Rheumatology

Common musculoskeletal conditions are discussed, including fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other crystal disorders. Each disease-specific chapter discusses clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluations, and therapeutic options.
Warren D. Blackburn, Jr, MD - Professor of Medicine, University of Alabama

Pathogenesis of OA, common diagnostic pitfalls, case presentations, synovial fluid analysis, joint imaging, joint protection, and nonmedicinal therapy are reviewed. Recommendations for systemic and local pharmacologic therapy are presented, along with a rational strategy for therapy of OA pain. A section of the book is devoted to pharmacologic modification of tissue damage of OA.

Kenneth D. Brandt, MD - Professor of Medicine,
Indiana University

Focuses on pharmacologic treatments 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 discussed.

John J. Cush, MD - Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology,
Baylor University Medical Center–Dallas
Michael E. Weinblatt, MD - Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School
Arthur Kavanaugh, MD - Professor of Medicine, UCSD

In the United States alone, 3 to 6 million people have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is the most common cause of generalized pain in general medical practice. Primary care physicians and specialists are often uncomfortable making the diagnosis and uncertain how to proceed with a therapeutic plan. This handbook is timely, with the availability of newer pharmacologic choices for the treatment of fibromyalgia and related disorders. The majority of patients with fibromyalgia will be treated by primary care physicians and this handbook should be especially helpful to improve their skills in understanding, diagnosing, and treating this illness.

Don L. Goldenberg, MD - Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine