Prevelance of erosions in metacarpophalamgeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis pateints

Bone erosion is a central pathophysiological process and an important outcome parameter in rheuamtoid arthritis [RA]. To assess prevelance of erosions in metacarpophalangeal joints [MCPJs] and proximal interphalangeal joints [PIPJs] in RA using ultrasonography and to evaluate the associates present.Ninety two patients with RA diagnosed according to the 1987American college of rheumatology [ACR] classification criteria for RA were compared with 158 healthy individuals matched for age and sex.Disease activity score 28 joints [DAS28], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protien [CRP] and rheumatoid factor [RF] were measured. Ultrasonography was performed using seimns elegra with 7.5HZ linear arrat transucer by radiologist for MCPJs and PIPJs.Erosions in RA were significantly more than those of controls [44[47.8%] versus 0[0%] [p=0.000].Erosions in MCPJs were more than PIPJs and both MCPJs and PIPJs [33[75%] versus 4[9.1%] versus 7[15.9%] respectively] [p=0.005]. Hish ESR, positive CRP and positive RF were significant associates with the erosions [p=0.008, p=0.000, p=0.002 respectively].Prevelance of erosions in MCPJs and PIPJs of RA patients was high [47.8%].High ESR, positive CRP and positive RF were significant associates with eorsions

Prevalence of abnormal ankle-brachial index in Iraqi patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Accelerated atherosclerosis is a well-recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. Its etiology is a multifactorial and several methods may be used to detect the presence and severity of peripheral arterial disease [PAD]. To assess ankle brachial index [ABI] in Iraqi patients with SLE, and to evaluate predictors of this relationship. Forty three Iraqi SLE patients and 50 healthy controls were included in this study. Full history was taken and complete clinical examination was done for all individuals in both groups. Disease characteristics [age, sex, body mass index [BMI, duration of disease, SLE disease activity index [SLEDAI], smoking history, family history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, Raynaud's phenomenon and drugs used] were also documented. Laboratory analysis included complete blood count, general urine examination, serum lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, thyroid function tests, anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid [anti-ds-DNA], complements components and anti-phospholipid anti-bodies. Individuals in both groups were assessed using the ABI. The ABI was measured using a contour wrapped 12cm cuff attached to a mercury sphygmomanometer and 5-10 MHz Doppler in the arms and legs; a ratio of