J Rheumatol
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Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is mandatory before initiating biologics in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA). However, few studies have evaluated the discrepancies between the results of tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ release assays (IGRA) in these patients. The purpose of our study was to investigate factors associated with TST and IGRA results in a large cohort of patients with CIA before the introduction of biologics. ⋯ Our data support the combined use of T-SPOT.TB and TST in patients with CIA before biologics introduction. However, despite these good diagnostic values, indeterminate results may complicate the use of IGRA.
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The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitides (AAV) as compared to healthy subjects. The mechanisms underlying this increased occurrence of VTE are not completely understood. We hypothesize that AAV patients in remission are more procoagulant than healthy controls. ⋯ Patients with AAV in remission are more procoagulant than healthy controls, as indicated by an increased ETP. The increased FVIII level measured in these patients suggests persistence of endothelial activation and/or dysfunction. This endothelial dysfunction may cause a continuous low-grade procoagulant state.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized controlled trial of an internal family systems-based psychotherapeutic intervention on outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis: a proof-of-concept study.
To conduct a proof-of-concept randomized trial of an Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapeutic intervention on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and psychological status. ⋯ An IFS-based intervention is feasible and acceptable to patients with RA and may complement medical management of the disease. Future efficacy trials are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00869349.