Combination leflunomide and methotrexate in refractory rheumatoid arthritis: a biologic sparing approach.

Background: In resource-constrained settings where biologic agents are not widely available, there are limited therapeutic options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to other synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic (DMARD) therapies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of leflunomide (LEF) with methotrexate (MTX) in refractory RA.

Methods: A retrospective record review of adult RA patients treated with LEF/MTX.

Tight control of rheumatoid arthritis in a resource-constrained setting: a randomized controlled study comparing the clinical disease activity index and simplified disease activity index.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical utility of the clinical disease activity index (CDAI). We compared the disease control with protocolized treatment adjustment following a tight control strategy utilizing either the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) or the CDAI.

Methods: In a prospective 12 month study, DMARD-naive RA patients were randomized to either a CDAI or SDAI arm and were treated with traditional DMARDs, increased on a monthly basis according to a predefined protocol to achieve low disease activity.

Effect of antifungal treatment on the prevalence of yeasts in HIV-infected subjects.

Oral candidiasis, the most common opportunistic infection in patients with HIV infection, is usually associated with Candida albicans. Several factors may influence the carriage of Candida, including immunocompromised conditions and HIV infection, colonization by yeasts from different geographical areas and antimycotic treatment. This study investigated the Candida carrier rate, level and types of yeast in HIV-positive and -negative subjects, and the effect of previous exposure to antifungal drugs on the level of yeasts in HIV-positive patients in Gauteng, South Africa.