Juvenile spondyloarthritis

Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism juvenile idiopathic arthritis recommendations for enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis

The objective of this study is to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) in the African context. The recommendations for ERA and JPsA were combined into a single document. The steering committee and task force identified 15 key questions and formulated 35 research questions. A comprehensive literature review, utilizing Medline and a manual search for African local data, was conducted to gather evidence. Following this synthesis, the task force developed draft recommendations and engaged in a Delphi process with an expert panel, including 17 African and three international experts, to reach a consensus and ensure alignment with global standards. The final recommendations were assigned a level of evidence and subsequently approved by the task force members, the expert panel, and the PAFLAR Board. Fifteen recommendations on the diagnosis and management of ERA and JPsA were developed, covering the role of the pediatric rheumatologist in multiple aspects of disease management, including diagnosis, monitoring of disease and extra-articular manifestations, determining treatment strategies, and guiding interventions. The level of evidence supporting these recommendations was variable, leading to the identification of a research agenda to address African particularities and answer pending questions. The final recommendations achieved a high level of agreement, with consensus ranging from 90 to 100%. These recommendations represent an important achievement for pediatric rheumatology in Africa, being the first of their kind, tailored specifically to the region. Developed through a rigorous methodology and collaboration between international and African experts, they aim to standardize care and address the unique challenges faced in African setting.

Association of Infant Breastfeeding and Juvenile Spondyloarthritis: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

Given the multifactorial pathogenesis of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA) and evidence of a protective effect in phenotypically similar diseases, we aimed to test whether breastfeeding is associated with the development and disease activity of JSpA.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective case-control study included children with JSpA and age- and sex-matched controls with a 1:1 ratio. Univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression modeling for matched pairs was used to test the association of infant factors with the development of JSpA, including infant nutrition and form of delivery. Linear regression was used to assess the association of JSpA disease activity (JSpA Disease Activity Index with 6 elements [JSpADA6]) at presentation with breastfeeding exposure, form of delivery, and antibiotic exposure.

RESULTS

For the 195 case-control matched pairs, the mean age was 13.0 years and 47.7% were female. For breastfeeding, 88.7% of controls and 69.2% of JSpA cases were exposed to breastfeeding of any duration, respectively (P < 0.001). In the multivariable model, exclusive breastfeeding > 6 months was independently and significantly associated with a lower chance of JSpA development (odds ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.72; P < 0.001). The median JSpADA6 was not significantly associated with breastfeeding for > 6 months. However, vaginal delivery was significantly associated with a lower JSpADA6 (B = -0.65, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.17; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that infant factors that affect the microbiome may be associated with the occurrence and disease activity of JSpA at presentation.

Does sacroiliitis is a mandatory criterion for enthesitis-related arthritis diagnosis?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity and specificity seem to be less studied in enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). We aimed to determine the ability of sacroiliac MRI to diagnose ERA patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study including 44 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Each patient had a sacroiliac joint MRI. We divided patients into two groups: G1 patients with ERA and G2 patients with non-ERA subtype.

RESULTS

ERA was noted in 61% of the cases. Sacroiliac joints were painful in 15 patients (34%). MRI was normal in 25 patients (57%) (G1:11 versus G2:14) and showed bone marrow edema in the sacroiliac joints in 19 patients (34%) (G1=16 versus G2=3, p=0.005). Sacroiliac joints MRI's sensitivity and specificity in the ERA diagnosis were 61.54% and 82.35%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 84.21% and 58.33%, respectively. Furthermore, sacroiliac joint pain in the clinical examination was able to predict sacroiliac bone edema in MRI with an odds ratio of 6.8 (95% CI 1.68-28.09; p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that sacroiliac joint MRI has good specificity and positive predictive value in the diagnosis of ERA patients among JIA patients. This underlines the usefulness of sacroiliac joint MRI in the early diagnosis of ERA patients.

