Rheumatology
From the Editor
The bias of word choice and the interpretation of laboratory tests
Words matter. Calling ALT and AST “liver function tests” can lead to premature diagnosis of liver disease.
Reviews
Optimizing calcium and vitamin D intake through diet and supplements
Set modest calcium targets, maximize dietary intake, and make up the deficit with calcium citrate.
From the Editor
How well do we understand calcium and vitamin D?
I do not believe we truly understand the ideal amount of dietary and supplemental calcium or vitamin D for a given patient.
Current Drug Therapy
Hydroxychloroquine: An old drug with new relevance
This antimalarial drug is now approved to treat discoid lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
From the Editor
The algorithm less traveled
At Bellevue, the RPR was a routine test; at the University of Pennsylvania, not so much—it all depends on context.
Medical Grand Rounds
What you can do for your fibromyalgia patient
Fibromyalgia is a defined syndrome of neuronal dysregulation and can be diagnosed and managed in a primary care setting.
From the Editor
Understanding the tests we order: Comments and an invitation
Some new laboratory tests go through a life cycle, first being used by subspecialists and then by physicians everywhere.
The Clinical Picture
Hyperkeratotic fissured plaques on both hands: Mechanic’s hands
This sign is seen in about 30% of patients with antisynthetase syndrome.
The Clinical Picture
Primary livedo reticularis of the abdomen
Livedo reticularis can be the manifestation of a wide range of conditions—or not.
IM Board Review
Abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea in a 32-year-old woman
The patient also has numerous painful ulcerations on her skin and in her mouth.