Robust immunogenicity to the H3N2 component of influenza A vaccine in primary Sjögren syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza A (H3N2) virus is the major cause of morbidity/mortality due to seasonal influenza over 50 years. Data about the safety/immunogenicity of influenza A/Singapore (H3N2) vaccine are scarce in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive pSS patients and 42 HC (healthy control individuals) were immunized with influenza A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 (H3N2)-like virus. Rates of SP (seroprotection) and SC (seroconversion), GMT (geometric mean titers), FI-GMT (factor increase in GMT), ESSDAI (EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index), and adverse events were appraised before and 4 weeks post-vaccination. RESULTS: pSS and HC had similar mean age (51.2 ± 14.2 vs. 50.6 ± 12.1 years, p = 0.886). Pre-vaccination SP rates were high in pSS and HC (90.5% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.114), and GMT were higher in pSS [80.0 (52.4-160.0) vs. 40.0 (20.0-80.0), p = 0.001]. The percentage of influenza vaccination in the preceding two years was elevated and similar in pSS and HC (94.1% vs. 94.6%, p = 1.000). GMT values augmented in both groups four weeks after vaccination and persisted higher in the first group [160.0 (80.0-320.0) vs. 80.0 (40.0-80.0), p < 0.001] with equivalent FI-GMT [1.4 (1.0-2.8) vs. 1.4 (1.0-2.0), p = 0.410]. Both groups had low and similar SC rates (19.0% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.423). ESSDAI values persisted steadily during the study (p = 0.313). No serious adverse events have occurred. CONCLUSION: The novel demonstration that the influenza A/Singapore (H3N2) vaccine induces a different pattern of immunogenicity from other influenza A constituents in pSS, featured by a desirable high pre- and post-vaccination immunogenicity, is in line with reported differences in immune responses between strains in trivalent vaccines and may be related to pre-existing immunity. CLINICALTRIALS: gov: #NCT03540823. Key Points • This prospective study demonstrated a robust pre- and post-vaccination immunogenicity to influenza A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 (H3N2)-like virus in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). • This high immunogenicity pattern may be related to pre-existing immunization, or else it is related to immunogenicity differences of each strain. • This vaccine had an adequate safety profile in pSS, with no impact on disease activity.

TELEHEALTH FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Children and adolescents with physical disabilities have motor and social-emotional challenges that interfere with their health-related quality of life and put them at greater risk of developing secondary conditions. Moreover, services that provide them therapies are more likely to be restricted, especially for the low-income population. There must be broader actions towards health promotion, offering not only means for physical habilitation and rehabilitation but for social and emotional improvements as well. This goal is attainable by adaptive sports and recreational activities where physical conditioning is accompanied by an improvement in self-esteem and social benefits. With the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation, children and adolescents with physical disabilities were even further deprived of assistance. Our aim was to report the efforts of a non-governmental sports organization in maintaining physical and psychological care through virtual consultations and to analyze the perceptions of those affected by the process. Level of evidence IV; case series .

Crianças e adolescentes com deficiência física apresentam desafios motores e socioemocionais que interferem na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e os colocam em maior risco de desenvolver doenças secundárias. Além disso, estão mais sujeitos a restrições de serviços adequados que ofereçam terapias, principalmente para a população de baixa renda social. Torna-se necessário oferecer ações voltadas para a promoção da saúde em um sentido mais amplo, oferecendo não só meios de habilitação e reabilitação física, mas também de ganhos sociais e emocionais. Este objetivo pode ser atingido com esportes adaptados e atividades recreativas nos quais o condicionamento físico é acompanhado por ganhos em autoestima e benefícios sociais. Com a pandemia de COVID-19 e o isolamento social, crianças e adolescentes com deficiência física ficaram ainda mais privados de assistência. Relatamos aqui o esforço de uma organização não-governamental esportiva em manter o atendimento físico e psicológico por meio de consultas virtuais, e avaliamos as percepções das partes interessadas no processo. Nível de evidência IV; série de casos .

