Der Internist
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Biologics are an integral part of modern strategies for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondylarthritis (SpA), including psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Biologics are biotechnologically produced proteins that have inhibiting effects on humoral and cellular components of rheumatic inflammation. Substance classes used in rheumatology are tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, IL‑6, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors effective against cytokines as well as the T lymphocyte activation inhibitor abatacept and the B lymphocyte-depleting rituximab. ⋯ There are very specific contraindications for individual substance classes with a focus on an increased risk of infections. The standard procedure before starting treatment with biologics includes the exclusion of latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B. The TNF-alpha inhibitors have a protective effect with respect to myocardial infarction, stroke and venous thromboembolism.
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Adverse reactions to food affect approximately one third of the population. They are based on very different mechanisms and are divided into food intolerances, which manifest mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, and food allergies, which can also cause extraintestinal symptoms and have an immunological genesis. ⋯ The diagnostics of food allergies are complex and therapy is primarily based on targeted elimination diets. This advanced education article focuses on food allergies with gastrointestinal symptoms.