International journal of rheumatic diseases
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by periods of flares and remission, resulting in organ damage over time caused by persistent disease activity and treatment-related complications. Conventional therapies are not ideal in terms of efficacy and safety. Novel biological therapies are being developed to enhance therapeutic efficacy, minimize disease exacerbation and reduce toxicities. ⋯ While the efficacy of this regimen has to be confirmed, future controlled trials should focus on the efficacy of rituximab in refractory lupus manifestations and its synergistic effect with other immunosuppressive agents such as cyclophosphamide. In short-term randomized controlled trials, a non-significant increase in serious adverse events was observed in SLE patients treated with rituximab. Long-term safety data of rituximab in SLE, in particular the incidence of hypogammaglobulinemia and serious/opportunistic infections, have to be continuously surveyed.
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Review Meta Analysis
Rs7574865 polymorphism in signal transducers and activators of transcription 4 gene and rheumatoid arthritis: an updated meta-analysis of 28 case-control comparisons.
The objective of the present meta-analysis was to investigate whether the combined evidence shows an association between the STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism and RA. ⋯ This meta-analysis demonstrated that the STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism confers susceptibility to RA in major ethnic groups. The association may not be dependent on the presence of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.
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Observational Study
Two-year experience with mycophenolate mofetil in patients with scleroderma lung disease: a case series.
To assess the effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on pulmonary functions in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated lung disease (SSc-ILD) who experienced an inadequate response to first line cyclophosphamide (CYC) therapy. Twelve consecutive SSc-ILD patients who received MMF due to inadequate response to CYC as a first line agent, were retrospectively reviewed. Over the course of 2 years, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were performed. ⋯ After MMF treatment, values of forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) improved in three (25%) and two (16.6%) patients, respectively. It is also noted that the evaluation of serial HCRT scans showed no change in 54.5% of patients. Our case series suggested that PFT and imaging scores seemed to be stabilized by MMF in SSc-ILD patients who were inadequate responders to CYC.
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To evaluate the diagnotic value of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Chinese patients with chronic back pain and without radiographic sacroiliitis in a 2-year follow-up study. ⋯ The ASAS classification criteria for axial SpA showed good concordance in diagnosing Chinese axial SpA patients in this prospective study. Set 1 criteria involving sacroiliitis plus more than one SpA feature had better diagnosing value.
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Comparative Study
The diagnostic value of ultrasound compared with nerve conduction velocity in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common form of peripheral entrapment neuropathy. The use of sonography for investigation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions has been rapidly increasing over the past few decades. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sonography can be an alternative method to nerve conduction study (NCS) in the diagnosis of CTS. ⋯ Ultrasonographic measurement of the CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet is useful in diagnosing and grading CTS.