Can serum immunoglobulin G4 levels and age serve as reliable predictors of relapse in autoimmune pancreatitis?

We are writing in response to the paper published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology by Zhou et al.The authors identified higher serum immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 levels and age over 55 years as independent risk factors for disease relapse.Despite notable strengths,it is crucial to address potential biases.Firstly,the cohort study included 189 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)type 1(with higher IgG4 seropositivity and higher relapse)and 24 with type 2(with lower IgG4 seropositivity and lower relapse).Consequently,most,if not all,AIP type 2 patients were assigned to the normal group,possibly inflating the association of higher serum IgG4 levels with relapse and potentially exaggerating the association of older age with relapse.Secondly,the authors did not provide sufficient details regarding AIP diagnosis,such as the ratio of definitive vs probable cases and the proportion of biopsies.In cases where histological evidence is unavailable or indeterminate,AIP type 2 may be misdiagnosed as definitive type 1,and type 1 may also be misdiagnosed as probable type 2,particularly in cases with normal or mildly elevated serum IgG4 levels.Lastly,in this retrospective study,approximately one-third of the consecutive patients initially collected were excluded for various reasons.Accordingly,the impact of nonrandom exclusion on relapse outcomes should be carefully considered.In conclusion,the paper by Zhou et al offers plausible,though not entirely compelling,evidence suggesting a predictive role of elevated serum IgG4 levels and advanced age in AIP relapse.The foundation for future investigations lies in ensuring a reliable diagnosis and accurate disease subtyping,heavily dependent on obtaining histological specimens.In this regard,endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy emerges as a pivotal component of the diagnostic process,contributing to mitigating biases in future explorations of the disease.

Immunoglobulin G4-related spinal pachymeningitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is a complex immune-mediated condition that causes fibrotic inflammation in several organs.A significant clinical feature of IgG4-RD is hypertrophic pachymeningitis,which manifests as inflammation of the dura mater in intracranial or spinal regions.Although IgG4-RD can affect multiple areas,the spine is a relatively rare site compared to the more frequent involvement of intracranial structures.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old male presented to our hospital with a two-day history of fever,altered mental status,and generalized weakness.The initial brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed multiple small infarcts across various cerebral regions.On the second day after admission,a physical examination revealed motor weakness in both lower extremities and diminished sensation in the right lower extremity.Electromyographic evaluation revealed findings consistent with acute motor sensory neuropathy.Despite initial management with intravenous immunoglobulin for presumed Guillain-Barrésyndrome,the patient exhibited progressive worsening of motor deficits.On the 45th day of hospitalization,an enhanced MRI of the entire spine,focusing specifically on the thoracic 9 to lumbar 1 vertebral level,raised the suspicion of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis.Subsequently,the patient was administered oral prednisolone and participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program that included gait training and lower extremity strengthening exercises.CONCLUSION IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis,diagnosed on MRI,was treated with corticosteroids and a structured rehabilitation regimen,leading to significant improvement.

Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Cases during Active and Inactive Disease States

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children. Both the humoral and cell mediated immunities are involved in the pathogenesis of JIA. It is reported that overall immunoglobulin levels in JIA patients are significantly higher than their control during the active state of disease. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 18 months All the newly diagnosed oligo-articular and poly-articular JIA patients having active disease were included by purposive sampling. Data were collected by a semi-structured predesigned questionnaire. Result: Most of the study subjects (57.6%) belonged to age group > 3 - 9 years. Oligo JIA was diagnosed in 66.7% and poly JIA in 33.3% of JIA children. The difference in mean (±SD) ESR (33.52 ± 21.29 and 15.09 ± 7.71 mm in 1st hour) at active and inactive states was highly significant. Mean (±SD) difference of IgG, IgM and IgA in active and inactive states of disease were highly significant. Conclusion: Higher and abnormal levels of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgA) were present among JIA patients in active disease state which became normal during inactive disease state after treatment.

