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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
24261776 The antibodies cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) positivity could be a promising ma 2014 Jan INTRODUCTION: The anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has a high sensitivity and specificity for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been used in especially early diagnosis of RA, and used to discriminate from other forms of arthritis. Anti-CCP positivity is unknown in brucellosis presented with peripheric arthritis (BPA), like other rheumatic diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the positivity of anti-CCP in patients with BPA in contrast to the patients with RA and healthy controls. Additionally, we have aimed to monitor changes of anti-CCP levels following the brucellosis treatment. METHODS: The study group consisted of 137 subjects. 62 brucellosis patients presented with peripheric arthritis. Additionally, 33 RA patients and 42 healthy subjects selected as control groups. The anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibody levels of the subjects were measured. RESULTS: Concerning the 62 BPA, 20 % (13 patients) of them had elevated anti-CCP levels. On the other side, of the 33 RA patients, 78.78 % (26 patients) of them had increased anti-CCP levels. Only one healthy subject's anti-CCP level was positive. There was statistically significant difference among the groups. After brucellosis treatment, monitorisation of the 13 patients with BPA who have the positive anti-CCP levels, were challengingly interesting because none of the patients had positive anti-CCP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-CCP may be positive marker in the diagnosis of BPA but clinicians need to be careful during the follow up period because it may turn into normal ranges. Additionally, patients presented with peripheric arthritis and anti-CCP positivity need to be evaluated also for the differential diagnosis of BPA.
24486677 Access to rheumatologists among patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis in a Ca 2014 Jan 31 OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to estimate the percentage of patients with incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were seen by a rheumatologist within 3, 6 and 12 months of suspected diagnosis by a family physician, and assess what factors may influence the time frame with which patients are seen. SETTING: Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Over 2000-2009, we studied patients with incident RA who were initially diagnosed by a family physician. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed secular trends in rheumatology encounters and differences between patients who received versus did not receive rheumatology care. We performed hierarchical logistic regression analyses to determine whether receipt of rheumatology care was associated with patient, primary care physician and geographical factors. RESULTS: Among 19 760 patients with incident RA, 59%, 75% and 84% of patients were seen by a rheumatologist within 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. The prevalence of initial consultations within 3 months did not increase over time; however, access within 6 and 12 months increased over time. Factors positively associated with timely consultations included higher regional rheumatology supply (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.35 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.60)) and higher patient socioeconomic status (aOR 1.18 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.30)). Conversely, factors inversely associated with timely consultations included remote patient residence (aOR 0.51 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.64)) and male family physicians (aOR 0.88 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.95)). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing access to rheumatologists within 6 and 12 months occurred over time; however, consultations within 3 months did not change over time. Measures of poor access (such as proximity to and density of rheumatologists) were negatively associated with timely consultations. Additional factors that contributed to disparities in access included patient socioeconomic status and physician sex.
23769823 Molecular determinants of glucocorticoid actions in inflammatory joint diseases. 2013 Nov 5 Since their discovery in 1948, glucocorticoids have been widely used clinically to treat inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. However, their usefulness, especially in rheumatoid arthritis therapy, is hampered by severe side effects on bone leading to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating the beneficial and adverse effects remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, advanced molecular biological analyses and in vivo approaches using conditional mutant mice have helped to unravel in part the underlying mechanisms of immunosuppression and side effects of glucocorticoid therapy in arthritis, thereby contributing to an improved understanding of these therapeutically important hormones.
