An Update on Antiphospholipid Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the recent available evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical phenotypes, and management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and summarize potential future research perspectives.Recent FindingsAccumulating evidence has further expanded our understanding of the disease, including new data about the incidence and prevalence of APS, novel pathways supporting the role of thrombo-inflammation in APS including platelet, monocyte and endothelial cell activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, complement activation, neutrophil extracellular trap release, and type I int...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - January 5, 2022 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Hyperuricemia, Gout, and the Brain —an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to summarize recent evidence regarding the complex relationship between uric acid (UA), gout, and brain diseases.Recent FindingsObservational studies have suggested that patients with hyperuricemia or gout might have a decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, they may be at increased risk of cerebrovascular disease. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies use a genetic score as an instrumental variable to address the causality of the association between a risk factor (here, UA or gout) and an outcome. So far, MR analyses do not support a causal relationship of UA or g...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - December 30, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Marfan Syndrome: Diagnosis, Impact, and Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMarfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) with predominantly ocular, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal manifestations that has a population prevalence of approximately 1 in 5 –10,000 (Chiu et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 89(1):34–42,146, Dietz3, Loeys et al. J Med Genet. 47(7):476 –85,4).Recent FindingsThe vascular complications of MFS still pose the greatest threat, but effective management options, such as regular cardiac monitoring and elective surgical intervention, have reduced the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events, such as aortic disse...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - November 26, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
TLR7 Signaling in Lupus B Cells: New Insights into Synergizing Factors and Downstream Signals
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is driven by nucleic acid-containing antigens that stimulate endosomal TLRs. We review new advances in our understanding of how TLR7 signaling in B cells drives autoimmunity.Recent FindingsPathogenic B cell responses to TLR7 engagement are shaped by the disease-associated cytokine environment. TLR7, IFN γ, and IL-21 together promote the formation of autoreactive germinal centers and the ABC/DN2 B cell subset. BAFF and type 1 IFNs enhance autoantibody production from transitional B cells in concert with TLR7. TLR7 signaling components STAT1, BANK1, IRF5, SLC15...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - November 24, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with SLE
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThree COVID-19 vaccines obtained emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are widely used in the USA. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD), as these patients were excluded from all phases of vaccine development. Here we reviewed current data on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with AIIRD, with emphasis on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and provided a comprehensive update on the benefits and risks of vaccination.Recent FindingsPatients with SLE...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - November 12, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
A White Paper on Collagen Hydrolyzates and Ultrahydrolyzates: Potential Supplements to Support Joint Health in Osteoarthritis?
This article reviews the relevant literature and serves as a White Paper on collagen hydrolyzates and ultrahydrolyzates as emerging supplements often advertised to support joint health in OA. Collagen hydrolyzates have demonstrated some evidence of efficacy in a handful of small scale clinical trials, but their ability to treat and reverse advanced joint disease remains highly speculative, as is the case for other nutritional supplements.SummaryThe aim of this White Paper is to stimulate research and development of collagen-based supplements for patients with OA and other musculoskeletal diseases at academic and industrial...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - October 30, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Chondrocalcinosis: Advances in Diagnostic Imaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCalcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) arises from calcium pyrophosphate deposition throughout the body, leading to different clinical syndromes that may be diagnosed using various imaging modalities. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent updates in the imaging of CPPD.Recent FindingsConventional radiography remains the initial test when imaging CPPD; but musculoskeletal ultrasound and conventional computed tomography (CT) may also assist in diagnosing and characterizing CPP deposits, with increased sensitivity. Dual-energy CT is also being used to differentiate CPP crystals fr...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Worldwide Differences in Clinical Phenotype of Axial Spondyloarthritis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to describe the variations in the clinical presentation of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) across the globe.Recent FindingsWe searched the PubMed database and screened more than 1360 articles; 60 of them were selected based on relevance to the topic being discussed and the goals of the review. Most of the clinical manifestations, including IBP, peripheral arthritis, and extra-articular involvement are seen in different regions of the world, but with appreciable clinical heterogeneity, possibly related to a smaller number of patients from some countries, and global variation in the ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - September 29, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
