anti-dsDNA Positivity Research Articles

Clinical study of factors associated with pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus in the southern China.

Objectives This study aims to estimate predicted factors for maternal and fetal outcomes in Hakka pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the southern China.Patients and methods Between June 2014 and February 2020, we retrospectively analyzed the data of a total of 123 singleton pregnant women with SLE (mean age: 27.1±4.1 years; range, 19 to 39 years) who were referred to our rheumatology clinic. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were recorded. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) were assessed.Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preeclampsia was associated with the increased odds of APOs (odds ratios [OR]=9.538, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.055-44.271, p=0.004), premature birth (OR=14.289, 95% CI: 3.596-56.777, p<0.001) and low birth weight (OR=8.275, 95% CI: 2.117-32.345, p=0.002). Anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibody positivity was the predictor of APOs (OR=2.165, 95% CI: 1.034-4.532, p=0.040), premature birth (OR=2.849, 95% CI: 1.220-6.657, p=0.016) and pregnancy loss (OR=3.004, 95% CI: 1.086-8.305, p=0.034). The use of hydroxychloroquine and prednisone was associated with the decreased odds of APOs (OR=0.412, 95% CI: 0.198-0.860, p=0.018) and pregnancy loss (OR=0.304, 95% CI: 0.111-0.831, p=0.020).Conclusion Our study results indicate that preeclampsia, anti-dsDNA antibody positivity, and the use of hydroxychloroquine and prednisone are independent predictors of pregnancy outcomes.

Similarities and differences between younger and older disease onset patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus.

Several studies show that age at onset has an impact on the clinical-serological presentation, comorbidities and disease course of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We evaluated whether, in patients with recent onset SLE, the age at onset correlates with clinical-serological manifestations and with comorbidities. We analysed 171 patients with a SLE diagnosis obtained within 12 months of diagnosis enrolled in the Early Lupus project. Based on the age of onset of the first disease symptom, they were stratified into 2 groups: early onset (18-45 years) and late onset (>45 years). The analysis was replicated by stratifying patients based on age at diagnosis (fulfillment of ACR classification criteria). Each comparison was made at baseline and at 36 months of follow-up. Baseline: patients with late onset displayed comorbidities (hypertension, dyslipidemia and osteoporosis) more frequently than early onset group. 11.4% of late onset patients had a malignancy in medical history, not recorded in the early onset cohort. The two groups differed neither in organ involvement (domain BILAG) nor in disease activity (ECLAM). Patients with early onset showed a disease with signs of higher serologic activity (higher frequency of anti-dsDNA positivity and lower mean C3 and C4 levels) and had malar rash more frequently than the late onset group (36.2% vs. 18.2%, p=0.042). Similar results were obtained by stratifying patients by age of diagnosis (18-45 years and >45 years), except for the higher frequency of discoid rash in the group with age at diagnosis >45 years (18% vs. 6.6%, p=0.045). 36 months: the 2 groups of patients independently of the stratification applied did not differ in the accumulation of damage, but showed a different pattern of 8 organ involvement. Musculoskeletal involvement was more frequent both in the late onset group (18.6% vs. 7.3%, p=0.043) and in the group with age at diagnosis >45 years (20.4% vs. 5.9%, p=0.009) compared to their counterparts, while renal involvement was more frequent in the group with age at diagnosis 18-45 years (21.4% vs. 6.1%, p=0.03).A sub analysis at 36 months on patients without hypertension and osteoporosis at enrollment showed that patients with older age at onset had a higher frequency of these comorbidities, compared to their counterparts. In our cohort, younger disease SLE onset seems to correlate with a more active immunological profile, while late onset with a higher incidence of comorbidities.

