Primers and PrimeViews

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis and potentially other sites. This PrimeView summarizes the key points of the Primer on axial spondyloarthritis by Joachim Sieper and colleagues.

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sacroiliac joints and potentially of other body sites. Sieper and colleagues summarize how diagnostic and therapeutic advances have changed not only the clinical management but also the questions for further research.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox) and, upon reactivation following latency, zoster (shingles). The development of vaccines to reduce the disease burden, particularly in at-risk populations (for example, pregnant women and the elderly), are a current focus.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox) and, upon reactivation following latency, zoster (shingles). In this Primer, the authors discuss VZV pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of VZV infections, with an emphasis on the molecular events that regulate these diseases.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a respiratory condition in which the airway collapses repeatedly during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia with cardiovascular co-morbidities as a consequence. As illustrated here, excessive daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities are the main consequences.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a respiratory condition in which the airway collapses repeatedly during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia with cardiovascular co-morbidities as a consequence. In this Primer, Lévy et al. describe the causes, consequences and treatment options for this condition.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infection can cause inflammation and degeneration of the spinal cord known as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). As described in this PrimeView, HAM/TSP leads to paralysis of the legs, back pain and urinary symptoms.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infection can cause inflammation and degeneration of the spinal cord — HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Here, Bangham et al. summarize the pathogenesis and clinical management of this devastating disease and highlight open research questions.

Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide, caused by progressive clouding of the normally clear lens. This PrimeView summarizes the differences in impact and management of the disease between in the developing and the developed world.

Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide. Here, Lam et al. summarize the development of cataract and highlight how different the impact and the management of this disease are in the developing compared with the developed world.

Vitiligo is the most common skin depigmenting disorder globally. As summarized here, the cause of vitiligo is unknown, but oxidative stress and autoimmune processes are involved and lead to the dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes.

Vitiligo is the most common depigmenting disorder globally. Here, the authors explore the interplay of metabolic disturbances, autoimmunity and cellular degeneration that lead to the dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes. Understanding these processes supports the development of more effective therapies.

Arteriovenous malformations are characterized by a direct link between arteries and veins without intervening capillaries. As illustrated in this PrimeView, rupture and haemorrhage risk is high when these occur in the brain.

Arteriovenous malformations are characterized by a direct link between arteries and veins without intervening capillaries. This Primer highlights high rupture and haemorrhage risk when these occur in the brain, as well as the diagnosis and management options available to patients.

Non-small-cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer; it comprises different histological tumour types, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large-cell carcinoma. As shown in this PrimeView, several modifiable risk factors, including tobacco smoking, contribute to risk.

Non-small-cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer; it is associated with smoking and in 20% of cases is driven by mutations in EGFR and ALK. Gridelli et al. describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology and state-of-the-art in diagnosis and management.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which encodes a transmembrane ion channel on epithelial cells. Many therapies are under investigation to treat patients with cystic fibrosis, including ion channel modulators and gene therapy.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which encodes a transmembrane ion channel on epithelial cells. Here, Ratjen et al. highlight that, although CFTR dysfunction affects many organs, lung disease is responsible for the vast majority of morbidity and mortality.

Activation of blood coagulation in veins leads to thrombosis. Deep-vein thrombosis is often asymptomatic and only becomes apparent when its consequences, such as pulmonary embolism and breathlessness, occur. In this PrimeView, we summarize the key points of the associated Primer.

Venous thrombosis and its potentially debilitating or even fatal consequences can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Here, Mackman and colleagues discuss not only the clinical implications of thrombosis but also new insights into thrombogenesis and how to inhibit this process.