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

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

Body Composition and Phase Angle: How to Improve Nutritional Evaluation in Juvenile Dermatomyositis Patients.

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess body composition (BC) using bioelectrical impedance and food intake in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients. Associations between BC and physical activity, disease activity/cumulative damage and health-related quality of life parameters were also evaluated; (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 30 consecutive JDM patients (18 female and 12 male) and 24 healthy volunteers (14 female and 10 male) of both sexes followed at our pediatric rheumatology unit. The gathering of anthropometric and dietary data, and the performance of physical activity and bioelectrical impedance were undertaken in face-to-face meetings and through questionnaires. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected from medical records according to information from routine medical appointments; (3) Results: The frequency of high/very high body fat was significantly higher in controls compared with JDM patients (66.7% vs. 91.7%; p = 0.046). The median phase angle was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (5.2 ± 1.3 vs. 6.1 ± 1.0; p = 0.016). Body fat and lean mass were positively correlated with disease duration (rs = +0.629, p < 0.001 and rs = +0.716, p < 0.001, respectively) and phase angle (PhA) (rs = +0.400, p = 0.029 and rs = +0.619, p < 0.001, respectively). JDM patients with PhA ≥ 5.5 presented higher lean mass when compared with patients with PhA < 5.5 (p = 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Bioelectrical impedance can be a useful auxiliary exam in the medical and nutritional follow-up of JDM patients, because it seems to impact functional ability. These findings may assist professionals when advising JDM patients about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating in the preservation of lean mass.

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

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

Impacto na saúde mental de enfermeiros pediátricos: um estudo transversal em hospital pediátrico terciário durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Mental health impacts in pediatric nurses: a cross-sectional study in tertiary pediatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic / Impacto en la salud mental de enfermeros pediátricos: un estudio transversal en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar problemas de saúde mental em enfermeiros pediátricos durante a pandemia causada pelo coronavírus 2019. Método: estudo transversal realizado com enfermeiros pediátricos do Instituto da Criança e do Adolescente, por meio de uma pesquisa online de autoavaliação sobre prática clínica e impacto na saúde mental, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Foram avaliadas escalas de autoavaliação validadas para ansiedade, depressão e burnout. Resultados: 107/298(36%) enfermeiros responderam, dos quais 90% eram do sexo feminino, a mediana de idade atual era 41(23-64) anos, 68% trabalhavam com adolescentes, 66% trabalhavam na linha de frente. Burnout, ansiedade e depressão moderada/grave ocorreram em 65%, 72% e 74% dos enfermeiros, respectivamente. Falta de protocolo de tratamento padronizado nas enfermarias (27% vs. 10%, p=0,049), depressão moderada/grave (74% vs. 16%, p=0,002) e burnout (82% vs. 58%, p=0,01) foram significativamente maiores em enfermeiros pediátricos com ansiedade, em comparação com enfermeiros sem essa condição. Os enfermeiros pediátricos que trabalhavam com adolescentes apresentaram maior frequência de burnout, quando comparados aos que não trabalhavam com esse grupo (77% vs. 32%, p=0,0001). A análise multivariada revelou que o cumprimento adequado da quarentena aumentou a presença de ansiedade em 4,6 vezes [OR 4.6(IC 1,1-20,2), p=0,04]. Conclusão: a maioria dos enfermeiros pediátricos atuava na linha de frente da COVID-19, em condições precárias, trabalhando com equipe reduzida e enfrentando perdas expressivas de renda. A ansiedade atual foi um tema relevante e o burnout também foi uma condição mental importante para esses profissionais, reforçando a cultura do bom trabalho em equipe, das práticas de colaboração e do cuidado psicológico/psiquiátrico.

