Publications by authors named "Mediola Ismajli"

Introduction: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases sharing genetic, immunological, clinical and imaging features. Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) refers to a subgroup characterised predominately by inflammation of the axial skeleton with subsequent symptoms of chronic (often inflammatory) back pain and sacroiliitis. There is a strong association with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I allele human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27.

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Although the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate has led to reduced mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is a need for development of new biologic agents to improve outcomes further. The pathogenesis of SLE involves many components of the immune system, notably B cells, T cells, cytokines and innate immunity, which are potential targets for the new biologic therapies. In this study, the rationale for the development of new therapies in SLE and the progress that has been made in each direction of therapy are described.

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Patients with rheumatic disorders treated with TNF inhibitors are at increased risk of developing TB. There is no 'gold-standard' for the diagnosis of latent TB prior to initiation of biologic agents. We report our own experience of comparing two interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) in screening for latent TB in a 'high-risk' TB area in patients with rheumatic disorders.

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Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Granulomatous inflammation involving the spleen is common and associated with splenomegaly. However, massive splenomegaly is a rare occurrence.

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