| 1. |
- Magnusson, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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Epstein–Barr virus in bone marrow of rheumatoidarthritis patients predicts response to rituximabtreatment
- 2010
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Ingår i: British Journal of Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0263-7103 .- 1460-2172. ; 49, s. 1911-1919
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. Viruses may contribute to RA. This prompted us to monitor viral load and response to anti-CD20 therapy in RA patients.Methods. Blood and bone marrow from 35 RA patients were analysed for CMV, EBV, HSV-1, HSV-2, parvovirus B19 and polyomavirus using real-time PCR before and 3 months after rituximab (RTX) treatment and related to the levels of autoantibodies and B-cell depletion. Clinical response to RTX was defined as decrease in the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS-28) >1.3 at 6 months.Results. Before RTX treatment, EBV was identified in 15 out of 35 patients (EBV-positive group), of which 4 expressed parvovirus. Parvovirus was further detected in eight patients (parvo-positive group). Twelve patients were negative for the analysed viruses. Following RTX, EBV was cleared, whereas parvovirus was unaffected. Eighteen patients were responders, of which 12 were EBV positive. The decrease in the DAS-28 was significantly higher in EBV-positive group compared with parvo-positive group (P = 0.002) and virus-negative patients (P = 0.04). Most of EBV-negative patients that responded to RTX (75%) required retreatment within the following 11 months compared with only 8% of responding EBV-positive patients. A decrease of RF, Ig-producing cells and CD19+ B cells was observed following RTX but did not distinguish between viral infections. However, EBV-infected patients had significantly higher levels of Fas-expressing B cells at baseline as compared with EBV-negative groups.Conclusions. EBV and parvovirus genomes are frequently found in bone marrow of RA patients. The presence of EBV genome was associated with a better clinical response to RTX. Thus, presence of EBV genome may predict clinical response to RTX.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Bergström, Ulf, et al.
(författare)
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Pulmonary dysfunction, smoking, socioeconomic status and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 50, s. 2005-2013
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. Environmental risk factors are of potential interest for both prevention and treatment of RA. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pulmonary function, smoking and socio-economic status on the future risk of RA. Methods. Between 1974 and 1992, 22 444 men and 10 902 women were included in the Malmö Preventive Medicine Program (MPMP). Pulmonary function was assessed by a standard screening spirometry. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction were defined based on pulmonary function tests. Individuals who developed RA were identified by linking the MPMP database to national and local RA registers. The patients were classified according to the 1987 ACR criteria for RA. Four matched controls for every case were selected. Results. We identified 290 cases of incident RA (151 men/139 women; mean age at diagnosis 60 years). The median time from inclusion to diagnosis was 12 years. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume within 1 s values were similar in cases and controls, overall and also in separate analysis of those screened ≤8 years before diagnosis. There was no association between COPD or restrictive pulmonary dysfunction and subsequent development of RA. Current smoking was a strong predictor for RA [odds ratio (OR) 1.79; 95% CI 1.32, 2.42]. Blue-collar workers had an increased risk of RA (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.12, 2.10), independent of smoking. Conclusion. Pulmonary dysfunction did not predict RA, but smoking and low socio-economic status were independent risk factors for RA. Other effects of smoking may be important for RA susceptibility
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| 5. |
- Bossini-Castillo, Lara, et al.
(författare)
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Confirmation of association of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene with systemic sclerosis in a large European population.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 50, s. 1976-1981
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. The aim of this study was to confirm the implication of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene in SSc susceptibility or clinical phenotypes in a large European population.Methods. A total of 3800 SSc patients and 4282 healthy controls of white Caucasian ancestry from eight different European countries were included in the study. The MIF -173 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was selected as genetic marker and genotyped using Taqman 5' allelic discrimination assay.Results. The MIF -173 SNP showed association with SSc [P = 0.04, odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% CI 1.00, 1.19]. Analysis of the MIF -173 polymorphism according to SSc clinical phenotype revealed that the frequency of the -173*C allele was significantly higher in the dcSSc group compared with controls (P = 5.30E-03, OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07, 1.38). Conversely, the frequency of the MIF -173*C allele was significantly underrepresented in the lcSSc group compared with dcSSc patients, supporting previous findings [(P = 0.04, OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.75, 0.99); meta-analysis including previous results (P = 0.005, OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73, 0.94)].Conclusion. Our results confirm the role of MIF -173 promoter polymorphism in SSc, and provide evidence of a strong association with the dcSSc subgroup of patients. Hence, the MIF -173 variant is confirmed as a promising clinical phenotype genetic marker.
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| 6. |
- de Rooy, Diederik P C, et al.
(författare)
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Loss of metacarpal bone density predicts RA development in recent-onset arthritis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 51:6, s. 1037-1041
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. Serum samples taken before the onset of RA suggest that one of the first features of RA is BMD loss. We determined the ability of radiographic BMD loss to predict RA development and arthritis persistency in patients with early undifferentiated arthritis (UA). less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods. Five hundred and seventeen patients with early UA, included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic, were assessed. Of these, 101 had hand radiographs made at first visit as well as after 6 months. BMD loss was measured using digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) online. The outcome measures fulfilled the 1987 ACR criteria for RA after 1 year and arthritis persistency during a mean follow-up of 7 years. Additionally, it was assessed whether BMD measurements improved predictions compared with a validated prediction rule. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults. A total of 53.8% of UA patients developed RA and 67.5% had persistent disease after 7 years follow-up. Highly elevated BMD loss (epsilon 2.5 mg/cm(2)/month) was present in 16.3% of patients and associated with RA development [odds ratio (OR) 6.1, 95% CI 1.2, 29.2, positive predictive value (PPV) 85%, negative predictive value (NPV) 52%, sensitivity 26%, specificity 95%]. BMD loss may have an independent effect of anti-CCP when tested in a logistic regression analysis (OR 4.1, 95% CI 0.8, 21.2), although the CI is large. All UA patients that were unclassified with the prediction rule and had highly elevated BMD loss progressed to RA. BMD loss was not significantly associated with arthritis persistency (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.14, 2.29). less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusion. Present data suggest that BMD loss predicts RA development. These findings need to be verified in larger studies.
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| 7. |
- Ekman, Carl, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma concentrations of Gas6 and sAxl correlate with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 50, s. 1064-1069
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease with an annual incidence of 3.8 per 100 000. Several pathogenic mechanisms are believed to be operating in SLE, including an impaired clearance of apoptotic cells, activation of the type I IFN pathway and generation of autoimmune leucocytes. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) and its receptor Axl are known to regulate inflammation and may be implicated in lupus pathogenesis. We have recently developed immunological methods to quantify the vitamin-K-dependent protein Gas6 and its soluble receptor sAxl in human plasma, which we have used to investigate the role of Gas6 and soluble Axl in SLE. Methods. We have investigated the relation between the plasma concentrations of Gas6 and sAxl and disease activity and specific symptoms in 96 SLE patients. Results. Gas6 and sAxl concentrations correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.48, P < 0.001 and r = 0.39, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, concentrations of Gas6 and sAxl correlated with ESR and CRP and inversely with haemoglobin levels. Gas6 and sAxl concentrations were significantly higher in patients with anti-DNA antibodies, leucopenia and GN. Conclusion. The plasma concentrations of Gas6 and sAxl vary with disease activity in SLE, in particular GN, and may have a role in lupus pathogenesis. Furthermore, Gas6 and sAxl may be of use as biomarkers of disease activity.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Englund, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in southern Sweden 2008 and their relation to prescribed biologics.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 49, s. 1563-1569
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. To gain updated estimates of prevalence and incidence of RA and proportion on biological treatment in southern Sweden. Methods. Inpatient and outpatient health care provided to residents in the southernmost county of Sweden (1.2 million inhabitants) is registered in the Skåne Health Care Register (SHCR). We identified residents aged >/=20 years who had received a diagnosis of RA at least twice during 2003-08. Valid point prevalence estimates by 31 December 2008 were obtained by linkage to the Swedish population register, and information on biological treatment was obtained from the South Swedish Arthritis Treatment Group register. We also tested our estimates of RA occurrence in a series of sensitivity analyses to investigate the effect of altered case criteria and the uncertainty generated by clinical visits without diagnoses. Results. The prevalence of RA in adults was estimated to 0.66% (women = 0.94%, men = 0.37%). The prevalence peaked at age 70-79 years (women = 2.1%, men = 1.1%) before dropping in those aged >/=80 years. Of prevalent cases, 20% had ongoing biological treatment, a percentage that was highest in women aged 40-49 years (36%). The incidence of RA in 2008 was estimated as 50/100 000 (women = 68/100 000, men = 32/100 000). Conclusions. When compared with a previous report from southern Sweden, the prevalence of RA seems not to have declined in the last decade. The proportion of patients with ongoing biological treatment was slightly higher in women than men. SHCR data are promising additions to other methods to gain frequency estimates of clinically important disease in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
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| 10. |
- Engvall, Inga-Lill, et al.
(författare)
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Low-dose prednisolone in early rheumatoid arthritis inhibits collagen type I degradation by matrix metalloproteinases as assessed by serum 1CTP--a possible mechanism for specific inhibition of radiological destruction
- 2013
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 52:4, s. 733-742
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of low-dose prednisolone on the osteoclast-regulating proteins osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANK ligand (RANKL) and on markers of bone resorption, 1CTP generated by MMPs and CTX-1 generated by cathepsin K, in patients with early RA in relation to inflammation and joint destruction.METHODS: In 225 patients, who at the start of the first DMARD had been randomized to 7.5 mg prednisolone daily for 2 years, the P-group, or no prednisolone, the NoP-group, OPG and RANKL were analysed at 0-24 months and 1CTP and CTX-1 at 0-12 months. Radiographs of hands and feet were assessed at 0, 1 and 2 years using the modified Sharp-van der Heijde score and radiological progression defined as increase in total Sharp score above 5.8. Data were analysed with a mixed linear model and by the GENMOD procedure.RESULTS: In the P-group, RANKL and the ratio OPG/RANKL were stable between baseline and 24 months, whereas in the NoP-group, RANKL increased and the ratio OPG/RANKL decreased. CTX-1 decreased significantly more in the P-group. 1CTP decreased over time in both groups, but more in the P-group, P < 0.001, a difference also present in the subgroups of patients in remission. The decrease in 1CTP was associated with less radiological progression after 2 years and displayed a significant interaction with treatment. CONCLUSION: Low-dose prednisolone may inhibit progression of joint destruction by interfering with MMP activity, seen as a marked decrease in 1CTP, as well as by impairing osteoclast activation, shown by a stable OPG/RANKL ratio.
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| 11. |
- Erlandsson, Malin, 1972, et al.
(författare)
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Metastasin S100A4 is increased in proportion to radiographic damage in patients with RA.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 51:5, s. 932-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential of metastasin S100A4 as a biological marker in patients with RA. METHODS: A total of 87 unselected patients with established RA (disease duration 2-44 years) and treated with MTX and infliximab at a single rheumatology centre were included in a cross-sectional study. Radiographs of hands and feet were taken prior to infliximab treatment and at inclusion (time interval 48±27 months) and scored for the radiographic damage. S100A4 levels were analysed in relation to radiographic damage, clinical disease activity (DAS-28), inflammation (IL-6, CRP, ESR), bone and cartilage markers [MMP-3, COMP, C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I)] and proto-oncogenes [survivin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Flt3 ligand]. RESULTS: High levels of S100A4 were associated with severe radiographic damage (OR=3.40, P=0.025), non-response to infliximab (OR=4.63, P=0.003), presence of antibodies to infliximab (OR=6.24, P=0.003) and high levels of Flt3 ligand (OR=2.73, P=0.04). Regression analysis showed that high S100A4 was predictive for radiographic progression during infliximab treatment [positive predictive value (PPV) 0.68, P=0.05]. Low levels of S100A4 were associated with response to infliximab (OR=2.67, P=0.049), clinical remission (OR=4.01, P=0.0047) and negative RF (OR=9.22, P=0.0047). S100A4 correlated with survivin (r=0.71, P>0.0001). CONCLUSION: S100A4 levels are increased in proportion to radiographic damage and its further progression in RA patients. High S100A4 levels were associated with a poor clinical response to infliximab and high rate of anti-infliximab antibodies. The finding of a correlation between S100A4 and survivin and Flt3 ligand suggests that these proteins may represent a new cluster of biomarkers predicting radiographic progression and poor treatment response in RA patients.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Griffiths, Bridget, et al.
