Fatigue in psoriatic arthritis: Is it related to disease activity?

Aim: Fatigue is commonly associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, information about its prevalence and associated factors is sparse. The primary objective here was to find the prevalence and magnitude of PsA fatigue.

Incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatologic diseases: A population-based study.

Objectives: Patients with rheumatologic diseases might be more susceptible to COVID-19 and carry a poorer prognosis. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence and outcomes of all COVID-19 patients with rheumatologic conditions in Hong Kong.

Methods: This is a population-based retrospective study.

Long-term outcome of a randomised controlled trial comparing tacrolimus with mycophenolate mofetil as induction therapy for active lupus nephritis.

Objectives: To report the 10-year outcome of lupus nephritis (LN) treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or tacrolimus (TAC) induction in a randomised controlled trial.

Methods: Patients with active LN were treated with MMF or TAC combined with high-dose prednisolone. Responders were switched to azathioprine (AZA) at month 6.

Clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of Takayasu's arteritis in southern Chinese: a multicenter retrospective study.

To study the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of southern Chinese patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TA). This is a retrospective chart review study of 78 patients managed in 14 public hospitals in Hong Kong between the years 2000 and 2010. Patients were identified from the hospital registry using the ICD-10 diagnostic code of the disease.

Rationale and design of the screening of pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus (SOPHIE) study.

Current guideline-recommended screening for pulmonary hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis has not been evaluated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is disproportionately prevalent in Asians. This multicentre, cross-sectional screening study aims to study the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among SLE patients using these guidelines, and identify independent predictors and develop a prediction model for pulmonary hypertension in SLE patients. SLE patients from participating centres will undergo an echocardiography- and biomarker-based pulmonary hypertension screening procedure as in the DETECT study.

Hyperuricemia in Asian psoriatic arthritis patients.

Aim: It is generally accepted that hyperuricemia is commonly associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, variations in ethnicity, diet and habitat may contribute to differences in prevalence and risk factors for hyperuricemia in PsA patients. Moreover, Asian specific data is deficient.

Tacrolimus versus mycophenolate mofetil for induction therapy of lupus nephritis: a randomised controlled trial and long-term follow-up.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of tacrolimus (TAC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for the initial therapy of lupus nephritis (LN).

Study Design: This is an open randomised controlled parallel group study.

Methods: Adult patients with biopsy-confirmed active LN (class III/IV/V) were randomised to receive prednisolone (0.

Long-term outcome of diffuse proliferative lupus glomerulonephritis treated with cyclophosphamide.

Purpose: To report the long-term outcome of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN) treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC) in Chinese patients.

Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven DPLN treated with prednisolone and CYC were identified. The long-term renal outcome and treatment-related toxicities were reported.

Initial viral load and the outcomes of SARS.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a novel coronavirus. It may progress to respiratory failure, and a significant proportion of patients die. Preliminary data suggest that a high viral load of the SARS coronavirus is associated with adverse outcomes in the intensive care unit, but the relation of viral load to survival is unclear.

Predictors and outcome of renal flares after successful cyclophosphamide treatment for diffuse proliferative lupus glomerulonephritis.

Objective: To study the incidence, predictors, and outcome of renal flares after successful cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment for diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Between 1988 and 2001, patients with biopsy-proven SLE DPGN who were treated initially with prednisone and CYC were studied. Those who responded to CYC were followed up for the occurrence of renal flares.

Treatment of pure membranous lupus nephropathy with prednisone and azathioprine: an open-label trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to report the outcome of pure membranous lupus nephropathy treated with prednisone and azathioprine (AZA).

Methods: Consecutive patients with pure membranous lupus glomerulonephritis (World Health Organization [WHO] Va and Vb) from 4 regional hospitals were recruited for an open-label treatment trial consisting of prednisone and AZA. Remission status was evaluated at 12 months.