Egyptian Rheumatologist最新文献

{"title":"Procalcitonin level in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and its relation to disease activity and infection","authors":"Caroline S. Morad ,&nbsp;Mohamed S. Abdel Baky,&nbsp;Radwa A. Ahmed,&nbsp;Amr M. Hawwash","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>Aim of the work:</strong> To evaluate the role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and compare it with other available biomarkers in differentiating flare from infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. <strong>Patients and methods:</strong> Ninety SLE patients were enrolled and classified into 2 groups; group 1 included 60 active SLE patients with/without fever, and group 2 included 30 afebrile inactive SLE patients. Group 1 patients were further classified according to presence or absence of infection. Patients were subjected to detailed medical history, clinical examination, disease activity assessment, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum PCT, appropriate body fluid cultures, and radiological assessment. <strong>Results:</strong> The study included 80 (88 %) females. The mean age was 30.17 ± 9.7 years and the median disease duration 5 years. The commonest clinical manifestations of SLE were arthritis (58.9 %), skin rash (51.1 %), mucosal ulcers (37.8 %) and nephritis (36.7 %). Serum PCT, ESR, CRP, NLR and PLR were significantly higher in active SLE patients (group 1) than those in remission (group 2). Serum PCT, CRP and NLR were significantly higher in SLE patients with infection than those without infection whereas ESR and PLR showed no significant difference between both groups. PCT level significantly correlated with CRP, NLR, and PLR. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Although serum PCT, CRP levels, and NLR rise with SLE disease activity, their levels are significantly higher when associated with infection, indicating that high levels of these inflammatory markers could differentiate between infection and disease activity in SLE patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142593153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of functional measures and laboratory parameters to portend limitations of spinal mobility in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis","authors":"Halil Harman ,&nbsp;Nedim Kaban","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To specify clinical and laboratory parameters related to limited spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The study included 202 adult r-axSpA patients. Clinical characteristics, medications, investigations including serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and human leukocytic antigen-B27 positivity were noted. Lateral lumbar flexion (LLF), chest expansion (CE) and tragus-to-wall distance (TWD) were measured. Values &lt;2.5 percentile in LLF, CE and TWD were noted as reduced mobility of lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The median age of patients was 43 years, male:female was 3.7:1. The time to diagnosis was 7.5 (3–40) years and were followed-up for 7.2 (4–22) years. Disease duration and high baseline CRP (&gt;10 mg/L) were critical risk factors for reduced spinal mobility (p = 0.001 and p &lt; 0.01). The duration to impaired LLF was significantly shorter in smokers (n = 105) (10.3;0–30.5 years) vs non-smokers (15.2;4.5–35 years) (p = 0.001) and in those with positive family history (n = 50) (9.7;0–20 years) compared to those without (12.9;4–35 years) (p = 0.09). LLF, CE and TWD were impaired in 40 % vs 75 %, 10 % vs 55 % and 12 % vs 60 % of patients with symptom duration of 10 vs 30 years respectively. Those with delayed introduction of biologics had significantly more impaired LLF, CE and TWD: 10.1(2–25) vs 14(3–33) years; 10.4(3–26) vs 17.5(8–33) years; 10.7(3–27) vs 16.7(5–33) years; p = 0.001 for all, respectively).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The most prominent factors affecting spinal mobility were the duration of symptoms and high serum CRP levels. The decreased spinal mobility was markedly less in patients with the early introduction of biologic therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical signficance of human leucocytic antigen (HLA-B27) in patients with early and late-onset axial spondyloarthritis","authors":"Ebru Yilmaz ,&nbsp;Özlem Toluk","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To compare the clinical, laboratory and radiological features of patients with positive human leucocytic antigen (HLA)-B27 in patients with early-onset (EOSpA) and late-onset (LOSpA) axial spondyloarthritis.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The study included 195 axial-SpA patients with positive HLA-B27 divided into those ≤45 years (EOSpA) and those &gt;45 years (LOSpA). Characteristics of the patients, medications received as well as Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiological Index (BASRI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) scores were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of the patients was 43.6 ± 13.3 years and 121 (62.1 %) were females. Shoulder pain, peripheral arthritis, and adhesive capsulitis were significantly more common in LOSpA (20 %,13.7 % and 5.3 %; p = 0.001, p = 0.017, and p = 0.026) whereas dorsal and low back pain were significantly more prominent in EOSpA (20 % and 61 %; p = 0.011 and p = 0.001). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α use, C-reactive protein (CRP), BASFI, BASDAI, ASDAS, MASES and BASRI scores (p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.016, p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.009, p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.018, p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). On regression analysis, male gender and high CRP were associated with EOSpA (p = 0.011, and p = 0.001), while early-stage sacroiliitis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, high BASFI and BASRI were related to LOSpA (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, p &lt; 0.0001 and p &lt; 0.0001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>LOSpA was associated with female gender, peripheral involvement, lower levels of inflammatory markers, higher functional status and disease activity, higher enthesitis and radiological scores, and less use of anti-TNF-α.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardiovascular risk assessment in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis","authors":"Dalia A. ElSherbiny ,&nbsp;Eman A. Hafez ,&nbsp;Wessam S. Shokry ,&nbsp;Ahmad M. Mohamady ,&nbsp;Nermeen N. Aziz","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common rheumatological disorders, that not only affect the synovial joints, but also, it has several extra-articular complications related to heart, and other organs.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the work:</h3><div>To assess the cardiovascular risk in RA female patients.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods:</h3><div>60 RA female patients, were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination, laboratory assessment, disease activity score (DAS-28), ultrasonography on both common carotid and common femoral arteries, and cardiovascular risk score (QRISK®3).</div></div><div><h3>Results:</h3><div>The patients age was 48.4 ± 7.2 years (40–70 years), median disease duration of 7 years and 20 (33.3 %) were passive smokers. Disease activity was 4.6 ± 1.47 (1.5–7.8).Duration of steroid, methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 1–240 months, leflunomide 6–240 months, sulphasalazine 3–156 months and baricitinib 0–9 months. QRISK®3 was significantly correlated with age (p &lt; 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.017), right and left carotid and right femoral intima media thickness (IMT) (p = 0.027, p = 0.006, and p = 0.009 respectively). Regarding the IMT, a significant correlation was found with age in all territories (bilateral carotid and bilateral femoral arteries), where anti CCP and QRISK®3 was correlated with the right carotid IMT (p = 0.039, and p = 0.027 respectively), While the duration of using baricitinib was negatively correlated and significant with right carotid (r = -0.285,p = 0.027).Regressions analysis of right carotid was significant with age, left carotid with CRP and right femoral with Q risk.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion:</h3><div>RA patients have multiple risk factors that increase cardiovascular events. Age, Anti cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) levels, MTX, HCQ, and leflunomide may aggravate atherosclerosis, while baricitinib may be a protective factor.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142417739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characteristics of patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases","authors":"Fatma M Aboud ,&nbsp;Mervat E Behiry ,&nbsp;Tamer MA Ibraheem ,&nbsp;Asmaa M.M. Salama ,&nbsp;Shaimaa A. Abdalgaleel ,&nbsp;Dina M. Abd EL-Khalik","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To characterize the clinical features and outcome in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD).</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The study included 74 adult patients with CTD-ILD following-up at the rheumatology and pulmonology outpatient clinics of two healthcare centers in Egypt between 2018 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, radiological and treatment data were collected. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), spirometer and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The patients mean age was 41.8 ± 6.5 years, 89.2 % were females, systemic sclerosis (SSc) (44.6 %) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (33.8 %) were the most common diagnosed CTDs. 54.1 % of patients had nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), and 33.8 % had usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). 93.2 % showed abnormal spirometer. Established diagnosis of ILD was preceded and coincided with CTD diagnosis in 40.6 %. 35.1 % had lung affection ≥ 20 % which was significantly associated with RA (p = 0.001), onset of ILD before/with the diagnosis of CTD (p = 0.027), lower CTD duration (p = 0.01) and desaturation in 6MWT (p-0.006). Shorter CTD duration and 6MWT desaturation independently affected the extent of lung affection (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001 respectively).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both SSc and RA were the most frequent CTDs associated ILD. Spirometer, HRCT and 6MWT are valuable for early diagnosis. NSIP and UIP were the most frequent ILD patterns with variable outcomes. Severe lung affection was linked to RA, lower CTD duration, ILD onset before/with the CTD and desaturation in 6MWT. Shorter CTD duration and desaturation with 6MWT independently affected the percentage of lung affection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142417740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic variations of interleukin 32(rs28372698) and interleukin 37 (rs3811047), and their serum levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients","authors":"Wafaa Gaber ,&nbsp;Noha M. Abdel Baki ,&nbsp;Shaimaa Badran ,&nbsp;Walaa Abdelfattah ,&nbsp;Marwa K. Sallam ,&nbsp;Alkhateeb Alkemary ,&nbsp;Mai Samir ,&nbsp;Marwa H. Niazy","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease. The underlying pathogenesis still needs to be elucidated.