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

A need for greater awareness: a mixed methods study of patient and healthcare professional perspectives on the diagnosis journey for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to better understand and raise awareness of the diagnosis journey and quantify any barriers for timely diagnosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), to support patients' struggle with diagnosis and reduce time to diagnosis.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with, or caregivers for those diagnosed with primary or secondary HLH and physicians involved in the treatment of HLH were recruited. Quantitative interviews were undertaken with patients/caregivers to quantify key elements of the diagnosis journey, followed by qualitative interviews with participants. Interviews took place between March-May 2021.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients/caregivers and nine physicians took part in this mixed methods study. Lack of physician awareness of HLH was a common frustration for patients/caregivers, causing delayed diagnosis. All physicians indicated bone-marrow testing is a key step in the diagnosis process, and some patients/caregivers had frustrations around testing. Emergency care doctors, although not usually involved in the diagnosis process, were among the most-seen specialists by patients/caregivers. Patients/caregivers suggested potential improvements in available information, such as providing information on treatment options and condition management.

DISCUSSION

Patients/caregivers and physicians agreed on the need to raise overall awareness of HLH signs/symptoms among priority groups of physicians to recognise how signs/symptoms can progress and develop. Improvements in the testing process and communication would directly impact the speed of diagnosis and support patients/caregivers during the diagnostic journey, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Raising awareness of key issues, such as signs/symptoms, tests and diagnostic procedures, and improved communication and support for patients/caregivers, are key to speeding up HLH diagnosis and improving outcomes.

Eighty-six cases of clinical characteristics and outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated macrophage activation syndrome: A meta-analysis study

OBJECTIVE

To improve our understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed, to retrieve all those papers on patients with SLE-MAS, in individual or aggregated form. The data in each of these medical records were extracted and analyzed to identify the characteristics of SLE-MAS.

RESULTS

A total of 86 SLE-MAS patients were included (25 males and 61 females. The mean (±standard error of the mean) age was 31.21 ± 1.694 years. MAS occurred as the initial presentation of SLE in 47 people (54.65%) and during the course of SLE in 39 (45.35%). A coinfection was reported in 23 (26.74%) patients. The mean Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score was 16.54 ± 0.9462. Overall, 10 patients (11.63%) died. The SLEDAI-2K score was higher in patients with MAS as an initial manifestation of SLE than in those where MAS occurred during the course of SLE. The proportion of patients receiving steroid pulse therapy was lower in patients with coinfections. The deceased group demonstrated lower platelet and ferritin levels. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and thrombocytopenia were independent factors associated with poor prognosis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, a platelet count cutoff value of ≤47 × 109/L was a predictor of poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

SLE-MAS patients demonstrated high lupus activity, and lupus activity was especially higher in patients with MAS as an initial manifestation. Lupus activity was the predominant trigger of lupus MAS. Thrombocytopenia was an independent factor for poor prognosis.

BCD020 rituximab bioanalog compared to standard treatment in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: The data of 12 months case-control study

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most frequent and serious systemic connective tissue disease. Nowadays there is no clear guidance on its treatment in childhood. There are a lot of negative effects of standard-of-care treatment (SOCT), including steroid toxicity. Rituximab (RTX) is the biological B-lymphocyte-depleting agent suggested as a basic therapy in pediatric SLE.

AIM

To compare the benefits of RTX above SOCT.

METHODS

The data from case histories of 79 children from the Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University from 2012 to 2022 years, were analyzed. The diagnosis of SLE was established with SLICC criteria. We compared the outcomes of treatment of SLE in children treated with and without RTX. Laboratory data, doses of glucocorticosteroids, disease activity measured with SELENA-SLEDAI, and organ damage were assessed at the time of initiation of therapy and one year later.

RESULTS

Patients, treated with RTX initially had a higher degree of disease activity with prevalence of central nervous system and kidney involvement, compared to patients with SOCT. One year later the disease characteristics became similar between groups with a more marked reduction of disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI activity index) in the children who received RTX [-19 points (17; 23) since baseline] compared to children with SOCT [-10 (5; 15.5) points since baseline, P = 0.001], the number of patients with active lupus nephritis, and daily proteinuria. During RTX therapy, infectious diseases had three patients; one patient developed a bi-cytopenia.

CONCLUSION

RTX can be considered as the option in the treatment of severe forms of SLE, due to its ability to arrest disease activity compared to SOCT.

