Childhood Sjögren syndrome: features of an international cohort and application of the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria.

OBJECTIVE: Sjögren syndrome in children is a poorly understood autoimmune disease. We aimed to describe the clinical and diagnostic features of children diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome and explore how the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria apply to this population. METHODS: An international workgroup retrospectively collected cases of Sjögren syndrome diagnosed under 18 years of age from 23 centres across eight nations. We analysed patterns of symptoms, diagnostic workup, and applied the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. RESULTS: We identified 300 children with Sjögren syndrome. The majority of patients n = 232 (77%) did not meet 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, but n = 110 (37%) did not have sufficient testing done to even possibly achieve the score necessary to meet criteria. Even among those children with all criteria items tested, only 36% met criteria. The most common non-sicca symptoms were arthralgia [n = 161 (54%)] and parotitis [n = 140 (47%)] with parotitis inversely correlating with age. CONCLUSION: Sjögren syndrome in children can present at any age. Recurrent or persistent parotitis and arthralgias are common symptoms that should prompt clinicians to consider the possibility of Sjögren syndrome. The majority of children diagnosed with Sjögren syndromes did not meet 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Comprehensive diagnostic testing from the 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria are not universally performed. This may lead to under-recognition and emphasizes a need for further research including creation of paediatric-specific classification criteria.

Encefalopatía hiperamoniémica en relación con mieloma múltiple / Hyperammonemic encephalopathy associated with multiple myeloma

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Association of Anticentromere Antibodies With More Severe Exocrine Glandular Dysfunction in Sjögren's Syndrome: Analysis of the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Anticentromere antibodies (ACAs) define a subset of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with a unique phenotype, including features of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and a lower frequency of anti-SSA/SSB antibodies. We sought to determine whether ACAs are associated with more severe exocrine glandular dysfunction in a large cohort of primary SS subjects. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 1,361 subjects with primary SS from the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance Registry, stratified by the presence or absence of ACAs. ACAs were assayed by immunofluorescence staining on HEp-2 cells. RESULTS: ACAs were present in 82 of the 1,361 SS subjects (6%) and were associated with older age, female sex, and lower frequencies of anti-SSA/SSB, rheumatoid factor, and hyperglobulinemia. Among ACA-positive versus ACA-negative subjects, there was a higher frequency of a focus score ≥2 (71% versus 53%; P = 0.002), a higher median focus score (2.8 versus 2.5; P = 0.0440), and greater exocrine gland dysfunction: Schirmer's test value: median 4 versus 5 mm/5 minutes; P = 0.0003, and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate: median 0.08 versus 0.37 ml/5 minutes; P < 0.0001. ACA-positive subjects had an increased risk of UWS <0.1 ml/minute (odds ratio [OR] 12.24 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.91-41.02]) and Schirmer's test value <5 mm/5 minutes (OR 2.52 [95% CI 1.50-4.36]) after correcting for age, sex, anti-SSA/SSB, and focus score. Labial gland fibrosis was not different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In a large international registry of SS, ACA had an independent association with more severe exocrine glandular dysfunction. This dysfunction was associated with more pronounced labial salivary glandular inflammation but not fibrosis.

Enfermedades relacionadas con IgG4, diagnóstico histopatológico retrospectivo. Prevalencia en un hospital universitario / IgG4-related disease, retrospective histopathological diagnosis. Prevalence in a University Hospital

Introducción. Las enfermedades relacionadas con IgG4 (ER-IgG4) se caracterizan por inflamación y disfunción orgánica asociadas a células plasmáticas productoras de IgG4. Métodos. Analizamos pacientes con ER-IgG4 de acuerdo con: a)búsqueda de resultados en la base de datos de Patología con: reacción inflamatoria inespecífica con infiltrado linfoplasmocítico, pseudotumores inflamatorios y fibrosis estoriforme; b)análisis microscópico de biopsias con criterios de inclusión de la primer fase, y c)inmunohistoquímica de biopsias seleccionadas en la segunda fase. Resultados. Evaluamos en la primera fase 23.720 biopsias, y a 41/71 que reunieron los criterios de inclusión les realizamos inmunohistoquímica para IgG4. El 41,4% de estas tuvieron IgG4+, y el diagnóstico histológico más frecuente asociado fue mastitis granulomatosa (12,1% de muestras catalogadas inicialmente como probables). El resto incluyeron reportes de aortitis, dacrioadenitis o sialoadenitis, pseudotumor inflamatorio pulmonar y pancreatitis crónica. Conclusiones. La sospecha de enfermedades relacionadas con IgG4 no debe basarse únicamente en manifestaciones clínicas distintivas o solo en serología. Nuestro estudio incluye pacientes con ER-IgG4 sin sospecha clínica inicial (AU)

