Global tuberculosis disease and infection in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infections among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of TB infection and disease, its type, and medication risk factors in SLE patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, and Web of Science databases from inception to April 30, 2023, and included studies assessing TB among SLE patients. We estimated the prevalence of TB disease (including type of TB disease), TB infection, and SLE medication as TB risk factors. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.2 and Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria. The global prevalence of TB disease was 4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3-4%, n = 25) and TB infection was 18% (95% CI: 10-26%, n = 3). The pooled prevalence of pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB, and disseminated TB were 2% (95% CI: 2-3%, n = 20), 1% (95% CI: 1-2%, n = 17), and 1% (95% CI: 0-1%, n = 6), respectively. The 1-year cumulative glucocorticoid (GC) dose in SLE patients contracting TB was higher than in those without TB, having a mean difference of 2.56 (95% CI: 0.22-4.91, p < .00001, n = 3). The odd ratio of TB was 2.11 (95% CI: 1.01-4.41, p = .05, n = 3) in SLE patients receiving methylprednisolone (MP) pulse therapy as compared to those without MP pulse therapy. Other immunosuppressive agents were not significantly associated with TB.

CONCLUSION

TB prevalence in SLE was relatively high and associated with GC. Awareness of TB and lowering GC dose are warranted to alleviate the TB burden in SLE.

Comparison of interferon-gamma production between TB1 and TB2 tubes of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

CD8 T-cells play an important role in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production as a host defense against tuberculosis (TB) infection. Therefore, QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) was developed by adding a TB2 tube beside the TB1 tube. This study aimed to compare and analyze the difference in IFN-γ production between the two tubes in general and specific populations.

CONTENT

PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched for studies reporting IFN-γ production levels in the TB1 and TB2 tubes. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

SUMMARY

A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The IFN-γ production in the TB2 tube was statistically higher than that in the TB1 tube (mean difference (MD)=0.02, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI): 0.01-0.03). Further subgroup analysis in specific populations revealed that the MD of IFN-γ production between the TB2 and TB1 tubes was significantly higher in active TB subjects than in latent TB infection (LTBI) subjects (MD=1.13, 95 % CI: 0.49-1.77, and MD=0.30, 95 % CI: 0.00-0.60, respectively). A similar finding was found in immune-mediated inflammatory disease subjects, but not statistically significant. Interestingly, IFN-γ production capacity was lower in active TB subjects than in LTBI subjects in each of the TB1 and TB2 tubes.

OUTLOOK

This study is the first to systematically compare IFN-γ production between the TB1 and TB2 tubes. The IFN-γ production was higher in the TB2 tube than in the TB1 tube, representing the host's CD8 T-cell response magnitude to TB infection.

Tuberculosis among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Indonesia: a Cohort study

Background

Previous studies have identified systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), but data from TB endemic countries are still relatively scarce. We examined TB in a large cohort of SLE patients in Indonesia.

Methods

All patients registered in a lupus registry of the top-referral hospital for West-Java between 2008 and 2020 were included. Data on SLE characteristics and treatment were retrieved from the registry, and data on TB diagnosis, localization and outcome were extracted from medical records. Cox-proportional hazard model was used to examine risk factors for development of TB.

Results

Among 1278 SLE patients followed over a total of 4804 patient years, 131 patients experienced 138 episodes of TB, a median 2 years (IQR 0.6–5.4) after diagnosis of SLE. A total of 113 patients (81.9%) had pulmonary and 61 (44.2%) had extra-pulmonary involvement, with disseminated disease in 26 of 138 episodes (18.8%), and 13 of 131 patients (9.9%) died from TB. The estimated TB incidence was 2,873 cases per 100,000 person years. In multivariate cox regression analysis, development of TB was associated with household TB contact (HR 7.20; 95%CI 4.05-12.80), pulse methylprednisolone therapy (HR 1.64; 95%CI 1.01-2.67) and age ≤ 25 years old at SLE diagnosis (HR 1.54; 95%CI 1.00-2.35).

