25 research outputs found
Efficacy, safety and effect on gene expression profiling of anakinra in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis: final results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ANAJIS)
ORGANIC BRAIN-SYNDROME WITH PSYCHOSIS AS AN INITIAL MANIFESTATION OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN
This paper describes a rare case of organic brain syndrome with
psychosis and clinically transverse myelopathy, as initial
manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus in an elderly woman. The
identification and evaluation of antibodies to ribosome P in the serum
and cerebrospinal fluid may be of help in such cases for differential
diagnosis. The patient was treated successfully with 30 mg prednisone
daily
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in patients with solid tumors: Effects of chemotherapy on the monoclonal protein (M-protein).
Screening for monoclonal gammopathy in a department of internal medicine: The case for benign monoclonal gammopathy?
Mitral valve prolapse in young healthy individuals. An early index of autoimmunity?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a benign valvular abnormality. However, an increased prevalence of MVP is reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid disease. Our aim was to evaluate whether the presence of MVP in healthy individuals might indicate a premature index of subclinical autoimmune disorder. A total of 75 individuals with MVP and 44 individuals without MVP were identified by echocardiography. Serum samples were examined for various organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies. In all, 35 of the 75 individuals with MVP had at least one autoantibody. ANA were detected in 17/75 in MVP(+) versus 1/44 in the MVP(-), (P < 0.05), and anti-ENA in 6/75 in the MVP(+) versus 0/44 in the control group, P = ns. In the MVP(+) group, thyroid autoantibodies, IgA and IgG RF were found at a statistically significant higher incidence, 16/75, 11/75 and 10/75 versus 1/44, 0/44 and 0/44 in the MVP(-)group, respectively (P < 0.05). The levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly higher in the MVP(+) group, P < 0.05. The presence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies in young healthy MVP(+) individuals insinuate the presence of subclinical autoimmunity and might suggest that autoimmune mechanisms might be involved in its pathogenesis. A follow-up of these individuals might elucidate whether MVP constitutes an early index of autoimmunity. © 2009 SAGE Publications
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in patients with solid tumors: effects of chemotherapy on the monoclonal protein
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of systemic chemotherapy
on the monoclonal protein levels of patients with solid tumors who also
have a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). All
patients with solid tumors who were referred to our department for
consideration of systemic chemotherapy were evaluated with serum protein
electrophoresis (SPEP) for the presence of MGUS. When MGUS was confirmed
with immunofixation, serial SPEP was performed during and after
completion of chemotherapy. Over a 6-year period, 21 patients with solid
tumors and MGUS were prospectively identified and assessed. At least
50% reduction of serum monoclonal protein was noted in 4 of 11 patients
treated with paclitaxel or docetaxel with a platinum analogue and in 5
of 7 patients who received an irinotecan-containing regimen. Our data
indicate that in MGUS patients treated with irinotecan-containing
chemotherapy regimens, a high incidence of reduction in their monoclonal
protein levels is observed. Since topotecan, another topoisomerase I
inhibitor, has some activity in multiple myeloma, further evaluation of
irinotecan may be warranted. Evaluation of larger numbers of MGUS
patients treated with chemotherapy for their underlying malignancy may
help identify “in vivo” potentially active agents and regimens for
patients with overt myeloma
Effect of Mn Content on the Properties Affecting Shape Memory Behaviour of Cu-12Al-4Ni-10Zn Alloy
Mitral valve prolapse in young healthy individuals. An early index of autoimmunity?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a benign valvular abnormality. However, an increased prevalence of MVP is reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid disease. Our aim was to evaluate whether the presence of MVP in healthy individuals might indicate a premature index of subclinical autoimmune disorder. A total of 75 individuals with MVP and 44 individuals without MVP were identified by echocardiography. Serum samples were examined for various organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies. In all, 35 of the 75 individuals with MVP had at least one autoantibody. ANA were detected in 17/75 in MVP(+) versus 1/44 in the MVP(-), (P < 0.05), and anti-ENA in 6/75 in the MVP(+) versus 0/44 in the control group, P = ns. In the MVP(+) group, thyroid autoantibodies, IgA and IgG RF were found at a statistically significant higher incidence, 16/75, 11/75 and 10/75 versus 1/44, 0/44 and 0/44 in the MVP(-)group, respectively (P < 0.05). The levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly higher in the MVP(+) group, P < 0.05. The presence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies in young healthy MVP(+) individuals insinuate the presence of subclinical autoimmunity and might suggest that autoimmune mechanisms might be involved in its pathogenesis. A follow-up of these individuals might elucidate whether MVP constitutes an early index of autoimmunity. © 2009 SAGE Publications
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in patients with solid tumors: effects of chemotherapy on the monoclonal protein
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of systemic chemotherapy
on the monoclonal protein levels of patients with solid tumors who also
have a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). All
patients with solid tumors who were referred to our department for
consideration of systemic chemotherapy were evaluated with serum protein
electrophoresis (SPEP) for the presence of MGUS. When MGUS was confirmed
with immunofixation, serial SPEP was performed during and after
completion of chemotherapy. Over a 6-year period, 21 patients with solid
tumors and MGUS were prospectively identified and assessed. At least
50% reduction of serum monoclonal protein was noted in 4 of 11 patients
treated with paclitaxel or docetaxel with a platinum analogue and in 5
of 7 patients who received an irinotecan-containing regimen. Our data
indicate that in MGUS patients treated with irinotecan-containing
chemotherapy regimens, a high incidence of reduction in their monoclonal
protein levels is observed. Since topotecan, another topoisomerase I
inhibitor, has some activity in multiple myeloma, further evaluation of
irinotecan may be warranted. Evaluation of larger numbers of MGUS
patients treated with chemotherapy for their underlying malignancy may
help identify “in vivo” potentially active agents and regimens for
patients with overt myeloma