Ytes, but effects of the combined use of glucocorticoids and local anesthetics are unknown. Questions/purposes We asked whether glucocorticoid and local anesthetic agents combined had any synergistic effects on chondrocyte apoptosis. Methods Cell viability and apoptosis/necrosis assessment of human articular chondrocytes were performed in vitro (chondrocyte cell cultures) and ex vivo (osteochondral specimens) using flow cytometry and TUNEL analysis, respectively. Results Glucocorticoids and local anesthetics induce apoptosis in chondrocytes at various rates. When used in combination, the percentage of dead chondrocytes was increased in in vitro chondrocyte cell cultures and osteochondral ex vivo specimens. Conclusions We observed a time-dependent decrease in chondrocyte viability after concurrent steroid and local anesthetic exposure. Clinical Relevance The combination of glucocorticoids and local anesthetics has an adverse effect on articular chondrocytes, and it raises a question regarding whether concomitant administration should be used in treating osteoarthritis....

Objectives. To evaluate the construct validity of the European Scleroderma Study Group (EScSG) activity index and to propose modifications if necessary. Methods. One hundred and thirty-one consecutive patients were investigated and re-evaluated 1 year later. Modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), skin ulcers and joint contracture numbers, hand anatomic index (HAI), BMI, spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL_CO), left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI), patient skin self-assessment questionnaire and several biomarkers were recorded, in addition to the data required for the EScSG activity index. Statistical analysis was performed by categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA). Results. The EScSG activity index appeared in the same dimension as the HAQ-DI, ulcer score and joint contractures, MRSS, patient-reported skin score and HAI by CATPCA. Parameters of lung involvement appeared in another dimension. We constructed a 12-point activity index that was equally associated with both dimensions, by adding the forced vital capacity/DL_CO, change in DL_CO, change in the ulcer scores, HAQ-DI and patient-reported skin score. Biomarkers including vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, CRP and albumin were related to both the EScSG and the 12-point index, though they did not improve the total variance of the model. Conclusion. The construct validity of the EScSG activity index is good, though the lung-related disease activity may not be sufficiently represented. Further validation steps may be required for both the EScSG and our 12-point activity index.