In Malaysia, SSc most commonly affects the Chinese. Limited cutaneous is more common than diffuse subtype. Features of CREST (calcinosis, Reynaud disease, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) are more commonly observed in the diffuse cutaneous subgroup. Anti-Scl-70 and anti-Ro-52 antibodies are promising biomarkers for pulmonary involvement in SSc.
The programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1) gene encodes for the PD-1 (programmed death 1) molecule, which negatively regulates self-reactive T- and B-cells in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. A previous report had shown the development of lupus-like phenotypes in PD-1-deficient C57BL/6 mice, was suggestive to the role of PDCD1 in predisposing to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between PDCD1 and SLE susceptibility in the Malaysian population. A TaqMan-based real-time PCR was employed to screen for PD1.1, PD1.3, PD1.5 and PD1.6 in both SLE and healthy control groups of 200 samples each. The observed frequency for PD1.5C/C genotype was significantly higher in Indian SLE patients and Malay controls (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the PD1.5C/T genotype might predispose the Malays to SLE, but confer a protective effect among the Indians (p < 0.01). The PD1.1, PD1.3 and PD1.6 were, however, not correlated to genetic predisposition of SLE in our Malaysian population. In conclusion, PD1.5 variant was significantly associated to SLE susceptibility in our Malaysian cohort. Our failure in replicating the association between other investigated PDCD1 variants and risk of getting SLE might due to ethnic and geographic variations in the distribution of these genetic variants.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare clinical syndrome of ineffective intestinal motility characterised by clinical and radiological evidence of intestinal obstruction with no identifiable mechanical lesion. CIPO can either be idiopathic or secondary to a systemic disease, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fewer than 30 cases of CIPO secondary to SLE have been reported so far. Here we describe a case of SLE with the initial presentation of CIPO. In SLE-related CIPO, treatment includes a combination of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and supportive care. With awareness of this condition, unnecessary surgical intervention and repeated invasive procedures could be avoided. Early initiation of treatment would avoid complications and bring about resolution of symptoms.
We report a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with left-sided chest pain, with ECG changes and elevation troponins that were suggestive of an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Her multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiogram and standard angiogram were normal. The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed an area of infarcted myocardium that was in the right coronary artery territory. We believe her MI was most likely secondary to coronary vasospasm. MI is rare and coronary vasospasm is an uncommon cause of MI in children and adolescents with SLE.
Mycophenolate sodium is a safe alternative therapy in SLE patients with extra-renal involvement. The reduction in SLEDAI scores and the observation of no major safety concerns suggest that a larger prospective study of mycophenolate sodium in non-renal SLE is warranted.
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