Rheumatology Pitfalls (3.20.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the regulatory actions, news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com.
News
Predictors of Response in Lupus
A systematic review suggests that traditional measures (serologies and disease activity) are superior to biomarkers in predicting response to biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
Long-Term Bimekizumab Safety Data
MedPage Today
FDA Approves Icotrokinra for Plaque Psoriasis
Today the FDA approved an oral IL-23 inhibitor, icotrokinra (Icotyde), for use in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 12 years of age and older (who weigh at least 40 kg) who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Hydralazine and the Rare Risk of Vasculitis
Since the 1980s, hydralazine has been a notable cause of drug-induced lupus, and inferred to cause vasculitis as well.
2025 Update: EULAR Recommendations on Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has updated their rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management recommendations, notably with fewer recommendations (total of 9, down from 11 in 2022 version), by merging and removing previous recommendations.
Pitfalls of autoimmune serologic testing
Misuse of laboratory testing may lead to misdiagnoses and mismanagement; this is particulary prevalent when clinicians consider the use of the diagnostic use of serological autoimmune markers.
Worldwide Trends in Hyperuricemia
A Lancet Rheumatology systematic review shows the prevalence of hyperuricaemia has risen markedly over the past two decades in both men and women, owing to population growth, aging, and increasing age-specific rates
Poets Know It (3.13.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, regulatory decisions and new journal articles.
Rheumatic Immune-related Adverse Effects with Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
A retrospective study of patients who developed rheumatic immune-related adverse events (R-irAEs) after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) at two oncology centers in Spain suggests that early recognition can lead to effective management that allows continuation of cancer therapy.
Managing Gout in CKD Patients
A current review article addressed the management of gout patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This full read review addresses the epidemiology, challenges, treatment decisions and outcomes.
