Testicular Sertoli cell function in ankylosing spondylitis.

To assess the testicular Sertoli cell function according to inhibin B levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and the possible effect of anti-TNF therapy on this hormone production, 20 consecutive AS patients and 24 healthy controls were evaluated. At study entry, AS patients were not receiving sulfasalazine/methotrexate and never have used biological/cytotoxic agents. They were assessed by serum inhibin B levels, hormone profile, urological examination, testicular ultrasound, seminal parameters, and clinical features.

Diagnosis of growing pains in a Brazilian pediatric population: a prospective investigation.

Objective: To establish the clinical aspects of growing pains and to determine, through differential diagnosis, how many patients who referred themselves to a specialized clinic were found to have growing pains.

Methods: This study prospectively examined the presence of growing pains in a self-reported population of children and adolescents with signs and symptoms (lower limb pains) of unexplained etiology.

Results: A total of 345 children and adolescents were evaluated; 174 (50.