Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer with a PhD in microbiology/immunology from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. As a medical writer she has covered topics as diverse as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autism. Her favorite subject, however, is the role of the immune system in health and disease. Dr. Pullen is also the mother of three children, the youngest of whom has Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). She is an active member of the PWS community and a thought leader on the importance of the ketogenic diet for this patient population.
Patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy syndrome (LRS) may wonder if physicality of their jobs contributed to the development of their symptoms. A recent systematic review sought to identify LRS work-related risk factors. Researchers found that bending and lifting of the trunk, both alone and in combination, may contribute to LRS…
Previous research has established that gout and hearing loss have shared risk factors. Now, a recent study found gout itself is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in adults 65 years and older…
A recent study found that the perception of experimentally induced pain is closely associated with neurocognitive symptoms, such as attention, memory and executive function, in fibromyalgia patients. Specifically, fibromyalgia patients described low-intensity pressure as more painful than controls did…
With magnificent skylines and a reputation for art, culture and fun, Chicago is a great setting for the 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. Here are some must-see places in our host city…
A recent study found that baricitinib improved symptoms of arthritis and rash in patients with active SLE, while maintaining a safety profile consistent with previous findings…
New research explores the genome-wide epigenetic changes associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The results suggest distinct patterns in DNA methylation may become a useful diagnostic marker…
New research into neurosarcoidosis suggests certain clinical and imaging features are indicative of a more aggressive neurological disease. The study provides insight into the clinical features of neurosarcoidosis, as well as the relationship between neurological involvement and systemic disease…
Researchers have determined that dominant B cell receptor (BCR) clones in peripheral blood may predict the onset of clinical signs and symptoms of RA…
The National Psoriasis Foundation says weight loss and other dietary interventions may benefit psoriasis patients. New recommendations note the benefits of a gluten-free diet for patients who test positive for gluten sensitivity, but also found little evidence to support the use of fish oil supplements for psoriasis patients…
New research evaluated the effect of depression on the cognition of fibromyalgia patients, finding that these patients have a distinct cognitive profile. Researchers note that emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, are essential to the cognitive performance of fibromyalgia patients and that treating these symptoms may reduce cognitive impairment…