Study methodology and insights from the palovarotene clinical development program in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

BACKGROUND

The design of clinical trials in rare diseases is often complicated by a lack of real-world translational knowledge. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal malformations and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO). Palovarotene is a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist. Here, we describe the methodology of three studies in the palovarotene clinical development program in FOP and discuss insights that could inform future research, including endpoint suitability and the impact of trial design.

METHODS

PVO-1A-001 (NCT02322255) was a prospective, protocol-specified, longitudinal FOP natural history study (NHS). PVO-1A-201 (NCT02190747) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial; PVO-1A-202 (NCT02279095) was its open-label extension. Trial designs, including treatment regimens and imaging assessments, were refined between PVO-1A-201 and PVO-‍1A-202, and within PVO-1A-202, based on emerging data as the studies progressed. Palovarotene doses were administered using a flare-up treatment regimen (higher dose for 2/4 weeks, followed by lower dose for 4/≥8 weeks; from flare-up onset), with or without accompanying chronic (daily) treatment. Flare-up and disease progression outcomes were assessed, including incidence and volume of new HO during flare-ups and/or annually, as well as other clinical, patient-reported, and exploratory outcomes. Safety was monitored throughout all studies.

RESULTS

Overall, 114 and 58 individuals with FOP were enrolled in the NHS and phase II trials, respectively. Results of the NHS and PVO-1A-201 were published in 2022; complete results of PVO-1A-202 will be publicly available in due course. Together the studies yielded important information on endpoint suitability, including that low-dose whole-body computed tomography was the optimum imaging modality for assessing HO progression annually and that long study durations are needed to detect substantial changes in functional and patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A flexible clinical development program is necessary for underexplored rare diseases to overcome the many challenges faced. Here, the NHS provided a longitudinal evaluation of FOP progression and interventional trials were based on emerging data. The studies described informed the design and endpoints implemented in the phase III MOVE trial (NCT03312634) and provide a foundation for future clinical trial development.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02322255 (registered 23/12/2014); NCT02190747 (registered 15/07/2014); NCT02279095 (registered 30/10/2014).

Reduction of New Heterotopic Ossification (HO) in the Open-Label, Phase 3 MOVE Trial of Palovarotene for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare, severely disabling genetic disorder of progressive heterotopic ossification (HO). The single-arm, open-label, phase 3 MOVE trial (NCT03312634) assessed efficacy and safety of palovarotene, a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist, in patients with FOP. Findings were compared with FOP natural history study (NHS; NCT02322255) participants untreated beyond standard of care. Patients aged ≥4 years received palovarotene once daily (chronic: 5 mg; flare-up: 20 mg for 4 weeks, then 10 mg for ≥8 weeks; weight-adjusted if skeletally immature). The primary endpoint was annualized change in new HO volume versus NHS participants (by low-dose whole-body computed tomography [WBCT]), analyzed using a Bayesian compound Poisson model (BcPM) with square-root transformation. Twelve-month interim analyses met futility criteria; dosing was paused. An independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended trial continuation. Post hoc 18-month interim analyses utilized BcPM with square-root transformation and HO data collapsed to equalize MOVE and NHS visit schedules, BcPM without transformation, and weighted linear mixed-effects (wLME) models, alongside prespecified analysis. Safety was assessed throughout. Eighteen-month interim analyses included 97 MOVE and 101 NHS individuals with post-baseline WBCT. BcPM analyses without transformation showed 99.4% probability of any reduction in new HO with palovarotene versus NHS participants (with transformation: 65.4%). Mean annualized new HO volume was 60% lower in MOVE versus the NHS. wLME results were similar (54% reduction fitted; nominal p = 0.039). All palovarotene-treated patients reported ≥1 adverse event (AE); 97.0% reported ≥1 retinoid-associated AE; 29.3% reported ≥1 serious AE, including premature physeal closure (PPC)/epiphyseal disorder in 21/57 (36.8%) patients aged <14 years. Post hoc computational analyses using WBCT showed decreased vertebral bone mineral density, content, and strength, and increased vertebral fracture risk in palovarotene-treated patients. Thus, post hoc analyses showed evidence for efficacy of palovarotene in reducing new HO in FOP, but high risk of PPC in skeletally immature patients. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Clinical characteristics and course of patients with Kawasaki disease at a general hospital

Kawasaki disease (KD) is considered the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children younger than 5 years. Our objective was to know the clinical characteristics, coronary involvement, and course of patients seen at our facility. A case series from 2001 to 2018 was reviewed. Sixty-three patients were included; their median age was 2.6 years; 58% were males. The median duration of fever at the time of diagnosis was 5.5 days. The incomplete form was observed in 33% and coronary involvement, in 20%. Among patients with coronary involvement, 60% had incomplete KD versus 28% among those without coronary involvement (p:0.06). No differences were observed between groups in laboratory data based on coronary involvement. To conclude, 33% had incomplete KD and 20%, coronary involvement. There was a trend to a higher risk for coronary artery damage in the incomplete form of KD.

