Serum pentraxin 3 in systemic lupus erythematosus: A potential indicator of cutaneous disease activity.

BACKGROUND: Although skin manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is still a lack of a diagnostic marker for cutaneous involvement. Pentraxin3 (PTX3) has been studied in SLE patients; however, it has not been investigated in relation to cutaneous manifestations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the serum PTX3 level in SLE patients, and to investigate its relationship with disease activity as well as with variable skin manifestations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with SLE (17 patients with skin manifestations and 17 without) and 30 healthy subjects were included in the study. Patients were evaluated clinically for systemic and skin manifestations of SLE. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2k) and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Activity and Severity Index (CLASI) scores were calculated. Serum level of PTX3 was measured in patients and controls using ELISA. RESULTS: Higher serum PTX3 level was found in SLE patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Patients with skin manifestations showed higher SLEDAI-2k scores and had higher PTX3 level compared to those without skin manifestations (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). PTX3 showed higher levels in association with malar rash (p < 0.001), mucosal ulcers (p < 0.001), alopecia (p < 0.001), and purpuric eruption (p = 0.002). Moreover, PTX3 level positively correlated with CLASI scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results reinforce the important role of Pentraxin3 in SLE patients with skin manifestations, and it may be considered an interesting biomarker for the pattern and extent of cutaneous involvement in SLE.

Regulatory B Cells Evaluation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Objectives: The current knowledge of human studies that address B cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients with subclinical atherosclerosis remains insufficient. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of Breg cells in SLE and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients taking into consideration its relation to subclinical atherosclerosis and the disease activity. Methods: Thirty SLE patients and 23 controls were included. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 was estimated. Evaluation of Breg cells percentage using flow cytometry was done. All participants underwent carotid doppler ultrasound examination for measurements of the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (cIMT). The coronary artery calcium scoring was calculated using the Agatston method. Results: The mean± SD of age was 32.60±8.34 years, while of the age of onset was 28.27±7.60 years. Twenty-three patients (76.7%) had subclinical atherosclerosis. There was a highly significant difference in Breg cells between SLE and APS patients with subclinical atherosclerosis and controls (P= 0.001, 0.005). SLE and APS patients had significantly higher mean cIMT than control (P=0.01, 0.050). Breg cells had 70% sensitivity and 87% specificity for diagnosing of SLE (P=0.01). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that low Breg cells were predictive for the disease activity (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.21- 2.85; P= 0.01). Conclusion: SLE patients had a high frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis, those and patients with secondary APS had a high risk of plaque formation. We found a contribution of Breg cells in SLE patients with subclinical atherosclerosis. Breg cells are considered a good predictor of diagnosis of SLE.

Study the Relationship of MDCT Staging in Disease Extent with the Systemic Sclerosis Disease Parameters / Estudiar la relación de la estadificación de la TCMD en la extensión de la enfermedad con los parámetros de la enfermedad de esclerosis sistémica

Background and objectives: The highest incidence of death in systemic sclerosis due to pulmonary disease raises the need for early detection and treatment. The study aim is the assessment of interstitial pulmonary disease by Multi Detector High Resolution CT (MDCT) and finds its relationship with the other disease parameters and the Pulmonary Function tests (PFT). Patients and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in Assiut University Hospitals from May 2018 to January 2020 and included 62 consecutive SSc female patients. Demographic, clinical, Laboratory, PFT and MDCT assessment were conducted for all participants. Results: The coarseness of fibrosis was 8.32 (range 0.0–17), the average proportion of ground-glass opacification was 28.3% (range, 0.0%–75%). Honey-comb pattern was seen in (52.5%). Mean Extent of disease was 46.25±3.7 (range 5–81). Restrictive deficit found in 42 patients. Significant relation was found between the extent of disease and the percentage predicted FVC (r=0.373, p 0.018) and FEV1/FVC (r=0.593, p 0.000) and coarseness of fibrosis and proportion of ground glass opacification correlated inversely with VC (r=−0.385, p=0.014, r=−0.376, p=0.017 respectively), Rayanud's phenomena, modified Rodnan Skin Score and Medsger's general are positively correlated with MDCT disease extent. Conclusion: Scoring of systemic sclerosis (SSc) related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) could be applicable as one of the important tools for disease assessment.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La mayor incidencia de muerte en la esclerosis sistémica por enfermedad pulmonar plantea la necesidad de una detección y un tratamiento precoces. El objetivo del estudio es la evaluación de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial mediante TC de alta resolución multidetector (TCMD) y encuentra su relación con otros parámetros de la enfermedad y con pruebas de funcionamiento pulmonar (PFP). Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal prospectivo en los hospitales universitarios de Assiut desde mayo de 2018 hasta enero de 2020 que incluyó 62 pacientes femeninas de esclerosis sistémica consecutivas. Se realizaron evaluaciones demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio, PFP y TCMD para todos los participantes. Resultados: La aspereza de la fibrosis fue de 8,32 (rango 0,0-17) y la proporción promedio de opacificación en vidrio esmerilado fue del 28,3% (rango 0,0-75%). Se observó un patrón de panal de miel en el 52,5%. La extensión media de la enfermedad fue de 46,25±3,7 (rango 5-81). Se encontró déficit restrictivo en 42 pacientes. Se encontró una relación significativa entre la extensión de la enfermedad y el porcentaje predicho de capacidad vital forzada (CVF) (r=0,373, p=0,018) y FEV1/CVF (r=0,593, p=0,000) y la aspereza de la fibrosis y la proporción de opacificación en vidrio esmerilado se correlacionaron inversamente con la capacidad vital (r=−0,385, p=0,014; r=−0,376, p=0,017, respectivamente), los fenómenos de Rayanud, m Rodnan Skin Score y Medsger general se correlacionan positivamente con la extensión de la enfermedad por TCMD. Conclusión: La puntuación de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial relacionada con la esclerosis sistémica podría ser aplicable como una de las herramientas importantes para la evaluación de la enfermedad.(AU)

