OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the response to adalimumab (ADA) in pediatric chronic anterior uveitis (pCAU).
METHODS: Retrospective chart review of pCAU patients treated with ADA. Outcomes evaluated included the proportion of patients achieving zero ocular inflammation and discontinuation of topical corticosteroids, visual outcomes, and incidence of uveitis recurrences after ≥ 12 months of prescribing ADA. Incidence and risk factors for developing anti-adalimumab antibodies (AAAs) were also evaluated.
RESULTS: Of 27 children aged 11 years, 16 (59%) were Caucasian and 6 (22%) African Americans. Thirteen (48%) patients had idiopathic pCAU, 12 (44%) had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) related pCAU, and 2 (7%) had tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome. At baseline, African American children had worse visual acuity (p = 0.026). At 1 year, 21 (78%) children achieved zero ocular inflammation (remission). Risk factors associated with non-remission were being African American (20% vs. 94%, p = 0.003) and experiencing ≥ 1 episode of uveitis recurrence (100% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Six episodes of uveitis recurrence were documented in five children, four of whom were African American. Topical corticosteroids were discontinued in 83% of children, and visual acuity remained stable for 1 year. Twelve children were tested for AAAs due to arthritis or uveitis flare-ups, with five (42%) being positive. No significant factors were associated with the development of AAAs.
CONCLUSIONS: We found that ADA is effective in controlling inflammation, reducing the need for topical corticosteroids, and maintaining visual acuity in pCAU. There appears to be racial differences in African American children who had worse baseline disease and poorer outcomes. Studies are necessary to understand better and address these disparities.

Cutibacterium acnes, common resident of the human skin, can establish both commensal and pathogenic relations with the human host; however, long-term consequences of C. acnes-induced inflammation remained un(der)explored. To infer the capacity of triggering autoimmunity in humans via molecular mimicry, a comprehensive immunoinformatics analysis of the experimentally characterized C. acnes proteome was performed. The protocol included homology screening between the C. acnes and the human proteome, and validation of shared specificity regions against the collection of experimentally characterized T-cell epitopes, related to autoimmunity. To obtain highly reliable predictions, the results were subjected to additional cross-validation by a dedicated MHC-restriction analysis, including a docking study of C. acnes mimotopes and human counterparts with the highest degree of sequence similarity to MHCII molecules representing the highest risk for detected autoimmune pathologies. Due to mimicking of highly immunogenic, but also evolutionary conserved autoantigens from the Heat Shock protein family, association between C. acnes and the pathogenesis of highly incident autoimmune diseases: Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, was found. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one to provide preliminary information and a mechanistic link on the putative involvement of C. acnes in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity in humans.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis pathogenesis involves a large number of different immune system cells, which are both sources and targets of chemokines, that affect not only their migration but also survival, proliferation, differentiation, production of all cytokine types, degranulation, and also directly stimulating or suppressing angiogenesis. Studyingthe contribution of chemokines to this disease pathogenesis will make it possible to identify new sensitive and specific markers for its diagnosis and subsequent dynamic monitoring of treatment effectiveness. The study aimed to identify a list of the most informative diagnostic markers from a wide range of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients\' blood plasma chemokines.
METHODS: The case-control study included 40 diagnosed pathology patients and 20 healthy agematched children. The content of MCP-1/CCL2, MCP-3/CCL7, MIG/CXCL9, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1β/CCL4, RANTES/CCL5, IFN-γ, IP-10/CXCL10, and MDC/CCL22 were measured by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay in blood plasma of each person.
RESULTS: The following chemokines were included in the list of the most promising diagnostic markers: MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIG, RANTES, and IFN-γ. Their blood plasma content in patients with a diagnosed pathology was from 3 to 60 times (MIG) higher than in the conditionally healthy group. Their sensitivity and specificity exceeded 90%.
CONCLUSIONS: An increase in their content leads to active monocytes/macrophages migration to the site of inflammation, where they suppress effector T-cell activity by binding suppressor exosomes and activate B-cells by autoantigens presentation received due to joint tissue destruction. This allows us to speak about the predominance of the Th1-mediated immune response during the development of studied disease chronic inflammation.

Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common rheumatic disease in children, significantly impacting their functional status and quality of life (QoL), as well as imposing a burden on caregivers. This study aims to assess the functional status of children with JIA, their QoL, and the associated caregiver burden while exploring the correlations between these factors. Methodology A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over 18 months. A total of 33 children diagnosed with JIA were evaluated using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), and Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimension-Youth (EQ-5D-Y). Caregiver burden was assessed using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Spearman\'s rank correlation. Results A total of 33 consecutive children with JIA were prospectively enrolled. The mean age was 10.1 ± 3.7 years, with a male predominance (63.6%, n = 21). Enthesitis-related arthritis was the most common subtype (42%, n = 14). The CHAQ scores indicated moderate disability, with profound impacts on walking and arising. Most children reported \"some problems\" in all EQ-5D-Y domains, with a mean health status visual analog scale score of 60.97 ± 23.43. The mean FBIS score was 9.64 ± 5.78, indicating a moderate caregiver burden. The majority of caregivers reported moderate financial, family routine, and family leisure disruptions. Significant correlations were found between CHAQ and EQ-5D-Y scores in several domains (p ≤ 0.040), as well as between specific CHAQ domains and FBIS scores (p ≤ 0.037). Conclusions Children with JIA experience significant functional limitations and reduced QoL, which also impacts their caregivers. Early rehabilitation and comprehensive care strategies are crucial for improving functional outcomes and QoL, as well as alleviating caregiver burden.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease in children, and adalimumab is one of the primary treatment options. Although it is widely used for inflammatory diseases, there is limited research on its safety and efficacy in patients with psychiatric disorders or in those with inflammatory diseases who also have comorbid psychiatric conditions.
METHODS: We report a 12-year-old adolescent boy who presented with emotional instability for 1 year, exacerbated leading to hospital admission in the past month. Upon detailed evaluation after admission, it was found that the patient\'s emotional fluctuations may be related to the use of Adalimumab. Follow-up after psychiatric inpatient treatment revealed that the patient did not experience emotional excitement again after discontinuing Adalimumab.
CONCLUSIONS: Although tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors have positive effects on the emotional, cognitive, and physical functions of patients with inflammatory diseases, their use may induce mood swings in patients with comorbid mood disorders. This is particularly important for adolescents with rapid mood changes, where greater caution is required. Further research is necessary to clarify the correlation between the adverse effects of these drugs and their impact on patients with bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with chronic conditions. This investigation assessed the quality of care provided to pediatric and adolescent patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during the pandemic in Thailand.
METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis enrolled JIA patients aged ≤ 18 years at an academic tertiary care facility from April 2022 to March 2023. Retrospective reviews were performed, complemented by patient and caregiver questionnaires to assess the pandemic\'s impact on care quality.
RESULTS: Seventy JIA patients (37 males, 33 females) with a mean age of 13.5 ± 3.1 years were included. A total of 41.4% of the caregivers reported negative impacts on JIA care due to the pandemic and the lockdown, and 31.4% of the patients experienced pandemic-related anxiety. A comparison between the pandemic and prepandemic periods revealed a higher incidence of active disease, although the difference was statistically nonsignificant (37.1% vs 14.2%, p = 0.106). Nonadherence significantly predicted active disease status (adjusted OR 15.04, 95% CI 2.48-91.15, p = 0.03). COVID-19 vaccinations were administered to 85.7% of patients; 52.8% of whom contracted mild COVID-19. Most patients (71.4%) postponed clinic visits; 36% due to lockdowns and 28% due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure in healthcare settings. The majority of patients received telephone JIA management advice from rheumatologists during the lockdown (91.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures affected the care of JIA patients, impacting both physical and mental health. Nonadherence was a critical factor in disease flare-ups. Telemedicine is indispensable for patient care.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity profile of Etanercept (ETA) and Adalimumab (ADA) biosimilars (BIOs) compared to their originators in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
METHODS: Eighty-one JIA children treated with ETA or ADA originators or BIOs were examined at baseline (T0) and after 3- (T1), 6- (T2), 12- (T3), and 24-(T4) months after starting treatment.
