Visceral leishmaniasis mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus: Case series and a systematic literature review.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that may present manifestations that resemble other diseases. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic infection whose hallmarks may mimic SLE symptoms. Here, we report a case series and evaluate the published, scientific evidence of the relationship between SLE and VL infection.

A longterm prospective real-life experience with leflunomide in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective: To describe a clinical practice with leflunomide (LEF) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: Patients with JIA seen between May 2008 and May 2012 and considered nonresponsive to methotrexate (MTX) were given LEF and prospectively followed. Primary outcome was a 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) of low disease activity (< 3.

Reversible heart failure in a patient receiving etanercept for ankylosing spondylitis.

A 42-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis that was refractory to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as various disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was subjected to anti-TNF compounds. Administration of infliximab and adalimumab gave excellent clinical response but was discontinued due to adverse events. Introduction of etanercept was also clinically effective but followed by development of severe heart failure.

Combined glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate provides functional and structural benefit in the anterior cruciate ligament transection model.

Evidence that combined glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate (Gluchon) or isolated glucosamine (Glu) modifies joint damage in osteoarthritis (OA) is still lacking. We studied joint pain and cartilage damage using the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model. Wistar rats were subjected to ACLT of the right knee (OA) or sham operation.