Autoinflammatory diseases: a Latin American multicenter study according to age and sex / Doenças autoinflamatórias: um estudo multicêntrico latino-americano de acordo com o sexo e a idade

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate autoinflammatory diseases (AID) according to age at diagnosis and sex, and response to therapy in a large population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study of a Latin American registry using a designed web system for data storage, collected between 2015 and 2018. Any altered findings during follow-up were recorded. The forms were translated into Portuguese and Spanish, including demographic, clinical, laboratory, genetic and treatment characteristics. Results: We included 152 patients, 51.3% male and 75% Caucasian. The median age at disease onset was 2.1 years (0-15.6 years) and median age at diagnosis 6.9 years (0-21.9 years); 111 (73%) were children (0-9 years old), and 41 (27%) were adolescents and young adults (AYA) (10-21 years old). Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) occurred in 46/152 (30%), chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) in 32/152 (21%), and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in 24/152 (15.7%). PFAPA was significantly higher in young children than in AYA (38.7% vs. 7.3%, p<0.001), while CNO were lower (13.5% vs. 41.5%, p<0.001). The frequency of females was significantly higher in CNO (28.4% vs. 14.1%, p=0.031) and lower in FMF (8.1% vs. 23.1%, p=0.011). The most used drugs were glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and colchicine. Glucocorticoids and colchicine treatment were used in all AID with good to moderate response. However, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) seemed unresponsive to glucocorticoids. NSAIDs and methotrexate were the main medications used to treat CNO. Conclusions: Differences among AID patients were observed in the LA population regarding sex and age at disease diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as doenças autoinflamatórias (DAI) de acordo com sexo e idade no momento do diagnóstico e a resposta terapêutica em uma grande população. Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional transversal de um registro latino-americano que usou um sistema de dados coletados entre 2015 e 2018. Quaisquer achados alterados ao longo do acompanhamento foram registrados. Os formulários foram traduzidos para os idiomas português e espanhol, incluindo características demográficas, clínicas, laboratoriais, genéticas e de tratamento. Resultados: Incluímos 152 pacientes, sendo 51,3% do sexo masculino e 75% da raça branca. A média de idade de início da doença foi de 2,1 anos (0-15,6 anos) e a média de idade de diagnóstico 6,9 anos (0-21,9 anos); 111 (73%) eram crianças (0-9 anos) e 41 (27%) adolescentes/adultos jovens (10-21 anos). A síndrome de febre periódica, estomatite aftosa, faringite e adenite (PFAPA) ocorreu em 46/152 (30%), osteomielite não bacteriana crônica (CNO) em 32/152 (21%) e febre familiar do Mediterrâneo (FMF) em 24/152 (15,7%). A PFAPA foi significativamente maior em crianças pequenas (38,7 vs. 7,3%, p<0,001), e a CNO, em adolescentes/adultos jovens (13,5 vs. 41,5%, p<0,001). A frequência do sexo feminino foi significativamente maior na CNO (28,4 vs. 14,1%, p=0,031) e menor na FMF (8,1 vs. 23,1%, p=0,011). Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram glicocorticoides, anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINE) e colchicina. O tratamento com glicocorticoides e colchicina foi usado em todas as DAI com resposta boa a moderada. No entanto, as síndromes periódicas associadas à criopirina (CAPS) pareciam não responder aos glicocorticoides. AINE e metotrexato foram os principais medicamentos utilizados no tratamento da CNO. Conclusões: Diferenças de pacientes com DAI foram observadas na população latino-americana em pacientes agrupados por sexo e idade ao diagnóstico da doença.

