Surveillance for and prevention of nonrheumatologic diseases in the patient with a rheumatologic diagnosis.

Abstract

Many serious adverse events and complications may occur in patients with rheumatologic diseases. Such adverse events and complications may be a direct complication of the disease process or a result of the medications used for the therapy. Primary care physicians are frequently involved in the management of these patients. It is therefore necessary for them to be aware of the currently available recommendations to monitor for adverse events. It is through the understanding of these recommendations and their successful implementation in practice that primary care physicians will contribute to improved patient outcomes.