Study the Relationship of MDCT Staging in Disease Extent with the Systemic Sclerosis Disease Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The highest incidence of death in systemic sclerosis due to pulmonary disease raises the need for early detection and treatment. The study aim is the assessment of interstitial pulmonary disease by Multi Detector High Resolution CT (MDCT) and finds its relationship with the other disease parameters and the Pulmonary Function tests (PFT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in Assiut University Hospitals from May 2018 to January 2020 and included 62 consecutive SSc female patients. Demographic, clinical, Laboratory, PFT and MDCT assessment were conducted for all participants. RESULTS: The coarseness of fibrosis was 8.32 (range 0.0-17), the average proportion of ground-glass opacification was 28.3% (range, 0.0%-75%). Honey-comb pattern was seen in (52.5%). Mean Extent of disease was 46.25±3.7 (range 5-81). Restrictive deficit found in 42 patients. Significant relation was found between the extent of disease and the percentage predicted FVC (r=0.373, p 0.018) and FEV1/FVC (r=0.593, p 0.000) and coarseness of fibrosis and proportion of ground glass opacification correlated inversely with VC (r=-0.385, p=0.014, r=-0.376, p=0.017 respectively), Rayanud's phenomena, modified Rodnan Skin Score and Medsger's general are positively correlated with MDCT disease extent. CONCLUSION: Scoring of systemic sclerosis (SSc) related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) could be applicable as one of the important tools for disease assessment.

An eco- friendly, selective, and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the quantification of Dolutegravir in its bulk and tablet dosage form.

This study is concerned with assessing the bulk and tablet dosage forms of Dolutegravir (DTG) by means of a novel yet simple environmentally friendly spectrofluorimetric method that features fast response and high sensitivity compared to the time consuming HPLC methods and the lower sensitivity spectrophotometric ones. The method relies mainly on measuring the native fluorescence of Dolutegravir in water at an emission of 415 nm after excitation at 262 nm. The method shows rectilinear fluorescence-concentration relation over Dolutegravir concentration range of 0.2-1.2 µg/mL at the emission maxima, with detection limit of 0.020 µg/mL and quantification limit of 0.061 µg/mL. The results of the proposed method were compared with those obtained by applying the comparison method and the two sets coincided harmoniously. In addition, the method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines for linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness.

