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

Single-cell analysis with childhood and adult systemic lupus erythematosus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a heterogeneous and chronic autoimmune disease, exhibit unique changes in the complex composition and transcriptional signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). While the mechanism of pathogenesis for both childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) and adult-onset SLE (aSLE) remains unclear, cSLE patients are considered more unpredictable and dangerous than aSLE patients. In this study, we analysed single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNA-seq) to profile the PBMC clusters of cSLE/aSLE patients and matched healthy donors and compared the PBMC composition and transcriptional variations between the two groups. Our analysis revealed that the PBMC composition and transcriptional variations in cSLE patients were similar to those in aSLE patients. Comparative single-cell transcriptome analysis between healthy donors and SLE patients revealed IFITM3, ISG15, IFI16 and LY6E as potential therapeutic targets for both aSLE and cSLE patients. Additionally, we observed that the percentage of pre-B cells (CD34-) was increased in cSLE patients, while the percentage of neutrophil cells was upregulated in aSLE patients. Notably, we found decreased expression of TPM2 in cSLE patients, and similarly, TMEM150B, IQSEC2, CHN2, LRP8 and USP46 were significantly downregulated in neutrophil cells from aSLE patients. Overall, our study highlights the differences in complex PBMC composition and transcriptional profiles between cSLE and aSLE patients, providing potential biomarkers that could aid in diagnosing SLE.

Persisting mortality gap in systemic lupus erythematosus; a population-based study on juvenile- and adult-onset SLE in Norway 1999-2022

OBJECTIVE

To estimate mortality and survival rates of SLE in a contemporary, population-based setting and assess potential influences by time, sex, ethnicity, classification criteria and age at diagnosis.

METHODS

We assessed mortality and survival in the Nor-SLE cohort, which includes all chart review-confirmed SLE cases resident in Southeast Norway (population 2.9 million) 1999-2017. Study end was at death, emigration or 1 October 2022. We defined juvenile SLE by age <16 years at diagnosis. For standardized mortality rate (SMR) estimates, we applied 15 population controls per case, all matched for age, sex, residency and ethnicity. We analysed survival by Kaplan-Meier and risk factors by Cox regression.

RESULTS

The Nor-SLE cohort included 1558 SLE cases, of whom 749 were incident and met the 2019 EULAR and ACR (2019-EA) classification criteria. SMR was increased to 1.8 (95% CI 1.6-2.2) in incident adult-onset SLE but did not differ between females and males. Survival rates at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were lower in incident adult-onset SLE than in matched controls. In multivariable analysis, LN associated with decreased survival, while sex did not. Separate, long-term mortality analyses in the total Nor-SLE cohort showed that SMR peaked at 7.2 (95% CI 3.3-14) in juvenile-onset SLE (n = 93) and fell gradually by increasing age at SLE diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

This study shows persistence of a mortality gap between adult-onset SLE and controls at population level and provides indications of worryingly high mortality in juvenile-onset SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia: addressing disparities and barriers to optimising patient care

The first inhabitants of Australia and the traditional owners of Australian lands are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are two to four times more likely to have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than the general Australian population. Phenotypically, SLE appears distinctive in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and its severity is substantially increased, with mortality rates up to six times higher than in the general Australian population with SLE. In particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with SLE have increased prevalence of lupus nephritis and increased rates of progression to end-stage kidney disease. The reasons for the increased prevalence and severity of SLE in this population are unclear, but socioeconomic, environmental, and biological factors are all likely to be implicated, although there are no published studies investigating these factors in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with SLE specifically, indicating an important knowledge gap. In this Review, we summarise the data on the incidence, prevalence, and clinical and biological findings relating to SLE in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and explore potential factors contributing to its increased prevalence and severity in this population. Importantly, we identify health disparities and deficiencies in health-care provision that limit optimal care and outcomes for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with SLE and highlight potentially addressable goals to improve outcomes.

Enrolment of the first paediatric cohort into the Australian lupus registry and biobank: A single-centre experience

INTRODUCTION

We aim to report on the feasibility of establishment of the first paediatric cohort as part of the longitudinal database of the Australian Lupus Registry and Biobank (ALRB) and to describe the enrolment data with a focus on clinical characteristics, serological data, treatment strategies and patient/parent-reported outcome measures.

METHODS

All patients under the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) attending the paediatric rheumatology service of a single, tertiary hospital were identified. Patients were enrolled in the ALRB if they met ≥4/11 of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 SLE classification criteria or the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 classification criteria. Enrolment data including demographics, clinical characteristics, serological profiles, disease activity and damage assessments were recorded. Peds-QL Rheumatology and General Modules were used to assess patient and parent-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were eligible for inclusion, with 26 patients (96%) consenting for enrolment. Twenty-five patients (92%) consented for biobanking. Twenty patients (77%) were female. The median age at enrolment was 16 years (interquartile range (IQR) 13.7, 17.4). The median disease duration from diagnosis was 3.2 years (IQR 1.4, 5.3). Sixteen patients (62%) had synovitis, 16 (62%) had cutaneous involvement, 4 (15%) had serositis, 17 (65%) had haematological involvement and 7 (27%) had renal involvement at enrolment. Nineteen patients (73%) were prescribed at least two disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs). Hydroxychloroquine (n = 22, 85%) and mycophenolate mofetil (n = 9, 35%) were the most commonly prescribed DMARDs. The median SLEDAI-2K score was 2 (IQR 2, 4). Six patients (23%) had active disease (SLEDAI-2K ≥6) at enrolment. Three patients (11.5%) had reported damage using the SLICC/ACR Damage Index. Twenty-three children (88%) and eighteen parents (69%) completed the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Quality of life scores reported across domains of physical, emotional, social and school functioning at enrolment were comparable to previously studied paediatric cohorts with SLE and other chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

We have established our centre as the first paediatric participating site of the ALRB, providing contemporary data on the clinical characteristics, serological profile and health-related quality of life outcomes of Australian children with SLE. Paediatric involvement with this national registry will provide a unique perspective for future clinical and scientific research. Collection of Australian-specific paediatric longitudinal data will also enable a broader understanding of SLE within a multicultural Australian population.

Transition to Adult Rheumatology Care: A Disease-Specific Guide

ABSTRACT

Young adults with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases are more frequently establishing and continuing care with adult rheumatologists. The transfer of care can be challenging for both the young adult patients and their adult rheumatologists, in large part due to differences between pediatric-onset rheumatic diseases and their adult-onset counterparts, or due to the rarity of some pediatric-onset rheumatic conditions. Other challenges are due to cultural differences between pediatric and adult medical care and to the young adult needing to increasingly perform self-management skills that were previously managed by parents or other caregivers. In this review, we will provide a summary of strategies for working effectively with young adults as they transition to adult care. We will then discuss a subset of childhood-onset rheumatic diseases-including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, localized scleroderma, autoinflammatory diseases, pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile-onset dermatomyositis, and autoimmune encephalitis-for which clinical manifestations, management, and prognosis frequently differ between pediatric onset and adult onset. Our aim is to highlight differences that make caring for this population of transitioning young adults unique, providing tools and knowledge to empower the adult rheumatologist to care for these young adults in ways that are evidence-based, effective, efficient, and rewarding.

Diagnostic performance of classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus: A validation study from Singapore

Introduction

Classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)/ACR 2019 criteria. Their performance in an Asian childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) population remains unclear as the clinical manifestations differ. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance in a cSLE cohort in Singapore.

