| 1. |
- Ahlstrand, Inger, et al.
(author)
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Pain and activity limitations in women and men with contemporary treated early RA compared to 10 years ago: the Swedish TIRA project
- 2015
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 44:4, s. 259-264
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To study differences regarding pain and activity limitations during the 3 years following diagnosis in women and men with contemporary treated early RA compared with their counterparts who were diagnosed 10 years earlier. Method: This study was based on patients recruited to the Early Intervention in RA (TIRA) project. In the first cohort (TIRA-1) 320 patients were included in time for diagnosis during 1996-1998 and 463 patients were included in the second cohort (TIRA-2) during 2006-2009. Disease activity, pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), bodily pain (BP) in the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), activity limitations (Health Assessment Questionnaire, HAQ), and medication were reported at inclusion and at follow-up after 1, 2, and 3 years. Results: Disease activity, pain, and activity limitations were pronounced at inclusion across both genders and in both cohorts, with some improvement observed during the first year after diagnosis. Disease activity did not differ between cohorts at inclusion but was significantly lower at the follow-ups in the TIRA-2 cohort, in which the patients were prescribed traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological agents more frequently. In TIRA-2, patients reported significantly lower pain and activity limitations at all follow-ups, with men reporting lower pain than women. Women reported significantly higher activity limitations at all time points in TIRA-2. Conclusions: Pain and activity limitations were still pronounced in the contemporary treated early RA cohort compared with their counterparts diagnosed 10 years earlier and both of these factors need to be addressed in clinical settings.
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| 2. |
- Ahmad Kiadaliri, Aliasghar, et al.
(author)
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Socioeconomic inequalities in knee pain, knee osteoarthritis, and health-related quality of life : a population-based cohort study in southern Sweden
- 2017
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 46:2, s. 143-151
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To determine socioeconomic inequalities in frequent knee pain (FKP), knee osteoarthritis (OA), and associated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Sweden. Method: In 2007 a postal questionnaire about knee pain was sent to a random sample of 10 000 residents of Malmö, Sweden (7402 individuals responded). Subjects reporting pain with duration ≥ 4 weeks in one or both knees in the past 12 months were classified as having FKP. A random sample of 1527 subjects with and without FKP attended a clinical and radiographic knee examination and responded to generic and disease-specific HRQoL questionnaires. We used the individuals’ level of education and occupation as socioeconomic status (SES) measures, and we calculated the relative index of inequality (RII) using Poisson regression with robust standard errors adjusted for age and gender. We applied weighting to account for a possible selection bias that might arise from non-responses in the study. Results: With education, the RIIs for FKP and knee OA were 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.84] and 0.56 (95% CI 0.34–0.93), respectively. With occupation, the corresponding figures were 0.70 (95% CI 0.60–0.82) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.37–0.94), respectively. There were socioeconomic gradients in HRQoL in favour of people with better SES. RIIs for FKP and HRQoL but not knee OA were essentially similar after additional adjustment for mediators. Conclusions: In Sweden there are socioeconomic gradients related to both FKP and knee OA as well as HRQoL in favour of people with better SES. SES should be taken into account in health resource allocation pertaining to knee-related disorders.
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| 3. |
- Alberdi-Saugstrup, M, et al.
(author)
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Non-HLA gene polymorphisms in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: associations with disease outcome.
- 2017
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; , s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To test the hypothesis that non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are risk factors for an unfavourable disease outcome at long-term follow-up.The Nordic JIA cohort is a prospective multicentre study cohort of patients from the Nordic countries. In all, 193 patients met the inclusion criteria of having an 8year follow-up assessment and available DNA sample. Seventeen SNPs met the inclusion criteria of having significant associations with JIA in at least two previous independent study cohorts. Clinical endpoints were disease remission, actively inflamed joints and joints with limitation of motion (LOM), articular or extra-articular damage, and history of uveitis.Evidence of associations between genotypes and endpoints were found for STAT4, ADAD1-IL2-IL21, PTPN2, and VTCN1 (p=0.003-0.05). STAT4_rs7574865 TT was associated with the presence of actively inflamed joints [odds ratio (OR) 20.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2->100, p=0.003] and extra-articular damage (OR 7.9, 95% CI 1-56.6, p=0.057). ADAD1_rs17388568 AA was associated with a lower risk of having joints with LOM (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0-0.55, p=0.016). PTPN2_rs1893217 CC was associated with a lower risk of having joints with LOM (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0-0.99, p=0.026), while VTCN1_rs2358820 GA was associated with uveitis (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1-12.1, p=0.029).This exploratory study, using a prospectively followed JIA cohort, found significant associations between long-term outcome and SNPs, all previously associated with development of JIA and involved in immune regulation and signal transduction in immune cells.
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| 4. |
- Almehed, Katarina, 1966, et al.
(author)
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Health-related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with disease and work disability.
