Comparative study of the synovial levels of RANKL and OPG in rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis

Abstract Introduction In chronic arthropathies, there are several mechanisms of joint destruction. In recent years, studies have reported the implication of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the process of activation and differentiation of osteoclasts, a key cell in the development of bone erosion. The RANKL/OPG ratio is increased in the serum of patients with malignant diseases and lytic bone disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to measure and compare the concentrations of OPG and RANKL in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis (SpA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Methods This was an observational and cross-sectional study with 83 patients, 33 with RA, 32 with SpA and 18 with OA, followed up regularly in the outpatient clinics of the Rheumatology Department of the Clinics Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School-USP. All patients were assessed for indications for arthrocentesis by the attending physicians at the time of SF collection and were evaluated for demographic variables and medication use. Disease activity was assessed in individuals with RA and SpA. The quantification of SF OPG and RANKL levels was performed by ELISA, and the correlations of the results with clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters were assessed. Results We found no statistically significant difference in the RANKL and OPG levels among the groups. Patients with RA showed a positive correlation between the SF cell count and RANKL level (r = 0.59; p < 0.05) and the RANKL/ OPG ratio (r = 0.55; p < 0.05). Patients with OA showed a strong correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = 0.82; p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the OPG and RANKL levels and markers of inflammatory activity or the disease activity index in patients with RA or SpA. Conclusion Within this patient cohort, the RANKL/OPG ratio was correlated with the SF cell count in patients with RA and with serum CRP in patients with OA, which may suggest a relationship with active inflammation and more destructive joint disease.

Espondiloartropatía destructiva no infecciosa en un paciente en hemodiálisis / Destructive noninfectious spondyloarthropathy in a hemodialysis patient

Resumen La espondiloartropatía destructiva es una patología osteoarticular presente en algunos pacientes con enfermedad crónica que puede afectar varios niveles de la columna vertebral y puede ser asintomática, generar dolor o causar complicaciones que ponen en peligro la integridad de la médula espinal y/o la vida. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 70 años con enfermedad renal crónica terminal en hemodiálisis quien consultó por dolor dorsal y paraplejia, en quien se diagnosticó espondiloartropatía destructiva no infecciosa por imágenes y estudio histopatológico. Este caso nos muestra la importancia de pensar en esta patología y la necesidad de un enfoque multidisciplinario en el diagnóstico y manejo. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2193).

Abstract Destructive spondyloarthropathy is a bone and joint disease which presents in some patients with chronic illnesses and may affect various levels of the spinal column. It may be asymptomatic, cause pain, or produce spinal cord and/or life-endangering complications. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis who consulted due to back pain and paraplegia. He was diagnosed with destructive noninfectious spondyloarthropathy through imaging and histopathological studies. This case shows us the importance of considering this disease and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in its diagnosis and management. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2193).

Caracterización ultrasonográfica del daño articular en rodilla para evaluación de las espondiloartropatías / Ultrasonographic characterization of knee joint damage for evaluation of spondyloarthropathies

Introducción: Las espondiloartropatías son enfermedades caracterizadas por la inflamación del esqueleto axial, de las articulaciones periféricas y de las inversiones tendinosas. Muchas de las alteraciones en pacientes asintomáticos con sinovitis y entesitis subclínica han sido reveladas mediante ultrasonido, técnica adecuada para evaluar este padecimiento. Objetivo: Evaluar las características ecográficas sobre el daño en la articulación de la rodilla en pacientes con diagnóstico de espondiloartropatías y su relación con la exploración clínico-analítica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico de EspA atendidos en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras en los servicios de Reumatología e Imagenología en el período entre enero de 2018 y agosto de 2020. Se estudiaron 53 pacientes con espondiloartropatías; 26 mujeres y 27 hombres; se examinaron 106 rodillas. Resultados: Predominaron pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante; 73,6 por ciento de los pacientes estudiados. De toda la muestra, el 43,4 por ciento tuvo actividad inflamatoria en la rodilla derecha y 37,7 por ciento fue bilateral. El 58,5 por ciento tuvo derrame articular; el 84 por ciento fue transparente. El 61,3 por ciento de los casos estudiados mostró engrosamiento sinovial y el 81,5 por ciento fue avascular. En la membrana vascularizada predominó el vaso recto, (12 por ciento). El 23,6 por ciento de la muestra tuvo quiste poplíteo. Conclusiones: El ultrasonido de alta resolución en la espondiloartropatía de la rodilla resultó una técnica útil para detectar engrosamiento de la membrana sinovial, derrame y el aumento de la vascularización. También se demostró que no existió relación entre los reactantes de fase aguda y la actividad inflamatoria, así como con la actividad Doppler en las espondiloartropatías en la rodilla en esta serie(AU)

