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A study conducted in Spain examined the psychosocial impact of moderate-severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on patients and their families who were treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs. The research found that most patients had a high health-related quality of life, but school functioning was a concern. Mothers of children with JIA experienced greater work and psychosocial impacts compared to fathers. The study highlights the importance of understanding the psychosocial effects of JIA on patients and their families. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Montreal discusses the diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO) in children. The research highlights the challenges in diagnosing CNO, the clinical presentations, associated inflammatory conditions, and current therapeutic recommendations. While progress has been made in recognizing and managing CNO, there are still significant challenges, particularly in treating refractory patients and those with associated inflammatory disorders. The study emphasizes the need for further research to address knowledge gaps in understanding and treating CNO. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Health Sciences conducted a study on the utilization of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) in pediatric rheumatology cases with challenging diagnoses. The research focused on children with diffuse musculoskeletal pain and suspicion of rheumatic disease. WBMRI was found to be beneficial in diagnosing conditions such as chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), dermatomyositis (DM), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and other related disorders. The study concluded that WBMRI was particularly useful in cases of suspected CNO, DM, PFMS, and JIA. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Health Sciences focused on evaluating patients with immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement to determine if the affected intestinal segment visualized on abdominal ultrasound could predict GI tract bleeding. The study, which included 117 IgAV patients, found that jejunum involvement and the presence of multiple affected intestinal segments shown on abdominal ultrasound were associated with GI tract bleeding. This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between abdominal ultrasound findings and GI tract bleeding in IgAV patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) aimed to develop a hope assessment tool for young people living with chronic health conditions. The research involved 11 youth aged 12-16 with various chronic health conditions who completed surveys and interviews over three iteration cycles. The study found that the new hope assessment tool, derived from the definitions of hope provided by young people themselves, has face and content validity for use in clinical and research settings to evaluate hope among pediatric patients living with chronic health conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington focused on factors considered by pediatric rheumatologists when scoring the Physician Global Assessment of Disease Activity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The study aimed to identify score-influencing factors, including extra-articular manifestations and imaging, for nonsystemic JIA (nsJIA) and systemic JIA (sJIA). The research involved 276 respondents from 54 countries and six continents, highlighting the importance of factors such as swollen joints, uveitis, fever, and laboratory tests in assessing disease activity. The study concluded that there is varying agreement on the inclusion of extra-articular manifestations of the disease, laying the groundwork for further consensus work in this area. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, have highlighted the importance of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in pediatric rheumatology. MSUS is a valuable tool for evaluating pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) due to its safety, high patient acceptability, and ability to explore multiple joints. The study emphasizes the differences in normal and pathological findings between children and adults assessed by MSUS, providing valuable insights for the management of JIA patients. The research suggests that MSUS may play a significant role in treatment strategies for JIA in the future. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, focused on implementing an automated transition readiness assessment in a pediatric rheumatology clinic to improve the transition of care for adolescents and young adults with chronic rheumatic diseases. By utilizing quality improvement and clinical informatics methodologies, the study successfully increased survey completion rates from 12% to over 90% and identified educational needs related to self-management. The research concluded that process automation can lead to sustainable transition practices in pediatric rheumatology clinics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in central-southern Italy focused on Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) in children, revealing that patients typically experience early onset of symptoms such as recurrent fever, abdominal pain, and chest pain. The study found that the most common MEFV gene variant in Italian children with FMF was M694V/-, and patients were often treated with colchicine or biologic drugs like Canakinumab. The prevalence of FMF in the Abruzzo region was estimated to be at least 1:45,000, higher than expected, while lower rates were observed in Apulia and Sicily. Further epidemiological studies are needed to better understand the prevalence of FMF in Italy. [Extracted from the article]

