Childhood-Onset Lupus Nephritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: Short-Term Kidney Status and Variation in Care

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to characterize short-term kidney status and describe variation in early care utilization in a multicenter cohort of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and nephritis.

METHODS

We analyzed previously collected prospective data from North American patients with cSLE with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry from March 2017 through December 2019. We determined the proportion of patients with abnormal kidney status at the most recent registry visit and applied generalized linear mixed models to identify associated factors. We also calculated frequency of medication use, both during induction and ever recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 222 patients with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis, with 64% class III/IV nephritis on initial biopsy. At the most recent registry visit at median (interquartile range) of 17 (8-29) months from initial kidney biopsy, 58 of 106 patients (55%) with available data had abnormal kidney status. This finding was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-12.46) and age at cSLE diagnosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49). Patients with class IV nephritis were more likely than class III to receive cyclophosphamide and rituximab during induction. There was substantial variation in mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab ever use patterns across rheumatology centers.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with predominately class III/IV nephritis, male sex and older age at cSLE diagnosis were associated with abnormal short-term kidney status. We also observed substantial variation in contemporary medication use for pediatric lupus nephritis between pediatric rheumatology centers. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of this variation on long-term kidney outcomes.

Intraarticular steroids as DMARD-sparing agents for juvenile idiopathic arthritis flares: Analysis of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry

BACKGROUND

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who achieve a drug free remission often experience a flare of their disease requiring either intraarticular steroids (IAS) or systemic treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). IAS offer an opportunity to recapture disease control and avoid exposure to side effects from systemic immunosuppression. We examined a cohort of patients treated with IAS after drug free remission and report the probability of restarting systemic treatment within 12 months.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of patients from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry who received IAS for a flare after a period of drug free remission. Historical factors and clinical characteristics and of the patients including data obtained at the time of treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of those with follow up data available 49% had restarted systemic treatment 6 months after IAS injection and 70% had restarted systemic treatment at 12 months. The proportion of patients with prior use of a biologic DMARD was the only factor that differed between patients who restarted systemic treatment those who did not, both at 6 months (79% vs 35%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (81% vs 33%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While IAS are an option for all patients who flare after drug free remission, it may not prevent the need to restart systemic treatment. Prior use of a biologic DMARD may predict lack of success for IAS. Those who previously received methotrexate only, on the other hand, are excellent candidates for IAS.

AB1166 MYOCARDITIS FOLLOWING mRNA COVID VACCINE COMPARED TO PAEDIATRIC MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background

Since the development of COVID 19 vaccines, more than 300 million people have been immunized worldwide. Soon after vaccinations were initiated, reports on cases of myocarditis following the second vaccine dose have emerged.

Objectives

This study aims to report our experience with nine patients with post COVID-19 vaccine myocarditis, and to compare them to a cohort of patients who presented with paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS / PIMS-TS) post COVID 19 infection.

Methods

We collected all reported cases of patients who developed myocarditis following COVID 19 vaccination (Pfizer mRNA BNT162b2), from all pediatric rheumatology centers in Israel, and compared them to the cohort of patients previously diagnosed with PIMS.

Results

Nine patients with myocarditis post-vaccination were identified and compared to 78 patients diagnosed with PIMS. All patients with post-vaccination myocarditis were males who developed symptoms following their second dose of the vaccine. Patients with myocarditis post-vaccination had a shorter duration of stay at the hospital (4.4±1.9 vs. 8.7±4.7 days), less myocardial dysfunction (11.1% vs. 61.5%), and all had excellent outcomes as compared to chronic changes among 9.2% of patients with PIMS.

Conclusion

The clinical course of vaccine-associated myocarditis appears favorable, with resolution of symptoms in all the patients in our cohort. The risk–benefit decision for vaccination remains highly favorable, given the potential morbidity of patients with COVID-19, especially those with PIMS.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1239 RISK FACTORS FOR SEVERE DISEASE COURSE IN MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN (MIS-C) – A MULTICENTER, RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS- C) associated with COVID-19, presents as a cytokine storm with features of Kawasaki disease. Many cases present with shock and require intensive care admission.

Objectives

We aimed to identify predictors for severe clinical course of MIS-C as defined by the need for ionotropic support during admission

Methods

A retrospective multinational cohort study was conducted. Patients with a diagnosis of MIS-C from 9 Israeli medical centers and one US medical center (Chicago, IL) were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging variables during admission and hospitalization were retrieved. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to assess odds ratio (OR) of ionotropic support need during hospitalization.

