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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
17149952 Histopathology of gastric and duodenal Strongyloides stercoralis locations in fifteen immu 2006 Dec CONTEXT: Strongyloidiasis is a worldwide parasitic infection affecting approximately 75 million people. In Italy, it was more prevalent in the past among rural populations of irrigated areas. OBJECTIVE: To determine the histopathologic alterations of the gastric and duodenal mucosa associated with the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis parasites. DESIGN: Fifteen cases of strongyloidiasis were observed in immunocompromised patients during a recent 6-year period in Italy. S. stercoralis was found histologically in gastric biopsies (10 cases), in a gastrectomy (1 case), and in duodenal biopsies (9 cases). In 5 cases the parasite was present both in gastric and duodenal biopsies. Four patients were affected by lymphoma, 2 by multiple myeloma, 2 by gastric carcinoma, 1 by chronic myeloid leukemia, 1 by sideroblastic anemia, 1 by colorectal adenocarcinoma, 1 by chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis, 1 by chronic gastritis, 1 by gastric ulcers, and 1 by rheumatoid arthritis in corticosteroid therapy. No patient was affected by human immunodeficiency virus infection. Strongyloidiasis was not clinically diagnosed. RESULTS: Histologic examination revealed several sections of S. stercoralis larvae, many eggs, and some adult forms. All the parasites were located in the gastric and/or the duodenal crypts. Eosinophils infiltrating into the lamina propria were found in all cases; their intensity was correlated with the intensity of the infection. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic diagnosis of strongyloidiasis must be taken into consideration when examining both gastric and duodenal biopsies in immunocompromised patients, to avoid the development of an overwhelming infection of the parasite, which is dangerous for the life of the patient.
17045417 Heme of consumed red meat can act as a catalyst of oxidative damage and could initiate col 2007 Dietary epidemiological studies indicate correlations between the consumption of red meat and/or processed meat and cancer of the colon, rectum, stomach, pancreas, bladder, endometrium and ovaries, prostate, breast and lung, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The correlation of all these major diseases with dietary red meat indicates the presence of factors in red meat that damage biological components. This hypothesis will focus on the biochemistry of heme compounds and their oxidative processes. Raw red meat contains high levels of oxymyoglobin and deoxymyoglobin and oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin and cytochromes in muscle and other tissues. Cooked and processed meat contain hemichromes and hemochromes. After being eaten heme proteins are hydrolyzed to amino acids and peptides and the heme group which is coordinated with strong ligands. The iron of heme coordinates to the sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen of amino acids and peptides and other biological components. The coordinated heme groups are absorbed and transported by the blood to every organ and tissue. Free and coordinated heme preferentially catalyze oxidative reactions. Heme catalyzed oxidations can damage lipids, proteins, DNA and other nucleic acids and various components of biological systems. Heme catalysis with hydroperoxide intermediates can initiate further oxidations some of which would result in oxidative chain reactions. Biochemical and tissue free radical damage caused by heme catalyzed oxidations is similar to that resulting from ionizing radiation. Oxidative biochemical damage is widespread in diseases. It is apparent that decreasing the amount of dietary red meat will limit the level of oxidative catalysts in the tissues of the body. Increasing consumption of vegetables and fruits elevates the levels of antioxidative components, for example, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, lycopene, cysteine-glutathione and various phytochemicals. These detrimental processes of heme catalysis of oxidative damage hypothesized here are not well recognized. More investigative studies in this field need to be done.
17030479 Stimulative effects of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. 2007 Feb 12 Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone among other functions. To treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a herbal medicine, Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) extract (UD) is being used in traditional oriental medicine. The effect of UD on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in non-transformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was studied. UD dose-dependently increased DNA synthesis (significant at 5-20 microg/ml). UD increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and prolyl hydroxylase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells (5-20 microg/ml). Antiestrogen tamoxifen eliminated the stimulation of proliferation and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1, which was induced by UD. UD at concentrations ranged from 30 to 100 microg/ml inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in MC3T3-E1. These results indicate that UD directly stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results also suggest and UD is effective for bone anti-resorptive action in bone cells.
