Autoantibodies and rheumatic disorders in a neurology inpatient population: a prospective study
Article Abstract:
Rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain in the joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system and are often caused by arthritis or other autoimmune dysfunctions (the immune system attacks the body's own tissues). These diseases are known to cause disorders in the nervous system, and although their involvement in neurologic disorders is thought to be rare, they have never been carefully studied. Nevertheless, rheumatic diseases can be successfully treated and the consequent neurologic disorders can also be treated or prevented. Neurologic complications involving the cerebrovascular system (blood vessels between the heart and the brain) are a leading cause of death and disability. The prevalence of rheumatic diseases was studied in 100 patients admitted to a hospital with neurologic disorders. All patients were tested for indications of rheumatic diseases, including Sjogren's syndrome (SS), anti-phospholipid syndrome, lupus anticoagulant, antinuclear antibody (ANA), and rheumatoid factor (RF). The patients suffered from a number of neurologic problems, the majority being cerebrovascular in nature. Rheumatic diseases were thought to be the underlying cause of the neurologic disorder in 11 patients, with three having SS, three being positive for lupus anticoagulant with no other explanation for the neurologic disorder, and the rest testing positive for various indicators of rheumatic disorders. In 10 other patients, rheumatic disorders were thought to possibly be the underlying cause of the observed neurological problems. Further studies are required before cause and effect relationships between rheumatic diseases and neurologic disorders can be proven, but the present study suggests such a relationship might exist. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
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Outcome of first-trimester exposure to low-dose methotrexate in eight patients with rheumatic disease
Article Abstract:
Methotrexate is a drug used to treat cancer; psoriasis, a common, chronic skin disease; and rheumatoid arthritis, a joint disease. Some studies suggest that treatment with methotrexate for cancer or psoriasis during the first trimester (first three months) of pregnancy may cause adverse effects on fetal growth and development and pregnancy outcome. The effect of methotrexate on the course of pregnancy and subsequent offspring was assessed in 8 women with 10 pregnancies. During the seventh week of gestation, the women were treated with low doses of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. Five infants were born full-term, three women had miscarriages and two women had voluntary abortions. The women who gave birth to full-term infants and suffered miscarriages had similar smoking habits, alcohol use, medication therapy, and age. One of three women with miscarriage had a history of recurrent miscarriage unrelated to methotrexate therapy. Women with full-term infants had no complications with their pregnancies and deliveries. Full-term infants were of normal height and weight at birth with no physical abnormalities, and had normal physical and intellectual development. At almost 12 years of age, these children had no evidence of learning disabilities or medical abnormalities. These results indicate that low-dose methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is not associated with teratogenicity, or the ability to cause adverse effects on fetal growth and development. However, the potential risk of miscarriage associated with methotrexate therapy requires further investigation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1990
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Cholesterol-lowering effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients with rheumatic disease: reversal of deleterious effects of steroids on lipids
Article Abstract:
Hydroxychloroquine (HQ) is a drug which is used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It also inhibits clot formation and may have beneficial effects on cholesterol and fat (lipid) metabolism. In contrast, steroids, which have frequently been the only effective treatment for these rheumatoid diseases, have deleterious effects on lipid metabolism. The effects of HQ on cholesterol and other lipids in 155 patients with mild-to-moderate SLE or RA were evaluated. Patients taking steroids had the highest cholesterol levels; patients taking no drugs had the next highest levels; and patients taking HQ, either with or without steroids, had the lowest cholesterol levels. In addition, lower levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were also associated with HQ treatment. These beneficial effects of HQ on lipid levels, and the previously known ability of HQ treatment to decrease the need for steroids in rheumatoid patients, suggest that HQ treatment would benefit patients with RA or SLE. Further extensive studies with larger patient populations are needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1990
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