Systemic JIA-Associated Lung Disease: A Multicenter Analysis of Clinical Features, Treatment Challenges, and Outcomes


Unal D., ÇAM V., Konte E. K., Celikel E., Ozdel S., Gurgoze M. K., ...Daha Fazla

Pediatric Pulmonology, cilt.61, sa.6, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 61 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/ppul.71690
  • Dergi Adı: Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: lung disease, macrophage Activation Syndrome, still's disease
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) (Still's disease) associated lung disease (sJIA-LD) is a rare but severe complication, characterized by pulmonary involvement with high morbidity and mortality rates. While the incidence of sJIA-LD has increased, its pathogenesis and risk factors remain poorly understood. Objectives: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and laboratory features of patients with sJIA-LD, assess the impact of prior biologic treatments, and analyze treatment outcomes. Methods: Data were collected from 18 patients diagnosed with sJIA-LD between 2007 and 2024 across five pediatric rheumatology clinics in our country. Clinical features, imaging findings, and treatment regimens before and after sJIA-LD diagnosis were analyzed. HLA-DRB1*15 typing was performed in a subset of patients. Results: The median age of sJIA-LD diagnosis was 11.21 years, with a median disease duration of 2.76 years from sJIA diagnosis. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) occurred in 88.9% of patients prior to the diagnosis of lung disease. Cough (100%), dyspnea (83.3%), and clubbing (50%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Ground-glass opacities were the most frequent imaging finding (61.1%). DRESS was observed in 11.1% of patients, with 27.7% experiencing adverse reactions to biologics. Treatment revision after sJIA-LD diagnosis occurred in 83.3% of patients, with JAK inhibitors demonstrating clinical improvement in some cases. The overall survival rate was 94.4%, with one death due to fulminant MAS. Conclusion: This study provides data from a geographically underreported population in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean region. In our cohort, treatment modification after sJIA-LD diagnosis was common, while biologic therapy was often continued. These findings highlight the heterogeneous course of sJIA-LD. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to optimize treatment strategies and improve risk stratification.