Current Use and Barriers to Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Rheumatology: A National Survey of VA Medical Centers

INTRODUCTION

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can assist rheumatologists in monitoring disease activity, establishing diagnoses, and guiding procedural interventions. POCUS use has been increasing, but little is known about current use and barriers among rheumatologists. The purpose of this study was to characterize current POCUS use, training needs, and barriers to use among rheumatologists in practice.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of all Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers was conducted using a web-based survey sent to all chiefs of staff and rheumatology chiefs about current POCUS use, training needs, barriers, and policies.

RESULTS

All chiefs of staff (n = 130) and rheumatology chiefs at VA medical centers (n = 95) were surveyed with 100% and 84% response rates, respectively. The most common diagnostic POCUS applications were evaluation of synovitis, joint effusion, tendinopathies, bursitis, and rotator cuff. The most common procedural applications were arthrocentesis and joint, bursa, and tendon injection. Most rheumatology chiefs (69%) expressed interest in training for their group. The most common barriers to POCUS use were lack of trained providers (68%), funding for training (54%), training opportunities (38%), funding for travel (38%), and ultrasound equipment (31%). Lack of POCUS infrastructure was common, and few facilities had POCUS policies (20%), image archiving (25%), or quality assurance processes (6%).

CONCLUSION

Currently, half of rheumatology groups use diagnostic and procedural ultrasound applications. Most rheumatology groups desire training, and lack of training and equipment were the most common barriers to ultrasound use. Deliberate investment is needed in ultrasound training and infrastructure for systematic adoption of POCUS in rheumatology. Graphical Abstract available for this article.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03296280.

Discovery of Modified Metabolites, Secondary Metabolites, and Xenobiotics by Structure-Oriented LC-MS/MS

Exogenous compounds and metabolites derived from therapeutics, microbiota, or environmental exposures directly interact with endogenous metabolic pathways, influencing disease pathogenesis and modulating outcomes of clinical interventions. With few spectral library references, the identification of covalently modified biomolecules, secondary metabolites, and xenobiotics is a challenging task using global metabolomics profiling approaches. Numerous liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (LC-MS) small molecule analytical workflows have been developed to curate global profiling experiments for specific compound groups of interest. These workflows exploit shared structural moiety, functional groups, or elemental composition to discover novel and undescribed compounds through nontargeted small molecule discovery pipelines. This Review introduces the concept of structure-oriented LC-MS discovery methodology and aims to highlight common approaches employed for the detection and characterization of covalently modified biomolecules, secondary metabolites, and xenobiotics. These approaches represent a combination of instrument-dependent and computational techniques to rapidly curate global profiling experiments to detect putative ions of interest based on fragmentation patterns, predictable phase I or phase II metabolic transformations, or rare elemental composition. Application of these methods is explored for the detection and identification of novel and undescribed biomolecules relevant to the fields of toxicology, pharmacology, and drug discovery. Continued advances in these methods expand the capacity for selective compound discovery and characterization that promise remarkable insights into the molecular interactions of exogenous chemicals with host biochemical pathways.

Point-of-care ultrasound in geriatrics: a national survey of VA medical centers

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can aid geriatricians in caring for complex, older patients. Currently, there is limited literature on POCUS use by geriatricians. We conducted a national survey to assess current POCUS use, training desired, and barriers among Geriatrics and Extended Care ("geriatric") clinics at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study of all VAMCs between August 2019 and March 2020 using a web-based survey sent to all VAMC Chiefs of Staff and Chiefs of geriatric clinics.

RESULTS

All Chiefs of Staff (n=130) completed the survey (100% response rate). Chiefs of geriatric clinics ("chiefs") at 76 VAMCs were surveyed and 52 completed the survey (68% response rate). Geriatric clinics were located throughout the United States, mostly at high-complexity, urban VAMCs. Only 15% of chiefs responded that there was some POCUS usage in their geriatric clinic, but more than 60% of chiefs would support the implementation of POCUS use. The most common POCUS applications used in geriatric clinics were the evaluation of the bladder and urinary obstruction. Barriers to POCUS use included a lack of trained providers (56%), ultrasound equipment (50%), and funding for training (35%). Additionally, chiefs reported time utilization, clinical indications, and low patient census as barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS has several potential applications for clinicians caring for geriatric patients. Though only 15% of geriatric clinics at VAMCs currently use POCUS, most geriatric chiefs would support implementing POCUS use as a diagnostic tool. The greatest barriers to POCUS implementation in geriatric clinics were a lack of training and ultrasound equipment. Addressing these barriers systematically can facilitate implementation of POCUS use into practice and permit assessment of the impact of POCUS on geriatric care in the future.

Identification of Formaldehyde-Induced DNA-RNA Cross-Links in the A/J Mouse Lung Tumorigenesis Model

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a potent lung carcinogen present in tobacco products, and exposure to it is likely one of the factors contributing to the development of lung cancer in cigarette smokers. To exert its carcinogenic effects, NNK must be metabolically activated into highly reactive species generating a wide spectrum of DNA damage. We have identified a new class of DNA adducts, DNA-RNA cross-links found for the first time in NNK-treated mice lung DNA using our improved high-resolution accurate mass segmented full scan data-dependent neutral loss MS3 screening strategy. The levels of these DNA-RNA cross-links were found to be significantly higher in NNK-treated mice compared to the corresponding controls, which is consistent with higher levels of formaldehyde due to NNK metabolism as compared to endogenous levels. We hypothesize that this DNA-RNA cross-linking occurs through reaction with NNK-generated formaldehyde and speculate that this phenomenon has broad implications for NNK-induced carcinogenesis. The structures of these cross-links were characterized using high-resolution LC-MS2 and LC-MS3 accurate mass spectral analysis and comparison to a newly synthesized standard. Taken together, our data demonstrate a previously unknown link between DNA-RNA cross-link adducts and NNK and provide a unique opportunity to further investigate how these novel NNK-derived DNA-RNA cross-links contribute to carcinogenesis in the future.

Epidemiology of Kawasaki disease in Australia using two nationally complete datasets

AIM

The incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) is reported to be increasing in some populations. We sought to describe long-term trends in the incidence and epidemiology of KD in Australia over 25 years.

METHODS

Two nationally complete administrative datasets relevant to KD in Australia were analysed and compared. The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Supply Tracking Analysis Reporting System (STARS) recorded all doses of immunoglobulin (IVIG) approved in Australia between January 2007 and June 2016. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) records all episodes of care in hospitals across Australia. Data relevant to KD were extracted an analysed, with comparisons made for the period of data overlap.

RESULTS

During the period of data overlap (2007-2015) the IVIG treatment rate in the 0- to 4-year age group (calculated from STARS) was 14.31 per 100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval 13.67-14.97). The hospitalisation rate in the same age group (calculated from the NHMD) was 14.99 per 100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval 14.33-15.66). Hospitalisation rates rose at an average rate of 3.54% annually over the 25 years to 2017 in the 0- to 4-year age group, almost exclusively in the 1- to 4-year age group.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence of increasing KD diagnosis in Australia. Similar trends have also been reported in Asia but not in North America or Europe. Increasing diagnosis may reflect a true increase in disease incidence, increasing recognition or overdiagnosis. Further research is needed to determine the cause for these trends.

Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Presentation, management and long-term outcomes in an Australian cohort

OBJECTIVES

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a serious autoimmune disease often resulting in major end-organ damage and increased mortality. Currently, no data exists focussing on the presentation, long-term management and progression of SLE in the Australian paediatric population. We conducted the first Australian longitudinal review of childhood SLE, focussing on response to treatment and outcomes.

METHODS

Detailed clinical and laboratory data of 42 children diagnosed with SLE before 16 years from 1998 to 2018 resident in Western Australia was collected. Data was collected at diagnosis and key clinical review time points and compared using the Systemic Lupus Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) criteria. End organ damage was assessed against Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Incidence rates of disease complications and end organ damage were determined.

RESULTS

Of the 42 children, 88% were female with average age at diagnosis of 12.5 years. Indigenous Australians were over represented with an incidence rate 18-fold higher than non-Indigenous, although most children were Caucasian, reflecting the demographics of the Australian population. Median duration of follow-up was 4.25 years. On final review, 28.6% had developed cumulative organ damage as described by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (incidence rate: 0.08/PY (95% CI 0.04-0.14)), and one child died. Twenty-nine children had renal involvement (incidence rate: 0.38/PY (95% CI 0.26-0.56)). Of the 27 patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis, 70% had Class III or IV disease. Average length of prednisolone use from diagnosis was 32.5 months. Hydroxychloroquine (n = 36) and mycophenolate mofetil (n =21) were the most widely used steroid sparing agents. 61.9% received rituximab and/or cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION

This is the first longitudinal retrospective review of Australian children with SLE, with a markedly higher incidence in Indigenous children. Although improving, rates of end organ complications remain high, similar to international cohort outcomes. Longitudinal multi-centre research is crucial to elucidate risk factors for poor outcomes, and identifying those warranting early more aggressive therapy.

Extension of Diagnostic Fragmentation Filtering for Automated Discovery in DNA Adductomics

Development of high-resolution/accurate mass liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology enables the characterization of covalently modified DNA induced by interaction with genotoxic agents in complex biological samples. Constant neutral loss monitoring of 2'-deoxyribose or the nucleobases using data-dependent acquisition represents a powerful approach for the unbiased detection of DNA modifications (adducts). The lack of available bioinformatics tools necessitates manual processing of acquired spectral data and hampers high throughput application of these techniques. To address this limitation, we present an automated workflow for the detection and curation of putative DNA adducts by using diagnostic fragmentation filtering of LC-MS/MS experiments within the open-source software MZmine. The workflow utilizes a new feature detection algorithm, DFBuilder, which employs diagnostic fragmentation filtering using a user-defined list of fragmentation patterns to reproducibly generate feature lists for precursor ions of interest. The DFBuilder feature detection approach readily fits into a complete small-molecule discovery workflow and drastically reduces the processing time associated with analyzing DNA adductomics results. We validate our workflow using a mixture of authentic DNA adduct standards and demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by reproducing and expanding the results of a previously published study of colibactin-induced DNA adducts. The reported workflow serves as a technique to assess the diagnostic potential of novel fragmentation pattern combinations for the unbiased detection of chemical classes of interest.

Two subtypes of symptomatic joint hypermobility: a descriptive study using latent class analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate a cohort of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.

METHODS

Case notes for 318 children with joint hypermobility attending a rheumatology clinic were reviewed for clinical presentation, medical history, psychosocial factors and physical examination findings. Seven key variables were extracted and used as indicator variables in a latent class analysis to estimate the presence and number of subgroups of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.

RESULTS

Two subgroups with differing clinical presentations were identified accounting for age and gender: an 'athletic-persistent' class (62%) characterised by higher probabilities for recurrent and chronic musculoskeletal pain, and less severe hypermobility; and a 'systemic-profound' class (38%) characterised by generalised hypermobility, recurrent musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux and motor delay.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest the presence of two distinct presentations of children with hypermobility. This finding may be important for clinical decision-making and management of this group of children.

High-throughput Identification of FLT3 Wild-type and Mutant Kinase Substrate Preferences and Application to Design of Sensitive In Vitro Kinase Assay Substrates

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease that is characterized by abnormal increase of immature myeloblasts in blood and bone marrow. The FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase plays an integral role in hematopoiesis, and one third of AML diagnoses exhibit gain-of-function mutations in FLT3, with the juxtamembrane domain internal tandem duplication (ITD) and the kinase domain D835Y variants observed most frequently. Few FLT3 substrates or phosphorylation sites are known, which limits insight into FLT3's substrate preferences and makes assay design particularly challenging. We applied in vitro phosphorylation of a cell lysate digest (adaptation of the Kinase Assay Linked with Phosphoproteomics (KALIP) technique and similar methods) for high-throughput identification of substrates for three FLT3 variants (wild-type, ITD mutant, and D835Y mutant). Incorporation of identified substrate sequences as input into the KINATEST-ID substrate preference analysis and assay development pipeline facilitated the design of several peptide substrates that are phosphorylated efficiently by all three FLT3 kinase variants. These substrates could be used in assays to identify new FLT3 inhibitors that overcome resistant mutations to improve FLT3-positive AML treatment.

Metabolic perturbations in Welsh Ponies with insulin dysregulation, obesity, and laminitis

Background

Metabolomics, the study of small‐molecule metabolites, has increased understanding of human metabolic diseases, but has not been used to study equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Objectives

(1) To examine the serum metabolome of Welsh Ponies with and without insulin dysregulation before and during an oral sugar test (OST). (2) To identify differences in metabolites in ponies with insulin dysregulation, obesity, or history of laminitis.

Animals

Twenty Welsh Ponies (mean ± SD; 13.8 ± 9.0 years) classified as non‐insulin dysregulated [CON] (n = 10, insulin < 30 mU/L) or insulin dysregulated [ID] (n = 10, insulin > 60 mU/L) at 75 minutes after administration of Karo syrup, obese (n = 6) or nonobese (n = 14), and history of laminitis (n = 9) or no history of laminitis (n = 11).

Methods

Case‐control study. Metabolomic analysis was performed on serum obtained at 0 minutes (baseline) and 75 minutes during the OST. Data were analyzed with multivariable mixed linear models with significance set at P ≤ .05.

Results

Metabolomic analysis of 646 metabolites (506 known) detected significant metabolite differences. At baseline, 55 metabolites (insulin response), 91 metabolites (obesity status), and 136 metabolites (laminitis history) were different. At 75 minutes, 51 metabolites (insulin response), 102 metabolites (obesity status), and 124 metabolites (laminitis history) were different.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Use of metabolomics could have diagnostic utility for early detection of EMS and provide new knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of metabolic perturbations associated with this condition that might lead to improved clinical management.

Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Association With Quality of Life, Disability, and High Disease Activity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the demographic, disease activity, disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) differences between children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their healthy peers, and between children with JIA with and without clinical temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement and its determinants.

