Interleukin(IL)-1/IL-6-inhibitor-associated drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DReSS) in systemic inflammatory illnesses.

BACKGROUND: After introducing interleukin(IL)-1/IL-6 inhibitors, some Still and Still-like patients developed unusual often fatal pulmonary disease. This complication was associated with scoring as DReSS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) implicating these inhibitors, although DReSS can be difficult to recognize in the setting of systemic inflammatory disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to facilitate recognition of IL-1/IL-6 inhibitor-DReSS in systemic inflammatory illnesses (Still/Still-like) by looking at timing and reaction-associated features. We evaluated outcomes of stopping or not-stopping IL-1/IL-6-inhibitors after DReSS reaction began. METHODS: In an international study collaborating primarily with pediatric specialists, we characterized features of 89 drug-reaction cases versus 773 drug-exposed controls and compared outcomes of 52 cases stopping IL-1/IL-6-inhibitors to 37 cases not-stopping these drugs. RESULTS: Before reaction began, drug-reaction cases and controls were clinically comparable, except for younger disease onset age for reaction cases with pre-existing cardiothoracic comorbidities. After reaction began, increased rates of pulmonary complications and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), differentiated drug-reaction cases from drug-tolerant controls (p=4.7x10-35; p=1.1x10-24, respectively). Initial DReSS feature was typically reported 2-8 weeks after initiating IL-1/IL-6-inhibition. In drug-reaction cases stopping versus not-stopping IL-1/IL-6-inhibitor treatment, reaction related features were indistinguishable, including pulmonary complication rates [75%(39/52] versus [76%(28/37)]. Those stopping subsequently required fewer medications for treatment of systemic inflammation, had decreased rates of MAS, and improved survival (p=0.005, multivariate regression). Resolution of pulmonary complications occurred in 67%(26/39) of drug-reaction cases who stopped and in none who continued inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: In systemic inflammatory illnesses, recognition of IL-1/IL-6-inhibitor-associated reactions followed by avoidance of IL-1/IL-6-inhibitors significantly improved outcomes.

Classification Criteria for Axial Disease in Youth with Juvenile Spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate classification criteria for axial disease in youth with juvenile spondyloarthritis (SpA; AxJSpA). METHODS: This international initiative consisted of four phases: 1) Item generation; 2) Item reduction; 3) Criteria development; and 4) Validation of the AxJSpA criteria by an independent team of experts in an internationally representative Validation cohort. RESULTS: These criteria are intended to be used on youth with a physician diagnosis of juvenile SpA and for whom axial disease is suspected. Item generation consisted of a systematic literature review and a free-listing exercise using input from international physicians and collectively resulted in 108 items. After the item reduction exercise and expert panel input, 37 items remained for further consideration. The final AxJSpA criteria domains included: imaging: active inflammation, imaging: structural lesions, pain chronicity, pain pattern, pain location, stiffness, and genetics. The most heavily weighted domains were active inflammation and structural lesions on imaging. Imaging typical of sacroiliitis was deemed necessary, but not sufficient, to classify a youth with AxJSpA. The threshold for classification of AxJSpA was a score of ≥55 (out of 100). When tested in the validation data set, the final criteria had a specificity of 97.5% (95% CI: 91.4-99.7), sensitivity of 64.3% (95% CI: 54.9-73.1) and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: The new AxJSpA classification criteria require an entry criterion, physician diagnosis of juvenile SpA, and include seven weighted domains. The AxJSpA classification criteria are validated and designed to identify participants for research studies.

Decreased Peripheral Blood Natural Killer Cell Count in Untreated Juvenile Dermatomyositis Is Associated with Muscle Weakness.

Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common inflammatory myopathy in pediatrics. This study evaluates the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) pathophysiology. The study included 133 untreated JDM children with an NK cell count evaluation before treatment. NK cell subsets (CD56low/dim vs. CD 56bright) were examined in 9 untreated children. CD56 and perforin were evaluated in situ in six untreated JDM and three orthopedic, pediatric controls. 56% of treatment-naive JDM had reduced circulating NK cell counts, designated "low NK cell". This low NK group had more active muscle disease compared to the normal NK cell group. The percentage of circulating CD56low/dim NK cells was significantly lower in the NK low group than in controls (0.55% vs. 4.6% p < 0.001). Examination of the untreated JDM diagnostic muscle biopsy documented an increased infiltration of CD56 and perforin-positive cells (p = 0.023, p = 0.038, respectively). Treatment-naive JDM with reduced circulating NK cell counts exhibited more muscle weakness and higher levels of serum muscle enzymes. Muscle biopsies from treatment-naive JDM displayed increased NK cell infiltration, with increased CD56 and perforin-positive cells.

Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Biologic DMARD Consensus Treatment Plans for Refractory Moderately Severe Juvenile Dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for patients with refractory moderately severe juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) treated with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). METHODS: The Biologics Workgroup of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) JDM Research Committee used case-based surveys, consensus framework, and nominal group technique to produce bDMARD CTPs for patients with refractory moderately severe JDM. RESULTS: Four bDMARD CTPs were proposed: TNF-alpha inhibitor (adalimumab or infliximab), abatacept, rituximab, and tocilizumab. Each CTP has different options for dosing and/or route. Among 76 respondents, consensus was achieved for the proposed CTPs (93% [67/72]) as well as for patient characteristics, assessments, outcome measures, and follow up. By weighted average, respondents indicated that they would most likely use rituximab followed by abatacept, TNF-alpha inhibitor, and tocilizumab. CONCLUSION: CTPs for the use of bDMARDs in refractory moderately severe JDM were developed using consensus methodology. The implementation of the bDMARD CTPs will lay the groundwork for registry-based prospective comparative effectiveness studies.

Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Rheumatology Workforce: 2020-2040.

The Pediatric Rheumatology (PRH) workforce supply in the United States does not meet the needs of children. Lack of timely access to PRH care is associated with poor outcomes for children with rheumatic diseases. This article is part of a Pediatrics supplement focused on anticipating the future pediatric subspecialty workforce supply. It draws on information in the literature, American Board of Pediatrics data, and findings from a model that estimates the future supply of pediatric subspecialists developed by the Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Strategic Modeling and Analysis Ltd., and the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation. PRH has a smaller workforce per capita of children than most other pediatric subspecialties. The model demonstrates that the clinical workforce equivalent of pediatric rheumatologists in 2020 was only 0.27 per 100 000 children, with a predicted increase to 0.47 by 2040. Although the model predicts a 72% increase in providers, this number remains inadequate to provide sufficient care given the number of children with rheumatic diseases, especially in the South and West regions. The likely reasons for the workforce shortage are multifactorial, including lack of awareness of the field, low salaries compared with most other medical specialties, concerns about working solo or in small group practices, and increasing provider retirement. Novel interventions are needed to increase the workforce size. The American College of Rheumatology has recognized the dire consequences of this shortage and has developed a workforce solutions initiative to tackle these problems.

Juvenile dermatomyositis: association between nail fold capillary end row loop- area under the curve- and disease damage indicators.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin and muscle inflammation. The loss of nail fold capillary end row loops (ERL) is evidence of small vessel involvement in JDM. This study aimed to examine the specific association of ERL over the disease course with evidence of JDM disease damage. METHODS: We analyzed data from 68 initially treatment-naïve JDM children who had been observed for at least five years with multiple ERL density assessments. The JDM disease course were categorized into monocyclic short, monocyclic long, polycyclic, and chronic. The ERL capillary count was cumulatively evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) method. RESULTS: The mean ERL density for the treatment-naive JDM was significantly lower than that of their healthy age-matched controls (4.8 ± 1.6 /mm vs. 7.9 ± 0.9 /mm; p < 0.0001). The ERL AUC was significantly lower in children with a chronic disease course compared to those with a monocyclic short (p = 0.001) or monocyclic long disease course (p = 0.013). JDM patients with lipodystrophy had lower ERL AUC than those without lipodystrophy (p = 0.04). There was no association between ERL AUC and calcifications or fractures. CONCLUSION: Persistently decreased ERL capillary density, reflected by low ERL AUC, is associated with a chronic disease course and lipodystrophy in JDM. Despite medical therapy, the mean ERL count remained below normal even after five years, particularly in polycyclic and chronic cases. It is not clear that restoring normal capillary density is currently feasible in children with JDM.

Lower NK cell numbers in children with untreated juvenile dermatomyositis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RNA viruses have been posited as triggers for Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). The COVID-19 pandemic proved a unique opportunity to observe the effect of a novel RNA virus on JDM incidence and phenotype. We found the incidence of JDM increased from average of 6.9 cases per year from 2012 to 2019 to 9 cases per year from 2020 to 2021. We compared markers of disease activity in the patients diagnosed with JDM prior to and during the pandemic and found that patients diagnosed with JDM during the pandemic had significantly lower average NK cell counts 90.75(± 76) vs 163(±120) (P = 0.038) and NK cell percentage 3.63% (±2.3) vs. 6.6% (±4.1), (P = 0.008). Other markers of JDM did not significantly change. This study suggests that COVID-19 may be a viral trigger for JDM in selected cases and that NK cell dysregulation may be of particular interest in future research of virally triggered JDM.

Nailfold capillary density in 140 untreated children with juvenile dermatomyositis: an indicator of disease activity.

BACKGROUND: We lack a reliable indicator of disease activity in Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare disease. The goal of this study is to identify the association of nailfold capillary End Row Loop (ERL) loss with disease damage in children with newly diagnosed, untreated JDM. FINDINGS: We enrolled 140 untreated JDM and 46 age, race and sex matched healthy controls, ages 2-17. We selected items from the Juvenile Myositis Registry for analysis. Variables include average ERL density of 8 fingers, average capillary pattern, hemorrhages, and clinical and laboratory correlates. Laboratory data includes Myositis Specific Antibodies (MSA), disease activity scores (DAS), Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS), and standard clinical serologic data. The reduced mean ERL density is 5.1 ± 1.5/mm for untreated JDM vs 7.9 ± 0.9/mm for healthy controls, p < 0.0001, and is associated with DAS-skin, r = -0.27 p = 0.014, which did not change within the age range tested. Untreated JDM with MSA Tif-1-γ had the lowest ERL density, (p = 0.037); their ERL patterns were primarily "open" and the presence of hemorrhages in the nailfold matrix was associated with dysphagia (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased JDM ERL density is associated with increased clinical symptoms; nailfold hemorrhages are associated with dysphagia. Duration of untreated disease symptoms and MSA, modify NFC shape. We speculate nailfold characteristics are useful indicators of disease activity in children with JDM before start of therapy.

Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Association between Nail Fold Capillary End Row Loops Area Under the Curve and Disease Damage Indicators.

Background: Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin and muscle inflammation. The loss of nail fold capillary end row loops (ERL) is evidence of small vessel involvement in JDM. This study aimed to examine the association of ERL over the disease course and evidence of disease damage. Methods: We analyzed data from 68 initially treatment-naïve JDM children who had been observed for at least five years with multiple ERL density assessments. The JDM disease courses were categorized into monocyclic short, monocyclic long, polycyclic, and chronic. The ERL capillary count was cumulatively evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) method. Results: The mean ERL density for the treatment-naive JDM was significantly lower than that of their healthy controls (4.8±1.6 /mm vs. 7.9±0.9 /mm; p <0.0001). The ERL AUC was significantly lower in children with chronic disease course compared to those with monocyclic short (p =0.001) or monocyclic long disease course (p =0.013). JDM patients with lipodystrophy had lower ERL AUC than those without lipodystrophy (p =0.04). There was no association between ERL AUC and calcifications or fractures. Conclusion: Persistently decreased ERL capillary density, evident by low ERL AUC, is associated with chronic disease course and lipodystrophy in JDM. Despite medical therapy, the mean ERL count remained below normal even after five years, particularly in polycyclic and chronic cases. Therefore, the goal of restoring normal capillary density in children with JDM might be challenging and require novel therapeutic strategies targeting their underlying endothelial dysfunction.

