[Clinical features of systemic sclerosis and association with antitopoisomerase-1 antibody and centromere pattern of antinuclear antibody].

Objective: To describe clinical features of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and associate them with antitopoisomerase-1 antibody and centromere pattern of antinuclear antibody.

Methods: We evaluated 50 patients who met SSc screening criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, and classified as limited cutaneous SSc and diffuse cutaneous SSc. Clinical history, physical examination and laboratory tests were evaluated: cutaneous, vascular, gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary and cardiac involvement, in addition to autoantibodies.

Use of biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis management: a comparison between the main worldwide and brazilian recommendations.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic and progressive inflammatory disorder of the joints, which can result in deformity and functional disability. The diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with RA vary worldwide. The major societies of rheumatology, as well as governmental agencies in most countries, have tried to establish recommendations addressing diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of RA.