The relation between clinical and objective gait scores in clubfoot patients with and without a relapse

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with complex genetic inheritance. Many reports have provided evidence that signal transducer and activator of transcription-4 (STAT4) may participate in the pathogenesis of SLE.The aim was to investigate the clinical significance and possible association of STAT4 (G/T) genetic polymorphism and the susceptibility to SLE in a cohort of Egyptian female patients.Sixty-five Egyptian SLE female patients and 100 age and sex-matched unrelated female healthy blood donors who served as controls, were included in the study. STAT4 genotyping was performed by real time PCR-allelic discrimination technique.STAT4 genotyping in patients revealed that 63.1% had GG, 32.3% GT and 6.15% wild (TT) genotype. There was a non-significant difference in the distribution of STAT4 genotypes between patients and controls. Vasculitis, photosensitivity and lupus nephritis were significantly increased in patients with the homomutant (GG and TT) compared to heteromutant (GT) genotype (p = 0.01, p = 0.04 and p < 0.01 respectively). Patients with a TT genotype had a significantly consumed C3 and C4 levels and higher anti-dsDNA positivity compared to those with GG and GT genotypes. Promoter polymorphism tended to be higher in juvenile-onset SLE cases.STAT4 (G/T) polymorphism was not associated with an increased risk of SLE in Egyptian females. However, vasculitis, photosensitivity and renal involvement were significantly higher among patients harboring the homomutant genotypes. Genetic polymorphism may be an important determinant affecting disease progression and is associated with DNA positivity and younger age of onset.

Clinical manifestations, prognosis, and treat-to-target assessment of pediatric lupus nephritis

BackgroundPediatric lupus nephritis (pLN) is one of the most refractory secondary kidney diseases in childhood. The treat-to-target (T2T) strategy has become the standard treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study reviewed clinical features, overall remission status, and factors affecting prognosis, to guide pLN management according to T2T strategy.MethodsThis single-center retrospective study studied 220 children diagnosed with LN from January 2012 to December 2018, with > 6-month follow-up data on 173 and complete data on 137 patients. Primary outcome was treatment failure (deterioration or no response) at the latest follow-up.ResultsThe most common pLN manifestation was proteinuria (81.36%). Females presented more often with rash (P<0.001) and alopecia (P=0.026) than males. Class IV LN (33.33%) was the most common grade on kidney biopsy. Median follow-up was 27.20 months (IQR, 15.78–44.45 months). One-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative overall survival rates were 93.5%, 87.8%, and 86.5%, respectively. The 5-year cumulative kidney survival rate was 97.1%. Regarding initial therapy, efficacy of corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressive agents was significantly better than corticosteroids alone (P=0.010). Factors with P<0.05 in univariate analysis, including hypoalbuminemia, higher SCr at diagnosis, lower eGFR at diagnosis, anti-dsDNA positivity, heavy proteinuria, hypertension, nervous-system involvement, treatment non-compliance, and SLEDAI-2K score, were used for logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed hypertension (OR=0.845, P=0.011), nervous-system involvement (OR=4.240, P=0.005), treatment non-compliance (OR=6.433, P=0.001), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis (OR=1.020, P=0.021) affected prognosis. At end of follow-up, 34.31% achieved varying levels of remission, and 8.76% were in low disease activity state (LDAS).ConclusionspLN usually presented with proteinuria, and class IV LN was the dominant pathology. Hypertension, nervous-system involvement, treatment non-compliance, and lower eGFR at diagnosis were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of kidney outcomes. Compared with renal remission rate and cumulative overall survival rate, the proportion of targets achieved was not ideal, suggesting T2T strategy should be used to guide pLN management.Graphical abstractA higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Stroke Mechanism in COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Case-Control Study

BackgroundThe characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection have not been fully clarified. We prospectively studied the phenotypic and etiological features of acute stroke occurring in COVID-19 infection. Patients & methodsWithin nine months starting from April-2020, the presence of COVID-19 infection was determined by thoracic CT and SARS-CoV-2 PCR in all acute stroke cases managed in a single tertiary center. Consecutive and prospective data on vascular risk factors/comorbidities, in-hospital quality metrics, discharge outcomes, etiological subclassification and blood markers of thrombosis / inflammation were compared in 44 COVID-19 positive cases (37 acute ischemic stroke, 5 TIA, 2 intracerebral hematoma) and 509 COVID-19 negative patients (355 ischemic, 105 TIA, 44 hematoma and 5 stroke mimic). ResultsCOVID-19 positive patients had more severe strokes, delayed hospital admission, longer hospital stay, higher mortality rates, but had similar vascular risk factors/comorbidities frequency, thrombolysis/thrombectomy utilization rates, metrics, and stroke etiological subtype. They had significantly higher CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, leukocyte count and lower lymphocyte count. No difference was detected in aPTT, INR, D-dimer, platelet, hemoglobin, homocysteine levels and ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody and ENA panel positivity rates. Anti-phospholipid antibodies have been studied in 70% of COVID-19 positive and all cryptogenic patients, but were never found positive. Tests for coagulation factor levels and hereditary thrombophilia did not show major thrombophilia in any of the stroke patients with COVID-19. ConclusionWe documented that there is no significant difference in etiological spectrum in acute stroke patients with COVID-19 infection. In addition, cryptogenic stroke and antiphospholipid antibody positivity rates did not increase.