METHODS

This study is based on a cross-sectional cohort of 3,343 children with JIA and 3,409 healthy peers, enrolled in the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation HRQOL study or in the methotrexate trial. Potential determinants of TMJ involvement included demographic, disease activity, disability, and HRQOL measures selected through univariate and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Clinical TMJ involvement was observed in 387 of 3,343 children with JIA (11.6%). Children with TMJ involvement, compared to those without, more often had polyarticular disease course (95% versus 70%), higher Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (odds ratio [OR] 4.6), more disability, and lower HRQOL. Children with TMJ involvement experienced clearly more disability and lower HRQOL compared to their healthy peers. The multivariable analysis showed that cervical spine involvement (OR 4.6), disease duration >4.4 years (OR 2.8), and having more disability (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index >0.625) (OR 1.6) were the most important determinants for TMJ involvement.

CONCLUSION

Clinical TMJ involvement in JIA is associated with higher disease activity, higher disability, and impaired HRQOL. Our findings indicate the need for dedicated clinical and imaging evaluation of TMJ arthritis, especially in children with cervical spine involvement, polyarticular course, and longer disease duration.

Fate of selected pharmaceutically active compounds in the integrated fixed film activated sludge process

The potential for integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) processes to achieve enhanced transformation of pharmaceuticals relative to conventional activated sludge (CAS) processes was assessed. Previous studies have focused on direct comparisons of parallel reactors with and without fixed film carriers and little information is available on the impacts of how varying operating parameters impact the differences in observed pharmaceutical compound (PC) transformation capabilities between CAS reactors and those equipped with both an activated sludge (AS) and fixed film carriers. The testing was carried out using bench scale sequencing batch reactors fed with authentic municipal wastewater and operated at selected combinations of temperature and solids retention time (SRT). PC transformation efficiencies were assessed in a 2² factorial design that employed the IFAS and CAS processes, operated in parallel under identical process conditions. Nitrification rate testing that was conducted to obtain insight into the biomass activity demonstrated that IFAS consistently had improved nitrification kinetics despite lower mixed liquor volatile suspended solids levels thereby demonstrating the contribution of the biofilm to nitrification. Increased transformation of atenolol (ATEN; ranging from 10-60%) and trimethoprim (TRIM; ranging from 30-50%) in the IFAS equipped reactors relative to their respective activated sludge (AS) controls was observed under all experimental conditions. Negligible transformation of carbamazepine was observed in both reactors under all conditions investigated. More than 99% of acetaminophen was transformed in both configurations under all conditions. There was no correspondence between nitrification activity and TRIM removal in the control AS while conditions that stimulated nitrification in the control AS also resulted in enhanced removal of ATEN. The results of this study indicate that the integration of biofilms in AS processes enhances transformation of some PCs.

Clinical utility of Oncotype DX in early stage colon cancer

e15076

Background: With the advent of colon cancer screening, patients with early stage colon cancer will be more common in our clinics. The evidence supporting the absolute benefit of chemotherapy in resected Stage II and (to a lesser extent) Stage IIIA disease is poor. Not all patients benefit from chemotherapy and toxicity is a problem. There is a need for validated biomarkers to assess individual patient recurrence risk and discriminate absolute treatment benefit. Several studies have validated the role of the OncotypeDX testing in Stage II/IIIA disease. Our objective is to characterize whether this test impacted oncologists’ decisions in treating patients with Stage II/IIIA in the adjuvant setting. Methods: :The Onco typeDX assay is a multi-gene reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction test that analyses the expression of 12 genes involved in key biologic pathways in colon cancer. Stage II and Stage IIIA colon cancers were studied in affiliated hospitals of our region in southwest Ireland. All data collected is prospective and each colon cancer was assigned a recurrence risk score. Oncologists were blinded to this score and the decision to prescribe adjuvant chemotherapy was recorded. After un-blinding the score, a second decision was recorded and comparisons made. Results: :From August 2015 to September 2016, 70 patients have been recruited with M: F of 2:1. Median age at diagnosis was 65 years. Most patients (80%) had stage II disease, 11 of whom had mismatch repair loss on IHC. OncotypeDX testing has been carried out and reported for 59 patients (85%), MMR intact. Recurrence scores: < 30 in 46 patients (77.9%), 30-40 in 10 patients, and > 40 in 3 patients. The treatment plan was altered in 16 patients (27%), of whom 12 patients (20%) received none or less intense chemotherapy. Conclusions: We have shown that the decision to prescribe adjuvant chemotherapy was changed in 27% of patients. This test has helped to define patients with low scores, where chemotherapy-related toxicity is a concern especially in older patients. Absolute benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy versus the risk of toxicity should be discussed. . Hospital managers may be interested in cost savings due to a reduction in chemotherapy use.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in children: nine years' experience at a statewide tertiary paediatric rheumatology referral centre

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features, management and outcome of 34 children with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) diagnosed at a single centre over 9 years.

METHODS

All children identified with CRMO for the period 2005-13 were identified from a prospectively collected database, with additional data from hospital records.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients, 21 female and 13 male, were identified. The average age at symptom onset was 9.8 years (range 3.8-17.9) and at diagnosis was 10.9 years (range 5.2-18.2), with an average delay in diagnosis of 12 months. Follow-up was 0.3-7.9 years (average 2.1), with 104 individual bony lesions identified, with a median of 3 (range 1-9) per patient. Six patients had unifocal disease. The sites involved included the tibia (n = 19), femur (n = 14), clavicle (n = 12), vertebrae (n = 10) and fibula (n = 8). Approximately half of patients had an inflammatory arthritis at diagnosis, and two-thirds in total eventually developed an arthritis. Pustulosis occurred in eight patients (24%), severe acne in four (12%) and psoriasis in three (9%). NSAIDs were used in 91%, CSs in 82% and MTX in 38%. Two patients were treated with anti-TNF agents. Episodic disease was most common (79%), while 21% had a monophasic pattern. Clinical remission occurred in 94% of children, with prolonged remission in 17%. Seven patients did not require medications for >12 months.

CONCLUSION

CRMO is more common than previously recognized, but diagnosis may be delayed. Episodic multifocal disease was most common, but some had unifocal and/or monophasic disease. Most patients responded to NSAIDs and/or intermittent CSs, but many required DMARDs.

Major cluster of chilblain cases in a cold dry Western Australian winter

AIM

Primary chilblains are an idiopathic cold-induced vasculopathy affecting the soft tissues of the hands and feet. Secondary chilblains occur in different forms of vasculitis and chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorders. Idiopathic chilblains are rarely reported in children and may generate significant anxiety to doctors and patients. We describe a cluster of idiopathic chilblains encountered over the winter of 2010 in Perth, Western Australia.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of patients identified from a prospectively compiled database of all new cases seen in our department. Data on history, examination, investigations, prescribed treatments and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients with isolated idiopathic chilblains were included, including 20 females and 12 males with a median age at onset of 13.5 years. Lesions were papular with signs of peripheral vasoconstriction causing acrocyanosis, and uncomfortable due to pain and/or pruritis in most. Thickening of the small joints was common where lesions involved these areas. Ulceration of lesions also occurred in some. One patient required hospitalisation for secondary bacterial infection. Most received some form of treatment including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prednisolone or nifedipine. Most patients improved spontaneously with warmer weather or responded to cold protection advice. All had resolved completely by late spring (November).

