Prevelance of erosions in metacarpophalamgeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis pateints

Bone erosion is a central pathophysiological process and an important outcome parameter in rheuamtoid arthritis [RA]. To assess prevelance of erosions in metacarpophalangeal joints [MCPJs] and proximal interphalangeal joints [PIPJs] in RA using ultrasonography and to evaluate the associates present.Ninety two patients with RA diagnosed according to the 1987American college of rheumatology [ACR] classification criteria for RA were compared with 158 healthy individuals matched for age and sex.Disease activity score 28 joints [DAS28], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protien [CRP] and rheumatoid factor [RF] were measured. Ultrasonography was performed using seimns elegra with 7.5HZ linear arrat transucer by radiologist for MCPJs and PIPJs.Erosions in RA were significantly more than those of controls [44[47.8%] versus 0[0%] [p=0.000].Erosions in MCPJs were more than PIPJs and both MCPJs and PIPJs [33[75%] versus 4[9.1%] versus 7[15.9%] respectively] [p=0.005]. Hish ESR, positive CRP and positive RF were significant associates with the erosions [p=0.008, p=0.000, p=0.002 respectively].Prevelance of erosions in MCPJs and PIPJs of RA patients was high [47.8%].High ESR, positive CRP and positive RF were significant associates with eorsions

Subtype of hypertension is evidence for preclinical atherosclerosis. A study of carotid artery ultrasonography and biochemical markers

To assess subclinical atherosclerosis in subtypes of hypertension using lipid profile as a biomarker and B mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries. Ninety-six subjects [49 females and 47 males] aged 42-78 years were recruited from the vascular Doppler unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq from January to June 2008. They were grouped into normotensive [group I], isolated systolic hypertension [group II], isolated diastolic hypertension [group III], and combined systolic and diastolic hypertension [group IV]. Subclinical atherosclerosis was observed in groups III and IV in terms of significantly low levels of high-density lipoprotein, high levels of low-density lipoprotein, and high atherogenic index. The mean intima media thickness was significantly increased with transition from group I to group IV in all carotid arteries, and the mean resistive index value of each carotid artery in group IV was significantly higher than that of group I. Carotid plaque was demonstrated in a significantly higher percent in group IV [12 out of 15] followed by groups III [14 out of 31] and II [1 out of 30]. Lipid profile and high resolution B-mode ultrasonography of the carotids are good predictive measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. Isolated diastolic hypertension and combined systolic-diastolic hypertension accounts for early subclinical atherosclerosis compared with isolated systolic hypertension