Table of contents
June 2006 Volume 2 No 6
Editorial
Viewpoints
Science as experiment; science as observation
286Randomized, blinded, controlled experiments have often been considered the highest level of evidence in the methodological hierarchy. This Viewpoint discusses the strengths and limitations of both observational studies and randomized controlled trials, and the benefits that can be gained by researchers and clinicians through the appreciation of both methods.
Nonresponse to tumor necrosis factor antagonists—is there any point in re-treatment?
288The introduction of tumor necrosis factor antagonist therapies has transformed expectations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Although all available agents have demonstrated comparable clinical efficacy, heterogeneity of response and treatment failure has been observed in up to 40% of patients. This Viewpoint will discuss the use of alternative TNF-blocking therapy in patients who have failed treatment.
Research Highlights
Exercise in water is beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia
290Increased lymphoma risk associated with high disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
290Levels of molecular biomarkers can predict rate of disease progression in osteoarthritis
291Data analysis supports the existence of subtypes of systemic lupus erythematosus
291Animal study shows antiresorptive agent has novel mechanism of action
292How can we avoid the prescription of contraindicated drugs?
292Psoriatic arthritis can be difficult to distinguish from rheumatoid arthritis
292Which patients could benefit from early biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?
293Early, high BMI linked with increased risk of total-hip arthroplasty in patients with OA
293New onset or exacerbation of psoriasis during tumor necrosis factor inhibition
294BMD predicts osteoporosis in recently postmenopausal women
294Are patients with rheumatoid arthritis prone to accelerated atherosclerosis?
295Practice Points
Early rheumatoid arthritis: combination therapy of doxycycline plus methotrexate versus methotrexate monotherapy
296Treating axial manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis in the presence of peripheral arthritis
298Efficacy and safety of infliximab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis
300Reviews
Prospects for disease modification in osteoarthritis
304Both systemic and local biomechanical factors contribute to joint degeneration in osteoarthritis, and diverse molecular mechanisms of the disease pathogenesis are being uncovered. Can mechanism-based treatments be developed for patients with this disease, as has happened with rheumatoid arthritis, and what are the challenges in drug development?
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0193 | Full Text | PDF (221K)
Primer: assessing the efficacy and safety of nonpharmacologic treatments for chronic rheumatic diseases
313Nonpharmacological treatments cannot be assessed according to the same standards used for pharmacological treatments. This Review gives guidance on trial designs that address specific methodological issues encountered in assessment of nonpharmacological treatments, and on interpretation of data from such trials.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0194 | Full Text | PDF (156K)
Therapy Insight: managing cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
320The risk of cardiovascular disease is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as discussed in this Review. Joan M Bathon and colleagues outline some preliminary recommendations for how these complications can be prevented and managed by aggressive control of both synovitis and conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0178 | Full Text | PDF (213K)
Mechanisms of Disease: the complement system and the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
330Our comprehension of the role of the complement system in autoimmunity and tissue injury in systemic lupus erythematosus has progressed since mice lacking early components of the complement pathway were developed. Elucidation of these disease mechanisms might lead to the development of improved therapeutic approaches.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0191 | Full Text | PDF (317K)
Case Study
Successful treatment with rasburicase of a tophaceous gout in a patient allergic to allopurinol
338doi:10.1038/ncprheum0214 | Full Text | PDF (271K)
