Publications by authors named "Melonie K Sriranganathan"

Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, and its impact on cardiovascular health and quality of life is often underestimated. The prevalence and incidence of gout are increasing globally. Further, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prevalent in gout patients.

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Background: Tophi develop in untreated or uncontrolled gout. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2014.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of non-surgical and surgical treatments for the management of tophi in gout.

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Aim: People with rheumatic diseases (PRD) remain vulnerable in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. We formulated recommendations to meet the urgent need for a consensus for vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in PRD.

Methods: Systematic literature reviews were performed to evaluate: (a) outcomes in PRD with COVID-19; (b) efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccination; and (c) published guidelines/recommendations for non-live, non-COVID-19 vaccinations in PRD.

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Introduction: Approximately 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond inadequately to conventional-synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). However, widespread use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted-synthetic (tsDMARDs) is limited by cost. We formulated updated recommendations for eligibility criteria for government-assisted funding of bDMARDs/tsDMARDs for RA patients in Singapore.

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Aims: The field of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has undergone significant changes recently in particular with disease classification, assessment of disease activity and increased treatment options for biologics. In order to reflect these developments, we aimed to update the local consensus recommendations for subsidization of biologics.

Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used.

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Aim: There have been major advances in biologic treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since the publication of the 2015 consensus recommendations by the Chapter of Rheumatologists, College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, for government-assisted funding, thus warranting a revision of this guideline.

Methods: Recent trials and nine published guidelines on the use of biologic therapy for PsA were reviewed. Based on the synthesized evidence, a task force panel (TFP), consisting of 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore, rated the statements pertaining to the use of biologic therapy, using a modified Delphi approach.

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Anti-synthetase syndrome is characterized by myositis associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), the usual pattern of ILD being non-specific interstitial pneumonia type or usual interstitial pneumonia. We report a case of anti-synthetase syndrome presenting as acute interstitial pneumonia which is reported only once before. With this case, we emphasize the need to consider anti-synthetase syndrome even in patients presenting with acute onset ILD.

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Background: Tophi develop in untreated or uncontrolled gout. Their presence can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. To date there have been no systematic reviews focused on the management of tophi in gout.

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Objective: To systematically review the available literature on the management of tophi in gout. This article is based on the Cochrane Review Interventions for Tophi in Gout published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Methods: Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library were searched using a strategy developed with an experienced librarian.

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Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of lifestyle interventions for treating gout.

Methods: Two Cochrane systematic reviews assessed the efficacy and safety of lifestyle interventions for the treatment of acute and chronic gout. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to September 2011, and the 2010-2011 American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism conference abstracts.

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Background: Although lifestyle interventions are often recommended in the management of chronic gout, the evidence from trial data of the benefits and safety of using lifestyle interventions for treating acute gout attacks have not previously been examined in a systematic review.

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits and safety of lifestyle interventions for the treatment of people with acute gout.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies (up to 5 April 2013).

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Background: Although lifestyle interventions are commonly recommended in the management of patients with chronic gout, the evidence from trial data for their benefits and safety has not been previously examined in a systematic review.

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits and safety of lifestyle interventions for the treatment of people with chronic gout.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on 5 April 2013.

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