Immunohistochemical expression of perforin in adult systemic lupus erythematosus associated macrophage activation syndrome: Clinicohematological correlation and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To study the bone marrow (BM) immunohistomorphological characteristics in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated macrophage activation syndrome (SLE-MAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of CD3, CD8, perforin (PFN), and CD163 was studied on BM trephine biopsies from 30 cytopenic adult SLE cases (male: female = 1:5, age; 24 years, range; 19-32) and compared them with ten age matched controls. Clinicopathological parameters were compared among the cases likely (L) or unlikely (U) to have MAS using probability scoring criteria. The best cut off laboratory parameters to discriminate between the two were obtained through receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

MAS occurred in 12/30 (40%) cases and was more commonly associated with prior immunosuppressive therapy (p = .07), ≥ 3 system involvement (p = .09), lower fibrinogen (p < .01), increased triglyceride (p = .002), increased BM hemophagocytosis (p = .002), and higher MAS score [185 (176-203) vs. 105 (77-119), p < .01] than MAS-U subgroup. Although PFN+CD8+ T lymphocytes significantly decreased among cases than controls (p < .05), it was comparable between MAS-L and MAS-U subgroups. Fibrinogen (< 2.4 g/L, AUC; 0.93, p < .01), hemophagocytosis score (> 1.5, AUC; 0.71, p = .03), and an MAS probability score of ≥ 164 (AUC; 1, p < .01) discriminated MAS from those without MAS.

CONCLUSION

We noted a decrease in perforin mediated CD8 + T cell cytotoxicity in SLE. Immunohistochemical demonstration of the same along with histiocytic hemophagocytosis on BM biopsy may be useful adjunct in early diagnosis and management of MAS in SLE.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and COVID-19: a case report with suspected multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)

Introduction and importance

Symptoms similar to diseases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) were reported in pediatric coronavirus infections.

Case presentation

Here, we present a 4-year-old girl with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an earlier diagnosis of SJS, and a final diagnosis of MIS-C.

Clinical discussion

Unlike the negative PCR test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the positive serological test confirmed COVID-19.

Conclusion

The monitoring of this case indicated that higher coronavirus infection can delay immune reaction and cause symptoms similar to SJS.

Blood Composite Scores in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Complete blood count-derived ratios have been described as inflammatory biomarkers in several diseases. These hematological scores include the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index ([SIRI]; neutrophils × monocytes/lymphocytes). Our aim was to study how these biomarkers are related to disease expression in a large and well-characterized series of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 284 SLE patients and 181 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. The NLR, MLR, PLR, and SIRI were calculated, and activity (SLEDAI-2K), severity (Katz), and damage index (SLICC-DI) scores were assessed in patients with SLE. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to study whether these scores differ between patients and controls and how they are related to clinical and laboratory features of the disease. Crude cell counts of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets were lower in SLE patients compared to controls. Despite this, NLR, MLR, and PRL, but not SIRI, were higher in SLE patients than in controls after multivariable analysis. However, the relationship between the different scores and disease characteristics was limited. Only the Katz severity index revealed a significant positive relationship with SIRI, NLR, and MLR after adjustment for covariates. Similarly, alternative complement cascade activation and low C3 were significantly associated with higher NLR, MLR, and PLR. In conclusion, although cytopenias are a common feature of patients with SLE, hematologic composite scores are independently higher in this population compared to controls. However, the relationship of these scores with the characteristics of the disease is scarce, with the relationship with the complement system being the most consistent.

Massive Right Chylothorax Secondary to a Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare With Secondary Evans Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

This case report describes a 23-year-old male patient who presented with right chylothorax as the initial manifestation of a severe flare of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and secondary Evans syndrome. Chylothorax and chylous ascites are rare features of SLE that can occur due to the accumulation of triglyceride-rich fluid in serous cavities. However, they have never been reported as the initial manifestation of a lupus flare. Evans syndrome is a rare disease characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia, which can be secondary to SLE. The concomitant occurrence of both chylothorax and Evans syndrome in the setting of systemic lupus erythematosus has never been described, and the exact causative mechanisms of both entities are yet to be fully understood. In this report, we discuss our approach to this challenging case to broaden the understanding of the clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering rare features of systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary diseases when evaluating patients with the disease.

Secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: the challenges of timely diagnosis and successful treatment

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune-mediated disease driven by abnormal macrophage activation and regulatory cell dysfunction. HLH can be primary due to genetic mutations or secondary due to infection, malignancy or autoimmune conditions. We describe a woman in her early 30s who developed HLH while being treated for newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by lupus nephritis as well as concomitant cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation from a dormant infection. The trigger for this secondary form of HLH may have been either aggressive SLE and/or CMV reactivation. Despite prompt treatment with immunosuppressive therapies for SLE consisting of high-dose corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, etoposide for HLH and ganciclovir for CMV infection, the patient developed multiorgan failure and passed away. We demonstrate the difficulty in identifying a specific cause for secondary HLH when multiple conditions are present (SLE and CMV) and the fact that, despite aggressive treatment for both conditions, the mortality for HLH remains high.