Seronegative spondyloarthropathy-associated inflammatory bowel disease

Seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA) usually starts in the third decade of life with negative rheumatoid factor, human leukocyte antigen-B27 genetic marker and clinical features of spinal and peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis and extra-articular manifestations (EAMs). Cases can be classified as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, or juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis. Joint and gut inflammation is intricately linked in SpA and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with shared genetic and immunopathogenic mechanisms. IBD is a common EAM in SpA patients, while extraintestinal manifestations in IBD patients mostly affect the joints. Although individual protocols are available for the management of each disease, the standard therapeutic guidelines of SpA-associated IBD patients remain to be established. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended as initial therapy of peripheral and axial SpA, whereas their use is controversial in IBD due to associated disease flares. Conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are beneficial for peripheral arthritis but ineffective for axial SpA or IBD therapy. Anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibodies are effective medications with indicated use in SpA and IBD, and a drug of choice for treating SpA-associated IBD. Janus kinase inhibitors, approved for treating SpA and ulcerative colitis, are promising therapeutics in SpA coexistent with ulcerative colitis. A tight collaboration between gastroenterologists and rheumatologists with mutual referral from early accurate diagnosis to appropriately prompt therapy is required in this complex clinical scenario.

Enthesitis-related arthritis: monitoring and specific tools

OBJECTIVES

In this article, the authors aimed to review the different tools used in the monitoring of enthesitis-related arthritis.

SOURCES

The authors performed a literature review on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The dataset included the original research and the reviews including patients with enthesitis-related arthritis or juvenile spondylarthritis up to October 2020.

SUMMARY OF FINDING

Enthesitis-related arthritis is a category of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is characterized by the presence of enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, as well as axial involvement. The only validated tool for disease activity measurement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the Disease Activity Score: It has proven its reliability and sensitivity. Nevertheless, due to an absence of validated evaluation tools, the extent of functional impairment, as well as the children and parents' perception of the disease, could not be objectively perceived. Despite the great progress in the field of imaging modalities, the role they play in the evaluation of disease activity is still controversial. This is partially due to the lack of validated scoring systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Further work is still required to standardize the monitoring strategy and validate the outcome measures in enthesitis-related arthritis.

B Cells on the Stage of Inflammation in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Leading or Supporting Actors in Disease Pathogenesis?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a term that collectively refers to a group of chronic childhood arthritides, which together constitute the most common rheumatic condition in children. The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria define seven categories of JIA: oligoarticular, polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF) negative (RF-), polyarticular RF positive (RF+), systemic, enthesitis-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and undifferentiated arthritis. The ILAR classification includes persistent and extended oligoarthritis as subcategories of oligoarticular JIA, but not as distinct categories. JIA is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process affecting the synovia that begins before the age of 16 and persists at least 6 weeks. If not treated, JIA can cause significant disability and loss of quality of life. Treatment of JIA is adjusted according to the severity of the disease as combinations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), synthetic and/ or biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Although the disease etiology is unknown, disturbances in innate and adaptive immune responses have been implicated in JIA development. B cells may have important roles in JIA pathogenesis through autoantibody production, antigen presentation, cytokine release and/ or T cell activation. The study of B cells has not been extensively explored in JIA, but evidence from the literature suggests that B cells might have indeed a relevant role in JIA pathophysiology. The detection of autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), RF and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in JIA patients supports a breakdown in B cell tolerance. Furthermore, alterations in B cell subpopulations have been documented in peripheral blood and synovial fluid from JIA patients. In fact, altered B cell homeostasis, B cell differentiation and B cell hyperactivity have been described in JIA. Of note, B cell depletion therapy with rituximab has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in children with JIA, which further supports B cell intervention in disease development.

Update on Juvenile Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a blanket term encompassing entities such as enthesitis-related arthritis, nonradiographic axial SpA, and ankylosing spondylitis. These diseases share many clinical features, including a predilection for inflammation of the entheses and the sacroiliac joints. The nomenclature is based on the evolution of the classification of the disease and the age of the patient. SpA has a prevalence of approximately 1% of the population of the United States, with 10% to 20% of patients experiencing the onset during childhood. Children with onset of arthritis before age 16 years are classified as having juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Children with enthesitis and/or sacroiliitis are further classified as belonging to the enthesitis-related arthritis subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The initial manifestations can be subtle and will usually include a peripheral pattern of arthritis and enthesitis. It may take several years for axial disease to develop in children. Except for an association with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B27) serotype, there are no laboratory markers for the disease, and the radiographic findings are often negative. A careful clinical evaluation for evidence of inflammation in the entheses and the joints and a search for comorbidities are required. Magnetic resonance imaging facilitates the early detection of sacroiliitis, an important feature that may be clinically silent. Because recent studies indicate that earlier introduction of therapy can help achieve better outcomes, rapid identification and treatment of children with SpA is essential.