CONCLUSION

Our cluster of chilblains was associated with an unusually cold winter in Perth 2010. It is the largest series reported in the literature, suggesting that chilblains may be more common than previously thought. Chilblains are almost always benign in nature and patients are systemically well and usually need no further investigation and only symptomatic treatment. Prompt recognition can avoid excessive investigation and anxiety, allowing appropriate simple advice and treatment.

Recent trends in television tip over-related injuries among children aged 0-9 years

OBJECTIVE

To describe recent trends in television tip over-related injuries among children aged 0-9 years, and to compare injury rates with sales of newer digital televisions.

METHODS

Digital television sales data were obtained from marketing data provided by the Television Bureau of Advertising. Data regarding television tip over-related injuries among children aged 0-9 years were obtained from the 1998-2007 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. A Wald chi(2) test, estimated from logistic analysis, was used to determine whether the distribution of injury types differed by age group. Pearson's correlation was used to estimate the association between digital television sales and television tip over-related injuries.

RESULTS

An estimated 42 122 (95% CI 35 199 to 49 122) injuries from television tip-overs were treated in US emergency departments from 1998 to 2007. The injury rate was highest for children aged 1-4 years (18.6/100 000). A majority of injuries (63.9%) involved the head and neck for children under 1 year of age, while a higher proportion of injuries among children aged 1-4 involved the hip and lower extremity (42.9% and 31.0%, respectively), and shoulder and upper extremity (16.8%) for children aged 5-9. A strong, positive correlation was observed between television sales and annual injury rates (r = 0.89, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Estimates of injury rates were similar to previously reported estimates, particularly for the increased proportion of head and neck injuries among very young children. While digital television sales were strongly correlated with increased injury rates, the lack of information regarding the type of television involved prevents inference regarding causation.

Use of bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteonecrosis as a complication of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis is a well-recognised complication of current childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) therapy. There are few studies on the medical management of osteonecrosis in this setting. We studied the therapeutic and radiological effects of oral and intravenous bisphosphonate use compared with standard care as treatment for osteonecrosis in this population.

METHOD

Patients who developed osteonecrosis as a complication of ALL therapy between 1994 and 2007 were treated at a single paediatric institution. Of 17 patients, 9 were commenced on bisphosphonates and 8 treated conservatively. Both groups were observed with time. Pain, analgesic requirement and musculoskeletal function were assessed monthly. Affected joints were radiologically imaged at set intervals. Each scan was graded using an ellipsoid method to give the total volume of osteonecrosis, by blinded radiologic examination.

RESULTS

Three of six patients treated with oral alendronate showed clinical improvement. The three patients that had no improvement were subsequently treated with intravenous pamidronate. All six patients treated with intravenous pamidronate showed clinical improvement. Seven of eight conservatively treated patients deteriorated clinically. All patients demonstrated reduction in the radiological burden of osteonecrosis with time. There was no difference in the rate of reduction between conservative and bisphosphonate arms.

CONCLUSION

Bisphosphonate use, in particular pamidronate, improved pain scores, analgesic requirement and musculoskeletal function in patients with osteonecrosis occurring as a complication of childhood ALL therapy. Objective radiologic benefit of bisphosphonate treatment could not be demonstrated. Risks, benefits and long-term outcome of bisphosphonate use in this population should be addressed in a larger prospective, randomised trial.

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.

Inherited multicentric osteolysis: case report of three siblings treated with bisphosphonate

Inherited Multicentric Osteolysis (IMO) is an uncommon familial condition of idiopathic pathophysiology causing bone osteolysis and dysplasia. These patients present with common rheumatologic complaints of pain, dysfunction and disability, and are often initially misdiagnosed as a chronic rheumatic disease of childhood such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We report a case of three siblings diagnosed with IMO. Diagnosis was made during childhood, with each sibling having different manifestations and course of disease. One had a previous history of bilateral hip dysplasia. Two had osteolysis of the foot, distal tibia and femur (lower limb bones), whilst one had osteolysis of the rib and unusual clavicular fractures. Unusually, all siblings appear to experience decreased pain sensation compared to norms. All siblings were treated with bisphosphonates and experienced a rapid improvement in pain symptoms, decreased analgesic requirements. Two had bone mineral density testing performed and both had increases post-bisphosphonate. In all three, there was subjective evidence of stabilisation of bone disease. Testing for matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) gene was negative.

Idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis in paediatrics: Report of a successfully treated case and a review of literature

A 6 year old female with symptoms of small bowel obstruction underwent an exploratory laparotomy which revealed widespread evidence of inflammatory fibrotic adhesions involving the jejunal mesentery. In view of persistent growth failure, chronic anaemia, elevated acute phase reactants and imaging evidence of a diffuse progressive inflammatory process, the child was treated with corticosteroids and methotrexate with complete response. The literature on juvenile idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis has been reviewed.

Effectiveness of infliximab in the treatment of refractory juvenile dermatomyositis with calcinosis

OBJECTIVES

Some juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients have a disease course which is refractory to multiple drug treatments. Prolonged disease activity is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. TNF-alpha has been identified in high levels in JDM patients who have a long disease course and calcinosis. We assessed the response of five refractory JDM patients to the anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, infliximab.

METHODS

For all five patients intravenous infliximab was initially given at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Further doses were then given at weeks 2, 6 and every 8 weeks thereafter. The dose and frequency were tailored in accordance with clinical response. Clinical and laboratory data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

We report results between 8 and 30 months after starting infliximab. Improvements were seen in all five patients as shown by positive changes in physician visual analogue scale (VAS), Childhood Myositis Assessment Score (CMAS), Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), joint range of movement and, in some, regression of calcinosis and skin signs. There were no major side effects observed with addition of infliximab to the therapeutic regime.

CONCLUSIONS

Major clinical benefit was demonstrated after the initiation of infliximab in all five cases of refractory JDM.

Methotrexate improves the health-related quality of life of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To examine the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with methotrexate (MTX).

METHODS

Patients were extracted from the PRINTO clinical trial which aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of MTX administered in standard, intermediate or higher doses (10, 15 and 30 mg/m(2)/week respectively). Children with polyarticular-course JIA, who were less than 18 years and had a complete HRQOL assessment were included.

RESULTS

A total of 521 children were included. At baseline, patients with JIA showed poorer HRQOL (p<0.01) than healthy children. In 207/412 (50%) and 63 (15%) children, HRQOL values were 2 standard deviations below the mean of healthy controls in the physical and psychosocial summary scale, respectively. After 6 months of treatment with standard dose MTX, there was a statistically significant improvement in all HRQOL health concepts, particularly the physical ones. Similar improvements were observed in those who did not respond to a standard dose of MTX and were subsequently randomised to a higher dose. The presence of marked disability at baseline was associated with a fivefold increased risk of retaining poor physical health after 6 months of active treatment with standard dose MTX. Other less important determinants of retaining poor physical well-being were the baseline level of systemic inflammation, pain intensity and an antinuclear-antibody-negative status.

CONCLUSIONS

MTX treatment produces a significant improvement across a wide range of HRQOL components, particularly in the physical domains, in patients with JIA.

