Risk factors for surgical site infections and other complications in elective surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with special attention for anti-tumor necrosis factor: a large retrospective study.

Objective: To identify risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with special attention for anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment.

Methods: All patients with RA who had undergone elective orthopedic surgery since introduction of anti-TNF were included in a retrospective parallel-cohort study with a one-year followup. Primary endpoint was a SSI according to the 1992 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria and/or antibiotic use.

Autoantibodies specific for apoptotic U1-70K are superior serological markers for mixed connective tissue disease.

Modifications occurring on autoantigens during cell death have been proposed to have a role in the initiation of autoimmune diseases. Patients suffering from mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) produce autoantibodies directed to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP), and antibodies against a 70 kDa protein component, the U1-70K (70K) protein, are the most prominent. During apoptosis, 70K is cleaved by caspase-3 to a 40 kDa product, which remains associated with the complex.

Partner participation in cognitive-behavioral self-management group treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To determine if participation of the spouse of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in cognitive-behavioral oriented self-management training aimed at improving disease related cognitions and coping with pain has additional benefits for the patients.

Methods: A total of 59 couples were randomly assigned to 2 conditions. In the experimental condition the couples participated in a group program aimed at restructuring disease related cognitions and decreasing passive coping.