Safety and immunogenicity of influenza A(H3N2) component vaccine in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Introduction Seasonal influenza A (H3N2) virus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the last 50 years in population that is greater than the impact of H1N1. Data assessing immunogenicity and safety of this virus component in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is lacking in the literature. Objective To evaluate short-term immunogenicity and safety of influenza A/Singapore (H3N2) vaccine in JSLE. Methods 24 consecutive JSLE patients and 29 healthy controls (HC) were vaccinated with influenza A/Singapore/ INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2)-like virus. Influenza A (H3N2) seroprotection (SP), seroconversion (SC), geometric mean titers (GMT), factor increase in GMT (FI-GMT) titers were assessed before and 4 weeks post-vaccination. Disease activity, therapies and adverse events (AE) were also evaluated. Results JSLE patients and controls were comparable in current age [14.5 (10.1-18.3) vs. 14 (9-18.4) years, p = 0.448] and female sex [21 (87.5%) vs. 19 (65.5%), p = 0.108]. Before vaccination, JSLE and HC had comparable SP rates [22 (91.7%) vs. 25 (86.2%), p = 0.678] and GMT titers [102.3 (95% CI 75.0-139.4) vs. 109.6 (95% CI 68.2-176.2), p = 0.231]. At D30, JSLE and HC had similar immune response, since no differences were observed in SP [24 (100%) vs. 28 (96.6%), p = 1.000)], SC [4 (16.7%) vs. 9 (31.0%), p = 0.338), GMT [162.3 (132.9-198.3) vs. 208.1 (150.5-287.8), p = 0.143] and factor increase in GMT [1.6 (1.2-2.1) vs. 1.9 (1.4-2.5), p = 0.574]. SLEDAI-2K scores [2 (0-17) vs. 2 (0-17), p = 0.765] and therapies remained stable throughout the study. Further analysis of possible factors influencing vaccine immune response among JSLE patients demonstrated similar GMT between patients with SLEDAI < 4 compared to SLEDAI ≥ 4 ( p = 0.713), as well as between patients with and without current use of prednisone ( p = 0.420), azathioprine ( p = 1.0), mycophenolate mofetil ( p = 0.185), and methotrexate ( p = 0.095). No serious AE were reported in both groups and most of them were asymptomatic (58.3% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.958). Local and systemic AE were alike in both groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion This is the first study that identified adequate immune protection against H3N2-influenza strain with additional vaccine-induced increment of immune response and an adequate safety profile in JSLE. ( www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03540823).

Post-acute COVID-19 in three doses vaccinated autoimmune rheumatic diseases patients: frequency and pattern of this condition

Abstract Background Data on post-acute COVID-19 in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are scarce, focusing on a single disease, with variable definitions of this condition and time of vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and pattern of post-acute COVID-19 in vaccinated patients with ARD using established diagnosis criteria. Methods Retrospective evaluation of a prospective cohort of 108 ARD patients and 32 non-ARD controls, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (RT-PCR/antigen test) after the third dose of the CoronaVac vaccine. Post-acute COVID-19 (≥ 4 weeks and > 12 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms) were registered according to the established international criteria. Results ARD patients and non-ARD controls, balanced for age and sex, had high and comparable frequencies of ≥ 4 weeks post-acute COVID-19 (58.3% vs. 53.1%, p = 0.6854) and > 12 weeks post-acute COVID-19 (39.8% vs. 46.9%, p = 0.5419). Regarding ≥ 4 weeks post-acute COVID-19, frequencies of ≥ 3 symptoms were similar in ARD and non-ARD controls (54% vs. 41.2%, p = 0.7886), and this was also similar in > 12 weeks post-acute COVID-19 (68.3% vs. 88.2%, p = 0.1322). Further analysis of the risk factors for ≥ 4 weeks post-acute COVID-19 in ARD patients revealed that age, sex, clinical severity of COVID-19, reinfection, and autoimmune diseases were not associated with this condition (p > 0.05). The clinical manifestations of post-acute COVID-19 were similar in both groups (p > 0.05), with fatigue and memory loss being the most frequent manifestations. Conclusion We provide novel data demonstrating that immune/inflammatory ARD disturbances after third dose vaccination do not seem to be a major determinant of post-acute COVID-19 since its pattern is very similar to that of the general population. Clinical Trials platform (NCT04754698).

Spotlight on latent tuberculosis infection screening for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in two countries, comparing high and low risk patients

Abstract Background: Rheumatic diseases are associated with an increase in overall risks of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of TB and the frequency of latent TB infection (LTBI), in clinical practice, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients from high and low risk of TB incidence endemic countries. Methods: This is an international, multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study of data collection from Brazil and Registry of Portugal at REUMA.PT. The inclusion criteria were patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) with age ≤ 18 years who underwent screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)]. Chest X-rays and history of exposure to TB were also assessed. Results: 292 JIA patients were included; mean age 14.3 years, mean disease duration 7.5 years, 194 patients (66.4%) performed only TST, 14 (4.8%) only IGRA and 84 (28.8%) both. The frequency of LTBI (10.6%) and TB was similar between the two countries. The reasons for TB screening were different; in Brazil it was performed more often at JIA onset while in Portugal it was performed when starting Disease Modified Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) treatment (p < 0.001). Isoniazid therapy was prescribed in 40 (13.7%) patients (31 with LTBI and 9 with epidemiologic risks and/or due to contact with sick people). Only three patients (1%) developed active TB. Conclusion: We found nearly 10% of patients with LTBI, a small percentage of patients with treatment due to epide-miologic risks and only 1% with active TB. Distinct reasons and screening methods for LTBI were observed between the two countries.