</p></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To investigate interleukin-32 (IL-32) (rs28372698) and interleukin-37 (IL-37) (rs3811047) genetic variations, measure their serum levels in SLE patients, and evaluate their relation with disease parameters.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>This work included 46 SLE patients and 43 matched controls. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and SLE damage index (SDI) were recorded. Genetic variations were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and serum levels of IL-32 and IL-37 were measured by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of the patients was 29.2 ± 6.1 years, and the female: male ratio was 45:1. IL-37 genetic variation (rs3811047) GG was significantly more frequent in SLE patients (24/46,52.2 %) (p = 0.024), those with lupus nephritis (LN)(18/27,66.7 %) (p = 0.038), and active disease (15/21,68.2 %) (p = 0.002). The IL-37 G allele was significantly more represented in lupus patients (68/92,73.9 %)(p = 0.008), with IL-37 serum levels significantly increased in SLE patients (855.7 ± 465.4) compared to the control (504.1 ± 553.8) (p = 0.002). Although serum IL-32 was significantly higher in patients who received cyclophosphamide (CYC),and significantly correlated with total cholesterol, on regression analysis neither CYC nor cholesterol were significant factor for serum IL-32. The area under the curve for IL-37 serum levels to distinguish SLE patients from controls was 0.71, (CI 0.601–0.827; p = 0.001).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The IL-37 genetic variation (rs3811047) GG was significantly elevated in SLE, LN, and active patients. G allele was significantly more represented in lupus patients. IL-37 serum levels were significantly increased in SLE patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142089294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Egyptian patients with axial spondyloarthritis: The frequency and predictors of renal impairment","authors":"Dina M. Abd EL-Khalik ,&nbsp;Adel M. Elsayed ,&nbsp;Aya A. Abdallah ,&nbsp;Nashwa A. Morshedy","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To determine the frequency of and risk factors for renal impairment in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>Fifty axSpA patients participated in this study. In accordance with the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) criteria, patients were split into two groups: group 1comprised renal impairment and group 2 comprised non-renal impairment. The ankylosing spondylitis (AS) disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate were assessed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of patients was 38.9 ± 11.7 years, males were 54 % and the disease duration was 11.36 ± 6.1 years. The mean ASDAS score was 5.58 ± 1.38 and BASDAI was 5.18 ± 1.55. The eGFR was 76.4 ± 36.2 ml/min/1.73 m² and 28 % had positive human leucocytic antigen (HLA-B27). 80 % were receiving biologic therapy. Nephropathy by ultrasound and renal impairment were detected in 34 % and 52 % of the cases respectively. The cumulative dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, low density cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, proteinuria, ASDAS and BASDAI were significantly higher in those with renal impairment(p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.001, p = 0.035, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively) while the eGFR and high density lipoprotein were significantly lower (p = 0.001and p = 0.02). Only the cumulative dose of NSAIDs was a significantly independent variable influencing the development of renal impairment (OR=1.01, CI; 1.001–1.02, p = 0.024) at cut-off level &gt; 1166.3 g.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Renal impairment is frequent in axSpA patients with decreased eGFR and high disease activity. The cumulative dose of NSAIDs is a significant predictor of renal impairment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142058513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The journey of pain management for fibromyalgia patients: A ten year experience from Tunisia","authors":"Selma Bouden ,&nbsp;Hadwa Beji ,&nbsp;Leila Rouached ,&nbsp;Aicha Ben Tekaya ,&nbsp;Ines Mahmoud ,&nbsp;Rawdha Tekaya ,&nbsp;Olfa Saidane ,&nbsp;Leila Abdelmoula","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Fibromyalgia often deteriorates the quality of life of patients on physical, emotional, socio-familial, and professional levels.</p></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To describe the characteristics of fibromyalgia patients and to assess the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>A questionnaire was provided to the fibromyalgia patients at the pain management center of Tunis, during the last ten years and the sociodemographic data, journey characteristics and satisfaction regarding the quality of their care were recorded and the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The work included 110 patients, 93 females and 13 males (F:M 7.2:1) and a mean age of 52 ± 12 years. 