Novel FERMT3 and PTPRQ Mutations Associated with Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-III and Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency-III (LAD-III) is a rare genetic disease caused by defective integrin activation in hematopoietic cells due to mutations in the FERMT3 gene. The PTPRQ gene encodes the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Q and is essential for the normal maturation and function of hair bundle in the cochlea. Homozygous PTPRQ mutations impair the stereocilia in hair cells which lead to nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with vestibular dysfunction. Here, we report two novel pathogenic homozygous mutations found in two genes, FERMT3 and PTPRQ , in a Brazilian patient with LAD-III and SNHL, which may develop our understanding of the phenotype-genotype correlation and prognosis of patients with these rare diseases.

Dermatite atópica grave: guia prático de tratamento da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria / Severe atopic dermatitis: a practical treatment guide from the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doença cutânea inflamatória, crônica, comum, complexa e de etiologia multifatorial, que se manifesta clinicamente com prurido muitas vezes incapacitante, lesões recorrentes do tipo eczema, xerose e que pode evoluir para liquenificação. Embora o conhecimento sobre a sua fisiopatologia venham crescendo nos últimos anos, ainda as formas graves são frequentes e representam um desafio para o clínico. Para o presente guia realizou-se revisão não sistemática da literatura relacionada à DA grave refratária aos tratamentos habituais com o objetivo de elaborar um documento prático e que auxilie na compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na DA, assim como dos possíveis fatores de risco associados à sua apresentação. A integridade da barreira cutânea é um dos pontos fundamentais para a manutenção da homeostase da pele. Além dos cuidados gerais: evitação dos agentes desencadeantes e/ou irritantes, o uso de hidratantes, suporte emocional, entre outros, o uso de agentes anti-inflamatórios/imunossupressores de uso tópico e/ou sistêmico também foi revisado. A aquisição de novos agentes, os imunobiológicos e as pequenas moléculas, melhorou a terapêutica para os pacientes com formas graves de DA, sobretudo as refratárias aos tratamentos convencionais.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, common, and complex inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. It manifests clinically with often disabling pruritus, recurrent eczema-like lesions, and xerosis, and can progress to lichenification. Although understanding of the disease's pathophysiology has been growing in recent years, severe forms are still frequent and represent a challenge for clinicians. A non-systematic review of the literature on severe atopic dermatitis refractory to conventional treatment was conducted to develop the present guide, whose purpose is to help clarify the mechanisms involved in the disease and possible risk factors. The integrity of the skin barrier is fundamental for maintaining skin homeostasis. In addition to general care, patients should avoid triggering and/or irritating agents and moisturizers and seek emotional support, etc.; the use of topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents was also reviewed. New agents, immunobiologicals, and small molecules have led to a broader range of therapies for patients with severe forms of the disease, especially cases refractory to conventional treatment.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Allergic sensitization pattern of patients in Brazil

Abstract Objective Allergic sensitization is one of the key components for the development of allergies. Polysensitization seems to be related to the persistence and severity of allergic diseases. Furthermore, allergic sensitization has a predictive role in the development of allergies. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of sensitization of atopic patients treated at different pediatric allergy referral centers in Brazil. Methods A nation-wide transversal multicenter study collected data on patients attended in Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of allergen-specific IgE. If allergen-specific IgE was higher than 0.1 kUA/L, the following specific components were quantified. Results A total of 470 individuals were enrolled in the study. Mite sensitization was the most frequent kind in all participants. A high frequency of sensitization to furry animals and grasses featured in the respiratory allergies. Regarding components, there was a predominance of sensitization to Der p 1 and Der p 2. It has been verified that having a food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity are risk factors for the development of more severe allergic disease. Conclusion Studies on the pattern of allergic sensitization to a specific population offer tools for the more effectual prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases. Sensitization to dust mites house was the most prevalent in the evaluated sample. High rates of sensitization to furry animals also stand out. Patients with food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity appear to be at greater risk for developing more severe allergic diseases.