24424839 Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review 2014 Mar We performed this meta-analysis to assess venous thromboembolism risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A comprehensive search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases. Nine observational studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the data analysis. The pooled risk ratios of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with non-RA participants were 2.08 (95% CI 1.75-2.47), 2.17 (95% CI 2.05-2.31), and 1.96 (95% CI 1.81-2.11), respectively. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a consistent increased risk in every study design (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional). Our results indicate a significant increased risk of venous thromboembolism among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
24375314 The rs3768777-G allele of ITGAV gene is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. 2014 May Integrin αvβ3 (vitronectin receptor) plays a prominent role in angiogenesis, a key pathogenic feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, integrin αV (ITGAV) subunit gene has been associated with a susceptibility to RA. The aim of the present study was to detect the potential association between ITGAV gene polymorphisms and a susceptibility to RA in a Turkish cohort. DNA samples were harvested from 160 patients with RA and 144 healthy controls (HC). Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms of ITGAV gene (rs3738919, rs3768777, and rs10174098) were genotyped using real-time PCR. Serum vitronectin levels were analyzed in 30 RA patients, 28 Behçet's disease (BD) patients, and 30 HC subjects. There was no significant difference between the RA and HC groups in terms of the genotypic and allelic distributions of rs3738919 and rs10174098 polymorphisms. However, the prevalence of rs3768777-G allele was higher in the RA group than in the HC group (OR 2.3, 95 % CI 1.6-3.2, p < 0.0001). Moreover, there was a significant association between RA and the genotypic distribution of rs3768777 (GG + AG vs. AA: OR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.3-3.4; GG vs. AG + AA: OR 4.1, 95 % CI 2.1-7.8). Serum vitronectin levels were lower in the RA and BD groups than in the HC group (p ANOVA = 0.002). The rs3738919 and rs10174098 polymorphisms of the ITGAV gene seem not to be associated with susceptibility to RA in Turkish patients. However, rs3768777 increases the risk of RA in this group. These results suggest that the ITGAV gene may be a candidate gene for the etiopathogenesis of RA.
25189876 Selected cyclic citrullinated peptides derived from the sequence of mutated and citrullina 2014 Sep OBJECTIVES: Antibodies against citrullinated antigens (ACPA) represent one rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classification criteria. Recently, mutated and citrullinated vimentin (MCV), containing approx. 45 potentially citrullinated sites, was characterised as another modified autoantigenic RA target. Therefore, we wanted to screen, select and validate predominant MCV autoantigenic epitopes (called here MCE) as possible new diagnostic targets. METHODS: MCV-derived peptides with citrullinated sites were screened in healthy controls and patients. Based on this, twelve selected MCE were used for validation of ACPA isotypes (IgA/IgG/IgM) with ELISA in early RA (ERA, <12 months) and established RA (>12 months) Russian patients. Sensitivity of MCE reactivity was compared to commercially available ELISAs for anti-CCP IgG, anti-MCV IgG, and anti-RF IgA/IgM/IgG. RESULTS: Anti-MCE IgG/IgA//IgM antibodies were observed in 64.1%, 23.1%, and 15.4% ERA, and 63.9%, 26.7%, and 13.1% established RA patients, respectively. Anti-MCV IgG was present in 64.1% ERA and 55.0% RA patients. Furthermore, anti-CCP IgG and RF IgG/IgA/IgM were detectable in up to 76.9%, 71.8%, 71.8%, and 38.5% ERA, and 80.1%, 72.3%, 67.5%, and 43.0% RA patients. Anti-CCP IgG single positivity was observed in 7.7% ERA and 6.3% RA patients. Only one RA patient was anti-MCE single positive. CONCLUSIONS: MCV autoantigenic epitopes were emulated by cyclic citrullinated MCV-derived peptides and recognised by all autoantibody-Ig subclasses in RA. Tested MCE were recognized more frequently by IgG as the original MCV antigen. High antibody prevalence against CCP epitopes suggests a strong CCP-linkage to RA pathogenesis in the investigated Russian cohort.
23007802 CC motif chemokine ligand 13 is associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. 2013 Sep OBJECTIVES: CC motif chemokines are considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via recruitment of monocytes and lymphocytes. CC motif chemokine ligand 13 (CCL13)/monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4) is postulated to be a potent RA inducer. We conducted a study to more precisely clarify the role of CCL13 in RA pathogenesis. METHODS: CCL13 expression was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical staining in serum samples and synovial tissues from RA patients. The effects of CCL13 against apoptosis were monitored on cultured synovial fibroblasts. The chemoattractant activity of CCL13 was evaluated by the Boyden chamber assay in monocytes (THP-1 cells) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS: We found that CCL13 serum level and synovial tissue expression were increased in RA patients. CCL13 had chemoattractant activity for both THP-1 cells and HUVECs. Interestingly, CCL13 expression was positively regulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Furthermore, apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and serum deprivation was inhibited by CCL13 on the cultured synovial fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: CCL13 may be associated with disease progression as a result of its antiapoptotic effects, increased macrophage infiltration, and synovial tissue angiogenesis in RA patients.