Immunopathophysiology of Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (jSpA): The "Out of the Box" View on Epigenetics, Neuroendocrine Pathways and Role of the Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF)

Juvenile spondyloarthritis (jSpA) is a an umbrella term for heterogeneous group of related seronegative inflammatory disorders sharing common symptoms. Although it mainly affects children and adolescents, it often remains active during adulthood. Genetic and environmental factors are involved in its occurrence, although the exact underlying immunopathophysiology remains incompletely elucidated. Accumulated evidence suggests that, in affected patients, subclinical gut inflammation caused by intestinal dysbiosis, is pivotal to the future development of synovial-entheseal complex inflammation. While the predominant role of IL17/23 axis, TNF-α, and IL-7 in the pathophysiology of SpA, including jSpA, is firmly established, the role of the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is generally overlooked. The purpose of this review is to discuss and emphasize the role of epigenetics, neuroendocrine pathways and the hypothalamic-pituitary (HPA) axis, and to propose a novel hypothesis of the role of decreased NLRP3 gene expression and possibly MIF in the early phases of jSpA development. The decreased NLRP3 gene expression in the latter, due to hypomethylation of promotor site, is (one of) the cause for inflammasome malfunction leading to gut dysbiosis observed in patients with early jSpA. In addition, we highlight the role of MIF in the complex innate, adaptive cellular and main effector cytokine network, Finally, since treatment of advanced bone pathology in SpA remains an unmet clinical need, I suggest possible new drug targets with the aim to ultimately improve treatment efficacy and long-term outcome of jSpA patients.

Different Chronic Disorders That Fall within the Term Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represents a significant challenge for pediatricians who intend to diagnose and treat this pathology. The classification criteria for JIA subtypes are rigid and often do not fully satisfy the possibilities of classification in the subtype. The objective of this study was to identify clearer criteria for classifying JIA subtypes. The 2019 expert committee meeting (PRINTO) shows the difficulties of this classification and proposes new research directions for the identification of disease subtypes. Four different chronic disorders are used to define JIA in a concise and easy to follow classification system. However, dates from the literature suggest that at least 10% of cases are still difficult to classify. Possibly in the future, different classifications of JIA based on pathophysiological and genetic criteria would be necessary.

Epidemiology of pediatric uveitis and associated systemic diseases

BACKGROUND

The early detection of uveitis associated with systemic inflammatory disease in children is important for proper treatment and prognosis. However, the diagnosis may be delayed because of difficulties in childhood examinations and early minor systemic symptoms. The objective of our study was to identify the pattern of childhood uveitis and investigate the frequency and clinical features of rheumatic diseases in pediatric patients with uveitis.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study reviewed the medical records of children (age ≤ 18 years) with uveitis at a Korean tertiary hospital between January 2005 and December 2018. Data collected included the age at onset of uveitis, sex, anatomic location of ocular inflammation, comorbid disease (including systemic inflammatory disease), ocular complications, relevant laboratory data, and treatment. Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 155 pediatric patients with uveitis were included in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 13.0 years (interquartile range, 9.5-16.0 years). The male-to-female ratio was 1.09. The process was unilateral in 51.6% of children. Anterior uveitis, panuveitis, intermediate uveitis, and posterior uveitis represented 51.6, 26.5, 6.5, and 1.9% of the cases, respectively. Idiopathic uveitis (65.2%) was the most frequent type of uveitis. Systemic rheumatic disease associations were responsible for 28.4% of the cases, among which juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most frequent cause (14.8%). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive rates were significantly higher in patients with JIA than in those with idiopathic uveitis (p = 0.006 and p = 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-third of children with uveitis in Korea have a systemic rheumatic disease, of which JIA accounts for the majority of cases. HLA-B27 and ANA can serve as risk factors for JIA-associated uveitis.