Allergic sensitization pattern of patients in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic sensitization is one of the key components for the development of allergies. Polysensitization seems to be related to the persistence and severity of allergic diseases. Furthermore, allergic sensitization has a predictive role in the development of allergies. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of sensitization of atopic patients treated at different pediatric allergy referral centers in Brazil. METHODS: A nation-wide transversal multicenter study collected data on patients attended in Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of allergen-specific IgE. If allergen-specific IgE was higher than 0.1 kUA/L, the following specific components were quantified. RESULTS: A total of 470 individuals were enrolled in the study. Mite sensitization was the most frequent kind in all participants. A high frequency of sensitization to furry animals and grasses featured in the respiratory allergies. Regarding components, there was a predominance of sensitization to Der p 1 and Der p 2. It has been verified that having a food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity are risk factors for the development of more severe allergic disease. CONCLUSION: Studies on the pattern of allergic sensitization to a specific population offer tools for the more effectual prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases. Sensitization to dust mites house was the most prevalent in the evaluated sample. High rates of sensitization to furry animals also stand out. Patients with food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity appear to be at greater risk for developing more severe allergic diseases.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Guia prático de abordagem da criança e do adolescente com asma grave: Documento conjunto da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria / Practical guide to approaching children and adolescents with severe asthma: a joint document of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

Asma grave é a asma que requer tratamento com altas doses de corticosteroide inalado associado a um segundo medicamento de controle (e/ou corticosteroide sistêmico) para impedir que se torne "descontrolada" ou permaneça "descontrolada" apesar do tratamento. Asma grave é considerada um subtipo de asma de difícil tratamento. A prevalência em crianças evidenciada pelo International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood variou entre 3,8% e 6,9%. Existem diversos instrumentos para avaliação subjetiva, como diários de sintomas e questionários, bem como para avaliação objetiva com função pulmonar e avaliação da inflamação por escarro induzido, ou óxido nítrico exalado. A abordagem terapêutica varia desde doses altas de corticosteroide inalado e/ou oral, broncodilatadores de longa duração, antaganonistas de receptores muscarínicos, até os mais recentes imunobiológicos que bloqueiam a IgE ou IL-5.

Severe asthma is asthma that requires treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids in combination with a second control drug (and/or a systemic corticosteroid) to prevent it from becoming "uncontrolled" or remaining "uncontrolled" despite treatment. Severe asthma is considered a difficult-to-treat asthma subtype. The prevalence in children found by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood ranged from 3.8% to 6.9%. There are several instruments for subjective assessment, such as symptom diaries and questionnaires, as well as for objective assessment, including pulmonary function testing and evaluation of inflammation by induced sputum or exhaled nitric oxide. The therapeutic approach includes high doses of inhaled and/or oral corticosteroids, long-acting bronchodilators, muscarinic receptor antagonists, and the latest biologics that block IgE or IL-5.

Diretrizes da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria para sibilância e asma no pré-escolar / Guidelines of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics for wheezing and asthma in preschool children

A asma é uma das doenças crônicas de maior frequência na infância. Parcela significativa de crianças com asma desenvolve sintomas nos primeiros anos de vida, mas nem sempre a sua confirmação diagnóstica é fácil. Outras causas de sibilância que podem gerar confusão diagnóstica, além da complexidade para a obtenção de medidas objetivas, tais como a realização de provas de função pulmonar nessa faixa etária, são justificativas para esse fato. Especialistas na abordagem desses pacientes, da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, após revisão extensa da literatura pertinente elaboraram esse documento, onde são comentados os possíveis agentes etiológicos, prevalência, diagnóstico diferencial, assim como tratamento e prevenção da sibilância e asma em pré-escolares.

Asthma is one of the most frequent chronic diseases in childhood. A significant portion of children with asthma develop symptoms in the first years of life, but diagnostic confirmation is not always easy. The difficulty is justified by other causes of wheezing that can generate diagnostic confusion, and by the complexity involved in obtaining objective measures ­ such as pulmonary function tests ­ in this age group. Specialists with expertise in the approach of these patients, from both the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, after extensive review of the pertinent literature, developed this document to discuss possible etiological agents, prevalence, differential diagnosis, as well as treatment and prevention of wheezing and asthma in preschool children.

