Rheumatology
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Inducible costimulator (ICOS), expressed on activated T cells, and its ligand, ICOS ligand (ICOSL), expressed on antigen-presenting cells, have been considered a single receptor-ligand pair. Here we investigated the expression of ICOS and ICOSL in patients with SSc. ⋯ Augmented ICOS signalling may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc during early progressive disease. Soluble ICOS levels may be used as a serum marker for the activity and severity of SSc.
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Gout is a common form of arthritis. It is associated with a number of comorbidities, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia and frequently in a combination known as the metabolic syndrome. These comorbidities and their treatment may have an effect on the development of gout and on the choice of therapeutic agent. ⋯ The optimal dosing regimen for patients with renal impairment is the subject of on-going investigation. There is less experience with newer urate-lowering therapies. This review will consider the relationship between comorbidities and gout with a particular focus on the treatment of gout and the potential interactions between drugs used for gout and those for comorbid conditions.
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To describe the relationship between comorbidity (absolute number as well as the presence of specific comorbidities) and pain, physical functioning and mental health status of participants with early symptomatic OA of the hip or knee. ⋯ In early stage of OA, the presence of additional problems in the musculoskeletal system and of obesity have a negative effect on pain and physical health status. Also mental status is affected in early symptomatic OA by the presence of specific comorbidities. Comorbidity should be assessed and treated to improve the burden of illness in patients with early symptomatic OA.
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Review Meta Analysis
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
A higher incidence of cancer in scleroderma patients compared with the general population has been suggested by several observational studies, reporting, however, different estimates. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to definitely assess this association. ⋯ The present meta-analysis, the first on scleroderma and cancer risk, provides definite estimates on the association between scleroderma and cancer.