The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) held the 2017 OARSI World Congress in Las Vegas, April 27–30. Below, we report on two of the sessions held. Retinoic Acid & Hand Osteoarthritis Retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative and hormonal signaling molecule with a role in cartilage and skeletal development. Retinoic acid has complex function,…
A large medical specialty society for ophthalmologists recently updated its recommendations for the screening of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy.1 The recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) affect patients who may use CQ or HCQ for rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as some inflammatory and dermatologic conditions. The…
Both due to its efficacy and favorable side effect profile when compared with alternative drugs for rheumatologic conditions, hydroxychloroquine is an important agent in rheumatologists’ armamentarium. However, one barrier to hydroxychloroquine use can be its effects on the eye (also see “Revised Retinopathy Screening Guidelines,”). Ocular side effects of hydroxychloroquine can include impact on the…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—The combination of methotrexate, sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine is similar in effect as methotrexate plus biologic therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new network meta-analysis. “Thus, for most patients, this low-cost combination of medications should probably be tried before moving onto biologic therapy, either as initial treatment or as…
Beyond such autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatologists should consider hypothyroidism, dietary issues, and grooming habits in patients with hair loss
With a wide range of clinical manifestations and frequent occurrence among rheumatology patients, APS is one for rheumatologists to watch
Differences in disease manifestations, severity, and management require special consideration from rheumatologists who treat children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus
A systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease expert emphasizes benefits of hydroxychloroquine, burst of steroid treatments
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes are among the conditions that add another layer of complexity in treating older rheumatology patients
Advances in the rheumatology clinic are promising, two experts say.