Adaptation and validation of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) questionnaire for use in Serbia.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory rheumatic diseases. As it is a chronic and a lifelong destructive disease, the aim of the treatment is to reduce disability and improve quality of life. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome measure, specific to RA.

Dry Olive Leaf Extract in Combination with Methotrexate Reduces Cell Damage in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients-A Pilot Study.

The effects of co-administration of dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) with standard methotrexate (MTX) therapy on the parameters of cell damage and inflammation in patients with early and long-term rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Patients were assigned to groups: the early phase RA group on MTX monotherapy (E MTX), and the two RA groups that received co-treatment with DOLE and MTX: early (E MTX + DOLE) and long-term phase patients (L-t MTX+ DOLE). Baseline values indicated increased parameters of cell damage and disruption of redox balance in all groups.

[The efficacy and tolerability of allopurinol dose escalation in patients with gout].

Introduction: Allopurinol is still the drug of choice for the long-term control of hyperuricemia in patients with gout. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of different allopurinol doses used in order to attain a target serum uric acid concentration (SUc) of <6 mg/dl (360 micromol/L).

Methods: Prospective trial was carried out in patients with primary gout and normal renal function, no relevant liver disease, and SUc-lowering treatment indications involving 1-2 gout episodes per year, presence oftophus and/or chronic urate arthropathy or X-ray finding of erosions.

[Novelties in gout].

Chronic asymptomatic hyperuratemia (HUA), gout paroxysm in patients with chronic hyperuratemia (HU) and normouricemic attacks of gouty arthritis are well known, but poorly understood. A review of the current literature with attempt of its explanation is presented. The natural course of gout is associated with joint structure changes that may be evaluated by different imaging techniques; comparative advantages and shortcomings of each technique are presented.

Late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical features, course, and prognosis.

There are contradictory opinions if late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a different, more benign disease course and better prognosis than early-onset SLE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, course, treatment, and prognosis of late-onset SLE. Patients who developed SLE after/or at the age of 50 years were considered late-onset SLE and compared to a group of randomly selected patients aged younger than 50 years at the diagnosis, matched for disease duration.

[Quality of treatment in gouty patients considering EULAR recommendations].

Introduction: There are 12 recommendations for gout treatment, based on evidence and opinion of experts.

Objective: To assess the quality of therapy in patients with gout analyzing adherence to four selected recommendations.

Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study of 111 patients with gouty flare was conducted.

Screen-film versus digital radiography of sacroiliac joints: evaluation of image quality and dose to patients.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the image quality and dose to patients in the radiography of sacroiliac joints and to perform a clinical comparative study of digital and conventional screen-film radiography. Routine radiography of sacroiliac joint was performed in 60 patients using digital and screen-film radiography. The visibility of five anatomical regions and the overall image quality were rated by experienced radiologists.

[Ultrasonography of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in gout].

Introduction: About one half of the first gout attacks occur in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1); in the disease course this joint is practically inevitably affected. Radiographic evidence of bone erosions is the indication for hypouricaemic therapy in order to prevent joint destruction and nephropathy. Advantages of ultrasonography (US) comparing to conventional x-ray findings in depicting early bone erosions in various inflammatory arthropathies have been demonstrated by several studies.