Biologics for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the available biologic therapies whilst comparing them to standard disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and discusses how best to determine which therapy is most appropriate for an individual patient in the framework of current guidelines. Biologics for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis is an up-to-date and concise practical guide to the latest therapeutic developments in this field. This book is an invaluable source of topical information for all rheumatologists and health care professionals treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.




Safe and Effective Medicines for Children


Book Description

The Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) were designed to encourage more pediatric studies of drugs used for children. The FDA asked the IOM to review aspects of pediatric studies and changes in product labeling that resulted from BPCA and PREA and their predecessor policies, as well as assess the incentives for pediatric studies of biologics and the extent to which biologics have been studied in children. The IOM committee concludes that these policies have helped provide clinicians who care for children with better information about the efficacy, safety, and appropriate prescribing of drugs. The IOM suggests that more can be done to increase knowledge about drugs used by children and thereby improve the clinical care, health, and well-being of the nation's children.




Early Rheumatoid Arthritis


Book Description

This issue covers the latest developments in the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis at the early stage. Treatments such as with newer biologic agents and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are reviewed. Also included are articles on imaging modalities as a means of identifying those in the early stages and monitoring response to treatment.




Gerontorheumatology


Book Description

This book covers all aspects of the specialized field of gerontorheumatology, providing a complete overview of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and related conditions in the elderly. The emphasis is particularly on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, including the latest advances in biological and pharmacological therapy and potential treatment side effects. The book will provide the reader with a keen awareness of the characteristic features, distinctive etiologies, and different courses of the various disorders of the musculoskeletal system in the geriatric population. Diagnostic and treatment considerations of special relevance in daily practice are highlighted, and the importance of comorbidities and their rheumatic consequences is also emphasized. The book will be of value for gerontologists, rheumatologists, internists, and rehabilitation physicians and will offer excellent guidance for general practitioners, who are typically the first to deal with disorders of the musculoskeletal system in elderly patients.




Biologics in Rheumatology


Book Description

Significant progress has been acquired in the treatment of rheumatic conditions with the introduction of biologic therapies, which has enabled better control of disease activity and improved patients' long-term outcome. Apart from several biologic treatments already licensed for use in autoimmune rheumatic conditions, numerous other agents are currently under investigation. This rapid expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium requires a critical analysis of individual biologic options and their clinical indications, in order to facilitate the optimal use of these new therapies. The authors felt that a comprehensive book revisiting all the evidence available regarding the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and health implications of the use of biologics in rheumatology was needed in order to integrate the clinical, ethical and socio-economic aspects related to their use. This book is aimed at specialist doctors, trainees, nurses and health professionals working in the field of rheumatology. It critically appraises the level of evidence behind the use of biologic agents in diverse autoimmune diseases, comprising separate chapters which focus on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, small, medium and large vessel vasculitis, osteoporosis, and interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatic conditions. In addition, the book explores aspects related to the use of biologic agents, such as ethical considerations of consenting patients to take part in clinical trials with biologics, and adolescent and adult rheumatology nurse perspectives related to patients' benefits of biologic therapies. Particular interest is given to the use of biologics during pregnancy and assessment of their infectious risks. A separate chapter explores the off-target benefits associated with the use of anti-TNF therapies. Several chapters include data about cost-effectiveness, and national and international guidelines for the use of biologic agents in different rheumatic conditions.




Adverse Reactions to Biologics


Book Description

In many areas of medicine physicians still face the great challenge of finding therapies that will meet the patients’ needs. In dermatology the challenge has arisen on multiple fronts through advances in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of many inflammatory and malignant cutaneous disorders. Breakthroughs, combined with significant developments in targeted immunotherapy, have resulted in improved outcomes as these newer therapies are being used for both approved indications and as off-label therapies for various chronic inflammatory skin disorders and many forms of skin cancer. In the expectation that by truly understanding the safety profile of these targeted therapies patients’ outcomes will be significantly improved, this book offers insights into topics such as adverse reactions, infectious complications and the perioperative use of biologics in psoriasis, immunogenicity of biologic therapies, paradoxical reactions, safety of biologics used to treat autoimmune bullous diseases and primary cutaneous lymphomas, adverse reactions and skin manifestations of therapies targeting melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer and other neoplastic diseases. Eminent researchers with extensive clinical experience have contributed to this publication, providing an in-depth overview of the latest knowledge in this field.




Introduction to Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology


Book Description

This book explains the pharmacological relationships between the various systems in the human body. It offers a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology concerning the autonomic, central, and peripheral nervous systems. Presenting up-to-date information on chemical mediators and their significance, it highlights the therapeutic aspects of several diseases affecting the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrinal, and hematopoietic systems. The book also includes drug therapy for microbial and neoplastic diseases. It also comprises sections on immunopharmacology, dermatological, and ocular pharmacology providing valuable insights into these emerging and recent topics. Covering the diverse groups of drugs acting on different systems, the book reviews their actions, clinical uses, adverse effects, interactions, and subcellular mechanisms of action. It is divided into 11 parts, subdivided into several chapters that evaluate the basic pharmacological principles that govern the different types of body systems. This book is intended for academicians, researchers, and clinicians in industry and academic institutions in pharmaceutical, pharmacological sciences, pharmacy, medical sciences, physiology, neurosciences, biochemistry, molecular biology and other allied health sciences.




Pediatric Rheumatology, an Issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics


Book Description

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics teaches you the latest developments and best practices in pediatric rheumatology. Guest edited by Andreas Reiff, topics include juvenile arthritis, juvenile spondyloarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, scleroderma, eye conditions, and more




A Clinician's Pearls & Myths in Rheumatology


Book Description

Important strides have been made in understanding the pathophysiologic basis of many inflammatory conditions in recent years, but rheumatology remains a discipline in which diagnosis is rooted in the medical history skillfully extracted from the patient, the careful physical examination, and the discriminating use of laboratory tests and imaging. Moreover, selection of the most appropriate therapy for patients with rheumatic diseases also remains heavily reliant upon clinical experience. Medical disciplines such as rheumatology that depend significantly upon clinical wisdom are prone to the development of systems of ‘Pearls’ and ‘Myths,’ related to the diseases they call their own, a ‘Pearl’ being a nugget of truth about the diagnosis or treatment of a particular disease that has been gained by dint of clinical experience and a ‘Myth’ being a commonly held belief that influences the practice of many clinicians – but is false. This book will pool together the clinical wisdom of seasoned, expert rheumatologists who participate in the care of patients with autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammatory disorders, and all other rheumatic conditions.




Rheumatoid Arthritis


Book Description

Emphasizes the importance of early intervention in RA with focus on pharmacologic treatment of RA. Detailed information on the various medications employed in treatment, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs DMARDs, biologic agents, and combination therapy is reviewed, including evidence based data on efficacy, safety, side effects, and monitoring requirements. Clinical evaluation is presented, including lab findings, joint scoring, diagnostic criteria, and radiographic outcomes. Surgical options and the management of advanced RA are disussed.