Abstract Objective: to assess mental health issues in pediatric nurses during coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Method: cross-sectional study was conducted with pediatric nurses at the Instituto da Criança e do Adolescente based on online self-rated survey about clinical practice and mental health impact during COVID-19 pandemic. Validated self-reported scales for anxiety, depression and burnout were used for assessing these professionals. Results: 107/298 (36%) nurses answered, 90% were female, median age was 41(23-64) years, 68% worked with adolescents, 66% in frontline. Burnout, anxiety and moderate/severe depression occurred in 65%, 72% and 74%, respectively. Lack of standardized treatment protocol for nurses (27%vs.10%, p=0.049), moderate/severe depression (74% vs. 16%, p=0.002) and burnout (82% vs. 58%, p=0.01) were significantly higher in pediatric nurses with anxiety compared to those without. Pediatric nurses that worked with adolescents compared to those that did not showed higher frequency of burnout in the former group (77% vs. 32%, p=0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that adequate quarantine adherence increased the presence of anxiety in 4.6 times [OR4.6(CI 1.1-20.2), p=0.04]. Conclusion: most pediatric nurses who had worked in the frontline of COVID-19 were under precarious conditions, working with reduced team, and with an expressive changes in their monthly income. Current anxiety was a relevant issue, burnout was also an important mental condition for these professionals, reinforcing culture of good teamwork, collaboration practices and psychological/psychiatric approach.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar los problemas de salud mental en enfermeros pediátricos durante la pandemia del coronavirus 2019. Método: estudio transversal realizado con enfermeros pediátricos del Instituto da Criança e do Adolescente mediante una encuesta de autoevaluación en línea sobre la práctica clínica y el impacto en la salud mental durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Se evaluaron escalas de autoevaluación validadas para ansiedad, depresión y burnout. Resultados: respondieron 107/298 (36%) de los enfermeros, de los cuales 90% eran del sexo femenino, la mediana de edad actual fue de 41 (23-64) años, 68% trabajaban con adolescentes, 66% trabajaban en primera línea. Burnout, ansiedad y depresión moderada/grave ocurrieron en 65%, 72% y 74% de los enfermeros, respectivamente. Falta de protocolo de tratamiento estandarizado en las enfermerías (27% vs. 10%, p=0,049), depresión moderada/grave (74% vs. 16%, p=0,002) y burnout (82% vs. 58%, p=0,01) fueron significativamente mayores en enfermeros pediátricos con ansiedad en comparación con enfermeros sin esta condición. Los enfermeros pediátricos que trabajaban con adolescentes presentaron mayor frecuencia de burnout en comparación con los que no trabajaban con adolescentes (77% vs. 32%, p=0,0001). El análisis multivariado reveló que el adecuado cumplimiento de la cuarentena aumentó 4,6 veces la presencia de ansiedad [OR 4.6(IC 1,1-20,2), p=0,04]. Conclusión: La mayoría de los enfermeros pediátricos trabajaban en la primera línea de la COVID-19, en condiciones precarias, trabajando con un equipo reducido y enfrentando importantes pérdidas de ingresos. La ansiedad actual fue un tema relevante y el burnout también fue una condición mental importante para estos profesionales, reforzando la cultura del buen trabajo en equipo, las prácticas colaborativas y la atención psicológica/psiquiátrica.

