scholarly journals POS0548 OPTIMAL ASSESSMENT OF THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ANKLE AND HINDFOOT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CLINICAL EXAMINATION AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 508.2-509
Author(s):  
K. Maatallah ◽  
H. Boussaa ◽  
H. Riahi ◽  
H. Ferjani ◽  
M. Habechi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Foot Disease

Background:Foot disease is a common problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therapeutic decisions are often based on clinical examination (CE) alone, which can be adversely affected by factors such as deformity, obesity, and peripheral edema. Ultrasonography (US) has previously been shown to be more sensitive than CE for detecting synovitis and tenosynovitis in RA forefeet, but few data exist for the hindfoot and ankle.Objectives:The aim of this study was to compare CE and US for the detection of hindfoot and ankle synovitis and tenosynovitis in patients with established RA.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients with RA (ACR/EULAR 2010). Demographic data and disease parameters were collected. CE was performed by a rheumatologist for the presence or absence of tenderness, swelling, and mobility restriction of both ankles. The following tendons were examined for tenosynovitis: tibialis anterior (TA) and posterior (TP), fibularis longus (FL), and brevis (FB) (assessed together). In a second time, US examination of the tibiotalar, talonavicular, and subtalar joints and the same tendons as CE was performed by a blinded radiologist experienced in musculoskeletal imaging using a Philips HD11 device with a high-frequency linear transducer. The presence or absence of synovitis and tenosynovitis was recorded, and the composite synovitis score (power doppler / grayscale ultrasound (PDUS)) was measured for each joint. The US score of each patient was defined by the sum of the composite scores of the joints studied (0-30). A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results:Sixty-two feet were examined in 31 RA patients (25 women and six men) with a mean age of 54.8±10.8 years old [32-70]. The mean disease duration was 8.5±7.2 years [1-37]. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Citrullinated Peptides Antibodies (ACPA) were positive in 61.3% and 83.8% of cases. The mean DAS28 ESR was 3.8±1.5 [0.6-7].Clinical examination of ankles revealed tenderness in 57.4% of cases, swelling in 38.8% of cases, and restriction in the range of motion in 11.1% of cases. TA tenosynovitis was noted in 14.8% of cases, TP tenosynovitis in 22.2% of cases, and FL and FB tenosynovitis in 31.5% of cases.US showed tibiotalar synovitis in 59.3% of cases, talonavicular synovitis in 64.8% of cases, and subtalar synovitis in 46.3% of cases. TA tenosynovitis was noted in 5.6% of cases, TP tenosynovitis in 22.2% of cases, and FB and FL tenosynovitis in 25% and 11.1% of cases respectively.An association was found between clinical tenderness and US synovitis of the tibiotalar joint (p=0.013) and the talonavicular joint (p=0.027). No association was noted between clinical swelling and US synovitis in these joints.No association was noted between clinical and US tenosynovitis of TA (p=0.279), TP (p=0.436), FB (p=0.495) and FL (p=0.315).Conclusion:Clinical examination of RA ankles may be challenging and needs to be coupled with US, which is more sensitive and accurate in the detection of synovitis and tenosynovitis.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Mean difference of visual acuity with auto refraction and subjective refraction.

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakeel Ahmad ◽  
Rashida RIaz ◽  
Muhammad Haseeb ◽  
Hafiza Ammara Rasheed ◽  
Samia Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Department Of Ophthalmology ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cylindrical Axis

Purpose: To compare the mean difference of visual acuity as measured by auto refraction and subjective refraction. Study Design:  Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study:  Department of ophthalmology, Services hospital Lahore from November 2013 to April 2014. Material and Methods:  Using non-probability consecutive sampling 300 eyes of 300 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited through OPD registration slip. Demographic data including age and gender was recorded. Complete ophthalmic examination was performed. This included measurement of refractive error by auto-refraction as well as subjective refraction. Detailed anterior segment examination with slit lamp and dilated fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed. The collected data was analyzed by using software SPSS version 17. Results:  The mean age of patients was 34.71 ± 7.45 years. There were 156 (52%) males and 144 (48%) females. There were 263 (87.69%) patients who had visual acuity of 6/6 and 37 (12.33%) had 6/9. Mean spherical auto-refraction and subjective refraction was 0.0290 ± 2.58 and -0.2842 ± 2.37 D with mean difference of -0.3133 ± 1.27 D. The mean cylindrical auto and subjective refraction in this study was -.9742 ± 0.78 D and -0.7500 ± 0.81 D and mean difference was 0.2242 ± 0.74 D. The mean cylindrical axis of auto and subjective refraction was 114.88 ± 49.75 and 115.60 ± 49.70 with mean difference as 0.72 ± 3.02 D (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion:  Difference of spherical, cylindrical and cylindrical axis in auto and subjective refraction was significantly different.

