Samaher Almousa , Aya Alhalaki , Ali Ahmad , Adnan Abdulhaleem , Ramy Khazem
{"title":"Esophageal stenosis as an initial presentation of Behçet’s disease: A case report and literature review","authors":"Samaher Almousa , Aya Alhalaki , Ali Ahmad , Adnan Abdulhaleem , Ramy Khazem","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.06.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multiorgan inflammatory vascular disease of unknown etiology, affecting vessels of any size and type. While, gastrointestinal involvement in BD is uncommon, esophageal Behçet’s disease (EBD) is rarely reported, especially in the Mediterranean region.</p></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To report a case with esophageal stenosis as an initial presentation of BD and compare to reported cases worldwide.</p></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><p>A 30-year-old Syrian male presented with dysphagia, odynophagia with weight loss 20 kg. He had a history of recurrent oral ulcers and was otherwise healthy. On examination he appeared pale, dehydrated with normal systemic examination. Blood tests revealed anemia (hemoglobin 10.5 mg/dl), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (90 mm/1<sup>st</sup>hr) and C-reactive protein (CRP)(98 mg/dl)levels. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed mild ulceration with edema and mucosal thickness at the upper sphincter of the esophagus, leading to stenosis. Biopsy showed nonspecific inflammation, without granulomas or signs of malignancy. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was placed and during hospitalization he developed genital ulcers and hemoptysis, with chest computed tomography revealing pulmonary vasculitis. The patient was diagnosed with BD, and treated with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, leading to significant improvement. After two months he could swallow normally, and the PEG tube was removed with no recurrence after one year follow-up. He was maintained on azathioprine 100 g/day and prednisolone 7.5 mg/day.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>BD is a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse manifestations and geographic variations. EBD is rare and can cause disability. Early diagnosis of EBD and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 4","pages":"Pages 157-160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141483614","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}
Doaa AbdelAziz , Hanan Zekri , Huda Marzouk , Antoine AbdelMassih , Rehab Elrifi , Hala Talaat
{"title":"Genetic mutations and left ventricular dysfunction in children with familial Mediterranean fever","authors":"Doaa AbdelAziz , Hanan Zekri , Huda Marzouk , Antoine AbdelMassih , Rehab Elrifi , Hala Talaat","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.05.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To evaluate subclinical cardiac involvement and ventricular function in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) using speckle-tracking modalities and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and to study the association between ventricular dysfunction and genetic mutations.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>Fifty children with FMF with no cardiac symptoms were compared to 50 matched control. Echocardiographic data was recorded, including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) for assessment of the left ventricle systolic function using speckle tracking technique and the (E/E') ratio between early filling velocity (E) and peak early diastolic myocardial lengthening velocity (E'). Genetic mutation testing for M694I, M694V, M680I, E148Q was performed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Patients' mean age was 10.7 ± 2.6 years, 27 (54 %) were girls, and 52 % had homozygous mutations. M694I (20 %), M694V (18 %), and M680I (16 %) were the most common mutations. Diastolic dysfunction indicators (average E/É) were significant compared to control (p = 0.004). Patients had lower GLSs (p = 0.0001) and GCSs (p < 0.0001). The M680I mutation was associated with increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p = 0.005) and average E/E' (p = 0.002). M694I mutation was associated with increased E/E' (p = 0.048), decreased GLS (p = 0.016), and GCS (p = 0.023). The M694V mutation was associated with increased disease severity (p = 0.008). The combination of M680I and V726A mutations was associated with a reduced ejection fraction (p = 0.001).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Children with FMF tend to have subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Certain genetic mutations increase the likelihood of systolic ventricular dysfunction.