The natural history of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: A prospective, global 36-month study

PURPOSE

We report the first prospective, international, natural history study of the ultra-rare genetic disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). FOP is characterized by painful, recurrent flare-ups, and disabling, cumulative heterotopic ossification (HO) in soft tissues.

METHODS

Individuals aged ≤65 years with classical FOP (ACVR1^R206H variant) were assessed at baseline and over 36 months.

RESULTS

In total, 114 individuals participated; 33 completed the study (mean follow up: 26.8 months). Median age was 15.0 (range: 4-56) years; 54.4% were male. During the study, 82 (71.9%) individuals reported 229 flare-ups (upper back: 17.9%, hip: 14.8%, shoulder: 10.9%). After 84 days, 14 of 52 (26.9%) imaged flare-ups had new HO at the flare-up site (mean new HO volume: 28.8 × 10³ mm³). Mean baseline low-dose whole-body computed tomography (excluding head) HO volume was 314.4 × 10³ mm³; lowest at 2 to <8 years (68.8 × 10³ mm³) and increasing by age (25-65 years: 575.2 × 10³ mm³). The mean annualized volume of new HO was 23.6 × 10³ mm³/year; highest at 8 to <15 and 15 to <25 years (21.9 × 10³ and 41.5 × 10³ mm³/year, respectively) and lowest at 25 to 65 years (4.6 × 10³ mm³/year).

CONCLUSION

Results from individuals receiving standard care for up to 3 years in this natural history study show the debilitating effect and progressive nature of FOP cross-sectionally and longitudinally, with greatest progression during childhood and early adulthood.

Whole-body Computed Tomography Versus Dual Energy X‑ray Absorptiometry for Assessing Heterotopic Ossification in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder that leads to heterotopic ossification (HO), resulting in progressive restriction of physical function. In this study, low-dose, whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were evaluated to determine the preferred method for assessing total body burden of HO in patients with FOP. This was a non-interventional, two-part natural history study in patients with FOP (NCT02322255; date of registration: December 2014). In Part A (described here), WBCT and DXA scans were individually assessed for HO presence and severity across 15 anatomical regions. All images were independently reviewed by an expert imaging panel. Ten adult patients were enrolled across four sites. The sensitivity to HO presence and severity varied considerably between the two imaging modalities, with WBCT demonstrating HO in more body regions than DXA (76/138 [55%] versus 47/113 [42%]) evaluable regions). Inability to evaluate HO presence, due to overlapping body regions (positional ambiguity), occurred less frequently by WBCT than by DXA (mean number of non-evaluable regions per scan 1.2 [standard deviation: 1.5] versus 2.4 [1.4]). Based on the increased sensitivity and decreased positional ambiguity of low-dose WBCT versus DXA in measuring HO in patients with FOP, low-dose WBCT was chosen as the preferred imaging for measuring HO. Therefore, low-dose WBCT was carried forward to Part B of the natural history study, which evaluated disease progression over 36 months in a larger population of patients with FOP.

New recommendations for the care of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I

Considering the advances made on mucopolysaccharidosis type I after the consensus study published by a group of experts in Argentina in 2008, recommendations about genetic testing, cardiological follow-up, airway care, hearing impairment detection, spinal and neurological conditions, as well as current treatments, were reviewed. Emphasis was placed on the need for early diagnosis and treatment, as well as an interdisciplinary follow-up.

Patients with ACVR1R206H mutations have an increased prevalence of cardiac conduction abnormalities on electrocardiogram in a natural history study of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Background

Genetic contributors to cardiac arrhythmias are often found in cardiovascular conduction pathways and ion channel proteins. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare disease of massive heterotopic ossification caused by a highly recurrent R206H mutation in ACVR1/ALK2. This mutation causes abnormal activation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway in response to Activin A. Prior studies suggested increased risks of cardiopulmonary complications in FOP. We examined participants in a Natural History Study (NHS) of FOP (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02322255) to better understand their cardiovascular status.

