Mortality in Gout Increased

Save

Two current articles in the Journal of Rheumatology address issues surrounding mortality risk among those with new and established gout.

Alcohol Use During Methotrexate Studied

Save

A recent RheumNow survey of 495 rheumatologists found that half of rheumatologists allow 1-3 alcoholic drinks per week and 6-7% has no alcohol restrictions while being treated with methotrexate (MTX).

ICER Report Claims RA Drugs are Not Cost Effective

Save

On Friday March 24, the nonprofit Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) presented its report on the cost and value of targeted immune modulators (TIMs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a meeting in Boston that included clinical experts, manufacturers, payers, and patients.

Biologics Do Not Increase Melanoma Risk

Save

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk of certain cancers (e.g., skin, lung, lymphoma).  At issue is whether the newer agents modify this risk appreciably.

Steroids, DMARDs and Biologics have Same Low Risk of Infection During Pregnancy

Save

Low rates of serious infections were observed in pregnant women receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Higher rates may be seen with steroid use in pregnancy and SIE trend towards lowest with DMARD or TNFi use. 

Lyrica Fails in Sciatica Pain

Save

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

Save

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

Rheumatic Manifestations Following Chikungunya Infection

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Save

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

Is a Crisis in Physician Manpower Looming?

Save

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?