25-Hydroxyivitamin D3 levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with clinical parameters and laboratory tests.

Introduction: The immunoregulatory role of vitamin D has been the object of a growing number of studies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objectives: To determine the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D] in patients with SLE, and to assess the association of 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency with clinical parameters and laboratory tests.

Methods: Cross-sectional, prospective study performed at the SLE Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco with convenience sampling, including 78 patients with SLE and 64 volunteers (comparison group), matched by gender and age.

Comorbidities in patients with osteoarthritis: frequency and impact on pain and physical function.

Introduction: As the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) increases with age, the coexistence of other chronic diseases is common.

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of comorbidities in OA patients and to measure their impact on pain and physical function of those patients.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in OA patients of a public rheumatology clinic.