This study assessed the utility of some novel inflammatory markers compared with traditional laboratory markers in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a cohort of 43 SLE patients (19 with inactive and 24 with active SLE) and 20 healthy controls, serial measures of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) were significantly associated with SLE disease activity, scored using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index. Inflammatory markers neopterin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) appeared to be clinically useful for isolated assessments of disease activity. Both antibodies to double-stranded DNA (antidsDNA) and sVCAM-1 were relatively good markers of disease activity and could help to predict remission or monitor the therapeutic response in SLE.
Marqueurs immuno-inflammatoires -anciens et nouveaux -et évolutivité du lupus érythémateux disséminéRÉSUMÉ La présente étude a évalué l'utilité de nouveaux marqueurs immuno-inflammatoires par rapport aux marqueurs de laboratoire conventionnels chez des patients atteints de lupus érythémateux disséminé (LED). Dans une cohorte de 43 patients atteints de lupus érythémateux disséminé (19 présentant un lupus érythémateux disséminé stable et 24 un lupus érythémateux disséminé évolutif) et un groupe témoin comprenant 20 sujets sains, la présence répétée de molécules d'adhésion des cellules vasculaires sous forme soluble (sVCAM-1) était associée de manière significative à l'activité du lupus érythémateux disséminé. Ces mesures ont été effectuées selon l'indice du British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (Groupe d'évaluation du lupus des îles britanniques). Les marqueurs inflammatoires comme la néoptérine et la molécule d'adhésion intercellulaire (sICAM-1) se sont révélés utiles sur le plan clinique pour réaliser des évaluations isolées de l'activité de la maladie. Les anticorps anti-ADN double brin (anti-dsDNA) ainsi que les sVCAM-1 se sont avérés être de bons marqueurs d'activité de la maladie contribuant à prévoir une rémission ou à surveiller la réponse thérapeutique du lupus érythémateux disséminé.
Aim: Idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent, mystifying disorder with a questionable neurogenic background. We aimed to investigate the possible subtle neuropathic affection underlying its pathogenesis. Methods: A cross-sectional cut off study was carried out on a series of 38 females with idiopathic OAB and 22 healthy matched female volunteers. The following was performed: symptom score questionnaire, determination of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML), sacral reflexes' latencies, pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials, and needle electromyography of the external anal and urethral sphincters. Results: A highly significant prolongation of PNTMLs and sacral reflexes latencies among the patients group was detected (P ≥ 0.001). Pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials showed non-significance among the two studied groups (P ≥ 0.05).External anal sphincter neuropathic affection was detected in 27 patients (71%) and external urethral sphincter neuropathic affection was detected in 30 patients (78.9%). The clitoral anal reflex showed the highest sensitivity and specificity among the neurophysiologic tests used in assessing the neuropathic affection (86.7 and 83%, respectively), followed by PNTML (83.3 and 80%, respectively). Conclusion: Pudendal neuropathy is the dominating possible attributing factor in the pathogenesis underlying idiopathic OAB. An integrated clinical, urodynamic, and electro-physiological assessment is recommended for evaluation of any overactive bladder patients. K E Y W O R D S detrusor overactivity, pelvic floor electromyography, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, sacral reflexes
<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to reach a consensus on an updated version of the recommendations for the diagnosis and Treat-to-Target management of osteoporosis that is effective and safe for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G4-G5D/kidney transplant. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Delphi process was implemented (3 rounds) to establish a consensus on 10 clinical domains: (1) study targets, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, (4) case stratification, (5) treatment targets, (6) investigations, (7) medical management, (8) monitoring, (9) management of special groups, (10) fracture liaison service. After each round, statements were retired, modified, or added in view of the experts’ suggestions, and the percent agreement was calculated. Statements receiving rates of 7–9 by more than 75% of experts’ votes were considered as achieving consensus. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The surveys were sent to an expert panel (<i>n</i> = 26), of whom 23 participated in the three rounds (2 were international experts and 21 were national). Most of the participants were rheumatologists (87%), followed by nephrologists (8.7%), and geriatric physicians (4.3%). Eighteen recommendations, categorized into 10 domains, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 80 to 100%. Consensus was reached on the wording of all 10 clinical domains identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of osteoporosis in CKD has been suggested. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A panel of international and national experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in CKD patients. The developed recommendations provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing osteoporosis for all healthcare professionals involved in its management.
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