Rheumatoid Patients Research Articles

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Headache in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Headache is common in systemic lupus erythematosus with reported prevalence as high as 70%. The aims of this study were: to estimate the prevalence and types of headache in a sample of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus comparing it with rheumatoid arthritis, to determine clinical and serological associations. Eighty-one systemic lupus erythematosus and 29 rheumatoid arthritis consecutive patients seen in our outpatient clinic were interviewed. Headache was evaluated using the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Headache Society. Additional evaluations were carried out in the 81 systemic lupus erythematosus patients including depression, disease activity, lupus damage, function disability, quality of life, and severity degree using a validated scales. We analysed the following autoantibodies: anti-double stranded DNA, anti-nucleosomes, anti-histones, anti-ribosomal P, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, anti-beta2-glycoprotein-I (GPI), and antinuclear antibodies. Forty-one per cent of systemic lupus erythematosus and 17% of rheumatoid arthritis patients suffered from headache (P = 0.02). No significant difference for any primary headache type between the two groups was found. Frequency of headache types in systemic lupus erythematosus patients was: migraine 24%, tensional-type headache 11%, and mixed headache 5%. In systemic lupus erythematosus patients the risk factors associated with headaches were Raynaud's phenomenon (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.3-9.5; P = 0.009) and beta2GPI antibody positivity (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.2-16.2; p = 0.016). We conclude that headache is more common in systemic lupus erythematosus than in rheumatoid arthritis patients and was independently associated with Raynaud's phenomenon and beta2GP-I antibodies.

Occipitocervicothoracic fixation using a hook and rod system for patients with rheumatoid cervical spine

We retrospectively examined the outcomes of occipitocervicothoracic fixation using a hook and rod system for rheumatoid patients with cervical myelopathy in which decompression of the spinal cord and spinal fusion were performed simultaneously at multiple levels. There were 10 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (ages 51–77 years, average 62.8 years; follow-up period 6 months to 3 years and 9 months, average 2 years and 8 months). Atlantoaxial subluxation was found in 5 patients, vertical subluxation in 4 patients, and subaxial subluxation in 8 patients. The progression of the disorder was assessed as class 4 stage 4 in 3 patients and class 3 stage 4 in 7 patients. The average time taken for surgery was 4 h 41 min, and the average volume of blood loss was 729 ml. There were no complications during surgery. One patient died of malignant lymphoma 1 month after surgery, and one patient died of heart failure 2 years and 3 months after surgery. The average Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score improved from 7.0 preoperatively to 9.5 postoperatively. Preoperative nuchal pain in 3 patients and difficulty in breathing on flexion of the cervical spine in 2 patients were improved after surgery. Good bony union was obtained in 9 patients. The exception being one patient who died of a disease unrelated to the surgery 1 month postoperatively. Occipitocervicothoracic fixation using a hook and rod system is an easy and safe procedure, and can facilitate not only good bony union, but also adequate decompression of the spinal cord with simultaneous laminoplasty because of the secure long fixation extending to the upper thoracic level and bilateral grafting of a considerable volume of bone.

A Review of Rheumatoid Arthritis Affecting the Foot and Ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that often affects the foot and ankle. Approximately 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis present initially with foot and ankle symptoms, and most patients will eventually develop foot and ankle symptoms. Although early intervention includes conservative measures, operative treatment often is needed to adequately treat rheumatoid patients. Treatment of foot and ankle problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is directed to maintaining ambulatory capacity. This article reviews the clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the foot and ankle.

Severe Subluxation in the Sniffing Position in a Rheumatoid Patient with Anterior Atlantoaxial Subluxation