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in primary Sjögren's syndrome: humoral response, safety, and effects on disease activity.

INTRODUCTION: There is no study specifically focused on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). OBJECTIVES: To assess the immunogenicity, safety, possible effects on disease activity, and autoantibody profile of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine in pSS. METHODS: Fifty-one pSS patients and 102 sex- and age-balanced controls without autoimmune diseases were included in a prospective phase 4 trial of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine (two doses 28 days apart, D0/D28). Participants were assessed in three face-to-face visits (D0/D28 and six weeks after the 2nd dose (D69)) regarding adverse effects; clinical EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (clinESSDAI); anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG (seroconversion (SC) and geometric mean titers (GMT)); neutralizing antibodies (NAb); and pSS autoantibody profile. RESULTS: Patients and controls had comparable female sex frequency (98.0% vs. 98.0%, p = 1.000) and mean age (53.5 ± 11.7 vs. 53.4 ± 11.4 years, p = 0.924), respectively. On D69, pSS patients presented moderate SC (67.5% vs. 93.0%, p < 0.001) and GMT (22.5 (95% CI 14.6-34.5) vs. 59.6 (95% CI 51.1-69.4) AU/mL, p < 0.001) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG but lower than controls, and also, moderate NAb frequency (52.5% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.021) but lower than controls. Median neutralizing activity on D69 was comparable in pSS (58.6% (IQR 43.7-63.6)) and controls (64% (IQR 46.4-81.1)) (p = 0.219). Adverse events were mild. clinESSDAI and anti-Ro(SS-A)/anti-La(SS-B) levels were stable throughout the study (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine is safe in pSS, without a deleterious impact on disease activity, and has a moderate short-term humoral response, though lower than controls. Thus, a booster dose needs to be studied in these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04754698. Key Points • Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine is safe in pSS, without a detrimental effect on systemic disease activity, and has a moderate short-term humoral response • A booster dose should be considered in these patients.

Gaps on rheumatologists' knowledge of physical activity.

To assess the rheumatologists' knowledge and willingness to prescribe physical activity, we conducted a nationwide survey. All adult and paediatric rheumatologist members of the Brazilian Rheumatology Society were invited to fulfil a questionnaire on their knowledge and willingness to promote physical activity. Four hundred twenty-eight rheumatologists participated in the survey, representing approximately 25% of the society's members. Forty-five percent of the rheumatologists reported having had training to prescribe physical activity, and 68% believe that physical activity is a part of patients' treatment. Most reported assessing physical activity levels (86%) and recommending physical activity (98%) always or most of the time. However, 48% do not know the minimum physical activity recommendations for health maintenance, nor do they know how much vigorous activity should be done in replacement of moderate activity. In addition, only 20% are aware of physical activity recommendation for paediatric patients, whereas 31% know that very light-intensity physical activity promotes health-related beneficial effects. Year of graduation, having been trained on physical activity prescription, and regularly recommending physical activity to patients did not associate with the overall score of correct answers (OR: 1.00 [0.99, 1.02], p = 0.391; OR: 0.99 [0.69, 1.44], p = 983; OR: 0.90 [0.61, 1.32], p = 0.576; respectively). Rheumatologists are highly willing to promote physical activity, but major gaps in their knowledge were identified. Given the widespread recognition of physical activity as a key element on the management of rheumatic patients, these data hint to the need of incorporating physical activity in the rheumatologist' training. Key Points • This survey showed that rheumatologists are highly prone to promote physical activity. • However, rheumatologists have major gaps in knowledge of physical activity. • Adding physical activity to rheumatologist's training programs is key to improve physical activity promotion.

Safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in patients with childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: a real-world interventional multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccination in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. METHODS: Volunteer cSLE patients aged 9-20 years and healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to receive a two- or three-dose qHPV vaccination schedule from March 2014 to March 2016. Study visits were performed before the first dose, one month after the second and third doses and one year after the first dose. In each study visit, disease activity and adverse events following vaccination were analyzed, and a serum sample was collected for testing antibody concentrations. Participant recruitment was conducted in 15 Brazilian paediatric rheumatology units. Of the 256 cSLE patients included, 210 completed the two- or three-dose schedules; 15 had previously received one dose, and 18 had received two doses of the vaccine. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat so that participants who did not complete the entire study protocol were also included. RESULTS: No severe adverse events were related to the vaccination. Disease activity was generally low and remained stable or even improved. The HC presented 100% seropositivity to HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the two- and three-dose cSLE groups presented 93% and 83% versus 97% and 91%, respectively. One year after the first dose, seropositivity of the three-dose cSLE group was 91% to HPV16 and 84% to HPV18. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccination in cSLE patients is safe and immunogenic. Since the seropositivity to HPV16 and HPV18 was higher for the three-dose schedule group, this regimen should be recommended for cSLE patients.

Guidelines for the management and treatment of periodic fever syndromes familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: To establish guidelines based on scientific evidence for the management of familial Mediterranean fever. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION METHOD: The Guideline was prepared from 5 clinical questions that were structured through PICO (Patient, Intervention or indicator, Comparison and Outcome), to search key primary scientific information databases. After defining the potential studies to support the recommendations, these were graduated considering their strength of evidence and grade of recommendation. RESULTS: 10,341 articles were retrieved and evaluated by title and abstract; from these, 46 articles were selected to support the recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The diagnosis of FMF is based on clinical manifestations, characterized by recurrent febrile episodes associated with abdominal pain, chest or arthritis of large joints. 2. FMF is a genetic disease presenting an autosomal recessive trait, caused by mutation in the MEFV gene. 3. Laboratory tests are not specific, demonstrating high serum levels of inflammatory proteins in the acute phase of the disease, but also often showing high levels even between attacks. SAA serum levels may be especially useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. 4. The therapy of choice is colchicine; this drug has proven its effectiveness in preventing acute inflammatory episodes and progression toward amyloidosis in adults. 5. Based on the available information, the use of biological drugs appears to be an alternative for patients with FMF who do not respond or are intolerant to therapy with colchicine.

Guidelines for the management and treatment of periodic fever syndromes: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (cryopyrinopathies - CAPS).

OBJECTIVE: To establish guidelines based on cientific evidences for the management of cryopyrin associated periodic syndromes. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION METHOD: The Guideline was prepared from 4 clinical questions that were structured through PICO (Patient, Intervention or indicator, Comparison and Outcome), to search in key primary scientific information databases. After defining the potential studies to support the recommendations, these were graduated considering their strength of evidence and grade of recommendation. RESULTS: 1215 articles were retrieved and evaluated by title and abstract; from these, 42 articles were selected to support the recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The diagnosis of CAPS is based on clinical history and clinical manifestations, and later confirmed by genetic study. CAPS may manifest itself in three phenotypes: FCAS (mild form), MWS (intermediate form) and CINCA (severe form). Neurological, ophthalmic, otorhinolaryngological and radiological assessments may be highly valuable in distinguishing between syndromes; 2. The genetic diagnosis with NLRP3 gene analysis must be conducted in suspected cases of CAPS, i.e., individuals presenting before 20 years of age, recurrent episodes of inflammation expressed by a mild fever and urticaria; 3. Laboratory abnormalities include leukocytosis and elevated serum levels of inflammatory proteins; and 4. Targeted therapies directed against interleukin-1 lead to rapid remission of symptoms in most patients. However, there are important limitations on the long-term safety. None of the three anti-IL-1ß inhibitors prevents progression of bone lesions.

