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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
18392955 Intrapulmonary rheumatoid nodules in a patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis tre 2008 Mar Rheumatoid nodules are well established manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis but in the lungs they are very rare according to the literature. In our study we present the case of a 34-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome who developed multiplex rheumatoid nodules in the lungs 3 years after initiating leflunomide therapy. During leflunomide therapy we did not detect inflammation in the joints. Surprisingly, in November 2005 she started to cough, had low grade fever and low back pain. On the chest X-ray there were multiplex necrobiotic nodules in the lungs. All bacteriological, viral and fungal investigations including tuberculosis, serological tests and cytology were negative. The X-ray, video-associated thoracoscopy and repeated biopsy of the lung followed by histology of the samples proved intrapulmonary rheumatoid nodules, caused by leflunomide.
16184384 Adaptation of the rheumatoid arthritis quality of life scale for Estonia. 2006 May The aim of the study was to adapt the rheumatoid arthritis quality of life scale (RAQoL) for Estonia and assess its psychometric properties. The RAQoL was translated into Estonian using the dual panel method. The translation was assessed for face and content validity by means of interviews with 15 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Reproducibility and construct validity were estimated using a further sample of 50 patients. Unidimensionality of the final scale was assessed by Rasch analysis. No major problems occurred in translating the instrument, it was well accepted by interviewees. The Estonian RAQoL had good test-retest reliability, internal consistency and ability to discriminate between groups defined by patient-perceived severity. Predicted convergent and divergent validity was demonstrated. Unidimensionality of the instrument was confirmed by excellent fit to the Rasch model. The RAQoL is appropriate for use in clinical studies and trials involving RA patients.
18455682 The role of resident synovial cells in destructive arthritis. 2008 Apr Infiltration by inflammatory cells, thickening of the lining layer, and destructive invasion into cartilage and bone are pathognomic features of the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the most common cell types at the sites of invasion are resident cells of the joint, in particular synovial fibroblasts. These cells differ from healthy synovial fibroblasts in their morphology, their expression of proto-oncogenes and antiapoptotic molecules, and in their lack of certain tumor suppressor genes. Through their production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines mediated by signaling via Toll-like receptors, they are not only effector cells but also active parts of the innate immune system attracting inflammatory immune cells to the synovium. Most importantly, by producing matrix-degrading molecules they contribute strongly to the destructive mechanisms operative in RA.
17932617 Clinical and radiological features of rheumatoid arthritis in British black Africans. 2008 Jan The objective of this study was to determine whether radiographic damage is different in British black African patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to Caucasian patients. Data on demographics, disease- and disability-related variables were obtained from all black African patients and their age-, gender- and disease-duration-matched Caucasian controls. After all features identifying the patients were concealed, X-rays of hands and feet were scored by using the Sharp/van der Heijde method. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test, t test and chi (2) test. Sixty-four patients (32 in each ethnic group) were studied. The median age was 52 years and median disease duration 6 years. Seventy-two percent of patients were female. Black Africans and Caucasians did not differ significantly in rheumatoid factor positivity, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biological treatment use. British black African patients had significantly more tender joints and disability. Joint space narrowing was significantly greater in Caucasian patients [48 (27-85) vs 56 (34-107), p = 0.01]. Caucasian patients had more number of erosions (172 vs 220) and higher erosion score; however, the difference in the erosion scores was not statistically significant [2 (0-48) vs 4.5 (0-46), p = 0.17]. Radiographic damage was less severe in black African patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to their age-, gender- and disease-duration-matched Caucasian controls. A large prospective study is required to confirm the findings of this study and to establish the factors which might be accountable for any differences in the expression of rheumatoid arthritis in this ethnic group.
15901632 Comparison of long term outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with undi 2006 Jan BACKGROUND: The outcome of undifferentiated arthritis (UA) ranges from remission to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. OBJECTIVES: To report the outcome of UA after 1 year of follow up and compare the disease course of patients who presented with UA, but evolved into RA within 1 year (UA-RA group), with that of patients who presented with RA fulfilling the ACR criteria (RA-RA group). METHODS: The diagnosis of 330 patients who presented with UA was recorded at 1 year. The UA-RA and RA-RA groups were then followed up for 3 more years. Outcome measurements were radiographic progression, disease activity, and functional capacity. RESULTS: From 330 patients who were diagnosed UA, 91 had evolved into RA at 1 year; 62 patients had presented with RA. No significant differences were detected between the UA-RA and RA-RA groups in median Sharp/van der Heijde score at baseline, radiographic progression rates, disease activity, and functional capacity. However, significantly more disease modifying antirheumatic drugs were prescribed in the RA-RA group. CONCLUSION: The disease outcome of patients who present with UA that evolves into RA within 1 year is the same as that of patients who present with RA as measured by radiographic progression, disease activity, and functional capacity.