MO225CMV ENCEPHALITIS IN A SLE FLARE

Abstract Background and Aims Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients and its management is well described after solid organ/bone marrow transplant or in HIV patients. Although less common, since Systemic Lupus Erythemathous (SLE) is a chronic auto immune disease often requiring intense immunosuppression to induce remission of disease exacerbation, SLE patients are also prone to it. Besides complicating the course of the disease, it may be a life-threatening infection. Due to the heterogeneity of SLE manifestations, usually is difficult to distinguish between a SLE flare and CMV active infection, making the diagnose challenging. It has also been described in the literature as an exacerbating SLE factor. We report the case of an Asian, 27-year-old woman, with a recent SLE diagnosis that was admitted with a SLE flare while developing a CMV encephalitis. She was previously admitted due to a nephrotic syndrome. Immunological studies revealed an ANA title of 1:640 and a positive anti dsDNA Ab with diminished C3 and C4 levels, nephrotic range proteinuria and a diagnose of SLE was made. Renal biopsy revealed class IV lupus nephritis. She started high dose intravenous methylprednisolone (3 pulses of 500mg) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) at a dose of 2g per day. She was discharged taking 60 mg of oral prednisolone and the same dose of MMF. Two weeks after being discharged, she was readmitted due to worsening anaemia (Hb 6.8 g/dL), thrombocytopenia (Pl 27 000/µL) and deteriorating renal function with a sCr of 5.5 mg/dL with de novo haematuria. It was admitted a severe SLE flare and she was given another 3 pulses of 500mg I.V methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide (CYC) was started (1 pulse of 500mg I.V). At the same time, she started to complain of myalgias and malaise, generalized hypotonia, developed fever, leukopenia with neutropenia and seizures. Serum CMV viremia was 71 000 copies and CMV polymerase chain reaction was positive in cerebrospinal fluid. She was started on I.V Ganciclovir, CYC was suspended and clinical improvement was observed. Conclusion Studies about the risk of different treatment drugs and other risk factors on the development of CMV disease in SLE are lacking. These studies will be useful for establishing guidelines on the institution of prophylaxis or pre-emptive treatment of CMV infection in SLE patients. Protocols for screening and prevention in this population should be implemented to account for this emerging problem. Given the rising prevalence of CMV infection in the past few years, the authors recommend that patients recently diagnosed with SLE while taking high doses of corticosteroids, which appears to be a risk factor for CMV reactivation, should be routinely tested for CMV viremia. There should be a low threshold for suspicion, hence treatment should be started as soon as possible given the high morbidity and mortality in severe cases.

P161 A comparative study of childhood-onset SLE with adult-onset patients: a single centre study