Echocardiographic study of juvenile dermatomyositis patients: new insights from speckle-tracking-derived strain.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate subclinical left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DST). Possible associations between LV deformation impairment and disease activity/cumulative damage were also evaluated. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive JDM patients without cardiac symptoms and 35 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Clinical data were collected from medical records, and echocardiograms were performed by a pediatric cardiologist, unaware of patients' conditions. RESULTS: Patients and controls had similar age (12.6 ± 0.7 vs.12.5 ± 0.6; p = 0.97) and gender (11F:24M vs.11F:24M; p = 1.0). Median of JDM duration was 4.6 (0.04-17.6) years, and only 6/35 (17%) had active disease (disease activity score (DAS > 3)). Conventional echocardiogram revealed preserved LV ejection fraction (EF) (≥ 55%) in all individuals. In JDM, 2DST identified reduction of LV longitudinal [-22(-17.2 to -27.9) % vs. -23(-20.8 to -27.4) %; p = 0.028)] and circumferential -23.9 ± 2.8% vs. -26.7 ± 2.9%; p = 0.0002) strain. Lower longitudinal strain was associated with DAS >3 -19.9(-17.2 to -26.5)% vs. -22.1-18.9 to -27.9)%; p = 0.046], MDI extent > 0 [-19(-17.2 to -22.5)% vs. -22.1-19.2 to -27.9)%; p = 0.0008], MDI severity > 0 [-19(-17.2 to -22.1)% vs. -22.3(-20.3 to -27.9)%; p = 0.0001] and calcinosis[-20.6(-17.2 to -23)% vs. -22.3(-20.3 to -27.9)%; p = 0.03]. Lower circumferential strain was associated with MDI extent > 0 (-22.1 ± 3.87% vs. -24.4 ± 2.3%; p = 0.039), MDI severity > 0 (-21.7 ± 3% vs. 24.7 ± 2.3%; p = 0.004) and calcinosis (-22.5 ± 3.3% vs. -24.8 ± 2.1%; p = 0.02). There was a negative correlation between longitudinal strain and cumulative dose of prednisone (r = -0.44; p = 0.009) and methotrexate (r = -0.33; p = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: LV 2DST detected early systolic myocardial compromise in asymptomatic pediatric JDM patients, with preserved EF. Longitudinal strain impairment was associated with disease activity and cumulative damage, whereas circumferential strain impairment was associated exclusively with cumulative damage. KEY POINTS: • Serious cardiac involvement is rare but has been associated with death in juvenile dermatomyositis. • Two-dimensional speckle tracking stands out for the identification of subclinical myocardial compromise in juvenile dermatomyositis. • Longitudinal strain impairment is associated with disease activity and cumulative damage, whereas circumferential strain impairment is associated exclusively with cumulative damage.

Anti-adalimumab antibodies kinetics: an early guide for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) switching.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the longitudinal production of anti-adalimumab antibody (AAA) and baseline risk factors for this antibody development in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients initiating adalimumab (ADA). METHOD: Thirty consecutive JIA patients under ADA therapy were prospectively followed. JIA clinical/laboratorial/treatment data and sera for ADA and AAA assays (ELISA and bridging ELISA) were obtained at baseline (BL), 2 months (2M), 3 months (3M), 6 months (6M), 12 months (12M), and 24 months (24M). Patients with therapy failure requiring ADA withdrawn had their sera evaluated at their last medical visit prior to biologic switch (blinded to ADA and AAA levels). RESULTS: AAA was absent at BL, first detected at 2M after ADA initiation in 2/30 (7%) patients with a significant increase at 3M (10/29 (34%), p = 0.013) and no major change in 6M (11/30 (37%)) and 12M (9/26 (35%)). Of note, at 3M, AAA levels correlated negatively with ADA levels (r = - 0.781, p = 0.0001). Analysis of BL predictors revealed a significantly higher risk of developing AAA in patients with female gender (OR 21; 95% CI 1.08-406.57; p = 0.044), ESR > 30 mm/1st hour (OR 5.44; 95% CI 1.04-28.53; p = 0.045), and leflunomide use (OR 9.33; 95% CI 1.51-57.66; p = 0.016). In contrast, concomitant use of methotrexate was protective for AAA appearance (OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.53; p = 0.009). After 12M of ADA, 60% of AAA-positive patients required drug switch for drug failure compared with 15% in AAA-negative group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel evidence of AAA production kinetics demonstrating a timely significant increase starting at 3M and stable throughout 24M. We also identified female gender, increased ESR, and leflunomide use as relevant risk factors for AAA production at BL, whereas methotrexate was protective. Early systematic monitoring of AAA at 3M may, therefore, guide drug switching in these patients.Key Points• Anti-adalimumab antibodies (AAA) production kinetics demonstrated a timely significant increase starting at 3M in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients under adalimumab therapy• Female gender, increased ESR, and leflunomide use were identified as relevant risk factors for AAA production in JIA, whereas methotrexate was protective.

