Incorporating interactive workshops into bedside teaching: completion of a multi-modal rheumatology rotation significantly increases internal medicine residents' competency and comfort with comprehensive knee examinations.

BACKGROUND: Studies have elucidated the lack of competency in musculoskeletal (MSK) examination skills amongst trainees. Various modalities have been studied, however, there remains a dearth of literature regarding the effectiveness of bedside teaching versus dedicated workshops. Our aim was to determine if incorporating a workshop into a rheumatology rotation would be effective in increasing medicine residents' competency and comfort with knee examinations when compared to the rotation alone. METHODS: Over 16 months, rotators were randomized to workshop plus rotation versus rotation alone. Participants were tested on their knee examination skills using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Surveys were administered assessing to what degree the rotation was beneficial. Comfort and helpfulness were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Paired and independent samples t-tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Fifty-seven residents participated. For both groups, there were improvements between pre- and post-OSCE scores (workshop p < 0.001, no workshop p = 0.003), and levels of comfort with examination (workshop p < 0.001, no workshop p < 0.001). When comparing groups, there were differences favoring the workshop in post-OSCE score (p = < 0.001), mean change in OSCE score (p < 0.001) and mean change in comfort with knee examination (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: An elective in rheumatology augmented residents' MSK competency and comfort. Incorporation of a workshop further increased knowledge, skills and comfort with diagnosis and treatment. Current educational research focuses on alternatives to traditional methods. This study provides evidence that a multi-modal approach, combining traditional bedside and interactive models, is of benefit.

Osteoporosis: Review of Etiology, Mechanisms, and Approach to Management in the Aging Population.

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease. With special respect to the aging population, it is very common, not only due to changes in lifestyle and diet but as a result of the aging process there is low-grade inflammation and immune system activation that directly affects bone strength and quality. This article provides a review of the incidence, etiology, and approach to screening and management of osteoporosis in the aging population. A thorough screening of lifestyle, environmental, and clinical conditions will be reviewed which identifies appropriate candidates for screening and treatment.

IgA Vasculitis in an Adult Linked to Cryptosporidium and Giardia Co-Infection: A Comprehensive Case Study.

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is a small-vessel vasculitis characterized by the deposition of IgA immune complexes primarily in the skin, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. While it predominantly affects children, cases in adults are associated with more severe manifestations. Evidence suggests that infectious triggers play a pivotal role in its etiology. Often, it follows a self-limiting course and doesn't necessitate intervention. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 51-year-old man who presented with a maculopapular rash, arthralgia, and abdominal pain. An examination revealed a purpuric rash on lower extremities and abdomen. A lower extremity duplex ultrasound identified deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the right leg. Skin biopsy of the rash confirmed the diagnosis of IgA vasculitis, demonstrating perivascular neutrophilic infiltrate and IgA complex deposition. Stool studies revealed co-infection with Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The patient was treated with a prednisone taper with significant improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the potential role of Cryptosporidium as a trigger for IgA vasculitis. The presence of concurrent infections underscores the complex interplay between infections and the development of IgA vasculitis. The co-infection with Giardia suggests that a secondary infection may be involved, further complicating the disease's etiology. The observation of DVT suggests a possible link between IgA vasculitis and a prothrombotic state. This report serves to expand the knowledge of IgA vasculitis triggers and associated complications, guiding clinicians in diagnosing and managing similar cases while emphasizing the importance of vigilance in adults with these symptoms.

Rare infection in patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab.

Mycobacterium haemophilum is a rare pathogen, predominately present in the immunocompromised population. It is especially studied in HIV and haematological malignancy patients. Given its unique living conditions, it is often difficult to establish its diagnosis, but it is often suspected by its classic association with ulcerating skin findings. Our case is unique in that our patient is immunocompromised by his rheumatoid arthritis treatment, and presented without any skin lesions, but was found to have this rare pathogen causing a constellation of unusual symptoms.

Skin Findings in a Patient with Sjogren's Syndrome.

Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura (HGP) is a syndrome constellating recurrent purpura, hypergammaglobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-Ro/La antibodies, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We present a case of a 29-year-old female who was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome four years prior to presenting with rash on her lower extremities for a period of 6 months. Skin biopsy at the initial visit was consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis and was initiated on treatment for it. Her rash evolved into 2-5 mm scattered purpurae while she was on the treatment and a repeat biopsy showed extravasation of RBCs, a sparse mononuclear infiltrate with deposition of plasma cells, and no evidence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, thus showing a transition from neutrophilic to mononuclear inflammatory vascular disease which is a rare occurrence. Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura sometimes turns out to be a challenging disease to manage and requires an integrated effort from the primary care doctors, rheumatologist, and dermatologist.