N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide diagnostic algorithm versus American Heart Association algorithm for Kawasaki disease.

Background: Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) can be challenging in the absence of a confirmatory test or pathognomonic finding, especially when clinical criteria are incomplete. We recently proposed serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as an adjunctive diagnostic test.

Methods: We retrospectively tested a new algorithm to help KD diagnosis based on NT-proBNP, coronary artery dilation (CAD) at onset, and abnormal serum albumin or C-reactive protein (CRP).

Hereditary Heterozygous C2 Deficiency: Variable Clinical and Serological Manifestations Among Three Sisters.

The causal link between inherited complement deficiencies and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been well established, although it remains a rare cause of the disease. We present the case of three biological sisters with hereditary heterozygous C2 deficiency, but who differ widely in their clinical and serological manifestations. Patient 1 is 25 years old and was diagnosed with SLE at the age of 12.

Rapidly progressive aortic aneurysmal dilation in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus: too early too severe.

About 10-20% of systemic lupus erythematosus cases occur in children, often with more severe features at onset and more active disease over time compared with adults. Cardiovascular complications are common in this population but thoracic aortic aneurysms rarely occur. Although the pathophysiology of this complication remains unclear, vasculitis seems to play an important role, leading to degeneration and fibrosis of the media and formation of the aneurysm.

Short- and long-term outcome of linear morphoea in children.

Background: Linear morphoea (LM) is a rare fibrosing disorder of the limbs or the face that may cause functional disability and severe aesthetic sequelae. Despite a wide range of therapeutics reported for LM, there is currently a lack of consensus on the optimal therapy. Little is known about the long-term outcome of this disease.

Glucocorticoid-related changes in body mass index among children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases.

Objective: To examine the temporal and dose-related effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on body mass index (BMI) in children with rheumatic diseases.

Methods: Children initiating GCs for a rheumatic disease (n = 130) were assessed every 3 months for 18 months. BMI, weight, and height Z score trajectories were described according to GC starting dosage in prednisone equivalents: high (≥1.