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Polyarteritis nodosa in Croatian children: a retrospective study over the last 20 years

Marija Jelusic1, Masa Vikic-Topic, Danica Batinic

  • 1Division of Paediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia, marija.jelusic.drazic@gmail.com.

Rheumatology International
|December 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed childhood polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) in Croatia, finding skin and joint issues common. Corticosteroids were primary treatment, with some severe cases needing immunosuppressants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Vasculitis Research
  • Rare Childhood Diseases

Background:

  • Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare, serious vasculitis affecting children.
  • Understanding regional variations in childhood PAN is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric PAN in Croatia.
  • To compare Croatian pediatric PAN cases with international data.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study of 12 children diagnosed with PAN using EULAR/PRES/PRINTO criteria over two decades.
  • Data collected on demographics, PAN classification, symptoms, inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, and treatment.

Main Results:

  • PAN accounted for 3.8% of childhood vasculitides. Systemic PAN (58%) was most common, followed by microscopic polyangiitis (25%) and cutaneous PAN (17%).
  • Key symptoms included skin involvement (90%), arthritis/arthralgia (60%), and central nervous system (CNS) involvement (33%).
  • All patients received corticosteroids; immunosuppressants were used for severe cases. Two (17%) microscopic polyangiitis patients died from renal failure.

Conclusions:

  • Croatian pediatric PAN exhibits distinct features compared to international cohorts, particularly in symptom prevalence.
  • Early diagnosis and tailored treatment, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, are vital for managing pediatric PAN and improving outcomes.

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