Egyptian Rheumatologist最新文献

{"title":"Clinical relevance of plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in Behçet’s disease","authors":"Nada M. Gamal ,&nbsp;Eman R. Badawy ,&nbsp;Dalia Tohamy ,&nbsp;Esraa A. Talaat","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic systemic vasculitis disease affecting many systems and presented with heterogeneous manifestations. No standard marker for BD diagnosis and monitoring its activity. The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a membrane-bound glycoptotein that is primarily expressed on the surface of immunologically active cells; mirroring local inflammation and immune activation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>of the work.</div><div>To assess plasma suPAR in BD patients compared with healthy controls. In addition to analyze its association with BD clinical features, disease activity and damage index.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The study included 50 BD patients and 40 controls, disease activity was assessed using an Arabic version of the Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (Ar-BDCAF). The damage events in BD patients were determined by Behçet’s disease damage index (BDI). Plasma suPAR level was measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study included 50 BD patients; 41 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 34.9 ± 8.1 years and disease duration 6.8 ± 0.6 years. The mean Ar-BDCAF was 3.24 ± 0.42 (0–13) and BDI was 5.04 ± 0.48 (0–12). Plasma suPAR level in BD patients (0.97 ± 0.11; 0.55–4.86) ng/ml was significantly higher than in controls (0.53 ± 0.1; 0.32–0.69), p &lt; 0.001. The optimum cut-off value for suPAR to predict BD was &gt; 0.67 with accuracy 88 %, sensitivity 82 %, specificity 94 %, p &lt; 0.001. There was a significant correlation between plasma suPAR level in BD patients and Ar-BDCAF (r = 0.81, p &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Plasma suPAR level may serve as a promising marker that can be helpful in diagnosis and monitoring disease activity of BD patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 2","pages":"Pages 101-105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957688","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 role of s100A8 protein as an inflammatory marker in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relation to clinical and radiological parameters","authors":"Marwa M. Abu Elinin,&nbsp;Mervat A. El Sergany,&nbsp;Amal S. El Bendary,&nbsp;Shereen A. Elwan","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To identify the serum level of S100A8 protein in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate its relationship with different clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This study included 60RA patients and 30matchedcontrols. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while functional status was evaluated using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ). Disease Activity Score (DAS28) was assessed. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and serum S100A8 levels were measured. Radiological evaluation was performed using plain X-ray imaging and assessed by the modified Larsen score.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of the patients was 46.5 ± 10.6 years, with a female predominance (93.3%). The mean morning stiffness was 56.8 ± 32.1 min (15–120 min), mean DAS28 was 3.2 ± 0.12, MHAQ was 1.47 ± 0.11 and Larsen 43.9 ± 3.6. Serum S100A8 level was significantly higher in RA patients (723.5 ± 647.8 mg/dl) compared to the control (121.3 ± 96.6 mg/dl) (p &lt; 0.001). Significant correlations were found between S100A8 levels and tender joint count (TJC)(p = 0.001), swollen joint count (SJC)(p = 0.01), VAS (p = 0.024), ESR (p &lt; 0.001), CRP (p &lt; 0.001), DAS28 (p &lt; 0.001), MHAQ (p &lt; 0.001), anti-CCP (p &lt; 0.001) and Larsen score (p = 0.004). Linear regression analysis revealed that ESR, CRP, DAS28, MHAQ and anti-CCP were independent predictors of S100A8 levels (p &lt; 0.001). S100A8 can significantly predict individuals with RA (p &lt; 0.001, area under the curve AUC = 0.93) at a cut-off &gt; 159 mg/dl, 85% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The concentration of S100A8 was markedly elevated in RA<!--> <!-->patients with significant relation to disease activity, bone erosions and joint destruction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 2","pages":"Pages 126-129"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189378","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":"Assessment of kinesiophobia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with disease activity, functional status, pain severity and depression","authors":"Aya H. Eldesouky ,&nbsp;Yara M. Amin ,&nbsp;Hanaa M. Rady","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To evaluate and compare the frequency of kinesiophobia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as its association with disease parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The study included 63 RA patients, 63 SLE patients, and 63 matched controls. The Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) was assessed. The disease activity score (DAS28) in RA and SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) were evaluated. The health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) was used to assess functional status, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain severity, and depression was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of RA patients was 49.1 ± 10.2 years, 58 females and 5 males (F:M 11.6:1); SLE patients’ age was 34.5 ± 9.3 years, F:M 11.6:1. Kinesiophobia was significantly more frequent in RA compared to SLE (n = 46, 73 % vs. n = 42, 66.7 %; p = 0.44). The PHQ9 and VAS-pain were significantly