Autoimmune Diseases
From the Journals
Cachexia affects more than half of lupus patients
SLE patients with intermittent cachexia had the greatest risk for organ damage over time.
Conference Coverage
Lenalidomide may be an answer for refractory cutaneous lupus
Mucocutaneous manifestations constitute 4 out of the 11 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria that clinicians use to make a...
From the Journals
Pulmonary function tests can’t substitute for high-resolution CT in early systemic sclerosis ILD screening
The results provide further evidence to show that high-resolution CT should be performed in all SSc patients to screen for the presence of ILD.
Conference Coverage
First validated classification criteria for discoid lupus erythematosus unveiled
“The point is to be able to differentiate between discoid lupus and its disease mimickers, which could be confused in enrollment in clinical...
Conference Coverage
In scleroderma, GERD questionnaires are essential tools
“The questionnaires are really critical for us to grade the severity and then properly order tests,” said Dr. Tracy M. Frech.
Conference Coverage
Belimumab safely improved renal function in lupus nephritis patients
Adding belimumab to standard SLE treatment led to better renal function after 2 years in a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial with 446...
Conference Coverage
Antinuclear antibody test interpretation guidance gets updated
Clinicians should be aware of the type of assay used for antinuclear antibody detection because the results can vary by disease.
Conference Coverage
Be vigilant for scleroderma renal crisis
Thirty percent of patients with scleroderma renal crisis present atypically.
Conference Coverage
Study tests a simpler low disease activity measure for lupus
An index that includes continuous scoring and more disease manifestations is simpler than the Lupus Low Disease Activity Scale and performs...
Commentary
Emerging Therapies for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
There is a recent shortage of antimalarial medications, the current first-line therapy for cutaneous lupus erythematosus, due to both an import...
Make the Diagnosis
A toddler with a fever and desquamating perineal rash
An 18-month-old female presented with 5 days of fever, erythema, fissuring of the lips, conjunctival injection, and a desquamating perineal rash...