Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in pediatrics

Objective. To provide a framework for healthcare professionals managing pediatric patients who are on active glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and to develop recommendations for the prevention and treatment of GC-induced osteoporosis in the pediatric population. Methods. A panel of experts on bone and pediatric diseases developed a series of PICO questions that address issues related to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients on GC therapy. In accordance with the GRADE approach, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, summarized effect estimations, and classified the quality of the evidence. Then, voting and the formulation of recommendations followed. Results. Seven recommendations and six general principles were developed for GC-induced osteoporosis in the pediatric population. Conclusion. These recommendations provide guidance for clinicians who must make decisions concerning pediatric patients undergoing treatment with GC.

Risk Factors Associated with Intensive Care Admission in Children with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2-Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in Latin America: A Multicenter Observational Study of the REKAMLATINA Network

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 varies widely in its presentation and severity, with low mortality in high-income countries. In this study in 16 Latin American countries, we sought to characterize patients with MIS-C in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) compared with those hospitalized on the general wards and analyze the factors associated with severity, outcomes, and treatment received. Study Design: An observational ambispective cohort study was conducted including children 1 month to 18 years old in 84 hospitals from the REKAMLATINA network from January 2020 to June 2022. Results: A total of 1239 children with MIS-C were included. The median age was 6.5 years (IQR 2.5-10.1). Eighty-four percent (1043/1239) were previously healthy. Forty-eight percent (590/1239) were admitted to the PICU. These patients had more myocardial dysfunction (20% vs 4%; P < 0.01) with no difference in the frequency of coronary abnormalities (P = 0.77) when compared to general ward subjects. Of the children in the PICU, 83.4% (494/589) required vasoactive drugs, and 43.4% (256/589) invasive mechanical ventilation, due to respiratory failure and pneumonia (57% vs 32%; P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the need for PICU transfer were age over 6 years (aOR 1.76 95% CI 1.25-2.49), shock (aOR 7.06 95% CI 5.14-9.80), seizures (aOR 2.44 95% CI 1.14-5.36), thrombocytopenia (aOR 2.43 95% CI 1.77-3.34), elevated C-reactive protein (aOR 1.89 95% CI 1.29-2.79), and chest x-ray abnormalities (aOR 2.29 95% CI 1.67-3.13). The overall mortality was 4.8%. Conclusions: Children with MIS-C who have the highest risk of being admitted to a PICU in Latin American countries are those over age six, with shock, seizures, a more robust inflammatory response, and chest x-ray abnormalities. The mortality rate is five times greater when compared with high-income countries, despite a high proportion of patients receiving adequate treatment.

Transition From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care: An Exploratory Study From Latin America

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Adequate transition from pediatric to adult care is associated with better adherence to treatment and better outcomes in pediatric patients with chronic diseases. There are little data on transition programs, outcomes, use of transition guidelines, and available tools in pediatric rheumatology centers from Latin America (LATAM). In this study, we described the characteristics of transition programs from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers. We also introduced results of the first survey examining the transition experience in countries from LATAM.

METHODS

The experience and implementation process of transition programs from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers were described. A survey based on a questionnaire created by Chira et al (J Rheumatol. 2014;41:768-779) from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance was also administrated to pediatric rheumatology centers from LATAM.

RESULTS

A total of 49 (68%) pediatric rheumatologists answered the survey. Most centers do not have an official and written transition program and reported a need for more tools and resources in their services to facilitate the transition experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Transition guidelines culturally tailored to developing countries are needed in LATAM.

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.

Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab for Polyarticular-Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the Open-Label Two-Year Extension of a Phase III Trial

Objective

To report the 2‐year efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with polyarticular‐course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Patients ages 2–17 years with active polyarticular‐course JIA, in whom treatment with methotrexate was unsuccessful, received 16 weeks of open‐label intravenous TCZ in part 1 (once every 4 weeks: 8 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for body weight [BW] <30 kg; 8 mg/kg for BW ≥30 kg). Assessments were based on the JIA–American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response (defined as percentage of improvement in ≥3 of the 6 JIA core response variables [CRVs]). Patients with at least a JIA‐ACR30 response (defined as ≥30% improvement in ≥3 of the 6 JIA CRVs without worsening in >1 of the remaining JIA CRVs by >30%) at week 16 were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive TCZ or placebo in part 2. Patients remained in part 2 until either week 40 or the occurrence of JIA flare. Upon starting part 3, all patients received open‐label TCZ. At week 104 of the study, efficacy was assessed using JIA‐ACR50/70/90 response rates (defined as 50%, 70%, or 90% improvement, respectively), achievement of inactive disease, and the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score in 71 joints (JADAS‐71). Safety was assessed in the all‐exposure population per 100 patient‐years of exposure.