16886705 Glycoprotein changes in non-insulin dependent diabetic rats: effect of N-benzoyl-D-phenyla 2006 Mar The effect of N-benzoyl-D-phenylalanine (NBDP) and metformin on neonatal streptozotocin (nSTZ) induced diabetes has been studied on plasma and tissue glycoproteins. In some pathological conditions, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, there is an abnormal glycosylation of acute phase serum proteins. As most serum proteins are produced in the liver, we have examined glycoprotein metabolism in diabetic condition. To induce non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) a single dose of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg body weight) was injected into two day old rats. After 10-12 weeks, rats weighing above 150 g were selected for NIDDM model. In these rat, blood glucose and plasma glycoproteins were significantly increased whereas plasma insulin was significantly decreased. There was a significant decrease in the level of sialic acid and elevated levels of hexose, hexosamine and fucose in tissues. Oral administration of NBDP and metformin to diabetic rats decreased blood glucose and plasma glycoproteins. Plasma insulin and tissue sialic acid were increased whereas tissue concentrations of hexose, hexosamine and fucose were near normal. Our study suggests that NBDP and metformin possess a significant beneficial effect on glycoproteins in addition to their antidiabetic effect.
16855151 Estrogens in pregnancy and systemic lupus erythematosus. 2006 Jun Successful pregnancy depends on an adaptation of the maternal immune system that becomes tolerant to fetal antigens of paternal origin. The altered immune regulation induced by pregnancy occurs predominantly at the maternal-fetal interface, but it has also been observed in the maternal circulation. Th1/Th2 shift is one of the most important immunologic changes during gestation. It is due to the progressive increase of estrogens, which reach peak level in the third trimester of pregnancy. At these high levels, estrogens suppress the Th1-mediated responses and stimulate Th2-mediated immunologic responses. For this reason Th1-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tend to improve, while Th2-mediated diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) tend to worsen during pregnancy. However, in some recent studies SLE flare-ups were less frequently observed in the third trimester of gestation in comparison to the second trimester and postpartum period. These data are apparently in contrast to the Th2 immune-response polarization expected during pregnancy due to the progressive increase of estrogens. Some further data suggest that in SLE patients estradiol serum levels are surprisingly lower than expected during the third trimester of pregnancy, probably due to a placental compromise. This occurrence could lead to a lower-than-expected increase of IL-6, accounting for the low humoral immune response and the low disease activity observed in the third trimester of pregnancy in such patients.
16793296 Comorbidity of low back pain: representative outcomes of a national health study in the Fe 2007 May BACKGROUND: Unlike other biopsychosocial risk factors, the role of comorbidity in low back pain is largely unknown. AIMS: The purpose is (1) to generate prevalence data on back pain in the total adult population and (2) to identify the most common physical comorbidities in subjects with back pain. This paper also (3) analyses the gender-specific and age-specific comorbidity structure. METHODS: The National German Health Survey is the first study to provide the basis for a representative nationwide analysis of back pain prevalence and the associated comorbidities. The net sample comprises a total of 7124 Germans aged 18-79. RESULTS: One in three Germans (34%) experienced back pain during the seven days prior to being interviewed. The one-year prevalence rate is 59%. All the morbidities investigated by us are more common in subjects with back pain than in individuals without back pain. The most common comorbidities associated with back pain are musculoskeletal disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, followed by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: The present study investigating 31 physical diseases is the most extensive analysis to date on the topic of back pain and comorbidity. This is an attempt to cast light on the tangled relationships involved in developing and coping with back pain. In view of the large percentage of unspecific back pain, we believe it is important for physicians treating back pain to extend their history and diagnostic analysis skills to embrace comorbidities related to the back pain.
16621377 Anti-inflammatory activities of the triterpene acids from the resin of Boswellia carteri. 2006 Sep 19 Boswellic acids are the main well-known active components of the resin of Boswellia carteri (Burseraceae) and these are still dealing with the ethnomedicinal use for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Although several studies have already been reported on the pharmacological properties, especially on the anti-inflammatory activity, of Boswellia carteri resin and boswellic acids, the ethnomedicinal importance of Boswellia carteri and its components, boswellic acids, prompted us to undertake detailed investigation on the constituents of the resin and their anti-inflammatory activity. Fifteen triterpene acids, viz., seven of the beta-boswellic acids (ursane-type) (1-7), two of the alpha-boswellic acids (oleanane-type) (8, 9), two of the lupeolic acids (lupane-type) (10, 11), and four of the tirucallane-type (12-14, 16), along with two cembrane-type diterpenes (17, 18), were isolated and identified from the methanol extract of the resin of Boswellia carteri. Upon evaluation of 17 compounds, 1-14 and 16-18, and compound 15, semi-synthesized from 14 by acetylation, for their inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation (1 microg/ear) in mice, all of the compounds, except for 18, exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity with a 50% inhibitory dose (ID(50)) of 0.05-0.49 mg/ear.
