Anti-C Reactive Protein polyclonal antibody

Objective To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association with clinical and psychological factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Germany and in Brazil. Method A convenience sample of 267 RA patients, 176 from Germany (age 62.4 +/- 12.3 years) and 91 from Brazil (age 56.3 +/- 12.6 years), was used in this cross-sectional study. The following questionnaires were used: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), painDETECT test, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, fatigue questionnaire (FACIT), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and the SF-36 questionnaires (Short-Form 36 Health Survey). Disease activity score (DAS 28-CRP) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were also evaluated. Statistical analysis is based on comparison of means and proportions. Statistical significance for non-normal data was evaluated by non-parametrical tests. Results Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in the Brazilian sample (44% vs 22.9%, p = 0.025). Compared to German patients, the Brazilian ones also experienced more pain (current pain status on VAS: 4.67 +/- 3.4 vs 3.67 +/- 2.31 respectively, p < 0.01), were physically more limited (1.89 +/- 1.85 vs 1.01 +/- 0.75, p = 0.012), and had higher C-reactive protein levels (7.78 +/- 18.3 vs 5.82 +/- 10.45, p = 0.028). Despite receiving a more intensive treatment, German patients presented similar disease activity when compared to Brazilian patients (DAS28-CRP: Brazil 3.4 +/- 1.5 vs Germany 3.3 +/- 1.3, p = 0.307). Conclusion Depressive symptoms are frequent in RA patients from different countries and interact with psychological disorders and the experience of pain. They contribute negatively to their well-being suggesting the need for psychoeducational strategies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between long-term spinal mobility improvements and early disease activity changes or achievement of clinical response criteria in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) blockers. This retrospective study included 112 patients with AS treated with TNF-alpha blockers for up to 33 months. The pairedt-test was used to compare outcome measures between visits. The correlation between disease activity changes and metrological improvements was analyzed using cumulative probability plots, Spearman correlation coefficient, and canonical correlation. The difference in metrological outcomes between responders and non-responders to clinical response criteria was also examined. Metrological and disease activity outcomes improved most markedly in month 3. All disease activity outcomes and ESR from baseline to month 3 (3-month) were significantly correlated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI(10)) improvements from baseline to month 33 (33-month). The 3-month changes in ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS-CRP) and patient's global assessment showed a significant correlation with the 33-month changes in chest expansion. Only responders according to ASDAS major improvement at month 3 demonstrated significant 33-month improvements in both BASMI(10)and chest expansion, compared to non-responders. Responders according to Assessment of Spondylo Arthritis international Society 40 at month 3 showed significant 33-month improvements in BASMI(10), but not chest expansion, compared to non-responders. The degree of early changes in disease activity outcomes influenced the extent of long-term metrological improvements in AS treated with TNF-alpha blockers. Additionally, the achievement of ASDAS- major improvement at month 3 predicted significant metrological improvements throughout long-term TNF-alpha-blocker therapy.