Current rheumatology reports
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Levamisole-contaminated cocaine has recently been recognized in North America and Europe, and its use is associated with a variety of clinical and autoimmune abnormalities. The clinical characteristic seems to be the presence of a painful purpuric skin rash that predominantly affects the ear lobes and cheeks, often accompanied by systemic manifestations including fever, malaise, arthralgias, myalgias, and laboratory abnormalities, for example leukopenia, neutropenia, positive ANA, ANCA, and phospholipid antibodies. ⋯ Prednisone and immunosuppressive therapy may be needed at times. Further use of the drug is characterized by recurrence of most of the complaints.
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The course of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), is strongly influenced by the degree of disease activity over time, which is mainly based on inflammation, and by the impairment of function, which is based on structural damage-mainly, new bone formation-and inflammation. In AS, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are currently recommended as the first choice of medical therapy, and there is also a clear role for regular exercise and physiotherapy in order to preserve and prevent loss of spinal mobility. For patients who have insufficiently responded to conventional medications, there are now four biologics approved for the treatment of patients with active AS in many countries, all directed against TNFα: infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and golimumab; studies with certolizumab are currently ongoing. ⋯ Biologics other than TNF blockers are currently not recommended for the treatment of patients with axSpA, because of insufficient evidence of clinically relevant efficacy. The anti-IL-17a antibody secukinumab may be efficacious, on the basis of a proof-of-concept trial. Finally, first data on biosimilars of TNF blockers have recently been presented.
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Churg-Strauss syndrome is an uncommon disease of unknown cause described initially by Churg and Strauss in 1951. Even though it was initially thought to be a variant of polyarteritis nodosa, its pathological, clinical, and laboratory features show that it is related to the small vessel vasculitides, and it is now classified as an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. ⋯ Two different clinical subtypes defined by the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies recently have been recognized. Recent advances in the treatment and pathophysiology of Churg-Strauss syndrome are reviewed in this article.
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Review Comparative Study
Does sleep differ among patients with common musculoskeletal pain disorders?
Most patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain report poor-quality sleep. The impact of chronic pain on sleep can be described as a vicious circle with mutual deleterious influences between pain and sleep-associated symptoms. ⋯ Furthermore, many other methodologic issues complicate our ability to generalize findings (low external validity) to first-line medicine. Because sleep alterations in common musculoskeletal pain are neither specific nor pathognomonic, the aim is to provide a critical overview of the current understanding of pain and sleep interaction, discussing evidence-based and empiric knowledge that should be considered in further research and clinical applications.
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Devic disease (neuromyelitis optica [NMO]) is an idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating and necrotizing disease characterized by optic neuritis and transverse myelitis, either simultaneously or in isolation. NMO is often idiopathic but may also be associated with systemic autoimmune disease. The prognosis of NMO is severe, especially in those with early and recurrent relapses. ⋯ The identification of NMO-IgG in patients with recurrent optic neuritis or longitudinally extensive myelitis and its ability to predict subsequent relapse support the concept of a spectrum of NMO disorders. Treatment in the acute phase includes intravenous steroids and plasma exchange therapy. Immunosuppressive agents are recommended for the prophylaxis of relapses.