Search for: rheumatoid arthritis    methotrexate    autoimmune disease    biomarker    gene expression    GWAS    HLA genes    non-HLA genes   

ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
2699447 [Treatment of dysfunction of the knee joint in rheumatoid arthritis by fascial interpositi 1989 A surgical treatment method consisting in sewing on of the fascia lata on the cartilageless, loaded and needing painless sliding parts of the joint has been presented. In order to transform the fascia into the painless fibrous cartilage, it is necessary to begin early postoperative rehabilitation as soon as at 4-7 days after operation and continue until maximal function and efficiency of the knee is achieved. The follow-up was up to 4 years and full function was found in 11 patients, improvement after partial patients, and no improvement in 6 patients. Better results were obtained after partial rather than total interposition. Poor results were found in the patients with great contracture and muscular atrophy before operation and with difficulties in rehabilitation caused by other joints. Thus, interpositions is contraindicated in late age, great deformations and difficulties in rehabilitation. This method may fill the empty place in the treatment methods between synovectomy and alloplasty of the knee.
3437421 Coexisting rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. 1987 Dec Since the second publication by some of the present authors in which 10 patients with coexisting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were described, 7 new cases have been found. For accuracy, all cases of the original study still available were reexamined. Of the total of 17 cases, 13 were male and 4 female. All had positive tests for rheumatoid factor and 6 had subcutaneous nodules. The male predominance and the frequency of nodules are consistent with other publications. In addition, our study demonstrates the strong association of each of these 2 diseases with its genetic marker: the antigen HLA-DR4 was present in 8 of 12 cases tested and the antigen HLA-B27 was present in 16 of the 17 cases. The coexistence of these 2 classical rheumatological entities in the same patient appears to occur by chance and is probably often overlooked.
2751718 Toxic effects of azathioprine in rheumatoid arthritis. A national post-marketing perspecti 1989 Jul Concerns about the short-term and long-term toxic effects of azathioprine (AZA) have limited its use. Accordingly, we surveyed 393 AZA-treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, who were recruited and enrolled through a nationwide call to rheumatologists. Findings in these patients were compared with the findings, retrieved from the databank of the American Rheumatism Association Medical Information System, on 153 similarly treated RA patients. All 546 patients were surveyed prospectively, using the Health Assessment Questionnaire and information abstracted from hospital records. The 2 groups were closely similar in clinical characteristics. The most frequently reported side effects of AZA treatment were nausea, vomiting, and leukopenia. Gastrointestinal intolerance accounted for nearly 60% of therapy interruptions in 95 patients. Of 81 hospitalizations for all causes, only 8 may have been related in part to AZA, and no deaths were attributed to AZA therapy. No lymphomas or leukemias were encountered and the overall frequency of neoplasms was not significantly different from that seen in RA patients receiving conventional therapy. As used in the treatment of RA, AZA has a surprisingly benign profile with relatively few serious therapeutic mishaps.
3485407 Platelet releasing activity in sera of patients with rheumatoid vasculitis. 1986 Jan Platelet releasing activity was found in sera fractionated by 30% ammonium sulphate in seven of 11 patients with systemic rheumatoid vasculitis, two of 16 patients with cutaneous rheumatoid vasculitis, and three of 18 patients with clinically uncomplicated rheumatoid arthritis. Serial studies in three patients suggest a key role of platelet activation by serum factors in the pathogenesis of systemic rheumatoid vasculitis. IgG rheumatoid factor or IgG containing immune complexes, or both, may be responsible for this platelet releasing activity.
3028289 Depressed superoxide radical generation by neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthr 1987 Jan Neutrophils of 31 patients with neutropenia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been studied to assess their ability to generate superoxide radicals (O-2) on activation. Seventeen patients had classical Felty's syndrome and 14 presumed chrysotherapy related neutropenia. Results were compared with those from age and sex matched controls with uncomplicated RA and from normal subjects. Neutrophils from patients with Felty's syndrome had a significantly reduced ability to generate superoxide radicals when compared with the other three groups. In addition, serum levels of IgG polymorphonuclear leucocyte binding activity (IgG PBA) were also raised in the group with Felty's syndrome. A statistically significant inverse correlation existed between O-2 generation and IgG PBA. It is concluded that neutrophil reactive IgG may have an important role in both quantitative and qualitative defects in neutrophil function in Felty's syndrome.
3441592 [Epidemiologic study on the distribution of HLA antigens in rheumatoid arthritis]. 1987 Mar Serologic HLA typing was carried out on 71 seropositive and 40 seronegative patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compared with values in 134 normal controls. A significant increase of HLA DR4 antigen, compared with control values, was found only in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis; HLA A1 and B35 antigens were significantly increased in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients (p less than 0.05), when compared with control values, but only HLA A1 antigen remained significantly higher when the p-correct test was performed.