RESULTS: Lower Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score 10 (JADAS-10) scores were reported at T1, T2, T3, and T4 in JIA children treated with BIOs than originators (all p < 0.05). At T1 and T3, anti-drugs antibodies levels were lower in children receiving BIOs than originators (p = 0.04 and p = 0.0007, respectively), even after adjustments (both p < 0.05). Relapses were lower for BIOs compared to originators (p < 0.001). Safety profile was comparable between the groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: A better overall profile of BIOs than originators was demonstrated in JIA children, but larger confirmatory studies are needed.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a transitional care model for autoimmune rheumatic disease patients based on the needs analysis.
METHODS: Mixed Method, Explanatory sequential design (QUAN-qual) has been conducted. Quantitative data were collected through medical record and structured interviews. Qualitative study has been done through Focused Group Discussion (FGD), based on problems met in previous quantitative study. We have done the coding processed, followed by determining categories and themes to reach the intercoder agreement with peer-debriefing. Analysis of the final results of research was assisted by the external auditor to form a model of care.
RESULTS: The quantitative data collection from 27 patients showed that the transition age was 18-19 year-old, age of onset 4-17 year-old, 23 patients (85, 2%) with SLE, 4 patients (14.8%) with JIA. Two patients (7.4%) had different diagnosis from the pediatric clinic, 1 patient (3.7%) had no diagnosis from previous clinic. Drug switching during transition occurred in 14 patients (51.9%) and 3 patients (11.1%) has no known medication history. Data regarding disease activity at initial diagnosis were not available in 26 patients (96.3%). The combined FGD analysis found several key words related to \"the need of change\" in RSCM autoimmune rheumatic transitional care.
CONCLUSIONS: A development of transitional care model for autoimmune rheumatic disease consist of documents about service algorithm, transfer documents, systematic work protocols with education check list has been done.

UNASSIGNED: To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of intravenous golimumab infusion in treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated anterior uveitis.
UNASSIGNED: This study was a retrospective observation case series. Electronic records of patients diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated anterior uveitis who received intravenous golimumab infusion were examined.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 24 eyes of 13 patients were included in this study. During 12 months before starting intravenous golimumab, the median grade of anterior chamber reaction was 1 (range: 0.5-3), and the median number of flare-ups was 1 (1-3). During 12 months following the start of intravenous golimumab, the median grade of anterior chamber reaction was 0 (range: 0-1), and the median number of flare-ups was 0 (range: 0-1). Before starting intravenous golimumab, the average number of immunomodulatory agents was 2.6 ± 1.0 with a range of 2 to 5. The average age of patients at the time of starting intravenous golimumab was 13.69 ± 5.23 years (range between 5 and 22). A total of 11 (84.6%) patients responded to intravenous golimumab. The medication was discontinued in one patient due to ineffectiveness and in another patient due to the development of psoriasis as an adverse effect. Cystoid macular edema was present in six eyes of three patients which resolved in all six eyes after starting intravenous golimumab.
UNASSIGNED: Intravenous golimumab proves to be efficacious and safe for inducing and sustaining remission in JIA and JIA-associated uveitis. Nonetheless, further robust studies with larger sample sizes are needed to substantiate our findings.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic arthritis of unknown cause that develops in patients younger than 16 years of age and persists for at least 6 weeks. It is an important cause of short- and long-term physical and mental impairments in children. The goal of treatment for JIA is remission. A T2T (treatment-to-target) has been proposed and practiced as a means of achieving remission. The method of evaluating the disease activity of JIA depends on the disease type. For systemic JIA, disease activity is determined by comprehensively considering joint findings, systemic inflammatory findings, changes in inflammatory and synovitis markers, imaging findings, and other factors. For articular JIA other than systemic JIA, the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS-27) is used to evaluate disease activity. The CHAQ (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire) and the Japanese version of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) are mainly used to assess the physical function and ADL. The CHAQ is a global standard assessment method with the advantage that it can be transitioned to the HAQ used in adults, making it useful for international comparisons. The mRS is used to classify the severity of JIA as a chronic disease, and is an indispensable evaluation method in the specific disease procedure in Japan. It is necessary to have pediatric-specific knowledge of growth and development and routine childhood immunizations and to consider transition support tailored to the patient\'s situation. Ultimately, the goal is to foster the patient\'s independence and to provide an uninterrupted follow-up in the adult care department. Continuous follow-up will be provided during the schooling (and later, employment) period, and the relationship with the patient will be tailored to their developmental stage. It is also important to understand and communicate the importance of contraception and the drugs that cannot be used during pregnancy.