A study of blood pressure in school children between the age of 6-12 years in Chennai, India: a cross sectional study

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 2205
Author(s):  
Madhivanan S. ◽  
Harikrishnan E. ◽  
Kumarasamy K.
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Blood Pressure Measurement ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background: Blood pressure measurements in childhood are an important clinical examination. Present study was done to evaluate the normal range of blood pressure (BP) in children aged 6-12 years and to find its relationship with regard to age, sex, height and weight criteria and comparing the values with the available standards.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was done in primary and middle schools of Chennai from January 2016 to May 2017. Three readings of blood pressure were recorded for each subject and were correlated with age, gender, socioeconomic status and anthropometry. Data was analysed on SPSS 20.0. P value of <0.05 was considered significantResults: A total of 2002 children (1026 boys, 976 girls) of age between 6-12 years were examined over 18 months. There was an upward trend in both systolic (r = 0.437, P<0.001) and diastolic BP (r = 0.386, P <0.001) with age. There was no statistically significant difference in mean systolic and diastolic BP with gender (P = 0.10), weight (P = 0.10) and height (P = 0.10). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean systolic and diastolic BP between low and high socio-economic groups (P <0.0001). The proportion of children with hypertension was 9.54% with a slight female preponderance.Conclusions: Blood pressure measurement in children is pivotal in clinical examination. It shows a linear relationship with age and varies across socio-economic status. Periodic recording of BP would enable identify hypertension at an early age.

scholarly journals AB0174 FATIGUE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1113.2-1113
Author(s):  
A. Fazaa ◽  
H. Boussaa ◽  
K. Ouenniche ◽  
S. Miladi ◽  
M. Sellami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Tender Joint Count ◽  
P Value ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Background:Fatigue is a common symptom in many chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is considered one of the most frustrating, uncontrollable, and overwhelming symptoms. However, most of rheumatologists do not assess fatigue despite its clinical significance and its impact on patients’ lives.Objectives:The aims of this study were to determine whether RA patients express more fatigue than healthy controls, and to analyze its correlation with disease activity.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients with RA (ACR/EULAR 2010) and healthy controls matched for sex and age. Patients with other acute or chronic diseases that may induce fatigue (such as cancer, infection or depression) were excluded. Demographic data and the following clinical parameters were collected: pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Global Patient Assessment (GPA), tender joint count (TJC) and swollen joint count (SJC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C Protein Reactive (CRP), Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Fatigue was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT-F) which is a short 13-item questionnaire validated in RA. The score FACIT-F ranges between 0 and 52. Fatigue was considered mild if the FACIT-F score was ≥40, moderate if 20≤FACIT-F<40 and severe if 0≤FACIT-F<20. A p value inferior to 0.05 was considered significant.Results:We included 100 RA patients (84 women and 16 men) with a mean age of 49.5±10 years old [18-65]. The mean disease duration was 87.3 months [1-360]. The mean pain VAS was 49 cm [0-100] and the mean GPA was 47.8 cm [0-100]. The mean TJC and SJC were 5.3 [0-36] and 1 [0-9] respectively. The mean levels of ESR and CRP were 38.1 mm [10-120] and 10.8 mg/l [2-61] respectively. The mean DAS28 ESR was 3.68 [1.90-8.33] and the mean HAQ score was 0.90 [0-2.75].Thirty-nine healthy controls were enrolled including 35 women and 4 men with a mean age of 51.2 years old [30-64].The mean FACIT-F score was 27.1 [0-51] in RA patients versus 46.2 [0-52] in healthy controls (p<0.001). Among RA patients, 57% had moderate fatigue and 26% had severe fatigue.A significant negative correlation was noted between the FACIT-F score and the following parameters in RA patients: TJC (r=-0.568, p<0.001), SJC (r=-0.274, p<0.001), pain VAS (r=-0.605, p<0.001), GPA (r=-0.658, p<0.001), ESR (r=-0.405, p<0.001), CRP (r=-0.149, p<0.001), DAS28 (r=-0.837, p<0.001) and HAQ (r=-0.634, p<0.001).Conclusion:Fatigue was significantly more observed in RA patients. This symptom was correlated with disease activity and disability. It is important to recognize and manage fatigue in order to improve patients’ quality of life.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The Consumption of Folic Acid During Preconception Period and its Related Knowledge among Iranian Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-38
Author(s):  
Roghieh Bayrami ◽  
Alireza Didarloo ◽  
Afsaneh Asadinejad
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Iranian Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Background: The use of folic acid in the preconception stage can prevent neural tube defects if taken at the right time. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the intake of folic acid in the preconception period and its related knowledge among Iranian women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 married women who had decided to become pregnant were selected from health centers using the multistage cluster sampling method in Urmia-Iran, in 2018. The data collection tool was a self-structured, valid, reliable questionnaire consisting of the following parts: women’s demographic data, use of folic acid, and knowledge regarding the use of folic acid and its related benefits. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS v21 software. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, the mean age of the participants was 30.73±6.77 years. About 49 (21.3%) women used folic acid supplements in the correct way. The mean score of women's knowledge was 6.20 ± 2.15. The minimum and maximum scores for knowledge were 1-10. There was a statistically significant relationship between taking folic acid with the subject's knowledge about folic acid (p=0.035), family income (p=0.027), women's job (p=0.046), education level (p=0.001) and the number of children (p=0.026). Conclusion: The study revealed that the status of taking folic acid among women and their knowledge concerning folic acid and its related importance were not satisfactory. This finding suggests that there is a need to give emphasis and deliver health education about preconception folic acid supplementation for women.

