In a cohort study, a high body mass index was associated with a less severe disease outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who test positive for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Medscape Medical News
A review of the current literature and summary of the main principles found between viral infections and the subsequent production of autoantibodies. Current Opinion in Rheumatology
Juvenile systemic sclerosis has a variety of clinical manifestations, and can be different from the adult form. The benefit of early recognition, classification and treatment on outcome is reviewed. Current Opinion in Rheumatology
Rituximab is safe and may be effective for adult patients with active polymyositis who are refractory to corticosteroids and at least two other immunosuppressive agents, clinicians from China conclude based on results of an open-label prospective study reported in the Journal of Rheumatology for September. Reuters Health Information
Among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the level of disease activity at baseline and during the first 3 months of treatment is significantly associated with the level of disease activity at 1 year, according to findings published in the October issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information
Hand bone densitometry (DEXA) is better than radiography for assessing bone involvement in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, according to a report in the November issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Reuters Health Information