O coração de pacientes pediátricos com COVID-19: novos insights a partir de um estudo ecocardiográfico sistemático em um Hospital Terciário no Brasil / The heart of pediatric patients with COVID-19: new insights from a systematic chocardiographic study in a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil

Resumo Fundamento A pandemia da COVID-19 representa uma enorme carga para o sistema de saúde do mundo. Apesar de pacientes pediátricos terem sido relativamente poupados em comparação a adultos, estudos recentes mostraram um número crescente de pacientes críticos com Síndrome Inflamatória Multisistêmica Pediátrica (SIM-P) com disfunção cardiovascular importante. No entanto, pouco se conhece a respeito da relação entre anormalidades cardíacas e biomarcadores inflamatórios e de coagulação. Objetivos Investigar anormalidades ecocardiográficas em pacientes pediátricos com COVID-19 admitidos em um hospital terciário. Métodos Este foi um estudo longitudinal retrospectivo, baseado na revisão de prontuários médicos e ecocardiogramas de pacientes (0-19 anos) admitidos em um hospital terciário entre 30 de março e 30 de junho de 2020. Para a análise estatística, o nível de significância foi estabelecido em 5% (p<0,05). Resultados Foram incluídos 48 pacientes, 73% com doenças pré-existentes, 20 (41,7%) com SIM-P. A idade mediana foi 7,5 (0-18,6) anos; 27 (56,2%) eram do sexo masculino. A duração mediana de internação foi 15,4 (2-92) dias e sete (14,6%) pacientes morreram. Um total de 70 ecocardiografias foram realizadas, 66,7% submeteram-se ao exame somente uma vez, e 33,3% várias vezes. Vinte e três (48%) pacientes apresentaram anormalidades no ecocardiograma: oito (16.6%) disfunção sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo, seis (12.5%) disfunção sistólica do ventrículo direito, e 12 (25%) dilatação da artéria coronária (Z-score>+2,5). Anormalidades ecocardiográficas foram significativamente associadas com SIM-P, admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, suporte ventilatório/vasoativo, e morte ( p <0,05). Níveis significativamente mais altos de d-dímero (ng/mL) foram detectados em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda [16733(4157-115668) vs. 2406.5(190-95040)], disfunção ventricular direita [25769(3422-115668) vs. 2803.5(190-95040)] e dilatação da artéria coronária [9652.5(921-115668) vs. 2724(190- 95040)] (p<0,05). Conclusão Anormalidades ecocardiográficas eram frequentes nos pacientes pediátricos com COVID-19 e associadas com piores desfechos clínicos. Exacerbação das vias de inflamação e coagulação pode exercer um importante papel na lesão cardiovascular nesses pacientes.

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic represents a huge burden to the health system in the world. Although pediatric COVID-19 patients have been relatively spared compared with adults, recent reports showed an increasing number of critically ill patients with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-c), with marked cardiovascular impairment. Nevertheless, little is known about the relationship between cardiac abnormalities and inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers. Objectives to investigate echocardiographic abnormalities in pediatric patients with COVID-19 admitted to tertiary hospital. Methods this was a retrospective longitudinal study, based on the review of medical records and echocardiograms of patients (0-19 years) admitted to a tertiary hospital between March 30 and June 30, 2020. For statistical analysis, the significance level was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results Forty-eight patients were enrolled, 73% with preexisting diseases, 20 (41.7%) with MIS-c. Median age was 7.5 (0-18.6) years; 27 (56.2%) were male. Median duration of hospitalization was 15.4 (2-92) days and seven (14.6%) patients died. A total of 70 echocardiograms were performed; 66.7% patients were scanned only once and 33.3% multiple times. Twenty-three (48%) patients showed echocardiographic abnormalities: eight (16.6%) left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction, six (12.5%) right ventricle (RV) systolic dysfunction and 12 (25%) coronary dilatation (Z-score>+2.5). Echocardiographic abnormalities were significantly associated with MIS-c, admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, multiple organ dysfunction, ventilatory/vasoactive support, and death (p<0.05). Significantly higher d-dimer (ng/mL) levels were detected in patients with LV dysfunction [16733(4157-115668) vs. 2406.5(190-95040)], RV dysfunction [25769(3422-115668) vs. 2803.5(190-95040)] and coronary artery dilation [9652.5(921-115668) vs. 2724(190- 95040)] (p<0.05). Conclusion Echocardiographic abnormalities in COVID-19 pediatric patients were frequent and associated with worse clinical outcomes. Exacerbation of the inflammation and coagulation pathways may play an important role in cardiovascular injury in those patients.

