Disease severity in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever: a comparative study to explore environmental effects on a monogenic disease

Background:

Worldwide, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disease. It has been suggested that environmental factors affect the phenotype as some patients do not develop the complication of secondary amyloidosis.

Objective:

To analyse whether disease severity in Turkish children with FMF, living in Turkey and Germany is different.

Patients and methods:

A total of 55 Turkish children living in Turkey were compared with 45 Turkish children born and raised in Germany. Mean age among the group from Turkey and Germany was 42.2 and 44.29 months, respectively. M694V was the leading mutation in both groups. The severity scores were compared with two scoring systems, modified according to published paediatric data for dosage.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the mean C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels of the two groups. According to the modified Sheba Center score, 78.2% of patients from the group living in Turkey had a severe course compared with 34.1% from the group living in Germany. The modified score of Pras et al also showed more severe disease in the patients from Turkey. The difference between the two groups for both scoring systems were significant (both p<0.05).

Conclusions:

We believe the modified scores that we introduce can be widely used for children. Our results suggest that the environment affects the phenotype of a monogenic disease of the innate inflammatory pathway.

How does the presence of urologic problems change the outcome of kidney transplantation in the pediatric age group

PURPOSE

We retrospectively reviewed the impact of functional and anatomic urologic disorders on kidney transplantation outcomes in terms of the surgical and long-term results of pediatric renal transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 55 kidney transplantations in the pediatric age group, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was secondary to genitourinary disorders in 23 patients (42%). The urologic abnormalities were vesicoureteral reflux in 13 patients (59%), neurogenic bladder in 4 patients (18%), posterior urethral valves in 3 patients (14%), renal stone disease in 4 patients (18%), bilateral ureterovesical junction obstruction in 3 patients (14%), and unilateral renal agenesis with concomitant contralateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 1 patient (4%).

RESULTS

Of the 23 patients with urologic problems, 19 (83%) had functioning grafts with a mean follow-up of 49 months (range, 7-120 months). In the other 32 patients, 26 (81%) had functioning grafts with a mean follow-up of 43 months (range, 1-144 months). The graft survival, mean serum creatinine, and urinary tract infection rates of the patients did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of functional urologic disorders as the cause of ESRD did not seem to change the outcome of renal transplantation in terms of graft survival when compared with patients without any urologic disorders. Urinary tract infections seem to be a little more common and yet clinically not significant in those patients. Reflux does not always need to be corrected before transplantation, unless it is causing symptoms or infection.

Etanercept in the treatment of arthritis in a patient with familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients may present with different joint complaints, one being the 'protracted attack' that lasts for weeks. We present a 15 year-old boy with polyarthritis (right wrist, knee, shoulder, and both ankles) while on colchicine treatment for FMF. His polyarthritis was resistant to treatment with prednisolone and methotrexate, and etanercept was instituted (0.8 mg/kg/week). He responded dramatically to etanercept and remained in full remission, although the drug was stopped at 4 months due to social and financial causes. We suggest that anti-TNF drugs may be an alternative for resistant attacks. However the timing and dosage, as well as efficacy, need to be further studied.

Semen Variables and Hormone Profiles After Kidney Transplantation During Adolescence

Our aim was to investigate the semen variables and hormone profiles among transplant patients who received kidneys during adolescence. Seven postpubertal transplant patients who underwent successful renal transplantation during adolescence (13-19 years; 3 were preemptive) were enrolled in our clinical follow-up. Serum levels of prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were checked together with the semen analysis. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 25 years (median, 22 years). The median age was 15 years (range, 12-18 years) at initial presentation. The median time between initial diagnosis and transplantation was 12 months (range, 2-60 months). The median follow-up after transplantation was 51 months (range, 23-134 months). Three of the seven patients had unilateral low testicular volume. The renal function tests were within normal limits, as well as serum levels of prolactin, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Sperm counts ranged from 0.2 to 55 million/mL (median, 1.7 million/mL). Only 1 patient (14.2%) had normal sperm parameters. Oligoteratozoospermia (low sperm count and defects in morphology) was observed in 1/7 (14.2%), asthenoteratozoospermia (low levels of motility and defects in morphology) in 1/7 (14.2%), and all parameters were abnormal in 4/7 (57.1%) cases. Our data suggest that in contrast to adult patients, semen variables are severely affected and spermatogenesis does not improve after renal transplantation when the patient was subjected to uremia before or during adolescence, the crucial period for spermatogenesis.