Results

Overall, 188 patients entered part 1, 166 patients entered part 2, and 160 patients entered part 3. By week 104, among the 188 patients in the modified intent‐to‐treat group who received TCZ, JIA‐ACR50/70/90 response rates were 80.3%/77.1%/59.6%, respectively, the median JADAS‐71 score decreased from 3.6 at week 40 to 0.7 at week 104, 51.1% of patients had achieved inactive disease, and 31 of 66 patients who had been receiving glucocorticoids discontinued them. Adverse event (AE) and serious AE rates were 406.5 per 100 patient‐years and 11.1 per 100 patient‐years, respectively. The infection rate was 151.4 per 100 patient‐years, and the serious infection rate was 5.2 per 100 patient‐years.

Conclusion

Patients treated with TCZ for polyarticular‐course JIA showed high‐level disease control for up to 2 years. The TCZ safety profile was consistent with that previously reported.

Absence of Association Between Abatacept Exposure and Initial Infection in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between infection risk and abatacept (ABA) exposure levels in patients with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) following treatment with subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) ABA.

METHODS

Data from 2 published studies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01844518, NCT00095173) of ABA treatment in pediatric patients were analyzed. One study treated patients aged 2-17 years with SC ABA and the other treated patients aged 6-17 years with IV ABA. Association between serum ABA exposure measures and infection was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plots of probability of first infection vs time on treatment by ABA exposure quartiles and log-rank tests. Number of infections by ABA exposure quartiles was investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 343 patients were included in this analysis: 219 patients received SC ABA and 124 patients received IV ABA. Overall, 237/343 (69.1%) patients had ≥ 1 infection over 24 months. No significant difference in time to first infection across 4 quartiles of ABA exposure levels was observed in the pooled (P = 0.45), SC (2-5 yrs: P = 0.93; 6-17 yrs: P = 0.48), or IV (P = 0.50) analyses. Concomitant use of methotrexate and glucocorticoids (at baseline and throughout) with ABA did not increase infection risk across the ABA exposure quartiles. There was no evidence of association between number of infections and ABA exposure quartiles. No opportunistic infections related to ABA were reported.

CONCLUSION

In patients aged 2-17 years with pJIA, no evidence of association between higher levels of exposure to IV ABA or SC ABA and incidence of infection was observed.

Development and Testing of Reduced Versions of the Manual Muscle Test-8 in Juvenile Dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To develop and test shortened versions of the Manual Muscle Test-8 (MMT-8) in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

METHODS

Construction of reduced tools was based on a retrospective analysis of individual scores of MMT-8 muscle groups in 3 multinational datasets. The 4 and 6 most frequently impaired muscle groups were included in MMT-4 and MMT-6, respectively. Metrologic properties of reduced tools were assessed by evaluating construct validity, internal consistency, discriminant ability, and responsiveness to change.

RESULTS

Neck flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, and shoulder abductors were included in MMT-4, whereas MMT-6 also included elbow flexors and hip flexors. Both shortened tools revealed strong correlations with MMT-8 and other muscle strength measures. Correlations with other JDM outcome measures were in line with predictions. Internal consistency was good (0.88-0.96) for both MMT-4 and MMT-6. Both reduced tools showed strong ability to discriminate between disease activity states, assessed by the caring physician or a parent (P < 0.001), and between patients whose parents were satisfied or not satisfied with illness course (P < 0.001). Responsiveness to change (assessed by both standardized response mean and relative efficiency) of MMT-4 and, to a lesser degree, MMT-6, was slightly superior to that of MMT-8.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the metrologic performance of MMT-4 and MMT-6 was comparable to that of the other established muscle strength tools, which indicates that they may be suitable for use in clinical practice and research, including clinical trials. The measurement properties of these tools should be further tested in other patient populations and evaluated prospectively.