65 % reported an initial pain visual analog scale (VAS) ≥ 7. The mean consultation and diagnostic delays were 75 ± 30 and 44 ± 28 months, respectively. 94 % of patients were initially misdiagnosed, despite consulting more than two different physicians. The mean FIQ total was 77.5 ± 13.Age, female gender, and manual professions were related to a more impaired physical impact of fibromyalgia (p = 0.02; p = 0.01; p = 0.03, respectively). Patients whose fibromyalgia trigger was persistent stress (n = 50) reported more impaired FIQ (p = 0.001). Patients with shorter consultation and diagnostic delays reported more improvement (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants and vitamins felt significantly improved (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002). Non-pharmacological treatments included physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and thermal baths.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The quality of life in fibromyalgia patients is frequently impaired, and the journey is complex and ambivalent.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142048953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mental health problems among children with lupus nephritis","authors":"Heba T. Osman ,&nbsp;Dina Y. Afifi ,&nbsp;Zynab F. Mohammed ,&nbsp;Hend M. Abu Shady","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To assess and compare depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments in juvenile systemic erythematous lupus (JSLE) children with lupus nephritis (LN) during the induction and maintenance phases of treatment and to investigate the association with disease activity, damage and immunosuppressive medications.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>This study included 33 patients diagnosed as JSLE with LN. Attention and working memory were assessed by the working memory index Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC). Depression and anxiety were assessed by the Children Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Spence Children Anxiety Scale respectively. The SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) was recorded.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of the children was 11.6 ± 2.2 years, 88 % were females and 12 % males with disease duration of 16.9 ± 9.2 months and age at onset of 10.2 ± 2.3 years. Mean anxiety scores were higher among patients during the induction phase than those during maintenance phase (62.1 ± 7.2 and 40.2 ± 8.8 respectively; p &lt; 0.001). The depression score was higher in the induction (19 ± 5.5) than in the maintenance group (12.4 ± 5.6) (p = 0.002). Mean anxiety scores significantly correlated with SLEDAI-2 K and corticosteroids dose (r = 0.58 and r = 0.43, p = 0.0004 and p = 0.013 respectively) and a significant negative correlation with duration of corticosteroids and number of cyclophosphamide doses (r = 0.46 and r = 0.69, p = 0.008 and p = 0.0001 respectively).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Depression and anxiety levels were higher in children with LN during the induction phase of treatment than those in the maintenance phase. Mental health problems must be screened among children with LN and treating these problems can improve the medical and psychosocial outcomes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142058512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microribonucleic acid-9 (miRNA-9) as a potential diagnostic marker in Behҫet’s syndrome patients","authors":"Moustafa A. Saad ,&nbsp;Hala I. El Gendy ,&nbsp;Mervat E. Behiry ,&nbsp;Olfat Shaker ,&nbsp;Ahmed H. Laymouna","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>Behҫet’s syndrome is a disease that causes inflammation of small, medium, and large vessels in a lot of body organs. Microribonucleic acid-9 (miRNA-9) is an important regulator of inflammation through negative feedback inhibition of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B pathway. This work objective was to assess the expression level of miRNA-9 in Behҫet’s syndrome patients and to study its relation to different activity domains.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>Sixty adult Behҫet’s syndrome patients with sixty matched controls were recruited. The activity scores of patients were calculated using Behcet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF), and the Behcet Syndrome Activity Score (BSAS). Gene expression of miRNA-9 was assessed using real-time PCR.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of the cases was 33.8 ± 7.92 years. Male to female ratio was 6.5:1. The most frequent manifestations of activity were new eye involvement (58.3 %) followed by arthralgia (55 %) and then mouth ulcerations (41.7 %). The median activity scores were 7/20 on the BDCAF and 23/100 on the BSAS. The mean miRNA-9 showed a 53.4 fold change among cases compared to controls (p &lt; 0.001). Using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a miRNA-9 cutoff value fold change of 1.035 would significantly discriminate patients from controls (p &lt; 0.001) with 71.7 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. There was no statistically significant relation between miRNA-9 fold changes and the studied activity scores or the different domains of disease activity.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>miRNA-9 is over-expressed in Behҫet’s syndrome and may be considered as a potential diagnostic marker and a future therapeutic target in Behcet’s syndrome.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141953716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}