Results

Overall 100 MIS-C patients were included in the study. Sixty-five patients (65%) were hypotensive, 44% required ionotropic support, and 37% had finding of Left ventricular dysfunction. Univariate model showed that LVD was associated with the need for ionotropic support (OR 4.178 [95%CI 1.760-9.917], while conjunctivitis (OR 0.403 [95%CI 0.173-0.938]) and mucosal changes (OR 0.333 [95%CI 0.119-0.931]) were protective. Laboratory markers for severe disease course were low hemoglobin levels, leukocyte count, thrombocyte count, lymphocyte count, neutrophils count, albumin and potassium, as well as high troponin and BNP.

Conclusion

Patients with MIS-c that present with a Kawasaki-like phenotype are less likely to require ionotropic support, while other clinical and laboratory parameters were found as risk factors and should be monitored during MIS-C hospitalization.

References

[1]Chiotos K., Bassiri H., Behrens E.M. multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic: a case series. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2020;9(3):393–398.

[2]Whittaker E, Bamford A, Kenny J, Kaforou M et al. Clinical Characteristics of 58 Children With a Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated With SARS-CoV-2. JAMA. 2020 Jul 21;324(3):259-269.

[3]Feldstein L.R, Rose E.B, Horwitz S.M, et al. multisystem inflammatory syndrome in U.S. children and adolescents. N Engl J Med. 2020 Jul 23;383(4):334-346.

[4]Pouletty M, Borocco C, Ouldali N, et al. Paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 mimicking Kawasaki disease (Kawa-COVID-19): a multicentre cohort. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020 Aug;79(8):999-1006

[5]Abrams JY, Oster ME, Godfred-Cato SE, et al. Factors linked to severe outcomes in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the USA: a retrospective surveillance study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2021 May;5(5):323-331.

Table 1.

and laboratory characteristics on admission of patients diagnosed with MIS-C

w/o Hemodynamic supportN=56 (56.0%)with Hemodynamic supportN=44 (44.0%)p-valueGastrointestinal symptoms46 (82.1%)41 (93.2%)0.103Mucosal changes18 (32.1%)6 (13.6%)0.031Rash34 (60.7%)20 (45.5%)0.129Conjunctivitis27 (48.2%)12 (27.3%)0.033Extremity changes4 (7.1%)6 (13.6%)0.280Lymphadenopathy11 (19.6%)11 (25.0%)0.521No. of days of fever at admission4 [3-5]5 [3-5]0.646Systolic BP99 [90-108]97 [85-102]0.263Diastolic BP60 [53-67]53 [45-59]0.006HR124 [114-143]126 [108-144]0.957hemoglobin admission (g/dL)11.65 [10.83-12.67]11.25 [10.22-12.58]0.220White cells admission (K/µL)9.02 [6.63-12.01]9.03 [5.75-16.99]0.742platelets admission (K/µL)174.0 [134.50-250.0]147.50 [121.25-146.25]0.126lymphocytes admission (K/µL)0.90 [0.64-1.70]0.70 [0.48-1.11]0.015ESR admission (mm/hr)43.00 [35.5-74.50]44.00 [28.50-66.00]0.575C-reactive protein admission (mg/dL)14.05 [10.32-22.28]19.50 [10.90-27.30]0.117Creatinine admission (mg/dL)0.55 [0.40-0.70]0.69 [0.50-0.81]0.008Figure 1.

- forest plot - clinical risk factors for need of hemodynamic support in MIS-C patients; Odds Ratio [95% CI] (univariate analysis)

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1306 EXTREME PERIODIC FEVER, APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, PHARYNGITIS AND CERVICAL ADENITIS (PFAPA) ARE A SUBSET OF PFAPA PATIENTS WITH FLARES THAT OCCUR MORE THAN TWICE A MONTH

Background

The febrile episodes of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome occur, by definition, every 2 to 8 weeks.

However, a subset of our patients appears to experience attacks at an even higher rate of more than twice a month, and was therefore named extreme PFAPA, or ePFAPA group.

Objectives

To characterize this group both demographically and clinically in order to compare them to the non-extreme PFAPA (nPFAPA) group.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with PFAPA that were treated in the Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel from 3/2014 to 4/2021. Patients with concomitant familial Mediterranean fever were excluded. Thereafter the ePFAPA and nPFAPA groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum, Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

47 patients (12.9%) out a total of 365 PFAPA patients were included in the ePFAPA group. Compared to the nPFAPA group, ePFAPA patients had earlier disease onset (age 1.7 vs 2.96 years, P<0.001) and diagnosis (age 2.94 vs 5.02 years, P<0.001). Moreover, after initiation of an abortive treatment with corticosteroids, ePFAPA patients had higher increased flares frequency (72% vs 40%, P<0.001) and were treated with colchicine prophylaxis more often (67% vs 26%, P<0.001). Other clinical and demographic aspects were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

EPFAPA patients are a subset of patients who have earlier onset and diagnosis of PFAPA, and also increased flares frequently after abortive therapy with steroids. Current study is underway to describe the long-term outcome of this group.