Conclusion

There is a high burden of TB in SLE patients in this TB endemic setting, underlining the need for evaluation or implementation of TB preventive strategies.

Association Between Vitamin D Levels and FEV1, Number of Exacerbations, and CAT Score in Stable COPD Patients in Indonesia

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the association between vitamin D levels and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), number of exacerbations, and symptoms based on COPD assessment test (CAT) scores in stable COPD patients in Indonesia.

Patients and Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects were stable COPD patients who were treated at a pulmonary clinic in a tertiary referral hospital in West Java from March to June 2018.

Results

Thirty subjects were recruited this study with an average age 62±8 years. The mean vitamin D level was 20.17±8.91 ng/mL. Half of the patients had low vitamin D level (<20ng/mL) (50%). The mean FEV1 (%) predicted value was 37.2±14. The median exacerbation per year was 1 (0-5) and symptoms based on CAT score was 14 (3-34). No correlation was found between vitamin D levels and FEV1 (%) predicted value (r=0.126, p=0.253). Vitamin D level was inversely correlated with number of exacerbations (r=-0.639, p<0.001) and CAT (r= -0.802, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Low level of vitamin D was associated with more frequent exacerbation and higher CAT scores but was not associated with FEV1 (%) predicted.

Chromobacterium violaceum: A Review of an Unexpected Scourge

Chromobacterium violaceum is a common environmental bacterium that rarely causes disease in humans but has a high fatality rate if it does. Due to the rarity of the cases, clinicians are often unaware of the rapid progression of C. violaceum infection and its unexpected antibiotic resistance pattern, which contribute to the failure of patient management. Our review provides the clinical characteristics, possible sources of exposure, and comorbidities and determines factors associated with survival. We gathered information on 132 cases of C. violaceum causing disease in humans published between 1953 and 2020. Patients were predominantly male with a median age of 17.5, interquartile range (IQR) of 5.0-40.0 years, and a third of them were known to have immune deficiencies or comorbidities. Portals of entry were mainly through a wound in the leg and feet (28.0%), the torso (8.5%), or hands and arms (6.8%). It is not uncommon to acquire infection through unintended contact with contaminated water or dust through the mouth or inhalation. The median incubation period is 4.0 days (IQR 2.0-8.0 days) with a duration of clinical course of 17.5 days (IQR 8.0-30.8 days). The high rate of positive blood cultures (56.1%) and abscesses in internal organs (36.4%) shows the significant severity of this disease. Sepsis and Bacteremia were related to mortality with a risk ratio (RR) of 5.20 (95% CI, 0.831-32.58) and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.05-4.36), respectively. Appropriate antibiotic use prevented death at a RR 0.33 (95% CI, 0.21-0.52). Most patients who recovered and survived were treated with aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems. This review shows the malignant nature of C. violaceum infection and the need for clinicians to be aware and provide prompt source management for patients. Appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic regiment guided by susceptibility test results is of vital importance.

The 'Great Imitator': A Case of COVID-19 Presenting with Encephalitis and Acute Coronary Syndrome

Although typically patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have pulmonary symptoms atypical cases can occasionally present with extra-pulmonary symptoms. We report an interesting case of COVID-19 female patient presenting with combination of central nervous system disorder and acute myocardial infarct as initial manifestation. Multiorgan involvement in COVID-19 might lead to multiple atypical presentation which could be overlooked by the physician.

Validity and Reliability of the Indonesian Version of Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) Questionnaire in Hemodialysis Patients at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia

BACKGROUND

the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis patients is increasing every year in Indonesia. The impact of CKD and dialysis on patient quality of life (QOL) has been recognized as an important outcome measure in the management of CKD. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) has been validated and is widely used as a measure of QOL for CKD and dialysis patients in many countries, but not in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to determine the reliabity and validity of the Indonesian version of KDQOL-36 on hemodialysis patients in Indonesia.

