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Objective To study growth and puberty in a multinational longitudinal prospective cohort of children with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM). Methods Children from 31 countries who were ages DM in active phase were studied, and analyses of height, weight, and pubertal development were conducted in those who had follow-up visits during a 2-year period and for whom anthropometric data was available. Results A total of 196 of 275 children (71%) were included. We found a significant reduction in parent-adjusted height Z score over time in female patients (P < 0.0001) and male patients (P = 0.001), but with catch-up growth at the final study visit. Median body mass index Z score peaked at 6 months (P < 0.0001) and was still significantly above baseline at the final study visit, which was at a median of 26 months after baseline (P = 0.007), with no difference between sexes. Female patients with a disease duration >= 12 months after onset had significantly lower parent-adjusted height Z score (P = 0.002) and no 2-year catch-up growth. At the final study visit, growth failure was seen in 20 of 97 female patients (21%) and in 11 of 73 male patients (15%). Height deflection ( increment height Z score less than -0.25/year) was observed in 29 of 116 female patients (25%) and 25 of 80 male patients (31.3%). Delayed puberty was seen in 20 of 55 female patients (36.4%) and in 11 of 31 male patients (35.5%). Children in early pubertal stage at baseline had the highest risk of growth failure. Conclusion Juvenile DM in the active phase and/or its treatment has a significant impact on growth and puberty in affected children. Children with recent onset of puberty or previous growth failure have the highest risk of delayed pubertal development and further growth retardation.

Objective: To investigate the pharmacokinetics, effectiveness, and safety of subcutaneous (SC) abatacept treatment over 24 months in patients with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: In this phase III, open-label, international, multicenter, single-arm study, patients with polyarticular JIA (cohort 1, ages 6–17 years and cohort 2, ages 2–5 years) in whom treatment with ≥1 disease-modifying antirheumatic drug was unsuccessful received weight-tiered SC abatacept weekly: 10 to

Objective: The objective was to describe the methodology used to develop new response criteria for adult DM/PM and JDM.Methods: Patient profiles from prospective natural history data and clinical trials were rated by myositis specialists to develop consensus gold-standard ratings of minimal, moderate and major improvement. Experts completed a survey regarding clinically meaningful improvement in the core set measures (CSM) and a conjoint-analysis survey (using 1000Minds software) to derive relative weights of CSM and candidate definitions. Six types of candidate definitions for response criteria were derived using survey results, logistic regression, conjoint analysis, application of conjoint-analysis weights to CSM and published definitions. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were defined for candidate criteria using consensus patient profile data, and selected definitions were validated using clinical trial data.Results: Myositis specialists defined the degree of clinically meaningful improvement in CSM for minimal, moderate and major improvement. The conjoint-analysis survey established the relative weights of CSM, with muscle strength and Physician Global Activity as most important. Many candidate definitions showed excellent sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve in the consensus profiles. Trial validation showed that a number of candidate criteria differentiated between treatment groups. Top candidate criteria definitions were presented at the consensus conference.Conclusion: Consensus methodology, with definitions tested on patient profiles and validated using clinical trials, led to 18 definitions for adult PM/DM and 14 for JDM as excellent candidates for consideration in the final consensus on new response criteria for myositis.

Novartis Pharma Background: Canakinumab is a human anti-interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) monoclonal antibody neutralizing IL-1 beta-mediated pathways. We sought to characterize the molecular response to canakinumab and evaluate potential markers of response using samples from two pivotal trials in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Methods: Gene expression was measured in patients with febrile SJIA and in matched healthy controls by Affymetrix DNA microarrays. Transcriptional response was assessed by gene expression changes from baseline to day 3 using adapted JIA American College of Rheumatology (aACR) response criteria (50 aACR JIA). Changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-18 were assessed up to day 197. Results: Microarray analysis identified 984 probe sets differentially expressed (>= 2-fold difference P < 0.05) in patients versus controls. Over 50% of patients with >= 50 aACR JIA were recognizable by baseline expression values. Analysis of gene expression profiles from patients achieving = 50 aACR JIA response at day 15 identified 102 probe sets differentially expressed upon treatment (>= 2-fold difference P < 0.05) on day 3 versus baseline, including IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptors (IL1-R1 and IL1-R2), IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1-RAP), and IL-6. The strongest clinical response was observed in patients with higher baseline expression of dysregulated genes and a strong transcriptional response on day 3. IL-6 declined by day 3 (>= 8-fold decline P < 0.0001) and remained suppressed. IL-18 declined on day 57 (>= 1.5-fold decline, P