(författare)
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The BILAG multi-centre open randomized controlled trial comparing ciclosporin vs azathioprine in patients with severe SLE.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 49, s. 723-732
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To determine whether low-dose ciclosporin was a more effective corticosteroid-sparing agent than AZA in patients with SLE. Methods. Patients with SLE requiring a change or initiation of a corticosteroid-sparing agent and who were taking >/=15 mg of prednisolone/day were randomized to receive either ciclosporin or AZA during this 12-month open-label multi-centre trial. There were strict guidelines for the reduction of prednisolone. The primary outcome was the absolute mean change in prednisolone. Results. Eighty-nine patients were randomized. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, the absolute mean change in prednisolone dose between baseline and 12 months, adjusted for baseline prednisolone dose, was 9.0 mg for ciclosporin (95% CI 7.2, 10.8) and 10.7 mg for AZA (95% CI 8.8, 12.7). The difference in the change between treatment groups was -1.7 mg (95% CI -4.4, 0.9; P = 0.2). No significant differences were detected for the secondary outcomes: change in disease activity [classic British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index], number of flares, development of new damage or change in quality of life. A similar number of patients in each arm stopped the study drugs due to adverse events and ineffectiveness. No patient developed severe hypertension or a persistent rise in creatinine. One patient in the ciclosporin arm developed a significant increase in proteinuria due to disease activity. Conclusions. Both drugs were effective corticosteroid-sparing agents. Ciclosporin was not a more effective corticosteroid-sparing agent. Ciclosporin may be considered in patients who are unable to tolerate AZA. Patients on ciclosporin require close monitoring of blood pressure and creatinine. Trial registration. Current Controlled Trials, http://www.controlled-trials.com/, ISRCTN35919612.
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| 16. |
- Hagberg, Niklas, et al.
(författare)
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Anti-NKG2A autoantibodies in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
- 2013
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 52:10, s. 1818-1823
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesTo characterize a novel anti-NKG2A autoantibody detected in a patient with SLE during a severe flare, and in a cross-sectional study investigate the occurrence of such autoantibodies in patients with SLE and primary SS (pSS).MethodsSerum or IgG from patients with SLE, pSS and healthy volunteers were assayed for blocking of anti-NKG2A or HLA-E binding to peripheral blood mononuclear cells or CD94/NKG2A- and CD94/NKG2C-transfected Ba/F3 cells. The anti-NKG2A autoantibodies were evaluated for effect on NK cell degranulation in response to HLA-E-transfected K562 cells. IFN-α was determined by an immunoassay and disease activity by the SLEDAI score.ResultsAnti-NKG2A autoantibodies, which blocked binding of HLA-E tetramers to CD94/NKG2A-transfected cells and impaired NKG2A-mediated inhibition of NK cell activation, were observed in a patient with SLE. The presence of anti-NKG2A autoantibodies was associated with high SLE disease activity (SLEDAI score 14 and 16) and increased serum IFN-α. Of 94 SLE, 60 pSS and 30 healthy donor sera, only the index patient serum contained anti-NKG2A autoantibodies.ConclusionThe presence of autoantibodies targeting NKG2A is a rare event, but when such autoantibodies occur they may promote excessive NK cell function. This can contribute to the pathogenesis by increasing the killing of cells and the release of autoantigens. Our findings highlight the possible importance of NK cells in the SLE disease process.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Haglund, Emma, et al.
(författare)
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Work productivity in a population-based cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis
- 2013
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - Oxford : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 52:9, s. 1708-1714
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To assess work productivity and associated factors in patients with SpA. Methods. This cross-sectional postal survey included 1773 patients with SpA identified in a regional health care register. Items on presenteeism (reduced productivity at work, 0-100%, 0 = no reduction) were answered by 1447 individuals. Absenteeism was defined as register-based sick leave using data from a national register. Disease duration, disease activity (BASDAI), physical function (BASFI), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), anxiety (HAD-a), depression (HAD-d), self-efficacy [Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale (ASES) pain and symptom], physical activity and education were also measured. Results. Forty-five per cent reported reduced productivity at work with a mean reduction of 20% (95% CI 18, 21) and women reported a higher mean reduction than men (mean 23% vs 17%, P < 0.001). Worse quality of life, disease activity, physical function and anxiety all correlated with reduced productivity (r = 0.52-0.66, P < 0.001), while sick leave did not. Worse outcomes on the EQ-5D (beta-est -9.6, P < 0.001), BASDAI (beta-est 7.8, P < 0.001), BASFI (beta-est 7.3, P < 0.001), ASES pain (beta-est -0.5, P < 0.001) and HAD-d (beta-est 3.4, P < 0.001) were associated with reduced productivity at work in patients with SpA regardless of age, gender and disease subgroup. ASES symptoms, HAD-a and education level < 12 years were associated with reduced productivity but were not significant in all strata for age, gender and disease subgroup. Conclusion. Work productivity was reduced in patients with SpA and more so in women. Worse quality of life, disease activity, physical function, self-efficacy and depression were all associated with reduced productivity at work in patients with SpA.
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| 19. |
- Hallert, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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28-joint count disease activity score at 3 months after diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis is strongly associated with direct and indirect costs over the following 4 years: the Swedish TIRA project
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - Oxford : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 50:7, s. 1259-1267
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Methods. Three-hundred and twenty patients with early (1 year) RA were assessed at regular intervals. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and patients reported health-care utilization and number of days lost from work. At 3-month follow-up, patients were divided into two groups according to disease activity, using DAS-28 with a cut-off level at 3.2. Direct and indirect costs and EuroQol-5D over the following 4 years were compared between the groups. Multivariate regression models were used to control for possible covariates. Results. Three months after diagnosis, a DAS-28 level of epsilon 3.2 was associated with high direct and indirect costs over the following 4 years. Patients with DAS-28 epsilon 3.2 at 3-month follow-up had more visits to physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and nurse, higher drug costs, more days in hospital and more extensive surgery compared with patients with 3-month DAS-28 less than 3.2. Number of days lost from work due to sick leave and permanent work disability was also higher in this group. The effect of disease activity on health-related quality of life was highly significant. In regression models, DAS-28 at 3-month follow-up was significantly associated with costs over the following years. Conclusions. Three months after diagnosis, DAS-28 is an important prognostic marker regarding health-care utilization and costs. Achieving remission or low disease activity 3 months after diagnosis is likely to decrease morbidity, increase quality of life and save costs for the patient and for society over the following years.
