Longitudinal program evaluation of an inter-institutional mentorship network for pediatric rheumatology using a quality improvement framework

Background

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Mentoring Interest Group (AMIGO) is an inter-institutional mentorship program launched to target mentorship gaps within pediatric rheumatology. Initial program evaluation indicated increased mentorship access. Given the small size of the pediatric rheumatology workforce, maintaining a consistent supply of mentors was a potential threat to the longevity of the network. Our aims were to: (i) describe the sustainability of AMIGO over the period 2011-2018, (ii) highlight ongoing benefits to participants, and (iii) describe challenges in the maintenance of a mentorship network.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach centered on a quality improvement framework was used to report on process and outcomes measures associated with AMIGO annual cycles.

Results

US and Canada Pediatric rheumatology workforce surveys identified 504 possible participants during the time period. As of fall 2018, 331 unique individuals had participated in AMIGO as a mentee, mentor or both for a program response rate of 66% (331/504). Survey of mentees indicated high satisfaction with impact on general career development, research/scholarship and work-life balance. Mentors indicated increased sense of connection to the community and satisfaction with helping mentees despite minimal perceived benefit to their academic portfolios. Based on AMIGO's success, a counterpart program, Creating Adult Rheumatology Mentorship in Academia (CARMA), was launched in 2018.

Conclusions

Despite the challenges of a limited workforce, AMIGO continues to provide consistent access to mentorship opportunities for the pediatric rheumatology community. This experience can inform approaches to mentorship gaps in other academic subspecialties.

A 5-year follow-up of pulmonary function tests in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-center retrospective study

SIGNIFICANCE

Pulmonary involvement in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Manifestations include chronic interstitial pneumonitis, pneumonia, pleuritis, alveolar hemorrhage, and shrinking lung syndrome. However, many patients can be asymptomatic from a respiratory standpoint and still have pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities. Our aim is to describe PFT abnormalities in patients with cSLE.

METHODS

We completed a retrospective review of 42 patients with cSLE followed at our center. These patients were at least 6 years old (so they could complete PFTs). We collected data from July 2015 to July 2020.

RESULTS

Out of the 42 patients, 10 (23.8%) had abnormal PFTs. These 10 patients had a mean age at diagnosis of 13 ± 2.9 years. Nine were female. One-fifth (20%) self-identified as Hispanic, 20% as Asian, 10% as Black or African American, and the remaining 50% as "Other." Of the 10, 3 had restrictive disease only, 3 with diffusion impairment only, and 4 with both restrictive lung disease and diffusion impairment. Patients with restrictive patterns had a mean total lung capacity (TLC) of 72.5 ± 5.8 throughout the study period. The average diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide corrected for hemoglobin (DsbHb) among patients with diffusion limitation during the study period was 64.8 ± 8.3.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common PFT abnormalities seen in patients with cSLE are alterations in diffusing capacity as well as restrictive lung disease.

Quality of life measures and physical activity in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus

Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a life-long disease with significant morbidity and mortality, and with associated significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Previous literature supports that physical activity has positive impact on HRQOL in patients with chronic diseases, including cSLE. We sought to describe the physical activity of our patients with cSLE and determine the relationship between physical activity, SLE activity, treatment modalities and HRQOL in cSLE. Children ≤18 years of age with cSLE and their parents were enrolled and completed corresponding child and parent Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters^© reports (cSMILEY^© and pSMILEY^©, respectively), and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) or Adolescents (PAQ-A). Through retrospective chart review, we assessed the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) using the SLEDAI-2K assessment tool. Descriptive statistics as well as Pearson's correlation coefficients were performed with the data obtained. Forty-four children and their parents were enrolled; clinical data, SMILEY^© and PAQ-C or PAQ-A scores of cSLE subjects were evaluated. The most frequently reported physical activity modality was walking (61.3%), with mean frequency of 3.7 ± 1.8 days a week, and a median of 3.5 days a week. Although there was no correlation noted between treatment modalities and PAQ-C/PAQ-A, there was weak correlation between SLEDAI and PAQ-C/PAQ-A (Pearson correlation= 0.2, ρ = 0.1, p = 0.9, n = 44). There was a weak correlation between SMILEY total score and PAQ [cSMILEY^© and PAQ-C/PAQ-A combined cohorts (Pearson correlation = 0.2, ρ = 0.3, p = 0.07, n = 44), and modest correlation between pSMILEY^© scores and PAQ-C/PAQ-A combined cohorts (Pearson correlation = 0.3, ρ = 0.3, p = 0.05, n = 44)]. Our study emphasizes the need for larger samples to understand the prognostic value of activity levels and the extent to which increasing physical activity might be linked to improvements in HRQOL in this vulnerable population.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19 in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus

We report a case of COVID-19 in a pediatric patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who presented with respiratory distress marked by increased work of breathing and low oxygen saturation. Lab tests confirmed COVID-19, and showed lymphocytopenia and elevated markers of inflammation and coagulopathy. Chest X-ray showed bilateral mid-lung opacities, and the patient required intubation early in his disease course. Imaging and clinical findings were consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with inflammation. The patient was treated with different combinations of antivirals (hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir), cytokine inhibitors (anakinra and tocilizumab), glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone), and an anticoagulant (enoxaparin). Inflammatory markers decreased before clinical improvement in lung aeration. This case highlights the potential for pediatric patients with SLE to present with COVID-19 similar to the clinical presentation described in adults.

Multi-pronged approach to enhance education of children and adolescents with lupus, caregivers, and healthcare providers in New Jersey: Needs assessment, evaluation, and development of educational materials

BACKGROUND

Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE) patients are younger at diagnosis and have a more severe disease course compared to adult onset SLE patients and develop significant complications related to disease and or immunosuppression. Moreover, female and minority populations experience higher rates of cSLE, with African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Hispanic populations being at greatest risk and having poor prognosis.

METHODS

The Pediatric Alliance for Lupus initiative addressed the dearth in education and resources in a multi-stage process. First, we conducted a need assessment identifying knowledge gaps among healthcare providers (HCPs), and resources needed to care for cSLE patients and their families. Second, we educated HCPs about the diagnosis and treatment of cSLE by Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions/webinars (presented here). Third, HCPs participated in a Quality Improvement (QI) program on cSLE approved by the American Board of Pediatrics Maintenance of Certification Part 4. Finally, patients and caregivers were educated through the development of appropriate, culturally and linguistically sensitive cSLE resources. PAL disseminated materials among HCPs and the community to improve the awareness of the availability of these materials.

RESULTS

According to results from the statewide needs assessment (representative of every county throughout NJ), HCPs face significant challenges in providing care to cSLE patients and their families, in part due to the multi-systemic nature of the autoimmune disease.

CONCLUSION

Based on this need, we developed educational sessions, with pre-post comparison data showing a significant increase in knowledge after HCP education. The 15 different materials developed as part of the endeavor is a major contribution to the cSLE community, HCPs and pediatric rheumatologists. Resources are available in multiple formats (PDF and web pages), and are accessible on the National Resource Center on Lupus, the latest web site of the Lupus Foundation of American that houses materials for SLE patients, their families, schools, HCPs, and the community at large.Improving cSLE knowledge will empower the children and adolescents and families by increasing their self-efficacy; and positively impact key health outcomes (transition readiness and HRQOL) that are not optimally addressed with current medical treatment alone.

Epidermal Neurite Density in Skin Biopsies From Patients With Juvenile Fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

Fibromyalgia (FM) is defined by idiopathic, chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain. In adults with FM, a metaanalysis of lower-leg skin biopsy demonstrated 45% pooled prevalence of abnormally low epidermal neurite density (END). END < 5th centile of the normal distribution is the consensus diagnostic threshold for small-fiber neuropathy. However, the clinical significance of END findings in FM is unknown. Here, we examine the prevalence of small-fiber pathology in juvenile FM, which has not been studied previously.

METHODS

We screened 21 patients aged 13-20 years with FM diagnosed by pediatric rheumatologists. Fifteen meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria (modified for juvenile FM) underwent lower-leg measurements of END and completed validated questionnaires assessing pain, functional disability, and dysautonomia symptoms. The primary outcome was proportion of FM patients with END < 5th centile of age/sex/race-based laboratory norms. Cases were systematically matched by ethnicity, race, sex, and age to a group of previously biopsied healthy adolescents with selection blinded to biopsy results. All 23 controls matching demographic criteria were included.

RESULTS

Among biopsied juvenile FM patients, 53% (8/15) had END < 5th centile vs 4% (1/23) of healthy controls (P < 0.001). Mean patient END was 273/mm² skin surface (95% CI 198-389) vs 413/mm² (95% CI 359-467, P < 0.001). As expected, patients with FM reported more functional disability, dysautonomia, and pain than healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal END reduction is common in adolescents with FM, with similar prevalence in adults with FM. More studies are needed to fully characterize the significance of low END in FM and to elucidate the clinical implications of these findings.

Making Decisions About Stopping Medicines for Well-Controlled Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Mixed-Methods Study of Patients and Caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Improved treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have increased remission rates. We conducted this study to investigate how patients and caregivers make decisions about stopping medications when JIA is inactive.

