Efficacy of rituximab in systemic manifestations of primary Sjogren's syndrome: results in 78 patients of the AutoImmune and Rituximab registry.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods: The AutoImmune and Rituximab registry has included 86 patients with pSS treated with rituximab, prospectivey followed up every 6 months for 5 years.

Results: Seventy-eight patients with pSS (11 men, 67 women), who already had at least one follow-up visit, were analysed.

A novel radiofrequency thermocoagulation method for treatment of lower back pain: thermal conduction after instillation of saline solution into the nucleus pulposus--preliminary results.

Background: Radiofrequency heating of the intervertebral disc has been proposed for the treatment of chronic low back pain using two methods: a flexible needle inserted into the annulus fibrosus achieving a full 360 degrees penetration, or a rigid needle inserted into the nucleus pulposus. The first technique is effective on pain, but the clinical benefit of the second is uncertain.

Purpose: To evaluate a technique for radiofrequency heating of the lumbar intervertebral disc by a needle placed into the nucleus pulposus.

Bone density, parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D nutritional status of institutionalized elderly subjects.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and a change in bone microarchitecture. This causes skeletal fragility and may result in fractures. Fractures of the femur neck (FM) are frequent and have major consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality in elderly subjects.

Rheumatological management of patients with hemophilia. Part II: Muscle hematomas and pseudotumors.

Although less common than hemarthroses, muscle hematomas nearly always threaten limb function and can threaten life. Their treatment is not as well standardized as that of hemarthrosis but also rests on clotting factor replacement, prevention of contractures, and rehabilitation. Pseudotumors raise even greater treatment challenges and usually require surgery in adults.

Rheumatological management of patients with hemophilia. Part 1: joint manifestations.

The advent of factor VIII and IX replacement therapy has radically changed the physiognomy of hemophilia. In patients with no inhibitors, early replacement therapy shortens the immobilization and decreases the structural and functional alterations related to recurrent hemarthrosis. Routine prophylactic replacement therapy before or after the first episode of hemarthrosis is still rarely used in France.