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 152-156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141073237","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":"Gender-driven thyroid dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Clinical significance of an overlooked association and global stance","authors":"Ibtisam M.A. Jali","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.05.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>This study aimed to determine the association of thyroid dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>Out of a cohort including 312 adult SLE patients those with thyroid dysfunction (n = 53) were further evaluated. The medical history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations and medications received were recorded. The SLICC damage index (SLICC-DI) was assessed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Thyroid dysfunction formed 17 % of the patients and their mean age was 39.5 ± 11.5 years and disease duration 5.6 ± 3.3 years were comparable to those without thyroid disorder, however female gender was predominantly higher (F:M 52:1 vs 6.2:1, p < 0.0001). The frequency of thyroid dysfunction was alike in Saudi (16 %) and non-Saudi (17.9 %) patients (p = 0.66). The majority of cases (96.2 %) had hypothyroidism, one with autoimmune thyroiditis, while only 2 (3.8 %) had hyperthyroidism. There was a significantly increased frequency of associated neuropsychiatric manifestations (64.2 % vs 45.2 %;p = 0.012), and hematological involvement (32.1 % vs 14.3 %; p = 0.011) and less complement (C4) consumption (15.1 % vs 23.6 %; p = 0.048) in those with thyroid dysfunction compared to those without. The frequency of anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) positivity tended to be higher (71.7 % vs 66.8 %) and its titre significantly lower (316.3 ± 319.8 IU/ml vs 461.3 ± 459.1; p = 0.013). The SLICC-DI and mortality rate were comparable between groups. Only the presence of proteinuria inversely significantly correlated with the level of T4 (r = -0.31, p = 0.007).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Thyroid dysfunction forms a notable percentage of SLE patients with a prominent female gender propensity. The significant relation of thyroid disorders to neuropsychiatric manifestations, hematological involvement, C4 consumption and anti-dsDNA deserves recognition.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 147-151"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141068821","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":"Trunk position sense, spine posture and static postural sway in axial spondyloarthritis patients: Relation to disease metrology, activity and functional status","authors":"Yasemin Mirza , Bahar Anaforoğlu , Tülin Düger , Adem Küçük","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>This study aimed to compare trunk position sense, spine posture and postural stability, among non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and healthy controls and explore the potential relationships between these parameters and disease-related characteristics.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>Twenty four patients with AS, 23 patients with nr-axSpA, and 24 age and gender-matched healthy controls were participated in this study. A digital inclinometer was used to measure trunk repositioning error (TRE) and spine posture. Postural stability was evaluated with a stabilometric platform. In addition, disease activity, spinal mobility and functional capacity were evaluated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The 47 patients mean age was 38.83 ± 9.3 years and were 34 females and 13 males. TRE was higher in AS and nr-axSpA patients compared to control (p < 0.001). AS and nr-axSpA patients presented higher thoracic curvature and lower lumbal lordosis compared to controls (p < 0.05) whereas there was no significant difference between nr-axSpA and AS (p = 0.97). The degree of thoracic curvature was higher in AS compared to nr-axSpA (p = 0.002). Mediolateral stability in eyes closed was significantly higher in AS and nraxSpA than control (p = 0.001). Time since onset of symptoms, which might affect radiographic spinal damage, was significantly associated with TRE in patients with AS (r = 0.703, p = 0.005).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Radiographic status may alter spinal mobility, spine posture and trunk position sense in axSpA patients. Different approaches might need to improve these parameters in different subtypes of axSpA.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 142-146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140894748","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}
Nashwa A Morshedy , Mohamed S Abdelbaky , Sameh A Hassan , Noha MG Mohey Eldeen , Mohamed G Hassan , Alshymaa M Farouk