- 2010
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 39:1, s. 58-62
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To determine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its relationship to disease variables, vertebral fractures, and employment status in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: HRQOL was assessed with the Swedish version of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) in female patients (n=163) and in age- and sex-matched controls (n=1045). Associations between the SF-36 score and demographics, disease variables, prevalent vertebral fractures, and employment status were analysed. Results: The SLE patients, aged 20 to 82 years, scored significantly lower than the controls on all SF-36 subscales. Patients with vertebral fractures were older, had greater disease damage, and lower physical functioning (PF) than patients without fractures. Of the SLE patients of working age (n=142), 54% worked full or part time. These patients scored their HRQOL significantly higher (better) than patients not working. Being able to work was significantly associated with low age and high scores in PF and role physical (RP): the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for these variables was 0.82, confidence interval 0.75-0.89. Conclusions: HRQOL is substantially lower in SLE than in the general population but working ability indicates better health. We encourage further research regarding the effects on HRQOL by preventive actions taken against work disability in SLE.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Aurell, Y., et al.
(author)
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Cone-beam computed tomography, a new low-dose three-dimensional imaging technique for assessment of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis : reliability assessment and comparison with conventional radiography – a BARFOT study
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 47:3, s. 173-177
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To determine the intra- and inter-observer agreement of erosions detected and scored with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of bones in the hands and feet, and to compare CBCT with conventional radiography (CR) for assessment of bone erosions in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method: Thirty patients with long-standing RA from the Better Anti-Rheumatic PharmacOTherapy (BARFOT) cohort were examined with CBCT and CR of hands and feet at their 15 year follow-up. Intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Erosions were analysed with the total rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging erosion score (RAMRIS erosion score) for ICCs with CBCT, and with the modified RAMRIS erosion score (RAMRIS-mod.) for the same locations as used in the Sharp van der Heijde score and Sharp van der Heijde erosion score for CR. Results: All 30 patients showed erosions on CBCT and 26 on CR. The ICCs for both intra- and inter-observer reliability were 0.92–0.99. CBCT showed numerically more erosions than CR for all regions compared, although a statistically significant difference was found only for the metacarpophalangeal joints [median number of eroded joints 1.0 (range 0–14) with CBCT and 0.5 (0–13) with CR, p = 0.044]. Conclusion: CBCT has high reproducibility and is more sensitive than CR in detecting erosions in this cohort of patients with long-standing RA. CBCT has the potential to become an important tool in the detection and follow-up of erosions in patients with RA.
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| 7. |
- Baecklund, Eva, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, other common autoantibodies, and smoking as risk factors for lymphoma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 47:4, s. 270-275
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of lymphoma. There is no biomarker to indicate future lymphoma risk in RA and it is not known whether factors associated with an increased risk of RA also confer an increased risk of lymphoma. We investigated whether anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies, other autoantibodies, and smoking, are associated with lymphoma development in RA.METHOD: subclasses of anti-CCP antibodies and for 15 antinuclear antibody (ANA)-associated specific autoantibodies. Relative risks were estimated as crude and adjusted odds ratios (adjOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression.RESULTS: We found no association between anti-CCP IgG ≥ 25 units/mL (adjOR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7-2.7), anti-CCP IgG ≥ 500 units/mL (adjOR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7-3.0), anti-CCP Ig of other isotypes, other autoantibodies (adjOR any vs none 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.2), or cigarette smoking (adjOR ever vs never 1.1, 95% CI 0.5-2.2) and lymphoma risk among patients with RA.CONCLUSION: In this study, neither anti-CCP antibodies (IgG, IgG1–4, IgM, or IgA), nor other common autoantibodies, nor smoking predicted lymphoma risk in RA
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| 8. |
- Bartosik, I, et al.
(author)
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Vascular events are risk factors for anal incontinence in systemic sclerosis: a study of morphology and functional properties measured by anal endosonography and manometry.
- 2014
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 43:5, s. 391-397
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To study anal sphincter morphology, anal sphincter pressure, and rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) complicated by anal incontinence (AI) and to investigate possible risk factors for AI in SSc. Method: Nineteen SSc patients with severe AI were investigated using anal endosonography, anal manometry, and rectal manovolumetry. To determine risk factors for AI, disease characteristics of SSc patients with AI were compared with those of 95 SSc patients without AI; there were five matched SSc patients without AI for each SSc patient with AI. Results: The mean (SD) internal sphincter thickness was 1.3 (0.46) mm in patients with AI, which was thinner (p < 0.001) than reference data from healthy individuals whose internal sphincter measured 2.2 (0.45) mm, whereas the external sphincter thickness did not differ. The mean (SD) resting pressure in AI patients was lower than the reference data from healthy individuals [60 (22) vs. 94 (29) mmHg, p < 0.002] whereas the squeeze pressure did not differ. Centromeric antibodies and features of vascular disease [i.e. the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), digital ulcers, pitting scars, or the need for iloprost infusions] were associated with AI whereas fibrotic manifestations [i.e. modified Rodnan skin score (mRss), the diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) subset, or low vital capacity (VC)] were not. Conclusions: SSc patients with AI have a thin internal anal sphincter and a low resting pressure. Risk factors for AI among SSc patients are centromeric antibodies and vascular disease, which supports the hypothesis that gastrointestinal involvement in SSc is in part a vascular manifestation of the disease.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Berglin, Ewa, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of the 1987 ACR and 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice : a prospective cohort study
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 42:5, s. 362-368