Differences in children and adolescents with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cohort study in a Brazilian tertiary referral hospital

OBJECTIVES: To compare demographic/clinical/laboratory/treatments and outcomes among children and adolescents with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included patients diagnosed with pediatric COVID-19 (aged <18 years) between April 11, 2020 and April 22, 2021. During this period, 102/5,951 (1.7%) of all admissions occurred in neonates, children, and adolescents. Furthermore, 3,962 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection samples were processed in patients aged <18 years, and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 occurred in 155 (4%) inpatients and outpatients. Six/155 pediatric patients were excluded from the study. Therefore, the final group included 149 children and adolescents (n=97 inpatients and 52 outpatients) with positive SARS-CoV-2 results. RESULTS: The frequencies of sore throat, anosmia, dysgeusia, headache, myalgia, nausea, lymphopenia, pre-existing chronic conditions, immunosuppressive conditions, and autoimmune diseases were significantly reduced in children and adolescents (p<0.05). Likewise, the frequencies of enoxaparin use (p=0.037), current immunosuppressant use (p=0.008), vasoactive agents (p=0.045), arterial hypotension (p<0.001), and shock (p=0.024) were significantly lower in children than in adolescents. Logistic regression analysis showed that adolescents with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 had increased odds ratios (ORs) for sore throat (OR 13.054; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.750-61.977; p=0.001), nausea (OR 8.875; 95% CI 1.660-47.446; p=0.011), and lymphopenia (OR 3.575; 95% CI 1.355-9.430; p=0.010), but also had less hospitalizations (OR 0.355; 95% CI 0.138-0.916; p=0.032). The additional logistic regression analysis on patients with preexisting chronic conditions (n=108) showed that death as an outcome was significantly associated with pediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (OR 22.300; 95% CI 2.341-212.421; p=0.007) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) (OR 11.261; 95% CI 1.189-106. 581; p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred in adolescents. Individuals belonging to this age group had an acute systemic involvement of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pediatric SARS and MIS-C were the most important factors associated with the mortality rate in pediatric chronic conditions with COVID-19.

Latent tuberculosis infection screening in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients preceding anti-TNF therapy in a tuberculosis high-risk country / Rastreamento da infecção latente por tuberculose em pacientes com artrite idiopática juvenil previamente à terapia anti-TNF em um país de alto risco para tuberculose

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate, in an endemic country, the long-term efficacy of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening and primary prophylaxis in patients with JIA receiving TNF blockers. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort that included JIA patients eligible to anti-TNF therapy. Patients were screened for LTBI prior to anti-TNF using tuberculin skin test (TST), chest X-ray and history of exposure to TB. Subjects were regularly followed at 2-month intervals. Results: Sixty-nine JIA patients with current age of 17.4 ± 5.8 years, mean disease duration of 5.0 ± 4.9 years were included. Forty-seven patients received a single anti-TNF, while 22 patients switched to another anti-TNF once or twice: 57 were treated with etanercepte, 33 patients with adalimumab and 3 infliximab. LTBI screening was positive in three patients: one had TST-positive and history of TB exposure and two had solely TST-positive. No active TB was diagnosed during the study period (median of follow-up was 3.8 years). Conclusion: Long-term evaluation revealed that LTBI screening and primary prophylaxis before anti-TNF treatment was effective in a high-risk country and TST was the most sensitive parameter to identify these patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar, em um país endêmico, a eficácia em longo prazo do rastreamento à procura de infecção latente por tuberculose (ILTB) e profilaxia primária em pacientes com AIJ em uso de bloqueadores do TNF. Métodos: Trata-se de uma coorte retrospectiva que incluiu pacientes com AIJ elegíveis para a terapia anti-TNF. Os pacientes foram rastreados à procura de ILTB previamente ao uso de anti-TNF por meio do teste tuberculínico (TT), radiografia de tórax e história de exposição à TB. Os indivíduos foram acompanhados regularmente em intervalos de dois meses. Resultados: Incluíram-se 69 pacientes com AIJ com idade atual de 17,4 ± 5,8 anos, com média de duração da doença de 5 ± 4,9 anos; 47 pacientes receberam um único anti-TNF, enquanto 22 foram transferidos para outro anti-TNF uma ou duas vezes: 57 foram tratados com etanercepte, 33 com adalimumabe e três com infliximabe. O rastreamento à procura de ILTB foi positivo em três pacientes: um era TT positivo e tinha história de exposição à TB e dois apenas eram TT positivo. Não foi diagnosticado caso de TB ativa durante o período de estudo (mediana de seguimento de 3,8 anos). Conclusão: A avaliação em longo prazo revelou que o rastreamento à procura de ILTB e a profilaxia primária antes do tratamento com anti-TNF foram eficazes em um país de alto risco para TB e o TT foi o parâmetro mais sensível para identificar esses pacientes.

