Determination of IgA,IgG,IgM Class-Specific Rheumatoid Factor and Its Clinical Evaluation

Solid Phase enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay（ELISA） for detectingclass-specific rheumatoid factor （RF） was established.Aggregated rabbit lgG was used ascoating antigen and the presence of RF was demonstrated by F（ab’）2 fragment of anti-humanIg conjugated to horseradish peroxidase（HRP）.The results showed that high levels ofIgM-RF,IgG-RF and IgA-RF were found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.A positive cor-relation existed between IgM-,IgG-,IgA-RF and disease activity.The presence of vasculitis al-so correlated positively with the levels of 3 class-specific RFs.

Rheumatoid Factor and Anti Citrulinated Peptide. Relation with Remission and Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis with Biologic Agent Therapy, during a One-Year Follow-Up

The aim of this study is to assess the variations of the RF and ACCP in RA patients treated with biologics in actual clinical practice (real) conditions for a one-year follow-up from the first biologic medication. The evaluated patients with a diagnosis of RA, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 were selected from the outpatient consult of Rheumatology of the “Hospital de Sant Pau” during one month (November 2012). We collected and analyzed data from 41 patients with RA and positivity for RF and/or ACCP. Of the 41 patients had given FR and ACCP at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively in 18 and 10 patients. In 22 patients had given DAS 28 at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. The mean age of the sample is 55 years (range 29-79), with a mean disease progression 9 years (4 months to 32 years). 70% are women. 33 patients (80.5%) initiated treatment with anti-TNF and 8 (19.5%) with other no anti-TNF mechanism of action. There was a statistically significant (p = 0.001, ANOVA) decrease in DAS 28 (average decrease of 1.6 points) at 3 months is maintained at 6 and 12 m and no significant differences in their evolution by separating anti-TNF drugs vs. other biological agents (different mechanisms of action (p = 0.285). So we have not detected a correlation between DAS 28 and FR or ACCP along the first 12 months of biological treatment. In our experience we did not find a correlation between DAS 28 and RF or ACCP, thus RF and ACCP do not appear to predict the response to treatment.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

Distinct Expression of Chemokine-like Factor 1 in Synovium of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chemokine-like factor 1（CKLF1） is a newly cloned chemotactic cytokine with CCR4 being its functional receptor. Recent evidence demonstrates a role of CKLF1 in arthritis. The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of CKLF1 as well as assess the correlation between CKLF1 and plasma acute-phase markers. Synovium was obtained from 16 osteoarthritis（OA）, 15 rheumatoid arthritis（RA） and 10 ankylosing spondylitis（AS） patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, with other 11 patients treated for meniscal tears during sport accidents serving as normal controls. Levels of CKLF1 and CCR4 m RNA were detected by q RT-PCR, and the expression of CKLF1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry staining, subsequently analyzed with semiquantitative scores. Plasma acute-phase markers of inflammation were determined by ELISA. CKLF1 was found with a particularly up-regulated expression in synovim from AS and RA patients, and CCR4 m RNA levels increased in RA patients, not in OA or AS patients. Elevated levels of plasma markers of inflammation including CRP, ESR and Ddimer were observed in RA. Further, significantly positive correlations between relative expression levels of CKLF1 and CRP/ESR in RA patients and a positive correlation between CKLF1 and ESR in AS patients were found. There was no detectable correlation between CKLF1 and plasma D-dimer. This study confirms an increased but different level of CKLF1 in RA, OA and AS patients, all significantly higher than that in controls. Additionally, the significant positive correlations between CKLF1 levels and CRP/ESR in RA and between CKLF1 and ESR suggest that CKLF1 might contribute to the inflammation state and clinical symptoms in these rheumatic diseases. Further studies are required to investigate the utility of targeting specific CKLF1 for symptom control or disease modification in RA and AS.