Summary Background Some children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis either do not respond, or are intolerant to, treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drugs. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of abatacept, a selective T-cell costimulation modulator, in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who had failed previous treatments. Methods We did a double-blind, randomised controlled withdrawal trial between February, 2004, and June, 2006. We enrolled 190 patients aged 6–17 years, from 45 centres, who had a history of active juvenile idiopathic arthritis; at least five active joints; and an inadequate response to, or intolerance to, at least one disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. All 190 patients were given 10 mg/kg of abatacept intravenously in the open-label period of 4 months. Of the 170 patients who completed this lead-in course, 47 did not respond to the treatment according to predefined American College of Rheumatology (ACR) paediatric criteria and were excluded. Of the patients who did respond to abatacept, 60 were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg/kg of abatacept at 28-day intervals for 6 months, or until a flare of the arthritis, and 62 were randomly assigned to receive placebo at the same dose and timing. The primary endpoint was time to flare of arthritis. Flare was defined as worsening of 30% or more in at least three of six core variables, with at least 30% improvement in no more than one variable. We analysed all patients who were treated as per protocol. This trial is registered, number NCT00095173. Findings Flares of arthritis occurred in 33 of 62 (53%) patients who were given placebo and 12 of 60 (20%) abatacept patients during the double-blind treatment (p=0·0003). Median time to flare of arthritis was 6 months for patients given placebo (insufficient events to calculate IQR); insufficient events had occurred in the abatacept group for median time to flare to be assessed (p=0·0002). The risk of flare in patients who continued abatacept was less than a third of that for controls during that double-blind period (hazard ratio 0·31, 95% CI 0·16–0·95). During the double-blind period, the frequency of adverse events did not differ in the two treatment groups. Adverse events were recorded in 37 abatacept recipients (62%) and 34 (55%) placebo recipients (p=0·47); only two serious adverse events were reported, both in controls (p=0·50). Interpretation Selective modulation of T-cell costimulation with abatacept is a rational alternative treatment for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Funding Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Objective Juvenile localized scleroderma is a chronic progressive fibrotic disorder of the skin that causes permanent disability and aesthetic damage. This study was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma. Methods In this double-blind study, patients with active juvenile localized scleroderma were randomized (2:1) to receive oral MTX (15 mg/m 2, maximum 20 mg) or placebo once weekly, for 12 months or until treatment failure. Both groups received oral prednisone (1 mg/kg/day, maximum 50 mg) for the first 3 months. A target lesion was evaluated clinically, with infrared thermography and using a computerized scoring system with skin score rate (SSR) evaluation. Response to treatment was defined as the absence of new lesions, SSR â1, and a decrease in lesion temperature of at least 10% compared to baseline. Treatment failure was defined as the occurrence of new lesions, SSR >1, or increased lesion temperature. All analyses were done on the intent-to-treat population. Results Of the 85 patients screened, 70 (ages 6-17 years) were randomized (46 to the MTX group, 24 to the placebo group). The mean disease duration was 2.3 years. After an initial response in all patients, disease relapsed in 15 MTX-treated patients (32.6%) and 17 placebo-treated patients (70.8%) (P ;lt& 0.005). New lesions appeared in 3 MTX-treated patients (6.5%) versus 4 placebo-treated patients (16.7%). The mean SSR decreased from 1 to 0.79 in the MTX group and increased from 1 to 1.1 in the placebo group, and the mean target lesion temperature decreased by 44.4% in the MTX group versus 12.1% in the placebo group. Twenty-six patients in the MTX group (56.5%) and 11 patients in the placebo group (45.8%) developed mild side effects related to treatment. None of the side effects were severe enough to necessitate treatment discontinuation. Conclusion Our findings indicate that MTX is efficacious in the treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma and is well tolerated. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Objectives To determine whether baseline demographic, clinical, articular and laboratory variables predict methotrexate (MTX) poor response in polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods Patients newly treated for 6 months with MTX enrolled in the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) MTX trial. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to identify baseline predictors of poor response according to the American College of Rheumatology pediatric (ACR-ped) 30 and 70 criteria. Results In all, 405/563 (71.9%) of patients were women; median age at onset and disease duration were 4.3 and 1.4 years, respectively, with anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) detected in 259/537 (48.2%) patients. With multivariate logistic regression analysis, the most important determinants of ACR-ped 70 non-responders were: disease duration >1.3 years (OR 1.93), ANA negativity (OR 1.77), Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) disability index> 1.125 (OR 1.65) and the presence of right and left wrist activity (OR 1.55). Predictors of ACR-ped 30 non-responders were: ANA negativity (OR 1.92), CHAQ disability index> 1.14 (OR 2.18) and a parent's evaluation of child's overall wellbeing

