Arthritis/Rheumatic Disease
Physician-authored summaries and comments on the latest research in rheumatic diseases, with special attention to arthritis, drawn from across the Journal Watch specialities. Sign up now for monthly e-mail alerts on new content.
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Rituximab of Little Help for Patients with Relapsing Polychondritis
- June 26, 2009
- Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
- Dermatology
In a small, retrospective study, rituximab treatment did not produce meaningful improvement.
- Reviewing:
- Leroux G et al. Arthritis Rheum 2009 May 15; 61:577
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Concomitant Management of Depression and Pain
- June 9, 2009
- Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
- General Medicine
An intensive, combined approach was more effective than usual care, but absolute response rates were still modest. Interview
- Reviewing:
- Kroenke K et al. JAMA 2009 May 27; 301:2099
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Treating Depression and Pain in Primary Care PatientsFree
- June 8, 2009
- Peter Roy-Byrne, MD
- Psychiatry
This collaborative-care intervention using antidepressants and pain self-management had sustained effects.
- Reviewing:
- Kroenke K et al. JAMA 2009 May 27; 301:2099
FEATURE
Briefly Noted
- May 29, 2009
- Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
- Dermatology
Counseling patients at risk for melanoma, factors associated with malignancy in dermatomyositis, guidelines for safe use of methotrexate for psoriasis, and a new TNF-
antibody, administered by subcutaneous injection
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Bisphosphonates for Glucocorticoid Users: Yearly or Daily?
- May 21, 2009
- Anna Wald, MD, MPH
- Women's Health
Yearly intravenous zoledronic acid was not inferior to daily oral risedronate.
- Reviewing:
- Reid DM et al. Lancet 2009 Apr 11; 373:1253
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Unilateral or Bilateral Temporal Artery Biopsy for Suspected Giant Cell Arteritis?
- April 28, 2009
- Allan S. Brett, MD
- General Medicine
Bilateral temporal artery biopsy can enhance diagnostic yield for patients with suspected GCA.
- Reviewing:
- Breuer GS et al. J Rheumatol 2009 Apr; 36:794
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Are Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists Safe in Pregnancy?
- April 17, 2009
- Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
- Dermatology
A retrospective look at the FDA database leads authors to conclude that these agents are unsafe in pregnancy; editorialists say it ain’t necessarily so.
- Reviewing:
- Carter JD et al. J Rheumatol 2009 Mar; 36:635
FEATURE
Briefly Noted
- April 17, 2009
- Dermatology
Genetics of diversity in human pigmentation, risks for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, and a newly approved agent for head lice
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Potassium Citrate to Prevent Recurrent Calcium Stones
- March 31, 2009
- Allan S. Brett, MD
- General Medicine
Long-term results support treatment with potassium citrate. InterviewInterview CME
- Reviewing:
- Robinson MR et al. J Urol 2009 Mar; 181:1145
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Do Meniscal Tears Predispose Patients to Knee Osteoarthritis?
- March 24, 2009
- Allan S. Brett, MD
- General Medicine
Apparently, meniscal damage itself is an independent risk factor for OA. InterviewInterview
- Reviewing:
- Englund M et al. Arthritis Rheum 2009 Mar; 60:831