References

[1]Periodic Fever, Aphthosis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis Syndrome: Analysis of Patients From Two Geographic Areas

Batu E, Kara Eroğlu F, Tsoukas P, Hausmann J, Bilginer Y, Kenna M, Licameli G, Fuhlbrigge R, Özen S, Dedeoğlu F

Arthritis Care and Research (2016) 68(12)

[2]POS1326 FAMILIAL PERIODIC FEVER, APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, PHARYNGITIS AND ADENITIS (PFAPA) SYNDROME; IS IT A SEPARATE DISEASE?

Butbul Y

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021) 80(Suppl 1)

[3]PFAPA syndrome is not a sporadic disease

Cochard M, Clet J, Le L, Pillet P, Onrubia X, Guéron T, Faouzi M, Hofer M

Rheumatology (2010) 49(10)

[4]PFAPA syndrome in children: A meta-analysis on surgical versus medical treatment

Peridis S, Pilgrim G, Koudoumnakis E, Athanasopoulos I, Houlakis M, Parpounas K

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

[5]The First International Conference on Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis Syndrome

Harel L, Hashkes P, Lapidus S, Edwards K, Padeh S, Gattorno M, Marshall G

Journal of Pediatrics (2018) 193

[6]Long-term follow-up of children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome

Wurster V, Carlucci J, Feder H, Edwards K

Journal of Pediatrics (2011) 159(6)

[7]Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenopathy syndrome: Clinical characteristics and outcome

Padeh S, Brezniak N, Zemer D, Pras E, Livneh A, Langevitz P, Migdal A, Pras M, Passwell J

Journal of Pediatrics (1999) 135(1)

[8]Risk factors for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: a case-control study

Kettunen S, Lantto U, Koivunen P, Tapiainen T, Uhari M, Renko M

European Journal of Pediatrics (2018) 177(8)

[9]A clinical review of 105 patients with PFAPA (a periodic fever syndrome)

Feder H, Salazar J

Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Social determinants of health influence disease activity and functional disability in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDH) greatly influence outcomes during the first year of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, a disease similar to polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). We investigated the correlation of community poverty level and other SDH with the persistence of moderate to severe disease activity and functional disability over the first year of treatment in pJIA patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry.

METHODS

In this cohort study, unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear mixed effects models analyzed the effect of community poverty and other SDH on disease activity, using the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-10, and disability, using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire, measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred eighty-four patients were identified. High community poverty (≥20% living below the federal poverty level) was associated with increased odds of functional disability (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.28-2.60) but was not statistically significant after adjustment (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 0.81-1.86) and was not associated with increased disease activity. Non-white race/ethnicity was associated with higher disease activity (aOR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.41-4.36). Lower self-reported household income was associated with higher disease activity and persistent functional disability. Public insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29) and low family education (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.12) was associated with persistent functional disability.

CONCLUSION

High community poverty level was associated with persistent functional disability in unadjusted analysis but not with persistent moderate to high disease activity. Race/ethnicity and other SDH were associated with persistent disease activity and functional disability.

POS1294 EFFECT OF EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS ON THE FREQUENCY OF PFAPA ATTACKS - A MULTICENTER STUDY

Background:

The fact that mental state may serve as a trigger for attacks of periodic fever diseases is known in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). There is a lack of information regarding the role of emotional triggers for PFAPA attacks.

Objectives:

To examine whether emotional distress may trigger PFAPA attacks.

Methods:

Enrolled were patients with active PFAPA, from two Israeli medical centers. Researchers contacted their parents by phone in two occasions: a. within the two weeks of returning to school after the first COCID-19 lockdown; b. during the summer vacation (i.e., non-stressful period). Parents were asked regarding the occurrence of PFAPA attacks within the two weeks preceding the calls. The relative stress levels of the two periods were validated by an emotional distress scale questionnaire. Differences between occurrences of attacks during these two periods of time were recorded.

