Disturbances in the expression of B cell-related activation and survival genes, particularly BAFF and TACI, occur from the onset of RA and precede changes in BAFF-R. These alterations can lead to the development of autoreactive B cells from the first weeks of RA onset.

Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of TNF inhibitors (TNFi) and tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, according to different response criteria. Methods. We included RA patients registered in the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register treated with TNFi or tocilizumab for at least 6 months, between January 2008 and July 2013. We assessed remission/low disease activity (LDA) at 6 months according to DAS28, CDAI, and SDAI, as well as Boolean ACR/EULAR remission and EULAR response rate, adjusting for measured confounders. Results. Tocilizumab-treated patients (n = 95) presented higher baseline disease activity and were less frequently naïve to biologics compared to TNFi users (n = 429). Multivariate logistic regression analysis including the propensity score for receiving tocilizumab showed that patients treated with tocilizumab were more likely to achieve remission or LDA according to DAS28 (OR = 11.0/6.2, 95% CI 5.6–21.6/3.2–12.0), CDAI (OR = 2.8/2.6, 95% CI 1.2–6.5/1.3–5.5), or SDAI (OR = 3.6/2.5, 95% CI 1.5–8.7/1.1–5.5), as well as a good EULAR response (OR = 6.4, 95% CI 3.4–12.0). However, both groups did not differ in Boolean remission (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 0.8–4.8) or good/moderate EULAR response (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 0.8–4.5). Conclusions. Compared with TNFi, tocilizumab was associated with greater likelihood of achieving DAS28, CDAI, and SDAI remission/LDA and EULAR good response. Boolean remission and EULAR good/moderate response did not differ significantly between groups.

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Pachydermodactyly is a superficial benign fibromatosis of unknown etiology; it is rare, more frequent in adolescent males, and characterized by painless swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joints(PIP) of the hands. Histologic examination of the skin shows epidermal hyperplasia and increased number of dermal fibroblasts and collagen fibers.We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent boy who presented swelling of the lateral and dorsal regions of all the metacarpophalangeal and PIP joints of the left hand and PIP and metacarpophalangeal joints of the second and fifth fingers of the right hand, with 3 years of evolution and no arthritis or functional impairment. Results of complementary diagnostic examinations were normal, with the exception of hand ultra sound that showed skin thickening, without synovial proliferation or joint effusion. Skin biopsy confirmed pachydermodactyly. The patient under went aesthetic surgery with good outcome, without recurrence.This rare condition should be distinguished from idiopathic juvenile arthritis and other entities such as knuckle pads syndrome.