[The working classification and early diagnostics of ankylosing spondylitis].

A work classification of ankylosing spondylitis is presented including such novel concepts as the stage of the disease (instead of sacroiliitis), extra-axial and extra-skeletal manifestations. Modern approaches to the evaluation of disease activity are described Extensive explanations of these notions are presented together with the recommendations on formulation of diagnosis. The advent of new and more eficacious methods of visualization as well as more sensitive and specific criteria for inflammatory nature of back pain are considered The authors modified the traditional criteria for ankylosing spondylitis and developed their version to be verified in clinical practice in this country.

[Osteoarthrosis and peripheral vein diseases of lower extremities: characteristics of concomitant pathology].

AIM: To estimate the prevalence and impact of lower extremity peripheral vein diseases on the course of articular syndrome in osteoarthrosis (OA), to reveal the specific features of concomitant pathology, and to substantiate the necessity of its therapeutic correction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-eight patients with the valid diagnosis of OA (by the American College of Pheumatology criteria) were followed up. Their mean age was 56.4 +/- 9.6 years. Lower extremity peripheral vein diseases were detected in 51.3% of the patients with OA, which permitted identification of 2 patient groups comparable for the major parameters. During the examination, the clinical parameters of articular syndrome were assessed at the start and 2 months after therapy. RESULTS: The higher intensity of the pain syndrome, lowered functional activity, and more common synovitis were observed in the patients with concomitant diseases of joints and veins as compared with those without signs of venous insufficiency. After therapeutic measures, joint pain, synovitis, and lower functional activity persisted in the patients with concomitant diseases. Reexamination showed that most patients with concomitant pathology needed analgesic therapy; in Group 2 without a history of vein diseases, the dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) could be halved in 21 (27.3%) patients; 37 (48.0%) patients were in no need of continuous use of NSAID. CONCLUSION: Impaired peripheral venous blood flow reduces the efficiency of therapy for OA, which makes it necessary to timely detect lower extremity varices and to perform goal-oriented therapy in such patients.

[New potentialities in symptom-modifying therapy of osteoarthrosis].

AIM: To examine efficacy and tolerance of the drug Bora-Bora in patients with osteoarthrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bora-Bora and nimesulid were given to 20 patients with a verified diagnosis of osteoarthrosis (OA). 20 control patients received nimesulid alone. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by quantitative parameters of articular syndrome, indices of periarticular muscles affection estimated before the treatment, 2, 6 and 8 weeks after the start of the treatment. Ultrasonic investigation of the joints and periarticular tissues was conducted before and after the treatment course. RESULTS: The response to Bora-Bora was seen on day 10 of therapy. Bora-Bora attenuated pain syndrome in the joints and periarticular tissues, improved joint function more effectively than nimesulid (p < 0.05). Bora-Bora is a good anelgetic. It is well tolerated and can be recommended for OA treatment.

[Tests for cell membrane destabilization in assessing activity-progression of chronic glomerulonephritis]. / Testy destabilizatsii kletochnykh membran v otsenke aktivnosti/progressirovaniia khronicheskogo glomerulonefrita.

AIM: To study the role of cell membrane destabilization (MD) in the serum and urine in assessing activity/progression of primary chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial entered 163 patients (mean age 38 +/- 7.3 years) with primary CGN in active phase, 64 patients with CGN in remission and 24 controls. The groups were compared by MD (urine phospholipids--PL, blood and urine ethanolamine--EA), indexes of activity and sclerosis (AI and SI), lipid peroxidation (LPO), etc. RESULTS: In active glomerulonephritis (GN) vs inactive one there were high levels of 24-h proteinuria, AI, PL and EA in the urine, malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and hydroperoxides (HP) in the blood. SI was similar in both groups. In active GN significant correlations were found between urinary SI, systolic and diastolic pressure, elevated levels of beta-lipoproteins and triglycerides; between blood EA and 24-h proteinuria, blood platelets, beta-lipoproteins, triglycerides, MDA, urine EA. CONCLUSION: LPO and MD play an essential role in GN pathogenesis. They reflect activity of inflammation in GN irrespective of the activity type and clinicomorphological form of GN, absence or presence of CRF.