METHODS

the KDQOL-36 was translated into Indonesian language by a certified translator and then it was back-translated into English. The translated questionnaire was further reviewed by an expert panel. The final questionnaire was administered to hemodialysis patients in Hemodialysis Unit at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Validity was measured using Pearson's correlation between the kidney disease-targeted scores, generic dimensions (SF-12) scores and each scale score in KDQOL-36. The internal consistensy was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha and reliability was examined using test-retest.

RESULTS

out of 103 patients, we found that most subjects were male (52.4%) with median age of 51 (22-75) years. The duration of hemodialysis was 3.4 (SD 2.1) years. The validity test showed a significant correlation (p<0.001) on kidney disease-targeted total score, SF-12 and each score of the scale within it. All of the KDQOL-36 scales showed good test-retest reliability. Internal consistency reliability values were acceptable, with Cronbach's Alpha >0,7 for all scales.

CONCLUSION

the Indonesian version of the KDQOL-36 questionnaire is valid and reliable for evaluating QOL in reguler hemodialysis patients.

Renal Tuberculosis: The Masquerader

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a worldwide scourge and the most common cause of mortality from infectious disease. Around 95% of cases occur in developing country. Renal TB is a rare cases that complicates 3-4% of pulmonary TB patients and commonly overlooked in clinical practice due to its symptoms may mimic other diseases.A-39-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to flank pain. He had history of low grade fever and oligouria since 5 months prior. He had no complaint of cough, dyspnea, or night sweat. He was a non smoker and had no past medical history of tuberculosis. Previous 4 months abdominal ultrasound showed left pelvocaliectasis and ureteral dilatation with suspicion of left ureteral stenosis. Ureterolithiasis could not be excluded. No prostate enlargement or vesicolithiasis was seen. Intravenous pyelography (IVP) examination demonstrated similar finding. Initial laboratory blood examination showed anemia (10.7 g/dl), leukocytosis (14,080/ul), increased in serum creatinin (4.2 mg/dl), ureum (227 mg/dl), and calcium (6.78 mg/dl). Serology examinations were negative for HIV, HBsAg, anti HCV and blood culture had no growth. Urinary examination revealed severe leucocyturia, hematuria, and negative for bacteria, nitrite and cast. Urine culture was positive for Candida glabrata. Pulmonary X-ray suggested right pleural fibrotic. He was initially diagnosed as multiple myeloma with fungal infection. Nevertheless, additional peripheral blood smear showed neither rouleaux formation nor blast. He underwent percutaneous nephrostomy and got micafungin intravenously. Instead of improving, the patient deteriorated and transferred to intensive room. We then explored the possibility of TB infection. Further examination revealed positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in urinary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Tracheal sputum examination was positive for acid fast bacilli staining. There was low level of serum vitamin D2 (5.8 ng/ml). He got TB treatment with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Unfortunately, the patient eventually succumbed.

The clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Indonesia: a cohort registry from an Indonesia-based tertiary referral hospital

Introduction

To date, no national epidemiological data of systemic lupus erythematosus are available in Indonesia.

Objective

We aimed to demonstrate clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus patients of the Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, one of Indonesia's top tertiary-referral hospitals.

Method

We reviewed retrospective cohort data from the Hasan Sadikin Lupus Registry, which was created in January 2016. Initial retrospective data were collected from the medical records of systemic lupus erythematosus patients from 2008 to 2015 and enhanced the cohort data from January 2016 to December 2017. The records were analysed for age, sex, clinical manifestations, comorbidity, treatment and outcome.

Results

Of 813 patients, 95.6% were females. Mean age at diagnosis was 27.7 ± 9.4 years, with a mean disease duration of 76.5 ± 53.1 months. Major clinical manifestations were arthritis (75.5%) and malar rash (68.3%). The majority of patients received steroid treatment, beside chloroquine and azathioprine. In total, 93 patients (11.4%) developed tuberculosis, 522 patients (64.2%) had routine follow-up and 66 patients (8.1%) died. Infection was the most common cause of death (36.4%).

