The human intestinal microbiota is home to more than 1,000 bacterial species, containing approximately 3 million genes, many of which code for functions that have the potential to affect human physiology.1 Smaller numbers of organisms are also present in the skin, upper gastrointestinal tract, female reproductive tract and the oro- and nasopharynx. As tools have…
The boy who could not walk: S.L. is a previously healthy 10-year-old boy who has not walked for three months. Physical examination reveals swollen wrists, knees, ankles and several toes. There is reduced hip range of motion and flexion contractures of both knees. He can stand with assistance, but is unable to take a single…
Transitions in medical care can be high-risk periods due to the loss of continuity in care and worsening of medical conditions. Approximately one-quarter of the estimated 18 million adolescents aged 18–21 years in the U.S. have chronic conditions, including rheumatic diseases. Interventions in rheumatology practice can improve transition processes. Transition-readiness assessment tools and transition-satisfaction scales are available for use in rheumatology transition processes…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Almost half of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients treated with etanercept achieve minimal disease activity after one year of treatment, according to new findings. Younger patients and those who did not require corticosteroid treatment were more likely to have an excellent response, Dr. Kimme Hyrich of the University of Manchester in the…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Mycophenolate sodium (MPS) is effective for treating children with chronic noninfectious uveitis, researchers from Germany report. “Mycophenolate sodium could be used as a preferred steroid-sparing agent in children with chronic noninfectious intermediate uveitis,” Dr. Deshka Doycheva, from the University of Tuebingen, Germany, told Reuters Health by email. MPS is an enteric-coated formulation…
Dr. Sheffield is an adult rheumatologist who received the following referral request from a family doctor: “Please see this 22-year-old male with a history of juvenile arthritis for ongoing care. I have only seen him once, and have no previous medical records.” Dr. Sheffield meets with Paul, who reports that he has had arthritis since…
Recognizing, reducing risk of bone fractures in pediatric patients with rheumatic disease, taking glucocorticoid therapy
Pediatricians discuss role of patient-centered outcomes in learning health centers
Comfort Ability program provides psychological strategies to help children self-manage symptoms
Joint pain and swelling flare up in a 14-year-old boy who tests positive for inflammation, thrombocytosis, and human leukocyte antigen B27