Sensorineural dysacusis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of involvement of the auditory apparatus in 45 female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) submitted to general clinical and laboratory assessments, and tone and vocal audiometry accompanied by a questionnaire evaluating auditory symptoms. The control group consisted of 45 healthy women, matched by age. Auditory symptoms were present in 25 (55.5%) patients, with a diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss in seven (15.6%) patients. A significant correlation with hypoacusis (P < 0.001), ear fullness (P = 0.012) and tinnitus (P = 0.017) was observed in patients with hearing loss. None of the clinical or laboratory parameters showed an association with sensorineural hearing loss. In the control group, three women (6.7%) presented audiometric alterations, including two with altered tympanometry results and one with mild sensorineural hearing loss. In conclusion, an adequate investigation of auditory symptoms is important during the follow-up of patients with SLE, since manifestations of the auditory apparatus and sensorineural hearing loss can affect a significant proportion of patients.

Efficacy of auranofin as demonstrated by improvement in clinical parameters and decrease in anti-inflammatory usage: a long-term, multicenter study.

An open, noncomparative study at 8 rheumatology centers in Brazil assessed the efficacy and safety of auranofin (AF) when given for up to 24 months. The study enrolled 80 patients with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis (RA); disease was severe in 20 (25%), moderate in 55 (69%), and mild in 5 (6%). Patients received auranofin, 3 mg twice daily, and varying doses of anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids). Sixty patients (75%) completed the full 24 months of therapy. No patients were withdrawn from therapy because of insufficient therapeutic effect. There was statistically significant improvement (p less than 0.001) in 9 clinical parameters of disease activity, evident as early as 3 months after beginning AF therapy, increasing steadily over 12 months, and remaining at improved levels for another 12 months. Improvements in some parameters were particularly striking. By 24 months, assessment of well-being had increased by 150%, intensity of pain had decreased by 66%, and duration of morning stiffness had decreased by 78%. The average daily dose of anti-inflammatory drugs also decreased over time. The safety profile of AF was similar to that found in comparable trials. Ten patients (12.5%) were withdrawn because of adverse events: 6 for diarrhea (7.5%), 2 for proteinuria (2.5%), and 1 each for pruritus and anemia (1.25%). Adverse events occurred in 24 of 80 patients; some reported more than one adverse event. The most common adverse events were loose stools (20 patients) or diarrhea (11 patients).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)