In the last few years, several studied concerning an alternation in pattern of glycosylation of acute phase protein (APP) have been carried out in human sera, using especially affinity electrophoresis with lectins. Significant differences in the profile of glycosylation of APP in sera of patients with "acute" (e.g., sepsis) and "chronic" (e.g., rheumatic arthritis) inflammation have been observed, which suggest that the determination of microheterogeneity of APP appears to be a very useful differentiating test in clinical rheumatology.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Tietze's syndrome: a critical review.

A critical review of Tietze's syndrome and the relevant literature to date is presented. The disease has been characterized as a tender, non-suppurative swelling in the upper costosternal region. The etiology and pathology of the disease are still unknown. In the past decade new knowledge concerning rheumatic diseases affecting the anterior chest wall has modified our approach to this condition. Tietze's syndrome could be more a part of seronegative disease than has been previously recognized, even if the existence of this condition as an entity cannot be totally denied.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Rheumatic manifestations in HIV infection].

The two main rheumatic manifestations of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are arthropathies and autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of the rheumatic manifestations is currently undefined. Among the different mechanisms implicated, the severe immunosuppression and immunodysregulation, as well as recurrent infections are possible. A direct infection by HIV is another mechanism. The course of some rheumatic diseases may be altered by HIV-infection. Remission of rheumatoid arthritis during the course of HIV-infection is anecdotally reported in the literature, whereas patients with Reiter's syndrome seem to have a severe clinical course.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Diabetic osteoarthropathy of the foot].

Neuropathic joint disease (described by J.M. Charcot in 1868) is now most commonly seen in patients with diabetic mellitus. We present a patient suffering from a characteristic diabetic neuro-arthropathy of the foot. We report the clinical features, roentgenographic signs, new diagnostic possibilities, and treatment.

Arthropathy, Neurogenic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) in chronic polyarthritis].

An ELISA was used to measure soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in the sera and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with seropositive, as well as seronegative RA had raised levels of sIL-2R in serum and SF compared to patients with osteoarthritis and sex-age matched healthy subjects. According to literature, sIL-2R levels in the sera of RA-patients may be a useful marker of disease activity. Increased sIL-2R levels in SF show new aspects in pathophysiology of RA.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Chlorambucil pulse therapy in progressive chronic polyarthritis. Initial results of an open multicenter study].

The first preliminary clinical results with chlorambucil pulse-therapy in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis are reported, with a dose of chlorambucil below that which might risk inducing leukaemia. The clinical response was good in 15 out of 19 patients; symptoms and objective findings of rheumatoid arthritis had significantly improved. However, multiple toxic reactions have been identified in our patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[ Serum osteocalcin in chronic polyarthritis in stage III].

Osteocalcin, a major noncollagenous protein component of bone matrix which reflects the level of new bone formation, was measured in serum by radioimmunoassay, in 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Steinbrocker stage III) and in 45 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. According to the literature, serum osteocalcin concentrations were slightly decreased in the RA group but this was not statistically significant. Only RA patients on corticosteroid therapy had statistically significant decreased osteocalcin levels, compared with normal controls. No correlation was determined in the RA patients between serum osteocalcin levels and levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, circulating immune complexes (Clq binding assay) and rheumatoid factors of the IgA, IgG or IgM class.

Adult↗