Conclusion

Arthritis and malar rash were the most commonly encountered clinical manifestations in the Hasan Sadikin Lupus Registry. Tuberculosis incidence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients was high, as was the mortality rate of lupus.

Risk Factors for Poor Pregnancy Outcome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

BACKGROUND

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still a challenging autoimmune disease, especially in pregnancy setting. An early risk factors awareness of poor pregnancy outcome is important to optimize the outcome of pregnancy in SLE patients. This study was conducted to describe pregnancy outcome and determine the risk factors associated with poor pregnancy outcome in SLE patients.

METHODS

a retrospective case-control study of SLE patients with poor and normal pregnancy outcome was performed. Pregnancy histories were reviewed from Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital lupus registry study. The case group was pregnancy with poor outcome, defined as abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and neonatal death. The control group was pregnancy with good outcome, defined as live birth and full term.

RESULTS

a total of 84 SLE patients were enrolled in this study with 109 pregnancies after SLE diagnosis. The median age of subjects at the time of pregnancy was 28 (25-32) years old. Poor pregnancy outcome comprising 22.9% abortion, 14.7% premature birth, 5.5% stillbirth, 1.8% IUGR and 4.6% neonatal death. There was a significant difference in the number of planned pregnancy (P=0.011) between groups with poor and good outcome. Clinical variables significantly associated with poor pregnancy outcome were lupus nephritis (OR = 4.813, 95% CI 1.709 - 13.557, P = 0.003) and neuropsychiatric SLE (OR = 5.045, 95% CI 1.278 - 19.920, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

the pregnancy in SLE patient should be planned to have better outcome. Lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric (NP) SLE were risk factors for poor pregnancy outcome in SLE patient.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A 38-year-old woman presented with general weakness and vaginal bleeding. One month prior, she had been diagnosed with Evans syndrome (haemolytic anemia with positive Coombs test and thrombocytopenia) and was given oral steroid as maintenance therapy. Her serology examination was negative for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Her obstetrical history was marked by miscarriage in second pregnancy and preeclampsia in third pregnancy. She used hormonal contraceptives until 5 months prior to admission. On physical examination, she had anemic conjunctiva and no organomegaly. Blood tests were significant for anemia (3.4 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (28,000/µl). Her vaginal bleeding had ceased, however her platelet continued decreasing to 12,000/µl during first several days of hospitalization despite receiving platelet transfusion. On the tenth hospital day, she suddenly complained of severe headache and blurred vision. She had bilateral edema and erythema of palpebral, chemosis, decreased in visual acuity, and reduced ocular motility. Ear and nose examination were normal. Peripheral blood smear showed no blast. Prothrombine time (PT), INR, APTT tests were normal and D Dimer was slightly increased (3.3 mg/l; NV ≤0.5 mg/l). Urine examination revealed proteinuria with 24 hour urine protein was 1,863 mg (NV <150 mg/day). We assessed her as cavernous sinus thrombosis and treated her empirically with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, morphine drip. Either digital subtraction angiography or anticoagulant was deferred due to low platelet. Further examination revealed positive for ANA, anti-SSA, and diagnosis of SLE was established. Anticardiolipin antibodies of IgG and IgM and anti-beta2 glycoprotein antibodies of IgM and IgG tests were non reactive. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy (1g/day) was given for 3 consecutive days, and then tapered to oral methylprednisolone. She additionally received azathioprine 50 mg tab BID. Meanwhile her clinical symptoms alleviated and platelet count was increased, brain MRI and MR venography finally performed suggesting cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. She got additional oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban 15 mg tab BID and eventually discharged. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis may be the presenting symptoms or occur concomitantly within the onset of SLE. Our patient had SLE, meeting 4 of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinic classification criteria (hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal involvement, and positive for ANA test). Vasculitis due to endothelial cell injury mediated by immune-complex deposition is proposed to be the pathogenesis of CVST in SLE. Hypercoagulable state could be other etiology factor. Antiphospholipid antibodies were absent in our case as reported in some cases, emphasizing vasculitis as the underlying mechanism. Treatment of CVST in SLE consisting of anticoagulant, steroid, and immunosuppressant. This case elicits intriguing problem: CVST and thrombocytopenia. Anticoagulant treatment is proposed as the cornerstone treatment for CVST, however it was deferred due to risk of bleeding in thrombocytopenia. Steroid plays role in treatment of CVST in SLE, owing to its anti-inflammatory property. As shown in previous cases, the patient had remarkable response to high dose steroid treatment and eventually got anticoagulant after her platelet had increased. In summary, prompt diagnosis and treatment of CVST are important for a favorable prognosis.

