Update on Biomarkers of Vasculopathy in Juvenile and Adult Myositis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough rare, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogeneous group of autoimmune conditions in adults and children. Increasingly, vasculopathy is recognised to be key in the underlying pathophysiology and plays a crucial role in some of the more challenging complications including calcinosis, gastrointestinal involvement and interstitial lung disease. The exciting prospect of development of biomarkers of vasculopathy would enable earlier detection and monitoring of these complications and possible prevention of their potentially devastating consequences. The purpose was to revie...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - June 10, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features: What the Rheumatologist Needs to Know
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis narrative review will focus on the role of the rheumatologist in evaluating patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) without a defined rheumatic disease and will outline the current classification criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) and describe what is known regarding IPAF pathobiology, natural history, prognosis, and treatment. Lastly, knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research will be discussed.Recent FindingsIPAF is a recently defined classification of ILD patients who have features suggesting an autoimmune-mediated process, but do not fulfill...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - June 1, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Cannabidiol (CBD) in Rheumatic Diseases (Musculoskeletal Pain)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review will address the many uncertainties surrounding the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD). We will begin with an overview of the legal and commercial environment, examine recent preclinical and clinical evidence on CBD, explore questions concerning CBD raised by healthcare professionals and patients, investigate dosing regimens and methods of administration, and address current challenges in the accumulation of sound evidence.Recent FindingsCBD has potential for relief of symptoms of pain, sleep, and mood disturbance in rheumatology patients, but sound clinical evidence is lacking. CBD is sa...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - May 3, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
At the Crux of Joint Crosstalk: TGF β Signaling in the Synovial Joint
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe effect of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF β) signaling pathway on joint homeostasis is tissue-specific, non-linear, and context-dependent, representing a unique complexity in targeting TGFβ signaling in joint disease. Here we discuss the variety of mechanisms that TGFβ signaling employs in the synovial joint to maintain healthy joint cro sstalk and the ways in which aberrant TGFβ signaling can result in joint degeneration.Recent FindingsOsteoarthritis (OA) epitomizes a condition of disordered joint crosstalk in which multiple joint tissues degenerate leading to overall joint deteri...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - May 2, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Detection and Monitoring of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We explore the importance of early detection, monitoring, and management of SSc-ILD.Recent FindingsAll patients with SSc are at risk of ILD and should be screened for ILD at diagnosis using a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan. Some patients with SSc-ILD develop a progressive phenotype characterized by worsening fibrosis on HRCT, decline in lung function, and early mortality. To evaluate progression and inform treatment decisions, regular monitoring is important and should include pulmonary function ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - May 1, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Cannabis for Rheumatic Disease Pain: a Review of Current Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChanging attitudes about marijuana have led to an increase in use of medicinal marijuana, especially for painful chronic conditions. Patients ask rheumatologists for guidance on this topic. This review provides up-to-date information on the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis for rheumatic disease pain.Recent FindingsThe number of publications related to rheumatic disease and cannabis has increased, but recent literature skews heavily toward reviews vs primary research. Data supporting a role for cannabinoids in rheumatic disease continue to grow. Observational and survey studies show increas...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - May 1, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Detection and Monitoring of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We explore the importance of early detection, monitoring, and management of SSc-ILD.Recent FindingsAll patients with SSc are at risk of ILD and should be screened for ILD at diagnosis using a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan. Some patients with SSc-ILD develop a progressive phenotype characterized by worsening fibrosis on HRCT, decline in lung function, and early mortality. To evaluate progression and inform treatment decisions, regular monitoring is important and should include pulmonary function ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - May 1, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Cannabis for Rheumatic Disease Pain: a Review of Current Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChanging attitudes about marijuana have led to an increase in use of medicinal marijuana, especially for painful chronic conditions. Patients ask rheumatologists for guidance on this topic. This review provides up-to-date information on the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis for rheumatic disease pain.Recent FindingsThe number of publications related to rheumatic disease and cannabis has increased, but recent literature skews heavily toward reviews vs primary research. Data supporting a role for cannabinoids in rheumatic disease continue to grow. Observational and survey studies show increas...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 29, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Familial Mediterranean Fever: How to Interpret Genetic Results? How to Treat? A Quarter of a Century After the Association with the Mefv Gene
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an up-to-date approach to diagnosis and management of FMF patients.Recent FindingsFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease and prototype monogenic autoinflammatory recurrent fever syndrome. Although it is one of the well-known autoinflammatory disorders, evaluations in the etiopathogenesis and genetics of the disease have shown that FMF is more complex than previously known. Since the number of reportedMEFV variants increased, evaluating the genetic test results has become more challenging. Here, we suggest a roadmap for clinicians to facil...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 18, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
