| description: |
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may cause a progressive destruction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Involvement of TMJ is associated with many clinical signs and symptoms of which pain is a major problem (Tegelberg ja Kopp 1987).The main aims of this investigation are 1) to investigate longitudinal impact of pain in the TMJ on daily living in patients with RA (1998 - 2009). 2) to investigate longitudinal radiographic changes in the TMJ with clinical involvement of RA and its relation to the blood level of inflammatory mediators serotonin (5-HT), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), soluble TNF receptor type II (TNFsRII), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-1soluble receptor type II (IL-1sRII; 1998 - 2009). 3) to investigate the role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide in the development of erosions in the TMJ ivolvement by RA. 4) the results of this research will be introduced for evidence based treatment of TMJ arthritis. The TMJ images will be obtained by means of computed tomography in comparison with magetic resonance imaging for evaluating the progression of radiographic changes (Voog et.al 2003, 2004). The changes are defined according to Rohlin et al. (1986). The results of the proposed research will also providing longitudinal data on the underlying local pathophysiology of RA in the TMJ permitting a more accurate identification of the predictors of an especially severe destruction of the TMJ. The investigation of the patients' daily activities will increase our knowledge of the pain and its impact on the patients' quality of life and well-being.The present research project will thus provide new insights into evidence-based treatment of TMJ arthritis. |