Intracerebral hemorrhage with a favorable outcome in a patient with childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system / Hemorragia intracerebral com evolução favorável em paciente com angiíte primária do sistema nervoso central juvenil

ABSTRACT Childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system (cPACNS) is a rare inflammatory brain disease of unknown etiology. Of note, brain hemorrhage has been rarely reported in cPACNS patients, generally associated with a delayed clinical diagnosis, or with a diagnosis only at necropsy. We present the case of a boy with cPACNS that previously suffered an ischemic stroke. At the age of 7 years and 10 months, he presented a sudden and severe headache, vomiting and reduction in consciousness level (Glasgow coma scale 7), requiring prompt tracheal intubation. Brain computed tomography demonstrated intraparenchymal hematoma in the right parieto-occipital lobe and a small focus of bleeding in the right frontal lobe, vasogenic edema, herniation of the uncus and a 10 mm deviation to the left from the midline. C-reactive protein (9.2 mg/dL) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen (202%) were elevated. Decompressive craniotomy was performed and methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide were administered. One week later, the patient had left hemiparesis without other sequelae. Importantly, motor deficits have been improving progressively. Our case reinforces the inclusion of this vasculitis as a differential diagnosis in children and adolescents with CNS hemorrhage.

RESUMO Angiíte primária do sistema nervoso central juvenil (APSNCJ) é uma doença inflamatória cerebral rara e de etiologia desconhecida. Hemorragia cerebral tem sido raramente reportada em pacientes com APSNCJ, geralmente associada com atraso diagnóstico, ou com um diagnóstico somente por necrópsia. Relata-se um caso de um paciente do gênero masculino com APSNCJ e que previamente sofreu um acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico. Aos 7 anos e 10 meses de idade, o menino apresentou subitamente cefaleia intensa, vômitos e redução do nível de consciência (escala de coma de Glasgow 7), requerendo imediata intubação traqueal. Uma tomografia computadorizada cerebral demonstrou hematoma intraparenquimatoso no lobo parieto-occipital direito e um pequeno foco de sangramento no lobo frontal direito, edema vasogênico, herniação do úncus e um desvio de 10 mm da linha média para a esquerda. A proteína C-reativa (9.2 mg/dL) e o fator antígeno de von Willebrand (202%) estavam elevados. Foi realizada uma craniotomia descompressiva, seguida pela administração de metilprednisolona e ciclofosfamida. Transcorrida uma semana, o paciente apresentava hemiparesia esquerda, sem outras sequelas. É digno de nota que o déficit motor tem melhorado progressivamente. Nosso caso reforça a inclusão dessa vasculite como diagnóstico diferencial em crianças e adolescentes com hemorragia do sistema nervoso central.

Discrimination of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis at disease onset

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and laboratory features that differentiate acute lymphoblastic leukemia from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis at disease onset. METHODS: Fifty-seven leukemia patients with musculoskeletal involvement, without blasts on peripheral blood and without glucocorticoid therapy at disease onset and 102 systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients (International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria) were retrospectively evaluated. The following features were examined: fever, rheumatoid rash, arthritis, limb pain, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pericarditis, myocarditis, pleuritis, weight loss, bleeding, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and lactic dehydrogenase levels. RESULTS: The median age at disease onset was significantly higher in leukemia patients than in those with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (5.8 vs. 3.8 years). In addition, the frequencies of limb pain, hepatomegaly, weight loss and hemorrhagic manifestations were significantly higher in leukemia patients than in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients (70 percent vs. 1 percent, 54 percent vs. 32 percent, 30 percent vs. 8 percent, and 9 percent vs. 0 percent, respectively). Likewise, the frequencies of anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and high lactic dehydrogenase levels were statistically higher in leukemia patients than in patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (88 percent vs. 57 percent, 39 percent vs. 1 percent, 60 percent vs. 1 percent, 77 percent vs. 1 percent, and 56 percent vs. 14 percent, respectively). Remarkably, multivariate analysis revealed that limb pain (OR = 553; 95 percent CI =46.48-6580.42) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 754.13; 95 percent CI =64.57-8806.72) were significant independent variables that differentiated leukemia from systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The R2 of the Nagelkerke test was 0.91, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were similar for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with and without limb pain. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the importance of investigating leukemia in patients presenting with musculoskeletal manifestations and, in particular, limb pain associated with thrombocytopenia.

Intestinal microsporidiosis: a hidden risk in rheumatic disease patients undergoing anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy combined with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs?