SPECIAL attention should be paid to airway management in rheumatoid patients with atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) because they may be at risk of life-threatening neurologic injury caused by worsening the subluxation in the head and neck position during airway maneuver. 1-5 Atlantoaxial subluxation is found in 11-46% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and is classified into four groups according to the direction of the subluxation, including anterior AAS, posterior AAS, vertical AAS, and lateral AAS. 6,7 Anterior AAS is the most prevalent form, accounting for 80% of all types of subluxations. 6,7 In rheumatoid patients with anterior AAS, the degree of subluxation has been estimated in association with flexion and extension at the entire cervical spine (the head and neck) as a functional unit. 6,7 During flexion of the entire cervical spine, the atlas separates anteriorly from the axis, and the subluxation is worsened. On the contrary, during extension, the atlas slides backward until it rests against the dens of the axis, and the subluxation is reduced. Therefore, standard anesthesia textbooks advocate avoiding flexion of the head and neck in rheumatoid patients with anterior AAS. 3,4 The sniffing position is widely recommended as the standard head and neck position for conventional laryngoscopy. 8,9 This position consists of two components, which are severe extension of the head at the occipitoatlantoaxial (OAA) complex and slight flexion of the neck at the subaxial cervical segments. 8,9 In this position, the direction of movement of the OAA complex (head movement) and that of the subaxial segments (neck movement) are opposite. 8,9 Theoretically, extension of the OAA complex reduces the subluxation, and flexion of the subaxial segments makes it worse in rheumatoid patients with anterior AAS. In general, it is believed that accomplishment of the sniffing position is tolerated in these patients because the OAA complex where the subluxation occurs is extended, and the degree of the subaxial flexion is mild. 2,10 However, whether this position is safe is still unknown. We report a case of the rheumatoid patient with anterior AAS that was markedly worsened by the sniffing position.

(iii) Surgical management of the rheumatoid patient

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disease, affecting 1–3% of the adult population. Multiple joint involvement, systemic co-morbidity, and polypharmacy including immuno-modulatory drugs, present the surgeon with significant challenges. Surgical management of RA patients requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Pre-operative management includes assessment of all joints involved, identification of the correct surgical sequence, and evaluation of medical fitness for anaesthesia and surgery. Disease modifying agents should be continued peri-operatively together with adequate replacement therapy in patients taking corticosteroids. Peri-operative care also includes prophylaxis for infective and gastrointestinal complications. Gentle handling of delicate soft tissue and bone is required intraoperatively. Thin skin and pressure areas need support and padding. Successful post-operative rehabilitation involves early mobilisation, input from occupational and physiotherapists, and adequate provision of domestic aftercare.

The Kudo total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A Kudo total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) was performed in 36 elbows in 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Of those 35, 4 died, 6 prostheses were revised, and 2 were lost to follow-up. Twenty-four elbows with a mean follow-up of 58 months were radiologically and clinically reviewed. Sixteen were scored as excellent by use of the Mayo score and Hospital for Special Surgery 2 score. The mean increase in active motion was 25°. Two humeral and four ulnar radiologic loosenings were noted. Two early dislocations were successfully treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization, two patients used an elbow brace after the closed reduction, and one patient underwent a resection arthroplasty for instability and deep wound infection. Four aseptic loosenings, of which three had an intraoperative fracture at the index operation and one had instability, were revised. Despite initially excellent results, longer follow-up of TEA in rheumatoid patients demonstrated deterioration of the outcome and increased loosening.

Sagittal bowing of the distal femur in Chinese patients who require total knee arthroplasty

Purposes: The importance of the femoral sagittal bowing on total knee arthroplasty is under-recognized. The bowing could lead to potential errors in positioning of the femoral component if it is ignored. We aimed to document the femoral sagittal bowing at different segments of the Chinese femur and to discuss the implications of this sagittal bowing on total knee arthroplasty. Methods: One hundred lateral radiographs of the entire lower limbs of 85 Chinese patients admitted for total knee arthroplasty were digitized. The radii of curvature of the intramedullary canal of the proximal, middle and distal one-third of the femora were measured. Results: The average age of the patients was 67.3 years. The radii of curvature of the proximal, middle and distal one-third of the femora were 1081.6, 926.2 and 715.1 mm, respectively. The distal one-third of the femora was significantly more bowed than the other parts of the femora ( p < 0.001). The distal femoral bowing was more profound in rheumatoid patients and in those with a short femur. Conclusions: The lateral contour of the Chinese femur is like a hockey stick. This exaggerated sagittal bowing in the Chinese femur can affect the final sagittal position of the femoral component and has implications for the choice of implant design. In revision setting, a long and straight press-fit stem might either endanger the anterior cortex or deflect the femoral component to an abnormally extended position.

IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α stimulate VEGF production by dedifferentiated chondrocytes

Objective To verify the involvement of proinflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in cartilage vascularization by stimulating the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by chondrocytes isolated from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), in comparison with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with femoral or humeral neck fracture (FP). Design Chondrocytes isolated from patients with OA were maintained in monolayer culture for several passages. Chondrocyte dedifferentiation was monitored by the synthesis of cathepsin B by these cells. Chondrocytes freshly isolated at each subculture (subcultures 1–3) were stimulated with IL-17, IL-1β or TNF-α. Supernatants were collected, immunoassayed for the production of VEGF and cathepsin B and assayed as the source of VEGF on the VEGF sensible ECV304 cell line. The cells were used to quantify intracellular cathepsin B enzymatic activity. Results In differentiated conditions IL-1β and TNF-α, but not IL-17, can inhibit the spontaneous secretion of VEGF by human OA, RA and FP chondrocytes, and IL-17 can restore the decrease in VEGF secretion caused by TNF-α. IL-17, together with IL-1β and TNF-α, can enhance VEGF secretion to various extents by dedifferentiated OA chondrocytes. This change in effect with respect to primary culture was observable for all cytokines at the beginning of dedifferentiation, when the production of VEGF by chondrocytes had dramatically fallen and the cathepsin B synthesis had increased. The amount of VEGF induced by cytokines on dedifferentiated chondrocytes never reached the amount of VEGF produced by differentiated chondrocytes. VEGF produced by chondrocytes stimulated the ECV304 cell line proliferation. Conclusions These results indicate that dedifferentiated OA chondrocytes secrete VEGF after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. This event may be responsible for neovascularization found in OA cartilage.

Usefulness of interposition arthroplasty in the Sauvé–Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrist

The aim of synovectomy combined with the Sauvé–Kapandji (S–K) procedure for the treatment of a rheumatoid wrist is to obtain a stable painless wrist that retains sufficient mobility for function. However, loss of motion occurs postoperatively in most cases. In our study of 59 rheumatoid patients, the results of the transposition of distal strips of retinaculum into the radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joints for interposition arthroplasty to maintain wrist motion (interposition group), and transposition below the extensors to provide a gliding surface (SK group) were evaluated. The distal end of the ulna was fixed to the radius with poly-L-lactic acid screws, and a proximal strip of retinaculum was placed above the extensors after synovectomy of the rheumatoid wrist. Clinical symptoms, radiographic changes, and postoperative complications were assessed 3–9 years (mean 5.9 years) postoperatively. Patients in the interposition group showed better postoperative results, including wrist motion, than those of patients in the SK group. Both procedures resulted in only minor complications such as superficial skin necrosis, hematoma, and superficial infection. We concluded that interpostion arthroplasty combined with the S–K procedure using a distal strip of retinaculum might be a safe and appropriate method for wrist reconstruction following synovectomy of a rheumatoid wrist.

Usefulness of interposition arthroplasty in the Sauv�?Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrist

The aim of synovectomy combined with the Sauvé-Kapandji (S-K) procedure for the treatment of a rheumatoid wrist is to obtain a stable painless wrist that retains sufficient mobility for function. However, loss of motion occurs postoperatively in most cases. In our study of 59 rheumatoid patients, the results of the transposition of distal strips of retinaculum into the radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joints for interposition arthroplasty to maintain wrist motion (interposition group), and transposition below the extensors to provide a gliding surface (SK group) were evaluated. The distal end of the ulna was fixed to the radius with poly-L-lactic acid screws, and a proximal strip of retinaculum was placed above the extensors after synovectomy of the rheumatoid wrist. Clinical symptoms, radiographic changes, and postoperative complications were assessed 3-9 years (mean 5.9 years) postoperatively. Patients in the interposition group showed better postoperative results, including wrist motion, than those of patients in the SK group. Both procedures resulted in only minor complications such as superficial skin necrosis, hematoma, and superficial infection. We concluded that interposition arthroplasty combined with the S-K procedure using a distal strip of retinaculum might be a safe and appropriate method for wrist reconstruction following synovectomy of a rheumatoid wrist.