Results:

One-hundred and six pediatric patients enrolled in the study. Mean age was 7.37± 2.9. In the stressful period, 41 (38.7%) reported at least one attack during the preceding 2 weeks, compared to 24 (22.6%) in the non-stressful period (p = 0.017). Scores for the mean emotional distress questionnaire were higher in the stressful period compared to the non-stressful period (35.6± 8.1 vs. 32.1± 7.7, respectively, P = 0.047).

Conclusion:

This study shows that during a period of stress for children there were more PFAPA attacks compared to a relaxed period. These findings indicate that mental factors such as stress or excitement may be triggers for PFAPA attacks.

Table 1.

Attacks status during prior 2 weeks during stressful or non-stressful event

OutcomeFirst call(May 2020)Second call (August 2020)P-valuePediatric emotional distress score (PEDS), mean (±SD)35.6 (±8.1)32.1 (±7.7)0.047Any attacks during last 2 week, n (%)41 (39.8%)24 (24.2%)0.017Number of attacks0.04 One, n (%)27 (25.5%)19 (17.9%) Two, n (%)14 (13.2%)5 (4.7%)

References:

[1]Marshall GS, Edwards KM, Butler J, Lawton AR. Syndrome of periodic fever, pharyngitis, and aphthous stomatitis. J Pediatr. 1987;110(1):43-46. doi:10.1016/S0022-3476(87)80285-8

[2]Feder HM, Salazar JC. A clinical review of 105 patients with PFAPA (a periodic fever syndrome). Acta Paediatr Int J Paediatr. 2010;99(2):178-184. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01554.x

[3]Hall, J, Lindorff A. Children’s Transition to School: Relationships Between Preschool Attendance, Cortisol Patterns, and Effortful Control. The Educational and Developmental Psychologist. Educ Dev Psychol. 2017;34(1):1-18

[4]Stokes SJ, Saylor CF, Swenson CC, Daugherty TK. A comparison of children’s behaviors following three types of stressors. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 1995;26(2):113-123. doi:10.1007/BF02353235

[5]Førsvoll J, Kristoffersen EK, Øymar K. The immunology of the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome; what can the tonsils reveal. A literature review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020;130. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109795

[6]Gidron Y, Berkovitch M, Press J. Psychosocial correlates of incidence of attacks in children with Familial Mediterranean Fever. J Behav Med. 2003;26(2):95-104. doi:10.1023/A:1023038504481

[7]Makay B, Emiroğlu N, Ünsal E. Depression and anxiety in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever. Clin Rheumatol. 2010;29(4):375-379. doi:10.1007/s10067-009-1330-9

[8]Kraszewska-Głomba B, Matkowska-Kocjan A, Szenborn L. The Pathogenesis of Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis Syndrome: A Review of Current Research. Mediators Inflamm 2015;2015:563876. doi:10.1155/2015/563876

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1295 PERFORMANCE OF 2019 EULAR/ACR CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS IN A PEDIATRIC POPULATION – A MULTICENTER STUDY

Background:

The “European League Against Rheumatism” and “American College of Rheumatology” 2019 (EULAR/ACR-19) criteria for the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) were recently published, with the stated goal of maintaining the level of sensitivity and raising the level of specificity for classification of SLE in adults.

Objectives:

We aimed to examine the function of the new EULAR/ACR-19 criteria in a population of children and compare them to the SLICC-12 and ACR-97 criteria.

Methods:

In this multicenter study the charts of jSLE patients from three tertiary medical centers were reviewed and compared to patients with non-jSLE diagnosis. Pediatric rheumatologists, blinded to the original diagnosis, reviewed and diagnosed all cases. Pediatric patients’ clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively extracted and then examined with regard to how they met the new and old criteria.

Results:

Included were 225 patients (112 jSLE, 113 non-SLE). When applied to juvenile SLE classification, the sensitivity of the new EULAR/ACR-19 criteria was 0.96 (0.9-.0.99) and the specificity was 0.89 (0.82-0.94). These were comparable to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria. The sensitivity of the EULAR/ACR-19 criteria improves over time and was 0.83 twelve months following disease onset, reaching 0.96 after longer than 24 months.

Conclusion:

Among a cohort of jSLE patients, sensitivity of the new EULAR/ACR-19 criteria was found to be high and specificity may have improved slightly compared to the SLICC-12 criteria. We support the use of the new classification criteria for pediatric patients in future jSLE studies, but it should be noted that its specificity is lower than for adults.

