Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Oct 2016
ReviewCardiovascular disease in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD), including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis, are prevalent conditions worldwide, with a considerable burden on healthcare systems. They are associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. In this review, we focused on the epidemiology, traditional CV risk factors, genetics, and the link between chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and CV disease. ⋯ Management of CV risk in patients with IRD includes optimal control of disease activity. CV risk stratification by applying risk charts is also essential. Imaging techniques might be useful to determine the actual CV risk of patients with IRD who are included in the category of intermediate or moderate CV risk.
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Aug 2016
ReviewImaging of regional pain syndromes; from syndromes to conditions using imaging?
Musculoskeletal regional pain syndromes often lead to patient referrals in general and rheumatological practice. Detailed history taking and clinical examination can in most cases reveal the cause for pain and direct the subsequent management of the conditions. ⋯ It presents data, where available, on diagnostic accuracy and comparisons with gold standards. The article stresses the advantages and disadvantages of the analyzed imaging modalities and suggests the future research agenda.
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Jun 2016
ReviewImplementation of Models of Care for secondary osteoporotic fracture prevention and orthogeriatric Models of Care for osteoporotic hip fracture.
As the world's population ages, the prevalence of osteoporosis and its resultant fragility fractures is set to increase dramatically. This chapter focuses on current frameworks and major initiatives related to the implementation of fracture liaison services (FLS) and orthogeriatrics services (OGS), Models of Care designed to reliably implement secondary fracture prevention measures for individuals presenting to health services with fragility fractures. The current evidence base regarding the impact and effectiveness of FLS and OGS is also considered.
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Apr 2016
ReviewCatastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: The current management approach.
The current recommendation for catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) management is the standard triple therapy with anticoagulation (AC), glucocorticoids (GCs), plasma exchange (PE), and/or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs). Of note, only AC has a significant effect on the prognosis of these patients. ⋯ The first blocks CD20, a surface protein expressed on the cytoplasmic membrane of B cells, and decreases the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies such as antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. The second binds with high affinity to C5 complement protein, inhibiting its cleavage and thus preventing the generation of C5b-C9 complex.
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Feb 2016
ReviewConnective tissue disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Over the past two decades, there have been several advances in the assessment and management of connective tissue disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) that improved outcomes of the treatment of this lethal disease, and this will be the focus of this study. Systemic sclerosis is the leading cause of CTD-PAH, followed by systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, idiopathic inflammatory myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome. Clinical registries have been invaluable in informing about the burden of disease, risk and prognostic factors, and temporal trends with respect to treatment and outcome in CTD-PAH. The major advances have centered on improved disease classification and diagnostic criteria, screening and early diagnosis, the emergence of evidence-based therapies including combination goal-orientated treatment strategies, and the establishment of centers with expertise in PAH.