In summary, patients with cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus should be treated with sunscreens, topical and intralesional corticosteroids, and anti-malarials as standard therapy. The choice of alternative therapy is personal, and discussions of the risks and benefits should be carefully documented. Successful therapy for cutaneous LE is possible in almost all well-motivated, cooperative patients.
True rheumatologic emergencies are rare but they do occur. In many cases, the initial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment will rest in the hands of the primary care physician. Most common is acute onset of inflammatory arthritis. Properly diagnosed, adequate to dramatic improvements are usual with appropriate treatment. No less pressing are the neurologic emergencies such as spinal stenosis, cauda equina syndrome, and GCA. Among these, the potential for neurologic complications is high, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Cervical spine involvement in RA is common; again, neurologic complications are possible. The role of mechanical stabilization via surgery is not as well delineated but should be considered in patients with intractable pain due to C1-C2 facet joint disease and those with progressive neurologic deficiencies.
Patients with rheumatic diseases often exhibit sleep disturbance. Identification of primary sleep disorders; medical, neurologic, and psychologic illnesses; circadian factors; and the use and effect of medications, drugs, and alcohol will provide a strong basis for pursuing both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic intervention. Recent clinical research confirms the frequent comorbidity of sleep disturbance, pain, fatigue, stress, and mood disturbance in patients with rheumatic disease. It is essential for effective management to recognize these "symptom syndromes" that are often responsive to treatment (suggesting a common biologic action and effect of the drugs used) despite a continuing presence of underlying chronic disease. The pathophysiologic relationships of these comorbid symptoms are mostly unknown, so this is an area for further study.
As market forces increasingly control medicine, we must not forget the disabled, especially children. Although the costs of appropriate comprehensive services are substantial, it is well worth the cost to facilitate an adulthood in which these patients are on their own, possibly earning their livelihood, and experiencing the best quality of life our society can provide.
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