Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a marker of mortality in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) database.

Objectives: The study aim was to evaluate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), its association with clinical disease and its predictive ability with respect to mortality in SSc patients from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) database.

Methods: SSc patients from the EUSTAR database who had items required for the calculation of eGFR at a baseline visit and a second follow-up visit available were included. A cut-off eGFR value of 60 ml/min was chosen for all SSc patients, and 30 ml/min for those with scleroderma renal crisis (SRC).

Fever of unknown origin: a challenging case.

We report a case of Cogan's syndrome presenting as fever of unknown origin in a 31-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with a 7-week history of fever, night sweats and other constitutional symptoms. The diagnosis remained elusive despite numerous investigations, and the patient subsequently developed rash, episcleritis, dizziness and sensorineural hearing loss. While initially thought to be a postinflammatory response to a previous infection, confirmation of the rash as a vasculitis together with the audiovestibular and ocular involvement led to a clinical diagnosis of Cogan's syndrome.

Congenital tufting enteropathy and chronic arthritis: a clinical and radiological perspective.

Congenital tufting enteropathy is a rare condition which presents in early infancy. It is a condition which should be suspected in infants who present with diarrhoea soon after birth. A rare association with arthritis has been observed with a handful of cases documented in the literature.

Cost Effectiveness of TNF-α Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background. TNF-α inhibitors have shown to be effective in reducing disease activity and improving the quality of life. Due to the high costs associated with acquisition of this treatment, this study was undertaken to evaluate the ICER of TNF-α antagonists (etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab) in improving the quality of life.

Causes and risk factors for death in systemic sclerosis: a study from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database.

Objectives: To determine the causes and predictors of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: Patients with SSc (n=5860) fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria and prospectively followed in the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) cohort were analysed. EUSTAR centres completed a structured questionnaire on cause of death and comorbidities.