Blood glucose changes surrounding initiation of tumor-necrosis factor inhibitors and conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in veterans with rheumatoid arthritis

AIM To determine the scope of acute hypoglycemic effects for certain anti-rheumatic medications in a large retrospective observational study. METHODS Patients enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry were selected who, during follow-up, initiated treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi's, including etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, or certolizumab), prednisone, or conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(DMARDs), and for whom proximate random blood glucose (RBG) measurements were available within a window 2-wk prior to, and 6 mo following, medication initiation. Similar data were obtained for patients with proximate values available for glycosylated hemoglobin A1C values within a window 2 mo preceding, and 12 mo following, medication initiation. RBG and A1C measurements were compared before and after initiation events using paired t-tests, and multivariate regression analysis was performed including established comorbidities and demographics.RESULTS Two thousands one hundred and eleven patients contributed at least one proximate measurement surrounding the initiation of any examined medication. A significant decrease in RBG was noted surrounding 653 individual hydroxychloroquine-initiation events(-3.68 mg/dL, P = 0.04), while an increase was noted for RBG surrounding 665 prednisone-initiation events(+5.85 mg/d L, P < 0.01). A statistically significant decrease in A1C was noted for sulfasalazine initiation, as measured by 49 individual initiation events(-0.70%, P < 0.01). Multivariate regression analyses, using methotrexate as the referent, suggest sulfasalazine (β =-0.58, P = 0.01) and hydroxychloroquine(β =-5.78, P = 0.01) use as predictors of lower post-medicationinitiation RBG and A1C values, respectively. Analysis by drug class suggested prednisone (or glucocorticoids) as predictive of higher medication-initiation event RBG among all start events as compared to DMARDs, while this analysis did not show any drug class-level effect for TNFi. A diagnosis of congestive heart failure(β = 4.69, P = 0.03) was predictive for higher post-initiation RBG values among all medication-initiation events.CONCLUSION No statistically significant hypoglycemic effects surrounding TNFi initiation were observed in this large cohort. Sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine may have epidemiologically significant acute hypoglycemic effects.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on rheumatoid arthritis-induced peripheral neuropathy A cohort study

In this historical cohort study, 236 patients with primary rheumatoid arthritis were treated with the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, etanercept or infliximab （n = 80）, or by conventional methods （n = 156）. Results revealed that 11 patients developed varying types of peripheral neuropathy at 1-2 years post-treatment （mean 16 months）. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy in the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors treatment group was 8.8% （7/80）, which was significantly higher than the conventional treatment group （2.6%; 4/156）. The relative risk of developing peripheral neuropathy in the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors treatment group was 3.41 （95% confidence interval： 1.03 11.31）. Comparison of the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors revealed that etanercept and infliximab had no significant difference in terms of inducing peripheral neuropathy. Experimental findings indicate that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Inhibition of rheumatoid arthritis by blocking connective tissue growth factor

The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) remains to be completely elucidated so far; however, it is known that proinflammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in the induction of RA. Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), in particular, is considered to play a central role in bone destruction by mediating the abnormal activation of osteoclasts or the production of proteolytic enzymes through direct or indirect mechanisms. The use of TNF-α blocking agents has a significant impact on RA therapy. Anti-TNF-α blocking agents such as infliximab are very effective for treatment of RA, especially for the prevention of articular destruction. We have previously shown that several proteins exhibited extensive changes in their expression after amelioration of RA with infliximab treatment. Among the proteins, connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) has a significantrole for the development of RA. Herein, we review the function of CTGF in the pathogenesis of RA and discuss the possibility of a novel treatment for RA. We propose that CTGF is a potentially novel effector molecule in the pathogenesis of RA. Blocking the CTGF pathways by biological agents may have great beneficial effect in patients with RA.

Gene Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Etanercept-Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Fifty-one rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were enrolled to assess the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in etanercept-treated RA patients, with some emphasis on clinical and biological markers of disease. The results revealed that the ΔCt mean range in total, male and female RA patients and controls was 1.286 ± 1.226 - 4.023 ± 0.856 and the differences were not. Laboratory and clinical findings in subgroups of patients also showed no significant variations in the distribution of 2-ΔΔCt means, with the exception of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) antibodies. The lowest expression was observed in moderate positive patients (1.566 ± 1.104) compared to low and high positive patients (4.061 ± 1.366 and 9.668 ± 3.518, respectively) for ACCP antibodies, and the difference was significant (p = 0.043). Inspecting the 2-ΔΔCt means in duration of disease and gender revealed that male patients recorded a lower mean than female patients (0.827 ± 0.550 vs. 4.143 ± 1.317) at 10 years duration of disease, female patients showed a lower mean than male patients (1.242 ± 0.372 vs. 5.607 ± 3.334). However, both differences were not significant. It is concluded that etanercept was effective in normalizing the TNF gene expression, but variations that were related to gender, duration of disease and some biological markers of disease, were observed.