Triple immunosuppression with or without basiliximab in pediatric renal transplantation: acute rejection rates at one year

Acute rejection (AR) is a major determinant of chronic allograft dysfunction and graft survival. This study evaluated the effect of basiliximab on AR in pediatric renal transplantation on triple immunosuppression. Forty-three transplantations (25 males and 18 females; mean age 14.9 +/- 3.6 years) were performed between 1996 and 2002. Thirteen of the grafts came from cadaveric donors and 30 from living-related donors. All patients were placed on immunosuppression with prednisolone + (azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil) + (cyclosporine [CYA] or tacrolimus). Basiliximab was also administered in 20 cases. The respective rates of biopsy-proven AR in the basiliximab group (BG) and the standard-regimen group (N-BG) were 0% vs 17.4% (P >.05) at 1 month posttransplantation; 0% vs 26.1% (P <.05) at 3 months; 0% vs 26.1% (P <.05) at 6 months, and 7.1% vs 26.1% (P >.05) at 12 months. In the N-BG group the 1- and 3-year graft survival rates were 91.3% (21/23) and 83.3% (15/18), respectively. The mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the first year after the transplantation was 75 +/- 33 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in the N-BG and 98 +/- 21 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in the BG patients (P <.05). Basiliximab significantly reduced the rates of acute rejection at 3 and 6 months after pediatric renal transplantation. The GFR in the first year was significantly higher among the patients treated with basiliximab, which was well tolerated by all patients and caused no significant adverse effects. The effect of basiliximab on long-term graft survival and chronic allograft dysfunction deserves further investigation.

Role of A-SAA in monitoring subclinical inflammation and in colchicine dosage in familial Mediterranean fever

OBJECTIVES

1) To compare the sensitivity of serum amyloid A protein (A-SAA) and other acute phase proteins (APPs) in determining subclinical inflammation in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) during an attack-free period; 2) to define those clinical, laboratory features that may modify the A-SAA level; and 3) to evaluate the effect of an increase in the colchicine dose on the A-SAA level.

METHODS

A-SAA, CRP, ESR, fibrinogen and ferritin levels were measured in 183 patients [88 F, 95 M; median age 11.0 years (1.0-20.0)] with FMF during an attack-free period. Mutational analysis was available in 157 patients. The colchicine dose was increased in 26 randomly chosen patients with no attacks within the last year; laboratory studies were repeated at the end of the second month.

RESULTS

During an attack-free period, the median A-SAA level was 74 (6-1,500) mg/L; other APPs were within normal ranges in 49-93% of the patients. Age, gender, age at onset, age at diagnosis, the duration of treatment and the frequency of attacks had no significant effect on the A-SAA level. Homozygous and compound heterozygous patients had higher A-SAA levels than heterozygous patients [129 mg/L (8-1,500) versus 29 mg/L (6-216); p < 0.005]. There was a dramatic decrease in the A-SAA level [from 244 mg/L (16-1,400) to 35.5 mg/L (8-1,120); p < 0.001] and an increase in the hemoglobin (1.89 +/- 0.10 mmol/L to 1.98 +/- 0.19 mmol/L; p < 0.005) after the increase in colchicine dose in 26 patients.

CONCLUSION

Subclinical inflammation continues during an attack-free period in FMF patients. A-SAA was the best marker of subclinical inflammation. Patients who are homozygous or compound heterozygotes of MEFV mutations had higher A-SAA levels. An increase in the colchicine dose resulted in a dramatic decrease in A-SAA and an increase in hemoglobin level. These findings favor the use of A-SAA in drug monitoring.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha G-->A -238 and G-->A -308 polymorphisms in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To study G-->A -238 and G-->A -308 polymorphisms in the promoter region of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha gene in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We analysed whether there were any associations between these polymorphisms and the type of JIA and/or the clinical course of the disease in two populations.