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To compare application of the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and 2010 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice. Method: The medical records of patients with early arthritis attending the Rheumatology Department, Umea University Hospital (n = 1026) were analysed. Patients with synovitis in at least one joint, no diagnosis other than RA being better for explaining the synovitis, and duration of symptoms less than 1 year at first visit, and at least 1 year of follow-up were included consecutively. Fulfilment of the 1987 and 2010 criteria at baseline was evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity for each criterion set, where estimated by using the outcome measures: initiation of methotrexate (MTX) therapy during the first year, and a clinical diagnosis of RA at the 1-year follow-up. Radiographs of hands and feet were evaluated using the Larsen score. Results: The study included 313 patients, of whom 56% fulfilled the 1987 ACR criteria, 74% the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, and 53% both sets of criteria at baseline. The sensitivity/specificity for the 1987 and 2010 criteria with MTX within the first year as the outcome measure was 0.68/0.79 and 0.84/0.54, respectively, and with a diagnosis of RA at follow-up 0.72/0.83 and 0.91/0.65, respectively. Older patients (i.e. >= 60 years) more often fulfilled the 2010 criteria. Patients who fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR but not the 1987 ACR criteria had a lower Larsen score at inclusion and after 2 years. Conclusions: Compared with the 1987 ACR criteria, the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria have higher sensitivity but lower specificity, especially in patients aged >= 60 years. The 1987 ACR criteria are suggested to predict a more erosive disease.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Bergström, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Smoking, low formal level of education, alcohol consumption, and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 42:2, s. 123-130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Suggested predictors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include environmental exposure, such as smoking. Our purpose was to investigate potential predictors of RA in a nested case-control study based on a prospective cohort. Method: Between 1991 and 1996, 30 447 persons were included in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS). Individuals who developed RA after inclusion up to 31 December 2004 were identified by linking the database to different registers. Four controls were selected for every case. Data on lifestyle factors were collected in the MDCS. Results: We identified 172 incident cases of RA [36 men/136 women, mean age at diagnosis 63 years, 69% rheumatoid factor (RF) positive, median time from inclusion to diagnosis 5 (range 1-13) years]. In bivariate analyses, baseline smoking [odds ratio (OR) 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-3.12] and a low level of formal education (i.e. ≤ 8 years; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.18-4.93 vs. University degree) predicted subsequent development of RA. Infrequent baseline alcohol consumption was a predictor of RA (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.91-6.30) compared to recent use (within the past month), and individuals with moderate baseline alcohol consumption (3.5-15.2 g/day vs. < 3.5 g/day) tended to have a reduced risk of RA (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.22-1.05) in multivariate analyses, adjusted for smoking and level of education. Conclusions: Smoking and a low level of formal education were found to be independent predictors of RA. Moderate alcohol consumption may also be associated with a reduced risk.
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| 16. |
- Berthold, E., et al.
(author)
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Tumour necrosis factor-α/etanercept complexes in serum predict long-term efficacy of etanercept treatment in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 47:1, s. 22-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To study whether serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), free or bound to etanercept, in biological-naïve adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could predict the long-term efficacy of etanercept, measured as drug survival. Method: We identified 145 biological-naïve patients with RA starting treatment with etanercept at the Department of Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital (1999–2008), of whom 16 had seronegative and 129 seropositive RA. TNF-α in serum was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in samples from the onset of treatment and at 6 week follow-up. Drug survival time was used to evaluate the long-term efficacy of etanercept. Results: Levels of TNF-α were significantly increased at follow-up compared to at the start. At the 6 week follow-up, circulating TNF-α mainly comprised TNF-α in complex with etanercept. Longer drug survival time correlated with increased TNF-α at 6 week follow-up in the patients with seronegative RA, but not in the seropositive patients. Conclusion: We demonstrated that levels of circulating TNF-α increased in almost all individuals after initiation of treatment with etanercept and that this increase mainly comprised TNF-α in complex with etanercept. More importantly, this increase may predict drug survival in adults with seronegative, but not seropositive, RA and suggests that measuring TNF-α/etanercept complexes in serum may be relevant in patients with seronegative RA.
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| 17. |
- Bertilsson, L, et al.
(author)
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A 5-year prospective population-based study of juvenile chronic arthritis: onset, disease process, and outcome.
- 2012
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 41:5, s. 379-82
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To investigate, in a population-based cohort of patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), onset characteristics, progression, outcome, and prognostic factors longitudinally for 5 years. Methods: This cohort consisted of 132 incidence cases identified between 1984 and 1986 in southwestern Sweden followed for 5 years with annual reports of subgroup, joint assessment, disease activity, eye examinations, laboratory measurements, and medication. At the 5-year follow-up, the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (Child-HAQ) was evaluated. European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria for diagnosis and disease activity were used. Results: During the 5 years only four patients were lost to follow-up, 34% changed subgroup and 8% developed uveitis. At the 5-year follow-up the disease was active in 12% of the patients, stable in 28%, inactive in 25%, and in remission in 34%. Among those examined, 24% had radiological changes, of whom half had advanced changes. The Child-HAQ median score at the 5-year follow-up was 0.13 (range 0.0-1.9). The number of involved joints at inclusion correlated positively with active disease at the 5-year follow-up. Age at disease onset, the number of involved joints, and the number of joints with arthritis correlated positively with continuous disease and Child-HAQ score. Conclusion. Our study shows a diverse disease course during the first 5 years of JCA where one-third changed subgroup and two-thirds did not reach remission. Age of disease onset, the number of involved joints, and the number of joints with arthritis at inclusion were associated with poor outcome at the 5-year follow-up.