Low rates of adherence for tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a systematic review

AIM:To investigate adherence rates in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-inhibitors in Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by systematic review of medical literature. METHODS:A structured search of PubMed between 2001 and 2011 was conducted to identify publications that assessed treatment with TNF-α inhibitors providing data about adherence in CD and RA. Therapeutic agents of interest where adalimumab, infliximab and etanercept, since these are most commonly used for both diseases. Studies assessing only drug survival or continuation rates were excluded. Data describing adherence with TNF-α inhibitors were extracted for each selected study. Given the large variation between definitions of measurement of adherence, the definitions as used by the authors where used in our calculations. Data were tabulated and also presented descriptively. Sample size-weighted pooled proportions of patients adherent to therapy and their 95%CI were calculated.To compare adherence between infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept, the adherence rates where graphed alongside two axes. Possible determinants of adherence were extracted from the selected studies and tabulated using the presented OR. RESULTS:Three studies on CD and three on RA were identified, involving a total of 8147 patients (953 CD and 7194 RA). We identified considerable variation in the definitions and methodologies of measuring adherence between studies. The calculated overall sample size-weighted pooled proportion for adherence to TNF-α inhibitors in CD was 70% (95%CI:67%-73%) and 59% in RA (95%CI:58%-60%). In CD the adherence rate for infliximab (72%) was highercompared to adalimumab (55%), with a relative risk of 1.61 (95%CI:1.27-2.03), whereas in RA adherence for adalimumab (67%) was higher compared to both infliximab (48%) and etanercept (59%), with a relative risk of 1.41 (95%CI:1.3-1.52) and 1.13 (95%CI:1.10-1.18) respectively. In comparative studies in RA adherence to infliximab was better than etanercept and etanercept did better than adalimumab. In three studies, the most consistent factor associated with lower adherence was female gender. Results for age, immunomodulator use and prior TNF-α inhibitors use were conflicting. CONCLUSION:One-third of both CD and RA patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors are non-adherent. Female gender was consistently identified as a negative determinant of adherence.

靶向成纤维细胞生长因子受体1信号改善类风湿关节炎的骨破坏

背景:尽管科研人员已注意到成纤维细胞生长因子受体1在类风湿关节炎骨破坏中展现出巨大潜力,但尚未有学者对成纤维细胞生长因子受体1在类风湿关节炎骨破坏中的研究进展作全面综述。目的:通过查阅国内外相关文献,综合分析成纤维细胞生长因子受体1在类风湿关节炎骨破坏中的机制。方法:以“成纤维细胞生长因子受体1,类风湿关节炎,骨破坏,骨细胞,成骨细胞,破骨细胞,软骨细胞,巨噬细胞,滑膜成纤维细胞,T细胞,血管内皮细胞”为检索词检索中国知网数据库,以“fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells”为检索词检索PubMed数据库,检索时间范围重点为1992年4月至2024年1月。通过阅读文献题目、摘要及全文,根据纳入与排除标准进行筛选,最后纳入82篇文献进行综述。结果与结论:成纤维细胞生长因子受体1广泛表达于骨组织相关细胞,包括骨细胞、成骨细胞、破骨细胞等,可以通过调控这些细胞的功能来影响骨重塑过程和维持骨稳态,促进类风湿关节炎骨破坏的发生和发展。成纤维细胞生长因子受体1还可以在滑膜成纤维细胞和巨噬细胞中参与炎症反应,在内皮细胞中调控滑膜血管生成,从多个方面促进骨破坏。成纤维细胞生长因子受体1可能是类风湿关节炎骨破坏的一个重要参与因素,为进一步研究类风湿关节炎治疗靶点提供依据。

