Forensic experience of Saudi nurses; an emerging need for forensic qualifications.

Forensic nursing was recognized as a nursing subspecialty after the perceived need for forensic nurses to bring about their nursing duties while at the same time helping legal authorities to deliver justice. With the increased rate of cases that are presenting to the forensic centers in Saudi Arabia, there was a need for the presence of nurses to work side by side to physicians. This study was aimed at determining the forensic qualifications of nurses working in emergency departments in the area of Dammam and their knowledge about principles of forensic nursing.

Suppression of inflammation reduces endothelial microparticles in active systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: In a prospective observational study, we investigated whether patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had higher indices of endothelial damage and dysfunction than healthy controls and whether improved disease control was associated with improvement in these indices.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients with active SLE (four or more American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria) and 22 age-matched controls were assessed. Endothelial microparticles (EMPs; CD31+/annexin V+/CD42b-) were quantified using flow cytometry.

Cardiovascular risk factors in inflammatory arthritis.

Purpose Of Review: To assess factors that promote atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Also, to determine how control of inflammation with conventional and biological antirheumatic drugs affects cardiovascular risk.

Recent Findings: An excess risk of CVD occurs early in the RA disease course and indeed may predate disease onset.