A novel therapy of murine collagen-induced arthritis with soluble T1/ST2.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammatory infiltration of the synovium, leading to eventual cartilage and bone destruction. Previously, we have reported that soluble T1/ST2 (sST2), a member of the IL-1R gene family, inhibits LPS-induced macrophage proinflammatory cytokine production. In this study, we report the therapeutic effect of sST2-Fc in the murine model of collagen-induced arthritis. A short term administration of sST2-Fc fusion protein significantly attenuated disease severity compared with controls treated with normal IgG. Histological examination revealed that while control IgG-treated mice developed severe cellular infiltration in the joints, synovial hyperplasia, and joint erosion, this pathology was profoundly reduced in sST2-Fc-treated animals. Treatment of sST2-Fc also down-regulated serum levels of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-alpha. Spleen cells from the sST2-Fc-treated mice produced significantly less IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12 compared with cells from the control mice when cultured with collagen in vitro. Finally, pretreatment with ST2-Fc markedly inhibited the ability of human monocytic THP1 cells to release TNF-alpha when cocultured with peripheral blood T cells from rheumatoid patients. Together these results demonstrate that sST2-Fc may provide a novel approach in treating chronic autoimmune conditions by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Colorectal adenomas: a prototype for the use of surrogate end points in the development of cancer prevention drugs.

Carcinogenesis is a multiyear, multistep, multipath disease of progressive genetic alterations and associated tissue damage. Chemoprevention is the use of drugs or other agents to inhibit, delay, or reverse this process. Despite the enormous population at risk of cancer who would benefit, drug

Oxidation of Uric Acid in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is Allantoin a Marker of Oxidative Stress?

Free radicals are implicated in many diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer and also in rheumatoid arthritis. Reaction of uric acid with free radicals, such as hydroxyl radical and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) results in allantoin production. In this study, we measured the serum allantoin levels, oxidation products of uric acid, as a marker of free radical generation in rheumatoid arthritis. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 21 rheumatoid patients and 15 healthy controls. In this study, the serum allantoin and uric acid levels were measured by a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method and the ratios were calculated. The mean allantoin and uric acid levels and ratios in the patient group were 22.1±11.3, 280.5±65.0 and 8.0±3.7 μM, while in the control group they were 13.6±6.3, 278.3±53.6 and 4.9±2.1 μM, respectively. The effects of gender, age, menopausal status, duration of disease and medications on serum allantoin and uric acid levels of the patient and control groups were studied. Our results suggest that uric acid acts as a free radical scavenger and thus is converted to allantoin. Increased allantoin levels suggest the possible involvement of free radicals in rheumatoid arthritis.

Power Doppler sonography for detection of intraarticular vascularization in knee joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A series of 47 knee joints in 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were examined for intraarticular vascularization by power Doppler sonography. The intensity of vascularization was compared with the synovial effusion and proliferation evaluated by gray-scale sonography and the clinical findings in the patients. Vascularization was graded from 0 to 3 by counting the number of color-flow signals: grade 0, no signals; grade one, 1-4 signals; grade two, 5-8 signals; grade three, 9 or more signals. The grade of vascularization correlated with the grade of synovial effusion (P < 0.01), the grade of synovial proliferation (P < 0.05), and the serum levels of C-reactive protein (P < 0.05). It correlated inversely with disease duration (P < 0.01). Consistent with improvement of articular inflammation, a decrease in the number of color-flow signals was observed in two patients. Power Doppler sonography is suitable for evaluating the intensity of synovitis and for monitoring the clinical activity of rheumatoid patients.

Power Doppler sonography for detection of intraarticular vascularization in knee joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A series of 47 knee joints in 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were examined for intraarticular vascularization by power Doppler sonography. The intensity of vascularization was compared with the synovial effusion and proliferation evaluated by gray-scale sonography and the clinical findings in the patients. Vascularization was graded from 0 to 3 by counting the number of color-flow signals: grade 0, no signals; grade one, 1–4 signals; grade two, 5–8 signals; grade three, 9 or more signals. The grade of vascularization correlated with the grade of synovial effusion (P ≪ 0.01), the grade of synovial proliferation (P ≪ 0.05), and the serum levels of C-reactive protein (P ≪ 0.05). It correlated inversely with disease duration (P ≪ 0.01). Consistent with improvement of articular inflammation, a decrease in the number of color-flow signals was observed in two patients. Power Doppler sonography is suitable for evaluating the intensity of synovitis and for monitoring the clinical activity of rheumatoid patients.

