Pulmonary manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus: association with disease activity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common connective tissue disease affecting the lung, few studies have assessed risk factors that predict pulmonary manifestations. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of lung manifestations in SLE patients from Western Saudi Arabia by analysing results from high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans and to identify independent risk factors for lung involvement. METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective study involving 184 SLE patients. We examined all HRCT lung abnormalities and determined whether findings were associated with the presence of lupus nephritis (LN), SLE disease activity (as defined by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 item scores ≥ 4 for any and all items) or levels of complement and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA). RESULTS: We identified 61 patients (33%) with pulmonary involvement, and 52 (85%) of these subjects showed HRCT abnormalities. The most common HRCT findings were pleural effusion, consolidation and atelectasis (58%, 42% and 42%, respectively). There was a significant association between abnormal HRCT results and hypocomplementemia, high levels of anti-dsDNA and disease activity (P < 0.05), particularly with regard to pleuropericardial effusion and consolidation. Pulmonary abnormalities were significantly higher within the first five years after SLE diagnosis (P < 0.001). However, neither disease duration nor LN was associated with increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Lung manifestations were frequent in SLE patients from Saudi Arabia, with pleural effusion, consolidation and atelectasis being the most common. Low complement levels, high anti-dsDNA levels and disease activity were significantly associated with abnormal HRCT findings (all P < 0.001).

Anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibody and rheumatoid factor (prevalence and association) in rheumatoid arthritis patients; Saudi and non-Saudi.

UNLABELLED: background: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) and to evaluate their association in rheumatoid arthritis patients, both Saudi and non-Saudi. METHODS: Retrospectively, we studied 280 rheumatoid arthritis patients, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and rheumatoid factor by nephelometry. RESULTS: The 280 patients included 196 Saudis and 84 non-Saudis, 88% females and 12% males, and the mean age was 45.3 years (SD = 14.3). Prevalence of rheumatoid factor was 141/280 (50%) divided as 93/196 (47.5%) Saudis and 48/84 (57%) non-Saudis, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Prevalence of mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies was 165/280 (58.2%) divided as 121/196 (61.7%) Saudis and 44/84 (52.4%) non-Saudis, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Among RF -ve patients, considerable numbers were anti-MCV +ve, and vice versa. Also, among the anti-MCV -ve patients, considerable numbers were RF +ve, and vice versa. In all cohorts and in Saudi and non Saudi patients, anti-MCV positivity was significantly associated with RF positivity (odds ratio (OR) 3.15; 95% CI 1.9, 5.19/p = 0.000); ESR and CRP were high with significant correlation (p < 0.005) with each other, with RF positivity but not with anti-MC positivity. Anti-MC positivity showed no significant correlation with age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients, anti-MCV antibodies are a useful diagnostic tool for RA, but its combination with RF is essential. Both markers are significantly associated. Larger scale studies are recommended. Correlation of anti-MCV with treatment and with disease activity still has to be published.

Experiences of Dermatologists and Patients Regarding Psoriasis and Its Connection to Psoriatic Arthritis in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease that has significant impact on a patient's quality of life, yet it remains challenging for dermatologists to successfully identify and manage. Without effective screening, diagnosis and treatments, psoriasis can potentially progress to psoriatic arthritis. A descriptive, observational cross-sectional study of Saudi Arabian dermatologists and patients with psoriasis was conducted to explore dermatologist and patient perspectives of psoriasis, including diagnosis, management, disease course and unmet needs. Patients and Methods: This study involved a quantitative questionnaire administered to 31 dermatologists and 90 patients with psoriasis at eight medical centers and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Dermatologists and patients perceived that psoriasis treatment was initiated promptly and that follow-up visits were sufficient. Their perspectives differed in the time to diagnosis and patient reaction, symptom severity, input into treatment goals and educational needs. The dermatologists' concerns about underdiagnosed psoriasis (13%) were primarily related to patient awareness (87%), physician awareness (58%), and the absence of a regular screening program (52%). Only 31% of patients with psoriasis were highly satisfied with their psoriasis treatment, with 78% experiencing unpleasant symptoms of pain or swelling in joints indicative of psoriatic arthritis. However, only 56% of these patients reported these symptoms to their physicians. When dermatologists were made aware of this difference, referrals to a rheumatologist increased. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of strengthening psoriasis management by enhancing dermatologist referral and screening practices, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to care, and improving education and resources for physicians and patients. These results can help to inform the improvement of psoriasis screening, diagnosis and treatment strategies and ensure that expectations meet treatment outcomes. Further research exploring the dermatologist and patient perspectives of the disease pathway from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis and tailor-made treatment approaches is recommended.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of upadacitinib as a treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