A 2-year longitudinal study of bone health in adolescent patients with axial spondyloarthritis

PURPOSE

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton and typically has an early onset. Although earlier onset is associated with worse prognosis, there have been few studies of bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescent patients with axSpA.

METHODS

We analysed the clinical characteristics of 43 adolescent patients with axSpA at a baseline assessment and at a follow-up 2 years later. The baseline assessment included age, disease duration, treatment agents, and clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data. BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during both the baseline assessment and the 2-year follow-up. We performed multivariate linear regression analyses to identify factors independently associated with BMD. We analysed the associations between changes in BMD and reductions in inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

The average age of participants was 17.9 years and the mean disease duration was 2.2 years. Of the 43 patients, 10 (23%) had low BMD at any site (lumbar spine, femoral neck, and/or total hip). At baseline, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and spinal structural damage were associated with lumbar spine Z-scores. Increases in BMD in the lumbar spine were correlated with reductions in ESR (r = 0.40, P = 0.02) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.40, P = 0.02). Increases in BMD in the total hip were correlated with reductions in CRP (r = 0.38, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In adolescent axSpA patients, bone health was associated with systemic inflammation and the severity of structural damage. Reduced systemic inflammation was associated with improvements in bone health.

Do geography and ethnicity play a role in juvenile Spondyloarthritis? A multi-center binational retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Observations among Israeli pediatric rheumatologists reveal that pediatric Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (JSpA) may present differently compared to patients from the United States (US). This study is aimed to compare the demographic and clinical variables of Israeli and US JSpA patients upon presentation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter comparison of JSpA patients among 3 large Israeli pediatric rheumatology centers and a large US pediatric rheumatology center. Patients with diagnosis of Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis (JAS) and/or Enthesitis-related Arthritis (ERA) were included. The demographic, clinical and radiologic features were compared.

RESULTS

Overall 87 patients were included (39 Israeli, 48 US patients). Upon presentation, inflammatory back pain, sacroiliac joint tenderness and abnormal modified Schober test, were significantly more prevalent among Israeli patients (59% vs. 35.4, 48.7% vs. 16.7, and 41.2% vs. 21.5%, respectively, all p < 0.05), whereas peripheral arthritis and enthesitis were significantly more prevalent among US patients (43.6% vs. 91.7 and 7.7% vs. 39.6% in Israeli patients vs. US patients, p < 0.05). In addition, 96.7% of the Israeli patients versus 29.7% of the US patients demonstrated sacroiliitis on MRI (p < 0.001, N = 67). Less than one-third of the Israeli patients (32%) were HLA-B27 positive vs. 66.7% of US patients (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Israeli children with JSpA presented almost exclusively with axial disease compared to US patients who were more likely to present with peripheral symptoms. HLA B27 prevalence was significantly lower in the Israeli cohort compared to the US cohort. Further studies are needed to unravel the genetic and possibly environmental factors associated with these findings.

Incorporating joint pain screening into the pediatric dermatologic examination

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Joint manifestations are a feature of many pediatric skin disorders, among them psoriasis, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, hypermobility disorders, and as an adverse effect of certain medications. Identifying joint disease early is important for intervention and prevention of chronic damage. However, pediatric musculoskeletal complaints are common and determining whether symptoms warrant a rheumatology referral for arthritis can be challenging.

METHODS

Pediatric dermatologists were surveyed for their comfort in screening for joint disease. Through literature review and interviews with three pediatric rheumatologists, key joints involved in disorders with skin manifestations and arthritis were identified and the essential evaluations were determined.

RESULTS

Of 100 surveyed practicing board-certified pediatric dermatologists, 79% did not feel confident in their ability to perform a joint-focused physical examination, a key step in screening for joint disease. A rapid joint examination technique (R-JET) was developed, along with an accompanying three-question survey and body diagram for patient self-report of symptoms. A video demonstration of the R-JET was created as a teaching tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Teaching and incorporation of a rapid screening examination for arthritis by pediatric dermatologists has the potential to identify pediatric arthritis earlier, facilitate referral, and reduce the risk of progressive joint disease. These instruments can easily be incorporated into a pediatric dermatology office visit.

