An Integrated Analysis of Tofacitinib Safety

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Since its US approval in 2012, tofacitinib has become a widely used treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Whether you're impressed with its efficacy, or distressed with its side effects, its track record is voluminous and has been recently reviewed.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 10 February 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush discusses the news and reports from this week on RheumNow:

Lupus in Kids: Damage Starts Early

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A new study sheds important light on the long-term outcomes of children diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Chronic Pain Associated with Poverty and Less Education

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Poorer and less-educated older Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than those with greater wealth and more education, but the disparity between the two groups is much greater than previously thought, according to new research.

Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies in the Anti-Synthetase Syndrome

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Patients known to be autoantibody positive (e.g., anti- Jo1) for the anti-synthetase syndrome were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for other reactivities, showing antinuclear staining (ANA) or cytoplasmic staining (Anti-Cyt Ab+).

Intra-articular Corticosteroids or Methotrexate for Oligoarticular JIA?

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Oligoarticular-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis accounts for nearly half of all JIA patients. While many of these children will require DMARD therapy, many others are treated with antiinflammatory meds or intra-articular corticosteroids. But the evidence for this latter approach is scant.

Novel Peripheral Helper T Cells in RA

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US and UK researchers have identified a unique subset of helper T-cells called ‘peripheral helper’ T-cells in the synoviums that may be linked to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

NSAIDs Ineffective in Back Pain

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The George Institute for Global Health has performed a systematic review of drugs used to treat back pain. Their findings, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, shows that only one in six improve their pain with NSAID therapy.

No Increase in Infections with Pre-Op Infliximab Before Hip or Knee Replacement

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Up to 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will eventually undergo joint reconstructive surgery, yet we have limited data to guide the perioperative management of DMARDs and biologics.

Modest Efficacy for Methotrexate in Psoriasis

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Doubt remains regarding the appropriateness, efficacy and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of moderate to severe cutaneous psoriasis. Moreover, high dose, subcutaneous MTX has not been studied in a well-designed trial.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 3 February 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews this week's highlights from RheumNow.

Kevzara (Sarilumab) Approved in Canada for RA

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Kevzara (sarilumab), an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor monoclonal antibody, was approved by Health Canada for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Gout is Undermanaged

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Gout should be one of the easiest and best managed of rheumatic disorders.  However, numerous deficits exist with regard to the treatment and long-term care of gout.

Limited Efficacy of NSAIDs in Spondyloarthritis

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Prior to the biologic era, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the mainstay of drug therapy in thos with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).  Their role in the modern era has changed and the claims for efficacy have varied. 

Is the Jury Still Out on Triple Therapy vs. MTX + TNF inhibitor?

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There are several trials that test the efficacy and safety of combination tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) plus methotrexate against triple therapy (methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine plus sulfasalazine) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Increased Cardiovascular Risk with Gout

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Most patients who present with gout to rheumatology clinics are at very high risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, Spanish researchers found.

Curbside Consults - January 2017

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Curbside Consults are cases submitted by our rheumatology colleagues as challenging therapeutic or safety issues. Answers are based on experience, with added evidence from the medical literature and published guidelines.

Efficacy of Pneumococcal Vaccine in RA Patients

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Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in RA patients and thus vaccinating against preventable infections is a top priority for rheumatologists.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 27 January 2017

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

The Challenge of Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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A JAMA article presents the US Public Health Task Force review of OSA testing.