Lyrica Fails in Sciatica Pain

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Lyrica (pregabalin) was first approved in 2004 and since has been studied and approved for use in neuropathic pain (associated with diabetic neuropathy), postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 24 March 2017

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

Rheumatic Manifestations Following Chikungunya Infection

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In the Makonde language, “Chikungunya” translates to “that which bends up”, descriptive of the twisted posture of those infected secondary to intense joint and muscle pain experienced during the acute phase of the disease.  

NEJM Reviews Psoriatic Arthritis

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A comprehensive review of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was published this week in the NEJM, authored by leaders in the field, Drs. Ritchlin, Colbert and Gladman.

High points from their review inlcuded:

Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation's 2017 Sjogren's Treatment Guidelines

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Dr. Steven Carsons and an expert committee of the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation have published a clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations for the managment of Sjögren's syndrome.

Limited Benefits with Intra-Discal Steroid Injections for Back Pain

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A a randomized trial published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that intradiscal glucocorticoid injection has limited (1 month) efficacy in treating low back pain (LBP) associated with active discopathy, yet decreased over time.

Gadolinium Accumulation with Repeated MRI

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Clinical Rheumatology reports that the repeated intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), although clinically useful, may be associated with rare toxicity and the uncertain clinical effects of accumulation. 

Lupus Hepatitis and Lupoid Hepatitis Reviewed

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SLE-related hepatitis (“lupus hepatitis”) and “lupoid hepatitis” are 2 different diseases. The term "lupoid hepatitis", now known as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), was first coined in 1959. AIH was initially called “lupoid hepatitis” by MacKay.  A review by Adiga and Nugent reviews, defines and distinguishes between lupus-related hepatitis and lupoid hepatitis.

Cause of Death in Ankylosing Spondylitis

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A French population based study of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was report in the Journal of Rheumatology.

They analyzed the death certificates and cause of death in 2940 AS patients over 3 different decades (1969-78; 1979-99; 2000-2009).

Checkpoint Inhibitors Causing Rheumatic Disease

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Calabrese and Velcheti have reviewed the current understanding that underlies a new drug-induced rheumatic disease - checkpoint inhibitor arthritis and autoimmune disease.

ACR Says the New AHCA is Insufficient for Arthritis Patients

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Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, MBBS, MD, President of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has issued a press release condeming the insufficiencies of the newly proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA).

The RheumNow Week in Review – 17 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights in the news from the past week at RheumNow.com.  News on hepatitis C in RA and risk of hepatotoxicity; TNF inhibitor persistence in PsA; unnecessary injections in pre-operative OA knee patients; and a delay in the FDA decision on abaloparatide.

FDA Invites Open Commentary on Biosimilar Interchangeability

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In January 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its draft guidance on the issue of interchangeability between biosimilars and originator biologic drugs. The window for your input will close on May 18, 2017. RheumNow encourages you to participate in this exercise and express your opinion.

Drug Adherence is Problematic for All

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The March 2017 issue of the ACP Internist has reviewed the ubiquitous practice of medication adherence. 

Is a Crisis in Physician Manpower Looming?

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CNN has reported that changes in immigration policies is but one of many factors that may add to an existing doctor shortage. This and other events now begs the the question, why the federal government doesn't train more doctors in the US?

AAOS: High Prevalence of Low-Value Interventions in Pre-Op Knee OA

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The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons announced five measures that inappropriately increase costs in those undergoing total knee replacement (TKR).  Data was presented yesterday at the annual 2017 AAOS Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Interns Can Now Work 24 Hour Shifts

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The ACGME has revised its traing guidelines such that, starting July 1st, new interns are allowed to work shifts lasting as long as 24 hours, and as much as 28 hours according to a recent New York Times article.  

The UnderManagement of Gout

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Most physicians believe they understand and can manage gout. Yet, the number of gout patients has risen at an alarming rate and the introduction of 4 new drugs has done little to close the education gap and improve the care and outcomes of gout patients. Misuse, misunderstandings and missed opportunities abound in the wide world of gout.

EULAR Treat-to-Target Guidelines for Gout

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Treat-to-target (T2T) works when they are pragmatic and conform well to daily practice.  

Gout is an ideal therapeutic area where T2T could be and should be applied.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 10 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com.  Sign up at RheumNow.com to received daily or weekly news, blogs and tweets on all things rheumatology