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Maggio MC, Miniaci A, Gallizzi R, Civino A. "Neuroimmunoendocrinology" in Children with Rheumatic Diseases: How Glucocorticoids Are the Orchestra Director. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13192. [PMID: 37685999 PMCID: PMC10487400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural, the endocrine, and the immune systems are studied as distinct districts in physiological and pathological settings. However, these systems must be investigated with an integrative approach, while also considering that therapeutic agents, such as glucocorticoids, can induce a reversible or irreversible change of this homeostasis. Children and adolescents affected by rheumatic diseases frequently need treatment with corticosteroids, and the treatment must sometimes be continued for a long time. In the biological era, the treat-to-target strategy allowed a real revolution in treatment, with significant steroid dose sparing or, in many patients, steroid treatment withdrawal. In this review, the impact of glucocorticoids on endocrine, immune, and neurologic targets is analyzed, and the crosstalk between these systems is highlighted. In this narrative review, we explore the reasoning as to why glucocorticoids can disrupt this homeostasis, we summarize some of the key results supporting the impact of glucocorticoids treatment on endocrine, immune, and neurologic systems, and we discuss the data reported in the international literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Maggio
- University Department PROMISE “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90100 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Angela Miniaci
- Paediatric Rheumatology, UOC of Paediatrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Romina Gallizzi
- Paediatric Unit, Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Adele Civino
- Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Vito Fazzi Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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Grammatikopoulou MG, Gkiouras K, Syrmou V, Vassilakou T, Simopoulou T, Katsiari CG, Goulis DG, Bogdanos DP. Nutritional Aspects of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: An A to Z for Dietitians. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:203. [PMID: 36832332 PMCID: PMC9955348 DOI: 10.3390/children10020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represents a chronic, autoimmune, rheumatic musculoskeletal disease with a diagnosis before 16 years of age. Chronic arthritis is a common manifestation in all JIA subtypes. The nature of JIA, in combination to its therapy often results in the development of nutrition-, gastrointestinal (GI)- or metabolic-related issues. The most-common therapy-related nutritional issues involve methotrexate (MTX) and glucocorticosteroids (GCC) adverse events. MTX is a folic acid antagonist, thus supplementation with folic acid in required for improving GI side effects and correcting low serum levels. On the other hand, long-term GCC administration is often associated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and growth delay. This relationship is further aggravated when more joints are affected and greater doses of GCC are being administered. Apart from stature, body mass index z-scores are also suboptimal in JIA. Other signs of malnutrition include decreased phase angle and muscle mass, especially among patients with polyarthritis JIA. Evidence also points to the existence of an inverse relationship between disease activity and overweight/obesity. Specific dietary patterns, including the anti-inflammatory diet, might confer improvements in selected JIA outcomes, but the level of available research is yet insufficient to draw safe conclusions. The majority of patients exhibit suboptimal vitamin D status; hence, supplementation is recommended. Collectively, the evidence indicates that, due to the age of onset and the complexity of the disease, along with its pharmacotherapy, children with JIA are prone to the development of several nutritional problems, warranting expert monitoring. Vitamin deficiencies, oral and GI-problems limiting dietary intake, faltering growth, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, or impaired bone health are among the many nutritional issues in JIA requiring dietitian support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Gkiouras
- Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Syrmou
- Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Simopoulou
- Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Chistina G. Katsiari
- Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 76 Agiou Pavlou Str., Pavlos Melas, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P. Bogdanos
- Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
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Edens C. Early Sexual Health and Reproductive Implications in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2021; 48:91-112. [PMID: 34798961 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive review of reproductive health subtopics, including puberty, menarche, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gynecologic cancers as they pertain to patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases and those who care for them. Rheumatic disease medications and their effect on reproductive health across childhood and adolescence are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuoghi Edens
