Childhood versus adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: long-term outcome and predictors of mortality

The inequity of global healthcare in pediatric rheumatology

In pediatric rheumatology, global health inequity relates to the uneven distribution of healthcare resources, accessibility, and health outcomes among children with rheumatic conditions across various countries, regions, and socioeconomic groups. This inequity can manifest in various ways. This review article provides an overview of common rheumatic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, which significantly contribute to and are affected by disparities in global healthcare. Subsequently, we delve into the inequalities in accessing patient care, encompassing issues related to diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, we address challenges in educational advancement and identify research gaps within the field of pediatric rheumatology. We also reveal successful global collaborations, such as a Global Task Force for Pediatric Musculoskeletal Health and special working groups among international organizations, aimed at bridging the disparities gap. Through these efforts, we try to enhance understanding, cooperation, and resource allocation to ensure equal access to quality care worldwide for children with rheumatic conditions. Futhermore, we present a case study from Thailand, highlighting their successful initiatives in developing pediatric rheumatology within their healthcare system.

Does the esv3587290 Copy Number Variation in the VANGL1 Gene Differ as a Genetic Factor for Developing Nephritis in Mexican Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients?

A ~3-kb deletion-type DNA copy number variation (CNV, esv3587290) located at intron 7 of the VANGL1 gene (1p13.1, MIM*610132) has been proposed as a genetic factor in lupus nephritis (LN) development in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients across European-descent populations, but its replication in other ethnicities has been inconsistent and its association with LN in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) remains unknown. Here, we performed an exploratory association study in a sample of 66 unrelated cSLE Mexican patients (11 males, 55 females; ages 7.8 to 18.6 years). Two stratified groups were compared: cSLE patients with (N = 39) or without (N = 27) LN, as diagnosed by renal biopsy (N = 17), proteinuria (N = 33), urinary protein-creatinine ratio > 0.2 (N = 34), and erythrocyturia and/or granular casts in urinary sediment (N = 16). For esv3587290 CNV genotyping, we performed an end-point PCR assay with breakpoint confirmation using Sanger sequencing. We also determined the allelic frequencies of the esv3587290 CNV in 181 deidentified ethnically matched individuals (reference group). The obtained genotypes were tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium using the χ2 test. Associations between LN and esv3587290 CNV were tested by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and using Pearson's χ2 tests, with a 95% confidence interval and p ≤ 0.05. The esv3587290 CNV allele (OR 0.108, 95% CI 0.034-0.33, p = 0.0003) and the heterozygous genotype (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.119-0.9811, p = 0.002) showed a significant protective effect against LN development. Finally, we characterized the precise breakpoint of the esv3587290 CNV to be NG_016548.1(NM_138959.3):c.1314+1339_1315-897del in our population. This report supports the notion that a broad genetic heterogeneity underlies the susceptibility for developing LN.

Long-term follow-up of Iranian male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

This study was conducted to investigate the long-term survival in male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its predictors. The main demographic and clinical manifestations at the time of disease diagnosis were recorded retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to calculate survival rates. Predictors of mortality were determined by backward Cox regression analysis. Eighty-four male patients with SLE were enrolled. During the 23-year study period, 11 patients died. Lupus nephritis (5 cases), infections (5 cases) and alveolar hemorrhage (1 case) were the most common causes of deaths. Overall survival rates at the end of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after SLE disease diagnosis were 86%, 84%, 84% and 84%, respectively. In multivariate backward-regression analysis, the main determinants of death at the time of SLE diagnosis were oral ulcer (p = 0.004, HR = 7.69, 95% CI 1.92-33.33), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.012, HR = 5, 95% CI 1.41-16.66) and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI, p = 0.05, HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.999-1.1). Observing oral ulcer, thrombocytopenia and high SLEDAI at the time of disease diagnosis were the main prognostic factors in male lupus patients.

The correlation between trajectories of serum C3 variability and clinical course in Pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness which 2-year trajectories of C3 variability have in predicting clinical remission and systemic corticosteroids (SCS) use in pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE).

METHODS

We recruited 189 confirmed pSLE patients from the electronic database of our hospital, all had undergone SCS treatment. The follow up period was 4.17-14.83 years. We used Group-Based Trajectory modeling to divide the patients into four different trajectory groups by their initial 2-year C3 variability. We divided the patients into groups A, B or C by their clinical course and SCS use. Statistical methods included Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests and logic regression test.

