Acute lymphoblastic leukemia masquerading as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic pitfall and association with survival

Integrative analysis reveals novel insights into juvenile idiopathic arthritis pathogenesis and shared molecular pathways with associated traits

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune joint disease that frequently co-occurs with other complex phenotypes, including cancers and other autoimmune diseases. Despite the identification of numerous risk variants through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the affected genes, their connection to JIA pathogenesis, and their role in the development of associated traits remain unclear. This study aims to address these gaps by elucidating the gene-regulatory mechanisms underlying JIA pathogenesis and exploring its potential role in the emergence of associated traits.

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to identify blood-expressed genes causally linked to JIA. A curated protein interaction network was subsequently used to identify sets of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (i.e., spatial eQTL SNPs) that regulate the expression of JIA causal genes and their protein interaction partners. These SNPs were cross-referenced against the GWAS catalog to identify statistically enriched traits associated with JIA.

Results

The two-sample MR analysis identified 52 genes whose expression changes in the blood are putatively causal for JIA. These genes (e.g., HLA, LTA, LTB, IL6ST) participate in a range of immune-related pathways (e.g., antigen presentation, cytokine signalling) and demonstrate cell type-specific regulatory patterns across different immune cell types (e.g., PPP1R11 in CD4+ T cells). The spatial eQTLs that regulate JIA causal genes and their interaction partners were statistically enriched for GWAS SNPs linked with 95 other traits, including both known and novel JIA-associated traits. This integrative analysis identified genes whose dysregulation may explain the links between JIA and associated traits, such as autoimmune/inflammatory diseases (genes at 6p22.1 locus), Hodgkin lymphoma (genes at 6p21.3 [FKBPL, PBX2, AGER]), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (BAK1).

Conclusion

Our approach provides a significant advance in understanding the genetic architecture of JIA and associated traits. The results suggest that the burden of associated traits may differ among JIA patients, influenced by their combined genetic risk across different clusters of traits. Future experimental validation of the identified connections could pave the way for refined patient stratification, the discovery of new biomarkers, and shared therapeutic targets.

Inflammatory Biomarkers Can Differentiate Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Arthropathy from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Better Than Standard Blood Tests

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of biomarkers of inflammation like phagocyte-related S100 proteins and a panel of inflammatory cytokines in order to differentiate the child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, we measured S100A9, S100A12, and 14 cytokines in serum from children with ALL (n = 150, including 27 with arthropathy) and JIA (n = 236). We constructed predictive models computing areas under the curve (AUC) as well as predicted probabilities in order to differentiate ALL from JIA. Logistic regression was used for predictions of ALL risk, considering the markers as the respective exposures. We performed internal validation using repeated 10-fold cross-validation and recalibration, adjusted for age.

RESULTS

In ALL, the levels of S100A9, S100A12, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and myeloperoxidase were low compared with JIA (P < .001). IL-13 had an AUC of 100% (95% CI 100%-100%) due to no overlap between the serum levels in the 2 groups. Further, IL-4 and S100A9 had high predictive performance with AUCs of 99% (95% CI 97%-100%) and 98% (95% CI 94%-99%), respectively, exceeding both hemoglobin, platelets, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The biomarkers S100A9, IL-4, and IL-13 might be valuable markers to differentiate ALL from JIA.

Development and Initial Validation of the ONCOREUM Score to Differentiate Childhood Cancer with Arthropathy from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a weighted score, the ONCOREUM score, that aids physicians in differentiation of cancer with arthropathy from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

STUDY DESIGN

Data were extracted from the ONCOREUM Study, a multicenter, cross-sectional investigation aimed at comparing children with cancer and arthropathy to children with JIA. Three statistical approaches were applied to develop the ONCOREUM score and assess the role of each variable in the diagnosis of cancer with arthropathy, including 2 approaches based on multivariable stepwise selection (models 1 and 2) and 1 approach on a Bayesian model averaging method (model 3). The β coefficients estimated in the models were used to assign score points. Considering that not missing a child with cancer is a mandatory clinical objective, discriminating performance was assessed by fixing sensitivity at 100%. Score performance was evaluated in both developmental and validation samples (representing 80% and 20% of the study population, respectively).

RESULTS

Patients with cancer and arthropathy (49 with solid tumors and 46 with hematologic malignancies without peripheral blasts) and 677 patients with JIA were included. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) in the validation data set was yielded by model 1, which was selected to constitute the ONCOREUM score. The score ranged from -18 to 21.8, and the optimal cutoff obtained through ROC analysis was -6. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the cutoff in the validation sample were 100%, 70%, and 0.85, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ONCOREUM score is a powerful and easily applicable tool that may facilitate early differentiation of malignancies with articular complaints from JIA.

