Study of class I and II HLA alleles in 30 ecuadorian patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with alleles from healthy and affected subjects with other rheumatic diseases.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that originates from a disabling disorder. To date, the etiology of RA is unknown. However, the existence of genetically susceptible individuals was considered.

A trial of contraceptive methods in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: The effects of estrogen-containing contraceptives on disease activity in women with systemic lupus erythematosus have not been determined.

Methods: We conducted a single-blind clinical trial involving 162 women with systemic lupus erythematosus who were randomly assigned to combined oral contraceptives, a progestin-only pill, or a copper intrauterine device (IUD). Disease activity was assessed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).