Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Nov 2009
Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of etanercept on serum levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin) and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Endothelium and adhesion molecules are engaged in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to analyse the effect of etanercept on the levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with active RA. ⋯ Our study shows that, besides a rapid suppression of disease activity, serum sCAM and VEGF concentrations are downregulated following anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) therapy combined with MTX. Prolonged treatment with etanercept sustained or even more remarkably diminished the sCAM and VEGF serum concentrations.