METHODS

We performed a mixed-methods study of caregivers and patients affected by JIA, recruited through social media and flyers, and selected by purposive sampling. Participants discussed their experiences with JIA, medications, and decision-making through recorded telephone interviews. Of 44 interviewees, 20 were patients (50% ages <18 years), and 24 were caregivers (50% caring for children ages ≤10 years). We evaluated characteristics associated with high levels of reported concerns about JIA or medicines using Fisher's exact testing.

RESULTS

Decisions about stopping medicines were informed by competing risks between disease activity and treatment. Participants who expressed more concerns about JIA were more likely to report disease-related complications (P = 0.002) and more motivated to continue treatment. However, participants expressing more concern about medicines were more likely to report treatment-related complications (P = 0.04) and felt more compelled to stop treatment. Additionally, participants considered how JIA or treatments facilitated or interfered with their sense of normalcy and safety, expressed feelings of guilt and regret about previous or potential adverse events, and reflected on uncertainty and unpredictability of future harms. Decision-making was also informed by trust in rheumatologists and other information sources (e.g., family and online support groups).

CONCLUSION

When deciding whether to stop medicines whenever JIA is inactive, patients and caregivers weigh competing risks between disease activity and treatment. Based on our results, we suggest specific approaches for clinicians to perform shared decision-making regarding stopping medicines for JIA.

A North American perspective of content and quality of websites in the English language on childhood-onset lupus erythematosus

Objective The objective of this article is to examine the quality, content, and readability of information and resources in the English language and accessible on the internet by pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their families in North America. Methods Keywords relevant to SLE were generated by an undergraduate student, a first-year medical student, and a third-year pediatric resident, and a search was conducted across five commonly used search engines. Quality of information found was evaluated independently by an undergraduate student, a graduate student, a first-year medical student, and a third-year pediatric resident using the DISCERN tool. Two pediatric rheumatologists assessed website accuracy and completeness. Readability of websites was determined using the Flesch-Kincaid grade level and Reading Ease score. Results Out of 2000 websites generated in the search, only 34 unique websites met inclusion criteria. Only 16 of these websites had DISCERN scores above 50% (fair quality). Overall quality of website information was fair with mean ±standard deviation (SD) DISCERN quality score of 44 ± 7 (range: 30-56). Only nine websites of 34 had DISCERN scores above 50 (>66%, indicating greater quality) and were further assessed for completeness. Flesch-Kincaid grade level was 11 ± 1 (mean±SD) and reading ease score was 39 ± 10 (mean±SD, range of 11-61). Conclusion Our study highlights the need for more complete, readable information regarding the unique needs of pediatric patients with childhood-onset SLE and their families.

Clinical characteristics of children with membranous lupus nephritis: the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Legacy Registry

Objective The objective of this article is to describe and compare clinical features, treatment, and renal outcomes of children with membranous lupus nephritis (MLN), through analysis of a national multicenter registry. Methods Patients with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and MLN from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry were included. Demographic, disease and medication-related data were collected between 2010 and 2014 from 59 CARRA Legacy Registry sites. Results A total of 132 individuals had MLN, either in isolation or in combination with proliferative LN. Seventy-four patients had pure MLN. The proportion of patients with daily corticosteroid treatment was similar among groups (96%, 91%, and 96%, for class III+V, IV+V, and V, respectively, p = 0.67). Proportion of individuals exposed to any disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or biologic was similar among the three groups (83%, 91%, 95% for class III+V, IV+V, and V, respectively, p = 0.189). Proportion of patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate (less than 90 ml/min/1.73 m²) was significantly different among groups (4%, 38%, and 4%, for class III+V, IV+V, and V, respectively, p < 0.0001). Conclusion This is the largest reported cohort of children with MLN. More research is needed to understand treatment practices for pediatric MLN, particularly decisions related to pharmacologic treatment of pure MLN. More work is also needed to identify prognostic factors and predictors of outcome for pediatric MLN. Future observational studies will be a first step toward understanding and formulating a standardized approach to treatment of pediatric membranous LN and allowing for the initiation of prospective comparative effectiveness studies and interventional trials.

