Musculoskeletal features of disorders of lipid metabolism and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Musculoskeletal features of hyperlipidemia are well known, although rarely encountered by rheumatologists. New data have been collected on the beneficial and adverse effects of lipid-lowering drugs, which are of interest to rheumatologists. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis is a rare systemic disorder of which joint involvement is an important and frequent feature. Recent advances in its pathophysiology and management have been made.

RECENT FINDINGS

Little has been added to the knowledge about the musculoskeletal features of hyperlipidemia in the recent literature. In contrast, the interest in fenofibrate for treating hyperuricemia in patients with lipid disorders or in those intolerant of allopurinol has been further supported. Muscle toxicity of statins continue to retain attention, and the ability of these drugs to induce low-grade myopathy, without increasing serum creatine kinase, has been defended. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis has been the subject of a number of articles, including reports on the efficacy of cyclosporine and of etanercept in one patient each.

SUMMARY

Several issues of therapeutic importance are discussed in this brief review.