17582663 Reducing plantar pressure in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparison of running versus off-the- 2007 Oct BACKGROUND: Foot pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is common and can be associated with excessive forefoot plantar pressure loading. Running and off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear are commonly recommended to manage foot pain and discomfort in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of running footwear as an alternative to off-the-shelf orthopaedic footwear on plantar pressure loading characteristics in people with forefoot pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Twenty participants diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis reporting chronic forefoot pain participated in this experimental, randomised, single-blind, cross-over trial of three footwear conditions: control, running and off-the-shelf orthopaedic. Outcome measures included measurement of peak pressure and pressure-time integral, with an in-shoe plantar pressure measurement system, beneath the total foot, forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot. Furthermore, perceived comfort and footwear acceptability were determined for each footwear condition. FINDINGS: Compared to the control footwear, forefoot peak pressures were reduced by 36% in the running footwear and by 20% in the orthopaedic footwear, compared to the control (P<0.001). Forefoot pressure-time integrals were reduced by 33% in the running footwear and by 23% in the orthopaedic footwear (P<0.001). The largest reductions were achieved with the running footwear across the whole plantar surface of the foot. Perceived comfort did not differ between running and orthopaedic footwear, although both were significantly more comfortable than the control footwear. Overall, more participants nominated the running footwear as the most acceptable footwear condition. INTERPRETATION: The results of this preliminary study show that running footwear was most effective at reducing plantar pressure loading and was regarded as a comfortable and acceptable footwear alternative by participants with forefoot pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
16973112 Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in early rheumatoid arthritis: recent advan 2006 Oct Efficient methods for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostication are essential in early rheumatoid arthritis. Data on the value of ultrasonography and MRI are accumulating rapidly, fueling their increasing use in early rheumatoid arthritis. This review focuses on recent advances in the clinical applications of these imaging modalities.
18773254 The pattern and clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis in Sarawak General Hospita 2008 Nov The aim of our study is to describe the pattern, clinical features, treatment regimes, and disease activity among the patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Sarawak General Hospital. We performed a cross-sectional study of all patients with a diagnosis of RA who received treatment at the General Medical Clinic and the Rheumatology Clinic in Sarawak General Hospital over a 1-year period from 1st June 2006 to 31st May 2007. Demographic data, clinical features, and disease activity of all 154 patients were collected for statistical analysis. Rheumatoid arthritis afflicts all the major racial groups in Sarawak including the native population. Our patients have a mean disease duration of 5.4 years (SD 5.69) and a mean duration of delay in diagnosis RA and initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment of 42.9 months (SD 60.1). They have a low rate of interstitial lung disease (6.5%) and rheumatoid nodules (4.5%). Rheumatoid factor was positive in 65.5% of our patients. They have a mean Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28 score of 4.28 (SD 1.33). Only 12.5% of our patients are in remission with DAS 28 < 2.6 and 30.9% of our patients are having high disease activity with DAS 28 > 5.1. Despite the high usage of DMARDs in Sarawak (>80%), our patients have severe disease with high disease activity indices. This is most likely due to delay in diagnosis and initiating DMARDs in RA patients in Sarawak.
