scholarly journals Structure of the vasculitides observed in the Clinic of Rheumatology

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-24
Author(s):  
Tzvetelina Yoneva ◽  
Yana Zdravkova ◽  
Georgi Kotov ◽  
Rasho Rashkov ◽  
Ivan Sheytanov
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Vascular Wall ◽  
Vascular Pathology ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Tissue Ischemia ◽  
The One ◽  
Destructive Inflammation

Systemic vasculitides are a heterogenic group of disorders characterized by destructive inflammation and fibrinoid necrosis of the vascular wall, vessel occlusion and tissue ischemia. Vasculitides presenting with necrosis are included in neither of the contemporary classifications, even though this type of vascular pathology is the one with the most dramatic manifestations in rheumatology. There have been no analyses of the nosological association, clinical features and therapeutic management of the vasculitides with necrosis in the pertinent literature. The aim of the present study was to analyze vasculitides in the Bulgarian population in terms of their nosological association; to examine the portion that ANCA-associated vasculitides represent out of all vasculitic syndromes on the one hand, and to make an analysis of the vasculitides with necrosis according to their nosological association on the other. In the present study, we included 388 patients with vasculitis, 251 of whom were female and 137 male. We conducted a prospective and retrospective analysis which covered the patients with vasculitis who were admitted to the Clinic of Rheumatology over the period 2009-2018. ANCA-associated vasculitides were the most often diagnosed vasculitides in the Clinic of Rheumatology. Vasculitic manifestations over the course of connective tissue diseases (most often systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis) were the second most common group. Life-threatening cases of vasculitis with necrosis were mainly the result of flares of different connective tissue diseases. The major necrotizing vasculitides (Wegener’s granulomatosis and microscopic polyangiitis) were responsible for 12.6% of the cases of vasculitis with necrosis. In order to establish the correct diagnosis and start the suitable treatment, it is of vital importance to recognize the different vasculitic syndromes and their wide differential diagnosis. Most of them respond well to the currently available therapeutic options, especially if the correct diagnosis has been established early.

scholarly journals AB0815 FIRST DEGREE RELATIVES OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS - CLINICAL, SEROLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1432.2-1432
Author(s):  
B. Penev ◽  
G. Vasilev ◽  
D. Kyurkchiev ◽  
S. Monov
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Systemic Lupus

Background:Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) have been unequivocally recognized as essential for diagnosis and play both pathogenic and diagnostic roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE and ANA have also been found to be more often among relatives of SLE patients. ANA and other immunological changes are known to appear prior to the clinical onset of the disease and thus can be used as predictors. Studies have reported that relatives of SLE patients who later transitioned to SLE displayed more lupus-associated autoantibody specificities and had early clinical signs. They also displayed elevated baseline plasma levels of inflammatory mediators, including B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and interferon-associated chemokines, with concurrent decreases in levels of regulatory mediators, e.g. tumor growth factor (TGF)-β. Commonly recognized risk factors for SLE are signs of past Epstein-Barr (EBV) infection, use of estrogen drugs and current smoking. It seems that ANA, immunologic changes and risk factors have not been investigated together in relatives of SLE patients.Objectives:The aim of the study was to determine the relative prevalence of clinical signs of SLE or connective tissue disease (CTD), smoking, use of estrogen drugs and levels of circulating ANA, BLyS, IFN-α, TGF-β, anti-EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM and IgG antibodies among sera of FDR, non-FDR healthy individuals and SLE patients.Methods:Forty three FDRs of SLE patients were studied along with 15 SLE patients and 15 clinically healthy subjects as control groups. The FDRs and the healthy answered a questionnaire about early clinical signs of CTD, smoking and estrogen use history. The questionnaire was developed based on the existing Screening Questionnaire for Connective Tissue Diseases and current knowledge of most early signs of CTD. Blood samples were obtained and tested for ANA, both by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblot, anti-dsDNA by ELISA. ELISA was also performed to measure levels of BLys, IFN-α, TGF-β, anti-EBV IgM and IgG.Results:More than half of the FDRs displayed ANA in titer 1:160 or more, with predominately AC-4 type of fluorescence according to International Classification on ANA Patterns (ICAP) compared to only AC-1 and AC-0 among patients and controls respectively. A correlation between the ANA titer and the number of complaints was found. This was particularly valid or reported skin complaints and oral ulcers which appeared more frequently when ANA was 1:320 or above (p=0,018 and 0,038 respectively). Furthermore, oral ulcerations showed positive correlation with the presence of anti-Ro60. No associations were found in the healthy group between reported complaints and ANA titers. Smoking and estrogen use did not differ across the three groups. Patients showed significant differences in levels of BLys (p=0,027), TGF-β (p=0,019) and anti-EBV IgG (p=0.041) compared to both FDRs and controls. Without reaching statistical significance, levels of TGF-β tend to split the FDR group into “healthy-like” and “SLE-like”.Conclusion:Our results show that FDR ANA levels are between those of SLE patients and healthy subject groups. This is consistent with previous studies. The data also suggest that ANA positivity correlates with reported complaints, some of which could be interpreted as very early clinical signs of SLE. Of note, anti-Ro60 is known to be among the earliest ANA that appear in “future” SLE patients and in this study they are related to oral complaints that could be caused by early sicca phenomena. Immunologically, our data support previous findings [1] that the FDRs are a heterogenic group with different “lupus-developing” potential.References:[1]Munroe МE. et al, Soluble Mediators and Clinical Features Discern Risk of Transitioning to Classified Disease in Relatives of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients, Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017 March; 69(3): 630–642.Disclosure of Interests:Bogdan Penev: None declared, Georgi Vasilev: None declared, Dobroslav Kyurkchiev: None declared, Simeon Monov Speakers bureau: I have been paid for giving lectures on statistical data on efficacy of many pharmaceutical products on various companies