25437280 Insights from populations at risk for the future development of classified rheumatoid arth 2014 Nov Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develops through a series of stages. In the seropositive subset of classified RA patients, a preclinical stage is present for years before the onset of clinically apparent disease. Relevant preclinical biomarkers include autoantibodies, alterations of lymphoid populations, elevated cytokines/chemokines, genetic/genomic factors, imaging studies, clinical findings, dietary and environmental biomarkers, cardiovascular disease risk assessment, microbiome analyses, and metabolomic changes. Identifying the population of asymptomatic subjects at sufficiently high risk for disease to be informative and representative of "preclinical patients" is a challenge. This article reviews the results of analyses that have been undertaken in these "at-risk" subjects.
23099419 The recently identified hexosaminidase D enzyme substantially contributes to the elevated 2013 Jan Since the 1970s, numerous reports have described elevated hexosaminidase activities in rheumatoid arthritis. However, due to the overlapping substrate specificities of different hexosaminidases, identification of the exact enzyme(s) responsible for the elevated activity remains incomplete. In this work we tested if the recently described enzyme, hexosaminidase D was expressed in human arthritic joints, and could contribute to the elevated hexosaminidase activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Thermostable β-d-N-acetyl-galactosaminidase (hexosaminidase D) activities were determined in synovial fluid samples, synovial membranes, synovial fibroblast cell strains and synovial fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis using chromogenic substrates. Expression of the HEXDC gene was detected both in steady state and in TGF-β treated synovial fibroblasts by real time PCR. Strikingly, hexosaminidase D accounted for approximately 50% of the total β-N-acetyl-galactosaminidase activity in synovial membranes and synovial fibroblasts, and it was responsible for the vast majority of the β-d-N-acetyl-galactosaminidase activity in synovial fluid samples. TGF-β downregulated the expression of hexosaminidase D in synovial fibroblasts dose-dependently. Of note, significant activity of hexosaminidase D was also found in association with extracellular vesicles released by synovial fibroblasts. This first study that describes the expression and disease relevance of the HEXDC gene in humans demonstrates the expression of this novel enzyme within the joints, and suggests that its activity may significantly contribute to the overall local exoglycosidase activity.
22886510 The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of anti-citrulline antibody test in diagnosis of 2013 Apr Citrulline antibody, nowadays, is a new item which has been the center of attention due to its much more specificity to diagnose RA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of anti-citrulline antibody test in RA diagnosis among hospitalized patients in Iran. Through a case-control study, we tried to calculate the accuracy of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) test used in the diagnosis of RA enrolling 200 participants divided into two groups of the patients with RA, on the one hand, and other diseases, on the other. Anti-CCP was measured by ELISA technique through which titers more than 15 were defined as high titer. Of all the studied population, 81 (81 %) were in active phase of RA, which had anti-CCP >15 U/ml, while only 25 controls (25 %) experienced these levels. The average anti-CCP was 144 U/ml in cases and 16.05 U/ml in controls with a P value <0.001, which confirmed significant difference between the two. Considering different comments on this matter besides our findings in the present research, we offer a combination of anti-citrulline antibody test rather than anti-CCP and RF to get the best results in RA diagnosis, discrimination and prognosis because of 97 % specificity.
