No abstract

Etanercept is a generally well-tolerated treatment for the approved inflammatory diseases. The most common adverse effect of etanercept treatment is injection site reaction, which is generally self-limiting and often does not require treatment. Etanercept may be associated with an increased risk for infection, the development of malignancy, demyelinating disease and congestive heart failure. Fewer patients withdraw from etanercept due to adverse events than with other biologics. For pediatric patients, there are more data for etanercept than other biologics, and etanercept may have lower rates for the development of malignancy.

No abstract

A plethora of different treatment modalities for treating human papillomavirus (HPV) are available, offering a range of efficacies and balancing several patient needs. Here we discuss pharmacotherapies for HPV, focusing in particular on the mechanism of action and treatment efficacy. Immunomodulators such as Candida antigen, imiquimod and squaric acid stimulate cell-mediated immunity and induce production of antiviral cytokines. Proapoptotic and antiviral treatments such as podophyllin resin, podophyllotoxin gel, bleomycin, 5-fluorouracil, cidofovir and interferon α interfere with the viral reproduction cycle. Other therapies include trichloroacetic acid, acitretin, cantharidin and sinecatechins, some of which operate by epidermal destruction, effects on cellular proliferation and other mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Overall, given the high HPV recurrence rates, adjunctive use of antiviral agents should be considered in treatment, especially when managing severe or complicated presentations.

The relationship between the eye and psoriasis has been recognized for decades, but the precise eye manifestations in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are only recently coming to light. Psoriatic eye findings may include conjunctivitis, dry eye, episcleritis, and uveitis, all of which may precede articular changes. Uveitis, seen in 7% to 25% of psoriatic arthritis patients, may be recognized by the presence of conjunctival injection, photophobia, pain, lid swelling, or otherwise unexplained visual changes. Early recognition is paramount because its natural course may lead to vision loss. Immunopathogenesis has shown evidence for T-helper cell (Th) type 1 (Th1) and Th17 involvement in the pathogenesis of uveitis according to the murine experimental autoimmune uveitis model. Corticosteroids are the primary treatment modality; however, increasing emphasis has been placed on immunomodulators and biologics for more intractable cases. Referral to an ophthalmologist is essential for definitive diagnosis and treatment.