B Cell Lymphocytosis in Juvenile Dermatomyositis.

In this study, we determined if B lymphocytosis may serve as a JDM biomarker for disease activity. Children with untreated JDM were divided into two groups based on age-adjusted B cell percentage (determined through flow cytometry): 90 JDM in the normal B cell group and 45 in the high B cell group. We compared through T-testing the age, sex, ethnicity, duration of untreated disease (DUD), disease activity scores for skin (sDAS), muscle (mDAS), total (tDAS), CMAS, and neopterin between these two groups. The patients in the high B cell group had a higher tDAS (p = 0.009), mDAS (p = 0.021), and neopterin (p = 0.0365). Secondary analyses included B cell values over time and BAFF levels in matched patients with JM (juvenile myositis) and concurrent interstitial lung disease (ILD); JM alone and healthy controls Patient B cell percentage and number was significantly higher after 3-6 months of therapy and then significantly lower on completion of therapy (p =< 0.0001). The JM groups had higher BAFF levels than controls 1304 vs. 692 ng/mL (p = 0.0124). This study supports B cell lymphocytosis as a JDM disease-activity biomarker and bolsters the basis for B cell-directed therapies in JDM.

Increased Otoferlin Expression in B Cells Is Associated with Muscle Weakness in Untreated Juvenile Dermatomyositis: A Pilot Study.

Otoferlin mRNA expression is increased in JDM patients' PBMCs and muscle compared to healthy controls. This study aims to evaluate the role of otoferlin in JDM disease pathophysiology and its association with disease activity in untreated children with JDM. A total of 26 untreated JDM (88.5% female, 92.3% white, non-Hispanic) and 15 healthy controls were included in this study. Otoferlin mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR before and a few months after therapy. Detailed flow cytometry of various cell surface markers and cytoplasmic otoferlin was performed to identify cells expressing otoferlin. In addition, muscle otoferlin expression was evaluated in situ in six untreated JDM patients and three healthy controls. There was a significant increase in otoferlin expression in JDM children compared to controls (Median 67.5 vs. 2.1; p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between mRNA otoferlin expression and the following disease activity markers: disease activity scores (DAS)-total (rs = 0.62, p < 0.001); childhood myositis assessment scale (CMAS) (rs = -0.61, p = 0.002); neopterin (rs = 0.57, p = 0.004) and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF: Ag) (rs = 0.60, p = 0.004). Most of the otoferlin-positive cells were unswitched B cells (63-99.4%), with 65-75% of them expressing plasmablast markers (CD19+, IgM+, CD38hi, CD24-). The findings of this pilot study suggest that otoferlin expression is associated with muscle weakness, making it a possible biomarker of disease activity. Additionally, B cells and plasmablasts were the primary cells expressing otoferlin.

The Effect of Psychiatric Comorbidity on Healthcare Utilization for Youth With Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of psychiatric diagnoses on healthcare use in youth with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during their first year of SLE care. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using claims from 2000 to 2013 from Clinformatics Data Mart (OptumInsight). Youth aged 10 years to 24 years with an incident diagnosis of SLE (≥ 3 International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, codes for SLE 710.0, > 30 days apart) were categorized as having: (1) a preceding psychiatric diagnosis in the year before SLE diagnosis, (2) an incident psychiatric diagnosis in the year after SLE diagnosis, or (3) no psychiatric diagnosis. We compared ambulatory, emergency, and inpatient visits in the year after SLE diagnosis, stratified by nonpsychiatric and psychiatric visits. We examined the effect of childhood-onset vs adult-onset SLE by testing for an interaction between age and psychiatric exposure on outcome. RESULTS: We identified 650 youth with an incident diagnosis of SLE, of which 122 (19%) had a preceding psychiatric diagnosis and 105 (16%) had an incident psychiatric diagnosis. Compared with those without a psychiatric diagnosis, youth with SLE and a preceding or incident psychiatric diagnosis had more healthcare use across both ambulatory and emergency settings for both nonpsychiatric and psychiatric-related care. These associations were minimally affected by age at time of SLE diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric comorbidity is common among youth with newly diagnosed SLE and is associated with greater healthcare use. Interventions to address preceding and incident psychiatric comorbidity may decrease healthcare burden for youth with SLE.