IV Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - an update on allergic rhinitis, / IV Consenso Brasileiro sobre Rinite - atualização em rinite alérgica,

Abstract Introduction The guidelines on allergic rhinitis aim to update knowledge about the disease and care for affected patients. The initiative called "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma", initially published in 2001 and updated in 2008 and 2010, has been very successful in disseminating information and evidence, as well as providing a classification of severity and proposing a systemized treatment protocol. In order to include the participation of other medical professionals in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, it is important to develop algorithms that accurately indicate what should and can be done regionally. Objective To update the III Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - 2012, with the creation of an algorithm for allergic rhinitis management. Methods We invited 24 experts nominated by the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology, Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Brazilian Society of Pediatrics to update the 2012 document. Results The update of the last Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis incorporated and adapted the relevant information published in all "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma" Initiative documents to the Brazilian scenario, bringing new concepts such as local allergic rhinitis, new drugs and treatment evaluation methods. Conclusion A flowchart for allergic rhinitis treatment has been proposed.

Resumo Introdução As diretrizes sobre rinite alergica visam atualizar os conhecimentos sobre a doença e os cuidados para com esses pacientes. A iniciativa designada "Rinite Alergica e seu Impacto na Asma", cujo relatorio inicial foi publicado em 2001 e atualizada em 2008 e 2010, tem sido muito bem sucedida na disseminaçao de informaçoes e evidencias, bem como na formulaçao da classificaçao de gravidade e proposta de sistematizaçao do tratamento. Entretanto, visando a participaçao de outros profissionais medicos no atendimento da rinite alergica, e importante o desenvolvimento de algoritmos que indiquem com precisao o que deve e pode ser feito regionalmente. Objetivo Atualizar o III Consenso Brasileiro sobre Rinites-2012, com elaboraçao de algoritmo para conduta da rinite alergica. Método Foram convidados 24 especialistas indicados pelas Associaçao Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia, Associaçao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria para atualizaçao do documento de 2012. Resultados A atualizaçao do ultimo Consenso Brasileiro sobre Rinites, incorporou e adaptou para a realidade brasileira as informaçoes relevantes publicadas em todos os documentos da Iniciativa "Rinite Alergica e seu Impacto na Asma", trazendo novos conceitos como a rinite alergica local, novos medicamentos e metodos de avaliaçao de tratamento. Conclusão Proposto um fluxograma de tratamento para a rinite alergica.

IV Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - an update on allergic rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: The guidelines on allergic rhinitis aim to update knowledge about the disease and care for affected patients. The initiative called "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma", initially published in 2001 and updated in 2008 and 2010, has been very successful in disseminating information and evidence, as well as providing a classification of severity and proposing a systemized treatment protocol. In order to include the participation of other medical professionals in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, it is important to develop algorithms that accurately indicate what should and can be done regionally. OBJECTIVE: To update the III Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - 2012, with the creation of an algorithm for allergic rhinitis management. METHODS: We invited 24 experts nominated by the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology, Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Brazilian Society of Pediatrics to update the 2012 document. RESULTS: The update of the last Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis incorporated and adapted the relevant information published in all "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma" Initiative documents to the Brazilian scenario, bringing new concepts such as local allergic rhinitis, new drugs and treatment evaluation methods. CONCLUSION: A flowchart for allergic rhinitis treatment has been proposed.

