Girl : boy ratio was 2.3 : 1.0. The subgroup distribution showed oligoarticular JIA in the majority of patients (60%). Prevalence of JIA

in this study in a semi-urban area of Bangladesh was consistent with established population-based studies in developed countries. Clinical pattern of JIA patients also had similarities with reports from Western countries. “
“Background:  Ocular lesions, the main morbidity of Behcet’s disease (BD), are the most difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab. Methods:  Inclusion criteria were retinal vasculitis and edema, resistant to cytotoxic drugs. Twenty patients were randomized to a rituximab group (RG) or cytotoxic combination therapy group (CCTG). Rituximab was given in two 1000-mg courses (15-day interval). Subjects received methotrexate (15 mg/weekly) learn more with prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg per day). The CCTG received pulse cyclophosphamide (1000 mg/monthly), azathioprine (2–3 mg/kg per day) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg per day). The primary endpoint was the overall state of patients’ eyes and the Total Adjusted Disease Activity Index (TADAI). Secondary endpoints were: visual acuity (VA), posterior uveitis (PU), and retinal vasculitis (RV). The baseline data were compared

at 6 months by paired sample t-test and analysis of variance. Results:  TADAI improved significantly in the RG (t = 3.340, P = 0.009), but not in the CCTG (t = 2.241, P = 0.052). For EMD 1214063 secondary endpoints (RG/CCTG), the mean VA improved in two patients versus three (2/3), remained unchanged in 1/1, and worsened in 7/6 patients. The mean PU improved significantly in the RG (t = 3.943, P = 0.001), not in the CCTG

(t = 2.371, P = 0.028). RV improved, but not statistically (t = 2.027, P = 0.057 vs. t = 1.045, P = 0.31). Edema of retina, disc and macula improved significantly Baf-A1 datasheet in both, but much better for the RG (t = 2.781, P = 0.012 vs. t = 2.707, P = 0.014). Conclusion:  Rituximab was efficient in severe ocular manifestations of BD, TADAI improved significantly after 6 months with rituximab, but not with CCT. “
“Foot involvement is not uncommon and occurs early in the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammation and ongoing synovitis of foot joints lead to joint destruction and instability, tendon dysfunction, and eventually collapse of the medial longitudinal arch and pes planovalgus that contributes to difficulty in walking and gait abnormalities. This article reviews foot-related problems in patients with RA, focusing on the prevalence, natural history and role of imaging in both diagnosis and management of midfoot and subtalar joint disease in RA. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)[1] is a multisystemic, chronic progressive inflammatory disease affecting all ethnic groups with overall prevalence of 1–2% of the population.[2] Joint pain, stiffness and swelling are the most notable presenting complaints among patients with RA.