25401228 A novel 8-joint ultrasound score is useful in daily practice for rheumatoid arthritis. 2015 May OBJECTIVES: To investigate the optimal number and combination of joints to be assessed by power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) in daily practice for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: PDUS were performed in 24 joints, including all proximal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and bilateral wrist and knee joints in 234 patients with RA. PD signals were scored semiquantitatively from 0 to 3 in each joint, and total PD score-24 was calculated by summing them up as comprehensive assessment. RESULTS: Positive PD signals were more frequently found in bilateral wrist, knee, and the second and third MCP joints than the other joints. The individual PD scores of these 8 joints also showed higher correlation coefficients with total PD score-24 (rs ≥ 0.4). Among the sum PD scores of various selected joint combinations, the score of the combination of 8 joints (total PD score-8), including bilateral second and third MCP, wrist, and knee joints, showed the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value (98.1% and 96.2%, respectively). Total PD score-8 showed high correlation with the total PD score-24 (rs = 0.97, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Total PD score-8 is simple and efficient enough for monitoring disease activity and judging imaging remission of RA in daily practice.
25196946 The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 2015 Jan AIM: To assess the incidence rate of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigate the correlations between CTS and disease activity and duration in patients with RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the incidence rate of CTS in 1070 patients with RA who had visited our rheumatism center between March 2001 and May 2013, and had participated in follow-up at least once over a 5-year period. We also investigated duration of RA and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at time of CTS occurrence to identify correlations between CTS occurrence and duration of RA, and disease activity of RA. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence for 12 years of CTS in patients with RA was 6.8% (12/176), and 37 cases of CTS occurred in 1070 patients with RA. The incidence rate of CTS in patients with RA was found to be 4.18 per 1000 person-years (37 in 8849 person-years). There was no statistically significant correlation between CTS occurrence and duration of RA, and no positive correlation between CTS occurrence and CRP levels. CONCLUSION: Our incidence rate of CTS in patients with RA was similar to the incidence rate of CTS in the general population (0.3-5.0 per 1000 person-years). CTS occurrence did not correlate with duration of RA and had no positive correlation with disease activity of RA.
24729402 Benefits and risks of low-dose glucocorticoid treatment in the patient with rheumatoid art 2014 Oct Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) have been employed extensively for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disorders. Their use is supported by extensive literature and their utility is reflected in their incorporation into current treatment guidelines for RA and other conditions. Nevertheless, there is still some concern regarding the long-term use of GCs because of their potential for clinically important adverse events, particularly with an extended duration of treatment and the use of high doses. This article systematically reviews the efficacy for radiological and clinical outcomes for low-dose GCs (defined as ≤10 mg/day prednisone equivalent) in the treatment of RA. Results reviewed indicated that low-dose GCs, usually administered in combination with synthetic DMARDs, most often MTX, significantly improve structural outcomes and decrease symptom severity in patients with RA. Safety data indicate that GC-associated adverse events are dose related, but still occur in patients receiving low doses of these agents. Concerns about side effects associated with GCs have prompted the development of new strategies aimed at improving safety without compromising efficacy. These include altering the structure of existing GCs and the development of delayed-release GC formulations so that drug delivery is timed to match greatest symptom severity. Optimal use of low-dose GCs has the potential to improve long-term outcomes for patients with RA.
24289200 Ultrasonography predicts achievement of Boolean remission after DAS28-based clinical remis 2014 Jul OBJECTIVES: To determine whether ultrasonography (US) predicts Boolean remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who had achieved disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28)-based remission criteria. METHODS: Thirty-one RA patients in DAS28-based clinical remission were recruited. US semiquantitatively determined Gray scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) signal scores in the bilateral wrists and all metacarpophalangeals and proximal interphalangeals. Total GS score and total PD score were calculated as the sum of individual scores for each joint. RESULTS: Among 22 RA patients, who maintained DAS28 remission for 2 years, 16 met Boolean remission criteria at the end of study. Both total GS and total PD scores at baseline were significantly lower in Boolean remission group than non-remission group. There was no significant difference in other baseline parameters, including duration of disease, duration of remission, mTSS, and disease activity composite parameters between the two groups. Among the factors for Boolean remission criteria at 2 years, patient global assessment score was associated with total GS score at the entry, while swollen joint count was related to total PD score. CONCLUSIONS: Null or low grade of GS and PD findings in US are associated with achieving Boolean remission. Thus, US is essential for assessment and prediction of "deeper remission" of RA.