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| 18. |
- Bilberg, Annelie, 1965, et al.
(author)
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High prevalence of widespread pain in women with early rheumatoid arthritis
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 47:6, s. 447-454
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of widespread pain (WP) in women with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare physical function, activity limitations, health-related quality of life, mental distress, and disease activity between women with WP and non-widespread pain (NWP). Method: This cross-sectional study included 102 women with early RA. Participants were provided with self-reported questionnaires quantifying activity limitations, physical activity, pain intensity, health-related quality of life, and fatigue. Hand-grip force, muscle function test of the lower extremities, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and number of tender and swollen joints were assessed. Results: One-third (35.9%) of the women fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for WP 20 months after disease onset. Women with RA + WP had significantly higher 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) (p = 0.004), number of tender joints (p = 0.001), pain intensity (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001), Health Assessment Questionnaire score (p < 0.001), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression (p = 0.001). Furthermore, women with RA + WP showed significantly worse global health (p < 0.001) and physical health (36-item Short Form Health Survey - Physical Component Summary) (p < 0.001). The hand-grip force was found to be significantly reduced (p = 0.001), as was the muscle function of the lower extremities (p < 0.001), for women with RA + WP compared to women with RA + NWP. After adjustment for inflammatory joint disease, the significant differences between the groups remained. Conclusion: A significant group of women with early RA experience WP with a high DAS28 and increased pain intensity level. These women display severe muscle function deficiency in clinical examinations, and report general activity limitations and low psychological and physical health, despite an absence of or low objective signs of inflammation.
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| 19. |
- Bilberg, Annelie, 1965, et al.
(author)
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Work status in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: emphasis on shoulder function and mechanical exposure
- 2014
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 43:2, s. 119-123
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate work status and associated factors in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with the emphasis on shoulder function, work-related mechanical exposure, and activity limitations related to the shoulder-arm-hand. Method: Patients with early RA were provided with self-report questionnaires quantifying work-related mechanical exposure and activity limitations. Shoulder function (i.e. isometric muscle strength, shoulder-arm movement, and shoulder pain), hand-grip force, and number of tender and swollen joints were assessed. Results: The study comprised 135 patients (103 women and 32 men), with a mean age of 48 (SD 9.6) years, a mean disease duration of 21 (SD 9.6) months, and a mean Disease Activity Score using 28 joint counts (DAS28) of 3.7 (SD 1.4). The majority (75.6%) were working full- or part-time. Work hours correlated with work-related mechanical exposure (rs = -0.34, p < 0.001) and with physical work load (rs = 0.26, p = 0.0036). Work hours also correlated with shoulder function, that is shoulder-arm movement (rs = 0.34, p < 0.0001), shoulder strength (rs = 0.25, p = 0.0032), and activity-induced shoulder pain (rs = -0.45, p < 0.0001). Significant correlations were found between work hours and hand-grip force (rs = 0.45, p < 0.0001), activity limitations related to the shoulder-arm-hand (using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, DASH) (rs = -0.61, p < 0.0001), and DAS28 (rs = -0.43, p < 0.0001). DASH was found to be the only significant (p < 0.001) variable to independently explain the ability of working full-time [odds ratio (OR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.55 per 10 increments, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.89]. Conclusions: Work status in early RA is associated with shoulder function and activity limitations related to the shoulder-arm-hand accentuated by work-related mechanical exposure.
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| 20. |
- Billing, Ewa, et al.
(author)
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Adaptation of the Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL) instrument for Sweden
- 2010
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 39:3, s. 223-228
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL) questionnaire is the first disease-specific patient-derived instrument for assessing QoL in patients with PsA and has been extensively validated in this population. The aim of the adaptation process reported here was to develop a Swedish version of the PsAQoL that was equivalent to, and met the same psychometric and acceptability standards as, the original instrument, which was developed in the UK. Method:Translation of the original questionnaire into Swedish was performed by a professional and a lay panel. Field testing for face and content validity was performed by interviewing 13 patients. Finally, 123 patients with PsA were included in a test-retest postal survey designed to test reproducibility and construct validity. The PsAQoL was administered on two occasions approximately 2 weeks apart. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used as a comparator instrument. Results: The Swedish version of the PsAQoL questionnaire showed good reliability at both time points and, as expected, correlated with the NHP. The scale was able to distinguish between groups based on self-reported general health and flare-up. Patients with active symptoms of both arthritis and psoriasis had worse QoL. The results also indicated that duration of disease has a progressive impact on PsAQoL scores. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the adapted PsAQoL can be used for clinical studies in Swedish patients. The instrument provides valuable information on the long-term effects of PsA on QoL.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Björk, Mathilda, et al.
