Low serum level of COMP, a cartilage turnover marker, predicts rapid and high ACR70 response to adalimumab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum biomarkers, used in clinical routine, to predict the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response to long-term anti-TNF alpha treatment (adalimumab). Sera from 29 consecutive rheumatoid arthritis patients were analysed for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and IgM and IgA RFs (class-specific rheumatoid factors) at the start of treatment with adalimumab and after 3, 6 and 12 months. The response to the therapy was evaluated by ACR 20, 50, 70 and by DAS 28 scores.

[Diff-Quik(R) staining method for detection and identification of monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystals in synovial fluids].

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether DQ could prove useful to identify monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) crystals on permanent mounted stained slides. To this end, we studied 27 synovial fluid (SF) samples obtained from the knees of patients with the pseudogout (n=21) and acute gouty arthritis (n=6). Wet analysis for crystal detection and identification was performed within one hour of joint aspiration.

Diff Quik staining method for detection and identification of monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystals in synovial fluids.

Objective: To evaluate whether the Diff Quik (DQ) staining method might prove useful in identifying monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals on permanent mounted stained slides.

Methods: 27 synovial fluid (SF) samples obtained from the knees of 21 patients with acute CPPD disease and 6 with acute gout were studied. Wet analysis for crystal detection and identification was performed within one hour of joint aspiration.