Objective To investigate the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis, and formulate an evidence-based treatment plan for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods We searched the ACP Journal Club, The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2007) and MEDLINE (1990 to 2007), and critically appraised the available evidence. Results The available Level A (high quality) evidence showed that the efficacy and adverse events of leflunomide were comparable to those of methotrexate. The total cost of treating patients with leflunomide was significantly higher when compared to methotrexate. The combination of leflunomide and methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to methotrexate monotherapy was less costly and more effective than the strategy excluding leflunomide. Given the current evidence, together with our clinical experience and the patient’s preference, methotrexate was administered to the patient. There was an inadequate response after 6 months of treatment. And then, adding leflunomide to methotrexate attained a remarkable response 3 months later. The patient is still being followed up. Conclusion treatment with leflunomide and methotrexate in RA patients can improve the clinical outcomes. Long-term efficacy and toxicity remain to be established.
OBJECTIVE To review the history and current status of total wrist arthroplasty. METHODS The original articles about wrist arthroplasty in recent years were reviewed. RESULTS The properties of wrist prosthesis of different generations were reviewed, with the emphasis on the prosthesis design and biomechanical behaviours. The surgical techniques, complications and salvage procedures were also discussed. CONCLUSION Although wrist arthrodesis is highly successful in treating the end-stage wrist arthritis, total wrist arthroplasty using well-designed prosthesis remains an alternative for the patients with special demands of hand functions.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics of pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndrome (PPP syndrome). MethodsA patient with PPP syndrome in July 2013 was reported. The clinical features of 33 cases of PPP syndrome at home and abroad were reviewed. ResultsOur patient with panniculitis and arthritis as the first manifestation had few abdominal symptoms despite high serum levels of pancreatic enzymes. In the 34 PPP cases, 70.6% (24/34) had absent or mild abdominal symptoms, easily leading to misdiagnosis. Multi-joint involvement was more common, and in almost 1/3 of the patients, joint symptoms with poor NSAIDs and/or hormonal responses predated the identification of pancreatic disease. Panniculitis biopsy found characteristic "ghost cells". Ten patients died of complications of pancreatic disease (including 2 cases of cancer), and the mortality rate was as high as 29.4% (10/34). ConclusionPPP syndrome with mild abdominal symptoms and high mortality should be taken for the treatment of pancreatic disease, to prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
Uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, typically as chronic anterior uveitis with insidious onset. Delayed and inadequate treatment may result in loss of patients' vision and even blindness. For refractory or severe uveitis related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic immunosuppressive agents should be used as early as possible. With the advantage of controlling ocular inflammation, avoiding ocular complications and reducing the use of traditional immunosuppressant drugs and glucocorticoid, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors have been new therapeutic options for uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, although methotrexate is known as the first-line approach. However, there are no internationally unified guidelines for clinical issues regarding the timing of application, reduction and withdrawal of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, and no agreement on the application of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in the management of ocular complications either. An in-depth understanding of the application status and progress of tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis has important clinical significance.