To investigate the rate of radiographic progression, as measured with the carpo-metacarpal ratio (Poznanski score), during etanercept (ETN) therapy in children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Patients included in the Italian ETN registry who had a standard radiograph of both hands and wrists in the posteroanterior view made at start of treatment and after 1 year were included in the study. The clinical response was assessed by means of the ACR Pediatric definition of improvement. Radiographic progression was determined by calculating the change in the Poznanski score between the baseline and the 1-year radiographs.A total of 40 patients were studied. The frequency of ACR pediatric 30, 50, and 70 response at 1 year was 77%, 72%, and 50%, respectively. The median change in the Poznanski score between baseline and 1 year was + 0.3 units, meaning that, on average, patients experienced improvement in radiographic progression.Our pilot study provides evidence that ETN is potentially capable of reducing the progression of radiographic joint damage in JIA. This finding deserves confirmation in a controlled trial.

Objective. To evaluate quantitative or qualitative differences in synovial fluid (SF) cytokine levels among patients with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), antinuclear antibody positive pauciarticular JRA, or adult RA. Methods. SF levels of interleukin 1 alpha(IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) IL-11, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), all measured by immunoassays, and of IL-6, measured with a bioassay using B9 cells, were evaluated in 11 patients with systemic JRA, 24 with pauciarticular TRA, and 22 adult patients with RA. Results. SF IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with systemic JRA than patients with pauciarticular JRA (p = 0.003) or RA(p = 0.002). IL-1 alpha was detectable in 12/24 SF samples from pauciarticular JRA, in 2/22 SF from RA, and in no sample from systemic JRA (p = 0.004 vs RA; p = 0.005 vs systemic JRA). SF IL-11 levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than patients with systemic JRA (p = 0.012) or pauciarticular JRA (p = 0.005). We found no significant differences in SF levels of IL-1 beta, IL-1Ra, TNF-alpha, sTNFR1, or LIF. Conclusion. In systemic JRA, SF levels of IL-6 are significantly higher than in pauciarticular JRA or in RA; IL-1 alpha is present in a significant proportion of patients with pauciarticular JRA, but not in those with RA or systemic JRA.

