Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Novel Marker Relationship Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness And Disease Activity Score-28 In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Human Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1, Göksel Tuzcu, Ali̇ Uğur Uslu, Ayça Tuzcu, Rabi̇a Aydoğan Baykara, Ahmet Omma, Adem Küçük

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) is a marker of vascular endothelial dysfunction that may be used in the evaluation of inflammatory-associated atherosclerotic lesions. Endocan may be a marker for the evaluation of atherosclerosis and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Materials and methods: We included 39 RA patients assessed according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatology 2010 diagnostic criteria and recruited 30 age- and sex-matching healthy subjects for the control group.Results: Endocan values were 14.11 ± 3.27 for the RA patients and 12.10 ± 2.92 for the controls. The endocan values of the patients were significantly …

Ifn-Γ Stimulated Dental Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate Activated Lymphocyte Response In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In Vitro, Noushin Zibandeh, Deni̇z Genç, Güzi̇de Nevsun İnanç, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Tunç Akkoç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. In this study, their immunosuppressive effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of RA patients were studied.Materials and methods: Dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) were isolated from follicle tissue in the orofacial region. Characterization and multipotency analyses were performed. Lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral venous blood of RA patients (n = 5) and healthy individuals (n = 5). DFSCs were preincubated with IFN-γ for 48 h. PBMCs of RA patients and healthy individuals were separately cultured …

Abnormal Retinal Microvasculature Found In Active Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Different Perspective Of Microvascular Health, Hakan Babaoğlu, Ata Baytaroğlu, Murat Torğutalp, Abdulsamet Erden, Si̇bel Kadayifçilar, Umut Kalyoncu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We aimed to assess the association between retinal vascular caliber (RVC) scores and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Materials and methods: Forty-seven RA patients, 32 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 45 healthy people were enrolled. RA and SLE patients were subdivided into groups according to C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. RA patients were also grouped according to Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28). Fundus photography was performed for all patients. RVC was summarized as the central retinal artery and vein equivalents (CRAE and CRVE).Results: Mean CRVE for RA patients was 213.3 ± 17.8 µm compared with 209.2 ± 14.1 µm for …

Sleep Pattern Changes In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dina R. Alsharaki, Emad E. Abd El-Hamid, Ibrahim I. El-Mahallawy, Mohamed A. Zamzam, Rana H. El-Helbawy

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objective The aim of this study was to assess sleep pattern changes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Background There is evidence that patients with RA may be at increased risk for sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep abnormalities have also been linked to increased pain and fatigue perception, which are common concerns in rheumatology patients. Untreated OSA with intermittent hypoxia is associated with elevated levels of systemic inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines. Patients and methods Thirty patients diagnosed as having RA, and 30 apparent healthy control participants were invited to participate in the study. …

The Importance Of Early Arthritis In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Georgiana Iftimie, Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu, Mihaela A. Iancu, Anca Pantea Stoian, Razvan Hainarosie, Bogdan Socea, Gheorghita Isvoranu, Dragos Marcu, Tiberiu P. Neagu, Camelia C. Diaconu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disorder that manifests predominantly in the synovial joint, where it causes a chronic inflammatory process, leading to early osteoarticular destructions. These destructions are progressive and irreversible, generating a significant functional deficiency. During the last years, the diagnostic approach of RA has focused on early arthritis. Early arthritis can develop into established RA or another established arthropathy, like systemic lupus erythematosus or psoriatic arthritis. It can have a spontaneous resolution or may remain undifferentiated for indefinite periods of time.

