Discriminative features of immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and associated autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) in a nationwide observational cohort: study from the Egyptian College of Rheumatology.

Objective: The objective of this study is to present the clinical characteristics of immunoglobulin G4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) patients and describe associated overlap with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).

Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 patients with IgG4-RD who were recruited from 13 specialized rheumatology departments and centers across the country in collaboration with the Egyptian College of Rheumatology (ECR). Patients underwent a thorough history-taking and clinical examination.

Clinical implications of seropositive and seronegative autoantibody status in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A comparative multicentre observational study.

Background And Objectives: Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) have been used to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their association with RA disease phenotypes, individually and in combination, is not well studied. The aim of the study was to compare patients' and disease characteristics, activity and severity in double seronegative (DNRA), single seropositive RF, single seropositive anti-CCP and double seropositive (DPRA) patients.

Development of machine learning models for detection of vision threatening Behçet's disease (BD) using Egyptian College of Rheumatology (ECR)-BD cohort.

Background: Eye lesions, occur in nearly half of patients with Behçet's Disease (BD), can lead to irreversible damage and vision loss; however, limited studies are available on identifying risk factors for the development of vision-threatening BD (VTBD). Using an Egyptian college of rheumatology (ECR)-BD, a national cohort of BD patients, we examined the performance of machine-learning (ML) models in predicting VTBD compared to logistic regression (LR) analysis. We identified the risk factors for the development of VTBD.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation programme including either O inhalation or noninvasive ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is crucial in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and enhancing functional capacity and health status. Oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may be needed to be incorporated into rehabilitation to augment the effectiveness of physical training.

Objectives: To compare and assess the impact of the PR programme alone and with augmentation with O or NIV on COPD patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis study of the Egyptian College of Rheumatology (ECR): nationwide presentation and worldwide stance.

To depict the spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Egypt in relation to other universal studies to provide broad-based characteristics to this particular population. This work included 10,364 adult RA patients from 26 specialized Egyptian rheumatology centers representing 22 major cities all over the country. The demographic and clinical features as well as therapeutic data were assessed.

Metabolic Syndrome in Behçets Disease Patients: Keep an Eye on the Eye.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by insulin resistance, high blood pressure/ sugar, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Whether MetS and its components affect the development of Behçet's Disease (BD) remains unclear.

Aims: The aim was to determine the frequency of MetS among BD patients and to study its relationship with disease characteristics.

The Emerging Era of Interventional Imaging in Rheumatology: An Overview During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

Imaging has long been taking its place in the diagnosis, monitor, and prognosis of rheumatic diseases. It plays a vital role in the appraisal of treatment. Key progress in the clinical practice of rheumatology is the innovation of advanced imaging modalities; such as musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Systemic lupus erythematosus children in Egypt: Homeland spectrum amid the global situation.

Objectives: This study aims to present the manifestations of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) across Egypt, to focus on age at onset and gender-driven influence on disease characteristics, and to compare findings to other countries.

Methods: The study included 404 Egyptian children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting to one of the specialized rheumatology centers corresponding to 13 major governorates. Juvenile cases age was ≤ 16°years at the time of recruitment.

Development and validation of a Behçet's Disease Damage Index for adults with BD: An Explicit, Composite and Rated (ECR) tool.

Background: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem variable vessel vasculitis. Disease damage is irreversible and permanent. Validated tools evaluating damage are limited.

Adult systemic lupus erythematosus in Egypt: The nation-wide spectrum of 3661 patients and world-wide standpoint.

Objective: The aim of this study was to present the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and treatment pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Egyptian patients over the country and compare the findings to large cohorts worldwide. Objectives were extended to focus on the age at onset and gender driven influence on the disease characteristics.

Patients And Method: This population-based, multicenter, cross-sectional study included 3661 adult SLE patients from Egyptian rheumatology departments across the nation.

Intra-articular injection of etanercept versus glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of intra-articular injection of etanercept and compare it with corticosteroid injection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods: Fifty patients with RA who suffered from activity in one joint were randomized into two groups, received an intra-articular injection of either etanercept or corticosteroid guided by musculoskeletal ultrasound. All patients were assessed for disease activity by disease activity score (DAS28), functional assessment using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ), and laboratory investigations (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein).

Correction to: Behçet's disease in Egypt: a multicenter nationwide study on 1526 adult patients and review of the literature.

The author wishes to correct the record and clarify that in the original version of this article in the Discussion section under "Prevalence over the country governorates" inadvertently presented incorrect data cited in the reference [30].

Serum level of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand in patients with psoriasis.

Background: Psoriasis usually precedes the onset of psoriatic arthritis by an average of 10 years in about 70% of patients. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) is a natural and necessary surface-bound molecule, which is a ligand for osteoprotegrin and functions as a key factor for osteoclast differentiation and activation.

Objective: Evaluation of the serum level of RANKL in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and its correlation with severity of the disease as a trial to predict the occurrence of psoriatic arthritis in such patients.