Myasthenia gravis in the complex scenario of LRBA-related immune dysregulation / Miastenia gravis no cenário clínico complexo das imunodesregulações relacionadas ao gene LRBA

Autoimmune diseases have been progressively recognized as a potential complication of primary immunodeficiency, especially for some genetic subtypes of common variable immunodeficiency. Although often associated with other autoimmune disorders, autoimmune myasthenia gravis is occasionally identified as a neuromuscular complication of primary immunodeficiency. We report the case of a Brazilian woman with common variable immunodeficiency-8 due to an LRBA variant, in which myasthenia gravis was identified in association with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. Marked clinical improvement occurred after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Doenças autoimunes foram progressivamente reconhecidas como complicações potenciais das imunodeficiências primárias, especialmente para alguns subtipos genéticos das imunodeficiências comuns variáveis. Embora se associe comumente a outras doenças autoimunes, a Miastenia gravis autoimune adquirida foi raramente associada como complicação neuromuscular de imunodeficiências primárias. É descrito neste artigo o caso de paciente brasileira do sexo feminino com diagnóstico de Imunodeficiência Comum Variável tipo 8 por variante no gene LRBA, na qual foi identificada Miastenia gravis em associação a anticorpos antirreceptor de acetilcolina. Ela evoluiu com marcante melhora clínica após a introdução de terapêutica com imunoglobulina endovenosa.

Recomendaciones para el cuidado, prevención de infecciones y quimioprofilaxis en los errores innatos de la inmunidad / Recommendations for care, prevention of infections and chemoprophylaxis in inborn errors of immunity

Los errores innatos de la inmunidad (EII), antes llamados inmunodeficiencias primarias (IDP), son un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos genéticos con defectos en uno o más componentes del sistema inmune. Los pacientes afectados por EII presentan aumentada susceptibilidad a microorganismos únicos o múltiples que se manifestará con infecciones recurrentes de diferente tipo y gravedad dependiendo del tipo de la localización del defecto. La prevención de infecciones es uno de los pilares fundamentales en el abordaje integral de los pacientes con EII. En este trabajo se resumen las conclusiones consensuadas en el Grupo de Trabajo de Inmunología Pediátrica de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, sobre la base de la revisión de la evidencia disponible, respecto a los principios esenciales para el cuidado, la prevención de infecciones y la quimioprofilaxis en los errores innatos de la inmunidad para la orientación del pediatra y especialista dedicados al seguimiento de estas enfermedades.

Inborn errors of immunity, previously named primary immunodeficiency are a heterogeneous group of genetic defects of different components of the immune system. Patients present high susceptibility to an only or several microorganisms, developing recurrent infections; the severity is related to the specific genetic type of immunity defect. The main strategy on the management of these illness is the prevention of infections. These consensus guidelines made by the Pediatric Immunology Work Group of Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, givese main approaches of infection prevention in order to provide a useful tool for all practitioners who are involved in the management of these patients, based on scientific evidence and broad consensus of a specialized panel expert.

Value of serum IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio in differential diagnosis of autoimmune diseases / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the value of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) and IgG4/ immunoglobulin G (IgG) ratio in the differential diagnosis of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) and other autoimmune diseases.Methods:A total of 35 patients with IgG4-RD and 937 patients with autoimmune diseases who received treatment in Beijing Hospital from January 2021 to July 2022, and 200 subjects who concurrently underwent health checkups in the same hospital were included in this study. The IMMAGE 800 and BN II automatic special protein analyzers were used to detect IgG and IgG4. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio was plotted.Results:Serum IgG4 level and IgG4/IgG ratio in the IgG4-RD group were 2.83 (2.01, 5.07) g/L and 25% (18%, 43%) respectively, which were higher than 0.35 (0.16, 0.72) g/L, 3% (1%, 6%) in the autoimmune disease group and 0.27 (0.14, 0.49) g/L, 2% (1%, 4%) in the healthy control group ( U = 795.50, 82.50, 1 744.50, 205.50, all P < 0.001). Taking IgG4 ≥ 1.35 g/L as the standard, patients with IgG4 ≥ 1.35 g/L in the three groups were screened out. There was a statistically significant difference in IgG4/IgG ratio between the IgG4-RD group and the non-IgG4-RD group ( U = 453.50, P < 0.001). The ROC curve of IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio showed that when IgG4 was 1.47 g/L, the sensitivity was 91.7%, the specificity was 83.5%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96. When IgG4/IgG was 12.5%, the sensitivity was 91.4%, the specificity was 85%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96. Taking IgG4 ≥ 1.47 g/L and IgG4/IgG ≥ 12.5% as the diagnostic criteria of IgG4-RD, the sensitivity was 94.3%, the specificity was 85.9%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96, which were higher than the sensitivity (87.2%) and diagnostic specificity (82.6%) provided by IgG4 alone. Conclusion:Because non-IgG4-RD diseases can also have the phenomenon of increased IgG4, when IgG4 ≥ 1.47 g/L is taken as the diagnostic criteria, its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity are the highest. Combined detection of IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio can increase the diagnostic efficacy of IgG4-RD.