Os fatores associados à asma em crianças e adolescentes são universais? Estudo sistemático multicêntrico brasileiro / Are the factors associated with asthma in children and adolescents universal? A systematic multicenter Brazilian study

Objetivo: Comparar os fatores de risco associados à asma em escolares brasileiros habitantes de diferentes regiões do país. Método: Participaram estudantes (4-8 anos, n = 4.262; 10-14 anos, n = 10.603) matriculados em escolas privadas ou particulares de onze centros de nove cidades brasileiras, utilizando-se o protocolo do International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). Após a obtenção das taxas de prevalência de asma, foram selecionados de modo aleatório estudantes com asma ativa (resposta afirmativa para "sibilos nos últimos 12 meses") e sem asma (resposta negativa) mantendo-se como base a proporção 1:2. A seguir os responsáveis responderam questionário complementar ISAAC sobre fatores de risco. A análise de regressão logística identificou os fatores associados à expressão da asma nos escolares, em cada centro de origem. Resultados: Na faixa etária mais jovem, ter antecedente de rinite ou eczema atópico, história familiar de doenças alérgicas e ser exposto ao tabaco foram identificados pela maioria dos centros. Entre os adolescentes ocorreu o mesmo: ter rinite alérgica (8/11 centros), ter antecedentes familiares de doenças alérgicas (6/11), ser exposto passivamente ao tabaco (6/11), assim como a animais domésticos, sobretudo gato (5/11), nascer pré-termo, ter baixo consumo de vegetais e suco de frutas foram os fatores identificados. Conclusões: Os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento de asma em escolares brasileiros não foram uniformes. Fatores genéticos, como ter outra doença alérgica, ou familiares com doença alérgica, foram identificados pela maioria dos centros participantes. A exposição ao tabaco, assim como a animais domésticos, também mostrou ser de importância clínica.

Objective: To compare factors associated with the development of asthma in Brazilian schoolchildren residing in different geographical regions. Method: Children and adolescents (4-8 years, n = 4,262; 10-14 years, n = 10,603) enrolled in public or private schools at 11 centers from 9 Brazilian cities were screened using the protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). After obtaining asthma prevalence rates, schoolchildren with active asthma (positive response for wheezing in the past 12 months) and without asthma (negative response) were randomly selected at a ratio of 1:2. Then, their parents or guardians were asked to answer the supplementary ISAAC questionnaire on risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with the expression of asthma among schoolchildren at each center. Results: Among children, having a history of rhinitis or atopic eczema, having a family history of allergic diseases, and being exposed to tobacco were identified as risk factors at most centers. Among adolescents, similar results were found: having allergic rhinitis (8/11 centers), having a family history of allergic diseases (6/11), being passively exposed to tobacco (6/11), being exposed to domestic animals, especially cat (5/11), having been born preterm, and having a low intake of vegetables and fruit juice were the main factors identified. Conclusion: Risk factors for the development of asthma in Brazilian schoolchildren were not unanimous. Genetic factors, such as having another allergic disease, or having family members with allergic disease, were identified by most of the participating centers. Exposure to tobacco, as well as to domestic animals, also showed to be clinically important.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Survey of 852 Cases of Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the prevalence of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients and possible associated factors are limited to a few case reports. The objectives of this study were to assess CSU in a large cSLE population, in order to evaluate the demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity/damage, laboratory abnormalities and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study (Brazilian cSLE group) was performed in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology services and included 852 cSLE patients. CSU was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, the European Dermatology Forum and the World Allergy Organization. Patients with CSU (evaluated at urticaria diagnosis) and patients without CSU (evaluated at the last visit) were assessed for lupus clinical/laboratory features and treatment. RESULTS: CSU was observed in 10/852 cSLE patients (1.17%). The median of cSLE duration at urticaria diagnosis was 0 (-3 to 5) years. Comparison of cSLE patients with and without CSU revealed a greater frequency of constitutional symptoms (40 vs. 8%, p = 0.006), reticuloendothelial system involvement (30 vs. 3%, p = 0.003), mucocutaneous (90 vs. 28%, p < 0.0001) and musculoskeletal manifestations (50 vs. 6%, p < 0.0001) and methylprednisolone pulse therapy use (60 vs. 9%, p < 0.0001) in the former group. The frequency of immunosuppressive treatment was lower in patients with CSU (p = 0.018). The median SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (12 vs. 2, p < 0.0001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (40 vs. 19 mm/1st hour, p = 0.024), was higher in patients with CSU. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study with evidence that CSU may be linked to cSLE. We also demonstrated that this particular skin manifestation occurs predominantly at disease onset and is associated with lupus moderate/high disease activity without major organ involvement.