scholarly journals HOMOLOGOUS DISEASE IN THE ADULT RAT, A MODEL FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

1963 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 635-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Stastny ◽  
Vernie A. Stembridge ◽  
Morris Ziff
Keyword(s):  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Cutaneous Lesions ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Hydropic Degeneration ◽  
Skin Changes ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
The One

The cutaneous lesions of adult rats with homologous disease are described, and evidence is presented to indicate that they have an immunologic basis. The skin changes included erythema, purpura, edema, and a variety of inflammatory lesions. In the more active lesions, dermal infiltration, hydropic degeneration, acanthosis, and atrophy of the epidermis with hyperkeratosis and follicular plugging were present. In some cases, ulceration and sloughing were also observed. More chronic lesions were characterized by atrophy of the epidermis and collagenization of the dermis with disappearance of the skin appendages. Rejection of autografts was observed simultaneously with acceptance of homografts. The histologic appearance of autografts undergoing rejection was similar to that of the spontaneous skin lesions, suggesting that the latter, too, had an immunologic basis. In favor of this, also, was the specificity of the dermatitis for the skin of the host, with sparing of neighboring homograft tissue. There was a histologic similarity between the spontaneous skin lesions of homologous disease and those of lupus erythematosus on the one hand, and scleroderma on the other, thus supporting the possibility that the cutaneous lesions of these connective tissue diseases of man may also have an immunologic basis. It was concluded that the adult rat with homologous disease may furnish a model for human autoimmune disease.

scholarly journals Serum KL-6 as predictive and prognostic marker of interstitial lung disease in childhood connective tissue diseases: a pilot study

Reumatismo ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. El-Beheidy ◽  
A.M. Domouky ◽  
H. Zidan ◽  
Y.A. Amer
Keyword(s):  
Interstitial Lung Disease ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Connective Tissue Disorders ◽  
Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Median Serum ◽  
Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis

This study was aimed to evaluate serum KL-6 levels to determine if this marker can be used for diagnosing and assessing severity of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in children with connective tissue disorders. In total, 40 patients [18 patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), 10 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 8 patients with juvenile mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD), 3 patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc), and 1 patient with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM)] and 20 healthy controls were included in this study. Age, sex, and duration of CTD and ILD (if any) were recorded. Blood samples from all the patients and controls were examined by ELISA. 20 of the 40 patients with CTD (50%) had ILD, 12 were mild and 8 were severe as assessed by spirometry. The median serum KL-6 level was 102.7 U/mL (76.1-180.8) in the CTD with severe ILD group, 72.2 U/mL (58.4- 100.5) in the CTD with mild ILD group, 56.7 U/mL (35.8-68.5) in the CTD without ILD group, and 52.3 U/mL (32.8-62.4) in the control group. KL-6 levels were significantly higher in the CTD with ILD (p<0.05), at a cutoff of 63.4 U/ml identified by ROC curve, serum KL-6 showed a sensitivity of 95.2% and specificity of 89.7%. KL-6 is a valuable biomarker for diagnostic purposes and to detect severity in ILD in childhood CTD.

scholarly journals Clinical profile of cutaneous manifestations of connective tissue diseases in North-East India

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 702
Author(s):  
Deepa Mala Subba ◽  
Nandakishore Thokchom ◽  
Linda Kongbam ◽  
Erika Salam ◽  
Deepa Yumnam
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
North East