Relationship between health-related quality of life, disease activity and disease damage in a prospective international multicenter cohort of childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Previously, we described associations between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and disease-related factors among childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. Here we determined the relationship between HRQOL, disease activity and damage in a large prospective international cohort of cSLE. We compared HRQOL, disease activity and disease damage across different continents and examined the relationship between children's and parents' assessments of HRQOL. Patients with cSLE and their parents completed HRQOL measures at enrollment and ≥4 follow-up visits. Physicians assessed disease activity and damage. The multinational cohort ( n = 467) had relatively low disease activity and damage. Patient and parent HRQOL scores were significantly correlated. Asian and European patients had the highest HRQOL, while South and North American patients had lower HRQOL scores. Renal, CNS, skin and musculoskeletal systems exhibited the highest levels of damage. North and South American and Asian patients were more likely to have disease damage and activity scores above median values, compared with Europeans. Asians were more likely to use cyclophosphamide/rituximab. Female gender, high disease activity and damage, non-White ethnicity, and use of cyclophosphamide and/rituximab were related to lower HRQOL. HRQOL domain scores continue to emphasize that SLE has widespread impact on all aspects of children's and parents' lives.

Proceedings of the 2016 Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Scientific Meeting : Toronto, Canada. 14-17 April 2016

P1 Serologic evidence of gut-driven systemic inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis Lampros Fotis, Nur Shaikh, Kevin Baszis, Anthony French, Phillip Tarr P2 Oral health and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis Sriharsha Grevich, Peggy Lee, Sarah Ringold, Brian Leroux, Hannah Leahey, Megan Yuasa, Jessica Foster, Jeremy Sokolove, Lauren Lahey, William Robinson, Joshua Newsom, Anne Stevens P3 Novel autoantigens for endothelial cell antibodies in pediatric rheumatic diseases identified by proteomics Rie Karasawa, Mayumi Tamaki, Megumi Tanaka, Toshiko Sato, Kazuo Yudoh, James N. Jarvis P4 Transcriptional profiling reveals monocyte signature associated with JIA patient poor response to methotrexate Halima Moncrieffe, Mark F. Bennett, Monica Tsoras, Lorie Luyrink, Huan Xu, Sampath Prahalad, Paula Morris, Jason Dare, Peter A. Nigrovic, Margalit Rosenkranz, Mara Becker, Kathleen M. O’Neil, Thomas Griffin, Daniel J. Lovell, Alexei A. Grom, Mario Medvedovic, Susan D. Thompson P5 A multi-dimensional genomic map for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis Lisha Zhu, Kaiyu Jiang, Laiping Wong, Michael J Buck, Yanmin Chen, Halima Moncrieffe, Laura Brungs, Tao Liu, Ting Wang, James N Jarvis P6 Tocilizumab for treatment of children with refractory JIA Khaled Alsaeid, Jasim Alfailakawi, Hamid Alenezi, Hazim Alsaeed P7 Clinical characteristics of the initial patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry Tim Beukelman, Marc Natter, Norm Ilowite, Kelly Mieszkalski, Grendel Burrell, Brian Best, Helen Bristow, Shannon Carr, Anne Dennos, Rachel Kaufmann, Yukiko Kimura, Laura Schanberg P8 Comparative performance of small and large clinical centers in a comprehensive pediatric rheumatology disease registry Peter R Blier P9 Clinical characteristics of children with membranous lupus nephritis: The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Legacy Registry Alexis Boneparth, Scott E. Wenderfer, L. Nandini Moorthy, Suhas M. Radhakrishna, Anna Carmela P. Sagcal-Gironella, Emily von Scheven P10 Rituximab use in pediatric lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome - a two center experience Kader Cetin Gedik, Salma Siddique, Cassyanne L. Aguiar, Doruk Erkan P11 Predictors of complementary and alternative medicine use and response in children with musculoskeletal conditions Ezra Cohen, Yvonne Lee, Michelle Dossett, Darshan Mehta, Roger Davis P12 Comparison of pediatric rheumatology and nephrology survey results for the treatment of refractory proliferative lupus nephritis and renal flare in juvenile SLE Mileka Gilbert, Beatrice Goilav, Esra Meidan, Joyce Hsu, Alexis Boneparth, Anabelle Chua, Stacy Ardoin, Scott E. Wenderfer, Emily Von Scheven, Natasha M. Ruth P13 Transitioning lupus patients from pediatric to adult rheumatology Joyce Hui-Yuen, Kader Cetin Gedik, Liza Bermudez, Ashlea Cook, Lisa Imundo, Amy Starr, Andrew Eichenfield, Anca Askanase P14 The systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis cohort of the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry Ginger Janow, Laura E. Schanberg, Soko Setoguchi, Victor Hasselblad, Elizabeth D. Mellins, Rayfel Schneider, Yukiko Kimura, The CARRA Legacy Registry Investigators P15 Results of the pilot study