Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare immune-mediated disease that may affect multiple organs. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of inflammation of cartilaginous structures and other connective tissues, rich in glycosaminoglycan. Clinical symptoms concentrate in auricles, nose, larynx, upper airways, joints, heart, blood vessels, inner ear, cornea and sclera....

Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) in the past decade have become ubiquitous screening for tuberculosis (TB). Development of these interferon release tests helped screen for TB in patients at high risk, specifically those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The blood test was designed to strongly stimulate interferon release when blood was exposed to a tube laced with TB antigens....

One hundred and fifty RA patients classified into two equal subgroups according to the presence of sicca symptoms, in addition to seventy five healthy controls. All patients were subjected to self-reported questionnaire about sicca symptoms, DAS 28, Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR), Schirmer's test, ESR, CRP, RF, Anti- CCP, Anti-Ro, Anti-La antibodies, serum and salivary CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13), B cell activating factor (BAFF), ultrasonography for major salivary gland and biopsy of m...