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Pediatric Rheumatology, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, C104-A, MC5044, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, C104-A, MC5044, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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d’Angelo DM, Di Donato G, Breda L, Chiarelli F. Growth and puberty in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2021; 19:28. [PMID: 33712046 PMCID: PMC7953722 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children, with an annual incidence of 2-20 cases per 100,000 and a prevalence of 16-150 per 100,000. It is associated with several complications that can cause short-term or long-term disability and reduce the quality of life. Among these, growth and pubertal disorders play an important role. Chronic inflammatory conditions are often associated with growth failure ranging from slight decrease in height velocity to severe forms of short stature. The prevalence of short stature in JIA varies from 10.4% in children with polyarticular disease to 41% of patients with the systemic form, while oligoarthritis is mostly associated with localized excessive bone growth of the affected limb, leading to limb dissymmetry. The pathogenesis of growth disorders is multifactorial and includes the role of chronic inflammation, long-term use of corticosteroids, undernutrition, altered body composition, delay of pubertal onset or slow pubertal progression. These factors can exert a systemic effect on the GH/IGF-1 axis and on the GnRH-gonadotropin-gonadic axis, or a local influence on the growth plate homeostasis and function. Although new therapeutic options are available to control inflammation, there are still 10-20% of patients with severe forms of the disease who show continuous growth impairment, ending in a short final stature. Moreover, delayed puberty is associated with a reduction in the peak bone mass with the possibility of concomitant or future bone fragility. Monitoring of puberty and bone health is essential for a complete health assessment of adolescents with JIA. In these patients, an assessment of the pubertal stage every 6 months from the age of 9 years is recommended. Also, linear growth should be always evaluated considering the patient's bone age. The impact of rhGH therapy in children with JIA is still unclear, but it has been shown that if rhGH is added at high dose in a low-inflammatory condition, post steroids and on biologic therapy, it is able to favor a prepubertal growth acceleration, comparable with the catch-up growth response in GH-deficient patients. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis of puberty and growth disorders in children with JIA, which can help the pediatrician to properly and timely assess the presence of growth and pubertal disorders in JIA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Di Donato
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luciana Breda
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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Vukić V, Smajo A, Vidović M, Vukojević R, Harjaček M, Lamot L. Beyond the guidelines management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a case report of a girl with polyarticular disease refractory to multiple treatment options and Leri Weill syndrome. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:40. [PMID: 33451288 PMCID: PMC7809853 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The last two decades brought new treatment options and high quality guidelines into the paediatric rheumatologic practice. Nevertheless, a number of patients still present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to combination of vague symptoms and unresponsiveness to available treatment modalities. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of sixteen years old girl suffering from polyarticular type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis refractory to multiple treatment options. She first presented at the age of 4 with swelling and contractures of both knees. Her symptoms were initially unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and progressed despite treatment with intraarticular and systemic glucocorticoids and methotrexate. Throughout the years, she received several biologics together with continuous administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs as well as intraarticular and systemic glucocorticoids in disease flares. However, none of this options provided a permanent remission, so various other modalities, as well as other possible diagnoses were constantly being considered. Eventually she became dependent on a daily dose of systemic glucocorticoids. In 2018, the treatment with Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib was initiated, which led to gradual amelioration of musculoskeletal symptoms, improvement of inflammatory markers and overall well-being, as well as to the weaning of systemic glucocorticoids. As the swelling of the wrists subsided for the first time in many years, Madelung's deformity was noticed, first clinically, and later radiographically as well. Genetic analysis revealed short-stature homeobox gene deficiency and confirmed the diagnosis of Leri Weill syndrome. CONCLUSIONS This case report emphasizes the need for reporting refractory, complicated cases from everyday clinical practice in order to build-up the overall knowledge and share experience which is complementary to available guidelines. Individual reports of difficult to treat cases, especially when additional diagnoses are involved, can be helpful for physicians treating patients with common rheumatological diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vana Vukić
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Smajo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mandica Vidović
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rudolf Vukojević
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Harjaček
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovro Lamot
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia.
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