Spontaneous Hemopericardium Complicated by Tamponade in a Child With Moderate Hemophilia A: Case-Based Review

Hemophilia A is the most common severe innate bleeding disorder. It is an X-linked recessive inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a qualitative and/or quantitative deficiency of factor VIII. The clinical manifestation of this disease is hemorrhaging that can affect every organ, in particular joints (hemarthrosis) and muscles (hematoma). Some serious but rare hemorrhages can be life-threatening, in particular hemorrhage of the central nervous system and hemopericardium. We report a rare case of spontaneous hemopericardium complicated by tamponade in a child with moderate hemophilia A treated with Factor VIII replacement infusion and pericardial drainage, with a favorable outcome. To our knowledge, this is the second case described in the literature of spontaneous hemopericardium occurring in a child with hemophilia A. Our case suggests that a dose of 50 IU/kg/8 h of factor VIII maintained for up to one day after removal of the pericardial drain seems to be sufficient to ensure correct hemostasis, though further evidence is needed to confirm this impression.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis in a Pediatric Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019

The etiology of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) has yet to be determined. Viral link has been suggested, but severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated AFM has not been reported in children. We describe a three-year-old boy, with AFM associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, patients with AFM should be tested for SARS-CoV-2.

c-ANCA-associated vasculitis with predominant CNS demyelination after COVID-19

COVID-19 infection may trigger the presentation or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. c-Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA)-associated vasculitis after COVID-19 mainly involves the kidneys and lungs, and is rarely reported. We describe the case of a 13-year-old girl with a history of chronic immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura who presented with transverse myelitis and central nervous system demyelination, and was subsequently diagnosed with c-ANCA-associated vasculitis following COVID-19. The patient's condition improved after pulse therapy with methylprednisolone and rituximab. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pediatric case of ANCA-associated vasculitis with predominant central nervous system involvement after COVID-19 infection.

85 Systemic lupus erythematosus in Tunisian children: a case series

Background

Childhood–onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) is the prototype of a multisystem, inflammatory, heterogeneous autoimmune condition, characterized by simultaneous or sequential organ involvement. Compared with the adult-onset form, c-SLE have a worse prognosis.

Objectives

To review the epidemiological, and bio-clinical, characteristics of a c-SLE case series.

Methods

The files of patients diagnosed as c-SLE in the pediatrics department of Monastir, Tunisia from January 2004 to March 2022 were reviewed. Mean and standard-deviation were used to express normally-distributed variables, as verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test.

Results

Fourteen patients were collected. Female to male ratio was 6:1. Mean ages at lupus onset and diagnosis were 9.9 ± 1.4 years, [5–13.8 years] and 10.75 ± 2.3 years [6–14 years], respectively. Only two children had a family history of autoimmune disease.

The initial admission was motivated primarily by skin and musculoskeletal manifestations, in 64.3% and 51.7% of cases, respectively. General signs (fever, asthenia) were observed in 35.7% of cases, hematological and gastrointestinal manifestations in 28.6% of cases each. In 3 cases, upper gastric endoscopy was performed prior to admission, in view of abdominal pain and vomiting.

The physical examination noted various abnormalities. Malar rash (50%) and discoid lupus (28.6%) were the most frequent cutaneous manifestations, while skin biopsy was performed in three cases, all in keeping with lupus. The musculoskeletal manifestations were arthralgia (71.4%), arthritis and myositis (14.3%). Hematological manifestations included thrombocytopenia and leukopenia in 4 cases, as well as 3 cases of auto-immune hemolytic anaemia and splenomegaly. Renal manifestations were proteinuria in 7, haematuria in 6, and hypertension in 2 (with renal failure in one of the patients). The renal biopsy that was performed in one subject showed a class 2 lupus nephritis. Pleural effusion was observed in 3, pneumonia in 3, pericarditis in 2, myo-pericarditis in 1 and central nervous system (CNS) lupus in 1.

Relevant results of the laboratory workup are illustrated in the following table:

The formal diagnosis of SLE was established according to the ACR-1997 criteria in 7 cases (50%), the SLICC-2012 in 4 cases (28.6%) and EULAR/ACR-2019 in 3 cases (21.4%). The c-SLE diagnosis was associated with coeliac disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis in two of the subjects respectively.

The therapeutic management was based on corticosteroids in 11 cases, hydroxychloroquine in 3, while cyclophosphamides and immunoglobulin were used for two subjects respectively.

The outcomes were heterogeneous. Among 11 patients with sufficient follow-up, 6 cases of remission and 2 cases of relapse were noted. Major adverse events were not infrequent: one case each of cardiac tamponade, macrophage activation syndrome and severe CNS lupus were observed, all fatal.