RESULTS

There were 4 separate trajectories. The distribution of groups A, B and C in these 4 trajectories showed a significant difference (p = 0.005). Initial C3 and C4 levels in these 4 revealed significant differences (p ≦ 0.001, p ≦ 0.016). When compared to other trajectories, trajectory1 showed a higher risk for persistent SCS use (p < 0.05). The distributions of severe clinical manifestations, including proteinuria, hematuria, CNS involvement and thrombocytopenia were different in these 4 trajectories (p = 0.003). Nevertheless, none of the above manifestations contributed to the risk of persistent SCS use.

CONCLUSIONS

We have found 4 distinct C3 trajectories in pSLE patients. Distributions of clinical outcome groups were different in these 4 trajectories. Patients with trajectory1 displayed a higher risk for persistent SCS use, thus an earlier institution of immunosuppressant(s) and biological agents can be considered for these children.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: characteristics and the prospect of glucocorticoid pulse therapy

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is an autoimmune disease that results in significant damage and often needs more aggressive treatment. Compared to adult-onset SLE, cSLE has a stronger genetic background and more prevalent elevated type I Interferon expression. The management of cSLE is more challenging because the disease itself and treatment can affect physical, psychological and emotional growth and development. High dose oral glucocorticoid (GC) has become the rule for treating moderate to severe cSLE activity. However, GC-related side effects and potential toxicities are problems that cannot be ignored. Recent studies have suggested that GC pulse therapy can achieve disease remission rapidly and reduce GC-related side effects with a reduction in oral prednisone doses. This article reviews characteristics, including pathogenesis and manifestations of cSLE, and summarized the existing evidence on GC therapy, especially on GC pulse therapy in cSLE, followed by our proposal for GC therapy according to the clinical effects and pathogenesis.

Towards development of treat to target (T2T) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: PReS-endorsed overarching principles and points-to-consider from an international task force

OBJECTIVES

Application of 'treat-to-target' (T2T) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) may improve care and health outcomes. This initiative aimed to harmonise existing evidence and expert opinion regarding T2T for cSLE.

METHODS

An international T2T Task Force was formed of specialists in paediatric rheumatology, paediatric nephrology, adult rheumatology, patient and parent representatives. A steering committee formulated a set of draft overarching principles and points-to-consider, based on evidence from systematic literature review. Two on-line preconsensus meeting Delphi surveys explored healthcare professionals' views on these provisional overarching principles and points-to-consider. A virtual consensus meeting employed a modified nominal group technique to discuss, modify and vote on each overarching principle/point-to-consider. Agreement of >80% of Task Force members was considered consensus.

RESULTS

The Task Force agreed on four overarching principles and fourteen points-to-consider. It was agreed that both treatment targets and therapeutic strategies should be subject to shared decision making with the patient/caregivers, with full remission the preferred target, and low disease activity acceptable where remission cannot be achieved. Important elements of the points-to-consider included: aiming for prevention of flare and organ damage; glucocorticoid sparing; proactively addressing factors that impact health-related quality of life (fatigue, pain, mental health, educational challenges, medication side effects); and aiming for maintenance of the target over the long-term. An extensive research agenda was also formulated.

CONCLUSIONS

These international, consensus agreed overarching principles and points-to-consider for T2T in cSLE lay the foundation for future T2T approaches in cSLE, endorsed by the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society.

Comparison of clinical presentation and outcome of childhood-onset and adulthood-onset of systemic lupus erythematosus among Indonesian patients

INTRODUCTION

The clinical presentation of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is generally perceived to differ from that of adult-onset SLE.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the demographic and clinical manifestation between childhood-onset vs. adult-onset SLE in a cohort of Indonesian patients at tertiary care centers.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients in the Hasan Sadikin Lupus Registry from 2008 until December 2017. The demographics, clinical presentations, and outcomes were compared between childhood-onset SLE (<18 years old) (Group 1) and adult-onset SLE (≥18 years old) (Group 2).

RESULTS

Eight hundred seventy patients were involved into this study. The proportion of childhood-onset SLE was 20% (174 patients). The mean age of group 1 versus group 2 was 13.56 ± 3.04 vs 30.41 ± 8.54 years. The following clinical manifestations at SLE diagnosis were significantly more common in childhood-onset than in adult-onset SLE patients: hematological disorder (p = 0.033) and arthritis (p = 0.006). While discoid rash (p = 0.036) and photosensitivity (p < 0.001) were significantly found higher in adult-onset SLE. Cyclophosphamide therapy was significantly more common to be used in childhood-onset (38.5% vs 21.0%, p = <0.001). However, frequency of mortality on follow-up tended to be higher in childhood-onset group (11.5% vs 7.0%, p = 0.208).

CONCLUSION

Arthritis and hematologic involvements at SLE diagnosis were more prominent in childhood-onset compared to adult-onset patients, and mortality in childhood-onset SLE during follow-up relatively higher. This data may suggest the need for more aggressive management approach to childhood-onset patients with SLE.

Nailfold capillary scleroderma pattern may be associated with disease damage in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: important lessons from longitudinal follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To observe if capillary patterns in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) change over time and find associations between a capillary scleroderma pattern with disease activity, damage or scleroderma-like features.

METHODS

Clinical and (yearly) capillaroscopy data from a longitudinal cohort of patients with cSLE (minimum of four Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria, onset <18 years) were analysed. Disease activity was measured by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Index (SLEDAI) and disease damage by SLICC Damage Index. A scleroderma pattern was defined according to the 'fast track algorithm' from the European League Against Rheumatism Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases. An abnormal capillary pattern, not matching a scleroderma pattern, was defined as 'microangiopathy'.

RESULTS

Our cohort consisted of 53 patients with cSLE with a median disease onset of 14 years (IQR 12.5-15.5 years), median SLEDAI score at diagnosis was 11 (IQR 8-16), median SLEDAI at follow-up was 2 (IQR 1-6). A scleroderma pattern (ever) was seen in 18.9%, while only 13.2% of patients had a normal capillary pattern. Thirty-three patients had follow-up capillaroscopy of which 21.2% showed changes in type of capillary pattern over time. Type of capillary pattern was not associated with disease activity. Raynaud's phenomenon (ever) was equally distributed among patients with different capillaroscopy patterns (p=0.26). Anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies (ever) were significantly more detected (Χ², p=0.016) in the scleroderma pattern subgroup (n=7 of 10, 70%). Already 5 years after disease onset, more than 50% of patients with a scleroderma pattern had SLE-related disease damage (HR 4.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 18.8, p=0.034), but they did not develop clinical features of systemic sclerosis at follow-up. Number of detected fingers with a scleroderma pattern was similar between cSLE, juvenile systemic sclerosis and juvenile undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

CONCLUSION

This longitudinal study shows that the majority of capillary patterns in cSLE are abnormal and they can change over time. Irrespective of disease activity, a capillary scleroderma pattern in cSLE may be associated with higher risk of SLE-related disease damage.

Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Presentation, management and long-term outcomes in an Australian cohort

OBJECTIVES

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a serious autoimmune disease often resulting in major end-organ damage and increased mortality. Currently, no data exists focussing on the presentation, long-term management and progression of SLE in the Australian paediatric population. We conducted the first Australian longitudinal review of childhood SLE, focussing on response to treatment and outcomes.

METHODS

Detailed clinical and laboratory data of 42 children diagnosed with SLE before 16 years from 1998 to 2018 resident in Western Australia was collected. Data was collected at diagnosis and key clinical review time points and compared using the Systemic Lupus Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) criteria. End organ damage was assessed against Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Incidence rates of disease complications and end organ damage were determined.

RESULTS

Of the 42 children, 88% were female with average age at diagnosis of 12.5 years. Indigenous Australians were over represented with an incidence rate 18-fold higher than non-Indigenous, although most children were Caucasian, reflecting the demographics of the Australian population. Median duration of follow-up was 4.25 years. On final review, 28.6% had developed cumulative organ damage as described by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (incidence rate: 0.08/PY (95% CI 0.04-0.14)), and one child died. Twenty-nine children had renal involvement (incidence rate: 0.38/PY (95% CI 0.26-0.56)). Of the 27 patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis, 70% had Class III or IV disease. Average length of prednisolone use from diagnosis was 32.5 months. Hydroxychloroquine (n = 36) and mycophenolate mofetil (n =21) were the most widely used steroid sparing agents. 61.9% received rituximab and/or cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION

This is the first longitudinal retrospective review of Australian children with SLE, with a markedly higher incidence in Indigenous children. Although improving, rates of end organ complications remain high, similar to international cohort outcomes. Longitudinal multi-centre research is crucial to elucidate risk factors for poor outcomes, and identifying those warranting early more aggressive therapy.

Clinical and laboratory features, disease activity, and outcomes of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus at diagnosis: a single-center study from southern China

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical and laboratory features, disease activity, and outcomes of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) patients from southern China.