Urinary HER2, TWEAK and VCAM-1 levels are associated with new-onset proteinuria in paediatric lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: Lupus nephritis is a key driver of morbidity and mortality in SLE. Detecting active nephritis on a background of pre-existing renal damage is difficult, leading to potential undertreatment and accumulating injury. An unmet need is a biomarker that distinguishes active lupus nephritis, particularly important in paediatrics where minimising invasive procedures is desirable. METHODS: This was a multicentre, prospective study of 113 paediatric patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis. Clinical data and urine were obtained every 3-4 months and patients averaged 2 years on study with seven time points. Urine was analysed for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by ELISA. We defined active disease as either a rise in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline or a rise in renal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score from the previous visit. These markers were also studied in patients with acute kidney injury, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), amplified pain syndrome and healthy controls. RESULTS: The rate of active disease was 56% over an average of 2 years of follow-up. HER2 and VCAM-1 were significantly elevated at time points with active disease defined by increased serum creatinine compared with time points with inactive disease or patients who never flared. All three biomarkers were associated with new-onset proteinuria and VCAM-1 was elevated at time points preceding new-onset proteinuria. These biomarkers were not increased in acute kidney injury or JIA. CONCLUSION: All three biomarkers were associated with new onset proteinuria and increased VCAM-1 may predict impending proteinuria. These biomarkers provide potential non-invasive measures for monitoring that may be more sensitive to impending flare than conventional measures.

Wide variation in glucocorticoid dosing in paediatric ANCA-associated vasculitis with renal disease: a paediatric vasculitis initiative study.