Functional Ability and Health-Related Quality of Life in Randomized Controlled Trials of Tocilizumab in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disability in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or polyarticular JIA treated with tocilizumab.

METHODS

Secondary analyses of two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of intravenous tocilizumab in children with active systemic JIA or polyarticular JIA were conducted. Patient-reported outcomes of disability (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire [C-HAQ]), HRQoL (Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50 [CHQ-P50], health concepts, physical summary score [CHQ-P50-PhS], psychosocial summary score [CHQ-P50-PsS]), pain, and well-being (100-mm visual analog scale [VAS]) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 for systemic JIA, weeks 16 and 40 for polyarticular JIA, and week 104 for both JIA subgroups.

RESULTS

The trial included 112 patients with systemic JIA and 188 patients with polyarticular JIA. In patients with polyarticular JIA, the mean ± SD C-HAQ score decreased from 1.39 ± 0.74 at baseline to 0.67 ± 0.65 at week 16 (P < 0.001). In patients with systemic JIA, the mean ± SD CHQ-P50-PhS improved more with tocilizumab therapy than with placebo at week 12 (7.3 ± 10.2 versus 2.4 ± 10.6) (P < 0.05). Almost all mean CHQ-P50 health concept scores, CHQ-P50-PsS, and CHQ-P50-PhS improved (P ≤ 0.002) by week 104 for patients with systemic JIA. Patients with polyarticular JIA and patients with systemic JIA showed significant reductions in disability (mean ± SD C-HAQ scores of -1.09 ± 0.71 and -1.17 ± 0.80, respectively), improvements in well-being (mean ± SD well-being VAS scores of -43.76 ± 26.61 and -51.53 ± 23.57, respectively), and decreases in pain (mean ± SD pain VAS scores of -41.56 ± 31.06 and -51.26 ± 26.79, respectively) (P < 0.001); in patients with polyarticular JIA and patients with systemic JIA who were treated with tocilizumab, 92.9% of polyarticular JIA patients and 96.8% of systemic JIA patients reported no more than minimal pain (a score of ≤35 mm on the VAS) at week 104.

CONCLUSION

Tocilizumab treatment was associated with significantly reduced disability and pain and improved HRQoL in patients with systemic JIA and polyarticular JIA.

FRI0457 LONG-TERM OUTCOMES AND TREATMENT EFFICACY IN PATIENTS WITH TNF RECEPTOR-ASSOCIATED AUTOINFLAMMATORY SYNDROME (TRAPS) FROM THE EUROFEVER INTERNATIONAL REGISTRY

Background:

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is one of the best-known monogenic auto-inflammatory disorders resulting from an autosomal dominant variation in the TNF super family receptor 1A (TNFRSF1A) gene (1).

Objectives:

To define best treatment approach in patients with TRAPS and effect on long-term outcomes.

Methods:

We reviewed all data on patients with TRAPS enrolled in the Eurofever international registry according the INSAID gene variant classification and the new Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria (EPCC).

Results:

Data on 226 patients were available. Patients not fulfilling the EPCC carrying likely benign/benign variants (21 patients, 9%) or VOUS/not classified variants (40 patients, 18%) displayed a milder disease than the patients fulfilling the EPCC with VOUS/not classified variants (38 patients, 17%) or pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (127 patients, 56%). In particular, in patients not fulfilling the EPCC, less frequent abdominal pain and skin rashes, higher efficacy rate of colchicine and no development of AA amyloidosis have been reported. Almost 90% of patients fulfilling the EPCC required maintenance therapy and anti-interleukin (IL)-1 drugs were the most frequently used, with the highest efficacy rate (>85% complete response), while Etanercept was less effectively used and discontinued in 65% of patients.

Conclusion:

Anti-IL-1 drugs are the best maintenance treatment in TRAPS with potential to reverse the most serious disease complications of AA amyloidosis and infertility. The diagnosis of TRAPS should be considered very carefully in patients carrying VOUS/not classified variants not fulfilling the EPCC.

