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Micheletti RG. Treatment of cutaneous vasculitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1059612. [PMID: 36465944 PMCID: PMC9716566 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1059612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous vasculitis encompasses a spectrum of disease states, with varied morphology, severity, and potential for systemic involvement. Even vasculitis which is skin-limited can have a significant quality-of-life impact, necessitating treatment. This manuscript summarizes the available evidence for management of various types of skin-limited vasculitis and provides a proposed therapeutic ladder based on published studies and expert opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Micheletti
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Martins-Martinho J, Dourado E, Khmelinskii N, Espinosa P, Ponte C. Localized Forms of Vasculitis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:49. [PMID: 34196889 PMCID: PMC8247627 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01012-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To provide an updated review on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic assessment, treatment, and prognosis of localized vasculitis, following the 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature on single-organ vasculitis. Recent Findings Localized, single-organ vasculitides encompass a group of rare conditions in which there is no evidence of concomitant systemic vasculitis. Most data on this topic derives from case reports and small case series. Although some aspects of these diseases, such as clinical manifestations and histologic findings, have already been extensively investigated, there is still a lack of robust data concerning the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and treatment. Summary Localized vasculitides may have a wide range of clinical features depending on the organ affected. The inflammatory process may have a multifocal/diffuse or unifocal distribution. Diagnosis is usually based on histopathology findings and exclusion of systemic vasculitis, which may frequently pose a challenge. Further research on treatment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Martins-Martinho
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-035, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Eduardo Dourado
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-035, Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nikita Khmelinskii
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-035, Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pablo Espinosa
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-035, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-035, Lisbon, Portugal.,Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-035, Lisbon, Portugal
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Micheletti RG, Pagnoux C. Management of cutaneous vasculitis. Presse Med 2020; 49:104033. [PMID: 32645416 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2020.104033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous vasculitis encompasses cutaneous components of systemic vasculitides, skin-limited variants of systemic vasculitides, such as IgA vasculitis or cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, and single-organ cutaneous vasculitis, as individualized in 2012 in the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature. In this article, we focus on the management of skin-limited and single-organ vasculitides, often referred to, in clinical practice, as isolated "cutaneous leukocyctoclastic vasculitis", terms which may correspond to histological findings or descriptions, but are imprecise and not specific. Since most cases of isolated cutaneous vasculitis are self-limited and resolve spontaneously over 3 to 4 weeks, most patients require no systemic treatment. For those with severe, intractable, or chronic and recurring vasculitis, systemic therapy can be indicated and should be tailored to the severity of the disease. High-quality literature is lacking to guide management. Oral glucocorticoids may be required for a short period of time for painful, ulcerative, or otherwise severe disease in order to speed resolution. Among drugs which are reasonable longer-term options are colchicine, dapsone, azathioprine or hydroxychloroquine. Additional studies, including an ongoing multicenter randomized trial, are needed to determine the most effective therapies for skin-limited vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Micheletti
- Departments of Dermatology and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, 7 South, Room 724, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Christian Pagnoux
- Vasculitis Clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 60 Murray Street, Ste 2-220, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9, Canada.
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Shen S, O’Brien T, Yap LM, Prince HM, McCormack CJ. The use of methotrexate in dermatology: a review. Australas J Dermatol 2011; 53:1-18. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Vasculitides throughout history and their clinical treatment today. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2011; 13:465-72. [PMID: 21904885 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-011-0210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic management of the vasculitides is closely linked to modern rheumatologic advances, particularly as it relates to the discovery and first clinical use of glucocorticoids. These compounds were introduced in the late-1940s for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but soon after, clinicians in Europe and the United States realized that they could have a significant positive impact in systemic vasculitides. However, once it was realized that glucocorticoid use was associated with a high degree of morbidity, the search for better immunosuppressive agents with similar efficacy but improved safety profiles was on. During the past several years, several agents have been utilized for the therapeutic management of systemic vasculitides, and the list keeps growing with the development of newer compounds that have retained efficacy but with a better safety profile.
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Bartels CM, Bridges AJ. Rheumatoid vasculitis: vanishing menace or target for new treatments? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2011; 12:414-9. [PMID: 20842467 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-010-0130-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare but serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Herein we examine the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid vasculitis. Seropositivity, specific HLA variations, and tobacco use are among the genetic and environmental predictors of rheumatoid vasculitis. Fortunately, recent reports have noted declines in the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis. Nevertheless, proper recognition of systemic manifestations may assist in pathologically confirming the diagnosis, determining the extent of disease, and guiding treatment. Contemporary treatment reports are discussed in the context of the ongoing debate regarding whether new agents may trigger, treat, or even prevent rheumatoid vasculitis. Evolving genetic, histopathologic, and immunologic studies partnered with ongoing clinical experience with biologics offer promise to inform future prevention and treatment of rheumatoid vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie M Bartels
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital-Madison, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Vasculitis can range in severity from a self-limited single-organ disorder to a life-threatening disease with the prospect of multiple-organ failure. This condition presents many challenges to the physician, including classification and diagnosis, appropriate laboratory workup, treatment, and the need for careful follow-up. The physician must not only be able to recognize vasculitis but also be able to provide a specific diagnosis (if possible) as well as recognize and treat any underlying etiologic condition. Most diagnostic criteria are based on the size of vessel involvement, which often correlates with specific dermatologic findings. This may allow the dermatologist to provide an initial diagnosis and direct the medical evaluation. This article reviews the classification and diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitic syndromes and current treatment options; it also presents a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating the patient with suspected cutaneous vasculitis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:311-40.) LEARNING OBJECTIVE At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the classification and clinical features of the various forms of cutaneous vasculitis. They should also have a rational approach to diagnosing and treating a patient with vasculitis.