2597207 Demonstration of a new antinuclear antibody (anti-RA33) that is highly specific for rheuma 1989 Dec Using immunoblot analysis with soluble nuclear extracts from HeLa cells, we identified autoantibodies to an antigen with a molecular weight of approximately 33,000 in 36% of 95 sera from rheumatoid arthritis patients, but in only 1 of 170 controls. The antigen, termed RA33, was resistant to DNase and RNase digestion but sensitive to proteinase K treatment. There was no discernible relation to other autoantibodies. Thus, this newly described autoantibody appears to be highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis.
3787154 [Treatment of rheumatoid polyarthritis with IgG eluted from the placenta. Results of an op 1986 Jul Thirty-one patients presenting classical or defined, severe and active rheumatoid polyarthritis (RP) unresolved by most of the usual basic treatments (due to inefficacy or safety problems) were treated with human placental IgG preparations (HPIgG) in an open study. Various therapeutic protocols were tested to determine the most efficacious dosage. Favorable results were noted in 62% of cases. Improvement was generally rapid, often occurring after the first week of treatment. Rheumatoid nodules subsided by more than 50% and were resolved in two of nine cases. A decrease in dosage of analgesics or anti-inflammatories was possible in seven of 31 cases. Remission of RP of duration exceeding six months after withdrawal of HPIgG treatment was noted in six of 18 favorable results (33.3%). Best results were seen with intravenous administration of 1,500 mg per day seven days per month. No clinical or immunological effects were seen in a control group treated with venous globulins (1,500 mg/day for seven days). Safety was very satisfactory: four withdrawals from treatment due to proteinuria (3 cases) or phlebitis (1 case); these adverse reactions subsided rapidly. Immunostimulation of lymphocyte function was seen in all patients treated with HPIgG. The mode of action of HPIgG is currently under study. HPIgG may act as polyspecific antibodies against class II HLA antigens thus opening up the possibility of a new type of therapeutic immunomodulation in man.
3615976 [Computerized tomography in rheumatoid arthritis of the cranio-cervical junction]. 1987 Jul Twenty rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with involvement of the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ) were given CT scan. In most cases the myelo-CT technique with the lumbar injection of small quantities of non-ionic contrast medium was adopted; CT easily diagnosed the "horizontal" and "vertical" dislocations on the CCJ, the bone structure lesions and the inflammatory masses. A high frequency of medullary compressions was also found in these patients. Myelo-CT appears to be the technique of choice for the precise definition of the various factors responsible for the neurological complications found in RA of the CCJ.
2117659 In vivo administration of interferon-gamma to patients with rheumatoid arthritis decreases 1990 Jun We evaluated the expression of leukocyte cell surface antigens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy individuals using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. Both 1 and 2-color analyses were performed. Markers evaluated included markers of T and B cell subsets, activation antigens, and antigens expressed on additional cell types. No major differences were seen between healthy persons and patients. The effects of in vivo administration of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were studied in a clinical trial of the efficacy of this agent in the treatment of RA. Numbers of circulating B cells fell with administration of IFN-gamma. Expression of HLA-DR antigens on monocytes may have increased slightly with IFN therapy. There was no correlation between clinical response to IFN-gamma and change in any immune variables. Because of the observed alterations in B cell numbers, serum immunoglobulins were measured by radial immunodiffusion. There was no alteration of levels of most immunoglobulin isotypes as a result of therapy. There was a modest increase in serum IgA. There was no change in either rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibody titers during IFN-gamma therapy.
2687953 [Phagocytic function of neutrophils in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by u 1989 In 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by infection of urinary tract the phagocytic function of granulocytes has been evaluated. The results obtained indicate that the phagocytic function of peripheral blood granulocytes is in patients with rheumatoid arthritis normal. Above function is not altered by infections of urinary tract.
2492197 HLA genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Identification of susceptibility alleles u 1989 Jan We examined the association of individual HLA genes with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using oligonucleotide probes that identified both DR4-associated and non-DR4-associated genes. Two distinct HLA-DR beta alleles (Dw4 and Dw14) were found in DR4+ RA patients compared with controls (Dw4 50% versus 17%; Dw14 35% versus 5%; total DR4 73% versus 30%), indicating that these 2 alleles are independent susceptibility genes. Remarkably, the majority of the DR4- RA patients also demonstrated a linear DNA sequence, apparently "shuffled" between different susceptibility alleles, identified with an oligonucleotide probe to a key portion of the Dw14 gene.
3805649 Tendon ruptures in the rheumatoid hand: analysis of treatment and functional results in 60 1987 Jan Seventy-six reconstructive procedures were performed to treat tendon rupture in 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Tendon rupture commonly occurred in the extensors to the ring and small fingers. However, ruptures of extensors and several flexor tendons were also encountered. Single or double tendon ruptures responded successfully to a variety of tendon transfers. Reconstruction for multiple tendon ruptures is a salvage procedure that is often associated with extensor lag and impairment of overall function. Early aggressive treatment of distal radioulnar joint derangements in the rheumatoid wrist is recommended to forestall many cases of tendon rupture.