Introduction. IgG4 related diseases (IgG4-RD) are characterized mainly by organic dysfunction and inflammation with lymphoplasmacytic cells infiltration. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study. We analyzed patients with a diagnosis of IgG4-RD through histopathologic registries. We divided the study into three phases: (i)extraction of data from the registries of the Pathology Department, including specimens reported with: non-specific inflammation with plasmatic cell infiltration, inflammatory pseudo-tumors and storiform fibrosis, and excluding any report of cancer or infection; (ii)from the selected specimens, three pathologists microscopically re-analyzed these biopsies and included only those who had at least two of the inclusion criteria cited above; (iii)finally, immunostaining was performed in the specimens selected in the second phase. The selected biopsies were catalogued as compatible for IgG4-RD if they had at least 3 inclusion criteria and as probable if they had 2 inclusion criteria. Results. On the first phase of the study we analyzed 23,720 biopsies, from which we included 71 and excluded 29 specimens; the rest of the specimens (n=41) underwent immunostaining. From the biopsies included, 41.4% (n=17/71) were positive to IgG4, with the most common histological diagnosis for the positive specimens being granulomatous mastitis, which represented 12.1% of the specimens catalogued initially as probable. The rest of the positive biopsies were from aortitis, dacrioadenitis and/or sialoadenitis, lung pseudo-inflammatory tumor, pericarditis and chronic pancreatitis. Conclusions. The suspicion of IgG4 related disease should not be based solely on clinical manifestations or serology. In the present study we confirm the characteristic changes of IgG4-RD in patients without initial clinical suspicion (AU)

Plasmocitosis cutánea / Cutaneous plasmacytosis

La plasmocitosis cutánea es un raro trastorno caracterizado por una proliferación benigna de células plasmáticas maduras que se presenta como múltiples lesiones rojizo-marronáceas, normalmente asociadas a hipergammaglobulinemia policlonal. Presentamos el caso de una mujer blanca de 33 años con clínica de placas marronáceas en tronco y cuero cabelludo. Histológicamente las lesiones mostraban un denso infiltrado en dermis superficial y profundo de distribución perivascular y perianexial compuesto principalmente de células plasmáticas maduras sin atipia (AU)

Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disorder characterized by a benign proliferation of mature plasma cells that appears as multiple red to dark brown skin lesions, often associated with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia. We report the case of a 33-year-old white woman who presented with reddish brown plaques restricted to trunk and scalp. Histologically, the lesions showed a moderately dense superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal infiltrate composed predominantly of mature plasma cells without atypia (AU)

Síndrome de hipergammaglobulinemia IgE con infecciones recurrentes: patogénesis, diagnóstico y aproximación terapéutica / Hyper-IgE recurrent infection syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic management

El síndrome de la hipergammaglobulinemia IgE con infecciones recurrentes es una inmunodeficiencia primaria poco frecuente, que se caracteriza por niveles elevados de IgE, dermatitis eccematoide, infecciones recurrentes de piel y pulmón por Staphylococcus aureus, y formación de abscesos con escasos signos inflamatorios. También produce alteraciones dentarias, esqueléticas y del tejido conjuntivo. La forma clásica (tipo 1) está causada por mutaciones dominantes del gen de la proteína transductora de señal y activadora de la transcripción 3. Se ha descrito una forma incompleta (tipo 2) solo con las manifestaciones de la inmunodeficiencia, pero sin manifestaciones mesenquimales. Esta forma incompleta se debe a la mutación recesiva del gen de la tirosin-cinasa 2. Ambas mutaciones condicionan un déficit en la generación de células Th17 a partir de células T CD4+. Estos avances en el conocimiento genético e inmunológico del síndrome de hipergammaglobulinemia IgE han permitido la mejor comprensión de los fenómenos clínicos de la enfermedad(AU)