OBJECTIVES: High-dose glucocorticoids for remission-induction of ANCA-associated vasculitis are recommended and commonly used in adults, but recent studies suggest lower glucocorticoid doses can reduce toxicity without reducing efficacy. No paediatric-specific data exists to inform optimal glucocorticoid dosing in paediatric ANCA-associated vasculitis (pAAV). Our objectives were to describe glucocorticoid use in pAAV-related renal disease, and to explore associations between glucocorticoid dose, baseline patient characteristics and 12-month outcomes. METHODS: Youth <18 years with pAAV, biopsy-confirmed pauci-immune glomerulonephritis and 12-month follow-up data were included from an international paediatric vasculitis registry. Presenting features and 12-month outcomes (eGFR, glucocorticoid-related adverse effects), were compared between patients receiving no, low-moderate (≤90mg/kg) and high (>90mg/kg) cumulative intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), and low (<0.5mg/kg/day prednisone equivalent), moderate (0.5-1.5mg/kg/day) and high (>1.5mg/kg/day) starting doses of oral glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Among 131 patients (101 granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 30 microscopic polyangiitis), 27 (21%) received no IVMP, 64 (49%) low-moderate and 29 (22%) high-dose IVMP, while 9 (7%) received low, 75 (57%) moderate and 47 (36%) high initial doses of oral glucocorticoids. Renal failure at diagnosis (p=0.022) and plasmapheresis use (p=0.0001) were associated with high-dose IVMP. Rates of glucocorticoid-related adverse effects ranged from 15-31% across dose levels, and glucocorticoid dosing did not associate with 12-month outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoid dosing for pAAV-related renal disease was highly variable, and rates of adverse effects were high across all dosing groups. A significant proportion of patients received oral glucocorticoid or IVMP doses that were discordant with current adult guidelines. Higher glucocorticoid doses did not associate with improved outcomes.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Recommendations for Nonpharmacologic Therapies, Medication Monitoring, Immunizations, and Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with a focus on nonpharmacologic therapies, medication monitoring, immunizations, and imaging, irrespective of JIA phenotype. METHODS: We developed clinically relevant Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low). A Voting Panel including clinicians and patients/caregivers achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations. RESULTS: Recommendations in this guideline include the use of physical therapy and occupational therapy interventions; a healthy, well-balanced, age-appropriate diet; specific laboratory monitoring for medications; widespread use of immunizations; and shared decision-making with patients/caregivers. Disease management for all patients with JIA is addressed with respect to nonpharmacologic therapies, medication monitoring, immunizations, and imaging. Evidence for all recommendations was graded as low or very low in quality. For that reason, more than half of the recommendations are conditional. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice guideline complements the 2019 American College of Rheumatology JIA and uveitis guidelines, which addressed polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and uveitis, and a concurrent 2021 guideline on oligoarthritis, temporomandibular arthritis, and systemic JIA. It serves as a tool to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers in decision-making. The recommendations take into consideration the severity of both articular and nonarticular manifestations as well as patient quality of life. Although evidence is generally low quality and many recommendations are conditional, the inclusion of caregivers and patients in the decision-making process strengthens the relevance and applicability of the guideline. It is important to remember that these are recommendations. Clinical decisions, as always, should be made by the treating clinician and patient/caregiver.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Therapeutic Approaches for Oligoarthritis, Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis, and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated guidelines for pharmacologic management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), focusing on treatment of oligoarthritis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis, and systemic JIA with and without macrophage activation syndrome. Recommendations regarding tapering and discontinuing treatment in inactive systemic JIA are also provided. METHODS: We developed clinically relevant Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low). A Voting Panel including clinicians and patients/caregivers achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations. RESULTS: Similar to those published in 2019, these JIA recommendations are based on clinical phenotypes of JIA, rather than a specific classification schema. This guideline provides recommendations for initial and subsequent treatment of JIA with oligoarthritis, TMJ arthritis, and systemic JIA as well as for tapering and discontinuing treatment in subjects with inactive systemic JIA. Other aspects of disease management, including factors that influence treatment choice and medication tapering, are discussed. Evidence for all recommendations was graded as low or very low in quality. For that reason, more than half of the recommendations are conditional. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice guideline complements the 2019 American College of Rheumatology JIA and uveitis guidelines, which addressed polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and uveitis. It serves as a tool to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers in decision-making. The recommendations take into consideration the severity of both articular and nonarticular manifestations as well as patient quality of life. Although evidence is generally low quality and many recommendations are conditional, the inclusion of caregivers and patients in the decision-making process strengthens the relevance and applicability of the guideline. It is important to remember that these are recommendations. Clinical decisions, as always, should be made by the treating clinician and patient/caregiver.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Recommendations for Nonpharmacologic Therapies, Medication Monitoring, Immunizations, and Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with a focus on nonpharmacologic therapies, medication monitoring, immunizations, and imaging, irrespective of JIA phenotype. METHODS: We developed clinically relevant Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low). A Voting Panel including clinicians and patients/caregivers achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations. RESULTS: Recommendations in this guideline include the use of physical therapy and occupational therapy interventions; a healthy, well-balanced, age-appropriate diet; specific laboratory monitoring for medications; widespread use of immunizations; and shared decision-making with patients/caregivers. Disease management for all patients with JIA is addressed with respect to nonpharmacologic therapies, medication monitoring, immunizations, and imaging. Evidence for all recommendations was graded as low or very low in quality. For that reason, more than half of the recommendations are conditional. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice guideline complements the 2019 American College of Rheumatology JIA and uveitis guidelines, which addressed polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and uveitis, and a concurrent 2021 guideline on oligoarthritis, temporomandibular arthritis, and systemic JIA. It serves as a tool to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers in decision-making. The recommendations take into consideration the severity of both articular and nonarticular manifestations as well as patient quality of life. Although evidence is generally low quality and many recommendations are conditional, the inclusion of caregivers and patients in the decision-making process strengthens the relevance and applicability of the guideline. It is important to remember that these are recommendations. Clinical decisions, as always, should be made by the treating clinician and patient/caregiver.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Therapeutic Approaches for Oligoarthritis, Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis, and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated guidelines for pharmacologic management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), focusing on treatment of oligoarthritis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis, and systemic JIA with and without macrophage activation syndrome. Recommendations regarding tapering and discontinuing treatment in inactive systemic JIA are also provided. METHODS: We developed clinically relevant Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low). A Voting Panel including clinicians and patients/caregivers achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations. RESULTS: Similar to those published in 2019, these JIA recommendations are based on clinical phenotypes of JIA, rather than a specific classification schema. This guideline provides recommendations for initial and subsequent treatment of JIA with oligoarthritis, TMJ arthritis, and systemic JIA as well as for tapering and discontinuing treatment in subjects with inactive systemic JIA. Other aspects of disease management, including factors that influence treatment choice and medication tapering, are discussed. Evidence for all recommendations was graded as low or very low in quality. For that reason, more than half of the recommendations are conditional. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice guideline complements the 2019 American College of Rheumatology JIA and uveitis guidelines, which addressed polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and uveitis. It serves as a tool to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers in decision-making. The recommendations take into consideration the severity of both articular and nonarticular manifestations as well as patient quality of life. Although evidence is generally low quality and many recommendations are conditional, the inclusion of caregivers and patients in the decision-making process strengthens the relevance and applicability of the guideline. It is important to remember that these are recommendations. Clinical decisions, as always, should be made by the treating clinician and patient/caregiver.