Abstract Background/Aims Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) was once associated with significant mortality but 5-year survival rates have now improved significantly. We retrospectively compared the clinical features and outcomes of cSLE patients with an adult-onset SLE (aSLE) group. Methods We retrospectively studied data from 30 patients from our cSLE patients (onset before age 16) compared with 65 aSLE randomly selected in a 2:1 ratio, from our Lupus clinic patients fulfilling the 1997 ACR SLE criteria. Data regarding ethnicity, age of onset, family history, serology, complications, medications and outcomes were recorded. Results Of cSLE patients 24 were female and 6 male (F:M ratio 4:1), with 16 patients (53%) Afro-Caribbean, 8 Caucasian, 5 Asian and 1 of mixed ethnicity. In the aSLE group, 60 patients were female and 5 male (ratio 9:1), with 29 (44%) Afro-Caribbean, 13 Asian, 21 Caucasian and 2 of mixed ethnicity. Median age at disease onset was 14 years (10-16) in cSLE and 29 years (17-50) in aSLE. A positive family history of SLE was seen in 37% (11/30) of cSLE patients compared to 11% (7/65) of aSLE [p = 0.003]. There was no difference in family history of other autoimmune rheumatic diseases (10% vs 14% [p = 0.57]). Table 1 shows frequency of different autoantibodies, with anti-dsDNA and anti-cardiolipin antibodies significantly more frequent in the cSLE group [p = 0.017, p = 0.016 respectively]. Lupus nephritis appears to be more common in cSLE but not significantly (80% renal involvement vs 69% aSLE).There was no difference between involvement of chest, haematological, VTE or APS. Standard of care treatment was used in both groups, including oral prednisolone (&amp;gt;80% patients), anti-malarial and immunosuppressive medications. Renal flares were significantly more frequent in cSLE (23% vs 8%, [p = 0.027]). Of those deceased, only 1 was directly due to SLE. P161 Table 1:Serological markercSLE (n = 30)aSLE (n = 65)Number of patients%Number of patients%ANA2790%6498%dsDNA23*77%33*51%ENA1447%3655%RNP827%2335%Anti-Ro1033%2132%Anti-Sm827%1218%C1Q14**64%19**63%ACL17*57%20*31%LAC930%1828%RF517%69%Comparison of serological markers.*p &amp;lt; 0.05 (Chi-square used).**10 patients’ data missing. Conclusion More cSLE patients had a positive SLE family history and had higher anti-dsDNA antibody positivity compared to aSLE. Renal involvement was observed more commonly in cSLE than aSLE patients but was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that the cSLE cohort have a higher prevalence of specific lupus serology and a positive family history of SLE which may point towards more aggressive disease. Disclosure N.T. Morton: None. Z. Rutter-Locher: None. M. Durrani: None. S. Sangle: None. N. Wilkinson: None. D. D'Cruz: None.

Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Southeast Asian Perspectives

Childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare disease that is more common amongst Southeast Asian children compared to the West. It is typified by a peripubertal onset and a female preponderance, which increases with advancing age. Organs commonly involved at diagnosis include haematological, renal, and mucocutaneous. Fever, malar rash, and cutaneous vasculitis are common. Lupus nephritis is typically proliferative especially Class IV and contributes to both disease activity and damage. Antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA positivity are both prevalent in this region. Disease activity is higher than Western cohorts at onset but responds to therapy reducing to low disease activity by six months. However, organ damage occurs early and continues to accumulate over the time, a consequence of both active disease (neurological and renal systems) and steroid-related complications especially in the eye (cataract and glaucoma) and musculoskeletal systems (avascular necrosis). Infections remain the leading cause of death and mortality in this region is highly variable contributed by the heterogeneity in social economic status, healthcare access, and availability of paediatric rheumatology expertise in the region.

Efficacy of belimumab in two serologically distinct high disease activity subgroups of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: post-hoc analysis of data from the phase III programme

ObjectiveTo assess the appropriateness of expanded serological activity eligibility criteria for belimumab use in the UK systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) population (and possibly other countries), which includes patients with either...

Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome—A case series with review of literature

Lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) is a rare phenomenon that leads to concomitant thrombosis and hemorrhage in children with SLE. LAHPS in pediatric SLE (pSLE) has a protracted course requiring long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Due to the rarity of this syndrome and paucity of reported cases, there is lack of standardized management. We herewith report 5 children with pSLE with LAHPS.Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed clinical features, laboratory features, treatment and outcome for 5 children with lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome with SLE and a review of literature of similar cases published. Mean age of presentation was 10.2 ± 2.38 years (mean ± SD) and female to male ratio was 4:1. All children presented with mild to severe bleeding manifestations like gum bleed, epistaxis, hematuria, menorrhagia and subarachnoid bleed. Coagulation profile revealed prolonged PT and aPTT, with low prothrombin levels and positive Lupus anticoagulant in all children. Mixing studies were characteristic in these children. On comparing laboratory parameters majority had low C3, C4 levels, ANA and anti-DsDNA antibody positivity and three children had anticardiolipin positivity. One child had lupus nephritis along with LAHPS at presentation. All responded well to steroids and supportive measures. High index of suspicion is needed when child with lupus presents with bleeding manifestations for early diagnosis and treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Expression of Lupus Erythematosus in Geriatrics versus Adults