References:

[1]Lachmann HJ, Papa R, Gerhold K, Obici L, Touitou I, Cantarini L, et al. The phenotype of TNF receptor-associated autoinflammatory syndrome (TRAPS) at presentation: a series of 158 cases from the Eurofever/EUROTRAPS international registry. Annals of the rheumatic diseases 2014;73:2160-7.

Acknowledgments:

RP would like to thank the European Federation of Immunology (EFIS) for the short-term bursary and HL for her continuous support and guidance during the fellowship at the National Amyloidosis Centre in London.

Disclosure of Interests:

Riccardo Papa: None declared, Thirusha Lane: None declared, Francesca Bovis: None declared, Kirsten Minden Consultant of: GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Roche, Isabelle Touitou: None declared, Luca Cantarini: None declared, Marco Cattalini: None declared, Laura Obici: None declared, Annette Jansson: None declared, Alexander Belot: None declared, Beata Woska-Kuśnierz: None declared, Rainer Berendes: None declared, Agustin Remesal: None declared, Marija Jelusic: None declared, Graciela Espada: None declared, Irina Nikishina: None declared, Esther Hoppenreijs: None declared, Maria Cristina Maggio: None declared, Taryn Youngstein: None declared, Tamer Rezk: None declared, Charalampia Papadopoulou: None declared, Paul Brogan Grant/research support from: Roche, Novartis, SOBI, Chemocentryx, Novimmune, Consultant of: Roche, SOBI, UCB, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, SOBI, UCB, Novartis, Philip N Hawkins: None declared, Patricia Woo: None declared, Nicolino Ruperto Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lily, F Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sobi (paid to institution), Consultant of: Ablynx, AbbVie, AstraZeneca-Medimmune, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lily, EMD Serono, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffmann-La Roche, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, R-Pharma, Sanofi, Servier, Sinergie, Sobi, Takeda, Speakers bureau: Ablynx, AbbVie, AstraZeneca-Medimmune, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lily, EMD Serono, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffmann-La Roche, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, R-Pharma, Sanofi, Servier, Sinergie, Sobi, Takeda, Marco Gattorno Consultant of: Sobi, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Sobi, Novartis, Helen J. Lachmann: None declared

First Latin American clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: Latin American Group for the Study of Lupus (GLADEL, Grupo Latino Americano de Estudio del Lupus)-Pan-American League of Associations of Rheumatology (PANLAR)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease, represents a significant challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. Patients with SLE in Latin America face special problems that should be considered when therapeutic guidelines are developed. The objective of the study is to develop clinical practice guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus. Two independent teams (rheumatologists with experience in lupus management and methodologists) had an initial meeting in Panama City, Panama, in April 2016. They selected a list of questions for the clinical problems most commonly seen in Latin American patients with SLE. These were addressed with the best available evidence and summarised in a standardised format following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. All preliminary findings were discussed in a second face-to-face meeting in Washington, DC, in November 2016. As a result, nine organ/system sections are presented with the main findings; an 'overarching' treatment approach was added. Special emphasis was made on regional implementation issues. Best pharmacologic options were examined for musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous, kidney, cardiac, pulmonary, neuropsychiatric, haematological manifestations and the antiphospholipid syndrome. The roles of main therapeutic options (ie, glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressant agents, therapeutic plasma exchange, belimumab, rituximab, abatacept, low-dose aspirin and anticoagulants) were summarised in each section. In all cases, benefits and harms, certainty of the evidence, values and preferences, feasibility, acceptability and equity issues were considered to produce a recommendation with special focus on ethnic and socioeconomic aspects. Guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus have been developed and could be used in similar settings.

