Behçet’s disease is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by the predominance of Th1 cytokines. The human leukocyte antigen-B 51 gene is associated with the disease in several ...ethnic groups, but it is not certain whether it is the susceptibility gene or if it is in linkage disequilibrium with other genes. Recent studies of polymorphisms of neighboring, as well as distant, genes to human leukocyte antigen-B 51 are helpful in elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease and could have therapeutic implications.
In the original version of this article the first name of the co-author was incorrectly spelled as “Khaled A. Alnaqbi”. The correct spelling should have been “Khalid A. Alnaqbi”. This is now ...presented correctly in this article.
Objectives: The primary objective was to develop an educational video to teach patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) self-assessment of their disease activity. Secondary objectives were to validate ...the video, identify the challenges in producing it, and the responses to these challenges. Methods: Rheumatologists from 7 Middle Eastern Arab countries (MEAC) discussed unmet needs in the education of patients with RA. They reviewed pre-existing educational audiovisual material and drafted the script for a new video in Arabic. The video was produced in collaboration with a technical team, then validated by patients using a standardized interview. At each step of production, challenges were identified. Results: Twenty-three rheumatologists from MEAC identified unmet needs in patients’ education. A video was produced, explaining the concepts of treat-to-target and showing a patient performing self-assessment using DAS-28. Sixty-two patients were interviewed for validation and found the video to be useful and easy to understand, albeit not replacing the physician’s visit. Most common challenges encountered included acceptance of patient empowerment, agreement on DAS-28 as composite measure, production of a comprehensible written Arabic text, and addressing the population cultural mix. Conclusion: Despite challenges, the video was well accepted among patients and can be used for clinical and research purposes. It is particularly useful in pandemic periods where social distancing is recommended.
A panel of experts commissioned by the American College of Rheumatology have recently reviewed the literature related to the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and nonradiographic ...axial spondyloarthritis. They published a set of recommendations for the management of common clinical questions for both active and stable disease, including the appropriate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, rehabilitation, education, and preventive care. This article summarizes these recommendations and provides key practical messages for physicians taking care of these patients.
It has been recognized that primary Sjogren's syndrome predisposes to the development of lymphoproliferative disorders. However, it is so far uncertain whether these patients are at an increased risk ...for solid tumors. Herein we report two cases of primary Sjogren's syndrome complicated by breast and lung cancer and who have a strong family history for lymphoproliferative diseases.
Objectives: Musculoskeletal conditions have only recently been acknowledged and research on their burden is scarce in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. For the first time, a population ...based study was conducted in Lebanon to assess the prevalence, level of disability, and health seeking behaviours related to musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic disorders.
Methods: A random sample of 500 participants aged ≥ 15 years from Southern Lebanon was interviewed using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases) questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of current musculoskeletal pain was 31.2% CI (27.0–35.2%). Being a female OR=1.8, CI (1.2–2.8) and of advancing age OR=1.03, CI (1.01–1.05) were the only significant factors associated with current musculoskeletal pain. Prevalence of current functional disability was 6.4% CI (4.2–8.5%). Around quarter (26.0%) CI (22.3–30.1%) of our sample sought some kind of treatment. The overall prevalence rate of rheumatic disease was 17.0% CI (13.7–20.3%).
Discussion: Our findings indicate that musculoskeletal conditions are common in Lebanon. This is a timely public health issue that needs further investigation and solid recognition by health authorities. Community-based interventions should target patients to prompt them to seek early help in order to prevent the development of musculoskeletal pain into disorders.
Background and Objectives: Leukotriene antagonists (LTAs), or antileukotrienes, are a new group of anti-inflammatory drugs used for the treatment of asthma. They might substitute for or allow ...tapering of corticosteroids in asthmatic patients. These drugs have been associated with the development of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), a rare form of vasculitic angiitis. It is unclear whether the development of CSS is a direct drug effect or an unmasking of a preexisting condition on withdrawal of steroids for asthma. We present a case of CSS in a patient treated with montelukast and review the literature to analyze the association between LTAs and the development of CSS. Method: We reviewed the literature using MEDLINE from February 1966 to October 2000. To the cases identified, we present an additional case of a patient who underwent a diagnostic lung biopsy. Results: Twenty-two case reports of patients receiving LTAs who developed CSS were identified. The onset of CSS occurred 2 days to 10 months after starting treatment with LTAs. All patients had received inhaled or oral steroids for asthma. The interval between the last oral corticosteroid treatment and CSS onset ranged from 3 days to 8 months. Conclusions: To date, there is no compelling evidence that the development of CSS in asthmatic patients receiving LTAs results from a direct drug effect. Rather, it appears that tapering of corticosteroids in these patients unmasks the multiorgan manifestations of the disease. We believe that the use of LTAs should not be influenced by the apparent increase in the incidence of CSS and that these are still safe drugs for asthma. Semin Arthritis Rheum 31:218-227. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
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