Antinuclear Antibody Titer Research Articles

Coronary Artery Ectasia as an Autoimmune Disease Paradigm in a Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as local or generalized aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary arteries. CAE likely represents an exaggerated form of excessive vascular wall remodeling in different clinical settings such as atherosclerosis, vasculitides, connective tissue disorders, hereditary collagen defects, bacterial infections, and congenital malformations. In the present case-control study, we investigated whether the incidental finding of CAE in patients who undergo coronary angiography is associated with presence of autoimmune reactivity. From 2019 to 2022, we identified all consecutive patients with CAE (n=319) on elective or emergency coronary angiography (n=7,458). We furthermore included 90 patients with nonectatic coronary arteries as a control group. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer was measured in both groups using the indirect immunofluorescence method from peripheral blood samples. The prevalence of CAE in our study cohort was 4.3%. Among patients with CAE (n=319), presence of positive Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer was identified in 128 patients (40%). Only 18 patients (20%) from the control group had positive ANA titer. There was a statistically significant greater percentage of patients with positive ANA titer among patients with CAE than among controls (chi-square=12.39; p <0.001), with an odds ratio of 2.68. Among patients with CAE, there is an increased prevalence of positive ANA titer, suggesting an underlying autoimmune disease. Screening for autoimmune reactivity could be a reasonable diagnostic strategy in patients who undergo coronary angiography with an incidental finding of coronary ectasia because the number needed to screen for positive ANA titer in this subgroup of patients is only 5.

Significane of determining antinuclear antibodies in systemic connective tissue disorders in children

Systemic connective tissue diseases (SCTD) are characterized by systemic autoimmune inflammation and are accompanied by development of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Our aim was a comparative analysis of ANA in blood serum in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study included 50 patients with SLE, 50 patients with RA who were treated at the National Medical Research Center of Childrens Health. Median age was 12,2 y. o. (9-15.5). The titers of ANA and the cell fluorescence type were determined with the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFR) using the HEp-2 cell line (Immco Diagnostics, Inc, USA), as well as the concentration of antibodies to double-stranded DNA (adsDNA) in blood serum samples of the children detected by immunochemiluminescence (ICM) woth Elia dsDNA (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). A positive ANA titer and adsDNA were found, respectively, in 98% and in 48% in children with SLE. A positive ANA titer and adsDNA was detected in 100% and in 4% of children with RA, respectively. Highly positive ANA titers ( 1/1280) have been detected in 68% of children with SLE, and in 30% of children with RA. None of the RA patients with highly positive ANA titers had adsDNA. But, in patients with SLE, highly positive ANA titers and a positive dsDNA level were simultaneously detected in 16% of cases. There are both single types of cell fluorescence and their combinations in children with SLE and RA. Nuclear dot-like fluorescence was more common in children with SLE, cytoplasmic type, in children with RA, nucleolar type of glow was found only in children with RA. The revealed combinations of ANA and adsDNA titers in children with SLE and RA confirm the need for simultaneous use of RNIF and ICM.

Prediction of a Positive ANA Result for a Rheumatological Diagnosis in an Outpatient Setting

Objective: To study the predictive value of a positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) for a rheumatological diagnosis in an outpatient setting. Methods: Individuals who were referred to the rheumatology outpatient clinics because of a positive ANA between July 2014 and June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting symptoms in addition to a positive ANA and whether a final rheumatological diagnosis was made were recorded. The positive predictive value of a positive ANA and its titer for a rheumatological diagnosis, with and without accompanying symptoms was evaluated. Results: A total of 230 patients were included (82% women, age 47.7 ± 14.1 years [range 18-84]). Family medicine and the general outpatient clinic were the main sources of referral (32.2%), followed by ophthalmology (13.0%) and otorhinolaryngology (11.7%). A final rheumatological diagnosis was made in 54 (23.5%) patients, with rheumatoid arthritis being the commonest diagnosis (40.7%). In the absence of any associated symptoms, the predictive value of a positive ANA was 0%. The presence of Raynaud’s phenomenon (100%), joint swelling (59.5%), and joint stiffness (48.9%) predicted a better final rheumatological diagnosis along with a positive ANA. ANA titers of 1:80 or less had a low sensitivity for rheumatic diseases. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that an ANA titer of [Formula: see text]1:128 best predicted a rheumatological diagnosis (AUC 0.78 [0.71–0.85]; sensitivity 0.78; specificity 0.64). Conclusions: To improve the prediction for a rheumatological diagnosis, referral for a positive ANA test should be more appropriately done with compatible symptoms.

Laboratory risk factors for coexistent primary biliary cholangitis in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome: a retrospective study

BackgroundLimited research exists on the laboratory characteristics of coexistent primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). This study aimed to investigate the laboratory risk factors for the coexistence of PBC in patients with SS.MethodsEighty-two patients with coexistent SS and PBC (median age 52.50 years) and 82 age- and sex-matched SS controls were retrospectively enrolled between July 2015 and July 2021. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the two groups were compared. Laboratory risk factors for the coexistence of PBC in patients with SS were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsBoth groups had a similar prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, and interstitial lung disease. Compared with the SS group, patients in the SS + PBC group had higher levels of liver enzymes, immunoglobulins M (IgM), G2, and G3 (P < 0.05). The percentage of patients with an antinuclear antibody (ANA) titre > 1:10000 in the SS + PBC group was 56.1%, higher than that in the SS group (19.5%, P < 0.05). Additionally, cytoplasmic, centromeric, and nuclear membranous patterns of ANA and positive anti-centromere antibody (ACA) were observed more frequently in the SS + PBC group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated IgM levels, high ANA titre, cytoplasmic pattern, and ACA were independent risk factors for PBC coexistence in SS.ConclusionsIn addition to established risk factors, elevated IgM levels, positive ACA, and high ANA titre with cytoplasmic pattern provide clues to clinicians for the early screening and diagnosis of PBC in patients with SS.

CPC07 Lupus comedonicus: a not so common entity

Abstract Lupus comedonicus (LC) is an exceedingly rare variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE), with only 13 reported cases in the literature to date. While its aetiology remains unknown, hallmarks include the presence of comedones on erythematous plaques, particularly in seborrhoeic areas. We report a case of LC involving the scalp, concha bowl and upper back. A 53-year-old female smoker with a 20-pack-year history and previous unprovoked pulmonary embolism presented to dermatology with a 2-year history of alopecia and rash affecting her face and upper back. She was initially reviewed by oral medicine for ulcers, where erythematous buccal mucosal plaques with white striations were seen. The initial biopsy showed a patchy lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate, raising suspicions for lichen planus; however, repeat biopsy highlighted perivascular inflammation and keratin plugging suggestive of lupus. Full skin examination revealed patchy scarring alopecia with perifollicular scale and erythema. Erythematous infiltrated plaques were seen on the face with similar more indurated lesions on the upper back associated with open comedones. The eponymous Shuster sign was observed in the left conchal bowl, with associated follicular occlusion. Laboratory studies all returned within normal limits, including antinuclear antibody titres and complement levels. Differential diagnosis included lupus erythematosus tumidus, discoid lupus erythematosus and LC. Lesional biopsies taken from her back confirmed LC, highlighting lichenoid inflammation involving follicles and interfollicular skin, with superficial and deep perivascular infiltrate. We commenced oral hydroxychloroquine at 200 mg once daily for management, with topical mometasone furoate 0.1% to be used while awaiting its full effect. Smoking cessation has also been advised given the potentially antagonistic effect of smoking with lupus and hydroxychloroquine. Hypotheses of the pathogenesis of LC include the effect of sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation is known to not only enhance the activity of CCLE but may also contribute to the formation of comedones. Actinic damage alters collagen of normal skin, promoting sebum retention and follicular plugging. Given its infrequency, LC could be mistaken for benign conditions, including acne vulgaris, naevus comedonicus and Favre–Racouchot disease. It is plausible that the small case numbers are due to current underdiagnoses. It is important for dermatologists to be aware of and accurately diagnose LC. Apart from its potentially destructive, scarring complications, especially in untreated and misdiagnosed cases, it is associated with systemic lupus in 30% of cases. Delay in diagnosis and therapeutic management can be associated with significant potential morbidity and even mortality.