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MESH Headings
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Incidence
- Male
- Prognosis
- Risk Factors
- Severity of Illness Index
- Skin Diseases, Vascular/diagnosis
- Skin Diseases, Vascular/drug therapy
- Skin Diseases, Vascular/epidemiology
- Vasculitis/diagnosis
- Vasculitis/drug therapy
- Vasculitis/epidemiology
- Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/diagnosis
- Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/drug therapy
- Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/epidemiology
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Fiorentino
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA.
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Oien RF, Håkansson A, Hansen BU. Leg ulcers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis--a prospective study of aetiology, wound healing and pain reduction after pinch grafting. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001; 40:816-20. [PMID: 11477288 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/40.7.816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the aetiology of leg ulcers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to study healing and pain relief after pinch grafting. METHODS Twenty patients with RA and leg ulcers were studied. Diagnosis of the ulcers was founded on the clinical picture and measurements of the ankle-brachial pressure index. To detect vasculitis, skin biopsies were taken for immunohistochemistry and histopathology. Pain severity was assessed pre- and post-operatively using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS Ten of the 20 patients had ulcers with multifactorial aetiology. Fifteen had signs of venous insufficiency, 11 had histopathological evidence of vasculitis, four had reduced arterial circulation and two patients had diabetes. Healing after pinch grafting was found in eight patients, all of whom had an ulcer area less than 15 cm(2). Eleven out of 18 patients had pain reduction after pinch grafting. CONCLUSION The causation of leg ulcers in patients with RA was found to be multifactorial, with vasculitis and venous insufficiency as the main determinants. Pinch grafting seems to be a good alternative to conservative treatment for minor leg ulcers for these patients, regarding both wound healing and pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Oien
- Lyckeby Health Centre, S-371 62 Lyckeby, and Department of Community Medicine, Malmö University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to be at increased risk of developing chronic leg ulcers. This review identifies the factors that predispose these patients to leg ulceration and highlights how this problem can be managed and the risk of recurrence reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R McRorie
- Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
Methotrexate has proven to be a safe, effective, long-term therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Its property as a corticosteroid-sparing drug in rheumatoid arthritis has been recognized and its potential has been explored in other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This article describes and analyzes the use of methotrexate for a wide variety of diseases, some of which are not the usual province of rheumatologists, to provide some guidance concerning its role for treatment. Methotrexate therapy seems promising for systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory myopathy, inflammatory eye disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and some manifestations of sarcoidosis. Its role in other diseases is not as well defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Wilke
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
Although GS and CYC have been important agents in improving the outcome and survival of patients with systemic vasculitis, they carry their own risk of drug-induced morbidity and mortality. It has also become apparent that these medications are not the final answer in disease management because some forms of vasculitis have the potential to relapse or be treatment resistant. For these reasons, the pursuit of effective, less toxic therapeutic alternatives is critical. Initial results from the use of MTX in systemic vasculitis have been encouraging. Although drug-related toxicity and disease relapse have still been found to occur, MTX appears to be a valuable addition in the treatment of vasculitis. Further studies will be necessary to determine the optimal way that this agent may be used to safely and effectively manage vasculitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Langford
- Immunologic Diseases Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Breedveld FC. Vasculitis associated with connective tissue disease. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY 1997; 11:315-34. [PMID: 9220080 DOI: 10.1016/s0950-3579(97)80048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Vasculitis, one of the clinical features shared by connective tissue diseases, should be considered when signs and symptoms are observed that may result from tissue ischaemia due to damaged vessels. The lesions seem to result from specific and non-specific immunopathogenic mechanisms targeted at the vascular endothelium. Because of the therapeutic implications it is the physician's responsibility to document its presence and the extent of organ involvement. Prompt institution of immunosuppressive drugs may be lifesaving. On the other hand there are some forms of vasculitis accompanying connective tissue disease which are entirely benign. Patients with infarctions of extremities and progressive functional disturbances of the central nervous system or internal organs because of vasculitis should be treated with high dosages of corticosteroids in combination with cytostatic drugs. Remissions are frequently obtained within three to six months of initiation of treatment and can be maintained with a less aggressive treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Breedveld
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands
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Anaya JM, Diethelm L, Ortiz LA, Gutierrez M, Citera G, Welsh RA, Espinoza LR. Pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1995; 24:242-54. [PMID: 7740304 DOI: 10.1016/s0049-0172(95)80034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary involvement is one of the extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and includes pleurisy, parenchymal nodules, interstitial involvement, and airway disease. Rheumatoid pulmonary vasculitis is rare. Pulmonary disease also may be observed as a toxic event consequent to treatment for RA. Although RA is more common in women, rheumatoid lung disease occurs more frequently in men who have long-standing rheumatoid disease, positive rheumatoid factor and subcutaneous nodules. Pleural involvement, usually asymptomatic, is the most common manifestation of lung disease in RA and may occur concurrently with pulmonary nodulosis or interstitial disease. The clinical features and course of pulmonary fibrosis in RA are similar to those of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), which has been recently described in RA patients, has nonspecific clinical features. The histological patterns correspond to proliferative bronchiolitis in the airway and organizing pneumonia in the alveoli. Obstructive lung disease in RA includes obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) and bronchiectasis. OB is an acute illness characterized histologically by a constrictive bronchiolitis. It may be idiopathic or induced by D-penicillamine or intramuscular gold compounds. Methotrexate (MTX)-pneumonitis is an uncommon complication of MTX treatment. Its clinical presentation is not specific, and diagnosis must be made after exclusion of other causes of pulmonary diseases. It is uncertain if preexisting lung disease predisposes RA patients to MTX-pneumonitis. Treatment of lung disease in RA is empirical. Corticosteroids are usually administered and immunosuppressive drugs are often added when pulmonary disease progresses and/or steroid side-effects appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Anaya
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
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Schnabel A, Gross WL. Low-dose methotrexate in rheumatic diseases--efficacy, side effects, and risk factors for side effects. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1994; 23:310-27. [PMID: 8036521 DOI: 10.1016/0049-0172(94)90027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Controlled trials and observational studies have shown low-dose methotrexate (MTX) to be a second-line agent of high potency with a favorable profile of safety and tolerability in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its risk-benefit ratio in psoriatic arthritis is less well documented. Preliminary reports on its beneficial effects in other disorders, including the systemic manifestations of RA, other spondyloarthritides, and collagen vascular diseases, merit more detailed examination. Gastrointestinal intolerance and hepatic enzyme elevation are the most frequent side effects of MTX; life-threatening events such as severe hemocytopenia and MTX pneumonitis are rare and amenable to prevention by recognizing risk factors and premonitory signs. Hepatotoxicity does not appear to be a major limiting factor in RA patients over the first 2 to 3 years of MTX therapy; its impact on long-term tolerance remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schnabel
- Department of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Lübeck, Bad Bramstedt, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Taylor
- Department of Rheumatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary
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Hoffman GS, Leavitt RY, Kerr GS, Fauci AS. The treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis with glucocorticoids and methotrexate. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 1992; 35:1322-9. [PMID: 1445449 DOI: 10.1002/art.1780351113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify alternatives to daily low-dose cyclophosphamide (CYC) in the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). METHODS An open-label pilot study of weekly low-dose methotrexate (MTX) plus glucocorticoids (GC) for treatment of patients with WG was performed. Twenty-nine patients who did not have immediately life-threatening disease were included. Outcome was determined by clinical characteristics, pathologic findings, course of illness, laboratory and radiographic findings, and successful withdrawal of GC therapy. RESULTS Weekly administration of MTX (at a mean stable dosage of 20 mg) and GC resulted in marked improvement in 76% of the 29 patients. Remission was achieved in 69% of the patients, 7% improved but had intermittent smoldering disease that precluded total withdrawal of GC, and 17% had progressive disease within 2-6 months of starting the study treatment. Two patients who initially achieved remission later had relapses after GC was discontinued. Of those who remain in remission (mean followup time 14.5 months), 72% have not required GC for a mean period of 10 months. CONCLUSION Although standard therapy for WG (daily CYC and GC) has dramatically improved outcome in this often-fatal disease, treatment morbidity has led to attempts to identify effective interventions that have less toxicity. Weekly low-dose MTX was shown in this study to be a feasible alternative to CYC in patients whose illness was not immediately life-threatening or in whom prior CYC treatment was ineffective or produced serious toxicity. Although these results are preliminary, they are encouraging and justify further studies in which MTX, CYC, and other alternative therapeutic approaches are compared concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Hoffman
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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Jeurissen ME, Boerbooms AM, van de Putte LB. Eruption of nodulosis and vasculitis during methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 1989; 8:417-9. [PMID: 2805620 DOI: 10.1007/bf02030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Scott
- Department of Rheumatology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham
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Bernard P, Arnaud M, Treves R, Bonnetblanc JM. Dapsone and rheumatoid vasculitis leg ulcerations. J Am Acad Dermatol 1988; 18:140-1. [PMID: 3346397 DOI: 10.1016/s0190-9622(88)80049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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