Systemic lupus erythematosus in childhood and adolescence--the problem, epidemiology, incidence, susceptibility, genetics, and prognosis

Complement deficiency in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) accounts for about 10%–20% of all patients with SLE. Deficiencies in early complement components of the classical pathway are the strong genetic risk factor for the development of SLE. In this study, clinical and laboratory manifestations of both complement-deficient and normal complement pSLE patients were compared.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

To investigate clinical and immunological manifestations of pSLE in Iran, 36 consecutive pSLE patients (onset before 18 years) who were followed up over a period of 2 years, were studied. Complement C1q and C2 levels were measured using radial immunodifusion assay and complement C3 and C4 levels were measured using nephelometry. Medical records were retrospectively evaluated from patient database of Children Medical Center Hospital. Data were assessed through descriptive analysis (confidence interval = 95%), paired t-test, and Pearson correlation test.

RESULTS:

Twenty-one patients (58%) had at least one component of complement deficiency. Ten patients (27%) had low C1q level, 11 patients (30.5%) had low C2, nine patients (25%) had low C3, and four patients (11%) had low C4 level. Serum level of complement in pSLE was significantly lower than the control group, except C4 (P = 0.005). The low C1q patients had an earlier age of onset of disease (P < 0.0001). The cutaneous manifestations were more frequent and much more severe in pSLE with low complement (100% vs. 73%). The frequency of renal and musculoskeletal symptoms was equal, but renal morbidity was more common in pSLE with low complement. Positivity for anti-ds-DNA was less common in pSLE with low complement (71% vs. 86%).

CONCLUSION:

In pSLE patients with early disease onset and more aggressive SLE manifestations and negative anti-ds-DNA test, complement deficiency should be considered.

Quartan malaria-associated childhood nephrotic syndrome: now a rare clinical entity in malaria endemic Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The study determined (i) whether or not quartan malaria nephropathy (QMN) is still a major cause of childhood nephrotic syndrome (CNS) in Nigeria, (ii) secondary causes other than QMN and their associated glomerular pathology and (iii) renal and patient outcome.

METHODS

The study was a prospective non-randomized study of consecutive cases of secondary CNS. Patients with idiopathic CNS were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 78 (30.8%) CNS cases were of secondary aetiology. Overall mean ages at onset of secondary CNS aetiology and CNS onset were 8.97 +/- 3.59 (1-15.3) and 9.95 +/- 3.15 (5-15.3) years, respectively. Male (14)/female (10) ratio was 1.4. Secondary causes comprised systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 37.5%), sickle cell anaemia (SCA, 16.7%), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 16.7%) infection, Churg-Strauss syndrome (12.6%), SLE/human immunodeficiency virus infection (4.2%), rhabdomyosarcoma (4.2%), bee stings (4.2%) and Addison's disease (4.2%). The overall cumulative complete remission (CR) rate was 88.0%. Remission was sustained in 11 of 16 (68.8%) CR patients, while one patient (6.25%) relapsed; the remaining four patients (24.95%) were yet to attain sustained remission. Median relapse-free period was 10.5 (0.75-25) months. Cumulative renal survival was 75.2% at 3 years. Three patients were lost to follow-up, while two died. Overall cumulative patient survival probability at 36 months was 90.8%. All patients were followed for a median period of 12.5 (0.11-36.0) months.

CONCLUSION

Overall outcome of CNS has improved significantly compared to the 1960s and 1970s when the poor outcome of QMN was the predominant glomerular lesion in Nigeria. While quartan malaria-associated nephrotic syndrome has become a rare clinical entity, SLE, SCA and HBV infection have become the major secondary aetiologies of CNS in Nigeria.

