No abstract

These results provide an explanation on the cellular level for the anticatabolic effect of TNF neutralisation on bone. The variation in the kinetics of bone resorption by the OCPs in patients with RA and AS suggests disease-specific differences in the type or in the preactivation of OCPs.

Knuckle pads are rare harmless subcutaneous nodules that must be differentiated from joint disease of the proximal interphalangeal or rarely of the metacarpophalangeal joints as well as from other masses of the paraarticular tissues. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 36-year-old woman presenting with bilateral knuckle pads located at the dorsal aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joints. No predisposition to a specific musculoskeletal disorder was noted. Ultrasound revealed well-delimited subcutaneous hypoechoic masses without internal flow signals at color Doppler. Histology showed proliferation of myofibroblasts with a decrease of elastic filaments in the deep dermis. The clinical picture, the family history in addition to the histology allowed us to make the diagnosis of knuckle pads. We present the ultrasound findings of knuckle pads and discuss the differential diagnosis of a “swelling” in the dorsal region of proximal interphalangeal joints and metacarpophalangeal joints.

In this study, serum levels of biochemical nutritional parameters in acutely ill elderly patients with stage III to IV pressure ulcers are lower than those of acutely ill elderly subjects with no pressure ulcers, indicating a worse nutritional status of the PU patients. These findings, while not documenting a causal relationship, suggest the need for routine nutritional assessment and support in older patients, especially those with pressure ulcers.