Immunoglobulin A glomerulonephropathy:A review

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Meng et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.We comprehensively review immunoglobulin A nephro-pathy(IgAN),including epidemiology,clinical presentation,diagnosis,and management.IgAN,also known as Berger's disease,is the most frequent type of primary glomerulonephritis(GN)globally.It is mostly found among the Asian population.The presentation can be variable,from microscopic hematuria to a rapidly progressive GN.Around 50%of patients present with single or recurring episodes of gross hematuria.An upper respiratory infection and tonsillitis often precede these episodes.Around 30%of patients present microscopic hematuria with or without proteinuria,usually detected on routine examination.The diagnosis relies on having a renal biopsy for pathology and immunofluorescence microscopy.We focus on risk stratification and management of IgAN.We provide a review of all the landmark studies to date.According to the 2021 KDIGO(kidney disease:Improving Global Outcomes)guidelines,patients with non-variant form IgAN are first treated conservatively for three to six months.This approach consists of adequate blood pressure control,reduction of proteinuria with renin-angiotensin system blockade,treatment of dyslipidemia,and lifestyle modifications(weight loss,exercise,smoking cessation,and dietary sodium restrictions).Following three to six months of conservative therapy,patients are further classified as high or low risk for disease progression.High-risk patients have proteinuria≥1 g/d or<1 g/d with significant microscopic hematuria and active inflammation on kidney biopsy.Some experts consider proteinuria≥2 g/d to be very high risk.Patients with high and very high-risk profiles are treated with immunosuppressive therapy.A proteinuria level of<1 g/d and stable/im-proved renal function indicates a good treatment response for patients on immu-nosuppressive therapy.

STAT3-Dependent Effects of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor in Regulating Interleukin-17 Signaling and Preventing Autoimmune Hepatitis

One-third of patients with autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)have cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The relevance of these variables,although unknown,is believed to be critical in AIH because of suspected interactions between the gut microbiome and genetic factors.Dysbiosis of the gut flora and elevated polymeric immunoglobulin receptor(pIgR)levels have been observed in both patients and mouse models.Moreover,there is a direct relationship between pIgR expression and transaminase levels in patients with AIH.In this study,we aimed to explore how pIgR influences the secretion of regenerating islet-derived 3 beta(Reg3b)and the flora composition in AIH using in vivo experiments involving patients with AIH and a concanavalin A-induced mouse model of AIH.Reg3b expression was reduced in pIgR gene(Pigr)-knockout mice compared to that in wild-type mice,leading to increased microbiota disruption.Conversely,exogenous pIgR supplementation increased Reg3b expression and maintained microbiota homeostasis.RNA sequencing revealed the participation of the interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway in the regulation of Reg3b through pIgR.Furthermore,the introduction of external pIgR could not restore the imbalance in gut microbiota in AIH,and the decrease in Reg3b expression was not apparent following the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3).In this study,pIgR facilitated the upregulation of Reg3b via the STAT3 pathway,which plays a crucial role in preserving the balance of the intestinal microbiota in AIH.Through this research,we discovered new molecular targets that can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of AIH.

Airway management of a patient with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis:A case report

BACKGROUND There is limited literature on managing the airway of patients with linear immunoglobulin A(IgA)bullous dermatosis,a rare mucocutaneous disorder that leads to the development of friable bullae.Careful clinical decision making is necessary when there is a risk of bleeding into the airway,and a multidisciplinary team approach may lead to decreased patient morbidity during these high-risk scenarios,especially when confronted with an unusual cause for bleeding.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old African American female presented to our ambulatory surgical center for right corneal transplantation due to corneal perforation after blunt trauma in the setting of cicatricial conjunctivitis and diffuse corneal neovascularization from linear IgA bullous dermatosis.The diagnosis of IgA dermatosis was recent,and the patient had been lost to follow-up.The severity of the disease and extent of airway involvement was unknown at the time of the surgery.Significant airway bleeding was noticed upon intubation and the otorhinolaryngology team had to be called to the operating room.The patient required transfer to the intensive care unit where a multidisciplinary team was involved in her case.The patient was extubated on postoperative day 4.CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary approach to treating this disease is the best course of action before a surgical procedure.In our case,key communication between the surgery,anesthesia,and dermatology teams led to the quick and safe treatment of our patient’s disease.Ambulatory surgery should not be considered for these cases unless they are in full remission and there is no mucous membrane involvement.

Impact of hepatitis B immunoglobulin mode of administration on treatment experiences of patients after liver transplantation: Results from an online survey