2015 American College of Rheumatology Workforce Study and Demand Projections of Pediatric Rheumatology Workforce, 2015-2030.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the character and composition of the 2015 pediatric rheumatology workforce in the US, evaluate current workforce trends, and project future supply and demand of the pediatric rheumatology workforce through 2030. METHODS: The American College of Rheumatology created the workforce study group to study the rheumatology workforce. The workforce study group used primary and secondary data to create a representative workforce model. Pediatric rheumatology supply and demand was projected through 2030 using an integrated data-driven framework to capture a more realistic clinical full-time equivalent (FTE) and produce a better picture of access to care issues in pediatric rheumatology. RESULTS: The 2015 pediatric rheumatology workforce was estimated at 287 FTEs (300 providers), while the estimated excess demand was 95 (33%). The projected demand will continue to increase to almost 100% (n = 230) by 2030 if no changes occur in succession planning, new graduate entrants into the profession, and other factors associated with the workforce. CONCLUSION: This study projects that the pediatric rheumatology workforce gap will continue to worsen significantly from the 2015 baseline, and by 2030 the demand for pediatric rheumatologists will be twice the supply. Innovative strategies are needed to increase the workforce supply and to improve access to care.

International Consensus for the Dosing of Corticosteroids in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Proliferative Lupus Nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a standardized steroid dosing regimen (SSR) for physicians treating childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by lupus nephritis (LN), using consensus formation methodology. METHODS: Parameters influencing corticosteroid (CS) dosing were identified (step 1). Data from children with proliferative LN were used to generate patient profiles (step 2). Physicians rated changes in renal and extrarenal childhood-onset SLE activity between 2 consecutive visits and proposed CS dosing (step 3). The SSR was developed using patient profile ratings (step 4), with refinements achieved in a physician focus group (step 5). A second type of patient profile describing the course of childhood-onset SLE for ≥4 months since kidney biopsy was rated to validate the SSR-recommended oral and intravenous (IV) CS dosages (step 6). Patient profile adjudication was based on majority ratings for both renal and extrarenal disease courses, and consensus level was set at 80%. RESULTS: Degree of proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate, changes in renal and extrarenal disease activity, and time since kidney biopsy influenced CS dosing (steps 1 and 2). Considering these parameters in 5,056 patient profile ratings from 103 raters, and renal and extrarenal course definitions, CS dosing rules of the SSR were developed (steps 3-5). Validation of the SSR for up to 6 months post-kidney biopsy was achieved with 1,838 patient profile ratings from 60 raters who achieved consensus for oral and IV CS dosage in accordance with the SSR (step 6). CONCLUSION: The SSR represents an international consensus on CS dosing for use in patients with childhood-onset SLE and proliferative LN. The SSR is anticipated to be used for clinical care and to standardize CS dosage during clinical trials.