16369106 Antimitochondrial antibody negative primary biliary cirrhosis in Japan: utilization of cli 2006 Jan BACKGROUND: We examined patients who showed laboratory and histological evidence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in the absence of antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) to elucidate the characteristics of AMA negative PBC. METHODS: From a total of 5,805 patients with symptomatic PBC, 2,419 cases (41.7%) were selected in the present study, who were diagnosed using the following criterion; chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis was histologically observed and laboratory data did not contradict PBC. The information collected from records included sex, age, symptoms, physical findings, and complicated autoimmune diseases. We then evaluated these data according to the positivity of AMA. RESULTS: Of the total subjects, 470 cases (19.4%) were found to be negative for AMA. The proportion of female patients was higher among the AMA negative group than among the AMA positive one. Pruritus was found less frequently among patients with AMA negative PBC than among those with AMA positive PBC. Levels of alkaline phosphatase,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and IgM were significantly lower among patients with AMA negative PBC than among those with AMA positive PBC. Complications such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma, including CREST syndrome, were found with significantly higher frequency among patients with AMA negative PBC than among those with AMA positive PBC. CONCLUSION: Considering serum level of IgM and frequencies of complicated autoimmune diseases, it is possible that Japanese patients with AMA negative PBC are consistent with the disease entity of autoimmune cholangitis reported in western countries.
18670092 Functional characterization of ergothioneine transport by rat organic cation/carnitine tra 2008 Aug It has been reported that organic cation/carnitine transporter 1 (OCTN1) is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Additionally, we reported that OCTN1 is expressed in hematopoietic cells, and is associated with proliferation and differentiation of erythroid cells. However, physiological role of OCTN1 is still unclear. Ergothioneine, an anti-oxidant, was recently reported to be a good substrate of human OCTN1. However, the transport characteristics of ergothioneine in rat remains to be clarified. The present study, is to further investigate the role of rat Octn1 on transport of ergothioneine in rat Octn1 transfected cells and natively expressing cell line PC12 derived from rat adrenal pheochromocytoma. [(3)H]Ergothioneine uptake by rat Octn1 stably transfected HEK293 cells was saturable, sodium dependent with 1 : 1 stoichiometry of ergothioneine, and pH dependent. Since ergothioneine was reported to presumably play a protective role against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, its transport in this cell line was investigated. The expression of rat Octn1 and a saturable and Na(+)-dependent transport of ergothioneine were observed in PC12 cells, suggesting that ergothioneine transport in this cell line may be mediated by rat Octn1. These findings suggested that rat Octn1 may act as a survival factor by taking up ergothioneine to suppress oxidative stress in this cell line. In conclusion, functional characteristics of ergothioneine transport by rat Octn1 is similar to that of human OCTN1 and it is suggested that rat Octn1 is important by transporting anti-oxidant ergothioneine in PC12 cells, though its role in vivo is to be investigated.
18189191 Functional and morphological evaluation of hand microcirculation with nailfold capillarosc 2008 Jan OBJECTIVES: Nailfold capillaroscopy is widely used in autoimmune patients to determine capillary morphology. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is a relatively new method for measuring the microcirculation of cutaneous perfusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the capillary morphology and microcirculation among patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and poly/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) with these two non-invasive methods and to detect secondary Raynaud's syndrome (SRS) in these autoimmune diseases. METHODS: Thirty patients with primary SS, 30 patients with PM/DM, 30 patients with primary Raynaud's syndrome (PRS), and 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Nailfold capillaroscopy and LDI were performed on each patient. RESULTS: A comprehensive analysis was performed among the patients and healthy individuals. Among SS patients avascularity and among PM/DM patients avascularity and capillary morphology changes were most often detected by capillaroscopy. With LDI the mean steady-state cutaneous perfusion was 1.25 perfusion units (PU) in region of interest 1 (ROI1), 1.22 in ROI2, and 1.49 at the fingertips in PRS patients; the corresponding values were 1.2, 1.03, and 1.48 PU in SS, 0.91, 0.76, and 1.19 PU in PM/DM, and 1.79, 1.62, and 2.2 PU in the controls. The differences were significant between each autoimmune group compared to the control group (p<0.02, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: By using nailfold capillaroscopy, abnormalities in capillary morphology can be detected, and by using LDI, the reduced blood flow in the capillaries can be detected. These investigations can be useful in the detection of SRS, or in distinguishing whether the reduced blood flow is due to primary/systemic autoimmune diseases.
