Article
Rheumatology
Marc H. A. Jansen, Christien Rondaan, Geertje E. Legger, Kirsten Minden, Yosef Uziel, Natasa Toplak, Despoina Maritsi, Lotte van den Berg, Guy A. M. Berbers, Patricia Bruijning, Yona Egert, Christophe Normand, Marc Bijl, Helen E. Foster, Isabelle Kone-Paut, Carine Wouters, Angelo Ravelli, Ori Elkayam, Nicolaas M. Wulffraat, Marloes W. Heijstek
Summary: This article updates the EULAR recommendations on vaccination for pedAIIRD patients, providing guidelines on vaccination principles, special circumstances, and the safety for immunosuppressed patients.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoshuai Li, Qiushi Wang
Summary: Extracellular microparticles serve as a means of cell-to-cell communication and can facilitate information exchanges between nearby or distant cells. Platelets, derived from megakaryocytes, play a crucial role in hemostasis, inflammation regulation, and vascular integrity maintenance. Upon activation, platelets can perform these functions by secreting platelet-derived microparticles containing lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and organelles. Circulating platelet levels differ in various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and Sjogren's syndrome. This review paper discusses the latest research findings in platelet-derived microparticles, including their potential role in the pathogenesis, as markers, and for monitoring disease treatment progress and prognosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Claudia Sengler, Sascha Eulert, Kirsten Minden, Martina Niewerth, Gerd Horneff, Jasmin Kuemmerle-Deschner, Caroline Siemer, Rainer Berendes, Hermann Girschick, Regina Huehn, Michael Borte, Anton Hospach, Wolfgang Emminger, Jakob Armann, Ariane Klein, Tilmann Kallinich
Summary: This study investigated the clinical manifestations, course, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adolescents with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The majority of patients had a mild course of infection with good outcomes, and the infection did not significantly impact the disease activity of the underlying condition in most cases.
Article
Pediatrics
Dan Zhang, Gaixiu Su, Sheng Hao, Jianming Lai, Shunqiao Feng
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of three cases of children with ELANE mutations manifesting as autoimmune diseases. The results showed that these children had recurrent infections. Treatment outcomes demonstrated that disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were effective for controlling autoimmune diseases, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was a curative approach for patients with autoimmune diseases and neutropenia associated with ELANE mutations.
PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Liuting Zeng, Kailin Yang, Tianqing Zhang, Xiaofei Zhu, Wensa Hao, Hua Chen, Jinwen Ge
Summary: Autoimmunity is a complex mechanism involving various cell types, and its understanding has been limited. However, the emergence of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology has provided a novel approach to study autoimmune diseases. By analyzing cells independently, this technology can provide unbiased results and more mRNA information for identifying cell sub-populations, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in autoimmune diseases and the development of targeted drugs.
JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Patricia Costa-Reis, Kelly Maurer, Michelle A. Petri, Daniella Levy Erez, Xue Zhao, Walter Faig, Jon Burnham, Kathleen O'Neil, Marisa S. Klein-Gitelman, Emily von Scheven, Laura Eve Schanberg, Kathleen E. Sullivan
Summary: Lupus nephritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. There is a need for a biomarker that can distinguish active lupus nephritis, especially for pediatric patients where minimizing invasive procedures is desirable.
LUPUS SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Hematology
Federica R. Achini-Gutzwiller, John A. Snowden, Selim Corbacioglu, Raffaella Greco
Summary: Although modern clinical management strategies have improved the outcome of paediatric patients with severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, a proportion will still experience ongoing or recurrent/relapsing disease activity. Autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been successfully used to induce disease control and cure in children with severe treatment-refractory autoimmune diseases. However, the long-term outcomes and balancing risks of HSCT against other non-transplant options are challenging. Further research is needed to establish the position of HSCT in paediatric autoimmune diseases.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Joyce Hui-Yuen, Kaiyu Jiang, Susan Malkiel, Barbara Anne Eberhard, Heather Walters, Betty Diamond, James Jarvis
Summary: This study found that B cells from treatment-naive pediatric SLE patients have more accessible chromatin regions, which are enriched for enhancer marks, compared to healthy children. Transcription factor binding motifs within these regions may regulate genes involved in pro-inflammatory responses and cellular adhesion. This suggests that epigenetic differences in B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of pediatric SLE.
LUPUS SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Xingyu Zhai, Yunfei Zhang, Shuyu Xin, Pengfei Cao, Jianhong Lu
Summary: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant, stable RNA molecules with circular structures that can serve as biomarkers for various diseases. In the context of autoimmune diseases (AIDs), circRNAs offer new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment by impacting the pathophysiological processes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Rachel L. Randell, Lindsay Singler, Anthony Cunningham, Laura E. Schanberg, Michael Cohen-Wolkowiez, Christoph P. Hornik, Stephen J. Balevic
Summary: Direct-to-family clinical trials efficiently provide data while reducing participant burden, but also pose unique challenges. Lessons learned from the design and implementation of this trial will inform future trials for rheumatic disease patients, and the remote data collected in this trial will provide critical information for lupus research and pediatric-specific dosing of hydroxychloroquine.