Hyper-IgE recurrent infection syndrome is an uncommon primary immunodeficiency characterized by high serum levels of total IgE, eczema-like dermatitis, recurrent skin abscesses and staphylococci pneumonias, which can produce abscesses with mild inflammatory signs. It also causes dental, musculoskeletal and connective tissue abnormalities. The classical (type 1) variation is caused by autosomal-dominant mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. An incomplete form (type 2) has been described with only the immunological manifestations, but without the mesenchymal manifestations, has been described. This incomplete form is caused by recessive mutations in the tyrosine kinase 2 gene. Both kinds of mutations produce deficient formation of Th17-cells. These advances in the genetic and immunologic knowledge of hyper-IgE recurrent infection syndrome have allowed a better clinical comprehension of the clinical phenomena of the disease(AU)

Clinical features and disease outcomes of undifferentiated arthritis in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) comprises arthritis not yet identifiable as a specific rheumatic disease. Few reports exist on the natural course of UA in Thai patients. OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features and natural course of UA in Thai patients. METHOD: A retrospective, analytical study was performed among Thai patients diagnosed with UA seen at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand, between January 2002 and December 2007. RESULTS: The medical records of 95 UA patients were reviewed. The mean age at onset was 40.7 ± 14.7 years (range, 15-78). The female:male ratio was 1.25 : 1.00. Common presentations included asymmetrical oligoarthritis followed by polyarthritis. The knee was the most commonly affected joint, followed by the wrist and ankle. Complete remission occurred within 6 months of onset in 4.2% of cases. A diagnosis was specified in 29 patients (30.5%) during the follow-up period (which averaged 17.1 ± 24.0 months [range, 6-84]), including reactive arthritis (in 9 patients), undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (7), rheumatoid arthritis (6), psoriatic arthritis (4), ankylosing spondylitis (1), gout (1) and unclassified connective tissue disease (1). UA was the default diagnosis for 66 patients (69.5%) after 24 months of follow-up. Hyperglobulinemia was correlated with persistent arthritis (i.e., > 6 months, P = 0.045). The only predictive factor for RA development was old-age at onset (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The most common presentation of Thai UA was asymmetrical oligoarthritis and most patients had persistent arthritis correlated with hyperglobulinemia. Elderly-onset, without any radiographic changes or rheumatoid factor, was predictive of RA development during follow-up.

Symmetric atrophy of bilateral distal upper extremities and hyperIgEaemia in a male adolescent with Hirayama disease.

Hirayama disease is a rare neuromuscular disorder with peak age of onset at 15 to 17 years among young males. We report a male adolescent presenting with symmetric weakness and atrophy of bilateral upper extremities progressing for 2 years before stabilizing. Otherwise, he did not complain of any sensory disturbance. Electrophysiological findings revealed motor neuron damage at the C7-T1 spinal segments. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high-signal mass of posterior dural sac at the C5-T5 vertebral level during neck flexion. Specifically, he had elevated serum total immunoglobulin E level, which had been postulated to be a precipitating factor in Hirayama disease. Early recognition and intervention of this unique neuromuscular disorder is important to avoid ongoing damage to motor neurons. Through this report, we would like to emphasize the crucial role of a pediatric neurologist in averting the progression of Hirayama disease at an early stage.

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with IgA hypergammaglobulinemia and liver involvement.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a low grade lymphoma. Most cases are Waldenstorm macroglobulinemia which has IgM hypergammaglobulinemia. Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with IgA hypergammaglobulinemia is less than 5%. Liver involvement was reported in 20%. However this disease has been found to be mostly presented with lymphadenopathy and hypergammaglobulinemia. CASE REPORT: We present a forty-year-old woman with anemia, renal insufficiency and abnormal liver function test. Liver biopsy showed atypical clonal B-cell lymphoproliferation, small cells with prominent plasmacytic differentiation. Serum protein electrophoresis showed monoclonal gammopathy which was IgA. Rituximab, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide were given and resulting in partial response. CONCLUSION: The presentation of LPL can mimic multiple myeloma (anemia, renal failure and monoclonal gammopathy). Definite histological and immunological technique should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Histopathologic features of multiple myeloma involving the optic nerves.