成纤维细胞生长因子受体1 抑制剂对胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠骨破坏的影响

背景:课题组前期的研究表明靶向成纤维细胞生长因子受体1(fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,FGFR1)可能是治疗类风湿性关节炎的有效靶点。目的:探讨FGFR1抑制剂(PD173074)对胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠骨破坏的影响。方法:将25只雌性SD大鼠随机分为5组,正常对照组、模型组、甲氨蝶呤组、PD173074低剂量组、PD173074高剂量组。除正常对照组外,其余各组大鼠建立Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型。造模成功后正常组及模型组大鼠腹腔注射无菌PBS,甲氨蝶呤组药物注射剂量为1.04 mg/kg,PD173074低剂量组和高剂量组药物注射剂量分别为5,20 mg/kg,1次/周。给药4周后取材,观察大鼠临床症状以及关节肿胀情况,踝关节Micro-CT三维重建及分析,观察踝关节病理变化,检测关节周围血管生成情况及核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达,检测关节滑膜中p-FGFR1、血管内皮生长因子A、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶的表达,观察肝、脾、肾病理变化并计算肝、脾、肾指数。结果与结论:①PD173074能够减轻模型大鼠踝关节临床症状及关节肿胀,延缓骨质丢失,改善骨结构,减轻关节滑膜侵袭以及软骨骨侵蚀,降低关节周围破骨细胞数量,抑制关节滑膜组织中的血管生成,降低核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达,抑制FGFR1磷酸化蛋白、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶和血管内皮生长因子A的蛋白表达。②大鼠肝、脾、肾病理观察表明经过PD173074治疗后无明显的毒副作用。③研究证明了FGFR1抑制剂能够延缓Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠关节炎症及骨破坏的进展,并抑制血管的生成。初步验证了PD173074在Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型中的治疗作用,其可能是通过抑制FGFR1磷酸化发挥作用,为寻找类风湿性关节炎新的治疗靶点提供了方向。

Challenges of Rheumatoid Arthritis Management in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st Century

In recent decades, several advances have been made in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both in the diagnostic field and in the therapeutic field. Unfortunately, RA remains poorly studied in black Africa. Epidemiological data are rare and controversial. The estimated prevalence of RA in Africa is about 0% - 2.54%. Risk factors associated with RA must be studied by taking into account special features of black Africa such as the low tobacco consumption in certain regions, the tropical climate and the high frequency of endemic parasitic and viral infections. The initially supposed mildness of RA in black Africa is increasingly challenged. The diagnosis is often made too late because of the scarcity of rheumatologists and ignorance. Diagnostic tools are limited to the clinical data, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and radiographs as the other tools are poorly available. In addition, there are misconceptions in African communities, responsible for loss of sight during follow-up and treatment discontinuations. This is exacerbated by the shortage of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and the inability to afford them. Furthermore, biological agents are very difficult to access. Further studies are essential to better understand the characteristics of RA in black Africa. Thus, collaborations between African and Western research teams seem very important. In order to make available the DMARDs especially biological agents, pharmaceutical companies can contribute through research partnerships. Moreover, governments should provide a better place for chronic inflammatory diseases in the programs against non-communicable diseases. Finally, training must also be promoted to increase the number of specialists and the level of knowledge of other health workers.

Multifaceted role of TNF-α during the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) a cytokine has been shown to be the key player during the pathogenesis of several autoimmune inflammatory disorders (presumably sterile inflammation) including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have shown that TNF-α is mainly involved in the proinflammatory responses. However recent studies have reported multifunctional role of TNF-α during the development of RA. Therefore, in this article we have highlighted the distinct functions of TNF-α during pathogenesis of RA.