Uso de micofenolato mofetilo fuera de registro en enfermedades inmunomediadas / Off-label use of mycophenolate mofetil in immune-mediated diseases

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a largely used immunosuppressive agent in the prevention of transplant rejection and lupus nephritis. Its use has been extended to other immune-mediated diseases (ID). AIM: To assess the off-label use of MMF, its performance as a glucocorticoid sparing agent, the therapeutic response, and its adverse effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. One hundred-seven patients aged 58 ± 16 years (83% females) who received MMF for ID in off label uses between 2016 and 2018 were included. The study variables were cause of MMF indication, sex, age, use as a first- or second-line treatment and maintenance dosing. The cumulative doses of glucocorticoids six months before and after MMF indication were compared. RESULTS: MMF was used as a second-line therapy in 66 patients (62%). The mean maintenance dose of MMF was 1,500 ± 540 mg/day. Prednisone cumulative doses were 3,908 ± 2,173 and 1,672 ± 1,083 milligrams six months before and six months after starting MMF, respectively (p < 0.01). Adverse effects were identified in 21 (20%) cases, none of them serious. CONCLUSIONS: Mycophenolate has a favorable response profile as a second line immunosuppressive agent. It is effective as a glucocorticoid sparing drug. The safety profile is also favorable as adverse effects were scanty and mild.

Modelo para historia clínica en inmunodeficientes primarios, Pinar del Río / Model for clinical history in primary immunodeficient patients, Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: los errores innatos de la inmunidad o inmunodeficiencias primarias se caracterizan por susceptibilidad incrementada a infecciones por defectos del desarrollo o función del sistema inmune. Para el diagnóstico debe incluirse la evaluación clínica, la analítica inmunológica, la evaluación genética, el seguimiento rutinario, la rediscusión diagnóstica y del tratamiento clínico. No existe una guía clara respecto a este asunto en condiciones de recursos limitados. Objetivo: diseñar un modelo para la confección de historia clínica en el paciente con sospecha de error innato de la inmunidad. Métodos: se realizó un trabajo de revisión de síntomas a contemplar en la historia clínica de pacientes con errores innatos de la inmunidad. Se formaron grupos de trabajo entre miembros del grupo provincial de Inmunología de Pinar del Río, con la posterior discusión de los aspectos que se incluyen en la historia. Resultados: se diseñaron cinco tablas que recogen: consentimiento informado; antecedentes patológicos personales relacionados con 148 manifestaciones clínicas en correspondencia con los fenotipos alérgico, infeccioso, inflamatorio, autoinmune, no inmunológico, neoplásico y otros. Se exponen antecedentes patológicos familiares y árbol genealógico; el examen físico y el resumen de los fenotipos clínicos, discusión diagnóstica y clasificación del paciente. Conclusiones: el interrogatorio, el examen físico, los antecedentes patológicos personales y familiares, así como la confección adecuada de la historia clínica son elementos imprescindibles para la aproximación al diagnóstico de los errores innatos de la inmunidad. Se debe contar con un registro de pacientes que posibilite el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno de la inmunodeficiencia primaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: inborn errors of immunity or primary immunodeficiencies are characterized by increased susceptibility to infections due to defects in the development or functioning of the immune system. Diagnosis should include clinical evaluation, immunological analysis, genetic evaluation, routine follow-up, diagnostic re-discussion and clinical management. There is no clear guidance on this issue under resource-limited conditions. Objective: to design a model for clinical history in patients with suspected inborn error of immunity. Methods: a review of symptoms to be considered in the clinical history of patients with inborn errors of immunity was carried out. Working groups were formed among members of the provincial group of Immunology in Pinar del Rio province, with the subsequent discussion of the aspects to be included in the history. Results: five tables were designed to collect: informed consent; personal pathological antecedents related to 148 clinical manifestations in correspondence with allergic, infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, non-immune, neoplastic and other phenotypes. Family pathologic history and family tree; physical examination and summary of clinical phenotypes, diagnostic discussion and classification of the patient are presented. Conclusions: the interviews, physical examination, personal and family pathologic history, as well as the adequate design of the clinical history, are considered essential elements for the approach to the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity. A patient registry should be available to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment of primary immunodeficiency.