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG)in combination with a potent nucleos(t)ide analog is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus(HBV)reinfection after liver transplantation for HBV-associated disease.AIM To evaluate patients’satisfaction,preferences,and requirements for subcutaneous(SC),intramuscular(IM),and intravenous(IV)HBIG treatments.METHODS A self-completion,cross-sectional,online,22-question survey was conducted to examine perceptions and satisfaction with current HBIG treatment in adults receiving HBIG treatment following liver transplantation for HBV-associated disease in France,Italy,and Turkey.Hypothetical HBIG products with different administration modes were evaluated using target product profile assessment and a conjoint(trade-off)exercise.RESULTS Ninety patients were enrolled;32%,17%,and 51%were SC,IM,and IV HBIG users,respectively.Mean duration of treatment was 36.2 months.SC HBIG had the least negative impact on emotional well-being and social life and was perceived as the most convenient,easiest to administer,least painful,and had the highest self-rating of treatment compliance.More IM HBIG users than SC or IV HBIG users reported that administration frequency was excessive(67%,28%,and 28%,respectively).In the target product profile assessment,76%of patients were likely to use hypothetical SC HBIG.In the conjoint exercise,administration route,frequency,and duration were key drivers of treatment preferences.CONCLUSION Ease,frequency,duration,and side effects of HBIG treatment administration were key drivers of treatment preferences,and SC HBIG appeared advantageous over IM and IV HBIG for administration ease,convenience,and pain.A hypothetical SC HBIG product elicited a favorable response.Patient demographics,personal preferences,and satisfaction with HBIG treatment modalities may influence long-term treatment compliance.

Exploring the impact of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral interventions to reduce vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major public health burden.In HBV endemic regions,high prevalence is also correlated with the infections acquired in infancy through perinatal transmission or early childhood exposure to HBV,the socalled mother-to-child transmission(MTCT).Children who are infected with HBV at a young age are at higher risk of developing chronic HBV infection than those infected as adults,which may lead to worse clinical outcome.To reduce the incidence of HBV MTCT,several interventions for the infants or the mothers,or both,are already carried out.This review explores the newest information and approaches available in literature regarding HBV MTCT prevalence and its challenges,especially in high HBV endemic countries.This covers HBV screening in pregnant women,prenatal intervention,infant immunoprophylaxis,and postvaccination serological testing for children.

血浆置换和静脉注射免疫球蛋白治疗格林巴利综合征效果比较的Meta分析

目的 系统评价血浆置换(PE)和静脉注射免疫球蛋白(IVIG)治疗格林巴利综合征(GBS)的临床效果。方法 通过计算机检索中国知网(CNKI)、万方数据知识服务平台(Wanfang)、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、维普中文科技期刊全文数据库(VIP)、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、Ovid、Web of Science、Scopus、中国临床试验数据中心和Clinical Trails.gov,搜集建库至2022年12月14日有关PE和IVIG治疗GBS的随机对照试验(RCT)文献。采用RevMan5.3统计软件进行Meta分析,Stata14.0进行发表偏倚检验。结果 共纳入8篇文献。Meta分析结果显示,PE组与IVIG组治疗GBS的有效性、复发和死亡率无显著差异(P=0.30、0.50、0.91);PE组的并发症发生率显著高于IVIG组(P<0.00001);治疗后2周,PE组的补体C3、补体C4、免疫球蛋白G(IgG)、免疫球蛋白M(IgM)、免疫球蛋白A(IgA)水平显著低于IVIG组(P=0.04、0.008、0.001、0.005、0.001)。结论 PE和IVIG治疗GBS的有效性无明显差异,IVIG治疗期间并发症发生较少,PE可显著降低患者补体及免疫球蛋白水平。

人免疫球蛋白联合阿昔洛韦治疗病毒性脑炎患者的效果

目的:观察人免疫球蛋白联合阿昔洛韦治疗病毒性脑炎(VE)患者的效果。方法:回顾性分析2021—2023年该院收治的78例VE患者的临床资料,按照治疗方法不同将其分为对照组和研究组各39例。两组均予以基础治疗,在此基础上,对照组予以阿昔洛韦治疗,研究组在对照组基础上联合人免疫球蛋白治疗,两组均持续治疗10 d。比较两组临床疗效,症状消失时间,治疗前后脑脊液炎性因子[白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、降钙素原(PCT)]水平、T细胞亚群指标(CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+))水平,以及不良反应发生率。结果:研究组治疗总有效率为94.87%(37/39),高于对照组的76.92%(30/39),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组头痛、呕吐、抽搐、精神行为异常等症状消失时间均短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,研究组脑脊液IL-6、TNF-α、PCT水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,研究组CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)水平高于对照组,CD8^(+)水平低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:人免疫球蛋白联合阿昔洛韦治疗VE患者可提高治疗总有效率,缩短症状消失时间,降低脑脊液炎性因子水平,改善T细胞亚群指标水平,效果优于单纯阿昔洛韦治疗。

Successful Treatment of Severe Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia with Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Platelet Transfusion and Rivaroxaban: A Case Report

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia(HIT) is a relatively infrequent complication of heparin administration. HIT can cause devastating thrombosis, making it one of the most serious adverse drug reactions encountered in clinical practice. We successfully treated a case of severe HIT presenting with thrombosis and life-threatening bleeding complications with intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG), platelet transfusion and oral anticoagulant Rivaroxaban. In this case, we considered that IVIG played the most important role by preventing further thrombosis, increasing the platelet count, and ensuring the efficacy of Rivaroxaban. We therefore suggest that IVIG might be the optimal treatment for patients with this urgent condition.

