Evaluation of Medication Withdrawal in Patients with Non-systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Japan Using a Web-based Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Although treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have seen considerable advancements, there remains a lack of clear guidelines on withdrawing medications. This study aimed to investigate the current strategies for discontinuing non-systemic JIA treatment. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was distributed to Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan members. RESULTS: According to 126 responses, the most significant factors influencing JIA treatment tapering were the duration of clinically inactive disease, medication toxicity, and a history of arthritis flares. Respondents were often cautious about discontinuing medication if symptoms, e.g., 'morning stiffness' or 'intermittent joint pain', persisted. Among subtypes, oligoarticular JIA was more amenable to treatment tapering, whereas rheumatoid factor-positive polyarticular JIA proved less amenable. Most respondents started medication tapering after a continuous clinical inactive duration exceeding 12 months, and >50% of them required >6 months to achieve treatment discontinuation. Additionally, 40% of respondents consistently underwent imaging before treatment tapering. CONCLUSIONS: The relative risks of treatment continuation and withdrawal should be considered, and decisions should be made accordingly. To obtain improved understanding of and more robust evidence for the optimal strategies for safely discontinuing JIA treatment, it is crucial to continue investigations, including long-term outcomes.

Delayed global standardization and prefectural disparities in systematic lupus erythematosus treatment in Japan: a nationwide study using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the status of the global standardization of, and prefectural differences in, systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatments in Japan. METHODS: The Japanese National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB Japan) was used. A patient with SLE was defined as having a disease with ICD10 code M321 or M329 between April 2019 and March 2020, for which oral corticosteroids (OCS), immunosuppressive agents or biologic agents were prescribed at least once during a given month. SLE treatments were evaluated by treatment center type and prefecture. RESULTS: In total, 74,277 patients met the definition of SLE. The SLE prevalence was 60 per 100,000 (range: 47 - 102 per 100,000 by prefecture). Nationwide, 79.4% of the patients (range: 52.1% - 93.3% by prefecture) visited a specialized treatment center (STC); 37.4% (range: 26.4% - 51.3% by prefecture) received only OCS, with fewer of these patients visiting a STC than a non-STC (34.8% and 49.7%, p<0.001); and 21.4% (range: 10.7% - 35.0%) received HCQ, with more of these patients visiting a STC than a non-STC (23.0% and 13.5%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NDB Japan demonstrated delayed global standardization of, and prefectural disparity in, SLE treatments in Japan.

Effects of cyclophosphamide administration on ovarian dysfunction in pediatric patients with connective tissue diseases: A systematic scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic scoping review assess the effect of cyclophosphamide (CY) administration during childhood on ovarian function in patients with juvenile-onset connective tissue diseases. METHODS: A MEDLINE database search was conducted using terms related to CY, juvenile-onset connective tissue diseases, and ovarian function. Studies were included if they met specific criteria. RESULTS: The search, conducted on 28 November 2023, yielded 3328 references. After a two-stage screening process, six observational studies on systemic lupus erythematosus patients were included. All studies had a high risk of confounding bias, as none adjusted for confounding variables. Two studies assessing clinical ovarian dysfunction found no clear difference between CY and non-CY groups. However, statistical differences were observed in hormonal profiles. Decreased ovarian reserve was more frequent in CY-exposed patients. Two studies showed significantly higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the CY group, while one showed a trend towards higher FSH levels without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This review suggested that CY use in childhood may not conclusively have clinically significant effects on ovarian function. Further investigation needed on CY's effect on hormonal levels, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes.

Nationwide epidemiological survey of juvenile idiopathic arthritis during transition to young adulthood in Japan using the National Database of Designated Incurable Diseases of Japan.