Introduction: Spondyloarthropathies are diseases characterized by inflammation of the axial skeleton, peripheral joints and tendon inversions. Many of the alterations in asymptomatic patients with synovitis and subclinical enthesitis have been revealed by ultrasound, an adequate technique to evaluate this condition. Objective: To evaluate the ultrasound characteristics of knee joint damage in patients diagnosed with spondyloarthropathies and their relationship with clinical-analytical examination. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 53 patients with spondyloarthropathies; 26 women and 27 men; 106 knees were examined. Results: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis predominated; 73.6 percent of the patients studied. Out of the entire sample, 43.4 percent had inflammatory activity in the right knee and 37.7 percent was bilateral. 58.5 percent had joint effusion; 84 percent were transparent. 61.3 percent of the cases studied showed synovial thickening and 81.5 percent was avascular. In the vascularized membrane, the vasa recto predominated (12 percent). 23.6 percent of the sample had a popliteal cyst. Conclusions: High resolution ultrasound in knee spondyloarthropathy was a useful technique to detect thickening of the synovial membrane, effusion and increased vascularization. It was also shown that there was no relationship between acute phase reactants and inflammatory activity, as well as Doppler activity in knee spondyloarthropathies in this series(AU)

Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of Latin American patients with spondyloarthritis

Abstract Large epidemiologic and clinical estimates of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Latin America are not available. In this narrative review, our goal was to descriptively summarize the prevalence and features of SpA in Latin America, based on available small studies. A review of peer-reviewed literature identified 41 relevant publications. Of these, 11 (mostly based on Mexican data) estimated the prevalence of SpA and its subtypes, which varied from 0.28 to 0.9% (SpA), 0.02 to 0.8% (ankylosing spondylitis), 0.2 to 0.9% (axial SpA), and 0.004 to 0.08% (psoriatic arthritis). Demographic and/or clinical characteristics were reported in 31 of the 41 publications, deriving data from 3 multinational studies, as well as individual studies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Data relating to treatment, disease manifestations (articular and extra-articular), and comorbidities were summarized across the countries. Available data suggest that there is a variability in prevalence, manifestations, and comorbidities of SpA across Latin America. Basic epidemiologic and clinical data are required from several countries not currently represented. Data relating to current treatment approaches, patient outcomes, and socioeconomic impact within this large geographic region are also needed.(AU)

Sacroiliitis in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serositis. Sacroiliitis can be observed in some FMF patients. This study aimed to compare the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings, and treatment in children with FMF and sacroiliitis, and children with juvenile spondyloarthropathy (JSpA). Methods: In total, 1687 pediatric FMF patients that were followed-up between May 2010 and June 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Among them, those with sacroiliitis ( n = 63) were included in the study and compared to patients with JSpA ( n = 102). Results: The study included 63 FMF patients with sacroiliitis (38 males [60.3%] and 25 females [39.7%]) with a mean age of 15.2 ± 4.1 years. Mean age at symptom onset was 7.2 ± 5.05 years and mean age at diagnosis was 9.74 ± 4.67 years. The most common mutation in the FMF patients was M694V/M694V ( n = 22). Patients were diagnosed with sacroiliitis with a mean of 12 months (range: 6-36 months) after the diagnosis of FMF. Among the FMF patients, 28 (44.4%) had enthesitis, 23 (36.5%) had heel pain, and 11 (17.4%) had low back pain. The study also included 102 JSpA patients (90 males [88.2%] and 12 females [11.8%]). Mean age of patients with JSpA was 16.1 ± 2.8 years. As compared to 102 JSpA patients, patients with FMF and sacroiliitis had higher acute phase reactants, whereas HLA- B27 positivity rate was lower. In addition, axial involvement rate was higher in the JSpA patients. Conclusion: Sacroiliitis is a common co-morbidity in FMF patients. The phenotypic features of these patients are different from patients with JSpA.