higher in SLE patients (19 ± 8.07 and 5.2 ± 3.1) compared to RA (15.6 ± 9.1 and 4 ± 3.02 respectively, p = 0.03 and p = 0.027). TKS significantly correlated with DAS28 in RA (r = 0.422, p = 0.001) but not with SLEDAI-2K in SLE (r = 0.117, p = 0.36). TKS significantly correlated with HAQ, PHQ9, and VAS in RA (r = 0.49, p &lt; 0.001; r = 0.33, p = 0.009 and r = 0.35, p = 0.004 respectively) and in SLE (r = 0.46, p &lt; 0.001; r = 0.31, p = 0.013 and r = 0.35, p = 0.004 respectively) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both RA and SLE patients have a high frequency of kinesiophobia. It appears to be higher in RA patients and is associated with disease activity. It is critical to identify and treat kinesiophobia to lessen long-term effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 2","pages":"Pages 106-109"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039258","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":"Role of urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of lupus cystitis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Relation to disease activity and lower urinary tract manifestations","authors":"Safaa A. Hussein ,&nbsp;Dahlia Abdel Mohsen ,&nbsp;Maryam A. Abdulrahman ,&nbsp;Maha A. Elserwy ,&nbsp;Khaled S. Soliman ,&nbsp;Tasneem E. Mohammed ,&nbsp;Amr M. Hawwash","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Aim of the work:</em> To assess the role of urinary biomarkers, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10), in the diagnosis of lupus cystitis (LC) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and to determine its relation to SLE disease activity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). <em>Patients and methods:</em> 72 SLE patients were studied. Modified British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index, BILAG-2004 index, was assessed. Lower urinary tract symptoms score (LUTSS) questionnaire was conducted. Urinary MIP-1β and CXCL10 levels were measured. Pelvic ultrasound was performed to assess urinary bladder wall thickness (BWT). <em>Results:</em> The 72 patients mean age was 30.54 ± 9.22 years; were 62 females, 10 males. Positive LUTSS was detected in 37 patients, with mean score 14.01 ± 6.7. The mean urinary BWT was 4.39 ± 1.29 mm, and 57 patients had thickened urinary bladder wall. MIP-1β was significantly high in patients with severe renal disease activity, albuminuria and pyuria. Both MIP-1β and CXCL10 were significantly high in patients with microscopic hematuria. MIP-1β significantly correlated with protein/creatinine ratio, and CXCL10 had positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). MIP-1β was positively correlated with serum creatinine in patients with thickened urinary bladder wall. <em>Conclusion:</em> Lupus cystitis and LUTS are frequent in SLE patients. Lupus cystitis might be asymptomatic. Urinary bladder ultrasound plays an important role in the early recognition of LC. Lupus cystitis is possibly associated with SLE disease activity. Urinary MIP-1β and CXCL10 may have a potential role in the evaluation of SLE disease activity, particularly lupus nephritis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 2","pages":"Pages 110-115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039259","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":"Methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis: Prevalence, risk factors and impact on treatment adherence","authors":"Aya K. El-Hindawy,&nbsp;Hala A. Raafat,&nbsp;Marwa Magdy,&nbsp;Dina Ossama Abdulazim","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To assess methotrexate (MTX) intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to identify its predictors using validated Arabic version of the MTX Intolerance Severity Score (MISS).</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The study included 355 RA patients on MTX for at least three months. Detailed disease and drug history were recorded. MTX intolerance was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the MTX Intolerance Severity Score (MISS) and compliance assessed using the Arabic version of the 5-Item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR5).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>50.7% of the patients were MTX intolerant while 66.2% were compliant on MTX. The mean age of the patients was 38.4 ± 12.1 years and 92.7% were females. Predictors of MTX intolerance using MISS were younger age at disease onset (p = 0.006), longer disease duration (p = 0.001), parenteral MTX administration (IM/oral p &lt; 0.001, OR 3.95, SC/oral p &lt; 0.001, OR 7.73), fixed morning dosing compared to divided or inconsistent schedule divided/morning p &lt; 0.001, Inconsistent time/morning p = 0.014), receiving MTX before meals versus after meals (p = 0.007, OR 5.61), concomitant leflunomide use (p = 0.01, OR 1.88) and higher tender joint count (p = 0.03). While leflunomide intake (p = 0.002, OR 2.65) and parenteral MTX administration (IM/oral 0.002, OR 6.06, SC/oral &lt; 0.001, OR 14.3) were the only predictors in multivariate logistic regression. MTX intolerant patients were receiving significantly lower number of cigarette pack/year (p = 0.007). However caffeine intake, folate adherence and dosage, disease activity, presence of extra-articular manifestations were not associated with MTX intolerance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MTX intolerance is frequent in RA patients especially females. A significant association was found with parenteral route of administration and concomitant leflunomide intake.