Objectives We aimed to assess the unmet medical needs of young adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis by evaluating real-world treatment data. Methods We analyzed data on juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the 20-29 age group from the National Database of Designated Incurable Diseases of Japan, which records severe cases or those requiring high-cost medical care registered between April 2018 and March 2020. Results Overall, 322 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis transitioning to adulthood were included. A high frequency of methotrexate use was observed among all juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes. The frequency of methotrexate use at registration was significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid factor-positive polyarthritis and those with oligoarthritis or polyarthritis than in those with systemic arthritis. The historical use percentage of any biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug was ≥85% for all juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes. The proportion of patients with ≥2 biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug prescriptions was significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid factor-positive polyarthritis than in those with systemic arthritis. Conclusions High-cost drugs were necessary for many patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis transitioning to young adulthood and registered in the database. Further studies on the medical interventions and support for these patients are needed.

The real-world clinical decisions of physicians in the management of Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis in Japan: A cross-sectional web-questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES: To access the real-world clinical management of physicians who treat Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) after the publication of the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) 2017 Guidelines for the Management of Vasculitis Syndrome. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study utilized self-administered electronic questionnaires, which were answered in February 2022 by physicians treating TAK or GCA and registered with Macromill Inc. RESULTS: The 329 survey respondents comprised 110 cardiologists, 110 rheumatologists, 34 cardiovascular surgeons, 24 surgeons, 35 internal medicine physicians, 13 nephrologists, and 7 pediatricians. The 2017 JCS Guidelines were the most commonly referenced information source for resolving clinical questions, accessed by 70% of respondents. Ophthalmoscopy was performed in only 50% of patients with TAK, and in 70% for GCA. The median percentages of patients who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography for TAK and GCA patients were 23% and 20% at diagnosis, respectively, and 10% each at follow-up within 12 months. Tocilizumab was the most frequently used medication in combination with glucocorticoids for both TAK and GCA, especially in remission induction therapy for relapsed patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of physician treating TAK and GCA referred to the 2017 JCS guidelines. This report clarified the current clinical practice for large vessel vasculitis in Japan, providing information for the next revision of the guidelines.

Physician approval for pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus showing only serological activity: A vignette survey study.

OBJECTIVE: The European League Against Rheumatism recommends that the disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus should be stable before pregnancy because complications and disease flares increase if pregnancy occurs while disease activity is high. However, some patients have ongoing serological activity even after treatment. Herein, we investigated how physicians decide on the acceptability of pregnancy in patients showing only serological activity. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered from December 2020 to January 2021. It included the characteristics of physicians, facilities, and the allowance for pregnancies of patients using vignette scenarios. RESULTS: The questionnaire was distributed to 4946 physicians, and 9.4% responded. The median age of respondents was 46 years, and 85% were rheumatologists. Pregnancy allowance was significantly affected by the duration of the stable period and status of serological activity [duration: proportion difference 11.8 percentage points (p.p.), P < .001; mild activity: proportion difference -25.8 p.p., P < .001; high activity: proportion difference -65.6 p.p., P < .001]. For patients with high-level serological activity, 20.5% of physicians allowed pregnancy if there were no clinical symptoms for 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Serological activity had a significant effect on the acceptability of pregnancy. However, some physicians allowed patients with serological activity alone to become pregnant. Further observational studies are required to clarify such prognoses.

Development of quality indicators for pregnancy and childbirth in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: A quality indicator for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy and childbirth that is useful for sharing standard treatment policies has not yet been developed. This study aimed to develop a quality indicator for systemic lupus erythematosus associated with pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS: To identify candidate quality indicators, we conducted a systematic literature review on the development of quality indicators for systemic lupus erythematosus related to pregnancy and childbirth and on clinical practice guidelines. Candidate quality indicator items were extracted from the final selected articles, and a first evaluation, panel meeting, and second evaluation were conducted to determine whether the candidate items were appropriate as quality indicators. Items for which all panel members reached a consensus were designated pregnancy and childbirth-related systemic lupus erythematosus quality indicators. RESULTS: Four articles on systemic lupus erythematosus-quality indicator development and 28 practice guidelines were listed through abstract/text screening. Based on these studies, 52 candidate quality indicators were extracted that were limited to items related to pregnancy and childbirth, and 41 items were selected on which all panel members agreed. CONCLUSION: We developed pregnancy-related systemic lupus erythematosus quality indicators using the RAND/UCLA method and selected 41 items, which could be used clinically.