Method

Cases were physician-diagnosed cSLE, while controls were children with mixed and undifferentiated connective tissue disease that posed an initial diagnostic challenge. Data were retrospec-tively reviewed to establish the 3 criteria fulfilled at diagnosis and over time.

Results

The study population included 120 cSLE cases and 36 controls. At diagnosis, 102 (85%) patients fulfilled all criteria. SLICC-2012 had the highest sensitivity (97.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 92.3-99.5), while ACR-1997 had the highest specificity (91.7%, 95% CI 77.5-98.3). All criteria had diagnostic accuracies at more than 85%. Over time, 113 (94%) fulfilled all criteria. SLICC-2012 remained the criteria with the highest sensitivity (99.2%, 95% CI 95.4-99.9), while ACR-1997 had the highest specificity (75.0%, 95% CI 57.8-87.9). Only SLICC-2012 and ACR-1997 had more than 85% diagnostic accuracy over time. Using a cutoff score of ≥13 for EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria resulted in improved diagnostic performance.

Conclusion

SLICC-2012 criteria had the highest sensitivity early in the disease course in this first study evaluating the SLE classification criteria performance in a Southeast Asian cSLE cohort, while the ACR-1997 criteria had the highest specificity. Using a cutoff score of ≥13 for EULAR/ACR-2019 improved the diagnostic performance.

Bibliometric analysis of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus from 2000 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disorder. When SLE occurs in individuals under the age of 18, it is referred to as childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). Currently, there is a dearth of bibliometric research pertaining to cSLE.

METHOD

Relevant studies in the field of cSLE from 2000 to 2022 were screened from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to visualize the annual publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and references, after which the authors conducted the scientific analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2857 articles were included in this study, and the number of articles published in the past 20 years showed an overall upwards trend. The most prolific countries are the United States, China, and Brazil; however, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are clearly superior in terms of literary influence, and there is more cooperation between them and their institutions. LUPUS (n = 389) contributed the most to the variance. Brunner, HI's contribution in the field of cSLE is outstanding. The words related to 'lupus nephritis' and 'antibodies' are important words reflected in the keyword network diagram. The keywords included 'evidence-based recommendation', 'validation', 'diagnosis' and 'adult' from 2019, and 'continuous bursts' to the present.

CONCLUSION

This study examined the research status of cSLE patients, discussed and analysed the research hotspots and trends in this field, and provided a reference for further research in this field to promote the development of cSLE research.

Safety and efficacy of biologics in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: a critical systematic review

Biologic agents are increasingly being used to treat adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the available data on biologic agents' use in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) remains limited. To collate available evidence related to the efficacy and safety of using biologic agents in cSLE. The study followed the PRISMA checklist for reporting the data and conducted a thorough search using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from January 2005 to August 2023. Only articles meeting specific criteria were included, focusing on cSLE, the use of biologic agents, and having outcome measures at six- and 12-month follow-ups for safety and efficacy. Case reports were excluded, and four independent reviewers screened the articles for accuracy, with a fifth reviewer resolving any discrepancies that arose to achieve a consensus. The final selection included 18 studies with a total of 593 patients treated with biologic agents for severe and/ or refractory cSLE. The most common indication for using biologic agents was lupus nephritis. Rituximab was used in 12 studies, while belimumab was used in six studies. The studies evaluated the efficacy of biologic agents based on SLE disease activity scores, laboratory parameter improvements, and reduced corticosteroid dosage. Positive outcomes were reported, with improvements in renal, hematologic, and immunologic parameters along with mild adverse effects, mostly related to mild infections and infusion reactions. Belimumab and rituximab have shown promise as potential treatments for severe and refractory cSLE cases, leading to decreased disease activity and complete or partial remission in many patients with an acceptable safety profile. However, further research is needed to better understand their benefits and potential risks in these patients. Key Points • This review emphasizes the lack of sufficient randomized controlled trials exploring the use of biologics in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). • Treatment plans for cSLE are being derived from those used for adult systemic lupus erythematosus. • According to current evidence, belimumab and rituximab can be potential treatment options for refractory and severe cases of cSLE. • Additional studies are required to reach more definitive conclusions.

Implications of Inflammatory Processes on a Developing Central Nervous System in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is increasingly affecting pediatric and adult populations. Neuropsychiatric manifestations (ie, cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders) appear to occur with greater severity and poorer prognosis in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) versus adult-onset SLE, negatively impacting school function, self-management, and psychosocial health, as well as lifelong health-related quality of life. In this review, we describe pathogenic mechanisms active in cSLE, such as maladaptive inflammatory processes and ischemia, which are hypothesized to underpin central phenotypes in patients with cSLE, and the role of alterations in protective central nervous system (CNS) barriers (ie, the blood-brain barrier) are also discussed. Recent findings derived from novel neuroimaging approaches are highlighted because the methods employed in these studies hold potential for identifying CNS abnormalities that would otherwise remain undetected with conventional multiple resonance imaging studies (eg, T2-weighted or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences). Furthermore, we propose that a more robust presentation of neuropsychiatric symptoms in cSLE is in part due to the harmful impact of a chronic inflammatory insult on a developing CNS. Although the immature status of the CNS may leave patients with cSLE more vulnerable to harboring neuropsychiatric manifestations, the same property may represent a greater urgency to reverse the maladaptive effects associated with a proneuroinflammatory state, provided that effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies are available. Finally, considering the crosstalk among the CNS and other organ systems affected in cSLE, we postulate that a finer understanding of this interconnectivity and its role in the clinical presentation in cSLE is warranted.

Renal Response Outcomes of the EuroLupus and National Institutes of Health Cyclophosphamide Dosing Regimens in Childhood-Onset Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

OBJECTIVE

We compared clinical characteristics and renal response in patients with childhood-onset proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) treated with the EuroLupus versus National Institutes of Health (NIH) cyclophosphamide (CYC) regimen.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at 11 pediatric centers in North America that reported using both CYC regimens. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment initiation with CYC. To evaluate the adjusted association between CYC regimen (EuroLupus vs NIH) and renal response over time, generalized estimating equations with a logit link were used. An interaction between time and CYC regimen was included, and a contrast between CYC regimens at 12 months was used to evaluate the primary outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five patients (58 EuroLupus, 87 NIH) were included. EuroLupus patients were on average older at the start of current CYC therapy, had longer disease duration, and more commonly had relapsed or refractory LN compared with the NIH group. After multivariable adjustment, there was no significant association between CYC regimen and achieving complete renal response at 12 months (odds ratio [OR] of response for the EuroLupus regimen, reference NIH regimen: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-1.98). There was also no significant association between CYC regimen and achieving at least a partial renal response at 12 months (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.57-3.19).

CONCLUSION

Our study failed to demonstrate a benefit of the NIH regimen over the EuroLupus CYC regimen in childhood-onset proliferative LN. However, future prospective outcome studies are needed.

Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 are diagnostic biomarkers for Henoch-Schönlein purpura and pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematous

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) are closely associated with vasculitis and vascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical diagnostic values of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 for HSP and pSLE. We surveyed 82 HSP patients, 34 pSLE patients, and 10 healthy children. The expression levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 in the serum and urine were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic values of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 for HSP and pSLE were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The results revealed that the serum and urine expression levels of Ang-2 and Tie2 were significantly elevated in HSP and pSLE patients, whereas the Ang-1/Ang-2 values were reduced. Additionally, Ang-1 was highly expressed in the serum and urine of HSP patients and in the serum of pSLE patients. Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 showed differential expression in various types of HSP and pSLE compared with their expression in healthy controls. In summary, Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 can serve as biomarkers for HSP and pSLE. Moreover, Ang-1/Ang-2 values are reduced in HSP and pSLE patients. Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 can be used as biomarkers for HSP and pSLE.

