Comorbidities of antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus in children

Antiphospholipid Syndrome Increases Postoperative Complications After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune condition that predisposes patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although many studies have explored risk factors for VTE after joint reconstructive procedures, the impact of APS is still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TriNetX, a health care database that includes 442,494 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Ninety-day postoperative complications and 1- and 2-year surgical complications were compared between patients with and without preexisting APS. Patients underwent propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio based on relevant comorbidities.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing THA or TKA with APS, compared with those without, had higher rates of deep venous thrombosis (hip: 9.2% vs 6.0%, odds ratio, 1.589, P=.022; knee: 10.5% vs 4.1%, odds ratio, 2.763, P<.001), pulmonary embolism (hip: 6.9% vs 3.6%, odds ratio, 1.992, P=.005; knee: 8.4% vs 3.0%, odds ratio, 2.989, P<.001), and anemia (hip: 24.8% vs 18.6%, odds ratio, 1.447, P=.004; knee: 18.5% vs 13.9%, odds ratio, 1.406, P=.007). Patients undergoing THA with APS also had higher rates of urinary tract infection (5.0% vs 2.8%, odds ratio, 1.842, P=.029) and pneumonia (3.7% vs 1.8%, odds ratio, 2.119, P=.025). APS did not impact rates of surgical complications or revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

Overall, APS heightens patients' risk for complications after THA and TKA. Specific anticoagulation protocols and preoperative risk stratification should be implemented to reduce the risk of adverse events. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(5):301-307.].

Atopic Dermatitis and Cardiovascular Risk in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cardiovascular guidelines recommend early screening and preventative treatment for children with chronic inflammatory diseases. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with cardiovascular risk in adults, but data in children are limited. We systematically searched for studies that examined the association between childhood AD and cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. Data from 10 publications, including 577,148 individuals, revealed an association between AD and ischemic heart disease (n = 3, OR = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29-2.19) and diabetes (n = 4, OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12-1.53), but this did not persist among studies that adjusted for potential confounders (n = 2, OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.35-2.75). Similarly, there was an association with lipid disorders but not across the entire population distribution (n = 7, OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.13-1.36, 95% prediction interval = 0.95-1.61). AD was not associated with hypertension (n = 5, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.98-1.34, 95% prediction interval = 0.81-1.62) or stroke (n = 2, OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.94-1.62). Studies lacked detail on AD severity and important confounders such as body mass index, and the certainty of evidence was very low to low on the basis of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) assessments. Currently, data do not support a clinically meaningful increase in cardiovascular risk for children with AD.

Platelet-Derived Microparticles and Autoimmune Diseases

Extracellular microparticles provide a means of cell-to-cell communication and can promote information exchanges between adjacent or distant cells. Platelets are cell fragments that are derived from megakaryocytes. Their main functions are to stop bleeding, regulate inflammation, and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. When platelets are activated, they can perform related tasks by secreting platelet-derived microparticles that contain lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and even organelles. There are differences in the circulating platelet levels in many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and Sjogren's syndrome. In this paper, the latest findings in the research field of platelet-derived microparticles are reviewed, including the potential pathogenesis of platelet-derived microparticles in various types of immune diseases, their potential as related markers, and for monitoring the progress and prognosis of disease treatment are expounded.

Managing Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: Current and Future Prospects

Pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare acquired multisystem autoimmune thromboinflammatory condition characterized by thrombotic and non-thrombotic clinical manifestations. APS in children and adolescents typically presents with large-vessel thrombosis, thrombotic microangiopathy, and, rarely, obstetric morbidity. Non-thrombotic clinical manifestations are frequently seen in pediatric APS and may be present even before the vascular thrombotic events occur. We review insights into the pathogenesis of APS and discuss potential targets for therapy. The identification of multiple immunologic abnormalities in patients with APS reveals molecular targets for current or future treatment. Management strategies, especially for APS in adolescents, require screening for additional prothrombotic risk factors and consideration of counseling regarding contraceptive strategies, lifestyle recommendations, treatment adherence, and mental health issues associated with this autoimmune thrombophilia. The main goal of therapy in pediatric APS is the prevention of thrombosis. The management of acute thrombosis events in children and adolescents is the same as for primary APS, which involves isolated occurrences, and secondary APS, which is seen in association with another autoimmune disease, e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus. A pediatric hematologist should be consulted so other differential thrombophilic conditions can be eliminated. Therapy includes unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonists. Treatment of catastrophic APS involves triple therapy (anticoagulation, intravenous corticosteroid pulse therapy, and plasma exchange) and may include intravenous immunoglobulin for children and adolescents with this condition. New drugs such as eculizumab and sirolimus seem to be promising drugs for APS.