Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2009
Comparative StudyAssociation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) gene polymorphisms with systemic sclerosis in a French European Caucasian population.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by generalized microangiopathy leading to chronic hypoxia. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1A gene (HIF1A) affects susceptibility to SSc in a large French European Caucasian population. ⋯ We observed an association between the HIF1A gene and SSc in a European Caucasian population, supporting a role for HIF1 in the pathophysiology of SSc.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2009
Comparative StudyThe extent and pattern of organ damage in small vessel vasculitis measured by the Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI).
To assess the extent and pattern of irreversible organ damage in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), and Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) by a cross-sectional point prevalence study within a defined geographical area. ⋯ Damage remains an important problem for patients with systemic vasculitis despite effective remission-inducing drugs. Only a small fraction of patients are unmarked by their disease.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2009
Treatment of refractory posterior uveitis with infliximab: a 7-year follow-up study.
To describe, in a 7-year follow-up study, the use of infliximab in patients with refractory posterior uveitis and scleritis. ⋯ Infliximab could be an effective and safe treatment in patients with posterior uveitis and scleritis refractory to conventional therapy.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2009
Health status and perception of pain: a comparative study between female patients with hand osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent rheumatic joint disease and its occurrence is growing due to prolonged life expectancy and an increasing number of elderly individuals in the population. The main objective of this study was to compare the burden of disease, assessed by measures of pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), between female patients with hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ The overall impact of the disease on HRQoL was similar between RA and HOA patients, based on the SF-6D scores. Physical function was worse in RA patients, but HOA patients reported worse scores in pain measures and FM-like symptoms.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2009
Comparative StudyComparison of three rheumatoid arthritis disease activity scores in clinical routine.
To evaluate whether the revised disease activity cut-off values for the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) are in congruence with the Disease Activity Score including a 28-joint count (DAS28) disease activity criteria in daily clinical routine. ⋯ The revised SDAI limits for disease activity and the respective CDAI thresholds proved to be in congruence with the DAS28 disease activity categories in daily clinical routine. The SDAI and the CDAI were found to be more stringent in defining remission.