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Dewan P, Gomber S, Trivedi M, Diwaker P, Madan U. Methotrexate-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. Cureus 2021; 13:e16519. [PMID: 34430130 PMCID: PMC8374989 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythematous tender cutaneous lesions developed in a 10-year-old child of acute leukemia receiving oral methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine during maintenance phase of chemotherapy. She was also found to have coagulopathy and transaminitis. Differential clinical diagnosis included infectious processes, pyoderma gangrenosum, connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis, and drug-induced side effects. Oral methotrexate was withheld following which the lesions subsided. Skin biopsy revealed a diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Cutaneous vasculitis is a rare side effect of methotrexate and its possibility should be considered in any patient who develops skin lesions while being receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Dewan
- Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | - Sunil Gomber
- Pediatrics/Oncology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | | | - Preeti Diwaker
- Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
| | - Ujjwal Madan
- Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, IND
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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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3
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Gheita TA, Abaza NM, Sayed S, El-Azkalany GS, Fishawy HS, Eissa AH. Cutaneous vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: potential key players and implications. Lupus 2018; 27:738-743. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203317739134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the present work was to study the clinical characteristics of cutaneous vasculitis (CV) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and find possible potential key players in its development and implicated associations with the disease manifestations. Patients and methods Fifty adult female SLE patients underwent full history taking, thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and accumulated damage using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR DI) were assessed. Results The mean age of the patients was 29.1 ± 6.1 years and was significantly lower in those with CV ( p = 0.018). The disease duration was 4.9 ± 3.7 years. CV was present in 30% of the patients. Musculoskeletal manifestations and hypocomplementemia were present in all patients with CV. The SLEDAI and SLICC/ACR DI tended to be higher in those with CV. Complement (C3 and C4) was significantly consumed in CV patients ( p < 0.0001). Antiphospholipids were comparable between those with and without CV. Lupus nephritis, cardiovascular manifestations and Sjögren syndrome were significantly linked to the development of CV ( p = 0.025, p = 0.023 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Both C3 and C4 showed a high sensitivity (93.3% and 86.7%) to detect CV in SLE at cut-off values below 81.4 mg/dl and 16.8 mg/dl, respectively. Conclusion CV is closely related to hypocomplementemia but not to antiphospholipids and is associated with lupus nephritis, musculoskeletal manifestations and Sjögren syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Gheita
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - N M Abaza
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Sayed
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - G S El-Azkalany
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - H S Fishawy
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A H Eissa
- Clinical Pathology (Immunology) Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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4
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Warren RB, Weatherhead SC, Smith CH, Exton LS, Mohd Mustapa MF, Kirby B, Yesudian PD. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the safe and effective prescribing of methotrexate for skin disease 2016. Br J Dermatol 2017; 175:23-44. [PMID: 27484275 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R B Warren
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M6 8HD, U.K
| | - S C Weatherhead
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, U.K
| | - C H Smith
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
| | - L S Exton
- British Association of Dermatologists, Willan House, 4 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HQ, U.K
| | - M F Mohd Mustapa
- British Association of Dermatologists, Willan House, 4 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HQ, U.K
| | - B Kirby
- St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P D Yesudian
- Glan Clwyd Hospital, Sarn Lane, Rhyl, LL18 5UJ, U.K
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chakravarty
- Department of Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - DGI Scott
- Department of Rheumatology, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Norwich, UK
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6
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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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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
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive disorder characterized by symmetric inflammatory arthritis in association with systemic symptoms. Although considered a "joint disease," RA is associated with involvement in diverse organ systems, including the skin. Common manifestations include Raynaud phenomenon, rheumatoid nodules, and rheumatoid vasculitis. As with other extra-articular manifestations, dermatologic involvement tends to occur in patients with more severe RA. In addition to manifestations related to the disease, there are also sundry dermatologic reactions related to the medications used to treat RA. Understanding the etiology and therapy for cutaneous manifestations of RA will help optimize patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tissa Hata
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, 92093-0943, USA.