METHODS

A total of 173 jSLE patients who attended Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Meizhou People's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 are included for analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of disease onset was 13.65 ± 2.80 (range, 5-17). The median age at diagnosis was 13.98 ± 2.88 (range, 5-17) years. The female to male ratio was 6.5:1. Renal involvement was the most prevalent clinical feature, occurred in 71.7% of the patients. A total of 27 (15.6%) patients underwent renal biopsy, and the most common type of renal pathology was class IV (44.4%). Our study demonstrated differences in antibody clusters for which the positivity rates of anti-dsDNA antibodies and anti-Sm antibodies were higher than the other jSLE cohorts reported in China and worldwide. Cyclophosphamide combined with corticosteroids was the main treatment medication. The mean SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score at diagnosis was 14.3 ± 7.6 (range, 3-38). Five patients died during the initial diagnosis and treatment. Infection was the major cause of death.

CONCLUSION

The jSLE patients in this cohort had a higher prevalence of renal involvement, anti-dsDNA antibodies, and anti-Sm antibodies. Multicenter studies are needed to clarify the different clinical features of jSLE in southern China.

KEY POINTS

• A single-center study of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus in clinical and laboratory features. • The jSLE patients had a higher prevalence of renal involvement and antibody disorder.

Nailfold capillary abnormalities in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study compared with healthy controls

OBJECTIVES

For selection of high-risk systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients it is necessary to obtain indicators of disease severity that predict disease damage. As in systemic sclerosis, nailfold capillary abnormalities could be such a biomarker in SLE. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to describe capillary abnormalities in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) cohort (onset < 18 years) and compare them with matched healthy controls. The secondary objective is to correlate the observed capillary abnormalities with demographical variables in both cohorts and with disease-specific variables in cSLE patients.

METHODS

Healthy controls were matched for ethnic background, age and gender. Videocapillaroscopy was performed in eight fingers with 2-4 images per finger. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of nailfold capillaroscopy images were performed according to the definitions of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases.

RESULTS

Both groups (n = 41 cSLE-patients and n = 41 healthy controls) were comparable for ethnic background (p = 0.317). Counted per mm, cSLE-patients showed significantly more 'giants' (p = 0.032), 'abnormal capillary shapes' (p = 0.003), 'large capillary hemorrhages' (p < 0.001) and 'pericapillary extravasations' (p < 0.001). Combined 'abnormal capillary shapes and pericapillary extravasations' (in the same finger) were detected in 78% (32/41 patients). By qualitative analysis, 'microangiopathy' was detected in 68.3% (28/41) and a 'scleroderma pattern' in 17.1% (7/41) of the cSLE-patients (without scleroderma symptoms). The difference of percentage positive anti-RNP antibodies in the group with or without a scleroderma pattern was not significant (p = 0.089). The number of 'abnormal capillary shapes per mm' was significantly correlated with treatment-naivety. The number of 'large pathological hemorrhages per mm' was significantly correlated with SLEDAI score and presence of nephritis. Compared to healthy controls, 'pericapillary extravasations' were found in significantly higher numbers per mm (p < 0.001) as well as in percentage of patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations confirm that giants, abnormal capillary morphology and capillary hemorrhages are also observed in cSLE, as was already known for adults with SLE. Number of capillary hemorrhages in cSLE was significantly correlated with disease activity. A high frequency and total amount of "pericapillary extravasations" was observed in cSLE patients, possibly revealing a new subtype of capillary hemorrhage that might reflect endothelial damage in these pediatric patients.

Kidney outcomes for children with lupus nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare lifelong multi-systemic autoimmune condition. Juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE) is recognized to have a more active disease course when compared with adult-onset disease and patients have a worse long-term survival. Kidney involvement occurs in over 50% of children and treatment decisions are guided by the histological classification. Several international groups have produced treatment protocols that rely on an intense period of immunosuppression to halt the acute kidney inflammatory process, followed by maintenance therapy with close observation for disease improvement and prompt evaluation of disease flares. A reduced glomerular filtration rate at presentation is predictive of later stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in multivariate analysis. Kidney remission remains suboptimal with only 40-60% of patients achieving complete remission. Kidney flares are seen in over a third of patients. The rate of CKD 5 is reported to be up to 15% and the presence of lupus nephritis (LN) has an established link with an associated increase in mortality. In established kidney failure, transplantation seems to be the optimal kidney replacement modality for this group of patients, ideally after a period of disease quiescence. Modified outcome measures in clinical trials have demonstrated that biologic agents can be effective in this disease. Current biologic agents under investigation include obinutuzimab, belimumab, atacicept, anifrolumab, tocilizumab, eculizumab, dapirolizumab, and abatacept. Future research should focus on discovering early disease biomarkers, including surrogates for later cardiovascular disease, and evaluating biological agents as adjuncts to improve the rates of complete remission and subsequently influence the kidney outcome. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current kidney outcomes for this disease with a view to identifying key areas that may help to reduce the risk of long-term CKD.

