Immunosuppressives and biologics during pregnancy and lactation : A consensus report issued by the Austrian Societies of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Rheumatology and Rehabilitation.

An increasing and early-onset use of immunosuppressives and biologics has become more frequently seen among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and rheumatic disorders. Many women in their childbearing years currently receive such medications, and some of them in an interdisciplinary setting. Many questions arise in women already pregnant or wishing to conceive with respect to continuing or discontinuing treatment, the risks borne by the newborns and their mothers and long-term safety.

Is the state of health of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving adequate treatment, predictable? - Results of a survey.

Background: A survey was conducted to evaluate whether a steady improvement in the quality of life of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients as frequently reported in clinical studies, does actually occur. The focus of this study laid on the personal perception of RA patients. How do patients who have been treated along accepted guidelines see the state of their health and their joint pain at different points in time?

Methods: RA patients were asked to complete a questionnaire and return it to an opinion research centre.

Quality of care of rural rheumatoid arthritis patients in Austria.

Objectives: To determine how fast rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was diagnosed in a group of patients in a rural area and whether medical care and patient satisfaction were adequate in a predominantly non-urban settlement.

Methods: When visiting their rheumatologist, patients with RA were asked to complete a questionnaire at home after the consultation and then return it to an independent opinion research centre, where the data were collected and analysed. The form comprised various areas, namely demography, aspects of the diagnosis, medical care, therapeutic measures and the illness in a personal context.

Using cyclophosphamide in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Cyclophosphamide (CYC), primarily introduced into clinical practice as an anti-cancer substance, is a potent immunosuppressive drug. Today, it is used in a number of organ- or life -threatening autoimmune diseases such as systemic vasculitides or connective tissue diseases. While being effective, CYC has a small therapeutic index and is associated with significant toxicity.