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| 20. |
- Hallert, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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The incidence of permanent work disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Sweden 1990-2010 : before and after introduction of biologic agents
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 51:2, s. 338-346
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To explore the incidence of disability pension (DP) due to RA as an estimation of permanent work disability before and after introduction of biologic drugs. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods. The annual incidence of DP was derived from the Swedish National Social Insurance Register and rates of DP due to RA were compared with the total amount of new DPs. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults.The incidence of DP due to RA has decreased over recent years, coinciding with earlier and more aggressive treatment with DMARDs and biologics. A similar declining incidence of DP was simultaneously seen in patients with all diagnoses in the general population. The decrease in DPs was, however, larger for RA and was evident even before introduction of biologics. In 1990, the proportion of DPs caused by RA was 1.9% out of total amount of DPs, decreasing to 1.5% in 2000 and to 1% in 2009. This may reflect effects of treatment, but may also be due to changing political policies as well as changes in age structure, increasing educational level and less physically demanding jobs. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusion. The decrease in DPs due to RA coincides with new treatment strategies as well as with decreasing levels of DPs in patients with all diagnoses. Prevailing political and economic conditions have a large impact on permanent work disability and may affect patients with various diagnoses in different ways. To determine if the decline is a true effect of better treatment, there is a need for further investigations, taking possible confounding factors into account.
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| 21. |
- Hesselstrand, Roger, et al.
(författare)
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Increased serum COMP predicts mortality in SSc: results from a longitudinal study of interstitial lung disease.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 51:5, s. 915-920
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. COMP is a regulator of assembly and maintenance of the fibrillar collagen I and II networks. Serum COMP reflects skin fibrosis in SSc. The purpose of this study was to examine whether serum COMP reflects fibrotic lung involvement in SSc patients and to study if serum COMP predicts mortality.Methods. Three overlapping cohorts of 244 SSc patients were studied. Two hundred and eighteen patients were included to study survival, 80 patients to study longitudinal changes of pulmonary function tests and 64 to study pulmonary involvement assessed by high-resolution CT (HRCT). Serum COMP was measured by ELISA. Skin involvement was assessed with the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Data about survival were obtained from the central population registry.Results. Serum COMP measured within 5 years after the first non-Raynaud's manifestation was a predictor of death, and crude mortality increased by 6% for each COMP unit elevation. Serum COMP levels >15 U/l were associated with a 3.13-fold (95% CI 1.73, 5.64; P < 0.001) increased risk of death. During the first year of follow-up serum COMP and vital capacity (VC) changed inversely (r(s) = -0.32; P = 0.005), but there were no correlations between baseline serum COMP and concurrent findings by spirometry or HRCT.Conclusion. Serum COMP early in disease is a predictor of mortality in SSc patients. Serum COMP changes in parallel with lung fibrosis as measured by VC, but the release from fibrotic skin possibly obscures the influx from the lungs and therefore serum COMP seems to have little utility as a marker of lung fibrosis.
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| 22. |
- Hofer, M., et al.
(författare)
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International periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, cervical adenitis syndrome cohort: description of distinct phenotypes in 301 patients
- 2014
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 53:6, s. 1125-1129
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical features of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) and identify distinct phenotypes in a large cohort of patients from different countries. Methods. We established a web-based multicentre cohort through an international collaboration within the periodic fevers working party of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS). The inclusion criterion was a diagnosis of PFAPA given by an experienced paediatric rheumatologist participating in an international working group on periodic fever syndromes. Results. Of the 301 patients included from the 15 centres, 271 had pharyngitis, 236 cervical adenitis, 171 oral aphthosis and 132 with all three clinical features. A total of 228 patients presented with additional symptoms (131 gastrointestinal symptoms, 86 arthralgias and/or myalgias, 36 skin rashes, 8 neurological symptoms). Thirty-one patients had disease onset after 5 years and they reported more additional symptoms. A positive family history for recurrent fever or recurrent tonsillitis was found in 81 patients (26.9%). Genetic testing for monogenic periodic fever syndromes was performed on 111 patients, who reported fewer occurrences of oral aphthosis or additional symptoms. Twenty-four patients reported symptoms (oral aphthosis and malaise) outside the flares. The CRP was >50 mg/l in the majority (131/190) of the patients tested during the fever. Conclusion. We describe the largest cohort of PFAPA patients presented so far. We confirm that PFAPA may present with varied clinical manifestations and we show the limitations of the commonly used diagnostic criteria. Based on detailed analysis of this cohort, a consensus definition of PFAPA with better-defined criteria should be proposed.
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| 23. |
- Hofstee, Herman M A, et al.
(författare)
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A multicentre study on the reliability of qualitative and quantitative nail-fold videocapillaroscopy assessment.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 51:4, s. 749-755
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To investigate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of both qualitative and quantitative parameters used in the assessment of nail-fold capillaroscopy images.Methods. Fifty mosaic nail-fold images of healthy controls (n = 10), patients with primary RP (n = 10) and SSc (n = 30) were assessed in random order by two blinded observers on two occasions at centres in Sweden, UK and The Netherlands. Each image was therefore scored by six observers twice.Results. Inter- and intra-observer reliability of quantitative parameters showed substantial to almost perfect agreement [inter- and intra-observer weighted κ's for the number of widened capillaries was 0.75 and 0.87 and giant capillaries was 0.84 and 0.92, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for capillary density was 0.87 and 0.92 and total loop width was 0.94 and 0.98, respectively]. Qualitative parameters including architecture, avascularity, haemorrhage, crossed, ramified and bushy capillaries showed moderate to substantial inter-observer reproducibility (weighted κ ranging from 0.47 to 0.73), and substantial intra-observer repeatability (weighted κ ranging from 0.71 to 0.80), whereas the scoring of tortuous and bizarre capillaries showed poor inter-observer and substantial intra-observer agreement (inter-observer weighted κ's was 0.39 and 0.21 and intra-observer weighted κ's was 0.68 and 0.76, respectively).Conclusion. All quantitative and certain qualitative parameters are highly reliable in terms of inter- and intra-observer agreement. A combination of parameters with the highest reliability should be incorporated into future capillaroscopic scoring systems in studies of prediction and monitoring of SSc spectrum disorders.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Hussein, Sarwen Z, et al.