Study the Relationship of MDCT Staging in Disease Extent with the Systemic Sclerosis Disease Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The highest incidence of death in systemic sclerosis due to pulmonary disease raises the need for early detection and treatment. The study aim is the assessment of interstitial pulmonary disease by Multi Detector High Resolution CT (MDCT) and finds its relationship with the other disease parameters and the Pulmonary Function tests (PFT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in Assiut University Hospitals from May 2018 to January 2020 and included 62 consecutive SSc female patients. Demographic, clinical, Laboratory, PFT and MDCT assessment were conducted for all participants. RESULTS: The coarseness of fibrosis was 8.32 (range 0.0-17), the average proportion of ground-glass opacification was 28.3% (range, 0.0%-75%). Honey-comb pattern was seen in (52.5%). Mean Extent of disease was 46.25±3.7 (range 5-81). Restrictive deficit found in 42 patients. Significant relation was found between the extent of disease and the percentage predicted FVC (r=0.373, p 0.018) and FEV1/FVC (r=0.593, p 0.000) and coarseness of fibrosis and proportion of ground glass opacification correlated inversely with VC (r=-0.385, p=0.014, r=-0.376, p=0.017 respectively), Rayanud's phenomena, modified Rodnan Skin Score and Medsger's general are positively correlated with MDCT disease extent. CONCLUSION: Scoring of systemic sclerosis (SSc) related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) could be applicable as one of the important tools for disease assessment.

Peripheral cells from patients with systemic sclerosis disease co-expressing M1 and M2 monocyte/macrophage surface markers: Relation to the degree of skin involvement.

The monocyte/macrophage lineage cells were found involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease. The naïve macrophages are activated either to M1 cells with proinflammatory roles or to M2 cells that function to resolve inflammation with tissue repair. Recently, cells with dual phenotypes were detected in SSc disease. So, we aimed in this study to demonstrate different monocyte/macrophage phenotypes in peripheral cells from a group of Egyptian SSc patients, correlating percentages of these cells with the clinical findings in patients. The study participants comprised 41 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc disease and 25 healthy individuals as controls. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory tests were conducted for SSc patients. Different phenotypes of the monocyte/macrophage subsets were identified in peripheral blood of patients and controls by flow cytometry for characteristic M1 (CD80, CD86, and TLR4) and M2 (CD204, CD163 and CD206) markers. SSc patients showed higher percentages of peripheral cells of the M1, M2, and mixed M1/M2 phenotypes within the monocyte/macrophage lineage compared to controls. Different cell phenotypes were associated significantly with the disease duration, modified Rodnan's score, the Medsger skin score, and the Medsger lung in SSc patients. Some cells with the M1/M2 phenotypes were higher in SSc patients with pitting scars, arthritis, and myalgia.

Autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) pattern in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Relevance and clinical implications / Patrón de autoanticuerpos contra antígenos nucleares extraíbles (ENA) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide: relevancia e implicaciones clínicas

Objectives: To study the frequency of different autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate findings with clinical manifestations, disease activity and radiological damage. Methods: A total of 230 RA patients were included and 75 healthy controls. In all patients rheumatological assessment was done and routine laboratory investigations and immune profile were performed in both patients and controls, including: RF, ACPA, ANA and anti-ENAs (Ro/SSA, La/SSB, U1-RNP, anti-Jo-1 and anti-Sm). Radiological damage was scored using Sharp/van der Heijde, and disease activity was evaluated by DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP. Results: RF was positive in 101 (43.9%), ACPA in 220 (95.7%), ANA in 58 (25.2%), anti Ro in 31 (13.5%), anti-La in 10 (4.3%), anti-Jo1 in 5 (2.2%) and anti-RNP in 2 (0.9%). Anti-Ro/SSA positively correlated with sicca symptoms (p=.02), RF titer (p<.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS28-ESR (p=.026), and DAS28-CRP (p=.003). Anti-La antibodies correlated positively with SJC (p=.001), TJC (p=.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS-28 ESR (p=.007). Anti-Jo-1 correlated positively with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (p≤.001), RF titer (p=.037) and ANA (p≤.001). Anti-RNP antibodies correlated positively with disease duration (p≤.001), ACPA titer (p≤.001) and ANA (p=.014). In the controls ANA was positive in two (2.7%), anti-Ro in three (4%), and none of the controls tested positive for other autoantibodies. Conclusions: In RA patients, positive ANA is frequent and positively associated with anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-Jo1 autoantibodies. Screening for autoantibodies against other anti-ENAs seems mandatory in RA patients especially when ANA is positive. RA cases with positive Anti-Jo-1 may develop anti synthetase syndrome and ILD.(AU)