Objective: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are a group of chronic, relapsing autoinflammatory disorders which may be complicated by systemic AA amyloidosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum amyloid protein A (SAA) level in CAPS patients treated with Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) antagonist and to correlate its level with treatment response. Methods: All patients of CAPS Italian Register treated with IL-1β inhibitor were enrolled. SAA levels before starting therapy, and at last visit were evaluated. Patients were then divided in complete responders and partial responders. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. SAA level before starting therapy was increased (median 118.5 mg/L, IQR 96.4-252.8; normal value < 6.4 mg/L), while at last visit SAA was significantly reduced (median 4.3 mg/L, IQR 2.3-12.7) (p < 0.001). However 12 patients still presented SAA levels beyond normal range, 10/25 patients (40%) showed a complete response to treatment. Conversely, 15 patients presented only a partial response, of which 12 for increased SAA value and 3 for increased CRP value. Patients with partial response had SAA values significantly higher than patients with complete response (median 12.6 mg/L; IQR 8.3-20.0 vs. 2.7 mg/L; IQR 1.6-4.1, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results confirm the long term efficacy of anti IL-1β treatment in CAPS and the decrease of SAA levels; however 48% of patients still presented SAA elevation despite treatment. The real risk of these patients in developing amyloidosis is not clear but the persistent increase of SAA needs a close follow-up.

We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Italian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Italian CHAQ was already published in the literature and was therefore revalidated while the Italian CHQ was fully cross culturally adapted with 3 forward and 3 backward translations, and than validated. A total of 1,192 subjects were enrolled: 404 patients with JIA (16% systemic onset, 31% polyarticular onset, 21% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 32% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 788 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Italian version of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable, and valid tools for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA.

Background Recent studies report that methotrexate (MTX) is beneficial in the treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) but little is known about its long-term effectiveness. Objective We assessed the therapeutic role of MTX in children with JLS who were followed up for a prolonged period. Methods A cohort of patients with JLS, previously enrolled in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial and treated with oral MTX (15 mg/m 2 /wk) and prednisone (1 mg/kg/d, maximum 50 mg) for the first 3 months, were prospectively followed up. Lesions were evaluated clinically, with infrared thermography, and by a computerized skin score. Response to treatment was defined as: (1) no new lesions; (2) skin score rate less than 1; and (3) decrease in lesion temperature by at least 10% compared with baseline. Clinical remission (CR) on medication was defined when response was maintained, on treatment, for at least 6 months, and complete CR when response was maintained, without treatment, for at least 6 months. Results Of 65 patients treated with MTX, 48 (73.8%) were responders, 10 (15.4%) relapsed by 24 months since MTX start, and 7 (10.8%) were lost to follow-up. Among the responders, 35 (72.9%) maintained CR for a mean of 25 months and 13 (27.1%) were in CR on medication. Adverse effects seen in 28 patients (48.3%) were generally mild and never required treatment discontinuation. Limitations The use of objective measures not widely available, such as infrared thermography and computerized skin score, makes it difficult to compare data from previous studies. Conclusions Long-term MTX therapy is beneficial and well tolerated for JLS.

Summary Background Little evidence-based information is available to guide the treatment of oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We aimed to investigate whether oral methotrexate increases the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid therapy. Methods We did this prospective, open-label, randomised trial at ten hospitals in Italy. Using a concealed computer-generated list, children younger than 18 years with oligoarticular-onset disease were randomly assigned (1:1) to intra-articular corticosteroids alone or in combination with oral methotrexate (15 mg/m 2 ; maximum 20 mg). Corticosteroids used were triamcinolone hexacetonide (shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and tibiotalar joints) or methylprednisolone acetate (ie, subtalar and tarsal joints). We did not mask patients or investigators to treatment assignments. Our primary outcome was the proportion of patients in the intention-to-treat population who had remission of arthritis in all injected joints at 12 months. This trial is registered with European Union Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT number 2008-006741-70. Findings Between July 7, 2009, and March 31, 2013, we screened 226 participants and randomly assigned 102 to intra-articular corticosteroids alone and 105 to intra-articular corticosteroids plus methotrexate. 33 (32%) patients assigned to intra-articular corticosteroids alone and 39 (37%) assigned to intra-articular corticosteroids and methotrexate therapy had remission of arthritis in all injected joints (p=0·48). Adverse events were recorded for 20 (17%) patients who received methotrexate, which led to permanent treatment discontinuation in two patients (one due to increased liver transaminases and one due to gastrointestinal discomfort). No patient had a serious adverse event. Interpretation Concomitant administration of methotrexate did not augment the effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid therapy. Future studies are needed to define the optimal therapeutic strategies for oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Funding Italian Agency of Drug Evaluation.