(författare)
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Pregnancy and fetal outcome in women with primary Sjogren's syndrome compared with women in the general population: a nested case-control study.
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 50, s. 1612-1617
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To study pregnancy and fetal outcome in women with primary SS (pSS) compared with women in the general population. Methods. In a nested case-control setting, variables related to pregnancy and fetal outcomes were compared. Cases (n = 16) were identified through registry linkage (Malmö pSS registry and a database entailing information of all pregnancies and deliveries in Malmö from 1990 through 2006). For each pregnancy with pSS, the following five deliveries from the same registry were chosen as controls (n = 80). Results. All cases fulfilled the American European Consensus Criteria for pSS and were positive for ANA and anti-SSA antibodies. Date of diagnosis was before pregnancy in 10 women and after delivery in 6. Mean age at delivery was significantly higher in women with pSS (33.6 years) vs controls (29.8 years). While pregnancy duration did not differ, mean birthweight was significantly lower in offspring of pSS mothers (3010 g) vs babies of control mothers (3458 g). Normal partus in contrast to vacuum extraction or Caesarean section was significantly more frequent in healthy women than in pSS women (83 vs 56%). Other pregnancy outcomes such as parity, miscarriages and Apgar score did not differ. There were no significant differences between women with a pSS diagnosis before or after the index pregnancy. Only one of the included pregnancies was complicated by intrauterine AV block. Conclusion. Pregnancy occurs later in life in pSS women. Mothers with pSS give birth to offspring with lower birthweight and less commonly have normal partus.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Ji, Jianguang, et al.
(författare)
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Cancer risk in patients hospitalized with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: a follow-up study in Sweden.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; Apr 8, s. 1158-1163
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. Studies reporting cancer risk after PMR and GCA are few, but it remains an issue of both concern and controversy. We examined the overall and specific cancer risks among Swedish subjects following hospitalization for these diseases. Methods. PMR and GCA patients were identified from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register and by linking them with the Cancer Registry. Follow-up of patients was carried out from the last hospitalization through year 2006. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated in these patients compared with subjects without the diseases. Results. A total of 35 918 patients were hospitalized for PMR and GCA during the years 1965-2006; the hospitalization rate increased towards late age. A total of 3941 patients developed subsequent cancer, giving an overall SIR of 1.19; and for cancer diagnosed later than 1 year of follow-up, the SIR was 1.06. A significant excess was noted for skin (squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma), stomach, lung, prostate, kidney, nervous system and endocrine gland tumours, and additionally for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myeloma and leukaemia. Decreased risk was noted for endometrial cancer. Conclusions. Patients hospitalized for PMR and GCA had a marginally increased risk of cancer, with the highest risk noted for the first year after hospitalization. However, for specific cancers, such as skin cancer and leukaemia, the increases were still significant for patients diagnosed later than 1 year after hospitalization, suggesting that these could be true associations, but the mechanisms remain to be established.
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| 28. |
- Ji, Jianguang, et al.
(författare)
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Survival of cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a follow-up study in Sweden of patients hospitalized with rheumatoid arthritis 1 year before diagnosis of cancer.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 50, s. 1513-1518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. Patients diagnosed with RA have an increased risk of some cancers. However, limited data are available on the important issue of prognosis of RA patients with cancer. Methods. RA patients were identified from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register by linkage to the Cancer Registry. Follow-up of patients was started from the date of diagnosis of cancer through year 2006. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated in cancer patients with RA compared with subjects without RA. Results. A total of 1 411 163 cancer patients were identified in the database, of whom 6309 had a previous hospitalization for RA. Compared with all cancer patients without RA, patients with RA had a worse prognosis, with an HR of 1.29 and 1.31 for cause-specific and overall survival, respectively. For specific cancer sites, skin and breast cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma showed worst survival. Age stratification did not change the results. Conclusion. Cancer patients with a previous hospitalization for RA had a worse prognosis for all and many site-specific cancers compared with patients without RA, independent of age at diagnosis and tumour staging. Improvement of survival for cancer patients with RA may require a multidisciplinary approach to accommodate the comorbidity.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Jónsdóttir, Thórunn, et al.
(författare)
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Long-term follow-up in lupus nephritis patients treated with rituximab : clinical and histopathological response
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 52:5, s. 847-855
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term clinical, histological and serological affects of B-cell-depleting therapy (BCDT) in patients with LN refractory to conventional treatment.METHODS: Twenty-five patients, followed for a mean time of 36 months (9-95 months), were included. Renal disease activity was evaluated with the BILAG index and renal response was determined according to the LN European consensus statement. Renal biopsies were performed for histological evaluation at baseline and follow-up.RESULTS: Partial response (PR) or complete renal response (CR) was observed in 22 of 25 after a median of 12 months. Sixteen patients achieved CR after a median of 24 months. Six patients experienced a renal relapse. Proteinuria decreased significantly (P = 0.0002) from baseline to 36 months. A noteworthy histological improvement was seen in nearly all patients with a significant reduction in activity index (P = 0.01). Longer depletion time and low baseline values of IgM were indicative of achieving clinical remission during the first year after treatment (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively).CONCLUSION: In therapy-resistant LN, BCDT induced clinical and histological improvements in the majority of patients. Transition from PR to CR was mainly seen during the second year of follow-up. Patients with longer depletion time and low baseline levels of IgM were more likely to gain a faster remission, suggesting that the clinical benefit may be linked to suppression of autoreactive plasmablasts. Although formal evidence of BCDT in LN is lacking, our data may provide guidance to clinicians considering therapeutic options in patients with refractory LN.
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| 31. |
- Kalkan, Almina, et al.
(författare)
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Costs of rheumatoid arthritis during the period 1990–2010 : a register-based cost-of-illness study in Sweden
- 2014
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 53:1, s. 153-160
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. The objectives of this study were to analyse the total socio-economic impact of RA in Sweden during the period 1990–2010 and to analyse possible changes in costs during this period. The period was deliberately chosen to cover 10 years before and 10 years after the introduction of biologic drugs.Methods. A prevalence-based cost-of-illness study was conducted based on data from national and regional registries.Results. There was a decrease in the utilization of RA-related inpatient care as well as sick leave and disability pension during 1990–2010 in Sweden. Total costs for RA are presented in current prices as well as inflation-adjusted with the consumer price index (CPI) and a healthcare price index. The total fixed cost of RA was €454 million in 1990, adjusted to the price level of 2010 with the CPI. This cost increased to €600 million in 2010 and the increase was mainly due to the substantially increasing costs for pharmaceuticals. Of the total costs, drug costs increased from 3% to 33% between 1990 and 2010. Consequently the portion of total costs accounting for indirect costs for RA is lowered from 75% in 1990 to 58% in 2010.Conclusion. By inflation adjusting with the CPI, which is reasonable from a societal perspective, there was a 32% increase in the total fixed cost of RA between 1990 and 2010. This suggests that decreased hospitalization and indirect costs have not fallen enough to offset the increasing cost of drug treatment.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Kouri, V. P., et al.
