duration and joint count were 3.7 years and 0, respectively; 16.4% had a rash and 6.7% had a fever. Twenty-six percent were taking interleukin 1 (IL-1) inhibitors and 29% glucocorticoids. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors use decreased, while IL-6 inhibitor use increased between 2010 and 2013. African American patients had worse joint counts (p = 0.003), functional status (p = 0.01), and physician’s global assessment (p = 0.008). Of the 255 subjects with > 2 years of disease duration, 56% had no arthritis or systemic symptoms, while 32% had persistent arthritis only.

Conclusion.

Most patients in the largest sJIA cohort reported to date had low disease activity. Practice patterns for choice of biologic agents appeared to change over the study period. Nearly one-third had persistent arthritis without systemic symptoms > 2 years after onset. African Americans were associated with worse disease activity. Strategies are needed to improve outcomes in subgroups with poor prognosis.

Rate and Clinical Presentation of Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Patients With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treated With Canakinumab

OBJECTIVE

In pivotal trials, canakinumab has been shown to be effective in the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but reported adverse events have included macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). This study was undertaken to assess the impact of canakinumab on MAS incidence.

METHODS

An independent MAS Adjudication Committee (MASAC), consisting of 3 of the authors, was convened, and a search of databases from clinical studies of canakinumab treatment in systemic JIA was performed using MASAC-specified adverse event terms to identify potential MAS events. These were then adjudicated as "probable MAS," "possible MAS," or "MAS unlikely," using criteria developed by the MASAC. MAS rates were expressed as numbers of cases per 100 patient-years.

RESULTS

Of 72 potential MAS cases identified, 21 events (19 with canakinumab treatment; 2 with placebo treatment) in 19 patients were adjudicated as being probable MAS and 10 events in 9 patients as being possible MAS. Systemic JIA was well controlled in the majority of canakinumab-treated patients at the time of MAS. The time period between initiation of canakinumab treatment and onset of MAS ranged from 3 to 1,358 days (median 292 days). When the rates of probable MAS events were compared between canakinumab-treated patients (2.8 per 100 patient-years) and placebo-treated patients (7.7 per 100 patient-years), the difference was not significant (-4.9 [95% confidence interval -15.6, 5.9]). There were 3 deaths due to MAS-related complications (2 in patients receiving canakinumab; 1 in a patient receiving placebo); full recovery was reported in all other patients. Infections were the most common trigger of MAS, and the clinical features of MAS were not modified by canakinumab.

CONCLUSION

Canakinumab does not have a significant effect on MAS risk or its clinical features in patients with systemic JIA. Infections are the most common trigger, and MAS occurs even in patients whose systemic JIA is well controlled with this treatment.

Macrophage activation syndrome in the era of biologic therapy

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) refers to acute overwhelming inflammation caused by a 'cytokine storm'. Although increasingly recognized as a life-threatening complication of various rheumatic diseases, clinically, MAS is strikingly similar to primary and secondary forms of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Not surprisingly, many rheumatologists prefer the term secondary HLH rather than MAS to describe this condition, and efforts to change the nomenclature are in progress. The pathophysiology of MAS remains elusive, but observations in animal models, as well as data on the effects of new anticytokine therapies on rates and clinical presentations of MAS in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), provide clues to the understanding of this perplexing clinical phenomenon. In this Review, we explore the latest available evidence and discuss potential diagnostic challenges in the era of increasing use of biologic therapies.

Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is an inflammatory condition characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, arthritis, rash and serositis. In sJIA, systemic inflammation has been associated with dysregulation of the innate immune system, suggesting that it is an autoinflammatory disorder. IL-1 and IL-6 play a major role in the pathogenesis of sJIA and treatment with IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors has shown to be highly effective. Recent data suggests that early cytokine blockage might abrogate chronic, destructive, therapy resistant arthritis phase, reflecting a potential "window of opportunity" in the care of children with sJIA.

Macrophage activation syndrome in a patient with systemic onset of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is defined as arthritis affecting one or more joint usually in the juvenile age group (< 16 years of age) with or preceded by fever of at least 2 weeks duration that is documented to be daily ("quotidian") for at least 3 days which may be associated with evanescent (non-fixed) erythematous rash or generalized lymph node enlargement or hepatomegaly/splenomegaly/both or serositis. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening complication of sJIA marked by sudden onset of non-remitting high fever, profound depression in all three blood cell lines (i.e. leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia), hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and elevated serum liver enzyme levels. In children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the clinical picture may mimic sepsis or an exacerbation of the underlying disease. We report a case of a 16-year-old female patient presenting with high grade fever with joint pains and generalized weakness which proved to be systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis with macrophage activation syndrome after ruling out all other differential diagnoses and responded well to intravenous steroids.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a potentially life-threatening complication of rheumatic diseases such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is often considered a type of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and results from over-activation of T lymphocytes and macrophages leading to a "cytokine storm". Characteristic features are persistent fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias (anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia), raised C-reactive protein, falling erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hypofibrinogenemia, transaminitis, hypertriglyceridemia and extreme hyperferritinemia often associated with multi-organ impairment. Key to its management is early recognition of MAS which may be difficult due to similarity to systemic sepsis or flares of the underlying rheumatic disease. To aid with this process, criteria for the diagnosis of MAS in patients with sJIA derived by international consensus have been published. Although bone marrow biopsy showing hemophagocytosis is strongly supportive it is not essential for diagnosis. Together with appropriate supportive care, first-line treatment is high-dose intravenous corticosteroids with cyclosporin or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) added if there is not initial response. Although etoposide is used by hematologists in treatment of HLH, there are concerns regarding organ toxicity and bone marrow suppression which weigh against its use in initial management of MAS. With increasing understanding of the pathogenesis of MAS, use of drugs targeting specific cytokines has been reported in case series. The relatively rapid effectiveness of anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, has been documented. Further studies of this and other biologic agents are required to identify the most effective and safest treatment option for refractory MAS.

