Conditions

Subcategories:Axial Spondyloarthritis Clinical Criteria/Guidelines Gout and Crystalline Arthritis Myositis Osteoarthritis and Bone Disorders Other Rheumatic Conditions Pain Syndromes Pediatric Conditions Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Sjögren’s Disease Soft Tissue Pain Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Sclerosis Vasculitis

Biosimilars for RA Studied in Multiple Trials

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP | June 17, 2015

Biosimilars for etanercept and sarilumab are being examined in multiple Phase 3 trials for their effects in RA and psoriasis patients.

Increased Risk of Serious Infections During Early Anti-TNF Treatment

Will Boggs, MD | June 16, 2015

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—The risk of serious infections increases in the early months of anti-TNF treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, researchers from Denmark report. “The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha plays an important role in the immune system and therefore it is biologically plausible that TNF-alpha inhibitors may increase the risk of infections,” said Dr. Nynne Nyboe…

HIV Infection: What Rheumatologists Need to Know

Leonard H. Calabrese, DO, & Elizabeth Kirchner, MSN, CNP | June 15, 2015

It has been nearly 35 years since the original descriptions of what now is recognized as AIDS (the acquired immune deficiency syndrome), an advanced form of infection secondary to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The epidemic of HIV infection remains the singular most dramatic epidemic of our generation and will likely remain with us for…

Eosinophilia: A Diagnostic Evaluation Guide for Rheumatologists

Praveen Akuthota, MD, Aryeh Fischer, MD, & Michael E. Wechsler, MD | June 15, 2015

Clinical Vignette A 45-year-old woman with long-standing asthma and chronic sinusitis has new-onset peripheral neuropathy, arthralgias, fatigue, progressive dyspnea and a nonproductive cough. She has never smoked and has no environmental exposures. Her medications include an albuterol metered-dose inhaler (which she uses daily); an inhaled corticosteroid, montelukast; and ibuprofen (which she takes occasionally). She is…

Study Reveals Role of IL-17–Secreting CD4+ T Cells in Lupus

Lara C. Pullen, PhD | June 15, 2015

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by high-titer, highly specific, isotype-switched antibodies against DNA and RNA. Patients have both CD4+ T helper (Th) cell- dependent as well as Th cell-independent autoantibody production. Two mouse models of lupus demonstrate T-cell–independent autoantibody production: the pristane model of lupus, as well as in the MRL/lpr mouse…

Ixekizumab Clinical Trials Continue; FDA Updates Warning Label for Varenicline

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, CGP, RPh | June 15, 2015

It seems to have begun in Norway, the international pressure to switch patients from well-known brand biologic agents, such as Remicade (infliximab), to biosimilar agents, due to a significant cost advantage.1 This biosimilar came with a 39% price markdown last year compared with the brand, and when Norway called for bids, the discount went to…

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Periodontal Disease Link Suggests Benefits in Behavioral Change

Karen Appold | June 15, 2015

Although compelling data exist to support a link between periodontal disease (PD) and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cementing the association will require extensive investigative work.1 However, in reviewing the literature of the past 10 years, Elliot D. Rosenstein, MD, director, Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases at Overlook Medical Center, Summit, N.J., and…

Rheumatoid Arthritis Practice Performance Project Spots Problems in RA Management

Erin Arnold, MD, William Arnold, MD, Douglas Conaway, MD, Gary Crump, MD, Edmund LaCour, MD, James Mossell, DO, Glen Parris, MD, Kathleen Thomas, DO, David Sikes, MD, Anne Winkler, MD, PhD, MACP, Timothy Harrington, MD, & James Bower, MPA | June 15, 2015

Rheumatologists have growing concerns about how we manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the disease outcomes we are achieving.1 Over the past two years, clinician rheumatologists have begun working together to address these problems through the Rheumatoid Arthritis Practice Performance (RAPP) Project, a nationwide clinical quality-improvement initiative. The RAPP Project has now grown to 168 participants…

Tips for Treating Insomnia in Rheumatology Patients

Linda Childers | June 15, 2015

Chronic insomnia is a common complaint for patients with rheumatic diseases and conditions. In fact, sleep disturbances are among the most common symptoms of both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with more than 50% of chronic pain patients reporting sleep disturbances. Pain combined with insomnia can lead to a vicious cycle, says Ruth Gentry, PhD,…

Diagnostic Imaging in Patient with Soft Tissue Calcification: Findings

Jennifer L. Demertzis, MD | June 15, 2015

View the question. Findings/Diagnosis The radiographs demonstrate diffuse sheetlike and tumefactive calcifications throughout the subcutaneous tissues, muscle and fascia of the pelvis and right hand. The underlying bones and joint spaces appear normal. The differential diagnosis for soft tissue calcification is extensive and includes metabolic disturbances (particularly of calcium and phosphate), trauma (e.g., injection sites,…