Determinants of disease activity change over time in Enthesitis related arthritis: effect of structured outcome monitoring and clinical decision support

BACKGROUND

We aimed to test if standardized point-of-care outcome monitoring and clinical decision support (CDS), as compared to standard care, improves disease activity and patient-reported pain in children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of outcomes of children with ERA after phased implementation of I) standardized outcome monitoring with CDS for polyarticular JIA, and II) CDS for ERA, compared to a pre-intervention group of historical controls. We used multivariable mixed-effects models for repeated measures to test whether implementation phase or other disease characteristics were associated with change over time in disease activity, as measured by the clinical juvenile arthritis disease activity score (cJADAS), and pain.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-two ERA patients (41% incident cases) were included with a median age of 14.9 years. Implementation of standardized outcome monitoring or ERA-specific CDS did not result in significant differences in cJADAS or pain over time compared to the pre-intervention cohort. Higher cJADAS at the index visit, pain and more tender entheses were significantly associated with higher cJADAS scores over time (all p < 0.01), while biologic use was associated with lower cJADAS (p = 0.02). Regardless of intervention period, incident ERA cases had a greater rate of cJADAS improvement over time compared to prevalent cases (p < 0.01), but pain persisted over time among both incident and prevalent cases.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant effect of point-of-care outcome monitoring or CDS interventions on disease activity or pain over time in children with ERA in this single center study. Future efforts to improve disease outcomes using standardized outcome monitoring and CDS will need to consider the importance of addressing pain as a target in addition to spondyloarthritis-specific disease activity metrics.

Management of juvenile spondyloarthropathy through Ayurveda:- a case report

Juvenile Spondyloarthropathies are the inflammatory arthritis before the age of 16 years and are characterized by the involvement of both synovium and enthesis leading to spinal and oligoarticular peripheral arthritis, principally in genetically predisposed (HLA-B27) individuals. These arthropathies are having poorer chance of remission with conventional treatment in comparison to other juvenile arthritis; with less than 20% going into remission within five years of diagnosis. This paper is a retrospective observational study of this condition in one patient receiving Ayurvedic treatment in Paediatric Unit of Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan. A 15 years adolescent boy with the complaints of inability to stand and walk due to pain and swelling in large joints of body; was carried to Balroga OPD by parents. On the basis of history, physical examination and investigations, the condition is diagnosed Aamavata as per ayurvedic approach and juvenile spondyloarthropathy as per modern medical science. This case is managed on the principle of treatment of Aamavata with administration of Ajamodadi churnam and Mishreya ark as deepana-pachana drugs followed by administration of Simhnad Guggulu and Lakshadi Guggulu with Maharasnadi kashayam and Dashmoolaristam for 3 months. Rheumayoga gold was also given from 4th week onward for 3 months. Panchkarma in the form of Baluka swedana and Kshara basti was also administered for 2 weeks after one month of oral medication. This treatment results in complete remission of all the signs and symptoms including pain and swelling of joints. The case is followed up for next three years without any relapse or progression in the disease. The case study infers that early intervention of Ayurvedic treatment in juvenile spondyloarthropathies may result in complete remission as well as may prevent progression of the disease. The case study provides a good hope for the management of this ailment as well as new ray for research.

Is axial magnetic resonance imaging useful in early juvenile spondyloarthritis-preliminary report

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for evaluation of changes in juvenile spondyloarthropathies (JSpA). To our knowledge, there is no previous prospective study analysing early changes on axial MRI. The objective is to investigate incidence of reparable changes on axial MRI in patients with established JSpA, lasting for less than 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pilot study included 27 patients with confirmed diagnosis of JSpA examined within 2 years. Prior to imaging, basic demographic and laboratory data and HLA-B27 were collected. Patients filled out a visual analogue scale for pain and a childhood health assessment questionnaire. A paediatric rheumatologist and a paediatric physiatrist examined patients and measured indices of flexion, extension and sagittal flexibility. Contrast-enhanced axial MRI examination and cervical x-ray were performed. Three experienced paediatric radiologists independently reviewed x-ray and MRI images of all patients.

RESULTS

There was no significant correlation between early changes detected on MRI and other parameters. The study revealed early changes of the cervical spine to be the most common finding. More patients had positive cervical MRI than positive sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI. Cervical x-ray and MRI were equally useful for diagnosis regardless of other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Study showed new information on axial involvement, striking cervical spine as the most involved part. The biggest study limitation is the small number of patients. Establishing early JSpA diagnosis is of utmost importance, especially in the light of novel therapy introduced in every day practice. It seems that cervical spine involvement is more represented than previously described in literature, especially in comparison with SIJ. Key Points • Contrast-enhanced MRI is considered the gold standard for detection early changes in JSpA. • Standardization of diagnostic criteria and better classification of changes using the unique scoring system for children are necessary. • It seems that cervical spine involvement is more represented than previously described in the literature, especially in comparison with SIJ involvement.

Identification of genes and signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of juvenile spondyloarthritis

The aim of the present study was to identify key genes and signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSA). The gene expression profile dataset GSE58667, including data from 15 human whole blood samples collected from 11 patients with JSA and four healthy controls, was analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with disease characteristics. Additionally, Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Protein‑protein, microRNA‑transcription factor and chemical‑gene interaction networks were constructed. A total of 326 DEGs, 196 upregulated and 130 downregulated, were identified. DEGs, including C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), BCL2 interacting protein 3 like (BNIP3L), dual specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) and tumor protein p53 (TP53) were enriched in functions associated with apoptosis, the cell cycle and immune responses. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that pathways associated with inflammation and the mitogen‑activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK) signaling pathway were the most enriched by DEGs. The results of the present study indicated that the MAPK signaling pathway and four genes, including CXCL5, BNIP3L, DUSP5 and TP53, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of JSA.

Aortic, carotid intima-media thickness and flow- mediated dilation as markers of early atherosclerosis in a cohort of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

The aims of this study were to identify the presence of endothelial dysfunction as a marker of early atherosclerosis by measuring aortic and carotid intimal-medial thickness (aIMT and cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and their correlation with traditional and no traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in children with rheumatic diseases. Thirty-nine patients (mean age 15.3 ± 5.7 years), 23 juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 9 juvenile spondyloarthropathies, 7 connective tissue diseases (mean disease duration and onset respectively 5 ± 3.6 and 10 ± 5 years), and 52 healthy children matched for sex and age were enrolled. Demographic data (age, sex, familiarity for cardiovascular disease), traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis (BMI, active and passive smoking, dyslipidemia), activity disease indexes (reactive count protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) autoantibodies, and complement tests were collected. aIMT, cIMT, and FMD were assessed following a standardized protocol by high-resolution ultrasonography. Patients resulted significantly more exposed to passive smoking and had a lower BMI and higher homocysteine level than controls. cIMT and aIMT were significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.001) and correlated with age at diagnosis (p < 0.001 r 0.516 and 0.706, respectively) but not with mean disease duration. FMD % was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Subclinical atherosclerosis occurs in pediatric rheumatic diseases, mainly in early onset forms, and aIMT is an earlier marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. Premature endothelial dysfunction could be included in the follow-up of children with rheumatic disorders to plan prevention strategies of cardiovascular disease already in pediatrics.

The performance of classification criteria for juvenile spondyloarthropathies

Juvenile spondyloarthropathies (JSpA) are a group of rheumatologic diseases with a disease onset before 16; characterized with enthesitis, lower extremity oligoarthritis, involvement of the axial skeleton and HLA B27 positivity. The diversity of classification criteria along with the phenotype heterogeneity makes the classification of JSpA challenging. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the pre-determined and recently proposed classification criteria for JSpA. The study group consisted of 113 patients with JSpA and 150 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Eligible criteria for JSpA were applied to all of the enrolled patients. The analysis of sensitivity, specificity and the kappa index were used to verify the performance of the JSpA criteria. The Amor criteria showed the highest sensitivity (98.2%) while the ASAS criteria for the axial SpA had highest specificity (100%). The sensitivity and specificity of the remaining criteria were: 93.8 and 63.8% for ESSG, 95.6 and 62.7% for Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 91.2 and 75.3% for ASAS criteria for peripheral SpA, respectively. Criteria proposed by our group showed the high sensitivity, specificity and kappa value: 90.3, 90.7, 0.843%, respectively. We suggest that criteria proposed by us could be used in the classification of JSpA. However, neither the pre-determined nor the new criteria are totally adequate and efficacious for the classification and diagnosis of this disease. The evaluation of the validity and reliability of proposed criteria in multicentric studies are mandatory, to increase its utility in routine clinical practice.

