Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)
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Arthritis Rheumatol · Jan 2016
Atypical Femoral Fracture in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated With Bisphosphonates: A Nested Case-Control Study.
To examine the clinical characteristics of atypical femoral fracture (AFF) and to determine the risk factors for and clinical outcomes of AFFs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with bisphosphonates (BPs). ⋯ RA patients who have a valgus deformity and are receiving long-term BP treatment are at higher risk of AFF compared with matched control patients with RA. These patients should be carefully followed up with hip radiography or dual x-ray absorptiometry.
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Arthritis Rheumatol · Jan 2016
Comparative StudyComparative Risk of Hospitalized Infection Associated With Biologic Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Enrolled in Medicare.
The risks of hospitalized infection associated with biologic agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether the associated risk of hospitalized infections differed between specific biologic agents used to treat RA. ⋯ In RA patients with prior exposure to a biologic agent, exposure to etanercept, infliximab, or rituximab was associated with a greater 1-year risk of hospitalized infection compared with the risk associated with exposure to abatacept.
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To assess the relationship between Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and pregnancy outcome. ⋯ TAK negatively affects pregnancy outcomes. Disease activity increases the risk of obstetric and maternal complications, mainly due to arterial hypertension.
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Arthritis Rheumatol · Dec 2015
Brief Report: Pulmonary Function Tests: High Rate of False-Negative Results in the Early Detection and Screening of Scleroderma-Related Interstitial Lung Disease.
Validated methods for the screening and early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) compared with that of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest for the detection of SSc-related ILD in clinical practice, and to identify predictors of lung involvement that is functionally occult but significant on HRCT. ⋯ The derived evidence-based data reveal a high risk of missing significant SSc-related ILD when relying solely on PFTs. More comprehensive screening algorithms for early detection are warranted. In particular, additional imaging investigations for the early detection of SSc-related ILD should be considered in ACA-negative patients with normal FVC values.
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Arthritis Rheumatol · Dec 2015
Sleep Apnea and the Risk of Incident Gout: A Population-Based, Body Mass Index-Matched Cohort Study.
Sleep apnea is associated with hyperuricemia owing to hypoxia-induced nucleotide turnover. We undertook this study to assess the relationship between incident sleep apnea and the risk of incident gout. ⋯ This general population-based study indicates that sleep apnea is independently associated with an increased risk of incident gout. Future research should examine the potential benefits of correcting sleep apnea-induced hypoxia on the risk of hyperuricemia and gout flares.