Challenges Nurses Face in Providing Care for Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at identifying challenges nurses face in caring for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Japan. METHODS: Nurses certified by the Japan Rheumatism Foundation were asked to describe their challenges with caring for JIA patients. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Responses were collected from 89 participants. 58 issues were identified from 40 participants with experience caring for JIA patients. Sixteen categories emerged, grouped into five challenges: communication, understanding, expertise, system, and collaboration. Care for JIA patients included different challenges from adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, such as complicated patient-parent relationships, inadequate patient independence and insufficient patient information. Moreover, 76 issues from 49 participants with no experience were identified. Seven categories emerged, grouped into two challenges: expertise and opportunity. Issues included in expertise between both groups were similar. Even with no experience caring for JIA patients, nurses recognized the importance of acquiring knowledge. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in Japan regarding the difficulties nurses face in caring for JIA patients. Multidisciplinary team care and a comprehensive understanding of the patient journey, including relationships with guardians, acquaintances, and healthcare providers, is crucial to improve treatment outcome and overall patient quality of life.

Challenges Nurses Face in Providing Care to Older Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify challenges nurses face in providing care to older patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japan. Methods: Nurses certified by the Japan Rheumatism Foundation were requested via mail to describe challenges in providing care to older RA patients. Qualitative content analysis was used. RESULTS: 182 issues were identified from 152 responses. Twenty categories were grouped into seven components, five of which focused on patients: (1) lack of patient understanding, (2) lack of understanding and support from surrounding people, (3) numerous comorbidities and complications, (4) challenges related to physical strength, and (5) financial issues. Two focused on nurses: (6) lack of knowledge of nurses, and (7) inadequate systems and environment in the workplace. Various difficulties, such as polypharmacy due to multimorbidity, lifestyle issues due to aged couples or those living alone, as well as inadequate decision-making and informed consent due to cognitive decline were also identified. CONCLUSION: Nurses experienced numerous medical and non-medical difficulties in providing care to older RA patients. Assessing patients' comprehension and self-management, and grasping their situations at home are necessary. Along with the improvement of nurses' knowledge and skills, support from their workplace and multidisciplinary team care including families is crucial.

Pregnancy and childbirth in Takayasu arteritis in Japan: A nationwide retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the status quo of medical treatments of the primary disease and pregnancy outcomes in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and children's birth outcomes. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled patients with TAK who conceived after the disease onset and were managed at medical facilities participating in the Japan Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis. RESULTS: This study enrolled 51 cases and 68 pregnancies 2019-2021. Of these, 48 cases and 65 pregnancies (95.6%) resulted in delivery and live-born babies. The median age of diagnosis and delivery was 22 and 31, respectively. Preconception therapy included prednisolone (PSL) in 51 (78.5%, median 7.5 mg/day), immunosuppressants in 18 (27.7%), and biologics in 12 (18.5%) pregnancies. Six cases underwent surgical treatment before pregnancy. Medications during pregnancy included PSL in 48 (73.8%, median: 9 mg/day), immunosuppressants in 13 (20.0%), and biologics in 9 (13.8%) pregnancies. Enlargement of an aneurysm was reported in one pregnancy, which might be associated with increased circulating plasma volume. TAK relapsed in 4 (6.2%) and 8 (12.3%) pregnancies during pregnancy and after delivery, respectively. Additionally, 13/62 (20.9%) preterm infants and 17/59 (28.8%) low birth weight infants were observed, and none had serious postnatal abnormalities. Of the 51 confirmed infants, 42 (82.4%) were exclusively breastfed or mixed with formula. CONCLUSION: Most pregnancies in TAK were manageable with PSL at ≤10 mg/day. Relapse during pregnancy and postpartum occurred in <20% of pregnancies.

Promoting awareness of terminology related to unmet medical needs in context of rheumatic diseases in Japan: a systematic review for evaluating unmet medical needs.