Update on enthesitis-related arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides a detailed update regarding the genetics, pathogenesis, disease phenotype evaluation, therapies and expected outcomes for children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies evaluated human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 subtypes and non-major histocompatibility complex genes including toll like receptor 4, NLRP3, CXCR4 and PTPN12 in children with ERA. The microbiome and γδ-T cells have also been an area of active investigation. Several studies focus on the imaging phenotype of children with ERA, including the use of ultrasonography and MRI. MRI techniques studied in this population include dedicated MRI, whole-body MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging. Conventional and biologic disease-modifying agents continue to be the mainstay of therapy, though the past 2 years have witnessed several greatly needed randomized controlled trials to study the efficacy of these medications in ERA. Finally, long-term effectiveness studies of biologics in children with ERA have helped inform provider and patient expectations of disease response and prognosis.

SUMMARY

Further evaluation of the role of the microbiome and the interleukin 17/interleukin 23 axis, techniques to optimize evaluation of disease features, and efficacy and effectiveness of newer medications are greatly needed in this understudied population of children.

Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Clinical Guide

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of childhood. The outcome in patients with JIA has markedly improved with the advent of biologic drugs. Although early aggressive therapy with biologics seems to be very effective, this approach leads to overtreatment in patients who would respond to classic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Therefore, methotrexate remains first-line long-term therapy for most children with polyarticular JIA. Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors have shown tremendous benefit in children with refractory non-systemic JIA. Similar effects have been observed with interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 blockade in patients with systemic JIA. Correct choice and timely use of available medications to achieve early and sustained remission with as few side effects as possible remain challenges for the treating physician. In this review, a practical, clinically oriented guide to the management of JIA is provided, focusing on pharmacological treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular and systemic corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and biologic agents. In addition, issues regarding treatment failure, early aggressive treatment, and drug tapering are discussed, with alternative treatment options being suggested.

Alteration of Fecal Microbiota Profiles in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Associations with HLA-B27 Allele and Disease Status

Alteration of gut microbiota is involved in several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, and gut microbial “pro-arthritogenic” profiles have been hypothesized. Intestinal inflammation may be involved in spondyloarthropathies and in a subset of patients affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), the most common chronic rheumatic disease of childhood. We compared the fecal microbiota composition of JIA patients with healthy subjects (HS), evaluating differences in microbial profiles between sub-categories of JIA, such as enthesitis-related arthritis (JIA-ERA), in which inflammation of entheses occurs, and polyarticular JIA, non-enthesitis related arthritis (JIA-nERA). Through taxon-level analysis, we discovered alteration of fecal microbiota components that could be involved in subclinical gut inflammation, and promotion of joint inflammation. We observed abundance in Ruminococcaceae in both JIA categories, reduction in Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae in JIA-ERA, and increase in Veillonellaceae in JIA-nERA, respectively, compared with HS. Among the more relevant genera, we found an increase in Clostridium cluster XIVb, involved in colitis and arthritis, in JIA-ERA patients compared with HS, and a trend of decrease in Faecalibacterium, known for anti-inflammatory properties, in JIA-nERA compared with JIA-ERA and HS. Differential abundant taxa identified JIA patients for the HLA-B27 allele, including Bilophila, Clostridium cluster XIVb, Oscillibacter, and Parvimonas. Prediction analysis of metabolic functions showed that JIA-ERA metagenome was differentially enriched in bacterial functions related to cell motility and chemotaxis, suggesting selection of potential virulence traits. We also discovered differential microbial profiles and intra-group variability among active disease and remission, suggesting instability of microbial ecosystem in autoimmune diseases with respect to healthy status. Similarly to other chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, different microbial profiles, as observed among different JIA subgroups compared to HS, and potential functional acquisition related to migration, could promote inflammation and contribute to the disease pathogenesis.