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Omara A, Alkhuboli M, Nauman J, Al Nokhatha S, Almarshoodi M. Case report: Deep vein thrombosis as the sole clinical feature of Behcet's syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1276867. [PMID: 38143445 PMCID: PMC10749191 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1276867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Behcet's syndrome is a rare, chronic, systemic condition often categorized within the group of vasculitides. It presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical manifestations and the absence of a definitive laboratory test. Its etiology remains unclear but may involve genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. Case presentation We report the case of a 16-year-old male who presented with deep vein thrombosis, followed by recurrent episodes of breakthrough thrombosis, despite adequate anticoagulant therapy. The patient did not meet the International Study Group (ISG) criteria nor the International Criteria for Behcet's syndrome (ICBD) due to the absence of characteristic features such as oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis. Later in the disease course, after ruling out other causes of breakthrough thrombosis, he tested positive for HLA-B51, an allele associated with Behcet's syndrome, and exhibited a pathergy reaction. Discussion The patient's clinical course underlines the diagnostic complexity associated with Behcet's syndrome and highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in cases of recurrent thrombosis. Although HLA-B51 testing is not routinely recommended, it played a pivotal role in our case, underscoring the value of an integrated diagnostic approach. Furthermore, this case reinforces the potential for atypical presentations of Behcet's syndrome, necessitating vigilant clinical awareness. After establishing the diagnosis, we successfully treated the patient with immunosuppressive therapy, significantly improving his condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Omara
- Department of Academic Affairs, Ambulatory Healthcare Services, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Alkhuboli
- Department of Ambulatory Medicine - Medical Affairs, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Javaid Nauman
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Shamma Al Nokhatha
- Rheumatology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al Nokhatha S, AlKindi F, Alfalasi M, Abdelsalhen M, AlKhyeli F, Alsaber AR. Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Rheumatology Patients and Management Practices in the United Arab Emirates: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e50581. [PMID: 38222154 PMCID: PMC10788094 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prior to immunosuppression, rheumatology patients are routinely screened for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). Variability in the management of latent and indeterminate IGRA results across institutions limited long-term outcome data. A retrospective study was conducted at Tawam Hospital, United Arab Emirates, to investigate the incidence and management protocols associated with positive and indeterminate IGRA results, as well as TB infection, among patients with rheumatic conditions. Methods A single-center retrospective observational study was performed at Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Tawam Human Research Ethics Committee. Laboratory records and the hospital's electronic medical system were used to obtain information about IGRA results over a 12-year period (April 2010-April 2022). The hospital's electronic medical system was used to obtain patient information and subsequent management approaches of positive and indeterminate IGRAs. Moreover, long-term follow-up data were collected to determine the risk of TB reactivation in the cohort. Results We found a total of 1,012 positive and 223 indeterminate IGRA test results within the 12-year period. Within the rheumatology department, 123 positive and 39 indeterminate IGRA results were identified. In the indeterminate IGRA group, the majority were women (n = 24, 61.5%) and UAE nationals (n = 22, 56.4%), and their mean age was 38.6 years. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the most prevalent rheumatologic condition (n = 21, 53.8%). Thirteen (33.3%) were on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and 26 (66.7%) were on corticosteroids during IGRA testing. A total of eight patients (20.5%) received anti-TB medications. In the positive IGRA group, the mean age was 55.7 years and the female-to-male ratio was 3:1. The most common rheumatologic condition was rheumatoid arthritis (n = 69, 56%). Sixty-five (52.8%) patients were on conventional DMARDs, 43 (34.9%) were on corticosteroids during IGRA testing, and 74 (60%) received anti-TB medications. Two cases (1.6%) of active TB infections were detected among patients with positive IGRA tests, both of whom were receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor treatment in combination with methotrexate. No cases of active TB infection were observed in the indeterminate IGRA group. Conclusion Long-term data on the risk of TB activation in positive and indeterminate IGRA results for rheumatological conditions are low. It is recommended to reassess the choice of using anti-TNF-α, with a positive IGRA result if no other feasible alternatives can be offered. Our findings stress the importance of age, underlying diseases, and immunosuppressive treatments in interpreting IGRA results and guiding patient management. A large multicenter study is needed to understand the differences and outcomes of such patients in TB endemic and nonendemic geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamma Al Nokhatha
- Rheumatology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, ARE
- Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, ARE
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahmad R Alsaber
- College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, Kuwait, KWT