25055033 [Paraneoplastic syndromes and rheumatic diseases]. 2014 Jul 4 Paraneoplastic syndromes, which are discussed in this paper, are a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with cancer, but not directly caused by the physical effects of the primary tumor or its metastases. May precede the appearance of the malignant process, occur simultaneously or disclose in the course of cancer. Paraneoplastic syndromes may be caused directly by toxins produced by tumor cells, occur in the course of hypersensitivity reactions, or be the result of release of intracellular antigens. Due to the often similar systemic symptoms it is very important to evaluate the association of rheumatic diseases and cancer. Most paraneoplastic rheumatologic syndroms are difficult distinguishable from idiopathic rheumatologic disorders. The most common paraneoplastic syndromes include rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-like syndrome arthritis, inflammatory myopathies, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, vasculitis and Raynaud's phenomenon.
23861533 Functional disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted for multidisciplinary 2013 Oct OBJECTIVE: Advances in pharmacological care for RA have in general reduced functional disability. However, subgroups of patients may need treatment by a multidisciplinary team. This study aimed to describe the levels of functional ability and outcomes of patients with RA admitted for multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the past 20 years. METHODS: Data from three observational studies including four cohorts (1, 1992; 2a, 2001; 2b, 2003 and 3, 2008) on outcomes of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for RA patients conducted in one Dutch rheumatology clinic were used. Baseline and change scores of the HAQ were compared using a one-way analysis of variance with post hoc multiple comparisons (Bonferroni correction). RESULTS: The mean HAQ scores were 1.94 (s.d. 0.74) for cohort 1, 1.40 (0.74) and 1.39 (0.66) for cohorts 2a and 2b, respectively, and 1.49 (0.59) for cohort 3, with the difference between cohort 1 on the one side and cohorts 2a/2b and 3 on the other side being statistically significant (P < 0.01). The mean changes in HAQ score between admission and discharge were 0.24 (s.d. 0.50) for cohort 1, 0.17 (0.49) for cohort 2a, 0.15 (0.37) for cohort 2b and 0.25 (0.46) for cohort 3. CONCLUSION: The level of functional disability of RA patients admitted for multidisciplinary rehabilitation decreased between 1992 and 2001. The magnitude of improvement in functional ability during admission was in the same range in all three periods. These results suggest that in the era of MTX and biologics there are patients with RA who have considerable disability and benefit from multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
23281173 Incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in Sweden: a nationwide population-based assessment of i 2013 Jun OBJECTIVE: To estimate the nationwide incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Sweden, including its variation across age, sex, geography, and demography, and to describe the sensitivity of register-based incidence estimates to different RA case definitions. METHODS: Incident RA patients were identified using the Swedish National Patient Register. In the base case, incident RA was defined as first-ever inpatient or nonprimary outpatient care visit listing an RA diagnosis in 2006-2008, with a second visit listing RA within 1 year. Patients prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs more than 6 months prior to the first visit listing RA were not regarded as incident. The robustness of this definition was evaluated by more liberal and strict criteria, and by penetration of antirheumatic treatment. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2008, 8,826 individuals were identified as incident RA patients. The overall incidence was 41 per 100,000 (56 for women, 25 for men). The incidence increased with age and peaked in the 70-79 years age group for both women and men. The age- and sex-standardized incidences were lower in densely populated areas and in individuals with high educational level. No geographic trends were noted. More liberal and strict definitions of RA only altered the observed incidence by approximately 14%. CONCLUSION: The overall nationwide register-based incidence of RA was robust across different case definitions. In a country with universal access to care, RA displayed demographic and socioeconomic, but no geographic, variations in incidence, and peaks at an older age than most commonly reported, with no difference in peak age at RA onset between sexes.
