Treatment of the anemia of rheumatoid arthritis with recombinant human erythropoietin: clinical and in vitro studies

Two anemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) for 5 months. Both patients showed significant increases in hematocrit, red cell volumes, and marrow erythroid and megakaryocyte progenitor cells. No significant toxic effects from EPO were observed. These data indicate that EPO may be effective in overcoming the pathogenetic factors that limit erythropoiesis in rheumatoid arthritis.     

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa complicating primary malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

A patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and a diffuse pulmonary infiltrate is described. Computed tomographic scanning suggested lymphangitis carcinomatosa. This was confirmed on transbronchial biopsy to be due to metastatic mesothelioma.     

Update on the management of obesity

This article updates a paper published in this journal more than a decade ago. We detail the ensuing decade's developments in the treatment of obesity, reviewing innovations, established techniques, and the current status of behavior modification. We evaluate newer developments, such as anorectic drugs, very low calorie diets, and intragastric balloon bezoars, and we describe other approaches to the treatment of obesity, such as residential and comprehensive outpatient programs. We conclude by recommending a multidisciplinary approach to this complex problem.