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Aringer M, Finzel S, Voll RE. [Immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus]. Z Rheumatol 2024; 83:68-76. [PMID: 35551439 PMCID: PMC10847069 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-022-01214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Insights into the immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) help to understand the complex disease patterns and to develop new treatment strategies. The disease manifestations essentially result from autoantibodies, immune complexes and cytokines. Particularly the propensity towards developing various autoantibodies is central to the disease itself; autoantibody specificities lead to highly variable organ manifestations. This review article delineates the clinically relevant state of knowledge on SLE pathogenesis, with the goal to establish a model useful for clinical practice, which also helps to classify the novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Aringer
- Rheumatologie, Medizinische Klinik III und UniversitätsCentrum für Autoimmun- und Rheumatische Erkrankungen (UCARE), Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
| | - Stephanie Finzel
- Klinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie & Centrum für chronische Immundefizienz, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Reinhard E Voll
- Klinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie & Centrum für chronische Immundefizienz, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
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Aringer M, Toro-Domínguez D, Alarcón-Riquelme ME. Classification of systemic lupus erythematosus: From the development of classification criteria to a new taxonomy? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101949. [PMID: 38729901 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2024.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
SLE is a highly variable systemic autoimmune disease. Its immunopathological effector phase is partly understood. However, the background of its variability is not. SLE classification criteria have been relying on the clinical manifestations and standard autoimmune serology. This still holds true for the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria. On one hand, this has led to significant precision in defining patients with SLE. On the other hand, the information in the criteria neither helps understanding the individual patient's pathophysiology, nor does it predict the efficacy of the available immunomodulatory therapies. Chances of further improvement of clinical criteria are most likely limited. This is where new multi-omic approaches have started to make an impact. While not yet able to differentiate diseases with the same precision as the classification criteria, the results of these studies go far beyond the scope of the criteria with regard to immune dysregulation. Looking at both sides in detail, we here try to synthesize the available data, aiming at a better understanding of SLE and its immune pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Aringer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Daniel Toro-Domínguez
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer / University of Granada / Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Andalusia, Spain
| | - Marta E Alarcón-Riquelme
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer / University of Granada / Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Andalusia, Spain; Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Shaaban Y, El-Marsafawy H, El-Farahaty RM, El-Ziny S, El-Refaey AM. Aquaporin-4 IgG antibodies: predictors of positivity and their relationship with neuropsychiatric disorders and white matter lesions in Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2023; 21:47. [PMID: 37208665 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-023-00827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Shaaban
- Department of Paediatrics, Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hala El-Marsafawy
- Department of Paediatrics, Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Reham M El-Farahaty
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed M El-Refaey
- Department of Paediatrics, Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Liu Y, Tu Z, Zhang X, Du K, Xie Z, Lin Z. Pathogenesis and treatment of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: A review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:998328. [PMID: 36133921 PMCID: PMC9484581 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.998328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis. Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a serious complication of SLE that involves the nervous system and produces neurological or psychiatric symptoms. After decades of research, it is now believed that the diverse clinical manifestations of NPSLE are associated with intricate mechanisms, and that genetic factors, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, vascular lesions, multiple autoimmune antibodies, cytokines, and neuronal cell death may all contribute to the development of NPSLE. The complexity and diversity of NPSLE manifestations and the clinical overlap with other related neurological or psychiatric disorders make its accurate diagnosis difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, in this review, we describe the known pathogenesis and potential causative factors of NPSLE and briefly outline its treatment that may help in the diagnosis and treatment of NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Third Affifiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Tu
- Department of Rheumatology, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Third Affifiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keqian Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Third Affifiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengquan Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiming Lin, ; Zhengquan Xie,
| | - Zhiming Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, Third Affifiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiming Lin, ; Zhengquan Xie,
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Yao Y, Yang X, Zhou Y, Xie H, Duan R, Jing L, Li Y, Guan W, Teng J, Jia Y. Comparative analysis of clinical and imaging data of first-attack neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with and without connective tissue disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:969762. [PMID: 36090884 PMCID: PMC9453243 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.969762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coexistence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and connective tissue disease (CTD) is well recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the characteristics of first attack NMOSD with and without CTD. Methods A total of 113 Patients with NMOSD were included and were divided into two groups based on the presence of co-occurring CTD. Their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and image characteristics were obtained through inpatient medical records and follow-ups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the effect of CTD in NMOSD patients at the time of first recurrence. The risk factors that could predict complications of NMOSD with CTD was analyzed by binary logistic regression. The ability of homocysteine (Hcy) to predict the coexistence of NMOSD and CTD was analyzed and evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results The demographic data, clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and MRI findings, except relapse events (including relapse rate, number of recurrences, and time of first recurrence), were similar between the two groups. The serum lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and albumin levels were lower (P < 0.05), while serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Hcy levels were higher in patients with NMOSD with CTD than in those without CTD (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the time of first recurrence in NMOSD patients complicated with CTD was earlier than that of without CTD (log rank test P = 0.035). Logistic regression revealed that serum Hcy levels (OR 1.296, 95% CI, 1.050–1.601, P = 0.016) were independently associated with the occurrence of NMOSD with CTD. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.738 (95% CI, 0.616–0.859; P < 0.001) for Hcy levels. Considering the Hcy concentration of 14.07 μmol/L as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting the coexistence of first-attack NMOSD and CTD were 56 and 89.8%, respectively. Conclusions When the first-attack NMOSD patients are complicated with CTD, they have a higher recurrence rate, more recurrences, earlier first recurrence, higher serum Hcy levels, and enhanced systemic inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, Hcy levels may help to screen for CTD in patients with first-attack NMOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaobing Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongyan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haojie Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ranran Duan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lijun Jing
