A randomized study comparing regular care with a nurse-led clinic based on tight disease activity control and person-centred care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with moderate/high disease activity: A 6-month evaluation.

Introduction: A recent survey showed that 27% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients had inadequately controlled disease activity. Hence, there is a need for new strategies aiming at improving patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led clinic with frequent visits, treat-to-target and person-centred care of patients with established RA and moderate-to-high disease activity compared with patients receiving regular care.

Soluble E-cadherin in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: E-cadherin is a potent adherens junction molecule implicated in tissue morphogenesis, epithelial functioning, and immune regulation. Serum levels of soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin), an end product of proteolytic cleavage of E-cadherin, is increased in patients with cancer, infections, and inflammation-related diseases. The aim of our study was to measure serum levels of sE-cadherin in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine associations between serum levels of sE-cadherin and markers of inflammation and organ damage in female patients with SLE.

Prevalence and risk factors of vertebral compression fractures in female SLE patients.

Introduction: Our objective was to determine the frequency of and factors associated with prevalent vertebral compression fractures in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients attending rheumatologists in western Sweden.

Methods: In this cross sectional study 150 women were included. They were examined with x-ray of thoracic and lumbar spine (Th4 to L4).

Role of resistin as a marker of inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Resistin is a cystein-rich secretory adipokine. It is proposed to have proinflammatory properties in humans. The aim of this study was to determine associations between serum levels of resistin and markers of inflammation and bone mineral density (BMD) in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).