Comorbidity in incident rheumatoid arthritis-a nationwide case-control study with bidirectional follow-up.

Objectives: To investigate the association between risk of different co-morbidities and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a temporal approach.

Methods: Retrospective, case-control study. Data were extracted from all healthcare claims for Poland between 2011-2021.

Charting the Etanercept Journey: Tracing Cost Dynamics in Poland's Off-Patent Market from Reference Drug Rivalry to Biosimilar Monopoly.

Objectives: To evaluate the pricing of etanercept (ETN) reference and biosimilar drugs in a changing competitive to monopolized market.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive, retrospective analysis of ETN market competition, specifically changes in tender price based on shifts in market monopoly, including the effects on cost evolution, in the off-patent market in Poland. We included a total of 473 tenders for ETN purchase in dedicated biologic drug reimbursement programs, covering both pre-filled syringes and automatic injectors.

Rheumatoid arthritis epidemiology: a nationwide study in Poland.

To assess the incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Poland for the period 2013-2021, total and dependent on gender, age, region and serological status. Information on reported National Health Fund (NHF) health services and reimbursed prescriptions were used, defining an RA patient as a person who had at least two visits in different quarters with ICD-10 code M05 or M06 and at the same time filled at least one reimbursed prescription for a drug whose active substance is methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide or was treated with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMRDs) or targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) as part of a drug program financed by the National Health Fund. The nationwide standardised incidence rate of RA in 2021 was 29 persons per 100,000 population (18 per 100,000 population of seropositive vs.

COVID-19 prophylaxis, diagnostics, and treatment in patients with rheumatic diseases. The Polish experts panel opinion.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolves, infection management in vulnerable populations requires formalized guidance. Although low-virulence variants of SARS-CoV-2 remain predominant, they pose an increased risk of severe illness in adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Several disease-specific (chronic long-grade inflammation, concomitant immunosuppression) and individual (advanced age, multimorbidity, pregnancy, vaccination status) factors contribute to excess risk in RMD populations.

The Kinetics of Humoral and Cellular Responses after the Booster Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine in Inflammatory Arthritis Patients.

Impaired immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccinations in inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients results in diminished immunity. However, optimal booster vaccination regimens are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the kinetics of humoral and cellular responses in IA patients after the COVID-19 booster.

Applicability of shear wave elastography for lacrimal gland evaluation in primary Sjögren syndrome.

Introduction: Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to their progressive destruction.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to verify whether shear wave elastography (SWE) of the lacrimal glands can be used to differentiate patients with pSS from healthy controls. The secondary aim was to assess whether there are any associations between SWE values, results of other ocular tests included in pSS diagnosis (the Schirmer test, ocular staining score [OSS]), and subjective symptoms of eye dryness.

Humoral and cellular immunogenicity of COVID-19 booster dose vaccination in inflammatory arthritis patients.

Introduction: Previous studies have shown a reduction in the effectiveness of primary COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases. However, limited data is available regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, especially on cellular response. The study aimed to assess the humoral and cellular immunogenicity of a booster dose in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA).

Prevention and risk assessment of cardiovascular events in a population of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, often relapsing disease that is frequently associated with other diseases of similar pathogenesis. The multi-morbidity in the psoriasis population significantly impedes both diagnosis and implementation of appropriate preventive measures. However, the common denominator for this group of diseases is the inflammatory process that initiates the appearance of subsequent symptoms and health consequences, most of which can be avoided or alleviated by modifying the patient's lifestyle and incorporating appropriate treatment.

Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of spinal cord injury: untapped potential for therapeutic intervention?

Omega-3 fatty acids constitute a group of fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and preventive effects against various diseases. Studies in animal models have demonstrated the preventive and therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids after spinal cord injury (SCI) in reducing inflammatory reactions and promoting neuroregeneration. However, studies on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in treatment and prevention after SCI seem to be questionable.

Shear wave elastography as a potential additional diagnostic tool in primary Sjögren's syndrome: an observational study.