Relación entre las enfermedades sistémicas y las enfermedades bucales en el adulto mayor / Relationship between Systemic diseases and Oral diseases in the elderly

RESUMEN Introducción: El envejecimiento es un proceso biológico, dinámico, irre versible, inevitable y progresivo que cursan todos los seres humanos. En la actualidad constituye un problema sociodemográfico serio, donde sus altas cifras cada vez más crecientes de adultos mayores, constituyen un desafío para el sistema de salud. Objetivo: Actualizar los conocimientos sobre la relación que existe entre las enfermedades sistémicas y las enfermedades bucales en el adulto mayor. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura entre abril y julio de 2021. Se revisaron artículos disponibles en las bases de datos SciELO, BVS, PudMed, Scopus, LILACS, en el motor de búsqueda Google Scholar y revistas de la Web of Sciences, resultando un total de 30 referencias bibliográficas utilizadas, donde el 50 % y 83,3 % se circunscribió a literatura de los últimos tres y cinco años respectivamente. Como estrategia de búsqueda de información se utilizaron frases claves como: adulto mayor; cavidad bucal; enfermedades sistémicas; enfermedades degenerativas; enfermedades bucales. Se tuvo presente su relevancia y novedad en correspondencia sobre el tema. Resultados: El envejecimiento es marcado por la ocurrencia de numerosos cambios que hacen más propensos a los adultos mayores a presentar enfermedades sistémicas y bucales, donde son numerosos los trabajos publicados que demuestran que una de ellas puede influir siendo causa o consecuencia en el desarrollo de la otra. Conclusiones: Es importante conocer la relación bidireccional entre las enfermedades sistémicas y las enfermedades bucales en el adulto mayor, donde se precisa de un mayor cuidado y una atención sistemática en estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aging is an inevitable and progressive process that currently constitutes a serious sociodemographic problem, where its high numbers constitute a challenge for the health system. Objective: To update knowledge about the relationship between systemic diseases and oral diseases in the elderly. Methods: A literature review was conducted between April and July 2021. Articles available in the SciELO, BVS, PudMed, Scopus, LILACS databases, in the Google Scholar search engine and Web of Sciences journals were reviewed, resulting in a total of 30 bibliographic references used, where 50 % and 83.3 % were limited to literature from the last three and five years respectively. Its relevance and novelty were taken into account in correspondence on the subject. Results: Aging is marked by the occurrence of systemic and oral diseases, where there are numerous published works that show that one of them can influence, being a cause or a consequence, in the development of the other. Conclusions: It is important to know the bidirectional relationship between systemic diseases and oral diseases in the elderly, requiring greater care and systematic attention in these patients.

Bullous pemphigoid and its immune-mediated comorbidities / 中华皮肤科杂志

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) can be comorbid with a variety of immune diseases, such as immune skin diseases (psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata and various other immune bullous diseases) , immune digestive diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, primary biliary cirrhosis) , autoimmune thyroid diseases, autoimmune rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus) , immune renal diseases (immune nephropathy, renal allograft rejection) and acquired hemophilia A. The above comorbidities markedly affect the quality of life of and treatment options for patients. This review elaborates on currently reported immune diseases associated with BP and their concomitant mechanisms.