CDFI血流信号分级、抗CCP抗体、G6PI、RF对类风湿性关节炎的诊断价值

目的分析彩色多普勒血流显像(CDFI)血流信号分级、抗环瓜氨酸肽抗体(CCP)、葡萄糖6磷酸异构酶(G6PI)、类风湿因子(RF)对类风湿性关节炎(RA)的诊断价值。方法回顾性选取2022年4月至2023年10月新疆医科大学附属中医医院收治的100例RA患者纳入观察组,根据病情分为RA活动期组(n=50)和RA非活动期组(n=50);依据血流信号CDFI分级分为0~1级组(n=20)、2级组(n=17)、3级组(n=13)。选取同期本院收治的100例其他自身免疫性疾病患者纳入对照组。比较观察组、对照组一般临床资料(性别、病程、年龄、RA家族史、体重指数、吸烟史、饮酒史、居住地、职业等),比较不同活动期患者抗CCP抗体、G6PI及RF水平;比较不同血流信号分级组患者抗CCP抗体、G6PI及RF水平;采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估CDFI血流信号分级、抗CCP抗体、G6PI、RF联合检测对RA的诊断价值。结果两组患者性别构成比、病程、年龄、RA家族史、体重指数、吸烟史、饮酒史、居住地、职业比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组患者抗CCP抗体、G6PI及RF水平均高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。RA活动期组患者抗CCP抗体、G6PI及RF水平均高于RA非活动期组患者,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血流信号3级组患者抗CCP抗体、G6PI及RF水平均高于血流信号0-1级组、2级组患者,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。CDFI血流信号分级、抗CCP抗体、G6PI、RF单独检测RA的敏感度分别为79.57%、86.45%、82.14%、77.89%,特异度分别为83.89%、79.28%、83.67%、84.15%,AUC分别为0.855(0.804~0.907)、0.940(905~0.976)、0.893(0.852~0.935)、0.800(0.736~0.864),CDFI血流信号分级、抗CCP抗体、G6PI、RF联合检测RA的敏感度为89.36%,特异度为77.24%,AUC为0.957(0.933~0.980)。结论RA患者血清CCP抗体、G6PI、RF水平升高,随着CDFI血流信号分级增大,升高愈加明显,CDFI血流信号分级、抗CCP抗体、G6PI、RF联合检测RA诊断价值较高,对判断RA进展具有意义。

Regulation of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis through RANKL-RANK pathways

Recent studies have demonstrated that osteoclasts, the primary cells responsible for bone resorption, are mainly involved in bone and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients. Recent progress in bone cell biology has revealed the molecular mechanism of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption by mature osteoclasts. We highlight here the potential role of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand(RANKL)-RANK pathways in bone destruction in RA and review recent clinical trials treating RA by targeting RANKL.

基于25⁃羟基维生素D、血清学因子等对老年类风湿性关节炎合并间质性肺疾病Nomogram预测模型的构建和评价

目的基于25-羟基维生素D[25-(OH)D]、血清学因子等构建老年类风湿性关节炎合并间质性肺疾病(RA-ILD)的Nomogram预测模型,并进行模型评价。方法选取2020年5月—2022年10月收治的老年类风湿性关节炎(RA)220例,根据是否合并间质性肺疾病将其分为RA-ILD组(51例)和单纯RA组(169例)2组,比较2组一般资料和实验室相关指标[类风湿因子(RF)、抗环瓜氨酸抗体(anti-CCP)、抗角蛋白抗体(AKA)、类风湿关节炎活动度评分(DAS28)]、25-(OH)D、血清学因子[白细胞介素-33(IL-33)、白细胞介素-35(IL-35)、赖氨酰氧化酶样蛋白-2(LOXL-2)、涎液化糖链抗原-6(KL-6)、基质金属蛋白酶-8(MMP-8)]水平,分析老年RA患者25-(OH)D与各血清学因子的相关性,探讨老年RA-ILD发生的影响因素,根据影响因素、25-(OH)D及血清学因子构建老年RA-ILD的Nomogram预测模型,并对该模型进行评价。结果RA-ILD组和单纯RA组RF、DAS28比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);RA-ILD组25-(OH)D、IL-35、KL-6低于单纯RA组,IL-33、LOXL-2、MMP-8高于单纯RA组(P<0.05,P<0.01)。老年RA患者25-(OH)D与IL-35、KL-6呈正相关,与IL-33、LOXL-2、MMP-8呈负相关(P<0.05)。25-(OH)D、IL-35、KL-6、IL-33、LOXL-2、MMP-8、RF和DAS28均为老年RA-ILD发生的影响因素(P<0.01)。在Nomogram预测模型中直接获取各预测因素对应得分,得分之和对应的预测概率即为该老年患者RA-ILD发生的风险概率,该模型对老年RA-ILD发生具有良好预测效能,且具有良好校准度。结论基于25-(OH)D、血清学因子等构建老年RA-ILD发生的Nomogram预测模型,预测效能较高、校准度良好。

Comparative Study of Radiological Changes in Hands and Feet in Patients Suffering from Early Rheumatoid Arthritis by Power Doppler Ultrasound and Direct Digital Radiography

