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ABSTRACT: Cytokines are implied in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) pathogenesis. Our aim was to evaluate the serum levels of interleukin-15 (IL-15), soluble receptors for IL-2 (sIL-2R) and TNF-alpha type 1 receptor (sTNF-R1) in PM/DM patients and their relation to disease activity and clinical symptoms. Thirty-eight patients who met definite or probable criteria of Bohan and Peter for DM/PM were included into the study. Results in patients with active (41 observations) and inactive disease (24 observations) were compared with control (15 subjects). The median level of IL-15 was 47.6 ± 170 pg/ml in active patients, 25.15 ± 240 pg/ml in inactive and 28.5 ± 28.89 pg/ml in controls. We demonstrated significant differences between active patients and controls in levels of IL-15 (0.016, 95%CI 1.39-57.1). The median level of sIL-2R was 314 ± 388, 235.3 ± 269 and 144.3 ± 152.9 pg/ml, and the median level of sTNF-R1 was 350 ± 388; 294.7 ± 204.7; 209.5 ± 105.9 pg/ml in active, inactive and control subjects, respectively. There were significantly higher serum levels of these cytokines in active patients than in control subjects (for sIL-2R P = 0.05, CI95% 0.4-331; and sTNF-R1 P = 0.031, CI95% 15.1-321.5). The interleukin levels did not differ between inactive patients and controls. Elevation of IL-15, sIL2-R and sTNF-R1 in active patients provides preliminary evidence for the activation of inflammatory response during PM/DM flares. Further studies may be needed to explain the mechanisms driving these diseases.
Rheumatology International 12/2010; 32(3):639-43. · 1.88 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This paper presents progress in management of systemic sclerosis, with respect of EULAR recommendation. In the first part we present efficacy of overall immunosupresive treatments and preliminary data of autologous stem cell transplantation based on randomized clinical trials. The second part concerns a treatment specific for target organs: Raynaud's phenomenon, alimentary tract involvement, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and scleroderma renal crisis. Despite intensive investigations disease modifying drug therapy is still unknown, but specific organ treatment increase survival and improve health related quality of life.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski: organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 05/2010; 28(167):421-3.
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ABSTRACT: Systemic sclerosis is a multi-system disease characterized by skin fibrosis and visceral involvement. The course of disease is unpredictable, sometimes stable for years sometimes rapidly progressive, leading to death during months. Prognosis is limited by internal organ involvement. Nowadays leading cause of death is interstitial lung fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this paper we present two subsets of systemic sclerosis: limited and diffuse and newly proposed classification for early systemic sclerosis, including objective documentation of Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis-type naifold capillary pattern or presence of selective auto-antibodies (anti-centromer or anti-Scl 70). We describe clinical symptoms, internal organ involvement and tools to its detection, with use of HRCT, Doppler echocardiography, spirometric gas transfer (DLCO). We present current approach to staging the disease according to parameters proposed by Medsger et al. involving general symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon severity, Rodnan skin score, musculoskeletal symptoms, lung, heart and kidney involvement. Factors related to scleroderma renal crisis are presented, to provide clinical evaluation of patients at risk of this complication.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski: organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 05/2010; 28(167):416-20.
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ABSTRACT: Antibodies against ribosomal P protein (anti-P) are detected predominantly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the data on their frequency and clinical relevance remain inconclusive.
The aim of the study was to assess the frequency as well as clinical and serological relevance of anti-P autoantibodies in Polish patients with SLE and to determine the significance of these antibodies in the diagnosis of SLE.
Anti-P antibody levels were measured in the sera of 100 SLE patients using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. All patients underwent a routine clinical and laboratory evaluation. Disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score.
Anti-P antibodies were detected in 14 of 100 patients. When compared to anti-P-negative patients, this group was characterized by earlier onset of SLE, higher disease activity, more frequent occurrence of fever and facial erythema, decreased serum levels of complement, and elevated levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. In 2 cases, anti-P antibodies were the only serological marker of SLE detected in these patients.
SLE with the presence of anti-P antibodies is characterized by an early onset and high disease activity.
Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej 03/2010; 120(3):76-81. · 1.37 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Controversies regarding the safety and efficacy of immunization in patients with SLE have persisted for over 60 years. However infections are the main threat in these patients. There are concerns that immunization may cause SLE exacerbation. Evidence from prospective trials suggests that inactivated vaccines are probably safe in patients with stable or inactive disease. Live vaccines are contraindicated in immunocompromised hosts and patients on high dose steroids. Data regarding efficacy of vaccinations are scarce, mainly concerning influenza and pneumoccocal vaccine. Majority of patients have appropriate immunological response, but there are group without serological response after immunization. Risk factors for impaired response are not clear. In same cases it seems reasonable to assess protective antibody titer post vaccination. In this review we would like to present data concerning safety and efficacy of vaccines in patients with SLE to help doctor to decide when vaccination is advisable and when should be avoided.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski: organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 12/2007; 23(137):395-8.
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ABSTRACT: Pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered a high-risk pregnancy. It is complicated by preeclampsia, premature labour and miscarriage more frequently than in the general population. Improved prognosis depends on low disease activity during conception and on appropriate medical care (SLE activity monitoring, selection of therapy safe for the mother and the developing foetus, advances in neonatology). Because symptoms of physiological pregnancy and SLE exacerbation are similar, their correct interpretation is essential for skin lesions, arthralgias, arterial hypertension or results of laboratory tests: proteinuria, thrombocytopenia or leucopenia observed in the patient. In order to standardise the assessment of SLE activity during pregnancy, scores of this activity are used. In the past, scores validated on non-pregnant populations (including male patients) were used: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurment (ECLAM). Only recently have SLE activity scores been introduced that are specific for pregnant women: Lupus Activity Index In Pregnancy (LAI-P), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pregnancy Disease Activity Index (SLEPDAI), modified--Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (m-SLAM) and a visual three-grade score modified--Physician Global Assessment (m-PGA). So far, only scores LAI-P and m-PGA have been validated. According to the LAI-P score, clinical data are divided into 4 groups. Group 1 includes mild clinical symptoms, group 2--symptoms of involvement of internal organs, group 3 pertains to modifications of treatment and group 4 to laboratory parameters. Point values are ascribed to individual parameters depending on their intensity.
Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej 08/2007; 117(7):312-6. · 1.37 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases that can involve various systems. Antibodies directed against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, such as anti-Jo-1 antibodies, are strongly associated with a syndrome which consists of myositis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), arthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon. Forty-one patients with various forms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies were assessed: 14 patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies and 27 patients without anti-Jo-1 antibodies as a control group. We retrospectively analysed clinical symptoms, treatment and outcome in both groups. Patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies more often had ILD (64.2 vs. 11.1%), arthritis (64.2 vs. 18.1%) and Raynaud's phenomenon (38 vs. 0%). Patients without the anti-Jo-1 antibody presented worse muscle strength and more frequently myalgia (37 vs. 21%), cutaneous rash (18.5 vs. 7%), heliotrope rash (29% vs. 7%) and periungueal changes (22 vs. 0%) than the anti-Jo-1-positive patients. Outcome was good in both groups. Improvement was achieved in the 14 (100%) Jo-1 positive patients, and in 25 (92.5%) controls. Two (7.5%) patients from control group achieved remission.
Autoimmunity 06/2006; 39(3):243-7. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In recent years new potential therapies of systemic lupus erythematosus, called biological therapies, have been developed. These agents influence some immunological reactions, essential for genesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, ie. T cells and B cells activation, antibodies production, cytokines and complement components activation. Pathogenic basis of using these therapies, their safety and efficacy assessment have been presented.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski: organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 04/2006; 20(117):371-3.
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ABSTRACT: Wegener's granulomatosis is a necrotizing vasculitis with heterogenous initial symptoms what may still cause diagnostic problems. We present analysis of initial symptoms of 14 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis to evaluate their value in early diagnosis. Involvement of kidneys as well as upper and lower airways may suggest the diagnosis. Acute onset with intensified general symptoms may provoke more intensive diagnostic procedures and the diagnosis can be established earlier. In patients with non-acute onset the diagnosis may be delay, in some cases a few years after the first symptoms.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski: organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 08/2004; 17(97):13-5.