2016 Classification Criteria for Macrophage Activation Syndrome Complicating Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation Collaborative Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To develop criteria for the classification of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

A multistep process, based on a combination of expert consensus and analysis of real patient data, was conducted. A panel of 28 experts was first asked to classify 428 patient profiles as having or not having MAS, based on clinical and laboratory features at the time of disease onset. The 428 profiles comprised 161 patients with systemic JIA-associated MAS and 267 patients with a condition that could potentially be confused with MAS (active systemic JIA without evidence of MAS, or systemic infection). Next, the ability of candidate criteria to classify individual patients as having MAS or not having MAS was assessed by evaluating the agreement between the classification yielded using the criteria and the consensus classification of the experts. The final criteria were selected in a consensus conference.

RESULTS

Experts achieved consensus on the classification of 391 of the 428 patient profiles (91.4%). A total of 982 candidate criteria were tested statistically. The 37 best-performing criteria and 8 criteria obtained from the literature were evaluated at the consensus conference. During the conference, 82% consensus among experts was reached on the final MAS classification criteria. In validation analyses, these criteria had a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.99. Agreement between the classification (MAS or not MAS) obtained using the criteria and the original diagnosis made by the treating physician was high (κ = 0.76).

CONCLUSION

We have developed a set of classification criteria for MAS complicating systemic JIA and provided preliminary evidence of its validity. Use of these criteria will potentially improve understanding of MAS in systemic JIA and enhance efforts to discover effective therapies, by ensuring appropriate patient enrollment in studies.

Expert consensus on dynamics of laboratory tests for diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To identify which laboratory tests that change over time are most valuable for the timely diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).

METHODS

A multistep process, based on a combination of expert consensus and analysis of real patient data, was conducted. A panel of experts was first asked to evaluate 115 profiles of patients with MAS, which included the values of laboratory tests at the pre-MAS visit and at MAS onset, and the change in values between the two time points. The experts were asked to choose the 5 laboratory tests in which change was most important for the diagnosis of MAS and to rank the 5 selected tests in order of importance. The relevance of change in laboratory parameters was further discussed and ranked by the same experts at a consensus conference.

RESULTS

Platelet count was the most frequently selected test, followed by ferritin level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), white cell count, neutrophil count, and fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Ferritin was most frequently assigned the highest score. At the end of the process, platelet count, ferritin level and AST were the laboratory tests in which the experts found change over time to be most important.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the laboratory tests in which change over time is most valuable for the early diagnosis of MAS in sJIA. The dynamics of laboratory values during the course of MAS should be further scrutinised in a prospective study in order to establish the optimal cut-off values for their variation.

Targeting the inflammasome in rheumatic diseases

Activation of the inflammasome, a protein complex responsible for many cellular functions, including the activation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, has been identified as a key participant in many rheumatic diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, and autoinflammatory syndromes. This review will discuss the recent advances in understanding the role of this complex in various rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, it will focus on available therapies, which directly and indirectly target the inflammasome and its downstream cytokines to quiet inflammation and possibly dampen autoimmune processes.

Tocilizumab in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a real-world clinical setting: results from 1 year of postmarketing surveillance follow-up of 417 patients in Japan

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in real-world clinical settings in Japan.

METHODS

Paediatric patients with sJIA initiating TCZ between April 2008 and February 2012 and those previously enrolled in clinical trials who initiated TCZ before April 2008 were enrolled in a Japanese registry surveillance programme. Safety and effectiveness parameters were collected for 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Of 417 patients enrolled, mean age was 11.2 years and 48.0% were female. TCZ exposure was 407.0 patient-years (PYs). Baseline corticosteroid use was higher than in clinical trials. Rates of total adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) were 224.3/100 PYs and 54.5/100 PYs, respectively, with SAEs higher than previously reported. The most frequent AEs and SAEs were infections and infestations (69.8/100 PYs and 18.2/100 PYs, respectively). 74 serious infections occurred in 55 patients (18.2/100 PYs); higher than previously reported. 26 macrophage activation syndrome events were reported in 24 patients (6.4/100 PYs). Fever and rash symptoms improved from baseline to week 52 (54.6% to 5.6% and 43.0% to 5.6%, respectively). At 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 52 weeks, 90.5%, 96.2% and 99.0% of patients achieved normal C reactive protein levels (<0.3 mg/dL), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These first real-world data demonstrated that TCZ was well tolerated, with acceptable safety and effectiveness in patients with sJIA. Higher incidences of SAEs and serious infections may be due to differences, such as corticosteroid use and concomitant diseases, between patient populations enrolled in previously reported clinical trials and this study.

Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of macrophage activation syndrome in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe and potentially lethal complication of several inflammatory diseases but seems particularly linked to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Standardized diagnostic and treatment guidelines for MAS in sJIA are currently lacking. The aim of this systematic literature review was to evaluate currently available literature on diagnostic criteria for MAS in sJIA and provide an overview of possible biomarkers for diagnosis, disease activity and treatment response and recent advances in treatment.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane. 495 papers were identified. Potentially relevant papers were selected by 3 authors after which full text screening was performed. All selected papers were evaluated by at least two independent experts for validity and level of evidence according to EULAR guidelines.

RESULTS

27 papers were included: 7 on diagnosis, 9 on biomarkers and 11 on treatment. Systematic review of the literature confirmed that there are no validated diagnostic criteria for MAS in sJIA. The preliminary Ravelli criteria, with the addition of ferritin, performed well in a large retrospective case-control study. Recently, an international consortium lead by PRINTO proposed a new set of diagnostic criteria able to distinguish MAS from active sJIA and/or infection with superior performance. Other promising diagnostic biomarkers potentially distinguish MAS complicating sJIA from primary and virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The highest level of evidence for treatment comes from case-series. High dose corticosteroids with or without cyclosporine A were frequently reported as first-line therapy. From the newer treatment modalities, promising responses have been reported with anakinra.

CONCLUSION

MAS in sJIA seems to be diagnosed best by the recently proposed PRINTO criteria, although prospective validation is needed. Novel promising biomarkers for sJIA related MAS are in need of prospective validation as well, and are not widely available yet. Currently, treatment of MAS in sJIA relies more on experience than evidence based medicine. Taking into account the severity of MAS and the scarcity of evidence, early expert consultation is recommended as soon as MAS is suspected.

Therapeutic Potential of Interferon-γ and Its Antagonists in Autoinflammation: Lessons from Murine Models of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Macrophage Activation Syndrome

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) affects immune responses in a complex fashion. Its immunostimulatory actions, such as macrophage activation and induction of T helper 1-type responsiveness, are widely acknowledged, however, as documented by a large body of literature, IFN-γ has also the potential to temper inflammatory processes via other pathways. In autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, IFN-γ can either play a disease-enforcing role or act as protective agent, depending on the nature of the disease. In animal models of any particular autoimmune disease, certain changes in the induction procedure can reverse the net outcome of introduction or ablation of IFN-γ. Here, we review the role of endogenous IFN-γ in inflammatory disorders and related murine models, with a focus on systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). In particular, we discuss our recent findings in a mouse model of sJIA, in which endogenous IFN-γ acts as a regulatory agent, and compare with results from mouse models of MAS. Also, we elaborate on the complexity in the activity of IFN-γ and the resulting difficulty of predicting its value or that of its antagonists as treatment option.

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor presenting in an 8-year-old boy: A case report and review of literature

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumors are uncommon benign lesions. Accurately diagnosing hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor can be very challenging because the clinical presentation and radiological appearances are nonspecific and cannot be certainly distinguished from malignant neoplastic processes. Herein, we present a case of hepatic IPT in an 8-year-old boy who presented to clinic with a 3-mo history of a tender hepatic mass, fever of unknown origin, and 9-kg weight loss. The physical examination was notable for tender hepatomegaly. Laboratory investigations were notable for a normal hepatic profile and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. A T2-attenuated magnetic resonance imaging scan of the abdomen showed a 4.7 cm × 4.7 cm × 6.6 cm, contrast-enhancing, hyper-intense, well-defined lesion involving the right hepatic lobe. In view of the unremitting symptoms, tender hepatomegaly, thrombosed right hepatic vein, nonspecific radiological findings, and high suspicion of a deep-seated underlying infection or malignancy, a right hepatic lobectomy was recommended. Microscopically, the hepatic lesion exhibited a mixture of inflammatory cells (histiocytes, plasma cells, mature lymphocytes, and occasional multinucleated giant cells) in a background of dense fibrous tissue. Immunohistochemically, the cells stained negative for SMA, ALK-1, CD-21 and CD-23, diffusely positive for CD-68, and focally positive for IgG4. The final histopathological diagnosis was consistent with hepatic IPT. At the postoperative 4-mo follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic without radiological evidence of recurrence.

A retrospective study on 158 Thai patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis followed in a single center over a 15-year period

AIM

To determine the outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Thai children.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study. All JIA patients in a rheumatology clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, between July 1997 and December 2012 were enrolled. The patient data were reviewed from medical records. At the most recent follow-up visit, patient outcomes were assessed in three aspects: disease status, functional outcomes and structural damage.