scholarly journals Association of IL-17A -197G/A (rs2275913) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Sudanese Patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rgda Mohamed Osman ◽  
Mounkaila Noma ◽  
Abdallah Elssir Ahmed ◽  
Rihab Ali Omer ◽  
Musab M. Ali Albsheer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pearson’S Correlation ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Pearson's Correlation

Abstract Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The aim of this study is to determine the association of IL-17A -197G/A polymorphism with RA in Sudanese Patients. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and December, 2018. Clinical and demographic data of the study participants were collected and analysed. All statistical tests were considered as statistically significant when p < 0.05.Results: The study population included 266 participants, 166 (63.1%) were females [mean age 41.4 ± 15.5 years] and 97 (36.9%) were males [mean age 36.2 ± 16.0 years]. Of the 266 participants, 31% (85/266) were RA cases and 69% (181/266) were healthy controls. Prevalence of IL-17A genotypes among the study population was 52.6% (140/266) were AG heterozygote genotype, 38.4% (102/266) were AA homozygote genotype, and 9.0% (24/266) were GG homozygote genotype. Correlation of IL-17A genotypes was negatively statistically significant based on participants clinical status, and family history of RA, Pearson’s correlation [r = -0.392, P value 0.001] and [r = -0.226, P value 0.001], respectively, while positively statistically significant with gender, Pearson’s correlation [r = 0.140, P value 0.023]. Based on the duration of RA, no statistically significant correlation was observed, Pearson’s correlation [ r = -0.138, P value 0.207].

Brief Overview and Experience of Visual Evoked Potential of First 67 cases at Referral Neuroscience Hospital in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77
Author(s):  
Mohammad Enayet Hussain ◽  
Bithi Debnath ◽  
AFM Al Masum Khan ◽  
Md Ferdous Mian ◽  
Md Nahidul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Optic Neuritis ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Pattern Reversal ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Visual Evoked