Doenças autoimunes e autoanticorpos em pacientes pediátricos e seus parentes de primeiro grau com deficiência de imunoglobulina / Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies in pediatric patients and their first-degree relatives with immunoglobulin A deficiency

Introdução: As manifestações clínicas da deficiência de imunoglobulina A (DIgA) incluem infecções recorrentes, atopia e doenças autoimunes. No entanto, para o nosso conhecimento, as avaliações concomitantes de doenças autoimunes e autoanticorpos em uma coorte de pacientes com DIgA com idade atual > 10 anos e seus parentes não foram feitas. Objetivos: Avaliar doenças autoimunes e presença de autoanticorpos em pacientes com DIgA e seus parentes de primeiro grau. Métodos: Estudo transversal feito em 34 pacientes com DIgA (idade atual > 10 anos) e em seus parentes de primeiro grau. Todos foram acompanhados em um centro terciário brasileiro para imunodeficiência primária: 27 crianças/adolescentes e sete de seus parentes de primeiro grau com diagnóstico tardio de DIgA. Doenças autoimunes e autoanticorpos (anticorpos antinucleares, fator reumatoide e antitireoglobulina, antitiroperoxidase e anticorpos antiendomísio da classe IgA) também foram avaliadas. Resultados: Doenças autoimunes (n = 14) e/ou autoanticorpos (n = 10, quatro deles com autoanticorpos isolados) foram observadas em 18/34 (53%) dos pacientes e seus parentes. As doenças autoimunes mais comuns encontradas foram tireoidite (18%), artrite crônica (12%) e doença celíaca (6%). Os autoanticorpos mais frequentes foram anticorpos antinucleares (2%), antitireoglobulina e/ou antitireoperoxidase (24%). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada no sexo feminino, idade no momento do diagnóstico e idade atual em pacientes com DIgA com e sem doenças autoimunes e/ou presença de autoanticorpos (p > 0,05). As frequências de imunodeficiência de primárias na família, autoimunidade em família, atopia e infecções recorrentes foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Doenças autoimunes e autoanticorpos foram observadas em pacientes com DIgA durante o acompanhamento, o que reforça a necessidade de um acompanhamento rigoroso e contínuo durante a adolescência e a idade adulta. .

Introduction: Clinical manifestations of Immunoglobulin A Deficiency (IgAD) include recur-rent infections, atopy and autoimmune diseases. However, to our knowledge, theconcomitant evaluations of autoimmune diseases and auto antibodies in a cohort of IgADpatients with current age >10 years and their relatives have not been assessed. Objectives: To evaluate autoimmune diseases and the presence of auto antibodies in IgADpatients and their first-degree relatives. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 34 IgAD patients (current age >10years) and their first-degree relatives. All of them were followed at a tertiary Brazilianprimary immunodeficiency center: 27 children/adolescents and 7 of their first-degree rela-tives with a late diagnosis of IgAD. Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies (antinuclearantibodies, rheumatoid factor, and anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroperoxidase and IgA classanti-endomysial antibodies) were also assessed. Results: Autoimmune diseases (n = 14) and/or autoantibodies (n = 10, four of them with iso-lated autoantibodies) were observed in 18/34 (53%) of the patients and their relatives. Themost common autoimmune diseases found were thyroiditis (18%), chronic arthritis (12%)and celiac disease (6%). The most frequent autoantibodies were antinuclear antibodies(2%), anti-thyroglobulin and/or anti-thyroperoxidase (24%). No significant differences wereobserved in the female gender, age at diagnosis and current age in IgAD patients with andwithout autoimmune diseases and/or presence of auto antibodies (p > 0.05). The frequen-cies of primary immunodeficiencies in family, autoimmunity in family, atopy and recurrentinfections were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Autoimmune diseases and auto antibodies were observed in IgAD patients dur-ing follow-up, reinforcing the necessity of a rigorous and continuous follow-up duringadolescence and adulthood. .

[Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies in pediatric patients and their first-degree relatives with immunoglobulin A deficiency]. / Doenças autoimunes e autoanticorpos em pacientes pediátricos e seus parentes de primeiro grau com deficiência de imunoglobulina.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical manifestations of Immunoglobulin A Deficiency (IgAD) include recurrent infections, atopy and autoimmune diseases. However, to our knowledge, the concomitant evaluations of autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies in a cohort of IgAD patients with current age > 10 years-old and their relatives have not been assessed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate autoimmune diseases and the presence of autoantibodies in IgAD patients and their first-degree relatives. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 34 IgAD patients (current age > 10 years-old) and their first-degree relatives. All of them were followed at a tertiary Brazilian primary immunodeficiency center: 27 children/adolescents and 7 of their first-degree relatives with a late diagnosis of IgAD. Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies (antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroperoxidase and IgA class anti-endomysial antibodies) were also assessed. RESULTS: Autoimmune diseases (n=14) and/or autoantibodies (n=10, four of them with isolated autoantibodies) were observed in 18/34 (53%) of the patients and their relatives. The most common autoimmune diseases found were thyroiditis (18%), chronic arthritis (12%) and celiac disease (6%). The most frequent autoantibodies were antinuclear antibodies (2%), anti-thyroglobulin and/or anti-thyroperoxidase (24%). No significant differences were observed in the female gender, age at diagnosis and current age in IgAD patients with and without autoimmune diseases and/or presence of autoantibodies (p>0.05). The frequencies of primary immunodeficiency's in family, autoimmunity in family, atopy and recurrent infections were similar in both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies were observed in IgAD patients during follow-up, reinforcing the necessity of a rigorous and continuous follow-up during adolescence and adulthood.

Congenital Heart Disease as a Warning Sign for the Diagnosis of the 22q11.2 Deletion / Cardiopatias Congênitas como um Sinal de Alerta para o Diagnóstico da Deleção do 22q11.2

Background: To alert for the diagnosis of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Objective: To describe the main CHDs, as well as phenotypic, metabolic and immunological findings in a series of 60 patients diagnosed with 22q11.2DS. Methods: The study included 60 patients with 22q11.2DS evaluated between 2007 and 2013 (M:F=1.3, age range 14 days to 20 years and 3 months) at a pediatric reference center for primary immunodeficiencies. The diagnosis was established by detection of the 22q11.2 microdeletion using FISH (n = 18) and/or MLPA (n = 42), in association with clinical and laboratory information. Associated CHDs, progression of phenotypic facial features, hypocalcemia and immunological changes were analyzed. Results: CHDs were detected in 77% of the patients and the most frequent type was tetralogy of Fallot (38.3%). Surgical correction of CHD was performed in 34 patients. Craniofacial dysmorphisms were detected in 41 patients: elongated face (60%) and/or elongated nose (53.3%), narrow palpebral fissure (50%), dysplastic, overfolded ears (48.3%), thin lips (41.6%), elongated fingers (38.3%) and short stature (36.6%). Hypocalcemia was detected in 64.2% and decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in 25.9%. Decrease in total lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 counts were present in 40%, 53.3% and 33.3%, respectively. Hypogammaglobulinemia was detected in one patient and decreased concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in two other patients. Conclusion: Suspicion for 22q11.2DS should be raised in all patients with CHD associated with hypocalcemia and/or facial dysmorphisms, considering that many of these changes may evolve with age. The 22q11.2 microdeletion should be confirmed by molecular testing in all patients. .