Methods

The NHS is an ongoing 3 year international multi-center longitudinal study of 114 patients (ages 4–56 years) with genetically confirmed ACVR1/ALK2^R206H FOP. Patients were clinically assessed at baseline and 12 months. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were reviewed in a central ECG laboratory. Conduction abnormalities were compared against clinical data collected in the NHS, and echocardiograms collected from NHS and non-NHS patients.

Results

Conduction abnormalities were present in 45.3% of baseline ECGs, with the majority of abnormalities classified as nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (37.7%). More specifically, 22.2% of patients > 18 years old had conduction abnormalities, which was significantly higher than a prior published study of a healthy population (5.9%; n = 3978) (p < 0.00001). Patients with FOP < 18 years old also had a high prevalence of conduction abnormalities (62.3%). The 12-month follow up data was similar to baseline results. Conduction abnormalities did not correlate with chest wall deformities, scoliosis, pulmonary function test results, or increased Cumulative Analog Joint Involvement Scale scores. Echocardiograms from 22 patients with FOP revealed 8 with structural cardiac abnormalities, only 1 of which correlated with a conduction abnormality.

Conclusions

We found that patients with FOP may have subclinical conduction abnormalities manifesting on ECG, independent of heterotopic ossification. Although clinically significant heart disease is not typically associated with FOP, and the clinical implications for cardiovascular risk remain unclear, knowledge about ECG and echocardiogram changes is important for clinical care and research trials in patients with FOP. Further studies on how ACVR1/ALK2^R206H affects cardiac health will help elucidate the underlying mechanism.

OR29-05 A Natural History Study of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP): 12-Month Outcomes

Background: FOP is an ultra-rare, severely disabling genetic disorder characterized by episodic flare-ups and heterotopic ossification (HO) leading to restricted movement, physical disability, and early death. FOP may initially be misdiagnosed in ~90% of individuals leading to unnecessary and often harmful interventions. Patients with FOP are diagnosed and managed by multiple specialties, including endocrinologists.

Data from an ongoing, prospective, longitudinal, global, natural history study (NCT02322255) were used to investigate the progression of FOP, HO formation, and impact on physical functioning over time. We present results from the first 12 months of the 3-year study.

Methods: Males and females with FOP and a documented ACVR1 R206H mutation participated. HO volume was assessed by low-dose whole body computed tomography (WBCT) scan, excluding the head. All imaging was interpreted at a blinded, central laboratory using pre-specified procedures. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Cumulative Analogue Joint Involvement Scale (CAJIS; for each joint: score=0 represents <10% involvement, score=1 represents 10–90% involvement, and score=2 represents >90% ankylosed across 15 major joints; total score range 0 to 30 [higher scores indicate more severe mobility limitations]) and the FOP Physical Function Questionnaire (FOP-PFQ; percent total score). Changes from Baseline at Month 12 were evaluated for new HO volume, CAJIS, and FOP-PFQ.

Results: Of 114 participants (pts) with Baseline data, 99 (4 to 56 years at enrollment; mean 17 years of age; 56% male) also had a Month 12 assessment. A total of 93 pts had evaluable WBCT scans at Baseline and Month 12 and were included in the HO analysis.

In total, 40% (37/93) of pts had new HO over 12 months; the mean volume of new HO in these pts was 57,706 mm³ (SD=100,079 mm³; median=20,753 mm³; range: 522 to 438,826 mm³). Of the pts with new HO, 65% (24/37) reported at least one flare-up (mean rate of 2.3 flare-ups/year).

Over 12 months, 60% (56/93) of pts did not have new HO; 43% (24/56) of them reported at least one flare-up (mean rate of 1.8 flare-ups/year).

Mean changes from Baseline in CAJIS and FOP-PFQ were minimal: CAJIS: 0.6 (SD=2.4; median=1.0; n=99) and FOP-PFQ: 4.4% (SD=11.2; median=3.7%; n=90); and were similar across pts with or without new HO.

Conclusions: In participants with FOP, although deterioration of physical function is expected over a patient’s lifetime, CAJIS and FOP-PFQ scores did not worsen significantly in the relative short-term of this study. However, HO volume, quantified by WBCT, increased over the course of 12 months. These results show that measuring HO may be a viable way to monitor changes in FOP over short periods of time.

Self-reported baseline phenotypes from the International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Association Global Registry

A global, patient-reported registry has been established to characterize the course of disease and track clinical outcomes in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), an ultra-rare genetic condition of progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) that results in ankylosis of joints and renders most affected individuals immobile by the second decade of life. Here, we present baseline phenotypes on 299 patients (median age 21 years; range 0.1 to 78 years) from 54 countries based on aggregate data from the International FOP Association (IFOPA) Global Registry (the "FOP Registry"). The mean current age of the patients is 23.7 years (range, 0.1 to 78 years). Baseline characteristics are presented for FOP diagnosis, HO, flare-ups and precedent events, system-based prevalent symptomatology, encounters with medical and dental care providers, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale scores, physical function, as well as the use of aids, assistive devices, and adaptations. Correlations of PROMIS Global Health scores with HO burden and physical function are calculated. Associations of joint mobility with PROMIS Global Health scores, physical function, and use of aids, assistive devices, and adaptations are summarized. Overall, the FOP Registry database contains a broad sample of the global FOP patient population, providing a useful tool for expanding knowledge of FOP, designing clinical trials and facilitating evidence-based decisions about the optimal monitoring and management of affected individuals.

Natural history of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: cross-sectional analysis of annotated baseline phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP; OMIM#135100) is an ultra-rare, severely disabling genetic disease characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and aponeuroses often preceded by painful, recurrent soft tissue swelling (flare-ups). The formation of HO leads to progressive disability, severe functional limitations in joint mobility, and to a shortened life-span. In this prospective natural history study, we describe the baseline, cross-sectional disease phenotype of 114 individuals with FOP.

METHODS

All subjects underwent protocol-specified baseline assessments to determine their disease status. Cross-sectional analyses were performed using linear regression in which functional evaluations (Cumulative Analogue Joint Involvement Scale [CAJIS] and the FOP-Physical Function Questionnaire [FOP-PFQ]) and the burden of HO as measured by low-dose whole body CT (volume of HO and number of body regions with HO) were assessed.

RESULTS

Findings from 114 subjects (age range 4 to 56 years) were evaluated. While subject age was significantly (p < 0.0001) correlated with increased CAJIS (r = 0.66) and FOP-PFQ scores (r = 0.41), the estimated mean increases per year (based on cross-sectional average changes over time) were small (0.47 units and 1.2%, respectively). There was also a significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between baseline age and HO volume (r = 0.56), with an estimated mean increase of 25,574 mm³/year. There were significant (p < 0.0001) correlations between the objective assessment of HO volume and clinical assessments of CAJIS (r = 0.57) and FOP-PFQ (r = 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data, functional and physical disability as assessed by CAJIS and the FOP-PFQ increased over time. Although longitudinal data are not yet available, the cross-sectional analyses suggest that CAJIS and FOP-PFQ are not sensitive to detect substantial progression over a 1- to 2-year period. Future evaluation of longitudinal data will test this hypothesis. The statistically significant correlations between HO volume and the functional endpoints, and the estimated average annual increase in total HO volume, suggest that the formation of new HO will be measurable over the relative short-term course of a clinical trial, and represents an endpoint that is clinically meaningful to patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study ( NCT02322255 ) was first posted on 23 December, 2014.

Special considerations for clinical trials in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)

Clinical trials for orphan diseases are critical for developing effective therapies. One such condition, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; MIM#135100), is characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) that leads to severe disability. Individuals with FOP are extremely sensitive to even minor traumatic events. There has been substantial recent interest in clinical trials for novel and urgently‐needed treatments for FOP. The International Clinical Council on FOP (ICC) was established in 2016 to provide consolidated and coordinated advice on the best practices for clinical care and clinical research for individuals who suffer from FOP. The Clinical Trials Committee of the ICC developed a focused list of key considerations that encompass the specific and unique needs of the FOP community – considerations that are endorsed by the entire ICC. These considerations complement established protocols for developing and executing robust clinical trials by providing a foundation for helping to ensure the safety of subjects with FOP in clinical research trials.

