Susan Kim1, Fatma Dedeoglu. 1. Rheumatology Program, Childrens Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the recent research and progress made in the field of pediatric vasculitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the past year, researchers have described several polymorphisms in Henoch-Schonlein purpura and Kawasaki Disease as well as the association between various vasculitides and infections. International and multidisciplinary efforts in Kawasaki Disease have resulted in recommendations for its diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management to improve patient care and further increase global collaboration. Researchers are investigating the role of inflammation and its role in endothelial health and atherosclerosis. Treatment regimens continue to improve, with the use of different immunosuppressive medications; however, we continue to have incomplete treatment successes. SUMMARY: Vasculitides are rare conditions with significant morbidity and mortality whose prognosis has improved with newer diagnostic modalities and treatments; however, we continue to have insufficient knowledge of vasculitides and lack unambiguous diagnostic criteria. As technology continues to progress it is clear that a single cause of these diseases may be an oversimplification: the genetic makeup of individuals, as well as various environmental exposures, are of vital importance in the pathophysiology and evolution of disease processes, as well as response to therapy. Efforts should continue to improve international multicenter collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts to help solve this ever-growing puzzle.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the recent research and progress made in the field of pediatric vasculitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the past year, researchers have described several polymorphisms in Henoch-Schonlein purpura and Kawasaki Disease as well as the association between various vasculitides and infections. International and multidisciplinary efforts in Kawasaki Disease have resulted in recommendations for its diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management to improve patient care and further increase global collaboration. Researchers are investigating the role of inflammation and its role in endothelial health and atherosclerosis. Treatment regimens continue to improve, with the use of different immunosuppressive medications; however, we continue to have incomplete treatment successes. SUMMARY: Vasculitides are rare conditions with significant morbidity and mortality whose prognosis has improved with newer diagnostic modalities and treatments; however, we continue to have insufficient knowledge of vasculitides and lack unambiguous diagnostic criteria. As technology continues to progress it is clear that a single cause of these diseases may be an oversimplification: the genetic makeup of individuals, as well as various environmental exposures, are of vital importance in the pathophysiology and evolution of disease processes, as well as response to therapy. Efforts should continue to improve international multicenter collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts to help solve this ever-growing puzzle.
Authors: Chiea Chuen Khor; Sonia Davila; Willemijn B Breunis; Yi-Ching Lee; Chisato Shimizu; Victoria J Wright; Rae S M Yeung; Dennis E K Tan; Kar Seng Sim; Jie Jin Wang; Tien Yin Wong; Junxiong Pang; Paul Mitchell; Rolando Cimaz; Nagib Dahdah; Yiu-Fai Cheung; Guo-Ying Huang; Wanling Yang; In-Sook Park; Jong-Keuk Lee; Jer-Yuarn Wu; Michael Levin; Jane C Burns; David Burgner; Taco W Kuijpers; Martin L Hibberd Journal: Nat Genet Date: 2011-11-13 Impact factor: 38.330
Authors: Chia-Jung Chang; Ho-Chang Kuo; Jeng-Sheng Chang; Jong-Keuk Lee; Fuu-Jen Tsai; Chiea Chuen Khor; Li-Ching Chang; Shih-Ping Chen; Tai-Ming Ko; Yi-Min Liu; Ying-Ju Chen; Young Mi Hong; Gi Young Jang; Martin L Hibberd; Taco Kuijpers; David Burgner; Michael Levin; Jane C Burns; Sonia Davila; Yuan-Tsong Chen; Chien-Hsiun Chen; Jer-Yuarn Wu; Yi-Ching Lee Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-08-30 Impact factor: 3.240