Rheumatoid arthritis quality measures and radiographic progression.

Objective: Documentation of quality measures (QMs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is used as a surrogate for measure of quality of care, but the association of this documentation with radiographic outcomes is uncertain. We examined documentation of RA QMs, for disease activity and functional status and the association with radiographic outcomes.

Methods: Data were analyzed for 438 RA patients in a longitudinal cohort with complete data on van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (TSS).

Effect of hydroxychloroquine on insulin sensitivity and lipid parameters in rheumatoid arthritis patients without diabetes mellitus: a randomized, blinded crossover trial.

Objective: Observational studies suggest that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the effect of HCQ on insulin resistance in subjects without diabetes mellitus with stable RA.

Methods: Twenty-three RA subjects not currently using HCQ completed a 16-week, double-blind crossover study.

Assessing the need for improved access to rheumatology care: a survey of Massachusetts community health center medical directors.

Objective: Access to rheumatology care can expedite diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases and reduce disparities. We surveyed community health center (CHC) medical directors to evaluate rheumatology care in underserved areas and potential strategies for improvement.

Methods: We identified 77 Massachusetts CHCs that provide adult medical services and sent a 40-item survey to their physician medical directors.

Association of discoid lupus erythematosus with other clinical manifestations among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Cutaneous discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be associated with less severe disease and with low frequency of nephritis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Objective: We sought to investigate associations between confirmed DLE and other SLE manifestations, adjusting for confounders.

Methods: We identified patients with rheumatologist confirmation, according to 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE classification criteria, more than 2 visits, longer than 3 months of follow-up, and documented year of SLE diagnosis.