The management of early arthritis has changed considerably in the past few years, under the …

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand In Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Amal F. Makled, Asmaa M. Elbrolosy, Elham A. Negm, Emad M. Elshebini, Gamalat A. Elgedawy, Mohamed A. Helwa, Wafaa A. Zahran

Menoufia Medical Journal

The aim of this study was to study the relationship between serum level of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) and the disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and also to compare sTRAIL levels between patients with lupus and patients with rheumatoid arthritis as well as healthy volunteers. A search was performed in Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, Science Direct, and EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the Internet from 2000 to 2017. The initial search presented 18 articles of which eight met the inclusion criteria. These articles studied the relation between sTRAIL and the disease activity …

Hand Functions In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comparative Study With Rheumatoidarthritis Patients And Healthy Subjects, Songül Bağlan Yentür, Zeynep Tuna, Oğuzhan Mete, Ahmet Gökkurt, Nurten Gi̇zem Tore, Hami̇t Küçük, Berna Göker, Deran Oskay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently affects the small joints of the hand and may result in difficulty in activities of daily living. There are very few studies evaluating the problems encountered in the hands in patients with SLE. The aim of this study is to evaluate hand functions in patients with SLE and compare them with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy subjects. Materials and methods: A total 46 female patients meeting the SLE classification criteria were recruited. Similarly, 51 female RA patients and 46 healthy female subjects served as the control groups. To assess the upper extremity disability …

Methodology Of A New Inflammatory Arthritis Registry: Treasure, Umut Kalyoncu, Etem Koray Taşcilar, Ali̇ İhsan Ertenli̇, Hüseyi̇n Edi̇z Dalkiliç, Cemal Bes, Orhan Küçükşahi̇n, Ti̇muçi̇n Kaşi̇foğlu, Ni̇lüfer Alpay Kanitez, Hakan Emmungi̇l, Gezmi̇ş Ki̇myon, Nazi̇fe Şule Yaşar Bi̇lge, Servet Akar, Mehmet Pami̇r Atagündüz, Süleyman Serdar Koca, Aşkin Ateş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The TReasure registry, created in 2017, is an observational multicenter cohort that includes inflammatory arthritis patients. This article reviews the methodology and objectives of the TReasure registry established to collect data from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients. Methodology: Fifteen rheumatology centers in Turkey will contribute data to the TReasure database. The actual proprietor of the database is the Hacettepe Rheumatology Association (HRD) and Hacettepe Financial Enterprises. Pharmaceutical companies that operate in Turkey (in alphabetical or er), Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion Healthcare, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, support the TReasure registry. TReasure is a web-based database to which …

Paricalcitol Inhibits The Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling Pathway And Amelioratesexperimentally Induced Arthritis, Servet Yolbaş, Ahmet Yildirim, Ahmet Tektemur, Zulfi̇naz Betül Çeli̇k, Ebru Önalan, İbrahi̇m Hani̇fi̇ Özercan, Mehmet Mustafa Akin, Süleyman Serdar Koca

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The Wnt/ß-catenin pathway has important biological activities, including the differentiation of cells and joint formations. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of paricalcitol on experimentally induced arthritis. Materials and methods: Type II collagen combined with Freund's adjuvant was applied to induce arthritis in Wistar albino female rats. Paricalcitol (0.3 μg/kg daily) was subcutaneously injected starting 1 day after collagen applications (prophylactic group) or 1 day after the onset of arthritis (therapeutic group), until day 29. Results: The 29th day arthritis scores were lower compared to the 13th day scores in the paricalcitol groups (P < 0.05), while they were higher in the arthritis group (P < 0.05). Marked cartilage-bone destruction and extensive perisynovial inflammation were detected in the arthritis group. Decreased cartilage-bone destruction and perisynovial inflammation in the paws were observed in the paricalcitol groups. The tissue mRNA levels of DKK1, Wnt5a, and axin-2 were higher in the arthritis group than in the control group. In the paricalcitol groups, mRNA expressions were lower than in the arthritis group. Conclusion: The present study shows that the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway is active in arthritis. Moreover, paricalcitol ameliorates arthritis via inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Paricalcitol and the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway are candidates for research in human rheumatoid arthritis.

