International journal of rheumatic diseases
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Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for rapidly progressive disease has not been reported in localized scleroderma. Our patient, a 16-year-old girl had an aggressive variant of localized scleroderma, mixed subtype (linear-generalized) with Parry Romberg syndrome, with no internal organ involvement, that was unresponsive to immunosuppressive therapy and was causing rapid disfigurement. She was administered autologous HSCT in June 2011 and has maintained drug-free remission with excellent functional status at almost 3.5 years of follow-up.
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Comparative Study
Serum procalcitonin as a diagnostic aid in patients with acute bacterial septic arthritis.
Septic arthritis is a common and serious problem. Early detection and prompt treatment improve outcomes. ⋯ Serum procalcitonin has a potential role in diagnosing acute bacterial septic arthritis, especially if arthrocenthesis cannot be performed.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) following anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in an intermediate TB burden area and to compare the risk between drugs and diseases. ⋯ The difference in TB risk between TNF inhibitors was similar with countries of low TB burden. This study suggests that particular attention is required for patients treated with TNF monoclonal antibodies.