A single-center model for implementation of SLEDAI documentation adherence in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE)

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is an autoimmune disease with variable disease expression but noted association with significant disease-related damage, morbidity, and mortality. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommends routine monitoring of SLE through validated disease activity and chronicity indices, including the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Despite this, physician adherence with SLEDAI documentation remains elusive at various academic institutions. The aim of our study was to determine baseline SLEDAI documentation rates at our center and assess the change in adherence in SLEDAI documentation rate with electronic clinical decision support (CDS) reminders facilitated through the electronic medical record (EMR) over a 2-year period.

METHODS

All SLE encounters over a 24-month period at a pediatric academic center were reviewed in order to obtain baseline SLEDAI documentation percentages. Physicians subsequently received monthly email reminders, initiated at month 4 of project initiation, with subsequent CDS reminder 13 months after project initiation prompted by anti-dsDNA lab result. Chart review was repeated continuously for each provider, and SLEDAI documentation rates were emailed to each provider monthly. Physicians completed a post-intervention survey regarding barriers to SLEDAI documentation at the end of the study.

RESULTS

A total of 1980 SLE encounters were reviewed for this study. Baseline SLEDAI documentation rates were 10%. Following the introduction of monthly emails reminding physicians to document SLEDAI, rates increased to 55%. After the initiation of electronic in-basket reminders prompted by lab results, rates increased to 60%. Noted barriers to documentation were cited to be forgetfulness (67%) and lack of time (33%).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that monthly email reminders as well as EMR-mediated electronic in-basket reminders increased SLEDAI documentation rates at an academic center. Noted barriers to documentation were reported to be forgetfulness (67%) and lack of time (33%).

AutoCore: A network-based definition of the core module of human autoimmunity and autoinflammation

Although research on rare autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases has enabled definition of nonredundant regulators of homeostasis in human immunity, because of the single gene-single disease nature of many of these diseases, contributing factors were mostly unveiled in sequential and noncoordinated individual studies. We used a network-based approach for integrating a set of 186 inborn errors of immunity with predominant autoimmunity/autoinflammation into a comprehensive map of human immune dysregulation, which we termed "AutoCore." The AutoCore is located centrally within the interactome of all protein-protein interactions, connecting and pinpointing multidisease markers for a range of common, polygenic autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases. The AutoCore can be subdivided into 19 endotypes that correspond to molecularly and phenotypically cohesive disease subgroups, providing a molecular mechanism-based disease classification and rationale toward systematic targeting for therapeutic purposes. Our study provides a proof of concept for using network-based methods to systematically investigate the molecular relationships between individual rare diseases and address a range of conceptual, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges.

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

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

Aquaporin-4 IgG antibodies: predictors of positivity and their relationship with neuropsychiatric disorders and white matter lesions in Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the various clinical features and severity of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) and to assess predictors of AQP4-Ab positivity in jSLE. In addition, we assessed the relationship of AQP4-Abs with neuropsychiatric disorders and white matter lesions in jSLE.

METHOD

For 90 patients with jSLE, demographic data, clinical manifestations, and treatments received were recorded, and all of the patients were underwent clinical examinations, including assessments for the neurological manifestations of jSLE and neuropsychiatric disorders; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score evaluations; laboratory investigations, including serum AQP4-Ab assays; and 1.5 Tesla brain MRI. Echocardiography and renal biopsy were performed for the indicated patients.

RESULT

Fifty-six patients (62.2%) tested positive for AQP4-Abs. These patients were more likely to have higher disease activity scores (p < 0.001); discoid lesions (p = 0.039); neurological disorders (p = 0.001), mainly psychosis and seizures (p = 0.009 and p = 0.032, respectively); renal and cardiac involvement (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively); lower C3 levels (p = 0.006); white matter hyperintensities (p = 0.008); and white matter atrophy (p = 0.03) than patients who were negative for AQP4-Abs. Furthermore, AQP4-Ab-positive patients were more likely to have received cyclophosphamide (p = 0.028), antiepileptic drugs (p = 0.032) and plasma exchange therapy (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

jSLE patients with higher severity scores, neurological disorders, or white matter lesions could develop antibodies against AQP4. We recommend more studies for systematic screening of AQP4-Ab positivity in jSLE patients to confirm its relationship with neurological disorders.

Extrapolation of Adult Efficacy Data to Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Evaluating Similarities in Exposure-Response

To streamline drug development, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can consider the extrapolation of adult efficacy data to children when the disease and drug effects are sufficiently similar. This study explored whether the relationship between drug exposure and response for selected drugs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was sufficiently similar to support a consideration of the extrapolation of adult efficacy data to children of ≥5 years of age. An exposure-response analysis of drugs used to treat SLE was conducted using published exposure versus response and efficacy versus time data. Statistical analyses included noncompartmental analysis of a drug's area under the effect curve and direct Imax pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling. Six drugs were included: azathioprine, belimumab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate/mycophenolic acid, and rituximab. For belimumab, the net change in responders at week 52 (the primary end point) was nearly identical between 1 adult trial and the pediatric trial. For mycophenolate, PD modeling suggested no significant differences in exposure and SLE disease activity between adults and children. For azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, and rituximab the data were not sufficient to quantitatively characterize the exposure-response relationship, but the clinical or pharmacologic response between children and adults was similar overall. Adult SLE data should be leveraged to guide pediatric drug development programs and identify areas with residual uncertainty regarding the effectiveness or safety of a drug in children. The degree to which efficacy extrapolation can reduce clinical trial requirements in pediatric SLE should be individualized for each new drug product, depending in part on the mechanism of action of the drug and the similarity of disease manifestations in children and adults.

Contribution of genetic variants associated with primary immunodeficiencies to childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematous

BACKGROUND

A dysregulated immune response is a hallmark of autoimmune disorders. Evidence suggests that systemic autoimmune diseases and primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) may be similar diseases with different clinical phenotypes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the burden of PID-associated genetic variants in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).

METHODS

We enrolled 118 cSLE patients regularly followed at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Targeted next-generation sequencing identified PID genetic variants in patients versus 1475 unrelated healthy individuals, which were further filtered by allelic frequency and various functional scores. Customized immune assays tested the functions of the identified variants.

RESULTS

On filtration, 36 patients (30.5%) harbored rare variants in PID-associated genes predicted to be damaging. One homozygous TREX1 (c.294dupA) mutation and 4 heterozygous variants with possible dominant PID traits, including BCL11B (c.G1040T), NFKB1 (c.T695G), and NFKB2 (c.G1210A, c.G1651A), were discovered. With recessive traits, variants were found across all PID types; one fifth involved phagocyte number or function defects. Predicted pathogenic PID variants were more predominant in those with a family history of lupus, regardless of infection susceptibility. Moreover, mutation loads were greater among cSLE patients than controls despite sex or age at disease onset. While greater mutation loads were observed among cSLE patients with peripubertal disease onset, no significant differences in sex or phenotype were noted among cSLE patients.

CONCLUSION

cSLE is mostly not monogenic. Gene-specific analysis and mutation load investigations suggested that rare and predicted damaging variants in PID-related genes can potentially contribute to cSLE susceptibility.

