Influences on bone mineral density in Malaysian premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids.

The aim of this study was to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on corticosteroids (CS) and to determine the influence of CS and other risk factors on BMD. A total of 98 premenopausal patients with SLE were recruited from outpatient clinics in two teaching hospitals. Risk factors for osteoporosis were determined, and BMD was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

A comparison of calcium, calcitriol, and alendronate in corticosteroid-treated premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To assess bone mineral density (BMD) changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoing longterm therapy with corticosteroids (CS) while taking calcium, calcitriol, or alendronate. The primary endpoint was BMD changes at 2 years.

Methods: Premenopausal SLE patients were randomized into 3 groups according to medication: calcium carbonate 500 mg bd (calcium alone), calcitriol 0.

Case of severe refractory myasthenia gravis in HUKM.

A 20-year-old girl first notice bilateral ocular muscle weakness in 2001. Two months later, she developed acute muscle paralysis and respiratory failure which required ventilation. Serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and repetitive nerve stimulation test was positive and consistent with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Subclinical acquired syphilis masquerading as membranous glomerulonephritis.

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is one of the common forms of nephrotic syndrome in the adult population. The majority of MGN are idiopathic, but the secondary forms can be seen in the setting of autoimmune disease, neoplasia, infection and following exposure to certain therapeutic agents. Histologically, MGN is an immunologically mediated disease in which immune complexes deposit in the subepithelial space.

Molar pregnancy and glomerulonephritis.

A 17-year-old, sexually active, single, nulliparous young woman presented to us with one week history suggestive of nephrotic syndrome. She was found to have a benign hydatidiform mole confirmed by histopathological examination after suction and curettage. Renal biopsy revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.