18050197 Association of an IRF5 gene functional polymorphism with Sjögren's syndrome. 2007 Dec OBJECTIVE: Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of the host defense. Previous studies have demonstrated a significant association of various IRF5 gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Caucasians. The purpose of this case-control study was to investigate whether IRF5 polymorphisms are involved in the genetic predisposition to primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disease closely related to SLE. METHODS: We analyzed IRF5 rs2004640, rs2070197, rs10954213, and rs2280714 polymorphisms in a cohort of 212 primary SS patients and 162 healthy blood donors, all of whom were of Caucasian origin. The 4 polymorphisms examined were genotyped by competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction using fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology. RESULTS: The IRF5 rs2004640 GT or TT genotype (T allele carriers) was identified in 87% of primary SS patients compared with 77% of controls (P = 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 1.93 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.15-3.42]). The IRF5 rs2004640 T allele was found on 59% of chromosomes from primary SS patients compared with 52% of chromosomes from controls (P = 0.04, OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.01-1.83]). No significant association of primary SS with rs2070197, rs10954213, or rs2280714 was seen when they were analyzed independently. Nevertheless, haplotype reconstructions based on the 4 polymorphisms examined suggest that various allele combinations of rs2004640 and rs2070197 could define susceptibility or protective haplotypes. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between primary SS and the IRF5 rs2004640 T allele. These results, which require further replication on larger populations, suggest that besides their association with identical major histocompatibility complex gene polymorphisms, primary SS and SLE share IRF gene polymorphisms as a common genetic susceptibility factor.
18713786 Quantitative assessment of antibodies to ribonucleoproteins in primary Sjögren syndrome: 2009 Jul OBJECTIVES: To assess the added value of using a radioligand assay (RLA) compared with ELISA to detect antibodies to SSA, SSB and RNP, and to analyse the correlation between autoantibody levels, B-cell biomarkers and disease activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Antibodies to SSA, SSB and RNP were assessed in 127 patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) using an RLA and ELISA. In parallel, measures of B-cell activation were determined including serum levels of B-cell-activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor family or BLyS (BAFF). RESULTS: RLA was more sensitive than ELISA for the detection of antibodies to SSB (54% of positive samples versus 37%, respectively) and antibodies to RNP (9% vs 3%). No difference was seen for the sensitivity of detection of antibodies to SSA. Anti-SSA and anti-SSB levels were correlated with both techniques. Mean levels of antibodies to SSA were significantly higher in patients presenting antibodies to both SSA and SSB than in those exhibiting antibodies to SSA only (RLA: mean (SEM) anti-SSA levels 2343 (158) cpm vs 1348 (286) cpm, respectively, p = 0.02; ELISA: 6.8 (0.8) vs 3.8 (0.4), respectively, p = 0.003). Levels of antibodies to SSA and SSB significantly correlated with those of circulating BAFF (r = 0.4, p = 0.004 and r = 0.6, p<0.001, respectively) and with B-cell biomarkers, including levels of gammaglobulins, beta(2) microglobulin and rheumatoid factor. CONCLUSION: RLA allowed a quantitative and more sensitive detection of antibodies to SSB and RNP in pSS. Quantitative assessment of autoantibodies might disclose a biomarker of disease activity and enable further insight into the pathogenesis of the spreading of the autoantibody response.
19055089 Diagnostic ultrasound in the head and neck region. 2008 Oct Improvements in ultrasound (US) resolution have led to the application of this non-ionizing imaging modality in the diagnosis of soft tissue disorders affecting the head and neck region. Although operator experience is paramount in image interpretation, US has the advantage of being inexpensive, safe and widely available. Ultrasound is the first line imaging modality for suspected salivary gland tumours and is useful in evaluating superficial neck swellings, such as lymph node disease, soft tissue cysts and vascular malformations. Ultrasound also improves the success rate when used for guidance during fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This paper aims to provide the general practitioner with an overview of the basic principles of image formation, the advantages and disadvantages of US, and an outline of its indications for conditions that might present to the dental practitioner.
18245981 Aggravated dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with Sjögren syndrome. 2008 Jan PURPOSE: To report 2 patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS) who had no or mild dry eye symptoms preoperatively but developed severe and refractory dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Two women with well-controlled early-stage SS developed severe dry eye, punctate epithelial keratopathy, and refractive regression 15 and 2 months after LASIK. Both patients were treated with punctal occlusions, artificial tears, fluorometholone 0.02% eyedrops, autologous serum, and systemic immunosuppressants. RESULTS: Ten months after treatment, both patients exhibited only minor improvements in dry eye symptoms on the basis of changes in Schirmer test results, corneal fluorescein staining, and refractive errors, whereas their tear breakup time and corneal sensation remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Severe and refractory dry eye can develop after LASIK in patients with preexisting well-controlled early-stage SS.
