B Lymphocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Effects of Anti-TNF-α Agents on B Lymphocytes: A Review of the Literature.

Purpose: The aim of this article was to review published research related to B lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis, their role in the pathogenesis of the disease, the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors on B lymphocytes, the risk for infection, and responses to vaccines.

Methods: A PubMed search was conducted to review recent advances related to B lymphocytes and the effects of anti-TNF-α on B lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Findings: B lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Opioid associated intravenous and cutaneous microvascular drug abuse (skin-popping) masquerading as Degos disease (malignant atrophic papulosis) with multiorgan involvement.

Background: In 2012, a nephrologist reported the development of a multiorgan thrombotic syndromic complex resembling thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in patients who were abusing long acting oxymorphone hydrochloride; all patients had hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Objective: Herein, we report another case involving a 31-year-old woman who self intravenously administered dissolved oral oxymorphone resulting in thrombotic sequelae resembling Degos disease.

Methods: Formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded skin biopsies were prepared according to standard protocols for H&E and immunohistochemistry.

Subcutaneous nodules are associated with cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a large US registry.

Subcutaneous nodules are the most common conspicuous extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with RA. The objective of this study is to examine the possibility of a relationship between subcutaneous nodules and "first ever" cardiovascular disease event, i.