Epidemiology and management practices for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a survey in Latin America

To assess epidemiology and management practices of Latin America Pediatric Rheumatologists (LAPR) about childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). A cross-sectional study was performed in 288 LAPR PANLAR members based on online survey about cSLE practices. The response rate of web-based survey by LAPR was 170/288(59%) and the majority worked in university hospitals (63%). The ACR and/or SLICC classification criteria (99%) and disease activity tools (97%) were almost universally used by LAPR, whereas damage index (70%) and CHAQ (58%) instruments were less frequently used. Laboratory exams, diagnostic imaging, and biopsies were generally available (> 75%), however low availability for densitometry (66%). Drug access was excellent for the most common prescribed medications (> 75%), except for belimumab (11%). Emerging mosquito-borne diseases were also reported: dengue (20%), chikungunya (11%), and Zika (8%). Groups were further divided in two, according to the median number of cSLE patients followed by LAPR in the last year: groups A and B (≥ 25 and < 25, respectively). Frequencies of condom in combination with other contraceptive methods were significantly higher in group A than B (p = 0.01). The frequencies of reported pregnancy (p < 0.001) and non-adherence to therapy were significantly higher in group A (p = 0.023). Alcohol intake (p = 0.004) and illicit drug use (p = 0.007) were also reported more frequently by LAPR of group A in at least one cSLE patient. This first large web-based survey demonstrated an overall excellent access for diagnosis and therapy by LAPR, probably related to their high rate of practices in tertiary care of university hospitals. Adherence to therapy, pregnancy, and substance abuse was identified as major challenges in this population, particularly in larger centers.

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.

A web-based collection of genotype-phenotype associations in hereditary recurrent fevers from the Eurofever registry

Background

Hereditary recurrent fevers (HRF) are a group of rare monogenic diseases leading to recurrent inflammatory flares. A large number of variants has been described for the four genes associated with the best known HRF, namely MEFV, NLRP3, MVK, TNFRSF1A. The Infevers database (http://fmf.igh.cnrs.fr/ISSAID/infevers) is a large international registry collecting variants reported in these genes. However, no genotype-phenotype associations are provided, but only the clinical phenotype of the first patient(s) described for each mutation. The aim of this study is to develop a registry of genotype-phenotype associations observed in patients with HRF, enrolled and validated in the Eurofever registry.

Results

Genotype-phenotype associations observed in all the patients with HRF enrolled in the Eurofever registry were retrospectively analyzed. For autosomal dominant diseases (CAPS and TRAPS), all mutations were individually analyzed. For autosomal recessive diseases (FMF and MKD), homozygous and heterozygous combinations were described. Mean age of onset, disease course (recurrent or chronic), mean duration of fever episodes, clinical manifestations associated with fever episodes, atypical manifestations, complications and response to treatment were also studied.

Data observed in 751 patients (346 FMF, 133 CAPS, 114 MKD, 158 TRAPS) included in the Eurofever registry and validated by experts were summarized in Tables. A total of 149 variants were described: 46 TNFRSF1A and 27 NLRP3 variants, as well as various combinations of 48 MVK and 28 MEFV variants were available.

Conclusions

We provide a potentially useful tool for physicians dealing with HRF, namely a registry of genotype-phenotype associations for patients enrolled in the Eurofever registry. This tool is complementary to the Infevers database and will be available at the Eurofever and Infevers websites.

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.

Catch-up growth during tocilizumab therapy for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results from a phase III trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of tocilizumab treatment on growth and growth-related laboratory parameters in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) enrolled in a phase III clinical trial.

METHODS

Patients with systemic JIA ages 2-17 years (n = 112) received tocilizumab in a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled period and a long-term open-label extension. Height velocity and standard deviation (SD) score; levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin (OC), and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I); and Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score in 71 joints (JADAS-71) were measured in a post hoc analysis of 83 patients who never received growth hormone and did not reach Tanner stage 5 by the end of the first year of treatment.

RESULTS

Patients had stunted growth at baseline (mean height SD score -2.2). During tocilizumab treatment, males (73%) and females (83%) experienced above-normal mean height velocities of 6.6 cm/year (P < 0.0001 versus World Health Organization norms). Mean height SD score increases during year 1 (0.29) and year 2 (0.31) were significant (both P < 0.0001). The mean SD score for IGF-1 levels increased significantly (-0.2 for year 1 and -0.1 for year 2 versus -1.0 at baseline; both P < 0.0001). Mean OC and CTX-I levels (both P < 0.0001) and the OC:CTX-I ratio (P = 0.014) significantly increased from baseline to year 2. In multiple regression analysis, first-year height velocity had a significant inverse relationship to JADAS-71 at year 1, age, mean glucocorticoid dosage during the year, and height SD score at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that during treatment with tocilizumab, patients with systemic JIA experience significant catch-up growth, normalization of IGF-1 levels, and bone balance improvement favoring bone formation.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a multinational, multicenter study of 362 patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features, current treatment, and outcome of patients with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

In this multinational, multicenter study, pediatric rheumatologists and hemato-oncologists entered patient data collected retrospectively into a web-based database.