University Hospital La Paz researchers conducted a study on the clinical utility of a multiplex PCR panel (BioFire Joint Infection(R)) in pediatric osteoarticular infections. The study found that the PCR panel improved the diagnosis of these infections by identifying pathogens with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 63%. The rapid identification of pathogens allowed for timely and targeted therapeutic interventions, enhancing the management of pediatric patients with osteoarticular infections. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Sendenhorst, Germany, focused on developing a pediatric ultrasound protocol for detecting knee arthritis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The research aimed to compare existing protocols and identify the most sensitive views for detecting synovitis using B-Mode and Power Doppler-Mode. The study proposed a Pediatric Internationally agreed Ultrasound (PIUS) knee protocol consisting of five views that showed the greatest sensitivity for synovitis, correlating well with pathological findings in JIA patients' knees. The protocol, named 'PIUS-Knee,' was found to perform well compared to existing protocols. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, focused on automating mental health screening for pediatric lupus patients. The research aimed to evaluate the association between mental health screening outcomes and various factors such as demographics, medications, and disease activity measures in patients with childhood lupus. The study found that patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) have higher rates of depression, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health in these individuals. The findings suggest that sustainable processes for quickly identifying depression are crucial for optimal care of patients with lupus. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Gazi University in Turkey and India examined the use of intraarticular corticosteroid injections (IACIs) in pediatric rheumatology for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The research found that IACIs are widely used for oligoarticular JIA, with varying practices among clinicians. The study highlighted the need for standardized protocols and further research to optimize IACI procedures and improve outcomes in managing JIA. This research was published in the European Journal of Pediatrics and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology in Ankara, Turkey, focused on Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED), a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of long bones' diaphysis. The research highlighted the challenges in diagnosing CED due to its rarity and variable clinical presentation, emphasizing the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for managing symptoms and improving patients' quality of life. The study identified a specific mutation in the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB-1) gene as a possible pathogenic variant for CED in a 30-month-old boy who initially presented with gait abnormality. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Division of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology in Turin, Italy, have published a study on personalized medicine in vaccines. The study highlights the potential benefits of personalized vaccines tailored to individual genetic and immunological profiles, but also acknowledges the challenges in development, including technical, ethical, economic, and regulatory considerations. Despite these hurdles, the research emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaboration and research to advance precision medicine in immunization. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Uludag University in Bursa, Turkey discusses the characteristics of pediatric IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) based on a multicenter registry. The study recorded data from 35 children with IgG4-RD and found that the most common organ involvement was the eye, followed by lymph nodes, the musculoskeletal system, and the neurological system. Three clusters of patients were identified based on their specific disease manifestations. The study also evaluated the performance of diagnostic criteria and found that the 2020 revised comprehensive diagnostic criteria had better performance than the 2019 American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria in pediatric patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Stuttgart, Germany discusses protracted febrile myalgia syndrome (PFMS) as a rare manifestation of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in children. PFMS is characterized by myalgia, fever, and elevated inflammatory markers lasting several weeks, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. The report includes a systematic review of literature and rheumatology textbooks, as well as a case presentation of a 6-year-old patient with FMF. The study found that more than half of the pediatric patients with PFMS experienced it as the first symptom of FMF. The use of corticosteroids and anakinra showed effectiveness in treating PFMS, and MRI may be a useful diagnostic tool for detecting myositis in PFMS. The report emphasizes the importance of early genetic testing for suspected autoinflammatory diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Ibn Sina University Hospital discusses the findings of a case study on pediatric patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a genetic disorder common in the Mediterranean area. The study focuses on a rare case of a child with a heterozygous mutation in the MEVF gene, which led to chronic renal failure. The researchers emphasize the importance of early diagnosis in heterozygous children to prevent fatal complications and unnecessary treatments. The study highlights the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Children's of Alabama in Birmingham describes their experience in modifying electronic health records (EHR) and creating a dashboard to improve clinical care in pediatric rheumatology. By implementing structured data elements and a dashboard, they were able to accurately identify patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and track important measures for improving patient care. The modifications to the EHR note also allowed for automated data transfer to a multicenter learning network registry. The researchers believe that this approach can be scaled to other quality improvement initiatives in their clinic and shared with other centers. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Paris, France, examined the transition from pediatric to adult care for individuals with autoinflammatory diseases. The study found that effective transition programs are necessary to ensure continuity of care and disease management. The research included 111 patients and found that those who underwent a transition had earlier and more regular follow-up in adulthood compared to those who did not transition. The type of transition did not significantly impact disease control during follow-up. The study emphasizes the importance of collaborative transition programs in autoinflammatory diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kocaeli University in Turkey explored the gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in patients diagnosed with childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study cohort consisted of 123 patients, with 63.4% exhibiting GI involvement at the initial SLE diagnosis. The most common GI symptoms observed were abdominal pain, elevated hepatic transaminases, hepatomegaly, diarrhea, and jaundice. The study concluded that GI involvement should be considered in all childhood onset SLE patients, and it is important to consider SLE in the differential diagnosis of GI manifestations in children. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Mumbai, India discusses the advancements in genomics and genetic testing that have allowed for more accurate diagnoses of genetic disorders in children. The research emphasizes the importance of pediatricians maintaining a high level of suspicion for genetic disorders, as they can present with atypical symptoms that mimic other conditions. The correct diagnosis of these disorders is beneficial for the physician, child, parent, and community. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available in The Indian Journal of Pediatrics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Calgary highlights the hidden socioeconomic impact of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and the need for early diagnosis and adequate treatment. The report emphasizes that JIA can have significant short- and long-term effects on the lives of children and their families. To address this issue, the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases is developing a patient-informed value framework to measure the impact of JIA on individuals and society. This international collaboration aims to gather evidence on costs, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform resource allocation and improve the quality of care for children with JIA. The findings from this project may also have implications for other rare childhood diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Leibniz Institute in Berlin, Germany, aimed to develop and validate a self-report instrument called the Transition-KompAZ. This instrument assesses competencies, needs, and satisfaction among youth transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology. The Transition-KompAZ was administered to adolescents and young adults with inflammatory rheumatic diseases before or after transfer to adult rheumatology. The study found that the Transition-KompAZ showed good model fit, internal consistency, construct validity, and test-retest reliability. However, further research is needed to assess its predictive value in terms of transfer readiness and successful transition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, examined the impact of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on handwriting in children. The study found that handwriting difficulties are common in children with JIA, with 75% of participants scoring below the 50th percentile on the Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting (DASH). The study suggests that handwriting assessment can be helpful in directing treatments and advocating for support and accommodations in school. This research provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and educators working with children with JIA. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Seattle Children's Research Institute aimed to improve the collection of race and ethnicity data within the Pediatric Rheumatology Care Outcomes Improvement Network. The study found that approximately one-third of patients in the registry were missing race and ethnicity data. After implementing three audit and feedback cycles, the centers were able to decrease missing data by 94%. However, the completion of missing data did not significantly change the findings related to differential outcomes by race. The researchers suggest that larger sample sizes may be needed to observe differences in outcomes after completing race and ethnicity data. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey discusses the advancements in pediatric rheumatology over the past 25 years. The concept of autoinflammation, particularly in relation to familial Mediterranean fever, has been a major development in the field. Genetic studies have revealed the complexity of heritability in inflammation, and the application of other 'omics' technologies has generated a large dataset that can be used for the development of new therapies and precision medicine. The COVID-19 pandemic has also sparked investigations into the link between viral infections and inflammatory responses in children. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand discusses the inequity of global healthcare in pediatric rheumatology. The research highlights the uneven distribution of healthcare resources, accessibility, and health outcomes for children with rheumatic conditions across different countries, regions, and socioeconomic groups. The article provides an overview of common rheumatic diseases and addresses issues related to diagnosis, treatment, educational advancement, and research gaps in pediatric rheumatology. It also mentions successful global collaborations aimed at bridging the disparities gap. The research concludes with a case study from Thailand, showcasing their successful initiatives in developing pediatric rheumatology within their healthcare system. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of pediatric rheumatology. The research highlights the advancements made by AI in understanding and stratifying diseases, developing biomarkers, refining visual analyses, and facilitating individualized treatment approaches. However, the report also acknowledges that there are challenges to overcome, such as the lack of clinical applicability and validation, as well as unresolved ethical issues. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on the topic, categorizing algorithms and their applications in pediatric rheumatology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospitals Southampton in the United Kingdom examined the benefits of having a Physiotherapy Independent Prescriber (PIP) in a Paediatric Rheumatology service. The study found that having a PIP reduced the need for additional medical or nursing input, improving efficiency and patient experience. Patients who accessed this service reported high levels of satisfaction, particularly in regards to communication and understanding of medications prescribed. Overall, having a PIP in the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinic was well-received by service users and improved patient experience by reducing the need for multiple appointments and time spent in clinic. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill examines the future supply of pediatric subspecialists in the United States from 2020 to 2040. The study focuses on 14 pediatric subspecialties certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and addresses concerns about the adequacy and distribution of these specialists across the country. The research utilizes a workforce projection model that takes into account factors such as geographic moves and changes in training and workforce dynamics. The model's projections can provide valuable insights for decision-making and are available on a public, interactive website. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom explored the impact of long-term physical conditions on the mental health of children and young people. Specifically, the study focused on the use of art therapy as a psychosocial intervention for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study found that art therapy groups, consisting of online sessions facilitated by a registered art psychotherapist, were accessible and acceptable to participants. Young people reported personal benefits from the therapy, such as the opportunity to connect with others who have similar conditions, while parents observed positive changes in their children's behavior. The study suggests that further research should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of these types of interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Minnesota highlights the shortage of pediatric rheumatologists in the United States and the negative impact it has on children with rheumatic diseases. The study reveals that the current workforce is insufficient to meet the needs of children, with a predicted increase in providers by 2040 still falling short. The reasons for the shortage include lack of awareness of the field, low salaries, concerns about working conditions, and increasing retirements. The American College of Rheumatology has recognized the issue and is working on solutions to address the workforce shortage. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Children's Hospital - Zhengzhou University in China examined the clinical features and recurrence predictors of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) in Chinese children. The study analyzed the medical records of 181 children diagnosed with HNL between January 2018 and May 2023. The most common symptoms observed were fever and cervical lymphadenopathy, often accompanied by aseptic meningitis. Recurrence of HNL was observed in 12.7% of patients, and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate was identified as a significant predictor of recurrence. The study suggests that HNL patients with risk factors should be closely monitored for recurrence. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Calgary highlights the need for better access to healthcare and education in pediatric rheumatology. The research emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers being aware of and knowledgeable about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in children, as well as knowing when to refer them to specialist care. The paper suggests that virtual platforms and collaborative partnerships can be used to expand access to musculoskeletal care and education, reaching a larger audience than ever before. The researchers conclude that the implementation of virtual education and e-healthcare platforms can increase access to care for children globally. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by National Pirogov Memorial Medical University focused on the clinical heterogeneity of undefined recurrent fever in pediatric rheumatology. The study examined the symptoms and classification criteria of patients with Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA) and undifferentiated autoinflammatory diseases (uAID). The research found that patients with recurrent fevers without molecular diagnoses are a diverse group, and more precise classification criteria are needed to accurately identify and manage these patients. The study highlights the need for improved understanding and management of pediatric autoinflammatory disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey, explored the use of antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in pediatric rheumatology. The study analyzed the medical records of 283 children with positive ANA test results and found that the majority of patients were females and the most common reason for ANA testing was arthritis. The research concluded that the ANA test should be used judiciously by pediatric rheumatologists, especially in suspected cases of autoimmune rheumatic disorders and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), as indiscriminate use may misguide clinicians. The study highlights the importance of ANA testing in aiding classification and diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Harvard Medical School assessed the interest in and barriers to musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) training in pediatric rheumatology fellowship programs in North America. The study found that while 75% of participants reported some form of MSUS training during fellowship, only 36% had a formal MSUS curriculum. The major barriers to MSUS training included a lack of MSUS-trained faculty, time constraints, and limited access to hands-on training. The study concluded that MSUS should be incorporated into fellowship curriculum, but implementation remains a challenge. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, examined the transition process for pediatric rheumatology patients at the Monash Children's Hospital. The study aimed to identify areas for improvement in the transition process. The research found that while the transition process was adequate, it could be enhanced through earlier discussions, improved referrals, and better documentation. The study suggests that implementing a readiness-to-transfer checklist and a young adult clinic could improve the transition to adult rheumatology care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Hospital for Special Surgery discusses the clinical relevance of different antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) profiles in pediatric rheumatology patients. The study found that an initial high-risk aPL profile persisted in approximately 90% of the patients, with a third of them experiencing thrombosis and half experiencing non-thrombotic aPL manifestations. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand and characterize aPL-related manifestations in pediatric patients with persistent high-risk aPL profiles. The full report can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom explored the impact of long-term physical conditions on the mental health of children and young people. Specifically, the study focused on the use of art therapy as a psychosocial intervention in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology. The researchers found that online group art therapy was accessible and acceptable to participants, with young people reporting personal benefits such as the opportunity to connect with others who have similar conditions. However, challenges with online and digital access did create barriers to consistent attendance. The study suggests that further research should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of these types of interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Milan, Italy, explored the use of PET-FDG imaging to identify metabolic dysfunction in juvenile neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (j-NPSLE). The study involved 11 patients with j-NPSLE who underwent PET-MRI exams. The results showed a robust bilateral cortico-subcortical hypermetabolic network, particularly in the thalamus, in patients with j-NPSLE. The researchers concluded that further studies with larger cohorts are needed to determine the potential of this dysfunctional pattern as a biomarker for j-NPSLE. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have reported new findings on autoinflammatory diseases and conditions. Systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs) are rare immune dysregulatory disorders that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial for controlling disease activity and preventing long-term damage. The researchers highlight the challenges faced by healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing these complex diseases, including limited treatment options and barriers to accessing therapies. They provide a practical approach to diagnosis and management based on recent recommendations from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR). [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey, analyzed the adverse events observed in pediatric patients who received biological treatment for rheumatologic diseases. The study found that while biologic therapy has improved the prognosis of patients with rheumatologic disease, adverse events can occur due to long-term use. The most commonly used biological therapy was etanercept, and the most common adverse event was recurrent upper respiratory tract infection. The study concluded that close follow-up of patients receiving biological therapy is important, despite the low rate of serious adverse events. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom explores the adoption of technology-enabled care (TEC) in pediatric rheumatology services. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding and evaluation of TEC adoption by patients in this field, in order to establish best practices. The research will involve a mixed-methods systematic review, including a search of healthcare databases and grey literature resources. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other channels as advised by pediatric rheumatology patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Louisville examined the prevalence of tinnitus in juvenile fibromyalgia (JFMS) patients visiting a pediatric rheumatology clinic. The study found that tinnitus was present in 31.1% of JFMS subjects, compared to only 3.5% in non-JFMS subjects. There was a significant association between tinnitus and tingling/numbness among JFMS patients. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of these symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Colorado discusses the assessment of pediatric rheumatology fellow competence in the milestone era. Starting in 2015, pediatric rheumatology fellowship training programs were required to assess fellows' academic performance in various competency domains. The report highlights the development of pediatric-specific milestones to reflect the requirements and nuances of pediatric rheumatology care. While further advancements are needed, the establishment of these milestones is an important step in competency-based medical education in pediatric rheumatology. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, discusses the findings of a study on activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) d syndrome type 1 (APDS1), a rare primary immunodeficiency disease caused by mutations in the PIK3CD gene. The study identified three patients with different clinical presentations but harboring pathogenic variants in the PIK3CD gene. The research expands the understanding of the clinical phenotype and genotype of APDS and highlights the effectiveness of whole exome sequencing (WES) as a diagnostic tool for patients with immunodeficiency-related symptoms. [Extracted from the article]