Guidelines for the management and treatment of periodic fever syndromes: periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To establish guidelines based on scientific evidence for the management of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION METHOD: The Guideline was prepared from 5 clinical questions that were structured through PICO (Patient, Intervention or indicator, Comparison and Outcome), to search in key primary scientific information databases. After defining the potential studies to support the recommendations, these were graduated considering their strength of evidence and grade of recommendation. RESULTS: 806 articles were retrieved and evaluated by title and abstract; from these, 32 articles were selected to support the recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. PFAPA is a diagnosis of exclusion established on clinical grounds, and one must suspect of this problem in children with recurrent and periodic febrile episodes of unknown origin, or with recurrent tonsillitis interspersed with asymptomatic periods, especially in children in good general condition and with preservation of weight and height development. 2. Laboratory findings are nonspecific. Additional tests do not reveal pathognomonic changes. 3. The evidence supporting an indication for surgical treatment (tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy), is based on two non-blinded randomized clinical trials with small numbers of patients. 4. The use of prednisone at the onset of fever in patients with PFAPA proved to be an effective strategy. There is still need for more qualified evidence to support its use in patients with PFAPA. 5. Despite promising results obtained in studies with IL-1ß inhibitors, such studies are limited to a few case reports.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura at presentation of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and life-threatening hematological abnormality characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, with neurological abnormalities and/or renal disease. TTP has been rarely reported in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients and, to our knowledge, its prevalence in a paediatric lupus population has not been studied. Therefore, from January 1983 to December 2010, we reviewed the charts of 5,508 patients followed-up at the Paediatric Rheumatology Unit of our university hospital. We identified 279 (5.1%) JSLE cases that met the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Two (0.7%) of them had TTP, both at JSLE onset, and were described herein. Both patients had fever, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (with schistocytes in blood smears), and thrombocytopenia. The male patient had hemiparesis and proteinuria and the female patient had persistent headache and hematuria. Both were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and courses of plasma exchange therapy at TTP diagnosis. After treatment, TTP did not recur and their hematocrit, platelet count, and lactic dehydrogenase remained normal. In conclusion, TTP is a rare and severe manifestation at JSLE onset. The case reports reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and early aggressive treatment for patients with TTP, due to its high morbidity.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw on imaging exams of patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate radiographic changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Panoramic radiographies of the TMJ of 26 JSLE patients and 28 healthy individuals were evaluated. Multislice computed tomography (MCT) was performed on those patients who presented flattening and/or destruction of mandibular condyles. Demographic data, oral health indices, clinical manifestations, laboratory exams, and treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Important radiographic changes consistent with osteonecrosis of the mandible, confirmed by MCT of the TMJ, were observed in 2/26 (8%) JSLE patients versus 0% in the control group (P = 0.22). Mild clinical dysfunction and abnormal TMJ mobility were observed in 67% and 54% of the patients, respectively. Age of onset, disease duration, and current age were similar in JSLE patients with and without severe radiographic changes of TMJ (9.3 versus 10.8 years, P = 0.77; 3.3 versus 2 years, P = 0.63; 12.6 versus 13.5 years, P = 0.74, respectively). Significant differences in gender, socioeconomical status, oral health indices, clinical manifestations, laboratory exams, and treatment were not observed between both subgroups (P 0.05). Both JSLE patients with osteonecrosis of the mandible had active chronic disease, used corticosteroids for a prolonged period, and had mild TMJ dysfunction. Antiphospholipid antibodies were not observed in those two patients, and neither one had been treated with bisphosphonate. CONCLUSIONS: Osteonecrosis of the mandible with mild TMJ dysfunction was observed in some of the patients, demonstrating the importance of odontological assessment during clinical follow-up.