Fundamento: Alertar para o diagnóstico da síndrome da deleção 22q11.2 (SD 22q11.2) em pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas. Objetivo: Descrever as principais cardiopatias, alterações fenotípicas, metabólicas e imunológicas em uma série de 60 pacientes com a SD22q11.2. Métodos: Foram incluídos 60 pacientes com SD22q11.2 avaliados entre 2007 e 2013 (M:F = 1,3; idades entre 14 dias a 20 anos e 3 meses) em um centro pediátrico de referência para imunodeficiências primárias. O diagnóstico foi feito pela detecção da microdeleção 22q11.2 através de FISH (n = 18) e/ou MLPA (n = 42), associados a dados clínicos e laboratoriais. Foram analisadas as cardiopatias, aspectos fenotípicos evolutivos da fácies, a hipocalcemia e alterações imunológicas associadas. Resultados: Cardiopatias congênitas ocorreram em 77% dos casos, sendo que a tetralogia de Fallot ocorreu em 38,3%. Correção cirúrgica da cardiopatia foi realizada em 34 pacientes. Os dismorfismos craniofaciais foram detectados em 41 pacientes: face (60%) e/ou nariz alongados (53,3%), fenda palpebral estreita (50%), orelhas displásicas com hiperdobramento (48,3%), lábios finos (41,6%), dedos alongados (38,3%) e baixa estatura (36,6%). Hipocalcemia foi observada em 64,2% com redução do nível de paratormônio (PTH) em 25,9%. Observou-se número reduzido de linfócitos totais, CD4 e CD8 em 40%, 53,3%, e 33,3%, respectivamente. Detectou-se hipogamaglobulinemia em um paciente e redução das concentrações de imunoglobulina M (IgM) em outros dois pacientes. Conclusão: Deve-se suspeitar da SD22q11.2 em todos os portadores de cardiopatia congênita com hipocalcemia e/ou dismorfismos faciais, ressaltando-se que muitas dessas alterações podem ser evolutivas. ...

Congenital Heart Disease as a Warning Sign for the Diagnosis of the 22q11.2 Deletion.

Background: To alert for the diagnosis of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Objective: To describe the main CHDs, as well as phenotypic, metabolic and immunological findings in a series of 60 patients diagnosed with 22q11.2DS. Methods: The study included 60 patients with 22q11.2DS evaluated between 2007 and 2013 (M:F=1.3, age range 14 days to 20 years and 3 months) at a pediatric reference center for primary immunodeficiencies. The diagnosis was established by detection of the 22q11.2 microdeletion using FISH (n = 18) and/or MLPA (n = 42), in association with clinical and laboratory information. Associated CHDs, progression of phenotypic facial features, hypocalcemia and immunological changes were analyzed. Results: CHDs were detected in 77% of the patients and the most frequent type was tetralogy of Fallot (38.3%). Surgical correction of CHD was performed in 34 patients. Craniofacial dysmorphisms were detected in 41 patients: elongated face (60%) and/or elongated nose (53.3%), narrow palpebral fissure (50%), dysplastic, overfolded ears (48.3%), thin lips (41.6%), elongated fingers (38.3%) and short stature (36.6%). Hypocalcemia was detected in 64.2% and decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in 25.9%. Decrease in total lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 counts were present in 40%, 53.3% and 33.3%, respectively. Hypogammaglobulinemia was detected in one patient and decreased concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in two other patients. Conclusion: Suspicion for 22q11.2DS should be raised in all patients with CHD associated with hypocalcemia and/or facial dysmorphisms, considering that many of these changes may evolve with age. The 22q11.2 microdeletion should be confirmed by molecular testing in all patients.

A novel activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) mutation in Brazilian patients with hyper-IgM type 2 syndrome.

