Frequency of disease-associated and other nuclear autoantibodies in patients of the German Network for Systemic Scleroderma: correlation with characteristic clinical features.

Introduction: In the present study, we analysed in detail nuclear autoantibodies and their associations in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients included in the German Network for Systemic Scleroderma Registry.

Methods: Sera of 863 patients were analysed according to a standardised protocol including immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, line immunoassay and immunodiffusion.

Results: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected in 94.

Effect of different synthetic membranes on laboratory parameters and survival in chronic haemodialysis patients.

A number of studies suggested that the type of dialysis membrane is associated with differences in long-term outcome of patients undergoing haemodialysis, both in terms of morbidity and mortality. In the majority of dialysis units, synthetic membranes are being used. However, no studies are available so far for comparison between different biocompatible membranes.

High frequency of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis despite limited evidence for efficacy.

Introduction: In systemic sclerosis (SSc) little evidence for the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy exists. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which SSc patients are treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents.

Methods: Data on duration and dosage of corticosteroids and on the type of immunosuppressive agent were analyzed from 1,729 patients who were registered in the German Network for Systemic Scleroderma (DNSS).

Comparison of patients with and without digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: detection of possible risk factors.

Background: Digital ulcers (DU) are a major complication in the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In recent years, efficacious, but expensive therapies (e.g.