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Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Jan 2024To update the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on emerging new evidence.
OBJECTIVES
To update the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on emerging new evidence.
METHODS
An international Task Force formed the questions for the systematic literature reviews (January 2018-December 2022), followed by formulation and finalisation of the statements after a series of meetings. A predefined voting process was applied to each overarching principle and recommendation. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendation were assigned, and participants finally provided their level of agreement with each item.
RESULTS
The Task Force agreed on 5 overarching principles and 13 recommendations, concerning the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), glucocorticoids (GC), immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) (including methotrexate, mycophenolate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide (CYC)), calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, voclosporin) and biologics (belimumab, anifrolumab, rituximab). Advice is also provided on treatment strategies and targets of therapy, assessment of response, combination and sequential therapies, and tapering of therapy. HCQ is recommended for all patients with lupus at a target dose 5 mg/kg real body weight/day, considering the individual's risk for flares and retinal toxicity. GC are used as 'bridging therapy' during periods of disease activity; for maintenance treatment, they should be minimised to equal or less than 5 mg/day (prednisone equivalent) and, when possible, withdrawn. Prompt initiation of ISDs (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) and/or biological agents (anifrolumab, belimumab) should be considered to control the disease and facilitate GC tapering/discontinuation. CYC and rituximab should be considered in organ-threatening and refractory disease, respectively. For active lupus nephritis, GC, mycophenolate or low-dose intravenous CYC are recommended as anchor drugs, and add-on therapy with belimumab or CNIs (voclosporin or tacrolimus) should be considered. Updated specific recommendations are also provided for cutaneous, neuropsychiatric and haematological disease, SLE-associated antiphospholipid syndrome, kidney protection, as well as preventative measures for infections, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease.
CONCLUSION
The updated recommendations provide consensus guidance on the management of SLE, combining evidence and expert opinion.
Topics: Humans; Azathioprine; Tacrolimus; Rituximab; Methotrexate; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Immunosuppressive Agents; Cyclophosphamide; Hydroxychloroquine; Glucocorticoids; Enzyme Inhibitors
PubMed: 37827694
DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224762 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Nov 2023Rusty pipe syndrome (RPS) is a benign, self-limiting condition characterized by bloody milk secretion, and is primarily seen among primiparous women. This case report...
Rusty pipe syndrome (RPS) is a benign, self-limiting condition characterized by bloody milk secretion, and is primarily seen among primiparous women. This case report highlights the clinical presentation of a 31-year-old primiparous woman with bloody milk secretion from gestational week 31. This persisted throughout pregnancy until seven days after birth. RPS should be considered in pregnant women with painless bilateral bloody milk secretion during pregnancy and/or the early days post-partum. The milk can safely be provided to the infant, and RPS is not an indication for formula feeding.
Topics: Infant; Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Adult; Animals; Breast Feeding; Lactation; Milk; Postpartum Period; Syndrome; Parity
PubMed: 38018741
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Endocrinology Jun 2024Turner syndrome (TS) affects 50 per 100 000 females. TS affects multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary care. This guideline extends...
Turner syndrome (TS) affects 50 per 100 000 females. TS affects multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary care. This guideline extends previous ones and includes important new advances, within diagnostics and genetics, estrogen treatment, fertility, co-morbidities, and neurocognition and neuropsychology. Exploratory meetings were held in 2021 in Europe and United States culminating with a consensus meeting in Aarhus, Denmark in June 2023. Prior to this, eight groups addressed important areas in TS care: (1) diagnosis and genetics, (2) growth, (3) puberty and estrogen treatment, (4) cardiovascular health, (5) transition, (6) fertility assessment, monitoring, and counselling, (7) health surveillance for comorbidities throughout the lifespan, and (8) neurocognition and its implications for mental health and well-being. Each group produced proposals for the present guidelines, which were meticulously discussed by the entire group. Four pertinent questions were submitted for formal GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evaluation with systematic review of the literature. The guidelines project was initiated by the European Society for Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, in collaboration with members from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, the Society for Endocrinology, and the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Australia and New Zealand Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Latin American Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Arab Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Endocrine Society. Advocacy groups appointed representatives for pre-meeting discussions and the consensus meeting.
Topics: Humans; Turner Syndrome; Female; Child; Adolescent; Puberty; Adult; Europe; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38748847
DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae050 -
Journal of Hepatology Oct 2023Lymphedema cholestasis syndrome 1 or Aagenaes syndrome is a condition characterized by neonatal cholestasis, lymphedema, and giant cell hepatitis. The genetic background...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Lymphedema cholestasis syndrome 1 or Aagenaes syndrome is a condition characterized by neonatal cholestasis, lymphedema, and giant cell hepatitis. The genetic background of this autosomal recessive disease was unknown up to now.
