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Review
. 2021 Feb 10;23(3):20.
doi: 10.1007/s11926-021-00985-0.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children and Young People

A Charras #  1 , E Smith #  1   2 , C M Hedrich  3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children and Young People

A Charras et al. Curr Rheumatol Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus ((j)SLE) is an autoimmune/inflammatory disease that results in significant damage and disability. When compared to patients with disease onset in adulthood, jSLE patients exhibit increased disease activity, damage and require more aggressive treatments. This manuscript summarises age-specific pathogenic mechanisms and underscores the need for age group-specific research, classification and treatment.

Recent findings: Genetic factors play a significant role in the pathophysiology of jSLE, as > 7% of patients develop disease as a result of single gene mutations. Remaining patients carry genetic variants that are necessary for disease development, but require additional factors. Increased 'genetic impact' likely contributes to earlier disease onset and more severe phenotypes. Epigenetic events have only recently started to be addressed in jSLE, and add to the list of pathogenic mechanisms that may serve as biomarkers and/or treatment targets. To allow meaningful and patient-oriented paediatric research, age-specific classification criteria and treatment targets require to be defined as currently available tools established for adult-onset SLE have limitations in the paediatric cohort. Significant progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of jSLE. Meaningful laboratory and clinical research can only be performed using age group-specific tools, classification criteria and treatment targets.

Keywords: Childhood; Classification; Epigenetics; Genetics; Juvenile onset; Pathophysiology; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest relevant to this manuscript. C.M.H. was involved in scientific advisory boards for Novartis. C.M.H. received funding for a project not related to this work by Novartis. C.M.H. has received speaker honoraria from Roche and CSL Behring.

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