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B Cell Depleters (2.21.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.
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AI-assisted diagnosis for immunological disease
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EurekAlert!
A novel machine learning framework – Mal-ID – can decipher an individual’s immune system’s record of past infections and diseases, according to a new study, providing a powerful tool with the potential for diagnosing autoimmune disorders, viral infections, and vaccine responses with precision.
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CRP and Hidradenitis Supprativa
A post hoc analysis of 2 phase 3 randomized clinical trials (PIONEER I and II) of adalimumab vs Placebo in patients with active Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) demonstrated more severe HS that was associated with elevated CRP had a higher BMI.
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Optimal Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and Liver Disease
https://t.co/29CG4bwlYR
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Increased L-33 linked to SLE. Study of 120 #SLE vs 60 controls. IL-33 levels signif higher in SLE (258.7 vs 78.3, p < 0.001) & correlated w/ SLEDAI (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) & organ damage (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) & renal dz (p < 0.01). https://t.co/8dbH6u2s1r https://t.co/SzKWy5Xbv1
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
AI-assisted diagnosis for immunological disease
A novel machine learning framework – Mal-ID – can decipher an individual’s immune system’s record of past infections and diseases, according to a new study, providing a powerful tool with the potential for diagnosing autoimmune… https://t.co/gAViSbzreI https://t.co/IFXObUZe2s
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
CRP and Hidradenitis Supprativa
A post hoc analysis of 2 phase 3 randomized clinical trials (PIONEER I and II) of adalimumab vs Placebo in patients with active Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) demonstrated more severe HS that was associated with elevated CRP had a higher BMI.… https://t.co/VxFRjt3cRw https://t.co/rdNIvzMaP8
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Eric Dein @ericdeinmd
Active Morphea: - MTX +/- steroids. If not effective, MMF/RTX/ABA - Topicals for circumscribed - Phototherapy Most pts achieve remission in active in 1 year Inactive morphea - Can address with PT, pain rx, psychological support, plastic surgery fat… https://t.co/wEnlo6vtAB https://t.co/4uJYC9HaS1
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Full read, comprehensive review of Hidradenitis Supprativa in Lancet Feb 1, 2025
Common assn; DM, IBD, Smoking, Obesity, metabolic syndr, NASH, SpA, RA
FDA approved Rx: Adalimumab, Secukinumab, Bimekizumab https://t.co/9er7TkNXpK https://t.co/N6sal9URv3
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Risk for Serious Infection with Low-Dose Glucocorticoids in RA
https://t.co/5frAX3W7Hz https://t.co/PHeqCacxKa
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Deucravacitinib in Psoriasis - 5 Year Outcomes
BMS released new five-year results from the POETYK PSO long-term extension (LTE) trial of deucravacitinib in treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The data was presented by Dr. Marc Lebwohl at the Winter… https://t.co/as7QR8RTyx https://t.co/yNluBPR7fO
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Risk Prediction Modeling in MDA5 Dermatomyositis
Patients with Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) positive dermatomyositis (DM) are complicated and prone to interstitial lung disease, poor prognosis, and a high mortality. A new study suggests a risk prediction… https://t.co/v20ZCVZUQE https://t.co/GmWWQDpWUU
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
A common clinical phenotype arising from diverse pathogenic mechanisms. Study of PBMC transcriptomes (ACPA+ at-risk vs early ACPA+ RA vs controls). A TF signature was enriched in early RA & at-risk individuals (involving SUMOylation, RUNX2, YAP1, NOTCH3, β-Catenin). Cells w/… https://t.co/vCDEjIMXWa https://t.co/mizo7AXWvr
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Australian population study of 14,041 RA pts (68% F; age 65 yrs) vs 33,785 controls, preexisting cancer (CA) in RA was less prevalent (7.6% vs 14.2%). Cancer incid. rates lower in RA (CIR 19.68 vs 24.77) & stable over 3 decades. RA CIR higher for lung (CIR 1.17) & heme CA (CIR… https://t.co/k5KRwYT6jl https://t.co/MVfmuTGlth
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Three B-cell targeting anti-CD20 mAbs in clinical use:
- Rituximab (1997) for RA, GPA, CLL, NHL, Pemphigus Vulgaris
- Ofatumumab (2020) for relapsing MS
- Obinutuzumab (2013) for Follicular lymphoma & CLL
OFA & OBIN may be better than RTX in membranous GN pts w/ anti-RTX Abs… https://t.co/ZhUbXFXjSR https://t.co/vUHkS76PK7
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
At RWCS 2025, Dr. Susan Shenoi aptly noted the prevalence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has declined significantly. Does this indicated herd immunity or the decline of community SARS-CoV-2 (or both)? @ShenoiSusan https://t.co/vY01VDkNVl… https://t.co/c8Qu4OqBSh https://t.co/yZAoRcG6LN
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Targeting PD-1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis
The results of the large Phase 2b RENOIR trial showed that rosnilimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, was effective in moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
https://t.co/ZsS3JOqdLh https://t.co/3JByNrLTGR
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Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
TULIP Extension trial shows #SLE Rx w/ anifrolumab + SOC had less organ damage after 208wks. 354 on ANIF (+SOC) vs 561 on SOC alone = ANIF was 59.9% lower SDI (SLE damage index) (HR 0.40) vs those on SOC alone at wk 208. https://t.co/Ox7efMsAW2 https://t.co/55jZBE2aTW
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Optimal Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and Liver Disease
https://t.co/KpdY1MEM1w https://t.co/vETGMJgHf3
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare chronic microvascular thrombosis dz w/ hypercoagulability and inflammation. Lit Search found 15 articles, 41 LV pts Rx w/ biologics & JAK inhib. 88% w/ positive responses & pain relief. TNFi were most used, then JAK inhibitors… https://t.co/3ugGdUlYcI https://t.co/0aXRKRi5RA
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)