Background/aims To evaluate retrospectively the long-term efficacy of rituximab in patients with severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis. Methods Eight patients (15 eyes) with severe and longstanding JIA uveitis, who had an inadequate response in controlling uveitis to one or more biologic agents including tumour necrosis factor blockers and abatacept, received rituximab therapy. Rituximab was given at a dose of 1000 mg per infusion on days 1 and 15 and then every 6 months. Clinical responses to treatment, including decrease in uveitis activity, visual acuity changes, reduction of concomitant local and systemic corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressants, and occurrence of adverse events, were assessed. Results Eight patients with a mean +/- SD age of 22.8 +/- 5.5 years were treated. The mean ocular disease duration was 17.7 years; the mean +/- SD follow-up time on rituximab was 44.75 +/- 4.9 months; and the mean number of rituximab infusions received was 8.75 (range 6-12). All patients achieved complete control of uveitis, but in two patients rituximab was discontinued due to inefficacy in treating arthritis. The decrease in uveitis activity was evident 4-5 months after the first infusion. Systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants used in association with rituximab were discontinued in five patients at the end of follow-up. None of the patients experienced visual worsening during the follow-up. No drug-related complications were encountered. Conclusions Rituximab may be a promising effective treatment option for refractory uveitis associated with JIA leading to long-term quiescence of uveitis, particularly for patients who have not previously responded to other biologic therapies.

Background: Data from routine clinical practice are needed to further define the efficacy and safety of biologic medications in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this analysis was to investigate the disease status, reasons for discontinuation and adverse events in Italian JIA patients treated with etanercept (ETN). Methods: In 2013, all centers of the Italian Pediatric Rheumatology Study Group were asked to make a census of patients given ETN after January 2000. Patients were classified in three groups: group 1 = patients still taking ETN; group 2 = patients discontinued from ETN for any reasons; group 3 = patients lost to follow-up while receiving ETN. All three groups received a retrospective assessment; patients in group 1 also underwent a cross-sectional assessment. Results: 1038 patients were enrolled by 23 centers: 422 (40.7%) were in group 1, 462 (44.5%) in group 2, and 154 (14.8%) in group 3. Median duration of ETN therapy was 2.5 years. At cross-sectional assessment, 41.8% to 48.6% of patients in group 1 met formal criteria for inactive disease, whereas 52.4% of patients in group 2 and 55.8% of patients in group 3 were judged in clinical remission by their caring physician at last visit. A relatively greater proportion of patients with systemic arthritis were discontinued or lost to follow-up. Parent evaluations at cross-sectional visit in group 1 showed that 52.4% of patients had normal physical function, very few had impairment in quality of life, 51.2% had no pain, 76% had no morning stiffness, and 82.7% of parents were satisfied with their child's illness outcome. Clinically significant adverse events were reported for 27.8% of patients and ETN was discontinued for side effects in 9.5%. The most common adverse events were new onset or recurrent uveitis (10.2%), infections (6.6%), injection site reactions (4.4%), and neuropsychiatric (3.1%), gastrointestinal (2.4%), and hematological disorders (2.1%). Ten patients developed an inflammatory bowel disease and 2 had a malignancy. One patient died of a fulminant streptococcal sepsis. Conclusions: Around half of the patients achieved complete disease quiescence under treatment with ETN. The medication was overall well tolerated, as only one quarter of patients experienced clinically significant adverse events and less than 10% had treatment discontinued for toxicity.