Clinical Determinants of Childhood Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus among Early and Peri-Adolescent Age Groups

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SLE disproportionately affects women and minorities. Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) in particular tends to be more aggressive than adult-onset SLE. Despite substantial improvements in the treatment of cSLE, there is significant variability in treatment responses and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies involving cSLE, and in particular, cSLE among different age groups. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an early-onset cSLE cohort would demonstrate unique characteristics with distinctive clinical and laboratory features at disease onset. We specifically investigated whether clinical, epidemiological, or serological factors are differentially associated with early- and late-onset cSLE. This could have direct impact on clinical management with the goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for children with SLE. Methods: Our study was conducted at a large tertiary center. We included 213 subjects seen at our pediatric rheumatology clinic aged 4−17 years. Epidemiologic, clinical phenotype, disease severity, serology, treatment, and outcome data were compared between subjects with cSLE onset prior to 10 years of age (early-onset disease, n = 43) and those with cSLE onset greater than 10 years of age (peri-adolescent disease, n = 170). We compared clinical features between early- and peri-adolescent onset cSLE in order to investigate the association between age at disease onset of cSLE and clinical disease expression and outcomes. Results: Of the 213 subjects with cSLE in our study, 43 subjects had early-onset disease (age 2 to ≤9 years) and 170 patients had peri-adolescent onset disease. We found that early-onset cSLE was associated with a higher prevalence of positive anti-dsDNA antibody at cSLE diagnosis, higher anti-dsDNA antibody titer at cSLE diagnosis, rash, and azathioprine use (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.011, and p = 0.008, respectively). In contrast, we found that peri-adolescent onset cSLE (≥10 years of age) was associated with worse disease activity (SLEDAI range 0−24) (p < 0.001), higher SLICC at diagnosis (p < 0.001), as well as a higher rate of mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine use (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms or the development of Class IV/Class V lupus nephritis between the early-onset and peri-adolescent groups.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in the first year of life with joint involvement: A case report and mini-review

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder that can affect any organ system. It can have varied presentations, and often early disease is challenging to pick up due to the absence of classical features. Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus is rare before five years of age. We report a seventeen-month-old female child who came to us with a long-standing non-specific febrile illness. She was eventually diagnosed with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and treated with prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine with vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Characteristics and genetic analysis of patients suspected with early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rarely diagnosed before 5-years-old. Those with disease onset at a very young age are predicted by a higher genetic risk and a more severe phenotype. We performed whole-exome sequencing to survey the genetic etiologies and clinical manifestations in patients fulfilling 2012 SLICC SLE classification criteria before the age of 5.

CASE PRESENTATION

Among the 184 childhood-onset SLE patients regularly followed in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan, 7 cases (3.8%) of which onset ≦ 5 years of age were identified for characteristic review and genetic analysis. Compared to those onset at elder age, cases onset before the age of 5 are more likely to suffer from proliferative glomerulonephritis, renal thrombotic microangiopathy, neuropsychiatric disorder and failure to thrive. Causative genetic etiologies were identified in 3. In addition to the abundance of autoantibodies, patient with homozygous TREX1 (c.292_293 ins A) mutation presented with chilblain-like skin lesions, peripheral spasticity, endocrinopathy and experienced multiple invasive infections. Patient with SLC7A7 (c.625 + 1 G > A) mutation suffered from profound glomerulonephritis with full-house glomerular deposits as well as hyperammonemia, metabolic acidosis and episodic conscious disturbance. Two other cases harbored variants in lupus associating genes C1s, C2, DNASE1 and DNASE1L3 and another with CFHR4. Despite fulfilling the classification criteria for lupus, many of the patients required treatments beyond conventional therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic etiologies and lupus mimickers were found among a substantial proportion of patients suspected with early-onset SLE. Detail clinical evaluation and genetic testing are important for tailored care and personalized treatment.

Clinical and laboratorial outcome of different age-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Jiangsu, China: a multicentre retrospective study

Studies on clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus among different age-onset patients are lacking in China. This multicentre study aimed to systemically compare clinical manifestations, comorbidities, organ involvement, and laboratory findings among 797 Chinese juvenile-onset, adult-onset, and late-onset SLE (JSLE, ASLE, and LSLE) patients. They were classified into JSLE, ASLE, and LSLE groups if first diagnosed at < 18, 18–50, and > 50 years old, respectively. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were employed for categorical and continuous variables respectively. In younger-onset patients, the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score was significantly higher (JSLE vs. ASLE vs. LSLE = 17.43 ± 9.139 vs. 16.34 ± 8.163 vs. 14.08 ± 6.474, p = 0.031). Mucocutaneous symptoms (79.5% vs. 73.4% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.042), especially malar rash (76.1% vs. 66.1% vs. 53.5%, p = 0.011) occurred more frequently, and proteinuria rate was higher (54.5% vs. 56.3% vs. 36.6%, p = 0.007). In later-onset patients, cardiopulmonary involvement increased (11.4% vs. 24.3% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.012). In ASLE, hypoalbuminemia rate elevated (46.6% vs. 59.9% vs. 47.9%, p = 0.015). Our study demonstrated in a Chinese population that JSLE may be more active and suffer mucocutaneous disorders, while LSLE tended to suffer cardiopulmonary involvement at-onset. These findings may help identify treatment priorities when facing different age-onset SLE patients.

TLR8/TLR7 dysregulation due to a novel TLR8 mutation causes severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoinflammation in identical twins

Our study presents a novel germline c.1715G>T (p.G572V) mutation in the gene encoding Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) causing an autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorder in a family with monozygotic male twins, who suffer from severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia worsening with infections, and autoinflammation presenting as fevers, enteritis, arthritis, and CNS vasculitis. The pathogenicity of the mutation was confirmed by in vitro assays on transfected cell lines and primary cells. The p.G572V mutation causes impaired stability of the TLR8 protein, cross-reactivity to TLR7 ligands and reduced ability of TLR8 to attenuate TLR7 signaling. This imbalance toward TLR7-dependent signaling leads to increased pro-inflammatory responses, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα. This unique TLR8 mutation with partial TLR8 protein loss and hyperinflammatory phenotype mediated by TLR7 ligands represents a novel inborn error of immunity with childhood-onset and a good response to TLR7 inhibition.

Disease Activity and Rate and Severity of Flares During Peripartum Period in Thai Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Age at Diagnosis and Disease Duration Matched Controlled Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare disease activity and rate and severity of flares between pregnant and nonpregnant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

METHODS

Medical records of pregnant SLE patients seen between January 1993 and June 2017 were reviewed. Nonpregnant SLE controls were matched by age at diagnosis and disease duration before pregnancy. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity and flares were determined by the cSLEDAI (clinical Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) and Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLEDAI Flare Index, respectively. Disease activity was measured from 6 months before conception (-6 months) until the postpartum period. The repeated measures mixed model, Cox regression, and cumulative hazard plots were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety pregnancies occurred in 77 patients. The cSLEDAI scores from -6 months to the postpartum period were comparable between the pregnancy and control group, but slightly yet significantly higher in the controls at conception (mean ± SEM, 3.57 ± 0.45 vs 1.90 ± 0.36; p = 0.019). When compared with the controls, during the pregnancy and postpartum period, the pregnancy group did not have significantly higher incidence of flare (41.11% vs 28.89%, p = 0.086 and 7.78% vs 11.11%, p = 0.445, respectively) or flare category (severe flare) (75.68% vs 53.85%, p = 0.070 and 85.71% vs 70.00%, p = 0.603, respectively). The flare incidence rate (95% confidence interval)/100 patient-months in the pregnancy and control group was 6.75 (4.89-9.32) and 4.34 (2.96-6.38), respectively, giving the adjusted hazards for flare (95% confidence interval) of 1.54 (0.91-2.61) (p = 0.110).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no overall significant increase in SLE disease activity, flare incidence, and flare severity in pregnant SLE patients when compared with their properly matched nonpregnant SLE controls.