LUPUS SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Peng Wang, Qian Wu, Zong-Wen Shuai
Summary: Ficolins are pattern-recognition molecules that can trigger complement activation and play a crucial role in various autoimmune diseases. Studies have elucidated the immunological regulations of ficolins and discussed their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Richard J. Nowak, Christopher S. Coffey, Jonathan M. Goldstein, Mazen M. Dimachkie, Michael Benatar, John T. Kissel, Gil Wolfe, Ted M. Burns, Miriam L. Freimer, Sharon Nations, Volkan Granit, A. Gordon Smith, David P. Richman, Emma Ciafaloni, Muhammad T. Al-Lozi, Laura Ann Sams, Dianna Quan, Eroboghene Ubogu, Brenda Pearson, Aditi Sharma, Jon W. Yankey, Liz Uribe, Michael Shy, Anthony A. Amato, Robin Conwit, Kevin C. O'Connor, David A. Hafler, Merit E. Cudkowicz, Richard J. Barohn
Summary: This study suggests that rituximab is safe but unlikely to significantly reduce steroid use in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of AChR-Ab+ gMG.
Review
Immunology
Maria Maslinska, Joanna Dmowska-Chalaba, Michal Jakubaszek
Summary: The role of IgG4 in IgG4-RD and other autoimmune diseases has attracted attention. IgG4, as a unique subclass of immunoglobulins, is generally considered non-inflammatory and tolerance inducing, but in IgG4-RD, it may play a pathogenic role in fibrogenesis and inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Peter C. Grayson, Cristina Ponte, Ravi Suppiah, Joanna C. Robson, Katherine Bates Gribbons, Andrew Judge, Anthea Craven, Sara Khalid, Andrew Hutchings, Debashish Danda, Raashid A. Luqmani, Richard A. Watts, Peter A. Merkel
Summary: This study developed and validated new classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis through expert panel review and data analysis. The model showed a high level of accuracy and sensitivity when tested in the validation data set.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Zachary S. Wallace, Gandarvaka Miles, Ekaterina Smolkina, Natalia Petruski-Ivleva, Duane Madziva, Claire Cook, Xiaoqing Fu, Yuqing Zhang, John H. Stone, Hyon K. Choi
Summary: This study describes the epidemiology of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in the USA, finding that the incidence and prevalence of IgG4-RD are increasing, and patients with IgG4-RD have a higher risk of death.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Hematology
Jeannie Callum, Philippe Begin, Erin Jamula, Yang Liu, Amie T. Kron, Marie-Christine Auclair, Melissa Cushing, Donald M. Arnold
Summary: The CONCOR-1 trial, addressing the use of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients, was successfully conducted with the help of various measures and preparations. Valuable lessons were learned from this experience, providing insights for future pandemic research.
TRANSFUSION MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Laura M. M. Venier, Bianca Clerici, Anna-Lise Bissola, Dimpy Modi, Stefan D. D. Jevtic, Michael Radford, Syed Mahamad, Ishac Nazy, Donald M. M. Arnold
Summary: VITT is a prothrombotic disorder caused by anti-PF4 antibodies that activate platelets and neutrophils, resulting in thrombosis. HIT is a related disorder mediated by anti-PF4, with similar pathophysiology and clinical manifestations but different triggers (heparin vs adenoviral vector vaccine). Both VITT and HIT usually present with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, but VITT has a significantly higher risk of thrombosis occurring in unusual anatomical sites. Diagnostic accuracy differs between HIT and VITT, with ELISAs being more specific for VITT and platelet activation assays requiring the addition of PF4. Anticoagulation with non-heparin anticoagulants is the treatment for VITT and HIT, although heparin may be considered for VITT if no other options are available.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Caroline Gabe, Yang Liu, Joanne Duncan, Melanie St John, Kayla J. J. Lucier, David Kimmel, John G. G. Kelton, Donald M. M. Arnold
Summary: This study found that approximately 14.3% of ITP patients had T-LGL, while the prevalence of T-LGL in patients with nonimmune thrombocytopenia was lower. ITP patients with T-LGL had a more severe form of the disease and were less responsive to treatment.