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Scott J, Nic an Ríogh E, Al Nokhatha S, Cowhig C, Verrelli A, Fitzgerald T, White A, Walsh C, Aslett L, DeFreitas D, Clarkson MR, Holian J, Griffin MD, Conlon N, O’Meara Y, Casserly L, Molloy E, Power J, Moran SM, Little MA. ANCA-associated vasculitis in Ireland: a multi-centre national cohort study. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:80. [PMID: 37251362 PMCID: PMC10213823 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13651.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease. There is a need for interoperable national registries to enable reporting of real-world long-term outcomes and their predictors in AAV. Methods: The Irish National Rare Kidney Disease (RKD) registry was founded in 2012. To date, 842 patients with various forms of vasculitis have been recruited across eight nephrology, rheumatology and immunology centres. We focus here on patient- and disease- characteristics, treatment and outcomes of the 397 prospectively recruited patients with AAV. Results: Median age was 64 years (IQR 55-73), 57.9% were male, 58.9% had microscopic polyangiitis and 85.9% had renal impairment. Cumulative one- and five-year patient survival was 94% and 77% respectively. Median follow-up was 33.5 months (IQR 10.7-52.7). After controlling for age, baseline renal dysfunction (p = 0.04) and the burden of adverse events (p <0.001) were independent predictors of death overall. End-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD) occurred in 73 (18.4%) patients; one- and five-year renal survival was 85% and 79% respectively. Baseline severity of renal insufficiency (p = 0.02), urine soluble CD163 (usCD163) (p = 0.002) and "sclerotic" Berden histological class (p = 0.001) were key determinants of ESKD risk. Conclusions: Long-term outcomes of Irish AAV patients are comparable to other reported series. Our results emphasise the need for personalisation of immunosuppression, to limit treatment toxicity, particularly in those with advanced age and renal insufficiency. Baseline usCD163 is a potential biomarker for ESKD prediction and should be validated in a large independent cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Eithne Nic an Ríogh
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Shamma Al Nokhatha
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Cliona Cowhig
- Department of Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, D09 V2N0, Ireland
| | - Alyssa Verrelli
- Department of Nephrology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, T12 DC4A, Ireland
| | - Ted Fitzgerald
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
- Department of Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, D09 V2N0, Ireland
| | - Arthur White
- Department of Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Cathal Walsh
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Louis Aslett
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Declan DeFreitas
- Department of Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, D09 V2N0, Ireland
| | | | - John Holian
- Department of Nephrology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, D04 T6F4, Ireland
| | - Matthew D. Griffin
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, H91 YR71, Ireland
| | - Niall Conlon
- Department of Immunology, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, D08 NHY1, Ireland
| | - Yvonne O’Meara
- Department of Nephrology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, D07 R2WY, Ireland
| | - Liam Casserly
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, V94 F858, Ireland
| | - Eamonn Molloy
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, D04 T6F4, Ireland
| | - Julie Power
- Vasculitis Ireland Awareness, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah M. Moran
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
- Department of Nephrology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, T12 DC4A, Ireland
| | - Mark A. Little
- Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
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Abstract
Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the aerobic Gram-negative bacteria coccobacilli, and is considered a public health problem in the Mediterranean region and Arabian Peninsula. This paper studied the clinical characteristics of musculoskeletal brucellosis and the outcomes of treatment in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates.
Method: A retrospective chart review study was conducted at Tawam Hospital over seven years: January 2009–January 2016. Risk factors for brucellosis, musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations, duration of Brucella infection (acute, subacute, chronic), and treatment were studied.
Results: A total of 99 patients were diagnosed with brucellosis during the study period; the mean age was 44 years, the majority were males (71%), and the male to female ratio was 3:1. The most common risk factor for Brucella infection in the cohort was drinking raw milk (43.4%). Fever was the most common presenting symptoms (93%), followed by arthralgia, fatigue, and loss of appetite in 35, 21, and 14%, respectively. The clinical manifestations of brucellosis in the cohort were MSK involvement (30%), hepatitis (17%), epididymo-orchitis (2%), and endocarditis (1%). Thirty percent of patients (n=30) had MSK-specific symptoms and only one-third (n=10) had confirmatory positive radiographic findings. The majority of patients had lumbar and sacroiliac joint involvement. Most of the patients received antibiotics for a 4–8-week duration and the overall relapse rate of Brucella infection was 10%.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MSK involvement is a common manifestation in brucellosis, occurring in one-third of the cases. The index of suspicion should be high in brucellosis-endemic countries for early recognition and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima AlKindi
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shaima Al Yassi
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rayhan Hashmey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al Nokhatha S, MacEoin N, Conway R. Correspondence on 'Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on decisions for the management of people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a survey among EULAR countries'. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:e170. [PMID: 33509797 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-219847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shamma Al Nokhatha
- RCPI, Dublin, Ireland.,Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE.,Department of Rheumatology, Saint James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Neil MacEoin
- Department of Rheumatology, Saint James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard Conway
- Department of Rheumatology, Saint James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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