An Interesting Case of Hepatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare solid tumor with an incidence of 0.5 to 2 cases per million per year. It affects women more commonly than men with a ratio of 1.5:1. Ectopic ACC are considered to be extremely rare with no exact incidence data yet. We report an interesting case of hepatic ACC in a young woman with clinical signs of virilization.A-21-year old Sundanese woman visited our endocrine clinic with progressive hirsutism over the face, body, and extremities starting 14 years previously. She had irregular, heavy periods when she was 7 years old. She also experienced pubertal development of her breasts. However, both menstrual cycle and breast development ceased when she was 8 years old. She noticed voice deepening and alopecia. Physical examination showed male-type alopecia and intense hirsutism. Tanner stage was 3 for breast tissue and 5 for pubic hair. There was no galactorrhea. Body mass index was 21.4 kg/m2. Hormonal evaluation revealed increased level of free testosterone (>1500 ng/dl; NV: 8.4-48.1 ng/dl), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (>1000 ug/ml; NV: 65.1-369 ug/ml), and estradiol (533.60 pg/ml; NV: 14-124 pg/ml), low level of LH (<0.07 mIU/ml; NV: 1.7-11 mIU/ml) and FSH (<0.30 mIU/ml; NV: 1.34-9.40 mIU/ml), slight increased in morning serum cortisol (26.61 ug/ml; NV: 4.3-22.4 ug/ml), normal serum thyroid stimulating hormone (3.2 mIU/l; NV: 0.34-4.25 mIU/l) and prolactin (14.70 ng/ml; NV: 3.30-15.80 ng/ml). Gynecological ultrasound and brain MRI examination showed no structural abnormality. Abdominal CT scan demonstrated contrast enhanced solid inhomogenous mass sized 11.6 x 14.2 x 15.6 cm in right liver lobe. Neither suprarenal mass nor paraaortic lymphadenopathy was seen in the abdominal CT scan. Chromosomal examination revealed normal female karyotype (46, XX). Further liver biopsy showed morphology and immunohistochemistry (positive for CD 56, HEP 1, and NSE) consistent with adrenocortical carcinoma. Surgical therapy with referral to other institution was offered to the patient as first line treatment. Meanwhile, the patient got spironolactone 100 mg OD.Virilizing tumors are rare and few of them are androgen-producing adrenal tumors. Ectopic adrenal tumors are even rarer. Ectopic adrenal tissue can be found close to the adrenal glands, or along the path of descent or in association with gonad. Moreover, they have ever been reported in nervous system, stomach, gall bladder, and liver. There have been several case reports of adrenal rest tumor of liver; however, our literature review found no report of ectopic ACC of liver. Cortical tissue, embrologically derived from mesoderm, seems to be the sole component of the tumor which can undergo malignant transformation or become hormonally functional. Functioning tumors are more frequent in women. Our case demonstrated virilization as chief complaint. The ectopically located functioning tumors display the same clinical picture as tumors located in adrenal gland, with Cushing's syndrome and virilization are the most frequent symptoms in order of frequency. The virilization, as shown in our case, is due to excessive androgen production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone. The distinction of ACC from benign adrenocortical tumor is important. Since there is no previous report of hepatic ACC and surgery is the keystone of curative treatment modality for ACC at adrenal gland, we planned the patient for surgical resection. Adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy (mitotane and combination of cytotoxic drugs), irradiation might be considered in ACC treatment. To control androgen effects, spironolactone was administered in our patient. However, there was no significant improvement in symptoms.In conclusion, we present the first reported case of hepatic ACC. A thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory, imaging examination are critical in evaluating virilized female patients. Elevated serum concentration of  dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone might direct clinician to functioning adrenal cortical tissue as etiology, with further investigation of exact tumor site.