RESULTS

Of 168 patients, 158 (94.0%) were assessed in disease status and functional outcomes, with 114 patients (67.9%) assessed in three aspects over 4 years of disease. The most common JIA category was systemic JIA (SJIA) (33.8%), followed by enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) (24.8%), oligoarthritis (18.5%), rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative polyarthritis (15.3%), RF-positive polyarthritis (7.6%) and one undifferentiated arthritis. SJIA had the highest remission rate due to early diagnosis and prompt treatment compared to other categories, whereas RF-positive polyarthritis carried the worst prognosis in three aspects, followed by ERA. Moreover, ERA patients had the highest failure rate in conventional therapy, half of whom had combined treatment with biologic agents and presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 was a predictor for biologic treatment in ERA patients. In addition, disease duration > 2 years or failure of conventional therapy was a predictor of structural bone damage.

CONCLUSIONS

SJIA had the highest remission rate, whereas RF-positive polyarthritis had the worst outcome in three aspects. Prolonged disease duration or failure of conventional therapy was a predictor of structural bone damage, while HLA-B27 was a predictor for biologic treatment in ERA patients.

Macrophage activation syndrome or septic arthritis: a case of mistaken identity

We present an interesting case of macrophage activation syndrome in a 2-year-old, with no previous rheumatological diagnoses, incorrectly diagnosed with septic arthritis, to highlight the diagnostic difficulties, especially in small hospital units. We aim to present the similarities between the two conditions and to summarize the clinical, radiological and epidemiological features of macrophage activation syndrome, an underdiagnosed condition. A review of the current literature was performed, and a diagnostic algorithm was created. No current set treatment regimen exists, but current recommendations have been included. We have demonstrated the pitfalls in diagnosis and the importance of immediate treatment in optimizing prognosis.

Interleukin-18 for predicting the development of macrophage activation syndrome in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

To assess the role of IL-6/IL-18 in the pathogenesis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s-JIA) and to investigate the clinical significance of serum IL-18 levels for predicting macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) development, we measured the serum IL-6/IL-18 levels in 76s-JIA patients, including 15 with MAS, and compared them with the clinical features. We identified 2 distinct subsets on the basis of serum IL-6/IL-18 levels. The IL-18-dominant subset had more patients who developed MAS. Serum IL-18 levels during active phase in patients with MAS were significantly higher than those without MAS. The cutoff value of serum IL-18 levels for predicting MAS development was 47750 pg/ml. The patients with IL-18 dominant subset at their disease onset were significantly more likely to develop MAS after TCZ therapy started. IL-18 might have a key role in the pathogenesis of MAS. Serum IL-18 levels >47750 pg/ml might be useful to predict MAS development.

Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Complicated by Macrophage Activation Syndrome

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is characterized by a large range of extra-articular manifestations in addition to joint inflammation. The child with sJIA usually presents with a spiking fever pattern, evanescent rash, and arthralgias/arthritis. Other features often present are lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and polyserositis. The systemic manifestations are frequently more prominent and severe than the arthritis. Laboratory studies reflect systemic inflammation with significant anemia, and elevation of acute phase reactants, platelets, and white blood cell count. Ferritin level is often strikingly high. The treatment of sJIA has evolved over the past decade with the improved understanding of the role of specific inflammatory cytokines in this disease. The medications employed to treat sJIA directly inhibit the actions of these cytokines. A major cause of morbidity and mortality of children with sJIA is the development of macrophage activation syndrome, which can cause unremitting fevers, pancytopenia, coagulopathy, and hepatic dysfunction.

Dissecting the Heterogeneity of Macrophage Activation Syndrome Complicating Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objective.

To seek insights into the heterogeneity of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) through the analysis of a large patient sample collected in a multinational survey.

Methods.

International pediatric rheumatologists and hemato-oncologists entered their patient data, collected retrospectively, in a Web-based database. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, histopathologic, therapeutic, and outcome data were analyzed in relation to (1) geographic location of caring hospital, (2) subspecialty of attending physician, (3) demonstration of hemophagocytosis, and (4) severity of clinical course.

Results.

A total of 362 patients were included by 95 investigators from 33 countries. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features were comparable among patients seen in diverse geographic areas or by different pediatric specialists. Patients seen in North America were given biologics more frequently. Patients entered by pediatric hemato-oncologists were treated more commonly with biologics and etoposide, whereas patients seen by pediatric rheumatologists more frequently received cyclosporine. Patients with demonstration of hemophagocytosis had shorter duration of sJIA at MAS onset, higher prevalence of hepatosplenomegaly, lower levels of platelets and fibrinogen, and were more frequently administered cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and etoposide. Patients with severe course were older, had longer duration of sJIA at MAS onset, had more full-blown clinical picture, and were more commonly given cyclosporine, IVIG, and etoposide.

Conclusion.

The clinical spectrum of MAS is comparable across patients seen in different geographic settings or by diverse pediatric subspecialists. There was a disparity in the therapeutic choices among physicians that underscores the need to establish uniform therapeutic protocols.