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic multisystem disease of unknown cause. The characteristic feature of RA is persistent inflammatory synovitis. The natural history of disease is such that the early months of the disease are critical period during which reversible joint damage occurs. So early diagnosis of RA and appropriate drug application is the only way to save a patient from this crippling disease. In India, the cost of investigations is a significant factor for most of the patients. Ultrasonography or Power Doppler Ultra Sound (PDUS) has the advantage of being economic in spite of its sensitivity in assessing both inflammatory and destructive changes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of PDUS in early rheumatoid arthritis. The study was performed with the patients attending Rheumatology Clinic. A total number of 106 patients of clinically suspected rheumatoid arthritis were studied as per selection criteria. Radiological examinations of hands were done by digital radiography and PDUS in a group of 53 patients, assessment of foot changes by PDUS and Digital Radiography were done in another similar group of 53 patients. Final diagnosis by ACR EULAR-2010 criteria is done for all the patients. The comparative study reveals that synovial vascularity as demonstrated by PDUS is much more effective in diagnosing early rheumatoid arthritis, both in hand and in feet than digital radiograph. PDUS of feet may yield earlier and better findings than hands, which is conventionally used in patients suffering from early rheumatoid arthritis.

电针辅助治疗类风湿关节炎的疗效观察及对血清类风湿因子和炎症因子的影响

目的观察电针足三里和关元穴辅助治疗类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)的临床疗效及对患者关节功能、关节压痛指数、红细胞沉降率、类风湿因子和炎症因子的影响。方法将112例RA患者用随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,每组56例。对照组采用常规西医治疗,观察组在对照组治疗基础上予电针足三里和关元穴治疗。比较两组临床疗效和不良反应发生情况,观察两组治疗前后关节功能、关节肿胀指数、关节压痛指数、RA患者病情评价(disease activity score 28,DAS28)评分以及红细胞沉降率、类风湿因子、炎症因子[C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、白介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)]水平的变化。结果观察组总有效率高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组关节功能(关节僵硬、疼痛和日常活动)评分、DAS28评分、关节肿胀指数和关节压痛指数以及红细胞沉降率、类风湿因子、CRP、TNF-α和IL-1β水平均低于治疗前(P<0.05),且观察组上述观察指标均低于对照组(P<0.05)。对照组1例出现咽部梗阻感,疑为甲氨蝶呤所致;有2例出现消化道不适症状。观察组2例出现针刺后皮下血肿,1例出现消化道不适症状。结论在常规西医治疗基础上,电针足三里和关元穴辅助治疗RA可提高临床疗效,有助于改善患者关节功能和关节压痛,降低红细胞沉降率、类风湿因子和炎症因子水平。

Efficacy of Infliximab Therapy for a Patient with Superficial Thrombophlebitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is known as a frequent complication of Beh?et’s disease. Infliximab may promote healing of superficial thrombophlebitis in patients with Beh?et’s disease. However, thrombophlebitis as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is rare and treatments have not been reported. We describe the case of a 47-year-old man with RA with complications of superficial thrombophlebitis who was treated using methotrexate and infliximab. Erythema nodosum and cord-like induration with pain in the extremities completely disappeared following a single infusion of infliximab and oral acetylsalicylic acid was not needed. This case suggests that infliximab might offer effective treatment for patients showing superficial thrombophlebitis with RA.

硫酸羟氯喹与艾拉莫德治疗干燥综合征的效果及安全性比较

目的比较硫酸羟氯喹与艾拉莫德治疗干燥综合征(SS)的效果及安全性。方法选择2019年4月至2021年5月就诊于九江市第一人民医院风湿免疫科的90例SS患者作为研究对象,根据随机数字表法将患者分为A组(n=45)和B组(n=45)。A组予硫酸羟氯喹治疗,B组予艾拉莫德治疗,均连续治疗3个月。比较两组患者的疗效、类风湿因子(RF)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、免疫球蛋白G(IgG)、血小板计数(PLT)、炎症指标[白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)]及不良反应。结果B组患者的治疗总有效率高于A组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);B组患者治疗后的RF、ESR、IgG水平低于A组,PLT水平高于A组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);B组患者治疗后的IL-6、TNF-α、ICAM-1水平均低于A组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组患者的不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论相比羟氯喹,艾拉莫德治疗SS效果更好,可降低IgG、RF水平,抑制B细胞活性,提高PLT水平,减轻炎症反应,且安全性好。