Conclusion

Childhood–onset systemic lupus is a challenging disease, both to diagnose and to treat. The development of new criteria of higher specificity and sensitivity has greatly helped identify the incomplete types of lupus and allow for early-stage diagnosis, therefore preventing the serious complications of the disease.

47 Systemic lupus erythematosus in Tunisian children: a case series

Background

Childhood–onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) is the prototype of a multisystemic, inflammatory, heterogeneous autoimmune condition, characterized by simultaneous or sequential organ involvement. Compared with the adult onset form, c-SLE is thought to have a worse prognosis.

Objectives

To review the epidemiological, and bio-clinical, characteristics of a c-SLE case series.

Methods

The files of patients diagnosed as c-SLE in the pediatrics department of Monastir, Tunisia from January 2004 to March 2022 were reviewed. Mean and standard-deviations were used to express normally-distributed variables, as verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test.

Results

Fourteen patients were collected. Female to male ratio was 6:1. Mean ages at lupus onset and diagnosis were 9.9 ± 1.4 years, [5–13.8 years] and 10.75 ± 2.3 years [6–14 years], respectively. Only two children had a family history of autoimmune disease.

The initial admission was motivated primarily by skin and musculoskeletal manifestations, in 64.3% and 51.7% of cases, respectively. General signs (fever, asthenia) were observed in 35.7% of cases, hematological and gastrointestinal manifestations in 28.6% of cases each. In 3 cases, upper gastric endoscopy was performed prior to admission, in view of abdominal pain and vomiting.

The physical examination noted various anomalies. Malar rash (50%) and discoid lupus (28.6%) were the most frequent cutaneous manifestations, while skin biopsy was performed in three cases, all favorable for lupus. The musculoskeletal manifestations comprised arthralgia (71.4%), arthritis and myositis (14.3% each). Hematological manifestations included thrombocytopenia and leukopenia in 4 cases each, as well as 3 cases of auto-immune hemolytic anaemia and splenomegaly. Renal manifestations were dominated by proteinuria in 7 cases, followed by hematuria in 6 cases, and 2 cases of hypertension (associated with renal failure in one case). The renal biopsy was performed in one case showed a stage-2 lupus nephritis. Pleural effusion was observed in 3 cases, 3 cases of pneumonia, 2 cases of pericarditis, one case of myo-pericarditis and one case of central nervous system (CNS) lupus.

Relevant results of the laboratory workup are illustrated in the following table:

The formal diagnosis of SLE was established according to the ACR-1997 criteria in 7 cases (50%), the SLICC-2012 in 4 cases (28.6%) and EULAR/ACR-2019 in 3 cases (21.4%). The c-SLE diagnosis was associated with coeliac disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis in one case each.

The therapeutic management was based on corticosteroids in 11 cases, followed by hydroxychloroquine in 3 cases, while cyclophosphamides and immunoglobulin were used for one case each.

The outcomes were heterogeneous. Among 11 patients with sufficient follow-up, 6 cases of remission and 2 cases of relapse were noted. Major adverse events were not infrequent: one case each of cardiac tamponade, macrophage activation syndrome and severe CNS lupus were observed, all fatal.

Conclusion

Childhood–onset systemic lupus is a challenging disease, both to diagnose and to treat. The development of new criteria of higher specificity and sensitivity has greatly helped identify the incomplete types of lupus and allow for early stage diagnosis, and therefore prevent the serious complications of the disease.

Clinical and genetic heterogeneity in familial steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Familial steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is a rare condition. The disease pathophysiology remains elusive. However, bi-allelic mutations in the EMP2 gene were identified, and specific variations in HLA-DQA1 were linked to a high risk of developing the disease.

METHODS

Clinical data were analyzed in 59 SSNS families. EMP2 gene was sequenced in families with a potential autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance. Exome sequencing was performed in a subset of 13 families with potential AR inheritance. Two variations in HLA-DQA1 were genotyped in the whole cohort.

RESULTS

Transmission was compatible with an AR (n = 33) or autosomal dominant (AD, n = 26) inheritance, assuming that familial SSNS is a monogenic trait. Clinical features did not differ between AR and AD groups. All patients, including primary (n = 7) and secondary steroid resistant nephrotic syndrone (SRNS), (n = 13) were sensitive to additional immunosuppressive therapy. Both HLA-DQA1 variations were found to be highly linked to the disease (OR = 4.34 and OR = 4.89; p < 0.001). Exome sequencing did not reveal any pathogenic mutation, neither did EMP2 sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results highlight the clinical and genetic heterogeneity in familial SSNS. Clinical findings sustain an immune origin in all patients, whatever the initial steroid-sensitivity. The absence of a variant shared by two families and the HLA-DQA1 variation enrichments suggest a complex mode of inheritance.

