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2024 In Memorium
Sadly, in 2024, Rheumatology lost many of our greatest brethren, mentors, do-gooders and clinicians. These clinicians were responsible for the care of hundreds of thousands with MSK problems, while driving the scientific advances that will shape the lives of millions in the future. They did the painstakingly hard work of caring for the most complex patients and did so with zeal, wonder and love for their patients. Remember them, honor them, and invoke their names and memories frequently as they are the foundation upon which we rheumatologists stand.
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Dazukibart Effective in Adults with Dermatomyositis
Lancet reports that the use of dazukibart, a selective monoclonal antibody against interferon B (IFNβ), was clinically effective in reducing disease activity in adults with active dermatomyositis (DM).
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Eltrombopag, a Potential New Treatment for ITP
A pilot trial has shown a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, eltrombopag (Promacta), to be effective in connective tissue disease-related (CTD), refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
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Pan American Health Org announces that in 2024 saw largest dengue epidemic in the Americas, >12.6 million cases reported (3x record in 2023); 21,000 severe w/ 7,700 deaths; 90% from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico. Most USA cases (FL, HI, TX, AZ, CA) seen in travelers… https://t.co/nhuJIP9Y8v https://t.co/QLju8uRKZ8
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Alive in 2025 (1.10.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush brings in the new year with a review of the latest from RheumNow.
https://t.co/Cw94fF5nFi https://t.co/6c3Gl6GOCY
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SetPoint Medical has applied to FDA for pre-market approval of Vagal nerve neuroimmune modulation device to Rx mod-severe #RA, not responding to 2 biologics. Based on RESET-RA 242 pt, 12 wk RCT showing ACR20=35% vs 24% PBO resp. SAE only 1.7%. https://t.co/d8RfXBFUSS https://t.co/Fq1qkfo1NM
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Just published, a new review of Axial spondyloarthritis from Baraliakos, et al in Lancet! https://t.co/AuMTLo8iQO https://t.co/1icGoXKfB9
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Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Have a rheumatology question or case for Dr. Cush? Record it here and we'll feature it on an upcoming podcast. Tell us your name and where you practice rheumatology.
https://t.co/UMrunimVv6 https://t.co/yZNdnAWCy2
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
RheumThoughts: Overlap Syndrome with ILD
How would you manage a patient with Overlap (anti-synthetase) syndrome, ILD, polyarthritis and myositis?
https://t.co/4RyV1zkphe https://t.co/qTZ4JYlJmW
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
VA (Veterans) study of 531 RA-ILD (among 9,701 incident RA) vs 68,852 matched controls - finds exposure to fire smoke PM2.5 assoc w/ RA-ILD/aOR 1.98 (but not RA). NOx, ozone, and PM10 assoc w/ seroneg. RA risk (aOR 1.16-1.25) . Pollution increases risk of RA & RA-ILD… https://t.co/AuG4rRtx4r https://t.co/XyHtjrSfhi
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Network metanalysis of 9 RCTs, 3699 patients looked at small molecule Rx in #PsA. With ACR 50/70, PASI 75, & HAQ-DI @ wk 12-16, UPA was > ADA in PASI75 (RR 1.2); Deucravacitinib > Otezla at HAQ (RR −0.16) no OTHER SIGNIF differences observed https://t.co/T0eMkXrxQX https://t.co/FCkbuhi1ze
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
FDA Approves First Generic of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Victoza (liraglutide injection) to Lower Blood Sugar in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes https://t.co/1BYQFU2PsY https://t.co/jmbS9UDnhI
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
GLP-1 Agonists Alleviate Knee Osteoarthritis
In October, the NEJM published a randomized clinical trial demonstrating the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1ra) in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.
https://t.co/3ETmyFWpWY https://t.co/wn1QDwKi3R
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
A Modifiable Vascular Risk in SLE
Atherosclerosis progression was more than 2x as common in younger people with SLE than in healthy controls in a prospective study from Greece.
https://t.co/zGTGin664D https://t.co/ZO9UlIPNIi
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
U.S. overdose deaths far outpace other countries. In 2023 US drug overdoses >100,000 for 3rd year — a >50% jump since 2019. 2022 rate=324/1 million. High rates attributed to fentanyl, polysubstance use, counterfeit pills, variance in state policies on harm reduction… https://t.co/oHtiMytdtR https://t.co/DLFPYEkdRC
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Online, lifestyle intervention program shown to have positive long-term effects in 264 patients w/ Inflam Arthritis, OA & FM , even after 2-yrs. Prg focused on nutrition, exercise, relaxation & sleep. Signif reductions in Wt, BMI, and PRO's (pain, Am stiff, fatigue)… https://t.co/vghObYPnvW https://t.co/ZSdFPWel57
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Leeds study of 19 pts at-risk for RA (ACPA+ & arthralgia) finds low-diversity gut microbiome & in the 10 mos preceding the transition to RA, microbiome becomes more unstable w/ accumulation of Prevotellaceae, particularly Prevotella copri https://t.co/Va9Z0NWHj9 https://t.co/ciM7QtEF5S
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Study of 1032 adults > 50 yrs on dialysis compared denosumab vs or oral bisphosphonates. 3 yr results showed compared with oral bisphosphonates, denosumab lowered the risk for fractures by 45% and increased the risk for MACE by 36% https://t.co/aogIFBrccy https://t.co/cnlxt5OEjj
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Anti-Zoster Drug Prevents Shingles in Lupus Patients on Anifrolumab
The antiviral drug valaciclovir (Valtrex), given prophylactically, kept patients with SLE under treatment with anifrolumab (Saphnelo) from having herpes zoster attacks, researchers said, offering a potential… https://t.co/I3u8tK5EMq https://t.co/VItPWtrPUA
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
In #RA, Higher levels of ESR and CRP, but not DAS28, joint counts or global assessments, were significantly associated with the risk of incident ILD in RA. German biologics (RABBIT) registry study compared 139 RA-ILD vs vs 686 controls. https://t.co/IB7aS6IKgT https://t.co/0zN5N7w65l
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)