Celiac Disease in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Other Pediatric Rheumatic Disorders

Celiac Disease (CD) is an immune-mediated and gluten-related disorder whose prevalence is higher in children affected with other autoimmune disorders, including diabetes mellitus type 1, autoimmune thyroiditis, and others. As regards Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and other pediatric rheumatic disorders, there is no clear recommendation for CD serological screening. In this review, we analyze all the available clinical studies investigating CD among children with JIA (and other rheumatic diseases), in order to provide objective data to better understand the necessity of CD serological screening during the follow-up. Based on the present literature review and analysis, >2.5% patients with JIA were diagnosed with CD; however, the CD prevalence in JIA patients may be even higher (>3–3.5%) due to several study limitations that could have underestimated CD diagnosis to a variable extent. Therefore, serological screening for CD in children affected with JIA could be recommended due to the increased CD prevalence in these patients (compared to the general pediatric population), and because these JIA patients diagnosed with CD were mostly asymptomatic. However, further research is needed to establish a cost-effective approach in terms of CD screening frequency and modalities during the follow-up for JIA patients. Conversely, at the moment, there is no evidence supporting a periodical CD screening in children affected with other rheumatic diseases (including pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, and systemic sclerosis).

Leukocyte Telomere Length and Childhood Onset of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus Study

Objective

The study objective was to compare leukocyte telomere length (LTL) among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosed in childhood versus adulthood.

Methods

Data are from the Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) study. Multivariable linear regression analyses that examined childhood diagnosis of SLE (diagnosed before 18 years of age), age, and their interaction in relationship to LTL were conducted, adjusting for a range of demographic, socioeconomic, and health‐related covariates.

Results

The total analytic sample size was 415. Forty participants (9.6%) were diagnosed in childhood. There was no main effect of childhood diagnosis on LTL (b = 0.007; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.089 to 0.103). However, the interaction between age and childhood diagnosis was significant (b = −0.008; 95% CI: −0.016 to −0.001), indicating a steeper inverse association between age and LTL among those diagnosed in childhood compared with those diagnosed in adulthood. This interaction remained statistically significant (P = 0.024) after controlling for disease duration measured dichotomously (less than 10 years vs. 10 years or more); it was marginally significant (P = 0.083) when controlling for disease duration measured continuously.

Conclusion

This cross‐sectional analysis suggests that Black women with childhood‐onset SLE may undergo accelerated LTL shortening compared with their adult‐onset counterparts. This relationship persisted even after controlling for differences in SLE damage and disease duration. These findings inform research on immunosenescence mechanisms of SLE.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Disparities in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases

Health and health care disparities in pediatric rheumatology are prevalent among socially disadvantaged and marginalized populations based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic position, and geographic region. These groups are more likely to experience greater disease severity, morbidity, mortality, decreased quality of life, and poor mental health outcomes, which are in part due to persistent structural and institutional barriers, including decreased access to quality health care. Most of the research on health and health care disparities in pediatric rheumatology focuses on juvenile idiopathic arthritis and childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus; there are significant gaps in the literature assessing disparities associated with other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Understanding the underlying causes of health care disparities will ultimately inform the development and implementation of innovative policies and interventions on a federal, local, and individual level.

Efficacy and safety of belimumab in paediatric and adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: an across-study comparison

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of belimumab in paediatric versus adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We performed across-study comparisons of patients with active SLE who received belimumab or placebo, plus standard therapy, in PLUTO (paediatric phase II) and BLISS-52, BLISS-76, BLISS-NEA and EMBRACE (adult phase III). Analysed efficacy data included Week 52 SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response rate (EMBRACE: SRI with modified Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) proteinuria scoring (SRI-S2K)); SRI-4 response rate (EMBRACE: SRI-S2K) according to baseline disease activity indicators (Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score; anti-dsDNA/C3/C4 levels); Week 52 SRI-6 response rate; and time to first severe flare (SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index) over 52 weeks. Safety data were compared for all aforementioned studies along with adult LBSL02 (phase II) and BLISS-SC (phase III).

Results

SRI-4 response rates were similar across the paediatric and adult studies; more belimumab-treated patients achieved SRI-4 responses versus placebo (PLUTO: 52.8% vs 43.6%; BLISS-52: 57.6% vs 43.6%; BLISS-76: 43.2% vs 33.8%; BLISS-NEA: 53.8% vs 40.1%; EMBRACE: 48.7% vs 41.6%). Across all studies, SRI-4 response rates were generally greater in patients with baseline SELENA-SLEDAI scores ≥10 than in patients with baseline SELENA-SLEDAI scores ≤9. A similar proportion of belimumab-treated patients achieved SRI-6 across all studies (PLUTO: 41.2%; BLISS-52: 46.2%; BLISS-76: 33.1%; BLISS-NEA: 43.9%; EMBRACE: 37.5%). Belimumab reduced the risk of severe flare versus placebo in all studies. The incidence of adverse events was similar across all studies.

Conclusions

These analyses demonstrate consistent efficacy and safety of belimumab plus standard therapy across paediatric and adult patients with SLE.

Trial registration numbers

PLUTO (NCT01649765); BLISS-52 (NCT00424476); BLISS-76 (NCT00410384); BLISS-NEA (NCT01345253); EMBRACE (NCT01632241); BLISS-SC (NCT01484496); and LBSL02 (NCT00071487).

Evaluating the performance of ACR, SLICC and EULAR/ACR classification criteria in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

The ACR 1997, SLICC 2012 and EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria were validated based on adult patients. To date, there are no classification criteria specific for children with SLE. The aim of the study is to compare the performance characteristics among the three SLE classification criteria (ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019) in childhood onset SLE (cSLE) cohort of Arab ethnicity from Oman.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in Oman of cSLE patients as cases and patients with other rheumatic disease with a positive ANA titer as controls. The cSLE cases recruited were children diagnosed with SLE before 13 years of age. Data was retrospectively collected to establish the ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria fulfilled at first visit, first year follow up and last follow up.

RESULTS

Study population included 113 cSLE cases (mean age at diagnosis of 7.3 ± 3.4 years with disease duration of 6.1 ± 4.6 years) and 51 controls (mean age at diagnosis 5.0 ± 3.4 with disease duration 5.7 ± 3.9). The cSLE cases had higher frequency of familial SLE than controls (38% vs 7.8%; p < 0.001). The performance measures demonstrated that EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria had the highest sensitivity (81, 88, 89%) compared to ACR 1997 (49, 57, 66%) and SLICC 2012 (76, 84,86%); while the ACR 1997 had the highest specificity (96%) compared to SLICC 2012 (94%) and EULAR/ACR 2019 (90%) at first visit, first year and last assessment. When we increased the threshold score to ≥13 rather than the traditional score ≥ 10 for ACR/EULAR 2019, there was increased specificity (96%) at the expense of lower sensitivity (76, 83, and 84%) at first visit, first year and last assessment.