The Argentinian Spanish version of the Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR)

The Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR) is a new parent/patient reported outcome measure that enables a thorough assessment of the disease status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We report the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the parent and patient versions of the JAMAR in the Argentinian Spanish language. The reading comprehension of the questionnaire was tested in 10 JIA parents and patients. Each participating centre was asked to collect demographic, clinical data and the JAMAR in 100 consecutive JIA patients or all consecutive patients seen in a 6-month period and to administer the JAMAR to 100 healthy children and their parents. The statistical validation phase explored descriptive statistics and the psychometric issues of the JAMAR: the three Likert assumptions, floor/ceiling effects, internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha, interscale correlations, test–retest reliability, and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity). A total of 373 JIA patients (23.1% systemic, 30.8% oligoarticular, 28.1% RF negative polyarthritis, 18% other categories) and 100 healthy children were enrolled in five centres. The JAMAR components discriminated well healthy subjects from JIA patients. Notably, there was no significant difference between healthy subjects and their affected peers in the school-related item. All JAMAR components revealed good psychometric performances. In conclusion, the Argentinian Spanish version of the JAMAR is a valid tool for the assessment of children with JIA and is suitable for use both in routine clinical practice and clinical research.

The FOP Connection Registry: Design of an international patient-sponsored registry for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

The Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Connection Registry is an international, voluntary, observational study that directly captures demographic and disease information initially from patients with FOP (the patient portal) and in the near future from treating physicians (the physician portal) via a secure web-based tool. It was launched by the International FOP Association (IFOPA) with a guiding vision to develop and manage one unified, global, and coordinated Registry allowing the assembly of the most comprehensive data on FOP. This will ultimately facilitate greater access and sharing of patient data and enable better and faster development of therapies and tracking their long-term treatment effectiveness and safety. This report outlines the FOP Connection Registry's design and procedures for data collection and reporting, as well as the long-term sustainability of Registry. Patient-reported, aggregate data are summarized for the first 196 enrolled patients, representing participation from 42 countries and approximately 25% of the world's known FOP population. Fifty-seven percent of the current Registry participants are female with a mean age of 23.8years (median=21years, range=1, 76years). Among the Registry participants who provided their FOP type, 51% reported FOP Classic (R206H), 41% reported FOP Type Unknown, and 8% reported FOP Variant. Patients reported 5.4years (median=3.0years, range=0, 45.8years) as the mean age at which they noticed their first FOP symptoms and a mean age at final FOP diagnosis of 7.5years (median=5.0years, range=0.1, 48.4years). Information on the patients' diagnostic journeys in arriving at a correct diagnosis of FOP is also presented. These early patient-reported data suggest that the IFOPA's vision of one, unified, global, and coordinated approach to the FOP Connection Registry is well underway to being realized. In addition, the positive response from the FOP patient community to the initial launch of the Registry's patient portal has created a solid foundation upon which to build the largest international registry for monitoring the clinical progression of FOP among patients.

Validation of the Argentine Spanish version of Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire for adolescents with chronic conditions

INTRODUCTION

The transition of adolescents with chronic conditions to adult follow-up care is an increasingly complex process. Patients need to acquire knowledge and skills that ensure continuity of their care. The goal of this study was to validate the Argentinian Spanish version of the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) 5.0 tool in adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Descriptive, crosssectional, quantitative study. Patients with chronic conditions aged 14 years or older treated at Hospital Garrahan were included. The TRAQ is made up of 20 items divided into 5 subscales (Managing Medication, Appointment Keeping, Tracking Health Issues, Talking with Providers, Managing Daily Activities), and is designed to be self-administered. Patients completed the TRAQ, as well as an opinion survey about its use and a self-perceived autonomy scale; their physicians answered a scale about patients' health impairment due to the condition. Sociodemographic, clinical and TRAQ-related variables were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 191 patients participated. The majority of patients (96.3%) understood the TRAQ 5.0 questionnaire and completed it correctly, in self-administered modality, in a short time (median: 5 minutes), with little or no help (81%). Patients who live in poverty or have a lower education level than the one expected for their age needed more help. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for the overall score was 0.81. Construct validity was demonstrated by testing different hypotheses (all p < 0.05): discrimination by age ≥ 16 years (3.01 vs. 3.34), sex (women: 3.38 > men: 3.12) and having plans for the future (without plans: 3.01 < with plans: 3.34); correlation with self-perception scale (r= 0.49).

CONCLUSION

The TRAQ 5.0 tool is available for use in Argentinian adolescents with chronic conditions.