METHODS
A total of 26 patients with Aagenaes syndrome and 17 parents were investigated with whole-genome sequencing and/or Sanger sequencing. PCR and western blot analyses were used to assess levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate the variant in HEK293T cells. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for biliary transport proteins were performed in liver biopsies.
RESULTS
One specific variant (c.-98G>T) in the 5'-untranslated region of Unc-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) was identified in all tested patients with Aagenaes syndrome. Nineteen were homozygous for the c.-98G>T variant and seven were compound heterozygous for the variant in the 5'-untranslated region and an exonic loss-of-function variant in UNC45A. Patients with Aagenaes syndrome exhibited lower expression of UNC45A mRNA and protein than controls, and this was reproduced in a CRISPR/Cas9-created cell model. Liver biopsies from the neonatal period demonstrated cholestasis, paucity of bile ducts and pronounced formation of multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed mislocalization of the hepatobiliary transport proteins BSEP (bile salt export pump) and MRP2 (multidrug resistance-associated protein 2).
CONCLUSIONS
c.-98G>T in the 5'-untranslated region of UNC45A is the causative genetic variant in Aagenaes syndrome.
IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS
The genetic background of Aagenaes syndrome, a disease presenting with cholestasis and lymphedema in childhood, was unknown until now. A variant in the 5'-untranslated region of the Unc-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) was identified in all tested patients with Aagenaes syndrome, providing evidence of the genetic background of the disease. Identification of the genetic background provides a tool for diagnosis of patients with Aagenaes syndrome before lymphedema is evident.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; 5' Untranslated Regions; Carrier Proteins; Cholestasis; HEK293 Cells; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lymphedema; Myosins
PubMed: 37328071
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.037 -
Endocrine Connections Feb 2024Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common gynecological disorders that constitute a significant burden of disease in women of fertile age. The... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common gynecological disorders that constitute a significant burden of disease in women of fertile age. The disorders share a link to female reproduction and infertility; however, divergent effects on menstrual cycle, related hormones, and body composition have been proposed. Disorders of the thyroid gland including abnormal thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) and/or markers of thyroid autoimmunity similarly show a female predominance and onset in younger age groups. We reviewed the literature on the association between endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid disease up until July 1, 2023, and identified 8 original studies on endometriosis and thyroid disease and 30 original studies on PCOS and thyroid disease. The studies were observational and heterogeneous regarding the design, sample size, and definitions of exposure and outcome; however, a tendency was seen toward an association between hyperthyroidism and endometriosis. Especially an association between endometriosis and slightly elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies has been found and corroborated in studies from different populations. On the other hand, the literature review turned a focus toward an association between hypothyroidism and PCOS, however, with uncertainties as to whether the association is caused by hypothyroidism per se and/or the thyroid autoantibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies). More evidence is needed to substantiate an association between endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid disease, and to differentiate between the role of thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity. Furthermore, studies are warranted to extend knowledge on the different disease characteristics and underlying mechanisms.
PubMed: 38078917
DOI: 10.1530/EC-23-0431 -
Histology and Histopathology Jul 2024Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) of pancreatic origin includes congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), insulinoma, insulinomatosis, and adult-onset non-insulinoma persistent... (Review)
Review
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) of pancreatic origin includes congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), insulinoma, insulinomatosis, and adult-onset non-insulinoma persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia syndrome (NI-PHHS). In this review, we describe the genotype-histotype-phenotype correlations in HH and their therapeutic implications. CHI can occur from birth or later on in life. Histologically, diffuse CHI shows diffuse beta cell hypertrophy with a few giant nuclei per islet of Langerhans, most frequently caused by loss-of-function mutations in or . Focal CHI is histologically characterized by focal adenomatous hyperplasia consisting of confluent hyperplastic islets, caused by a paternal mutation combined with paternal uniparental disomy of 11p15. CHI in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is caused by mosaic changes in the imprinting region 11p15.4-11p15.5, leading to segmental or diffuse overgrowth of endocrine tissue in the pancreas. Morphological mosaicism of pancreatic islets is characterized by occurence of hyperplastic (type 1) islets in one or a few lobules and small (type 2) islets in the entire pancreas. Other rare genetic causes of CHI show less characteristic or unspecific histology. HH with a predominant adult onset includes insulinomas, which are pancreatic insulin-producing endocrine neoplasms, in some cases with metastatic potential. Insulinomas occur sporadically or as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 due to mutations. mutations may histologically lead to insulinomatosis with insulin-producing neuroendocrine microadenomas or neuroendocrine neoplasms. NI-PHHS is mainly seen in adults and shows slight histological changes in some patients, which have been defined as major and minor criteria. The genetic cause is unknown in most cases. The diagnosis of HH, as defined by genetic, histological, and phenotypic features, has important implications for patient management and outcome.
