The Week in Review - 1 April 2016

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Highlights from this week on RheumNow.com

Opioid Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Opioid use and abuse is at an all time high. Epidemiologic and public health analyses have led to greater stringency and attempts to limit use have adversely effected those with arthritis.

Baricitinib Benefits Refractory RA

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The small molecule oral JAK inhibitor baricitinib was effective for patients with highly refractory rheumatoid arthritis, a phase III study found.

Incidence of Psoriatic Arthritis Among Psoriasis Patients

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Researchers at the University of Toronto have prospectively studied a cohort of 464 psoriasis patients without a diagnosis of arthritis and followed them over 8 years to estimate the incidence and frequency of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). 

Antibiotics Fail to Treat Chronic Symptoms of Lyme Disease

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(Reuters Health) - Twelve weeks of antibiotic therapy proved ineffective at combating the long-term symptoms seen in some people who have had Lyme disease, a new test of 280 sufferers found. (Citation source http://buff.ly/1Rs21R5)

Drug Safety Bulletin - March 2016

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RheumNow is committed to reporting safety issues in our monthly Drug Safety Bulletins, wherein we will update you with reports of new, ongoing and resolved Drug Shortages that will affect rheumatology.   If you have suggestions or information about specific drug sho

1 in 2 Americans Have Musculoskeletal Conditions

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A recent report from the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) estimates that 126.6 million Americans (one in two adults) are affected by a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition; a number on par with the number of Americans living with a chronic lung or heart conditions.

High Mortal Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Arthroplasty

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and post-MI fatality compared with the general population. At issue is whether this applies to those undergoing a surgical procedure.

Mediterranean Diet Reduces Hip Fracture Risk

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Eating a Mediterranean diet full of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes and whole grains appears to be associated with a lower risk of hip fracture in women, although the actual risk reduction was small, according to a new study published online by JAMA Internal Medicine.

Biologics Are Safe When Used During Pregnancy in IBD

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This is a reposting of an earlier report on RheumNow that includes additional commentary from Dr. Sunada Kane, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic who specializes in both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pregnancy. 

Week in Review - 25 March 2016

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1. phase 3, BRIDGE study shows romosozumab (anti-sclerostin MAb) significantly increases lumbar BMD in men with osteoporosis


2. Statin use is associated with a 21% increased risk of skin cancer (NMSC) - data

The Increasing and Disappointing P Value

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In the March 15th issue of JAMA, Chavalarias and coworkers describe the evolution of the “P value” and its use in biomedical research in the last 25 years.  (CItation Source http://buff.ly/22L0pG7)

DMARDs Combo Cuts Time to First Remission in RA

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A three-therapy protocol did not prove superior for achieving remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients after 1 year, but the regimen did lead to a shorter time until first remission versus a step-up approach, according to an analysis of the DREAM registry.

Increasing Polypharmacy and Drug Interactions in Seniors

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Qato and colleagues have published in JAMA a cohort study that examined the use of both prescription and over-the-counter medications among older adults and the frequency of major drug-drug interactions. The study shows the elderly are especially at risk, and the situation is

First Head-to-Head TNF Trial Ends in a Draw

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Comparative efficacy trials may be the best way to make informed treatment choices in a sea of treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Recent years have seen impressive head-to-head (H2H) clinical trials for RA, including AMPLE (abatacept vs.

Dr. Evelyn Hess (1925-2015) - Working With and For the Patient

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RheumNow sadly notes that rheumatology icon and educator Dr. Evelyn Hess passed away on December 25, 2015.  She leaves behind a legacy career and a legion of clinicians, teachers, researchers and leaders whom she taught and inspired.

FDA Approves Taltz for Psoriasis

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Tuesday the FDA approved the IL-17 inhibitor, Taltz (ixekizumab) for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. (Citation source http://buff.ly/1py10wd) 

Statin-Induced Autoimmune Myopathy

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The CDC estimates nearly 71% of adults with cardiovascular disease and 54% of adults with hypercholesterolemia use a cholesterol-lowering

Hemochromatosis Reviewed

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Powell et al have published in Lancet a review of hemochromatosis; its genetics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and management.

MMWR Update on Zika Virus: 116 US Cases Related to Travel

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the last year (January 2015 to February 2016), they have identified and confirmed 116 cases of the Zika virus among US residents, with nearly all having traveled to endemic regions.