Rheumatology
- 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.
- Potential systemic benefits of shocking or blocking nerves
What has really caught my attention is the expanding research on controlled regional neuromodulation and its impact on systemic physiology and inflammation.
Stellate ganglion block as a treatment for vasomotor symptoms: Clinical applicationHormone therapy is the mainstay of treatment, but there is a clear need for safe and effective nonhormonal options. The authors review data on the use of stellate ganglion block in perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients.
- Vitamin D supplementation: Pearls for practicing clinicians
A review of how to assess and counsel patients on the use of vitamin D, with patient scenarios clinicians are likely to encounter, and an overview of current recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
- Hypercalcemia and vitamin A: A vitamin to keep in mind
Vitamin A toxicity can affect bone resorption and hypercalcemia and should be explored in unexplained cases of parathyroid hormone-independent hypercalcemia.