Clin Exp Rheumatol
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To report the efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) in the management of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). ⋯ In patients with SSc-ILD with declining pulmonary function, MMF therapy was associated with stability for up to 36 months. Early adverse events leading to discontinuation occurred less frequently in patients treated with MMF than in AZA treated patients.
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To characterise associations of fatigue with other variables within a multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) in routine care of patients with different rheumatic diagnoses. ⋯ Fatigue is common in rheumatic diseases and strongly associated with higher pain and number of symptoms. The MDHAQ provides a useful tool to assess fatigue in clinical settings.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Clinical, autoimmune, and psychiatric parameters correlate with sleep disturbance in patients with systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Sleep disturbance is an important contributor to poor quality of life in rheumatic disorders. This study aims to test whether clinical, autoimmune and psychological factors are associated with sleep disturbance in systemic sclerosis (SSc) compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and controls. ⋯ Longitudinal studies are needed to identify disease-specific patterns associated with sleep disturbances and the influence on sleep function induced by immunosuppressive therapy among rheumatic patients.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
The role of asymmetric dimethylarginine alone and in combination with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as a screening biomarker for systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension: a case control study.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a novel biomarker of endothelial cell dysfunction. In this proof of concept study, we sought to evaluate the role of ADMA as a screening biomarker for incident systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH). ⋯ In this small study, use of ADMA in combination with NT-proBNP produced excellent sensitivity and specificity for the non-invasive identification of SSc-PAH. The role of ADMA as a screening biomarker for SSc-PAH merits further evaluation.
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To determine the outcomes of Korean patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and to identify prognostic factors associated with improvement at 1-year follow-up. ⋯ Two-thirds of our Korean FM patients experienced some clinical improvement by 1-year follow-up. A high baseline STAI-II score and treatment with pregabalin were the important predictor of improved FM.