Development and Initial Validation of the Macrophage Activation Syndrome/Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Score, a Diagnostic Tool that Differentiates Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis from Macrophage Activation Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a diagnostic score that assists in discriminating primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) from macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) related to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

STUDY DESIGN

The clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features of 362 patients with MAS and 258 patients with pHLH were collected in a multinational collaborative study. Eighty percent of the population was assessed to develop the score and the remaining 20% constituted the validation sample. Variables that entered the best fitted model of logistic regression were assigned a score, based on their statistical weight. The MAS/HLH (MH) score was made up with the individual scores of selected variables. The cutoff in the MH score that discriminated pHLH from MAS best was calculated by means of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Score performance was examined in both developmental and validation samples.

RESULTS

Six variables composed the MH score: age at onset, neutrophil count, fibrinogen, splenomegaly, platelet count, and hemoglobin. The MH score ranged from 0 to 123, and its median value was 97 (1st-3rd quartile 75-123) and 12 (1st-3rd quartile 11-34) in pHLH and MAS, respectively. The probability of a diagnosis of pHLH ranged from <1% for a score of <11 to >99% for a score of  ≥123. A cutoff value of ≥60 revealed the best performance in discriminating pHLH from MAS.

CONCLUSION

The MH score is a powerful tool that may aid practitioners to identify patients who are more likely to have pHLH and, thus, could be prioritized for functional and genetic testing.

Dissecting the Heterogeneity of Macrophage Activation Syndrome Complicating Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objective.

To seek insights into the heterogeneity of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) through the analysis of a large patient sample collected in a multinational survey.

Methods.

International pediatric rheumatologists and hemato-oncologists entered their patient data, collected retrospectively, in a Web-based database. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, histopathologic, therapeutic, and outcome data were analyzed in relation to (1) geographic location of caring hospital, (2) subspecialty of attending physician, (3) demonstration of hemophagocytosis, and (4) severity of clinical course.

Results.

A total of 362 patients were included by 95 investigators from 33 countries. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features were comparable among patients seen in diverse geographic areas or by different pediatric specialists. Patients seen in North America were given biologics more frequently. Patients entered by pediatric hemato-oncologists were treated more commonly with biologics and etoposide, whereas patients seen by pediatric rheumatologists more frequently received cyclosporine. Patients with demonstration of hemophagocytosis had shorter duration of sJIA at MAS onset, higher prevalence of hepatosplenomegaly, lower levels of platelets and fibrinogen, and were more frequently administered cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and etoposide. Patients with severe course were older, had longer duration of sJIA at MAS onset, had more full-blown clinical picture, and were more commonly given cyclosporine, IVIG, and etoposide.

Conclusion.

The clinical spectrum of MAS is comparable across patients seen in different geographic settings or by diverse pediatric subspecialists. There was a disparity in the therapeutic choices among physicians that underscores the need to establish uniform therapeutic protocols.

Health-related quality of life in children with chronic conditions lodged at a comprehensive accommodation in the City of Buenos Aires

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of chronic diseases usually requires a multidisciplinary professional training.There are comprehensive accommodations that are adapted to the needs of the families that have to stay away from home for long periods.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of a comprehensive accommodation on the health-related quality of life of children with chronic conditions seen at a hospital of the City of Buenos Aires compared to children lodged at a traditional accommodation and to healthy children. To analyze the agreement between children's and caregivers' opinions. Metfeods.Cross-sectional, observational study. Group 1: children with chronic conditions lodged at a comprehensive accommodation. Group 2: children with chronic conditions lodged at a traditional accommodation. Group 3: healthy children. The Argentine version of the Kidscreen-52 questionnaire was used. A value of p < 0.05, the effect size (ES) > 0.20, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.60 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty children/caregiver dyads (50 in each chronic group and 150 healthy controls). Mean age: 12.6 years old (range: 8-18 years old), 56% were males. The children in Group 1 showed better moods and emotions, a better relationship with parents and peers, and a better school environment than those in Group 2 (p < 0.05, ES > 0.20). Agreement between children's and caregivers' opinion was low, especially in relation to psychosocial dimensions (ICC < 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of their uprooting, children with chronic conditions are capable of maintaining a good relationship with their parents, a good peer bond and social support, and do not need discontinue their education while lodged at a comprehensive accommodation adapted to their needs during their stay in the City of Buenos Aires.

Therapeutic approaches in the treatment of juvenile dermatomyositis in patients with recent-onset disease and in those experiencing disease flare: an international multicenter PRINTO study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate response to therapy over a 24-month period in a large prospective international cohort of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).