Macrophage activation syndrome in the course of monogenic autoinflammatory disorders

An overwhelming activation of cytotoxic T cells and well-differentiated macrophages leading to systemic overload of inflammatory mediators characterizes the so-called macrophage activation syndrome (MAS); this potentially life-threatening clinical entity may derive from several genetic defects involved in granule-mediated cytotoxicity but has been largely observed in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, many rheumatologic diseases, infections, and malignancies. The occurrence of MAS in the natural history or as the revealing clue of monogenic autoinflammatory disorders (AIDs), rare conditions caused by disrupted innate immunity pathways with overblown release of proinflammatory cytokines, has been only reported in few isolated patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, mevalonate kinase deficiency, familial Mediterranean fever, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome since 2001. All these patients displayed various clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features of MAS and have often required intensive care support. Only one patient has died due to MAS. Defective cytotoxic cell function was documented in a minority of patients. Corticosteroids were the first-line treatment, but anakinra was clinically effective in three refractory cases. Even if MAS and AIDs share multiple clinical features as well as heterogeneous pathogenetic scenes and a potential response to anti-interleukin-1 targeted therapies, MAS requires a prompt specific recognition in the course of AIDs due to its profound severity and high mortality rate.

Complications of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: risk factors and management recommendations

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is an inflammatory condition characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, arthritis, rash and serositis. Systemic inflammation has been associated with dysregulation of the innate immune system, suggesting that SJIA is an autoinflammatory disorder. IL-1 and IL-6 play a major role in the pathogenesis of SJIA, and treatment with IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors has shown to be highly effective. However, complications of SJIA, including macrophage activation syndrome, limitations in functional outcome by arthritis and long-term damage from chronic inflammation, continue to be a major issue in SJIA patients' care. Translational research leading to a profound understanding of the cytokine crosstalk in SJIA and the identification of risk factors for SJIA complications will help to improve long-term outcome.

How I treat hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the adult patient

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a devastating disorder of uncontrolled immune activation characterized by clinical and laboratory evidence of extreme inflammation. This syndrome can be caused by genetic mutations affecting cytotoxic function (familial HLH) or be secondary to infectious, rheumatologic, malignant, or metabolic conditions (acquired HLH). Prompt recognition is paramount and, without early treatment, this disorder is frequently fatal. Although HLH is well described in the pediatric population, less is known about the appropriate work-up and treatment in adults. Here, we review the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of HLH in adults.

Whole-exome sequencing reveals overlap between macrophage activation syndrome in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

OBJECTIVE

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), resembles familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a constellation of autosomal-recessive immune disorders resulting from deficiency in cytolytic pathway proteins. We undertook this study to test our hypothesis that MAS predisposition in systemic JIA could be attributed to rare gene sequence variants affecting the cytotolytic pathway.

METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing was used in 14 patients with systemic JIA and MAS and in their parents to identify protein-altering single-nucleotide polymorphisms/indels in known HLH-associated genes. To discover new candidate genes, the entire whole-exome sequencing data were filtered to identify protein-altering, rare recessive homozygous, compound heterozygous, and de novo variants with the potential to affect the cytolytic pathway.

RESULTS

Heterozygous protein-altering rare variants in the known genes (LYST,MUNC13-4, and STXBP2) were found in 5 of 14 patients with systemic JIA and MAS (35.7%). This was in contrast to only 4 variants in 4 of 29 patients with systemic JIA without MAS (13.8%). Homozygosity and compound heterozygosity analysis applied to the entire whole-exome sequencing data in systemic JIA/MAS revealed 3 recessive pairs in 3 genes and compound heterozygotes in 73 genes. We also identified 20 heterozygous rare protein-altering variants that occurred in at least 2 patients. Many of the identified genes encoded proteins with a role in actin and microtubule reorganization and vesicle-mediated transport. "Cellular assembly and organization" was the top cellular function category based on Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (P < 3.10 × 10(-5) ).

CONCLUSION

Whole-exome sequencing performed in patients with systemic JIA and MAS identified rare protein-altering variants in known HLH-associated genes as well as in new candidate genes.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis under Treatment with Tocilizumab

OBJECTIVE

To identify macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) undergoing tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment, and to confirm laboratory marker changes and responses to treatment in patients with MAS receiving TCZ.

METHODS

In Japan, 394 patients with sJIA were registered in an all-patient registry surveillance of TCZ as of January 15, 2012. TCZ (8 mg/kg) was administered every 2 weeks to patients with sJIA. MAS, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EB-VAHS) was reported in 23 of these patients (25 events). The Safety Evaluation Committee of Tocilizumab for JIA reviewed these cases and clinically evaluated the data and laboratory findings using their own therapeutic experience. Events were categorized into 4 groups: definitive MAS, probable MAS, EB-VAHS, and non-MAS.