Role Of Interleukin-33 In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients From Menoufia University Hospitals, Ahmed A. Salama, Ahmed B. Mahmoud, Alaa F. Gomah, Dina R. Al-Sharaki

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objectives The objective of this study was to detect the level of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore the relationship between the level of IL-33 in the serum with the disease activity and functional performance. Background Cytokines are important mediators of immune functions in humans and animals. IL-33, a newly found IL-1 family cytokine, is involved in joint inflammation in RA. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the immunopathological roles of IL-33 in serum RA patients. Patients and methods This study was conducted on a total of 80 individuals: 60 of them were RA patients (55 …

Immunomodulatory Effect Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells On Lymphocytes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Gehan A. Tawfeek, Heba A. Esaily, Maha A. Elbassuoni, Mai F. Mohamed Abd El Rahim Badr

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objectives The aim of this work was to isolate, expand mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow (BM), and assess the immunomodulation potential of MSCs on T lymphocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Background MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells present in all tissues. They are present in the BM, and possess remarkable immunomodulation properties that can inhibit the proliferation and function of the major immune cell populations. These unique properties make MSCs ideal candidates for clinical application in autoimmune diseases (e.g., RA). Patients and methods MSCs were cultured from BM aspirate and detected morphologically; peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear …

Correlation Between Disease Duration, Disease Activity Scoreand Disability Score With Diastolic Dysfunction In Rheumatoidarthritis Women In Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Dono Antono, Bernard Agus Sakti Dhaki, Harry Isbagio, Hamzah Shatri

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. There are only few studies about correlation between non traditional risk factor and diastolic dysfunction in RA patients. This study aims to determinate the correlation between non traditional risk factors, including disease duration, disease activity and disability score with the diastolic dysfunction of women with RA. Methods. A cross-sectional, consecutive sampling study was conducted to 52 RA women without any previous cardiovascular disease history. All participants underwent an echocardiography to assess diastolic dysfunction and other findings associated. Duration of disease was assesed by direct interview, while the disease activity by calculating DAS28 and disability score by HAQ-DI. Results. Diastolic …

Pain, Depression Levels, Fatigue, Sleep Quality, And Quality Of Life Inelderly Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, İlknur Albayrak Gezer, Ayşe Balkarli, Beray Can, Si̇nan Bağçaci, Sami̇ Küçükşen, Adem Küçük

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and determine the relationships (if any) among pain, depression levels, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aged 65 years and over, and to compare the results with those of RA patients under 65 years of age. Materials and methods: The study included 52 patients with RA aged 65 years and over (Group 1) and 84 patients with RA under 65 years of age (Group 2). Pain, depression levels, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, and disease activity of all of the participants were evaluated …

Antiinflammatory And Antioxidant Effects Of Gemcitabinein Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model, Adi̇le Ferda Dağli, Ahmet Karataş, Cemal Orhan, Mehmet Tuzcu, Meti̇n Özgen, Kazi̇m Şahi̇n, Süleyman Serdar Koca

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Gemcitabine (GEM) has antiproliferative effects on lymphocytes, which are potent pathogenic actors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of GEM on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Materials and methods: Arthritis was induced by the intradermal injection of chicken type II collagen with incomplete Freund's adjuvant into albino Wistar rats. Doses of 5 and 20 mg/kg GEM were administered twice a week after the 14th day, which marked the onset the arthritis. Serum IL-17, TNF-α, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels and tissue heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor …

Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody In Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Cross-Sectional Study In Iran, Irandokht Shenavar Masooleh, Asghar Hajiabbasi, Habib Zayeni, Atefeh Ghanbari, Violet Zaker Esteghamati, Banafsheh Ghavidel Parsa, Amir Hassankhani

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Studies have shown that anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) titers can be useful in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluate the association between anti-CCP antibody titers and the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of RA patients. Moreover, we explore whether there is any relation between joint destruction and demographic and clinical characteristics of RA patients. Materials and methods: One hundred and four RA patients with positive anti-CCP titers were compared to 104 RA patients with negative anti-CCP titers. The activity of RA was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). Joint destruction was assessed in the …