Proxy-reported health-related quality of life of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The pediatric rheumatology international trials organization multinational quality of life cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the proxy-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

In this multinational, multicenter, cross-sectional study, HRQOL of patients with JIA was assessed through the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and was compared with that of healthy children of similar age from the same geographic area. Potential determinants of HRQOL included demographic data, physician's and parent's global assessments, measures of joint inflammation, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

RESULTS

A total of 6,639 participants (3,324 with JIA and 3,315 healthy) were enrolled from 32 countries. The mean +/- SD physical and psychosocial summary scores of the CHQ were significantly lower in patients with JIA than in healthy children (physical: 44.5 +/- 10.6 versus 54.6 +/- 4.0, P < 0.0001; psychosocial: 47.6 +/- 8.7 versus 51.9 +/- 7.5, P < 0.0001), with the physical well-being domain being most impaired. Patients with persistent oligoarthritis had better HRQOL compared with other subtypes, whereas HRQOL was similar across patients with systemic arthritis, polyarthritis, and extended oligoarthritis. A CHAQ score >1 and a pain intensity rating >3.4 cm on a 10-cm visual analog scale were the strongest determinants of poorer HRQOL in the physical and psychosocial domains, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We found that patients with JIA have a significant impairment of their HRQOL compared with healthy peers, particularly in the physical domain. Physical well-being was mostly affected by the level of functional impairment, whereas the intensity of pain had the greatest influence on psychosocial health.

Hypermobility disorders in children and adolescents

It is well recognized that many if not most children and adolescents attending paediatric rheumatology clinics will have a non-inflammatory origin for their complaints or disorder. Mechanical causes are frequently identified, and hypermobility or ligamentous laxity of joints is increasingly recognized as an aetiological factor in the presentation. Such conditions include 'growing pains', recurrent lower-limb arthralgia, anterior knee pain syndromes, and back pain. Studies of significant cohorts of such patients have now been published supporting the link of ligamentous laxity to particular symptom complexes. However, much disagreement remains as to the validity of hypermobility as an aetiogical factor. What seems clear is that not all hypermobile individuals will be symptomatic or indeed possibly have any risk for specific musculoskeletal disorders in later life. Screening tools such as the Beighton score are likely to be inadequate in many paediatric populations. Along with increasing recognition of these disorders in childhood and adolescence has been the development of a multidisciplinary management approach, which usually involves predominantly allied health professionals such as podiatrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The challenge remains to interpret symptoms correctly as being related to the hypermobility and to predict why such children become symptomatic. The answer is likely to involve physiological and psychosocial factors. In addition, early identification and modification of risk factors may have major implications for subsequent prevalence of many adult medical disorders such as low back pain, chronic pain syndromes and degenerative osteoarthritis.

The Juvenile Dermatomyositis National Registry and Repository (UK and Ireland)--clinical characteristics of children recruited within the first 5 yr

OBJECTIVES

To identify epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in a national multi-centre cohort of patients, and to review recent changes in the understanding of management and prognosis in the light of these data.

METHODS

All children with idiopathic inflammatory myositis recruited to the Juvenile Dermatomyositis National Registry and Repository (UK and Ireland) were included. Features at presentation, and later in disease, were assessed and evaluated. A total of 63 out of 175 children with a new diagnosis of myositis were recruited at the time of diagnosis and followed prospectively. Out of the 175 children, 122 diagnosed prior to 2000 were recruited retrospectively, with subsequent data collected prospectively.

RESULTS

One patient died (0.7%), which is equivalent to one death per 465 patient years. Data were available at the time of analysis on 151 registered patients. The most common presenting features were characteristic rash, weakness, tiredness, Gottron's patches and myalgia. Muscle biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging and muscle enzymes were frequently, but not always, abnormal. Muscle enzymes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were not useful markers of disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The JDM National Registry and Repository captures data on a significant cohort of children with inflammatory myositis. The current study reports the largest European cohort of children with dermatomyositis to date. This powerful resource will help improve our understanding of this rare disease. Prospective data collection will allow a fuller analysis of poor prognostic features, impact of therapy, and variable outcome of childhood myositis.

Alternative donor bone marrow transplant for children with Philadelphia chromosome ALL

Children with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) have only a 20% event-free survival when treated with chemotherapy alone. Bone marrow transplant (BMT) for patients with matched siblings has been associated with significantly better long-term survival. We asked whether children who lack a matched sibling donor would do as well if an alternative donor was utilized. Between 1987 and 2002, we transplanted 29 children and adolescents using either an unrelated donor (23) or a mismatched family member (six). The conditioning regimen included cytosine-arabinoside, cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of T-cell depletion (antibody T10B9 or OKT3 and complement) with post transplant cyclosporine (CSA). All patients engrafted. Four developed grades III-IV acute GVHD. Three of 24 evaluable patients developed extensive chronic GVHD. Two patients died of relapse (7%). Two long-term survivors (>6 years) died of malignant glioblastoma multiforme. Event-free survival at 3, 5, and 10 years is 56, 51, and 46%, respectively. Five of six patients in >CR2 or relapse at the time of transplant died. Our data should encourage the use of alternative donor transplants early in the course of disease for children with Ph+ ALL.

Quantitative assessments of the effects of a single exercise session on muscles in juvenile dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the short-term effects of exercise on muscle inflammation in children with juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle strength, and blood parameters were used as outcome measures.

METHODS

Children with active juvenile DM, inactive juvenile DM, and healthy children were assessed for muscle strength (using myometry) and function, and MRI T2-weighted relaxation time measurement; blood was obtained from patients with juvenile DM. A standardized physiotherapy-led exercise program was completed, and the MRI was performed immediately afterwards. All children were reassessed with myometry and MRI at 30 minutes and 60 minutes, and repeat blood tests were performed at 60 minutes for the patients with juvenile DM.

RESULTS

Ten children with active juvenile DM, 10 with inactive juvenile DM, and 20 healthy controls completed the study. Muscle inflammation assessed by MRI, myometry, and blood parameters did not change significantly in response to exercise either immediately after or up to 60 minutes after the exercise program in any group.

CONCLUSION

In the short term, a single bout of exercise does not change the degree of inflammation within the muscles of children with active or inactive juvenile DM or in healthy children. The data suggest that, at least in this time period, there is no evidence that exercise increases the inflammation within the muscles. We propose therefore that a moderate exercise program is safe for children with juvenile DM.

Joint hypermobility syndrome in childhood. A not so benign multisystem disorder?

OBJECTIVES

Joint hypermobility (JH) or "ligamentous laxity" is felt to be an underlying risk factor for many types of musculoskeletal presentation in paediatrics, and joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) describes such disorders where symptoms become chronic, often more generalized and associated with functional impairment. Clinical features are felt to have much in common with more severe disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), osteogenesis imperfecta and Marfan syndrome, although this has not been formally studied in children. We defined the clinical characteristics of all patients with joint hypermobility-related presentations seen from 1999 to 2002 in a tertiary referral paediatric rheumatology unit.

