Factors associated with regional rheumatic pain disorders in a population of Puerto Ricans with diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with bursitis/tendonitis disorders in Puerto Ricans with diabetes mellitus (DM). A cross-sectional study was performed in 202 adult Puerto Ricans (100 DM patients and 102 non-diabetic subjects). For each participant, a complete medical history and a musculoskeletal exam were systematically performed.

Association of hand or knee osteoarthritis with diabetes mellitus in a population of Hispanics from Puerto Rico.

Background: Although a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, inconsistencies and limitations of observational studies have precluded a conclusive association.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of hand or knee OA with DM in a population of Hispanics from Puerto Rico.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 202 subjects (100 adult DM patients as per the National Diabetes Data Group Classification and 102 nondiabetic subjects).

Impact of managed care health insurance system for indigent patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Puerto Rico.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome among indigent patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Puerto Rico receiving their healthcare in a managed care system, as compared with non-indigent patients treated in fee-for-service settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 214 Puerto Ricans with RA (per American College of Rheumatology classification criteria). Demographic features, health-related behaviors, cumulative clinical manifestations, disease activity (per disease activity score 28), comorbid conditions, functional status (per Health Assessment Questionnaire), and pharmacologic profile were determined.

Outcome and predictors of kidney disease progression in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus initially presenting with mild renal involvement.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the outcomes and predictors of renal disease progression in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) initially presenting mild renal involvement.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 61 patients with SLE (per American College of Rheumatology classification) with mild renal involvement was studied. Mild renal disease was defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min or higher in the presence of proteinuria (>0.

Impact of age on clinical manifestations and outcome in Puerto Ricans with rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Disease expression and outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) vary among different ethnic groups. There are limited data on the impact of age on disease severity and outcomes among Hispanics. Thus, we determined the demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, pharmacologic profile, and functional status among Puerto Ricans with RA of different age groups.

Efficacy of two cyclophosphamide regimens for the treatment of lupus nephritis in Puerto Ricans: low vs. standard dose.

Introduction: The clinical outcome and therapeutic response to immunosuppressive agents vary among patients with lupus nephritis of different ethnic populations. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of two established treatment protocols for lupus nephritis (low-dose versus standard-dose cyclophosphamide) in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 49 adult patients with SLE treated with intravenous low or standard-dose cyclophosphamide for clinical or biopsy confirmed lupus nephritis was studied.