Objetivos: Estudiar la frecuencia de diferentes autoanticuerpos frente a antígenos nucleares extraíbles (ENA) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) y relacionar los hallazgos con las manifestaciones clínicas, la actividad de la enfermedad y el daño radiológico. Métodos: Se incluyeron un total de 230 pacientes con AR y 75 controles sanos. En todos los pacientes, la evaluación reumatológica, las investigaciones de laboratorio de rutina y el perfil inmune se realizaron tanto en pacientes como en controles, incluidos: RF, ACPA, ANA y anti-ENA (Ro/SSA, La/SSB, U1-RNP, anti-Jo-1 y anti-sm). El daño radiológico se puntuó con Sharp/van der Heijde y la actividad de la enfermedad se evaluó mediante DAS28-ESR y DAS28-CRP. Resultados: La RF fue positiva en 101 (43.9%), ACPA en 220 (95.7%), ANA en 58 (25.2%), anti Ro en 31 (13.5%), anti-La en 10 (4.3%), anti-Jo1 en 5 (2,2%) y anti-RNP en 2 (0,9%). Anti-Ro/SSA se correlacionó positivamente con los síntomas de sicca (p=.02), el título de RF (p<.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS28-ESR (p=.026) y DAS28-CRP (p=.003). Los anticuerpos anti-La se correlacionaron positivamente con SJC (p=.001), TJC (p=.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS-28 ESR (p=.007). El anti-Jo-1 se correlacionó positivamente con la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) (p≤0,001), título de RF (p=0,037) y ANA (p≤0,001). Los anticuerpos anti-RNP se correlacionaron positivamente con la duración de la enfermedad (p≤0,001), el título de ACPA (p≤0,001) y ANA (p=0,014). En los controles, ANA fue positivo en dos (2.7%), anti-Ro en tres (4%) y ninguno de los controles dio positivo para otros autoanticuerpos. Conclusiones: En pacientes con AR, el ANA positivo es frecuente y se asocia positivamente con autoanticuerpos anti-Ro, anti-La y anti-Jo1. La detección de autoanticuerpos contra otros anti-ENA parece obligatoria en los pacientes con AR, especialmente cuando la ANA es positiva. Los casos de AR con Anti-Jo-1 positivo pueden desarrollar el síndrome de sintetasa e ILD.(AU)

Evaluation of brain changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients using two different techniques of MRI: Is it really worthy? / Evaluación de los cambios cerebrales en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica que utilizan 2 técnicas diferentes de resonancia magnética: ¿es realmente valiosa?

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic multi-system autoimmune disease of unknown cause and a complex pathogenesis. The hallmark of the disease is microvascular vasculopathy which results in tissue ischemia with recurrent episodes of reperfusion. Diffusion-weighted (DW) Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent tool for the detection of activity of any vascular or inflammatory lesions. Objectives: Detect brain changes in systemic sclerosis patients with asymptomatic CNS manifestations using fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) weighted sequence and diffusion-weighted (DW) sequence MRI. Methods: Fifteen systemic sclerosis female patients aged 27–60 years old with disease duration of 1–20 years with no CNS clinical manifestations were included. A controlled group of 14 clinically normal persons, age and sex matched. Both groups were subjected to brain MR examination at 1.5T; a FLAIR weighted sequence and a DW sequence. SPSS (version 20) was used for statistical analysis. Results: 37 white matter hyperintense lesions (≤2 to ≥ 5mm in diameter) were detected in patient group using FLAIR weighted MRI while diffusion-weighted MRI failed to detect the same lesions. A non-significant relation (P=.259) between the presence of white matter hyperintense lesions and the severity of peripheral vascular affection of the disease was observed.(AU)ConclusionsAsymptomatic central nervous system vasculopathy is detected in systemic sclerosis using FLAIR MRI, while diffusion MRI failed to detect such lesions. These findings suggest a non-inflammatory form of central nervous system microvasculopathy in SSc patients.(AU)

Fundamento: La esclerosis sistémica (SSc) es una rara enfermedad crónica autoinmune multisistémica de causa desconocida y una patogénesis compleja. El sello distintivo de la enfermedad es la vasculopatía microvascular que se traduce en isquemia tisular con episodios recurrentes de reperfusión. La resonancia magnética (RM) ponderada por difusión (DW) es una excelente herramienta para la detección de la actividad de cualquier lesión vascular o inflamatoria. Objetivos: Detectar cambios cerebrales en pacientes con SSc con manifestaciones del sistema nervioso central (SNC) asintomáticas utilizando FLAIR y DW-RM. Métodos: Quince pacientes con SSc sin manifestaciones del SNC incluidos. Un grupo de 14 personas sanas estandarizadas por edad y sexo en el grupo de pacientes como grupo de control. La RM cerebral se hizo para obtener ambos grupos (pacientes y control) en 1,5T. La prueba de Chi-cuadrado y la prueba de correlación de Spearman SPSS® (versión 20) se utilizaron para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: Se detectaron 37 lesiones hiperintensas de materia blanca (≤2-≥5mm de diámetro) en el grupo de pacientes que utilizaron RM ponderada con FLAIR, mientras que la DW-RM no detectó las mismas lesiones. Se observó una relación no significativa (p=0,259) entre la presencia de lesiones hiperintensas de la materia blanca y la severidad del afecto vascular periférico de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: La vasculopatía del SNC asintomática se detecta en la SSc mediante la RM de FLAIR, mientras que la RM de difusión no detectó tales lesiones. Estos hallazgos sugieren una forma no inflamatoria de la microvasculopatía del SNC en pacientes con SSc.(AU)