METHODS

Patients were identified and recruited from paediatric rheumatology clinic and ward, and a dedicated paediatric rheumatology hypermobility clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Data were collected retrospectively on the patients from the paediatric rheumatology clinics (1999-2002) and prospectively on patients seen in the hypermobility clinic (2000-2002). Specifically, historical details of developmental milestones, musculoskeletal or soft tissue diagnoses and symptoms, and significant past medical history were recorded. Examination features sought included measurements of joint and soft tissue laxity, and associated conditions such as scoliosis, dysmorphic features, cardiac murmurs and eye problems.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-five children (64 females) were included on whom sufficient clinical data could be identified and who had clinical problems ascribed to JH present for longer than 3 months. Sixty-four were from the paediatric rheumatology clinic and 61 from the hypermobility clinic. No differences were found in any of the measures between the two populations and results are presented in a combined fashion. Three-quarters of referrals came from paediatricians and general practitioners but in only 10% was hypermobility recognized as a possible cause of joint complaint. The average age at onset of symptoms was 6.2 yr and age at diagnosis 9.0 yr, indicating a 2- to 3-yr delay in diagnosis. The major presenting complaint was arthralgia in 74%, abnormal gait in 10%, apparent joint deformity in 10% and back pain in 6%. Mean age at first walking was 15.0 months; 48% were considered "clumsy" and 36% as having poor coordination in early childhood. Twelve per cent had "clicky" hips at birth and 4% actual congenital dislocatable hip. Urinary tract infections were present in 13 and 6% of the female and male cases, respectively. Thirteen and 14%, respectively, had speech and learning difficulties diagnosed. A history of recurrent joint sprains was seen in 20% and actual subluxation/dislocation of joints in 10%. Forty per cent had experienced problems with handwriting tasks, 48% had major limitations of school-based physical education activities, 67% other physical activities and 41% had missed significant periods of schooling because of symptoms. Forty-three per cent described a history of easy bruising. Examination revealed that 94% scored > or =4/9 on the Beighton scale for generalized hypermobility, with knees (92%), elbows (87%), wrists (82%), hand metacarpophalangeal joints (79%), and ankles (75%) being most frequently involved.

CONCLUSIONS

JHS is poorly recognized in children with a long delay in the time to diagnosis. Although there is a referral bias towards joint symptoms, a surprisingly large proportion is associated with significant neuromuscular and motor development problems. Our patients with JHS also show many overlap features with genetic disorders such as EDS and Marfan syndrome. The delay in diagnosis results in poor control of pain and disruption of normal home life, schooling and physical activities. Knowledge of the diagnosis and simple interventions are likely to be highly effective in reducing the morbidity and cost to the health and social services.

Joint hypermobility syndrome in childhood. A not so benign multisystem disorder?

OBJECTIVES

Joint hypermobility (JH) or "ligamentous laxity" is felt to be an underlying risk factor for many types of musculoskeletal presentation in paediatrics, and joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) describes such disorders where symptoms become chronic, often more generalized and associated with functional impairment. Clinical features are felt to have much in common with more severe disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), osteogenesis imperfecta and Marfan syndrome, although this has not been formally studied in children. We defined the clinical characteristics of all patients with joint hypermobility-related presentations seen from 1999 to 2002 in a tertiary referral paediatric rheumatology unit.

METHODS

Patients were identified and recruited from paediatric rheumatology clinic and ward, and a dedicated paediatric rheumatology hypermobility clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Data were collected retrospectively on the patients from the paediatric rheumatology clinics (1999-2002) and prospectively on patients seen in the hypermobility clinic (2000-2002). Specifically, historical details of developmental milestones, musculoskeletal or soft tissue diagnoses and symptoms, and significant past medical history were recorded. Examination features sought included measurements of joint and soft tissue laxity, and associated conditions such as scoliosis, dysmorphic features, cardiac murmurs and eye problems.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-five children (64 females) were included on whom sufficient clinical data could be identified and who had clinical problems ascribed to JH present for longer than 3 months. Sixty-four were from the paediatric rheumatology clinic and 61 from the hypermobility clinic. No differences were found in any of the measures between the two populations and results are presented in a combined fashion. Three-quarters of referrals came from paediatricians and general practitioners but in only 10% was hypermobility recognized as a possible cause of joint complaint. The average age at onset of symptoms was 6.2 yr and age at diagnosis 9.0 yr, indicating a 2- to 3-yr delay in diagnosis. The major presenting complaint was arthralgia in 74%, abnormal gait in 10%, apparent joint deformity in 10% and back pain in 6%. Mean age at first walking was 15.0 months; 48% were considered "clumsy" and 36% as having poor coordination in early childhood. Twelve per cent had "clicky" hips at birth and 4% actual congenital dislocatable hip. Urinary tract infections were present in 13 and 6% of the female and male cases, respectively. Thirteen and 14%, respectively, had speech and learning difficulties diagnosed. A history of recurrent joint sprains was seen in 20% and actual subluxation/dislocation of joints in 10%. Forty per cent had experienced problems with handwriting tasks, 48% had major limitations of school-based physical education activities, 67% other physical activities and 41% had missed significant periods of schooling because of symptoms. Forty-three per cent described a history of easy bruising. Examination revealed that 94% scored > or =4/9 on the Beighton scale for generalized hypermobility, with knees (92%), elbows (87%), wrists (82%), hand metacarpophalangeal joints (79%), and ankles (75%) being most frequently involved.

CONCLUSIONS

JHS is poorly recognized in children with a long delay in the time to diagnosis. Although there is a referral bias towards joint symptoms, a surprisingly large proportion is associated with significant neuromuscular and motor development problems. Our patients with JHS also show many overlap features with genetic disorders such as EDS and Marfan syndrome. The delay in diagnosis results in poor control of pain and disruption of normal home life, schooling and physical activities. Knowledge of the diagnosis and simple interventions are likely to be highly effective in reducing the morbidity and cost to the health and social services.

Isolated inflammatory coxitis associated with protrusio acetabuli: a new form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

BACKGROUND

Isolated hip disease in the context of chronic childhood inflammatory arthritis is uncommon. This paper reports 14 children who presented to the rheumatology and orthopaedic departments of our hospitals with severe hip symptoms, and who continued to have primarily hip disease throughout their clinical course. Our aim was to characterize and present the relevant demographic, clinical, investigational, treatment and outcome data from the above cohort.

METHODS

All paediatric cases with the diagnosis of protrusio acetabuli, Otto pelvis or idiopathic chondrolysis who were seen in the past 15 yr at Great Ormond Hospital and Middlesex Hospital in London were identified and their case notes were searched retrospectively for relevant information.

RESULTS

In 11 cases, the disease progressed to involve no joints other than the contralateral hip. None were considered to have a specific subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and all tested were negative for HLA-B27. Elevation of serum inflammatory markers was variable. Protrusio acetabuli was the predominant radiological feature. There were definite inflammatory changes on the gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging study in all patients who had this procedure performed (seven cases). Microbiological investigations were all consistently negative. Severe hip disease resulted in considerable ongoing symptoms and disability. Six cases were treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Total hip replacement has been required in four patients to date, with major functional improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases represent severe and disabling primary hip disease with considerable clinical and investigational inflammatory features. Such a mode of presentation has not been described previously in the context of childhood chronic inflammatory arthritides, and may represent a separate oligoarthritis subtype of JIA.