AIM: To evaluate cost-effectiveness of upadacitinib (targeted synthetic-disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug [ts-DMARD]) as first-line (1 L) treatment versus current treatment among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), who had an inadequate response to prior conventional-synthetic (csDMARDs) and/or biologic-DMARDs (bDMARDs). METHODS: This Excel-based model included patients with moderate (Disease Activity Score [DAS28]: >3.2 to ≤5.1) or severe RA (DAS28 > 5.1). Cost-effectiveness of current treatment (1 L: adalimumab-originator/biosimilar; second-line (2 L): other bDMARDs/tofacitinib) was compared against a new treatment involving two scenarios (1 L: upadacitinib, 2 L: adalimumab-biosimilar [scenario-1]/adalimumab-originator [scenario-2]) for a 10-year time-horizon from societal perspective. Model outcomes included direct and indirect costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), hospitalization days, number of orthopedic surgeries, and incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) per QALY. RESULTS: With the current pathway, estimated total societal costs for 100 RA patients over 10-year period were Saudi Riyal (SAR) 50,450,354 (United States dollars [USD] 13,453,428) (moderate RA) and SAR50,013,945 (USD13,337,052) (severe RA). New pathway (scenario-1) showed that in patients with moderate-to-severe RA, upadacitinib led to higher QALY gain (+8.99 and +15.63) at lower societal cost (cost difference: -SAR2,023,522 [-USD539,606] and -SAR3,373,029 [-USD899,474], respectively). Thus, as 1 L, upadacitinib projects "dominant" ICUR per QALY over current pathway. Moreover, in alternate pathway (scenario-2), upadacitinib also projects "dominant" ICUR per QALY for patient with severe RA (QALY gain: +15.63; cost difference: -SAR 164,536 [-USD43,876]). However, moderate RA was associated with additional cost of SAR1,255,696 (USD334,852) for improved QALY (+8.99) over current pathway (ICUR per QALY: SAR139,742 [USD37,264]). Both scenarios resulted in reduced hospitalization days (scenario-1: -14.83 days; scenario-2: -11.41 days) and number of orthopedic surgeries (scenario-1: -8.36; scenario-2: -6.54) for moderate-to-severe RA over the current treatment pathway. CONCLUSION: Upadacitinib as 1 L treatment in moderate-to-severe RA can considerably reduce healthcare resource burden in KSA, majorly due to reduced drug administration/monitoring/hospitalization/surgical and indirect costs.

Preferred Mode of Therapy Among Patients in Rheumatoid Arthritis Saudi Database: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Current knowledge of patients' preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is limited. Our goal was to determine the most favorable mode of therapy and the reasons behind choosing each route among RA patients in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Saudi Database (RASD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional, nationwide, qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 308 RA patients to assess their preferred mode of therapy (oral, subcutaneous (SC) injection, or intravenous (IV) infusion) and to determine the reasons behind their choice. The determining factors behind patients' preferred mode of therapy were evaluated using a 10-point allocation system (1 = least important, 10 = most important). RESULTS: We interviewed 308 RA patients (83.4% females, mean age, 48 years). Among all administration modes, the oral route was identified as the most preferred mode among our patients, with a percentage of 73.3%, followed by SC injection and IV infusion at 19.5% and 7.3%, respectively. Ease of drug administration was the most reported reason for patients who chose the oral route over the injection route (63.2%). Difficulty remembering to take the drug and finding it hard to swallow the pills were the highest-scored reasons for avoiding the oral route (24.9%). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates and emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making between patients and their physicians. The oral route of therapy is, by far, the most preferred mode among our cohort of RA patients.

Exploring factors influencing patient activation in Saudi rheumatoid arthritis patients: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey-Results from the COPARA study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patient activation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using patient activation measure 13 (PAM-13) on a national level in Saudi Arabia. METHOD: A national survey was administered across multiple centers in Saudi Arabia. Patient activation was assessed using the PAM-13. The Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR) and the RA Impact of Disease (RAID) tool were also administered. The data from the survey were analyzed, and the results were stratified based on activation level. All factors affecting patient activation were explored and reported. RESULTS: A total of 1241 participants were included. Most of the patients were females (85%), the mean age was 47 (±14), and most patients lived in the central region (47%). The mean (±standard deviation) patient activation score was 578.7 (±13.0). Patient activation was affected by multiple factors: demographic characteristics, such as education, with a beta value of 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64 ̶1.58, p < .001). Higher CQR scores were associated with higher activation levels, with a beta value of 2.61 (95% CI 0.80 ̶4.44, p = .005), and higher RAID scores were associated with lower activation levels, with a beta value of 3.13 (95% CI 1.36 ̶4.91, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient activation was affected by several demographic characteristics and the impact of RA. A higher activation may improve compliance. Future longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and should explore the underlying mechanism of these effects.