川崎病患儿凝血指标变化对发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的影响

目的 探究凝血指标变化对川崎病(KD)患儿发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的影响,为改善患儿预后提供经验。方法 本研究采用前瞻性研究方法,纳入2018年4月至2022年4月我院收治的180例KD患儿,所有患儿均行免疫球蛋白治疗。于治疗前检测患儿血清D-二聚体(D-D)、凝血四项[活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、凝血酶时间(TT)、凝血酶原时间(PT)、纤维蛋白原(FIB)]水平,设计患儿基线资料调查表,记录研究所需资料。治疗后统计KD患儿静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的发生情况,依据免疫球蛋白抵抗的发生情况分为发生组、未发生组。将可能的因素纳入,重点分析凝血指标变化对患儿发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的影响,探究其对KD患儿发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的预测价值。结果 本研究180例行免疫球蛋白治疗的KD患儿中发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗41例,占比22.78%(41/180)。发生组患者治疗前血清D-D、FIB、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、中性粒细胞百分比(NEUT%)均高于未发生组(P<0.05);两组APTT、TT、PT及其他基线资料比较(P>0.05)。经Logistic回归分析结果显示,治疗前血清D-D、FIB、IL-6、NEUT%高是KD患儿发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的危险因素(OR>1,P<0.05)。绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,结果显示,血清D-D、血清FIB及联合预测KD患儿发生静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的曲线下面积(AUC)均≥0.07,其中联合预测价值最高。结论 治疗前血清D-D、FIB水平高是KD患儿并发静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗的危险因素,联合检测二者水平可用于预测评估患儿静脉免疫球蛋白抵抗发生风险。

免疫球蛋白指标检验对慢性乙型肝炎患者的临床意义

目的:探讨慢性乙型肝炎患者进行免疫球蛋白指标检验的临床意义。方法:本次研究选取2023年1—12月就诊于南京市高淳人民医院慢性乙型肝炎患者90例(观察组)和健康体检者100例(对照组)作为研究对象。根据实验室检查结果对慢性乙型肝炎患者分组,其中轻中度患者54例,将其归为轻中度组,重度患者36例,将其归为重度组。抽取所有参与者5 mL空腹状态下外周静脉血,通过免疫比浊法进行免疫球蛋白A(IgA)、免疫球蛋白M(IgM)、免疫球蛋白G(IgG)三项免疫球蛋白指标检验。对比观察组和对照组IgA、IgM、IgG指标水平。对比轻中度组和重度组IgA、IgM、IgG指标水平。分析血清IgA、IgM、IgG指标水平与慢性乙型肝炎患者病情严重程度的相关性。结果:观察组IgA、IgM、IgG水平均高于对照组(P<0.05)。重度组IgA、IgM、IgG水平均高于轻中度组(P<0.05)。经由Spearman相关性分析,慢性乙型肝炎患者血清中的IgA、IgG、IgM指标水平与病情严重程度均呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论:慢性乙型肝炎患者进行免疫球蛋白指标检验具有重要意义,可有效反应病情进展情况,判断病情严重程度。

丹益活血汤加减对产科抗磷脂综合征相关复发性流产患者血清Tim-3、Gal-9、RAGE水平的影响

目的:探讨丹益活血汤对产科抗磷脂综合征相关复发性流产(OAPS-RSA)患者血清黏蛋白域分子3(Tim-3)、半乳糖凝集素9(Gal-9)、晚期糖基化终末产物受体(RAGE)水平的影响。方法:选取128例OAPS-RSA患者,随机分为两组,对照组给予小剂量阿司匹林(LDA)联合低分子量肝素(LMWH)治疗,试验组加服丹益活血汤治疗,每组64例。比较两组疗效、治疗前后的子宫内膜容受性(ER)、血栓前状态(PTS)、血清Tim-3、Gal-9、RAGE水平及妊娠结局。结果:试验组总有效率更高(90.63%与76.56%)(P<0.05)。治疗后,与对照组比较,试验组EMT、Tim-3、Gal-9、RAGE均显著升高(P<0.05),PI、RI、FDP、D-D均显著降低(P<0.05)。试验组活产率高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:丹益活血汤能够提升OAPS-RSA患者疗效,改善ER和PTS,升高血清Tim-3、Gal-9、RAGE水平,改善妊娠结局。