Magnetic resonance imaging of a pediatric case of arthritis associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report

In the present case report, a 3-year-old girl presented with a 1-week history of spontaneously resolving right knee pain. After 1 month, the patient had trouble ambulating due to painful swelling of their ankle. Rheumatic disease, specifically juvenile idiopathic arthritis, was considered. Blood examination could not be conducted because their blood sample was coagulated. T₁-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormally low signals in the femur, tibia, fibula and foot bone marrow. Contrast-enhanced T₁-weighted MRI revealed synovial contrast enhancement and synovial fluid retention in the right ankle joint. Blood analysis revealed a white blood cell count of 40,000/µl (blasts, 66%). In addition, a monoclonal increase in the number of lymphoblasts was observed. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Reports on leukemic arthritis resembling synovitis on MRI remain limited. The findings of this report indicated that pediatricians should consider leukemia in children presenting with joint symptoms.

Musculoskeletal involvement in childhood leukemia: Characteristics and survival outcomes

BACKGROUND : Childhood leukemia with musculoskeletal (MSK) involvement mimics various conditions, which consequently leads to diagnostic delays. The clinical implication of MSK involvement in this disease on survival outcomes is inconclusive. This study aimed to compare characteristics and survival outcomes between MSK and non-MSK involvement in childhood leukemia.

METHODS

The medical records of children newly diagnosed with acute leukemia of an age under 15 years were retrospectively reviewed. Two-to-one nearest-neighbor propensity score-matching was performed to obtain matched groups with and without MSK involvement. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were then used to assess the effect of MSK involvement on survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1042 childhood leukemia cases, 81 (7.8%) children had MSK involvement at initial presentation. MSK involvement was more likely in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia than acute myeloid leukemia (p < 0.05). Hematologic abnormalities were less frequent in the MSK involvement group (p < 0.05). The absence of peripheral blast cells was significantly higher in the MSK involvement group (17.3% vs 9.6%, p = 0.04). Normal complete blood counts with absence of peripheral blast cells were found 2.5% of the children with MSK involvement. By propensity score-matching for comparable risk groups of children with and without MSK involvement, the 5-year overall survival was not significantly different (48.2% vs 57.4%, respectively, p = 0.22), nor was event-free survival (43.3% vs 51.8%, respectively, p = 0.31).

CONCLUSION

Childhood leukemia with MSK involvement had the characteristics of minimal or absent hematologic abnormalities and peripheral blast counts.

Pediatric Leukemia From an Orthopedic Perspective: A Case of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Initially Managed as Septic Hip With Osteomyelitis

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents the most common pediatric cancer accounting for about one-third of all malignancies in childhood. The differential diagnosis for a pediatric patient manifesting with joint pain and refusal to bear weight is wide and includes trauma, transient synovitis, septic arthritis, rheumatologic disorders, and malignancy. Overt complaints from the musculoskeletal system as the initial manifestation of ALL may present in up to 30% of cases with normal laboratory tests and without hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy, perplexing the establishment of a definite diagnosis. Herein, we report the case of a three-year-old male who presented with recurrent hip pain and fever masquerading as septic arthritis recalcitrant to intravenous (IV) antibiotics, irrigation, and debridement of the hip joint with a final diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia confirmed by bone marrow biopsy.

M-ficolin: a valuable biomarker to identify leukaemia from juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Distinction on clinical grounds between acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting with arthropathy (ALLarthropathy) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is difficult, as the clinical and paraclinical signs of leukaemia may be vague. The primary aim was to examine the use of lectin complement pathway proteins as markers to differentiate ALLarthropathy from JIA. The secondary aims were to compare the protein levels at baseline and follow-up in a paired number of children with ALL and to examine the correlation with haematology counts, erythrocyte sedimentation reaction (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), blasts, relapse and death.

STUDY DESIGN

In this observational study, we measured M-ficolin, CL-K1 and MASP-3 in serum from children with ALL (n=151) and JIA (n=238) by time-resolved immunofluorometric assays. Logistic regression was used for predictions of ALL risk, considering the markers as the respective exposures. We performed internal validation using repeated '10-fold cross-validation' with 100 repetitions computing the area under the curve (AUC) as well as positive and negative predictive values in order to evaluate the predictive performance.