17088752 [Bipolar shoulder prosthesis for rheumatoid arthritis with irreparable rotator cuff tear: 2006 Oct PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The goal of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcome of bipolar shoulder prosthesis in twelve shoulders with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and irreparable rotator cuff tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The follow-up was more than five years (range 2-9 years). In addition, in order to investigate the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on outcome, results were compared with ten bipolar shoulder prostheses implanted for osteoarthritis with massive rotator cuff tears. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Constant score was 16.9 points with 2.6 points for pain, 4.2 points for activity, 9.5 points for motion and 0.6 points for force. The preoperative active motion was 63.8 degrees for forward flexion, 45 degrees for abduction and 12 degrees for active external rotation. At last follow-up, the average Constant score was 39.4 points with 10.7 points for pain, 10.8 points for activity, 13.8 points for motion and 4.1 points for force. Regarding the active motion, mean forward flexion was 83.7 degrees, 70.4 degrees for abduction and 29.1 degrees for external rotation. The complication rate was low, mainly superior migration due to infraspinatus tear and glenoid wear. Satisfactory deltoid arm level was achieved in all patients and no loosening was observed. Preoperative and postoperative scores of the rheumatoid group were not significantly different from the arthritis group (p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that bipolar shoulder prosthesis provides a viable replacement alternative in RA combined with massive rotator cuff tear with a low rate of complication. Bipolar shoulder prosthesis demonstrates no clear superiority over conventional hemiarthroplasty regarding improved motion and glenoid wear. In addition, no significant difference with arthritis was observed (p<0.05), assuming that outcome depends principally on the preoperative condition of the rotator cuff. CONCLUSION: Some massive tears involving the subscapularis tendon can lead to anterior recurrence after bipolar shoulder prosthesis. They might be a limit to the procedure and require a reversed shoulder prosthesis or a glenohumeral arthrodesis.
18240190 Communication about depression during rheumatoid arthritis patient visits. 2008 Feb 15 OBJECTIVE: To examine whether rheumatologists and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with depressive symptoms communicate about depression. METHODS: The data used in this study came from a randomized controlled trial to improve provider-patient communication about patients' agendas. The current secondary analysis used data collected at baseline, before any intervention occurred. A total of 200 RA patients from 4 rheumatology clinics participated in the study. Patient medical visits were audiotape recorded and patients were interviewed after their medical visits. Physicians recorded patients' American College of Rheumatology (ACR) functional status after their visits. RESULTS: Twenty-one (11%) patients were scored as having moderately severe to severe symptoms of depression. Patients who were rated by their physicians as having worse ACR functional status were more than twice as likely to have moderately severe to severe symptoms of depression (odds ratio 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.6). Only 4 (19%) of the 21 patients who were scored as having moderately severe to severe symptoms of depression discussed depression during their medical visits, and patients initiated the discussion each time. CONCLUSION: Rheumatologists should consider assessing depressive symptoms among their patients, especially among those with worse functional status.
17629511 The mode of destruction in shoulders with rheumatoid arthritis based on radiographic findi 2007 Sep The objective of the present study was to elucidate the mode of rheumatoid arthritis shoulder destruction. The study included 402 shoulders from 201 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Plain radiographic findings were used to assess and statistically analyze the severity of the glenohumeral joint destruction (GHD) and greater tuberosity destruction (GTD). For both GHD and GTD scores, a statistically significant correlation was found between the left and right sides and also between the GHD and GTD scores within the same shoulder. However, 97 shoulders of 67 patients showed a heterogeneous pattern. An interesting finding was that no patients showed a combination of the GHD type plus the GTD type. Shoulders with rheumatoid arthritis showed statistically significant symmetry and uniform destruction. Even if they showed heterogeneous destruction, there were no cases of a different pattern of heterogeneity on the opposite side. The mode of destruction was not always definite, however.
18297237 Characteristics of fracture and related factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 2008 To examine the clinical features of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including insufficiency fractures, and to assess the risk factors for fracture, we prospectively studied 209 outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis for 1 year. The age, gender, Steinbrocker's functional class, glucocorticoid use, history of lower limb surgery, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and use of bisphosphonates were evaluated. Examination for fractures was performed by radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone scanning. Thirty-three fractures occurred in 24 patients over the 1-year study period, and the incidence was 15.8 fractures per 100 patient-years. Fractures occurred at various sites. The majority (70%) was insufficiency fracture, and more than 50% caused ambulatory dysfunction. Radiographic findings were absent in 39% of the fractures at the onset of pain. The functional class and glucocorticoid dose were significantly associated with fracture development. This prospective study showed that the incidence of fractures, especially insufficiency fractures, was very high in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and that most of their fractures caused gait disturbance. Early intervention to prevent secondary osteoporosis is recommended to maintain the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially those with functional impairment or undergoing glucocorticoid therapy.
16484876 Kartagener syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. 2006 Feb We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient, affected with Kartagener syndrome (primary ciliary dyskinesia), who developed seropositive and erosive rheumatoid arthritis. According to our review, there are only 6 cases reported so far with this association without a definite etiopathogenic linkage recognized in common. Chronic infections resulting from the ciliary dysfunction might be a trigger for rheumatoid arthritis.
