Distinct cytokine profiles of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated macrophage activation syndrome with particular emphasis on the role of interleukin-18 in its pathogenesis

Abstract

IL-18 may be an important mediator in s-JIA. Although serum Il-18 concentrations correlated with markers of the disease activity, IL-18 concentrations remained elevated even when other markers of disease activity normalized. Serum IL-18 concentration may be a promising indicator of the disease activity. The cytokine release pattern in MAS/HLH is different among patients with different aetiologies. Monitoring the cytokine profile, including IL-18, may be useful for differentiation of MAS/HLH and evaluation of disease activity in s-JIA.