RESULTS

The level of M-ficolin was higher in JIA than ALLtotal and the ALLarthropathy subgroup. The M-ficolin level normalised after remission of ALL. M-ficolin could differentiate ALL from JIA with an AUC of 94% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%, exceeding CRP and haemoglobin. In a dichotomised predictive model with optimal cut-offs for M-ficolin, platelets and haemoglobin, AUC was 99% and PPV 98% in detecting ALL from JIA.

CONCLUSION

M-ficolin is a valuable marker to differentiate the child with ALL from JIA.

Musculoskeletal Diagnoses before Cancer in Children: A Danish Registry-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal diagnoses recorded 6 months before the diagnosis of cancer and to evaluate whether preceding musculoskeletal diagnoses affected survival.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a nationwide registry-based cohort study including all children under 15 years of age diagnosed with cancer in Denmark over a 23-year period (1996-2018). The Danish National Patient Registry was used to identify musculoskeletal diagnoses and associated dates recorded within 6 months preceding the diagnosis of cancer. We compared the characteristics of children with and without a prior musculoskeletal diagnoses using prevalence ratios and 95% CI and diagnostic interval as median with IQR. We compared survival using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, and presence of metastasis at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 3895 children with all types of cancer, 264 (7%) had a total of 451 hospital visits with musculoskeletal diagnosis within 6 months preceding the diagnosis of cancer; however, survival was not affected. The overall median diagnostic interval from first musculoskeletal diagnosis (within 6 months before cancer diagnosis) to cancer diagnosis was 15 days (IQR, 7-47 days). A diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, unspecified arthritis, and arthropathy each accounted for 5% of the contacts, primarily in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, bone sarcomas, or neuroblastomas.

CONCLUSIONS

A preliminary musculoskeletal diagnosis occurred in 7% of children with cancer, but did not affect the overall survival.

Musculoskeletal manifestations of childhood cancer and differential diagnosis with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (ONCOREUM): a multicentre, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Presenting symptoms of childhood cancers might mimic those of rheumatic diseases. However, the evidence available to guide differential diagnosis remains scarce. Preventing wrong or delayed diagnosis is therefore important to avoid incorrect administration of glucocorticoid or immunosuppressive therapy and worsening of prognosis. As such, we aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of presenting musculoskeletal manifestations in patients at cancer onset and to identify the factors that differentiate childhood malignancies with arthropathy from juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, cross-sectional study at 25 paediatric haemato-oncology centres and 22 paediatric rheumatology centres in Italy. We prospectively recruited patients who were younger than 16 years that were newly diagnosed with cancer or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We excluded patients with glucocorticoid pre-treatment (>1 mg/kg per day of oral prednisone or equivalent for ≥2 consecutive weeks). We collected data for patients with a new diagnosis of cancer or juvenile idiopathic arthritis using an electronic case report form on a web-based platform powered by the Cineca Interuniversity Consortium. The primary outcome was to describe the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal manifestations at cancer onset; and the secondary outcome was to identify factors that could discriminate malignancies presenting with arthropathy, with or without other musculoskeletal symptoms, from juvenile idiopathic arthritis using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

FINDINGS

Between May 1, 2015, and May 31, 2018, 1957 patients were eligible, of which 1277 (65%) had cancer and 680 (35%) had juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Musculoskeletal symptoms occurred in 324 (25% [95% CI 23·0-27·8]) of 1277 patients with cancer, of whom 207 had arthropathy. Patients with malignant bone tumours had the highest frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms (53 [80%] of 66), followed by patients with Langerhans histiocytosis (16 [47%] of 34), leukaemia (189 [32%] of 582), soft-tissue sarcomas (16 [24%] of 68), and neuroblastoma (21 [19%] of 109). In the 324 patients with cancer and musculoskeletal symptoms, the most common complaints were joint pain (199 [61%]), followed by limb bone pain (112 [35%]). Joint involvement had a prevalent monoarticular pattern (100 [48%] of 207) and oligoarticular pattern (86 [42%] had 2-4 joints involved and 20 [10%] had >4 joints involved), with the most frequently involved joints being the hip (88 [43%] of 207) and knee (81 [39%]). On multivariable analysis, limb bone pain was the independent variable most strongly associated with cancer (odds ratio [OR] 87·80 [95% CI 18·89-408·12]), followed by weight loss (59·88 [6·34-565·53]), thrombocytopenia (12·67 [2·40-66·92]), monoarticular involvement (11·30 [4·09-31·19]), hip involvement (3·30 [1·13-9·61]), and male sex (2·40 [1·03-5·58]). Factors independently associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were morning stiffness (OR 0·04 [95% CI 0·01-0·20]), joint swelling (0·03 [0·01-0·09]), and involvement of the small hand joints (0·02 [0-1·05]).

INTERPRETATION

Our study provides detailed information about presenting musculoskeletal manifestations of childhood cancers and highlights the clinical and laboratory features that are most helpful in the differential diagnosis with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

FUNDING

Associazione Lorenzo Risolo.

Pain Management in Childhood Leukemia: Diagnosis and Available Analgesic Treatments

Pain is one of the most common symptoms in children suffering from leukemia, who are often misdiagnosed with other childhood painful diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis (ON) and vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) are the most common painful manifestations. Additionally, ongoing pain may continue to impact quality of life in survivorship. This narrative review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain in childhood leukemia and current available indications for analgesic treatments. Pain management in children is often inadequate because of difficulties in pain assessment, different indications across countries, and the lack of specific pediatric trials. Analgesic drugs are often prescribed off-label to children by extrapolating information from adult guidelines, with possible increased risk of adverse events. Optimal pain management should involve a multidisciplinary team to ensure assessment and interventions tailored to the individual patient.

Orthopedic manifestation as the presenting symptom of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is delayed due to vague presentation and normal hematological investigations.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives were to identify the frequency of ALL cases presented to the orthopedic department and with normal hematological investigations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

250 consecutive ALL cases were retrospectively evaluated to identify cases with musculoskeletal manifestations, and laboratory investigations.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (4- vertebral compression fractures, 12- joint pain, 6- bone pain), presented primarily to the orthopedic department. Six patients had a normal peripheral smear.

CONCLUSION

The primary physician should maintain a high index of suspicion despite a normal peripheral smear.

Identifying acute lymphoblastic leukemia mimicking juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children

Objective

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may present with arthritis implying the risk of being misdiagnosed as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to identify predictors for ALL based on clinical and laboratory information.

Methods

This cross-sectional, retrospective study compared clinical presentation and laboratory results of 26 children with ALL and arthritis versus 485 children with JIA (433 non-systemic, 52 systemic JIA). Using a Bayesian score approach the findings were evaluated by calculating odds ratios (OR) and lnOR as a measure of diagnostic weight.

Results

Distinction on clinical grounds was difficult, as even a high number of joints involved did not exclude ALL. One or more hematologic cell counts were low (Hb <10 g/dL, platelet count <100 x 10⁹/L, neutrophil count < 1.0 x 10⁹/L) in 92% with ALL, 25% with systemic JIA and 10% with non-systemic JIA. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia had the highest ORs of 128 (95% CI 43–387) and 129 (95% CI 26–638), each giving a diagnostic weight of 4. The estimated risks of ALL were 0.2% with normal cell counts and 9%, 67% and 100% when one, two or three cell lines were affected.

Conclusion

A simple count of cell lines with low counts can serve as a basic diagnostic strategy. Children with tri- or bilinear involvement should be referred to a bone marrow, and those with unilinear involvement a thorough screen for further evidence of ALL (organomegaly, ESR, LDH, uric acid, and blood smear).

Recurrent arthritis: an unusual diagnosis

Musculoskeletal complaints may be the initial manifestation of childhood leukaemias. When these symptoms predominate at the onset, a diagnosis of one of several rheumatic diseases may be entertained. Where blood tests are normal, no bone marrow examination would normally be indicated. The use of immune-suppressing medication, such as steroids, may lead to diagnostic delay or misdiagnosis.

Early stage Acute B lymphocytic leukemia presenting with symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS): A case report

RATIONALE

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has acute and severe onset characterized by fever, moderate to severe anemia, bone and joint pain, and sternal tenderness. It is easy to be misdiagnosed as rheumatic disease when joint pain is the first symptom.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A male Han, 18 years of age was admitted on July 15th, 2016 for multi-joint swelling and pain with intermittent fever for half a year which had aggravated in the last 10 days.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on symptoms, imaging, family history, and blood tests, he was first diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, but he was refractory to treatment. Bone marrow biopsy then revealed acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (possibility Pro-B-ALL).

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was transferred to the hematology department on July 23rd, 2016 for chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

No joint pain occurred during follow-up, which ended on November 4th, 2018.

LESSONS

ALL may present with symptoms suggestive of rheumatic diseases like ankylosing spondylitis. Physicians should be aware of this possibility, especially in young patients.

Persistent osteoarticular pain in children: early clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (a multicenter case-control study of 147 patients)

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify early clinical and laboratory features that distinguish acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children presenting with persistent bone or joint pain for at least 1 month.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter case-control study and reviewed medical records of children who initially presented with bone or joint pain lasting for at least 1 month, all of whom were given a secondary diagnosis of JIA or ALL, in four French University Hospitals. Each patient with ALL was paired by age with two children with JIA. Logistic regression was used to compare clinical and laboratory data from the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-nine children with ALL and 98 with JIA were included. The single most important feature distinguishing ALL from JIA was the presence of hepatomegaly, splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy; at least one of these manifestations was present in 37 cases with ALL, but only in 2 controls with JIA, for an odds ratio (OR) of 154 [95%CI: 30-793] (regression coefficient: 5.0). If the presence of these findings is missed or disregarded, multivariate analyses showed that non-articular bone pain and/or general symptoms (asthenia, anorexia or weight loss) (regression coefficient: 4.8, OR 124 [95%CI: 11.4-236]), neutrophils < 2 × 10⁹/L (regression coefficient: 3.9, OR 50 [95%CI: 4.3-58]), and platelets < 300 × 10⁹/L (regression coefficient: 2.6, OR 14 [95%CI: 2.3-83.9]) were associated with the presence of ALL (area under the ROC curve: 0.96 [95%CI: 0.93-0.99]).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings we propose the following preliminary decision tree to be tested in prospective studies: in children presenting with at least 1 month of osteoarticular pain and no obvious ALL in peripheral smear, perform a bone marrow examination if hepatomegaly, splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy is present. If these manifestations are absent, perform a bone marrow examination if there is fever or elevated inflammatory markers associated with non-articular bone pain, general symptoms (asthenia, anorexia or weight loss), neutrophils < 2 × 10⁹/L or platelets < 300 × 10⁹/L.

Acute Leukemia Presenting with Musculoskeletal Manifestations: A Case Series

Introduction: Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy accounting for 30%–40% of cases. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common leukemia in children with peak incidence in 2–6 years of age. The present study aims to assess the incidence of acute leukemia in patients presenting with musculoskeletal manifestations. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary center from January 2014 to December 2018. A total of 63 children presented with musculoskeletal manifestations and underwent bone marrow examination. Based on final marrow diagnosis, the study group was divided into leukemic and nonleukemic groups. Results: Fever was the most common presenting complaint and was present in all the patients of both the groups. The occurrence of hepatosplenomegaly was comparatively higher in the leukemic group than in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The predominant type of arthritis was oligoarticular (68.15%) in the leukemic group and polyarticular (77.27%) in the nonleukemic group. Rheumatoid rash was noted in 20% of JIA patients, and none of the patients in the leukemic group had rash. The percentages of anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were statistically higher in leukemia patients than in JIA patients. Conclusion: Bone marrow studies are a prerequisite in diagnosing leukemias. However, based on the presence of few atypical clinical and laboratory features, leukemia can be excluded in JIA patients.

[Synovial fluid cytodiagnosis]

Synovial fluid samples represent only a very small percentage of routine work in a cytology laboratory. However, its microscopic examination allows us to observe different types of cells, particles and structures that, due to their morphological characteristics, may provide relevant data for cytodiagnosis. We present certain aspects related to arthrocentesis, the relationship between the gross appearance of synovial fluid and certain pathological processes, as well as the different techniques for processing and staining the smears. Furthermore, we describe the main cytological findings in various pathological conditions of the synovial joints, such as infections (bacterial and fungal), non-infectious inflammatory type (osteoarthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases) and tumoral, distinguishing between primary and metastatic, both solid and haematological neoplasms.

Difficulty in the diagnosis of bone and joint pain associated with pediatric acute leukemia; comparison with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Acute leukemia often causes osteoarthralgia. The aim of this study is characterization of leukemia-associated osteoarthralgia in comparison with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 31 patients with acute leukemia and 13 patients with articular JIA diagnosed between January 2008 and March 2013. Clinical and laboratory findings at the initial examination were compared among the three groups; 10 leukemia with and 21 leukemia without osteoarthralgia and 13 JIA groups.

RESULTS

Eleven of the 31 leukemic patients (35%) had osteoarthralgia before the diagnosis of leukemia. Peripheral leukemic cells were initially absent in 10 of the 31 leukemia patients including three with osteoarthralgia. Platelet counts over 300 × 10⁹/L were common in JIA, but not in osteoarthralgia group. Mean serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were higher in both of the leukemia groups than JIA group but often within normal or near-normal levels in the leukemia groups. Magnetic resonance imaging was examined in three leukemic patients and demonstrated osteomyelitis-like bone marrow edema in two and periarticular infiltration similar to synovitis in one patient. Three leukemic patients with osteoarthralgia showed partial and transient responses to antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Leukemia-associated osteoarthralgia is often indistinguishable from rheumatic diseases by imaging and laboratory findings and should be confirmed by bone marrow examination.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia mimicking spondyloarthritis in an adolescent: A case report and review of the literature

The present study describes the case of an 18-year-old adolescent male exhibiting acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), complicated by the onset of the symptom of sacroiliitis mimicking spondyloarthritis. Atypical features including an enlarged spleen, poor effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy, low levels of hemoglobin, a low platelet count, a low neutrophil count and increased levels of monocytes, indicated the possibility of hematological malignancy. Bone marrow examination confirmed the diagnosis of ALL. The patient received chemotherapy and the symptoms were dramatically relieved. To the best of our knowledge, the current study reports the second published case of a patient with ALL presenting with sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis as an onset manifestation of ALL may result in misdiagnosis, therefore, a differential diagnosis is essential when atypical features are present.

Arthritis as presenting manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children

BACKGROUND

At disease onset, children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) may present with arthralgia or even signs of arthritis. This might cause misdiagnosis and thereby lead to prolonged diagnostic delay. The present study aimed to identify children with ALL with joint involvement and to compare their characteristics and outcome with children with ALL without joint involvement.

METHODS

Case records of 286 children diagnosed with ALL between 1992 and 2013 were reviewed and analysed in this retrospective, descriptive study.

RESULTS

Fifty-three (18.5%) children with ALL presented with localised joint pain, and half of them had objective signs of arthritis. The mean number of joints involved was 2.5, most frequently presenting as asymmetric oligoarthritis. The suspected misdiagnosis were reactive arthritis (19/53), osteomyelitis (9/53) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (8/53). Children with joint involvement had less objective signs of haematological disease. Cytopenia was absent in 24% in children with joint involvement (vs 8% without, p=0.001), 50% had only one cell line affected (vs 21%, p=0.0005) and 44% had no organomegaly (vs 29%, p=0.05). Median diagnostic delay was 4 vs 2 weeks. The 5-year event-free and overall survival was superior for children with joint involvement: 94% vs 87% (p=0.049), and 96% vs 83% (p=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

ALL with joint involvement is a frequent finding (18.5%). The clinical signs of leukaemia are less prominent, but non-articular pain should alert the clinician of a possible diagnosis of leukaemia. The overall and event-free survivals were superior compared with the children without joint involvement.

Is increased time to diagnosis and treatment in symptomatic cancer associated with poorer outcomes? Systematic review

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether more timely cancer diagnosis brings favourable outcomes, with much of the previous evidence, in some cancers, being equivocal. We set out to determine whether there is an association between time to diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcomes, across all cancers for symptomatic presentations.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

We included 177 articles reporting 209 studies. These studies varied in study design, the time intervals assessed and the outcomes reported. Study quality was variable, with a small number of higher-quality studies. Heterogeneity precluded definitive findings. The cancers with more reports of an association between shorter times to diagnosis and more favourable outcomes were breast, colorectal, head and neck, testicular and melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first review encompassing many cancer types, and we have demonstrated those cancers in which more evidence of an association between shorter times to diagnosis and more favourable outcomes exists, and where it is lacking. We believe that it is reasonable to assume that efforts to expedite the diagnosis of symptomatic cancer are likely to have benefits for patients in terms of improved survival, earlier-stage diagnosis and improved quality of life, although these benefits vary between cancers.

Common hematological disorders in children

It is common for primary care physicians to be faced with children with hematological disorders in everyday practice. The article seeks to provide realistic information for the first-contact physician in handling common hematological diseases in children. Practical step-wise approach to understanding and investigating anemia and bleeding disorders is illustrated. Requirement of iron in normal children and management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia is explained. The gold standard for IDA continues to be ferrous sulphate which has good bioavailability and is inexpensive. There is emerging concept of delayed clamping of umbilical cord at birth, particularly in regions with widespread IDA, to augment iron stores in infancy. Typical case scenarios of children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and hemophilia are provided to facilitate the understanding of management in day to day practice. The vital role of the medical practitioner in shared care of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and febrile neutropenia is emphasized. A risk based treatment algorithm for febrile neutropenia is provided.

Rheumatic symptoms in childhood leukaemia and lymphoma-a ten-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The initial symptoms of childhood leukaemia and lymphoma are often similar to those of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In our study, we analyzed the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal complaints as the initial presenting symptoms of newly diagnosed leukaemia and lymphoma patients in the past 10 years in our clinic.

METHODS

Using the Hungarian Tumour Register, we performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 166 new leukaemia and 95 new lymphoma pediatric patients treated from 1999 to 2009 at the 2nd. Dept. of Paediatrics of the Semmelweis University in Budapest.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of the leukaemic (33 children) and 2% of the lymphoma patients (2 children) had musculoskeletal symptoms at first presentation. Two-thirds of both groups of patients had other general symptoms like fever and/or fatigue. The hip was the most frequently affected joint (7/33) in the leukaemic patients. Twenty-four percent of all the children had been previously evaluated by an orthopaedist; 12% had visited another rheumatologist prior to diagnosis. Imaging had been done in an unexpectedly low number of patients prior to referral to our unit (radiographs: 16 or 48%, ultrasound: 5 patients or 15%). Radiographs of the affected joints were abnormal in only one case (1/16, 6%). The joint ultrasound was abnormal in only three children of 5 studied (3/5, 60%). Anaemia (26/32, 6%), thrombocytopenia (78%) and LDH elevation (3-4 times the normal count) were frequent in the leukaemic patients. Half of the cases had a normal leukocyte count. The lymphoma group had similar results. Two patients of the leukaemia group received steroid treatment before the final diagnosis. Severe pain out of proportion to physical findings is another clue.

CONCLUSIONS

Haematologic malignancies must be excluded before initiation of therapy for childhood arthritis among children presenting with musculoskeletal signs and symptoms, particularly in atypical cases. Malignancies are to be suspected when pain is disproportionately severe compared to the physical examination findings, and when anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated LDH level are present. Diagnosing leukaemia early is important because the use of steroids and immunosuppressive medications may mask and delay its diagnosis. Additionally, pre-treatment of presumed JIA patients with these drugs who eventually are diagnosed to have a malignancy may lead to the malignancy being steroid-resistant and more difficult to treat.

Neutrophil counts distinguish between malignancy and arthritis in children with musculoskeletal pain: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

To identify the predictive factors for malignancies using basic clinical and laboratory information in children presenting with musculoskeletal pain and eventually diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or malignancy.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control chart review research examining laboratory data from patients referred for musculoskeletal pain in 2001-2010 and diagnosed with malignancy or JIA was performed. The validity of each test for the diagnosis of neoplasia was assessed by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) and likelihood ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients were enrolled. Statistically significant differences were found in neutrophil count, Hb, LDH, IgA and C4 values, ANA, anti-EA EBV IgG and anti-CMV IgG titres. High LDH value and anti-CMV IgG were the most predictive factors for neoplasia. High specificity factors for neoplasia were abnormal values of neutrophil count, Hb, IgA and C4, and the presence of anti-EA EBV and anti-CMV IgG. High PPV were recorded for abnormal neutrophil count, Hb value and anti-CMV titre. A low NPV was found only for anti-EA EBV and anti-CMV titres.

CONCLUSIONS

In this setting of patients, minimum changes in neutrophil count, particularly if associated with low Hb and high LDH levels, are to be thoroughly considered, because they appear as the most predictive factors for the diagnosis of tumour.

Rates of malignancy associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its treatment

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relative rates of incident malignancy among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with respect to treatment as compared to children without JIA.

METHODS

Using national Medicaid data from 2000 through 2005, we identified cohorts of children with JIA and without JIA according to the diagnosis codes used by their physicians and the medication prescriptions that were dispensed. Study followup began after a 6-month lag period to exclude prevalent and misdiagnosed malignancies. Treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors was categorized as ever exposed or never exposed. Malignancy outcomes were identified using an adapted version of a previously validated algorithm. Incident malignancies were categorized as possible, probable, or highly probable based on a comprehensive review of all claims. Malignancy rates were standardized to the age, sex, and race distribution of the overall JIA cohort. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 321,821) (one of two comparator groups included) as the referent group.

RESULTS

The JIA cohort included 7,812 children with a total followup time of 12,614 person-years; 1,484 of these children contributed 2,922 person-years of TNF inhibitor exposure. For all children with JIA versus children without JIA, the SIR was 4.4 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.8-9.0) for probable and highly probable malignancies. For those taking MTX without TNF inhibitor use, the SIR was 3.9 (95% CI 0.4-14). Following any use of TNF inhibitors, no probable or highly probable malignancies were identified (SIR 0 [95% CI 0-9.7]).

CONCLUSION

Children with JIA appeared to have an increased rate of incident malignancy compared to children without JIA. The treatment for JIA, including TNF inhibitors, did not appear to be significantly associated with the development of malignancy.

Survival rates of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting to a pediatric rheumatologist in the United States

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30% of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients present with musculoskeletal symptoms and are often referred first to a pediatric rheumatologist. We examined the survival and causes of death of these patients presenting to a pediatric rheumatologist and compared the rates with that reported in the hematology-oncology literature.

PROCEDURE

We used the Pediatric Rheumatology Disease Registry, including 49,023 patients from 62 centers, newly diagnosed between 1992 and 2001. Identifiers were matched with the Social Security Death Index censored for March 2005. Deaths were confirmed by death certificates, referring physicians, and medical records. Causes of death were derived by chart review or from the death certificate.

RESULTS

There were 7 deaths of 89 patients (7.9%, 95% confidence interval: 3.9%-15.4%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a 5-year survival rate of 95.5% (88.3 to 98.3) and 10-year survival rate of 89.8% (79.0% to 95.2%). The causes of death were sepsis (bacterial and/or fungal) in 4 (57%) patients, the disease in 2 (29%) and post bone-marrow transplantation in 1 (14%).

CONCLUSION

The overall survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia seen first by pediatric rheumatologists is higher than the range reported in the pediatric oncology literature for the same period of diagnosis.

Discrimination of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis at disease onset

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical and laboratory features that differentiate acute lymphoblastic leukemia from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis at disease onset.

METHODS

Fifty-seven leukemia patients with musculoskeletal involvement, without blasts on peripheral blood and without glucocorticoid therapy at disease onset and 102 systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients (International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria) were retrospectively evaluated. The following features were examined: fever, rheumatoid rash, arthritis, limb pain, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pericarditis, myocarditis, pleuritis, weight loss, bleeding, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and lactic dehydrogenase levels.

RESULTS

The median age at disease onset was significantly higher in leukemia patients than in those with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (5.8 vs. 3.8 years). In addition, the frequencies of limb pain, hepatomegaly, weight loss and hemorrhagic manifestations were significantly higher in leukemia patients than in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients (70% vs. 1%, 54% vs. 32%, 30% vs. 8%, and 9% vs. 0%, respectively). Likewise, the frequencies of anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and high lactic dehydrogenase levels were statistically higher in leukemia patients than in patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (88% vs. 57%, 39% vs. 1%, 60% vs. 1%, 77% vs. 1%, and 56% vs. 14%, respectively). Remarkably, multivariate analysis revealed that limb pain (OR = 553; 95% CI = 46.48-6580.42) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 754.13; 95% CI = 64.57-8806.72) were significant independent variables that differentiated leukemia from systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The R2 of the Nagelkerke test was 0.91, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were similar for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with and without limb pain.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes the importance of investigating leukemia in patients presenting with musculoskeletal manifestations and, in particular, limb pain associated with thrombocytopenia.

Summary of worldwide pediatric malignancies reported after exposure to etanercept

BACKGROUND

Concerns have been raised about a potential link between the use of TNF inhibitors and development of malignancy in the pediatric population. We examined the worldwide experience of etanercept use in pediatric patients and the occurrence of malignancies as reported from clinical trials, registry studies, post-marketing surveillance, and published scientific literature.

METHODS

All reports of "malignancy" in pediatric patients (including subjects who received etanercept before age 18 and developed a malignancy before age 22) were collected from the etanercept clinical trials database and global safety database using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA; v12.0) standardized MedDRA query "Malignancies" from 1998 to August 2009. Cases were collected irrespective of treatment indication. All cases were included regardless of exposure to other TNF blockers or other biologics and whether the other exposure was before or after etanercept.

RESULTS

A total of 18 potential malignancies were identified: 4 leukemias, 7 lymphomas, and 7 solid tumors. Three of the 18 malignancies remain unconfirmed. No malignancies were reported from clinical trials or the open-label extension studies in any indication in children.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that there does not appear to be an increased risk of malignancy overall with the use of etanercept. Among etanercept-exposed patients aged 4 to 17 years, the estimated worldwide and US reporting rates for lymphoma were approximately 0.01 per 100 patient-years (1 in 10,000 pt-yrs). While the reported rate of lymphoma is higher in pediatric patients treated with etanercept than in normal children, the expected rate of lymphoma in biologic naïve JIA patients is currently unknown. The risk of TNF inhibitors in the development of malignancies in children and adolescents is difficult to assess because of the rarity of malignant events, the absence of knowledge of underlying frequency of leukemia and lymphoma in JIA, and the confounding use of concomitant immunosuppressive medications.