Evaluation of brain changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients using two different techniques of MRI: Is it really worthy?

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic multi-system autoimmune disease of unknown cause and a complex pathogenesis. The hallmark of the disease is microvascular vasculopathy which results in tissue ischemia with recurrent episodes of reperfusion. Diffusion-weighted (DW) Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent tool for the detection of activity of any vascular or inflammatory lesions. OBJECTIVES: Detect brain changes in systemic sclerosis patients with asymptomatic CNS manifestations using fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) weighted sequence and diffusion-weighted (DW) sequence MRI. METHODS: Fifteen systemic sclerosis female patients aged 27-60 years old with disease duration of 1-20 years with no CNS clinical manifestations were included. A controlled group of 14 clinically normal persons, age and sex matched. Both groups were subjected to brain MR examination at 1.5T; a FLAIR weighted sequence and a DW sequence. SPSS (version 20) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 37 white matter hyperintense lesions (≤2 to ≥ 5mm in diameter) were detected in patient group using FLAIR weighted MRI while diffusion-weighted MRI failed to detect the same lesions. A non-significant relation (P=.259) between the presence of white matter hyperintense lesions and the severity of peripheral vascular affection of the disease was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic central nervous system vasculopathy is detected in systemic sclerosis using FLAIR MRI, while diffusion MRI failed to detect such lesions. These findings suggest a non-inflammatory form of central nervous system microvasculopathy in SSc patients.

Autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) pattern in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Relevance and clinical implications.

OBJECTIVES: To study the frequency of different autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate findings with clinical manifestations, disease activity and radiological damage. METHODS: A total of 230 RA patients were included and 75 healthy controls. In all patients rheumatological assessment was done and routine laboratory investigations and immune profile were performed in both patients and controls, including: RF, ACPA, ANA and anti-ENAs (Ro/SSA, La/SSB, U1-RNP, anti-Jo-1 and anti-Sm). Radiological damage was scored using Sharp/van der Heijde, and disease activity was evaluated by DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP. RESULTS: RF was positive in 101 (43.9%), ACPA in 220 (95.7%), ANA in 58 (25.2%), anti Ro in 31 (13.5%), anti-La in 10 (4.3%), anti-Jo1 in 5 (2.2%) and anti-RNP in 2 (0.9%). Anti-Ro/SSA positively correlated with sicca symptoms (p=.02), RF titer (p<.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS28-ESR (p=.026), and DAS28-CRP (p=.003). Anti-La antibodies correlated positively with SJC (p=.001), TJC (p=.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS-28 ESR (p=.007). Anti-Jo-1 correlated positively with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (p≤.001), RF titer (p=.037) and ANA (p≤.001). Anti-RNP antibodies correlated positively with disease duration (p≤.001), ACPA titer (p≤.001) and ANA (p=.014). In the controls ANA was positive in two (2.7%), anti-Ro in three (4%), and none of the controls tested positive for other autoantibodies. CONCLUSIONS: In RA patients, positive ANA is frequent and positively associated with anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-Jo1 autoantibodies. Screening for autoantibodies against other anti-ENAs seems mandatory in RA patients especially when ANA is positive. RA cases with positive Anti-Jo-1 may develop anti synthetase syndrome and ILD.

