Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-5726/1510022
Lupus-Associated Pancreatitis: Clinical Aspects
Maria Helena Favarato
Article Type: Review Article | First Published: September 28, 2015
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease, with several different clinical manifestations. Its annual incidence is about 5 cases per 100000 inhabitants. The prevalence is around 52 cases per 100000 inhabitants. The gastrointestinal tract may be affected, either by the disease itself or by adverse reactions of medications or by opportunistic infections. Although common, the incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations may be underestimated, as the symptoms m...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-5726/1510021
Eosinophilic Fasciitis Treated with Tocilizumab: Demonstration of Efficacy after Withdrawal and Re-Challenge in a Patient
Glen T D Thomson, Janine L Johnston and Brent R J Thomson
Article Type: Case Report | First Published: September 28, 2015
A 41-year-old man presented with clinical features of eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) confirmed on biopsy. The patient responded to high-dose prednisone but subsequent steroid sparing medication including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, etanercept, golimumab and rituximab failed to deliver steroid sparing response. Tocilizumab provided rapid and sustained improvement in the patient's symptoms and signs. Withdrawal of tocilizumab resulted in a flare of the clinical manifestations of EF; retreatment...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-5726/1510019
A MRI Assessment of the Response of Chronic, Occult, Synovial-Based Inflammation of Gout to Serum Urate Lowering Therapy
John D. Carter, Michelle Patelli, Scott R. Anderson, Neelesh Prakash, Ernesto J. Rodriquez and Louis R. Ricca
Article Type: Research Article | First Published: September 09, 2015
Clinical gout begins as an acute intermittent and intensely painful arthritis that can progress to a chronic, inflammatory, destructive condition. The initial episodes may last several days and are often followed by pain-free, inter-critical periods that may last months to years. Chronic gouty arthritis is manifested by shorter inter-critical periods, boney destructive changes and possible development of visible tophi. Advanced gout leads to chronic pain, decreased quality of life, and an increa...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-5726/1510016
A Case of Malignant Malaria Complicated By Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene
Amira A Shahin, Noha M Abdelbaky and Sahar S Emam
Article Type: Case Report | First Published: July 09, 2015
Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare complication of malaria. The ischemic changes begin distally and progress rapidly to cause irreversible tissue necrosis requiring amputation in almost all cases. We report a case of a 21-years-old female with malignant malaria complicated by SPG. Our treatment regimen includes corticosteroids in addition to the anti-malaria and anticoagulation therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this entity as early recognition can help in reducing morbidity and...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-5726/1510015
Anxiety and its Impact on Osteoarthritis Pain: An Update
Prof. Ray Marks
Article Type: Review Article | First Published: July 03, 2015
Anxiety is a very common psychological syndrome occurring in the adult population either as a trait or specific condition, and/or in response to a variety of situations, especially adverse health conditions. This narrative review examines the extent to which anxiety may preside among adults with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, regardless of site, and its linkage to the pain experience. Drawn from the English language peer reviewed work over the last 35 years, articles that focused on the topic of...