CONCLUSION

In this cSLE population, EULAR/ACR 2019 scored better at initial presentation, first year and last assessment follow up. Further multinational studies are needed to validate the appropriate cut off score for the newly proposed ACR/EULAR 2019 classification criteria in cSLE to increase early sensitivity and specificity for cSLE classification.

Useful clinical findings and simple laboratory data for the diagnosis of seasonal influenza

BACKGROUND

When using rapid antigen test kits for the diagnosis of influenza, false-negative results may occur if done too soon after the onset of symptoms. The purpose of this study was done to determine clinical laboratory items other than rapid antigen testing are useful for diagnosing influenza.

METHODS

The subjects were 915 patients who visited the outpatient clinic of hospital between April 2010 and March 2017 during the influenza epidemic seasons, from December to April, and had both fever of 37.0 degrees or more and cold symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 214 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 176 had influenza. Multivariate analysis extracted patient consultation within four days of onset, fever of 37 degrees or higher, posterior pharyngeal lymphoid follicles, CRP of 0.77 mg/dL or less, and a lymphocyte count of 900/μL less as independent variables.

CONCLUSION

In previous study, lymphoid follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall and decreased lymphocyte count were reported as influenza-specific findings. Both were confirmed with high specificity in our study, indicating that both would be useful when patients with influenza-like symptoms were false-negative for the rapid antigen test.

Is there any association between asthma and Kawasaki disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Shared immune factors are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and Kawasaki disease (KD). Consequently, several observational studies have explored an association between KD and asthma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between KD and asthma.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that investigated the association between KD and asthma. The first author, publication year, study type, sample size, and participant demographics were retrieved. The association between KD and asthma was expressed by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Eleven studies were eligible in the systematic review. The crude ORs (cORs) were extracted from 11 studies, and seven of them also provided adjusted ORs (aORs). The cORs between KD and asthma was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.29-1.81). After adjustment for some confounding factors (age, sex, region), asthma also had an association with KD (aOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.17). The subgroup analyses showed the study design and study location to influence between-study heterogeneity. Analyses of aOR values revealed that asthma onset before KD onset does not appear to increase KD prevalence, whereas people suffering from KD could increase the prevalence of developing asthma.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis suggested a possible association between preceding KD and asthma onset, but care must be taken when interpreting this result. Prospective cohort studies are needed to assess a causal relationship between these two diseases.

Association Between Hypoalbuminemia, Degree of Proteinuria, and Lupus Nephritis Class: A Single-Center Cross-sectional Biopsy Study

Background: The current study intended to determine whether serum albumin level and urine protein/creatinine rate (uPCR) are appropriate predictors of severe lupus nephritis in childhood-onset SLE. Objectives: Following a cross-sectional single-center design, 85 LN children referred to the National Children Hospital, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, from 6/2019 to 6/2020 were recruited. Renal biopsy was performed for all participants. Methods: Following a cross-sectional single-center design, 85 LN children referred to the National Children Hospital, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, from 6/2019 to 6/2020 were recruited. Renal biopsy was performed for all participants. Results: The mean SLEDAI score of all patients was 14.69. The proportion of patients with high and very high SLEDAI was 61.2 and 17.6%, respectively. The mean concentration of serum albumin was 28.55 g/L, and the proportion of decreased albumin concentration was 55.3%. The median uPCR was 446.6 mg/mmol in which 76.5% of values were ≥ 200 mg/mmol. Pathological morphology of LN class from I to VI was observed in 0%, 17.6%, 37.6 %, 37.6%, 7.1%, and 0%, respectively. Serum albumin level and uPCR presented the predictive value for severe and active LN (class IV and V); (AUC: 0.725 P < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Serum albumin and uPCR were appropriate predictors for severe and active LN in Vietnamese children.

Evaluation of self-report screening measures in the detection of depressive and anxiety disorders among children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

There are no validated screening measures for depressive or anxiety disorders in childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE). We investigated cross-sectionally (1) the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorder in cSLE. (2) the validity of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) and the Screen for Childhood Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED) measures in identifyingthese disorders.

METHODS

Participants 8-18 years with cSLE/incipient cSLE completed CES-DC, SCARED, and Quality OfMy Life (QOML) measures. Parents completed the SCARED-Parent measure. Diagnosis was by gold-standard psychiatric interview and determined prevalence of psychiatric disorder. Receiver Operating Characteristics Area under the Curve (ROCAUC) evaluated screening measure diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

Ofseventy-two parent-child dyads, 56 interviews were completed. Mean screen scores were: CES-DC = 15 (range 1-49, SD 12), SCARED-C = 22 (range 2-61, SD 14), SCARED-P = 13 (range 0-36, SD 8). Depressive disorder screen positivity (CES-DC ≥ 15) was 35% (vs. prevalence 5%). Anxiety disorder screen positivity (SCARED ≥ 25) was 39% (vs. prevalence 16%). CES-DC ROCAUC = 0.98 and SCARED-C ROCAUC = 0.7 (cut-points 38 and 32 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic thresholds for depressive and anxiety disorderscreening measures are high for both CES-DC and SCARED-C in cSLE. Brief focused interview should follow to determine whether psychiatric evaluation is warranted.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

KEY POINTS

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

Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Aspects

Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a very severe complication of different rheumatic diseases, including pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (pSLE). MAS is not considered as a frequent complication of pSLE; however, its occurrence could be under-estimated and the diagnosis can be challenging. In order to address this issue, we performed a systematic review of the available medical literature, aiming to retrieve all those papers providing diagnostic (clinical/laboratory) data on patients with pSLE-related MAS, in individual or aggregated form. The selected case reports and series provided a pool of 46 patients, accounting for 48 episodes of MAS in total. We re-analyzed these patients in light of the diagnostic criteria for MAS validated in systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA) patients and the preliminary diagnostic criteria for MAS in pSLE, respectively. Five clinical studies were also selected and used to support this analysis. This systematic review confirms that MAS diagnosis in pSLE patients is characterized by several diagnostic challenges, which could lead to delayed diagnosis and/or under-estimation of this complication. Specific criteria should be considered to diagnose MAS in different rheumatic diseases; as regards pSLE, the aforementioned preliminary criteria for MAS in pSLE seem to perform better than the sJIA-related MAS criteria, because of a lower ferritin cut-off.

Retrospective analysis of clinical and pathomorphological features of lupus nephritis in children

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical course and pathomorphological correlations in Polish children with the diagnosis of lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 39 children hospitalized due to LN in 7 pediatric nephrology units in Poland between 2010 and 2019. Demographic data, clinical symptoms at the onset of LN and laboratory parameters were reviewed. We analyzed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), histological LN findings with the activity (IA) and chronicity index (IC).

RESULTS

We examined 32 girls and 7 boys, median age at LN onset was 14.75 (IQR 13.0-16.0) years, SLEDAI of 22.0 (IQR 18.0-27.0) points; LN histological class: IV (59.4%), III (18.9%), III/V (10.8%), IV/V (8.1%), VI (2.7%); IA 8.0 (IQR 6.0-11.0) points, IC 1.05 (IQR 0-2.0) points. Children with nephrotic (n ​= ​22) and non-nephrotic (n ​= ​17) proteinuria differed in median Hb level (9.55, IQR 8.3-11.2 vs 10.9, IQR 10.1-11.6 ​g/L; P ​< ​0.05), albumin level (2.5, IQR 2.1-3.19 vs 3.6, IQR 3.4-4.1 ​g/dL; P ​< ​0.001), proteinuria (5.76, IQR 3.0-7.5 vs 1.08, IQR 0.53-1.50 ​g/day; P ​< ​0.0001), eGFR (53.9, IQR 27.0-68.8 vs 96.7, IQR 73.8-106.2 ​mL/min/1.73 ​m²; P ​< ​0.01) and occurrence of hypertension (77% vs 23%; P ​< ​0.01). In multivariate analysis Hb level (β ​= ​8.0; 95%CI, 1.90-14.11) was the significant predictor of eGFR<90 ​mL/min/1.73 ​m².

