Oslo Sanitetsforening Rheumatism Hospital in a Nordic perspective.
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Allied Health Personnel↗
Biomedical subjects
A Bjelle
Publications and source records attributed to A Bjelle.
Quantitation and antigenic characterization of bound C3 of circulating immune complexes in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and primary biliary cirrhosis.
In recent years defective function of the complement-mediated clearance of immune complexes (IC) has been reported in patients with immune complex disease. The defect has been found at different levels in the clearance system. An important event in this sequential system is the binding of C3-coated particles to C3 receptors on erythrocytes and phagocytes. This study focuses on immunochemical properties of IC-bound C3 that reflect the functional state of the molecule. Sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and from normal subjects were analyzed for their level of C3 precipitable in 2.7% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG). The mean levels for the patient categories were significantly higher than that for the normal subjects. The immunochemical study revealed several differences among the different forms of PEG-precipitable C3. All forms expressed C3(D) antigens which are expressed by immune complex-associated and denatured forms but not by soluble physiological forms of C3. The expression of these antigens was proportionately lower for the complex-associated C3 of PBC compared to that of RA and SLE. Furthermore, employing monoclonal anti-C3(D) antibodies against the C3c and the C3d domain, distinct differences could be detected among all forms of PEG-precipitable C3. Sera from RA and SLE, in particular, contained PEG-precipitable C3 that exhibited distinctive immunochemical features with respect to these epitopes.
Antibodies↗
Work-related shoulder-neck complaints in industry: a pilot study.
Twenty-six industrial workers, selected from employment records, were examined with a questionnaire, anthropometric measures, muscle strength measurements and filming during work cycles to study the influence of ergonomic factors on shoulder-neck complaints. No differences were observed when comparing age or anthropometric measurements between the nine workers with and the 17 without shoulder-neck complaints. Significantly weaker shoulder muscles were found in workers with shoulder-neck complaints than in those without. A higher median strain on the shoulders in the working situation of workers with shoulder-neck complaints than in the group with no complaints was suggested from the results of a biomechanical analysis of the different work tasks.
Absenteeism↗
Shoulder muscle strength, endurance and electromyographic fatigue in ankylosing spondylitis.
Shoulder muscle performance was tested in 8 working ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and compared with 10 healthy male referents. The AS patients were all in a non-active state and had no shoulder symptoms. Electromyographic fatigue development in the descending part of the trapezius muscle was significantly faster in the AS group during an endurance time test than in the referents. This indicates a change in muscle function consistent with previous reports of myopathy in AS patients. There were no significant differences in shoulder forward flexion strength, endurance time or recovery of endurance time between the AS patients and the referents.
Adult↗
Joint disorders at ages 70, 75 and 79 years--a cross-sectional comparison.
The prevalence of back and joint complaints and of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chondrocalcinosis (CC) and osteoarthritis (OA) was studied in three representative population subsamples aged 70, 75 and 79 years. The prevalence of back pain was 38% and of joint complaints 40%, both significantly higher in females. The prevalence of RA was not significantly different between the age groups. Chondrocalcinosis increased with age in females. Radiographic and clinical OA of knees was less prevalent with increasing age. Symptoms of wrist and finger OA occurred in 1-4% of females but not males. Enlargement of DIP joints occurred in 50% of females and 25% males. Radiographic OA of first MCP joints was more prevalent with age in males but not females. Obesity correlated with radiographic OA of knees in females. Clinical and radiographic OA of fingers and knees did not correlate with previous strenuous occupations.
Age Factors↗
Superoxide dismutase isoenzymes of the synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis and in reactive arthritides.
The activity of superoxide dismutase isoenzymes was determined in knee joint synovial fluid from 21 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, nine patients with reactive arthritides, and from 17 patients before arthroscopy or arthrotomy for suspected meniscal or ligament injury (controls). Extracellular superoxide dismutase was the major isoenzyme and accounted for about 80% of the total superoxide dismutase activity in the controls. The pattern of the superoxide dismutase isoenzymes was significantly different in rheumatoid arthritis, extracellular (EC) superoxide dismutase being half, CuZn superoxide dismutase double, and the total superoxide dismutase activity a third lower than the activity in the synovial fluid of the controls. The superoxide dismutase activities were similar in synovial fluid from the controls and from the patients with reactive arthritides. The total superoxide dismutase activity was almost three times higher in control synovial fluid than in normal human plasma, but 300 times lower than in human tissues.
Arthritis↗
Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chondrocalcinosis and gouty arthritis at age 79.
The prevalence of rheumatic diseases was studied in representative subsamples by interview (n = 134), and by physical (n = 89) and radiographic (n = 81) examination in a representative sample of 79-year-olds in Göteborg, Sweden. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (3-8 ARA criteria) was 10%. Radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) was diagnosed in wrists and/or finger joints of 65% of the probands and in knee joints of 14%. The first metacarpophalangeal (MCP I) joint was more frequently involved in males than in females (p less than 0.05). In females palpable enlargement of distal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal finger joints correlated (p less than 0.01) to radiographic OA. The degree of heavy work in previous occupations was correlated to radiographic OA of DIP II-V in females (p less than 0.05 and of MCP I in males (p less than 0.05) but not to radiographic or clinical OA in knee joints. Symptoms of OA were reported by 6.1% in the knee and in 4.5% in hip joints. The prevalence of chondrocalcinosis averaged 15% (23% of females and 6% of males). Chondrocalcinosis of the hands occurred in 21% of females but in no males. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 15% (women 6%, men 29%), and gouty arthritis was found in one woman.
Aged↗
Severe airway obstruction caused by laryngeal rheumatoid arthritis.
Ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joints due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may cause upper airway obstruction by fixation of the vocal cords in the midline. In early stages, this condition usually results in minor symptoms which are easily overlooked. It may, however, very rapidly, e.g., in association with an upper respiratory tract infection, become life-threatening. It is essential to diagnose this condition early to avoid emergency situations. In 5 patients with classic RA and in one patient with juvenile RA severe laryngeal obstruction was operated on using a new simple technique consisting of a mobilization of the arytenoid cartilages and laterofixation of one of the vocal cords.
Adult↗
HLA antigens and adverse drug reactions to sodium aurothiomalate and D-penicillamine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The association between HLA antigens and adverse drug reactions (ADR), (e.g. proteinuria, haematological abnormalities, stomatitis, diarrhoea and dermatitis) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to sodium aurothiomalate (gold) and to D-penicillamine (PA) were studied in 32 patients. Thirty-eight RA patients treated with gold and PA, and with no ADR to these drugs, were used as controls. The frequency of HLA B8 was significantly (p less than 0.05) increased among RA patients with ADR compared to plasma donors. DR3 was also significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in RA patients with haematological ADR compared to plasma donors. Haematological ADR occurred significantly (p less than 0.05) more often in DR3 positive patients (55%) than among DR3 negative RA patients (27%).
Adult↗
HLA genotypes in two three-generation families with rheumatoid arthritis.
Two three-generation families from Northern Sweden with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were clinically examined. Tissue typing was performed for HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DR antigens. No disease-associated haplotype could be defined within these families. Six of nine members with RA were HLA-DR4 positive. Both families had a HLA-DR4 containing haplotype in the first generation and second-generation members married DR4 positive individuals, which probably increased the risk to develop RA in the third-generation members.
Adolescent↗
HLA antigens in rheumatoid arthritis patients with and without a family history of polyarthritis.
The HLA antigens, A, B and DR, were studied in 141 patients with erosive, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The frequency of the B27 antigen was significantly increased among patients with a family history of symmetrical polyarthritis compared with blood donor controls (p less than 0.001) and with patients without a family history of polyarthritis (p less than 0.005). The frequency of DR4 was significantly (p less than 0.001) increased among the RA patients, but there was no significant association between DR4 and a family history of polyarthritis.
Arthritis↗
Clinical symptoms and HLA antigens in a family with Reiter's disease.
A clinical and immunogenetic study was performed on a three-generation family with Reiter's disease (RD). Twelve of 56 members of the family (33 clinically examined) including one in-law, had symptoms of arthritis, urethritis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, and/or mucocutaneous manifestations, but only one had the complete triad of Reiter's syndrome (RS). Radiographic sacro-iliitis was found in 7 individuals, and monoarticular onset was reported in 5 out of 7 with peripheral arthritis. HLA B27 was found in 26 of the 37 family members who were tissue typed (including one in-law). All individuals with RD were B27-positive. Seven different B27 phenotypes were identified. This finding suggests that RD is associated with the B27 antigen itself, and not to a gene closely linked to B27. From a pedigree analysis of this family an autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance or multifactorial inheritance seemed the most probable alternatives. The family history is a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of RD.
Adolescent↗
Prevalence of symptoms and signs of joint impairment at age 79.
The prevalence of back and joint impairments was studied in a representative subsample of 77 women and 57 men aged 79. Forty-six per cent of the subjects had no history of back or joint complaints. Thirty-two per cent reported current back pains while 50% stated they never experienced such pains. Back pains (past or present) were localized in the lumbar region predominantly (40%), and were almost constantly present in 8% of the subjects. The spinal mobility remained acceptable for function of the activities of daily living (ADL) in the majority of the subjects. Thirty-six per cent of the subjects had past or present complaints from the joints of the extremities, predominantly of the knee, shoulder or hip joints. Physical signs of joint disorders as deformities, swelling or tenderness were rare except for enlargement of distal interphalangeal joints (right hand: females 38%, males 14%). Restricted range of motion (ROM) in one or several joints was found in one fifth (i.e., knee joints) to two thirds (i.e., hip joints). No significant gender differences were observed with the exception of the thoracolumbar ROM that was more frequently restricted in males. Severe restriction of separate movements (to less than 50% of ROM) was, generally, infrequent (0-8% of the subjects) although advanced impairment of hip inward rotation was found in 14% of the subjects. Restricted ROM associated with joint complaints was found in 2-11% of the subjects (i.e., knee joints 2%, shoulder joints 9%, hip joints 11%). A considerable proportion of 79-year-olds, thus, had some--though usually limited--restriction of joint ROM.
Aged↗
HLA haplotypes in a family with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
HLA haplotypes (including A, B, C and DR loci) were studied in a family with members who had both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Sacroiliitis was found in 7 family members, one of whom had AS and 2 others erosive, seropositive RA. They carried the B27-DR4 haplotype, suggesting a possible dual genetic association of the same haplotype in both RA and AS. Three other different HLA-B27 containing haplotype were found, 2 of which could be associated with sacroiliitis/AS. Within this family sacroiliitis and/or AS rather seemed associated with the B27 antigen itself than with the same haplotype.
Adult↗
Functional consequences of joint impairment at age 79.
A study of functional ability--in relation to joint impairment and disability--in 79-year-olds was performed on representative subsamples by interview (n = 134) and physical examination of joints (n = 89) as well as interview and functional tests regarding activities of daily living (ADL) (n = 84). Joint complaints of the lower extremities were more frequent than complaints of the upper extremities. Restricted knee motion had the highest correlation to disability of entering public transports. Previous sedentary workers were more disabled in ADL functions than those with a previous strenuous physical work. Correlation was found between low physical activity in the leisure time and impaired ADL functions. Low physical activity in the group with no definable disease was also correlated with greater social assistance. The reasons for commitment to institutional care were usually complex and, generally, not caused by joint impairment. Although disability had increased within the sample since age 70, at age 79 sixty per cent of the probands could still manage household tasks and personal care, and 69% did not require walking aids. The 79-year-olds thus display a high degree of musculoskeletal ability.
Activities of Daily Living↗
[Disease, age and the load on the muscles are the causes of shoulder-neck problems in industrial workers].
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Chronic Disease↗
[Hemochromatotic arthropathy. A survey and case report].
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Adult↗