Improving musculoskeletal health for children and young people - A 'call to action'

This chapter describes the musculoskeletal (MSK) context in children and young people as an important contributor to the global non-communicable disease burden. Through selected MSK conditions, we describe the impact on patients, families and communities and highlight the challenges that need to be addressed. We focus on opportunities for better working together and describe exemplar initiatives to raise awareness, workforce capacity building, models of care and research agendas to have a greater global context.

Clinical characteristics and survival of 413 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in southeastern areas of South Korea: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

AIMS

To investigate demographic, clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in southeastern areas of South Korea, and to perform survival analysis.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 413 patients with SLE diagnosed in 3 tertiary rheumatology centers in South Korea from 1992 to 2016 by reviewing their medical charts. All patients fulfilled the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE.

RESULTS

Most patients were women (92%), and the mean (±standard deviation) age at diagnosis was 30.9 (±12.9) years. The most common clinical manifestation was leukopenia (74.3%), followed by lymphopenia (73.6%), arthritis (59.1%), malar rash (48.4%), thrombocytopenia (46.5%), oral ulcer (35.1%), and biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (31.2%). Anti-nuclear, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Smith, and anti-Ro antibodies were positive in 97.8%, 70.1%, 38.4%, and 63% of patients, respectively. Twenty (4.8%) patients died during a median follow-up of 83 months, and the cumulative 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 96.9% and 95.5%, respectively. The major causes of death were infection (50%) and lupus flare-up (50%). Male (hazards ratio [HR] = 7.19, P = .001), pleuritis and/or pericarditis (HR = 3.28, P = .012), childhood-onset (HR = 3.57, P = .012), and late-onset (HR = 4.65, P = .011) were independent risk factors for death. Compared with SLE cohorts in other ethnicities or countries, our patients tended to have a higher frequency of anti-Ro antibodies and hematologic disorders.

CONCLUSION

This study describes clinical features of SLE in South Korea and suggests a remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity of SLE.

Risk factors of infection-associated mortality in children with lupus nephritis in under-resourced areas

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of lupus nephritis class III, IV and V with immunosuppressive therapy increases patient survival but poses a risk of infection-related mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate risk factors for fatal infection in children with lupus nephritis in under-resourced areas.

METHODS

Medical records of patients, who were admitted to a tertiary-care university-based hospital from January 2002 to July 2018 with the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, were reviewed. Only patients aged less than 18 years with lupus nephritis and documented infection were included in the study. The primary outcome was infection-associated mortality. The logistic regression model was used to identify independent variables associated with fatal infection. Predicted probabilities of infection-related mortality adjusted for factors significant in multivariate analysis were calculated using marginal effects at representative values.

RESULTS

Infection-related deaths occurred in 27 of 179 patients (15.1%). Hospital-acquired infections occurred in 72 of 375 episodes of hospital admissions (19.2%) and 13 hospital-acquired infections (18.1%) resulted in fatal infection. Invasive fungal infections were the leading cause of death (44.4%) and pulmonary infections were the predominant site (55.5%). Haemoglobin levels and glomerular filtration rates were significantly lower in deceased versus surviving patients. Percentages of patients with hospital-acquired infections, invasive fungal infections and pulmonary infections were significantly higher in deceased than surviving patients. Urine protein, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, cumulative methylprednisolone dose and daily prednisolone dose were significantly higher in deceased than surviving patients. In multivariate analysis, a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio more than 20, invasive fungal infections and high daily prednisolone dose were independently predictive of fatal infection with adjusted odds ratio of 3.02 (95% confidence interval 1.02-8.97, p = 0.04), 15.08 (95% confidence interval 4.72-48.24, p < 0.001) and 1.03 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.06, p = 0.04), respectively. A high daily prednisolone dose intensified the impact of invasive fungal infections and high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on predicted probability of infection-associated mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention of invasive fungal infections and minimization of daily prednisolone should be emphasized in routine clinical practice of children with lupus nephritis in under-resourced areas to achieve better survival. Children with lupus nephritis and a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio should be under cautious surveillance for infection.