A study of clinical profile in female spondyloarthropathy

Objective: To assess the clinical features of SpA including BATH indices and to compare clinical data of male and femalespondyloarthropathy patients.Methods: The study included male and female patients (60 each) fulfilling the European Spondyloarthropathy StudyGroup (ESSG) or assessment of ankylosing spondylitis (ASAS) criteria for SpA and the CASPER criteria for PsA or themodified New York criteria for AS. The subjects completed initial clinical evaluation and radiological and laboratoryassessment.Results: The mean age of presentation was found to be higher in females (34.6± 9.6 years). Backache was the mostcommon features identified in both the groups. Peripheral arthritis was present in 51.7% of total patients (56.7% malesand 46.7% females). Asymmetrical lower limb arthritis was found to be more predominant; however, 10% of the patientsreported involvement of wrist. Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, and uveitis were noted in 13 (7 males and 6females), three (1 male and 2 females) and 14 patients (9 males and 5 females) respectively. Dorsal and neck pain werefrequently prevalent among the patients.Conclusion: Though the severity of symptoms and disability are comparable across both the genders, females haveincreasingly been diagnosed with SpA. Most common symptom of presentation is low back pain followed by gluteal pain.Peripheral arthritis, predominantly lower limb oligoarthritis is common in Indian population when compared to theirwestern counterparts.

Finite element analysis of bending and standing manipulation in the treatment of lumbosacral joint disorder / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the displacement, stress and mechanism of lumbosacral joint disorder patients after bending and standing manipulation in the finite element model.@*METHODS@#A three-dimensional finite element model of a patient with lumbosacral joint disorder was established. The finite element analysis method was used to observe and analyze the three loading conditions of the model:axial, 34 degree inclined upward and vertical upward.@*RESULTS@#In the lumbosacral joint disorder model, the L₅ vertebral body was concentrated in the middle of the lower endplate, the intervertebral disc was concentrated in the center of the intervertebral disc, and the stress of S₁ and related structures were concentrated in the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body. After simulated manipulation, stress mainly concentrated in the anterior, posterior and central circular areas of L₅ vertebral upper endplate. The posterior structures of vertebral body concentrated in the ventral part of pedicle, isthmus and dorsal part of lamina. The stress of intervertebral disc dispersed in the posterior edge of vertebral body. Displacement results:In the lumbosacral joint disorder model, the left transverse process, the upper and lower articular process and the left part of spinous process were significantly displaced to the left, and the intervertebral disc was protruded forward. After simulated manipulation, the lower notch of L₅ vertebral body moved forward and upward; the area of intervertebral foramen increased; the inferior articular process of L₅ vertebral body moved forward; the superior articular process of sacrum moved forward and downward; the distance of articular process joints increased; and the displacement of sacrum concentrated on the posterior edge of vertebral body and the median sacral crest.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Successful lumbosacral joint modeling can be carried out by finite element analysis, and the mechanism of bending and erecting manipulation is clear, which is effective and safe for the treatment of lumbosacral joint disorders.

Application value of Doppler ultrasound in early active axial spondyloarthropathy / 中国医学影像技术

Objective s To investigate the value of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosing active sacroiliitis of axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpA) patients.Methods The Doppler ultrasound and MRI data of 51 patients with early axSpA was retrospectively analyzed.According to MRI results,axSpA patients were divided into active sacroiliitis (active group) and inactive sacroiliitis (inactive group).The color flow display and blood flow resistance index (RI) were compared.Considering MRI as the diagnostic standard,ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of RI in detecting active sacroiliitis.Results There were 32 cases wth 58 joints (6 cases were single active sacroiliitis) in activity group and 19 cases with 38 joints in inactivity group.The flow signals demonstration rate of sacroiliac joint in activity group (51/58,87.93％) was higher than that in inactive group (26/38,68.42％;x2 =5.505,P=0.019).There was no statistical difference of the indegree of blood flow between the two groups (Z=-1.93,P=0.053).RI in active group (0.59±0.08) was lower than that in inactive group (0.71±0.09;t=-6.04;P＜0.001).Taking RI=0.64 for diagnosis of active sacoriliitis in axSpA patients,the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy rate were 80.8％,74.5％ and 78.7％,respectively.Conclusion Through observing abnormal blood flow signals around and internal the sacroiliac joints,ultrasonography can response active sacroiliitis in axSpA patients with higher accuracy.

Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies

The seronegative spondyloarthropathies are a heterogenous groups of inflammatory diseases which may present with sacroilitis, inflammatory arthritis, spondylitis and enthesitis, as well as extra-articular manifestations of inflammation most commonly involving the eye, skin and gastrointestinal tract. There is a familial preponderance to these conditions, and an association with the HLA-B27 gene. The new ASAS classification system for these conditions aims to classify patients into 2 broad categories based on the predominant site of their symptoms. The diagnosis of early spondyloarthropathy relies on a detailed history and physical examination as radiographic changes occur late, and blood work-up may be normal. Management of these chronic diseases requires a holistic multidisciplinary approach with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in recent years, many newer therapies, especially biologic agents have become available for treatment of these conditions.

Candida arthritis in a patient diagnosed with spondyloarthritis

Abstract Candida arthritis is an unusual manifestation that usually affects the knees. A 35-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of pain and swelling in the right knee. Swelling persisted after anti-inflammatory treatment. Peripheric spondyloarthritis was considered, but methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and methylprednisolone did not reduce the swelling. Direct examination of synovial fluid and a culture were positive for Candida albicans. Intravenous and intra-articular amphotericin-B were administered. The arthritis regressed and a culture and direct staining showed negative results. Candida arthritis should be considered in patients with arthritis that is resistant to treatment and prolonged, even if risk factors are absent.

Espondiloartropatía juvenil: una visión desde la pediatría / Juvenile spondyloarthropathy: a view from pediatrics

La espondiloartropatía juvenil (EAPj) representa un grupo de artropatías crónicas que se inician en la infancia y que corresponden a entidades cuyas clasificaciones se han modificado en el transcurso de las décadas. Las clasificaciones actuales las incluyen sólo parcialmente. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen compromiso articular periférico asimétrico, entesis, sacroilíaco y menos frecuentemente de columna han permitido agruparlas en cinco categorías entre el que se encuentra la forma anquilosante juvenil relacionada con HLA B27 (+), el prototipo de EAPj y que podría representar a la forma de inicio de espondiloartropatía anquilosante del adulto. Los recientes avances en los estudios genéticos, en la patogenia, el desarrollo de mejores técnicas de imagenología tales como la ecografía musculo-esquelética y resonancia magnética aplicada a la Reumatología pediátrica podrían contribuir a generar criterios de clasificación de manera tal que faciliten la comunicación científica con los Reumatólogos de adultos. Un diagnóstico precoz, la aplicación de medidas de actividad de la enfermedad validadas y el oportuno manejo terapéutico obtendrán un pronóstico más favorable. Los resultados terapéuticos en EAPj presentan evidencia limitada aún requiriéndose mayor tiempo de evolución para obtener resultados a largo plazo.

Juvenile spondyloarthropathy (EAPj) represents a heterogeneous group of juvenile articular inflammatory entities and their classification have been changed during the last decades. The current classifications include only partially. The clinical manifestations of diseases involves peripheral joints, enthesis, sacroiliac and less frequently spine and they are classified in five specific subgroups among which is the juvenile ankylosing HLA B27 (+); the EAPj’s prototype and that may represent one of ankylosing spondyloarthropathy adult diseases. Recently, novel insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and development of the imaging techniques such as muscle-skeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance applied to pediatric rheumatology could be contributing to new classification criteria in order to facilitate the scientific communication with Rheumatologist of adult patients. An early diagnosis a validated measures of disease activity and treatment can change the course and outcome of disease.