Topics: Humans; Congenital Hyperinsulinism; Phenotype; Mutation; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Hyperinsulinism; Insulinoma; Hypoglycemia; Genotype; Genetic Association Studies
PubMed: 38305063
DOI: 10.14670/HH-18-709 -
Circulation Research Apr 2024Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1 is a rare heritable disease caused by mutations in the gene coding the strong inwardly rectifying K channel Kir2.1. The extracellular Cys...
BACKGROUND
Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1 is a rare heritable disease caused by mutations in the gene coding the strong inwardly rectifying K channel Kir2.1. The extracellular Cys (cysteine)-to-Cys disulfide bond in the channel structure is crucial for proper folding but has not been associated with correct channel function at the membrane. We evaluated whether a human mutation at the Cys-to-Cys disulfide bridge leads to Kir2.1 channel dysfunction and arrhythmias by reorganizing the overall Kir2.1 channel structure and destabilizing its open state.
METHODS
We identified a Kir2.1 loss-of-function mutation (c.366 A>T; p.Cys122Tyr) in an ATS1 family. To investigate its pathophysiological implications, we generated an AAV9-mediated cardiac-specific mouse model expressing the Kir2.1 variant. We employed a multidisciplinary approach, integrating patch clamping and intracardiac stimulation, molecular biology techniques, molecular dynamics, and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer experiments.
RESULTS
Kir2.1 mice recapitulated the ECG features of ATS1 independently of sex, including corrected QT prolongation, conduction defects, and increased arrhythmia susceptibility. Isolated Kir2.1 cardiomyocytes showed significantly reduced inwardly rectifier K+ (I) and inward Na+ (I) current densities independently of normal trafficking. Molecular dynamics predicted that the C122Y mutation provoked a conformational change over the 2000-ns simulation, characterized by a greater loss of hydrogen bonds between Kir2.1 and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate than wild type (WT). Therefore, the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-binding pocket was destabilized, resulting in a lower conductance state compared with WT. Accordingly, on inside-out patch clamping, the C122Y mutation significantly blunted Kir2.1 sensitivity to increasing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate concentrations. In addition, the Kir2.1 mutation resulted in channelosome degradation, demonstrating temporal instability of both Kir2.1 and Na1.5 proteins.
CONCLUSIONS
The extracellular Cys-to-Cys disulfide bond in the tridimensional Kir2.1 channel structure is essential for the channel function. We demonstrate that breaking disulfide bonds in the extracellular domain disrupts phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-dependent regulation, leading to channel dysfunction and defects in Kir2.1 energetic stability. The mutation also alters functional expression of the Na1.5 channel and ultimately leads to conduction disturbances and life-threatening arrhythmia characteristic of Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Andersen Syndrome; Mutation; Myocytes, Cardiac; Cardiac Conduction System Disease; Disulfides; Phosphatidylinositols
PubMed: 38497220
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.123.323895 -
Cell Dec 2023The maturation of genomic surveillance in the past decade has enabled tracking of the emergence and spread of epidemics at an unprecedented level. During the COVID-19...
The maturation of genomic surveillance in the past decade has enabled tracking of the emergence and spread of epidemics at an unprecedented level. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, genomic data revealed that local epidemics varied considerably in the frequency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineage importation and persistence, likely due to a combination of COVID-19 restrictions and changing connectivity. Here, we show that local COVID-19 epidemics are driven by regional transmission, including across international boundaries, but can become increasingly connected to distant locations following the relaxation of public health interventions. By integrating genomic, mobility, and epidemiological data, we find abundant transmission occurring between both adjacent and distant locations, supported by dynamic mobility patterns. We find that changing connectivity significantly influences local COVID-19 incidence. Our findings demonstrate a complex meaning of "local" when investigating connected epidemics and emphasize the importance of collaborative interventions for pandemic prevention and mitigation.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Genomics; Pandemics; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2; Infection Control; Geography
PubMed: 38101407
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.024 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... Sep 2023We describe 10 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant BA.2.86 detected in Denmark, including molecular characteristics and results...
We describe 10 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant BA.2.86 detected in Denmark, including molecular characteristics and results from wastewater surveillance that indicate that the variant is circulating in the country at a low level. This new variant with many spike gene mutations was classified as a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization on 17 August 2023. Further global monitoring of COVID-19, BA.2.86 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants is highly warranted.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Wastewater; Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring; Denmark
PubMed: 37676147
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.36.2300460