Methotrexate and Folate Use by Rheumatologists - Survey Results

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The February 2017 RheumNow “Live Vote” surveyed US and non-US rheumatologists about their beliefs and practices regarding folic acid and methotrexate (MTX) use. A total of 495 responses were tabulated in 2 weeks. Here are the results, and comments from Dr. Kremer on his preferred answers to these questions.

TNF Inhibitor Therapy and the Risk of Anterior Uveitis Recurrence

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The TNF inhibitor drug development trials have indirectly taught us that monoclonal antibody based TNFi was capable of retarding the recurrence of anterior uveitis (AU) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Meta-analysis Reveals Numerous Pregnancy Complications Associated with Lupus

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On the heels of the recently published EULAR recommendations for the management of pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) comes a new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Autoimmunity on pregnancy outomes in lupus.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 3 March 2017

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

Psychologic Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Men

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Arthritis Care & Research has reported the results of a study that analyzed the perceptions and attitudes of men afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  The results are drawn from a series of focus groups involving 22 men with RA.

Novel Mechanisms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology has reported mechanisms whereby synovial CD4+ T cells producing IL-21 can contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by activating synovial fibroblasts.

Ophthalmic Giant Cell Arteritis and the Risk of Stroke

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Chronic inflammation is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Rheumatoid Progression Slowing Down

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Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with onset in the modern era had significantly lower baseline and annual rates of radiographic disease progression versus those with onset before 2001, researchers in England reported.

Obesity Associated with Late-Onset Psoriatic Arthritis

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A recent study reports that obesity is linked to late-onset psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).  By contrast being of normal weight may be associated with an earlier onset of the disease adn HLA-B27.

EULAR Recommendations on Reproductive Issues in Lupus and Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome

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There is a significant unmet need with regard to counseling and managing SLE and APS patients who become pregnant or who may be planning for pregnancy.

Can Marijuana Reduce Opioid Dependance?

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The Washington Post has reported on the variable laws, views and use of marijuana in treating pain.

Currently 1.4 million patients in 28 states use legal medical marijuana for a variety of medical conditions - chronic pain being one.

High Level Rheumatoid Responses to the GM-CSF inhibitor Mavrilimumab

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Despite recent advances in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), MANY patients on existent biological therapy fail to achieve remission. Therapies with novel mechanisms of actions, great efficacy and well balanced safety profile remain an unmet need.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 24 February 2017

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

Higher Hip and Knee Replacement Revision Rates in Younger Patients

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Joint arthroplasty has grown into a billion dollar industry worldwide. However, optimal timing and the success of total joint replacements in younger patient groups has not been well studied.

Sirukumab Effective in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Sirukumab is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory diseases.

DMARD Switching in Psoriatic Arthritis

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Switching biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) therapy after failure of a first bDMARD for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be effective, according to a review of the literature and PsA consensus treatment recommendations.

Quarter of Patients Claim Diet Influences Their Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Patients often characterize certain foods as  “inflammatory” or “anti-inflammatory” as they combat their arthritis.

Drugs Contribute to Infectious Risks in Lupus

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Multiple patient- and disease-related factors -- including medication use -- were associated with the development of severe infections among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a Spanish study found.

Abatacept Efficacy Giant Cell Arteritis

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This appears to be the year for biologic treatments in giant cell artertis (GCA).

Biosimilar Reports – February 2017

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Biosimilar reports is an ongoing series dedicated to advances, discussions and developments in biosimilar agents intended for use by rheumatologists. Many of these items were compiled from news sources, journal articles and regulatory documents and are cited and linked within each section.