#2730 MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS WITH NEPHRITIS

Abstract Background and Aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology affecting various organs and tissues. In the last decade, alternative therapeutic methods for SLE refractory to immunosuppressive therapy have been actively studied. Of interest are the data of transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that demonstrated immunomodulatory properties, as well as the ability to self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. Objective to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSCs in patients with severe refractory SLE. Method The search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar platforms using the following strategy: “Systematic lupus erythematosus” plus “Mesenchymal stem cells”. All articles presented in these domains published before 01.12.2022 in the format of case reports, clinical studies, clinical trials, multicentre studies were analysed. The effectiveness of MSCs was evaluated using the systemic lupus erythematosus activity index SELENA-SLEDAI, renal functional parameters (daily proteinuria, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and serum albumin), immunological parameters (anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA). The safety assessment included registration of various adverse events during and after transplantation. Results A total of 201 publications were retrieved for the period from 2000-2022, and 24 records about MSCs treatment in SLE patients met the above criteria and were included in the study. The analysed publications included data on the transplantation of MSCs obtained from various biological sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. In total, the results of MSCs transplantations in 806 patients were analysed. The average age of patients was 30.5±8.53 years old (from 12 to 62 years). The results obtained suggested that there was a significant decrease in the activity of SLE: 2.5-fold reduce in SELENA-SLEDAI score after 12 months (from 12.43±3.06 to 5.02±2.12). Anti-dsDNA titer dropped from 399.05±477.86 to 227.65±130.76. Some research also revealed decrease in ANA titer from 309.64±412.75 to 187.8±146.60. The improvement of kidney function was assessed by the 2.17-fold reduction of daily proteinuria from 2.48±0.66 to 1.14±0.56 g/l and an increase in GFR from 66.84±42.2 to 83.25±44.90 ml/min. Furthermore, in the majority of the cases of SLE patients who had been treated with conventional immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids with no response, the dosage of immunosuppressive therapy after MSCs transplantation was reduced. The safety of MSCs therapy is essential for clinical application. The assessment of all patients (n = 806) who underwent MSCs transplantation revealed a few side effects such as nausea (n = 7), herpes (n = 2), agranulocytosis with fungal pneumonia (n = 2), tuberculosis (n = 3). No tumor-related events was observed. Mortality consists in 2.6%, the majority of cases was from multiple organ failure (n = 19), others - from acute heart failure (n = 1) and severe pneumonia (n = 1). Thus, the survival rate during MSCs transplantation consists in 97.4%. Conclusion According to the analysis of currently available research data MSCs demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect in SLE with kidney injury: the decrease in the activity index SELENA-SLEDAI, the improvement in kidney function and the decrease in immunological indicators. According to the data from follow-up studies there were no serious adverse events, or tumor-related effects after MSCs transplantation in SLE patients.

Clinical features and prognosis of 118 children with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis

Objective: To explore the clinical features and prognosis of children with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL). Methods: The clinical data of 118 children with HNL diagnosed and treated in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, imaging examination, pathological findings, treatment and follow-up were analyzed. Results: Among the 118 patients, 69 were males and 49 were females. The age of onset was 10.0 (8.0, 12.0) years, ranging from 1.5 to 16.0 years. All the children had fever lymph node enlargement, blood system involvement in 74 cases (62.7%), skin injury in 39 cases (33.1%). The main manifestations of laboratory examination were increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate in 90 cases (76.3%), decreased hemoglobin in 58 cases (49.2%), decreased white blood cells in 54 cases (45.8%) and positive antinuclear antibody in 35 cases (29.7%). Ninety-seven cases (82.2%) underwent B-mode ultrasound of lymph nodes, showing nodular lesions with low echo in the neck; 22 cases (18.6%) underwent cervical X-ray and (or) CT; 7 cases (5.9%) underwent cervical magnetic resonance imaging. Lymph node biopsy was performed in all 118 cases, and the pathological results did not support malignant diseases such as lymphoma or Epstein-Barr virus infection, suggesting HNL. Fifty-seven cases (48.3%) recovered without treatment, 61 cases (51.7%) received oral steroid therapy, and 4 cases (3.4%) received indomethacin as anal stopper. The 118 cases were followed up for 4 (2, 6) years, ranging from 1 to 7 years, 87 cases (73.7%) had one onset and did not develop into other rheumatological diseases, and 24 cases (20.3%) had different degrees of recurrence, 7 cases (5.9%) had multiple system injuries, and all of the tested autoantibodies were positive for medium and high titers. All of them developed into other rheumatic immune diseases, among which 5 cases developed into systemic lupus erythematosus and 2 cases developed into Sjogren's syndrome; 7 cases were given oral steroid therapy, including 6 cases plus immunosuppressant and 2 cases receiving methylprednisolone 20 mg/kg shock therapy. Conclusions: The first-onset HNL portion is self-healing, hormone-sensitive and has a good prognosis. For HNL with repeated disease and multiple system injury, antinuclear antibody titer should be monitored during follow-up, and attention should be paid to the possibility of developing into other rheumatological diseases, with poor prognosis.

Clinical usefulness of anti-nuclear antibody in childhood: real-world experience at a tertiary care center : Usefulness of ANA in pediatric autoimmune diseases.

We evaluated the reasons for requesting anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) analysis in clinical practice at a tertiary center and the performance of ANA in pediatric autoimmune diseases. Patients under 18years of age who underwent ANA testing for various symptoms between 2013 and 2017 were included. We retrieved data from medical records, including demographic and clinical characteristics, diagnoses, ANA results, titers, and staining patterns. The performance assessment tools were calculated according to the ANA titer for autoimmune diseases. Risk factors for autoimmune diseases in ANA-positive patients were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Changes in ANA titer and seroconversion were evaluated using repeated ANA analyses. A total of 3812 patients underwent ANA. Medical records of 3320 patients were obtained. The rate of ANA positivity was 27.4%. ANA was requested most frequently because of musculoskeletal findings in 1355 patients (40.8%). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 174, 20.2%) was the most common diagnosis in ANA-positive patients, followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 52, 6%). For autoimmune diseases, a titer of ≥ 1:100, a sensitivity of 40.1%, and a specificity of 77.1% were observed. At a titer ≥ 1:1000, the sensitivity and specificity were 24.1% and 89%, respectively. Homogeneous staining was an additional risk factor for autoimmune diseases in ANA-positive patients by multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR [95% CI]: 4.562 [3.076-6.766], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results revealed that the performance of the ANA test in diagnosing autoimmune diseases in pediatric clinical practice was poor. Therefore, clinical findings should be carefully evaluated before ANA testing is performed. What is Known: • ANA can be detected in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. • The diagnostic role of ANA is controversial, especially in childhood. What is New: • One in four patients who requested the ANA test had an autoimmune disease. • Less than half of patients with an autoimmune disease had ANA positivity.

Diagnostic role of minor salivary glands biopsy in Sjögren's syndrome: correlations between histology and autoimmunity in a large, monocentric cohort.

Based on ACR/EULAR classification criteria, minor salivary glands biopsy (MSGB) is a useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The main objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of MSGB, as well as to highlight correlations between histological findings and autoimmune profiles. We retrospectively evaluated histological and autoimmunity data from patients who underwent MSGB in our department in cases of suspected SS, from March 2011 to December 2018. Salivary gland samples were evaluated using Chisholm and Mason (CM) grading and the focus score (FS). A total of 1,264 patients (108 males, 1,156 females) were included. The median age was 55.22 ±13.51 years (range: 15-87). In univariate binary logistic regression, CM ≥ 3 and FS ≥ 1 were significantly predicted by antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) and anti-Ro/SSA titer as well as anti-La/SSB, anti-Ro/SSA, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) positivity. In multivariate analysis, CM ≥ 3 and MSGB positivity were significantly associated with ANA titer; FS ≥ 1 was not associated with laboratory findings. A positive biopsy was associated with laboratory findings, as ANA and ENA titers, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, RF and ACPA positivity may discriminate patients with SS-related histological findings. Minor salivary glands biopsy is a useful tool to diagnose SS in cases of highly suggestive clinical symptoms but in the absence of a specific autoimmunity.

