Cardiovascular Predictors of Intracerebral Hematoma Expansion.

Background: There is limited evidence on the effect and relevance of cardiovascular parameters on the cerebrovascular system when an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs. While recent studies evaluating this relationship are conflicting, one evaluating the effect of systolic cardiac function on clinical outcomes in ICH patients, found low cardiac ejection fractions to be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Our primary objective was to study such correlations and identify various cardiovascular disease states that may be associated with hematoma expansion.

Joint hypermobility is not positively associated with prevalent multiple joint osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study of older adults.

Background: This cross-sectional study evaluated associations of joint hypermobility and multiple joint osteoarthritis (MJOA) in a community-based cohort of adults 45+ years of age.

Methods: MJOA and joint hypermobility data were from 1677 participants (mean age 69 years, 68% women) who completed research clinic visits during 2003-2010. Prevalent MJOA was defined in four ways.

Defining multiple joint osteoarthritis, its frequency and impact in a community-based cohort.

Background/purpose: To update definitions of multiple joint osteoarthritis (MJOA), and to determine the frequency and impact of MJOA in a community-based cohort.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and with the help of a professional research librarian, we performed a systematic review in Medline using the terms osteoarthritis, generalized, polyarticular, multiple joint, and multi-joint among others, to obtain articles related to MJOA. A total of 42 articles were included for data extraction based on multiple criteria including the requirement for a clearly stated definition of OA assessed at more than one body site.

Relationship of Circulating Anti-C3b and Anti-C1q IgG to Lupus Nephritis and Its Flare.

Background And Objectives: Autoantibodies to complement C1q (anti-C1q) are associated with the diagnosis of lupus nephritis. In this study, we compare anti-C1q IgG with another complement autoantibody, anti-C3b IgG, as a biomarker of lupus nephritis and lupus nephritis flare.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: Our investigation involved the Ohio SLE Study, a prospective observational cohort of patients with recurrently active lupus who were followed bimonthly.