Oxford Rheumatology Library – serie

This concise, authoritative pocketbook provides the most up-to-date information on the diagnosis, treatment and management of lupus. The volume describes the pathophysiology of the condition, diagnostic strategies and tools, and current and emerging therapeutic options, focusing on direct clinical applications for busy healthcare professionals. One million people in the United States suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), a chronic autoimmune disease that is potentially debilitating and sometimes fatal as the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. SLE can affect any part of the body, but most often damages the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness alternating with remission. It can be treated symptomatically, mainly with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, though there is currently no cure. Several promising new treatments, however, are in late-stage clinical trials.Lupus is one of several diseases known as the 'great imitator' because its symptoms vary so widely and it often mimics or is mistaken for other illnesses, and because the symptoms come and go unpredictably.As a result, patients present with varied symptoms to different practitioners and diagnosis can be elusive, with patients sometimes suffering unexplained symptoms and untreated lupus for years. Hence, a practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of lupus would be valuable to an array of clinicians and may help expedite earlier diagnosis and better patient care.

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in the last ten years, the condition still poses major clinical challenges. Non-adherence to drug therapy is a widespread problem in patients with rheumatic diseases and osteoporosis in particular. Part of the Oxford Rheumatology Library, this second edition summarizes the latest developments in the management of osteoporosis and includes new chapters covering the clinical role of denosumab and orthopaedic issues in the management of fractures in patients with osteoporosis. This practical pocketbook is an essential resource for trainees and clinicians in rheumatology, endocrinology, and geriatric medicine, as well as general practitioners and paramedical staff involved in osteoporosis care.

Part of the Oxford Rheumatology Library, the second edition of Fibromyalgia Syndrome provides a succinct and practical guide to help rheumatologists and general practitioners diagnose and manage patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. The emphasis throughout is on tailoring treatment to the individual patient, and considering a combination of education, non-pharmacological, and pharmacological treatments. This comprehensive approach improves symptoms and quality of life in all those treated for FMS, benefiting not only patients but also healthcare providers and society.Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) afflicts 2-5% of the population, more commonly females than males. It is characterised by chronic widespread pain, although fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, stiffness, and cognitive dysfunction are also common. National and international societies recognise the healthcare burden of FMS, and published recommendations and guidelines emphasise the importance of a positive diagnosis and management strategy to empower patients to cope with FMS. Now updated with new ACR criteria and additional international guidelines on the management of the syndrome, this pocketbook provides the reader with an essential understanding of the pathophysiology of pain in fibromyalgia, the different subtypes of fibromyalgia, and the pitfalls in diagnosis and management of this chronic condition.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are related conditions occurring almost exclusively in older people. Polymyalgia rheumatica is considered to be the rheumatic disease that is subject to the widest variations of clinical practice, partially due to the considerable uncertainty related to diagnosis and outcomes. Giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory form of vasculitis, may present with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and can be complicated by acute ischemic events, the most serious of which is permanent blindness. Early recognition and adequate treatment of the condition is thus necessary to prevent patients' loss of independence and to maintain their quality of life. Part of the Oxford Rheumatology Library series, Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis provides quick and practically relevant information on several aspects of the diseases, particularly on diagnosis and management, with the ultimate aim of improving the patient's care. Chapters highlight current concepts of pathogenesis, recent advances of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and the ongoing research into the identification of new biomarkers and corticosteroid-sparing medications. Each chapter is complemented with key message boxes highlighting the most relevant information for clinical practice. This concise but comprehensive reference is particularly suited for rheumatologists, general practitioners, and other professionals caring for patients with PMR and GCA.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is a rheumatic disease affecting around 0.1-0.2% of the adult female population and can result in significant disability without adequate therapy. Diagnosis is often delayed and suggested therapies may not be optimal, and a multidisciplinary approach that includes rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, oral medicine physicians, and others is important to patient management. This volume summarises current understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, including advances in the genetics of Sjögren's syndrome. Chapters cover disease mechanisms, clinical diagnosis and assessment, secondary Sjögren's syndrome, the role of laboratory investigations, and imaging. A therapy-based section covers topical oral and ocular therapies, and the role of steroids and biologics are also addressed. Sjögren's Syndrome is a practical concise pocketbook featuring key points and illustrations showing important mechanisms of disease and pathways of care. The book will be of interest to trainees in rheumatology, ophthalmology, and oral medicine/surgery; specialist practitioners and therapists involved in the care of patients with Sjögren's syndrome; and primary care physicians, dentists, and other specialists such as ENT physicians.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (often abbreviated to SLE or lupus) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, causing the immune system to attack the body's cells and tissue, and resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. This new addition to the Oxford Rheumatology Library series provides a practical approach to the assessment and management of patients with this complex, multisystem autoimmune disease to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and its complications. It provides comprehensive but easy to assimilate reading for consultant rheumatologists, dermatologists, nephrologists, obstetricians and other specialists and their trainees, interested GPs, specialist nurses, and clinical trial teams both in hospitals and contract research organizations.

Gout has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and is now the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. There have been significant developments in our understanding of the basic biology of gout over the last decade, and major advances in therapeutics have provided successful treatments for acute attacks and long-term prevention, offering clinicians effective treatment options for their patients.Part of the Oxford Rheumatology Library series, Gout provides an up-to-date summary of the pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment approaches to this condition. The main focus is on key aspects of the biology of the disease, relevant diagnostic tools, and principles of gout management. Practical information is included to guide safe and effective prescribing of gout medications. Chapters on imaging and the future of gout management are also included. The three authors are experts in the basic biology and therapeutics of gout, and have summarized key practice points in a concise and readable manner, making this comprehensive yet practical volume an essential resource for all rheumatologists and general practitioners.

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a rare group of autoimmune diseases, negatively affecting the lives of an estimated 250,000 people worldwide. Delays in diagnosis often occur owing to a lack of recognition of disease presentation, or misdiagnosis, both of which can lead to muscle atrophy. This new addition to the Oxford Rheumatology Library series focuses on providing a summary of what is currently understood about the epidemiology of myositis, controversies in diagnosis criteria, clinical features, and the current paradigms for treatment and intervention. Designed to bring together the multi-disciplinary involvement of healthcare professionals for IMM patients, this is the first easy-to-navigate guide for the practical management of myositis. This is an essential guide for both physicians and trainees in Rheumatology, Neurology, and Dermatology specialities.

Axial spondyloarthritis is the commonest inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine. Typically first presenting to a variety of primary and secondary care professionals, the high global disease burden of this condition has created a need for increased awareness of this condition across a range of rheumatology specialties.A pocketbook aimed at the non-specialist reader Axial Spondyloarthritis is the essential guide to this common condition. Focusing on the practical implications of developments in classification, diagnosis and treatment, this easily accessible text fully covers the broader spectrum of the disease.Concise and fully illustrated, this addition to the Oxford Rheumatology Library covers the history and pathophysiology of axial spondylitis, alongside detailed sections on treatments, complications and manifestations of the condition. With each section supported by a handy key points section, Axial Spondyloarthritis is a useful and constructive resource for any practitioner or trainee encountering this condition.