Rheumatology
- Allergen-specific IgE serologic assays define sensitization, not disease (January 2016)
A reader comments on serum IgE testing for allergy (January 2016).
- Cocaine-induced ecchymotic rash
Levamisole-adulterated cocaine can induce an ANCA-associated vasculitic rash within hours or days.
- Prescribing opioids in primary care: Safely starting, monitoring, and stopping
Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Some patients benefi t from opioids, but many suffer harm.
- The simple lab test is sometimes more complex than we think, if we think about it at all
Before ordering more tests because of an abnormal laboratory result (eg, elevated creatine kinase), think about its biology.
- Bony bumps in the mouth
Torus palatinus and torus mandibularis are benign bony overgrowths arising from cortical bone.
- Approach to asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation
Standard cutoffs may be too low. First, repeat the test after 7 days without exercise.