(författare)
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Neutrophils produce interleukin-17B in rheumatoid synovial tissue
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 53:1, s. 39-47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: T helper 17 (Th17) and mast cells produce IL-17A in RA and critically contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. However, the complete IL-17 cytokine profile in RA is unknown. The aim of the study was to systematically study the expression of IL-17 family cytokines in RA. Methods: The expression of all IL-17 cytokines in RA synovium and pannus as well as in the synovium of OA was determined using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). IL-17A and IL-17B were immunostained. Peripheral blood neutrophils were analysed for IL-17B. The effect of IL-17B alone or in combination with TNF-α was tested in vitro on fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Results: In all tissues IL-17B was the most expressed IL-17 family cytokine, found in lining but most strongly expressed in human neutrophil elastase containing polymorphonuclear cells. This pattern was distinct from that of IL-17A, which was found in mast cell tryptase immunoreactive cells. Circulating neutrophils contained IL-17B, verifying the in vivo results. Fibroblasts up-regulated the expression of IL-17RB, a putative receptor of IL-17B, after TNF-α stimulation. IL-17B significantly enhanced TNF-α-induced production of G-CSF and IL-6 in fibroblasts. Conclusion: IL-17B, which is present in synovium, may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. IL-17B can enhance the effects of TNF-α on the production of cytokines and chemokines that control immune cell trafficking and neutrophil homeostasis in the inflamed tissues. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved.
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| 36. |
- Kristensen, Lars Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Sick leave in patients with ankylosing spondylitis before and after anti-TNF therapy: a population-based cohort study.
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 51, s. 243-249
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To study levels of sick leave and disability pension before and after TNF-antagonist therapy in AS patients. Methods. Using the population-based South Swedish Arthritis Treatment Group register, we identified 139 AS patients (aged 18-58 years, 78% men), who between January 2002 and December 2008 started their first treatment with adalimumab, etanercept or infliximab. We linked data to the payment register by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and calculated the proportion on sick leave in 30-day intervals from 12 months before treatment start until 12 months after. For each AS patient, we randomly selected four subjects from the general population matched for age, sex and area of residence. Results. One to 3 months before treatment, an average of 24% of AS patients were on sick leave. During the first 6 months after treatment start, this fraction dropped to 15%, and further declined to 12% at 12 months (P < 0.001). Comparing AS patients with the general population, the relative risk of being on sick leave 3 months before treatment, treatment start and 12 months after treatment start was 8.0 (95% CI 4.6, 13.9), 9.2 (95% CI 5.4, 15.7) and 4.0 (95% CI 2.1, 6.3), respectively. The decrease in sick leave was not substantially offset by changes in disability pension. Conclusion. There is a decline in sick leave during the first 12 months after initiation of TNF-antagonist treatment in AS patients not explained by societal factors or secular trends. The proportion of AS patients on disability pension remained unchanged during the observation period.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Malcus Johnsson, Pia, et al.
(författare)
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Individualized outcome measures of daily activities are sensitive tools for evaluating hand surgery in rheumatic diseases.
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. To explore the ability of six outcome measures to capture clinically important changes in patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing hand surgery and to study predictors of changes in activity performance in different patient and surgery strata.Methods. A total of 172 patients (median age 59 years, disease duration 18 years) were stratified into subgroups: diagnosis, age, general function, type of surgery. Performance of daily activities and satisfaction were assessed by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Clinically important improvement was defined as a two-step improvement in COPM. Hand function was assessed by reference to grip strength (Grippit), pinch strength (pinch gauge), hand pain (visual analogue scale) and grip ability (Grip Ability Test). Responsiveness was calculated as effect size (ES) at 6-month follow-up compared with baseline.Results. Clinically important improvement was reached by 25-69% depending on outcome measure and type of surgery. Improvement was smaller in patients with multiple simultaneous procedures. Regardless of diagnosis, age, general function and type of surgery, patients improved significantly in all measures, with the largest changes in COPM(performance) and COPM(satisfaction) (ES 0.7-1.9). The ES of pain ranged from 0.2 to 0.7, Grippit from 0.1 to 0.5 and pinch gauge from 0.4 to 0.8. Hand pain was the only significant predictor of clinically important improvement of COPM(performance): odds ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.51, 0.98 (P = 0.041).Conclusion. COPM was the most sensitive instrument to capture clinically important improvement, and hand pain was a significant predictor of improvement, irrespective of diagnosis, age, general functional level and type of surgery.
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| 39. |
- Mandl, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Autonomic nervous dysfunction development in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome: a follow-up study.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; Apr 7, s. 1101-1106
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. To investigate autonomic dysfunction (AD) development in patients with primary SS (pSS) and the associations between AD and clinical, inflammatory and serological features of pSS. Methods. Twenty-seven patients with pSS, who had previously been evaluated for AD, were included in the study. The patients were studied at baseline and at follow-up by objective autonomic reflex tests (ARTs) and by the autonomic symptom profile (ASP) questionnaire, evaluating AD symptoms. The median follow-up time was 5 years for the ART and 4 years for the ASP variables. The results were compared with previously investigated healthy ART controls and population-based ASP controls. Fatigue, anxiety and depression were assessed by the profile of fatigue and by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Results. Three of five ART variables as well as the ASP total score were significantly abnormal both at baseline and at follow-up in pSS patients in comparison with controls. When comparing ART and ASP results in pSS patients between baseline and follow-up, only the lowest diastolic blood pressure (lDBP) ratio significantly deteriorated during the follow-up period. The ART and ASP variables were not significantly correlated. However, the ASP total score significantly correlated with measurements of fatigue, anxiety and depression. Conclusions. Both objective signs and subjective symptoms of parasympathetic and sympathetic dysfunction were seen in pSS patients, both at baseline and at follow-up. During follow-up, only the lDBP ratio was found to significantly deteriorate. AD symptoms were significantly associated with fatigue, anxiety and depression.
