Publications by authors named "Despoina N Maritsi"

Novel treatments have revolutionized the care and outcome of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Patients with rheumatic diseases are susceptible to infections, including vaccine preventable ones, due to waning immunity, failing immune system and immunosuppressive treatment received. However, data regarding long-term immunological memory and response to specific vaccines are limited.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examined the immune response to the BNT162b2-COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) who are on TNF inhibitor (TNFi) treatment.
  • 21 adolescents were vaccinated and showed strong antibody responses at 1 and 3 months after vaccination, but antibody levels significantly decreased by 6 months post-vaccination.
  • The findings indicate that while initial immunogenicity is satisfactory in this group, further research is needed to understand long-term immunity and the potential need for booster shots.
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A nine-year-old girl with a two-month history of fever and generalized malaise, along with intermittent abdominal pain, immigrant myalgia, throat pain, anorexia, and long-standing failure to thrive, was admitted to our department for further investigation and treatment. Detailed medical history revealed recurrent inflammation attacks from a very young age and a heavily burdened family history. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) was highly suspected.

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Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted with an anonymous questionnaire of 34 items distributed to pediatricians via an online platform. Four hundred questionnaires were sent, and 256 were returned and analyzed using STATA 13. Data collection included demographics, questions on knowledge, perceptions, and opinions, as well as advice given to families.

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Objective: Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations of the TNFRSF1A gene. To address the association between TNFRSF1A mutations and clinical phenotype, we analyzed four pedigrees of TRAPS patients.

Methods: Four Greek patients with TRAPS-like clinical features were screened for TNFRSF1A mutations by sequencing exons 2, 3 and 4.

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The aim of this study was to compare the immunogenicity and side-effects of hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination between periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) patients and healthy controls who have not been previously exposed to HAV. A prospective observational study was carried out of 28 PFAPA patients and 76 controls who received two doses of the vaccine. Immunogenicity was expressed as seroconversion and seroprotection rates; mean HAV-immunoglobulin G concentration was measured at 0, 1, 7 and 18 months.

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Objectives: To describe the immunogenicity and side effects of immunisation against hepatitis A virus (HAV) in JIA patients on methotrexate treatment, who have not been previously exposed to HAV.

Methods: Case-control study performed in JIA patients and healthy controls matched on age and gender. The subjects received two doses of inactivated anti-HAV vaccine (720 mIU/ml) intramuscularly at 0 and 6 months.

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Abnormal hemoglobin synthesis is usually inherited but may also arise as a secondary manifestation of a hematological neoplasia. The objective of this study is to identify the presence of acquired hemoglobinopathy in children diagnosed with hematological malignancies and compare these against healthy controls. Prospective matched case-control study held from 2010 to 2012.

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We present a case of a seven-year-old immunocompetent female patient who developed systemic symptoms mimicking an autoimmune rather than an infectious disease. The patient presented with rash, biquotidian fever, night sweats, and arthralgias. There was no antecedent history of cat contact.

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