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Cytokine abnormalities in a patient with eosinophilic fasciitis
Laura Dziadzio1, Elizabeth A Kelly, Sarah E Panzer
1The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Department of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Insights
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) in children is rare. This case highlights elevated transforming growth factor beta1 and interleukin-5, which improved with low-dose prednisone, suggesting similar cytokine profiles to atopic patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) and peripheral eosinophilia are uncommon pediatric conditions.
- This study focuses on a rare case of EF in a young child.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old child presented with acute, painless forearm induration.
- Cytokine profiles were analyzed during acute illness and post-treatment.
Findings:
- Elevated serum levels of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) were observed.
- Treatment with low-dose prednisone led to improvement in both clinical symptoms and cytokine levels.
Implications:
- Pediatric EF patients may exhibit cytokine abnormalities akin to atopic individuals, notably a significant TGF-β1 elevation.
- The positive response to low-dose prednisone suggests its potential as an immunosuppressive therapy for pediatric EF.
Background:
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) and peripheral eosinophilia are rare in children.
Objective:
To describe a case of EF in a 3-year-old child who presented with acute painless induration of her forearm.
Methods:
Cytokine profiles were obtained and compared with patients with atopic disease during the acute presentation and after treatment with low-dose prednisone.
Results:
The patient's serum showed elevation of transforming growth factor beta1 and interleukin-5, which improved after treatment with low-dose prednisone.
Conclusions:
The case suggests that patients with EF have cytokine abnormalities similar to atopic patients, but with a striking elevation of transforming growth factor beta1. The responsiveness of the clinical symptoms and cytokine profile to low dose prednisone supports treatment with low dose immunosuppressive therapy in this disorder.