Distinct clinical correlates of immune thrombocytopenic purpura at diagnosis of childhood-onset and adult SLE.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical and laboratorial features between childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and adult SLE (aSLE) at concomitant diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). METHODS: This study evaluated 56 cSLE and 73 aSLE patients regularly followed at Pediatric and Rheumatology Divisions of the same University hospital with ITP (platelets count <100,000/mm3 in the absence of other causes) at lupus onset. RESULTS: Median current age was 11.6 and 27.3 years in cSLE and aSLE, respectively. cSLE had a higher frequency of ITP compared to aSLE (17% vs. 4%, p < .0001) and the former group had more hemorrhagic manifestations (36% vs. 16%, p = .0143). Constitutional symptoms and reticuloendothelial manifestations (p < .05), as well as pericarditis (25% vs. 10%, p = .029) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement (30% vs. 14%, p = .029) were more common in cSLE. Conversely, in aSLE, ITP was solely associated with cutaneous and articular involvements (p < .05). Concerning treatment, intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, blood transfusion and platelets transfusion were more frequently used in the cSLE population (p < .05). CONCLUSION: ITP at cSLE has distinct features compared to aSLE with a more severe presentation characterized by concomitant constitutional/reticuloendothelial manifestations, CNS involvement and hemorrhagic manifestation. These findings reinforce the need for a more aggressive treatment in this age group.

Latent tuberculosis infection screening in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients preceding anti-TNF therapy in a tuberculosis high-risk country.

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

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

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

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

Extensive cervical lymphadenitis mimicking bacterial adenitis as the first presentation of Kawasaki disease / Extensa linfadenite cervical mimetizando adenite bacteriana como primeira manifestação da doença de Kawasaki

Cervical adenitis >1.5cm in diameter is the less frequently observed criteria in patients with Kawasaki disease and it is usually found in association with other symptoms during the acute phase. Moreover, the finding of fever and lymphadenitis with intense local signs of inflammation and phlegmon is rarely seen as the initial manifestation of Kawasaki disease. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who had cervical lymphadenitis with adjacent cellulitis and phlegmon mimicking bacterial adenitis as the first presentation of Kawasaki disease. The patient had fever, cervical lymphadenitis with adjacent cellulitis, and severe headache. Cefadroxil was prescribed based on the clinical diagnosis of bacterial adenitis. Because he remained febrile and phlogistic signs worsened, after 1 day of hospitalization, antibiotics were administrated intravenously (ceftriaxone and oxacillin). The computed tomography of the neck showed primary infectious/inflammatory process. On the fourth day, the patient had dry and scaly lips, and treatment with oxacillin was replaced by clindamycin because the patient was still febrile. On the ninth day, he presented non-exudative bilateral conjunctival injection. On the tenth day of febrile disease, a rash appeared on his trunk, hands and feet. Patient’s symptoms resolved after intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (2g/kg/dose), and he was discharged 2 days later. On the 14th day, the patient had lamellar desquamation of fingers. Kawasaki disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in children with febrile cervical lymphadenitis unresponsive to empiric antibiotics even if they have adjacent cellulitis and phlegmon.

Adenite cervical >1,5cm é o critério menos frequentemente observado em pacientes com doença de Kawasaki e manifesta-se habitualmente em associação com os demais sintomas da fase aguda. Entretanto, linfadenite febril isolada com intensos sinais flogísticos e flegmão é raramente observada como primeira manifestação da doença de Kawasaki. Assim, relatou-se aqui um caso de uma criança que apresentou linfadenite cervical com celulite adjacente e flegmão mimetizando adenite bacteriana como primeira manifestação da doença de Kawasaki. Paciente previamente hígido, 7 anos, masculino, iniciou quadro de febre, adenite cervical com celulite adjacente e cefaleia intensa, sendo prescrita cefadroxila devido ao diagnóstico clínico de linfadenite bacteriana. Por se manter febril e com piora dos sinais flogísticos, após 1 dia foi internado para receber antibioticoterapia endovenosa (oxacilina e ceftriaxona). Tomografia computadorizada da região cervical mostrou processo infeccioso/inflamatório primário. No quarto dia, apresentou lábios ressecados e descamativos, sendo a oxacilina substituída por clindamicina devido à persistência da febre e sinais flogísticos. No nono dia, iniciou hiperemia ocular não exsudativa. No décimo dia de febre, apresentou exantema em tronco, membros, mãos e pés. Recebeu gamaglobulina endovenosa (2g/kg/dose), evoluiu com resolução dos sintomas e, após 2 dias, recebeu alta hospitalar. No 14odia, apresentou descamação lamelar dos dedos das mãos. Portanto, doença de Kawasaki deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial das linfadenites cervicais febris na infância não responsivas à antibioticoterapia empírica, mesmo que esteja presentes celulite adjacente e flegmão.