of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) consensus treatment plans for new-onset systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis Yukiko Kimura, Sriharsha Grevich, Timothy Beukelman, Esi Morgan, T Brent Graham, Maria Ibarra, Yonit Sterba Ruas, Marisa Klein-Gitelman, Karen Onel, Sampath Prahalad, Marilynn Punaro, Sarah Ringold, Dana Toib, Heather Van Mater, Jennifer E. Weiss, Pamela F. Weiss, Kelly Mieszkalski, Laura E. Schanberg P16 A systemic review of pain relief modalities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: First step in developing a novel decision support intervention Timothy S. H. Kwok, Jacinthe Bisaillon, Christine Smith, Lucie Brosseau, Jennifer Stinson, Adam M. Huber, Ciaran M. Duffy, Karine Toupin April P17 Barriers and facilitators to care retention for pediatric systemic lupus erythematous patients in South Africa: A qualitative study Laura B Lewandowski, Christiaan Scott P18 Evaluating the feasibility of conducting comparative effectiveness studies in juvenile Localized Scleroderma (jLS) Suzanne C. Li, Kathryn S. Torok, C. Egla Rabinovich, Sandy D. Hong, Mara L Becker, Fatma Dedeoglu, Maria F. Ibarra, Polly J Ferguson, Rob C. Fuhbrigge, Katie G. Stewart, Elena Pope, Ronald M. Laxer, Thomas G. Mason, Gloria C. Higgins, Xiaohu Li, Marilynn G. Punaro, George Tomlinson, Eleanor Pullenayegum, John Matelski, Laura Schanberg, Brian M. Feldman P19 Tonsillar histology in patients with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome Kalpana Manthiram, Hernan Correa, Kathryn Edwards P20 Clinical course of juvenile dermatomyositis presenting as skin predominant disease Edward J. Oberle, Michelle Bayer, Dominic O. Co, Hatice Ezgi Baris, Yvonne Chiu, Adam Huber, Susan Kim P21 A Survey of musculoskeletal ultrasound practices of pediatric rheumatologists in North America Edward J Oberle, Timothy Beukelman P22 Assessment, classification and treatment of calcinosis as a complication of juvenile dermatomyositis: A survey of pediatric rheumatologists by the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Amir B. Orandi, Kevin W. Baszis, Vikas Dharnidharka, Mark F. Hoeltzel, for the CARRA JDM Committee P23 CARRA dermatomyositis CTP pilot study Ann Reed, Adam Huber, George Tomlinson, Eleanor Pullenayegum, John Matelski, Y. Ingrid Goh, Laura Schanberg, Brian M. Feldman P24 Unexpectedly high incidences and prolonged disease activity in children with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) as compared to bacterial osteomyelitis Anja Schnabel, Ursula Range, Gabriele Hahn, Timo Siepmann, Reinhard Berner, Christian Michael Hedrich P25 Juvenile systemic sclerosis cohort within the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry: Follow up characteristics Brandi Stevens, Kathryn S. Torok, Suzanne Li, Nicole Hershey, Megan Curran, Gloria Higgins, Katharine Moore, Egla Rabinovich, Anne M. Stevens, for the CARRA Registry Investigators P26 Development and usability testing of an iPad and desktop psycho-educational game for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and their parents Jennifer Stinson, Mark Connelly, Adam Huber, Nadia Luca, Lynn Spiegel, Argerie Tsimicalis, Stephanie Luca, Naweed Tajuddin, Roberta Berard, Julia Barsalou, Sarah Campillo, Paul Dancey, Ciaran Duffy, Brian Feldman, Nicole Johnson, Patrick McGrath, Natalie Shiff, Shirley Tse, Lori Tucker, Charles Victor P27 iCanCope^TM: User-centred design and development of a smartphone app to support self-management for youth with arthritis pain Jennifer Stinson, Chitra Lalloo, Lauren Harris, Joseph Cafazzo, Lynn Spiegel, Brian Feldman, Nadia Luca, Ronald Laxer P28 Accessing pediatric rheumatology care: Despite barriers, few parents prefer telemedicine Danielle R. Bullock, Richard K. Vehe, Lei Zhang, Colleen K. Correll¹ P29 Exploration of factors contributing to time to achieve clinically inactive disease (CID) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): A preliminary report Suhas Ganguli, Max Shenberger, Ritesh Korumilli, Beth Gottlieb P30 Pediatric rheumatology referral patterns: Presenting complaints of new patients at a large, urban academic center Martha Rodriguez, Deirdre de Ranieri, Karen Onel, Linda Wagner-Weiner, Melissa Tesher P31 Quality improvement (QI) initiatives in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) Elizabeth Roth Wojcicki, Kristyn L. Maletta, Dominic O. Co, Marsha Malloy, Sarah Thomson, Judyann C. Olson P32 Proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile SLE: Support from the pediatric nephrology community for the definitions of responsiveness and flare in the 2012 consensus treatment plans Scott E. Wenderfer, Mileka Gilbert, Joyce Hsu, Sangeeta Sule, Tamar B. Rubinstein, Beatrice Goilav, Daryl M. Okamura, Annabelle Chua, Laurence A. Greenbaum, Jerome C. Lane, Emily von Scheven, Stacy P. Ardoin, Natasha M. Ruth P33 The steroid taper app: Making of a mobile app Jennifer M. P. Woo, Marsha M. Malloy, James A. Jegers, Dustin J. Hahn, Mary K. Hintermeyer, Stacey M. Martinetti, Gretchen R. Heckel, Elizabeth L. Roth-Wojcicki, Dominic O. Co

