Epigenetic Changes to Inflammasome Found in Autoinflammatory Syndromes

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The gene mutations underlying inflammasome activity have been well described, but there appears to be variable penetrance among patients with the same gene mutation, suggesting additional mechanisms may influence disease expression.

Hypogonadism Ups the Risk of Autoimmunity

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In a variety of models, testosterone has been shown to be immunosuppressive and deficiency of testosterone has been linked with autoimmune disease and increases in C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Comorbidities Seen with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

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The damaging potential of many inflammatory disorders is magnified by well-known associated comorbid conditions. This is particularly true in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic disease.

Mosquito Arthritis

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In the last two years there have been increasing reports of mosquito-borne infectious arthritides.  Dengue fever was best known until the introduction of viral infections due to chikungunya and Zika. 

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy in Lupus

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Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological disorder with many associations or causative factors that rarely includes autoimmune disorders and lupus.

Hemochromatosis Reviewed

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Powell et al have published in Lancet a review of hemochromatosis; its genetics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and management.

Differences in Diuretic-Induced Gout

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Diuretics are frequently implicated causes of hyperuricemia and gout.  And there are gout variants wherein age, renal dysfunction and diuretic use may give rise to gouty attack in the hands of women with nodal osteoarthritis.

PML is Very Rare in Lupus

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A systematic review of the literature was done to assess the relationship between immunosuppressive therapy, adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the onset of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Tofacitinib Shows Promise in Alopecia, Eczema and Vitiligo

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Tofacitinib has been approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis.

CDC Reports Increases in Tularemia

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a sharp rise in tularemia, especially in Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

Two-Fold Increase of Demyelinating Diseases with TNF Inhibition

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Despite the potential contributory role of TNF in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, several trials have shown that TNF inhibitor (TNFi) use may lead to worsening of MS, optic neuritis and other demyelinating disorders.

Tocilizumab & Abatacept Effective in Giant Cell Arteritis

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Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a medium and large vasculitis, wherein only glucocorticoids (GC) treatment has been the mainstay of therapy. As many will require prolonged treatment, the hazards of GC are well known, lead to substantial toxicity and morbidity.

Advances in Uveitis Associated with Juvenile Arthritis

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Uveitis is a common association of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that has previously been characterized by poor visual prognosis with limited options for effective treatment.

Rheumatic Manifestations of Chikungunya Virus

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Chikungunya is a new viral cause of fever and arthritis, especially in endemic areas like the caribbean. The chikungunya epidemic has grown significantly in the Western hemisphere with a total of 1,247,000 cases and 183 fatalities since

Blau Syndrome - the Prototypic Autoinflammatory Granulomatous Disorder

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The defining triad of Blau's syndrome includes granulomatous polyarthritis, dermatitis and uveitis.  This rare, monogenic, autosomal dominant disorder stems from a "gain in function" mutation of the pattern recognition receptor NOD2.

Drug-Induced Lupus is Rare with TNF inhibitor Therapy

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Real World Biologic Success in Systemic JIA

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A retrospective review of 77 SoJIA patients revealed that 50-70% achieved inactive disease or remission when treated with IL-1 inhibitors (anakinra, canakinumab). Good responses were seen with tocilizumab or abatacept, but only 8% responded to etanercept.