A Rare Presentation of Myositis and Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Associated With Disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans Infection.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by species of the genus which are commonly found in soil contaminated with bird feces, decaying wood, and tree hollows. It is usually seen in immunocompromised patients such as those with AIDS, with hematological malignancy, on immunosuppressive therapy, or after organ transplantation, and rare in immunocompetent hosts. The primary site of infection is usually the lung and the infection starts after inhalation of the pathogen and depending upon the host's immune response shows a different pattern of infection.

Does higher quality of care in systemic lupus erythematosus translate to better patient outcomes?

Purpose: To assess if high quality of care (QOC) in SLE results in improved outcomes of quality of life (QOL) and non-routine health care utilization (HCU).

Methods: One hundred and forty consecutive SLE patients were recruited from the Rheumatology clinic at an academic center. Data on QOC and QOL were collected along with demographics, socio-economic, and disease characteristics at baseline.

Does Higher Quality of Care in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Improve Quality of Life?

Objective: To study the association between high quality of care (QOC) and quality of life (QOL) and nonroutine health care use (HCU) in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods: Data were derived from 814 participants from the Lupus Outcomes Study sample. Data on sociodemographic information, disease status, medications, and health care variables were collected through annual interviews.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Lupus Patients: Who Are the Recipients?

Purpose: Pneumococcal vaccination (PV) is indicated for the elderly (age ≥65 years) and those with chronic disease or who are immunosuppressed. We aimed to study the rate and predictors of recommendation/receipt of 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in immunosuppressed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods: Data were obtained through self-report questionnaires and medical chart review of 150 SLE patients.

Sleep Disturbance and Depression Symptoms Mediate Relationship Between Pain and Cognitive Dysfunction in Lupus.

Objective: To determine whether sleep disturbance and symptoms of depression mediate the relationship between pain and cognitive dysfunction (CD) in a sample of 115 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: A total of 115 patients with SLE completed questionnaires regarding pain, perceived stress, depression, sleep, and CD. Relationships among pain, sleep, depression, and CD were assessed using bootstrap mediation models, controlling for race/ethnicity, fibromyalgia diagnosis, current corticosteroid use, disease activity and damage, and perceived stress.

Does Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Care Provided in a Lupus Clinic Result in Higher Quality of Care Than That Provided in a General Rheumatology Clinic?

Objective: To compare the quality of care received by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2 settings within the academic institution (a dedicated lupus clinic and a general rheumatology clinic) using validated SLE quality measures.

Methods: One hundred fifty consenting, consecutive SLE patients receiving longitudinal care at the Rush University general rheumatology clinic (n = 73) or the subspecialty lupus clinic (n = 77) were recruited. An updated quality measure survey and retrospective medical chart review were used to evaluate each quality measure (n = 20).