Histological improvement in chronic hepatitis C-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome by glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.

A 60-year-old man with type-2 diabetes and chronic hepatitis C (HCV) was diagnosed with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of 67mm in the hepatic posterior right lobe. Lenvatinib 8mg was initiated but discontinued because of grade 3 liver injury. The patient continued to have prolonged liver injury and persistently high immunoglobulin G levels. Antinuclear antibody titer increased from 1:40 to 1:320. Histopathological examination of a liver biopsy specimen revealed interface hepatitis with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, rosette formation, and emperipolesis, suggesting the possibility of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). First, treatment with prednisolone was initiated; however, the response was poor. After starting glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) as direct-acting antivirals (DAA), HCV RNA rapidly disappeared, and serological liver function improved. After confirmation of sustained virological response 24, HCC recurrence was observed, and partial hepatectomy was performed. Background liver findings showed that liver parenchymal inflammation improved compared with that before DAA treatment. This is the first case of HCV-AIH overlap syndrome treated with DAA using GLE/PIB. Liver function improved within a short treatment period of 8weeks, as confirmed using serology and histology.

Machine learning identifies clusters of longitudinal autoantibody profiles predictive of systemic lupus erythematosus disease outcomes

ObjectivesA novel longitudinal clustering technique was applied to comprehensive autoantibody data from a large, well-characterised, multinational inception systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort to determine profiles predictive of clinical outcomes.MethodsDemographic, clinical...

Sex Difference in Primary Sjögren Syndrome: A Medical Records Review Study.

The aim of this study was to study clinical and biological differences between men and women with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) in China and perform a literature review to confirm if the clinical phenotypes are affected by sex in patients with pSS. Data from 961 patients with pSS treated at a tertiary hospital in China between January 2013 and March 2022 were analyzed based on medical records. Clinical characteristics, including disease manifestations and serological parameters of the disease, were compared between men and women with pSS using the Mann-Whitney U test and χ 2 test. This study included 140 (14.6%) men and 821 (85.4%) women with pSS. Women with pSS demonstrated a higher prevalence of dry mouth, dry eyes, arthralgia, and dental caries ( p < 0.05); higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate and immunoglobulin M levels ( p < 0.05); higher prevalence of leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, low complement 3, and low complement 4 ( p < 0.05); and higher titers of antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren syndrome A, anti-Ro52, and rheumatoid factor positivity ( p < 0.05) than men, whereas men with pSS had a higher prevalence of parotid enlargement and interstitial lung disease ( p < 0.05). Women with pSS are associated with more dryness, cytopenia, hypocomplementemia, and autoantibody positivity. Although men with pSS probably have lighter sicca symptoms and lower immunoactivity and serologic responses, regular monitoring of interstitial lung disease in men is vital.

Antinuclear antibodies in childhood immune thrombocytopaenia: An increased risk for development of autoimmune disorders?

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) have been detected in children with primary immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP), but the effect of ANA titres on clinical outcomes is unclear. Liu et al. retrospectively analysed a cohort of 324 children with primary ITP with a median follow-up time of 25 months and found that patients with high-ANA titres (≥1:160) had lower platelet counts at the onset with a higher subsequent platelet count recovery rate, and additionally were at an increased risk to develop autoimmune disease. These data highlight the possible predictive potential of ANA titres with respect to platelet counts and the development of autoimmunity in children with primary ITP. Commentary on: Liu, et al. The effect of antinuclear antibody titre and its variation on outcomes in children with primary immune thrombocytopaenia. Br J Haematol 2023 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.18732.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) status predicts immune-related adverse events in liver cancer patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy.

