Diversity in clinical manifestations of autoinflammatory syndromes

Background

The autoinflammatory syndromes (AIS) include monogenic and polygenic disorders characterized by primary dysfunction of the innate immune system.

Aim

To describe the spectrum of AIS in a Pediatric Rheumatology reference center.

Methods

Medical records of AIS patients followed until November 2010 were studied.

Results

Fifty six patients were included: 17 CAPS, 4 TRAPS, 5 HIDS, 18 FMF, 6 CRMO, 2 SAPHO and 4 Behcet. The median follow-up period was 2 years (0-14 years). The male/female ratio was 20/36. The median age was 2.5 years at disease onset and 4 years at diagnosis. Family history was positive in 34% of patients. Clinical manifestations included fever (79%), mucocutaneous (61%), musculoskeletal (77%), ocular (34%), cardiorespiratory (12%), gastrointestinal (62%), neurological (41%) and genitourinary (2%) findings, lymphadenopathy with/or hepatosplenomegaly (16%) and growth impairment (27%). Seven patients presented severe manifestations: neonatal peritonitis (1 CAPS), pancreatitis (1 TRAPS), acute glomerulonephritis (1 FMF), complicated Henoch-Schönlein purpura (1 FMF), peritoneal adhesions with intestinal occlusion (1 FMF), periorbital pain (1 CRMO), and cerebral thrombosis (1 Behcet). One mutation was found in 93% of CAPS, and in all TRAPS patients. Two mutations were present in 11% of FMF, and in all HIDS patients. 43% of patients received colchicine, 23% steroids, and 54% biologics (Anakinra, Canakinumab, Etanercept). 57% of patients were in complete and 41% in partial remission.

Conclusion

AIS in children are associated with a broad spectrum of symptoms. A detailed history, thorough review of clinical symptoms and molecular testing of specific causative genes can provide early and accurate diagnosis.