Editorial [ Why is Current Rheumatology Reviews Different that Other Rheumatology Journals? ]

When I was a medical student, I became acquainted with a journal called Medical Hypotheses. This was a unique publication, because at the time anybody (especially non physicians) could propose a novel theory and have it circulated with a minimal amount of peer review. It got so absurd that I still remember reading a parody of the journal in the April Fool's edition of our medical school newspaper where an article entitled “Drinking water causes breast cancer” soberly concocted data to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship. Rheumatic disease specialists are original thinkers, and some of their ideas are creative and innovative but not quite ready for prime time. Current Rheumatology Reviews has committed itself to allow some of the best and brightest to present hypotheses to stimulate and arouse the interest of investigators on a variety of topics. An example of this is the compelling article by Dr. Alfonse Masi and his associates. Dr. Masi has proposed that microvascular endothelial systems and neuroendocrine immune systems have profound influences upon pregnancy and postpartum influences of rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary data is presented, and provocative ideas are presented for further study. Over the last 6 months, CRR has solicited and received over 20 proposals for special issues or sections relating to important, but not commonly reviewed or discussed rheumatic disease topics, which will appear in upcoming issues. We fill a niche of presenting quality work that might not fit the requirements and rigor of Arthritis and Rheumatism, but with the boost of CRR and its reader's reactions will indeed achieve that benchmark. The international diversity and reach of CRR includes more countries with nationals as authors than almost any other rheumatology journal. Hopefully, these initiatives will stimulate further international collaborative efforts which will improve the health and well being of rheumatic disease patients.