(author)
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Differences in activity limitation, pain intensity, and global health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Sweden and the USA : a 5-year follow-up
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 40:6, s. 428-432
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: In this study we compared activity limitations, pain intensity, and global health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Sweden and the USA and aimed to determine whether nationality is associated with these outcomes. Methods: We used longitudinal data from the Swedish TIRA project (n = 149) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) RA panel study (n = 85). Data were collected annually concerning use of medications [disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids], morning stiffness, number of swollen joints, and number of painful joints. Three self-reported outcome measures were examined: pain intensity measured on a 0-100 visual analogue scale (VAS), activity limitation according to the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and global health. To analyse the data, the Students t-test, the chi(2)-test, and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method were used. Results: Nationality was significantly related to HAQ score and pain intensity, even after adjustment for covariates. The patients in the TIRA cohort reported a lower HAQ score and a higher pain intensity than the patients in the UCSF cohort. Nationality was not related to global health. Conclusion: Patients with RA should be assessed with awareness of the psychosocial and cultural context because disability seems to be affected by nationality. Further knowledge to clarify how a multinational setting affects disability could improve the translation of interventions for patients with RA across nationalities.
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| 23. |
- Book, Christina, et al.
(author)
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Changes in body composition after 2 years with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 40:2, s. 95-100
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Possible predictors for CVD are early changes in body composition. We therefore evaluated changes in lean body mass (LBM), lean mass of arms and legs (LMAL), total body fat mass (BFM), and truncal fat distribution (FD) after 2 years with RA and possible predictors. Methods: We registered 63 (45 women) RA patients with disease duration of <= 12 months at baseline and after 2 years. Disease Activity Score using 28 joint counts (DAS28), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, smoking, and medications were recorded. Total and regional lean mass and fat mass were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The data were compared with 63 age- and gender-matched controls. Results: LBM and LMAL at baseline in RA patients were significantly lower in men (p = 0.020 and 0.002, respectively) compared to matched controls. Truncal FD was non-significantly increased in RA patients (women p = 0.133, men p = 0.119). The age-related deterioration with decreased LBM after 2 years (p = 0.002 in women and men) and increased BFM (p < 0.001) and truncal FD (p = 0.020) in women were all significantly less pronounced in RA patients than in matched controls. Conclusions: In patients with early RA and after initiation of therapy, the age-related deterioration with decreasing LBM and increasing truncal FD was lower than in control subjects in this observational study. These potentially harmful alterations seem to be modifiable factors in patients with early RA.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Broström, E W, et al.
(author)
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Change in Gait Deviation Index after anti-tumour necrosis factor-α treatment in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis : a pilot study
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 42:5, s. 356-361
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors provide fast, effective resolution of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation. In this study we aimed to quantify the impact of TNF-α treatment on gait dynamics.METHOD: The sample comprised 16 subjects [11 female, median age 56 (range 48-66) years, median disease duration 9.5 (range 4.6-20.6) years] with RA who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, had lower extremity involvement, did not use walking aids, and had started TNF-α treatment within 1 week of baseline gait analysis. Gait analysis focused on three-dimensional (3D) lower extremity joint kinematics, kinetics, time and distance parameters. The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and GDI-Kinetic were calculated. Data on gait, disease activity, and physical disability were collected at baseline and at 3.5 months.RESULTS: Following treatment with TNF-α, statistically significant improvements were found in disease activity [using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP); median difference (m(d)) = 2.3, p < 0.01], physical disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) m(d) = 0.4, p < 0.01], and pain during walking [visual analogue scale (VAS) m(d) = 11.0, p < 0.05]. Reductions in gait deviations were noted (GDI m(d) = 3.7, p = 0.04; GDI-Kinetic m(d) = 4.1, p = 0.05) along with reductions in dimensionless time and distance parameters. A moderate to good negative correlation existed between baseline GDI and GDI change scores (r(s) = -0.7, p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with TNF-α improved gait dynamics in adults with RA. Significant gait deviations were, however, still present after treatment. In this study, GDI and GDI-Kinetic scores appeared to be useful outcome measures to quantify changes in gait deviations after this intervention.
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| 27. |
- C Kapetanovic, Meliha, et al.
(author)
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Long-term mortality rate in rheumatoid arthritis patients with disease onset in the 1980s.
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 40, s. 433-438
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To investigate the mortality rate and possible early predictive factors of mortality after 19-23 years in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) followed prospectively from disease onset. Patients and methods: A community-based cohort of 183 patients (63% female) with RA and disease duration < 2 years was recruited 1985-1989. The patients were followed yearly from diagnosis until death or 31 December 2008. Mean age and mean duration of symptoms (range) at diagnosis were 52 (18-78) years and 11 (0-24) months, respectively. Death certificates were obtained from the Swedish Cause of Death Register and causes of death were coded by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Death rates of RA patients were compared to those of age- and sex-matched controls. Possible predictors of mortality were analysed using a Cox regression model. Results: By 31 December 2008, 69 patients (37 women and 32 men) had died. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.55] and p < 0.09. Older age, male sex, smoking, and the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at RA diagnosis were identified as early predictors of mortality. CVD was the most common cause of death (46%), followed by malignancies (29%) and infections (13%). RA was not stated as the direct cause of death in any patient and was mentioned among underlying causes in only 16/69 (23%) patients. Conclusion: Mortality rate after 19-23 years of disease duration in this cohort of patients with disease onset in the 1980s was not significantly increased compared to age- and sex-matched controls. No RA disease-related factor predicted mortality.
