Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome in children and adolescents

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.

What is known about pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity associated with the persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) including lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI).

AREAS COVERED

APS is considered as the most common acquired hypercoagulation state of autoimmune origin in children. Unfortunately, data about incidence, prevalence, thrombosis risk and effective treatment in paediatric APS are limited and unmethodical. Expert commentary: This review summarizes recent clinical, laboratory and therapy characterization of paediatric APS and emphasizes the differences between paediatric and adult populations.

A retrospective review of pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome and thrombosis outcomes

: Pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by vascular thromboses and multisystem involvement associated with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies testing. There is limited literature regarding risk factors for development of thrombosis and long-term thrombotic outcomes in pediatric APS. The objective of our study was to review our institutional experience with pediatric APS and thrombosis outcomes. We conducted a 20-year retrospective review to study the clinical features, management, and long-term outcomes of patients between ages 6 months and 18 years diagnosed with APS. Seventeen patients (7 female; 10 male), with median age at first thrombosis being 15.3 years (range: 0.63-17.98 years) were included. The median follow-up period was 4.3 years (range: 0.8-16.9 years). Venous thrombosis was noted in 11 patients (64.7%) with arterial events occurring in six patients (35.3%). Nine (53%) patients were noted to have primary APS. Recurrent and/or progressive thrombotic events occurred in 10 patients (58.8%), which is higher than reported literature. The median time for recurrence/progression was 1.4 years (range: 0.37-11.85 years). At the time of recurrence/progression, only two (20%) patients were at therapeutic levels of anticoagulation. The high recurrence rate with majority of patients not being on therapeutic levels of anticoagulation at the time of the event along with 60% of recurrent events occurring at least 1 year from first vascular event suggests the possible need for long-term anticoagulation. However, larger pediatric studies are required to assess the need for long-term/indefinite anticoagulation.

Central nervous system lupus: a clinical approach to therapy

Management of central nervous system (CNS) involvement still remains one of the most challenging problems in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The best available evidence for the treatment of CNS lupus is largely based on retrospectiveseries, case reports and expert opinion. Current therapy is empirical and tailored to the individual patient. Symptomatic, immunosuppressiveand anticoagulant therapies are the main strategies for the management of CNS lupus. The choice depends on the most probable underlying pathogenic mechanism and the severity of the presenting neuropsychiatric symptoms. Thrombotic and nonthrombotic CNS disease needs to be differentiated and requires different management strategies. However, this is often challenging since many, if not most CNS manifestations, may be due to a combination of different pathogenic mechanisms and multiple CNS events may occur in the individual patient. Patients with mild manifestations may need symptomatic treatment only, whereas more severe acute nonthrombotic CNS manifestations may require pulse intravenouscyclophosphamide.Plasmapheresismay also be added in patients with more severe illness refractory to conventionaltreatment. Recently, the use of intrathecalmethotrexateand dexamethasone has been reported in a small series of patients, with a good outcome in patients with severe CNS manifestations.Anticoagulationis warranted in patients with thrombotic disease, particularlyin those with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This article reviews the clinical approach to therapy in patients with CNS lupus.

Biomarkers for CNS involvement in pediatric lupus

CNS disease, or central neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus (cNPSLE), occurs frequently in pediatric lupus, leading to significant morbidity and poor long-term outcomes. Diagnosing cNPSLE is especially difficult in pediatrics; many current diagnostic tools are invasive and/or costly, and there are no current accepted screening mechanisms. The most complicated aspect of diagnosis is differentiating primary disease from other etiologies; research to discover new biomarkers is attempting to address this dilemma. With many mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cNPSLE, biomarker profiles across several modalities (molecular, psychometric and neuroimaging) will need to be used. For the care of children with lupus, the challenge will be to develop biomarkers that are accessible by noninvasive measures and reliable in a pediatric population.

Libman-Sacks endocarditis as the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in an adolescent, with a review of the literature

Libman-Sacks endocarditis is rare in children and adolescents, more so as a first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Currently, sterile verrucous lesions of Libman-Sacks endocarditis are recognised as a cardiac manifestation of both systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome. They are clinically silent in a majority of the cases. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with three times higher prevalence of mitral valve nodules and significant mitral regurgitation. We present the case of isolated mitral regurgitation with abnormal looking mitral valve, detected in early childhood, which deteriorated to a severe degree in the next decade and was diagnosed as Libman-Sacks endocarditis after surgical repair from histopathology. The full-blown clinical spectrum of systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibodies was observed several weeks after cardiac surgery. We discuss the atypical course of Libman-Sacks endocarditis with follow-up for 10 years, along with a review of the literature.

