This book is a practical and up-to-date review that discusses the impact of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the effect of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and severity on cardiovascular comorbidity, and the influence of rheumatoid arthritis drug therapy on cardiovascular risk. This title also explores cardiovascular disease as a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and highlights the available methods for screening and diagnosing these conditions. Current and emerging therapies to aid clinicians in the daily management of their patients are also featured in this title. Busy healthcare professionals who are looking for a collaborative approach to these conditions will benefit from this comprehensive overview.

This comprehensive book grants readers exclusive insight into current advancements in the field of osteoarthritis (OA). Contributions from leading scientists and clinicians provide a detailed introduction into current understanding of the pathogenesis of OA, different joint structures affected by this debilitating disease (hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, foot, ankle, hand, wrist, and spine), current knowledge and practice in imaging, joint conservative strategies, OA biomarkers as well as currently available treatments, their safety profile and future therapeutic targets. This book further discusses the potential of regenerative therapies and recent advances in OA Personalized Medicine, and how collection of OA patient’s phenotypic, genetic and proteomic data is able to direct treatment strategies through Bio-Informatics.

This comprehensive volume provides current state of the art of the use of corticosteroids in the pediatric patient. It consists of 14 chapters written by leading authors from different countries. The first chapters cover historical notes, general concepts on treatment with corticosteroids with regard to indications and side effects, and basic pharmacologic properties of these compounds. The rest of the book is devoted to the specific use of steroids in the different pediatric subspecialties. Despite advances with newer effective immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids still remain the mainstay of therapy for many disorders. Leading authors in their field have summarized these concepts to provide an authoritative, comprehensive guide to help clinicians safely and effectively use corticosteroids in their pediatric patients.

Behcet's syndrome can reasonably be considered a unique entity among diseases of the immune system for several reasons: It has specific features and, uniquely among the immune system pathologies, represents a link between autoimmune diseases, systemic vasculitis, and autoinflammatory diseases. In addition, it is of interest to a variety of specialists, including immunologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists, and requires a complex multidisciplinary approach. Many aspects need to be considered in a syndrome that presents a wide spectrum of symptoms and for which the therapeutic armamentarium is expanding significantly, with the development of new treatments, not least the so-called biologics. This book offers comprehensive coverage of the disease by some of the world's leading experts in Behcet's syndrome from all the relevant specialties. Epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, organ system involvement, differential diagnosis, novel treatments, surgical management, and prognosis are just some of the topics addressed. Behcet's Syndrome: From Pathogenesis to Treatment will be an invaluable reference for a range of practitioners, researchers, and undergraduates or postgraduates interested in immuno-rheumatology, dermatology, and rare diseases.

Congenital hip disease (CHD) is the main cause of secondary osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip in young adults, which accounts for almost 40% of all cases of hip OA. Total hip replacement (THR) performed using optimal techniques can achieve a radical improvement in the quality of life of adult patients. This book offers in-depth coverage of all aspects of CHD in adults and its treatment. Relevant information is first provided on the basic anatomy of the hip and OA of the hip and on the classification, epidemiology, and natural history of CHD. The now limited role of femoral and pelvic osteotomies is carefully evaluated, and the use of THR is then considered in detail. Indications and preoperative planning are discussed, and the available operative techniques, analyzed. Clear guidance is provided on overcoming major technical difficulties, and the benefits of particular approaches and techniques are highlighted. More than 180 images and numerous case studies complement this reader-friendly text. The book will be an invaluable tool for orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists and radiologists.

This book, part of the series Rare Diseases of the Immune System, offers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the pathophysiology and management of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Immunologic and genetic aspects are discussed and the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for such phenomena as APS-mediated thrombosis and pregnancy loss/complications are explained. The main clinical manifestations, classification criteria and diagnostic tools are identified, and close attention is paid to the nature of the involvement of various organs or organ systems in APS. Specific chapters describe the treatment of the different symptoms, therapies of value in avoiding recurrences, and innovative treatment approaches. The authors are senior experts in the field who are aided by younger fellows, ensuring that the book is also educationally oriented. This handy volume will be a valuable tool for postgraduates in training and professionals wishing to extend their knowledge of this specific syndrome.