RESULTS

A total of 362 patients, 22% of whom had MAS at the onset of systemic JIA, were included in the study by 95 investigators from 33 countries. The most frequent clinical manifestations were fever (96%), hepatomegaly (70%), and splenomegaly (58%). Central nervous system dysfunction and hemorrhages were recorded in 35% and 20% of the patients, respectively. Platelet count and liver transaminase, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and d-dimer levels were the sole laboratory biomarkers showing a percentage change of >50% between the pre-MAS visit and MAS onset. Evidence of macrophage hemophagocytosis was found in 60% of the patients who underwent bone marrow aspiration. MAS occurred most frequently in the setting of active underlying disease, in the absence of a specific trigger. Nearly all patients were given corticosteroids, and 61% received cyclosporine. Biologic medications and etoposide were given to 15% and 12% of the patients, respectively. Approximately one-third of the patients required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the mortality rate was 8%.

CONCLUSION

This study provides information on the clinical spectrum and current management of systemic JIA-associated MAS through the analysis of a very large patient sample. MAS remains a serious condition, as a sizeable proportion of patients required admission to the ICU or died.

Autoinflammatory diseases in pediatrics

Monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes are caused by mutations in protein-coding genes that have a pivotal role in the regulation of the inflammatory response. Due to their genetic nature, most of these syndromes usually begin during childhood. They are clinically characterized by recurrent episodes of systemic inflammation (fever with different clinical manifestations, such as skin rash, serositis or arthritis) associated with elevation of acute phase reactants. During symptom-free intervals, patients achieve clinical well-being and normalize infammatory parameters. Amyloidosis is a serious long-term complication. In this update we will discuss the clinical presentation and therapeutic strategies for these diseases in pediatrics.

Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of renal disease in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: an international multicentre PRINTO study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate therapeutic approaches and response to therapy in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with renal involvement in a large prospective international cohort from four geographic areas.

METHODS

New onset and flared patients with active renal disease (proteinuria ≥0.5 g/24 h) were enrolled in 2001-2004. Therapeutic approaches and disease activity parameters were analysed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. Response was assessed by the PRINTO/ACR criteria.

RESULTS

218/557 (79.8% female subjects, 117 new onset and 101 flared) patients with active renal disease were identified; 66 patients were lost to follow-up and 11 died. Mean age at disease onset for new onset group was higher than for flared group (13.1 vs 10.2 years, p<0.0001). At baseline, both groups had similar renal activity with similar median doses of corticosteroids (1.0-0.76 mg/kg/day). Cyclophosphamide (43.1%) and azathioprine (22%) were the most common immunosuppressive drugs. At baseline, South American patients received higher doses of corticosteroids than in other areas in new onset (median 1.16 vs 0.8-1 mg/kg/day) while cyclophosphamide use was similar in all four regions in the new onset group. There were no differences regarding the use of azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil worldwide. PRINTO 70 response was reached in a greater percentage of new onset versus flared patients (74.8% vs 53.3%; p=0.005) at 6 months while at 24 months ACR 90 was reached by 69.9% and 56.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

New onset and flared juvenile SLE improved similarly over 24 months with minimal differences in therapeutic approaches worldwide.

Inactive disease and remission in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To define inactive disease (ID) and clinical remission (CR) and to delineate variables that can be used to measure ID/CR in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).

METHODS

Delphi questionnaires were sent to an international group of pediatric rheumatologists. Respondents provided information about variables to be used in future algorithms to measure ID/CR. The usefulness of these variables was assessed in 35 children with ID and 31 children with minimally active lupus (MAL).

