However, as a result of advances in research this perspective has changed. While it is true to say that the classic function of vitamin D is to control calcium and vitamin D metabolism, we now know that the importance of vitamin D spreads far wider than just bone health. There is much ongoing research with regard to its emerging
role in immunopathology, as a potent inhibitor of cellular growth, stimulator of insulin secretion, modulator of immune function and inhibitor of renin production. This review discusses the current evidence with regard to the clinical consequences of selleck screening library vitamin D deficiency and underscores the fact that physicians should be vigilant in searching for and treating this preventable and treatable condition. Furthermore, this review highlights the fact that the time is opportune for rheumatologists to agree upon clinical guidelines to advise practitioners as to when and in which patients to check for, what target vitamin D level to aim for and how best to treat GSK2126458 molecular weight vitamin D deficiency. “
“Background: Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) comprises arthritis not yet identifiable
as a specific rheumatic disease. Few reports exist on the natural course of UA in Thai patients. Objective: To study the clinical features and natural course of UA in Thai patients. Method: A retrospective, analytical study was performed among Thai patients diagnosed with UA seen at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand, between January 2002 and December 2007. Results: The medical records of 95 UA patients were reviewed. The mean age at onset was 40.7 ± 14.7 years (range, 15–78). The female:male ratio was 1.25 : 1.00. Common presentations included asymmetrical oligoarthritis followed by polyarthritis. The knee was the most commonly affected joint, followed by the wrist and ankle. Complete remission occurred within 6 months of onset in 4.2% of cases.
A diagnosis was specified in Sinomenine 29 patients (30.5%) during the follow-up period (which averaged 17.1 ± 24.0 months [range, 6–84]), including reactive arthritis (in 9 patients), undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (7), rheumatoid arthritis (6), psoriatic arthritis (4), ankylosing spondylitis (1), gout (1) and unclassified connective tissue disease (1). UA was the default diagnosis for 66 patients (69.5%) after 24 months of follow-up. Hyperglobulinemia was correlated with persistent arthritis (i.e., > 6 months, P = 0.045). The only predictive factor for RA development was old-age at onset (P = 0.038). Conclusion: The most common presentation of Thai UA was asymmetrical oligoarthritis and most patients had persistent arthritis correlated with hyperglobulinemia. Elderly-onset, without any radiographic changes or rheumatoid factor, was predictive of RA development during follow-up. “
“Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder of widespread pain with high personal and societal burdens.