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) clinically resemble autoimmune diseases, indicating autoantibodies could be potential biomarkers for the prediction of irAEs. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of peripheral blood antinuclear antibody (ANA) status for irAEs, considering the time and severity of irAEs, as well as treatment outcome in liver cancer patients administered anti-PD-1 therapy. Ninety-three patients with advanced primary liver cancer administered anti-PD-1 treatment were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into the ANA positive (ANA+, titer ≥ 1:100) and negative (ANA-, titer < 1:100) groups. Development of irAEs, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Compared with ANA- patients, ANA+ cases were more prone to develop irAEs (43.3% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.031). With the increase of ANA titers, the frequency of irAEs increased. The time interval between anti-PD-1 therapy and the onset of irAEs was significantly shorter in ANA+ patients compared with the ANA- group (median, 1.7 months vs. 5.0 months, P = 0.022). Moreover, the time between anti-PD-1 therapy and irAE occurrence decreased with increasing ANA titer. In addition, PFS and OS were decreased in ANA+ patients compared with the ANA- group (median PFS, 2.8 months vs. 4.2 months, P = 0.043; median OS, 21.1 months vs. not reached, P = 0.041). IrAEs occur at higher frequency in ANA+ liver cancer patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy. ANA titer could help predict irAE development and treatment outcome in these patients.

The effect of antinuclear antibody titre and its variation on outcomes in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) can be positive in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but the effect of ANA titre and its variation on outcomes of children with primary ITP remains unclear. Here, we conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study of children with primary ITP at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China. A total of 324 children with primary ITP included in this study were followed for a median time of 25 months. In this cohort, 39.2% had an ANA titre of 1:160 or higher. Results from a generalized estimating equation model revealed that patients with higher ANA titres had lower platelet counts at onset but a higher recovery rate of subsequent platelet counts. Results from Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders revealed that patients with ANA titres of 1:160 or more were more likely to develop to autoimmune disease (AID) than those without, and the risk of AID development increased with the rise of ANA titres (p value for trend less than 0.001). These data highlight the predictive value of ANA titre for platelet counts and the risk of AID development in children with primary ITP.

Post-COVID musculo-articular syndrome and COVID-19 association with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great deal of evidence for a variety of post-COVID symptoms, including the presence of a musculo-articular syndrome. The aim of the study was to analyze the current literature data on the prevalence of musculo-articular syndrome and to study the association of coronavirus infection with the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods. We searched PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar (2020-2022) for articles using the following keywords: post-covid syndrome, muscular articular syndrome or muscle and joint pain, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, rheumatoid arthritis. We found 622 articles in which these words appeared in the text of the article. Further, 497 articles were excluded as irrelevant to the topic of the study. During the study of the remaining articles, special attention was paid to the occurrence of musculo-articular syndrome after COVID-19 infection and the association with rheumatoid arthritis. Results and discussion. There are studies describing musculo-articular pain syndrome and cases of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) after COVID-19, which may indirectly indicate the development of rheumatoid arthritis in these patients. Studies reflect the increased autoreactivity of the immune system in COVID-19, consisting in increased titers of antinuclear antibodies, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, ACCP, and rheumatoid factor. A number of articles have presented results on the association between COVID-19 infection and the appearance, or exacerbation, of rheumatoid arthritis. Several mechanisms are discussed, presumably leading to the occurrence of post-COVID rheumatoid arthritis: induction by coronavirus of excess synthesis of angiotensin II, which increases the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and production of reactive oxygen species; activation of proinflammatory T-cell subpopulations; activation of Toll-like receptor-7 synovial membrane triggering the inflammatory response; "cytokine storm". Conclusion. A high percentage (from 15 to 47.7 %) of cases of musculo-articular lesions after COVID-19 infection has been identified. A number of articles have reported an association between COVID-19 infection and the onset, or exacerbation, of rheumatoid arthritis, but the issue is still under discussion, which necessitates large-scale studies specifically devoted to examining this association.