Autoimmune (IgG4-related) Pancreatitis and Cholangitis reviews the breadth of clinical, imaging, histological, laboratory, and imaging features associated with IgG4-associated systemic disease, especially AIP and IAC. Written by experts in their fields, each chapter includes an overview of existing data as well as the most up-to-date scientific information and emerging data. The book also addresses areas of uncertainty and controversy, briefly highlighting clinical and research needs relative to the respective topic. Comprehensive and easy to use, Autoimmune (IgG4-related) Pancreatitis and Cholangitis is a valuable resource for physicians who deal with or are interested in these complex disease processes, including gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and surgeons.

The spectrum of systemic rheumatologic disease (often termed connective tissue disease) is characterized by autoimmune-mediated organ dysfunction, and the lungs are a frequent target. There are numerous pulmonary manifestations associated with connective tissue diseases, and all patients with rheumatologic disease are at risk of developing associated lung disease. Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease covers the comprehensive management of rheumatologic lung disease, which requires a multi-disciplinary approach and is optimized by active engagement by rheumatologists working closely with pulmonologists and other specialists. The book offers a practical reference using a case-based approach for practicing clinicians in the ongoing assessment and understanding of rheumatologic lung disease, and presents the science and pathophysiology underlying rheumatologic lung diseases. The first text of its kind specifically dedicated to describe diverse, commonplace, and challenging aspects of rheumatologic lung diseases, Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease serves as an invaluable tool for the practicing clinician.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and is associated with pathological fractures that can lead to significant morbidity. It represents an economic burden to the health care system, directly linked to an ageing population. Guidelines on osteoporosis prevention have been published but these do not provide the required specialised knowledge for the treating physician. This book 'fills the gap' and focuses on the principles of surgical and medical treatment of osteoporosis. It aims to improve education and provide answers based on current evidence, helping doctors follow best practice, improve patient care and outcomes, and minimise the complications of medical and surgical management.

Axial Spondyloarthritis is a timely addition to the Oxford Textbooks in Rheumatology series, providing a comprehensive reference to this rapidly evolving field. The conceptual framework of the disease has now evolved beyond ankylosing spondylitis to encompass a broader concept of axial inflammation. Earlier recognition has opened the door to earlier intervention, and the understanding of the biologic basis of axial SpA has seen significant advances in recent years. The first textbook to cover axial spondyloarthritis in this level of detail from a global perspective, this volume offers a practical and complete resource compiled by a multidisciplinary and multinational team of experts. Beginning with a historical perspective on the disease, the textbook provides a comprehensive background in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and classification of axial spondyloarthritis. Immune mechanisms and genetics are covered, along with imaging and a detailed section on the range of treatments options currently available. A section on extra-articular manifestations provides a comprehensive knowledge base for the clinician treating patients with spondyloarthritis, and chapters on the economics of the disease, physical functioning, and patient registries complete the broad coverage of the topic. Practical, easy to use, yet detailed with respect to pathophysiology, diagnostics, and management, this textbook provides a comprehensive reference for rheumatologists, general practitioners, internists, and paediatricians managing patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

This book focuses on clinical presentation, diagnostic processes and current management of systematic vasculitis, and for this second edition the Editors have updated the treatment approach and nomenclature in line with current practice. Systemic vasculitides are a group of disorders which are of increasing importance. Many of these conditions are only rarely encountered by general physicians and often present significant diagnostic challenges. The Editors aim to provide easily accessible information in a pocket sized format. In doing so they hope to help both the generalist but also rheumatologists who only encounter these problems occasionally.

Rheumatic (or systemic autoimmune) diseases disproportionately affect young women: the female-to-male ratio for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus during the reproductive years is approximately 9:1. In the mid- to late-twentieth century, women with rheumatic disease diagnoses were often advised to avoid pregnancy due to fear of disease exacerbation and adverse outcome. In more recent years, many women with rheumatic disease have deferred childbearing until a later age due to active disease or unsafe therapies. However, with advances in rheumatology therapies, obstetric monitoring, and reproductive medicine technologies, increasing numbers of women with rheumatic diseases are pursuing pregnancy. As a result, obstetricians and rheumatologists need to be aware of the current state of knowledge and the recommendations for management of pregnancy in these patients. Contraception and Pregnancy in Patients with Rheumatic Disease explains the basics of contraception, fertility treatment, and pregnancy in rheumatic disease patients and serves as a guide and reference tool for both rheumatologists and OB/GYNs. Most general rheumatologists and OB/GYNs have limited experience in caring for rheumatic disease patients during pregnancy, and many do not have ready access to expert colleagues in this area. This book summarizes the current state of knowledge and presents a general approach for assessment of the rheumatic disease patient considering pregnancy, hormonal contraception or infertility treatment.

