Using a recently devised solid phase radioimmunoassay to detect anticardiolipin antibodies, we report the presence of these antibodies in 30 of 96 patients with chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP). IgG anticardiolipin antibody levels were elevated in 14 patients and IgM anticardiolipin antibody levels were elevated in 27 patients. We suggest that these antibodies may mediate peripheral platelet destruction by binding to phospholipids in the platelet membrane. It is also conceivable that the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies may select a subpopulation of patients with chronic AITP who may go on to develop other autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective-Macrovascular disease in scleroderma has recently been described in two comparative studies. The aim of this study was to map its anatomical distribution. Methods-In a retrospective cohort study of 20 scleroderma patients, the results of Doppler studies of arteries in the limbs, neck, and abdomen were compared with those from 20 cohort negative patients. The latter were matched for age, sex, and the presence/absence of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, and diabetes status. Arteries were compared quantitatively using a body surface area adjusted measurement of intraluminal diameter, and qualitatively using descriptive characteristics of the arterial walls. The latter were binomially categorised under three non-exclusive headings-thickening, stenosis, and calcification. Results-The ulnar arteries in scleroderma patients were significantly narrower than those of the negative cohort. The arterial walls were also characterised by smooth thickening along their entire length. The characteristics of the other arteries, including those of the lower limbs, were not significantly diVerent from those of the negative cohort. Conclusion-The ulnar artery seems to be specifically targeted in patients with scleroderma. Assessment of the ulnar artery should be considered in these patients by means of a modified Allen's test or Doppler sonography especially in the presence of digital gangrene.

This study has demonstrated systemic sclerosis prevalence and mortality rates comparable to overseas estimates, consistently higher prevalence and mortality rates in females than males, proportionally higher rates of diffuse disease in males than females and in deceased cases than living cases, a diffuse: limited disease ratio apparently stable over time, apparently increasing temporal prevalence and mortality rates and, by implication, rising incidence rates. The observed temporal rise in diffuse disease prevalence and the absence of a convincing fall in diffuse disease mortality suggests a rising temporal incidence rate of diffuse disease. Standardised mortality rates demonstrated less consistent trends than did crude mortality rates and failed to demonstrate convincing declines in mortality subsequent to the introduction of ACE inhibitors for management of systemic sclerosis renal disease. Death certificate-derived systemic sclerosis mortality rates considerably and consistently underestimated systemic sclerosis-all cause mortality.

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This study substantially increases the otherwise small list of documented instances of familial systemic sclerosis. More importantly, it quantifies the risk for the first time, ranking it as the disease's most powerful determinant identified to date.

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Objective-To compare low (0.5 ng/kg/min) and standard dose (2 ng/kg/min) iloprost (a stable carbacyclin analogue of prostacyclin) in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to connective tissue disorders.

The comparison of results of previous studies on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is hampered due to differences in study design and research instruments including definitions used. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction/erectile disorder (ED) using different definitions.An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2002 in Berlin, Germany. A total of 6000 men between 40 and 79 years of age were randomly selected by the Berlin Office of Vital Statistics and were sent a questionnaire by mail. The prevalence of ED was determined using five different methods. A total of 1915 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. The five different definitions yielded age-adjusted ED prevalence rates between 18 and 48%. Age was strongly correlated with all five definitions (Po0.001). These results indicate the need for standardized criteria when conducting future studies on ED and may aid in designing public health and clinical management strategies.