Objective: Comparative analysis of expression of lupus erythematosus (LE) in geriatrics versus adults. Materials and Methods: We analyzed and compare the patient's records attending our department between June 2017 and June 2019, diagnosed clinically and immunologically as LE between the two groups. Results: Sixty patients, 30 in each group, met ACRA criteria, were enrolled with mean age of presentation for early-onset was 28 ± 9.8 years and late-onset, 59 ± 4.8 years. Most of the patients were females with decrease in sex ratio with age. The most common presentations were malar rash, photosensitivity, and oral ulcers. Joint complaints, lung and cardiac involvement, and nonscarring alopecia were more common in the elderly. Direct Coombs test positive hemolytic anemia, renal involvement in forms of proteinuria and lupus nephritis, and neurological involvement were seen more commonly in adults. In immunological parameters, antinuclear antibody, anti-double standard DNA antibody (AntiDsDNA), and anti-smith antibody testing were done. AntiDsDNA positivity was more in adults correlate with disease severity. We calculate the systemic LE disease activity index 2000 score was higher in the adult population. Conclusion: Our study illustrated that disease activity and damage are more in adults in comparison to geriatrics. However, geriatrics had more organ damage that may be attributable to associated comorbidities. Although the connective tissue diseases in the elderly needs less aggressive management, it requires more attention for possible organ damage due to associated comorbidities.

Grading of intensity of fluorescence in anti-nuclear antibody test

Introduction: The gold standard method to detect anti-nuclear antibodies is Indirect Immunofluorescence. Hep-2 cell lines coated slides are used to identify and detect the various patterns of fluorescence produced by anti-nuclear antibodies. Interpretation is based on the titre, pattern and intensity of fluorescence. Objectives: To find out whether any relationship exists between the intensity of fluorescence and the concentration of anti-nuclear antibodies. For this the samples which exhibited homogeneous pattern were further tested by quantitative Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to find out the concentration of anti-dsDNA antibody. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried over a period of one year from January 2017 to December 2017 and the study group included 500 patients with lupus and 100 age and sex matched healthy controls. All the samples were processed for Indirect Immunofluorescence. The samples which were of homogeneous pattern were tested by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to quantitate the anti-dsDNA antibody concentration. Results: The anti-dsDNA positivity in homogeneous pattern was statistically significant (p Conclusion: As the intensity of fluorescence dose not reflect the concentration of antibody, further studies are needed to elucidate whether grading of intensity is mandatory in interpretation. Keywords: Anti-nuclear antibodies, Indirect Immunofluorescence, Intensity grading, Antibody concentration.

O19 A Complex Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Class IV Lupus Nephritis in a 15-year-old Egyptian Girl

O19 A Complex Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Class IV Lupus Nephritis in a 15-year-old Egyptian Girl

Interleukin 23 is elevated in the serum of patients with SLE.

Aim: Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a cytokine that promotes the differentiation of T cells into pro-inflammatory Th17. We have previously shown that IL-23 is upregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and lupus prone mice. As SLE is highly heterogeneous, we asked whether IL-23 production correlates with different manifestations of the disease.Methods: We recruited 56 subjects who fulfilled the ACR criteria for SLE. Interleukin-23 was measured in the serum by ELISA.Results: IL-23 levels were positively correlated with the overall SLE disease activity as measured with the SLEDAI. Moreover, IL-23 correlated with the skin, renal domains of SLEDAI and arthritis but not with cytopenias or serositis. IL-23 did also correlate with anti-dsDNA antibody positivity and inversely correlated with C3 levels. We found no relationship between patients' demographics, prior disease manifestations, medications, or autoantibody profile and IL-23 levels. No immunomodulatory medication seemed to be affecting IL-23 levels suggesting that current medications used in SLE are not as effective in shutting down the IL-23/IL-17 axis. Conclusions: IL-23 levels track SLE disease activity mostly in the renal, skin and musculoskeletal domains. Our data suggest that IL-23 inhibitors may be helpful in combination with current standard of care in alleviating arthritis, renal and cutaneous manifestations of the disease.