Oral health of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

s. To estimate dental disease indices and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Indices were recorded for dental caries, bacterial dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and TMJ dysfunction in children with JIA and matched controls.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in dental caries experience or the mean plaque score between children with JIA and controls. The mean gingivitis score for the permanent teeth only was significantly greater in the JIA children compared with the controls (p = 0.02). There was a significantly greater proportion of children with JIA with signs of both left and right TMJ dysfunction (p = 0.05, p = 0.02) and symptoms (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001) compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

The low caries rate was attributed to the fact that children with JIA had received preventive dental care from an early age combined with sugar free medication.

Analysis of 1p, 19q, 9p, and 10q as prognostic markers for high-grade astrocytomas using fluorescence in situ hybridization on tissue microarrays from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trials

Survival periods vary considerably for patients with high-grade astrocytomas, and reliable prognostic markers are not currently available. We therefore investigated whether genetic losses from chromosomes 1p, 19q, 9p, or 10q were associated with survival in 89 high-grade astrocytomas using tissue microarrays (TMAs) derived from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group clinical trials. Cases included 15 anaplastic astrocytomas (AAs) and 74 glioblastomas (GBMs) selected on the basis of survival times significantly shorter or longer than the expected median. Genetic analysis was performed by TMA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on array sections using 8 DNA probes, including those directed at 1p32, 19q13.4, 9p21 (p16/CDKN2A), and 10q (PTEN and DMBT1). Genetic status for each locus was correlated with patient survival group, and data were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test of association (adjusted P = 0.025). Losses of chromosome 1p, either alone or in combination with 19q, were encountered in only 2 cases, both AAs. This contrasts with oligodendrogliomas, in which combined 1p and 19q losses are frequent and predictive of prolonged survival. Solitary 19q loss was noted in 3/15 AAs and in 7/70 GBMs and was more frequent in the long-term survival group (P = 0.041, AA and GBM combined). Chromosome 9p loss was seen in 5/8 AAs and 39/57 GBMs, whereas chromosome 10q loss was detected in 4/15 AAs and 48/68 GBMs. The 9p and 10q deletions were slightly more frequent in short-term survivors, though none of the comparisons achieved statistical significance. Long-term and short-term survival groups of high-grade astrocytomas appear to have dissimilar frequencies of 19q, 9p, and 10q deletions. TMA-FISH is a rapid and efficient way of evaluating genetic alterations in such tumors.

Advances in paediatric rheumatology: beyond NSAIDs and joint replacement

Over the previous three decades there have been a number of dramatic changes in our understanding of both the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases of childhood. Improvements in the classification of paediatric-onset arthritides and international collaboration in terms of multicentre research have led to the development of new therapeutic agents and better methods of outcome assessment for these chronic and often disabling conditions. Fortunately for children with paediatric rheumatic diseases treatment regimes are now available that provide excellent disease control for many and remission induction for some. Challenges include clearer definition of the genetics and pathogenesis of the diseases, delineation of reliable biological markers for diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity. The future should also herald early identification of those with a poorer prognosis, together with the design of more powerful, safer and cheaper remission-inducing agents, given to the right patients at the right time.

Quantitative assessment of MRI T2 relaxation time of thigh muscles in juvenile dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the validity and reliability of a quantifiable measure of inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

METHODS

Children with active JDM, inactive JDM and healthy children received detailed assessments of recognized measures of muscle inflammation including muscle strength (manual muscle testing and myometry) and function (Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire), the muscle enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) and T2-weighted MRI scans of the thigh muscles, and these values were correlated with each other.

RESULTS

Ten children with active JDM, 10 with inactive JDM and 20 healthy children completed the study. There was no significant difference in ages between the three groups. The MRI T2 relaxation times were significantly increased in active JDM compared with inactive JDM and healthy children (P = 0.05), indicating a detectable increase in inflammation within the muscles. There were also good correlations between the MRI scores and the measures of muscle strength and function; however, there was no correlation between the MRI and muscle enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

The MRI T2 relaxation time can be used as a quantitative measure of muscle inflammation and it has good correlations with other measures of disease activity.

Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis. A review of efficacy and safety

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYP) used in severe and refractory juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

METHODS

Retrospective case note review of the outcome of 12 patients.

RESULTS

Assessment at 6 months of therapy in 10 of the 12 patients showed a significant improvement in muscle function as assessed by the Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS) (P = 0.012), muscle strength (P = 0.008), global extramuscular disease score (P = 0.008), skin disease severity (P = 0.015) and lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.028). There were reductions in creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, prednisolone dose and ESR, but these did not reach statistical significance. Clinical improvement was maintained after CYP until the most recent follow-up (between 6 months and 7 yr) and no severe side-effects were seen. Reversible complications included lymphopenia, herpes zoster infections and alopecia. The median cumulative dose was 4.6 g/m(2) (range 3-9 g/m(2)). The available evidence suggests that, at the doses required, risks of malignancy, infertility and gonadal failure are low. Two patients with severe treatment-resistant disease died after one dose of CYP, both of whom were ventilated prior to commencement of CYP and were thought to have died as a result of their severe disease process, and too early for clinical benefit to be obtained from the drug.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of children with severe and refractory JDM, CYP appeared to have provided major clinical benefit with no evidence of serious toxicity in the short term.

A randomized trial of parenteral methotrexate comparing an intermediate dose with a higher dose in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who failed to respond to standard doses of methotrexate

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy of parenteral methotrexate (MTX) at an intermediate dosage (15 mg/m(2)/week) versus a higher dosage (30 mg/m(2)/week) in patients with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who failed to improve while receiving standard dosages of MTX (8-12.5 mg/m(2)/week).

METHODS

In the screening phase, 595 patients who were newly started on a standard dose of MTX were followed up for 6 months. Subsequently, the nonresponders, defined according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) pediatric 30% improvement criteria (pediatric 30), were randomized to receive an intermediate dose or higher dose of parenteral MTX for an additional 6 months. Improvement in the screening and randomization phase was defined by the ACR pediatric 30 response, as well as by the 50% and 70% response levels (ACR pediatric 50 and ACR pediatric 70, respectively).

RESULTS

In the screening phase, after receiving standard doses of MTX, 430 patients (72%) improved according to the ACR pediatric 30, while 360 (61%) met the ACR pediatric 50 and 225 (38%) met the ACR pediatric 70; among these patients, 69 (12%) also met the definition of complete disease control. Of the 133 nonresponders, 80 were randomized to receive an intermediate dose or higher dose of MTX. In the randomization phase, the ACR pediatric 30 response rate was 25 of 40 children (62.5%) in the intermediate-dose group versus 23 of 40 children (57.5%) in the higher-dose group. An ACR pediatric 50 response rate was attained by 23 patients (57.5%) receiving an intermediate dose versus 22 (55%) in the higher-dose group. An ACR pediatric 70 response rate was seen in 18 children (45%) receiving an intermediate dose versus 19 (47.5%) receiving a higher dose. Five children (12.5%) in the intermediate-dose group versus 4 (10%) receiving the higher dose of MTX also met the definition of complete disease control. None of the intergroup differences in response rate were significant. There were no significant differences in the frequency of adverse events or laboratory abnormalities between the 2 randomized groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the plateau of efficacy of MTX in JIA is reached with parenteral administration of 15 mg/m(2)/week and that a further increase in dosage is not associated with any additional therapeutic benefit. MTX should be administered for up to 9-12 months to appreciate its full therapeutic effect.

