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Multi-ancestry analysis reveals novel genetic loci associated with Osteoarthritis
The first large multi-ancestry genetics study of osteoarthritis (OA) has found 10 novel OA-associated genetic loci, and results showed some of the OA-associated regions are robustly found in every population ancestry studied.
Read ArticlePregnancy Outcomes with Belimumab
Pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is fraught with problems of adverse pregnancy outcomes, more pregnancy loss and birth defects. Now a study of SLE pregnancies exposed to belimumab (BEL) shows and expected rate of pregnancy loss but a variable rate of birth defects.
Read ArticleCRTAC1- a Novel Biomarker for Osteoarthritis
Scientists at deCODE genetics a subsidiary of Amgen report in Arthritis & Rheumatology that a novel plasma protein (cartilage acidic protein-1; CRTAC1) is a potential biomarker of osteoarthritis (OA) through its association with OA risk and progression to joint replacement.
Read ArticleRheumatoid Arthritis Patients Need to Quit Smoking ASAP
While it is known that smoking ups the risk of developing RA, its effect on outcomes in those with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is less known. A report from an early arthritis registry shows that current smoking increases disease activity and lowers health-related quality of life.
Read ArticleHeavy Metal Rheumatology (9.23.2022)
Below are this week’s highlights from RheumNow, as discussed by Dr. Jack Cush. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments and great reviews of our weekly podcast. Please let us know how we can improve by emailing me or recording your suggestion using the "Ask Cush Anything" link on our website.
Read ArticleGenetic Testing for Autoinflammatory Disease
Not all patients with periodic fevers fit neatly into diagnostic categories. Some can be diagnosed as Still’s disease (based on criteria) while others can be classified as autoinflammatory diseases (AID) and some may be unclassifiable, clinically or genetically.
Read ArticleEULAR/ACR Classification in MDA5+ Myositis Patients
The diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) can be informed by the 2017 EULAR/ACR classification criteria, but their utility in patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) and anti–melanoma differentiation–associated protein 5 (anti–MDA-5)–positive IIM
Read ArticleSTING/IFN Activation Promotes ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Progression
Research presented in the Journal of Experimental Medicine shows that ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) may be propagated by pathogenic mechanisms triggering cGAS/STING/IRF3-dependent IFN-I release.
Read ArticleManaging JDM with Calcinosis
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow and discusses a case of refractory juvenile dermatomyositis with calcinosis.
Read ArticleCC Genotype and Thiopurine Toxicity
Annals of Internal Medicine reports that thiopurine toxcicity risk is associated with the "CC" genotype and that azathioprine discontinuation was associated with hematopoietic toxicity and lower thiopurine doses.
Read ArticlePolygenic Risk Scores to Identfy Severe Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis
Prevention of knee and hip osteoarthritis would obviate considerable disability and future surgery. We may be one step closer according to a prospective European GWAS study showing polygenic risk scores (PRSs) significantly associated with higher risks for knee and hip OA joint replacement.
Read ArticleArthritis Predicts Hepatic Fibrosis in Hemochromatosis
Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports the results of a retrospective, cross-sectional of patients with HFE hemochromatosis showing that advanced hepatic fibrosis is primarily seen in those with arthritis due to HFE hemochromatosis.
Read ArticleConsequences of TNF inhibition (3.18.2022)
This week we're going to talk about the downside of TNF inhibitors, a few interesting observations in gout, and yes, kids do get COVID. We're also going to preview what's coming in April (hint: it's about PsA). This and more as Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.
Read ArticleEnvironmental Pollutants Ups Autoimmune Disease Risk
An Italian environmental study shows that air pollution increases the risk of autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Read ArticlePredicting Spondylitis in At-Risk Relatives
The risk of developing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) if you’re a first-degree relative (FDRs) of an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patient has been deflined by a 35 year follow-up study showing that if you are a FDR of axSpA you may be at higher risk of acute anterior uveitis (AAU).
Read ArticleAn Ounce of Prevention (2.4.2022)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. He discusses the GI side effects of IL-17 inhibitors, downstream revenues from rheumatology care and dietary prevention of gout.
Read ArticleGenes and Obesity Tied to Higher Gout Risk in Women
Excess adiposity and genetic predisposition both contributed to risk of gout among U.S. women, with the risks being highest when both factors are present, a large prospective study found.
Read ArticleCytokine Inhibitor Lung Disease in Still's Linked to HLA-DRB1 Alleles
Pulmonary complications in the setting of Still's disease (juvenile and adult) has seldom but consistently been reported, including reports of pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension and a severe or fatal lung disease, often associated with hypersensitivity to anticytokine therapy. A multicenter study reports that drug hypersensitivity and pulmonary reactions in Still's patients receiving IL-1 or IL-6 inhibitors is strongly associated with HLA-DRB1*15 haplotypes.
Read ArticleRheumNow Podcast - ACR 2021 Rehash (the good stuff..)
The ACR 2021 meeting has concluded. Dr. Jack Cush recounts a few more great abstracts from this past week’s virtual meeting.
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