To optimize patient prognosis, patient needs, including unmet needs, should be adequately assessed. However, such needs are more challenging to report and, consequently, more likely to go unmet compared with the needs reported by physicians. We aimed to determine the appropriate direction of future research on unmet medical needs in rheumatic diseases in Japan by conducting a literature review. We searched PubMed and Web of Science using 23 terms linked to unmet medical needs for major rheumatic diseases in Japan. Further, we collected articles on health-related quality of life and investigated the scales used for assessment, as well as whether the terms "unmet needs" or "unmet medical needs" were used. We identified 949 papers on 10 diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult-onset Still's disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, Takayasu arteritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and Behçet's disease; 25 of the 949 papers were selected for full-text review. Fifteen articles on five diseases were related to health-related quality of life. The term "unmet needs" was used in only one article. Six out of 15 studies used the 36-item short form survey, whereas the scales used in other studies differed. The optimal treatment plan determined by a physician may not necessarily align with the best interests of the patient. In clinical research, cross sectional and standardized indicators of health-related quality of life should be employed along with highly discretionary questionnaires to assess and optimize resource allocation in healthcare and simultaneously achieve patient-desired outcomes.

A multicentre, large-scale, observational study of tocilizumab in patients with Takayasu arteritis in Japan: The ACTEMRA® (ACT)-Bridge study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the real-world tolerability and effectiveness of tocilizumab in Japanese patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS: Patients with TAK who had not received tocilizumab in the previous 6 months were enrolled in ACTEMRA® (ACT)-Bridge, a phase 4, observational study, from 66 Japanese institutions (enrolment period, September 2017 to September 2020) and received weekly subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 mg (observation period, 52 weeks). RESULTS: Among 120 patients included (mean age, 38.4 years; mean disease duration, 7.7 years; treated for relapse, 50.8%; previous immunosuppressant use, 57.5%; glucocorticoid use at baseline, 97.5%), 49 (40.8%) reported adverse events. The most common adverse event of special interest was serious infection (7.5%). Relapse was observed in 24 (20.0%) patients (0.8%, 2.5%, and 16.7% reporting ≥3, 2, and 1 relapses, respectively). The reasons for diagnosing relapse included chest and back pain (45.8%), neck pain (25.0%), fatigue (16.7%), fever and headache (12.5% each), abnormal imaging findings (50.0%), and elevated inflammatory markers (16.7%). At the last observation, 83.0% of relapse-free patients recorded a concomitant glucocorticoid dose (prednisolone equivalent) <10 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of tocilizumab in patients with TAK, with no new safety concerns. Tocilizumab plus glucocorticoids may be considered a treatment option for TAK.

Association of disease activity using SDAI and DAS28, but not JADAS-27, with subsequent changes in physical function in adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate an optimal composite score for disease activity in adult JIA from the viewpoint of the subsequent changes in physical function. METHODS: Patients with JIA under the following conditions were enrolled: 1) disease onset < 18 years; 2) registered in the database by Tokyo Women's Medical University for the first time between 2000 and 2020; and 3) ≥18 years old at the time of registration. Patients were stratified according to mean disease activity scores in SDAI, DAS28, and JADAS-27 during the first year from baseline. Trends of estimated mean change in Japanese-HAQ score (ΔJ-HAQ) from baseline to 2 years later was examined across the stratified groups of each index. RESULTS: We included 294 eligible individuals (median age at onset, 14.0 years; RF positive in 64.7%). A significant increasing trend of the estimated mean ΔJ-HAQ at 2 years after baseline was observed along with an increase in the mean disease activity during the first year measured using DAS28 (p = 0.01) and SDAI (p = 0.018), but not using JADAS-27. CONCLUSIONS: Disease activity measured using SDAI and DAS28, but not using JADAS27, was significantly associated with subsequent changes in physical function in adult patients with JIA.