Advances in attractive therapeutic approach for macrophage activation syndrome in COVID-19

Nowadays, people have relaxed their vigilance against COVID-19 due to its declining infection numbers and attenuated virulence. However, COVID-19 still needs to be concern due to its emerging variants, the relaxation of restrictions as well as breakthrough infections. During the period of the COVID-19 infection, the imbalanced and hyper-responsive immune system plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a fatal complication of immune system disease, which is caused by the excessive activation and proliferation of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells (CTL). COVID-19-related hyperinflammation shares common clinical features with the above MAS symptoms, such as hypercytokinemia, hyperferritinemia, and coagulopathy. In MAS, immune exhaustion or defective anti-viral responses leads to the inadequate cytolytic capacity of CTL which contributes to prolonged interaction between CTL, APCs and macrophages. It is possible that the same process also occurred in COVID-19 patients, and further led to a cytokine storm confined to the lungs. It is associated with the poor prognosis of severe patients such as multiple organ failure and even death. The main difference of cytokine storm is that in COVID-19 pneumonia is mainly the specific damage of the lung, while in MAS is easy to develop into a systemic. The attractive therapeutic approach to prevent MAS in COVID-19 mainly includes antiviral, antibiotics, convalescent plasma (CP) therapy and hemadsorption, extensive immunosuppressive agents, and cytokine-targeted therapies. Here, we discuss the role of the therapeutic approaches mentioned above in the two diseases. And we found that the treatment effect of the same therapeutic approach is different.

Disentangling the common genetic architecture and causality of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus with COVID-19 outcomes: Genome-wide cross trait analysis and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) may cause a dysregulation of the immune system and has complex relationships with multiple autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, little is known about their common genetic architecture. Using the latest data from COVID-19 host genetics consortium and consortia on RA and SLE, we conducted a genome-wide cross-trait analysis to examine the shared genetic etiology between COVID-19 and RA/SLE and evaluated their causal associations using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR). The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 23, 28, and 10 shared genetic loci for severe COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, and SARS-CoV-2 infection with RA, and 14, 17, and 7 shared loci with SLE, respectively. Co-localization analysis identified five causal variants in TYK2, IKZF3, PSORS1C1, and COG6 for COVID-19 with RA, and four in CRHR1, FUT2, and NXPE3 for COVID-19 with SLE, involved in immune function, angiogenesis and coagulation. Bidirectional MR analysis suggested RA is associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, and COVID-19 is not related to RA or SLE. Our novel findings improved the understanding of the genetic etiology shared by COVID-19, RA and SLE, and suggested an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in people with higher genetic liability to RA.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH)/systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) overlap syndrome is an uncommon disease in the clinic and is diagnosed through characteristic clinical manifestations, histopathology, and immunopathology. Here, we report the case of a 30-year-old woman with SLE who developed MRH.

CASE SUMMARY

A 30-year-old woman with a history of polyarthritis for the past 12 years had multiple skin nodules on her body for 10 years, including the sacrococcygeal area, dorsum of the hands, interphalangeal joint of the feet and sternoclavicular joint. The histopathology of a biopsy of the distal interphalangeal joint of the hands revealed granulomatous inflammation, fibrous hyperplasia with ground-glass degeneration, inflammatory cell exudation and focal necrosis. The immunohistochemical stains showed positive staining for CD68 and negative staining for S100 and acid-fast staining. The patient was diagnosed with SLE with MRH. Her symptoms were improved after a combined treatment of prednisone, hydroxychloroquine and cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION

MRH/SLE overlap syndrome is difficult to diagnose and treat. Cyclophosphamide may be an alternative choice for the treatment of MRH.

Recurrent macrophage activation syndrome as the initial manifestation of paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction: Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication in rheumatic diseases. Here, we report the case of a 14-year-old girl with MAS as the primary manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). She had three episodes of MAS during the course of her treatment. This case is unique as recurrent MAS in pediatric SLE is rare.Methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory features and outcomes of our patient was noted. We also reviewed the two reported cases of recurrent MAS in pediatric SLE. Literature review was performed on PubMed search forum. Search items included Macrophage activation syndrome, pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrent MAS.Conclusion: The diagnosis and management of MAS are challenging as it can simulate an infectious complication or can be the exacerbation of the underlying disease. Early detection and prompt treatment can reduce morbidity in these patients.

Strategy and Challenges of Paraclinical Examinations in Adult-Onset Still’s Disease

Adult-onset Still’s disease is a complex autoinflammatory disease with a multifactorial etiology. Its presentation is less stereotypical than that of a monogenic autoinflammatory disease and is actually relatively common with few specific signs. To avoid under- or over-prescription of complementary examinations, it is useful to advance in a structured manner, taking into consideration the actual added value of each supplemental examination. In this review, we detail the different complementary tests used in adult Still’s disease. We consider them from three different angles: positive diagnostic approach, the differential diagnosis, and the screening for complications of the disease. After discussing the various tests at our disposal, we look at the classical diagnostic strategy in order to propose a structured algorithm that can be used in clinical practice. We conclude with the prospects of new complementary examinations, which could in the future modify the management of patients.

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).