Current RA disease measurement, while neither absolute nor perfect, allows for a quantitative baseline measurement. It also allows for a quantification of the benefits of targeted therapies. He explained that the key is to use a treatment strategy to advance therapy in a stepwise fashion while continuously measuring disease to achieve goal.
Outside Perspectives on Rheumatic Disease
Kenneth B. Gordon, MD, a dermatologist at the Northwestern University–Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, explained that it may be important to be more aggressive in the treatment of psoriasis, because psoriasis is associated with significant emotional and physical comorbid conditions as well as decreased quality of life. The effective treatment of psoriasis may be of benefit to patients beyond simply improving the appearance of their skin. The concept of the pathophysiology of psoriasis has continued to change and has provided researchers with new therapeutic targets. Dr. Gordon described the research in psoriasis therapy and explained that, “this story is going to change over the next few years.”
Dr. Cush described the talk by Greg Dumanian, MD, chief of plastic surgery also at Northwestern University–Feinberg School of Medicine as highly interesting. Dr. Dumanian presented many photographs and radiographic images of the hand. He reviewed the presentation and the physical exam findings of many common hand disorders that are seen by rheumatologists.
Michael P. Angarone, DO, clinical instructor in the division of infectious diseases at Northwestern University explained that rheumatic complaints are common in patients with HIV infections and that use of immune modulatory therapies is safe in this population. He described the challenges in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic complaints in HIV-positive patients. He also explained how screening for HIV infection in individuals with rheumatic complaints may help identify those individuals who are unaware of being infected.
Dr. Pullen is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.
