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 fibromyalgia syndrome in patients with Haemophilia A

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common rheumatological syndrome with multiple systemic manifestations which could occur alone or associated with many diseases. To detect the possible relation between fibromyalgia and haemophilia-A patients. One hundred patients with haemophilia-a were studied and compared with another hundred, healthy individuals matched for age and sex, serving as control group. Full history was taken and complete clinical examination was done for all individuals in both groups. The american college of rheumatology 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia were applied for both groups. They were questioned about presence of chronic widespread pain, sleep disturbance, headache fatigue and parasthesia. Detection of at least 11 of 18 tender points by digital palpation of specific soft tissue sites were needed for diagnosis of fibromyalgia. There was a significant increase in the frequency of fibromyalgia among individuals with haemophilia-a [25%] compared to healthy control group [3%] [p=0.000004, odd ratio=0.093, 95% confidence interval 0.027-0.319]. Fibromyalgia occurs with high frequency in hemophilia A patients