Clinical and Molecular Advances in Ankylosing Spondylitis


Book Description

The first section of the book entitled Clinical and Molecular Advances in Ankylosing Spondylitis is a review of the clinical manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Spondyloarthritis (SpA). The book includes chapters on Bone Mineral Density measurements, two chapters on the temporomandibular joints, axial fractures, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Molecular genetics and immune response are analyzed in the second section of the book; information on HLA-B*27, other MHC genes and the immune response of AS patients to bacteria is reviewed and updated. Two chapters are dedicated to recent information on non-MHC genes in AS susceptibility, and to new data on disease pathways generated from gene expression studies on peripheral blood.




Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy


Book Description

Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to develop stem cell-based therapies for difficult to treat diseases. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, also referred to as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), appear to hold great promise in regards to a regenerative cell-based therapy for the treatment of these diseases. Currently, more than 200 clinical trials are underway worldwide exploring the use of MSCs for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including bone, cartilage and tendon damage, myocardial infarction, graft-versus-host disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, critical limb ischemia and many others. MSCs were first identified by Friendenstein and colleagues as an adherent stromal cell population within the bone marrow with the ability to form clonogenic colonies in vitro. In regards to the basic biology associated with MSCs, there has been tremendous progress towards understanding this cell population’s phenotype and function from a range of tissue sources. Despite enormous progress and an overall increased understanding of MSCs at the molecular and cellular level, several critical questions remain to be answered in regards to the use of these cells in therapeutic applications. Clinically, both autologous and allogenic approaches for the transplantation of MSCs are being explored. Several of the processing steps needed for the clinical application of MSCs, including isolation from various tissues, scalable in vitro expansion, cell banking, dose preparation, quality control parameters, delivery methods and numerous others are being extensively studied. Despite a significant number of ongoing clinical trials, none of the current therapeutic approaches have, at this point, become a standard of care treatment. Although exceptionally promising, the clinical translation of MSC-based therapies is still a work in progress. The extensive number of ongoing clinical trials is expected to provide a clearer path forward for the realization and implementation of MSCs in regenerative medicine. Towards this end, reviews of current clinical trial results and discussions of relevant topics association with the clinical application of MSCs are compiled in this book from some of the leading researchers in this exciting and rapidly advancing field. Although not absolutely all-inclusive, we hope the chapters within this book can promote and enable a better understanding of the translation of MSCs from bench-to-bedside and inspire researchers to further explore this promising and quickly evolving field.




Molecular Mechanisms of Spondyloarthropathies


Book Description

It is now over ten years since we edited the first edition of HLA-B27 in the Development of Spondyloarthropathies (SpA). It is obvious that over this period an enormous amount of information concerning SpA and HLA-B27 has accumulated, and this has been reflected in the knowledge of molecular mechanism of the spondyloarthropathies. Discussion for such a book took initial form at the outstanding 4th Gent Symposium on SpA in October 2006, but was not formally commissioned by Landes Bioscience until early 2007. Molecular Mechanisms of Spondyloarthropathies aims to synthesize this growing knowledge and present all the current studies concerning the basic research of SpA. Over the last decade, enormous progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular and cellular processes that lead to disease pathology. Recognition of the pathways involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of disease and the potential to target specific immune effector functions have opened the door to a wide range of innovative treatment opportunities for the SpA. Thus, we believe that the understanding of the specific molecular mechanisms involved would help to design highly specific drugs in the future. The contributors are among the best in their field and reflect the state of the art of research and current opinion of rheumatologists and immunologists.




Atlas of Uveitis


Book Description

This Atlas provides cutting-edge information on uveitis, which represents a major achievement in clinical studies on uveitis. It includes more than three thousand imaging photos of uveitis patients, showing the disease’s complete profile and the spectrum of variations commonly encountered. Numerous therapeutic regimens are also presented, each of which is designed for a specific form of uveitis. The Atlas also incorporates the latest advances in uveitis studies, making it a unique and valuable resource for a broad readership, including ophthalmologists, postgraduate students, medical students and doctors in ophthalmology.




Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Practical Management Guide


Book Description

This book Periprosthetic Joint Infection is a portable guide to the practical management of surgical site infections following orthopedic procedures. It designed to help answer clinician's questions regarding the prevention and treatment of periprosthetic infections. It organized for rapid review, featuring evidence reviews, pitfalls, Rothman Institute Current Practices and Controversies. The guide is being included in the course materials for the 29th Annual Current Concepts in Joint Replacement® (CCJR) meeting thanks to a generous educational grant from 3M Health Care.




The Heart in Rheumatic, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases


Book Description

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases and rheumatic conditions is constantly increasing. Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 7-10% of the population of the United States, while more than 50,000,000 American adults suffer from some type of arthritis. The Heart in Rheumatic, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases examines the complex mechanisms relating to cardiac diseases from a pathophysiological and clinical point of view. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases can affect the coronary vessels, myocardium, pericardium, heart valves and the conduction system. The diagnosis of these unique cardiac complications necessitates medical awareness and a high index of suspicion. Increased risk of advanced atherosclerosis plays a pivotal role in the development of cardiac diseases in systemic, rheumatic and autoimmune illnesses. Yet, other complex immune medicated mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis. Patients' optimal care requires coordination between the primary caregiver, the rheumatologist, immunologist and cardiologist. Screening for cardiovascular risk factors, recognition of high-risk patients and identification of subclinical cardiac conditions are of great importance. Moreover, regulation of inflammation, as well as abnormal immune responses and the initiation of early treatments should be the focus of patient management. A continuous attempt to identify novel therapeutic targets and change the natural history of the underlying disease and its cardiac manifestations is in progress. The book aims at providing the readers with a state of the art collection of up to date information regarding clinically important topics based on experts' perspectives. This book was a result of an extended coordinated collaboration of one-hundred and fifty-four distinguished scientists from thirty-one countries around the globe. - A review of common, as well as unusual (yet clinically significant) medical cardiac complications of prevalent rheumatic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. - Focuses on aspects of pathophysiological processes, clinical presentations, screening tests, prognostic implications and novel therapeutic approaches. - Presents an up-to-date "level of evidence and "strengths of recommendations for suggested therapies and reviews all randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses and other supporting published clinical findings.




Axial Spondyloarthritis


Book Description

A practical pocketbook for the nonspecialist practitioner, Axial Spondyloarthritis is the essential guide to the commonest inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine. Focusing on the practical implications of developments in classification, diagnosis, and treatment, this easily accessible text fully covers the broader spectrum of this condition.




Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Associated Vasculitis


Book Description

This volume, written by well-known experts in the field, covers all aspects of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Associated Vasculitis (AAV). The expression refers to a group of diseases, characterized by destruction and inflammation of small vessels. The clinical signs vary and affect several organs, such as the kidney, lung, skin, nervous system and others. The opening chapters give some historical hints, explain the genetic basis of the disease and provide insights into the pathogenesis derived from recent experimental studies and guides the reader through classification and nomenclature. A large part of the book is then devoted to a detailed description of the specific related diseases and their clinical presentations, the disease course, and potential complications. The advice regarding treatment is based on the best currently available evidence in this constantly evolving area. The book is part of Springer’s series Rare Diseases of the Immune System, which presents recently acquired knowledge on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy with the aim of promoting a more holistic approach to these conditions. AAVs are systemic autoimmune diseases of unknown cause that affect small (to medium) sized blood vessels. They include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Churg–Strauss syndrome). This volume will be an invaluable source of up-to-date information for all practitioners involved in the care of patients with these diseases.




Rheumatology for Primary Care Providers


Book Description

Current texts in rheumatology are very detailed and designed specifically for rheumatologists. This clear and concise guide is targeted at the busy clinician who comes into contact with both common and uncommon rheumatologic disorders. Many chapters presents a common clinical scenario and include a definition of the disease while outlining incidence and prevalence, common manifestations, treatment and pitfalls. A range of topics are included in the fifteen chapters including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, metabolic bone disease, gout and scleroderma, among others. Written by experts in the field, Rheumatology for Primary Care Providers is a definitive guide to rheumatology for the primary care physician and non-specialist.