Prevalence and clinical significance of anti-ribosomal P antibody in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of the anti-ribosomal P (anti-P) antibodies in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients (cSLE), healthy controls and first degree relatives. To elucidate the association between anti-P and disease activity, laboratory and treatment features in cSLE patients. Methods: We included consecutive SLE patients with disease onset before 16 years. Controls were age- and sex-matched. SLE patients were assessed for clinical and laboratory SLE manifestations, disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)) and current drug exposures. Mood disorders were determined through Becks Depression and Becks Anxiety Inventory. Anti-P measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: We included 50 consecutive cSLE patients (mean age of 16.82 ± 3.46 years), 35 first degree relatives (mean age of 38.73 ± 3.89 years) and 20 health control (mean age of 18.3 ± 4.97 years). Anti-P was observed in 13 (26%) cSLE patients and in no first-degree relative ( p < 0.01) or control ( p < 0.01). Anti-P was more frequently observed in patients with anxiety ( p < 0.002). No other clinical, laboratory or treatment features, including SLEDAI and SDI scores were associated with the presence of anti-P in cSLE patients. Conclusion: Anti-P is frequently observed in cSLE patients and was associated with the presence of anxiety in this cohort of cSLE.

The causes of death in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus over 11 years

We investigated the causes of death and analyzed the prognostic factors in Korean systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We evaluated 1010 patients with SLE who visited Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital from 1997-2007. Changing patterns in the causes of death were analyzed. Survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. The risk factors for death were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The 5-year survival rate was 97.8%. Over the period of the study, 59 deaths were observed. Among 44 patients who died in our hospital, the most common cause of death was infection (37.3%), with SLE-related death as the next most frequent cause (22.0%). In comparison with earlier data, the proportion of SLE-related deaths has fallen and the proportion of infections has risen. SLE-related death was the most frequent cause of early death, while infection was the most common cause of death in the overall population. In univariate analysis, damage related to SLE, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, mean glucocorticoid dose for 1 month before death, intravenous methylprednisolone therapy and cyclophosphamide treatment were associated with death (p < 0.001 each). The late onset of SLE and renal involvement were predictive factors of poor outcome (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for death were irreversible damage related to SLE, cyclophosphamide therapy and mean glucocorticoid dose for 1 month before death. The most common cause of death in Korean SLE patients was infection. The judicious use of immunosuppressive agents may be important to decrease infection and to improve survival in SLE patients.

Galactorrhea associated with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: a review of the role of prolactin

This case report is based on the clinical observation of a patient with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed transient galactorrhea. The subsequent literature review documented an interesting association between prolactin and rheumatic diseases and in particular, hyperprolactinemia and SLE. The discussion that follows the case report explores this relationship and proposes a hypothesis regarding why this patient with juvenile SLE developed galactorrhea.

Role of brain inflammation in epileptogenesis

Inflammation is known to participate in the mediation of a growing number of acute and chronic neurological disorders. Even so, the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and seizure-induced brain damage has only recently been appreciated. Inflammatory processes, including activation of microglia and astrocytes and production of proinflammatory cytokines and related molecules, have been described in human epilepsy patients as well as in experimental models of epilepsy. For many decades, a functional role for brain inflammation has been implied by the effective use of anti-inflammatory treatments, such as steroids, in treating intractable pediatric epilepsy of diverse causes. Conversely, common pediatric infectious or autoimmune diseases are often accompanied by seizures during the course of illness. In addition, genetic susceptibility to inflammation correlated with an increased risk of epilepsy. Mounting evidence thus supports the hypothesis that inflammation may contribute to epileptogenesis and cause neuronal injury in epilepsy. We provide an overview of the current knowledge that implicates brain inflammation as a common predisposing factor in epilepsy, particularly childhood epilepsy.

Clinicopathology of childhood-onset renal systemic lupus erythematosus

AIMS

To determine the clinicolaboratory renal manifestations; glomerular, extra-glomerular histopathologic lesions; renal tubular dysfunction (RTD) frequency and outcome of a short-term renal follow up in Nigerian children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A non-randomized prospective study of consecutive cases of childhood-onset SLE with nephropathy was conducted. Baseline/follow-up clinicolaboratory data were collected. Each patient was followed up for 12 months.