Caffeine intake influences disease activity and clinical phenotype in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In vitro dose-dependent treatment with caffeine down-regulates mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. So far, no robust data are available about the possible contribution of caffeine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokine serum levels. We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided into four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4). At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokine levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFNγ, IFNα and BLyS. We enrolled 89 consecutive SLE patients. We observed a negative correlation between caffeine consumption and disease activity, measured with SLEDAI-2K. A significantly higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementaemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with a low intake of caffeine. Furthermore, patients with a low intake of caffeine were more frequently treated with glucocorticoids. Regarding cytokine analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p = 0.03, r = -0.2); furthermore, patients with a high intake of caffeine showed lower serum levels of IFNα (p = 0.02), IL-17 (p = 0.01) and IL-6 (p = 0.003). In this report we demonstrated the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as confirmed by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2K values and cytokine levels. Moreover, patients with a low caffeine consumption seem to have a more severe disease phenotype.

P1792SUCCESSFUL TRANSPLANTATION OF STEM CELLS AND KIDNEY IN REFRACTORY LUPUS NEPHRITIS: REMOTE OUTCOMES

Abstract Background and Aims Lupus nephritis is a common part of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), severe autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems and associated with pure prognosis. Patients with lupus nephritis who experience persisted disease activity despite conventional immunosuppression are at high risk of early death. Re-setting of the immune system and self-tolerance by high-dose immunosuppressive therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a new approach in the treatment of refractory SLE. Remote outcomes of this method and effectiveness relapse treatment are still unclear and were the aims of this study. Method We report a sick woman 39 years old, with refractory severe lupus nephritis. Standard therapy was ineffective, SLEDAI score remains 22 so patient was underwent high dose immunosuppressive therapy with ASCT and included in European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation European League against Rheumatism (EBMT/EULAR) registry on 53 pts who received ASCT for SLE between 1996 and 2005. Ethical approval was obtained for this study from Cambridge University Hospital Ethics Committee. Results The ASCT induced complete clinical and serological remission (SLEDAI score was 0) for 3 years. Than relapse with nephritic syndrome and anti-dsDNA positivity occurred and caused renal failure, creatinine clearance decreased to 21. Despite therapy including prednisolone, 45 mg daily, and mycophenolate mofetil, 2000 mg daily, disease activity persisted, creatinine clearance remained decreasing and 3 years later became 15 ml/min. During 1 year patient was on regular hemodialysis, then renal transplantation performed. Now, follow up is 15 years after ASCT and 8 years after kidney transplantation. Patient received a standard post-transplant immunosuppression with prednisolone, 5 mg daily, tacrolimus, 2.5 mg daily, and azathioprine, 100 mg daily, and her conditions remains stable, she has functioning renal allograft, SLEDAI score is 2 (anti-dsDNA positivity in low titer). Conclusion We present the successful remote outcomes of first case of immunoablation and double transplantation of autologous stem cells and allogeneic kidney in severe refractory to conventional immunosuppression SLE with lupus nephritis.

High disease activity status suggests more severe disease and damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus

ObjectiveDisease severity in SLE is an important concept related to disease activity, treatment burden and prognosis. We set out to evaluate if high disease activity status (HDAS), based on ever...

High interleukin-18 and low FOXP3 mRNAs in peripheral blood of women with severe systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study.

