Recent Advances in Rheumatology

Rheumatology is concerned with the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. These diseases can be classified into degenerative arthropathies, systemic conditions and connective tissue diseases, inflammatory arthropathies and soft tissue rheumatism. Rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, etc. are categorized as inflammatory arthropathies. Tennis elbow, low back pain and Golfer's elbow fall within soft tissue rheumatism. The incorporation of biologics such as inhibitors of JAK-STAT signaling pathway, TNF-alpha and certain interleukins are one of the most important developments in this field. Autoimmune diseases are a principal cause of many rheumatic disorders. Therefore, much of research in rheumatology is focused in this direction. Clinical trials of monoclonal antibody therapies for the treatment of arthritic disorders are another emerging focus in rheumatology. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to rheumatology. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. It is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text on rheumatology.