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| 40. |
- Mandl, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Frequent development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary SS--results of a longitudinal follow-up.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 51:5, s. 941-946
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. To study the longitudinal development of pulmonary function in patients with primary SS (pSS) and its association with respiratory symptoms, pulmonary radiographic findings and clinical features of pSS.Methods. Forty-one pSS patients, previously evaluated by pulmonary function tests (PFTs), were included in the study. The patients were studied at baseline and follow-up by PFT and at follow-up also by high-resolution CT scan of the lungs, the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and by inflammatory and serological tests. The PFT results were compared with previously studied population-based controls, standardizing results with regard to gender, age, height, weight and tobacco consumption.Results. The mean follow-up time was 11 years. The pSS patients displayed signs of both obstructive and restrictive lung disease at baseline and at follow-up, and deteriorated in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), ratio of FEV(1) to vital capacity and in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide during follow-up. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed in 37% of the pSS patients at follow-up. In pSS patients, respiratory symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were common, although with a poor association with PFT variables.Conclusion. The pSS patients showed signs of both obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease and COPD commonly developed during follow-up. Respiratory symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were common but poorly associated with PFT in pSS patients.
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| 41. |
- Mohammad, Aladdin, et al.
(författare)
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Incidence, prevalence and clinical characteristics of Behcets disease in southern Sweden
- 2013
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 52:2, s. 304-310
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To study the incidence, prevalence and clinical characteristics of Behc, ets disease (BD) in a defined population in southern Sweden. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods. The study area consists of three health-care districts with an adult population (andgt;= 15 years) of 809 317 on 1 January 2011 (25% of non-Swedish ancestry), situated in Skane, the southernmost county in Sweden. Patients were identified using clinical registries in all the five hospitals within the study area. Only patients fulfilling the International Study Group criteria for diagnosis of BD were included. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults. Forty patients (13 women) fulfilling the diagnosis criteria for BD (70% of non-Swedish ancestry) were identified. The point prevalence of BD on 1 January 2011 was 4.9/100 000 adults (95% CI 3.4, 6.5) and was higher among the population of non-Swedish ancestry (13.6 vs 2.0/100 000, Pandlt;0.001), and higher among men (6.8 vs 3.2/100 000, P=0.019). There were 20 incident cases (diagnosed in Sweden between 1997 and 2010). The annual incidence rate was 0.2/100 000 adults (95% CI 0.1, 0.3) and was higher among the population of non-Swedish ancestry (0.6 vs 0.1/100 000, Pandlt;0.001). The incidence was 0.3/100 000 adults in men and 0.1/100 000 in women, P = 0.143. During the course of the disease, 100% of the patients developed oral ulceration, 80% genital ulcers, 88% skin lesions, 53% eye disease, 40% arthritis/arthralgia and 20% venous thrombosis. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusion. The prevalence of BD is higher in Sweden than previously reported, mainly due to immigration. The incidence of BD remains elevated for immigrants from high-prevalence regions even long after settling in Sweden.
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| 42. |
- Pettersson, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
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Women's experience of SLE-related fatigue : a focus group interview study
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 49:10, s. 1935-1942
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe women's experience of SLE-related fatigue, how they express the feeling of fatigue, impact on life and strategies developed to manage fatigue in daily living.METHOD: Seven, semi-structured focus group discussions with 33 women were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed according to qualitative content analysis.RESULTS: Perceptions of SLE-related fatigue were sorted into four themes. Nature of Fatigue, involved the sensation, occurrence and character. Aspects Affected by Fatigue described emotions that arose together with fatigue as well as aspects of work, family life, social contacts and leisure activities that were affected by fatigue. Striving Towards Power and Control concluded the array of ways used to manage daily life and were categorized into the mental struggle, structure, restrict and provide. Factors Influencing the Perception of Fatigue described understanding from their surroundings and pain as strongly influencing the experience and perception of fatigue.CONCLUSION: SLE-related fatigue was portrayed as an overwhelming phenomenon with an unpredictable character, resulting in the feeling that fatigue dominates and controls most situations in life. The choice of strategies was described as a balance with implications for how fatigue limited a person's life. Health care professionals are advised to take a more active role to empower people with SLE to find their own balance as a way to achieve a feeling of being in control.
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| 43. |
- Regardt, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis have reduced grip force and health-related quality of life in comparison with reference values : an observational study
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 50:3, s. 578-585
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate hand function in PM and DM patients and compare this with reference values in healthy individuals and also to investigate if hand function correlated with activity performance and health-related quality of life.METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed in 18 women and 13 men with PM or DM with established disease. Grip force and hand mobility were assessed by Grippit and Escola Paulista de Medicina-Range of Motion scale. Activity performance was measured with myositis activities profile and health-related quality of life by short form-36 (SF-36).RESULTS: Women and men with PM and DM with mean disease duration of 6.8 (5.5) years had a significantly lower grip force than gender- and age-matched healthy individuals (women 71% and men 60%). They also had significantly lower mean values in all dimensions of the health-related quality of life instrument SF-36 compared with the Swedish population. In patients with PM and DM, the grip force correlated significantly with the ability to perform domestic activities. In women with PM and DM, the grip force correlated significantly with the health-related quality of life dimensions vitality and mental health. There were no significant differences between patients with PM and DM regarding grip force, hand mobility, activity performance or health-related quality of life.CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PM or DM have reduced grip force that could influence activity performance and health-related quality of life.
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| 44. |
- Riazzoli, Jenny, et al.