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| 28. |
- C Kapetanovic, Meliha, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and predictive factors of comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis patients monitored prospectively from disease onset up to 20 years: lack of association between inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
- 2010
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 39, s. 353-359
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To study the prevalence of comorbid conditions at diagnosis and during follow-up in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) followed prospectively over 20 years, and to identify possible early predictive factors for future comorbidities. Methods: A community-based cohort of 183 patients (mean age 52 years, 63% female) with early RA was recruited between 1985 and 1989. The presence of comorbidity at RA diagnosis and the occurrence of additional comorbidities were recorded continuously. Possible predictors of future comorbidities were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: At RA diagnosis, at least one comorbid condition was present in 43% of the patients. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension (16% of patients) and malignancy (6% of patients), were most common. In total, 82% of patients developed additional comorbidities during follow-up. CVD and malignancies remained the most frequent comorbidities. Higher age [p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.15] and the presence of any comorbidity at diagnosis (p = 0.02; OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08-2.52) predicted future comorbidity. Measures of inflammation at diagnosis or during follow-up were not predictive for development of CVD. Conclusion: Comorbidity was present in a considerable proportion of patients in this cohort. More than 40% of patients had another disease at inclusion and during follow-up and > 80% developed additional conditions. The pattern of comorbidity remained unchanged, with CVD and malignancy being most common. Older age and the presence of comorbidity at RA diagnosis predicted the development of comorbidities. The degree of inflammation at any time point was not predictive of future CVD.
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| 29. |
- Chatzidionysiou, K, et al.
(author)
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Effectiveness and survival-on-drug of certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice : results from the national Swedish register
- 2015
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 44:6, s. 431-437
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Evidence regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have failed to respond to treatment with a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness and survival-on-drug of CZP in a real-life setting, both in TNFi-naïve patients and in patients who had previously failed TNFis, and in relation to disease activity at baseline.METHOD: The national Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ) was used to identify patients with RA starting treatment with CZP between 2009 and 2013. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), measures of remission, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response during 0-6 months from start of treatment, and survival-on-drug during the first 30 months.RESULTS: A total of 945 RA patients started treatment with CZP. Of these, 540 (57.1%) received CZP as the first biological treatment, 215 (23%) had failed one previous TNFi, and 190 (20%) had failed at least two TNFis. Overall, 71% achieved at least a EULAR moderate response and 38% had a EULAR good response at 6 months from baseline. TNFi-naïve patients achieved significantly better results and had better survival-on-drug compared to patients who had failed previous TNFis. Around 20% of patients who had not responded to two or more prior TNFis achieved EULAR good response to therapy and a similar percentage achieved remission. Patients who had high baseline disease activity had a higher risk of discontinuing treatment compared to those without high disease activity.CONCLUSIONS: In this real-life RA cohort, CZP was associated with significant clinical improvement. The effectiveness and survival-on-drug vary markedly depending on the line of treatment.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Compagno, Michele, et al.
(author)
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Low diagnostic and predictive value of anti-dsDNA antibodies in unselected patients with recent onset of rheumatic symptoms: results from a long-term follow-up Scandinavian multicentre study.
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 42:4, s. 311-316
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To verify the diagnostic accuracy of anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies detected by the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) in a cohort of unselected patients, referred to a rheumatologist due to recent onset of rheumatic symptoms. Method: A total of 1073 consecutive patients were screened for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs). Serum samples from 292 ANA-positive and 292 matching ANA-negative patients were tested three times for anti-dsDNA antibodies, using two different CLIFT kits (ImmunoConcepts(®) and Euroimmun(®)). An initial clinical diagnosis was made by rheumatologists unaware of the results. The diagnoses were updated after a median follow-up of 4.8 years. Results: CLIFT was positive at least once in 60 patients but only 23 patients were CLIFT positive in all of the assays. Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made initially in 65 patients, of whom 24 (37%) were CLIFT positive. Many other diagnoses were observed among the CLIFT-positive patients. Overall, 16 (5.5%) ANA-negative patients were CLIFT positive. After approximately 5 years, the diagnosis of SLE remained unchanged in 63 patients (23 CLIFT positive) and altered in only two (one CLIFT positive). Among the 36 CLIFT-positive patients who were not diagnosed with SLE at study entry, only one developed SLE during the follow-up period. Conclusions: CLIFT was not reliable as a diagnostic tool in unselected patients with rheumatic symptoms. ANAs were of little value as a screening test before the CLIFT analysis. CLIFT had surprisingly low positive predictive value (PPV) for the diagnosis of SLE despite its high specificity. For non-SLE patients, being CLIFT positive poses little risk of developing SLE within 5 years.
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| 34. |
- Cooper, A, et al.
(author)
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What PASSes for good? : Experience-based Swedish and hypothetical British EuroQol 5-Dimensions preference sets yield markedly different point estimates and patient acceptable symptom state cut-off values in chronic arthritis patients on TNF blockade
- 2016
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 45:6, s. 470-473
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Health utilities derived from answers to generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires such as the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) are often used in cost-utility analyses (CUAs) of new and expensive treatments. Different preference sets (tariffs) used in the computation of utility values and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) from questionnaire responses (health states) yield varying results, potentially affecting decisions of resource allocation. The objective of the present study was to compare British (UK), hypothetical, and Swedish (SE), experience-based, EQ-5D utilities using data from clinical practice.METHOD: UK and SE EQ-5D utilities were computed in an observational cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, comparing point estimates and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) cut-off levels.RESULTS: SE utilities were found to be consistently higher than UK utilities, and PASS cut-offs were essentially stable over time.CONCLUSIONS: With higher baseline utilities, there may be less room for improvement after an intervention and thus less accumulation of QALYs in CUAs applying the SE, as opposed to the UK, EQ-5D tariff.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Cerebrospinal Flt3 ligand correlates to tau protein levels in primary Sjögren's syndrome.