Apresentação atípica de síndrome de hiper-IgM ligada ao X simulando doença inflamatória intestinal / Atypical presentation of X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome simulating inflammatory bowel disease

Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, que iniciou quadro de úlceras em trato gastrointestinal, associado a febre recorrente e diarreia com muco e sangue aos 10 meses de vida, suspeitado inicialmente de doença inflamatória intestinal, no entanto, não apresentou melhora do quadro com terapia imunossupressora, sendo realizada investigação para erro inato da imunidade. Nos exames laboratoriais, apresentou níveis baixos de IgG e IgA e níveis elevados de IgM e neutropenia persistente. Diante disso, foi realizado teste genético que confirmou diagnóstico de síndrome de hiper-IgM ligada ao X. Os erros inatos da imunidade podem se manifestar com doenças do trato gastrointestinal, de forma relativamente frequente, devendo entrar como diagnóstico diferencial de diarreia crônica. Inclusa nesse grupo de doenças, as síndromes de hiper-IgM constituem um grupo heterogêneo de doenças, possuindo em comum níveis significativamente baixos ou ausentes de IgG e IgA e níveis normais ou elevados de IgM, o que predispõe a infecções e febre recorrente; além de outras alterações laboratoriais, como neutropenia, que pode estar associada a úlceras no trato gastrointestinal e proctite, simulando apresentação clínica de doença inflamatória intestinal. Para o paciente relatado, foi iniciada terapia com imunoglobulinas de forma periódica, além de antibioticoprofilaxia para infecções, evoluindo com resposta clínica satisfatória. O artigo possui objetivo principal de alertar para o diagnóstico diferencial de erros inatos da imunidade diante do quadro apresentado, visando o diagnóstico precoce e a instituição da terapia adequada.

We report the case of a male patient, who started with ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, associated with recurrent fever and diarrhea with mucus and blood at 10 months of life, initially suspected of inflammatory bowel disease, however, he did not improve the condition with immunosuppressive therapy, being investigated for inborn error of immunity. In laboratory tests, he had low levels of IgG and IgA and high levels of IgM and persistent neutropenia. Therefore, a genetic test was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of X-linked hyper IgM syndrome. Inborn errors of immunity can manifest relatively frequently with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and should be included as a differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. Included in this group of diseases, hyper-IgM syndromes constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases, having in common significantly low or absent levels of IgG and IgA and normal or high levels of IgM, which predispose to infections and recurrent fever; in addition to other laboratory alterations, such as neutropenia, which may be associated with ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract and proctitis, simulating the clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease. For the reported patient, therapy with immunoglobulins was started periodically, in addition to antibiotic prophylaxis for infections, evolving with a satisfactory clinical response. The main objective of the article is to alert to the differential diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity in view of the presented condition, aiming at early diagnosis and the institution of adequate therapy.

Supervivenciade pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias primarias en un hospital público del occidente de México / Survival of pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiencies in a public hospital in western Mexico

Se presenta una serie de casos de inmunodeficiencias primarias y se describen las variables asociadas a supervivencia en pacientes ≤ 16 años. Los diagnósticos fueron acordes a los criterios de la Unión Internacional de las Sociedades de Inmunología. Se realizó un análisis de supervivencia mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier.Entre los años 2004 y 2019, se diagnosticaron 40 pacientes con inmunodeficiencias primarias. Las más frecuentes fueron inmunodeficiencias que afectaban la inmunidad celular y humoral, el 32,5 %, y deficiencias predominantemente de anticuerpos, el 32,5 %. La mediana de edad al inicio de los síntomas y al momento del diagnóstico fue de 3,01 y 10,4 meses, respectivamente. Fallecieron el 35 % y el riesgo fue mayor en pacientes con inmunodeficiencias que afectaban la inmunidad celular y humoral y en quienes presentaron manifestaciones clínicas y tuvieron el diagnóstico en los primeros seis meses de vida.

A case series of primary immunodeficiencies is presented and outcome measures associated with survival among patients ≤ 16 years old are described. Diagnoses were made based on the criteria by the International Union of Immunological Societies. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves.Between 2004 and 2019, 40 patients were diagnosed with primary immunodeficiencies. The most common were immunodeficiencies affecting humoral and cell-mediated immunity (32.5 %) and predominantly antibody deficiencies (32.5 %). The median age at the onset of symptoms and at the time of diagnosis was 3.01 and 10.4 months, respectively. Thirty-five percent of patients died, and the risk was higher among those with immunodeficiencies affecting humoral and cell-mediated immunity and those who developed clinical manifestations and were diagnosed in the first 6 months of life

