HLA-B27, axial spondyloarthritis and survival.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and carriage of gene in otherwise healthy individuals, are reportedly associated with increased mortality. We evaluated this hypothesis, using data from both a 35-year AS follow-up study and UK Biobank data.

Methods: In 1985, 363 members of the Swiss AS Patient Society and 806 relatives were screened clinically and then radiographically for AS/axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Recurrence of axial spondyloarthritis among first-degree relatives in a prospective 35-year-follow-up family study.

Objective: The lifetime recurrence rate (RR) of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) among first-degree relatives (FDR) and the effect of proband's gender, HLA-B27 and radiographic status is unclear. Our 35-year-follow-up family study has enabled these issues to be addressed.

Methods: In 1985, 363 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) probands (members of the Swiss AS Patient Society) and 806 FDR recruited into the study, completed questionnaires regarding axSpA manifestations, underwent a physical examination and most also underwent pelvic radiography and HLA-B27 typing.

Heterogeneity of axial spondyloarthritis: genetics, sex and structural damage matter.

Objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises both radiographic and non-radiographic disease. However, the paucity of specific objective measures for the disease and current classification criteria showing suboptimal specificity contribute to disease heterogeneity observed in clinical practice and research. We used a historical cohort of patients with axSpA to assess sources of heterogeneity.

Factors predicting axial spondyloarthritis among first-degree relatives of probands with ankylosing spondylitis: a family study spanning 35 years.

Objective: Factors predicting axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients need to be defined. We investigated the predictive value of the probands' HLA-B27 and radiographic sacroiliitis status on disease occurrence among their FDR. We also assessed the predictive value of features of the clinical history, including chronic inflammatory back pain (CIBP) and acute anterior uveitis (AAU), among the FDR and how they can be used to improve classification and diagnosis of axSpA.

Axial spondyloarthritis: concept, construct, classification and implications for therapy.

The axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) disease concept has undergone substantial change from when the entity ankylosing spondylitis was defined by the modified New York criteria in 1984. Developments in imaging, therapy and genetics have all contributed to changing the concept of axSpA from one of erosions in the sacroiliac joints to a spectrum of disease with and without changes evident on plain radiographs. Changes to the previously held concept and construct of the disease have also necessitated new classification criteria.

Knowledge, illness perceptions and stated clinical practice behaviour in management of gout: a mixed methods study in general practice.

The objective of the present study is to explore knowledge, illness perceptions and stated practice behaviour in relation to gout in primary care. This is a mixed methods study among 32 general practitioners (GPs). The quantitative assessment included the Gout Knowledge Questionnaire (GKQ; range 0-10; better) and Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (BIPQ; nine items, range 0-10; stronger).

The ASAS Criteria for Axial Spondyloarthritis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Proposals for a Way Forward.

Classification criteria should facilitate selection of similar patients for clinical and epidemiologic studies, therapeutic trials, and research on etiopathogenesis to enable comparison of results across studies from different centers. We critically appraise the validity and performance of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). It is still debatable whether all patients fulfilling these criteria should be considered as having true axSpA.

Association between serum uric acid, aortic, carotid and femoral stiffness among adults aged 40-75 years without and with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Maastricht Study.

Objective: Arterial stiffness may be a mechanism to explain the association between uric acid and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to analyse associations between serum uric acid and regional and local arterial stiffness, and assess potential differences related to sex and glucose metabolism status.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 614 adults [52.

Uric acid and skin microvascular function: the Maastricht study.

Objective: Microvascular dysfunction has been suggested as a possible underlying mechanism for the association between uric acid and various diseases, such as hypertension, renal disease and cardiomyopathies. We therefore analysed the association between serum uric acid and skin microvascular function, a model of generalized microvascular function.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 610 individuals [51.

Cost of illness and determinants of costs among patients with gout.

Objective: To estimate costs of illness in a cross-sectional cohort of patients with gout attending an outpatient rheumatology clinic, and to evaluate which factors contribute to higher costs.

Methods: Altogether, 126 patients with gout were clinically assessed. They completed a series of questionnaires.

Determinants of the prevalence of gout in the general population: a systematic review and meta-regression.

Studies on the occurrence of gout show a large range in estimates. However, a clear insight into the factors responsible for this variation in estimates is lacking. Therefore, our aim was to review the literature on the prevalence and incidence of gout systematically and to obtain insight into the degree of and factors contributing to the heterogeneity.

The cross-sectional association between uric acid and atherosclerosis and the role of low-grade inflammation: the CODAM study.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate (i) associations between uric acid and prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD), ankle-arm blood pressure index (AAIx) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in the total population and in predefined subgroups according to glucose metabolism status and (ii) the extent to which these associations are explained by low-grade inflammation.

Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted among 530 individuals [60.6% men, mean age 58.

Physical functioning in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: comparing approaches of experienced ability with self-reported and objectively measured physical activity.

Background: Physical functioning can be assessed by different approaches that are characterized by increasing levels of individual appraisal. There is insufficient insight into which approach is the most informative in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with control subjects.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare patients with AS and control subjects regarding 3 approaches of functioning: experienced ability to perform activities (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI]), self-reported amount of physical activity (PA) (Baecke questionnaire), and the objectively measured amount of PA (triaxial accelerometer).

The Gout Assessment Questionnaire 2.0: cross-cultural translation into Dutch, aspects of validity and linking to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Objectives: The Gout Assessment Questionnaire 2.0 (GAQ2.0) is a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure for gout that distinguishes five different subscales and comprises overall 31 questions.

Large epidemiologic studies of gout: challenges in diagnosis and diagnostic criteria.

Large epidemiologic studies of gout can improve insight into the etiology, pathology, impact, and management of the disease. Identification of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, but its application is often not possible in large studies. Therefore, under such circumstances, several proxy approaches are used to classify patients as having gout, including ICD coding in several types of databases or questionnaires that are usually based on the existing classification criteria.

Etanercept in the longterm treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Objective: To evaluate the 2-year efficacy and safety of etanercept in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods: A 96-week open-label extension study, which followed a 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial, was designed to provide longterm efficacy and safety data, including radiographic outcomes, for patients treated with etanercept 25 mg twice weekly (NCT00421980). In all, 81 patients were enrolled (96% of the participants from the double-blind study).

Evaluation of patients with a recent clinical fracture and osteoporosis, a multidisciplinary approach.

The aetiology of osteoporotic fractures is multifactorial, but little is known about the way to evaluate patients with a recent clinical fracture for the presence of secondary osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of contributors to secondary osteoporosis in patients presenting with a clinical vertebral or non-vertebral fracture. Identifying and correcting these contributors will enhance treatment effect aimed at reducing the risk of subsequent fractures.

Issues in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The primary aim of the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is symptomatic relief and prevention of structural changes and functional decline by both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions. NSAIDs are frequently used, but often have adverse effects or may not be effective enough to alleviate complaints. NSAIDs and Coxibs provide comparable symptomatic relief.

Searching for potential biomarkers that can be used as biomarkers for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis.

Aim: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory rheumatic disorder that primarily affects the axial skeleton. To date there is no satisfactory biomarker for diagnosis or prognosis of AS. This study is focused on detection of potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of AS using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) with the ultimate goal of developing a progression biomarker for AS.