Exploring Impact of Multidisciplinary Care on Patient Activation in Saudi Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Extended Results from the COPARA National Project.

Introduction: Multidisciplinary setting in healthcare provide positive patient outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the impact of specialized rheumatology clinics (multidisciplinary settings) on the activation and engagement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey assessed patient activation using the patient activation measure-13. Participants attending Specialized Rheumatology Clinics (SRC multidisciplinary clinics) were compared with age- and sex-matched patients attending Standard of Care (SOC). The study was observational in nature, assessing several demographic and therapeutic options and their relation to the clinical setting and patient activation. Results: This study included 117 SRC matched RA patients with 117 SOC. The majority of the included patients were female (n=211, 90.2%), >40 years of age (n=177, 75.6%), and had intermediate-to-high education (n=147, 62.8%). Patients in the SRC were also more likely to have activation levels 3 and 4 with an odds ratio of 3.194 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.835-5.562, p<0.001). In addition, SRC participants were more likely to be in levels 3 and 4 activation, even after adjustment for confounding variables, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.401 (95% CI 1.121-4.758, p=0.012) and 2.175 (95% CI 1.127-4.196, p=0.020), respectively. Conclusion: Establishing SRC for RA patients seems to have a positive impact on patient activation and engagement and adds to the previously explored benefits of multidisciplinary care in chronic disease management.

Exploring Factors Influencing Medication Compliance in Saudi Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey - Results from the COPARA Study.

Purpose: Compliance is essential to achieve treatment goals in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The current study evaluated compliance and related factors in a large and diverse population. Patients and Methods: Patients with RA who received active treatment were invited to participate in an online survey. The Arabic versions of the 5-Item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (ACQR-5) and the RA Impact of Disease (RAID) were used to measure compliance and disability, respectively. The patients were sub-grouped based on background disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Variables associated with high compliance were selected for the logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1241 patients completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. Of those, 1055 (85%) were females with a mean (±SD) age and disease duration of 47.14 ± 13.71 and 8.77 ± 7.43 years, respectively. The mean RAID was 4.4±2.58, with 980 (79%) having an unacceptable level state. Patients with an unacceptable RAID level had a lower compliance rate (78.8% vs 85.8%, p = 0.001). Demographics associated with high compliance were female sex and increased age, with reported odds ratios of 1.018 (95% CI: 1.007-1.028) and 1.464 (95% CI: 1.016-2.108), respectively. Compliance was similar between patients on Janus kinase inhibitors or biological DMARDs (88.14% vs 80.83%, p = 0.17), between monotherapy, double therapy, or triple therapy recipients (80% vs 82.23% vs 81.32%, p = 0.665), and between patients receiving injectable and oral therapy (77.32% vs 81.14%, p = 0.246). Conclusion: A high compliance level was observed in this population, with patient demographics influencing compliance rather than the medication type or route of administration. Interventional studies should focus on the of high-risk patients identified in this study.

Causes of the Failure of Biological Therapy at a Tertiary Center: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study.

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most commonly encountered autoimmune diseases. Treatment generally includes disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or biological therapy. However, a significant proportion of the patients do not respond to treatment either as a (primary failure) or lose efficacy over time (secondary failure). Several factors are assumed to influence these conditions. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of failure of biological therapy in patients with RA and its causes. Methods A total of 335 RA patients who were diagnosed at a tertiary center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and had a failure after receiving biological therapy were included in this study. Several variables were considered; patient's socio-demographic data, comorbid conditions, types of biological therapy, the duration of using biological therapy in months, number of biological therapies, allergic reactions, disease activity, and treatment duration. Results Overall the prevalence of failure to biological therapy was 58%; 77% primary failure and 23% secondary failure. Patients with negative rheumatoid factor (RF) (p=0.006), using low-dose steroids, and with a longer disease duration had a significant failure of biological therapy (p=0.023). Conclusion A high percentage of RA patients had a failure of biological therapy. A multicentric trial is recommended to look for additional factors.

Extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis: a hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The frequency of extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis (ExRA) differs from one country to another, so we investigated ExRA frequency in a well-defined hospital patient population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Saudi Arabia. We also examined possible predictors of the development ExRA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients diagnosed with RA at a university hospital during a 4-year period. Cases were classified according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA, and the frequency of ExRA was recorded. RESULTS: Of 140 patients who fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of RA, 98 (70%) developed ExRA features. Anemia occurred in 61%, thrombocytosis in 16%, pulmonary involvement in 10%, and renal amyloidosis, vasculitis and Felty syndrome were present in 6%, 2% and 1%, respectively. The mortality rate was high (16%) in patients with ExRA. The predictors for mortality were lung involvement, age over 50 years and kidney amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: ExRA were present in a substantial proportion of our patients, which lead to a worse disease outcome. Anemia, thrombocytosis and respiratory system involvement were the commonest. Early recognition and treatment are important to decrease mortality.

Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus. Retrospective analysis of clinico-laboratory parameters and their association with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score.

[No Abstract Available].

Glomerulonephritis disease pattern at Saudi tertiary care center.

[No Abstract Available].

Determining early referral criteria for patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis presenting to primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment for inflammatory arthritis can greatly improve patient outcome. We aimed to provide standardized and validated criteria for use by primary care physicians (PCPs) in the identification of individuals requiring referral to a rheumatologist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the predictive value of a wide variety of demographic variables, patient-reported complaints, physical examination results, and biomarkers in order to identify the most useful factors for indicating a requirement for referral. Patients for this cross-sectional study were enrolled from various centers of the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, if they were ≥18 years of age and presented to a PCP with small joint pain that had been present for more than 6 weeks. A total of 203 patients were enrolled, as indicated by the sample size calculation. Each patient underwent a standardized physical examination, which was subsequently compared to ultrasound findings. Biomarker analysis and a patient interview were also carried out. Results were then correlated with the final diagnosis made by a rheumatologist. RESULTS: A total of 9 variables were identified as having high specificity and good predictive value: loss of appetite, swelling of metacarpophalangeal joint 2 or 5, swelling of proximal inter-phalangeal joint 2 or 3, wrist swelling, wrist tenderness, a positive test for rheumatoid factor, and a positive test for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. CONCLUSION: Nine variables should be the basis of early referral criteria. It should aid PCPs in making appropriate early referrals of patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis, accelerating diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Hyperlipidemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Saudi Arabia. Correlation with C-reactive protein levels and disease activity.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients from Saudi Arabia with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate its relationship with C-reactive protein level and disease activity. METHODS: A cross-sectional 3-year study was conducted on RA patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia between January 2011 and December 2013. Lipid profiles were determined following 12-hour overnight fasting, and the association of lipid profiles with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and disease activity was determined. RESULTS: This study involved a total of 180 RA patients (mean age: 40.49±12.19 years). These subjects displayed a high prevalence of elevated total cholesterol (55.1%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (51.2%). Notably, we detected a significant association between increased total cholesterol and high CRP levels (p=0.002). Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between total cholesterol and disease activity, as measured using the 28-Joint Disease Activity Score index (r=0.23, p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlipidemia is common among RA patients and is significantly associated with CRP levels and disease activity. Our findings emphasize the need to raise awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the development of hyperlipidemia when RA is active.

Vitamin d deficiency in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: Hypovitaminosis D is common in the general population. Many studies that have been conducted to show the association between vitamin D deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) reveal that deficiencies in vitamin D are common in this group of patients. Our aim was to study the relationship between 25(OH)D and disease activity in patients with SLE. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with SLE who were followed up at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, from January 2007 to November 2010. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and the 25(OH)D levels of the patients were measured. Chi square tests, Student's t-test, ANOVA and Pearson tests were used for data analysis. ANOVA test was followed by Bonferroni correction. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients with SLE were enrolled in the study. The levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in patients with active SLE (n=41; 43%) than in those with inactive disease (n=54; 57%; p=0.04). The mean (SD) levels were 22.3 (14) nmol/L for patients with active disease against 25.0 (14) nmol/L for patients with inactive SLE. No correlation was detected between 25(OH) D levels and disease activity score evaluated by SLEDAI-2K. By Pearson correlation, a significant negative correlation existed between 25(OH) D and anti ds-DNA (r=-0.38; p<0.001); a positive correlation existed between 25(OH)D levels and C4 (r=0.25; p=0.25). By chi square testing, azathioprine treatment (OR=3.5), low C4 (OR= 2.23), low C3 (OR=1.92), and active disease (OR=1.6) were associated with 25(OH)D deficiency in SLE patients. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in patients with SLE. Patients with SLE have a higher risk of developing 25(OH)D deficiency in the presence of low serum C3 and C4 levels, and high anti-dsDNA levels.