18829918 Management of acute distal humeral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A case 2008 Oct BACKGROUND: The best surgical treatment for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and an acute distal humeral fracture is not well established. Because of the distorted anatomy of the arthritic elbow joint and the adjacent osteoporotic bone, total elbow arthroplasty may be favored over open reduction and internal fixation in these patients. We retrospectively analyzed a series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in whom an acute distal humeral fracture had been treated with either open reduction and internal fixation or total elbow arthroplasty; our purpose was to evaluate their outcomes and to identify any influence of age, fracture type, or the extent of the rheumatoid involvement of the elbow joint on the choice of procedure. METHODS: Between 1982 and 2002, an acute distal humeral fracture was treated surgically in sixteen elbows in fourteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and the results were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of twenty-four months postoperatively. Six elbows were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (Group 1) and ten elbows, with primary total elbow arthroplasty (Group 2). Postoperatively, the elbows were examined with standard radiographs, and the clinical outcome was assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). RESULTS: Six patients (six elbows) died before the time of the study, but they had been followed for more than twenty-four months and therefore were included in the series. The eight patients (ten elbows) who were still alive were examined. The mean duration of follow-up was forty-nine months in Group 1 and sixty-six months in Group 2. The MEPS averaged 93 points in Group 1 and 96 points in Group 2. Radiographically, all fractures had healed uneventfully in Group 1 and no prosthesis was loose in Group 2. We could not identify any difference between Groups 1 and 2 with respect to patient age, fracture type, or extent of the rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Distal humeral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be treated successfully with immediate open reduction and internal fixation or with total elbow arthroplasty. Our data suggest that open reduction and internal fixation can be successful when there is mild arthritic involvement. We favor total elbow arthroplasty for patients with severe articular involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
17538855 Women with rheumatoid arthritis: non-vocational activities and quality of life. 2007 Jun The aim of this study was to examine a possible relationship between partaking in non-vocational activities and health-related quality of life in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Two questionnaires were completed by 45 women with RA aged from 25 to 80. The MOS Short-Form 36 (SF-36) measured the health-related quality of life and the Interest Checklist measured the amount of non-vocational activities performed. The present study revealed a significant decrease in non-vocational activities by the participants during the last 10 years. Mental health status seemed to be of greater importance than physical function to perform non-vocational activities in daily life. There were indications that a high number of activities performed correlated positively with scores on psychological well-being, and that a low amount of activities performed correlated with the psychological distress scores.
16542465 Pooled indices to measure rheumatoid arthritis activity: a good reflection of the physicia 2006 Several pooled indices for the assessment of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity are available to rheumatologists. Face and criterion validity of these instruments can be assessed by determining the association of their measurements with opinions of physicians. Several confounding aspects must be considered in such analyses, especially blinding of the person(s) making the decisions to the instruments being studied and to the objective of the study in general. From several studies in the literature, there is currently no evidence that any one of the available composite indices is better or worse than any other. The choice of index in clinical practice should ideally be based on practical considerations related to the needs of the rheumatologist in the respective health care setting.
16980218 The role of mesenchymal cells in the pathophysiology of inflammatory arthritis. 2006 Oct Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the joints that can cause severe disability. While the role of inflammatory cells in the pathogenesis of RA has been well established, the specific contribution of resident cells within the synovial membrane, especially those of mesenchymal origin, has become the object of closer scrutiny only recently. The central position of these cells in the disease process of RA is underlined by their involvement in its main pathophysiological features: inflammation, hyperplasia and joint destruction. In this chapter, we provide a characterisation of resident mesenchymal cells, specifically fibroblast-like cells in the rheumatoid synovium, and give an overview of the molecular pathways by which these cells are involved in the initiation and perpetuation of RA.