{"title":"Demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics of axial spondyloarthritis patients","authors":"Nashwa A Morshedy , Mohamed S Abdelbaky , Sameh A Hassan , Noha MG Mohey Eldeen , Mohamed G Hassan , Alshymaa M Farouk","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder involving the sacroiliac (SI) joints, spine, entheses and peripheral joints. It encompasses both radiographic (r-axSPA) and non-radiographic (nr-axSPA) axial SpA according to the presence or absence of radiographic sacroiliitis.</p></div><div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To study the demographic features, clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of axSpA and to assess the differences between r-axSpA and nr-axSpA.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>This study was conducted on 80 axSpA patients. All Patients were subjected to detailed medical history, assessment of disease activity, functional status, laboratory investigations and imaging.Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), AS disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI) were assessed. Radiographic sacroiliitis was assessed using the Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The 80 axSpA patients were 59 (73.8 %) nr-axSpA and 21 (26.3 %) with r-axSpA. The mean age of the patients was 35 ± 8.6 (18–55 years). 43 (53.8 %) were males and 37 (46.3 %) females and the median disease duration was 6.5 years (0.5–22 years). Human leucocytic antigen was positive in 16.3 % and psoriasis was present in 13.8 %. Smoking (61.9 % vs 20.3 %; p < 0.0001, hip arthritis (47.6 % vs 13.6 %;p = 0.001), ASDAS (3.03 ± 0.64 vs 2.59 ± 0.79; p = 0.02), BASDAI (3.4 ± 1.1 vs 2.7 ± 1.3;p = 0.03), BASFI (4.7 ± 1.1 vs 3.1 ± 1.3; p < 0.0001) and mSASSS (17 vs 0) were significantly higher in r-axSpA.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Characteristics of axSpA of Egyptian patients are comparable with those of other patients across the world. By comparing r-axSpA and nr-axSPA patients, both groups are significantly different regarding sex, smoking, hip arthritis, disease activity scores and mSASSS.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 135-141"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140641241","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}
Tasneem E. El Naggar , Samah I. Nasef , Mohsen H. Elshahaly , Kareem M. El Ashry , Aziza S. Omar
{"title":"Role of musculoskeletal ultrasonography in the assessment of disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis children","authors":"Tasneem E. El Naggar , Samah I. Nasef , Mohsen H. Elshahaly , Kareem M. El Ashry , Aziza S. Omar","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To assess synovitis and disease activity by musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and clinical examination in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>Forty-one JIA patients underwent clinical examination of the joints, juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS-27) assessment, and laboratory investigations. Twenty-four joints for each patient were evaluated by MSUS, including knees, wrists, 10 proximal interphalangeal, and 10 metacarpophalangeal. The parameters evaluated were synovial effusion, hypertrophy, effusion plus hypertrophy, tenosynovitis, and subclinical synovitis based on the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology definitions.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of children was 11.7 ± 3.2 years, the disease duration was 4.2 ± 2.6 years and they were polyarticular (n = 22), oligoarticular (n = 12), systemic onset (n = 6) and one had ERA. They were 29 females and 12 males. The mean JADAS27 was 7.7 ± 6.9. The total number of joints assessed clinically and by MSUS was 984. 107 (10.9 %) joints showed clinical findings, while 135 (13.7 %) showed ultrasonographic features of synovitis. On clinical examination, 17 (15.9 %) joints had limited range of motion, and 90 (84 %) joints were tender including 38 (35.5 %) swollen. On MSUS examination, 28 (20.7 %) joints showed synovial effusion, 79 (58.5 %) hypertrophy, and 28 (20.7 %) had both synovial effusion and hypertrophy. Power Doppler signals were detected in 27 joints. MSUS detected subclinical synovitis in 60 (6.1 %) joints. Synovial effusion plus hypertrophy showed moderate concordance with joint swelling (k = 0.42).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The MSUS examination has a significant role in the detection of synovitis and the evaluation of disease activity in JIA patients. It is more sensitive than clinical examination.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 125-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140604717","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}
