Lyme Disease
110 Lyme Disease Linda K. Bockenstedt Key Points Lyme disease is caused by infection with tick-transmitted spirochetes of the genus Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and has a worldwide distribution. Lyme…
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Related Compounds
24 Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Related Compounds Robert B. Zurier Key Points Eicosanoid biosynthesis is catalyzed by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. Conversion of the endoperoxide intermediate prostaglandin H2 requires activity of specific…
Early Synovitis and Early Undifferentiated Arthritis
72 Early Synovitis and Early Undifferentiated Arthritis Annette H.M. van der Helm-van Mil, Thomas W.J. Huizinga Key Points Early synovitis refers to synovitis that is detected by physical examination; the…
Cartilage and Chondrocytes
3 Cartilage and Chondrocytes Mary B. Goldring Key Points Articular cartilage matrix is heterogeneous and contains numerous extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, of which the large aggregating proteoglycan aggrecan and collagen…
Hemochromatosis
118 Hemochromatosis Gaye Cunnane Key Points Elevated ferritin (>200 µg/L) and transferrin saturation (>45%) in the absence of other causes are useful screening measures for hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC). Genetic testing should…
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
100 Treatment of Osteoarthritis Carlos J. Lozada Key Points Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Pain is the most common symptom in patients with OA. The management…
Viral Arthritis
114 Viral Arthritis Stanley J. Naides Key Points Acute-onset, symmetric polyarthritis can be caused by viral infection, especially when accompanied by rash. Always take exposure, travel, occupation, and vaccination histories….
Antihyperuricemic Agents
65 Antihyperuricemic Agents Ted R. Mikuls Key Points Urate-lowering therapy (ULT) is central to the management of hyperuricemia in gout. The goal of ULT administration in gout is to reduce…
Proteinases and Matrix Degradation
8 Proteinases and Matrix Degradation Yasunori Okada Key Points Proteinases are generally classified into aspartic proteinases, cysteine proteinases, serine proteinases, and metalloproteinases according to catalytic mechanism. Because of the acidic…
Immunosuppressive Drugs
62 Immunosuppressive Drugs Jacob M. Van Laar Key Points Immunosuppressive drugs are effective and indispensable as remission inducing and maintenance agents in the management of inflammatory rheumatic conditions. They constitute…