17305633 Comparison of salivary calmodulin binding proteins in Sjögren's syndrome and healthy indi 2007 Mar BACKGROUND: Reduction in salivary secretion is the hallmark of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin binding proteins (CaMBPs) play a key role in the secretory process of saliva. Recent studies have suggested that SS-B, an autoantibody associated with SS, is a CaMBP. This finding suggests that CaMBP may contribute to the loss of saliva in SS. To better understand the role(s) of these proteins in SS, the purpose of this study was to compare salivary CaMBPs in Sjögren's patients and controls. METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from 20 patients and 20 age-, race-, and gender-matched controls. CaM overlay was used to identify CaMBPs in saliva of patients and controls. RESULTS: Higher number of salivary CaMBPs was observed among patients than controls. CONCLUSIONS: The increased number of salivary CaMBPs in SS may suggest a potential role for these proteins in the pathogenesis of the disease.
17251802 Lacrimal punctum occlusion in the treatment of severe keratoconjunctivitis Sicca caused by 2007 Feb PURPOSE: A controlled uniocular study to evaluate the short-term efficacy of lacrimal punctum occlusion in the treatment of severe dry eye caused by Sjögren syndrome. METHODS: Uniocular punctum occlusion by punctum plug in the upper and lower puncta in 1 eye was performed in 20 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis Sicca caused by Sjögren syndrome. To overcome possible interindividual variability between patients, the other eye, in the same patient, was not occluded and served as a control eye. The eye to be occluded was randomly selected. The patients were instructed to continue using their dry eye medications. Tear function tests (Schirmer test, rose Bengal test, and debris in de cul-de-sac) were performed in both eyes. Subjective complaints (discomfort) were registered for both eyes. All the above-mentioned data were collected before starting the treatment and at least 6 weeks later. The above-mentioned parameters were compared and statistically analyzed in both eyes. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 7 patients dropped out. The remaining 13 patients completed the final analysis. In the occluded eye, we found a significant improvement in both the subjective complaints and the rose Bengal score, but the Schirmer test and the tear mucus score did not change. CONCLUSION: Punctum occlusion therapy in a short-term study improved the rose Bengal score and discomfort score in our patients and thus may be helpful in the treatment of severe dry eye caused by Sjögren syndrome.
16918690 Role of dendritic cells in Sjögren's syndrome. 2006 Sep Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory and lymphoproliferative autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by progressive mononuclear cell infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands and a decreased glandular secretion, resulting in dryness of the mouth and eyes (xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, respectively). Dendritic cells (DC) are considered to be the most potent antigen-presenting cells. Because of their central role in initiating an immune response while maintaining tolerance, impaired function of these cells might lead to the break of peripheral tolerance and initiation of immune responses to self-antigens. This review will focus on the possible role of DC in SS.
16625338 Massive cutaneous follicular lymphoid hyperplasia in a patient with the Sjögren syndrome: 2006 Sep The Sjögren syndrome often gives rise to complications such as pseudolymphomas and/or mucosa-/skin-associated lymphocytic tumors (MALT/SALT lymphomas). This paper presents a 74-year-old female patient with the Sjögren syndrome complicated by cutaneous plaques/tumors as cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia over a 7-year follow-up study period. Immunohistochemical examination disclosed B-cell rich lymphoid follicle formation in the skin with the presence of T and B cells and a varied assortment of features to include abundant plasma cell infiltration. Based on the clinical course and histopathological findings, patient condition was considered benign and arises from reaction toward certain unknown microbes.
17601445 High incidence of autoimmune disease in Japanese patients with ocular adnexal reactive lym 2007 Jul PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of autoimmune disease in Japanese patients with ocular adnexal lymphoid proliferations. DESIGN: Case series study. METHODS: The authors investigated the incidence of autoimmune disease in 88 patients with primary ocular adnexal lymphoid proliferations. Southern blot analysis was used to determine the presence of B-cell clonality in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) associated with autoimmune disease. RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis indicated that 15 (17%) patients had RLH, 62 (70%) patients had mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma), and 11 (13%) patients had primary lymphomas. The incidence of autoimmune disease was seven (47%) of 15 patients with RLH, two (3%) of 62 patients with MALToma, and zero (0%) of 11 patients with primary lymphoma. B-cell clonality was detected in one (14%) of seven RLH patients with autoimmune disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular adnexal RLH with or without B-cell clonality is highly associated with autoimmune disease.
16586043 Recurrent congenital heart block in neonatal lupus. 2007 Jul Congenital heart block (CHB) is the main complication of neonatal lupus (NL) and is strongly associated with the presence of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies. The recurrence of CHB in subsequent pregnancies in mothers with these antibodies is uncommon, occurring in approximately 15% of cases. We describe here a case of recurrent CHB in a previously asymptomatic mother with Sjögren syndrome and discuss the current strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHB in NL.