We report a case of optic nerve involvement by multiple myeloma in which progressive visual loss heralded leukemic transformation and intracranial involvement. Imaging showed enhancing nodules in the intracranial segments of both optic nerves posterior to the optic canals and in the anterior optic tract, optic chiasm, and basal leptomeninges. Postmortem histopathologic examination disclosed malignant plasma cells in the subarachnoid spaces around the optic nerves and in the optic nerves. Infarctions were present in both optic nerves near their junction with the globes. Microscopic examination also showed malignant plasma cell infiltration of the leptomeninges of the cerebrum, brain stem, optic chiasm, pituitary gland, cranial bone marrow, and subarachnoid blood vessels. This is the first reported histopathologic examination in conjunction with MRI of multiple myeloma involving the anterior visual pathway. The mechanism of optic neuropathy in this case is probably related to infiltration of the optic nerve meninges by malignant plasma cells and impaired vascular supply caused by aggregated intraluminal plasma cells and monoclonal hypergammaglobulinemia.

Effect of plasmapheresis on hyperviscosity-related retinopathy and retinal hemodynamics in patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

PURPOSE: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is characterized by an overproduction of immunoglobulin M (IgM), which can lead to a hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) and HVS-related retinopathy. Plasmapheresis is known to reduce serum viscosity (SV) and IgM levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of plasmapheresis on HVS-related retinopathy and retinal hemodynamic parameters in patients with WM. METHODS: Nine patients with HVS due to WM were studied. SV and plasma IgM levels were measured before and after plasmapheresis treatment. The patients were evaluated for HVS-related retinopathy, and hemodynamic changes in a major temporal retinal vein by laser Doppler, before and after plasmapheresis. RESULTS: Plasmapheresis resulted in significant reductions in serum IgM (46.5% +/- 18.0%, mean +/- SD; P = 0.0009) and SV (44.7% +/- 17.3%, P = 0.002). HVS-related retinopathy improved in all patients after plasmapheresis. After treatment, the venous diameter decreased in each patient by an average of 15.3% +/- 5.8% (P = 0.0001). A significant (P = 0.0004) 55.2% +/- 22.5% increase in retinal venous blood speed accompanied the decreases in diameter. There was no significant change in the retinal blood flow rate after treatment. The percentage decreases in SV in the patients were significantly correlated with the percentage decreases in venous blood column diameter (P = 0.031, R(2) = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: HVS triggers a distinctive retinopathy with a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)-like appearance. However, the retinal blood flow is not decreased as in CRVO, but remains at normal levels. Plasmapheresis is effective in reversing HVS-related retinopathy and in reducing abnormal venous dilatation.

[Renal disease in multiple myeloma].

Renal involvement is common in multiple myeloma. Although several types of renal disease are observed, most of them are considered to be specifically related to monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. Myeloma cast nephropathy is the most frequent and sometimes associated with acute renal failure. AL amyloidosis and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposit disease are often presented as a nephrotic syndrome. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis and diagnosis of these three renal diseases. We also focus on the treatment of renal disease in multiple myeloma, in the view points of the chemotherapy to reduce M-protein and the prevention to reduce the risks of promoting renal injury.

[Hereditary recurrent fever syndromes]. / Fièvres héréditaires intermittentes.

Four diseases presenting mainly as intermittent bouts of inflammatory symptoms have been clinically and genetically characterized. At the head of this group is familial Mediterranean fever, which affects thousands of patients of Mediterranean ancestry. The other three entities are the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1A-associated periodic fever syndrome (TRAPS) with a dominant mode of inheritance; hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS); and the most recently recognized entity, which includes Muckle Wells syndrome, familial cold urticaria, and the chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular (CINCA) syndrome. Proper diagnosis of these entities is needed to begin specific clinical and therapeutic management.

The hyper IgM syndrome--an evolving story.