Dina M. Mekawy , Manar M. Abdel-Aziz , Raghda E. Ibrahim , Shaimaa A.K. Rady , Mohamed T. Hegazy , Reham A. Dwedar , Reham M. Raafat Hamed
{"title":"Expression of hsa-let-7f-5p and serum levels of interleukin-10, cystatin-C and transforming growth factor-beta in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with lupus nephritis","authors":"Dina M. Mekawy , Manar M. Abdel-Aziz , Raghda E. Ibrahim , Shaimaa A.K. Rady , Mohamed T. Hegazy , Reham A. Dwedar , Reham M. Raafat Hamed","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To investigate the impact of mi-RNA (hsa-let-7f-5p) expression, levels of cystatin C, serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming-growth-factor-beta (TGF-β) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without lupus nephritis (LN).</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>The work included 60 SLE patients: thirty with and thirty without LN, along with thirty matched controls. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was assessed. Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate serum levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and Cystatin-C and expression of mi-RNA Let-7f-5p quantified using real-time polymerized-chain-reaction (PCR).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of LN patients was 31.6 ± 8.4 years, twenty-eight females and 2 males. mi-RNA Let-7f-5p, serum TGFβ, IL10, and cystatin C were significantly higher in those with LN (4.4 ± 2, 357.6 ± 50.8 ng/mL, 173.1 ± 18 pg/mL and 8.03 ± 1.96 ng/mL) compared to case without (2.5 ± 0.92, 319.7 ± 44.4 ng/mL, 108.8 ± 22.8 pg/mL, and 3.43 ± 1.1 ng/mL) and control (1.03 ± 0.07, 210.3 ± 18.6 ng/mL, 56 ± 18.5 pg/mL and 2.53 ± 1.1 ng/ml)(p < 0.001). In LN, mi-RNA Let-7f-5p and IL10 were significantly different in those with oral ulcers (n = 8)(p = 0.03, and p = 0.01 respectively). mi-RNA Let-7f-5p and TGF-β were significantly lower in those with headache (n = 3)(p < 0.001, and p = 0.04 respectively). In patients without LN, TGF-β was significantly lower in those with malar rash (n = 10)(p = 0.04) and serum cystatin-C was lower in those with arthritis (n = 12)(p = 0.02). In LN, IL-10 significantly correlated with disease duration (r = 0.38,p = 0.04) and cystatin-C inversely with platelets (r = -0.42,p = 0.02), Cystatin-C correlated with mi-RNA Let-7f-5p (r = 0.45,p = 0.01) and inversely with SLEDAI (r = -0.44,p = 0.01).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The potential role of mi-RNA Let-7f-5p on LN with the possible involvement of TGFβ, IL10, and cystatin-C in the pathophysiology of both SLE and LN.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 130-134"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140618611","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}
Ahmad AlShomar , Idris Sula , Hussam A. Alsulmi , Mohamed Mahmoud Bakr
{"title":"Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus in Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia","authors":"Ahmad AlShomar , Idris Sula , Hussam A. Alsulmi , Mohamed Mahmoud Bakr","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>The aim of the study is to explore the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>The clinical data, laboratory investigations, medications received and co-morbidities from SLE patients in Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia were recorded.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The 96 SLE patients were 87 (90.63 %) Saudi. 83 (86.5 %) were females and 13 (13.5 %) males (F:M 6.3:1). The mean age of the patients was 37.4 ± 11.9 years; at time of diagnosis was 32.3 ± 11.1 years, disease duration 5.1 ± 5.8 years. 9.3 % were hypertensive. The most common clinical manifestations were musculoskeletal (79 %) and constitutional (77 %) followed by mucocutaneous (42 %). Lupus nephritis was diagnosed in 25 % of patients and was confirmed by renal biopsy in 13.5 %. 4.2 % had thromboembolic disorders. Co-morbidities were present in 25 % and pregnancy complications were reported in 18 % of the females. Anemia was present in 63.5 %, leukopenia in 20 % and thrombocytopenia in 15 %. All patients tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, 80 % positive for anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and 42.7 % anti-Smith. Antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in 46 % of patients and rheumatoid factor in 15.6 %. 93.8 % of patients received hydroxychloroquine, 76 % received steroids, 29.2 % mycophenolate mofetil, 4 patients received rituximab and 3 belimumab.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The most common clinical disease profile in SLE patients from AlQassim was musculoskeletal and constitutional symptoms. 25 % of the patients had LN and 25 % had co-morbidities. Anemia is a common laboratory finding, and hydroxychloroquine is the most common treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 121-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140604716","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}