Chromobacterium violaceum: The Deadly Sepsis

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative facultatively anaerobic, oxidase-positive bacterium producing a dark violet antioxidant pigment called violacein. It is an opportunistic pathogen and has an ubiquitous distribution, mainly resides in water and soil of tropical and subtropical regions.An-18-year-old man referred to the emergency room with a 5-day history of progressively worsening swelling of the right cheek. He sought consult and hospitalized at another institution for three days prior this admission; however, his condition deteriorated. He had a history of having abscesses several time. Four month before this visit, he was also admitted in our hospital due to an abscess in the right thigh. Pus and blood culture were positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus, with a total serum IgE of 2493.0 IU/ml. He recovered completely after being treated with vancomycin in this event. He had neither diabetes mellitus nor human immunodeficiency virus infection history. In this presentation, he was in a critically ill state with septic shock. Physical examination revealed diffuse, indurated, partly fluctuant, and some deep purple area of right hemifacial swelling. It was extended anteriorly from angle of mouth to retroauricular, superiorly from superior palpebra to lower border of mandible. Laboratory studies were notable for a white-cell count of 12,970/mm3 (total lymphocyte count 778.2), platelet count 96,000/mm3. The patient got norepinephrine drip and broad-spectrum antibiotic intravenously. He also underwent superficial drainage of the abscess. Unfortunately, the patient eventually succumbed. Sample from right submandibular abscess showed no growth, but blood sample was confirmed to grow C. violaceum. It showed sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol, tetracycline.Since it was firstly described in 1927, only a few cases of human infection with C. violaceum have been reported. As shown in our case, the classical clinical manifestation was localized soft tissue infection which rapidly progressed to fulminant sepsis with a high mortality rate. A defect in host defense system might be the predisposing factor for this kind of infection in our case. As this is such a rare infection, there is no guideline on the choice of antibiotics or duration of treatment at present. Successful treatment is most likely due to early recognition, prompt surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case from Indonesia that could be identified in the literature.

Paraneoplastic Arthritis in a Patient with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of disorders associated with benign or malignant tumors but not related to mass effect or invasion directly. Paraneoplastic syndromes may affect any organic system of the human body, such as endocrine, neurologic, dermatologic, hematologic, rheumatologic. Paraneoplastic rheumatic syndromes are not quite common, about 7-10% of paraneoplastic syndromes, and may mimic rheumatic diseases. We present an interesting case of paraneoplastic arthritis in a woman with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Association between Serum Uric Acid and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be associated with some metabolic disorders. Recent studies suggested the role of uric acid in NAFLD through oxidative stress and inflammatory process. This study is aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid and NAFLD.

METHODS

a systematic literature review was conducted using Pubmed and Cochrane library. The quality of all studies was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). All data were analyzed using REVIEW MANAGER 5.3.

RESULTS

eleven studies from America and Asia involving 100,275 subjects were included. The pooled adjusted OR for NAFLD was 1.92 (95% CI: 1.66-2.23; p<0.00001). Subgroup analyses were done based on study design, gender, non-diabetic subjects, non-obese subjects. All subgroup analyses showed statistically significant adjusted OR and most of which having low to moderate heterogeneity. Two studies revealed relationship between increased serum uric acid levels and severity of NAFLD. No publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

our study demonstrated association between serum uric acid level and NAFLD. This finding brings a new insight of uric acid in clinical practice. Increased in serum uric acid levels might serve as a trigger for physician to screen for NAFLD.