Gene expression analysis of peripheral blood cells may provide valuable information about the triggered molecular processes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study aimed to quantify the mRNA in peripheral blood of seven target genes, including inflammatory cytokine genes (IL23A, IL12B, TNFA, IL18), and T regulatory-related genes (FOXP3, TGFB1, IL10) in patients with SLE and to correlate expression levels with disease activity and/or clinical manifestations. The relative quantification of target genes was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood obtained from 28 adult SLE females and 17 healthy women. The highest up-regulation in the blood of SLE patients was observed for IL23A with a median 9.54 (p < 0.0001), followed by TGFB1 (median: 2.07; p = 0.047) and IL10 (median: 1.84; p = 0.013). IL12B and TNFA were significantly down-regulated in patients compared to controls (median: 0.521; p = 0.0023, and median: 0.519; p = 0.0003, respectively). FOXP3 mRNA was lower among patients with higher degree of disease activity (median: 0.338; p = 0.029) and showed inverse correlation with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). IL18 mRNA correlated positively with the SLEDAI and was highly expressed during severe flares (median: 1.216; p = 0.021). IL18 up-regulation was associated with anti-dsDNA antibody positivity, while FOXP3 down-regulation with lupus nephritis. Our study pointed out the relationship of SLE disease activity and particular clinical manifestations with IL18 and FOXP3 expression, and the significant contribution of IL23A in the SLE immunopathogenesis. Hence, the peripheral blood cytokine mRNAs should be exploited as novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.

Seroprevalences of autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies among Ghana\u2019s healthy population

Autoantibodies, which are antibodies that target self-epitopes, have considerable diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value in specific autoimmune diseases. Various infectious agents have been linked via numerous mechanisms to the formation of different autoantibodies. Therefore, estimating the prevalence of autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies in different populations is of high importance. Different genetic and environmental pressures, such as these found in Ghana’s different geographical provinces, may affect the prevalence of autoantibodies. In this study, we assessed the seroprevalence of a diverse panel of autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies among the healthy Ghanaian population and investigated possible environmental and genetic predispositions for autoantibodies and autoimmunity. The sera of 406 healthy individuals were obtained from Greater Accra, Upper West, Eastern and Volta regions. Multiplexed assay and chemiluminescent immunoassay techniques were utilized to assess the presence of a panel of autoantibodies and anti-infectious antibodies. We found a high prevalence of anti-HSV-1 IgG (91–100%), anti-EBNA IgG (81–93%) and anti-EBV-VCA IgG (97–100%) antibodies. The prevalence of ANA (at least one of: anti-dsDNA; anti-chromatin; anti-ribosomal-P; anti-Ro/SSA; anti-La/SSB; anti-centromere B; anti-Sm; anti-Sm/RNP; anti-Scl-70; anti-Jo1; anti-DFS70) was estimated at 14%. An inverse association between anti-HSV-2 antibodies and ANA (p = 0.044; adjusted OR = 0.398; CI [0.162–0.975]) was found, after adjusting for differences in gender, age, and familial history of autoimmune diseases. A trend towards reduced seroprevalence of anti-dsDNA antibodies among subjects who were positive for anti-HSV-2 antibodies was also noted (p = 0.1). In conclusion, the inverse association between anti-HSV-2 antibodies and ANA positivity suggests a possible protective role of HSV-2 infection against autoimmunity.

The Effect of Biological Agents on Antinuclear Antibody Status in Patients with Psoriasis: A Single-Center Study.

Background and Aims:Biological agents are being used as treatment of psoriasis for years. However, autoimmunity can develop after the using of these agents. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) status changes during biological therapy can be affected by certain factors including the presence of immunosuppression. We aimed to evaluate the effect of antitumor necrosis factor agents and ustekinumab on ANA status, as well as other factors leading to change in ANA status such as history of phototherapy and methotrexate combination therapy.Methods:In this study, the laboratory findings of thirty-one patients with psoriasis who received biological agents including infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab from 2016 to 2018 managed at the department of dermatology were reviewed. The ANA status of the patients was evaluated every 2–3 months.Results:Twelve (38.7%) out of the thirty-one patients developed ANA positivity during treatment. Nine patients receiving infliximab, two patients receiving etanercept, and one patient receiving adalimumab developed ANA positivity. The nuclear homogeneous, nuclear fine speckled, and nuclear large/coarse speckled were the most common patterns of ANA. A patient receiving infliximab also developed anti-dsDNA positivity. None of the patients developed drug-induced lupus erythematosus or any autoimmune diseases. Concomitant methotrexate use and phototherapy history had no effect on ANA status statistically (P = 0.240 and 0.717, respectively).Conclusion:The emergence of ANA positivity during infliximab therapy among all biological agents was more common. ANA positivity during biologic agents does not cause any signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases in patients with psoriasis; thus, it can be suggested that biological agents are not major risk factors for autoimmunity.