CONCLUSIONS

Proliferative forms of LN in children may have a varying clinical presentation. Children with LN with nephrotic range proteinuria have lower Hb level, lower eGFR and higher occurrence of hypertension. Hb level is the significant predictor of eGFR<90 ​mL/min/1.73 ​m² in children with LN.

Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Southeast Asian Perspectives

Childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare disease that is more common amongst Southeast Asian children compared to the West. It is typified by a peripubertal onset and a female preponderance, which increases with advancing age. Organs commonly involved at diagnosis include haematological, renal, and mucocutaneous. Fever, malar rash, and cutaneous vasculitis are common. Lupus nephritis is typically proliferative especially Class IV and contributes to both disease activity and damage. Antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA positivity are both prevalent in this region. Disease activity is higher than Western cohorts at onset but responds to therapy reducing to low disease activity by six months. However, organ damage occurs early and continues to accumulate over the time, a consequence of both active disease (neurological and renal systems) and steroid-related complications especially in the eye (cataract and glaucoma) and musculoskeletal systems (avascular necrosis). Infections remain the leading cause of death and mortality in this region is highly variable contributed by the heterogeneity in social economic status, healthcare access, and availability of paediatric rheumatology expertise in the region.

Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatic Diseases in Children

Children with rheumatic disease have rare pulmonary manifestations that may cause significant morbidity and mortality. These children are often clinically asymptomatic until disease has significantly progressed, so they should be screened for pulmonary involvement. There has been recent recognition of a high mortality-related lung disease in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis; risk factors include onset of juvenile idiopathic arthritis less than 2 years of age, history of macrophage activation syndrome, presence of trisomy 21, and history of anaphylactic reaction to biologic therapy. Early recognition and treatment of lung disease in children with rheumatic diseases may improve outcomes.

Successful treatment of subdural hemorrhage and retinal hemorrhage in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus associated with thrombocytopenia: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Thrombocytopenia (TP) is a common complication of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and can range from mild to life-threatening. However, severe TP with multiple hemorrhagic complications is very rare and often predicts a poor prognosis. We describe a 12-year-old Chinese girl who had a history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who developed SLE that presented as subdural hemorrhage and retinal hemorrhage because of severe TP.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 12-year-old girl was admitted into our hospital because of fever, purpura, and gum bleeding lasting for 12 days. She had a history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 2 years ago previously.

DIAGNOSIS

SLE was diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Subdural hemorrhage and retinal hemorrhage were diagnosed based on brain MRI and funduscopy. Severe TP was defined as platelet count <20 × 109/L.

INTERVENTIONS

She was treated first with intravenous immunoglobulin, but it was not efficacious. High-dose methylprednisolone showed short-term efficacy. Then, she was given a glucocorticoid and cyclosporine A plus mycophenolate mofetil.

OUTCOMES

Fever, purpura, and gum bleeding were resolved before hospital discharge. Subdural hemorrhage and left hemorrhagic retinopathy were improved remarkably. She had a durable response to refractory TP with no adverse effects during >1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Isolated TP may be an early symptom of childhood-onset SLE . A child with severe TP is prone to develop life-threatening hemorrhagic complications. Glucocorticoids and combined immunosuppressive drugs had a durable response to refractory TP in this patient with no adverse effects.

Low prevalence of bone mineral density testing in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and glucocorticoid exposure

SummaryPatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures due to systemic inflammation and glucocorticoids (GCs). Professional organizations recommend bone mineral density (BMD) testing in SLE patients on GCs, especially within 6 months of initiation. Using a validated algorithm, we identified SLE patients in an electronic health record cohort with long-term GC exposure (≥90 days). Our primary outcome was ever BMD testing. We assessed the impact of patient and provider factors on testing. We identified 693 SLE cases with long-term GC exposure, 41% of whom had BMD testing performed. Only 18% of patients had BMD testing within 6 months of GC initiation. In a logistic regression model for BMD testing, male sex (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 - 0.87, p = 0.01) was associated with being less likely to have BMD testing after adjusting for race and ethnicity. In contrast, older age (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001) and nephritis (OR = 1.83, p = 0.003) were associated with being more likely to have BMD testing after adjusting for race and ethnicity. Bone health in SLE patients remains an area in need of improvement with attention to patients who are younger and male.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and antiphospholipid antibodies in paediatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE

The relationship between autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has never been addressed via a meta-analysis in the paediatric age group. We evaluated the link between AIHA and aPL in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

METHODS

EMBASE and PubMed were screened from inception to May 2020 and Peto's odds ratio for rare events was employed for the between group comparisons.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 11 articles for a total of 575 children: the pooled prevalence of AIHA was greater in (1) IgG aCL-positive than IgG aCL-negative children (39.7% vs 20.9%, p = 0.005); (2) in APS-positive than APS-negative SLE children (36.8% vs 13.2%, p = 0.01); and (3) in SLE-related APS than in primary APS children (53% vs 16.2%, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled prevalence of AIHA is greatest in SLE with aPL/APS, low-moderate in SLE without aPL/APS, and lowest in primary APS. Key Points • Antiphospholipid antibodies strongly relate to autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. • Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is more common in systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibodies.

Clinical features, disease activity and outcomes of Malaysian children with paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: A cohort from a tertiary centre

BACKGROUND

Paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of clinical presentation in different populations. We present a cohort of paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus in Malaysia where the disease features and outcomes are still largely unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients with at least 6 months follow-up at Selayang Hospital from 2004 to 2016. Epidemiological, clinical and outcome data were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 141 paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients, 87.9% females, were followed up for a median 6.3 years (interquartile range 3.6-9.0). The median age at diagnosis was 10.8 years (interquartile range 9.0-12.0 years), positive family history of systemic lupus erythematosus was present in 12.1% and the majority (61.7%) were of Malay ethnicity. Common presentations included fever (87.2%), vasculitic rash (72.3%) and lethargy (69.5%). At diagnosis, leukopenia (51.1%), thrombocytopenia (41.8%) and cutaneous lupus (56%) predominate with significant renal involvement (39.7%). Renal (45.4%), liver (26%) and the central nervous system (17%) were important major organs involved during the course of the disease. At diagnosis, almost all (99.3%) patients had high disease activity (mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score 20.1 ± 9.6). The majority (62.4%) achieved remission or low disease activity after 6 months, maintained over the next 10 years. Damage occurred early (39.1% at 1 year) and increased with time. Ocular damage was the most common side effect (29%) and was predominantly corticosteroid related (93%). Growth retardation was significant (38.2%) with no gonadal failure or secondary malignancies. End-stage renal disease occurred in 3.1% patients whereas 53.1% had sustained renal remission. Overall mortality was 1.4%.