OBJECTIVE: Immunosuppressed patients are at risk of microsporidiosis, and this parasitosis has an increased rate of dissemination in this population. Our objective was to evaluate the presence of microsporidiosis and other intestinal parasites in rheumatic disease patients undergoing anti-tumor necrosis factor/disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug treatment. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients (47 with rheumatoid arthritis, 31 with ankylosing spondylitis and 11 with psoriatic arthritis) and 92 healthy control patients were enrolled in the study. Three stool samples and cultures were collected from each subject. RESULTS: The frequency of microsporidia was significantly higher in rheumatic disease patients than in control subjects (36 vs. 4 percent, respectively; p<0.0001), as well as in those with rheumatic diseases (32 vs. 4 percent, respectively; p<0.0001), ankylosing spondylitis (45 vs. 4 percent, respectively; p<0.0001) and psoriatic arthritis (40 vs. 4 percent, respectively; p<0.0001), despite a similar social-economic class distribution in both the patient and control groups (p = 0.1153). Of note, concomitant fecal leukocytes were observed in the majority of the microsporidia-positive patients (79.5 percent). Approximately 80 percent of the patients had gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea (26 percent), abdominal pain (31 percent) and weight loss (5 percent), although the frequencies of these symptoms were comparable in patients with and without this infection (p>0.05). Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis disease activity parameters were comparable in both groups (p>0.05). The duration of anti-tumor necrosis factor/disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and glucocorticoid use were also similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: We have documented that microsporidiosis with intestinal mucosa disruption is frequent in patients undergoing concomitant anti-tumor necrosis factor/disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy. Impaired host defenses due to the combination of the underlying disease and the immunosuppressive therapy is the most likely explanation for this finding, and this increased susceptibility reinforces the need for the investigation of microsporidia and implementation of treatment strategies in this population.

Terapia com agentes biológicos na criança e no adolescente: [revisão] / Treatment with biologic agents in child and adolescent: [review]

OBJETIVO: Revisar os mecanismos fisiopatológicos e novos alvos terapêuticos, os agentes biológicos disponíveis, principais indicações e a evidência científica atual para o uso de terapias biológicas na população pediátrica. FONTES DE DADOS: Pesquisa na base de dados Medline e SciELO, nas línguas inglesa e portuguesa, entre 2000 e 2009. As palavras-chave usadas foram "agentes biológicos", "crianças" e "adolescentes". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os agentes biológicos são uma importante opção terapêutica para tratar as doenças autoimunes refratárias às terapias convencionais na infância e na adolescência. Com exceção da artrite idiopática juvenil, a maioria dos estudos em outras doenças autoimunes não é controlada. CONCLUSÕES: Os agentes biológicos têm demonstrado eficácia no tratamento de doenças autoimunes pediátricas como artrite idiopática juvenil, miopatias idiopáticas inflamatórias, lúpus eritematoso juvenil, vasculites, uveítes crônicas, doenças inflamatórias intestinais e púrpura trombocitopênica imune crônica, assim como no linfoma não-Hodgkin. Considerando-se o custo elevado e os potenciais eventos adversos, o uso desses agentes deve ser individualizado e acompanhado por especialista.

OBJECTIVE: To review the physiopathology and new therapeutical targets, the available biologic agents, the main indications and the current scientific evidence for the use of biological therapies in the pediatric population. DATA SOURCES: A bibliographical search was obtained from Medline and SciELO databases in English and Portuguese from 2000 to 2009. The key-words included were "biologic agent", "children" and "adolescent". DATA SYNTHESIS: Biologic agents are important therapeutic options to treat refractory autoimmune diseases to conventional therapies in childhood and adolescence. Excluding juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the majority of studies in other autoimmune diseases are uncontrolled trials. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic agents have shown efficacy in the treatment of pediatric autoimmune diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis, juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, chronic uveitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, as well as in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Considering the high cost and the potential adverse events, the choice to use them must be individualized and followed by a specialist.

Complicações imediatas de 3.555 aplicações de agentes anti-TNFα / Immediate complications of 3, 555 injections of anti-TNFα