The primary aim of this study was to verify if shear wave elastography can be used to evaluate salivary gland involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The secondary objective was to establish an accurate cut-off value for parotid and submandibular salivary gland stiffness and to verify whether there are any distinctions among pSS patients with or without subjective mouth dryness. This prospective study included 45 patients with pSS (2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria) and 108 healthy controls.

Patterns of dyslipidemia in young patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathies without cardiovascular diseases.

Objectives: Patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA) - psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and type of dyslipidemia, a potent atherosclerosis risk factor, in SpA patients.

Material And Methods: It was a two-center, case-control study.

IgA immunoglobulin isotype of rheumatoid factor in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease with autoantibodies overproduction, including rheumatoid factors (RF). RF-IgA, IgG immunoglobulin classes are suggested as potential biomarkers of pSS. We studied 76 patients with pSS (ACR/Eular 2017); laboratory tests included ESR, C-reactive protein, concentrations of gamma globulins, RF, Anti-SS-A/Ro, and anti-SS-B/La.

The Role of the Microbiome in Sjogren's Syndrome.

The human microbiome is a living ecosystem existing within the host organism, determined by a balance between pathogenic microorganisms, symbionts, and commensals. The disturbance of microbiome composition-dysbiosis-often resulting in the excess of commensal numbers, may push the immune system towards activation of inflammatory and autoimmune processes. Changes in the microbiome of gut, eyes, and mouth may play a significant role in the development and course of autoimmune diseases, including primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Trends in psoriatic arthritis epidemiology in Poland.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous inflammatory arthritis, usually seronegative and associated with psoriasis (Ps). The prevalence and incidence of psoriatic arthritis show strong ethnic and geographic variations. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological trends in psoriatic arthritis in Poland.

Interleukin-15 as a Biomarker Candidate of Rheumatoid Arthritis Development.

There is a need for definite diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at its earliest stages of development in order to introduce early and effective treatment. Here we assessed whether serum interleukin-15 (IL-15) can serve as a new biomarker of RA development in patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA). Interleukin-15, IgM-rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP Abs) were measured in UA patients at inclusion.

Color fraction as a useful method of imaging synovium vascularization in patients with high activity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with joint inflammation and destruction as the main features that appears with prevalence of 1 to 2% of the general population. Women are three times more likely to suffer from RA than men. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs at any age but commonly over 40-50 years old.

The place of omega-3 and omega-6 acids in supplementary treatment of inflammatory joint diseases.

Eating habits have been analysed for years as a factor influencing the development of autoimmune diseases and susceptibility to infections. On the basis of research, observational studies and meta-analyses, special attention was paid to omega-3 and omega-6 acids. The purpose of the review is to show the importance of omega-3 and omega-6 acids as important ingredients in the healthy diet and as factors protecting against the development of the most common inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Correction to: Serum immunoglobulin G4 in Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study.

In original article, a technical mistake went unnoticed by the authors. Throughout the article concentration unit of IgG4 is mistakenly reported as mg/dL instead of mg/L. The range of IgG4 concentration is mg/L.

Serum immunoglobulin G4 in Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study.

Immunoglobulin IgG4 plays a role in the pathogenesis of the Mikulicz disease previously considered a form of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). We investigated serum levels of IgG4, total IgG, C3, and C4 serum complementary components in patients suspected of Sjögren's syndrome. Basic laboratory and immunological tests, including IgG4 and IgG concentration, were performed on 20 healthy and 68 suspected of pSS individuals.

Neutrophil extracellular traps generation and degradation in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Neutrophils are one of the first cells to arrive at the site of infection, where they apply several strategies to kill pathogens: degranulation, respiratory burst, phagocytosis, and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Recent discoveries try to connect NETs formation with autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and place them among one of the factors responsible for disease pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to assess the NETotic capabilities of neutrophils obtained from freshly diagnosed autoimmune patients versus healthy controls.

Rheumatology in Poland.

The aim of this article is to present the current state of rheumatology in Poland, including the scientific and clinical activity and essential aspects of Polish rheumatic patients' treatment. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for main keywords: "rheumat*" and affiliation with Poland. Statistical data were obtained from the Central Statistical Office, the National Health Fund and the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists, while the public information from the Polish Society for Rheumatology, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.