CONCLUSION

Despite high disease activity at diagnosis, the majority had good sustained response to treatment with low overall mortality. However, there was progressive accrual of organ damage, highlighting the need for further research and refinements into therapies for paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

Comparison of urinary parameters, biomarkers, and outcome of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus early onset-lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

Urinary parameters, anti-dsDNA antibodies and complement tests were explored in patients with childhood-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE) early-onset lupus nephritis (ELN) from a large multicenter cohort study.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory features of cSLE cases with kidney involvement at presentation, were reviewed. Disease activity parameters including SLEDAI-2 K scores and major organ involvement at onset and follow up, with accrued damage scored by SLICC-DI, during last follow up, were compared with those without kidney involvement. Autoantibodies, renal function and complement tests were determined by standard methods. Subjects were grouped by presence or absence of ELN.

RESULTS

Out of the 846 subjects enrolled, mean age 11.6 (SD 3.6) years; 427 (50.5%) had ELN. There was no significant difference in the ELN proportion, according to onset age, but ELN frequency was significantly higher in non-Caucasians (p = 0.03). Hematuria, pyuria, urine casts, 24-h proteinuria and arterial hypertension at baseline, all had significant association with ELN outcome (p < 0.001). With a similar follow up time, there were significantly higher SLICC-DI damage scores during last follow up visit (p = 0.004) and also higher death rates (p < 0.0001) in those with ELN. Low C3 (chi-square test, p = 0.01), but not C3 levels associated significantly with ELN. High anti-dsDNA antibody levels were associated with ELN (p < 0.0001), but anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Ro, anti-La antibodies were not associated. Low C4, C4 levels, low CH50 and CH50 values had no significant association. High erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was associated with the absence of ELN (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of ELN was 50%, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality compared to those without ELN. The urinary parameters, positive anti-dsDNA and low C3 are reliable for discriminating ELN.

A meta-analysis of secondary osteoporosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and risk factors

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of secondary osteoporosis (OP) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and provide a theoretical basis for clinical prevention and treatment of SLE.

METHODS

Take systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies. Data sources are CINAHL databases, PubMed, Embase, Wan Fang, Weipu, and CNKI databases. Eligibility criteria are cross-sectional or case-control studies which analyzed the prevalence and risk factors of OP in SLE. Two authors independently screened all studies; a third author verified and identify controversial studies. The quality of the included articles was evaluated. Stata 11 and Rev-Man 5.2 software were used for data processing.

RESULTS

Thirty-one articles were included, with a total sample size of 3089 SLE, including 529 OP cases and 2560 non-OP cases. Meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of OP among SLE was 16% (95% CI (0.12, 0.19)). The risk of OP in SLE cases compared with controls was significantly greater with OR of 2.03 (95% CI 1.33-3.10, P = 0.001). Age, disease duration, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, duration of glucocorticoid therapy, SLICC, and menopause had significant differences between two groups. No statistical differences of daily glucocorticoid dose, SLEDAI, and BMI were found between OP and non-OP cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found a statistically significant increased risk of OP in SLE patients compared with controls. SLE patients should be actively screened for OP and its consequences. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this possible association. The prevalence of OP in SLE was 16%. Compared with controls, the risk of OP in SLE was 2.03. There were significant differences of age, disease duration, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, time of glucocorticoid, SLICC, and menopause, while daily glucocorticoid dose, SLEDAI, and BMI had no statistical differences between OP and non-OP cases.

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

AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Whole exome sequencing in childhood-onset lupus frequently detects single gene etiologies

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) comprise a diverse range of clinical manifestations. To date, more than 30 single gene causes of lupus/lupus like syndromes in humans have been identified. In the clinical setting, identifying the underlying molecular diagnosis is challenging due to phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity.

METHODS

We employed whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients presenting with childhood-onset lupus with severe and/or atypical presentations to identify cases that are explained by a single-gene (monogenic) cause.

RESULTS

From January 2015 to June 2018 15 new cases of childhood-onset SLE were diagnosed in Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital. By WES we identified causative mutations in four subjects in five different genes: C1QC, SLC7A7, MAN2B1, PTEN and STAT1. No molecular diagnoses were established on clinical grounds prior to genetic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a significant fraction of monogenic SLE etiologies using WES and confirm the genetic locus heterogeneity in childhood-onset lupus. These results highlight the importance of establishing a genetic diagnosis for children with severe or atypical lupus by providing accurate and early etiology-based diagnoses and improving subsequent clinical management.

Dynamic changes of lymphocyte counts in adult patients with severe pandemic H1N1 influenza A

Background

Lymphopenia has been observed in severe pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in developed countries. However, data from developing countries are rare and dynamic change of lymphocyte counts in severe pandemic influenza A/H1N1 is scarcely reported. This study aimed to observe change of lymphocyte counts in patients with severe pandemic influenza A/H1N1 and to investigate the correlation of lymphopenia and severe pandemic influenza A/H1N1.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the white blood cell counts and differentials and other clinical data in 21 hospitalized patients with severe pandemic influenza A/H1N1 confirmed by reverse-transcription PCR during 2009 and 2010.

Results

All patients, except two cases with bacterial co-infections, had normal or reduced white blood cell counts. Seventeen (81.0%) patients had decreased lymphocyte proportions (<20%) and counts (<0.8 × 10⁹/L), with the lowest value of 1.2% and 0.1 × 10⁹/L respectively. A patient with nosocomial infection of influenza A/H1N1 showed that lymphopenia occurred on the first day of illness. Lymphocyte proportions and absolute counts returned to normal or slightly higher than normal in 16 of the 17 patients within 2–3 weeks after the disease onset.

Conclusions

Lymphopenia along with other clinical parameters may be helpful in early differential diagnosis of severe pandemic influenza A/H1N1.

Unique Characteristics of Prepubertal Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age at disease onset on disease expression and outcomes of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus SLE (pSLE).

Methods

A total of 103 patients with pSLE from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, were retrospectively studied. Epidemiological, clinical phenotype, disease severity, serology, treatment, and outcome were compared among the three groups using univariate statistical tests.

Results

The mean disease duration of the cohort was 9.8 ± 4.7 years. The patients were divided into three groups: prepubertal onset (n=39) with mean age at diagnosis of 5.1 ± 2.0 years and pubertal disease onset (n=29) with mean age at diagnosis of 10.8 ± 1.0 years as well as postpubertal disease onset (n=35) group with mean age at diagnosis of 15.3 ± 1.6 years. The prepubertal pSLE cohort demonstrates unique characteristics with increased frequency of familial SLE (61%) of which 49% were from first-degree relatives. Similarly, this group had distinctive clinical features, which included increased renal disease in pubertal and postpubertal groups, respectively (51% vs 23% vs 20%; p=0.039). Prepubertal, similar to pubertal group, had a higher incidence of cutaneous manifestations than in the postpubertal group (74% vs 69% vs 46%; p=0.029). Laboratory features in prepubertal group were distinct with increased frequency of positive anti-cardiolipin antibodies (47%), anti-glycoprotein antibodies (42%), ANCA (62%), and low complement levels (97%) compared to pubertal and postpubertal group. The prepubertal group also has the lowest frequency of positive SSA antibodies (18%) and SSB antibodies (5.1%). The overall mean SLEDAI score in pSLE cohort was 15.6 ± 18.5. The mean SLEDAI scores among the groups showed no significance difference (p=0.110). The overall SLICC DI ≥1 was 36% with a mean damage score of 0.76 ± 1.38. No significant differences in damage index (SLICC DI ≥1) were noted among the groups.

Conclusions

Distinct clinical features were identified in prepubertal onset pSLE population of Arab ethnicity. Given the high rate of consanguineous marriage and high frequency of familial SLE in this cohort, these manifestations could be explained by higher frequency of genetic factors that influence the disease pathogenesis.