Background: The visual evoked potentials (VEP) is a valuable tool to document occult lesions of the central visual channels especially within the optic nerve. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to observe the findings of first few cases of VEP done in the neurophysiology department of the National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurophysiology at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2017 to March 2020. All patients referred to the Neurophysiology Department of NINS for VEP were included. Pattern reversal VEPs were done using standard protocol set by International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN). Results: The mean age of the study population was 30.70 (±12.11) years (6-68 years) with 31 (46.3%) male and 36 (53.7%) female patients. The mean duration of illness was 8.71 (±1.78) months (3 days- 120 months). Most common presenting symptom was blurring of vision (37.3%) and dimness of vision (32.8%). Patterned VEP revealed mixed type (both demyelinating and axonal) of abnormality in most cases [29(43.35)]. The most common clinical diagnosis was multiple sclerosis (29.85%) and optic neuropathy (26.87%). In the clinically suspected cases of multiple sclerosis, optic neuropathy and optic neuritis most of the cases of VEP were abnormal and the p value is 0.04 in optic neuropathy and optic neuritis. Conclusion: The commonest presentation of the patients in this series were blurring of vision and dimness of vision. The most common clinical diagnosis for which VEP was asked for, was optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. Most abnormalities were of mixed pattern (demyelinating and axonal). Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2020;6(2): 74-77

scholarly journals POS1465-HPR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AND SLEEP IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1017.2-1018
Author(s):  
N. Kelly ◽  
E. Hawkins ◽  
H. O’leary ◽  
K. Quinn ◽  
G. Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects 0.5% of the adult population worldwide (1). Sedentary behavior (SB) is any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure of ≤1.5 METs (metabolic equivalent) and a sitting or reclining posture, e.g. computer use (2) and has a negative impact on health in the RA population (3). Sleep is an important health behavior, but sleep quality is an issue for people living with RA (4, 5). Poor sleep quality is associated with low levels of physical activity in RA (4) however the association between SB and sleep in people who have RA has not been examined previously.Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SB and sleep in people who have RA.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients were recruited from rheumatology clinics in a large acute public hospital serving a mix of urban and rural populations. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of RA by a rheumatologist according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria age ≥ 18 and ≤ 80 years; ability to mobilize independently or aided by a stick; and to understand written and spoken English. Demographic data on age, gender, disease duration and medication were recorded. Pain and fatigue were measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. SB was measured using the ActivPAL4™ activity monitor, over a 7-day wear period. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe participant characteristics. Relationships between clinical characteristics and SB were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and regression analyses.Results:N=76 participants enrolled in the study with valid data provided by N=72 participants. Mean age of participants was 61.5years (SD10.6) and the majority 63% (n = 47) were female. Participant mean disease duration was 17.8years (SD10.9). Mean SB time was 533.7 (SD100.1) minutes (8.9 hours per day/59.9% of waking hours). Mean sleep quality score was 7.2 (SD5.0) (Table 1). Correlation analysis and regression analysis found no significant correlation between sleep quality and SB variables. Regression analysis demonstrated positive statistical associations for SB time and body mass index (p-value=0.03846, R2 = 0.05143), SB time and pain VAS (p-value=0.009261, R2 = 0.07987), SB time and HADS (p-value = 0.009721, R2 = 0.08097) and SB time and HADSD (p-value = 0.01932, R2 = 0.0643).Conclusion:We found high levels of sedentary behavior and poor sleep quality in people who have RA, however no statistically significant relationship was found in this study. Future research should further explore the complex associations between sedentary behavior and sleep quality in people who have RA.References:[1]Carmona L, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2010;24:733–745.[2]Anon. Letter to the editor: standardized use of the terms “sedentary” and “sedentary behaviours”. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab = Physiol Appl Nutr Metab 2012;37:540–542.[3]Fenton, S.A.M. et al. Sedentary behaviour is associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis independently of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 18, 131 (2017).[4]McKenna S, et al. Sleep and physical activity: a cross-sectional objective profile of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2018 May;38(5):845-853.[5]Grabovac, I., et al. 2018. Sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and associations with pain, disability, disease duration, and activity. Journal of clinical medicine, 7(10)336.Table 1.Sleep quality in people who have RASleep variableBed Time N(%) before 10pm13(18%) 10pm-12pm43 (60%) after 12pm16 (22%)Hours Sleep mean(SD)6.56 (1.54)Fall Asleep minutes mean(SD)33.3(27.7)Night Waking N(%)45(63%)Self-Rate Sleep mean(SD)2.74 (0.90)Hours Sleep mean(SD)6.56 (1.54)Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Influence ofABCC2andABCC4Polymorphisms on Tenofovir Plasma Concentrations in Thai HIV-Infected Patients

