Mevludin Mekic1, Miomir Ristic2, Zoran Kojovic3. Clinic for disease heart and rheumatism Clinical Centre, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1 Clinic for internal medicine, Faculty of medicine, University in Prishtina, Kosova2 Clinic for physical therapy and rehabilitation, Faculty of medicine, University in Niš, Serbia3 illnesses stimulated the development of noninvasive radiological tech ni ques for early and accurate diagnosis of these illnesses. Magnetic resonance (MR) plays a big role in that, due to its great ability to enable high contrast and spatial resolution in recording joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and synovia.(2,3,4) Computerized tomography and mielography is also used in diagnosing rheumatologic illnesses. Bone scintigraphy is very significant in rheumatology and, as opposed to radiological procedures that give morphological changes, scintigraphy gives functional and topographic information of metabolic character. Densitometry is used in diagnosing and monitoring the effects of treatment of bone metabolism illnesses. It is also important to note that capillaroscopy also plays a significant role in rheumatology. Arthroscopy, endoscopic diagnostic procedure is an overview of all big joints. During a diagnostic examination, it is possible to complete a biopsy of synovia, cartilage and bone, as well as endoscopic surgical intervention. EMNG gives significant data on the existence of damage in various parts of neuro-muscle system, character and presence of muscle lesion and PNs, activity of pathological process and dynamics of illness development, and it is also useful in evaluation of effectiveness of therapy and illness prognosis. (3,4,5,6)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systematic inflammation illness characterized by progressive damage of joints. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is individual, programmed and complex and consists of general measures, application of adequate medication, physical procedures, balneotherapy and various surgical techniques as necessary. The objective of research is to show success of therapy in use of medication and other types of treatment for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The following were applied: non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NAIL), metotrexate, gold salts, corticosteroids, sulphasalzine, Chlorochin, cyclophosphamide and others. Metotrexate was often applied in our research and good results were achieved with it, but very good results were also achieved by combination of 2 or more immunodatulatory medications, including interarticular application of medication, physical, balneo and orthopedic therapy, as well as other alternative therapy. Success of therapy based on Richie index shows statistically significant improvement, meaning that there was movement from grade 3 and 4 into grades 1 and 2.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) contains two proteins, which are the products of distinct genes, but which recognize the same cell surface receptors. In the liver, IL-1 initiates the acute phase response resulting in an increase in hepatic protein synthesis and decreased albumin production IL-1 also plays an important role in immune functions, having effects on macrophages/monocytes, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK cells, and LAK cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that regulates immune responses. We analyzed total 160 serum specimens of patients from Clinical Center University of Sarajevo with different inflammatory diseases by ELISA method on interleukins: IL-1alfa and IL-6. Tests that we performed with IL-lalfa and IL-6 by ELISA method confirmed that serum specimens with IL-6 ELISA showed increased values of tested specimens, than the lowest standard and blank. We had average levels of IL-1alfa 3.7 pg/ml which was below the level of the lowest standard. All obtained results were in accordance with the results in IBL protocol for blank and lowest standard values, as well as the average levels of serum specimen values.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multi systematic progressive illness of connective tissue, mostly with joint changes, but also with non-joint changes. The objective of the paper is to compare laboratory and clinical parameters between two groups of examinees, who live in different material, hygienic conditions and different level of health protection. One hundred and forty five patients (core group) were examined and 50 patients (control group). Laboratory and clinical monitoring shows differences in the core group and control group. It is primarily reflected in the status of cell immunity, clinical forms of rheumatoid arthritis, but also other parameters. Cell immunodeficiency is dominating in the core group, heavy clinical forms of rheumatoid arthritis but also visceropathy. The reasons for higher potential of evolution of rheumatoid arthritis in the core group should be sought in the bad material, hygienic living conditions, as well as the level of health protection in the core group compared to the control group.