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by novel frameshift mutation in the COL7A1 gene: A case report

BACKGROUND Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by fragile ulcerations of the skin caused by mutations in specific genes.However,genetic typing of this con-dition is rare.CASE SUMMARY An 11-year-old female suffered from recurrent fever,visible ulcerations of the entire skin,and severe malnutrition.Genetic testing revealed a frameshift mu-tation in the coding region 4047 of the 35th intron region of COL7A1,and she was diagnosed as malnutrition-type epidermolysis bullosa.Drug therapy(immu-noglobulin,fresh frozen plasma),topical therapy(silver ion dressing),fever redu-ction,cough relief,and promotion of gastrointestinal peristalsis are mainly used for respiratory and gastrointestinal complications.The patient’s condition impro-ved after treatment.CONCLUSION Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by a new framework shift mutation in COL7A1 should be taken seriously.

Siglec-15与CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)在肝细胞癌中的表达关系及其临床意义

目的研究在肝细胞癌(hepatocellutar carcinoma,HCC)中唾液酸免疫球蛋白型凝集素-15(Sialic acid immunoglobulin type lectin 15,Siglec-15)与CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)的表达及相关性,并分析其与临床病理特征及预后的影响。方法通过TCGA数据库分析HCC与正常组织中Siglec-15、CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T mRNA的表达水平。收集我院2019年1月至2022年1月行肝癌根治切除术的27例新鲜HCC组织及正常组织标本和56例HCC组织及正常组织石蜡切片标本,qRT-PCR检测Siglec-15和CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T mRNA表达水平,IHC检测Siglec-15和CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)蛋白表达水平,并对Siglec-15与CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)蛋白之间的关系及临床病理因素和预后进行分析。结果HCC患者中Siglec-15在HCC组织表达高于正常组织(P<0.05),CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)在HCC组织表达低于正常组织(P<0.05);在HCC组织中,Siglec-15表达与CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)蛋白表达呈负相关(P<0.05)。在HCC组织中,Siglec-15蛋白的表达与患者的TNM分期、肿瘤大小相关(P<0.05),CD4^(+)蛋白的表达与患者的肿瘤大小相关(P<0.05),CD8^(+)蛋白的表达与患者的TNM分期、远处转移相关(P<0.05)。Siglec-15及CD4^(+)的表达与患者的无进展生存期具有相关性(P<0.05)。结论HCC组织中Siglec-15高表达、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)低表达,且Siglec-15与CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)表达呈负相关。Siglec-15及CD4^(+)的表达高低与HCC患者进展及不良预后相关,可作为预测HCC患者的独立预后因素。

Clinical and pathological differences between serum immunoglobulin G4-positive and -negative type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis

AIM: To identify clinical and pathological differences between serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive (SIP) and IgG4-negative (SIN) type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) in South Korea. METHODS: AIP was diagnosed by the international consensus diagnostic criteria. The medical records and pathology were retrospectively reviewed and IgG4-positive cells were counted in a high power field (HPF). Type I AIP was defined as a high serum level of IgG4or histological finding. SIN type 1 AIP was defined as a histological evidence of type 1 AIP and a normal serum IgG4 level. The clinical and pathological findings were compared between the two groups. The analysis was performed using Student's t test, Fischer's exact test and Mann-Whitney's U test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. As repeated com- parison was made, P values of less than 5% (P < 0.05) were considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty five patients with definite type 1 AIP (19 histologically and six serologically diagnosed cases) were enrolled. The mean tissue IgG4 concentrations were significantly higher in SIP than SIN group (40 cells per HPF vs 18 cells per HPF, P = 0.02). Among eight SIN patients, the tissue IgG4 concentrations were less than 15 cells per HPF in most of cases, except one. The sensitivity of serum IgG4 was 68% (17 SIP and eight SIN AIP). Other organ involvement was more frequent- ly associated with SIP than SIN AIP (59% vs 26%, P = 0.016). However, the relapse rate and diffuse swelling of the pancreas were not associated with serum IgG4 level. The concentrations of IgG4-positive cells per HPF were higher in SIP than SIN AIP (40 vs 18, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of serum IgG4 was 68% in type 1 AIP. High serum IgG4 level was associated with other organ involvement and tissue IgG4 concentration but did not affect the relapse rate in type 1 AIP.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with immunoglobulin G4-related disease