RESULTS

The committee's review revealed 3 events of definitive MAS in 3 patients, 12 events of probable MAS in 11 patients, 2 events of EB-VAHS in 2 patients, and 8 events of non-MAS in 8 patients. There were 2 patients who developed 2 events: 2 events in 1 patient were classified into definitive MAS and probable MAS, and 2 events in another patient were classified into probable MAS. In patients with definitive or probable MAS, common clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of MAS were observed. Changes in laboratory data observed in patients with EB-VAHS were similar to those observed in patients with MAS.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the clinical/laboratory features in the course of MAS appear to be similar among patients regardless of whether TCZ is administered. Similarities in the pathophysiological background of MAS and EB-VAHS were also suggested.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a multinational, multicenter study of 362 patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features, current treatment, and outcome of patients with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

In this multinational, multicenter study, pediatric rheumatologists and hemato-oncologists entered patient data collected retrospectively into a web-based database.

RESULTS

A total of 362 patients, 22% of whom had MAS at the onset of systemic JIA, were included in the study by 95 investigators from 33 countries. The most frequent clinical manifestations were fever (96%), hepatomegaly (70%), and splenomegaly (58%). Central nervous system dysfunction and hemorrhages were recorded in 35% and 20% of the patients, respectively. Platelet count and liver transaminase, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and d-dimer levels were the sole laboratory biomarkers showing a percentage change of >50% between the pre-MAS visit and MAS onset. Evidence of macrophage hemophagocytosis was found in 60% of the patients who underwent bone marrow aspiration. MAS occurred most frequently in the setting of active underlying disease, in the absence of a specific trigger. Nearly all patients were given corticosteroids, and 61% received cyclosporine. Biologic medications and etoposide were given to 15% and 12% of the patients, respectively. Approximately one-third of the patients required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the mortality rate was 8%.

CONCLUSION

This study provides information on the clinical spectrum and current management of systemic JIA-associated MAS through the analysis of a very large patient sample. MAS remains a serious condition, as a sizeable proportion of patients required admission to the ICU or died.

Increased level of H-ferritin and its imbalance with L-ferritin, in bone marrow and liver of patients with adult onset Still's disease, developing macrophage activation syndrome, correlate with the severity of the disease

In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the levels of ferritin enriched in H subunits (H-ferritin) and ferritin enriched in L subunits (L-ferritin) and the cells expressing these 2 molecules, in the bone marrow (BM) and liver biopsies obtained from adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) patients who developed macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), and correlating these data with the severity of the disease. Twenty-one patients with MAS-associated AOSD underwent BM biopsy and among them, 9 patients with hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzymes underwent liver biopsy. All the samples were stained by both immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. A statistical analysis was performed to estimate the possible correlation among both H-ferritin and L-ferritin tissue expression and the clinical picture of the disease. Furthermore, the same analysis was performed to evaluate the possible correlation among the number of CD68/H-ferritin or CD68/L-ferritin positive cells and the clinical picture. Both immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated an increased tissue H-ferritin expression, in the BM and liver samples of our patients. This increased expression correlated with the severity of the disease. An inflammatory infiltrate, enriched in CD68 macrophages, expressing H-ferritin was observed in both the BM and the liver samples of our patients. Furthermore, we observed, that this increased number of CD68/H-ferritin positive cells significantly correlated with the severity of clinical picture and this specific BM infiltrate correlated with the mortality rate, reported in our cohort. Our data showed an imbalance between the levels of H- and L-ferritin in different organs of patients with MAS-associated AOSD and the evidence of a strong infiltrate of CD68/H-ferritin positive cells in the same organs. Furthermore, a strong correlation among both the tissue H-ferritin and the CD68/H-ferritin positive cells and the clinical picture was observed.

Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome in adult-onset Still disease: clinical features, predictive factors, and prognosis in 21 patients

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a potentially life-threatening complication of systemic inflammatory disorders. Adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) is one of the systemic autoimmune diseases associated with reactive hemophagocytic syndrome (RHS). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristic findings, predictive factors, and prognosis of RHS in patients with AOSD. We retrospectively evaluated 109 patients diagnosed with AOSD and reviewed their clinical data and laboratory findings, including the biopsy results of 21 AOSD patients with RHS. Moreover, data from 17 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) patients evaluated during the same period were compared with those from the RHS patients. Twenty-one patients (19.3%) developed RHS during the course of AOSD, and only 7 patients (6.4%) were confirmed by bone marrow, liver, or lymph node biopsy. AOSD patients with RHS showed significantly higher frequencies of splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and lymphadenopathy than did those without RHS. Moreover, patients with RHS showed significantly higher relapse rates than those without RHS (61.9% vs 18.2%, P < 0.001). Possible triggering factors inducing hemophagocytosis were detected in 16 of 21 RHS patients (76.2%): disease flare in 12 patients (75%), infection in 3 patients (18.8%), and drug use in 1 patient (6.3%). AOSD patients with RHS showed higher frequencies of leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypofibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperferritinemia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels than did those without RHS. Multivariate logistic regression with forward selection procedure showed that low platelet count (<121,000/mm³), anemia, and hepatomegaly were independent predictors of RHS. Patients with definite RHS and those with probable RHS showed comparable results. Although RHS is a life-threatening complication of AOSD, long-term prognosis was observed to be similar in patients with and those without RHS. Compared to RHS patients, HLH patients had poor prognosis, such as higher death rates (52.9% vs 9.5%, P = 0.005). RHS can be considered when an AOSD patient shows at least 2 of the following 3 findings: low platelet count, anemia, and hepatomegaly. Diagnostic confirmation by biopsy may not be essential if typical clinical findings of RHS are present. Moreover, prognosis of RHS was better than that of HLH diagnosed by the presence of trilineage cytopenia at admission.