Manejo em longo prazo de glicogenose tipo 1b: experiência de um centro terciário brasileiro / Long term management of glycogen storage disease type 1b: a brazilian tertiary center experience

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1b is a multisystemic disease in which immune and infectious complications are present, in addition to the well-known metabolic manifestations of GSD. Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is often indicated in the management of neutropenia and inflammatory bowel disease. OBJECTIVE To report on the demographics, genotype, clinical presentation, management, and complications of pediatric patients with glycogen storage disease type 1b (GSD 1b), with special attention to immune-related complications. METHODS Retrospective case series of seven patients with GSD 1b diagnosed and followed at a tertiary university hospital in Brazil, from July/2000 until July/2016. RESULTS Mean age at referral was fourteen months. Diagnosis of GSD 1b was based on clinical and laboratory findings and supported by genetic studies in five cases. All patients presented suffered from neutropenia, managed with G-CSF - specifically Filgrastim. Hospitalizations for infections were frequent. Two patients developed inflammatory bowel disease. Six patients remained alive, one died at age 14 years and 9 months. The mean age at the end of the follow-up was 11.5 years. Compliance to treatment was suboptimal: poor compliance to medications, starch and dietetic management of GSD were documented, and outpatient appointments were frequently missed. CONCLUSION Managing GSD 1b is challenging not only for the chronic and multisystemic nature of this disease, but also for the additional demands related dietary restrictions, use of multiple medications and the need for frequent follow-up visits; furthermore in Brazil, the difficulties are increased in a scenario where we frequently care for patients with unfavorable socioeconomic status and with irregular supply of medications in the public health system.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Glicogenose (GSD) tipo 1b é uma doença multissistêmica em que complicações imunológicas e infecciosas estão presentes, além das manifestações metabólicas bem conhecidas da GSD. O tratamento com fator estimulador de colônias de granulócitos (G-CSF) é frequentemente indicado no tratamento da neutropenia e doença inflamatória intestinal. OBJETIVO Relatar sobre a dados demográficos, genótipo, apresentação clínica, manejo e complicações de pacientes pediátricos com GSD tipo 1b (GSD 1b), com atenção especial às complicações relacionadas ao sistema imunológico. MÉTODOS Série de casos retrospectiva de sete pacientes com GSD 1b diagnosticados e acompanhados em um hospital universitário terciário no Brasil, de julho/2000 a julho/2016. RESULTADOS A idade média no encaminhamento foi de 14 meses. O diagnóstico de GSD 1b foi baseado em achados clínicos e laboratoriais e apoiado por estudos genéticos em cinco casos. Todos os pacientes apresentaram neutropenia, tratada com G-CSF - especificamente Filgrastim. As hospitalizações por infecções foram frequentes. Dois pacientes desenvolveram doença inflamatória intestinal. Seis pacientes permanecem vivos, um morreu aos 14 anos e 9 meses de idade. A média de idade ao final do acompanhamento foi de 11,5 anos. A adesão ao tratamento foi sub-ótima: má adesão aos medicamentos, amido e manejo dietético de GSD foram documentados, e consultas ambulatoriais foram frequentemente perdidas. CONCLUSÃO O manejo da GSD 1b é um desafio, não apenas pela natureza crônica e multissistêmica desta doença, mas também pelas demandas adicionais relacionadas a restrições dietéticas, uso de múltiplos medicamentos e a necessidade de consultas de acompanhamento frequentes; no Brasil, isso ainda é dificultado em um cenário em que frequentemente atendemos pacientes com situação socioeconômica desfavorável e com oferta irregular de medicamentos no sistema público de saúde.

Clinical features and research progress of autoimmune retinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) is an umbrella term for a group of rare autoimmune retinal degenerative disease presumably caused by cross-reactivity of serum autoantibodies directed against ratinal antigens, and include cancer-associated retinopathy, melanoma-associated retinopathy and non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy. Common feature of AIR include progressively painless vision loss with abnormal electrophysiology responses associated with positive anti-retinal antibodies. They present a clinical diagnosis challenge on account of the rare incidence, unobvious clinical symptoms and lack of specific and sensitive biological markers. Early diagnosis and treatment may play a critical role to avoid the irreversible immunological retinal damage.