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Guan
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junfang Teng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanjie Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanjie Jia
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Arévalo B, Blázquez M, Serafín V, Montero-Calle A, Calero M, Valverde A, Barderas R, Campuzano S, Yáñez-Sedeño P, Pingarrón JM. Unraveling autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases by amperometric serological detection of antibodies against aquaporin-4. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:108041. [PMID: 34929532 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.108041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This work reports the first electroanalytical bioplatform to date for the determination of antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Abs), whose serum level is considered as relevant biomarker for certain autoimmune diseases. The bioplatform relies on the use of magnetic microparticles modified with the biotinylated protein for the capture of specific antibodies. The captured IgGs are enzymatically labelled with a secondary antibody conjugated to the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme. Amperometric transduction is performed using the H2O2/hydroquinone (HQ) system, which results in a cathodic current variation directly proportional to the concentration of the target antibodies. The evaluation of the analytical and operational characteristics of the developed bioplatform shows that it is competitive in terms of sensitivity with the only biosensor reported to date as well as with the commercially available ELISA kits. The achieved limit of detection value is 8.8 pg mL-1. In addition, compared to ELISA kits, the developed bioplatform is advantageous in terms of cost and point of care operation ability. The bioplatform was applied to the analysis of control serum samples with known AQP4-Abs contents as well as of sera from healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Alzheimer (AD) diseases, providing results in agreement with the ELISA methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Arévalo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Blázquez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Serafín
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montero-Calle
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220-Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Calero
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220-Madrid, Spain; Alzheimer's Center Reina Sofía Foundation -CIEN Foundation and CIBERNED, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220-Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Valverde
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Barderas
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220-Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Campuzano
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paloma Yáñez-Sedeño
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain.
| | - José M Pingarrón
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28014-Madrid, Spain
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Taylor K, Muscal E, Van Mater H. The Role of Pediatric Rheumatologists in Autoimmune Brain Disease. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2021; 48:343-369. [PMID: 34798957 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The spectrum of autoimmune and inflammatory brain diseases continues to evolve with medical advances facilitating both the detection of inflammation of the central nervous system and the discovery of novel disease mechanisms. The clinical overlap of these disorders with primary rheumatic diseases and the efficacy of immunotherapy have led to strong partnerships between pediatric rheumatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other providers in the care of children with these conditions. Early diagnosis and initiation of targeted therapy improve clinical outcomes, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaborative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Taylor
- Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Eyal Muscal
- Division of Rheumatology and Co-appointment in Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heather Van Mater
- Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Greenan-Barrett J, Doolan G, Shah D, Virdee S, Robinson GA, Choida V, Gak N, de Gruijter N, Rosser E, Al-Obaidi M, Leandro M, Zandi MS, Pepper RJ, Salama A, Jury EC, Ciurtin C. Biomarkers Associated with Organ-Specific Involvement in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7619. [PMID: 34299237 PMCID: PMC8306911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is characterised by onset before 18 years of age and more severe disease phenotype, increased morbidity and mortality compared to adult-onset SLE. Management strategies in JSLE rely heavily on evidence derived from adult-onset SLE studies; therefore, identifying biomarkers associated with the disease pathogenesis and reflecting particularities of JSLE clinical phenotype holds promise for better patient management and improved outcomes. This narrative review summarises the evidence related to various traditional and novel biomarkers that have shown a promising role in identifying and predicting specific organ involvement in JSLE and appraises the evidence regarding their clinical utility, focusing in particular on renal biomarkers, while also emphasising the research into cardiovascular, haematological, neurological, skin and joint disease-related JSLE biomarkers, as well as genetic biomarkers with potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Greenan-Barrett
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Georgia Doolan
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Devina Shah
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Simrun Virdee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK;
| | - George A. Robinson
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Varvara Choida
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Nataliya Gak
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (N.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Nina de Gruijter
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Elizabeth Rosser
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Muthana Al-Obaidi
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK;
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Maria Leandro
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (N.G.); (M.L.)
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK;
| | - Michael S. Zandi
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK;
| | - Ruth J. Pepper
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK; (R.J.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Alan Salama
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK; (R.J.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Elizabeth C. Jury
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK;
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK; (J.G.-B.); (G.D.); (D.S.); (G.A.R.); (V.C.); (N.d.G.); (E.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK; (N.G.); (M.L.)
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Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Connective Tissue Disease (CTD): an Update for the Rheumatologist. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:33. [PMID: 33909180 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS). RECENT FINDINGS NMOSD is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that primarily targets astrocytes. Although the prevalence is unknown, the coexistence of NMOSD and SLE/SS is well-recognized. Patients with both NMOSD and SLE or SS require may require unique approaches to diagnosis and management. Coexistence of NMOSD and SLE/SS is important for the rheumatologist and neurologist to be able to recognize. For the rheumatologist, NMOSD and its neurologic symptoms represent a distinct disease process from neurologic complications of the patient's underlying connective tissue disease, and it requires distinct acute and chronic management. For the neurologist, the coexistence of SLE and SS can help to establish a diagnosis of NMOSD, or in some situations, the development of neurologic symptoms secondary to NMOSD can lead to the diagnosis of connective tissue disease.
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