Lupus eritematoso sistémico pediátrico

The role of vitamin D in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus - a double pawn in the immune and microbial balance

Having increased popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, vitamin D3 is currently impressing thanks to the numerous researches aimed at its interactions with the body's homeostasis. At the same time, there is a peak in terms of recommendations for supplementation with it. Some of the studies focus on the link between autoimmune diseases and nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin D3. Since the specialized literature aimed at children (patients between 0-18 years old) is far from equal to the informational diversity of the adult-centered branch, this review aims to bring up to date the relationship between the microbial and nutritional balance and the activity of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE). The desired practical purpose resides in a better understanding and an adequate, individualized management of the affected persons to reduce morbidity. The center of the summary is to establish the impact of hypovitaminosis D in the development and evolution of pediatric lupus erythematosus. We will address aspects related to the two entities of the impact played by vitamin D3 in the pathophysiological cascade of lupus, but also the risk of toxicity and its effects when the deficiency is over supplemented (hypervitaminosis D). We will debate the relationship of hypovitaminosis D with the modulation of immune function, the potentiation of inflammatory processes, the increase of oxidative stress, the perfusion of cognitive brain areas, the seasonal incidence of SLE and its severity. Finally, we review current knowledge, post-pandemic, regarding the hypovitaminosis D - pSLE relationship.

Orofacial manifestations and dental management of systemic lupus erythematosus: A review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune multisystem disease with numerous clinical manifestations. There is no consensus about the ideal oral management for this group of patients to date. This review aimed to describe the broad spectrum of orofacial and clinical manifestations and their therapeutic approaches. Studies concerning orofacial manifestations of SLE and dental treatment modalities were selected by a literature search (1978-2019) using Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE electronic databases. The initial search strategy provided a total of 129 articles, and of these, 30 were included for qualitative synthesis. The reviewed studies revealed that SLE patients are more at risk of compromised oral and dental health exhibiting increased risk of periodontal diseases and temporomandibular joint disorders. The use of systemic drugs especially immunosuppressive and anticoagulants in SLE patients may also influence their oral management. Results emphasize the need to carry out, at an early stage of the disease, an appropriate oral management of these patients to improve oral health-related quality of life and to prevent the need of more invasive therapeutics. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for dental and medical management of such patients.

Assessment of condyle, masseter and temporal muscles volumes in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the corticosteroid therapy for both treatment of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and disease activity on two masticatory muscles and condyle of the temporomandibular joint.

METHODS

A total of 21 controls and 48 juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients were investigated. Volumes of the temporal and masseter muscles and condyle of the subjects were assessed by using a 3D reconstruction in magnetic resonance imaging. The ITK-SNAP, a medical imaging software, was used for 3D reconstruction. A dental examination with registration of occlusion was performed in subjects. Data were statistically analyzed by means of the Dahlberg's test associated with paired t-test, Fisher's exact test and Chi-square.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between temporalis muscle and age (p = 0.032), masseter volume (p = 0.029) and condyle volume (p = 0.013). The mean volume measurements of temporal and masseter muscles and condyle were not statistically associated with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus regarding disease activity and corticosteroid therapy (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between malocclusion and volume of muscles and condyle.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that volume of the target structures has no correlation with cumulative corticosteroid dose, disease activity, and malocclusion.

Chronic polyarthritis as the first manifestation of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic polyarthritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and to describe the manifestations, treatments, and outcomes in these patients.

Methods: From January 1983 to July 2010, 5419 patients were followed up at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of the University Hospital and 271 (5%) of them had JSLE (American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria). ‘Rhupus’ was classified as the overlap of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (International League of Associations for Rheumatology [ILAR] criteria) and JSLE. We evaluated demographic data, polyarthritis and other clinical manifestations, disease activity and damage, laboratory exams, radiographic findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Results: The prevalence of chronic polyarthritis in this JSLE population was 2.6% (7/271). This articular involvement was the initial manifestation in all seven JSLE patients. The median duration of chronic polyarthritis was 11 months (range 2–15 months). Interestingly, rhupus with chronic polyarthritis and limitation of movement, presence of rheumatoid factor, autoantibodies, and/or radiographic abnormalities (juxtaarticular osteopenia, joint-space narrowing, or erosions) was evidenced in three patients. No patient had deformities of hands and feet associated with Jaccoud’s arthropathy or osteonecrosis. All patients were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, naproxen 10–15 mg/kg/day) when polyarthritis diagnosis was established. Prednisone and antimalarials were administered at JSLE diagnosis. The three non-responsive rhupus patients were treated in conjunction with immunosuppressive drugs (methotrexate, azathioprine, and/or cyclosporine).

Conclusions: Chronic polyarthritis was a rare lupus manifestation in active pediatric patients. The interesting overlap between chronic arthritis and lupus, called rhupus suggests a new entity with a different clinical profile and a poor response to treatment with NSAIDs alone. In addition, the occurrence of this association in JSLE patients could be classified as a clinical sub-group of JSLE with possible specific genetic determinants.

Childhood- and adult-onset lupus: an update of similarities and differences

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune rheumatic disease. Although its highest prevalence is among women of childbearing age, the disease is not confined within this population. A total of 15-20% of cases of SLE are diagnosed in children younger than 16 years (childhood-onset lupus). Although there have been few studies directly comparing childhood- to adult-onset lupus, there is substantial evidence to suggest that pediatric lupus patients display some differences in their disease profile compared with adult-onset populations. Overall, an increased male-to-female ratio, a higher prevalence of nephritis and CNS involvement necessitating a more sustained need for steroids and immnosuppressive drugs, and a higher prevalence of progression to end-stage renal disease are distinguishing features of childhood-onset lupus. In contrast, a higher prevalence of pulmonary involvement, arthritis and discoid lupus are reported in adult-onset SLE patients. Furthermore, childhood-onset lupus patients may experience a serious negative impact on their psychosocial and physical development, issues that pose extra challenges to healthcare providers. Growth delay, osteoporosis, the psychological effect of steroid-induced alterations of the physical image, and often poor treatment compliance are the issues that need to be addressed in pediatric lupus populations. In this review, we compare the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features, and treatment options of childhood- and adult-onset lupus, and comment on the applicability of the instruments that measure activity, severity and cumulative disease damage in childhood-onset disease. In addition, we highlight special issues of concern for pediatric lupus patients, discussing the significance in the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.