Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Program (GIOP): a novel, comprehensive, and highly successful care program with improved outcomes at 1 year.

Introduction: Patients who take chronic glucocorticoids (GC) are at increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Only a minority of patients who take chronic GC receive optimal osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment.

Methods: An organized program of care--GIOP (Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Program)--was designed and implemented.

Real-world effectiveness of select biologic and DMARD monotherapy and combination therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: results from the RADIUS observational registry.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of select biologics, methotrexate (MTX), and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the management of adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in routine clinical practice.

Research Design And Methods: RADIUS (Rheumatoid Arthritis DMARD Intervention and Utilization Study) comprises two prospective, 5-year, observational registries of over 10 000 patients. Over 4600 patients who initiated MTX or a biologic regimen (etanercept [ETN], infliximab [INF], ETN + MTX, and INF + MTX) and who had at least one on-regimen, follow-up evaluation, were included in this analysis.

"The rheumatologist can see you now": Successful implementation of an advanced access model in a rheumatology practice.

Objective: To provide rheumatologic care to patients in a timely and patient-centered manner.

Methods: We developed and implemented processes to measure and help eliminate backlog, created access time for same-day patients, and retooled the appointments process to be more efficient and patient focused. In addition, we developed a protocol to be used by our primary care colleagues to care for osteoarthritis of the knee in a standardized manner.

Using mobile DXA to improve access to osteoporosis care: unit design, program development, implementation, and outcomes.

Osteoporosis diagnosis and monitoring is best accomplished with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), but technology availability can hinder access to care. We designed a mobile DXA program incorporating a Hologic Delphi-C trade mark bone densitometer housed in a specially configured 30-ft Winnebago trade mark. The mobile DXA program provided osteoporosis testing and education at the convenience of the patient's primary care site within our rural health care system.

Pyomyositis: clinical features and predisposing conditions.

Objective: To describe the manifestations of nontropical pyomyositis and associated comorbid conditions that may predispose to pyomyositis.

Methods: A retrospective review of 13 patients with pyomyositis seen at our center including one illustrative case report. Reports of tropical and nontropical pyomyositis were found by review of Index Medicus, Medline, and references from published cases and clinical review papers.