Mortality and causes of death across the systemic connective tissue diseases and the primary systemic vasculitides.

Objectives: Studies assessing relative mortality risks across the spectrum of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases are largely missing. In this study, we wanted to estimate standard mortality ratios (SMRs) and causes of death in an ethnically homogeneous cohort covering all major CTDs and primary systemic vasculitides (PSVs).

Methods: We prospectively followed all incident CTD and PSV cases included in the Norwegian CTD and vasculitis registry (NOSVAR) between 1999 and 2015.

TNF inhibitors appear to inhibit disease progression and improve outcome in Takayasu arteritis; an observational, population-based time trend study.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) angiography have now largely replaced interventional angiography in the diagnoses and follow up of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) but data on the effects of this change of imaging method on diagnostic delay and vascular damage, and detailed data on the effect of different treatment regimens on the accumulation of vascular damage are missing. The aim of this study was to assess time trends in diagnostic delay, therapeutic approaches, arterial lesion accrual, persistent disease activity and remission rates in TAK.

Methods: The study cohort included all 78 patients from the 1999 - 2012 population-based South-East Norway TAK cohort and 19 patients from a tertiary referral cohort.

Takayasu Arteritis and Pregnancy: A Population-Based Study on Outcomes and Mother/Child-Related Concerns.

Objective: To assess pregnancy outcomes in an unselected Takayasu arteritis (TAK) cohort, and identify pregnancy-related concerns.

Methods: Consenting female patients with TAK were predominantly recruited from a population-based southeast Norway TAK cohort. Additional cases (n = 8) were recruited at Oslo University Hospital.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Disease Characteristics of Takayasu Arteritis by Ethnic Background: Data From a Large, Population-Based Cohort Resident in Southern Norway.

Objective: To study the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) in southeast Norway (population 2.8 million).

Methods: All study area hospital databases were screened to capture every potential TAK case between 1999 and 2012.