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 42:5, s. 394-399
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glands and internal organs including the central nervous system (CNS). The fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) is a maturation factor essential for brain homeostasis. Blood levels of Flt3L are increased in inflammatory diseases including the inflamed salivary glands in pSS. The present study evaluated the role of Flt3L in the CNS of patients with pSS and in two non-autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia (FM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method: Levels of Flt3L were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with pSS (n = 15), FM (n = 29), and AD (n = 39) and related to CNS symptoms and to markers of inflammation and degeneration. Results: Levels of CSF Flt3L in pSS and AD were significantly lower than in FM (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Flt3L in pSS correlated to tau proteins [total tau (T-tau), r = 0.679; phosphorylated tau (P-tau), r = 0.646] and to a marker for microglia activation, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). Similar correlations were present in FM and AD patients. One-third of pSS patients had low levels of CSF Flt3L. This group had decreased levels of amyloid precursor protein metabolites (Aβ40 and Aβ42) in CSF, which was not seen in FM patients. Conclusions: This study shows a strong correlation between CSF Flt3L and tau proteins in pSS patients suggesting ongoing degradation/remodelling in the CNS. In pSS patients, low levels of Flt3L were linked to changes in amyloid turnover and may represent processes similar to those in AD.
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| 37. |
- Dimitrijevic, Ivan, et al.
(author)
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Reduced expression of angiotensin II and angiotensin receptor type 1 and type 2 in resistance arteries from nasal lesions in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis).
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 40, s. 448-452
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Angiotensin II (ANGII) is involved in vessel inflammation and is important in the development of cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis. During active disease, patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; Wegener's granulomatosis) have accelerated atherosclerosis and ANGII inhibitors are recommended to these patients to reduce atherosclerosis. We assessed the hypothesis that the expression of ANGII and its receptors in arteries in granulomatous lesions change in GPA. Methods: ANGII and angiotensin receptors were quantified in vessels from granulomatous lesions from patients with GPA using immunohistochemistry. Anti- ANGI type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) antibodies were applied on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded biopsies from nasal mucous membranes from eight patients with GPA and eight controls. Results: ANGII expression was localized to the endothelial cells (ECs) in arteries and sparsely to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in nasal biopsies. AT1 receptor (AT1R) staining was intense and located in the VSMCs in the medial layer of the control arteries. AT2 receptor (AT2R) immunostaining was faint and was located only in the ECs. Patients with GPA showed marked down-regulation of positively immunostained ECs for ANGII or AT2R, and a reduced number of AT1R in VSMCs. ANGII, AT1R, and AT2R staining was persistent on infiltrating leucocytes. Conclusions: These results suggest down-regulation of the angiotensin system in arteries in granulomatous nasal lesions in GPA. Inhibition of the angiotensin system may prove less efficient in inhibiting the vascular inflammation process in GPA.
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| 38. |
- Draborg, A. H., et al.
(author)
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Epstein-Barr virus early antigen diffuse (EBV-EA/D)-directed immunoglobulin A antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
- 2012
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 41:4, s. 280-289
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We sought to determine whether the serological response towards lytic cycle antigens of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is altered in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Method: We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate the prevalence of EBV early antigen diffuse (EBV-EA/D) antibodies in sera from 60 patients with SLE, 40 with scleroderma (SSc), 20 with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), 20 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 20 healthy controls, and also subjects with various circulating autoantibodies. Samples from patients were obtained from clinics specialized within the diseases in Denmark and Sweden and samples from healthy controls were obtained from volunteers. Results: A significant elevated titre of immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, and IgM EBV-EA/D antibodies was found in SLE patients compared to healthy controls, a finding not explained by immunosuppressive treatment or disease activity. The largest difference was observed for IgA EBV-EA/D antibodies (p = 0.0013) with a seropositive rate of 58% in SLE patients and 0% in healthy controls. RA and SSc patients and individuals seropositive for anti-Scl-70 were additionally found to have elevated titres of IgA EBV-EA/D antibodies (40%, p = 0.014; 60%, p = 0.015; and 38.5%, p = 0.045, respectively). However, the titres were generally lower than in SLE patients. Conclusion: Our findings support an association between EBV and SLE. The elevated titre of EBV-EA/D-directed IgA antibodies found in SLE patients could suggest reactivation of EBV in epithelial cells or reinfection of epithelial cells after reactivation in B cells, indicating lack of control of the latent infection.
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Eriksson, Catharina, 1955-, et al.
