J Rheumatol
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In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), sexual function is somewhat impaired. Our aim was to evaluate sexual function in women with SSc in comparison to controls, and to investigate the association with sociodemographic and disease characteristics, and physical and psychological variables. ⋯ In SSc, sexual function, although not different from controls, is influenced by specific disease-related and psychological concerns. Thus it should be included in patient evaluations and assessed in daily clinical practice.
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High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) has been implicated as a mediator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while its role in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has not been described. To evaluate the role of HMGB1 in the inflammatory process in JIA and its potential as a therapeutic target, we investigated whether extracellular HMGB1 is detectable in JIA and if so, to correlate the levels with established inflammatory markers and clinical measures. ⋯ Levels of extracellular HMGB1 are increased in the inflamed joints of patients with JIA. This warrants further studies of HMGB1 as a mediator of JIA pathogenesis as well as a biomarker for inflammatory activity and as a target for therapy. The variation in levels of HMGB1 and S100 proteins in relation to disease onset indicates a difference in inflammatory phenotype during disease progression.
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To determine the specificity and sensitivity of the Modified 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia (given as a self-administered questionnaire) in clinical practice. ⋯ The Modified ACR 2010 criteria questionnaire can be used in primary care as a tool to assist physicians in the diagnosis of FM with high specificity and sensitivity. Calculating the total score on a Modified ACR 2010 criteria questionnaire, and setting the value of ≥ 13 as the cutoff for a diagnosis of FM appears to be the most effective approach. The Modified ACR 2010 criteria may reduce the need for rheumatology referral simply for the diagnosis of FM.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Clinical, functional, and radiographic benefits of longterm adalimumab plus methotrexate: final 10-year data in longstanding rheumatoid arthritis.
To examine the longterm effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in patients with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX), and to assess the effect of a 1-year delay in initiation of combination therapy. ⋯ During up to 10 years of treatment with adalimumab + MTX, patients with longstanding RA experienced effective disease control with no change to the expected safety profile. A 1-year delay in receipt of adalimumab + MTX was associated with reduced effectiveness, suggesting that a window of opportunity to prevent irreversible damage exists even in a population with established RA.