ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the markers of systemic inflammation in soft tissue rheumatic disorders [STRDs]. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Rheumatology Clinic, Yazd, Iran, from November 2010 to December 2011
Methodology: Patients aged 20 years or above with known diagnosis of STRD according to clinical criteria and/ or paraclinical investigations for at least 3 weeks duration were longitudinally followed. Patients with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or any other known systemic conditions [other than diabetes mellitus] were excluded. After careful and detailed history taking, laboratory tests indicating systemic inflammation including erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], and routine screening rheumatologic tests were assessed
Results: Of the 90 patients, 75% were female and 25% were male and 28 [31.1%] of patients had diabetes mellitus. Fifty six [62%] and 49 [54%] of all studies cases had some degrees of morning stiffness and remarkable fatigue respectively. Twenty two [24%] had elevated CRP and 5 [5.5%] had abnormal ESR. Rheumatoid factor [RF] and anti-CCP was positive in 5 [5.5%] and 12 [13.3%] of patients accordingly. Three [3.3%] patients suffered from anemia of chronic disease. Mean ESR was 48 +/- 7.34 [hl] and mean CRP was 10.06 +/- 1.96 mg/dl. Mean RF was 10.8 +/- 1.64 U/ml and mean antiCCP was 18.5 +/- 2.71 U/ml. Mean hemoglobin was between 10.4 +/- 1.01 g/dl
Conclusion: Features of subtle systemic inflammation are positive in some cases of soft tissue rheumatism