(author)
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Changes in chemokines and their receptors in blood during treatment with the TNF inhibitor infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. - 9789174591439 ; 42:4, s. 260-265
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Chemokines are involved in leucocyte recruitment into inflammatory sites, such as the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The release of certain chemokines is augmented by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against TNF that blocks the biological effects of TNF, is used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The effect of blocking TNF activity on chemokines is not fully understood.Aim. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects on chemokines and their receptors on peripheral mononuclear cells of anti-TNF treatment in RA-patients.Material and methods. Twelve patients with established RA who began treatment with infliximab, and nine patients with early RA treated with traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, were followed clinically for 30 weeks and chemokine levels in blood samples and chemokine receptor expression on the surface of T-cells and monocytes analysed. Three SLE-patients, as a small control group of another inflammatory disease, and nine healthy subjects were also included in the study.Result. CXCL10/IP-10 was significantly higher in RA-patients compared with healthy controls and decreased significantly two weeks after infliximab infusion. CCL2/MCP-1 and CCL4/MIP-1β decreased significantly after infliximab treatment although the concentrations were not significantly elevated at baseline compared with controls. There was an inverse correlation between the chemokine cleaving molecule dipeptidyl peptidase-IV/CD26 and CCL5/RANTES. Several chemokine receptors on T-cells were elevated in RA patients at inclusion into the study. The CCR2 expression on T-cells decreased significantly after infliximab treatment.Conclusion. The chemokines CXCL10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1 and CCL4/MIP-1β, mainly targeting the Th1 immune response, decreased after treatment with anti-TNF suggesting a more pronounced effect onTh1 activity than on the Th2 mediated response. Several chemokine receptors on blood T-cells were elevated in RA-patients, suggesting that they may be involved in the recruitment of T-lymphocytes from the blood to affected tissues.
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| 43. |
- Eriksson, K, et al.
(author)
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Physical activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and matched controls.
- 2012
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 41:4, s. 290-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: As physical activity reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population, studies concerning the frequency of physical activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are needed. Earlier studies indicate that patients with SLE are physically inactive but there are few studies that compare physical activity in SLE to that in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine different aspects of physical activity in patients with SLE and population controls and to investigate how they relate to disease activity and organ damage.METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-two patients with SLE and 272 population controls, individually matched for age, gender, and living region, were investigated clinically. For patients, the investigation included assessment of disease activity using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and organ damage using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC) Damage Index. All participants filled out an extensive questionnaire concerning physical activity, exercise capacity, and sedentary behaviour.RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47 (SD 15) years. Patients reported lower (p < 0.001) capacity for walking, jogging, and running and more limiting factors for these activities than controls (p < 0.001). Patients exercised less often than controls (p < 0.01) and patients with SLICC ≥ 2 points reported less physical activity on 'low to moderate' intensity compared to their controls (p < 0.05). Sedentary behaviour was reported by 18% of the patients and 26% of the controls (ns).CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE reported lower exercise capacity and less frequent exercise than controls. Additionally, patients with more organ damage reported less physical activity, and these, together with patients who have a sedentary behaviour, should be the focus of intervention programmes to support increased physical activity and exercise in SLE.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Esbjörnsson, A-C, et al.
(author)
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Quantifying gait deviations in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis using the Gait Deviation Index
- 2014
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 43:2, s. 124-131
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: In this study we evaluated the usability of the Gait Deviation Index (GDI), an index that summarizes the amount of deviation in movement from a standard norm, in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aims of the study were to evaluate the ability of the GDI to identify gait deviations, assess inter-trial repeatability, and examine the relationship between the GDI and walking speed, physical disability, and pain.METHOD: Sixty-three adults with RA and 59 adults with typical gait patterns were included in this retrospective case-control study. Following a three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA), representative gait cycles were selected and GDI scores calculated. To evaluate the effect of walking speed, GDI scores were calculated using both a free-speed and a speed-matched reference set. Physical disability was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and subjects rated their pain during walking.RESULTS: Adults with RA had significantly increased gait deviations compared to healthy individuals, as shown by lower GDI scores [87.9 (SD = 8.7) vs. 99.4 (SD = 8.3), p < 0.001]. This difference was also seen when adjusting for walking speed [91.7 (SD = 9.0) vs. 99.9 (SD = 8.6), p < 0.001]. It was estimated that a change of ≥ 5 GDI units was required to account for natural variation in gait. There was no evident relationship between GDI and low/high RA-related physical disability and pain.CONCLUSIONS: The GDI seems to useful for identifying and summarizing gait deviations in individuals with RA. Thus, we consider that the GDI provides an overall measure of gait deviation that may reflect lower extremity pathology and may help clinicians to understand the impact of RA on gait dynamics.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Forslind, K, et al.
(author)
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Repair of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis : a systematic literature review
- 2019
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 48:6, s. 448-453
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this study was to review the literature to identify studies reporting repair of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method: A systematic literature search for publications on the repair of erosions was performed in PubMed and Embase, limited to human adults and published in English. Titles, abstracts, and full reports of articles identified were screened by the first author and verified by the second author. Results: The search yielded 411 publications, of which 33 (20 articles and 13 case reports) suggested repair of erosions in RA. There was heterogeneity in study design and different definitions of repair were used. Twelve articles showed strong evidence of repair, in eight articles repair was probable, and in all 13 case reports repair was evident. Conclusion: Repair of erosions does occur in RA. The definition and frequency of repair vary and the possible clinical relevance is unclear, motivating further studies.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
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