What are antihistone antibodies associated with?
Drug-induced lupus
Antihistone antibodies are often found in patients with drug-induced lupus erythematosus, which is a condition triggered by certain medications.
What are the features of drug induced lupus?
arthralgia
myalgia
skin (e.g. malar rash) and pulmonary involvement (e.g. pleurisy) are common
ANA positive in 100%, dsDNA negative
anti-histone antibodies are found in 80-90%
anti-Ro, anti-Smith positive in around 5%
What are bisphosphonates?
Analogues of pyrophosphate that decrease demineralisation in bone and inhibit osteoclasts.
How do bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclasts?
By reducing recruitment and promoting apoptosis.
List the clinical uses of bisphosphonates.
What are common adverse effects of bisphosphonates?
Which bisphosphonate is especially associated with oesophageal ulcers?
Alendronate
True or False: The risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw is greater for patients receiving IV bisphosphonates than for those receiving oral bisphosphonates.
True
What factors are risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw in bisphosphonate patients?
What does the BNF advise regarding dental check-ups for bisphosphonate patients?
All patients with cancer and patients with poor dental status should have a dental check-up before bisphosphonate treatment.
What should patients do when taking oral bisphosphonates?
Tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of water while sitting or standing.
When should bisphosphonates be taken?
On an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast or another oral medication.
What should be corrected before giving bisphosphonates?
Hypocalcemia/vitamin D deficiency
When might calcium be prescribed with bisphosphonates?
Only if dietary intake is inadequate.
What is typically given alongside bisphosphonates?
Vitamin D supplements
What is the recommended duration for bisphosphonate treatment for certain low-risk patients?
Some authorities recommend stopping bisphosphonates at 5 years.
What are the criteria for stopping bisphosphonates after 5 years?
What is dermatomyositis?
An inflammatory disorder causing symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness and characteristic skin lesions
May be idiopathic or associated with connective tissue disorders or underlying malignancy
What percentage of dermatomyositis patients may have an underlying malignancy?
20-25%
More if the patient is older
What is polymyositis?
A variant of dermatomyositis where skin manifestations are not prominent
What are the skin features of dermatomyositis?
What are Gottron’s papules?
Roughened red papules over extensor surfaces of fingers
What characterizes ‘mechanic’s hands’ in dermatomyositis?
Extremely dry and scaly hands with linear ‘cracks’ on the palmar and lateral aspects of the fingers
What are some other features of dermatomyositis?