Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
Chief of Clinical Services
Director, Rheumatology Fellowship Program
5 Maloney, Suite 504, Room 50
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283
Office: 215-349-5066
Fax: 215-662-4500
Email: sharonk@mail.med.upenn.edu
Program Summary
Exercise has been recognized as an essential component of the management
of patients with a variety of rheumatic diseases. Previous work has demonstrated
that exercise can reduce the pain and disability of osteoarthritis, but
compliance with exercise programs can be difficult to maintain. Our preliminary
work has suggested that yoga has benefits in osteoarthritis management
and we are continuing our investigations into the potential mechanisms
that may be involved, including analysis of gait.
Publications
1. Kolasinski, S.L. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment
of Rheumatic Diseases. In Robbins, L., C.S. Burckhardt, M.T. Hannan and
R.J. DeHoratius, editors. Clinical Care in Rheumatic Diseases, 2nd Edition.
Atlanta: American College of Rheumatology; 2001. p.225-230.
2. Kolasinski, S.L. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Rheumatic Diseases. Hospital Practice 36:31-39, 2001.
3. Kolasinski, S.L. Yoga for Degenerative Joint Disease. Alternative Medicine Alert 4:28-31, 2001.
4. Kolasinski, S.L. The Use of Alternative Therapies by Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 5:1-2, 1999.
Funding source: Institutional
Program Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly recognized as a disease not only of
the joint, but of the surrounding tissues as well, including the subchondral
bone. It is hypothesized that increasing the bone density of the subchondral
bone may slow biomechanical damage to subchondral bone that is thought
to contribute to the progression of OA. This two-year trial is designed
to evaluate the role of the bisphosphonate residronate in the prevention
of progression of radiographically defined osteoarthritis of the knee.
Funding source: Proctor & Gamble
Program Summary
This observational trial will help assess the clinical status of patients
with rheumatoid arthritis as choices are made to alter their treatment
regimen.
Funding source: Immunex
Program Summary
This open label trial explores the mechanisms and applicability of B-cell
depletion as a potential treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus.
Funding source: NIAID, Genentech/IDEC, Inc.
Program Summary
This multi-center trial will evaluate the addition of two biologic agents
to the treatment regimen of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are
receiving methotrexate.
Funding source: Amgen
Program Summary
This multi-center trial is designed to evaluate the differences in efficacy
and toxicity of the use of oral mycophenolate mofetil with the use of
intravenous cyclophosphamide in the management of lupus kidney involvement.
Funding Source: FDA
Program Summary
This multi-center trial will investigate the effect of oral contraceptives
and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy on the disease course of
patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Funding Source: NIH
