Abstract Polyarthritis comprises a large number of conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to metabolic conditions such as ochronosis. Differential diagnosis begins with delineation of inflammatory from non-inflammatory disorders using…
Abstract Health problems are self-reported by up to 64% of travellers to the developing world. Traditionally, rheumatic symptoms are accorded little significance, but many travellers do return home with musculoskeletal…
Abstract In recent years, the cost of health care around the world has risen at a rate that is deemed unsustainable. It has been estimated that 20% of this could…
Abstract Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause arthritis of either acute or chronic nature, which can be divided into infective/septic, reactive, or inflammatory. Considerable advances have occurred in…
Abstract In rheumatic diseases, classification criteria have been developed to identify well-defined homogenous cohorts for clinical research. Although they are commonly used in clinical practice, their use may not be…
Abstract Autoantibodies are the serological hallmark of autoimmune disease. Though their pathogenic role is debatable, they play an important role in the management of a patient with rheumatic disease. However,…
Abstract Joint pains are a common reason for children to present to primary care. The differential diagnosis is large including some diseases that do not primarily affect the musculoskeletal system….
Abstract Spinal pain or back pain is a very common symptom that can have many reasons. The most studied location is low back pain, and it is considered to be…
Abstract Chronic pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience persisting longer than the normal process of healing, usually longer than 3 months. About a fifth of the…
Abstract The investigation of the patient with possible systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease is potentially one of the most challenging areas of rheumatology as the differential diagnosis is potentially very broad….
