RheumNow Podcast- Half-Empty Flu (2.21.20) Save

Dr Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com

1. @philiprobinson has a nice metanalysis of Colchicine toxicity - 35 RCTs, 8659 pts. Incr risk of Diarrhea (17.9%; RR 2.4); GI events (17.6%; RR 1.7); Liver toxicity (1.9%; RR 1.6, ns); Muscle events (4.2%; RR 1.3, ns). no neuropathy, deaths, infections. https://t.co/3d9PmFCR9r
2. According to the CDC, the overall estimated effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing medically attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection was 45%. https://t.co/G47odZd72v
3. Important acronyms in both Ortho and Rheum. Dr Wm Bugbee at #RWCS2020 BARF: Blindless application of Radiologic Findings and VOMIT: Victim of Medical Imaging Technology. @RWCSmtg https://t.co/guqjPwkoFT
4. A study of 319 WOMEN with RA shows a higher rate of depression (30% in RA) compared to healthy controls (12.4%) (p<0.001). Depressive symptoms were strongly associated with disease activity and disability (HAQ, p<0.005). https://t.co/JDRNrR8qMn
5. Vitamin D levels are not associated with Fatigue! Study of 169 RA pts, 69% w/ a DAS28-CRP <3.2. with no/low correlation with serum 25(OH)D (r = −0.14); YET fatigue was significantly associated with RA disease activity, psychological distress and pain https://t.co/j1UkOGyKj7
6. Slovenian National TB Registry (a non-endemic area w/ TB rate 6/100k similar to US). 2429 TNFi exposed (RA, AS, PsA)-6% required TB chemoprophylaxis; 6 RA and 2 PsA developed TB; 2 pts died. The TB incidence rate for TNF Rx pop was 45-51/100kPYs https://t.co/tam5I17QO1
7. FDA has approved OTC voltaren (diclofenac) gel, now called Voltaren Arthritis Pain for arthritis & OA pain; it is not for immediate relief and may take up to 7 days to work. Pts should seek medical attention If they need to use this product for >21 days. https://t.co/qTcbPZDcqa
8. Cross sectional study of 139 RA patients shows that severity of periodontal disease on dental exams was linearly associated with both the presence and levels of anti-CCP antibodies. https://buff.ly/38GR9eN
9. Tofacitinib Effective in Refractory Still's Disease
10. JAK Inhibitors Stimulate Osteoblasts
11. Adverse Effects of Low-Dose Methotrexate from the CIRT Trial