The influence and therapeutic effect of microbiota in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organs that poses a serious risk to the health and life of patients. A growing number of studies have shown that commensals from different parts of the body and exogenous pathogens are involved in SLE progression, causing barrier disruption and immune dysregulation through multiple mechanisms. However, they sometimes alleviate the symptoms of SLE. Many factors, such as genetic susceptibility, metabolism, impaired barriers, food, and sex hormones, are involved in SLE, and the microbiota drives the development of SLE either by depending on or interacting with these factors. Among these, the crosstalk between genetic susceptibility, metabolism, and microbiota is a hot topic of research and is expected to lay the groundwork for the amelioration of the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of SLE. Furthermore, the microbiota has great potential for the treatment of SLE. Ideally, personalised therapeutic approaches should be developed in combination with more specific diagnostic methods. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role and mechanism of microbiota in lupus of the intestine, oral cavity, skin, and kidney, as well as the therapeutic potential of the microbiota.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including oral mucosal lesions (OMLs). The prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients and their associated factors have been studied in various regions, but the results are inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OMLs in patients with SLE.

METHODS

Observational studies of OML prevalence in SLE patients published before 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without language restriction. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included 113 studies with a total of 53,307 SLE patients. We found that the prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients was 31% (95% CI: 28%, 35%), with oral ulcers being present in 30% of SLE patients (95% CI: 26%, 33%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region, disease activity, and sample size (p ≤ 0.01). However, gender and year of publication had little effect on the prevalence of OMLs (p = 0.78 and 0.30, respectively). Oral ulcers were significantly associated with age of onset (p = 0.02), geographic location (p < 0.01), and race (p < 0.01). We also found that the prevalence of oral erythema was 9%, oral candidiasis was 9%, petechiae was 8%, cheilitis was 6%, and white plaque was 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region and disease activity, and child-onset patients of Indian, Malay, and Caucasian descent were more likely to have oral ulcers. The high prevalence of OML in SLE patients emphasizes the importance of regular oral examination and management in the comprehensive care of individuals with SLE.

Treatment of aggressive periodontitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report with 8 years follow-up

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with oral desquamative lesions is one of the rare clinical entities. Periodontal disease and SLE display various mechanisms and possess a wide range of pathological characteristics. The tissue destruction mechanism of periodontitis and autoimmune diseases share similar pathways, and mounting reports studied the association between these two entities. The present case is of a 24-year-old female patient who complained of generalized widening of spaces in between the teeth. Along with it, She suffered from loss of hair, weakness, edema in the legs as well as arthralgia. The patient was identified to be suffering from SLE according to the American Rheumatism Association and European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology criteria 1 year before she reported to the dentist. She suffered from hair loss, weakness, arthralgia as well as edema in the legs. Based on the oral, clinical, and radiographic findings, she was diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis case. After nonsurgical periodontal treatment, the flap was reflected, debridement was done, after root conditioning with tetracycline, bovine osseous xenograft was placed in all the sites where ever there is angular bone loss, later sutured with interrupted direct loop suturing technique with 4-0 silk suture. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done every 6 weeks to check the progress of the treatment. 6 months and 8-year follow-up revealed satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes. Based on the present case report and the previous literature, we recommend the use of xenograft in treating aggressive periodontitis patients.

[Oral pathologies in pediatric patients related to juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and considerations in stomatological management. A review]

Introduction

Juvenile lupus erythematosus (jSLE) is a rheumatic disease that affects the functioning of internal organs and is multisystemic. It is a chronic condition and is usually associated with very significant morbidity, which is higher in children and adolescents than in adults.

Objectives

Describe and identify the most current concepts of jSLE, etiology, epidemiology of the disease, semiology, oral manifestations, as well as treatment, consequences and differences with systemic lupus erythematosus in adults (aSLE).

Materials and methods

A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Ebsco, SciELO, and ELSEVIER, using the key words, "Juvenile lupus erythematosus","dental caries", "oral manifestation", "children dentistry". Aimed at studies carried out in humans between 2010 to 2023 and the most relevant topics related to this disease were analyzed.

Results

The information that was collected corresponds to the last 13 years, with the purpose of making an update on the topic of study, 750 articles were reviewed which were analyzed with the inclusion and exclusion criteria but only 50 met these criteria articles.

Conclusion

Dental care in patients with SLEj is a challenge, since there are different considerations that we must take into account before carrying out any treatment, since they present alterations in the joints, salivary glands and failures of multiple organs. It is important to know the different differential diagnoses for unequivocal detection of the disease. In the presence of signs and symptoms based on the criteria of jSLE or early onset, a consultation with the immunology area is recommended to confirm or rule out this disease.

Severe thrombocytopaenia induced by systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as haemorrhagic oral bullae in a paediatric patient

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with varying dermatological findings. We review a unique presentation of SLE with a literature review. A previously healthy early adolescent female presented with painful, oral mucosal bullae filled with sanguineous fluid. She endorsed a tender right knee, but examination revealed no additional abnormalities. CBC demonstrated severe pancytopaenia. Further workup, including Coombs positive RBCs and positive ANA, anti-Smith, and anti-dsDNA antibodies, confirmed Lupus as the aetiology of this patient's presentation. A form of blistering SLE and resultant thrombocytopaenia was likely responsible for the patient's oral manifestations. After receiving 60 g intravenous immunoglobulin and 3 days high-dose pulse corticosteroids, her dermatological symptoms resolved. Although cases of blistering SLE with mucosal bullae have been described in the literature, this is the first documented case of haemorrhagic mucosal bullae as the presenting symptom of thrombocytopaenia in SLE in a paediatric patient.

Identification of oral immune disorders- A review and a diagnostic algorithm

Immunological disorders are observed in various clinical presentations in the oral cavity. The pathophysiology of these disorders include but are not limited to primary oral auto-immune disease, systemic disease with oral findings, malignancies, hypersensitivity reactions, drug-induced, and infection-related. Many of these disorders have overlapping oral features, making it difficult for the clinician to diagnose and treat the disorder. There is a need to provide a simple and practical decision-making algorithm to the clinicians and provide them guidance on laboratory investigations. The present review provides a diagnostic algorithm that might minimize outpatient process delays and lead to early management. This is crucial in many cases where oral findings may be the first sign of the disorder, and early treatment can preclude dissemination and complications of the disorder.

Dysentery and leg ulcer as an atypical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Due to heterogeneity in the organs involved and a variety of influencing factors, a wide range of clinical manifestations are possible in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In our knowledge, a combination of leg ulcer and dysentery as presenting symptoms of SLE has never been reported previously.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 13-year-old female child presented with a chronic wound over right medial malleolus for 6 months, and passing of watery stool, later mixed with blood, for 4 days. On examination, she had a fever of 38.5°C. Lab reports revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, and features of urinary tract infection. Renal biopsy showed membranous glomerulonephropathy. She was positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and antidouble stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA). Immunofluorescence revealed reduced C4 and C3 levels. Abdominal ultrasound showed symmetrical circumscribed thickening, and edematous cecum and ascending colon.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with SLE based on the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, trypsin-chymotrypsin, zinc, calcium, and calcitriol tablets.

OUTCOMES

Fever subsided within 3 days of treatment. Gastrointestinal symptoms subsided within 1 week of treatment. On 31 day of treatment, the wound had been reduced and showed features of healing.

CONCLUSION

Dysentery and leg ulcers can be the manifestations of SLE. Therefore, SLE should also be considered when a patient presents with such symptoms. Any suspicion of infection in SLE should be treated aggressively with antibiotics.

Periodontal Disease: The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown

Periodontal disease is classically characterized by progressive destruction of the soft and hard tissues of the periodontal complex, mediated by an interplay between dysbiotic microbial communities and aberrant immune responses within gingival and periodontal tissues. Putative periodontal pathogens are enriched as the resident oral microbiota becomes dysbiotic and inflammatory responses evoke tissue destruction, thus inducing an unremitting positive feedback loop of proteolysis, inflammation, and enrichment for periodontal pathogens. Keystone microbial pathogens and sustained gingival inflammation are critical to periodontal disease progression. However, recent studies have revealed the importance of previously unidentified microbes involved in disease progression, including various viruses, phages and bacterial species. Moreover, newly identified immunological and genetic mechanisms, as well as environmental host factors, including diet and lifestyle, have been discerned in recent years as further contributory factors in periodontitis. These factors have collectively expanded the established narrative of periodontal disease progression. In line with this, new ideologies related to maintaining periodontal health and treating existing disease have been explored, such as the application of oral probiotics, to limit and attenuate disease progression. The role of systemic host pathologies, such as autoimmune disorders and diabetes, in periodontal disease pathogenesis has been well noted. Recent studies have additionally identified the reciprocated importance of periodontal disease in potentiating systemic disease states at distal sites, such as in Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and oral cancer, further highlighting the importance of the oral cavity in systemic health. Here we review long-standing knowledge of periodontal disease progression while integrating novel research concepts that have broadened our understanding of periodontal health and disease. Further, we delve into innovative hypotheses that may evolve to address significant gaps in the foundational knowledge of periodontal disease.

Prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with lupus erythematosus in a sample of the Egyptian population: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background: Several systemic diseases manifest themselves in the oral cavity. Dentists who are unaware of these lesions will possibly miss them. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with LE in a sample of the Egyptian population. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed on 189 patients attending the Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Clinic in EL Qasr El Ainy Hospital, Cairo University. Every patient was examined clinically after completing a questionnaire. Patients' medical records were evaluated.   The oral manifestations were assessed according to the WHO guide to physical examination of the oral cavity and classified according to their morphologic aspects and localization. Results: Out of 189 patients, there were 182 females (96.3%) and seven males (3.7%). The prevalence of oral lesions in SLE patients was 55.6%. The most affected site was the tongue 25.7%. The most common clinical aspect was patches, 53%. About 77.1% of the lesions were asymptomatic.  Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of oral lesions to recognize patients with SLE as the WHO considers oral manifestations of SLE a widespread state. Also, the implementation of oral hygiene measures to improve patients' nutritional state and health-related quality of life is recommended.

Prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with lupus erythematosus in a sample of the Egyptian population: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background: Several systemic diseases manifest themselves in the oral cavity. Oral manifestations of lupus erythematosus (LE) are associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer. Dentists who are unaware of these lesions will possibly miss them. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with LE in a sample of the Egyptian population. Methods: A descriptive study was performed on 189 patients attending the Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Clinic in EL Qasr EL Ainy Hospital, Cairo University. Every patient was examined clinically after completing a questionnaire. Moreover, patients' medical records were also evaluated.  The oral manifestations were recorded according to the WHO guide to physical examination of the oral cavity and classified according to their morphologic aspects and localization. Results: Out of 189 patients, there were 182 females (96.3%) and seven males (3.7%). The prevalence of oral lesions in LE patients was 55.6%. The most affected site was the tongue 25.7%. The most common clinical aspect was patches, 53%. About 77.1% of the lesions were asymptomatic.  Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of oral lesions to recognize patients with LE as the WHO considers oral manifestations of LE a widespread state. Also, implementation of oral hygiene measures and treatment to improve patients' nutritional state and health-related quality of life are recommended.

Prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with lupus erythematosus in a sample of the Egyptian population: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background: Several systemic diseases manifest themselves in the oral cavity. Dentists who are unaware of these lesions will possibly miss them. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with LE in a sample of the Egyptian population. Methods: A descriptive study was performed on 189 patients attending the Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Clinic in EL Qasr EL Ainy Hospital, Cairo University. Every patient was examined clinically after completing a questionnaire. Moreover, patients' medical records were also evaluated.  The oral manifestations were recorded according to the WHO guide to physical examination of the oral cavity and classified according to their morphologic aspects and localization. Results: Out of 189 patients, there were 182 females (96.3%) and seven males (3.7%). The prevalence of oral lesions in SLE patients was 55.6%. The most affected site was the tongue 25.7%. The most common clinical aspect was patches, 53%. About 77.1% of the lesions were asymptomatic.  Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of oral lesions to recognize patients with SLE as the WHO considers oral manifestations of SLE a widespread state. Also, implementation of oral hygiene measures and treatment to improve patients' nutritional state and health-related quality of life are recommended.

Prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with lupus erythematosus in a sample of the Egyptian population: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background: Several systemic diseases manifest themselves in the oral cavity. Oral manifestations of lupus erythematosus (LE) are associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer. Dentists who are unaware of these lesions will possibly miss them. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in patients with LE in a sample of the Egyptian population. Methods: A descriptive study was performed on 189 patients attending the Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Clinic in EL Qasr EL Ainy Hospital, Cairo University. Every patient was examined clinically after completing a questionnaire. Moreover, patients' medical records were also evaluated.  The oral manifestations were recorded according to the WHO guide to physical examination of the oral cavity and classified according to their morphologic aspects and localization. Results: Out of 189 patients, there were 182 females (96.3%) and seven males (3.7%). The prevalence of oral lesions in LE patients was 55.6%. The most affected site was the tongue 25.7%. The most common clinical aspect was patches, 53%. About 77.1% of the lesions were asymptomatic. 74.3% of the patients had oral candidiasis. The prevalence of skin lesions in LE patients was 37.6%. The most common finding was malar rash 79%. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of oral lesions to recognize patients with LE as the WHO considers oral manifestations of LE a widespread state associated with an increased risk of cancer. Also, implementation of oral hygiene measures and treatment to improve patients' nutritional state and health-related quality of life are recommended.

The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and related factors in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory multi systematic disease of unknown aetiology. SLE has a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms are joint pain, skin rash and fever. Oral lesions in SLE manifest in a variety of forms, such as oral mucosal ulceration, mouth burns, xerostomia and salivary gland diseases, temporomandibular joint disease, periodontal disease, dysgeusia, white lesions, oedema, bleeding and petechiae.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their related factors in patients with SLE, giving the lack of comprehensive statistical data in Syria and the differences between reported prevalence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in the Al-Mouassat University Hospital in Damascus. Patients were evaluated appropriating observation, clinical examination, completing questionnaires, studying patient's medical records and paraclinical laboratory tests if required. Four types of oral lesions were evaluated: ulcer, erythema, white plaque and spots. The diagnosis of these lesions was made according to observation and clinical examination, and the location of each lesion was also recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0.

RESULT

In this study, 42 (70% %) out of 60 patients (38 women and 4 men) had oral lesions, while 18 (30%) had none. The most common areas for the lesions were the buccal mucosa (26.1%) and the lips (14.2%). Of the 42 patients with oral lesions, 12 (27.6%) showed ulcers. There was a significant relationship between the following factors and oral lesions: oral hygiene status, the duration of the disease involvement, frequency of pregnancies, the amount of daily use of corticosteroids without significant difference between dosage groups, and medications used for SLE treatment other than corticosteroids (p < 0.008) without mentioned names or dosages. Conversely, age, sex, cigarette smoking and medications other than those used for SLE treatment were not significantly related to the presence of oral lesions (p value was greater than 0.05 in all subjects).

Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting with Esophagitis and Severe Oral Mucositis

We present a case of a previously healthy adolescent female who developed severe oral mucositis and acute esophagitis as her presenting symptoms of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. Mucositis involving the lips is infrequently reported in systemic lupus erythematosus, and to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of acute, non-infectious esophagitis as a presenting symptom in a pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patient.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Periodontal Disease: A Complex Clinical and Biological Interplay

Reports on the association of periodontal disease (PD) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have regularly been published. PD is a set of chronic inflammatory conditions linked to a dysbiotic microbial biofilm, which affects the periodontal tissues, resulting eventually in their destruction and contributing to systemic inflammation. SLE is a multi-system chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that has a wide range of clinical presentations, touching multiple organ systems. Many epidemiological studies have investigated the two-way relationship between PD and SLE, though their results are heterogeneous. SLE and PD are multifactorial conditions and many biological-based hypotheses suggest common physiopathological pathways between the two diseases, including genetics, microbiology, immunity, and environmental common risk factors. By focusing on recent clinical and translational research, this review aimed to discuss and give an overview of the relationship of SLE with PD, as well as looking at the similarities in the immune-pathological aspects and the possible mechanisms connecting the development and progression of both diseases.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus presenting as orolabial ulcerations: Two cases and a review of the literature

We report two unrelated infants who presented with orolabial ulcerations as a presenting manifestation of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE). Subsequent positive anti-SSA/SSB titers confirmed the diagnosis. In both infants, the ulcerations were painless and spontaneously resolved. NLE should be included in the differential diagnosis of orolabial ulcerations in the newborn, especially since mothers of affected infants may be asymptomatic.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, dental caries, and periodontal disease among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a teaching hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Background

The presence of oral symptoms and signs in many systemic diseases is not uncommon knowledge. Investigations that explore the relationship between systemic diseases and their oral manifestations are of particular interest to dentists, as this enables them to be better clinicians with an acumen to recognize, treat, or refer patients with the systemic disease to general physicians. This study was undertaken to understand the oral manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an emphasis on oral mucosal lesions, dental caries, and periodontitis.

Methods

A single institutional cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2017 to July 2018 on a sample of 500 SLE patients attending the Institute of Rheumatology, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai. The dentition status, periodontal status, and oral mucosal lesions were assessed by a single trained and calibrated examiner using the World Health Organization (WHO) proforma, 2013. Besides, disease activity in SLE patients was assessed by rheumatologists using the SLEDAI index with a cutoff score of more than 4 indicating the presence of active disease. Demographic characteristics including age, gender, occupation, monthly income, and education status were assessed using a questionnaire. Data were entered into an Excel Sheet and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

In the present study, the prevalence of dental caries was found to be 87.6% in patients with SLE. The prevalence of severe periodontitis defined as the presence of at least one tooth with a 6 mm or deeper pocket was found to be 85% and the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was found to be 86%. The prevalence percentage for dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral mucosal lesions were found to be higher than the rates reported for the general population in India. Patients with active SLE had a higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontitis, and oral mucosal lesions than patients with inactive SLE.

Conclusion

It can be concluded from the present study that SLE patients are more vulnerable to oral diseases than the general population. Furthermore, disease activity in SLE patients has a strong positive correlation with oral health status in SLE patients.

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.

Association between oral lesions and disease activity in lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Mucosal involvement is frequently seen in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is no consensus regarding the prevalence, and a wide range of lesions has been reported. Its prognostic significance is currently unknown and a matter of controversy.

OBJECTIVE

To classify oral lesions in lupus, evaluate their prevalence and assess their possible association with disease activity.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive study between 2016 and 2017. A total of 150 lupus patients were matched by sex, age and smoking status with 151 healthy individuals. All subjects underwent a careful evaluation of oral mucosa. On the same day of the clinical assessment, each patient underwent a peripheral venous blood and urine analysis. All patients underwent a full medical history, physical examination and a careful examination of the oral cavity. For each one, we obtained photographs of ten areas of the oral cavity. Two dermatologists of our group blindly recorded the presence and morphology of oral lesions. The disease activity of CLE patients was scored using the Revised Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index, and in SLE patients, activity was measured using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index.

RESULTS

In CLE patients, there was a statistically significant correlation between higher cutaneous disease activity and the following oral findings: discoid plaques, cobblestone and red/brown-pigmented macules. In patients with CLE, red macules on jugal mucosa were statistically associated with anaemia and positive antinuclear antibodies titres; additionally, the presence of gingivitis was related to systemic inflammation. In SLE patients, gingival telangiectases were statistically significantly associated with leucopenia, hypocomplementemia and systemic inflammation.

LIMITATIONS

Biopsies on mucosal lesions were not performed.

CONCLUSION

Some specific oral lesions correlate with disease activity in CLE and SLE.

Genome wide analysis for mouth ulcers identifies associations at immune regulatory loci

Mouth ulcers are the most common ulcerative condition and encompass several clinical diagnoses, including recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Despite previous evidence for heritability, it is not clear which specific genetic loci are implicated in RAS. In this genome-wide association study (n = 461,106) heritability is estimated at 8.2% (95% CI: 6.4%, 9.9%). This study finds 97 variants which alter the odds of developing non-specific mouth ulcers and replicate these in an independent cohort (n = 355,744) (lead variant after meta-analysis: rs76830965, near IL12A, OR 0.72 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.73); P = 4.4e−483). Additional effect estimates from three independent cohorts with more specific phenotyping and specific study characteristics support many of these findings. In silico functional analyses provide evidence for a role of T cell regulation in the aetiology of mouth ulcers. These results provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of a common, important condition.

Oral ulcerations are sores of the mucous membrane of the mouth and highly prevalent in the population. Here, in a genome-wide association study, the authors identify 97 loci associated with mouth ulcers highlighting genes involved in T cell-mediated immunity and T_H1 responses.

Main Oral Manifestations in Immune-Mediated and Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Oral manifestations are frequent in patients with rheumatic diseases. The aim of this review is to offer readers practical advice concerning the onset, diagnosis and treatment of the main oral manifestations encountered in rheumatological and dental clinics. Signs and symptoms such as oral hyposalivation, xerostomia, temporomandibular joint disorders, periodontal disease, and dysphagia may be the first expression of a number of rheumatic diseases. Some of these manifestations are aspecific and very frequent, such as oral aphthosis, which can be the first manifestation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; some are potentially dangerous, such as jaw claudication during the course of giant cell arteritis; and some are very rare but peculiar, such as strawberry-like gingivitis in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Other oral manifestations are due to adverse reactions to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Oral alterations in rheumatic diseases are frequently overlooked in clinical practice, but their prompt recognition not only allows the local lesions to be appropriately treated, but also makes it possible to identify an underlying systemic disease.

Autoantibody profile and clinical patterns in 619 Italian patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) and anti-dsDNA antibodies are often associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), with variable frequency depending on skin subtype. However, specific data based on large case-series on the pathogenetic, diagnostic and prognostic meaning of such autoantibodies are still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the correlations between CLE subtypes as well as LE-non-specific skin lesions and their autoantibody pattern.

METHODS

Epidemiological, clinical and immunopathological data of 619 Italian patients with CLE and LE-non-specific skin lesions were analysed. Differences in age, sex, clinical features and autoantibody profile were evaluated in each LE subgroup.

RESULTS

Anti-nuclear antibodies (P < 0.0001), anti-dsDNA (P < 0.0001), ENA (P = 0.001), anti-Sm (P = 0.001), anti-RNP (P = 0.004) and anti-histone (P = 0.005) antibodies were associated with SLE. A strong association between ANA (P < 0.0001) and anti-dsDNA (P < 0.0001) and female gender was also found: positive ANA and positive anti-dsDNA had a higher prevalence among females. Chronic CLE resulted to be negatively associated with ENA (OR = 0.51, P < 0.0001), anti-Ro/SSA (OR = 0.49, P < 0.0001) and anti-dsDNA (OR = 0.37, P < 0.0001). Intermittent CLE resulted to be negatively associated with ENA (OR = 0.50, P = 0.007) and ANA (OR = 0.61, P = 0.025). Subacute CLE resulted to be associated with ENA (OR = 5.19, P < 0.0001), anti-Ro/SSA (OR = 3.83, P < 0.0001), anti-Smith (OR = 2.95, P = 0.004) and anti-RNP (OR = 3.18, P = 0.007). Acute CLE resulted to be strongly associated with anti-dsDNA (OR = 6.0, P < 0.0001) and ANA (OR = 18.1, P < 0.0001). LE-non-specific skin lesions resulted to be significantly associated with systemic involvement. Livedo reticularis was significantly associated with ENA (P = 0.007) and anti-Ro/SSA (P = 0.036). Palpable purpura and periungual telangiectasia were significantly associated with ANA.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, some well-known associations between CLE subtypes and autoantibody profile were confirmed; moreover, specific association between autoantibodies and LE-non-specific skin lesions was highlighted. A strict association between anti-ENA and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and livedo reticularis, ANA and palpable purpura, and ANA and periungual telangiectasia was evidenced.

Oral Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Qatar: A Pilot Study

Objective

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Qatar, in order to warrant future studies that would investigate each one of these manifestations with detail and further scrutiny.

Methods

Study procedures took place between November 2014 and April 2016. All patients visiting the outpatient rheumatology clinics at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar, were asked to join. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 criteria of SLE were used. The patients were examined initially by a rheumatologist and were later scheduled for an appointment with a dentist at the same institution. A total of 77 patients were recruited for the study.

Results

Prevalence rates for the different oral manifestations ranged from 2.4% for soft palate ulcers, cheilitis, and oral candida to 88.1% for the presence of cavitation. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, and missing teeth were observed in more than 50% of the sample. The prevalence of periodontal disease and missing teeth was higher among those with an SLE duration > 8 years. On the contrary, the prevalence of gingivitis and cavities was higher among those with an SLE duration ≤ 8 years.

Conclusion

This study found high rates of gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, and missing teeth among SLE patients in Qatar. It is recommended that healthcare providers of such patients monitor the presence of any oral manifestations in order to arrange for early treatment and prevention efforts. Future prospective longitudinal studies with adequate sample size and power are needed in order to ascertain any causation factors or common etiology pathways.

Oral Lichenoid and Lichen Planus-like Lesions

Many red and white lesions of the mouth are clinically indistinguishable from those of oral lichen planus (OLP). These lesions, often referred to as oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), can occur as a result of contact sensitivity (lichenoid contact reactions), drug reactions or as part of chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). Oral lesions in discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can also have a similar clinical appearance to OLP. Distinguishing oral lichen planus from oral lichenoid lesions, lupus lesions, or other red and white lesions of the mouth can be difficult (even impossible) but it is important, for optimal management of each condition. All patients with red and white pathological lesions should be referred to an oral medicine or a local oral or maxillofacial surgery department, where a biopsy and other investigations can help to establish a diagnosis, and appropriate treatment and monitoring can be commenced. Dentists and other members of the dental team, such as hygienists and dental therapists, should also equip themselves with the knowledge to be able to explain different pathologies of the mouth to their patients and discuss risk factors.

Oral Ulcers in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review of the Literature

Oral ulcers are the most common mucosal sign in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). The ulcers are one of the key clinical features; however, the terminology of oral ulcers, especially in JSLE patients, is often vague and ill-defined. In fact, there are several clinical manifestations of oral ulcers in JSLE, and some lesions occur when the disease is active, indicating that early management of the disease should be started. Oral ulcers are classified as lupus erythematosus (LE) specific, where the lesional biopsy shows a unique pattern of mucosal change in LE, and LE nonspecific, where the ulcers and their histopathological findings can be found in other oral diseases. Here, the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of oral ulcers in JSLE patients are reviewed.

Spectrum of orocutaneous disease associations: Immune-mediated conditions

There are a number of diseases that manifest both on the skin and the oral mucosa, and therefore the importance for dermatologists in clinical practice to be aware of these associations is paramount. In the following continuing medical education series, we outline orocutaneous disease associations with both immunologic and inflammatory etiologies.

Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on oral health-related quality of life

Oral symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are often unexplored and affect the health-related quality of life. The aims of this study were: (a) to evaluate the oral health condition of SLE patients compared to control subjects without rheumatic diseases; (b) to determine the consequences of oral health condition in the quality of life of these two groups. Individuals with SLE ( n = 75) and without SLE ( n = 78) (control group), paired for gender and age, underwent complete oral examination. Sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained, and interviews were conducted using the Brazilian version of the oral health impact profile. The activity and damage of SLE disease were assessed, respectively, by the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index for systemic lupus erythematosus. When we analysed the oral health condition and hygiene habits of the participants, SLE patients exhibited an increased number of missing teeth despite their higher frequency of tooth brushing. No significant differences were verified in other habits and clinical parameters evaluated such as smoking, flossing, salivary flux, periodontitis, decayed and filled teeth. Patients with SLE presented with worse oral health-related quality of life than controls ( P = 0.011). The significant difference was on individuals' physical disability ( P = 0.002). The determinant of the negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life was prosthesis wearing ( P < 0.05). Overall, the oral health impact profile score was higher in individuals with moderate SLE damage compared to SLE individuals with no damage ( P = 0.043). Patients with SLE had a negative impact of oral condition on their quality of life. The evaluation of the oral health-related quality of life might be useful to monitor the effects of SLE on oral condition.

Genome-wide pathway analysis identifies VEGF pathway association with oral ulceration in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a genetically complex rheumatic disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations of unknown etiology. Recent studies have suggested the existence of a genetic basis for SLE heterogeneity. The objective of the present study was to identify new genetic variation associated with the clinically relevant phenotypes in SLE.

Methods

A two-stage pathway-based approach was used to identify the genetic variation associated with the main clinical phenotypes in SLE. In the discovery stage, 482 SLE patients were genotyped using Illumina Human Quad610 microarrays. Association between 798 reference genetic pathways from the Molecular Signatures Database and 11 SLE phenotypes was tested using the set-based method implemented in PLINK software. Pathways significantly associated after multiple test correction were subsequently tested for replication in an independent cohort of 425 SLE patients. Using an in silico approach, we analyzed the functional effects of common SLE therapies on the replicated genetic pathways. The association of known SLE risk variants with the development of the clinical phenotypes was also analyzed.

Results

In the discovery stage, we found a significant association between the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and oral ulceration (P value for false discovery rate (P_FDR) < 0.05), and between the negative regulation signaling pathway of retinoic acid inducible gene-I/melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 and the production of antinuclear antibodies (P_FDR < 0.05). In the replication stage, we validated the association between the VEGF pathway and oral ulceration. Therapies commonly used to treat mucocutaneous phenotypes in SLE were found to strongly influence VEGF pathway gene expression (P = 4.60e-4 to 5.38e-14). Analysis of known SLE risk loci identified a strong association between PTPN22 and the risk of hematologic disorder and with the development of antinuclear antibodies.

Conclusions

The present study has identified VEGF genetic pathway association with the risk of oral ulceration in SLE. New therapies targeting the VEGF pathway could be more effective in reducing the severity of this phenotype. These findings represent a first step towards the understanding of the genetic basis of phenotype heterogeneity in SLE.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1345-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Severely Crusted Cheilitis as an Initial Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease which may initially present solely with lip lesions. Due to a wide spectrum of presentation, these features may initially be misdiagnosed as other oral diseases such as lichen planus, erythema multiforme (EM), and actinic cheilitis, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. We discuss a case of severely crusted cheilitis which was initially diagnosed as EM, with subsequent development of subacute cutaneous LE, and progression to systemic LE. We will discuss the clinical and histological features of lupus cheilitis.

Orofacial manifestations in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

The main orofacial manifestation of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases is that of Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, there is a constellation of orofacial manifestations of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, many of which are extra-articular with some constituting presenting signs of the underlying rheumatic disease. This review will discuss the orofacial manifestations in a variety of connective tissue diseases and will also allude to the oral adverse drug reactions that may occur as a consequence of therapy.

Diagnosing oral ulcers

Oral ulcers are common and can have many causes, making diagnosis challenging. This article provides an overview of common oral ulcers and an algorithmic approach to establishing the correct diagnosis. Factors such as duration, pattern of recurrence, clinical appearance, mucosal location, and presence or absence of systemic symptoms are useful clues to determining an ulcer's cause.

Oral and vulvovaginal changes in pregnancy

Physiologic alterations of the oral and vulvovaginal mucosal surfaces result from the profound hormonal and immunologic changes of gestation. High estrogen levels are responsible for the vascular changes noted on mucosal surfaces. Gingival hyperemia and edema, gingivitis and pyogenic granuloma are the most common alterations of the oral mucosa during gestation. Physiologic changes of the vulvovaginal area are mainly of vascular nature, and include among others varicose veins. The oral and vulvovaginal mucosal surfaces can be affected by diseases that can worsen or develop in pregnancy. Oral lesions are encountered in a large spectrum of diseases including aphthosis, pemphigus vulgaris, systemic lupus, and Behçet disease. Pregnancy dermatoses such as impetigo herpetiformis and gestational pemphigoid can exceptionally affect the oral mucosa. Infections of the vulvovaginal region by Candida species, Trichomononas vaginalis, human papilloma virus, and herpes simplex virus have been associated with fetal risks. The dermatologist, obstetric medicine physician, and neonatologist should be familiar with the above physiologic changes as well as maternal/fetal risks relevant to disease affecting these mucosal surfaces during gestation.

Systematic review of oral ulceration with bone sequestration

BACKGROUND

This article represents the first systematic review entirely dedicated toward a disease called oral ulceration with bone sequestration (OUBS). We performed this review in order to further define and outline this disease. A secondary interest was to recognize the prevalence and importance of OUBS in relation to other oral disorders accompanied by ulceration and bone exposure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42015024294) and performed in cooperation with Harvard's Countway Library. Searches were built using MeSH terms and proximity operators previously mentioned in OUBS descriptions. Database searches were performed through EMBASE, Medline, and PubMed, followed by a handsearch of bibliographies for relevant articles. Articles were assessed against eligibility and inclusion criteria centering on bone exposure without known etiologic cause. We sought to gather information on patient age, sex, anatomical location, clinical presentation, and comorbidities. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

The searches identified 766 records total. Despite considerable inspection, we found only 8 articles qualifying for our review. In the 8 articles, there were a total of 24 patients fulfilling the criteria of OUBS. Although some abstracts mentioned idiopathic nature, most authors presented clinical cases with probable causes to ulceration and sequestration. The mean age of these patients was 43.21 ± 11.94 years. The male to female ratio was 3:1. The predominant area of occurrence was the mandible (n = 23, 95.8%).

CONCLUSION

The representation of OUBS in the literature remains scarce. More data must be generated and gathered on the concept of OUBS so as to determine the true incidence and importance of this disease. Despite rare occurrences of conditions characterizing OUBS, the recent discussion of this topic in the scientific community calls for more knowledge to be brought forth, with great benefit to patients suffering from ulcerative diseases and osteonecrosis.

Periodontitis and systemic lupus erythematosus

A large number of studies have shown a potential association between periodontal and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Similar mechanisms of tissue destruction concerning periodontitis and other autoimmune diseases have stimulated the study of a possible relationship between these conditions. This study aims to review the literature about this potential association and their different pathogenic mechanisms. Considering that periodontal disease is a disease characterized by inflammation influenced by infectious factors, such as SLE, it is plausible to suggest that SLE would influence periodontal disease and vice versa. However, this issue is not yet fully elucidated and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this association, as deregulation mainly in innate immune system, with action of phagocytic cells and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18 in both conditions' pathogenesis, leading to tissue destruction. However, studies assessing the relationship between these diseases are scarce, and more studies focused on common immunological mechanisms should be conducted to further understanding.

Oral mucosal manifestations of autoimmune skin diseases

A group of autoimmune diseases is characterised by autoantibodies against epithelial adhesion structures and/or tissue-tropic lymphocytes driving inflammatory processes resulting in specific pathology at the mucosal surfaces and the skin. The most frequent site of mucosal involvement in autoimmune diseases is the oral cavity. Broadly, these diseases include conditions affecting the cell-cell adhesion causing intra-epithelial blistering and those where autoantibodies or infiltration lymphocytes cause a loss of cell-matrix adhesion or interface inflammation. Clinically, patients present with blistering, erosions and ulcers that may affect the skin as well as further mucosal surfaces of the eyes, nose and genitalia. While the autoimmune disease may be suspected based on clinical manifestations, demonstration of tissue-bound and circulating autoantibodies, or lymphocytic infiltrates, by various methods including histological examination, direct and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting and quantitative immunoassay is a prerequisite for definitive diagnosis. Given the frequency of oral involvement and the fact that oral mucosa is the initially affected site in many cases, the informed practitioner should be well acquainted with diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of autoimmune dermatosis with oral involvement. This paper reviews the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of these conditions in the oral cavity with a specific emphasis on their differential diagnosis and current management approaches.

Mucocutaneous manifestations in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a review of literature

Patients diagnosed with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) often have skin and oral lesions as part of their presentation. These mucocutaneous lesions, as defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1997, include malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity and oral ulcers. It is therefore essential to recognize mucocutaneous lesions to accurately diagnose JSLE. The mucocutaneous lesions can be divided into those with classical histological features (LE specific) and those strongly associated with and forming part of the diagnostic spectrum, but without the classical histological changes of lupus (LE nonspecific). A malar rash is the most commonly associated LE specific dermatological presentation. This skin manifestation is an acute form and also correlates with disease activity. Subacute (polycyclic or papulosquamous lesions) and chronic (discoid lesions) forms, whilst showing classical histological changes supportive of lupus, are less commonly associated with systemic lupus and do not correlate with disease activity. The most commonly associated skin lesions without classical lupus changes are cutaneous vasculitis, oral ulcers and diffuse non-scarring alopecia. These signs frequently relate to disease activity. An understanding of cutaneous signs and symptoms of lupus in children is important to avoid delay in diagnosis. They will often improve as lupus is adequately controlled and their reappearance is often the first indicator of a disease flare.

Mucocutaneous manifestations in a UK national cohort of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether mucocutaneous manifestations are associated with major organ involvement in a UK national cohort of juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE) patients.

METHODS

JSLE patients (n = 241) from 15 different centres whose diagnosis fulfilled four or more of the ACR criteria were divided into two groups: those with at least one ACR mucocutaneous criterion (ACR skin feature positive) and those without (ACR skin feature negative) at diagnosis. The relative frequency of skin involvement was described by the paediatric adaptation of the 2004 British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (pBILAG-2004) index.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-nine patients (74%) had ACR-defined skin involvement with no significant demographic differences compared with those without. ACR skin feature negative patients showed greater haematological (84% vs 67%), renal (43% vs 26%) (P < 0.05) and neurological (16% vs 4%) involvement (P = 0.001). Forty-two per cent of ACR skin feature negative patients had skin involvement using pBILAG-2004, which included maculopapular rash (17%), non-scaring alopecia (15%), cutaneous vasculitis (12%) and RP (12%). ACR skin feature negative patients with moderate to severe skin involvement by pBILAG-2004 showed greater renal and haematological involvement at diagnosis and over the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Higher immunosuppressive drug use in the skin feature negative group was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Patients who fulfil the ACR criteria but without any of the mucocutaneous criteria at diagnosis have an increased risk of major organ involvement. The pBILAG-2004 index has shown that other skin lesions may go undetected using the ACR criteria alone, and these lesions show a strong correlation with disease severity and major organ involvement.