METHODS

The first group consisted of 51 Turkish JIA patients and the second consisted of 159 JIA patients from the Czech Republic. Healthy individuals (93 and 100) from each country served as controls. Subgroups of JIA were defined according to the Durban criteria. The course of the disease was defined on the basis of the physician's global evaluation of disease activity, the swollen and tender joint count and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

RESULTS

In both JIA cohorts, the distribution of genotypes was not significantly different among the types of JIA. The G-->A -238 polymorphism did not have an effect on the patients' outcome in either group. The G-->A -308 polymorphism was significantly associated with a poor outcome in the Turkish group (P=0.005) but there was no association in the Czech patients. Some features of JIA in Turkish patients differed from those in Czech patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic differences may accompany the phenotypic differences found in the Turkish group. Although larger numbers of patients are clearly needed to verify this, we suggest that the G-->A -308 polymorphism may be operative in defining disease outcome in selected groups.

Pulmonary haemorrhage in a 6-year-old boy with Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis in children. It is a multisystemic disease but pulmonary haemorrhage is extremely rare. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, pulmonary haemorrhage and severe renal involvement. The patient responded to a combination of intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. A review of the literature revealed that young age may be a good prognostic sign and that immunosuppressive drugs and supportive management are essential in the treatment. Renal biopsy is helpful in the differential diagnosis of HSP-mimicking pulmonary vasculitic syndromes. Combining cyclophosphamide with glucocorticoids may improve the outcome in severe HSP cases with pulmonary haemorrhage.

Ataxia and peripheral neuropathy: rare manifestations in Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a multisystemic vasculitis. Nervous system involvement is usually underestimated. Headaches, mental status changes and seizures are the most frequent neurologic symptoms. Ataxia and mononeuropathy are both very rare. We present an 11-year-old boy with HSP who suffered from ataxia during the initial presentation and peripheral neuropathy at the time of a relapse. Brainstem vasculitic involvement was shown by magnetic resonance imaging, while cranial tomography was normal. All the neurologic symptoms and signs resolved following bolus methylprednisolone administration. Ten months later he had a second course of HSP with skin and renal involvement. A percutaneous renal biopsy, which was performed due to persistent hematuria, revealed mesangial proliferation with IgA deposition. During that period the patient experienced pain and numbness in the right foot and leg; electromyography showed signs of mononeuritis multiplex involving the right posterior tibial nerve. The patient responded to steroid therapy.

Mutation frequency of Familial Mediterranean Fever and evidence for a high carrier rate in the Turkish population

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a recessive disorder characterised by episodes of fever and neutrophil-mediated serozal inflammation. The FMF gene (MEFV) was recently identified and four common mutations characterised. The aim of this study was to determine the carrier rate in the Turkish population and the mutation frequency in the clinically diagnosed FMF patients. We found a high frequency of carriers in the healthy Turkish population (20%). The distribution of the five most common MEFV mutations among healthy individuals (M694V 3%, M680I 5%, V726A 2%, M694I 0% and E148Q 12%) was significantly different (P<0.005) from that found in patients (M694V 51.55%, M680I 9.22%, V726A 2.88%, M694I 0.44% and E148Q 3.55%).

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare immune deficiency disease. Sialophorin glycosylation is defective in WAS. Although it is not very common, renal involvement including IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was reported. Abnormal glycosylation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IgAN. We present an 8-year-old boy with WAS who had recurrent episodes of Henoch-Schönlein purpura with renal involvement following upper respiratory tract infections. His renal function did not deteriorate. Both IgAN and WAS have glycosylation defects, but there must be some other factors (genetic and environmental) to explain their rare association.

