Arthritis and rheumatism
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialA phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of belimumab in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus.
To assess the safety, tolerability, biologic activity, and efficacy of belimumab in combination with standard of care therapy (SOC) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ Belimumab was biologically active and well tolerated. The effect of belimumab on the reduction of SLE disease activity or flares was not significant. However, serologically active SLE patients responded significantly better to belimumab therapy plus SOC than to SOC alone.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2009
Psychophysical and functional imaging evidence supporting the presence of central sensitization in a cohort of osteoarthritis patients.
The groin pain experienced by patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) is often accompanied by areas of referred pain and changes in skin sensitivity. We aimed to identify the supraspinal influences that underlie these clinical manifestations that we consider indicative of possible central sensitization. ⋯ Using psychophysical (QST) and brain imaging methods (functional MRI), we have identified increased activity with the periaqueductal grey matter associated with stimulation of the skin in referred pain areas of patients with hip OA. This offers a central target for analgesia aimed at improving the treatment of this largely peripheral disease.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2009
Multicenter StudyLong-term safety and effectiveness of etanercept in children with selected categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of etanercept alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in children with selected categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). ⋯ These data confirm the findings of other long-term studies and suggest that etanercept or etanercept plus MTX has an acceptable safety and effectiveness profile in children with selected categories of JIA. Improvement was maintained for 3 years in those continuing to receive medication.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2009
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is a predictor of the course of global and renal childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity.
To determine whether neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) can predict worsening of global and renal disease activity in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ Serial measurement of urinary and plasma NGAL levels may be valuable in predicting impending worsening of global and renal childhood-onset SLE disease activity.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyElevated expression of interleukin-7 receptor in inflamed joints mediates interleukin-7-induced immune activation in rheumatoid arthritis.
To evaluate the expression and functional ability of the high-affinity interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7Ralpha) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Our data suggest that enhanced expression of IL-7Ralpha and IL-7 in RA patients contributes significantly to the joint inflammation by activating T cells, B cells, and macrophages. The inhibition of IL-7R-mediated immune activation by soluble hIL-7Ralpha further indicates an important role of IL-7Ralpha in inflammatory responses in RA, suggesting IL-7Ralpha as a therapeutic target for immunotherapy in RA.