Studies highlighting the large numbers of people affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) point to what clinicians who treat knee OA have been seeing for the past few decades: a substantial increase in the prevalence of knee OA in the U.S. and globally. Roughly 250 million people are affected by knee OA worldwide, and about 14…
The data tell the story. Despite improvements in overall outcomes for common rheumatologic conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), white patients fare better than minority patients, and sometimes substantially better. Even with new biologic therapies that have significantly altered the course of disease for patients with RA, outcomes for minorities…
A 36-year-old woman presented at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center for a second opinion regarding a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). One year prior to our evaluation, she had developed pain and stiffness in her hands, feet, knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders. She had mild plaque psoriasis of the scalp and base of the neck,…
Imagine telling a patient “You’re in remission!” and finding out it’s not true. The last thing you want to do is get it wrong clinically and put your patient on an emotional rollercoaster. With large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in particular, physicians struggle to be accurate, to determine if indeed the disease has gone away or…
Another exciting ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting is planned for this October. Show your support for the Foundation’s mission and enjoy your time in vibrant Chicago at one of the Foundation’s many events. Donations made to the Foundation support the extensive awards program that funds research, training and education opportunities for current and potential rheumatologists and rheumatology…
Chikungunya is among a group of 16 diseases transmitted through mosquito, tick or flea bites that is of increasing public health concern in the U.S. Although few rheumatologists are likely to diagnose patients with the acute phase of the disease, they may encounter a handful of patients each year who complain of persistent, and often…
The variability in serological testing for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is under investigation after unexpected findings were reported from clinical trials of new agents to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In “Assay Variation in the Detection of Antinuclear Antibodies in the Sera of Patients with Established SLE,” David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD, and his colleagues demonstrate…
Multiple studies show that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has many benefits in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing coronary artery and thrombosis risks. HCQ can prevent disease flares, including in renal and central nervous system lupus, and is the only drug shown to prolong survival in lupus. However, guidelines released in 2016 by…
Take the challenge. CPT codes: 99203/99243 ICD-10: M25.521, M25.522, M25.561, M25.562 History—Comprehensive: The history of present illness is extended, the review of systems is complete, and the past medical, family and social history are documented. All three of the HPI, ROS and PFSH are needed to achieve the history level as comprehensive. Examination—Detailed: This level…
A 55-year-old female patient with pain in multiple joints is referred to the office by her primary care physician. She complains of pain in both knees and both shoulders. She rates the pain at 7 on the pain scale. Her pain is worse at night after she gets off work. Soaking in her hot tub…