Comparative study of cefixime alone versus intramuscular ceftizoxime followed by cefixime in the treatment of urinary tract infections in children

Urinary tract infections (UTI) can cause acute morbidity and may result in severe problems, including hypertension and reduced renal function. Diagnosis of UTI is extremely important since prompt treatment may prevent damage. In the present study we compared the efficacy of oral cefixime to initial intramuscular ceftizoxime followed by cefixime for the treatment of UTI in children. Fifty-four children were studied. They were randomized to receive either oral cefixime 8 mg/kg/day for 10 days or initial intramuscular ceftizoxime (Cefizox) 50 mg/kg twice a day for 2 days followed by oral cefixime for 8 days. Treatment groups were comparable regarding age, sex, clinical, and laboratory findings. Escherichia coli was isolated from 80% of patients. Repeat urine cultures were sterile within 24 hours in all children. Cure rates were comparable in both groups (92% vs 86% at the end of treatment). No serious adverse effects were observed. We concluded that oral cefixime is a safe and effective alternative treatment.

Acute tumour lysis syndrome following a single-dose corticosteroid in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute tumour lysis syndrome (ATLS) is a well recognised complication of treatment of a variety of malignant disorders. It commonly occurs in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with the administration of combined cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is rarely reported after single-agent corticosteroid therapy. We present two children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia of T-cell lineage who developed acute tumour lysis syndrome after a single dose of prednisolone, and methylprednisolone at the beginning of the induction chemotherapy. In the first case (an 11-yr-old) ATLS had occurred after an oral dose of prednisolone as small as 12 mg and within 18 h. The second case was a 14-yr-old boy with ALL who developed ATLS following a single dose of methylprednisolone. A few similar cases in the English literature are summarised in the report. These cases indicate that acute tumour lysis syndrome may occur after a single dose of corticosteroids. One should be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication especially while prescribing corticosteroids to patients with NHL and leukaemia.

Carbamazepine poisoning: treatment with plasma exchange

Lethal cases due to carbamazepine overdose have been reported. There are contradicting reports about the efficiency of hemodialysis, hemoperfusion and plasmapheresis for the treatment of carbamazepine poisoning. We present a case of carbamazepine intoxication successfully managed with plasma exchange. The patient was a 15-year-old girl. On admission there was no evidence of trauma, Glascow Coma Scale scored 6. Further questioning of the parents revealed the patient had taken at least 23 tablets of Tegretol (4.6 g) 6 h before the admission. The carbamazepine level was 190 micromol/l. Orogastric lavage was followed by activated charcoal. Within 20 h after admission there was no improvement in her neurological status. It was thus decided to perform plasmapheresis. At the end of the procedure she started to respond to verbal stimuli. Carbamazepine level immediately after the procedure was 101 micromol/l, and at the 36th, 60th and 84th hours were 72, 33 and 20 micromol/l, respectively. The patient was discharged on the fourth day. We have not observed any rebound in our patient. Thus we suggest that simple plasma exchange by plasma replacement is a cheaper and effective method for the treatment of intoxication with carbamazepine or similar drugs.

Takayasu's arteritis and tuberculosis: a case report

The aetiology of Takayasu's arteritis is unknown, but an association with tuberculosis has been reported. We report the case of a 12-year-old-boy with Takayasu's arteritis: his blood pressure was 150/90 mmHg and fundoscopic examination showed grade I hypertensive changes. A tuberculin test was positive and acid-fast bacteria were seen in the urine. Angiography revealed involvement of the descending aorta, thoracic aorta and upper abdominal aorta, with fusiform enlargement and no filling of the left renal artery. He was started on prednisolone therapy, with cyclophosphamide being added subsequently. Despite vigorous treatment, including three courses of nitroprusside infusion, the severe hypertension persisted and his blood pressure became regulated only after left nephrectomy. Acid-fast bacteria were seen in the nephrectomy material. The exact role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the pathogenesis of Takayasu's arteritis is still unknown. In this patient the tuberculin test was positive and acid-fast bacteria were seen in both the urine and nephrectomy material. This finding is suggestive of the association between tuberculosis and the disease process.