Radwa Elzanaty , Amr M.A. Wassef , Mina Seif , Mariam Fadel
{"title":"Pattern of uveitis in Behçet’s disease patients from a highly specialized university hospital-based tertiary care eye unit","authors":"Radwa Elzanaty , Amr M.A. Wassef , Mina Seif , Mariam Fadel","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To determine the frequency and pattern of ocular manifestations including uveitis associated with Behcet’s disease (BD) in patients referred to a hospital-based tertiary care eye unit.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>This study included BD patients referred to the Uveitis Clinic, Cairo University Hospitals. Patterns of systemic and ocular disease were documented. Treatment and complications occurring during follow-up were added.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The study included 113 patients (208 eyes). 86 % were males and 14 % females. Their mean age was 32.1 ± 9.5 years. Time lapse from diagnosis to referral was 3.8 ± 4.9 years. 15.9 % had unilateral eye involvement and 84.1 % bilateral. Most common presentation was panuveitis in 64.4 % of eyes, whereas 22.6 % presented with isolated posterior uveitis and 12 % with anterior uveitis. Vasculitis was a common finding at presentation in 27.4 %. During the course of ocular disease the most frequent complication was cataract in 27.4 % and 33 % of patients did not develop complications. At presentation, 47.6 % of eyes were worsening despite treatment, 28.8 % were stationary, 16.3 % were controlled and 7.2 % were improving. The mean best corrected visual acuity dropped from 0.48 ± 2.36 to 0.29 ± 0.32 between presentation and last follow up. Visual acuity was significantly reduced in those with panuveitis and optic neuritis (p < 0.001). End-stage eye disease was present in 7.2 % at presentation.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Ocular Behcet’s is a frequent finding, especially panuveitis. Retinal vasculitis is not uncommon. Delayed referral to tertiary care eye unit remains a loop hole in the health care system. Cataract is a common complication during the course of the disease.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 112-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140557745","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}
Maha A. AbouelAzm , Samia M.H. Fadda , Noha A. Doudar , Shaimaa A.K. Rady
{"title":"Transforming growth factor-β1 gene polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus female patients","authors":"Maha A. AbouelAzm , Samia M.H. Fadda , Noha A. Doudar , Shaimaa A.K. Rady","doi":"10.1016/j.ejr.2024.03.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejr.2024.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the work</h3><p>To investigate whether transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) (rs1800469) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and/or activity in Egyptian patients.</p></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><p>This work included 70 SLE female SLE and 70 matched control. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and systemic lupus international collaborative clinics damage index (SLICC-DI) were assessed. The Taq Man allelic discrimination technique was applied for the genotyping of TGF-β1 (rs1800469) (SNP).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of the patients was 29.9 ± 9 years, disease duration 4.29 ± 4.33 years and 4 (5.7 %) cases were juvenile. The antinuclear antibody was positive in all patients, anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid in 57.1 %, the SLEDAI was 15.6 ± 7.8 (4–38) and SLICC-DI 0.3 ± 0.6 (0–3). Frequency of the AA genotype (n = 9) was higher in patients with discoid rash (n = 3, 33.3 %) than the GG genotype (n = 4/34, 11.7 %)(p = 0.01). Patients had a comparable frequency of the GG (48.6 % vs 50 %), GA (38.6 % vs 37.1 %) and AA (12.9 % vs 12.9 %) genotypes compared to the control (p = 0.98). There was no significant difference detected regarding the distribution of genotypes according to the SLEDAI (p = 0.66) and SLICC-DI (p = 0.96).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>There was no association between the TGF-β1 gene (rs1800469) A/G SNP and disease activity and damage. The carriers of the GG variant of TGF-β1 rs1800469 SNP may be at higher risk of developing specific clinical manifestations such as discoid rash.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":46152,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian Rheumatologist","volume":"46 3","pages":"Pages 117-120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140557746","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}