Aust Prescr
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Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that depletes B cells from the circulation. It was originally used to treat lymphoma but is increasingly used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. ⋯ Before starting rituximab, it is important to check the patient's baseline immunoglobulins and immunisation status. Patients should also be screened for latent infections and other contraindications.
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The Editorial Executive Committee welcomes letters, which should be less than 250 words. Before a decision to publish is made, letters which refer to a published article may be sent to the author for a response. Any letter may be sent to an expert for comment. ⋯ The letters are sub-edited before publication. Authors are required to declare any conflicts of interest. The Committee's decision on publication is final.
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Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis that is increasing in prevalence. It is caused by the deposition of urate crystals. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine and corticosteroids are options for the management of acute gout. ⋯ It is clinically equivalent to allopurinol. Uricosuric drugs, such as probenecid, increase uric acid excretion. New drugs in this class will soon become available and are likely to have a role in the treatment of patients who do not respond to other drugs.