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders having overlapping clinical features. Skin is often involved and it may be the earliest sign of the disease. This study highlighted the various cutaneous manifestations of common CTDs.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of two years in 83 patients with CTDs in dermatology OPD, RIMS, Imphal. Detailed history taking, examination and relevant serological tests were performed.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age was 39.78±17.29 years with female to male ratio of 4.5:1. Majority of the patients had lupus erythematosus (LE) (N=45) followed by systemic sclerosis (SSc) (N=25), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (N=6), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (N=4) and morphea (N=3). The most common presentation was raised skin lesions (45.8%) followed by Raynaud’s phenomenon (36.1%), photosensitivity (27.7%), skin tightness (26.5%) and joint pain (19.3%). Among LE patients, chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) was the commonest variant and localised discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) (22.9%) was the commonest presentation followed by malar rash and annular subacute lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Skin induration, microstomia and sclerodactyly were seen in most patients of SSc. Antinuclear antibodies were positive in 89.1% of patients. Anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies were positive in 62.2% and 33.3% of LE patients, anti-Scl 70 antibody was positive in 68% of SSc patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> CTDs are rare but potentially life-threatening. Proper understanding of the spectrum of cutaneous manifestations of CTDs is therefore necessary for early diagnosis and efficient management.</p>

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease- Physician’s Dilemma: A case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (Number 1) ◽  
pp. 60-65
Author(s):  
Abu Saleh Shimon ◽  
Mahjuba Umme Salam ◽  
Monharul Islam Bhuiyan ◽  
Mashuq Ahmad Jumma ◽  
Imran Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Connective Tissue Disease ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease ◽  
High Titer ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Normotensive Woman ◽  
New Onset

Mixed connective tissue disease is an entity of autoimmune disease with overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis and with positive anti-U1 RNP antibody. We report here a 52 year old non-diabetic, normotensive woman presenting with new onset dysphagia for two months with variable features of multiple types of connective tissue diseases for two years. Clinical features and type specific serological tests for different connective tissue diseases showed puzzling results. However, finally a high titer of anti-U1RNP antibody led to the diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease.

Connective tissue diseases

2020 ◽  
pp. 127-184
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Strauss Syndrome ◽  
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis

This chapter covers the connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Churg–Strauss syndrome), and microscopic polyangiitis), polyarteritis nodosa, and Behçet’s disease. For each example of a connective tissue disease it provides an overview of the condition and classification criteria, alongside the prognosis. Techniques and tricks for diagnosis, clinical features, assessment tools, and treatment are all covered. Key points of nursing care are described, including the nurse’s role in treatment with thalidomide and cyclophosphamide, and any particular organs that can be affected is detailed.

scholarly journals The Serum Cell-Free microRNA Expression Profile in MCTD, SLE, SSc, and RA Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Stypinska ◽  
Anna Wajda ◽  
Ewa Walczuk ◽  
Marzena Olesinska ◽  
Aleksandra Lewandowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Expression Profile ◽  
Mirna Expression ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Mirna Expression Profile ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mirna Expression Level

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare disorder characterized by symptoms that overlap two or more Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases (ACTDs). The aim of this study was to determine whether miRNAs participating in the TLRs signaling pathway could serve as biomarkers differentiating MCTD or other ACTD entities from a healthy control group and between groups of patients. Although the selected miRNA expression level was not significantly different between MCTD and control, we observed that miR-126 distinguishes MCTD patients from all other ACTD groups. The expression level of miRNAs was significantly higher in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to controls. The miR-145 and -181a levels distinguished RA from other ACDT patients. miR-155 was specific for SLE patients. MiR-132, miR-143, and miR-29a distinguished RA and SLE patients from the systemic sclerosis (SSc) group. Additionally, some clinical parameters were significantly related to the miRNA expression profile in the SLE group. SLE and RA are characterized by a specific serum expression profile of the microRNAs associated with the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway. The analysis showed that their level distinguishes these groups from the control and from other ACTD patients. The present study did not reveal a good biomarker for MCTD patients.

scholarly journals Silicone Breast Implants, Breast Cancer and Specific Connective Tissue Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Data in the Epidemiological Literature

1998 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven H. Lamm
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Breast Implants ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Silicone Breast Implants

Unanswered concerns about the systemic safety of silicone breast implants (BI) underlay the Food and Drug Administration's moratorium pronouncement in 1992. Since then, many epidemiological studies have been reported that examined either the association between BI and cancer, particularly breast cancer, or the association between BI and connective tissue diseases (CTD), particularly scleroderma. These studies are reviewed, and their data are synthesized. Three breast cancer easel control studies that examine BI as a risk factor show no association between BI and breast cancer. Nor do four BI cohort studies. The data appear to show a reduced risk. No association has been seen between Bl and either breast sarcomas or total cancers. Case-control studies do not show an association between BI and scleroderma (four studies), rheumatoid arthritis (three studies), systemic lupus erythematosus (two studies), or other connective tissue diseases. Eight cohort studies of women with breast implants sought an association between BI and CTD. Seven had negative results. One found a statistically significant risk of self-reported CTD of 1.24 (upper confidence limit = 1.41), but medical record review for diagnostic confirmation has not yet been performed. In toto, the epidemiological studies do not indicate an association between breast implants and breast cancer, though they suggest possibly a negative association. In toto, the epidemiological studies do not indicate an association between breast implants and specific connective tissue diseases, though one study's current results present a small statistically significant association with self-reported CTD.

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