OBJECTIVE To determine the construct and criterion validity of the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group 2004 (BILAG-2004) index for assessing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Patients with SLE were recruited into a multicenter cross-sectional study. Data on SLE disease activity (scores on the BILAG-2004 index, Classic BILAG index, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosu...

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to determine the volume of pathological foci in the brain tissue of patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with or without neuropsychiatric manifestations (NP), and also to find out if that volume depends on the study subjects' data and clinical records. Magnetic resonance (MR) scans of patients with SLE and, in particular, signs of neurops...

BACKGROUND The relationship between cell-bound complement activation products (CB-CAPs: EC4d, EC3d), anti-C1q, soluble complement C3/C4 and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was evaluated. METHODS Per protocol, at baseline all SLE subjects enrolled in this longitudinal study presented with active disease and elevated CB-CAPs. At each monthly visit, the non-serological (ns...

BACKGROUND The phenotypic stability of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is not clear, and knowledge about disease activity and remission is scarce. We aimed to establish the occurrence of evolution from MCTD to another defined rheumatic condition, and the prevalence and durability of remission after long-term observation. METHODS In this large population-based prospective observational ...

Background Many pediatric rheumatic diseases persist into adulthood, with negative squeal from the disease or its treatment. We aimed to assess health related quality of life in a group of children with rheumatic diseases and its relation to disease activity and functional disability.  Materials and Methods Fifty one patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 includes 27 patients diagnose...

Abstract Background Depression is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an unmeasured risk factor, yet its symptoms can be neglected standard disease evaluations. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency impact depression on quality life SLE patients. We recruited 32 patients with 15 healthy control volunteers study. following investigations were undertaken each patient:...

OBJECTIVES To assess the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and correlate it with clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, disease activity and damage. METHODS Forty-two female SLE patients were included in the present study. Full history taking, thorough examination and investigations were performed. Disease activity was asse...

We present a retrospective review of DNA immunoadsorption (DNA-IA) therapy on clinical symptoms as well as indicators in pediatric cases with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and follow up the shortterm curative effects. 16 SLE cases were treated by DNA-IA for 3 times every other day. We observed the changes on clinical manifestations and immunological indicators, in order to compare the alt...

OBJECTIVES To describe disease characteristics and treatment modalities in a multidisciplinary cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Switzerland. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of 255 patients included in the Swiss SLE Cohort and coming from centres specialised in Clinical Immunology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Rheumatology. Clinical data were collected with a stan...