Sleep Quality And Factors Affecting Sleep In Elderly Patientswith Rheumatoid Arthritis In Turkey, Seda Pehli̇van, Ayfer Karadakovan, Yavuz Pehli̇van, Ahmet Mesut Onat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep disorders are more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to determine the sleep quality in adult and elderly people with RA and the factors associated with sleep disorders in each group. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 182 patients (83 elderly and 99 adult patients) diagnosed with RA. Data were collected through a patient identification form including sociodemographic and disease characteristics. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess quality of life and sleep. Results: The mean PSQI scores of the elderly group were lower than …

Association Of Janus Kinase 2 With Primary Budd-Chiari Syndrome In Egyptian Patients, Asmaa M. Rezk, Mohamed A. Mohamed, Mona F. Mahmoud

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objective To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) and pioglitazone (Pg), each alone and in combination with methotrexate (MTX), on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced experimentally in male albino rats. Background Individuals have long feared RA as one of the most disabling types of arthritis. It is estimated that over 46 million individuals have arthritis, ~1% worldwide. Material and methods One hundred and eighty adult male albino rats were used in the present study. MTX was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg daily. PTX was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 150 mg/kg/rat/day, whereas Pg was administered orally at …

Study Of The Effect Of Treatment Of Helicobacter Pylori On Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity, Abd El-Samed I. El-Hewala, Dina R. Alsharaki, Maha M. Abd El-Raof Salman, Said S A Khamis, Samar G. Soliman

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the effect of Helicobacter pylori treatment on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Background A triggering infectious agent has long been postulated in rheumatoid arthritis. Data on the possible role of H. pylori infection are lacking. Patients and methods Forty adult patients with established rheumatoid arthritis and dyspeptic symptoms were recruited. In all, 17 patients were H. pylori positive and 23 patients were H. pylori negative on the basis of H. pylori fecal antigen test. All infected patients were treated successfully. We evaluated the disease activity using clinical [duration of …

To Evaluate The Role Of Homoeopathic Medicines As Add-On Therapy In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis On Nsaids: A Retrospective Study, Tapas Kundu, Afroz Shaikh, Sindhu Jacob

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Conventional management of Rhematiod Arthritis (RA) includes administration of Non- Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like Methotrixate and anti-tumor necrosis factor α monoclonal antibody (anti-TNFά). Gastric ulcers, bleeding and perforation are the most common known adverse reactions found associated with excessive consumption of NSAIDs. The homoeopathic system of medicine improves the general well being, that is, Quality of Life (QoL) in addition to reducing the pain and disability. Objective: To evaluate the patients with RA receiving homoeopathic medicines with respect to QoL, Disease Activity Score (DAS), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), morning stiffness/pain and frequency …

Clinical And Demographic Findings Of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis And Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated In A Tertiary Care Center In Turkey, Özlem Cemeroğlu, Zeynep Sila Yaşar, Mustafa Sağlam, Haşi̇m Çakirbay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are 2 common rheumatic diseases that are frequent causes of disability. In this descriptive study, demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of patients with RA and AS being followed in a tertiary care center in Turkey were reported. Materials and methods: The patient data of 45 RA and 45 AS cases were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records. Demographic findings, clinical and laboratory assessments of disease activity, drugs used for the treatment, and effect on quality of life of patients with RA and AS were analyzed. Results: In RA patients, 27% had mild, 44% …

The Correlation Between Cardiovascular Risk And Functional Disability And Disease Activity In The Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mustafa Güler, Saadet Yazgan Umut, Teoman Aydin, Ayli̇n Rezvani̇, Emi̇ne Poyraz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the cardiovascular risk (CVR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with disease activity and functional ability by using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and to compare the CVR of the RA patients with the control group with the help of the FRS. Materials and methods: Seventy-four RA patients, who were in conformity with the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, were included in this study at Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital. A total of 39 subjects without inflammatory arthritis were included as the control group. The FRS was calculated by evaluating age, smoking habits, diabetes, …