Preliminary core sets of measures for disease activity and damage assessment in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To identify preliminary core sets of outcome variables for disease activity and damage assessment in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

METHODS

Two questionnaire surveys were mailed to 267 physicians from 46 different countries asking each member to select and rank the response variables used when assessing clinical response in patients with JSLE or JDM. Next, 40 paediatric rheumatologists from 34 countries met and, using the nominal group technique, selected the domains to be included in the disease activity and damage core sets for JSLE and JDM.

RESULTS

A total of 41 response variables for JSLE and 37 response variables for JDM were selected and ranked through the questionnaire surveys. In the consensus conference, domains selected for both JSLE and JDM activity or damage core sets included the physician and parent/patient subjective assessments and a global score tool. Domains specific for JSLE activity were the immunological tests and the kidney function parameters. Concerning JDM, functional ability and muscle strength assessments were indicated for both activity and damage core sets, whereas serum muscle enzymes were included only in the activity core set. A specific paediatric domain called 'growth and development' was introduced in the disease damage core set for both diseases and the evaluation of health-related quality of life was advised in order to capture the influence of the disease on the patient lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed preliminary core sets of measures for disease activity and damage assessment in JSLE and JDM. The prospective validation of the core sets is in progress.

Juvenile-onset localized scleroderma activity detection by infrared thermography

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to define the clinical utility of infrared thermography in disease activity detection in localized scleroderma (LS).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 130 thermal images of 40 children with LS and calculated the sensitivity and specificity of thermography, comparing clinical descriptions of the lesions and contemporary thermographs. The reproducibility of thermography was calculated by using the weighted kappa coefficient to determine the level of agreement between two clinicians who reviewed the thermographs independently.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of thermography was 92% and specificity was 68%. Full concordance between the two clinicians was observed in 91% of lesions, with a kappa score of 0.82, implying very high reproducibility of this technique.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that thermography is a promising diagnostic tool when associated with clinical examination in discriminating disease activity, as long as it is applied to lesions without severe atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether thermography can predict the future progression of lesions.

Scleroderma in children and adolescents

The scleroderma disorders remain challenging conditions in pediatric rheumatology to understand pathologically and indeed for which to provide care. It is clear that much progress is being made in the clinical approach to understanding this group of group of disorders. It seems likely that the different lesions of LS may represent unique immunopathogenic mechanisms or perhaps reflect unique genetic or other characteristics of the patients themselves. To take advantage of the revolution in therapies now occurring in rheumatology it is critical that controlled clinical trials are developed with appropriate agreed upon outcome measures for both localized and systemic disease.

Advanced therapy for juvenile arthritis

The management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has undergone dramatic changes in the last decade with undoubtedly great benefit for many patients. In particular, more effective use of available drugs and the application of newly discovered drugs have been responsible for much of this improvement. Methotrexate is the gold standard for management of moderate to severe polyarthritis. Other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as sulphasalazine and cyclosporine are finding a specific role for resistant disease where they may be used in combination with methotrexate, for example. The introduction of anti-TNF agents, such as etanercept, is likely to herald a major shift to the use of biological agents in those intolerant to, or unresponsive to, standard DMARD therapy. DMARDs provide major steroid spring effect in many children with severe JIA with the hope that osteoporosis and growth failure will be reduced. More judicious use of corticosteroids and techniques such as intravenous 'pulse therapy' rather than long-term high-dose use of oral corticosteroids are also major changes. Intra-articular corticosteroids are commonly used in children with oligoarticular JIA and as a useful adjunct to DMARD therapy in children with other forms of JIA. Autologous stem cell transplantation is an exciting new development currently restricted to use in patients with very severe, resistant disease. Modifications of technique, experience and increased safety may make this a more widely applicable technique, in particular for patients with a poor prognosis, such as those with systemic JIA. Although the focus of this chapter is on drug therapy, multidisciplinary team management for children with chronic arthritis focusing on the physical, nutritional, intellectual and psychosocial wellbeing of the child will continue to be important.

Incidence of and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in diabetic clinic attenders

The incidence and risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy during a mean (SD) follow-up period of 4.6 (2.9) (range 1-12.4) years have been examined among 3424 patients (1878 males and 1546 females) with diabetes mellitus from three outpatient clinics at the University Hospital, Nottingham. The mean (SD) age of participants was 49.2 (17.9) years with a mean (SD) duration of diabetes of 7.3 (9.0) years at initial registration. Among the 3424 patients free of retinopathy at initial registration who attended the clinic at least twice in the period 1979-1992, the incidence of any retinopathy was 59.6 (57.8 male and 61.8 female) per 1000 person-years based on 15,571 person-years of follow-up. The incidence rate of retinopathy was 72% higher among insulin-treated than among non-insulin-treated noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) clinic attenders. Using a Cox's Proportional Hazards Model for insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) and NIDDM (insulin and non-insulin-treated) diabetes separately, longer duration of diabetes, higher systolic blood pressure and poor metabolic control were significant independent predictors of retinopathy for all three groups. Never smoking was a significant independent predictor of retinopathy for the insulin-dependent diabetes groups. Lower body mass index, proteinuria and age were predictors of retinopathy only for non-insulin-treated NIDDM patients. Gender and creatinine had no significant independent association with retinopathy when other covariates were considered. These findings will help the identification of those patients at particular risk of retinopathy so that clinic time for screening of eyes can be appropriately focused.

Macrophage activation syndrome: a potentially fatal complication of rheumatic disorders

AIMS

To review the precipitating events, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).

METHODS

Retrospective review of cases of MAS from a prospectively collected database of children with rheumatic diseases from 1980 to 2000.

RESULTS

Nine patients (eight girls) were considered to have evidence of MAS. The primary diagnosis was systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis in seven, enthesitis related arthritis in one, and chronic infantile neurological cutaneous articular syndrome in one. Mean age of onset was 5.7 years, and duration prior to MAS, 4.2 years. No medication was identified as a trigger. Eight had infections prior to MAS; specific infectious agents were identified in four. High grade fever, new onset hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy were common clinical features. Platelet counts fell dramatically, from an average of 346 to 99 x 10(9)/l. Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (in three patients) fell from 115 to 28 mm/h. Eight had abnormal liver function during the disease course, and six had coagulopathy. Bone marrow examination supported the diagnosis with definite haemophagocytosis in four of seven. All received high dose steroids (eight intravenous, one oral), five cyclosporin, two cyclophosphamide, and one antithymocyte globulin. Two of three patients with significant renal impairment died.

CONCLUSION

MAS is a rare and potentially fatal complication of childhood rheumatic disorders. Most of our patients were female, and most cases were preceded by infection. Bone marrow studies support the diagnosis. Deranged renal function may be a poor prognostic sign. Aggressive early therapy is essential.