24825961 A case of REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy-cataplexy, parkinsonism, and rheumatoid 2014 A patient is reported in whom signs and symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and narcolepsy have been associated for almost two decades with a late development of parkinsonism and rheumatoid arthritis. A 78-year-old male patient in whom RBD was first diagnosed was followed-up by clinical examination, video-polysomnography, multiple sleep latency test, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, and dopamine transporter imaging by single-photon emission computerized tomography. The patient was found to present for almost two decades, in addition to RBD, also narcolepsy. Moreover, a late development of parkinsonism and the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis were detected and clinically and instrumentally characterized. Patients predisposed to RBD and later parkinsonism might be susceptible to a variety of triggers that, in our patient, might have been represented by a possible latent autoimmune process leading to the development of narcolepsy with cataplexy and rheumatoid arthritis, later.
24206987 The lateral para-olecranon approach for total elbow arthroplasty. 2013 Nov PURPOSE: To describe and evaluate the lateral para-olecranon approach for total elbow arthroplasty and to compare it with the paratricipital and triceps splitting approaches. METHODS: A total of 34 patients who underwent total elbow arthroplasty were evaluated: 25 with rheumatoid arthritis (28 elbows) and 9 with fractures. The average duration of follow-up was 54 months (range, 12-105 mo). Of the 28 elbows with rheumatoid arthritis, 17 underwent a triceps splitting approach, 6 a lateral para-olecranon, and 5 a paratricipital approach. Of the 9 fracture cases, 5 patients underwent a lateral para-olecranon and 4 a paratricipital approach. Extension strength, range of motion, elbow function (Mayo Elbow Performance Index), and complications related to triceps insufficiency were compared for all 3 approaches. In addition, we compared triceps strength after lateral para-olecranon and paratricipital approaches with the contralateral healthy elbow in the 9 fracture cases. RESULTS: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis had better extension torque when the prosthesis was implanted through the lateral para-olecranon approach (20 ± 8 N-m) compared with the triceps splitting (13 ± 4 N-m) or paratricipital approaches (12 ± 6 N-m). In the fracture group, the extension strength of the replaced elbow was similar to the contralateral normal elbow in both the paratricipital and lateral para-olecranon groups. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral para-olecranon approach avoids triceps tendon detachment from and repair to the olecranon, thereby reducing the risk of triceps insufficiency while maintaining better extension strength relative to a triceps splitting approach. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.
24100126 Development of reduced kidney function in rheumatoid arthritis. 2014 Feb BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a variety of kidney disorders. However, it is unclear whether the development of reduced kidney function is higher in patients with RA compared to the general population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Incident adult-onset RA cases (813) and a comparison cohort of non-RA individuals (813) in Olmsted County, MN, in 1980-2007. PREDICTOR: Baseline demographic and clinical variables. OUTCOMES: Reduced kidney function: (1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73m(2) and (2) eGFR<45mL/min/1.73m(2) on 2 consecutive occasions at least 90 days apart; cardiovascular disease (CVD); and death. MEASUREMENTS: The cumulative incidence of reduced kidney function was estimated adjusting for the competing risk of death. RESULTS: Of 813 patients with RA and 813 non-RA individuals, mean age was 56±16 (SD) years, 68% were women, and 9% had reduced kidney function at baseline. The 20-year cumulative incidence of reduced kidney function was higher in patients with RA compared with non-RA participants for eGFR < 60mL/min/1.73m(2) (25% vs 20%; P=0.03), but not eGFR<45mL/min/1.73m(2) (9% vs 10%; P=0.8). The presence of CVD at baseline (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.14-2.73; P=0.01) and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with RA (HR per 10-mm/h increase, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.16; P=0.04) was associated with increased risk of eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2). eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2) was not associated with increased risk of CVD development in patients with RA (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.63-1.57; P=0.9), however, a greater reduction in GFR (eGFR<45mL/min/1.73m(2)) was associated with increased risk of CVD (HR, 1.93; CI, 1.04-3.58; P=0.04). LIMITATIONS: Reduced kidney function was defined by estimating equations for kidney function. We are limited to deriving associations from our findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA were more likely to develop reduced kidney function over time. CVD and associated factors appear to play a role. The presence of RA in individuals with reduced kidney function may lead to an increase in morbidity from CVD development, for which awareness may provide a means for optimizing care.