RESULTS

Seven of the 11 children studied were girls. The median age at diagnosis was 11.0 years. Median diagnosis time interval (1.9 years) and median time of renal disease onset (1.0 year) were similar. Hypertension, nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure (ARF) occurred in 45.5%, 54.5% and 63.7% of the patients, respectively. The glomerular lesions were non-proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in 9.0% (class II LN); focal (class III LN) and diffuse (class IV LN) proliferative LN (PLN) in 27.0% and 64.0%, respectively. Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN, 91.0%) and RTD (64.0%) were common. ARF (P = 0.033) and RTD (P = 0.015) were significantly associated with severe TIN. Complete renal remission rate at end-point was 71.4%. Relapse and renal survival rates were 14.3% and 86.0%, respectively. RTD was persistent in 43.0%.

CONCLUSION

Renal function disorders, diffuse PLN and extra-glomerular lesions were frequent. Significant association of ARF and RTD with severe TIN in this series suggests the need for early renal tubular function (RTF) assessment in our SLE patients. Deranged RTF may be marker of severe TIN in SLE warranting early confirmatory renal biopsy and aggressive interventional treatment.

Antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent thrombosis in children

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have addressed antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) among children. Our aims were to analyze the clinical and laboratory manifestations in a pediatric APS cohort and to assess the influence of inherited thrombophilia factors on the outcome of children with APS.

METHODS

This was a multicenter study of children with APS who had no previous systemic autoimmune disease. We retrospectively reviewed their clinical and laboratory data, including hereditary thrombophilic deficits and outcomes.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 28 patients (17 females, mean +/- SD age at onset 10.6 +/- 6.1 years). The most common initial manifestations of APS were venous thrombosis, stroke, and thrombocytopenia. Lupus anticoagulant was detected in 96% of those tested. After a mean +/- SD followup of 5.7 +/- 4.8 years, 16 children (57.1%) had central nervous system disease, 9 exhibited hematologic involvement, and 5 (all females) had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). None had renal, heart, or new skin disease. Seven of 24 patients exhibiting vascular thrombotic events had recurrences. Infants with perinatal stroke had monophasic disease, and other manifestations of APS did not develop later. Hereditary thrombophilia was more common in children who experienced a single episode of APS (8 [53.3%] of 15 patients) than in those who experienced recurrences (2 [28.6%] of 7 patients). However, only 2 patients in the latter group (28.6%) received anticoagulants after the first manifestation, compared with 12 (70.6%) of the 17 patients without recurrences.

CONCLUSION

APS in children has unique features. SLE may develop in a significant percentage of girls presenting with APS. Hereditary thrombophilia did not predict recurrent thrombosis, whereas the preventive impact of anticoagulant treatment following the first thrombotic event was noteworthy.

Pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome

APS is rare in the pediatric age, but it represents an interesting phenomenon because most of the known "second hit" risk factors such as atherosclerosis, smoking, hypertension, contraceptive hormonal treatment, and pregnancy are not present in childhood. This could also be the reason for the prevalence of some clinical manifestations rather than others in PAPS. On the other hand, the increased frequency of infectious processes in the childhood age is likely responsible for the relatively high prevalence of non-pathogenic and transient aPL. Such points raise the problem of a different diagnosis or monitoring approach in pediatric APS. Of particular interest is the special entity of neonatal APS, which represents an in vivo model of acquired autoimmune disease, in which transplacentally acquired aPL cause thrombosis in the newborn. International registries for pediatric and neonatal APS are currently in place; epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory re-search will help to shed light on all the still obscure aspects of this fascinating but rare disorder in the very young. Finally, treatment is less aggressive overall in pediatric APS, given the reluctance to anticoagulate children over the long term. Studies on the outcome of pediatric APS and the relative risks of prolonged anticoagulation in children are necessary to determine the type and duration of anticoagulation therapy.

The role of autoantibodies in pediatric neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric syndromes are prevalent in pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and often manifest early in disease course and with significant associated morbidity. Postulated pathogenic mechanisms of peripheral and central nervous system events include vasculopathy, autoantibody effects and systemic inflammation. The pathogenic roles of anti-phospholipid, anti-ribosomal-P and anti-neuronal autoantibodies have been examined in both focal and diffuse adult neuropsychiatric syndromes. Few studies have probed associations between these autoantibodies and pediatric neuropsychiatric SLE (NP-SLE). Retrospective review of a large ethnically diverse pediatric SLE cohort revealed anti-phospholipid, anti-ribosomal P, and anti-neuronal antibodies to be more prevalent than in many adult studies. Rates of anti-phospholipid and anti-ribosomal P antibody positivity were similar to those of other pediatric reports. Association between anti-neuronal antibodies and NP-SLE events appeared statistically significant in this cohort. Prospective inception cohort studies will need to be undertaken to investigate the significance and utility of autoantibody testing in pediatric NP-SLE.

Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: management issues in primary practice

PURPOSE

To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with an update on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an emphasis on management considerations for primary care practitioners.