The Classic: Revision of Aseptic Loose Total Hip Arthroplasties

The Classic: Revision of Aseptic Loose Total Hip Arthroplasties

関節リウマチ患者に対するＳａｕｖｅ‐Ｋａｐａｎｄｊｉ法の臨床成績

The clinical results of Sauve-Kapandji procedure for reconstruction of rheumatoid patients were reviewed. From April 1995 to November 2002, we performed Sauve-Kapandji procedure on 25 rheumatoid patients. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (range : 0.6 to 7.8 years). Clinical and X-ray evaluation were assessed. Wrist pain after the operation markedly improved in all patients. Overall patients were satisfied with the functional results of this procedure. There was no nonunion case. Alignment of distal radioulnar joint improved postoperatively. Sauve-Kapandji procedure is there fore an effective procedure for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

ＲＡ股に対するセメントレス人工股関節置換術の短期成績―ステム側のＸ線学的検討

Fifty-seven primary cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed in 48 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The average length of follow-up was 2.4 years (range; 1.1 to 4.4 years).The average age of these 48 patients at the time of surgery was 56.9 years (range; 36 to 78 years). In all patients Kyocera Per Fix HA prosthesis was used.Clinical evaluation based on the JOA score indicated significant improvement from 36.8 points preoperatively to 67.4 points postoperatively. Three patients (5%) complained of thigh pain. There was no evidence of roentgenographic failure such as femoral component subsidence, loosening or osteolysis. Spot welds contacting the porous surfaces were observed in 52 hips (91%). None of the hips showed radiolucent lines adjacent to the porous-surfaced portion of the stems. All femoral components showed bone ingrown fixation. These findings suggest that cementless stem may be successful in rheumatoid patients.

Role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in discriminating patients with rheumatoid arthritis from patients with chronic hepatitis C infection-associated polyarticular involvement

This study was performed to assess the utility of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in distinguishing between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with polyarticular involvement associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Serum anti-CCP antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) were evaluated in 30 patients with RA, 8 patients with chronic HCV infection and associated articular involvement and 31 patients with chronic HCV infection without any joint involvement. In addition, we retrospectively analysed sera collected at the time of first visit in 10 patients originally presenting with symmetric polyarthritis and HCV and subsequently developing well-established RA. Anti-CCP antibodies and RF were detected by commercial second-generation anti-CCP2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunonephelometry respectively. Anti-CCP antibodies were detected in 23 of 30 (76.6%) patients with RA but not in patients with chronic HCV infection irrespective of the presence of articular involvement. Conversely, RF was detected in 27 of 30 (90%) patients with RA, 3 of 8 (37.5%) patients with HCV-related arthropathy and 3 of 31 (9.7%) patients with HCV infection without joint involvement. Finally, anti-CCP antibodies were retrospectively detected in 6 of 10 (60%) patients with RA and HCV. This indicates that anti-CCP antibodies can be useful in discriminating patients with RA from patients with HCV-associated arthropathy.

Posterior cruciate ligament-substituting total knee arthroplasty in young rheumatoid patients with advanced knee involvement

The integrity and strength of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the rheumatoid knee are known to be suboptimal. However, the results of PCL-substituting total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid patients are not well documented. We reviewed 86 PCL-substituting total knee arthroplasties in 52 rheumatoid patients with grade IV or V radiographic disease. The mean age at surgery was 41.9 years. All patients underwent follow-up evaluation for an average of 7.8 years. Revision was performed for 1 knee because of aseptic loosening of the tibial component, and for 3 knees because of deep infection. An isolated insert exchange was performed on one knee. Using revision of any component for aseptic loosening or radiographic loosening as the end point, the mean 10-year survival rate was 94.0%.