Treatment Algorithms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective: To establish agreement on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment.

Methods: SLE experts (n = 69) were e-mailed scenarios and indicated preferred treatments. Algorithms were constructed and agreement determined (≥50% respondents indicating ≥70% agreement).

Population rates of bone densitometry use in Australia, 2001-2005, by sex and rural versus urban location.

Objective: To explore use of bone densitometry in Australia and to identify any sex and geographic differences, as a marker of osteoporosis diagnosis and care.

Design And Setting: Analysis of claims data from Medicare Australia in patients aged over 45 years during the period 2001-2005.

Main Outcome Measures: Age-standardised rates of bone densitometry use, by sex and by metropolitan, rural or remote classification.

Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.

The cytokine, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory and rheumatic diseases, in particular, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Controlled trials have shown that the TNF inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab) significantly reduce symptoms and signs, improve function and quality of life, and reduce radiologically evident damage in patients with rheumatoid diseases. For reasons that are not entirely clear, etanercept does not work in Crohn's disease.