Clinical Presentation of Cervical Myelopathy at C1-2 Level

STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study. PURPOSE: To clarify the clinical features of cervical myelopathy at the C1-2 level. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Methods for distinguishing the affected level based on myelomere symptoms or dysfunction of the conducting pathway were established. However, no symptoms have been identified as being specific to the C1-2 level segment. METHODS: We evaluated 24 patients with cervical myelopathy due to spinal cord compression at the C1-2 level. Preoperative neurological assessment were investigated and compared with the rate and site of compression of the spinal cord using computed tomography-myelography. RESULTS: Impaired temperature and pain sensation were confirmed in 18 of the 24 patients with that localized to the upper arms (n=3), forearm (n=9), both (n=2), and whole body (n=4). Muscle weakness was observed in 18 patients, muscle weakness extended from the biceps brachii to the abductor digiti minimi in 10 patients, and in the whole body in 8 patients. Deep tendon reflexes were normal in 10 patients, whereas hyperactive deep tendon reflexes were noted in 14 patients. The rate of spinal cord compression was significantly higher in patients with perceptual dysfunction and muscle weakness compared with those with no dysfunction. However, no significant difference in the rate and site of compression was identified in those with dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptual dysfunction and muscle weakness localized to the upper limbs was observed in 58% and 42% of patients, respectively. Neurological abnormalities, such as perceptual dysfunction and muscle weakness, were visualized in patients with marked compression.

Surgical Treatment for Atlanto-Occipital Subluxation due to Destructive Spondyloarthropathy in a Patient Undergoing Long-Term Hemodialysis

Destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) has been reported in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis. Cervical spinal lesions, including those of the upper cervical spine, are reported to be some of the most common. To our knowledge, we report for the first time, a case of atlanto-occipital subluxation requiring surgical treatment due to severe myelopathy and nuchal pain in a patient undergoing long-term hemodialysis. The patient was a 66-year-old woman who had undergone hemodialysis for 40 years. She visited our hospital due to an acute progression of gait disturbance and severe nuchal pain. Computed tomography showed posterior subluxation of the atlanto-occipital joints. DSA was also observed in the lower cervical spine. Magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal canal stenosis at both the upper and lower cervical levels. We performed Oc-C7 fixation, C1 laminectomy, and C3-C7 laminoplasty. We first recognized that the atlanto-occipital subluxation was caused by the extremely long-term, in this case, 40 years, hemodialysis.

Surgical Outcome for Hemodialysis-Related Upper Cervical Lesions

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical outcome for hemodialysis-related upper cervical lesions. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Surgical outcome of lower cervical lesions in patients undergoing hemodialysis has been reported. However, surgical outcome for upper cervical lesions in hemodialysis patients is unclear. METHODS: Upper cervical lesions in nine patients undergoing hemodialysis were surgically treated. Mean age at surgery was 61.6 years (range, 52-68 years), and the mean follow-up period was 45.4 months (range, 2-98 months). Patients had undergone hemodialysis for an average of 25.3 years (range, 16-40 years) at surgery. Seven patients with destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) of the upper cervical spine were treated with atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fixation. Two patients with retro-odontoid pseudotumors were treated with C1 posterior arch resection alone. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for cervical myelopathy, postoperative complications, postoperative radiography, and preoperative and postoperative occipital pain were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean preoperative and postoperative JOA score was 3.7 and 8.1, respectively. The seven patients with DSA had severe preoperative occipital pain that disappeared postoperatively. Postoperative radiography showed solid bone union in DSA cases and no instability in pseudotumor cases. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory surgical outcome was observed for hemodialysis-related upper cervical lesions.

Espondiloartropatía entérica: presentación de un caso / Enteric spondyloarthropathy: a case presentation

Seronegative arthropathies or spondyloarthropathy belong to a group of diseases that share clinical and genetic characteristics associated strongly with major histocompatibility complex class I HLA-B27. We report a case of a female patient of 39 years old with nightly back pain, morning stiffness and diffuse lumbar pain in the right buttock. In the immunological study observed negative rheumatoid factor and radiographic study observed right sacroiliitis. The final diagnosis is an enteric spondyloarthropathy...

Las artropatías seronegativas o espondiloartropatías corresponden a un grupo de enfermedades que comparten características clínicas y genéticas, asociadas fuertemente con el complejo mayor de histocompatibilidad clase I HLA-B27. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 39 años con dolor lumbar nocturno, rigidez matutina lumbar y dolor difuso en la región glútea derecha.En el estudio inmunológico se observa factor reumatoídeo negativo, y al estudio radiológico se constata sacroileítis derecha. El diagnóstico final es una espondiloartropatía entérica...

