Annals of the rheumatic diseases
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To review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of biological agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to provide data to develop treatment recommendations by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Task Force. ⋯ There is good evidence for the efficacy of biological agents in patients with RA. Safety data confirm an increased risk of bacterial infection and TB with TNFi compared with conventional DMARDs.
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To describe the influence of ankylosing apondylitis (AS) on sick leave, presenteeism and unpaid work restrictions and to estimate related productivity costs. ⋯ Patients with AS not only have substantial sick leave but also experience restrictions while being at work and when performing unpaid tasks. Limitations in physical functioning are strongly associated with work restrictions. Societal costs of formal and informal care are comparable with the costs of sick leave and presenteeism combined.
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There is a pressing need to develop reliable molecular biomarkers in osteoarthritis. The aim of the study was to identify novel serum biomarkers for osteoarthritis using a metabolomics approach. ⋯ This is the first serum-based metabolomic study of osteoarthritis in humans. The branched-chain amino acids to histidine ratio has potential clinical use as an osteoarthritis biomarker and shows the clinical potential of metabolomics.