Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis. We have performed a case-control association study of three TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms in a group of Romanian psoriatic arthritis patients versus ethnically matched controls. A second group of patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis was used in orde...

The introduction of tests recognizing 'anti-citrullinated protein antibodies' (ACPA) has caused a revolution in rheumatology. Immunization against citrullinated proteins is a feature almost unique for rheumatoid arthritis, although ACPA may occur long before the onset of symptoms. Even if the presence of ACPA does not seem to reveal a distinct arthritis phenotype at symptom onset, it predicts a...

INTRODUCTION Little is known about systemic B-cell activation in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We therefore evaluated the serum levels of markers of B-cell activation in patients included in the ESPOIR early arthritis cohort. METHODS In the ESPOIR early arthritis cohort (at least 2 swollen joints for more than 6 weeks but less than 6 months), 710 patients were assessed at 1 year and either...

The prognosis of patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) may vary from self-limited to severe destructive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Based on the chance that these patients will develop RA and based on the safety profile of a course of methotrexate for 30-90 days, many clinicians consider using methotrexate in this patient category using the "n of 1" trial principle. During the last few y...

Background: Undifferentiated arthritis (UDA) is an inflammatory that does not meet the criteria for any rheumatologic disease. Early verification of UDA currently one main goals modern rheumatology, since a diagnosis established at early date allows determining therapeutic strategy. The high social significance lies in predominant lesion people working age, steady progression disease, disabilit...

Background: Since the publication of 2010 ACR/ELUAR classification criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), identification patients with RA at early stages disease has improved. Nevertheless, up to 56% are diagnosed undifferentiated arthritis (UA) first visit Rheumatology Departments, which about 20-30% will progress RA. For this reason, Early Clinics (EAC) have been progressively implemented in...