International journal of rheumatic diseases
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Multicenter Study
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus based on a CSTAR-PAH study: Baseline characteristics and risk factors.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and devastating complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to describe the baseline characteristics of right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed SLE-associated PAH and identify risk factors for PAH in SLE patients. ⋯ Overall, we recommend performing early screening using TTE in SLE patients with serositis, anti-RNP antibodies, or a DLCO/%Pred <70%, even for patients in a relatively stable condition according to SLE disease activity index.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Application of a real-time pain monitoring system in Korean fibromyalgia patients: A pilot study.
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition which should be managed with integrated multidisciplinary approaches. To this end, accurate pain assessment should be the first step, and self-reporting pain assessment systems using smartphones or wearable devices are being introduced. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility and efficacy of a real-time pain monitoring system using a wearable device, referred to as the Pain Assessment and Analysis System (PAAS), in patients with fibromyalgia, which is characterized by widespread chronic pain. ⋯ The proposed real-time pain monitoring system can be utilized for pain assessment in Korean fibromyalgia patients. Moreover, the system accurately reflects pain status and may help to alleviate pain.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Combination of ultrasound power Doppler-verified synovitis and seropositivity accurately identifies patients with early-stage rheumatoid arthritis.
We conducted this retrospective study to identify objective and comprehensive diagnostic criteria for early-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that are based on ultrasound (US) and serologic findings. ⋯ The combination of a PD assessment or the cPD score with the measurement of autoantibodies of rheumatoid factor and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies can accurately identify patients with early-stage RA.
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Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have a role in the diagnostic workup of ANCA-associated vasculitis. However, the clinical significance of positive ANCA in the absence of vasculitis is yet to be determined. Therefore, we sought to investigate the clinical spectrum and rate of patients with a positive ANCA without evidence of vasculitis. ⋯ A significant proportion of patients with a positive C-ANCA/PR3 or P-ANCA/MPO do not have evidence of vasculitis, particularly those with low-medium ELISA antibody titers. Using a higher threshold of ANCA titers may be required to improve specificity.