Serum calprotectin as an inflammatory marker in psoriatic arthritis patients: Relation to disease activity and musculoskeletal ultrasound findings.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. The use of inflammatory markers can be disappointing in PsA since they are elevated in only about half of the patients. This study aimed to measure serum calprotectin level in PsA patients and to assess its association with disease activity in PsA (DAPSA) and musculoskeletal ultrasound findings.

[Higher nitric oxide levels are associated with disease activity in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients].

Background: Oxidative stress generated within inflammatory joints can produce autoimmune phenomena and joint destruction. Radical species with oxidative activity, including reactive nitrogen species, represent mediators of inflammation and cartilage damage.

Objectives: To assess serum nitric oxide as a marker of oxidative stress in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relation to disease activity.

Incidence and risk of infection in egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is common and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To study the risk and occurrence of infection in Egyptian SLE patients and to determine its characteristics.

Methods: A total of 200 SLE patients were followed up for 1 year at monthly intervals, undergoing clinical and laboratory evaluation.

Anti-annexin v antibodies: association with vascular involvement and disease outcome in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Background: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin thickening, fibrosis and vascular obliteration. The onset and course are heterogeneous. Prominent features include autoimmunity, inflammation and vascular damage.