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a DNA editing protein that plays an essential role in three major events of immunoglobulin (Ig) diversification: somatic hypermutation, class switch recombination and Ig gene conversion. Mutations in the AID gene (AICDA) have been found in patients with autosomal recessive Hyper-IgM (HIGM) syndrome type 2. Here, two 9- and 14-year-old Brazilian sisters, from a consanguineous family, were diagnosed with HIGM2 syndrome. Sequencing analysis of the exons from AICDA revealed that both patients are homozygous for a single C to G transversion in the third position of codon 15, which replaces a conserved Phenylalanine with a Leucine. To our knowledge, this is a new AICDA mutation found in HIGM2 patients. Functional studies confirm that the homologous murine mutation leads to a dysfunctional protein with diminished intrinsic cytidine deaminase activity and is unable to rescue CSR when introduced in Aicda(-/-)stimulated murine B cells. We briefly discuss the relevance of AICDA mutations found in patients for the biology of this molecule.

Pediatric allergy and immunology in Brazil.

The subspecialty of pediatric allergy and immunology in Brazil is in its early years and progressing steadily. This review highlights the research developed in the past years aiming to show the characteristics of allergic and immunologic diseases in this vast country. Epidemiologic studies demonstrated the high prevalence of asthma in infants, children, and adolescents. Mortality rates and average annual variation of asthma hospitalization have reduced in all pediatric age groups. Indoor aeroallergen exposure is excessively high and contributes to the high rates of allergy sensitization. Prevalence of food allergy has increased to epidemic levels. Foods (35%), insect stings (30%), and drugs (23%) are the main etiological agents of anaphylaxis in children and adolescents. Molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) showed a high incidence of fungal infections including paracoccidioidomycosis in X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome, and the occurrence of BCG adverse reactions or other mycobacterial infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease. Education in pediatric allergy and immunology is deficient for medical students, but residency programs are effective in training internists and pediatricians for the practice of allergy. The field of PID requires further training. Last, this review is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Charles Naspitz, one of the pioneers of our specialty in Brazil.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases in different age groups: a report on 1,008 cases from a single Brazilian reference center.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) represent a large group of diseases that affect all age groups. Although PIDs have been recognized as rare diseases, there is epidemiological evidence suggesting that their real prevalence has been underestimated. We performed an evaluation of a series of 1,008 infants, children, adolescents and adults with well-defined PIDs from a single Brazilian center, regarding age at diagnosis, gender and PID category according to the International Union of Immunological Societies classification. Antibody deficiencies were the most common category in the whole series (61 %) for all age groups, with the exception of <2-year-old patients (only 15 %). In the >30-year-old group, antibody deficiencies comprised 84 % of the diagnoses, mostly consisting of common variable immunodeficiency, IgA deficiency and IgM deficiency. Combined immunodeficiencies represented the most frequent category in <2-years-old patients. Most congenital defects of phagocytes were identified in patients <5 -years of age, as were the diseases of immune dysregulation, with the exception of APECED. DiGeorge syndrome and ataxia-telangiectasia were the most frequent entities in the category of well-defined syndromes, which were mostly identified in patients <10-years of age. Males represented three-quarters and two-thirds of <2 -years-old and 2-5-years -old patients, respectively, whereas females predominated among the >30-year-old patients. Our data indicated that some PIDs were only detected at early ages, likely because affected patients do not survive long. In addition, our data pointed out that different strategies should be used to search for PIDs in infants and young children as compared to older patients.

Chorea in a child with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic granulomatous vasculitis rarely described in children, particularly associated with neurological involvement, exceptionally chorea. To our knowledge there are only 35 children and adolescent patients with CSS described in the literature. During a 25-year period 5283 patients were followed up at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of our University Hospital and only one (0.02%) presented CSS. CASE REPORT: A 7-year-old boy suffered from severe asthma, eosinophilia, history of allergy, recurrent non-fixed pulmonary infiltrates, several nodular lesions in both lungs and maxillary sinusitis. Transthoracic biopsy of the right lung revealed necrotizing extravascular eosinophilic infiltrates and the diagnosis of CSS was established. During the follow-up he had persistent vasculitis skin lesions and hemichorea. Despite the treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and intravenous immunoglobulin, he died because of pulmonary abscess and sepsis. DISCUSSION: A rare case of CSS with chorea was reported, reinforcing the possibility of this disease in children with asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypereosinophilia and cutaneous vasculitis.