CanVasc Recommendations for the Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody-associated Vasculitides.

Objective: The Canadian Vasculitis research network (CanVasc) is composed of physicians from different medical specialties and researchers with expertise in vasculitis. One of its aims is to develop recommendations for the diagnosis and management of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) in Canada.

Methods: Diagnostic and therapeutic questions were developed based on the results of a national needs assessment survey.

The sensitivity and specificity of pain diagrams in rheumatic disease referrals.

Objectives: To determine patterns on pain diagrams and corresponding diagnoses in patients referred to a rheumatology clinic and their sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively).

Methods: All new adult patient referrals from two rheumatologists over 6 years were reviewed and eligible if a pain diagram had been completed and they were not previously diagnosed with a rheumatic disease. Pain diagrams completed by the patient were organized into patterns based on the location of joint and/or soft tissue areas by two independent observers.

Results of a Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Primary and Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon with St. John's Wort: Detecting Changes in Angiogenic Cytokines When RP Improves.

Objectives.To perform a 6-week double-blind RCT in Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) comparing the plant extract St. John's Wort (SJW) to placebo.