17264089 The overall status in rheumatoid arthritis (OSRA) measure--further evidence to support its 2007 May OBJECTIVES: The overall status in rheumatoid arthritis (OSRA) instrument is a simple summary of health status, including disease activity (OSRA-A) and damage (OSRA-D) scores. Despite evidence of the validity of the OSRA, uptake has been low. This study aimed to assess the responsiveness and re-examine the validity of the OSRA using the measures from the British Rheumatoid Outcome Study Group (BROSG) randomized controlled trial of aggressive vs symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: 466 patients were recruited. Outcome measures included the OSRA, the OMERACT core set and the DAS28, and were collected at baseline and annually for the 3 yrs of the trial. X-rays of the hands and feet were taken at baseline and 3 yrs. Patients were assigned a Townsend score (a measure of social deprivation) according to area of residence. Construct validity was assessed by correlating the OSRA with a range of outcome measures, and testing for the known inequality in RA outcome between patients classified by social deprivation. Responsiveness to change was assessed against self-reported change over the first year of the trial. RESULTS: The OSRA-A and OSRA-D measures demonstrated construct validity, performing as hypothesized. The OSRA-A was the most responsive measure in the BROSG trial in detecting patient reported improvement and deterioration. The OSRA-D demonstrated similar responsiveness to alternative measures. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the validity and responsiveness of the OSRA, and its potential for inclusion in clinical trials. More important, as the OSRA is quick and easily calculated, uses routinely collected information, and provides useful quantitative information about a patient's status and progress it is suitable for use in the routine clinic.
16249229 Impact of parental history on patients' cardiovascular mortality in rheumatoid arthritis. 2006 Jun BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk is influenced by the inflammatory activity of the rheumatoid arthritis as well as by traditional risk factors for CVD. However, little is known about whether or to what extent hereditary factors for CVD contribute additional risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical impact of a parental history of CVD in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Population based cohort study of 10,805 Swedish patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged 16-67 years during follow up (1990-2000). Parents, and cardiovascular deaths among patients and parents, were identified through register linkages. Relative risk of death v the general population was assessed using standardised mortality ratios (SMR), which were compared by Poisson regression. RESULTS: Rheumatoid patients with a parental history of fatal CVD had an SMR of death from CVD of 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.5 to 3.4). By contrast, rheumatoid patients without a parental history of fatal CVD had an SMR of 1.7 (1.2 to 2.3). A parental death from CVD was associated with a 70% increase in the risk of fatal CVD in rheumatoid arthritis (SMR ratio = 1.7 (1.2 to 2.4), and an increase in the 10 year mortality from CVD from 5% to 10% in men and from 2% to 4% in women aged 50 to 67 years. CONCLUSIONS: Parental history of death from CVD is an important (and easily assessable) risk factor for fatal CVD in rheumatoid arthritis.
18221987 Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand versus anticyclic citrullinated pepti 2008 Oct OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is sometimes difficult to establish early in the disease process, particularly in the absence of its classic hallmarks. Our aim was to compare the practical usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hand versus anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody testing to confirm the diagnosis of clinically suspected RA in the absence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and radiographic erosions. METHODS: We prospectively included patients with early inflammatory arthritis and strong clinical suspicion of RA, in whom initial complementary tests (RF and radiographs of hands, wrists, and feet) did not provide unequivocal confirmation of the diagnosis. In all patients, anti-CCP antibodies were assessed and contrast-enhanced MRI of the most affected hand was performed according to a specifically designed protocol. The MRI criterion for the diagnosis of RA was either the presence of synovitis with bone erosions or bone marrow edema, which is currently considered to be a forerunner of erosions. RESULTS: In the 40 patients (28 women), the mean age at diagnosis was 54 +/- 6 years and the median duration of symptoms was 4 +/- 2.6 months (range 1.5 to 12). Final diagnoses at 1-year follow-up were RA in 31 patients, undifferentiated arthritis in 7 (5 self-limiting), and psoriatic arthropathy (PsA) and antisynthetase syndrome in 1 patient each. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive only in 7 patients, all of whom were finally diagnosed with RA. The prevalence of anti-CCP positivity in our series of seronegative RA patients was thus 23% (7/31); in these patients the anti-CCP antibodies had a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 71.7 to 100) and sensitivity of 23% (95% CI: 9.6 to 41.1). Use of the MRI criterion led to the correct diagnosis in 100% of patients with RA and to false-positive results (1 with PsA and 1 with antisynthetase syndrome). The MRI criterion had a specificity of 78% (95% CI: 40.0 to 97.2) and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 90.8 to 100) for identification of seronegative RA. CONCLUSION: Although the tests are not mutually exclusive, in our experience MRI is more helpful than anti-CCP antibody determination in confirming the diagnosis of clinically suspected early RA in patients in whom the diagnosis cannot be confirmed using conventional methods.