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February 2010

No Fingerprints? They have many ways of disappearing. the absence of fingerprints can be caused by trauma or burns or skin problems such as eczema , psoriasis, or something called scleroderma. Clay Thompson. The Arizona Republic. 02/10/10. (Also see: Fingernails, Fingerprints, Nailfold, and Cuticles)

Avenues to correct medical billing problems. If you think you've been overcharged or that a claim has been wrongfully denied, there's no reason to take it lying down. Tammy Worth. Los Angeles Times. 02/15/10. (Also see: Patients' Rights)

Happiness makes for a happy heart. People who are usually happy and enthusiastic are less likely to develop heart disease than those who tend to be glum, scientists said on Thursday, and boosting positive emotions could help cut heart health risks. Kate Kelland. Reuters. 02/17/10. (Also see: Emotional Adjustment)

Biologics in The Pipeline. Since 1998, eight biologic response modifiers, known as biologics, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for inflammatory forms of arthritis. Biologics are genetically engineered medications made from living organisms that are then used to treat humans. Two biologics were approved in 2009, and several more are in various stages of development and clinical testing. Mary Anne Dunkin Arthritis Today 1/11/10. (Also see: Biologics)

Nearly Half of Patients Misuse Their Pain Meds. Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is essential for effectively treating chronic pain conditions. However, a new study reports that therapeutic nonadherence, or “medical misuse,” of analgesics is common, with underuse more prevalent than overuse or abuse. Pain Treatment Topics. February 5, 2010. (Also see: Pain)

Is chronic pain ruining your relationship? Researchers have found that people in pain who felt entitled to more support from their partners were more likely to have excessive or exaggerated perceptions and thoughts about the extent of their pain and the disability it caused. (This is known as catastrophizing.) Catastrophizing isn't a healthy or successful coping strategy; in fact, it's associated with higher levels of pain, distress, and depression. Denise Mann. CNN Health. Dec. 29, 2009. (Also see: Coping and Pain)

Mortality rates for pediatric rheumatology patients significantly lower than previously reported. A recent study by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that the overall mortality rate in the U.S. for all pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases was not worse than the age and sex-adjusted population. Furthermore, mortality rates were significantly lower than reported in previous studies of rheumatic diseases and conditions that are associated with increased mortality. E!ScienceNews. January 28, 2010. (Also see: Juvenile Scleroderma Prognosis)

Early Detection of Autoimmune Disease. Autoimmune diseases are some of the most difficult to diagnose. According to author Mary J. Shomon, it takes an average of five years and four doctors to get a correct diagnosis. Linda Fugate. Empowher.com. 01/28/10. (Also see: Autoimmunity)

Scleroderma study brings little comfort. South Boston cluster may be genetic, not environmental, but true cause is elusive. Meghan Irons. Boston.com. 01/25/10. (Also see: Scleroderma Clusters)

How arthritis thrives. The links between autoimmune diseases, infections, genetics and the environment are complex and mysterious. Why are people who live near airports more susceptible to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus? How do hormones in meat trigger the onset of a disease? Tel Aviv University. Physorg.com. 01/25/10. (Also see: Causes of Autoimmunity)

Doctor's Orders. Despite the numerous ads on television promoting medication for fibromyalgia, the condition is still something of a mystery to many people. Dr. Nelson Lytle. Press & Guide. 01/02/10. (Also see: Fibromyalgia)