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disease characterized by the development of inflammation and fibrosis in the soft tissues of the retroperitoneum and other abdominal organs.Retroperitoneal fibrosis can be of 2 types:idiopathic and secondary.The recently advocated concept and diagnostic criteria of immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related disease,derived from research on autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP),has led to widespread recognition of retroperitoneal fibrosis as a condition caused by IgG4-related disease.We now know that previously diagnosed idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis includes IgG4-related disease;however,the actual prevalence is unclear.Conversely,some reports on AIP suggest that retroperitoneal fibrosis is concurrently found in about 10% of IgG4-related disease.Because retroperitoneal fibrosis has no specific symptoms,diagnosis is primarily based on diagnostic imaging(computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging),which is also useful in evaluating the effect of therapy.Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis can occur at different times with other lesions of IgG4-related disease including AIP.Thus,the IgG4 assay is recommended to diagnose idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.High serum IgG4 levels should be treated and monitored as a symptom of IgG4-related disease.The first line of treatment for retroperitoneal fibrosis is steroid therapy regardless of its cause.For patients with concurrent AIP,i.e.,IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis,the starting dose of steroid is usually 30-40 mg/d.The response to steroid therapy is generally favorable.In most cases,the pancreatic lesion and retroperitoneal fibrosis improve after the initial treatment.However,the epidemiology,treatment for recurring retroperitoneal fibrosis,and long-term prognosis are still largely unknown.Further analysis of such cases and research are necessary.

Immunoglobulin G4-related gastrointestinal diseases, are they immunoglobulin G4-related diseases?

In immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related disease(RD),organ enlargement or nodular lesions consisting of abundant infiltration of lymphocytes and IgG4-positive plasma cells and fibrosis are seen in various organs.Although infiltration of many IgG4-positive plasma cells is detected in the gastric and colonic mucosa and major duodenal papilla of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis,it cannot be diagnosed as a gastrointestinal lesion involved in IgG4-RD,because none of the following is observed in these lesions:a mass-like formation;dense fibrosis;or obliterative phlebitis.Based on our review of the literature,there appear to be two types of IgG4-related gastrointestinal disease.One is a gastrointestinal lesion showing marked thickening of the wall of the esophagus and stomach,consisting of dense fibrosis with abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells,which usually show submucosal spreading.The other is an IgG4-related pseudotumor occurring in gastrointestinal regions such as the stomach,colon,and major duodenal papilla,showing polypoid or mass-like lesions.Most solitary IgG4-related gastrointestinal lesions that are not associated with other IgG4-RD appear to be difficult to diagnose.It is of utmost importance to rule out malignancy.However,these lesions may respond to steroid therapy.To avoid unnecessary resection,IgG4-related gastrointestinal diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Intravenous immunoglobulins in liver transplant patients: Perspectives of clinical immune modulation

Shortage of appropriate donor grafts is the foremost current problem in organ transplantation. As a logical consequence, waiting times have extended and pretransplant mortality rates were significantly increasing. The implementation of a priority-based liver allocation system using the model of end-stage liverdisease(MELD) score helped to reduce waiting list mortality in liver transplantation(LT). However, due to an escalating organ scarcity, pre-LT MELD scores have significantly increased and liver recipients became more complex in recent years. This has finally led to posttransplant decreasing survival rates, attributed mainly to elevated rates of infectious and immunologic complications. To meet this challenging development, an increasing number of extended criteria donor grafts are currently accepted, which may, however, aggravate the patients' infectious and immunologic risk profiles. The administration of intravenous immunoglobulins(IVIg) is an established treatment in patients with immune deficiencies and other antibody-mediated diseases. In addition, IVIg was shown to be useful in treatment of several disorders caused by deterioration of the cellular immune system. It proved to be effective in preventing hyperacute rejection in highly sensitized kidney and heart transplants. In the liver transplant setting, the administration of specific Ig against hepatitis B virus is current standard in post-LT antiviral prophylaxis. The mechanisms of action of IVIg are complex and not fully understood. However, there is increasing experimental and clinical evidence that IVIg has an immuno-balancing impact by a combination of immuno-supporting and immuno-suppressive properties. It may be suggested that, especially in the context of a worsening organ shortage with all resulting clinical implications, liver transplant patients should benefit from immuno-regulatory capabilities of IVIg. In this review, perspectives of immune modulation by IVIg and impact on outcome in liver transplant patients are described.