Current Rheumatology Reviews - Volume 13, Issue 2, 2017

Parasitic infections are among the oldest and most common infections in humans. Host defense alterations caused by autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive drugs can cause modifications of the symptoms: indolent parasites can be reactivated, asymptomatic patients may experience new symptoms, or mild or moderate symptoms can become serious and, rarely, may lead to death. In recent years, new drugs have be Read More

Localized scleroderma (LS) is characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to thickening of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue or both. The outcome for most patients with localized scleroderma is directly related to the type and stage of the affected tissue. The major challenge for untreated patients is not increased mortality risk, rather deformity and growth defects from skin, muscle and bone abnormalities. Treat Read More

Background: The identification and validation of soluble markers provide significant opportunities for managing patients with rheumatic diseases, and calprotectin may be an alternative laboratory biomarker of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) even though its levels may vary considerably. The aim of this study was to propose a calprotectin cut-off value that would be useful for distinguishing pat Read More

Generalized pain with tender points in specific areas accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue and stiffness is characteristic of fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome. The genesis of FM is still being investigated with conflicting data on factors including autonomic dysfunction, neurotransmitters, and hormones often in combination with external stressful events. However, recent research is starting to suggest th Read More

Fatigue impacts 80-90% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and an incomplete understanding of fatigue mechanisms limits effective treatment. Disease activity indices and laboratory markers inconsistently correlate with fatigue severity in SLE populations. Identification of fatigue biomarkers has important implications for understanding pathogenesis and defining novel therapeutic targets, but a paucity o Read More

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), a rare connective tissue disorder, was first reported by Lawrence Shulman in 1974. Since then over 300 cases have been reported worldwide. EF has variable clinical presentations and currently does not have internationally accepted diagnostic criteria. Dermatological features are the most ubiquitously present symptoms. It often presents with sclerodermalike skin changes. Extracutaneous presentation Read More

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with gradual onset, largely affecting the axial skeleton. As leads to varying degrees of restricted spinal mobility, pain and loss of functional capacity. Rehabilitation, especially physiotherapy and exercises, are considered integral components of its management. Various rehabilitation modalities are available for the benefit of individuals with AS, but a sequenced pr Read More

Background: Popliteal fossa, also known as the popliteal space, is located behind the knee joint. This region can develop many clinical complications in the vascular, nervous, lymphatics, adipose, as well as swelling and masses. Objective: The objective of this review article is to give a detailed understanding of the popliteal fossa and the clinical pathology that may present itself. Methods: MEDLINE® searches were conducted of Read More

Background and Objective: Experimental models suggest the use of different therapy protocols in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as modulators on periodontal condition. This study evaluated the effects of conventional drug treatment and anti-TNF therapy in patients with RA on microbiological and periodontal condition, establishing the association of markers of periodontal infection with indexes of rheumatic activity. Materials a Read More

Objective: To determine if there is an association between focal and systemic bone loss in patients with RA. Methods: Bone loss is a hallmark finding in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and manifests as localized, periarticular and systemic bone loss. RA patients were selected from the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America (CORRONA) database. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to assess the Read More

The causal link between inherited complement deficiencies and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been well established, although it remains a rare cause of the disease. We present the case of three biological sisters with hereditary heterozygous C2 deficiency, but who differ widely in their clinical and serological manifestations. Patient 1 is 25 years old and was diagnosed with SLE at the age of 12. Further testing reveal Read More