Updates of Spondyloarthrothy Treatment / 대한내과학회지

The goals of treatment in Spondyloarthropathy are to reduce pain and stiffness, and to maintain good quality of life. Regular exercise with stretching of axial skeleton is most important. No drugs have been prevented ankylosis, but non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first line drugs and these are very effective in most of patients who have inflammatory back pain. In recent years, reports that long-term use of NSAIDs may reduce the ankylosis are coming out and expect NSAIDs as anti ankylosis drugs. If NSAIDs is not effective, anti TNF agents can be used in severe inflammatory back pain. In peripheral arthritis, sulfasalazine or steoids can be used, and If these are failed, anti TNF agents can be used.

The expression of connective tissue growth factor, collagen I and collagen Ⅲ in sacroiliac joint of patients with spondyloarthropathy / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),coll agen I and collagen Ⅲ in sacroiliac joint(SIJ)of patients with spondyloarthropathy(SpA).Methods Thirty patients with SpA,including 17 patients with grade Ⅱ saeroiliitis and 13 patients with grade Ⅰ sacroiliitis,were performed on CT guided needie biopsy of SIJ.After sacroiliitis were confirmed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin in sacroiliac joint tissue sample,immunohistochemical assay was performed to determine the expression of CTGF,collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ in sacroiliac ioint tissue.Univariate Chi-square test was used for data comparison between multiple groups and t-test was used for two group data comparison.Results Contrast to healthy controls,CTGF were found upexpressed on the cytoplasm of inflammatory cells in pannus and bone marrow of sacroiliac tissue samples of patients with SpA,while collagen I and collagen Ⅲ were found up-expressed in bone,cartilage and ligament tissue[(57.9±42.4)/HP vs(2.7±2.5)/HP P<0.05,0.298±0.080 vs 0.044±0.024 and 28.254±41.165 vs 0.105±0.054.P<0.05 respectively].Conclusion CTGF,collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ are up-expressed in SIJ of SpA patients.CTGF may play an important role in articular cartilage fibrosis and ossification of SpA.

Uveitis and Rheumatic Diseases in a Community Based Practice - Korean Population

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the frequency of rheumatic diseases within uveitis patients visiting the department of Ophthalmology and evaluated the clinical value of serological testing and ophthalmologic findings in patients with uveitis in a community-based practice in Korean population. METHODS: On a retrospective basis, we reviewed the medical records of patients with uveitis, who had been treated at the Department of Ophthalmology of Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital between January 2005 and March 2010. All patients with uveitis were reviewed regarding their ocular histories and findings, rheumatologic medical histories and manifestations, and pelvis anteroposterial view of plain radiographies to identify the sacroilitis. In addition, we tested for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, and HLA-B27. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients with uveitis were included in the study. HLA-B27 associated uveitis was present in 64 patients (59.8%) the number of patients with sacroilitis on plain pelvis radiography was 38 patients (37.8%). Fifty-one patients (47.7%) were diagnosed as having systemic rheumatic diseases. The majority of these patients had anklylosing spondylitis (AS) (70.3%) and Bechet's disease (18.9%). The most common type of uveitis was anterior uveitis (90.7%), followed by panuveitis (3.7%) and posterior uveitis (3.7%). The recurrence rate and number of floating cells were greater in patients with rheumatic diseases than patients without rheumatic diseases. CONCLUSION: The majority of rheumatic disease related with uveitis were AS and Bechet's disease. HLA-B27 and pelvis plain radiography can be useful tools for screening the spondyloarthropathies with uveitis. Recurrent and severe uveitis might represent an accompanying rheumatic disease.

Historia de la Artritis Psoriática. Primera parte. Desde Alibert hasta V. Wright / History of Psoriatic Arthritis. First part. From Alibert to V. Wright

Presentamos, en esta primera parte de la historia de la artritis psoriática, los eventos que llevaron al conocimiento de esta enfermedad, de cómo se separó de las otras y cómo se generaron los primeros criterios clasificatorios de esta patología.Palabras clave: historia, espondioartropatía, psoriasis, artritis psoriática.

In this first part of the history of psoriatic arthritis, we present the most important events that led to the knowledge of this disease, how it was separated from other inflammatory arthropathies, as well as how the first classificatory criteria in this disease were developed.Key words: history, spondyloarthropathy, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis.