Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis: Characteristics and Treatment Options.

Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) is a distinct clinical entity defined as the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals aged over 60 years. EORA presents unique clinical features, including a more equitable distribution of sexes, a potential predilection for male involvement, a higher incidence of acute onset characterized by constitutional symptoms, a propensity for systemic manifestations, elevated sedimentation rates at disease onset, a reduced occurrence of rheumatoid factor positivity, increased titers of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, a preference for involvement of large joints, elevated disease activity, the presence of bone erosions, and heightened patient disability. RA is recognized to consist of three partially overlapping subsets. One subset mirrors the classical RA clinical presentation, while the remaining subsets exhibit either a polymyalgia rheumatica-like phenotype or present with remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis accompanied by pitting edema syndrome. In the initial stages of EORA management, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not typically the first-line treatment choice, because seniors are much more prone to develop side effects due to NSAIDs, and the use of NSAIDs is in reality contraindicated to the majority of seniors due to comorbidities. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), frequently methotrexate, are introduced immediately after the diagnosis is made. In cases where elderly patients demonstrate resistance to conventional DMARD therapy, the introduction of biological or targeted synthetic DMARDs becomes a viable treatment option. EORA presents a unique clinical profile, necessitating tailored treatment strategies. Our study emphasizes the challenges of NSAID use in seniors, highlighting the imperative shift toward DMARDs such as methotrexate. Future research should explore personalized DMARD approaches based on disease activity, comorbidities, and safety considerations, aiming to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize glucocorticoid reliance, thereby enhancing the quality of care for EORA patients.

The Effect of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis on the Occurrence of Varicose Veins on Lower Extremities.

INTRODUCTION: Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional spine deformity with the frontal plane deflexion (side-shift) of the series of vertebra from the midline and with torque deformity of vertebra, ribs, and the entire trunk towards the apex of curve. Chronic venous diseases present a group of pathological conditions caused by the increased venous pressure. The venous pressure may be increased due to genetics, ligament laxity, general obesity, injuries, and changes in biomechanics of spine and lower extremities, etc. AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of the varicose veins in women previously treated for the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period August 1, 2015 - December 30, 2015 the Team for scoliosis in the Institute for the Physical medicine and Rehabilitation "Dr Miroslav Zotovic" in Banja Luka in study program has clinically assessed 89 women previously treated for the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and the control group of 87 women without history of scoliosis. RESULTS: Results of the study led to conclusion that occurrence of the varicose veins was more frequent in the group of women who were treated for the AIS (23/89 or 25.8%) in comparison with control group with no history of AIS (7/87 or 8.1%). CONCLUSION: This might relate AIS with some other connective tissue disorder, like venous varices, for instance.

Idiopathic Scoliosis from Psychopathological and Mind-Body Medicine Perspectives.

Idiopathic scoliosis, defined as a three-dimensional spine and trunk deformity, which appears in otherwise healthy subjects, exhibits complex relations with various forms of personal well-being and psychopathology. Most research studies have documented a higher proportion of psychological disturbances (e.g., self-criticism, negative body image, low self-esteem) and mental disorders (e.g., anxiety and depressive disorders, personality disorders) among idiopathc scoliosis patients compared to healthy controls. In addition, there are some reports, although more systematic research is warranted, on the role of mental health and personality traits in relation to the adherence to conservative treatment. Given the increasing role of surgical treatment in the management of scoliosis, as well as several reports on negative psychological outcomes of such interventions, there is a growing need for ongoing screening and mental health care in this population. It seems this also holds true for non-operative treatments, particularly bracing therapy. One should keep in mind that these scoliosis-psychopathology relations are deduced from a limited number of empirical studies, usually conducted on small sample sizes, suggesting the need for further large-scale investigations, preferrably those with longitudinal research designs. Understanding the complex interplay between personality/psychopathology and spinal deformities within the framework of personalized mind-body medicine, should help clinicians tailor more individualized and specific treatments and predict therapeutic outcomes in this clinical population.