Unrecognized Celiac Disease in Children Presenting for Rheumatology Evaluation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Current clinical guidelines do not consider patients with rheumatic conditions to be at high risk for celiac disease (CD) despite numerous reported associations between the two in adults and children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CD among patients presenting for pediatric rheumatology evaluation.

METHODS

A total of 2125 patients presenting for initial evaluation by the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at the Hospital for Special Surgery between June 2006 and December 2013 were screened for CD as a part of the standard initial serologic evaluation. The charts of these patients were evaluated retrospectively at the end of this period.

RESULTS

36 patients (30 girls, 6 boys, mean age 9.4 ± 4.3 years, range 2-16 years) received a diagnosis of CD after serologic testing and evaluation by pediatric gastroenterology. Eight additional patients with known diagnoses of CD presented during this time period. The total prevalence of CD over this 6.5-year period was 2.0%. The most common presenting complaints among patients diagnosed with CD were myalgias, arthralgias, and rash. Less frequently, patients reported gastrointestinal complaints including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. All patients reported improvement or complete resolution of their musculoskeletal symptoms after initiation of a gluten-free diet.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified 36 new cases of CD among children presenting for rheumatology evaluation, for an overall prevalence rate of 2.0%. The majority of patients who ultimately received a diagnosis of CD presented with extraintestinal manifestations. These results underscore the importance of screening children presenting for rheumatology evaluation for CD.

An update on cross-cultural adaptation of US English SMILEY

We previously developed a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) tool for children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is valid in English for the United States, called Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY). In order to determine the effect of SLE on the well-being of children, adolescents and their parents and examine the response to treatment modalities, it is critical to have an HRQOL tool that is applicable for different cultures. After validation in US English, we reported the translation and cultural adaptation process undertaken by our team to make SMILEY available in the following 13 accepted modern language variants: Danish, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Slovene, Spanish (USA and Puerto Rico), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Argentina), Spanish (Mexico) and Turkish. In this report we will describe the translation and adaptation of SMILEY into Afrikaans, Xhosa, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Arabic (Egypt), Chinese, Czech, English (UK), German (Austria), German (Switzerland), Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Japanese, Romanian, Serbian and Spanish for Venezuela. We followed the earlier reported procedure in this study consisting of: establishing collaborative relationships with different physicians caring for children with rheumatic diseases; forward and back translation of SMILEY and revisions; and cultural adaptation of SMILEY content.

Validation of the Portuguese Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY) in Brazil

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY) is a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment tool for pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which has been translated into Portuguese for Brazil. We are reporting preliminary data on cross-cultural validation and reliability of SMILEY in Portuguese (Brazil).

METHODS

In this multi-center cross-sectional study, Brazilian children and adolescents 5-18 years of age with SLE and parents participated. Children and parents completed child and parent reports of Portuguese SMILEY and Portuguese Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) Generic and Rheumatology modules. Parents also completed the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). Physicians completed the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), Physician's Global Assessment of disease activity (PGA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics ACR Damage Index (SDI).

RESULTS

99 subjects (84 girls) were enrolled; 93 children and 97 parents filled out the SMILEY scale. Subjects found SMILEY relevant and easy to understand and completed SMILEY in 5-15 minutes. Brazilian SMILEY was found to have good psychometric properties (validity and reliability), and the child-parent agreement was moderate.

CONCLUSION

SMILEY may eventually be used routinely as a research/clinical tool in Brazil. It may be also adapted for other Portuguese-speaking nations offering critical information regarding the effect of SLE on HRQOL for children with SLE.

Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

RESULTS

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2-day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63-79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.

Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

RESULTS

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2-day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63-79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

CONCLUSION

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.

Worldwide incidence and prevalence of pediatric onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Compilation of worldwide data regarding the incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is needed in order to evaluate the scope of the disease in the pediatric population. A literature review was performed to unify the current data available on the global incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset SLE. We examined 13 available epidemiological studies concentrated on the incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset SLE. The available reports were predominantly from North America, Europe and Asia. The limited amount of studies available highlights the need for more epidemiological research in order to better comprehend the global scope of this disease.

