Rheumatology
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Comparative Study
Diagnostic value of axillary artery ultrasound in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis.
To compare colour duplex ultrasonography (CDU) findings with axillary 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT findings and to compare the diagnostic performance of temporal and axillary artery CDU with temporal artery CDU alone. ⋯ Presence of an axillary halo or occlusion on CDU is consistent with axillary artery FDG-PET/CT results, but a negative CDU does not rule out axillary involvement. Adding axillary artery assessment to temporal artery assessment may substantially increase the diagnostic performance of CDU.
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Statins are reported to have a potential benefit on progression of OA and on disease activity in RA, but existing evidence is conflicting. Our objective was to examine whether statins associate with reduction in the risk for joint replacement due to OA and RA. ⋯ Statins at high intensity may reduce the risk of hip or knee replacement. This effect may be RA specific. Further studies to investigate mechanisms of risk reduction and the impact in people with RA are warranted.
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ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) have increased in prevalence since the 1980s. We aimed to investigate the incidence and prevalence of AAV during a 15-year period from 1999 to 2013 in Northern Norway, looking for variations during this period. ⋯ The incidence rate of GPA and the prevalence rates of GPA and EGPA are currently the highest reported. MPA increased significantly from a prior low incidence. The overall AAV annual incidence and prevalence are still increasing.
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Using data from the German Biologics JIA Registry (BIKER), long-term safety of biologics for systemic-onset JIA with regard to adverse events of special interest was assessed. ⋯ Surveillance of pharmacotherapy as provided by BIKER is an import approach especially for patients on long-term treatment. Overall, tolerance was acceptable. Differences between several biologics were noted and should be considered in daily patient care.