Sine syndromes (SSs) represent atypical forms of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the courses of which are often severe. While the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases can be determined according to an established set of diagnostic criteria based on clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, Sine Syndromes do not fulfill the standard criteria used to assist in the classification of patients with rheumatological disorders. This concise book gives an overview of atypical courses in common inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as Wegener's granulomatosis, systemic sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Each chapter reviews similar cases reported in the literature and presents current data on treatment options. Drawing on their vast clinical experience, the editors provide a series of detailed case reports in order to illustrate the different types of disease. The book is intended to facilitate early diagnosis and effective therapy in patients where a schematic approach may not prove sufficient. Sine Syndromes in Rheumatology will serve as a useful and easily accessible reference for specialists in rheumatology as well as for practitioners in the fields of internal medicine, pediatrics, and orthopedics.

Arthritis Research: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition expands upon the first edition to present new and current techniques for the research of arthritis and related conditions. A compendium of leaders in the field contribute chapters that cover practical research methods such as the intravital multiphoton microscopy technique, techniques for evaluating exhausted CD8 T cell and for studying nucleic acid sensors and their effects, methods for in vivo tetracycline-controlled transgenic mice and T cell receptor transgenic mice, protocols to detect V(D)J recombination products and microRNA, and the technique to make bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Arthritis Research: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition will serve both professionals and novices with state-of-the-art techniques pertaining to this fascinating research field.

Primary Sjoegren's syndrome is a rheumatic disease affecting around 0.1-0.2% of the adult female population and can result in significant disability without adequate therapy. Diagnosis is often delayed and suggested therapies may not be optimal, and a multidisciplinary approach that includes rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, oral medicine physicians, and others is important to patient management. This volume summarises current understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, including advances in the genetics of Sjoegren's syndrome. Chapters cover disease mechanisms, clinical diagnosis and assessment, secondary Sjoegren's syndrome, the role of laboratory investigations, and imaging. A therapy-based section covers topical oral and ocular therapies, and the role of steroids and biologics are also addressed. Sjoegren's Syndrome is a practical concise pocketbook featuring key points and illustrations showing important mechanisms of disease and pathways of care. The book will be of interest to trainees in rheumatology, ophthalmology, and oral medicine/surgery; specialist practitioners and therapists involved in the care of patients with Sjoegren's syndrome; and primary care physicians, dentists, and other specialists such as ENT physicians.

This book, besides reviewing basic and clinical aspects of Behcet's disease, covers the latest findings, including genetic studies and treatment with biologics for the disease. Although the cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, it is well known that genetic factors, such as HLA-B51, are involved in its development. Recently, novel susceptibility loci including IL10, IL23R-IL12RB2, and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 have been identified, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition to basic research, the beneficial efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies has also been suggested for not only uveitis associated with the disease but also other subtypes of the disease such as entero-, vasculo-, and neuro- Behcet's disease. Behcet's Disease: From Genetics to Therapies provides essential information both for basic researchers working in the fields of immunology, inflammation, and genetics, and for clinical physicians who are interested in Behcet's disease, such as ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons.

Challenging Cases in Rheumatology and Diseases of the Immune System is the latest title in a growing collection of thought-provoking case-based titles from Massoud Mahmoudi, D.O., Ph.D. Like his three preceding titles, Challenging Cases in Allergy and Immunology (2009), Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin (2010), and Challenging Cases in Pulmonology (2011), this easy-to-read title presents the topic in a challenging and enjoyable case-based format. Developed by 30 distinguished contributors, the book consists of six parts and 16 chapters, with each chapter presenting two cases. The style of this title follows the previous books: each topic begins with an abstract, followed by a case presentation, working diagnosis, data, final diagnosis, and discussion. In addition, to enhance a review of the subject and stimulate critical thinking, there are 5 to 10 multiple choice questions and answers in each chapter. Challenging Cases in Rheumatology and Diseases of the Immune System is an indispensable resource for all clinicians who care for patients with rheumatic and immunologic disorders.