Review
Hematology
Syed Mahamad, Dimpy Modi B.Tech, Hanny Al-Samkari, Adam Cuker, Jenny M. Despotovic, Joseph E. Italiano, Michele P. Lambert, Eun-Ju Lee, Matthew T. Rondina, Michelle Sholzberg, Caroline Kruse, Mark Larche, Ishac Nazy, Matthew S. Miller, Donald M. Arnold
Summary: The inaugural McMaster Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Summit was held virtually in 2021 to address the challenges in diagnosing ITP and gaps in understanding ITP mechanisms. The Summit included educational sessions covering 8 topics to inform future research priorities. Research priorities identified from the Summit include investigating platelet production as a target for ITP treatments, characterizing antigen processing on platelets, studying the interaction between megakaryocytes and the immune system, and improving platelet antibody testing methods.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Review
Hematology
Susan R. Kahn, Donald M. Arnold, Caterina Casari, Karl C. Desch, Katrien M. J. Devreese, Emmanuel J. Favaloro, Florian Gaertner, Samantha C. Gouw, Paolo Gresele, Arjan W. Griffioen, Lukas Heger, R. Manjunatha Kini, Shrey Kohli, Avi Leader, Ton Lisman, Marie Lordkipanidze, Eric Mullins, Helen Chioma Okoye, Rachel P. Rosovsky, Isabelle I. Salles-Crawley, Rita Selby, Michelle Sholzberg, David Stegner, Francesco Violi, Angela C. Weyand, Suzan Williams, Ze Zheng
Summary: The Congress of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) was held in Montreal, Canada from June 24-28, 2023. The conference showcased cutting-edge advances in various scientific fields related to thrombosis and haemostasis, with a special focus on immuno-thrombosis. The congress covered a wide range of topics including arterial thromboembolism, coagulation and natural anticoagulants, diagnostics and omics, and women's health.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Review
Hematology
Donald M. Arnold, Bianca Clerici, Ekaterina Ilicheva, Waleed Ghanima
Summary: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and bleeding risk. Some patients are considered refractory to treatment, but the meaning of 'refractory' has become ambiguous. Experts proposed a new definition for refractory ITP, and initial data from registries showed a range of refractory patients.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Deborah M. Siegal, Emilie P. Belley-Cote, Shun Fu Lee, Stephen Hill, Frederick D'Aragon, Ryan Zarychanski, Bram Rochwerg, Michael Chasse, Alexandra Binnie, Kimia Honarmand, Francois Lauzier, Ian Ball, Waleed Al-Hazzani, Patrick Archambault, Erick Duan, Kosar Khwaja, Francois Lellouche, Paul Lysecki, Francois Marquis, Jean-Francois Naud, Jason Shahin, Jennifer Shea, Jennifer L. Y. Tsang, Han Ting Wang, Mark Crowther, Donald M. Arnold, Emily Di Sante, Gladys Marfo, Tanya Kovalova, Sylvanus Fonguh, Jessica Vincent, Stuart J. Connolly
Summary: The use of small-volume blood collection tubes in the ICU may decrease RBC transfusions without affecting laboratory analysis.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Syed Mahamad, Donald M. Arnold
Article
Hematology
Kiarash Riazi, Mark Ly, Rebecca Barty, Jeannie Callum, Donald M. Arnold, Nancy M. Heddle, Douglas G. Down, Davinder Sidhu, Na Li
Summary: This study utilized electronic health records to uncover utilization subgroups among immunoglobulin (Ig) recipients in Canada. The findings provide valuable insights for resource planning and demand forecasting.
Meeting Abstract
Hematology
N. Li, K. Riazi, D. Arnold, D. Sidhu, R. Barty, N. Heddle, J. Callum, D. Down
Meeting Abstract
Hematology
D. Arnold, K. Eisa, P. Keith, D. Morrison, S. Ning, A. Shih, S. Waserman, K. Webert, M. Yan, N. Heddle
Article
Hematology
Theodore E. Warkentin, Donald M. Arnold, Jo-Ann I. Sheppard, Jane C. Moore, John G. Kelton, Ishac Nazy
Summary: This study compared the profiles of anti-PF4 vs anti-PF4/H antibodies using solid-EIA and fluid-EIA among different disorders. The results showed that the fluid-EIA profiles of classic HIT (cHIT) and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) were opposite to those of solid-EIA, while autoimmune HIT (aHIT) and spontaneous HIT (SpHIT) patients exhibited reactivity in both fluid-EIA and solid-EIA against PF4. Moreover, a minority of SpHIT and aHIT patients presented clinical and serologic profiles resembling VITT.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Angela Huynh, Donald M. Arnold, Nikola Ivetic, Rumi Clare, Milena Hadzi-Tosev, Yang Liu, James W. Smith, Anna-Lise Bissola, Mercy Daka, John G. Kelton, Ishac Nazy
Summary: Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare complication of adenoviral vector-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, caused by antibodies against PF4. VITT can be classified into PF4-dependent and PF4-independent based on the properties of antibodies. PF4-independent antibodies are more likely to be associated with CVST.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
R. Fox, J. Oh, D. Arnold, S. Syed, Z. Xu, T. Turner, A. Traboulsee, D. Reich
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
G. Giovannoni, J. Foley, G. Defer, L. Zhovtis Ryerson, J. Cohen, D. Arnold, H. Butzkueven, G. Cutter, J. Killestein, H. Wiendl, S. Sinks, J. Steverson, L. Dsilva, M. Monine, J. Sohn, E. Ferraro, T. Lasky
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)