2390846 IgE-containing immune complexes in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 1990 Jun The prevalence and composition of IgE-containing immune complexes in paired synovial fluid and serum of 42 patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis were studied. IgE-containing immune complexes were found in 15/42 synovial fluids; 15 sera were also positive. The correlation between serum and synovial fluid complexed IgE levels was high (r = 0.77). The mean ratio of synovial fluid/serum levels was 1.96, i.e. significantly higher than 0.33, the synovial fluid/serum ratio for alpha-2-macroglobulin (molecular weight 820 kD), which was taken as high molecular weight control protein (p less than 0.0001). Apart from IgE in immune complex form, monomeric IgE was also significantly higher in synovial fluid compared to serum (ratio = 2.94). Other constituents which could be found in the immune complexes, i.e. anti-IgE antibodies, rheumatoid factors and anticollagen antibodies, were also higher in synovial fluid than predicted. Our results suggest intra-articular production of IgE-containing complexes in the synovial fluid, in addition to possible exudation of the complexes from the serum. These findings provide further evidence for the role of IgE-containing immune complexes in rheumatoid synovitis.
2101432 [Seronegative hashitoxicosis in patient with rheumatoid arthritis]. 1990 Jul Hashimoto's thyroiditis is known to occur in conjunction with other autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. We describe herein a patient with long before-onset seronegative rheumatoid arthritis who developed Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism without serologic evidence of thyroglobulin, microsomal and/or anti-TSH receptor antibodies. The occurrence of these autoimmune diseases in individual patients suggests an imbalance in immune function which effects more than one organ system. The predisposition to this spectrum of autoimmune diseases may be genetically determined, with specific HLA haplotypes associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. The case of this patient provides the demonstration that intrathyroidal lymphocytes in autoimmune thyroid disorders and T-lymphocytes in the synovium are responsible for mediating the glandular destruction in Hashimoto disease and intraarticular lesions in rheumatoid arthritis, since the disorders can exist without evidence of a systemic immune response.
3816095 DNA microfluorometry of synovial effusion cells in rheumatic diseases. 1986 Dec A microfluorometric study of relative DNA content in lymphocytes and granulocytes from the synovial fluid of 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or seronegative reactive arthritis was carried out. Results obtained from individuals without treatment or treated with nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs were compared with measurements of 7 healthy persons. DNA content in granulocytes was more sensitive to effects of disease or therapy than in lymphocytes. Introduction of therapy resulted in decreased percentage of cells in synthetizing or mitotic phase of the cell division cycle (microfluorometric index showing non G0 (G1 population]. A possible local influence of regulatory substances produced in the arthritic joint on DNA metabolism of both cells under study was suggested.
2793880 Survivorship of unconstrained total shoulder arthroplasty. 1989 Oct The results of fifty-three unconstrained (Neer-II or Gristina) total shoulder arthroplasties were reviewed with the use of survivorship analysis. Failure was defined as the need for revision or the onset of the patient's dissatisfaction. The method of survivorship analysis is presented in detail. Fifty-one total shoulder arthroplasties were followed for a minimum of two years (average, sixty-seven months). The results are reported with the use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' rating form. After eleven years, the survivorship was 73 per cent for all prostheses, 71 per cent for the Neer prostheses, and 92 per cent for all prostheses in patients who had rheumatoid arthritis. Data on survivorship of the Gristina prosthesis were available after four years only, at which time it was 100 per cent. The relief of pain, which was the primary reason for the operation, was good or excellent in 82 per cent, improved in 6 per cent, and poor in 12 per cent of the shoulders in these patients.
1761763 AA-like amyloid deposits confined to arthritic joints in two dogs with rheumatoid arthriti 1991 Oct Two dogs with clinical, serological, radiographic and pathological changes similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis of man and a previously undescribed pattern of amyloid deposits are described. As revealed by light and electron microscopical investigations, amyloid fibrils were found exclusively in articular tissue structures of arthritic joints and in one tonsil of one dog. Based on our immunohistochemical results, the amyloid protein is believed to be of a local AA type.
3238352 IgG Fc receptors in sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythe 1988 A murine monoclonal antibody to receptors for IgG (FcR) in human placenta was used in a competitive ELISA to demonstrate soluble FcR in human sera. Sera from 20 blood donors, 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were examined. Soluble FcR were demonstrated in all sera. However, significantly lower amounts of FcR were demonstrated in the patient groups as compared to blood donors. Whether this is due to increased consumption or reduced production has to be further investigated. The findings may be of significance in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
2184873 Role of immunity to mycobacterial stress proteins in rheumatoid arthritis. 1990 Apr 'Stress Proteins in Inflammation' provided a forum for the discussion of topical issues in this rapidly moving field. The mycobacterial 65 kDa stress proteins play a key role in certain animal models of inflammatory arthritis. However, the impression emerging is that the mechanism probably involves more than a simple cross-reaction between mycobacterial SP65 and either the host SP65 or a cartilage antigen, and that evidence for a primary role in human rheumatoid arthritis is lacking. A realistic role for immune responses against stress proteins might be the amplification or perpetuation of inflammation. If so, this is unlikely to be limited to arthritis.