ACR-97SLICC-12EULAR/ACR-19Sensitivity (95% CI)0.79 (0.70-0.86)0.96 (0.9-0.99)0.96 (0.9-.0.99)Specificity (95% CI)0.94 (0.88-0.97)0.85 (0.77-0.91)0.89 (0.82-0.94)Accuracy (95% CI)0.86 (0.81-0.9)0.9 (0.86-0.94)0.92 (0.88-.0.96)Positive Likelihood Ratio (95% CI)12.7(6.1-26.2)6.35(4.1-9.9)9.0 (5.3-15.4)Negative Likelihood Ratio (95% CI)0.23(0.16-0.33)0.05(0.02-0.12)0.05(0.02-0.12)Diagnostic odds ratio (95% CI)55.5(22.80-135.0)120.85(43.0-340.0)180.1(61.3-529.4)

References:

[1]Smith EMD, Lythgoe H, Midgley A, Beresford MW, Hedrich CM. Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Update on clinical presentation, pathophysiology and treatment options. Clin Immunol 2019 published on December 2019. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2019.108274

[2]Massias JS, Smith EMD, Al-Abadi E, Armon K, Bailey K, Ciurtin C, et al. Clinical and laboratory characteristics in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus across age groups. Lupus 2020;29(5):474–81.

[3]Hochberg MC. Updating the American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum. 1997 Sep;40(9):1725

[4]Petri M, Orbai AM, Alarcõn GS, Gordon C, Merrill JT, Fortin PR, et al. Derivation and validation of the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum 2012 Aug;64(8):2677-86

[5]Hartman EAR, van Royen-Kerkhof A, Jacobs JWG, Welsing PMJ, Fritsch-Stork RDE. Performance of the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria versus the 1997 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria in adult and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. A systematic review and meta-an. Autoimmun Rev. 2018;17(3):316–22.

[6]Aringer M, Costenbader K, Daikh D, Brinks R, Mosca M, Ramsey-Goldman R, et al. 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019;71(9):1400–12.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Characterization of cell fusion in an experimental mouse model of endometriosis†

Cell fusion is involved in the development of some adult organs, is implicated in the pathogenesis of specific types of cancer, and is known to participate in repair/regeneration processes mediated by bone-marrow-derived cells (BMDCs). Endometriosis is a disease characterized by growth of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. Endometriosis shares some molecular properties with cancer and BMDCs home to endometriosis lesions in a mouse model. Our objective was to determine if cell fusion can occur in endometriosis and establish whether bone-marrow-derived cells participate in cell fusion events in lesions. We employed a Cre-Lox system to identify cell fusion events in a mouse model of endometriosis. Fused cells were detected in endometriotic lesions, albeit at a low frequency (∼1 in 400 cells), localized to the stromal compartment, and displayed restricted proliferation. Using 5-fluorouracil-based nongonadotoxic bone marrow transplantation model, we demonstrate that bone marrow cells represent a principal cell source for fusion events in lesions. Cell fusion progeny uniformly lacked expression of selected markers of hematopoietic, endothelial, and epithelial markers, though they expressed the mesenchymal/stromal markers Sca-1 and CD29. This study is the first to describe the phenomenon of cell fusion in endometriosis and points to a mesenchymal population derived from cell fusion events with limited proliferative activity, properties previously attributed to endometrial stem cells. Their putative role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be elucidated.

Wrist Postures While Typing on a Standard and Split Keyboard

Fifty experienced typists participated in a laboratory based repeated measures study with two factors: keyboard height (three) and keyboard configuration (three). The work surface heights tested were 63, 67 and 71 cm. The three keyboard configurations tested were: standard (Apple Extended™), alternative keyboard A (Microsoft Natural Keyboard) and alternative keyboard B (equivalent to Natural Keyboard with Leveler™ extended). Wrist and forearm posture data was acquired using electronic goniometers during 10 minutes of typing at each keyboard/height level. Across all heights tested, wrist extension, wrist ulnar deviation, and forearm pronation were statistically significantly closer to neutral when using alternative keyboard B than when using the standard keyboard.

Changes in wrist postures during a prolonged typing task

Twenty experienced typists participated in a laboratory based study to determine whether wrist and forearm postures changed over a 4 hour period of intensive keyboard use. Subjects were randomly assigned to use a conventional keyboard or a fixed split keyboard. Posture data was acquired using electrogoniometers after a 10 warm-up period and at the end of each hour. Wrist and forearm postures did not change significantly over the four hour period among subjects using the split geometry keyboard. On the conventional keyboard, all joint postures were stable except right wrist extension and left forearm pronation. The right wrist extension increased by 5° over the four hour period (p=.002) and left pronation decreased by approximately 9° (p=.001). Wrist postures among typists exposed for the first time to a split keyboard remained constant throughout a four hour period of intensive typing. On the conventional keyboard, some postures drifted over the four hour period.

