Current Rheumatology Research

Original Research Open Access

Dense fine speckled antinuclear antibody patterns: Clinical correlations and implications

Smarika Sapkota , John Crosson , Michael D. Evans , Londyn Robinson , Adam Lord , Benjamin Kofoed , Jerry A. Molitor

Background/Purpose: The significance of Dense Fine Speckled (DFS) pattern Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) by indirect mmunofluorescence (IIF) is unclear in the existing research. We aimed to investigate associations between positive ANA with DFS pattern and multiple autoimmune and rheumatic conditions.

Case Report Open Access

Unraveling the diagnostic puzzle: Trio of lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, and lung nodules in cSLE

Samanwita Mahapatra , Madhurima Veronica Lama , Aditi Das , Subhankar Sarkar , Rohit Bhowmik , Niladri Sekhar Bhunia , Ritasman Baisya , Nupur Bajpai , Rimjhim Sonowal , Nihar Ranjan Mishra

Background: Generalized lymphadenopathy with fever, pulmonary involvement, and organomegaly in children can be caused by infections, malignancies, or autoimmune disorders, with infections being the most frequent. However, childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) can present with similar features, making diagnosis challenging in the absence of classical signs. 

Commentary Open Access

Yao syndrome (NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease) and the gastrointestinal tract: Future perspectives and research priorities 

John A. Damianos

Yao syndrome (YAOS) is a NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease marked by periodic fevers, dermatitis, polyarthritis, distal extremity swelling, and nearly universal gastrointestinal symptoms. A recent study was the first to comprehensively assess the gastrointestinal symptoms and manifestations of YAOS, finding that most testing is normal, without gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation, and many patients have constipation and rectal evacuation disorders.

Commentary Open Access

Diabetic myonecrosis: A review

Raveena Kumar , Shiva Prasad BN , Ramaswamy Subramanian , Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur

Diabetic Myonecrosis is a rare, under-diagnosed complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus. The condition often mimics several other conditions which results in delay in diagnosis and treatment. It usually affects muscles of the lower limbs especially thighs, presenting with acute onset pain and swelling. 

Commentary Open Access

Tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty—Differential efficacy in inflammatory versus degenerative arthritis

Ankush Vinay Mohabey

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cornerstone intervention for advanced hip arthritis, but perioperative blood loss poses a significant clinical challenge, often leading to increased transfusion rates, prolonged hospitalization, and higher healthcare costs. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has emerged as an effective strategy for minimizing surgical bleeding. 

Commentary Open Access

Rethinking leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis: Can innovative drug delivery approaches open new horizons?

Ashish Dhiman , Tejaswini Deshmukh , Kalpna Garkhal

Leflunomide (LEF) is one of the most effective synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) which is widely prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. But the safety issues of LEF makes its use compromised due to various side effects like hepatotoxicity, GIT disturbances, etc, and variable patient responses.