Evaluation of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in southeastern Turkey: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the disease characteristics of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in southeast Turkey.

METHODS

The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria were used to diagnose JIA. Hospital records of the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, of the Dicle University Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively and demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded.

RESULTS

Totally 213 children (103 boys, 110 girls), with an age range of 1.6-18 years were enrolled. The mean age of the disease onset was 8.1 years. Polyarticular type was the most common (42.3%) presentation. The frequencies of other JIA subtypes were as follows: oligoarticular 37.1%, systemic 8.9%, enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) 10.8% and psoriatic arthritis 0.9%. The knees (74.2%) and ankles (54.0%) were the most commonly affected joints. Uveitis was found in 4.2% of patients. Anti-nuclear antibodies were positive in 11.7% and HLA-B27 in 2.8% of patients. Active disease was seen in 57 (26.7%) patients at the last visit.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, polyarticular JIA was the predominant subtype and there were fewer patients with positive ANA or uveitis compared to previous studies. Hippokratia 2015, 19 (1): 63-68.

Performance of current guidelines for diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the capacity of the 2004 diagnostic guidelines for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH-2004) with the capacity of the preliminary diagnostic guidelines for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) to discriminate MAS complicating systemic JIA from 2 potentially confusable conditions, represented by active systemic JIA without MAS and systemic infection.

METHODS

International pediatric rheumatologists and hemato-oncologists were asked to retrospectively collect clinical information from patients with systemic JIA-associated MAS and confusable conditions. The ability of the guidelines to differentiate MAS from the control diseases was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity and specificity of each set of guidelines and the kappa statistics for concordance with the physician's diagnosis. Owing to the fact that not all patients were assessed for hemophagocytosis on bone marrow aspirates and given the lack of data on natural killer cell activity and soluble CD25 levels, the HLH-2004 guidelines were adapted to enable the diagnosis of MAS when 3 of 5 of the remaining items (3/5-adapted) or 4 of 5 of the remaining items (4/5-adapted) were present.

RESULTS

The study sample included 362 patients with systemic JIA and MAS, 404 patients with active systemic JIA without MAS, and 345 patients with systemic infection. The best capacity to differentiate MAS from systemic JIA without MAS was found when the preliminary MAS guidelines were applied. The 3/5-adapted HLH-2004 guidelines performed better than the 4/5-adapted guidelines in distinguishing MAS from active systemic JIA without MAS. The 3/5-adapted HLH-2004 guidelines and the preliminary MAS guidelines with the addition of ferritin levels ≥500 ng/ml discriminated best between MAS and systemic infections.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary MAS guidelines showed the strongest ability to identify MAS in systemic JIA. The addition of hyperferritinemia enhanced their capacity to differentiate MAS from systemic infections. The HLH-2004 guidelines are likely not appropriate for identification of MAS in children with systemic JIA.

Nationwide epidemiological survey of 169 patients with adult Still's disease in Japan

OBJECTIVES

A nationwide survey was conducted to assess the number of patients, clinical aspects, treatment, and prognosis of adult Still's disease (ASD) in Japan.

METHODS

A primary questionnaire was sent to randomly selected medical institutions in order to estimate the number of patients. We sent a secondary questionnaire to the same institutions to characterize the clinical manifestations and treatment of ASD.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of ASD was 3.9 per 100,000. Analysis of 169 patients showed a mean age at onset of 46 years. The main clinical symptoms were fever, arthritis, and typical rash in agreement with previous surveys. Oral glucocorticoids were used to treat 96% of the patients, while methotrexate was used in 41% and biological agents were used in 16%. Lymphadenopathy and macrophage activation syndrome were significantly associated with increased risk of relapse (P < 0.05, each). Patients who achieved remission after tocilizumab therapy had significantly longer disease duration (6.2 years) than patients who did not (1.9 years) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 2010-2011 nationwide survey of ASD identified important changes in treatment and improvement of prognosis compared with previous surveys.

Pathogenesis of macrophage activation syndrome and potential for cytokine- directed therapies

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is an acute episode of overwhelming inflammation characterized by activation and expansion of T lymphocytes and hemophagocytic macrophages. In rheumatology, it occurs most frequently in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and systemic lupus erythematosus. The main clinical manifestations include cytopenias, liver dysfunction, coagulopathy resembling disseminated intravascular coagulation, and extreme hyperferritinemia. Clinically and pathologically, MAS bears strong similarity to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and some authors prefer the term secondary HLH to describe it. Central to its pathogenesis is a cytokine storm, with markedly increased levels of numerous proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, TNFα, and IFNγ. Although there is evidence that IFNγ may play a central role in the pathogenesis of MAS, the role of other cytokines is still not clear. There are several reports of SJIA-associated MAS dramatically benefiting from anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, but the utility of other biologics in MAS is not clear. The mainstay of treatment remains corticosteroids; other medications, including cyclosporine, are used in patients who fail to respond.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of autoimmune-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in adults

Objective

To better define the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of autoimmune-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (AAHS) in adults.

