Rheumatic manifestations and sequela of acute parvovirus B19 infection in hospitalized adult population.

Background: Parvovirus B19 infection has been associated with various clinical entities including musculoskeletal manifestations and the development of different autoimmune diseases. The aim of our study is to examine the musculoskeletal manifestations associated with acute parvovirus B19 infection and the possible development of chronic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective cohort study that included adult hospitalized patients diagnosed with an acute parvovirus B19 infection between 1 January 2021 and 1 February 2024.

A very rare cause of blue finger: A case-based review.

Introduction: Cryofibrinogen is an abnormal, cold-insoluble protein composed of a combination of fibrinogen, fibrin, and fibronectin. Cryofibrinogenemia can be essential (e.g.

Biologic therapy is associated with malignancies among Israeli patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A population-based study.

Aims: To examine whether biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are associated with increased risk of malignancy among Israeli patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We identified RA patients meeting specified inclusion and exclusion criteria from the Leumit healthcare services database between the years 2000 and 2017. Data were collected regarding bDMARD and conventional DMARD consumption, types of malignancies, and their temporal relation to RA diagnosis.

Challenges in the Timely Diagnosis of Behcet's Disease.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, multi-systemic inflammatory disorder mainly characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and uveitis. As no pathognomonic laboratory test exists for BD, the diagnosis relies solely on clinical features. Over the years, great efforts have been invested in creating clinical diagnostic and classification criteria.

Normotensive scleroderma renal crisis as the presenting symptom of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma: A case report.

Scleroderma renal crisis is a rare but serious complication of systemic sclerosis. It is usually associated with marked hypertension and carries significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Its occurrence prior to the development of skin sclerosis is exceedingly rare.

Cognitive Impairment in Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome and Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Carriers.

Cognitive impairment is frequently reported among anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) patients as well as anti-phospholipid antibody (aPL) carriers, but it is less studied than other manifestations of this condition. Moreover, the exact prevalence of cognitive impairment in these patients has not been accurately determined, mainly due to inconsistency in the tools used to identify impairment, small sample sizes, and variability in the anti-phospholipid antibodies measured and positivity cutoffs. The notion of a direct pathogenic effect is supported by the observation that the higher the number of aPLs present and the higher the load of the specific antibody, the greater the risk of cognitive impairment.

Efficacy and safety of culture-expanded, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review protocol.

Background: Osteoarthritis is a progressive multifactorial condition of the musculoskeletal system with major symptoms including pain, loss of function, damage of articular cartilage and other tissues in the affected area. Knee osteoarthritis imposes major individual and social burden, especially with the cost and complexity of surgical interventions. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells have been indicated as a treatment for degenerative musculoskeletal conditions given their capacity to differentiate into tissues of the musculoskeletal system.

Alternatives to Biologics in Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common condition encountered by physicians. KOA is addressed by a wide array of modalities including a number of nonbiological treatments.

Methods: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus were searched for level 1 to 4 studies published from inception to August 2017.

Associations of Peritoneal Glucose Load With Male Sexual Dysfunction and Depression in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

This cross-sectional study examined possible associations of peritoneal glucose load with male sexual dysfunction and depression in peritoneal dialysis patients. Compared to patients with peritoneal glucose load ≤3 g/kg per day, those with load >3 g/kg per day had higher Beck Depression Inventory scores, (18.9 ± 5.

The relationship between hydration status, male sexual dysfunction and depression in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Disturbances in sexual function are common among dialysis patients. Normal erections require a complex balance of physiological, psychological, emotional, hormonal, neurological and vascular factors. This study examined a possible association of overhydration (OH) with male sexual dysfunction and depression in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Does Ramadan Fasting Affect Hydration Status and Kidney Function in CKD Patients?

Background/aims: This study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of the Ramadan fasting on hydration status, plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 2 groups of patients with CKD grades 2-4: thirty-one Muslim patients who fasted the month of Ramadan (fasting group) and 26 Muslim patients who did not fast (control group). One week before the Ramadan fast, in the last week of the month of Ramadan (4 weeks), and 4 weeks after the end of the Ramadan month (8 weeks), hydration status and blood analysis of urea, creatinine and BNP levels were measured.

Does whey protein supplementation affect blood pressure in hypoalbuminemic peritoneal dialysis patients?

Objective: Hypertension and hypoalbuminemia are common risk factors for cardiovascular complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Data are limited regarding the effects of whey protein consumption on blood pressure in this population. The aim of the present study was to examine if whey protein supplementation for 12 weeks to hypoalbuminemic PD patients affects their blood pressure.

The relationship between oxidized serum albumin and blood pressure in hypoalbuminemic peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background: Oxidative stress produces molecular modifications of serum albumin that disturb its biological functions and interfere with its detection by the bromocresol green assay (BCG). Oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypoalbuminemia are common peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin, oxidized serum albumin (OSA), oncotic pressure, and blood pressure in hypoalbuminemic PD patients.

The effectiveness of prolotherapy in treating knee osteoarthritis in adults: a systematic review.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to symptoms such as pain, stiffness and decreased function. OA is treated with a wide range of modalities, both conservatively and surgically. Prolotherapy has been used to treat various musculoskeletal problems and has shown some promise.

Shear wave elastography imaging for assessing the chronic pathologic changes in advanced diabetic kidney disease.

Objective: The assessment of the grade of renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) requires renal biopsy, which may be associated with certain risks. To assess the severity of chronic pathologic changes in DKD, we performed a quantitative analysis of renal parenchymal stiffness in advanced DKD, using shear wave elastography (SWE) imaging.

Patients And Methods: Twenty-nine diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) grades 3-4 due to DKD, and 23 healthy subjects were enrolled.

Initial treatment of complete rotator cuff tear and transition to surgical treatment: systematic review of the evidence.

Background: rotator cuff tear affects many people. Natural history, and evidence for non-operative treatment remains limited. Our objective is to assess evidence available for the efficacy and morbidity of commonly used systemic medications, physiotherapy, and injections alongside evaluating any negative long-term effects.

The impact of oxidized serum albumin on the oncotic pressure and hydration status of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Objective: Hypoalbuminemia, fluid overload (FO), and oxidative stress (OS) may be related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. OS produces molecular modifications of serum albumin that interfere with its quantification by the commonly used bromocresol green assay. This study evaluated the impact of oxidized serum albumin (OSA) on oncotic pressure (OP) and hydration status.

Does low peritoneal glucose load protect from the development of left ventricular hypertrophy in peritoneal dialysis patients?

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a major predictor of the development of cardiovascular events that is considered the main cause of morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. This study aimed to evaluate retrospectively the impact of low peritoneal glucose load on left ventricular mass (LVM) in PD patients.

Methods: 36 patients who were on continuous ambulatory PD for at least a period of 2 years enrolled in the study.