Publications by authors named "E Feierl"

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.

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Objective: To investigate interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) signaling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing IFNgamma receptor (IFNgammaR) expression, STAT-1 expression and phosphorylation, and the regulation of IFNgamma-inducible genes.

Methods: Fluorocytometry was used to investigate expression of STAT-1, pSTAT-1, CD95, HLA-DR, class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC), IFNgamma-inducible 10-kd protein (IP-10), monokine induced by IFNgamma (Mig), and IFNgammaR in PBMCs from SLE patients and healthy individuals. STAT-1 phosphorylation was determined by fluorocytometry and Western blotting after stimulation with IFNalpha or IFNgamma.

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Over the last few years evidence on the major pathophysiological role of cytokines in system lupus erythematosus (SLE) has accumulated. Immunological results were recently confirmed by first clinical trials, which suggest that therapies targeted at the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as the blockade of Interferon, may be highly effective. Controlled clinical trials will have to prove this concept over the next few years.

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Objective: To explore the array of concepts important to patients with chronic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare these with instruments assessing disease activity, damage, and health status.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative focus-group study of patients with SLE concerning their problems in daily functioning. The group sessions were tape recorded, transcribed, and divided into meaning units.

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The LE cell has been one of the first immunological signs of active systemic lupus erythematosus, included into the ACR criteria. LE cells consist of a phagocyte engulfing material of disputed origin, which was interpreted as either cellular remnants from necrotic cells or as early apoptotic cells. It is well established that LE cell formation is dependent on autoantibodies against the linker histone H1.

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