Methods

Adults with AAHS (defined as pathologic evidence of hemophagocytosis without any obvious cause other than an autoimmune disease) were identified through a review of the literature.

Results

Among 116 patients identified, underlying diseases included systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 52.3%, adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) in 26.7%, and dermatomyositis in 6.9%. Fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly were found in 86.8%, 41.0%, 41.8%, and 45.5% of patients, respectively. Cytopenia, liver dysfunction, and hyperferritinemia developed frequently, and coagulopathy was seen in 50.6% of patients. Normal or low C-reactive protein levels were characteristic of patients with underlying SLE. The most commonly used therapy was corticosteroids, which were initially administered in 95.7% of patients, with 57.7% responding. Patients with corticosteroid-refractory disease were usually treated with cyclosporine, intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CYC), or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), with IV CYC being highly effective. Treatment with biologic agents resulted in favorable effects in the majority of patients. The mortality rate was 12.9%. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 6.47, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.06–30.39, P < 0.01), dermatomyositis (OR 5.57, 95% CI 1.08–28.65, P < 0.05), and anemia (hemoglobin <8 gm/dl; OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.02–13.8, P < 0.05) were identified as factors associated with mortality.

Conclusion

AAHS is potentially fatal. Corticosteroids are a mainstay of initial treatment. For corticosteroid-refractory disease, IV CYC may be beneficial as compared with cyclosporine or IVIG. Treatment that proceeds directly from corticosteroids to biologic agents is promising.

High dose Anakinra for treatment of severe neonatal Kawasaki disease: a case report

We report an 11-week-old female who presented with Kawasaki disease (KD) complicated by macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The infant presented to the hospital with persistent fever, cough, diarrhea, and emesis, among other symptoms. Her condition quickly began to decompensate, and she developed classic features (conjunctivitis, rash, cracked lips, distal extremity edema) prompting a diagnosis of acute KD. The patient was treated with standard therapy for KD including three doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), aspirin, and high dose glucocorticoids with no change in her condition. Due to a high suspicion for MAS, high dose anakinra therapy was initiated resulting in dramatic clinical improvements. She also received one dose of infliximab for concern for coronary artery changes, and over the course of several months, anakinra and high dose glucocorticoids were tapered. Nearly complete reversal of echocardiogram changes were observed after 8 months, and the infant is now off all immunosuppressive therapy. In this case report, we briefly review the importance of early recognition of MAS in pediatric patient populations with rheumatic diseases, and we suggest early initiation of anakinra therapy as a rapid and effective treatment option.

What does an adult rheumatologist need to know about juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

JIA is the most common chronic inflammatory arthritis in children and young people and an estimated one-third of individuals will have persistent active disease into adulthood. There are a number of key differences in the clinical manifestations, assessment and management of JIA compared with adult-onset arthritis. Transition and transfer to adult services present significant challenges for many patients, their families and health care professionals. We describe key clinical issues relevant to adult rheumatology health care teams responsible for ongoing care of these young people.

MEFV gene polymorphisms and TNFRSF1A mutation in patients with inflammatory myopathy with abundant macrophages

Inflammatory myopathy with abundant macrophages (IMAM) has recently been proposed as a new clinical condition. Although IMAM shares certain similarities with other inflammatory myopathies, the mechanisms responsible for this condition remain unknown. Patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) also often develop myalgia. We therefore investigated the polymorphisms or mutations of MEFV and TNFRSF1A genes in patients with IMAM to identify their potential role in this condition. We analysed the clinical features of nine patients with IMAM and sequenced exons of the MEFV and TNFRSF1A genes. The patients with IMAM had clinical symptoms such as myalgia, muscle weakness, erythema, fever and arthralgia. Although none of the patients were diagnosed with FMF or TRAPS, seven demonstrated MEFV polymorphisms (G304R, R202R, E148Q, E148Q-L110P and P369S-R408Q), and one demonstrated a TNFRSF1A mutation (C43R). These results suggest that MEFV gene polymorphisms and TNFRSF1A mutation are susceptibility and modifier genes in IMAM.

Successful therapy of macrophage activation syndrome with dexamethasone palmitate

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe and potential life-threatening complication of childhood systemic inflammatory disorders. Corticosteroids are commonly used as the first-line therapy for MAS. We report four patients with MAS who were successfully treated with dexamethasone palmitate (DexP), a liposome-incorporated dexamethasone, much more efficient than free corticosteroids. DexP effectively inhibited inflammation in MAS patients in whom the response to pulse methylprednisolone was not sufficient to manage their diseases. DexP was also effective as the first-line therapy for MAS. Based on these findings, DexP is an effective therapy in treating MAS patients.