The mechanism of tumors as aging-related diseases / 白血病·淋巴瘤

The tumors originate from transformation cells caused by gene mutations. These cells are frequently kept at dormant state or detected and cleared by the immune surveillance. The research data show that the hallmarks of tumors and aging share many similarities, which is the biological basis for tumors as aging-related diseases. With the increase of tumor initiation cells and the decline of immune function in the elderly, the morbidity and mortality of tumors steadily increase. The core mechanisms are inflammaging and immunosenescence in the elderly. This article reviews recent advances in the field of tumorigenesis, inflammaging and immunosenescence, which elucidates the hypothesis and possible mechanism that tumors are aging-related diseases.

Validación de cuestionario sobre interacción de factores genéticos y ambientales en la aparición del asma bronquial / Validation of a questionnaire on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in the development of bronchial asthma

RESUMEN Introducción: el asma bronquial es la clásica enfermedad dentro de las afecciones alérgicas, y tiene gran impacto en la salud mundial. Es una enfermedad compleja tanto genética como fenotípicamente, y las interacciones genética-ambientales la complejizan aún más. Objetivo: validar un cuestionario para el estudio de los factores genéticos y su interacción con factores ambientales en la aparición de los trastornos inmunitarios por asma bronquial. Métodos: el estudio se generó en el departamento de Inmunología del Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente Pepe Portilla de la provincia Pinar del Río. Se seleccionó el grupo coordinador de la técnica a realizar. Se utilizó la Metodología Delphi, en sus cuatro fases: definición del tema, selección de expertos, ejecución de rondas de consultas y evaluación de los resultados. Para determinar las similitudes y concordancias de las respuestas, se calculó el coeficiente de concordancia de Kendall y Friedman. Resultados: se seleccionaron 21 expertos con altos niveles de competencia de acuerdo al cálculo de los coeficientes de conocimiento y argumentación. En la tercera versión del cuestionario existió similitud en las respuestas de los expertos a favor de la categoría superior de Muy imprescindible, así como concordancia en el nivel de respuesta. Conclusiones: el cuestionario diseñado alcanza niveles óptimos de validez de contenido y factibilidad para determinar la contribución de los factores genéticos y su interacción con factores ambientales en la aparición de los trastornos inmunitarios por asma bronquial.

ABSTRACT Introduction: bronchial asthma is the classic disease among allergic conditions, and has great impact on health worldwide. It is a complex disease both genetically and phenotypically, and genetic-environmental interactions make it even more complex. Objective: to validate a questionnaire for the study of the involvement of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental factors in the onset of immune disorders due to bronchial asthma. Methods: the study was developed in the Department of Immunology at Pepe Portilla Provincial Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Pinar del Río province. The coordinating group of the technique to be carried out was selected and comprised three professionals responsible for the proposed research. The Delphi Methodology was used, completing its four phases: definition of the topic, selection of experts, implementation of consultation rounds and assessment of results. To determine the agreement or similarities of the responses of the evaluators respectively, the Kendall and Friedman concordance coefficient was calculated. Results: twenty-one (21) experts with high levels of competence were selected according to the calculation of the coefficients of knowledge and argumentation. In the third version of the questionnaire, there was similarity in the responses of the experts in favor of the higher category of Very Essential, as well as agreement in the level of response of the experts. Conclusions: the designed questionnaire reaches optimal levels of content validity and feasibility to determine the contribution of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental factors on the onset of immune disorders due to bronchial asthma.

Imunodeficiência comum variável associada à doença de Crohn-like: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Common variable immunodeficiency associated with Crohn-like disease: case report and literature review

OBJETIVOS: relatar o caso de um paciente diagnosticado com imunodeficiência comum variável e doença de Crohn-like, descrevendo o quadro clínico, o processo de investigação diagnóstica, as abordagens terapêuticas e a evolução clínica do paciente. Realizar revisão bibliográfica de relatos de caso que abordem pacientes com a associação imunodeficiência comum variável e doença de Crohn-like. Enfatizar a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Um paciente masculino foi diagnosticado com imunodeficiência comum variável aos nove anos de idade e doença inflamatória intestinal inespecífica aos 10 anos, após realização de colonoscopia e biópsia colônica indicando moderado infiltrado linfoplasmocitário, eosinofílico e alguns neutrófilos em lâmina própria, com ausência de granulomas. Aos 14 anos, foi confirmado o diagnóstico de doença de Crohn-like por especialista após correlação entre história clínica e exames complementares. Atualmente com 18 anos, o paciente está em tratamento com imunoglobulina humana endovenosa, infliximabe e azatioprina, com estabilização do quadro clínico. CONCLUSÕES: A revisão da literatura identificou 11 relatos de caso sobre a associação imunodeficiência comum variável e doença de Crohnlike, inexistindo trabalhos brasileiros, o que ressalta a raridade de tal associação. Neste relato, o paciente recebeu tratamentos amplos e empíricos devido à dificuldade em se chegar a um diagnóstico específico, o qual somente foi realizado aos 14 anos, quando se iniciou tratamento mais direcionado e individualizado. Apesar de atualmente estável, o paciente apresentou diversas complicações durante a investigação diagnóstica, o que ressalta a importância de diagnóstico precoce e tratamento mais preciso e dirigido às necessidades de saúde desses pacientes.

AIMS: To report the case of a patient diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency and Crohn-like disease, describing the clinical picture, the diagnostic investigation process, the therapeutic approaches and the clinical outcome of the patient. To carry out a literature review of case reports addressing patients with the common variable immunodeficiency and Crohn-like disease association. Emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: A male patient was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency at nine years of age and with non-specific inflammatory bowel disease at 10 years, after colonoscopy and colonic biopsy indicated moderate lymphoplasmacytic, eosinophilic infiltrate and some neutrophils in lamina propria, with absence of granulomas. At age 14, the diagnosis of Crohn-like disease was confirmed by specialist after correlation between clinical history and complementary exams. Currently with 18 years of age, the patient is under treatment with intravenous human immunoglobulin, infliximab and azathioprine, with stabilization of the clinical picture. CONCLUSIONS: The literature review identified 11 case reports on the association between common variable immunodeficiency and Crohn-like disease, with no Brazilian studies, which highlights the rarity of such association. In this report, the patient received extensive and empirical treatments due to the difficulty in reaching a specific diagnosis, which was only performed at age 14, when more targeted and individualized treatment was started. Although currently stable, the patient presented several complications during the diagnostic investigation, which emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and more precise treatment, targeted to meet the health needs of these patients.

Research progress of pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases patients with thrombocytopenia / 中国基层医药

Autoimmune diseases(AID) are due to the lack of autoantigen immune tolerance.They are chronic and heterogeneous conditions that affect specific target organs or multiple organ systems.If AID affect hematopoietic function, thrombocytopenia can happen for modifications of hematological system function.There are similar pathogenesis between AID patients with thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenia patients.The two diseases are associated with immunization.The pathogenesis include destruction and reduced production of platelet.Their pathogenesis are not exactly the same.In this paper, the progress in pathophysiology of AID patients with thrombocytopenia are represented by destruction and formation of platelet.

Relationship between impaired myocardial untwisting and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with autoimmune diseases / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective@#To observe the relationship between impaired myocardial untwisting and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with autoimmune diseases (AD).@*Methods@#In this retrospective study, 95 AD patients (27 males, (38.6±14.2) years old) were enrolled as AD group and 71 gender and age matched healthy subjects (24 males, (37.6±12.2) years old) were enrolled as control group, all underwent transthoracic echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in our hospital between January 2014 and June 2018. Left ventricular untwisting and diastolic function parameters were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the diagnosis value of untwisting parameters for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients.@*Results@#Compared with control group, left ventricular ejection fraction was lower (58(47, 66)% vs. 67 (62, 71) %, P<0.001), E/e′ was higher (10.78 (7.28, 13.65) vs. 6.30 (5.55, 7.25) , P<0.001), isovolumic relaxation time was longer (73.5 (56.5, 88.0) ms vs. 62.0 (58.0, 68.5) ms, P<0.001),and untwist slope during isovolumic relaxation period (USIR) was lower (31.92 (14.09, 54.92) °/s vs. 59.90 (40.09, 87.18) °/s, P<0.001) in AD group than in control group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed heart rate (OR=0.885, 95%CI 0.840-0.931, P<0.001), E/e′ (OR=0.655, 95%CI 0.537-0.798, P<0.001) and USIR (OR=0.986, 95%CI 0.974-0.998, P=0.020) were independently related with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. ROC curve showed that area under the curve (AUC) was 0.919 (P<0.001), sensitivity was 87.6%, and specificity was 88.7%, when combining the heart rate, E/e′, and USIR as assessment parameters for the diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients at a cutoff of 0.51.@*Conclusions@#Impairment of myocardial untwisting indicates the presence of early stage left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. USIR may be a sensitive parameter to evaluate early stage left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients.

