Conditions

Subcategories:Axial Spondyloarthritis Gout and Crystalline Arthritis Guidelines Myositis Osteoarthritis and Bone Disorders Other Rheumatic Conditions Pain Syndromes Pediatric Conditions Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Sjögren’s Disease Soft Tissue Pain Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Sclerosis Vasculitis

Study Reveals Role of IL-17–Secreting CD4+ T Cells in Lupus

Lara C. Pullen, PhD | June 15, 2015

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by high-titer, highly specific, isotype-switched antibodies against DNA and RNA. Patients have both CD4+ T helper (Th) cell- dependent as well as Th cell-independent autoantibody production. Two mouse models of lupus demonstrate T-cell–independent autoantibody production: the pristane model of lupus, as well as in the MRL/lpr mouse…

Ixekizumab Clinical Trials Continue; FDA Updates Warning Label for Varenicline

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, CGP, RPh | June 15, 2015

It seems to have begun in Norway, the international pressure to switch patients from well-known brand biologic agents, such as Remicade (infliximab), to biosimilar agents, due to a significant cost advantage.1 This biosimilar came with a 39% price markdown last year compared with the brand, and when Norway called for bids, the discount went to…

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Periodontal Disease Link Suggests Benefits in Behavioral Change

Karen Appold | June 15, 2015

Although compelling data exist to support a link between periodontal disease (PD) and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cementing the association will require extensive investigative work.1 However, in reviewing the literature of the past 10 years, Elliot D. Rosenstein, MD, director, Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases at Overlook Medical Center, Summit, N.J., and…

Rheumatoid Arthritis Practice Performance Project Spots Problems in RA Management

Erin Arnold, MD, William Arnold, MD, Douglas Conaway, MD, Gary Crump, MD, Edmund LaCour, MD, James Mossell, DO, Glen Parris, MD, Kathleen Thomas, DO, David Sikes, MD, Anne Winkler, MD, PhD, MACP, Timothy Harrington, MD, & James Bower, MPA | June 15, 2015

Rheumatologists have growing concerns about how we manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the disease outcomes we are achieving.1 Over the past two years, clinician rheumatologists have begun working together to address these problems through the Rheumatoid Arthritis Practice Performance (RAPP) Project, a nationwide clinical quality-improvement initiative. The RAPP Project has now grown to 168 participants…

Tips for Treating Insomnia in Rheumatology Patients

Linda Childers | June 15, 2015

Chronic insomnia is a common complaint for patients with rheumatic diseases and conditions. In fact, sleep disturbances are among the most common symptoms of both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with more than 50% of chronic pain patients reporting sleep disturbances. Pain combined with insomnia can lead to a vicious cycle, says Ruth Gentry, PhD,…

Diagnostic Imaging in Patient with Soft Tissue Calcification: Findings

Jennifer L. Demertzis, MD | June 15, 2015

View the question. Findings/Diagnosis The radiographs demonstrate diffuse sheetlike and tumefactive calcifications throughout the subcutaneous tissues, muscle and fascia of the pelvis and right hand. The underlying bones and joint spaces appear normal. The differential diagnosis for soft tissue calcification is extensive and includes metabolic disturbances (particularly of calcium and phosphate), trauma (e.g., injection sites,…

Diagnostic Imaging in Patient with Soft Tissue Calcification: History

Jennifer L. Demertzis, MD | June 15, 2015

Editor’s note: In this recurring feature, we first present a series of images (this page) for your review, and then a brief discussion of the findings and diagnosis. Before you turn to the discussion, examine these images carefully and draw your own conclusions. History These radiographic images are of a 25-year-old woman with a known…

COPA Genetic Mutation Identified in Lung Disease, Arthritis

Lara C. Pullen, PhD | June 15, 2015

Researchers from California and Texas have identified a new genetic syndrome that is characterized by systemic autoimmune disease of the lung and joints. The syndrome is driven by a genetic variant of a vesicular transport protein and is the first documented association between intracellular transport and autoimmunity. Levi B. Watkin, PhD, postdoctoral fellow at Baylor…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Question: Trigger-Point Injections for Fibromyalgia

From the College | June 15, 2015

A 65-year-old established female patient returns to the office for a follow-up visit for her diagnosis of fibromyalgia. She complains of pain, stiffness and swelling in her left hand, elbow and neck that is persistent since her last visit. The pain is considerably worse in the morning. She denies any fevers, cough or dyspnea. The…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Trigger Point Injections for Fibromyalgia

From the College | June 15, 2015

Take the challenge. CPT codes: 99213-25, 20553, 73120/LT Diagnosis: ICD-9 7291 ICD-10 M79.7 Coding for trigger-point injections continues to create a lot of confusion on proper coding guidelines. Keep in mind, two CPT4 codes can be used for trigger-point procedures: 20552—Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), one or two muscle(s); and 20553—Single or multiple trigger…