Predictors of erectile function improvement in obstructive sleep apnea patients with long-term CPAP treatment

The long-term effect of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on erectile function was assessed in 60 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Severity of OSAS was evaluated by respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and minimal oxygen saturation (OxiMin). Severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) was assessed with the five question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) before and after CPAP treatment. Subjects were categorized into three groups on the basis of the change in IIEF-5 score: Group 1, no change (n=37); Group 2, improvement from 10+/-5.65 to 19.1+/-5.7, P<0.01 (n=12); Group 3, worsening from 19.9+/-4.7 to 9.5+/-7.8, P<0.01 (n=11). Group 2 had significantly higher RDI and lower OxiMin than the other groups, and was also more compliant and satisfied with CPAP. Change in IIEF-5 with CPAP treatment was negatively correlated (Pearson coefficient) with OxiMin (r=-0.374), and positively correlated with adherence to CPAP treatment (r=0.689). In conclusion, in selected patients, CPAP treatment for OSAS may by itself have a positive effect on erectile function by improving respiration during sleep. Predictors of erectile improvement include high RDI, low OxiMin, and CPAP compliance.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: urological aspects

ACS is prevalent in various surgical conditions and in a large percentage of critically ill patients. Measuring the IAP is important in the early diagnosis of ACS and can be easily done by measuring the intravesical pressure. ACS adversely affects many organ systems; the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction is probably multifactorial, from a combination of reduced cardiac output, reduced GFR mediated by secretion of renin and angiotensin, aldosterone-mediated water reabsorption, increased renal parenchymal pressure and direct compression of the renal vein. Successful treatment requires a high index of suspicion, prompt recognition and early surgical abdominal decompression.

Pitfalls and complications with laparoscopic intraperitoneal expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair of postoperative ventral hernia

BACKGROUND

This study reviewed our experience with laparoscopic ventral postoperative (incisional) hernia repair.

METHODS

Clinical data from the first 100 cases were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Between 1997 and 2000, 64 women and 36 men (mean age, 58.4 +/- 13.6 years; range, 27-87 years) underwent laparoscopic hernioplasty. Hernias (mean diameter, 6.2 +/- 3.7 cm) were in a midline (74%), subcostal (10%), or other incision location, and were recurrent in 25%, of the patients. The mean operative time was 119 +/- 77 min. Extensive adhesiolysis was necessary in 37 cases. There was no mortality. The recorded complications included inadvertent enterotomies (n = 6), seromas (n = 11), prolonged ileus (n = 4), and prolonged fever (n = 3). Seven cases were converted; to repair accidental enterotomies (n = 4) due to difficult adhesiolysis (n = 2), or to control bleeding (n = 1). Six patients underwent reoperation because of enetric leak (n = 3) or bowel obstruction (n = 3). There were two documented recurrences (2%). The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 12-54 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic intraperitoneal approach to postoperative ventral (incisional) hernia repair may be associated with significant complications and morbidity, which can be prevented in part by meticulous technique and liberal conversions. The justification of this procedure is the low recurrence rate, according to preliminary results.

Lidocaine inhibits secretion of IL-8 and IL-1beta and stimulates secretion of IL-1 receptor antagonist by epithelial cells

Lidocaine and related local anaesthetics have been shown to be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effect are poorly defined. Intestinal epithelial cells play an important role in the mucosal inflammatory response that leads to tissue damage in UC via the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct immunoregulatory effect of lidocaine on pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion from intestinal epithelial cells. HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines were used as a model system and treated with lidocaine and related drugs. The expression of IL-8, IL-1beta and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (RA) were assessed by ELISA and quantification of mRNA. In further experiments, the effect of lidocaine on the secretion of IL-8 from freshly isolated epithelial cells stimulated with TNFalpha was tested. Lidocaine, in therapeutic concentrations, inhibited the spontaneous and TNFalpha-stimulated secretion of IL-8 and IL-1beta from HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, suppression of IL-8 secretion was noted in the freshly isolated epithelial cells. Other local anaesthetics, bupivacaine and amethocaine, had comparable effects. Lidocaine stimulated the secretion of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-1 RA. Both the inhibitory and the stimulatory effects of lidocaine involved regulation of transcription. The results imply that the therapeutic effect of lidocaine may be mediated, at least in part, by its direct effects on epithelial cells to inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory molecules on one hand while triggering the secretion of anti-inflammatory mediators on the other.