Impact of lupus on school attendance and performance

Cognitive impairment in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect intelligence, academic achievement, arithmetic, reading comprehension, learning, visual memory and complex problem solving ability. In this prospective two-center study, we examined children’s (and adolescents’) and parents’ perception of the impact of SLE on school; the relationship between child and parent reports on school-related issues; and the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and school-related issues. Patients aged 9—18 years with SLE and their parents completed corresponding child and parent reports of the SLE-specific HRQOL scale, Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY©), and PedsQLTM generic and rheumatology modules. Patients also completed questions related to school attendance and performance. Qualified physicians assessed SLE activity, damage and severity. Forty-one patients (73% girls) with SLE with mean age of 15 ± 3 years and 32 parents participated. Mean school domain scores for child and parent reports of the PedsQL TM generic report were lower compared with total and subscale scores. Patients reported difficulty with schoolwork, had problems with memory and concentration, and were sad about the effect of SLE on schoolwork and attendance. Moderate to strong correlations were found between child and parent reports on school-related items from all questionnaires. Eighty-three percent of patients felt that they would have done better in school if they did not have SLE. Moderate correlations (r = 0.3—0.4) were found between SMILEY © total score and the following items: satisfaction with school performance, interest in schoolwork, remembering what was learned, and concentrating in class. Patients on intravenous chemotherapeutic medications missed more school days (p < 0.05) compared with patients on oral medications. Also, patients with a greater number of missed school days had increased disease activity (p = 0.008). SLE and activities related to caring for the disease clearly impose a burden on children’s school attendance and performance. School-related activities can have a significant impact on HRQOL in children and adolescents with SLE. Detailed examination of the impact of SLE on attendance and the various aspects of school performance will enable us to formulate interventions in school for these children and adolescents. Lupus (2010) 19, 620—627.

Preliminary cross-cultural adaptation of a new pediatric health-related quality of life scale in children with systemic lupus erythematosus: an international effort

We developed a brief, new health-related quality of life measure for children with systemic lupus erythematosus that is valid in English for the United States, called Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters© (SMILEY©). The United States-English language questionnaire may not be applicable to most of the countries in the world and several United States population subgroups, such as Hispanics. In order to measure the impact of morbidity of systemic lupus erythematosus on the lives of children, adolescents, and their parents and assess the outcome of new therapies, it is critical to have a uniform measure of systemic lupus erythematosus-specific health-related quality of life that is valid for different cultures. We report the translation and cultural adaptation process undertaken by our team with the goal of cross-cultural validation of SMILEY© in the following thirteen languages: Danish, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Slovene, Spanish (USA and Puerto Rico), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Argentina), Spanish (Mexico), and Turkish. We employed the following steps: establishing collaborative relationships with institutions across the globe; forward and back translation of SMILEY© text; and cultural adaptation of SMILEY© content. We are in the process of enrolling patients and conducting validation of the translated and adapted versions of SMILEY©. Lupus (2010) 19, 83—88.

Relationship between health-related quality of life and SLE activity and damage in children over time

We previously described the development and validation of the 'Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters' (SMILEY) for the reliable assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objectives of this new study were to determine the relationship of SMILEY scores to patient's/parent's assessment of HRQOL and SLE status, and physician's assessment of disease activity and damage over time. In this multicentre study, 68 children with SLE and parents completed SMILEY including the global HRQOL and SLE status assessments, physicians completed disease activity and damage tools at two time-points. Spearman rho was calculated between SMILEY scores and other scales, and between interval changes in SMILEY scores and other scales. SMILEY scores correlated with patient/parent assessments of global HRQOL and SLE status, disease activity and damage, confirming previous findings. The change in disease activity and damage measures correlated most strongly with the changes in SMILEY domains, Limitation and Burden of SLE. Results provide preliminary evidence that Limitation and Burden of SLE domains of SMILEY reflect the impact of disease activity and damage on HRQOL.

Do children with lupus have fewer male siblings?

It is widely acknowledged that genetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the female preponderance remains unexplained. We hypothesized that the female preponderance in childhood SLE results from selection early in the course of conception against male fetuses bearing genetic material predisposing to SLE. If this hypothesis is accurate, there should be a decreased number of male children in families with a child with SLE. Alternatively, children with SLE would have fewer male siblings. Further, this hypothesis may apply to other diseases with a female predominance such as pauciarticular onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (PaJRA), and not apply to diseases without female preponderance such as systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (SoJRA). Chart review of patients with childhood onset SLE and PaJRA revealed a greater number of female children in these families compared with families of patients with SoJRA. Large-scale epidemiologic studies with precise counting of miscarriages and abortions could help to confirm these findings. Detailed studies of genetic and maternal intrauterine factors are required to conclusively prove this hypothesis.

