Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients with Psoriasis: What Is the Likelihood?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Many useful lessons emerge from this prevalence study.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
October 16, 2009
Covering:
Ibrahim G et al., Arthritis Rheum 2009 Oct 15; 61:1373
Surgery vs. Noninvasive Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Surgery was more effective than other noninvasive therapies, but either treatment modality benefited patients.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
October 8, 2009
Covering:
Jarvik JG et al., Lancet 2009 Sep 26; 374:1074
Management of Chronic Pain
Comprehensive treatment for chronic pain must address both physical and psychological aspects.
By Lynn Rader, MD
October 8, 2009
Topical Voltaren Gel for Hand Osteoarthritis
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Diclofenac gel was better than placebo for relieving pain.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
October 6, 2009
Covering:
Altman RD et al., J Rheumatol 2009 Sep; 36:1991
Nonsurgical Approach to Dupuytren Contractures
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A trial of collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections produced promising results.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
September 22, 2009
Covering:
Hurst LC et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 3; 361:968
Cutaneous Toxicity Associated with "New" Therapies: Rare but Possible
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Two recent reports describe adverse events linked to drug therapy.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
September 4, 2009
Covering:
Asarch A et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2009 Jul; 61:104
Desai N et al., Br J Dermatol 2009 Jun; 160:1322
Women Lose Knee Cartilage Faster Than Men Do
Women's Health Summary and Comment
MRIs show women lose three to four times more knee cartilage annually.
By Wendy S. Biggs, MD
September 3, 2009
Covering:
Hanna FS et al., Menopause 2009 Jul/Aug; 16:666
Briefly Noted
Rituximab promising for bullous diseases, current knowledge of psoriasis pathogenesis, early and aggressive treatment for juvenile dermatomyositis
Infliximab Is Superior to Conventional DMARDs in Patients with Early RA
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Adding a TNF antagonist to methotrexate resulted in a significantly better response to therapy.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
August 13, 2009
Covering:
van Vollenhoven RF et al., Lancet 2009 Aug 8; 374:459
Vertebroplasty Strikes Out
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This procedure yielded no improvements in two randomized placebo-controlled trials.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
August 5, 2009
Covering:
Kallmes DF et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Aug 6; 361:569
Buchbinder R et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Aug 6; 361:557
Vasculitis Update
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A summary of vasculitic conditions, with a focus on manifestations other than leg purpura
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 17, 2009
Covering:
Khasnis A and Langford CA., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Jun; 123:1226
Excellent Risk-Benefit Profile of Antimalarials in Treatment of Lupus
Results of a systematic review support use of antimalarials in patients with SLE during the entire course of the disease.
Rituximab of Little Help for Patients with Relapsing Polychondritis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In a small, retrospective study, rituximab treatment did not produce meaningful improvement.
Concomitant Management of Depression and Pain
General Medicine Summary and Comment
An intensive, combined approach was more effective than usual care, but absolute response rates were still modest.
Treating Depression and Pain in Primary Care Patients
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
This collaborative-care intervention using antidepressants and pain self-management had sustained effects.
Briefly Noted
Counseling patients at risk for melanoma, factors associated with malignancy in dermatomyositis, guidelines for safe use of methotrexate for psoriasis, and a new TNF-
Bisphosphonates for Glucocorticoid Users: Yearly or Daily?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Yearly intravenous zoledronic acid was not inferior to daily oral risedronate.
By Anna Wald, MD, MPH
May 21, 2009
Covering:
Reid DM et al., Lancet 2009 Apr 11; 373:1253
Gennari L and Bilezikian JP., Lancet 2009 Apr 11; 373:1225
Unilateral or Bilateral Temporal Artery Biopsy for Suspected Giant Cell Arteritis?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Bilateral temporal artery biopsy can enhance diagnostic yield for patients with suspected GCA.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
April 28, 2009
Covering:
Breuer GS et al., J Rheumatol 2009 Apr; 36:794
Are Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists Safe in Pregnancy?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
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.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
April 17, 2009
Covering:
Carter JD et al., J Rheumatol 2009 Mar; 36:635
Koren G and Inoue M., J Rheumatol 2009 Mar; 36:465
Briefly Noted
Genetics of diversity in human pigmentation, risks for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, and a newly approved agent for head lice
Potassium Citrate to Prevent Recurrent Calcium Stones
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Long-term results support treatment with potassium citrate.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 31, 2009
Covering:
Robinson MR et al., J Urol 2009 Mar; 181:1145
Do Meniscal Tears Predispose Patients to Knee Osteoarthritis?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Apparently, meniscal damage itself is an independent risk factor for OA.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 24, 2009
Covering:
Englund M et al., Arthritis Rheum 2009 Mar; 60:831
Childhood Stresses Take a Toll on Adult Immune Health
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
In a large records study, childhood adversity increases the risk for autoimmune disorders in adulthood.
By Joel Yager, MD
March 23, 2009
Covering:
Dube SR et al., Psychosom Med 2009 Feb; 71:243
Briefly Noted
Statins’ effect on nonmelanoma skin cancer, minocycline-induced drug hypersensitivity, anti-TNF-
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Excess risk with infliximab and adalimumab but not with etanercept
By Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
March 10, 2009
Covering:
Strangfeld A et al., JAMA 2009 Feb 18; 301:737
Whitley RJ and Gnann JW Jr., JAMA 2009 Feb 18; 301:774