This concise handbook looks at psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis as separate but often related conditions, focusing on a background around the indications, such as disease overview and epidemiology; going on to look at the etiology and immunopathogenesis of each indication; looking at the clinical presentation and diagnosis; before focusing on the current and emerging treatment options, including a brief section on the issues of quality of life and comorbidities associated with these indications.

The key knowledge assembled in this book comprises today's most comprehensive resource on Sjoegren's syndrome. Sjoegren's patients require the care of a wide variety of clinical and surgical specialists to treat their disease and improve their quality of life. This volume presents a broad multi-disciplinary approach, enlisting the expertise of well-respected authors from around the world, covering the specialties of rheumatology, ophthalmology, oral medicine, oral surgery, otolaryngology, hematology, and others. This practical clinical resource begins with an overview of Sjoegren's myths, pearls and tips, information for referring physicians, and diagnostic and classification and criteria. The second section covers pathogenesis, providing the backbone for our understanding current diagnostics and therapeutics. The third section is devoted to clinical manifestations and therapeutic considerations. It covers the entire spectrum of symptoms and treatment, infused with the experience and astute clinical observations of the book's contributors. With system-wide coverage of local and systemic therapy, the book examines current therapy, biologics, and emerging therapeutic targets. Presenting many international perspectives, this book creates an inter-connective conduit for the global community of Sjoegren's patients and physicians.

This volume features contributions from participants of the ESRF symposium on Immunotherapy in 2020-Visions and Trends for Targeting Inflammatory Diseases held in Potsdam near Berlin, Germany, in October 2006. The symposium presentations covered the main mechanisms of immunoregulation.

Autoimmune Diseases: Acute and Complex Situations provides a detailed overview of conditions associated with autoimmune diseases that are considered either life-threatening or requiring complex management. These include abdominal pain, arthritis, cutaneous ulcers, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, epilepsy, pancreatitis, stroke and white-matter CNS lesions. Autoimmune Diseases: Acute and Complex Situations addresses the latest clinical and immunological prognostic factors that may help to identify patients at higher risk of developing potentially life-threatening involvement. This book comprehensively helps the reader to diagnose these patients, in whom an early therapeutic approach is essential. Autoimmune Diseases: Acute and Complex Situations is a valuable reference tool for rheumatologists, internists, immunologists, and all the specialists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patient with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases.

Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis deals specifically with Systemic Sclerosis in a case study format. Each case presentation includes illustrative figures, a discussion of the pathophysiology relevant to the case, a discussion of management that is both evidence-based and expert opinion-based and several key references for further reading. With its easy-to-use format, this book presents multiple different manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis to a wide range of readers. Because this disease has a broad range of systemic features, Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis is a valuable reference tool not only to the community of rheumatologists (trainees, academic and private practice rheumatologists) and dermatologists, but also potentially to internists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists and nephrologists.

The International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies is held every three years to discuss the recent advances and future directions in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). This volume collects the scientific highlights and new findings about APS that were generated from the most recent 13th Congress, held in Galveston, Texas in 2010. Chapters were written by an internationally-distinguished group of scientists from the point-of-view of multiple specialty areas. Each chapter was written in a uniform and systematic basis to present the latest evidence-based research, including the basic science of APS, task force reports from the Congress on controversial aspects of APS, and future directions of APS research. This book will appeal to all clinicians involved in the treatment and management of APS patients, to residents in a variety of medical subspecialties, and to research scientists interested in a better understanding of this complex and evolving disease.

This book discusses both the beneficial and harmful aspects of NO in biology and medicine, and also introduces the emerging discovery of artemisinin in antitumor, antibacterial infection, anti-inflammation, and antiaging contexts. In 1992 nitric oxide (NO) was voted "Molecule of the Year" by Science magazine, and the discovery of its physiological roles has led to Nobel Prize-winning work in neuroscience, physiology and immunology. The book explains why we should maintain a steady-state NO level that is derived from neuronal or epithelial NO synthase, and avoid the extremely high NO level resulting from inducible NO synthase. The book offers a valuable resource for medical chemists, clinicians, biologists and all those interested in health and disease.