Aim The aim of this Italian study was to describe the clinical features, treatment options and outcomes of a cohort of patients with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. Laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, histological features and clinical course are reported. Results We enrolled 47 patients diagnosed with CNO. Bone pain was the leading symptom, and multifocal disease was present in 87% of the patients. The majority of the bone lesions were located in the appendicular skeleton (58%). Extraosseous manifestations were present in 34% of the patients, and renal involvement was detected in four patients. Inflammatory indices were increased in 80%, and bone x-rays were negative in 15% of the patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the first therapy for all patients, achieving clinical remission in 27%. A good response to NSAIDs was significantly associated with a better prognosis. Bisphosphonates were used in 26 patients, with remission in 73%. Only six patients (13%), all with spine involvement, developed sequelae. Conclusion We found a possible association between CNO and renal disease. Bisphosphonates were more likely to lead to clinical remission when NSAIDs and corticosteroids had failed. Vertebral localisation was the only risk factor for potential sequelae.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of golimumab in patients with severe recalcitrant uveitis who had inadequate response to previous biologics. Methods: Retrospective study (13 patients with JIA, 4 with HLA-B27-associated uveitis). Indication for treatment was active uveitis despite biologics. Golimumab dosing was 50 mg monthly/subcutaneously. Main outcome measures: uveitis activity, visual acuity improvement, reduction of systemic therapy (corticosteroids/immunosuppressants), adverse events. Results: Of 17 patients (34 affected eyes), response to golimumab was seen in 14 patients; at last visit uveitis was inactive in 12 patients. Three patients were nonresponders. Mean follow-up time on golimumab was 21.9 months. Visual acuity remained stable in 26 eyes, improved in 7, and worsened in 1. Mean systemic prednisolone dose before and after golimumab was 12.5-3.5 mg/day. One patient developed pulmonary infection. Conclusions: Golimumab may be a promising new therapeutic option for severe uveitis patients who have not responded to other biologics. OI Meroni, Pier Luigi/0000-0002-3394-1451

Camptodactyly-Arthropathy-Coxa vara-Pericarditis (CACP) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in PRG4 gene that encodes for proteoglycan 4, a mucin-like glycoprotein that is the major lubricant for joints and tendon surfaces. The molecular studies reported so far have described the identification of 15 mutations associated with this syndrome and the majority of them were found in families of Arabian origin. Here we report the molecular investigation of the largest European cohort that comprises 13 patients, and allowed the identification of 5 novel mutations and of the first case of CACP syndrome resulting from uniparental disomy of chromosome 1. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen expressed on B cells and widely used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. There is a growing amount of literature which suggests that rituximab may be useful for inflammatory ocular diseases and intraocular lymphoma. Few cases have been reported on treatment of refractory scleritis, peripherative ulcerative keratitis, uveitis and ocular surface inflammatory disorders. Rituximab may be effective in the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases in particular the most aggressive, recalcitrant and sight-threatening forms of inflammation such as uveitis associated to juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We review the literature covering the use of Rituximab in these conditions and report our results on the efficacy of Rituximab in the treatment of 8 children with very severe and long-standing uveitis who failed to respond to one or more TNF blockers. Our patients showed improvement in activity of uveitis, reduction of concomitant corticosteroids and immunosuppressants after a mean follow-up time of 14.87 months on rituximab. No serious adverse events were encountered in our treated patients. Although further studies are needed for assessing the efficacy of rituximab and the exact dosing regimen, rituximab may be considered as a treatment alternative in patients with the most aggressive forms of inflammatory ocular diseases who fail to respond to conventional and anti-TNF immunosuppressive agents. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI Meroni, Pier Luigi/0000-0002-3394-1451

