Abstracts » Health

Anaemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: aetiological profile and the role of erythropoietin

Article Abstract:

Many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have anemia of chronic disease or iron deficiency anemia. In a study of 132 lupus patients, 37% had anemia of chronic disease and 36% had iron deficiency anemia. Twenty patients had antibodies against erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Anemia, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Systemic lupus erythematosus

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Examination of HLA-DR4 as a severity marker for rheumatoid arthritis in Greek patients

Article Abstract:

HLA-DR4 typing may not be an effective method for evaluating disease severity in Greek patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The presence of HLA-DR4 has been associated with a higher degree of disease severity in some RA patients. Among 84 Greek patients with RA who had HLA-DR4 typing, 25% were DR4-positive and 75% were DR4-negative. The two groups of patients were similar in regards to duration of disease, severity of arthritis, functional impairment and joint erosion. A similar number of patients in both groups developed side effects after treatment with drugs to reduce disease severity. The development and progression of RA may be different in Greek patients than in those with northern European ancestry.

Measurement, Development and progression, Diseases, Rheumatoid arthritis, HLA histocompatibility antigens, HLA antigens

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Prevalence of Sjogren's syndrome in a closed rural community

Article Abstract:

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) may be more widespread than reported previously. Eight hundred thirty-seven adult women in a rural Greek community completed a questionnaire regarding the presence of dry eye or dry mouth, which are symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome. Thirty-five of the 45 participants suspected of having SS were evaluated further. Five patients were identified as having SS and 20 as having probable SS as determined by conventional SS criteria. This represents a rate of 2.99% for probable SS and 0.6% for definite SS.

Health aspects, Demographic aspects, Sjogren's syndrome

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