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C1q deficiency is a rare inborn error of immunity characterized by increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune manifestations mimicking SLE, with an associated morbidity and mortality. Because C1q is synthesized by monocytes, to date, four patients treated with allogeneic HSCT have been reported, with a positive outcome in three. We conducted an international retrospective study to assess the outcome of HSCT in C1q deficiency. Eighteen patients, fourteen previously unreported, from eleven referral centres, were included. Two patients had two HSCTs, thus 20 HSCTs were performed in total, at a median age of 10 years (range 0.9-19). Indications for HSCT were autoimmune manifestations not controlled by ongoing treatment in seventeen, and early development of MALT lymphoma in one patient. Overall survival (OS) was 71% and event-free survival was 59% at two years (considering an event as acute GvHD ≥ grade III, disease recurrence and death). In eleven patients HSCT led to resolution of autoimmune features and discontinuation of immunosuppressive treatments (follow-up time range 3-84 months). Five patients died due to transplant-related complications. Patients with a severe autoimmune phenotype, defined as neurological and/or renal involvement, had the worst OS (40% vs 84%; p = 0.034). Reviewing data of 69 genetically confirmed C1q deficient patients, we found that anti-Ro antibodies are associated with neurologic involvement, and anti-RNP and anti-DNA antibodies with renal involvement. In conclusion, HSCT may be a valid curative option for C1q deficiency, but careful selection of patients, with an accurate assessment of risk and benefit, is mandatory.

The deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the ADA2 gene (previously the CECR1 gene) on chromosome 22q11. The clinical spectrum of the disease is remarkably broad, and its presentations mimic features of polyarteritis nodosa, such as livedoid rash, hematological abnormalities (e.g., cytopenia), early‐onset stroke, hypogammaglobulinemia, and systemic inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment of DADA2 are crucial, as the clinical features could be potentially life‐threatening but treatable. In this study, a 17‐year‐old male patient is reported with DADA2 whose symptoms mimic those of polyarteritis nodosa. A 17‐year‐old male patient presented with a 14‐year history of abdominal pain, hypertension, and cutaneous lesions initially attributed to polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). He was referred to our center due to ongoing abdominal pain. An abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scan with contrast revealed a retroperitoneal hemorrhage compressing the left kidney. Given his history of abdominal pain, hypertension, hemiparesis, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), anemia, cutaneous lesions, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage, DADA2 was suspected, and a genetic test confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with anti‐TNF (Adalimumab) was initiated, resulting in noticeable improvement. In the follow up, fever, abdominal pain and TIA episodes were subsided and now he has a good clinical condition. Considering DADA2 and conducting a broad screening for other manifestations is recommended for patients presenting with PAN‐like symptoms. These patients may become symptomatic later in life, and early diagnosis allows for the consideration of disease‐specific treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. On December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) spread worldwide and became a pandemic. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) due to cytokine release syndrome following COVID‐19 presents with various manifestations. We hypothesize that one of the rare manifestations is acute abdomen. Case Presentation. In this case series, eight cases (five girls and three boys) of gastrointestinal (GI) involvement and acute abdomen were reported to be associated with the cytokine storm due to COVID‐19 infection. All patients were of Iranian nationality (Caucasian ethnicity), with a mean age of 8.9 years (range 3.5–14). They all presented with fever and acute abdominal pain. Additionally, maculopapular rash and edema of the extremities were common presentations. Free fluid on abdominal ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan was observed in all patients. All cases tested positive for COVID‐19. In six cases, laparotomy or abdominal surgery was performed for a diagnosis of acute abdomen, but appendicitis was confirmed in only one case. None of the cases presented with phlegmon. Elevated serum lipase and amylase levels were noted in two cases. Seven patients received corticosteroid pulse therapy. Clinical symptoms improved after one or two doses, and all patients were discharged after 4 weeks of follow‐up with no mortality or morbidity. Conclusion. Patients experiencing unexplained acute abdominal pain along with fever, skin rash, and peripheral edema, who had a history of COVID‐19 infection prior to or during the episode of acute abdomen symptoms, should be considered to have MIS‐C. Furthermore, methylprednisolone pulse therapy could be a safe treatment option, reducing hospitalization duration in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is marked with arthritis and several features of systemic inflammation, including fever, rashes, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and serositis. Interleukin-1 receptor blockers have been used as one of the most effective biologics for the treatment of resistant types of disease. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PerkinRA in comparison with Kineret in patients with sJIA. Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted on 72 patients with sJIA. The patients were enrolled based on the 2018 International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria and were treated at the outpatient clinic of Mofid Children's Hospital, Pediatric Medical Center, and four other centers between February 2020 and March 2021. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two treatment groups: one group received PerkinRA (manufactured by Persis Gene, n = 36), while the other group received Kineret (manufactured by SOBI, n = 36). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving an American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 30, ACR 50, and ACR 70 response. Secondary outcomes included changes in vital signs, incidence of adverse events, clinical laboratory assessments, and findings from physical examinations. These parameters were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks after the first injection, and the two treatment groups were compared. Results: A total of 35 patients in the PerkinRA group and 32 patients in the Kineret group were included in the final analysis. The results showed no clinically significant differences between the two treatment groups. Patients in both the PerkinRA and Kineret groups achieved similar proportions of ACR 30, ACR 50, and ACR 70 responses over the 6-month evaluation period. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the two investigational medications, PerkinRA and Kineret, demonstrated comparable efficacy in the treatment of sJIA. The two treatment groups showed no significant differences in the primary and secondary outcomes assessed. Therefore, it can be concluded that PerkinRA and Kineret are noninferior to each other for the management of sJIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The symptoms and laboratory findings of Kawasaki disease (KD) and systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA) may overlap in the early phases. Coronary artery lesions are common complications seen in KD. Cases Presentation: In this article, we report three cases of SoJIA (two males and one female) with prolonged relapsing fever and coronary artery involvement. Initially, all three cases were presumed to have KD and were treated with IVIG. All three cases had arthritis and lymphadenopathy, and one of them had a skin rash. After 3-8 weeks, fever and main clinical symptoms returned. In the second evaluation, they met the criteria for SoJIA and were treated with methylprednisolone, ibuprofen, and methotrexate. High ferritin levels were observed in all three cases (mean=6024 ng/ml). Conclusion: Coronary artery involvement may rarely be seen in the early phases of SoJIA. Continuing or relapsing fever, late-onset arthritis, and increased serum ferritin levels may help distinguish SoJIA from KD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone scan is highly sensitive whole‐body imaging with relative low radiation in patients with non‐localized skeletal symptoms. Patient is 12‐year‐old boy with Down syndrome, suffering recent claudication and exacerbated left knee pain unable to walk even with crutches. Three‐dimensional Single photon emission computed tomography/Computed tomography (SPECT/CT) detected left slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and secondary Avascular necrosis (AVN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic alterations in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have gained more attention recently in adults. We assessed the methylation of CD70 promoter, a costimulatory molecule on T cells, in juvenile SLE (JSLE), and compared this to that found in controls and the literature of adult SLE patients. DNA methylation status was evaluated on peripheral blood from JSLE patients and healthy controls. Twenty-five patients with JSLE and 24 healthy controls were compared. JSLE patients had lower unmethylated CpG islands compared to the control group (mean ± SD; 0.78 ± 0.42 vs 10503.80 ± 39796.95). However, the difference was not significant (P-value; 0.22). Despite hypomethylation of CD70 gene promoter in CD4+ T-cells from adult patients with SLE, no statistically significant differences observed in patients with JSLE compared with healthy controls. This may suggest a mechanism different in JSLE patients than in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the emergency committee of the World Health Organization declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 meets the criteria of a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" on January 30th, 2020, no one could ever imagine how soon it will spread globally, and a health crisis would turn to a social crisis that affects everything including higher education. However, during this uncertainty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) tried to respond quickly. In this study, we explain how a nerve center has helped TUMS respond to this crisis and ensure safety to keep key operations going, and set up a functional decision-making system for the future. We also share perspectives on the critical issues, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities emerging in the "new normal." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]