Research progress of regulatory B cells in autoimmune skin diseases / 中国基层医药

Regulatory B cells is a subgroup of B cells,they mainly secrete interleukin-10,produce factors, such as transforming growth factor-β and they exert a negative regulatory role in immune tolerance to inhibit the inflammatory response.This paper mainly summarizes the research progress of regulatory B cells＇phenotypes,classifi-cations and function of related molecules in autoimmune skin diseases,such as systemic lupus erythematosus,systemic sclerosis,psoriasis and pemphigus.Last but not least,we will discuss the prospect and significance of regulatory B cells targeted therapies.

II Brazilian Consensus on the use of human immunoglobulin in patients with primary immunodeficiencies / II Consenso Brasileiro sobre o uso de imunoglobulina humana em pacientes com imunodeficiências primárias

ABSTRACT In the last few years, new primary immunodeficiencies and genetic defects have been described. Recently, immunoglobulin products with improved compositions and for subcutaneous use have become available in Brazil. In order to guide physicians on the use of human immunoglobulin to treat primary immunodeficiencies, based on a narrative literature review and their professional experience, the members of the Primary Immunodeficiency Group of the Brazilian Society of Allergy and Immunology prepared an updated document of the 1st Brazilian Consensus, published in 2010. The document presents new knowledge about the indications and efficacy of immunoglobulin therapy in primary immunodeficiencies, relevant production-related aspects, mode of use (routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, doses and intervals), adverse events (major, prevention, treatment and reporting), patient monitoring, presentations available and how to have access to this therapeutic resource in Brazil.

RESUMO Nos últimos anos, novas imunodeficiências primárias e defeitos genéticos têm sido descritos. Recentemente, produtos de imunoglobulina, com aprimoramento em sua composição e para uso por via subcutânea, tornaram-se disponíveis em nosso meio. Com o objetivo de orientar o médico no uso da imunoglobulina humana para o tratamento das imunodeficiências primárias, os membros do Grupo de Assessoria em Imunodeficiências da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia produziram um documento que teve por base uma revisão narrativa da literatura e sua experiência profissional, atualizando o I Consenso Brasileiro publicado em 2010. Apresentam-se novos conhecimentos sobre indicações e eficácia do tratamento com imunoglobulina nas imunodeficiências primárias, aspectos relevantes sobre a produção, forma de utilização (vias de administração, farmacocinética, doses e intervalos), efeitos adversos (principais efeitos, prevenção, tratamento e notificação), monitorização do paciente, apresentações disponíveis e forma de obtenção deste recurso terapêutico em nosso meio.

The progress of the complement system with the pediatric relevant diseases / 中华检验医学杂志

The complement system is a complex protein network and as one part of the innate immune system.It is actived by inborn or the adaptive immune system and defends against invading pathogens,removes immune complexes and damaged self-cells,and engages with the adaptive immune response.Genetic abnormalities and (or) defective complement regulators can damage the host cell and result in several autoimmune and (or) immune inflammatory diseases.This review summarizes recent advances on the roles and detections of complement system proteins in some pediatric complement-relevant diseases.

Advances of regulatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine on NOS/NO system / 中国药科大学学报

@#Nitric oxide(NO)is a vital signal messenger in human and generated by nitric oxide synthase including endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and neuropathic nitric oxide synthase(nNOS). NO has important regulatory function on the immune system, nervous system and many other physiological systems. Endogenous NO can enhance the function of the vascular system and endothelial cell survival, and inhibit platelet accumulation and leukocyte infiltration. Excessive production of NO may damage tissues by cytotoxic and cytostatic effects. Thus, NO plays a dual role in physiology and pathology. This paper gives a brief review on regulatory effects of NOS-NO system by traditional Chinese medicine during the recent five years, so as to provide some clues or references for the treatment of related diseases and scientific evidene for reasonable and effective clinical application.