Profiling of kidney involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus by deep learning using the National Database of Designated Incurable Diseases of Japan

BackgroundKidney involvement frequently occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and its clinical manifestations are complicated. We profiled kidney involvement in SLE patients using deep learning based on data from the National Database of Designated Incurable Diseases of Japan.MethodsWe analyzed the cross-sectional data of 1655 patients with SLE whose Personal Clinical Records were newly registered between 2015 and 2017. We trained an artificial neural network using clinical data, and the extracted characteristics were evaluated using an autoencoder. We tested the difference of population proportions to analyze the correlation between the presence or absence of kidney involvement and that of other clinical manifestations.ResultsData of patients with SLE were compressed in a feature space in which the anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibody titer, antinuclear antibody titer, or white blood cell count contributed significantly to distinguishing patients. Many SLE manifestations were accompanied by kidney involvement, whereas in a subgroup of patients with high anti-dsDNA antibody titers and low antinuclear antibody titers, kidney involvement was positively and negatively correlated with hemolytic anemia and inflammatory manifestations, respectively.ConclusionAlthough there are various combinations of SLE manifestations, our study revealed that some of them are specific to kidney involvement. SLE profiles extracted from the objective analysis will be useful for categorizing SLE manifestations.

Serum levels and significance of soluble B-cell maturation antigen in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus with renal involvement.

The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of soluble B-cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematous (cSLE) patients with renal involvement, and to elucidate their association with clinical characteristics. 116 cases of cSLE patients with renal involvement (84 females and 32 males; median age 11.6 (10.1, 12.9) years) hospitalized in Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University and 31 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Serum concentrations of sBCMA were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical and laboratory information of cSLE patients were retrospectively analyzed. Serum sBCMA levels were significantly increased in primary cSLE when compared with treated cSLE patients and HCs, whereas there was no significant difference between treated cSLE patients and HCs. Patients with high disease activity displayed higher serum sBCMA levels compared with those with no or mild to moderate disease activity. Positive correlation was observed between serum sBCMA levels and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index-2K (SLEDAI-2K), antinuclear antibody titers, anti-double-stranded DNA titers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and immunoglobulin G levels, while sBCMA levels were negatively correlated with blood white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet count, complement C3 and C4 levels. Serum sBCMA levels decreased as disease ameliorated after treatments among 11 cases with follow-up examinations. In cSLE patients with renal involvement, serum sBCMA levels correlated significantly with disease activity, immunological, and hematological parameters, but not with renal parameters. Our results suggest the potential and significance of serum sBCMA as a biomarker in cSLE patients.

Associations between nailfold capillary aberrations and autoantibodies in children and adults with Raynaud’s phenomenon

ObjectiveTo characterise associations between individual nailfold capillary aberrations with autoantibodies in a cross-sectional study on children and adults with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP).MethodsConsecutive children and adults with RP and without previously...

Association between antinuclear antibody positivity and chemical exposure among pregnant Japanese women: A cross-sectional study based on the Japan environment and Children's study

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are detected in healthy individuals, they are more prevalent in women than in men. Pregnant women are immunologically unique, but epidemiological data on ANA positivity in them remain limited. The exposure received from the mother during the fetal period impacts the future health of the fetus and has thus received increased attention in recent years. Thus, we investigated the association between ANA positivity and chemical exposure among pregnant Japanese women, registered in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). ANA titers were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence with HEp-2cells at a cutoff dilution of 1:40. Sociodemographic and other data were obtained in the JECS from a self-administered questionnaire. We analyzed 1,235 Japanese women in their first trimester of pregnancy. The ANA prevalence was 17.2%. Among ANA-positive women, a speckled pattern was the most common (95.3%), followed by a homogeneous pattern (72.3%). Exposure to chemicals more than once a week significantly increased the probability of ANA positivity (kerosene, petroleum, benzene, or gasoline: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.03-4.34; chlorine bleach or germicide: AOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.10-3.54; organic solvents: AOR, 5.34; 95% CI, 1.40-20.36; and photocopying machines or laser printers: AOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.17-2.54). ANA positivity was associated with exposure to several chemicals in Japanese women. Our exploratory results suggested that ANAs as potential markers of chemical exposure warrant further research.