Adjuvant use of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of neonatal sepsis: a systematic review with a meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate whether intravenous immunoglobulin reduces mortality and length of hospital stay in the treatment of neonatal sepsis.

Sources: The MEDLINE database was searched. The keywords were combined using the following search strategy: [(sepsis OR shock, septic OR infection) AND immunoglobulins, intravenous] AND infant, newborn.

The decrease of soluble RAGE levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients following hormone replacement therapy is associated with increased bone mineral density and diminished bone/cartilage turnover: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The aim of the study was to prospectively investigate the effects of HRT on serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product (sRAGE) levels in RA patients and to determine whether sRAGE production is related to bone/cartilage metabolism.

Methods: Eighty-eight post-menopausal RA patients were randomized to receive vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation with or without HRT (oestradiol plus noretisterone acetate). The levels of total sRAGE in sera were measured before, 1 and 2 years after treatment initiation.

The impact of hormone replacement therapy on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in vivo in post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is well known that oestrogen has immunomodulatory properties. We have previously shown disease ameliorating effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HRT and the patients inflammatory state on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.

Salivary resistin reflects local inflammation in Sjögren's syndrome.

Objective: To assess the role of resistin in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and its relation to local inflammation.

Methods: Blood and saliva were collected from 37 patients with pSS (duration of symptoms 12.6+/-1 yrs) and 32 healthy controls.

Fatigue and blood pressure in primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Objective: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fatigue. Little is known about the genesis of fatigue. Fatigue is thought to represent a multidimensional concept and it is important to be able to measure it confidently.

Role of resistin as a marker of inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Resistin is a cystein-rich secretory adipokine. It is proposed to have proinflammatory properties in humans. The aim of this study was to determine associations between serum levels of resistin and markers of inflammation and bone mineral density (BMD) in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Influence of hormone replacement therapy on disease progression and bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is known to exert a positive effect in preventing bone loss and a beneficial effect on the disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the effects of HRT on bone mineral density (BMD) and on the course of established RA.

Methods: Eighty-eight postmenopausal women with RA were randomly allocated to receive HRT, vitamin D3, and calcium supplementation or vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation alone for 2 years.

Hormone replacement therapy in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with lower serum levels of soluble IL-6 receptor and higher insulin-like growth factor 1.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) modulates the imbalance in bone remodeling, thereby decreasing bone loss. Sex hormones are known to influence rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HRT on the serum levels of hormones and cytokines regulating bone turnover in 88 postmenopausal women with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) randomly allocated to receive HRT plus calcium and vitamin D3 or calcium and vitamin D3 alone for 2 years.