Objective. Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric mAb directed against the B-cell marker CD20, was investigated for its anti-inflammatory effect in treating refractory uveitis associated with JIA. Methods. Case series, retrospective multicentre. JIA patients with severe uveitis with vision-threatening complications (n = 10) and with insidious onset. All patients were treated with RTX for active uveitis refractory to topical and systemic CSs, immunosuppressives and at least one of the TNF-a inhibitors. All had active arthritis. Uveitis and arthritis course were assessed before and after RTX treatment. Results. After one RTX cycle (mean follow-up 11 months, range 718 months), uveitis inactivity was achieved in seven oligoarthritis patients (ANA + , HLA-B27) for a prolonged period of time (mean 7.5 months, range 69 months). Therefore, CSs and immunosuppression could be spared. In three of four patients responding to RTX, uveitis recurred thereafter, and RTX re-treatment led to inactivity again. In another three patients (ANA + polyarthritis, n = 1; ANA + HLA-B27 + oligo- or polyarthritis, n = 2) uveitis activity persisted after RTX therapy. In seven patients, arthritis improved or was inactive after RTX treatment (PedACR30/50/70). Conclusion. RTX may represent a rescue therapy option for severe JIA-associated uveitis refractory to

Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-12T19:10:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-01-15 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:20:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-01-15 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T15:33:16Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T15:33:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-01-15 Myositis Association European Union Objective. To investigate the long-term outcome and prognostic factors of juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) through a multinational, multicenter study.Methods. Patients consisted of inception cohorts seen between 1980 and 2004 in 27 centers in Europe and Latin America. Predictor variables were sex, continent, ethnicity, onset year, onset age, onset type, onset manifestations, course type, disease duration, and active disease duration. Outcomes were muscle strength/endurance, continued disease activity, cumulative damage, muscle damage, cutaneous damage, calcinosis, lipodystrophy, physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).Results. A total of 490 patients with a mean disease duration of 7.7 years were included. At the cross-sectional visit, 41.2-52.8% of patients, depending on the instrument used, had reduced muscle strength/endurance, but less than 10% had severe impairment. Persistently active disease was recorded in 41.2-60.5% of the patients, depending on the activity measure used. Sixty-nine percent of the patients had cumulative damage. The frequency of calcinosis and lipodystrophy was 23.6% and 9.7%, respectively. A total of 40.7% of the patients had decreased functional ability, but only 6.5% had major impairment. Only a small fraction had decreased HRQOL. A chronic course, either polycyclic or continuous, consistently predicted a poorer outcome. Mortality rate was 3.1%.Conclusion. This study confirms the marked improvement in functional outcome of juvenile DM when compared with earlier literature. However, many patients had continued disease activity and cumulative damage at followup. A chronic course was the strongest predictor of poor prognosis. These findings highlight the need for treatment strategies that enable a better control of disease activity over time and the reduction of nonreversible damage. Ist Ricovero & Cura Carattere Sci G Gaslini, Genoa, Italy Univ Genoa, Genoa, Italy Great Ormond St Hosp Sick Children, London WC1N 3JH, England UCL, Inst Child Hlth, London, England Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), BR-20550011 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Hosp Gen Ninos Pedro de Elizalde, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina Fdn IRCCS Policlin, Milan, Italy Hosp Pediat Juan P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina Univ São Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Hosp Clin, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil Hosp Gen Mexico City, Mexico City, DF, Mexico Fdn Ist Ricovero & Cura Carattere Sci Policlin S, Pavia, Italy Ctr Med Natl La Raza, Mexico City, DF, Mexico Hosp Pequeno Principe, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil Clin Pediat 1, Padua, Italy Ctr Med Nacl Siglo XXI, Mexico City, DF, Mexico Osped Pediat Bambino Gesu, Rome, Italy Osped Villa Monna Tessa, Florence, Italy Univ Naples Federico 2, Naples, Italy Ist Ortoped Gaetano Pini, Milan, Italy Univ estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil II Clin Pediat, Cagliari, Italy Univ São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Ist Ricovero & Cura Carattere Sci Burlo Garofalo, Trieste, Italy Univ estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil EU: AML/B7-311/970666/II-0246-FI