METHODS

The study included 145 patients with recent-onset juvenile DM and 130 juvenile DM patients experiencing disease flare, all of whom were <18 years old. Disease activity parameters and therapeutic approaches in 4 geographic areas were analyzed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Response was assessed according to the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) juvenile DM response criteria, and data were reported "as observed" and in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population.

RESULTS

Patients with recent-onset juvenile DM at baseline had higher baseline disease activity and greater improvement over 24 months when compared to juvenile DM patients experiencing disease flare at baseline. Methotrexate (MTX) or high-dose corticosteroids were administered more frequently to patients with recent-onset juvenile DM, compared to juvenile DM patients experiencing disease flare, who were more likely to receive cyclosporine. Compared to patients from Western and Eastern Europe, a higher proportion of patients from South and Central America and North America received pulse steroids, and the average steroid dosage was higher in the North American and South and Central American patients. The use of MTX was similar in all 4 regions, while cyclosporin A was more frequently used in Western Europe. In the "as observed" analysis, 57.9% of the patients with recent-onset juvenile DM and 36.4% of the patients experiencing disease flare (P<0.001) reached at least a 70% response by PRINTO criteria at 6 months; these proportions had increased at month 24 to 78.4% and 51.2%, respectively (P<0.001). Corresponding results of the ITT analysis were much lower, with only one-third of the patients able to maintain the initial assigned therapy over 24 months.

CONCLUSION

Patients with recent-onset juvenile DM are more likely to achieve significant clinical improvement over 24 months, when compared to patients experiencing flares of juvenile DM. Internationally, various therapeutic approaches are used to treat this disease.

[Periodic fever: a description of twelve patients with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA)]

PFAPA is a periodic fever syndrome characterized by: fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis. It is one of the autoinflammatory syndromes, but yet of unknown etiology. Our aim is to report our experience, describe clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, relapses occurrence and response to treatment. We present 12 PFAPA patients. Median age at onset: 1.15 years, mean duration of febrile episodes: 4 days, and relapses at regular intervals. All children received prednisone (1-2 mg/kg/dose) one to two doses, 9 patients responded immediately after the first dose and all experienced a lower periodicity of attacks. PFAPA is the most frequent periodic fever syndrome. To our knowledge, there are no other local series of PFAPA patients published. Recognizing this syndrome will prevent from ordering unnecessary studies and will favor family coping.

Quality of life in pediatric liver transplantation in a single-center in South America

HRQOL in children after LT has not been systematically measured in transplant recipients from South American countries. The aim of this study was to determine the HRQOL using a validated measure for children. The CHQOL-PF50 was completed by the parents of 54 patients after the clinical assessment. Subscale mean scores were compared with both a normal population (n = 274) and a group of chronic illness patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (n = 23). Compared with the normal population, LT recipients had lower subscales scores for general health perceptions, role/social emotional, mental health, and parental impact on time. Bodily pain was significantly lower in our study group. Both mean physical and psychosocial summary scores were lower compared to the normal population but similar to the JIA group. Within the LT population, gender, original diagnosis, type of immunosuppression, type of transplant and time elapsed since LT did not significantly influence any of the summary scores. Our study showed LT children's physical and psycho-social areas were lower compared with those of the general population. LT children had less limitations due to pain. Family functioning appeared normal.

Impact of divorce on the quality of life in school-age children

OBJECTIVE

To assess psychosocial quality of life in school-age children of divorced parents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the pediatric outpatient clinic of a community hospital. Children 5 to 12 years old from married families and divorced families were included. Child quality of life was assessed through maternal reports using a Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50. A multiple linear regression model was constructed including clinically relevant variables significant on univariate analysis (beta coefficient and 95%CI).

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty families were invited to participate and 313 completed the questionnaire. Univariate analysis showed that quality of life was significantly associated with parental separation, child sex, time spent with the father, standard of living, and maternal education. In a multiple linear regression model, quality of life scores decreased in boys -4.5 (-6.8 to -2.3) and increased for time spent with the father 0.09 (0.01 to 0.2). In divorced families, multiple linear regression showed that quality of life scores increased when parents had separated by mutual agreement 6.1 (2.7 to 9.4), when the mother had university level education 5.9 (1.7 to 10.1) and for each year elapsed since separation 0.6 (0.2 to 1.1), whereas scores decreased in boys -5.4 (-9.5 to -1.3) and for each one-year increment of maternal age -0.4 (-0.7 to -0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children's psychosocial quality of life was affected by divorce. The Child Health Questionnaire can be useful to detect a decline in the psychosocial quality of life.