Diagnostic value of anti-CD74 antibodies in early and late axial spondyloarthritis and its relationship to disease activity.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the role of anti-CD74 antibodies in diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and their relationship to disease duration and disease activity. METHODS: Fifty patients with axSpA, 15 patients with RA and 15 healthy subjects were included in the study. Clinical examination and laboratory tests were done. The ESR, CRP level and ASDAS were measured as markers of the disease activity. Quantitative determination of human CD74 IgG antibodies was done. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 38.22 (S.D.12.20) years. The level of CD74 autoantibodies was significantly higher in axSpA in comparison to control groups. Most patients with positive articular and extra-articular manifestations were positive for CD74 autoantibodies. In patients with inactive disease, 33.3% were positive for CD74 autoantibodies, as were 83% with active disease. High percentages of patients with early and late axSPA were CD74 autoantibody positive. The majority of patients with positive disease activity in early and late axSpA were CD74 autoantibody positive. CD74 autoantibodies had 80% sensitivity vs both control groups with 87% specificity vs the healthy control group and 80% vs the RA control group in the diagnosis of axSpA. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of positive anti-CD74 IgG antibodies was as high in patients with early axSpA as in those with late axSpA, with no significant differences. There was a significant difference in the frequency of positive anti-CD74 IgG antibodies between patients with positive and negative disease activity. Based on the sensitivity and specificity of anti-CD74 IgG, this is a promising diagnostic tool to support the clinical diagnosis of axSpA.

Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients: association with sleep quality, mood status, and disease activity / Fatiga en pacientes con artritis reumatoide: asociación con la calidad del sueño, el estado de ánimo y la actividad de la enfermedad

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by polyarthritis and systemic manifestations. RA-fatigue is a significant problem and adds on disease burden. Sleep disturbance, depression, and disease activity are suggested contributing factors to RA-fatigue; however, their combined role did not examine before among Egyptian RA patients. The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances in RA patients. Also, to evaluate the possible association of poor sleep, depression, and disease activity with RA-fatigue. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 115 RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria and 46 age and sex matched controls. Fatigue using the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue-Global Fatigue Index, sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and mood status using Beck Depression Inventory were assessed for all participants. RA disease activity was evaluated using disease activity score-28 joints. RESULTS: RA patients had higher mean fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression scores (27.2±8.9, 6.4±3.6, and 12.8±7.3; respectively) than controls (22.7±7, 4.8±3, 7.8±5.9; respectively) (P<.05). Poor sleep, depression and higher disease activity were significantly correlated with fatigue (r=0.4, r=0.65, r=0.55; respectively) (P<.001). The three variables may explain up to 49.1% of the variation in fatigue on multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Fatigue, poor sleep, and depression are more common in Egyptian patients with RA. A remarkably higher fatigue was associated with poor sleep, depression, and high disease activity, thus monitoring these silent comorbidities in clinical practice is required

OBJETIVOS: La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica, caracterizada por poliartritis y manifestaciones sistémicas. La fatiga asociada a AR es un problema importante y aumenta la carga de la enfermedad. La alteración del sueño, la depresión y la actividad de la enfermedad son factores sugeridos que contribuyen a la fatiga asociada a AR; sin embargo, su papel no se ha examinado previamente en pacientes egipcios con AR. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la presencia de fatiga y alteraciones del sueño y humor en pacientes con AR. Además, evaluar la posible asociación del sueño deficiente, depresión y la actividad de la enfermedad con la fatiga asociada a AR. MÉTODOS: Este estudio transversal incluyó 115 pacientes con AR, diagnosticados según los criterios de la ACR-EULAR 2010 y 46 pacientes de control emparejados por edad y sexo. Se evaluó en todos los participantes la fatiga mediante el índice de evaluación multidimensional de la fatiga y la fatiga global, el sueño utilizando el índice de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh y el estado de ánimo mediante el Inventario de Depresión de Beck. La actividad de la enfermedad de la AR se evaluó utilizando la medida de la actividad de enfermedad-28 articulaciones. RESULTADOS: Los pacientes con AR presentaron en promedio una mayor fatiga, alteración del sueño y puntuaciones de depresión (27,2±8,9; 6,4±3,6 y 12,8±7,3, respectivamente) que los pacientes de control (22,7±7; 4,8±3 y 7,8±5,9, respectivamente) (p < 0,05). El sueño deficiente, la depresión y una mayor actividad de la enfermedad se correlacionaron significativamente con la fatiga (r=0,4; r=0,65; r=0,55, respectivamente) (p < 0,001). Las 3 variables pueden explicar hasta el 49,1% de la variación en fatiga en el análisis de regresión múltiple. CONCLUSIÓN: La fatiga, el sueño deficiente y la depresión son más comunes en pacientes egipcios con AR. Una notablemente alta fatiga se asoció con un sueño deficiente, depresión y alta actividad de la enfermedad, por lo que se requiere el control de estas comorbilidades silenciosas en la práctica clínica

