J Rheumatol
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To identify macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) undergoing tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment, and to confirm laboratory marker changes and responses to treatment in patients with MAS receiving TCZ. ⋯ These results suggest that the clinical/laboratory features in the course of MAS appear to be similar among patients regardless of whether TCZ is administered. Similarities in the pathophysiological background of MAS and EB-VAHS were also suggested.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Longterm (52-week) results of a phase III randomized, controlled trial of apremilast in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, over 52 weeks in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) despite prior treatment. ⋯ NCT01172938.
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Comparative Study
Cartilage thickness of the knee joint in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: comparative assessment by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.
The functional disability experienced in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is primarily caused by joint effusion, synovial membrane hypertrophy, and periarticular soft tissue edema, leading to the degeneration of the osteocartilaginous structures because of the inflammatory process in the synovium. The ability to visualize the inflammatory changes and hence the ensuing osteocartilaginous degeneration is, therefore, of great importance in pediatric rheumatology. Ultrasonography (US) has been validated as a tool for measuring cartilage thickness in healthy children and, previously, we have found good agreement with the measures obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our aim is to validate and compare US with MRI measurements of distal femoral cartilage thickness in the knee joint at the medial condyle, lateral condyle, and intercondylar spots in children with JIA, and to locate the best spot for imaging comparisons. ⋯ US measurements of distal femoral cartilage thickness are highly correlated to MRI measurements. The intercondylar notch of the distal femoral cartilage may be the best anatomical point for cartilage thickness measurements of the knee. US is a reliant and nonexpensive, non-invasive modality for visualization of childhood femoral cartilage.
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To test medication adherence using the Compliance-Questionnaire-Rheumatology (CQR). ⋯ We demonstrated low adherence, suggesting differences between doctors' records and patients' practice of antirheumatic drug therapy.