DATA SOURCES

An extensive literature review was conducted using both Medline and CINAHL databases. Research articles reflecting the most compelling findings were included in this review.

CONCLUSIONS

NPs who care for children with SLE may be able to prevent or delay the morbidities associated with this disease and its treatments, if they keep abreast of the new information evolving in this realm of rheumatologic diseases.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

As more is learned about pediatric SLE, better treatments have evolved such that the survival rates have increased. The primary care of pediatric SLE patients that is focused on preventing or delaying SLE morbidities may help to restore, maintain, or improve the quality of life for these patients.

Lupus eritematoso sistémico pediátrico

Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) is a chronic mutisystemic autoimmune disease with complex clinical manifestations. Although the presentation, clinical manifestations, immunological findings and treatment issues of pSLE are similar to those of adult SLE patients, there are special issues which need to be considered when dealing with SLE in children. During the last decade survival has improved remarkably as a result of earlier diagnosis, recognition of milder disease and better approaches to therapy. However, pSLE remains a potentially serious condition. Although the pathogenesis of SLE remains poorly understood, susceptibility involves a combination of environmental, hormonal and genetic factors. Better understanding of SLE pathogenesis will hopefully lead to more specific and less toxic therapies for this disease.

Kollagenosen im Kindesalter

Connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of chronic multisystem inflammatory disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), dermato- (DM) and polymyositis (PM), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Patients can present with similar clinical features, particularly during the first onset of symptoms, which frequently makes the diagnosis of a specific disease difficult. The incidence of connective tissue diseases is much lower in children than adults; however, the clinical picture is more variable. Clinical signs, such as fatigue, fever, or weight loss, may precede any systemic organ involvement and in children, mucocutaneous manifestations develop most frequently during the varying disease course. This review summarizes recent information on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, and treatment strategies of the different connective tissue diseases, concentrating on specific problems in childhood.

Long-term survival of southern Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective study of all age-groups

We conducted the current study to determine the clinical determinants of survival and the survival rates in an unselected cohort of Chinese patients with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including all age-groups. Patients were those newly diagnosed as having SLE or referred within 6 months of diagnosis to the departments of medicine, geriatrics, and pediatrics at Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, between 1991 and 2003. Patients under the care of all specialists were included for analysis. We obtained demographic data, presenting and cumulative clinical features, disease activity, and serial damage scores. For patients who died or were lost to follow-up, data were censored at the last clinic visit. Survival over time was studied by the Kaplan-Meier method, and factors predictive of mortality were evaluated by the Cox proportional hazard model. We studied 285 new-onset SLE patients (92% women). All were ethnic Chinese and fulfilled at least 4 of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE. The mean age of SLE onset was 30.0 +/- 13.5 years. Fifty (18%) patients had first onset of SLE before the age of 16 years (childhood onset), and 22 (8%) had disease onset after the age of 50 years (late onset); 213 (75%) patients had disease onset between the ages of 16 and 50 years (adult onset). Twenty-nine (10%) patients died (4 from the childhood-onset group, 6 from the late-onset group, and 19 from the adult-onset group) and 18 (6%) patients were lost to follow-up. The overall 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 92%, 83%, and 80%, respectively. Survival was significantly worse in late-onset patients: 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 66%, 44%, and 44%, respectively; p < 0.0001. Infection was the main cause of death (55%), followed by cardiovascular (17%) and cerebrovascular complications (14%). Unfavorable factors for survival on univariate analysis were increasing age, damage scores at 1 year, and the use of high-dose corticosteroids. Cox regression revealed that damage scores at 1 year and hematologic manifestations were independent predictors of mortality. Long-term survival of Chinese SLE patients is comparable to that reported for white patients in the 1990s. Late-onset SLE patients have the worst prognosis. Early damage predicts mortality.

Damage did not independently influence mortality in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical, laboratory and treatment features associated with death in a childhood-onset SLE population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with childhood-onset SLE followed at the State University of Campinas, Brazil, between 1980 and 2002 were included. Data on clinical and laboratory features of the disease were collected regularly. Logistic regression was used for analyzing association between clinical and laboratory features and death. Kaplan-Meyer tests were used to estimate the survival curves.

