Modern therapeutics in rheumatic diseases

The last decade has witnessed enormous progress in our understanding of the molecular and cellular processes that lead to rheumatic diseases and has seen the development and introduction of many novel biologics and drugs. In Modern Therapeutics in Rheumatic Diseases, leading clinicians and clinical researchers discuss in practical detail the newest treatments used in rheumatic diseases, emphasizing-without neglecting currently standard treatments-those experimental therapies now undergoing clinical trials and poised for early introduction into the rheumatology armamentarium. The diseases and therapeutic regimes examined here range from osteoarthritis and systemic autoimmune diseases to rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment by gene therapy. Each chapter is organized so that the busy clinician can quickly obtain all the information needed for optimal patient treatment. This information includes an analysis of the pathogenic mechanisms that explain the molecular basis of the newer therapeutics; reviews of animal data and the results of clinical trials; and recommendations concerning use, side effects, and precautions. Authoritative and state-of-the-art, Modern Therapeutics in Rheumatic Diseases outlines the rapidly growing body of knowledge emerging from today's cutting-edge research, and shows how these therapeutic breakthroughs are now becoming practical standards of care for the active rheumatologist.

I. Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 1 New Treatment Opportunities for Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 2 Genetic Influences on Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 3 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 4 Additional Considerations on the Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs -- 5 Glucocorticoid Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 6 Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents -- 7 Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 8 Leflunomide: An Immunomodulatory Drug for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 9 Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors as Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 10 Combination Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) Therapy -- 11 Experimental Therapeutics for Rheumatoid Arthritis -- II. Osteoarthritis -- 12 Slow-Acting Drugs for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis -- 13 Intra-Articular Therapy in Osteoarthritis -- 14 Promoting Articular Cartilage Repair -- 15 Using Molecular Markers to Monitor Osteoarthritis -- 16 New Therapeutic Targets for Osteoarthritis: The Rewards of Research -- 17 Recent Developments in the Therapy of Osteoarthritis -- III. Systemic Autoimmune Diseases -- 18 Treatment of Systemi…