Interval prolongation of etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The majority of patients with a rheumatic disease treated with etanercept may be overexposed. Data regarding etanercept tapering are scarce, particularly in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We compared extending the dose interval to continuation of the standard dose and studied the success rate of etanercept discontinuation.

IgG4:IgG RNA ratio differentiates active disease from remission in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a new disease activity marker? A cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Objectives: An important limitation in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is the lack of disease activity markers. Immunoglobulin G4-positive (IgG4) B cells and plasma cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of GPA. We hypothesized that the presence of these cells in peripheral blood could serve as disease activity parameter in GPA.

Biologics for rare inflammatory diseases: TNF blockade in the SA PHO syndrome.

Introduction: SAPHO is an invalidating syndrome characterised by Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis and Osteitis. The low prevalence and heterogeneous presentation often leads to a significant diagnostic delay. Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of current insights into the pathogenesis and different treatment options.

Long-term follow-up after biliary stent placement for postoperative bile duct stenosis.

Background: The outcome of temporary biliary stent placement for postoperative bile duct stenosis was retrospectively evaluated with the main aim of assessing long-term complications after stent removal.

Methods: ERCP was performed between 1981 and 1991 in 74 patients with postoperative bile duct stenoses. Two 10F stents were inserted for a maximum of 12 months with stent exchange every 3 months to avoid cholangitis caused by clogging.