Biochemical and immunological properties of human cardiac troponin I fragments

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is the inhibitory subunit of the troponin complex and is a biochemical marker for myocardial infarction (MI). It is found in human serum within 4-6 h following MI. One of us has shown [Morjana (1998) Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 28, 105-111] that MI patient serum TnI is cleaved at the N- and C-terminals and that the TnI fragments exist as a complex with tropinin C (TnC) and troponin T (TnT). In the present study, we have generated C-terminal truncated TnI fragments and studied their immunological and biochemical properties. Human recombinant TnI (rTnI) expressed in Escherichia coli is cleaved into a major fragment with a molecular mass of 17500 Da using CNBr. The major CNBr fragment contains the first 153 amino acids of human cTnI (TnI153). Cleavage of the rTnI with the endoproteinase Asp-N generates a smaller TnI fragment (TnI88, residues 6-96). TnI153 has higher immunological activity than that of rTnI and lower activity than that of TnI88, as judged by the Stratus II TnI Immunoassay. TnI153 exhibits biochemical and immunological properties similar to those of intact TnI. It binds TnC at a molar ratio of 1:1 and forms a ternary complex with TnC and TnT. TnC enhances the immunological activity of TnI153, but has little effect on the activity of TnI88. The TnI153-TnC complex exhibits higher immunological activity than rTnI-TnC and TnI88-TnC, and much higher activity than free rTnI, TnI153 and TnI88. The presence of TnT has no effect on the immunological activity of the TnI153-TnC complex, suggesting that the addition of TnT does not interfere with TnI153 recognition by TnI monoclonal antibodies. Free TnI153 and TnI88 degrade rapidly in human serum. TnC protects TnI153 from proteolytic degradation, but offers less protection for TnI88. The TnI88-TnC complex lost 80% of its immunological activity after incubation for 2 days in human serum at 37 degrees C. However, there was no loss in the immunological activity of the TnI153-TnC complex under the same conditions. A cTnI fragment (TnI80, residues 1-80), expressed in E. coli as a fusion protein, exhibits immunological activity and stability similar to that of TnI88.

Disaccharides derived from heparin or heparan sulfate regulate IL-8 and IL-1 beta secretion by intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Intestinal epithelial cells can produce cytokines and chemokines that play an important role in the mucosal immune response. Regulation of this secretion is important to prevent inflammatory tissue damage. Disaccharides derived from heparan sulfate and heparin have been shown to down-regulate inflammation in vivo. We tested the effect of such disaccharides on cytokine secretion by intestinal epithelial cells.

METHODS

Spontaneous and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-stimulated interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1 beta secretion and mRNA expression were assessed in HT-29 and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell lines in the presence of a panel of heparin and heparan sulfate disaccharides.

RESULTS

Specific disaccharides suppressed spontaneous and TNF-alpha-induced mediator secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Disaccharide activity was structurally restricted. Preincubation of cells with nonsuppressing disaccharides blocked the activity of suppressing disaccharides. The number of sulfate moieties determined the ability of nonsuppressing disaccharides to block the effect of suppressive disaccharides. No suppression of mRNA expression was noted, and intracellular mediator levels were not reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Disaccharides derived from heparin and heparan sulfate regulate proinflammatory mediator secretion from intestinal epithelial cells. Dose dependence and competition by structurally diverging disaccharides suggest a receptor-mediated mechanism. Unchanged mRNA and intracellular mediator levels suggest that the disaccharides act at posttranscriptional stages.

Somatostatin through its specific receptor inhibits spontaneous and TNF-alpha- and bacteria-induced IL-8 and IL-1 beta secretion from intestinal epithelial cells

Intestinal epithelial cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are crucial in mucosal defense. However, this secretion must be tightly regulated, because uncontrolled secretion of proinflammatory mediators may lead to chronic inflammation and mucosal damage. The aim of this study was to determine whether somatostatin, secreted within the intestinal mucosa, regulates secretion of cytokines from intestinal epithelial cells. The spontaneous as well as TNF-alpha- and Salmonella-induced secretion of IL-8 and IL-1beta derived from intestinal cell lines Caco-2 and HT-29 was measured after treatment with somatostatin or its synthetic analogue, octreotide. Somatostatin, at physiological nanomolar concentrations, markedly inhibited the spontaneous and TNF-alpha-induced secretion of IL-8 and IL-1beta. This inhibition was dose dependent, reaching >90% blockage at 3 nM. Furthermore, somatostatin completely abrogated the increased secretion of IL-8 and IL-1beta after invasion by Salmonella. Octreotide, which mainly stimulates somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5, affected the secretion of IL-8 and IL-1beta similarly, and the somatostatin antagonist cyclo-somatostatin completely blocked the somatostatin- and octreotide-induced inhibitory effects. This inhibition was correlated to a reduction of the mRNA concentrations of IL-8 and IL-1beta. No effect was noted regarding cell viability. These results indicate that somatostatin, by directly interacting with its specific receptors that are expressed on intestinal epithelial cells, down-regulates proinflammatory mediator secretion by a mechanism involving the regulation of transcription. These findings suggest that somatostatin plays an active role in regulating the mucosal inflammatory response of intestinal epithelial cells after physiological and pathophysiological stimulations such as bacterial invasion.

Follow-up of sperm concentration and motility in patients with lymphoma

Lymphomas are a group of diseases, prevalent at reproductive age. Fertility is notoriously reduced among lymphoma patients. This study evaluates pre- and post-treatment semen concentration and motility, and factors associated with semen quality deterioration. We followed-up 33 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or with Hodgkin's disease during the years 1987-1997 who were referred for semen cryopreservation. Pretreatment semen analysis, and hormonal profile were recorded at diagnosis and at least 1 year after completion of the treatment, and compared. Medical records for disease type, disease stage and treatment protocols were related to long-term sperm outcome. Hormonal concentrations were not predictive of post-treatment sperm concentration. In patients with localized disease, initial sperm concentration and motility tended to be preserved, compared with patients with widespread disease (P: = 0. 016). In Hodgkin's disease patients, treatment with the adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD) protocol was superior to the mechloretamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone with ABV protocol regarding germinal toxicity (P: = 0.0008). The post-treatment sperm outcome was better in patients treated with local irradiation than in those who did not undergo irradiation (P: = 0.0027). No predictive tools for post-treatment fertility were found and, therefore, every patient with a lymphoma should have his semen cryopreserved at diagnosis.

Human gastrin: a Helicobacter pylori--specific growth factor

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Helicobacter pylori resides within the gastric mucosa, a niche hostile to other microorganisms. Human gastrin levels are elevated after infection and return to normal after eradication. The aim of this study was to test the direct effect of gastrin on the growth of H. pylori.

METHODS

H. pylori and control bacteria were grown with gastrin or control peptides and growth rate was determined. (125)I-labeled gastrin was used to determine uptake.

RESULTS

Human gastrin stimulated H. pylori growth in a specific, dose-dependent manner. Gastrin shortened the lag time, increased growth rate in the logarithmic phase, and increased final bacterial concentration at the stationary phase. These effects were shown over a wide concentration range, including physiological luminal and serum levels. Labeled gastrin uptake was inhibited by unlabeled gastrin. Controls consisting of cholecystokinin and pentagastrin inhibited gastrin uptake but did not stimulate growth. In contrast, somatostatin and epidermal growth factor had no effect on either gastrin uptake or bacterial growth. These results suggest a structurally restricted, receptor-mediated, gastrin-specific effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Human gastrin is a specific growth factor for H. pylori and may have a role in the adaptation of H. pylori to its unique habitat.

Wrist and forearm postures and motions during typing

Awkward upper extremity postures and repetitive wrist motions have been identified by some studies as risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders during keyboard work. However, accurate body postures and joint motions of typists typing on standardized workstations are not known. A laboratory study was conducted to continuously measure wrist and forearm postures and motions of 25 subjects while they typed for 10-15 min at a standard computer workstation adjusted to the subjects' anthropometry. Electrogoniometers continuously recorded wrist and forearm angles. Joint angular velocities and accelerations were calculated from the postural data. The results indicate that wrist and forearm postures during typing were sustained at non-neutral angles; mean wrist extension angle was 23.4 +/- 10.9 degrees on the left and 19.9 +/- 8.6 degrees on the right. Mean ulnar deviation was 14.7 +/- 10.1 degrees on the left and 18.6 +/- 5.8 degrees on the right. More than 73% of subjects typed with the left or right wrist in greater than 15 degrees extension and more than 20% typed with the left or right wrist in greater than 20 degrees ulnar deviation. Joint angles and motions while typing on an adjusted computer workstation were not predictable based on anthropometry or typing speed and varied widely between subjects. Wrist motions are rapid and are similar in magnitude to wrist motions of industrial workers performing jobs having a high risk for developing cumulative trauma disorders. The magnitude of the dynamic components suggests that wrist joint motions may need to be evaluated as a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders during typing.