Improvement of survival rates in the last decade in Thai childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more severe than adult onset SLE. Long-term follow up is needed to determine the prognosis. The objectives of this study are to describe the mortality of childhood SLE in a single tertiary care centre over three decades, compare trends in survival over time, and determine predictors for survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children aged < 18 years who were diagnosed with SLE at the Department of Pediatrics, Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand, from 1985 to 2016.

RESULTS

There were 331 children (272 girls, 59 boys) with a mean age at presentation of 11.5 ± 2.6 years. The mean follow-up duration was 7.0 ± 5.0 (range 1-28) years, 77 children (23.3%) died, 28.6% within the first year after diagnosis. The overall mortality rate was 3.3 per 100 person-years. Survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 93.4%, 83.1% and 72.6%, respectively. Ten-year survival rates for the children diagnosed in the decades 1985-1996, 1997-2006 and 2007-2016 were 67.4%, 63.4% and 82.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Boys had worse survival than girls (hazard ratio = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4-3.7) even after adjusting for decade of diagnosis. Lupus nephritis (LN) class IV had similar survival compared to LN classes II/III/V combined (hazard ratio = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.6-1.7).

CONCLUSION

In our setting, the survival rate of childhood onset SLE has improved during the past 10 years, but mortality is still high compared to developed countries, particularly in boys.

Outcomes in juvenile onset lupus: single center cohort from a developing country

Introduction

About 10–20% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have onset in childhood and have more severe organ involvement. Survival of juvenile SLE patients is improving worldwide. Long-term data of childhood onset SLE from developing countries is scarce.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data at initial presentation and follow-up visits were retrieved from clinic files, hospital information system and personal interviews. Treatment received, complications, flares, outcomes and death were recorded. Survival was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and regression analysis was done for predictors of mortality.

Results

Children with SLE ( n = 273, 250 girls) had a median age at onset of 14 years and duration of illness prior to diagnosis at our hospital of 1 year. Fever and arthritis were the most common presenting manifestations. Renal disease was seen in 60.5% and central nervous system (CNS) disease in 29%. The median follow-up period in 248 patients was 3.5 years. Fourteen children died, and 10 of these had active disease at the time of death. The mean actuarial survival was 24.5 years and survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 97.9%, 95% and 89% respectively. Fever, CNS disease, anti-dsDNA levels and serious infections predicted death on univariate and multivariate analysis. Infections were seen in 72 children (26.3%), and 38 of these infections were serious. One-third of the patients had damage on the last follow-up. Flares were seen in 120 children, the majority being major flares.

Conclusion

Outcomes of pediatric SLE in North Indian children are similar to those seen in developed countries. Infections pose a major challenge in these patients.

Differences in clinical features observed between childhood-onset versus adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects people in childhood (childhood onset) or in adulthood (adult onset). Observational studies that have previously compared childhood-onset versus adult-onset SLE were often restricted to 1 ethnic group, or to a particular area, with a small sample size of patients. We aimed to systematically compare childhood-onset versus adult-onset SLE through a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for relevant publications comparing childhood-onset with adult-onset SLE. Adverse clinical features were considered as the endpoints. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies and RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to carry out this analysis whereby risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used as the statistical parameters.

RESULTS

A total number of 10,261 participants (1560 participants with childhood-onset SLE and 8701 participants with adult-onset SLE) were enrolled. Results of this analysis showed that compared with childhood-onset SLE, pulmonary involvement was significantly higher with adult-onset SLE (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.18-1.93; P = .001), whereas renal involvement was significantly higher with childhood-onset SLE (RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55-0.77; P = .00001). Raynaud phenomenon and photosensitivity were significantly higher in adult-onset SLE (RR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04-1.60; P = .02) and (RR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17; P = .03), respectively. Malar rash significantly favored adult-onset SLE (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.94; P = .002). Childhood-onset SLE was associated with significantly higher hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia, and lymphopenia. Seizure and ocular manifestations were significantly higher with childhood-onset SLE (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.47-0.70; P = .00001) and (RR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21-0.55; P = .00001), respectively, whereas pleuritis was significantly higher with adult-onset SLE (RR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17-1.79; P = .0008). Vasculitis and fever were significantly higher with childhood-onset SLE (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36-0.74; P = .0004) and (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68-0.89; P = .0002) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences were observed between childhood-onset versus adult-onset SLE, showing the former to be more aggressive.