Quality of life in children with systemic lupus erythematosus: a review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children is a chronic multisystem disease with wide ranging effects on their quality of life (QOL). While SLE's impact on different arenas of life and well-being has been extensively examined in the adult population, its effect on children has not received adequate attention. This review discusses the multidimensional aspect of QOL, the biopsychosocial implications of SLE, factors complicating QOL measurement in the affected population, and the different generic and disease-specific scales used for measuring QOL and related constructs. Until now, there have not been any pediatric SLE-specific health-related QOL (HRQOL) scales. A section is devoted to a novel instrument developed specifically for measuring QOL in pediatric lupus called the Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY). SMILEY is a brief, easily understood, valid, reliable and internally consistent pediatric SLE-specific QOL scale and will be a useful adjunct to clinical trials and outcomes research.

Multicenter validation of a new quality of life measure in pediatric lupus

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic fluctuating disease that significantly impacts quality of life (QOL). There is no pediatric SLE-specific health-related QOL (HRQOL) scale. Our objective was to develop and validate a new pediatric SLE-specific HRQOL scale.

METHODS

We developed the Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY) based on results of qualitative research of children with SLE and their parents. SMILEY has parallel child and parent reports with a 5-faces scale for responses. SMILEY comprises 4 domains: effect on self, limitations, social, and burden of SLE. In this cross-sectional study, we examined face, content, construct, and concurrent validity; internal consistency; test-retest reliability; and child-parent agreement for SMILEY. Children </=18 years of age with SLE and their parents completed corresponding child and parent SMILEY reports, as well as other QOL and physical function scales. Qualified physicians assessed SLE activity, damage, and severity.

RESULTS

Eighty-six children with SLE and 80 parents participated. SMILEY was found to have face, content, construct, and concurrent validity (Spearman's rank correlation [r(s)] >/=0.4); test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.9); and internal consistency (alpha = 0.9). Moderate agreement was found between child and parent SMILEY reports (ICC 0.7, r(s) = 0.5, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SMILEY is a brief, easily understood, valid, and reliable pediatric SLE-specific QOL scale. Because SMILEY assesses children's self-perception of QOL as impacted by SLE, we predict that it will have great utility in clinical practice, clinical trials, and outcomes research.

Quality of life in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children is a chronic multi-system disease with wide ranging effects on their quality of life (QOL). While SLE's impact on different arenas of life and well-being has been extensively examined in the adult population, its effect on children has not received adequate attention. This paper briefly discusses the multidimensional aspect of QOL, the biopsychosocial implications of SLE, factors complicating QOL measurement in the affected population, and the different generic and disease-specific scales used for measuring QOL and related constructs, and it also highlights the need for SLE-specific pediatric QOL instruments.

Relationship of quality of life and physical function measures with disease activity in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study is to assess relationship of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity with quality of life (QOL) and physical function and determine which is more closely correlated with SLE activity in children; and identify factors critical to children's QOL. In this cross-sectional study, children with SLE and parents completed corresponding versions of physical function (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire CHAQ), and QOL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-PedsQL Generic/Rheumatology modules) questionnaires. SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI), severity, self-concept and socioeconomic status (SES) were measured. For 24 children, CHAQ scores significantly correlated with SLEDAI (rho = 0.4, p = 0.04), SDI (rho = 0.6, p = 0.004), and associated with severity (p = 0.03). PedsQL scores did not significantly correlate with above parameters. Higher self-concept/SES correlated (p < 0.05) with better physical function and QOL. For 19 parents, the only significant correlation was between SLEDAI and Worry domain-Rheumatology module (rho = 0.5, p = 0.01). Lack of strong correlation of disease activity with QOL and physical function suggests that they are different constructs with partial overlap, and should be considered collectively while evaluating the impact of SLE on children/families. Self-concept and SES should be assessed while measuring QOL in children. Larger sample is required to confirm results.

Quality of life in paediatric lupus

Paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with significant morbidity and has biopsychosocial implications resulting from the disease and its treatment. The aim of this study was to identify domains of quality of life (QOL) impacted by SLE in children. Children with SLE and their parents were asked a single open-ended question related to lupus. Themes derived from children's responses focused primarily on coping and maintaining control of their life despite SLE. Themes from the parents' responses were twofold: a) efforts to cope with their child having SLE; and b) appreciation/sadness in connection with their children's coping process. Qualitative exploration of different facets of QOL in these children is critical for the understanding of specific factors that assist/ease the coping process and formulating interventions for improving children's/family's self-efficacy and disease management.