Cytokine abnormalities in a patient with eosinophilic fasciitis. |
| |
| Authors: | Laura Dziadzio Elizabeth A Kelly Sarah E Panzer Nizar Jarjour Anna Huttenlocher |
| |
| Institution: | The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Department of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. |
| |
| Abstract: | 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. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
