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An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including vasculitis, Kawasaki's disease.

Abstract: Background/Purpose: Normal C‐reactive protein (CRP) in active Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a dilemma. We attempted to validate our pilot study finding of rs1205 in CRP gene being protective against TA. Methods: Genomic DNA of 104 patients and 185 sex‐matched healthy controls were genotyped for rs1205 by Taqman assay. Clinical details, demography, angiographic and activity scores (Indian Takayasu arteritis score 2010) were recorded prospectively at baseline and during follow‐up visits for 12 months. Minor allele frequency (MAF) and genotype distribution between patients and controls as well as patient subgroups were compared using χ2 test with Bonferroni correction (pc) and logistic regression was performed to determine independent associations. Results: The majority of patients (n = 84) and controls (n = 166) were females. MAF of T allele of rs1205 was less frequent in patients (27%) as compared to controls (37.6%), P = 0.013, pc = 0.026 with an odds ratio of 0.632 irrespective of gender. Frequency of CC genotype was higher in cases (53.8%) than controls (37.3%), P = 0.006, pc = 0.018. A dominant model of genotype‐phenotype association revealed CC to be associated with more frequent coronary arterial and ascending aorta involvement than the other genotypes clubbed together (P = 0.01 and P = 0.014, respectively). Blunted CRP response seems to be less frequent in patients with CC genotype (P = 0.064). Conclusion: T allele of rs1205 in CRP gene was less frequent in TA. CC genotype was associated with involvement of coronary arteries and ascending aorta. CC genotype was less commonly associated with blunted CRP response (CT + TT > CC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis (c- TA) is a distinct subset affecting a wide age group, ranging from young infants to adolescents and it differs from adult TA in many aspects. There is scarcity of data on c- TA worldwide. The disease is classified using the European League Against Rheumatism/Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization/Pediatric Rheumatology European Society criteria. The non-specific nature of presenting complaints and lack of appropriate biomarkers delay the early diagnosis of this illness and many children present with complications, which become irreversible once they set in. One of the largest cohorts of 40 children with c- TA from our center reports hypertension as the commonest presenting feature. Systemic symptoms like headache, fever and weight loss are also described. Assessment of disease in c- TA is done by correlating clinical features with raised inflammatory markers. Advanced imaging plays an important role in diagnosis. In c- TA, the role of magnetic resonance angiography is advocated, taking into consideration the enormous amount of radiation exposure with other modalities. Complications of c- TA include cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and those arising secondary to long-term steroid and immunosuppression therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]