The influence of HLA-DRB1 genes on disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis
Article Abstract:
The development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis may differ depending on the genetic sequence of the HLA-DRB1 genes. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that may be associated with the HLA-DR4 variation of the HLA-DRB1 genes. Among 102 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent genetic analysis of the HLA-DRB1 genes, 98 (96%) had one copy of the disease-linked form of the HLA-DRB1 genes and 47 (46%) had two copies. Twenty-eight patients had two copies of the HLA-DRB1*04 variation of the HLA-DRB1 gene and 19 had a combination of HLA-DRB1*04 variant with HLA-DRB1*0101 or HLA-DRB1*1402. All of the patients with two copies of the HLA-DRB1*04 gene had nodular disease, compared with 59% of those only one copy. Patients with two copies of the HLA-DRB1*04 gene were more likely to have involvement of major organ systems or to require surgery than those with only one copy.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1992
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Giant-cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Article Abstract:
The best methods of diagnosing giant-cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatic are biopsy, MRI and CT scans. Corticosteroid drugs are the best treatment, but should be used at the lowest dose that will be effective to prevent the severe side effects of corticosteroid drugs. Giant-cell arteritis is an inflammation of arteries and polymyalgia rheumatic is a general inflammation that can occur in any part of the body.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2003
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