The hyper IgM syndromes (HIGM) are a group of primary immune deficiency disorders characterized by defective CD40 signaling by B cells affecting class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation. As a consequence, patients with HIGM have decreased concentrations of serum IgG and IgA and normal or elevated IgM, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. The most common HIGM syndrome is X-linked and due to mutations of CD40 ligand (CD40L) expressed by activated CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Four other genes, expressed by B cells, have been associated with the HIGM phenotype. Mutations of CD40, the receptor for CD40L, cause a rare autosomal form of HIGM with a clinical phenotype similar to CD40L deficiency. Mutations of Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase (AICDA) and Uracil (DNA) Glycosylase (UNG), both expressed by follicular B lymphocytes, lead to defective class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation. Mutations of Nuclear Factor kappa B Essential Modulator (NEMO), an X-chromosome associated gene, result in hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and immune deficiency. Thus, the molecular definition of these rare primary immune deficiency disorders has shed light on the complex events leading to the production of high-affinity, antigen-specific antibodies of different isotypes.

Effect of inflammatory attacks in the classical type hyper-IgD syndrome on immunoglobulin D, cholesterol and parameters of the acute phase response.

BACKGROUND: Classical type hyper-immunoglobulin D (IgD) syndrome (HIDS) is an hereditary auto-inflammatory disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, lymphadenopathy, abdominal distress and a high serum concentration of IgD. It is caused by mevalonate kinase deficiency. OBJECTIVE: To further characterize the acute phase response during fever attacks in HIDS in order to improve diagnosis. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two mevalonate kinase-deficient HIDS patients. METHODS: Blood samples were drawn during and in between febrile attacks, and concentrations ofC-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, procalcitonin, pentraxin 3, IgD and cholesterol in several lipoprotein fractions were determined. RESULTS: The marked acute phase response at the time of a fever attack in classical type HIDS is reflected by a rise in CRP accompanied by a moderate but statistically significant rise in procalcitonin and pentraxin 3. In only two of 22 patients, procalcitonin concentration rose above 2 ng mL(-1) during fever attack, compatible with the noninfectious nature of these attacks. Ferritin does not reach the high concentrations found in adult-onset Still's disease. Despite the defect in mevalonate kinase, a component of cholesterol metabolism, serum cholesterol did not change during attacks. IgD concentration is elevated regardless of disease activity, although there is appreciable variation during life. Its role in HIDS remains unclear. CONCLUSION: The combination of high CRP concentration plus procalcitonin concentration <2 ng mL(-1) in a symptomatic HIDS patient might indicate a febrile attack without (bacterial) infection; this observation warrants further investigation for its usefulness as a marker in clinical practice.

[TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): clinical aspects and physiopathology of a rare familial disease]. / Le TNF-receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): aspects cliniques et physiopathologiques d'une maladie familiale rare.

Hereditary periodic fever syndromes are defined as recurrent attacks of generalized inflammation for which no infectious or auto-immune cause can be identified. Minimal clinical variations, a unique biochemical-specific abnormality and the mode of genetic inheritance distinguish the four main diseases: familial Mediterranean fever, hyper-immunoglobulinemia D, TNF-receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and Muckle Wells syndrome. It presents with prolonged attacks of fever and severe localized inflammation. TRAPS is caused by dominantly inherited mutations in the gene encoding the first TNF receptor, which result in decreased serum levels of soluble TNF-receptor leading to inflammation due to unopposed TNF-alpha action. Corticosteroid treatment is not completely effective in most TRAPS patients. Preliminary experiences with recombinant TNF-receptor analogues in the treatment appear be promising.

Hypercalcemia in two Amazon parrots with malignant lymphoma.

Malignant lymphoma is a common malignancy in birds. Paraneoplastic syndromes, which are commonly observed in domestic animals, have not been reported in association with lymphoma in birds. Hypercalcemia and hyperglobulinemia were found on plasma chemistry in two Amazon parrots, which were presented with aspecific symptoms. In both cases radiography and ultrasound demonstrated signs of hepatomegaly, which proved to be due to malignant lymphoma on postmortem examination. The hypercalcemia was found to be most consistent with a paraneoplastic effect of the malignant lymphoma in these birds. The exact origin of the hyperglobulinemia remains unclear.