[Devic's neuromyelitis optica in children: a case report and review of the literature]

Devic neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or Devic's syndrome is an uncommon clinical syndrome associating unilateral or bilateral optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Usually reported in adults, childhood cases constitute a distinctive clinical entity.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of NMO occurring in a 9-year-old girl, admitted for paraplegia, sphincter troubles as acute installation bladder retention and of a sudden decline of the visual acuity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormalities of spinal cord signal with hypo intensity in T1-weighted images and hyper intensity in T2-weighted images along the spinal cord. However, the cerebral region was normal. Visual evoked potentials were consistent with retrobulbar optic neuropathy. Our patient received corticosteroids (methyl prednisolone) during 5 days followed by oral prednisone. At week three, an immunosuppressant (azathioprine) was added. Clinical outcome was favourable with disappearance of sphincter troubles, a correction of the visual acuity and a progressive disappearance of motor troubles.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric Devic's NMO is rare. It is a different clinical entity with an excellent visual and neurological prognosis. Review of the literature shows that recurrence is rare in children and seems to be without long-term sequelae with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy.

[Eosinophilic granuloma revealed by torticollis: a case report]

Langerhans cell histiocytose is a rare condition in childhood. It presents in different ways ranging from a single bony disease to a multisystemic disease involving vital organs.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of single bone involvement revealed by torticollis in an eight-year-old boy. The diagnosis was evocated on radiological findings and confirmed by histologic aspects. After a period of 2,5 years, this child is in total spontaneous remission.

CONCLUSION

Torticollis must be explored and watched. Eosinophilic granuloma can be a rare aetiology in children. The outcome is often favorable.

La déshydratation hypernatrémique chez l'enfant : étude rétrospective de 105 cas

The hypernatremic dehydration defined by a serum sodium concentration> or = to 150 mmol/l, is a particular form of acute dehydration and constitutes a medical emergency requiring a prompt and adequate diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE

To precise the epidemiological profile, course, causes and therapeutic particularities of hypernatremic dehydration in children.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 105 children admitted in the general Paediatrics department of the Fattouma Bourguiba university hospital in Monastir (Tunisia), for hypernatremic dehydration between January 1st 1990 and December 31 2002.

RESULTS

Hypernatremic dehydration represented 11.51% of all kinds of dehydration. The mean age was 6.5 months with a small male predominance. The socio-economic level of the parents was good in 62.8% of cases. Half of the children were in shock. Severe dehydration was present in 87.6% of cases and neurological signs were observed in 77.14% of cases. The initial mean serum sodium concentration was 159 mmol/L. Acidosis and acute renal failure were associated respectively in 97.2% and 76.2% of cases. Prominent cause of hypernatremic dehydration was diarrhoea (94.3%). Intravenous rehydration with 5% glucose solution at the average of 147 ml/kg/day and containing a mean sodium level of 42 mmol/L was performed in 74% of cases. In most cases (84.1%) serum sodium was normalized within the first 72 hours. Complications were noted in 5.7% of cases and mortality rate was 11.4%.

CONCLUSION

Hypernatremic dehydration was common in infant and the prominent cause is still dominated by diarrhoea in our country. The management of hypernatremic dehydration is based on oral or intravenous rehydration and plasma expanding fluids when shock is present or imminent. The serum sodium concentration should be gradually corrected and should not exceed 0.5 mmol/L/h. Prevention is based on the pursuit of breastfeeding and the use of oral rehydration solution in infantile diarrhoeas.

[Neuromeningeal enterovirus infections in Tunisia: epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of 26 pediatric cases]

Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common identified cause of viral neuromeningeal infections following the introduction of the mumps and polio vaccines.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and the outcome of enteroviral infections of the CNS.

METHOD AND PATIENTS

We performed a prospective study on 41 children admitted for viral neuromeningeal infections in the pediatric department of Monastir between December 2001 and November 2002. Enteroviruses were detected from cerebrospinal fluid by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

This study showed that enteroviruses were responsible for 63.4% of the infections. The mean age of patients was 6.1 years. Aseptic meningitis was diagnosed in 14 cases and encephalitis in 10. The most frequent symptom was fever (61.5%), followed by seizures (42.3%), and confusion (23%). On follow-up, all patients with meningitis had recovered without sequels. Neurological complications in patients with encephalitis were epilepsy (3 cases), cerebral palsy (2 cases), and mental retardation (1 case).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that enteroviruses were the most common cause of viral infections of the CNS. Common use of RT-PCR can have a significant impact on the outcome of patients with enterovirus infections.