Outcome of a national Israeli cohort of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of a national cohort of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). All cases of cSLE registered in the Israeli national registry of children with rheumatic diseases between 1987-2003 were examined for disease activity and damage by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and SLE collaborating clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment factors were analysed for their effect on the outcome. One-hundred and two patients were identified, 81% females, with a mean age at diagnosis of 13.3 +/- 2.6 years. The mean SLEDAI score was 17.2 +/- 9.0 (range 2-60). Fifty four patients were followed for at least five years. The mean SLEDAI decreased to 7.6 +/- 6.3 (0-29) and the mean SLICC/ACR damage index was 0.7 +/- 1.6 (0-8). Five patients developed chronic renal failure. No patients died. No factors were found to be significantly associated with the outcome except the initial SLEDAI score. The five-year outcome of our national cSLE cohort was good; with relatively low activity and minimal damage in most patients. The initial SLEDAI predicted the development of late damage.

Renal tubular dysfunction in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Renal tubular and glomerular function was studied in patients under 18 years of age with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to disease activity in two groups: patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of lupus nephritis and those without (lupus non-nephritis). We reviewed 11 patients with lupus non-nephritis and 10 patients with lupus nephritis over a 12-month period. The measured glomerular filtration rates had a tendency to be lower in the lupus nephritis group. Glomerular dysfunction was manifest in the lupus nephritis group with elevated urinary albumin/creatinine ratios (P <0.001). Markers of tubular function were measured and compared with data from 94 controls. The lupus nephritis group had elevated urinary NAG [N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (P =0.001)] and RBP [retinol-binding protein (P =0.03)] levels. Tubular dysfunction with elevated urinary NAG levels was present in 2 lupus non-nephritis patients with no evidence of glomerular disease. The cohort of patients in this study was followed and 2 lupus non-nephritis patients with the highest urinary RBP levels developed evidence of glomerular dysfunction and biopsy-proven lupus nephritis. Evidence of tubular dysfunction in lupus non-nephritis patients may help to identify lupus nephritis prior to the onset of albuminuria.

Joint disease in children of Asiatic origin

Joint disorders in Asian children are varied due to the diversity of the Asian population and show some ethnic trends. The ethnic diversity, socio-economic and geographic factors in Asia have limited the availability of data from some of the ethnic groups, many of whom live in remote and relatively underdeveloped areas, are not subjected to epidemiological surveillance and have little awareness of these diseases and their consequences. Geographic and socio-economic factors also play a significant role in some of the joint diseases peculiar to Asian children. In general, the current available data suggests that there are no large differences in the epidemiology and clinical features between the Western and Asian children. This article reviews the available literature on joint diseases in Asian children.

Risks of endoscopy in hospitalized pediatric patients with collagen vascular diseases

BACKGROUND

The gastrointestinal manifestations of the collagen vascular diseases have been well described in the pediatric population. These patients frequently have symptoms that constitute indications for endoscopy. However, the risks and benefits of endoscopy in this population have not been examined.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with collagen vascular diseases hospitalized during a 7-year period was undertaken, and those patients who underwent endoscopy were identified.

RESULTS

Nine patients (5%) underwent endoscopic procedures (eight upper and three lower endoscopy). Complications and outcomes were analyzed. Indications for endoscopy included abdominal pain, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and/or vomiting and diarrhea. Two patients had complications that required surgery within 1 day of the endoscopic procedure. One of these patients subsequently died with GI bleeding. Five of the nine patients had changes in their management after endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori infection was identified and treated in two patients. Three patients had esophagitis or gastritis and acid suppression treatment was started or optimized. Vasculopathy was present in the patients who had complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This series suggests that endoscopy can provide useful information for the management of the pediatric patient with GI symptoms and collagen vascular diseases. However, because serious and potentially life-threatening complications can occur, great care is needed in evaluating the risk/benefit ratio of endoscopy in these patients.

Pediatric rehabilitation. 5. Joint and connective tissue diseases

This self-directed learning module presents pertinent information about rehabilitation management of specific joint and connective tissue diseases affecting children. This section highlights juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, rheumatic fever, hemophilia, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other forms of arthritis. It is a section of the chapter of pediatric rehabilitation for the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program Study Guide for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation.