[Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (GKJR) diagnosis and treatment optimization board-New ways to the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases : An analysis after 2 years testing in practice]

With the diagnosis and treatment optimization board, the Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (GKJR) has developed a new format for expert-based discussion of rare and complex diseases. So far, 32 cases, predominantly from the areas of hyperinflammation, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis and nonbacterial osteomyelitis, could be discussed in 8 conferences. The digital format enabled a high number of participants and the involvement of national and international experts. Rare diseases increasingly present modern medicine with challenges, which the GKJR meets with the new format.

[Extranodal B-cell lymphoma in the distal femur with pre-existing CRMO]

CRMO is a rare form of nonbacterial osteomyelitis, which is mainly found in children. The diagnosis is complex because bone tumors or lymphoma must also be excluded. The case report describes the development of a solitary femoral lymphoma on the basis of a known CRMO disease as well as the differential diagnostic pitfalls.

Recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in children: Experience in a tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare aseptic bone inflammation that affects pediatric patients. Its management and treatment have not yet been standardized.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive study of patients under 14 years of age diagnosed with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNBO) in a tertiary hospital. We included patients diagnosed over the last 6 years (2010-2015) who met the Jansson criteria. The clinical and radiological characteristics of CNBO were analyzed, as was the outcome after different therapeutic options.

RESULTS

We report 12 patients, with a mean age of 11 years (±1.6 standard deviation [SD]) and female predominance (10:2). The mean number of foci was 3.5 (±2.2 SD). The most common locations were ankle (58%), clavicle (50%), sternum (33%) and hip (25%). The mean disease duration was 10.5 months (±10.3 SD), and the median time to diagnosis was 2.38 months (range 0.17-16). Bone scintigraphy detected asymptomatic foci in 33% and we detected lytic lesions in 50% through magnetic resonance imaging. Biopsy was performed in 60%; 2/12 (16%) were associated with inflammatory disease and 1/12 (8.3%) later developed lymphoma. In all, 58% received antibiotic therapy with little response, 100% anti-inflammatory agents, 50% systemic corticosteroids, 41.6% methotrexate/pamidronate and 16% anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. The mean duration of treatment was 14.8 months (±12.4 SD) and 66% had recurrences. Currently, 83% are in clinical remission without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

When CNBO is refractory to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, intravenous pamidronate can be an alternative. Anti-TNF drugs can be considered in patients who fail with pamidronate, as can agents associated with other autoimmune conditions.