Rheumatology

The spectrum of spondyloarthritis disorders-typically including ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and undifferentiated SpA-are related clinically and genetically but are distinct entities.

A 1-day inflammatory arthritis education session, delivered by an interprofessional arthritis care team, is feasible and replicable.

Sleep problems are associated with an increased risk of fibromyalgia syndrome in women.

Outcomes in patients with low back pain improve significantly with a stratified management approach in primary care that combines prognostic screening and treatment targeting.

The severity of fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms-with generally continuing high levels of self-reported symptoms and distress for most patients-does not show clinically meaningful improvement over time.

For patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis, the quality of nonpharmacological care in the community is less than optimal.

Close to half (41%) of patients with Dupuytren contracture are not receiving prompt referral to a specialist, visiting their general practitioner (GP)/doctor almost 3 times before being referred, according to a Pfizer UK Limited survey of 700 GPs from 6 European countries.

Intermezzo (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablets) has received FDA approval for use as needed to manage insomnia.

A study covering over half a million patients hospitalized for autoimmune disorders finds that they are at greatly increased risk of pulmonary embolism in the first year after their initial hospitalization.

Weight loss through intensive dieting and moderate exercise reduces pain and increases mobility and function for those with knee osteoarthritis, a new study finds.

Complementary and alternative medicine is highly prevalent among African Americans with rheumatoid arthritis, a new study finds.

The number of Americans diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis will increase dramatically over the next decade, and the average age at which they are diagnosed will drop, a new study finds.

(AUDIO) The criteria that define rheumatoid arthritis have been updated in light of diagnostic advances. Mayo Clinic rheumatologist Eric Matteson MD describes the effects on clinical practice.

Ofatumumab significantly improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms without triggering any more serious response than mild infusion reactions during 24 weeks.

A wealth of data shows that exercise improves arthritis. But how can a busy primary care doctor make this prescription work? A new public-private campaign is giving you the tools.

(VIDEO) The shoulder is a simple joint without much space for injections. But with careful palpation and a test with a local anesthetic, you can assure correct placement of a steroid to relieve pain and inflammation.

Tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may pose less risk of serious infection than previously thought, a new study suggests.

Persons as young as 45 to 64 years will account for more than half of new diagnoses of knee osteoarthritis (OA) over the next decade as the rate of disease in younger persons increases. A vaccine designed to reeducate the immune system has been shown to be safe and feasible in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Computed tomography scanning shows great promise as a means of diagnosing gout when the condition is suspected but traditional tests turn up negative or are unfeasible, a new study finds.

Osteoarthritis is generally thought to result from long-term wear and tear on joints, but a new study provides strong evidence that low-grade inflammation plays an important role in causing it.

There is a lot of work involved in producing a successful clinical trial. Even the planning stage alone can take a significant amount of time. But when data is incomplete-especially in longitudinal clinical trials-it can be a real struggle for organizers.

One of the more exciting parts of the conference has been the ability to sit in and listen to highlighted studies that are selected by the ACR. This press conference features Carol Wallace, MD, Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, WA, speaking about her study and answering questions from the audience.

Marcus Owen, MD, practices rheumatology and internal medicine in Nashville, TN. In this video, Dr. Joseph Kim talks with Dr. Owen about what he hopes to take away from this year's ACR conference and also speaks about some of the biggest challenges he faces in helping patients understand risk and benefit of medications.

Negotiating a contract for a position in academia, industry, or private practice can be a complex and nerve-wracking process, with many physicians unsure of which questions to ask and which elements of their compensation beyond salary are negotiable.

Although there is some evidence showing treatment with medical marijuana can benefit patients with arthritis, chronic pain, and other conditions, there are also serious concerns over quality control, non-standardized dosing, and other potential safety risks.

Transitioning an adolescent or teenager from a pediatric rheumatologist to an adult rheumatologist can be a very delicate and complicated process. With so many pitfalls along the way, it's easy to see why this problem has been occurring more and more. The good news? It's a very "fixable" problem.

With Medicare and Medicaid incentives scheduled to start this year, physicians owe it to their patients and their practices to learn about the requirements to qualify as meaningful users of health care technology.

Professor Anthony Woolf, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and Professor of Rheumatology at the Peninsula Medical School, Truro, UK, posed a very important question in his presentation at ACR on Monday: "How do we get policymakers to take musculoskeletal conditions seriously?"

In this video, Dr. Joseph Kim speaks about his experience at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Conference in Chicago, IL.

All practices should perform self-audits of their medical and billing records to ensure that they are properly documenting care and receiving the maximum allowable reimbursement.