Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
-
Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2010
Prevalence and predictive factors of comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis patients monitored prospectively from disease onset up to 20 years: lack of association between inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
To study the prevalence of comorbid conditions at diagnosis and during follow-up in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) followed prospectively over 20 years, and to identify possible early predictive factors for future comorbidities. ⋯ Comorbidity was present in a considerable proportion of patients in this cohort. More than 40% of patients had another disease at inclusion and during follow-up and > 80% developed additional conditions. The pattern of comorbidity remained unchanged, with CVD and malignancy being most common. Older age and the presence of comorbidity at RA diagnosis predicted the development of comorbidities. The degree of inflammation at any time point was not predictive of future CVD.
-
Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyCystatin C is a sensitive marker for detecting a reduced glomerular filtration rate when assessing chronic kidney disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and secondary amyloidosis.
Chronic kidney disease is a predictor of end-stage renal disease, and evaluating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is necessary to make a definite diagnosis. We assessed the utility of serum cystatin C (cysC) for identifying a reduced GFR in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with secondary amyloidosis. ⋯ Serum cysC can identify a reduced GFR more accurately than sCr-eGFRs. Serum cysC >1.09 mg/L (i.e. eGFR(Rule)<60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) could be a marker of a reduced GFR, and serum cysC >1.365 mg/L would strongly suggest a reduced GFR in patients who have RA with secondary amyloidosis.
-
Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyMetabolic syndrome, endothelial injury, and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
To study the link between metabolic syndrome (MetS), endothelial injury, and atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ The MetS is more prevalent in SLE patients than the general population and is associated with endothelial injury and coronary atherosclerosis. More aggressive control of risk factors is justified in these patients.
-
Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2010
Hand osteoarthritis and pinch grip strength among middle-aged female dentists and teachers.
Among female dentists and teachers, we investigated the relationship of pinch grip strength with radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA) and hand joint pain. ⋯ Our findings support the view that hand function is related to the severity of hand OA.