Journal Club

What we discussed at this month’s Rheumatology Journal Club with our residents:

deVos et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy. JAMA 2010; 303:2. PRP injection was no better than saline injection.

Merrill et al. Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Moderately-to-Severely Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2010; 62:1. No difference between placebo and Rituximab.

Peters et al. Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Equal Diabetes Mellitus as an Independent Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease? A Prospectove Study. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2009; 61:11. The risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with RA is elevated compared with the general population. Consider risk factor modification similar to diabetics.

Rheumatology Journal Club

Most months we have a couple residents rotating with us on a Rheumatology elective.  As part of that month, we hold a journal club where each resident and the teaching attending presents an article. Here is what we discussed this month:

Askling et al. Cancer Risk in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Therapies. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2009; 60:11.

• Chosen by the attending. Supports the observations against increasing cancer risk over time with these medications.

Woodburn et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Foot Orthoses in Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology. 2002; 29:7.

• Chosen by the podiatry resident. Orthotics are very helpful in RA but they need to be worn (pts wore them avg of 6 hours/day) and it is helpful to ensure someone skilled in orthotics and gait is fitting them.

Daimon et al. Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Collagen Vascular Disease: Analysis of CT Features to Distinguish the Various Types. Internal Medicine. 2009; 48.

• Chosen by the prelim radiology resident. It’s hard to diagnose Rheumatologic conditions just by a CT scan. Score one for the H&P! However, CT can be an important piece of the equation.