RESULTS

While ID reflects cSLE status at a specific point in time, CR requires the presence of ID for >6 months and considers treatment. There was consensus that patients in ID/CR can have <2 mild nonlimiting symptoms (i.e., fatigue, arthralgia, headaches, or myalgia) but not Raynaud's phenomenon, chest pain, or objective physical signs of cSLE; antinuclear antibody positivity and erythrocyte sedimentation rate elevation can be present. Complete blood count, renal function testing, and complement C3 all must be within the normal range. Based on consensus, only damage-related laboratory or clinical findings of cSLE are permissible with ID. The above parameters were suitable to differentiate children with ID/CR from those with MAL (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve >0.85). Disease activity scores with or without the physician global assessment of disease activity and patient symptoms were well suited to differentiate children with ID from those with MAL.

CONCLUSION

Consensus has been reached on common definitions of ID/CR with cSLE and relevant patient characteristics with ID/CR. Further studies must assess the usefulness of the data-driven candidate criteria for ID in cSLE.

The effect of infliximab plus methotrexate on the modulation of inflammatory disease markers in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: analyses from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effect of infliximab on markers of inflammation in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

In this randomized, placebo-controlled substudy, 122 patients with JIA received infliximab 3 mg/kg + methotrexate (MTX)(n = 60) or placebo + MTX (n = 62) at weeks 0, 2, and 6. At week 14, patients receiving placebo + MTX crossed over to infliximab 6 mg/kg + MTX; patients receiving infliximab 3 mg/kg + MTX continued treatment through week 44. Sera and plasma from eligible patients receiving infliximab 3 mg/kg + MTX (n = 34) and receiving placebo→infliximab 6 mg/kg +MTX (n = 38) were collected at weeks 0, 2, 14, 16, 28, and 52 and analyzed for inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-12p40, ICAM-1, MMP-3, VEGF, TNF-α, and CRP).

RESULTS

At week 2, decreases from baseline in IL-6, ICAM-1, MMP-3, TNF-α, and CRP were greater with infliximab versus placebo treatment, and with the exception of CRP, these differences were generally maintained through week 14. The decreases from baseline to week 52 in IL-6, ICAM-1, VEGF, MMP-3, and CRP and increases in IL-12p40 levels were larger in patients receiving placebo→infliximab 6 mg/kg +MTX versus infliximab 3 mg/kg + MTX treatment. Patients receiving infliximab 3 mg/kg+MTX who achieved an American College of Rheumatology Pediatric 30 (ACR-Pedi-30) response had significantly larger decreases from baseline in ICAM-1 (p = 0.0105) and MMP-3 (p = 0.0253) at week 2 and in ICAM-1 (p = 0.0304), MMP-3 (p = 0.0091), and CRP (p = 0.0011) at week 14 versus ACR-Pedi-30 nonresponders.

CONCLUSION

Infliximab + MTX attenuated several inflammatory markers in patients with JIA; larger decreases in ICAM-1, MMP-3, and CRP levels were observed in ACR-Pedi-30 responders versus nonresponders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00036374.

The Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation provisional criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a provisional definition for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) based on the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation juvenile DM core set of variables.

METHODS

Thirty-seven experienced pediatric rheumatologists from 27 countries achieved consensus on 128 difficult patient profiles as clinically improved or not improved using a stepwise approach (patient's rating, statistical analysis, definition selection). Using the physicians' consensus ratings as the "gold standard measure," chi-square, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive and-negative rates, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and kappa agreement for candidate definitions of improvement were calculated. Definitions with kappa values >0.8 were multiplied by the face validity score to select the top definitions.

RESULTS

The top definition of improvement was at least 20% improvement from baseline in 3 of 6 core set variables with no more than 1 of the remaining worsening by more than 30%, which cannot be muscle strength. The second-highest scoring definition was at least 20% improvement from baseline in 3 of 6 core set variables with no more than 2 of the remaining worsening by more than 25%, which cannot be muscle strength (definition P1 selected by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies group). The third is similar to the second with the maximum amount of worsening set to 30%. This indicates convergent validity of the process.