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Abstract
Vasculitis is histologically defined as inflammatory cell infiltration and destruction of blood vessels. Vasculitis is classified as primary (idiopathic, eg, cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis, Wegener's granulomatosis) or secondary, a manifestation of connective tissue diseases, infections, adverse drug eruptions, or a paraneoplastic phenomenon. Cutaneous vasculitis, manifested as urticaria, purpura, hemorrhagic vesicles, ulcers, nodules, livedo, infarcts, or digital gangrene, is a frequent and often significant component of many systemic vasculitic syndromes such as lupus or rheumatoid vasculitis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated primary vasculitic syndromes such as Churg-Strauss syndrome. In most instances, cutaneous vasculitis represents a self-limited, single-episode phenomenon, the treatment of which consists of general measures such as leg elevation, warming, avoidance of standing, cold temperatures and tight fitting clothing, and therapy with antihistamines, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. More extensive therapy is indicated for symptomatic, recurrent, extensive, and persistent skin disease or coexistence of systemic disease. For mild recurrent or persistent disease, colchicine and dapsone are first-choice agents. Severe cutaneous and systemic disease requires more potent immunosuppression (prednisone plus azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mofetil). In cases of refractory vasculitis, plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin are viable considerations. The new biologic therapies that work via cytokine blockade or lymphocyte depletion such as tumor alpha inhibitor infliximab and the anti-B-cell antibody rituximab, respectively, are showing benefit in certain settings such as Wegener's granulomatosis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, Behçet's disease, and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Andrew Carlson
- Division of Dermatology, Albany Medical College, MC-81, NY 12208, USA.
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Turesson C, Matteson EL. Management of extra-articular disease manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2004; 16:206-11. [PMID: 15103246 DOI: 10.1097/00002281-200405000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the rationale for various treatment strategies in rheumatoid arthritis with extra-articular manifestations, and to review advances in understanding the impact of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis and its management. RECENT FINDINGS Recent epidemiologic studies of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis manifestations have emphasized their major role as predictors of premature mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and provide a rationale for aggressive ant-rheumatic treatment of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis. Previous uncontrolled or nonrandomized studies favor the use of cyclophosphamide in patients with systemic rheumatoid vasculitis, and methotrexate in the case of other manifestations of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis. Recent case reports indicate that patients with rheumatoid lung disease may respond to cyclosporine or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, and that tumor necrosis factor blocking therapy also may be successful in cases of treatment-resistant vasculitis. By contrast, it has been suggested that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may induce some manifestations of extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis. Data indicating a high risk of serious infections and cardiovascular disease in patients with extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis underline the importance of carefully monitoring such patients. SUMMARY Extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis is a serious condition, and rheumatoid arthritis patients with extra-articular manifestations should be aggressively treated and monitored. Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and developments of new, more specific drugs may be of particular benefit to patients with extra-articular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Turesson
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Miteva L, Mitev V, Tsankov N. Rheumatoid Vasculitis Associated with Antic Ardiolipin Antibodies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1999. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-4857-7_78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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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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Primka EJ, Camisa C. Methotrexate-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997; 36:815-8. [PMID: 9146556 DOI: 10.1016/s0190-9622(97)70029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We describe a fatal case of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) toxicity in a patient with psoriasis, emphasizing the factors that exacerbate MTX toxicity and presenting rescue techniques. The patient had a toxic epidermal necrolysis-like condition. MTX cutaneous reactions ranging from toxic epidermal necrolysis to specific ulcerations have been described. The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor for leukopenia associated with MTX toxicity is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Primka
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Dermatology, OH, USA
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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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Abstract
A large number of diseases can eventuate in cutaneous ulceration. This article will review inflammatory disorders which by their nature can directly produce cutaneous breakdown and ulcer formation. Major emphasis is given to those disorders where recent knowledge has improved our understanding of the condition or where new therapeutic agents or maneuvers have become available. This later group consists of vasculitis, disorders caused by small vessel thrombi or embolus and pyoderma gangrenosum.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Kerdel
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Taylor
- Department of Rheumatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary
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Braun-Falco O, Plewig G, Wolff HH, Winkelmann RK. Systemic Treatment of Dermatoses. Dermatology 1991. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-00181-3_68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Abstract
Vasculitis contributes a major component to the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases and glomerulonephritis. A common feature of these diseases is the presence of serum immune complexes (IC) which may be deposited in blood vessel walls. The modification of the size and solubility of IC by the classical and alternative complement pathways, and the recent demonstration of the role of cellular complement receptors and IgG-Fc receptors in the handling of IC, now allow a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the severe forms of vasculitis. When complement deficiencies are present, the handling of IC is impaired, and vasculitis results. New blood tests for Factor VIII-related antigen, alkaline ribonuclease, plasma thrombospondin, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody correlate with the presence of selected types of vasculitis. In addition, tissue thromboplastin release after application of defined tourniquet pressure can also detect subtle blood vessel injury. These new tests may allow diagnosis without risky organ biopsies. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Smiley
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Heymann
- Department of Dermatology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden
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