Publications by authors named "Balebail Dharmanand"
Introduction: Patients with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) have a higher risk of infection due to dysregulated immune system as well as long-term use of immunosuppressants (IS). This could influence the risk of COVID-19 and its outcome.
Methods: We conducted a longitudinal prospective study across 15 rheumatology centres during the first wave of the pandemic to understand the risk factors contributing to COVID-19 in SLE patients.
Article Synopsis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children, with anterior uveitis being a frequent related condition, although there is limited research on posterior segment issues.
- A case report details a 19-year-old Indian female with JIA who experienced worsening of her previously controlled anterior uveitis and new retinal inflammation after receiving anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.
- The incident highlights the importance of recognizing potential flare-ups in autoimmune conditions following vaccination, emphasizing the role of timely immunosuppressive treatments in managing these complications.
Aim: The use of healthcare resources by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients can be related to the presence of disease, comorbid conditions, use of steroids, and the combined use of immunosuppressants. This study evaluated the risk factors associated with infection and hospitalization in RA.
Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study enrolled 3247 RA subjects fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria to examine the prevalence of hospitalization and episodes of documentable non-tubercular infections as a part of the "Karnataka rheumatoid arthritis comorbidity" study (KRAC).
Aim: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major adverse events of concern associated with the use of biologics for managing autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs). The study presents the data on incidence of TB in relation to biologic used, screening test and TB prophylaxis in a real-world setting.
Methods: The cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study was conducted across 12 centres in Karnataka, India.