An unusual case of hypokalemic paralysis associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

43-year-old Caucasian female presented with progressive weakness and dyspnea. She was diagnosed with hypokalemic paralysis from a severe distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Immunologic work-up showed a strongly positive ANA of 1:640 and positive antibodies to SSA and SSB.

The development of connective tissue diseases in patients with autoimmune hepatitis: a case series.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of connective tissue diseases (CTD) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Methods: We identified 11 cases of AIH over the past 7 years at our institution, through a systematic chart review of patients with this diagnosis. Their charts were reviewed for the development of systemic CTD.

Responses of lymphocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to IgG modified by oxygen radicals or peroxynitrite.

Objective: We have previously demonstrated the presence of IgG aggregates modified by oxygen radicals (chlorinated IgG [Cl-IgG]) and peroxynitrite (nitrated IgG [N-IgG]) in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A possible explanation for the longstanding chronic inflammatory process in RA is the establishment of an immune response to autoantigens. This study was undertaken to examine whether a T cell response to oxidatively modified IgG contributes to the inflammation in RA.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and calciphylaxis.

Calciphylaxis, a rare condition seen in association with endstage renal disease, is characterized by the appearance of painful, indurated plaques, ecchymosis, ulceration, and eschar formation. We describe a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, endstage renal disease, and skin lesions first diagnosed as lupus profundus with vasculitis. Further investigation confirmed the diagnosis of extensive calciphylaxis.

Preferential induction of prodestructive matrix metalloproteinase-1 and proinflammatory interleukin 6 and prostaglandin E2 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts via tumor necrosis factor receptor-55.

Objective: To assess expression and individual functional relevance of tumor necrosis factor receptor 55 (TNF-R55) and TNF-R75 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fibroblasts (SFB).

Methods: Seventh to 9th passage RA SFB and OA SFB were analyzed for TNF-R expression by FACS. The SFB were then stimulated with TNF-a (1-10 ng/ml) or agonistic anti-TNF-R55 (HTR-9) and anti-TNF-R75 (UTR-1) monoclonal antibodies (1-25 micro g/ml each).

Polyarteritis nodosa presenting as polymyositis.

Background: Skeletal muscle involvement has been well documented in patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), and symptoms referable to skeletal muscle are not uncommon. However, polymyositis as a mode of presentation of PAN is uncommon. This unusual presentation of PAN has been reported only once previously in the English literature.