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 2","pages":"Pages 121-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090355","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":"Inflammatory bowel disease among radiographic axial spondyloarthritis’ patients: Frequency and diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin","authors":"Ghada A. Ahmed ,&nbsp;Fatma M. Aboud ,&nbsp;Mohammad M.A. Alsawe ,&nbsp;Alshymaa M.F. Motaher","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects 5–10% of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Patients with axSpA and concurrent IBD may experience more severe disease and exhibit a lower prevalence of human leukocytic antigen-B27 (HLA-B27).</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To determine the frequency of IBD in patients with radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) and to analyze the clinical characteristics associated with its presence.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This study included 97 r-axSpA patients. Colonoscopy was performed in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of IBD. The ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of patients was 36.9 ± 4.8 years, 59 females and 38 males (F:M 1.6:1). HLA-B27 was positive in 74 (76.3%). The mean ASDAS was 2.4 ± 0.94 and BASDAI 3.53 ± 1.5. Fifty (51.5%) patients had concurrent IBD and a significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP)(57.5 ± 20.03 mg/dl) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)(29.8 ± 13.5 mm/1^sthr) levels than those without IBD (1.66 ± 2.70 mg/dl and 7.55 ± 4.99 mm/1^sthr; p &lt; 0.001for both). r-axSpA patients with IBD had significantly higher mean fecal calprotectin levels (522 ± 178.52 µg/g) compared to those without (232.57 ± 70.13 µg/g)(p &lt; 0.001). No significant differences were detected between those with and without IBD regarding HLA-B27 positivity (p = 0.87), ASDAS (p = 0.18) and BASDAI (p = 0.32). Fecal calprotectin showed excellent diagnostic performance discriminating those with IBD at cut-off 353 µg/g.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>There is clinical heterogeneity within the spectrum of r-axSpA and the significance of recognizing concurrent IBD is underscored, particularly in patients who present with gastrointestinal symptoms, elevated inflammatory markers, or increased fecal calprotectin levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 2","pages":"Pages 116-120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090399","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":"Could coronal T2-weighted fat suppressed sequence of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging help identify findings suggestive of sacroiliitis in patients with chronic low back pain? Influence of age and gender","authors":"Kemal Erol ,&nbsp;Lütfiye Parlak ,&nbsp;Halil İ. Şara ,&nbsp;Mehmet S. Durmaz","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of pain globally and axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is an important cause. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used to diagnose CLBP.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To determine the added value of coronal lumbosacral T2-weighted Short Tau Inversion Recovery (T2-STIR) sequence with routine lumbar MRI in detecting sacroiliitis in patients with CLBP in order to enable early referral for the diagnosis of AxSpA, and to evaluate the influence of age and gender.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>The lumbar MRI of 1000 patients aged 18-65 years with CLBP presenting to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) outpatient clinics of Selcuk University, and following up for at least three months and have a lumbar MRI, were retrospectively evaluated, and the presence of active sacroiliitis in the coronal T2-STIR sequence was investigated by two experienced radiologists guided by the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of patients was 42.2±12.8 years. 691 (69.1%) were females and 309 (30.9%) males (F:M 2.2:1). Of all participants, 11.3% had active sacroiliitis and and 11.7% had non-specific bone marrow edema (BME). Active sacroiliitis was seen in 72 (13.1%) patients aged ≤45 and 41 (9.1%) aged &gt;45 (p=0.046). 91 female (13.2%) and 22 males (7.1%) had active sacroiliitis (p=0.005).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this study, radiographic active sacroiliitis was detected on lumbosacral coronal T2-STIR sequences in chronic low back pain patients, particularly in women and those aged ≤45 years. Further clinical evaluation and prospective studies are required to confirm the potential usefulness in earlier diagnosis or referral.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 1","pages":"Pages 11-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271301","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":"Pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab: A case-based review","authors":"Dilara B Gökten,&nbsp;Rıdvan Mercan","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon neutrophilic dermatosis that may accompany systemic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Owing to its nonspecific presentation and overlap with other ulcerative disorders, diagnosis is often delayed, and the optimal management, particularly in RA-associated PG, remains uncertain.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To present a rare case of PG occurring in a seropositive RA patient successfully treated with adalimumab (ADA) and to provide a concise literature-based review of ADA use in similar contexts.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 63-year-old female with seropositive RA, initially controlled on methotrexate (MTX) and low-dose corticosteroid, developed bilateral painful ulcerative thigh lesions. Histopathology revealed dense neutrophilic infiltration consistent with PG. High-dose corticosteroid therapy achieved only partial improvement; therefore, ADA 40 mg every two weeks was initiated after negative tuberculosis screening. Within three months, rapid ulcer healing and remission of joint symptoms were observed, allowing steroid withdrawal. At six months, complete epithelialization and stable control of RA were achieved without adverse events. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ identified seven studies reporting favorable outcomes with ADA in steroid-refractory or biologic-switched RA-related PG.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Treatment with ADA demonstrates potential dual efficacy in controlling both PG and RA, particularly in corticosteroid-resistant or anti-TNF-switched cases. Given the paucity of prospective data, further multicenter randomized studies are required to validate its long-term safety and therapeutic role in this rare overlap setting. Early recognition and targeted immunomodulation remain essential to prevent chronic ulceration and recurrence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 1","pages":"Pages 67-70"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466733","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":"Assessment of the efficacy of beam irradiation in breast cancer patients with knee osteoarthritis","authors":"Dina F. El-Essawi ,&nbsp;Ibrahim Elzawahry ,&nbsp;Manal R. Mohammed ,&nbsp;Asmaa Zohry ,&nbsp;Hany William","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Knee osteoarthritis (OA) causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly impairing quality of life. Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) has emerged as a potential treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but its efficacy in specific populations, such as breast cancer survivors, remains under studied.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LDRT in female breast cancer survivors with knee OA (grades II and III), focusing on pain relief, inflammation, joint function, and genotoxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>Out of an initial 36 patients, 20 (aged 45–65) were divided into two groups: Group I received 0.5 Gy LDRT three times weekly for two weeks, while Group II received 0.5 Gy twice weekly for three weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), genotoxicity tests (Micronucleus and Comet assays), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cartilage thickness and joint space.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both the LDRT regimens significantly improved WOMAC, reduced pain, stiffness, and enhanced joint function. Inflammatory markers showed a non-significant decline, suggesting mild anti-inflammatory effects. Genotoxicity tests indicated minimal DNA damage, particularly in Group II, confirming safety. MRI revealed improved cartilage thickness and morphology without significant joint effusion changes. The two dosing schedules were comparable.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>LDRT, particularly 0.5 Gy twice weekly for three weeks, is an effective and safer treatment for knee OA in breast cancer survivors, providing symptoms relief and cartilage improvement with low toxicity. Further large-scale trials are needed to refine protocols and confirm optimal dosing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 1","pages":"Pages 16-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271303","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":"Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on cardiovascular health in young adults","authors":"Noha H. Shedid ,&nbsp;Hanan M. Farouk ,&nbsp;Reem A. Habib ,&nbsp;Amr E. Mahdy","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.10.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejr.2025.10.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><div>To evaluate cardiovascular (CV) characteristics of young adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their potential association with disease-related features.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This study included 60 adult SLE patients &lt;45 years old and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender. The demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded and laboratory data including lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and anticardiolipin antibodies were measured. The SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics damage index (SDI) score were assessed. Echocardiography and carotid ultrasound (US) were performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The 60 patients were 42 females and 12 males (F:M 4:1). Their mean age was 32.3±7.6 years and disease duration 9.1±4.7 years. Carotid US abnormalities were present in 8 (13.3%). Echocardiographic abnormalities (n=39, 65%) particularly valve and left ventricular dysfunction as well as mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were significantly higher in patients compared to control (p&lt;0.001). SLE patients with abnormal carotid ultrasound had higher age, disease duration (both p&lt;0.001), triglycerides (p=0.03), fasting blood glucose (p=0.005), SDI (p=0.02), steroid dose (p=0.004) and duration (p&lt;0.001). CIMT significantly correlated with disease duration (r=0.46, p&lt;0.001), steroids cumulative dose (r=0.38, p=0.003) and steroids duration (r=0.41, p&lt;0.001). Disease duration was an independent risk factor affecting CIMT (r=0.12, p&lt;0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Young patients with SLE have an increased risk of premature CV disease that is linked to traditional and lupus-related risk factors. Implementation of early CV screening and preventive strategies is essential to decrease the incidence of CV morbidity and mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"48 1","pages":"Pages 22-27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271302","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}