Musculoskeletal manifestations in diabetic patients at a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem worldwide. Most diabetic patients will develop functional disabilities due to multiple factors, including musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of MSK in diabetic patients and to examine the possible predictors for its development. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study from June 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, to evaluate MSK manifestations in adult diabetic patients at an outpatient clinic of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Baseline variables were examined to determine predictors for the development of MSK complications. Analyses were carried out using the Statistical Package for Social sciences. RESULTS: We included 252 diabetic patients; 45 (17.9%) had MSK manifestations. Of these 45 patients, 41 (91.1%) had type 2 diabetes. The most common manifestations were carpal tunnel syndrome (n=17, 6.7%), shoulder adhesive capsulitis (n=17, 6.7%), and diabetic amyotrophy (n=12, 4.8%). A significant association was found between the development of MSK manifestations and manual labor, overweight, and vascular complications. On logistic regression analysis, the presence of vascular complications in general (B-coefficient=1.27, odds ratio=3.57, P<0.05, 95% confidence interval=1.31-9.78), and retinopathy in particular (B-coefficient=1.17, odds ratio=3.21, P<0.05, 95% confidence interval=1.47-7.02) can predict the development of MSK manifestations in about 82% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal manifestations are under recognized in adult diabetic patients, occurring in 18% of the cases. Physicians should consider examining the periarticular region of the joints in the hands and shoulders whenever a diabetic patient presents with MSK symptoms.

Vitamin D deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis. Prevalence and association with disease activity in Western Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of low serum vitamin D level (25[OH]D) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy controls, and to analyze the association between 25(OH)D and disease activity. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 100 RA patients (85% women) and 100 controls, not on vitamin D supplements from January 2010 to December 2011 at a tertiary care center at the Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Disease activity was measured using the disease activity score index (DAS28). According to the DAS28 score, RA patients were divided into 3 groups as high, moderate, and low disease activity. Patients' serum 25(OH)D was measured in a centralized laboratory. RESULTS: The mean 25(OH)D in patients with RA was similar to the control group (32.3+/-14.4 nmol/L) versus (31.4+/-16.4 nmol/L) (p=0.41). Patients with high disease activity had the lowest 25(OH)D levels (18.25+/-8.3 nmol/L) compared with patients with moderate (35.13+/-15.2 nmol/L) and low (38.05+/-7.3 nmol/L) disease activity (p<0.001). Serum 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with DAS28, which was statistically significant (r= -0.42, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Serum vitamin D levels in RA patients were similar to the healthy control group. However, significantly lower 25(OH)D values were found in patients who are poorly responding to treatment, and not in a state of disease remission.

Adverse effects of low dose methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A hospital-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the side effects of methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to evaluate the possible predisposing variables. METHODS: A retrospective analysis conducted for all patients diagnosed with RA and treated with MTX over 3-years (January 2006 to December 2008) at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Frequency of MTX side effects and the predictive variables were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Out of 116 RA patients, 71 patients used MTX. The most frequent side effect was gastrointestinal (GIT) disturbance in 31%, followed by central nervous system symptoms in 18%, hepatotoxicity in 14%, stomatitis and alopecia in 10% each, macrocytosis 7%, fever, malar rash and pancytopenia in 4%, and MTX-induced lung injury with increase in the size of rheumatoid nodule in 1% of patients. By Logistic regression analysis, renal impairment was the most significant variable increasing the risk of the side effects (OR=7.14, p<0.05). Other associated variables were male-gender, non-Saudi nationality, smoking, steroids use, hypoalbuminemia, and the presence of extra-articular manifestations. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate is the most commonly drug used in the treatment of RA. Gastrointestinal disturbances were the most common side effect while lung involvement was the least. The impact of each clinical variable on MTX side effects requires paying more attention on the disease management as not all variables can be considered as risk factors.

Medical conditions associated with a positive anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associated diseases with positive anti-double stranded (ds) DNA other than systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to determine an association if any, between its level in non-SLE causes. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients with positive anti-dsDNA assay (more than 200 IU/ml) tested for any underlying etiology from January to December 2007 at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Two hundred and twelve patients with anti-dsDNA antibody testing were evaluated. Of these, 124 patients had SLE (58.5%), while 88 patients (41.5%) had other diseases. Representing non-SLE diseases were: rheumatological disorders in 29 patients (33%), infections in 11 (12%), and malignancy in 6 patients (7%). Strong positive results (>800 IU/ml) were found in only 8 patients (4%) with diagnoses of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, tuberculosis, osteomylitis, thymoma, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and 2 autoimmune hepatitis patients. There was a statistically significant association between highly positive anti-dsDNA testing and rheumatological disorders. CONCLUSION: Although positive anti-dsDNA test is common in SLE patients, other diseases should be considered when the anti-dsDNA level is equivocal, and the clinical criteria are not in favor of SLE.