Rheumatology
- The constellation of vitamin D, the acute-phase response, and inflammation
An astronomic increase in vitamin D testing and supplementation is happening in the absence of an evidence-based rationale.
- Vitamin D: A metabolic bone disease perspective
When checking levels, clinicians should keep in mind that vitamin D levels fluctuate by season and time of day, and that different laboratories may use different assays that yield different results.
- Bone turnover markers to monitor oral bisphosphonate therapy
Rapid changes in levels of bone turnover markers can be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and improving adherence to therapy.
- Making best use of bone turnover markers to monitor oral bisphosphonate therapy
Clinical applications of bone turnover markers can include determining when to start or end a bisphosphonate “holiday” and measuring treatment response.
- Nontuberculous mycobacterial musculoskeletal infections: Recognizable, when suspected
Two articles in this issue offer valuable insight into when to suspect these infections in patients who present with swollen, indurated, peripheral soft-tissue structures.
- Dactylitis from Mycobacterium intracellulare infection
A 69-year-old man presents with 6 months of progressive swelling of the right middle finger, with no systemic symptoms.
- Unraveling a challenging diagnosis: Role of a TNF inhibitor
Painful swelling of the dorsum of the right hand had been diagnosed as chronic cutaneous sarcoidosis with tenosynovitis, treated unsuccessfully with prednisone and methotrexate.
- Treating anemia: It’s not just the EPO
Long-term effects of treatment with the new oral inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylase will need to be carefully monitored, as prolyl hydroxylase is a key structural component of diverse proteins.
- Oral hyperpigmentation with weakness and salt-craving
The patient’s primary care physician had attributed the hyperpigmentation on the lower lip and inner cheek to pen ink.
Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Will new agents deliver on their promise?A review of the pathophysiology of anemia of chronic kidney disease, major clinical trials, and novel therapies.