A Ruptured Baker's Cyst Mimicking Deep Vein Thrombosis In A Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Casereport, Ting-Chun Chou, Chung-Liang Lai, Ming-Miau Tsai, Chuan-Chin Leu, Szu-Li Tsai

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Baker's cysts arise from a distension of a gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa, which are often associated with knee pathology including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthropathies. Clinical presentations of Baker's cysts are posterior knee swelling, tightness, and pain. Knee joint aspiration and intra-articular corticosteroid injection can relieve symptoms. However, treating underlying diseases is more important for recurrence prevention. Cyst rupture is a complication of Baker's cysts and may induce leg swelling and pain mimicking deep vein thrombosis. It is difficult to distinguish between a ruptured Baker's cyst and deep vein thrombosis because of similar symptoms. If a ruptured Baker's cyst is …

How Biological And Non-Biological Disease Modifying Drugs Are Used In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Esther Mantel

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is an excerpt from the introduction to this article: Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints and the surrounding tissue. Effects of the inflammation are pain and destruction of the bone and cartilage, which leads to severe disability and, possibly, shorter life expectancy. That is why early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is a fundamental strategy to stop the progression of the disease and suppress the inflammation before the damage is irreversible.

Serum Total Sialic Acid, Lipid Peroxidation, And Glutathione Reductase Levels In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Surapaneni Krishna Mohan, Vishnu Priya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The changes in the serum sialic acid levels, total lipid peroxidation products (MDA), and glutathione reductase activity were estimated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Serum Sialic acid is known as a parameter of inflammation. This work was undertaken to assess the potential role of sialic acid as well as oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods: The levels of these parameters in serum were studied in 52 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (study subjects) and 52 age and sex matched healthy subjects as controls. Serum total sialic acid levels were determined using the assay method …

Serum Nitric Oxide And Peroxynitrite Levels In Adult Sero-Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: A Preliminary Report, Marwan S.M. Al-Nimer, Samir Abdul-Hassan Al-Obaidi, Khalid S. Al-Dulaimi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The contribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to oxidative/nitrative stress is well documented in inflamed joints. Nitric oxide stimulates the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and cytotoxic molecules with a pivotal role in apoptosis at the joint of rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to assess the serum levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in sero positive rheumatoid patients treated with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Materials and methods: Sixteen known patients with sero-positive rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and on disease modifying antirheumatic drugs were allocated from the consultant clinic of rheumatology at Al-Yarmouk Teaching …

Plasma Resistin And Leptin Levels In Overweight And Lean Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nai̇me Canoruç, Ebru Kale, Ayşe Di̇cle Turhanoğlu, Şehmus Özmen, Ceyla Ogün, Abdurrahman Kaplan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Adipocytokines are now considered important players in the etiopathogenesis of numerous metabolic and inflammatory disorders. However, plasma leptin and resistin levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are still unclear. We aimed to investigate the plasma levels of leptin and resistin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to compare them with controls. Materials and Methods: Consecutive 52 patients with RA were compared with 52 control subjects in terms of mean leptin and resistin levels. Results: Patients with RA showed considerably higher plasma levels of leptin (34.3 ± 27.9 vs. 11.1 ± 4.1) and resistin (4.8 ± 0.7 vs. 4.0 ± 1.3) …

Rheumatoid Arthritis And Malignancy, Duncan S. Owen Jr., Marion Waller, Elam C. Toone Jr.

MCV/Q, Medical College of Virginia Quarterly

A retrospective study of the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic malignancy was performed using the records of 196 older age patients with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis. The results were compared to 125 patients in the same age group who had arthritis of a non-rheumatoid type. There was no difference in the incidence of malignancy in the two groups of patients. However, there was a positive correlation between the incidence of malignancy and the use of long term adrenocorticosteroid therapy.