A multicentre, large-scale, observational study of tocilizumab in patients with giant cell arteritis in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: In clinical trials, tocilizumab (TCZ) is efficacious in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). This study evaluated the real-world tolerability and effectiveness of TCZ in Japanese patients with GCA. METHODS: In this multicentre, prospective, phase 4, large-scale, observational study, patients with GCA (with no TCZ treatment 6 months before the study) were recruited from 71 centres across Japan. Patients received subcutaneous TCZ 162 mg weekly (observation period, 52 weeks). RESULTS: Of the 117 patients (female, 70.1%; mean age, 74.2 years; mean disease duration, 1.4 years; treated for new-onset GCA, 71.8%; presence of large-vessel lesions [LVLs], 61.5%; previous immunosuppressant use, 28.2%; glucocorticoids at baseline, 95.7% [mean: 22.4 mg/day]), 38.5% reported adverse events. The most common adverse events of special interest were neutropenia and leukopenia (7.7%), followed by serious infection (6.0%). The relapse-free proportion was 85.0%; relapse after remission, 6.0%; and no remission, 9.0%. At the last observation, 94.2% of relapse-free patients received a concomitant glucocorticoid dose of <10 mg/day. Fatigue, headache, neck pain and absence of LVLs were positively associated with the relapse. CONCLUSIONS: TCZ was effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with GCA and may be an effective treatment option combined with glucocorticoids.

Nationwide clinical and epidemiological study of large-vessel vasculitis in Japan in 2017.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a nationwide epidemiological study to estimate the number of patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in Japan and to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients. METHODS: The first survey was designed to estimate the number of patients with TAK and GCA who were treated at medical institutions in Japan in 2017. The second survey was designed to collect data on the clinical characteristics of the patients who were reported in the first survey. RESULTS: Of the 3495 institutions selected for the first survey, 1960 (56.1%) responded. The number of patients with clinically diagnosed TAK and GCA was estimated to be 5320 (95% confidence interval, 4810-5820) and 3200 (95% confidence interval, 2830-3570), respectively. Aortic regurgitation was reported in 35% of patients with TAK, and eye-related comorbidities were observed in 30.4% of patients with GCA. The common carotid and internal carotid arteries were the most frequently involved in patients with TAK (62.7%). Subclavian artery lesions and thoracic or abdominal aorta lesions were reported in 31% and 42.6% of patients with GCA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients with TAK and GCA was estimated simultaneously, and significant differences in clinical characteristics were observed between the two diseases.

Challenges faced by nurses engaged in rheumatology care in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by nurses engaged in rheumatology care in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire survey of nurses in Japan in 2020 on challenges experienced in rheumatology care. The participants were nurses certified by the Japan Rheumatism Foundation. Participants' answers were coded and categorized based on relevant phrases and words. Content analysis was performed on the findings. RESULTS: Responses were collected from 162 participants, and a total of 228 issues were identified. Eighteen categories with 56 subcategories emerged from the data analysis, which were grouped into five types of challenges: (1) communication, (2) understanding, (3) expertise, (4) system, and (5) collaboration. In particular, the results highlighted deficiencies in needs-based multidisciplinary team care. CONCLUSION: This study elucidated issues experienced by rheumatology nurses in clinical settings in Japan. Furthermore, this investigation revealed the necessity of patient-centered multidisciplinary team care, including health professionals, patients, and other relevant individuals. This study provided practical directions to facilitate the implementation of effective care focused on improving patients' quality of life.

Epidemiology conduction of paediatric rheumatic diseases based on the registry database of the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Although epidemiological surveys of paediatric rheumatic diseases in Japan have been conducted, they were single surveys with no continuity. This is the first report of the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan registry database, which was established to continuously collect data for paediatric rheumatic diseases. METHODS: Pediatric Rheumatology International Collaborate Unit Registry version 2 (PRICUREv2) is a registry database established by the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan. The registry data were analysed for the age of onset, time to diagnosis, sex differences, seasonality, and other factors. RESULTS: Our data showed the same trend regarding rates of paediatric rheumatic diseases reported in Japan and other countries. The age of onset was lower in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile dermatomyositis and higher in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome. The time to diagnosis was relatively short in JIA and systemic lupus erythematosus but longer in juvenile dermatomyositis and Sjögren's syndrome. Rheumatoid factor-positive polyarticular JIA showed a seasonality cluster with regard to onset. CONCLUSION: PRICUREv2 aided the retrieval and evaluation of current epidemiological information on patients with paediatric rheumatic diseases. It is expected that the data collection will be continued and will be useful for expanding research in Japan.

Anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody-positive inflammatory myopathies represent extensive myositis without dermatomyositis-specific rash.

OBJECTIVES: Myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) define distinct clinical subsets of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). The anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) antibody, a MSA detected in juvenile/adult IIMs, has been reported to be associated with a high risk of subcutaneous calcinosis, subcutaneous oedema and internal malignancies. The study aimed to clarify the clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive IIMs in detail. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective observational study on 76 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive patients. The antibody was detected via a serological assay using immunoprecipitation and western blotting. The patients were selected from 162 consecutive Japanese patients with IIMs. RESULTS: The cohort of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive IIMs included 29 juvenile patients and 47 adult patients. Twenty-seven (35.5%) patients presented with polymyositis phenotype without dermatomyositis-specific skin manifestations (heliotrope rash or Gottron sign/papules); this was more common in the adults than children (48.9% vs 15.8%, P < 0.01). Nine (11.8%) patients had subcutaneous calcinosis, and 20 (26.3%) patients had subcutaneous oedema. In addition, the proportion of patients with muscle weakness extending to the distal limbs was high (36 patients [47.4%]) in this cohort. Adult patients had a higher prevalence of malignancy than the general population (age-standardized incidence ratio of malignancies: 22.4). CONCLUSION: Anti-NXP2 antibody-positive IIMs, which include dermatomyositis sine dermatitis, are characterized by atypical skin manifestations and extensive muscular involvement.

Checklist for rapid assessment of independence in children with pediatric rheumatic diseases in transition to adult medical care.

OBJECTIVES: The Committee for Support of Transition to Adult Medical Care, Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan, has developed a checklist for patients with pediatric rheumatologic diseases to evaluate readiness for transition to adult medical care. METHODS: Using checklists for general pediatric chronic diseases developed by researchers at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, committee members discussed points for modification or addition specific to pediatric rheumatic diseases and pediatric rheumatism clinical practice. RESULTS: Three patient-assessment checklists based on patient age and understanding level and a parent-assessment checklist were developed. The checklist for junior high school students and above included a 'Health Education in Adolescence and Young Adulthood' section with items related to sexual knowledge and concerns. Also, items on oral medications and subcutaneous injections management in the 'Self-management of Daily Medical Care,' domain and next medical visits management were added. The checklist for junior high school students included 30 items in seven domains and can be completed within 10 minutes. The checklist was given to 28 children with pediatric rheumatic diseases aged 10 years and older and their mothers. CONCLUSION: The checklist was developed to share the challenges of independence during transition with patients and parents.

Trends in actual medication use for child-onset systemic lupus erythematosus using the Japanese health insurance database 2009-18.

OBJECTIVES: Immunosuppressive therapy is the mainstay of treatment for child-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Since epidemiological data on Japanese cSLE patients are not available, we evaluated the trends in how treatment choices have changed over time in Japan. METHODS: Using the Japanese health insurance database provided by Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd, we identified cSLE patients and evaluated changes in the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications and maximum daily doses of prednisolone from 2009 to 2018. RESULTS: Of 182 cSLE patients, 86% were female, and the median age was 14 years. Oral prednisolone was used in more than 97% of cSLE patients during the study period, and the median of the maximum daily dose in each patient decreased over time. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was used less frequently after 2016, while mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine were used frequently after 2016. The use of mizoribine reduced after 2014, whereas the other immunosuppressive medications showed no significant change over time; the use of biological agents was very limited. CONCLUSIONS: Oral prednisolone was the mainstay of treatment for cSLE, and the maximum daily dose has reduced over the past decade. The most frequently prescribed immunosuppressive therapy has shifted to mycophenolate mofetil over time.