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 3240-3245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanokrat Rungtivasuwan ◽  
Anchalee Avihingsanon ◽  
Narukjaporn Thammajaruk ◽  
Siwaporn Mitruk ◽  
David M. Burger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACTTenofovir (TFV) is eliminated by renal excretion, which is mediated through multidrug-resistant protein 2 (MRP2) and MRP4, encoded byABCC2andABCC4, respectively. Genetic polymorphisms of these transporters may affect the plasma concentrations of tenofovir. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic and nongenetic factors on tenofovir plasma concentrations. A cross-sectional study was performed in Thai HIV-infected patients aged ≥18 years who had been receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate at 300 mg once daily for at least 6 months. A middose tenofovir plasma concentration was obtained. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate whether there was an association between tenofovir plasma concentrations and demographic data, including age, sex, body weight, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hepatitis B virus coinfection, hepatitis C virus coinfection, duration of tenofovir treatment, concomitant use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors, and polymorphisms ofABCC2andABCC4. A total of 150 Thai HIV-infected patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 43.9 ± 7.2 years. The mean tenofovir plasma concentration was 100.3 ± 52.7 ng/ml. In multivariate analysis, a low body weight, a low eGFR, the concomitant use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors, and theABCC44131T → G variation (genotype TG or GG) were independently associated with higher tenofovir plasma concentrations. After adjusting for weight, eGFR, and the concomitant use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors, a 30% increase in the mean tenofovir plasma concentration was observed in patients having theABCC44131 TG or GG genotype. Both genetic and nongenetic factors affect tenofovir plasma concentrations. These factors should be considered when adjusting tenofovir dosage regimens to ensure the efficacy and safety of a drug. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01138241.)

scholarly journals Interleukin-37 as an anti-inflammatory cytokine: does its relation to disease activity suggest its potential role in rheumatoid arthritis therapy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman A. Baraka ◽  
Mona G. Balata ◽  
Shereen H. Ahmed ◽  
Afaf F. Khamis ◽  
Enas A. Elattar
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background This study aimed to measure the serum and synovial interleukin (IL)-37 levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (PKOA) and healthy controls and to detect its relation to RA disease activity. Results This cross-sectional study included 50 RA patients with a mean age of 40.24 ± 8.62 years, 50 patients with PKOA with a mean age of 56.69 ± 4.21, and 40 healthy controls with a mean age of 41.75 ± 7.38 years. The mean serum IL-37 level in the RA patients (382.6 ± 73.97 pg/ml) was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) the highest among the studied groups; however, it showed a non-significant difference between the PKOA patients (70.38 ± 27.49 pg/ml) and the healthy controls (69.97 ± 25.12 pg/ml) (P > 0.94). Both serum and synovial IL-37 levels were significantly positively correlated with disease activity scores (r = 0.92, P< 0.001 and r = 0.85, P < 0.001), tender joint counts (r = 0.83, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001 ), swollen joint counts (r = 0.72, P < 0.001 and r = 0.60, P < 0.001), visual analog scale (r = 0.82, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.75, P < 0.001 and r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.93, P < 0.001 and r = 0.79, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Serum and synovial IL-37 were significantly elevated in the RA patients, and they were closely correlated. Being less invasive, the serum IL-37 could be a marker of disease activity and could reflect the effective disease control by drugs. Having an anti-inflammatory effect could not suggest IL-37 as the key player to control inflammation alone, but its combination with other anti-proinflammatory cytokines could be investigated.

Satisfaction and Adherence to Biological Treatment in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Hammad ◽  
Huny Bakry
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Biological Treatment ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Biological Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Era ◽  
The Mean

Background: Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases have long been treated by conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Biological therapy is a new era in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, but satisfaction and adherence to it is still not well tested. Aim: To assess the satisfaction and adherence to biological treatment among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 56 patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatic diseases using Morisky 8 questionnaire and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) over a period of one month Results: About 76.8% of the patients had medium adherence and the underlying cause of missing doses was the unavailability of the drugs. The mean satisfaction with biological treatment was 62.7±6.9. Patients who did not receive formal education had significantly higher satisfaction with the biological treatment than others 64.94±5.01 at a P value 0.04 (<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases in our study showed medium adherence and satisfaction. Authorities in the medical field are providing great help to these patients in need of biological therapy, but ensuring the availability of all doses of the biological treatment regimen is still necessary. Patient, family and nurse education programs are also necessary to maximize adherence and satisfaction.

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