Joint remodeling outcome of serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTXII) in rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most widespread chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease over the world. It is characterized by chronic proliferation of synovium, cartilage destruction, and periarticular erosion/bone loss. We investigated the serum levels of the C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in relationship to the disease activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum COMP, CTX-II, and DKK1 levels were measured in 63 RA patients and 50 person age and gender matched as a healthy controls by ELISA test. Disease activity score (DAS) were calculated. RESULTS: The mean level of and COMP and CTX-II were significantly higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls (5.71 ±7.04 vs. 2.70 ±1.31 ng/ml, and 0.45 ±0.27 vs. 0.23 ±0.16 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Also, DKK1 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls (6970.68 ±7566.68 vs. 3276.96 ±1306.77 pg/m; p < 0.001). There was a positive significant correlation between DKK1 and swollen joint (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of patients, gender, the duration of RA disease, DAS, and RF. Sensitivity was 58.7% and specificity was 85.7% at a cut-off point (> 3.6 ng/ml) for serum COMP in RA patients, while, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 52.4% at a cut-off point (> 0.15 ng/ml) for serum CTX-II and sensitivity was 68.3% and specificity was 95.2 % at a cut-off point (> 4876 pg/ml) for serum DKK1. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of some serological biomarkers such as CTX-II, COMP, and DKK1 that reflect bone and cartilage destruction in RA patients could be used to indicate disease activity and early joint affection.

Evaluation of cognitive function in systemic sclerosis patients: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cognitive dysfunction in adult patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who had no known clinical neurological manifestations and to relate it with other disease severity parameters. METHODS: In the present study, 20 SSc consecutive female patients, who met the 2013 American College of Rheumatology SSc criteria, were compared with 20 healthy age-, gender-, and educational status-matched volunteer hospital workers. Mean age and duration of illness were 41.8 ± 12.52 and 6.9 ± 5.4 years respectively. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale (WAIS-III), and P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to evaluate cognitive function in SS subjectively and objectively respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent (13 out of 20) of SSc patients had MMSE score < 25, and cognitive impairment. Despite the lack of clinically apparent neurological manifestations, SSc patients had significantly low MMSE score, high Deterioration Index (DI), and prolonged P300 latency compared with that of the control group (P = 0.0001; 0.010 and 0.008 respectively). A significant positive association was found between (DI) and the Medsger severity vascular score (r = 0.518; P = 0.012).There were few differences between limited and diffuse SSc. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, few studies highlighted that subclinical cognitive impairment can occur in the course of SSc disease. Early diagnosis of cognitive impairment should be investigated either subjectively (using psychometrics tests as MMSE or WAIS-III) or objectively using P300 evoked related potentials. Medsger severity vascular score seems to be closely related to cognitive impairment.Key points• Cognitive impairment can be associated with Medsger Vascular severity score and the duration of illness.• Further larger studies will be needed to estimate the effect of disease activity on cognitive function, to further delineate the differences between limited and diffuse SSc in this area, and to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms causing cognitive impairment in patients with SSc.• To investigate impaired cognitive function in patients with SSc, even in the absence of clinically apparent neurological and vascular disease.

Preliminary study of the association of serum irisin levels with poor sleep quality in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Sleep disorders are significant problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are associated with poor quality of life. Irisin is myokine which may have anti-inflammatory and energy regulatory roles. This study assessed the association of serum irisin levels with the quality of sleep and disease activity in RA patients. METHODS: In sum, 58 RA patients and 30 matched healthy controls were included. Disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28-ESR) and the patients' global score were calculated. RA patients were grouped according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (PSQI) into good-sleepers (group 1) defined as a PQSI score≤5 and poor sleepers (group 2) with a PSQI > 5. Serum irisin levels were measured for both patients and controls by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality was found in 26 (45%) of the RA patients. Irisin levels were significantly lower in RA patients with poor sleep compared to those with good sleep and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum irisin levels correlated inversely with disease duration, morning stiffness duration, DAS28-ESR, global score, and total PSQI score (r = -0.722 to -0.263 & p values≤0.001-0.04) indicating a possible anti-inflammatory role of irisin in RA patients. The analysis employed Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Irisin levels were decreased in RA patients with poor sleep quality compared to RA patients with good sleep quality and healthy controls, indicating a possible association of decreased serum irisin with sleep impairment in RA patients.

Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Association With Sleep Quality, Mood Status, and Disease Activity.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by polyarthritis and systemic manifestations. RA-fatigue is a significant problem and adds on disease burden. Sleep disturbance, depression, and disease activity are suggested contributing factors to RA-fatigue; however, their combined role did not examine before among Egyptian RA patients. The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances in RA patients. Also, to evaluate the possible association of poor sleep, depression, and disease activity with RA-fatigue. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 115 RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria and 46 age and sex matched controls. Fatigue using the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue-Global Fatigue Index, sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and mood status using Beck Depression Inventory were assessed for all participants. RA disease activity was evaluated using disease activity score-28 joints. RESULTS: RA patients had higher mean fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression scores (27.2±8.9, 6.4±3.6, and 12.8±7.3; respectively) than controls (22.7±7, 4.8±3, 7.8±5.9; respectively) (P<.05). Poor sleep, depression and higher disease activity were significantly correlated with fatigue (r=0.4, r=0.65, r=0.55; respectively) (P<.001). The three variables may explain up to 49.1% of the variation in fatigue on multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Fatigue, poor sleep, and depression are more common in Egyptian patients with RA. A remarkably higher fatigue was associated with poor sleep, depression, and high disease activity, thus monitoring these silent comorbidities in clinical practice is required.

Study of MRI brain findings and carotid US features in systemic sclerosis patients, relationship with disease parameters.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with immune abnormalities and widespread vascular lesions, including increased intimal and medial thickness. These changes may be reflected in early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risks. We aimed in this study to examine the carotid artery intima-media thickness and MRI brain findings in SSc patients and compared them to a group of normal controls. A relationship between these parameters and clinical measures in SSc was also sought. METHODS: Seventy-two SSc patients with no central nervous system (CNS) symptoms and 42 healthy controls were included. Clinical and laboratory measures, Medsger's severity scale, and Doppler ultrasound common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were measured. Brain fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)-MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) were also done. RESULTS: SSc patients had more CCA-IMT, higher CRP, and more brain MRI hyperintense lesions than controls (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlations existed between CCA-IMT and Medsger vascular (r = 0.7, P = 0.02). The FLAIR-MRI showed multiple hyperintense lesions in 24 patients (33%), ranging 0-36 lesions. SSc patients with more lesions (positive MRI) had longer disease duration (P = 0.001) and left and right carotid artery atheromata (P = 0.001, and 0.013, respectively) than SSc patients with negative MRIs; Medsger vascular score did not separate the SSc groups (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In systemic sclerosis patients without central nervous system symptoms, MRI lesion numbers correlated with CCA-IMT. MRI abnormalities were found more frequently if CRP was elevated, if the Medsger SSc Severity Scale was increased, or if there was thickened carotid IMT.

Sympathetic skin response in patients with systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a technique to assess the sympathetic cholinergic pathways. Sympathetic dysfunction may participate in the development of pain, which is the major complaint in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to assess the autonomic dysfunction in patients with (SSc) and (RA) using SSR as a simple neurophysiologic test. METHODS: Palmar SSR to median nerve electrical stimulation was recorded in 21 patients with SSc, 39 patients with RA, and in 60 healthy age and sex-matched control subjects. RESULTS: Palmar SSR to median nerve stimulation (of SSc patients and RA patients) shows significantly delayed latency and reduced amplitude in comparison to the control group. SSR of SSc patients has significantly delayed latency and reduced amplitude when compared to RA patients. Moreover, six SSc patients have delayed SSR in spite of the absence of manifestations of polyneuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SSc and RA have features of autonomic dysfunction with more affection of SSc patients.

Telomere dysfunction-related serological markers and oxidative stress markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients: correlation with diseases activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune polyarthritis with progressive destruction of the synovial joints associated with systemic manifestations. RA is characterized by infiltration of the synovial joints with inflammatory immune cells with premature immunosenescence. Shorter telomere length in the peripheral blood cells and increase in the oxidative stress have been detected in patients with RA. The aim of the present study was to study the association of markers of telomere shortening and oxidative stress with RA disease activity. Sixty-one RA patients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, clinical examination, and disease activity status were evaluated for the RA patients. Serum levels of chitinase and NAG (telomere markers) were determined by biochemical reactions using colloidal chitin and NAG as substrates, respectively. Nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase (oxidative stress markers) were determined colometrically and spectrophotometrically, respectively, in the sera of RA patients and controls. Results were correlated with disease activity. Indices of telomere shortening and oxidative markers were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls. These indices were correlated with signs of disease activity (including number of swollen and tender joints, DAS-28, and inflammatory markers). Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which markers of telomere shortening and elevated oxidant stress correlate with disease activity.