CONCLUSION

We propose a provisional data-driven definition of improvement that reflects well the consensus rating of experienced clinicians, which incorporates clinically meaningful change in core set variables in a composite end point for the evaluation of global response to therapy in juvenile DM.

Macrophage activation syndrome in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: a multinational multicenter study of thirty-eight patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and laboratory features of macrophage activation syndrome as a complication of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Cases of juvenile SLE-associated macrophage activation syndrome were provided by investigators belonging to 3 pediatric rheumatology networks or were found in the literature. Patients who had evidence of macrophage hemophagocytosis on bone marrow aspiration were considered to have definite macrophage activation syndrome, and those who did not have such evidence were considered to have probable macrophage activation syndrome. Clinical and laboratory findings in patients with macrophage activation syndrome were contrasted with those of 2 control groups composed of patients with active juvenile SLE without macrophage activation syndrome. The ability of each feature to discriminate macrophage activation syndrome from active disease was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

The study included 38 patients (20 with definite macrophage activation syndrome and 18 with probable macrophage activation syndrome). Patients with definite and probable macrophage activation syndrome were comparable with regard to all clinical and laboratory features of the syndrome, except for a greater frequency of lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia in patients with definite macrophage activation syndrome. Overall, clinical features had better specificity than sensitivity, except for fever, which was highly sensitive but had low specificity. Among laboratory features, the best sensitivity and specificity was achieved using hyperferritinemia, followed by increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypofibrinogenemia. Based on the results of statistical analysis, preliminary diagnostic guidelines for macrophage activation syndrome in juvenile SLE were developed.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the occurrence of unexplained fever and cytopenia, when associated with hyperferritinemia, in a patient with juvenile SLE should raise the suspicion of macrophage activation syndrome. We propose preliminary guidelines for this syndrome in juvenile SLE to facilitate timely diagnosis and correct classification of patients.

[Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Part 2. Prognosis and current therapeutic approach]

The prognosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis has improved substantially during the last decade, due to an earlier recognition of the disease, its predictors of outcome and the approach to treatment. The introduction of biological agents, constitutes a valuable treatment option for children who are resistant or refractory to conventional antirheumatic drugs. Disease outcome regarding different categories, predictors associated to poor prognosis and the current approach to treatment are reviewed in this article.

[Juvenil idiopathic arthritis. Part 1: diagnosis, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations]

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is not a single disease and constitutes an heterogeneous group of illnesses or inflammatory disorders. This new nomenclature encompasses different disease categories, each of which has different presentation, clinical signs, symptoms, and outcome. The cause of the disease is still unknown but both environmental and genetic factors seem to be related to its pathogenesis. Is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children and an important cause of short-term and long-term disability. In this article, clinical manifestation, new classification and approach to diagnosis are reviewed.

NOD2-associated pediatric granulomatous arthritis, an expanding phenotype: study of an international registry and a national cohort in Spain

OBJECTIVE

To study the phenotype characteristics of the largest to date cohort of patients with pediatric granulomatous arthritis (PGA) and documented mutations in the NOD2 gene.

METHODS

We analyzed merged data from 2 prospective cohorts of PGA patients, the International PGA Registry and a Spanish cohort. A systematic review of the medical records of interest was performed to identify phenotype characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with PGA (23 sporadic cases and 22 from familial pedigrees) and documented NOD2 mutations were identified and formed the basis of the study. Of these 45 patients, 18 had the R334W-encoding mutation, 18 had R334Q, 4 had E383K, 3 had R587C, 1 had C495Y, and 1 had W490L. The majority of patients manifested the typical triad of dermatitis, uveitis, and arthritis. In contrast, in 13 patients, the following "atypical" manifestations were noted: fever, sialadenitis, lymphadenopathy, erythema nodosum, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, transient neuropathy, granulomatous glomerular and interstitial nephritis, interstitial lung disease, arterial hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, hepatic granulomatous infiltration, splenic involvement, and chronic renal failure. In addition, 4 individuals who were asymptomatic carriers of a disease-causing mutation were documented.

CONCLUSION

NOD2-associated PGA can be a multisystem disorder with significant visceral involvement. Treating physicians should be aware of the systemic nature of this condition, since some of these manifestations may entail long-term morbidity.