(författare)
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Patient-reported 28 swollen and tender joint counts accurately represent RA disease activity and can be used to assess therapy responses at the group level
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 49:11, s. 2098-2103
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. Formal joint assessments are critically important to improve rheumatological care of patients with RA. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of patient-recorded 28 tender joint counts (TJCs) and swollen joint counts (SJCs) using a tablet personal computer and to explore the possibility of using patient-recorded data to calculate 28-joint DAS (DAS-28) and EULAR response. Methods. Forty-seven patients were included before initiation of adalimumab therapy and assessed at baseline and after 3 months. SJC and TJC were registered by the patients and thereafter by an experienced rheumatology specialist. Changes were correlated using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Results. The correlations between SJC and TJC derived by the physician and the patient at baseline were excellent (r = 0.78 and 0.87, respectively P < 0.01 for both). After 3 months, the correlations were less strong (0.645 and 0.745, respectively, P < 0.001 for both). When using the patient-derived SJC/TJC for calculation of the DAS-28 (patDAS-28), similar values were obtained, and correlations between DAS-28 and patDAS-28 were excellent (r = 0.91 at baseline, r = 0.90 at 3 months). According to the EULAR response criteria, the percentage of responders at the group level was nearly identical, although there was some disagreement at the individual level when DAS-28 and patDAS-28 were used to determine response to therapy. Conclusion. Patient-reported SJC and TJC can in research settings be used instead of physician-reported ones. Patient-derived SJC and TJC may also make it possible for rheumatologists to obtain quantitative joint count recordings much more frequently than is feasible for traditional joint counts.
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| 45. |
- Sandqvist, Gunnel, et al.
(författare)
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Managing work life with systemic sclerosis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 51:2, s. 319-323
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To explore how individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) manage their work life. Methods. We conducted four focus group interviews which included 17 patients. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed texts were analysed according to thematic content analysis. Relevant statements, that generated preliminary categories, were identified after which, themes and underlying sub-themes were generated. Results. Four themes emerged: adaptation, strategy, communication and attitude. Flexible working hours, workplace and work assignments corresponding to the individuals’ recourses, were the most important adaptation requirements for SSc patients. Reluctance to disclose their illness was the most prominent reason for not requesting adaptations. Strategies to facilitate working at home, such as receiving assistance with household chores as well as buying in cleaning services were easy to realize and saved energy for meaningful activities. The participants tried to prioritize meaningful activities rather than spending energy on unnecessary activities both at work and outside of work. Fatigue influenced activities at work but mostly outside of work and to manage their working life the participants were dependent of having time for recovery, above all rest.Conclusion. The ability to develop adaptations and strategies, to a great extent, depends on the individual’s understanding and acceptance of their disease, awareness and respect for their own needs for meaningful activities and an ability to communicate this at work and outside of work. As health professionals we should enhance the confidence of persons with SSc to strengthen their ability to bring about the necessary dialogue.
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| 46. |
- Sandqvist, Gunnel, et al.
(författare)
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Pain, fatigue and hand function closely correlated to work ability and employment status in systemic sclerosis.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 49:9, s. 1739-1746
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To identify factors, individual and work related, influencing work ability, and to assess the association between work ability and employment status, activities of daily life (ADLs) and quality of life in patients with SSc. Methods: Fifty-seven consecutive patients (53 females/4 males) with SSc (47 lcSSc/10 dcSSc) were included. Median age was 58 [interquartile range (IQR) 47-62] years and disease duration 14 (9-19) years. The patients were assessed for socio-demographic characteristics, disease parameters, symptoms, work ability, empowerment and adaptations in a workplace, social support, ADLs and quality of life. Results: Work ability, assessed with the Work Ability Index (WAI) could be evaluated in 48 of 57 patients. The correlation between employment status and WAI was good (r(s) = 0.79, P < 0.001). Thirteen patients had good or excellent WAI, 15 had less good and 20 had poor WAI. There were no significant differences between subgroups of WAI and socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration or degree of skin and lung involvement. However, patients with good WAI expressed milder perceived symptoms (pain, fatigue and impaired hand function; P < 0.001). Patients with better WAI had better competence (P < 0.001), better possibility of adaptations at work (P < 0.01) and impact at work (P < 0.01) than those with poorer WAI. Conclusions: In SSc, pain, fatigue and impaired hand function have a dominant impact on the WAI. Employment interventions should include support in job adaptations as well as self-management strategies to help patients deal with pain and fatigue and to enhance the confidence to perform their work.
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| 47. |
- Simard, Julia F., et al.
(författare)
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Ten years with biologics : to whom do data on effectiveness and safety apply?
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 50:1, s. 204-213
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Methods. We identified all adult patients with RA (n = 9612), PsA (n = 1417) and other SpA (n = 1652) initiating a first biologic therapy between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2008, registered in the Swedish Biologics Register (ARTIS), including information on demographics, disease characteristics and 1-year risk of first-line treatment discontinuation. Results. Over calendar time, measures of disease activity at start declined substantially for all indications, and diminished between first-, second- and third-line therapy starts. One-year risks of first-line therapy discontinuation increased. Switchers to anti-TNF and non-TNF biologics had different comorbidities. Despite < 50% drug retention at 5 years, most patients remained exposed to some biologic. Conclusions. The trends in baseline characteristics and drug retention underscores that any effects of biologics, including comparison between different biologics, must be interpreted in light of the characteristics of the population treated. The observed differences further call for continued vigilance to properly evaluate the safety profiles of biologic treatments as they are currently used. Exposure to multiple biologics presents a challenge for attribution of long-term effects.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Stening, Kent, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Hormonal replacement therapy does not affect self-estimated pain or experimental pain responses in post-menopausal women suffering from fibromyalgia: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial
- 2011
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - London : Oxford univesity press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 50:3, s. 544-551
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. FM is a condition that preferentially affects women. Sex hormones, and in particular oestrogens, have been shown to affect pain processing and pain sensitivity, and oestrogen deficit has been considered a potentially promoting factor for FM. However, the effects of oestrogen treatment in patients suffering from FM have not been studied. Here, we examined the effect of transdermal oestrogen substitution treatment on experimental as well as self-estimated pain in women suffering from FM.Methods. Twenty-nine post-menopausal women were randomized to either 8 weeks of treatment with transdermal 17β-oestradiol (50 µg/day) or placebo according to a double-blind protocol. A self-estimation of pain, a set of quantitative sensory tests measuring thresholds to temperature, thermal pain, cold pain and pressure pain, and a cold pressor test were performed on three occasions: before treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment and 20 weeks after cessation of treatment.Results. Hormonal replacement treatment significantly increased serum oestradiol levels as expected (P < 0.01). However, no differences in self-estimated pain were seen between treatment and placebo groups, nor were there any differences between the two groups regarding the results of the quantitative sensory tests or the cold pressor test at any of the examined time points.Conclusion. Eight weeks of transdermal oestradiol treatment does not influence perceived pain, pain thresholds or pain tolerance as compared with placebo treatment in post-menopausal women suffering from FM.
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