Extensive cervical lymphadenitis mimicking bacterial adenitis as the first presentation of Kawasaki disease.

Cervical adenitis >1.5cm in diameter is the less frequently observed criteria in patients with Kawasaki disease and it is usually found in association with other symptoms during the acute phase. Moreover, the finding of fever and lymphadenitis with intense local signs of inflammation and phlegmon is rarely seen as the initial manifestation of Kawasaki disease. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who had cervical lymphadenitis with adjacent cellulitis and phlegmon mimicking bacterial adenitis as the first presentation of Kawasaki disease. The patient had fever, cervical lymphadenitis with adjacent cellulitis, and severe headache. Cefadroxil was prescribed based on the clinical diagnosis of bacterial adenitis. Because he remained febrile and phlogistic signs worsened, after 1 day of hospitalization, antibiotics were administrated intravenously (ceftriaxone and oxacillin). The computed tomography of the neck showed primary infectious/inflammatory process. On the fourth day, the patient had dry and scaly lips, and treatment with oxacillin was replaced by clindamycin because the patient was still febrile. On the ninth day, he presented non-exudative bilateral conjunctival injection. On the tenth day of febrile disease, a rash appeared on his trunk, hands and feet. Patient's symptoms resolved after intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (2g/kg/dose), and he was discharged 2 days later. On the 14th day, the patient had lamellar desquamation of fingers. Kawasaki disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in children with febrile cervical lymphadenitis unresponsive to empiric antibiotics even if they have adjacent cellulitis and phlegmon.

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

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

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

Efeito do ponto de acupuntura E-37 (shangjuxu) no tratamento de ombro doloroso / Effect of acupunture point E-37 (Shangjuxu) in the treatment of paintful sholder

A periartrite é uma inflamação crônica da cápsula sinovial e tecidos periarticulares, causando dor que dificulta os movimentos. A etiologia não está bem esclarecida. Os tratamentos incluem: fisioterapia, bloqueio de nervo, infiltração intra-articular e acupuntura. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o efeito do ponto E-37 (Shangjuxu) sobre o ombro afetado. A pesquisa foi realizada com dez pacientes (idades variando entre 45 e 60 anos), submetidos à Acupuntura do ponto E-37 (Shangjuxu) por dez aplicações de 20 minutos. Foram avaliados três movimentos (A, B e C) antes e depois de cada aplicação. Movimento A: rotaçâo interna do membro afetado, adução, flexão do antebraço alcançando 0 ombro oposto. Movimento B: abdução com rotação externa do membro superior, flexão do antebraço sobre a cabeça, alcançando a orelha oposta. Movimento C: rotação interna do membro afetado, flexão do antebraço com polegar totalmente abduzido e os dedos fletidos alcançando o processo espinhoso. A avaliação da amplitude dos movimentos após as dez aplicações revelou diferenças significantes entre o pré e o pós-tratamento para os trés movimentos, de acordo com os testes de Friedman ANOVA e Wilcoxon. Pelo teste de McNemar, os movimentos A e B mostraram melhora significante, enquanto o movimento C mostrou melhora parcial após cinco semanas de tratamento. Por outro lado, o teste de Wilcoxon mostrou que o movimento C teve a melhora mais significante dentre as avaliações.