Effect of musculoskeletal pain on sexuality of male adolescents and adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a questionnaire for the evaluation of sexuality of male patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: A cohort of male patients with rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative polyarticular JIA according to the 2004 revised ILAR criteria and inactive disease was studied. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was applied to all patients. As a control group, 120 age-matched males of the same socioeconomic status were evaluated. A self-administered structured instrument, the Male Sexual Evaluation Questionnaire (MSEQ), was developed by multiprofessional experts to assess sexual life, including satisfaction, practice, and related functional aspects. RESULTS: Thirty-two male patients with RF-negative polyarticular JIA [mean age 20.8+/-3.8 yrs (range 16-26), mean disease duration 15.4+/-3.6 yrs (range 13-20)] were studied. Mean HAQ score was 1.25+/-0.67 (range 0.1-2.1). Masturbation was practiced similarly by patients and controls (87.5% vs 91%; p>0.999), although joint pain was observed in only 2 (7%) patients. Regular sexual intercourse (>or=once/week) was reported by 78% of patients and 62% of controls (p=0.86). Joint pain during intercourse was more frequent in patients (48% vs 3% in controls; p<0.001). The mean HAQ score was higher in the 12 patients with joint pain (hips=3, knees=5, and hips+knees=4) during intercourse compared to the 13 patients without joint pain (1.82+/-0.27 vs 1.43+/-0.32; p<0.05). Preserved desire and satisfaction were universal findings for all JIA patients and controls. CONCLUSION: The MSEQ was applicable to this cohort of male patients with RF-negative polyarticular JIA and showed that sexual life is preserved despite longterm disease, morbidity/functional dysfunction, and joint pain.

Sexuality in teenagers with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: In adults with epilepsy it is well known that the epileptic syndrome, seizure frequency and antiepileptic drug use may influence sexual function and behavior. However, knowledge acquired with adult populations has been extrapolated to teenagers, based on the supposition that these patients are influenced by similar factors. This study aimed to evaluate aspects related to sexuality obtained from female adolescents with epilepsy. METHODS: We carried out a prospective study of 35 female adolescents, with epilepsy, with ages from 10 to 20 years, and epileptic syndromes diagnosed according to ILAE criteria (1989). Information on sexual function and behavior of adolescents with epilepsy was evaluated by use of a standard questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were lack of menarche, previous endocrine or chronic clinical disorders, and moderate to severe mental retardation. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the age at first sexual intercourse, sexual activity, libido and orgasm of adolescents with epilepsy when compared to controls. Epilepsy clinical variables such as age of onset, duration and severity had no significant relationship with distinct aspects of sexual function and behavior. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with epilepsy represent a special patient group because, even with their chronic disorder, they have an active sexual life, despite the severity of their disorder. Therefore, aspects related to sexuality require special attention by health professionals when attending to adolescents with epilepsy.

Williams-Beuren syndrome: cardiovascular abnormalities in 20 patients diagnosed with fluorescence in situ hybridization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular findings and clinical follow-up of patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome. METHODS: We studied 20 patients (11 males, mean age at diagnosis: 5.9 years old), assessed for cardiovascular abnormalities with electrocardiography and Doppler echocardiography. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm the diagnosis of the syndrome. RESULTS: Elastin gene locus microdeletion was detected in 17 patients (85%) (positive FISH), and in 3 patients deletion was not detected (negative FISH). Sixteen patients with a positive FISH (94%) had congenital cardiovascular disease (mean age at diagnosis: 2,3 years old). We observed isolated (2/16) supravalvular aortic stenosis and supravalvular aortic stenosis associated (11/16) with pulmonary artery stenosis (4/11); mitral valve prolapse (3/11); bicuspid aortic valve (3/11); aortic coarctation (2/11), thickened pulmonary valve (2/11); pulmonary valvular stenosis (1/11); supravalvular pulmonary stenosis (1/11); valvular aortic stenosis (1/11); fixed subaortic stenosis (1/11); pulmonary artery stenosis (2/16) associated with pulmonary valvar stenosis (1/2) and with mitral valve prolapse (1/2); and isolated mitral valve prolapse (1/16). Four patients with severe supravalvular aortic stenosis underwent surgery (mean age: 5.7 years old), and 2 patients had normal pressure gradients (mean follow-up: 8.4 years). CONCLUSION: A detailed cardiac evaluation must be performed in all patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome due to the high frequency of cardiovascular abnormalities.