Antibodies directed against ribosomal P proteins cross-react with phospholipids.

Anti-ribosomal P protein (anti-P) antibodies are marker antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Their association with psychiatric or neurological manifestations has been proposed, but remains controversial. Anti-phospholipid antibodies are the hallmark of a syndrome that may comprise a number of neurological manifestations.

Evaluation of the analytical performance of the advanced method for cardiac troponin I for the AxSYM platform: comparison with the old method and the Access system.

Background: The determination of cardiac troponins is routinely used for rule in/out, risk stratification, and follow-up of patients with acute coronary artery syndrome. We evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of the advanced immunoassay for troponin I (cTnI) carried out on an AxSYM platform (Abbott Diagnostic Division) and compared these characteristics to those of the previous version of this assay and to cTnI on the Access 2 immunoassay system (Beckman Coulter, Inc.).

Thyroid involvement in patients with overt HCV-related mixed cryoglobulinaemia.

Background: Mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC), a systemic vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in >90% of cases, is frequently complicated by multiple organ involvement. The prevalence of thyroid disorders in MC has not yet been studied.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of thyroid involvement in patients with HCV-associated MC (HCV + MC).

Mixed cryoglobulinemia: demographic, clinical, and serologic features and survival in 231 patients.

Background: Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a systemic vasculitis secondary to circulating immune complex deposition in the small vessels. In the overwhelming majority of patients, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents the triggering factor of the disease. MC is characterized by multiple organ involvement, mainly skin, liver, renal, peripheral nerves, and less frequently by widespread vasculitis and cancer.