RESULTS

Of 61 patients identified, six were lost to follow-up during the first year of disease. The mean follow-up period of the remaining 55 patients was 3.25 years (SD=1.2). Mean SLICC/ACR-DI score was 4.9 (SD=3.4). Death occurred in 12 (21.8%) of 55 patients. Direct causes of death were: infection in six (50%), stroke in four (33.3%), and renal insufficiency in two (16.7%). Five patients (41.7%) died during the first 5 years of disease due to infection. Male gender (p=0.004; OR=9.1; 95% CI=7.6-21.0), infection (p=0.001; OR=4.2; 95% CI=1.6-15.2) and nephritis (p=0.02; OR=2.3; 95% CI=1.3-5.2) were independent factors associated with death in the multivariate analysis. The global survival rate adjusted for duration of disease was 93.9% in the first year of disease, 88.9% in the second year, 80.8% in the fifth year and 48.1% in 20 years of follow-up. When comparing survival curves, male gender, the presence of infection during the course of the disease and the presence of nephritis during follow-up had a worse survival.

CONCLUSION

Male gender, the presence of infection and nephritis were independent risk factors for death in our Brazilian cohort. Damage did not independently influence survival in this study.

Dyslipoproteinemia and premature atherosclerosis in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

While modern treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have resulted in greatly improved long term outcome in children and adults, complications of atherosclerosis have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although children and adolescents with SLE rarely experience adverse cardiovascular events before adulthood, dyslipoproteinemia and early evidence of premature atherosclerosis is present much earlier. Accelerated atherogenesis in SLE is multifactorial, most likely reflecting vascular, immune, and inflammatory changes along with medication effects. The long term complications of cardiovascular disease in childhood lupus present a particularly important target for intervention because of the potential return on investment by significantly lengthening life and improving quality of life over many decades. An ongoing multi-center, randomized, controlled trial, Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE), testing the efficacy of statins in preventing premature atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with SLE will guide future therapeutic intervention.

Update on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the clinical manifestations of SLE in children. Emerging clues on the pathogenesis of the disease based on recent human studies conducted both in children and adults, will also be summarized.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pediatric Rheumatologists caring for children with SLE face many challenges. As the life expectancy of these patients improves, new recognized complications such as accelerated atherosclerosis and hypertension emerge as major causes of morbidity. However, few longitudinal studies describing the long term outcome of these children, including the impact of disease and treatment on their physical and psychological development are available. Few prospective interventional studies have been carried out to assess the efficacy of established and novel treatments in the pediatric population. Recently, basic studies aimed at understanding the immune alterations underlying this disease have been performed in children. These studies indicate an important role for interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in the pathogenesis of this disease and reveal an overall striking homogeneity of leukocyte gene expression profiles in children and adults with SLE. The contribution of novel gene polymorphisms to disease susceptibility and the sequential breakdown of tolerance to nuclear antigens that precedes clinical manifestations in patients with SLE are among the recent studies that are helping us understand the complex SLE puzzle.

SUMMARY

SLE continues to cause significant morbidity in the pediatric age group. A better recognition of the age-specific manifestations and long-term complications of this disease is required to improve its outcome. Understanding its unique pathogenesis will hopefully lead to the development of better, more targeted and less toxic therapies.

Frontal lobe seizures and uveitis associated with acute human parvovirus B19 infection

We report a 5-year-old girl who developed repeated episodes of behavioral alterations shortly after human parvovirus B19 infection and uveitis. Video-electroencephalographic study demonstrated that these brief episodes were frontal lobe seizures. Seizures responded promptly to antiepilepsy medications. Further diagnostic testing did not reveal any rheumatologic disorders. Human parvovirus B19 infections in children are more commonly associated with febrile seizures and meningoencephalitis. Our case demonstrates that, rarely, it may be associated with the development of partial epilepsy.

Pediatric thrombosis

Although thrombosis is less frequent in children than in adults, it represents a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Multiple factors. both genetic and acquired. contribute to the development of thrombosis in chiidren. Thrombosis in a child warrants investigation of potential underlying prothrombotic conditions. The risk of thrombosis in children with heterozygous deficiencies is not clearly defined, but it appears that children who are heterozygous for more than one risk factor or who have a combination of inherited and acquired defects are at higher risk for thrombosis. Treatment of thrombosis primarily involves a rapidly acting anticoaguiant such as heparin or LMWH to prevent extension, and long-term anticoagulation with warfarin may be instituted to prevent recurrence. Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator also appears to be safe and effective in children. Prospective and multicenter studies are still needed to clarify the contribution of specific prothrombotic disorders to childhood TE so that evidence-based treatment recommendations can be made.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in pediatrics

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome has been associated with vascular thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, livedo reticularis, neurologic disorders, and recurrent fetal loss. The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome is given in the presence of an elevated anticardiolipin antibody lupus anticoagulant in addition to a thrombotic event. Antiphospholipid antibodies are responsible for a majority of thrombotic events in children. These antibodies can present as a primary syndrome or secondary to other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Anticoagulation therapy with heparin and low-dose aspirin is the recommended treatment in pediatric patients.