Current State of Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Rheumatic Disease: A Retrospective Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Rheumatic diseases are a spectrum of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases that cause damage to the musculoskeletal system as well as vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Methods: The study of rheumatic disease has made great progress in the understanding and management of these conditions in the last few decades using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and synthesized biological immunomodulating therapies. However, one potential treatment that has not been well investigated in rheumatic disease is platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis: a rare case with literature review.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a skin disease characterized by painful ulcers that, when not appropriately treated, can lead to permanent disfigurement. Pyoderma gangrenosum has been observed in a multitude of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and sarcoidosis (Feld et al. J Rheumatol.

COVID-19 in rheumatic disease patients on immunosuppressive agents.

Objective: To analyze clinical characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 patients with underlying rheumatic diseases (RD) on immunosuppressive agents.

Method: A case series of COVID-19 patients with RD on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were studied by a retrospective chart review. A literature search identified 9 similar studies of single cases and case series, which were also included.

Angiostrongyliasis infection masquerading as granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case-based review.

Pulmonary angiitis is a small vessel vasculitis commonly reported in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) but is rarely attributed to angiostrongyliasis. We report a case of a patient with well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis, who was treated for GPA based on lung biopsy results with glucocorticoids (GC). Upon re-review of the initial pathology, along with peripheral eosinophilia and history of recent travel, the patient was eventually diagnosed with angiostrongylus-like nematode infection.

Osteochondral defects of the talus with a focus on platelet-rich plasma as a potential treatment option: a review.

Objective: To provide a review of osteochondral lesions of the talus, to discuss the evidence of the risks and benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a viable treatment option, and to measure the efficacy of PRP using MRI evidence of cartilage regeneration, as well as scales that measure improvement in 'pain' and 'functionality'.

Eligibility Criteria: Studies that use PRP in either conservative or intraoperative settings to treat osteochondral defects of the talus.

Results: There are seven studies that compare hyaluronic acid or standard surgical options against PRP in treating osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Freudenfreude and Schadenfreude Test (FAST) scores of depressed and non-depressed undergraduates.

The Freudenfreude and Schadenfreude Test (FAST) had moderate test-retest reliability in an undergraduate sample. Freudenfreude scores were lower and Schadenfreude scores were higher among mildly depressed than nondepressed students. Distinctive reactions to personal success and failure were associated with depression.