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as complicações imediatas da aplicação de agentes anti-TNFα no Centro de Dispensação de Medicação deAlto Custo do HC-FMUSP. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes que receberam agentes anti-TNFα entre agosto/2007 e março/2009.As complicações imediatas (até 1 hora após o término da aplicação) foram classificadas em leves (cefaleia, rash, tontura, prurido, náuseas), moderadas (febre, urticária, palpitação, dor torácica, dispneia, variação da pressão arterial de 20 a 40 mmHg) ou graves (febre com calafrios, dispneia com sibilância, variação da pressão arterial > 40 mmHg). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 242 pacientes: 94 (39 por cento) com artrite reumatoide, 64 (26 por cento) com espondilite anquilosante, 32 (13 por cento) com artrite psoriásica, 26 (11 por cento) com artrite idiopática juvenil e 27 (11 por cento) com outros diagnósticos. O número total de aplicações foi de 3.555, sendo 992 (28 por cento) de adalimumabe, 1.546 (43 por cento) de etanercepte e 1.017 (29 por cento) de infliximabe. Complicações imediatas foram observadas em 39/242 (16 por cento) pacientes. As complicações ocorreram em 45/3.555 (1,2 por cento) aplicações. Estas foram mais frequentes com infliximabe comparado com adalimumabe (3,7 por cento vs. 0,5 por cento, P < 0,0001), e com etanercepte (3,7 por cento vs. 0,25 por cento, P < 0,0001). As complicações foram: leves 14/45 (31 por cento), moderadas 21/45 (47 por cento) e graves 10/45 (22 por cento); ocorreram principalmente nos primeiros seis meses de tratamento (56 por cento) e nas aplicações endovenosas, predominantemente na primeira hora de infusão (76 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: As reações agudas, apesar de raras, são potencialmente graves e ocorrem principalmente nas primeiras aplicações tanto no uso de medicações endovenosas como de subcutâneas...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate complications of anti-TNFα drugs at the "Center for Dispensation of High Cost Medications" of HC-FMUSP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who received anti-TNFα agents between August 2007 and March 2009 were included in this study. Immediate complications (up to 1 hour after the injection) were classified as mild (headache, rash, dizziness, itching, nausea), moderate (fever, urticaria, palpitation, chest pain, dyspnea, blood pressure variations between 20 and 40 mmHg), or severe (fever with chills, dyspnea with wheezing, variations in blood pressure > 40 mmHg). RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-two patients were evaluated: 94 (39 percent) with rheumatoid arthritis, 64 (26 percent) with ankylosing spondylitis, 32 (13 percent) with psoriatic arthritis, 26 (11 percent) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis; and 27 (11 percent) with other diagnoses. A total of 3,555 injections were administered: 992 (28 percent) adalimumab, 1,546 (43 percent) etanercept, and 1,017 (29 percent) infliximab. Immediate adverse events were observed in 39/242 (16 percent) patients. Injectionrelated complications were observed in 46/3,555 (1.2 percent) injections. They were more common with infliximab than adalimumab (3.7 percent vs. 0.5 percent, P < 0.0001) and etanercept (3.7 percent vs. 0.25 percent, P < 0.0001). Complications were classified as mild 14/45 (31 percent), moderate 21/45 (47 percent), and severe 10/45 (22 percent), and occurred mainly in the first six months of treatment (56 percent) and after intravenous injections, especially (76 percent) in the first hour. CONCLUSION: Although rare, acute reactions can be severe, being observed more commonly after the initial injections, both intravenous and subcutaneous...

Peripheral polineuropathy in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus / Polineuropatia periférica em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil

Introdução: A polineuropatia periférica é uma das 19 síndromes neuropsiquiátricas do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, segundo os critérios de classificação propostos pelo Colégio Americano de Reumatologia (ACR) para síndromes neuropsiquiátricas. No entanto, há descrições raras dessa manifestação, particularmente em populações de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil (LESJ). Métodos: De 1983 a 2007, 5.079 pacientes foram acompanhados na Unidade de Reumatologia Pediátrica do ICrûHCûFMUSP, e o diagnóstico de LESJ segundo os critérios do ACR foi estabelecido em 228 casos (4,5%). Polineuropatia periférica foi diagnosticada de acordo com as síndromes neuropsiquiátricas do ACR. Resultados: Dos 228 pacientes com LESJ, cinco (2,2%) desenvolveram polineuropatia periférica e foram retrospectivamente descritos. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por eletroneuromiografia, que evidenciou polineuropatia periférica distal, sensitiva e/ou motora, envolvendo quatro membros em dois pacientes e membros inferiores nos demais. Três eram pacientes do sexo feminino e todos tiveram a polineuropatia periférica após o diagnóstico de LESJ. A mediana de idade de início da doença foi de 14 anos, e a mediana de tempo entre o início de LESJ e o diagnóstico da polineuropatia periférica foi de 23 meses. As apresentações clínicas mais comuns foram fraqueza muscular e hiporreflexia. Todos os pacientes apresentavam anticorpos antifosfolípides. O tratamento foi realizado com corticosteroides em todos os pacientes, associado com ciclofosfamida endovenosa em três. Um paciente evoluiu com incapacitação funcional, presença de paresia de membros inferiores e necessidade de cadeira de rodas. Uma paciente faleceu por sepse grave. Conclusões: A polineuropatia periférica é uma manifestação rara no LESJ, grave, por vezes incapacitante e habitualmente associada a anticorpos antifosfolípides.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral polyneuropathy is one of 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes seen in systemic lupus erythematosus, according to the classification criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for neuropsychiatric syndromes. However, this manifestation has not been reported very often, especially in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1983 to 2007, 5,079 patients were seen at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of the ICr-HC-FMUSP; 228 (4.5%) patients were diagnosed with JSLE according to the criteria of the ACR. Peripheral polyneuropathy was diagnosed according to the criteria for neuropsychiatric syndromes of the ACR. RESULTS: Five (2.2%) out of 228 patients with JSLE developed peripheral polyneuropathy and were described retrospectively. The diagnosis was confirmed by electroneuromyography, which showed the presence of distal peripheral polyneuropathy, sensorial and/or motor, involving all four limbs, in two patients, and the lower limbs, in three patients. Three of those patients were females, and peripheral neuropathy developed after the diagnosis of JSLE. The mean age of onset of the disease was 14 years, and the mean time between the onset of JSLE and the diagnosis of peripheral polyneuropathy was 23 months. The most common clinical presentations included muscular weakness and hyporeflexia. Antiphospholipid antibodies were present in all patients. Treatment consisted of corticosteroids in all patients, associated with intravenous cyclophosphamide in three patients. One patient evolved to functional disability and paresis of the lower limbs, requiring a wheelchair. One female patient died of severe sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral polyneuropathy is a rare, severe, and occasionally incapacitating manifestation of JSLE, commonly associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Tacrolimus tópico nas lesões cutâneas refratárias da dermatomiosite juvenil / Topical tacrolimus in refractory skin lesions of juvenile dermatomiosytis

A dermatomiosite juvenil (DMJ) é uma doença inflamatória crônica idiopática que afeta principalmente músculos e pele. As lesões cutâneas podem persistir apesar do controle bem-sucedido da miosite. O tacrolimus tópico é um novo agente imunossupressor que tem sido usado no tratamento da dermatite atópica, com poucos relatos de seu uso em miopatias inflamatórias na faixa etária pediátrica. Foram descritos três pacientes com DMJ (dois meninos) com idade atual de 5,7 a 10,6 anos. A terapia inicial administrada para esses pacientes foi: corticosteróide (sistêmico em três e tópico em um), antimalárico em três e metotrexato em dois. Todos apresentavam lesões cutâneas refratárias (eritema malar, eritema difuso e/ou vasculite cutânea) após melhora significativa da fraqueza muscular. Tacrolimus tópico 0,03 por cento foi usado duas vezes ao dia após falha do tratamento prévio. As características das lesões foram avaliadas de acordo com a extensão e a gravidade no início do uso do fármaco e após oito e 16 semanas. Na segunda avaliação (oito semanas), notavelmente um paciente apresentou melhora completa do eritema malar e do eritema difuso em membros e tronco, e dois tiveram melhora parcial do eritema malar e da vasculite cutânea. Na terceira avaliação (16 semanas), dois pacientes tiveram resolução completa das lesões e um apresentava eritema malar persistente e eritema moderado em glúteos e região lombar. No último paciente, a melhora das lesões cutâneas foi alcan-çada apenas após o uso de ciclosporina por 16 semanas. Nenhum deles teve efeitos adversos. Tacrolimus tópico pode ser considerado em pacientes com DMJ e manifestações cutâneas refratárias. Estudos posteriores controlados e randomizados com esse fármaco devem ser realizados nessa doença inflamatória.

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease that affects mainly muscle and skin. Cutaneous lesions may persist despite successful treatment of myositis. Of note, topical tacrolimus is a new immunosuppressive agent that has been used to treat atopic dermatitis with few reports in pediatric inflammatory myopathies. Three JDM patients (two males) were described, current age from 5.7 to 10.6 years. The initial therapy administered for these patients were: corticosteroid (oral in three and topical in one), antimalarial in three and methotrexate in two. All of them had refractory skin lesions (malar rash, extensive rash and/or cutaneous vasculitis) after significant improvement of muscle weakness. Topical tacrolimus 0.03 percent was used twice daily after failure of previous treatment. The features of lesions were evaluated according to extension and severity at start of drug and after 8 and 16 weeks. At the second evaluation (8 weeks), remarkably one patient had complete improvement of malar rash and extensive rash in limbs and trunk, and two had partial improvement of malar rash and cutaneous vasculitis. At the third evaluation (16 weeks), two patients had complete resolution of lesions and one had persistent malar rash and moderate lumbar and gluteus rash. In the last patient, the improvement of skin lesions was reached only after 16 weeks of cyclosporine use. None of them had adverse effects. Topical tacrolimus could be considered in JDM patients with refractory cutaneous manifestations. Further randomized controlled trials with this agent should be performed in this inflammatory disease.