Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a predominantly white population in the United States.

Objective: Epidemiologic studies comparing the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and isolated cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are few. Olmsted County, Minnesota provides a unique setting for such a study owing to resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. We sought to describe and compare the incidence and prevalence of SLE and CLE from 1993-2005.

Development and validation of a risk score for serious infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Infection risk is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and accurate assessment of the risk of infection could inform clinical decision-making. This study was undertaken to develop and validate a score to predict the 1-year risk of serious infection in patients with RA.

Methods: We studied a population-based cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents with incident RA ascertained in 1955-1994 whose members were followed up longitudinally, via complete medical records, until January 2000.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Liver Fibrosis in Methotrexate Treatment.

Introduction: Hepatic magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) allows for noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MRE in detecting and quantifying liver fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have received methotrexate (MTX).

Methods: The association between mean liver stiffness value as determined by MRE and variables of interest was determined.

Does a longer duration of oral factor Xa therapy increase the risk of bleeding or transaminitis?

Background: There is little data regarding the risk of bleeding or transaminitis with a longer duration of oral factor Xa therapy. Our goal was to analyze data from randomized trials to better define the relationship between drug duration and drug safety.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and several internet sources of data from 1988 through the second week of March 2010.

Lack of association of high body mass index with risk for developing polymyalgia rheumatica.

Background: High body mass index (BMI) may have modulatory effects on the immune system.

Objectives: To determine the association between BMI and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) as well as the influence of BMI on glucocorticoid treatment duration and development of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with PMR.

Methods: The BMI of 364 patients with PMR from a population-based incidence cohort was compared to the BMI of non-PMR subjects from the same population.

ANCA vasculitis in the elderly.

Background: In population-based estimates of disease, the incidence of ANCA-associated vasculitides is increasing, with the peak age of onset in middle aged and older adults. Clinical characteristics of the very elderly have not been fully elucidated.

Methods: Patients who met the criteria for Wegener granulomatosis and microscopic polyangiitis were included in the study.