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New Criteria for Discoid Lupus
JAMA Dermatology has proposed an initial validation of classification criteria for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), primarily for research purposes, but with clinical applicatility.
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Filgotinib Decision Delayed by FDA
On August 18th, Gilead and Galapagos received a complete response letter from the FDA, which will delay consideration of filgotinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA.
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Upadacitinib is Superior to Methotrexate in Early RA
In a head-to-head trial against methotrexate, JAK1 inhibition with upadacitinib was shown to be more effective in early, DMARD-naive RA patients. Here are the primary results.
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ACP/AAFP Guidelines on Managing Musculoskeletal Pain
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as first-line therapy in a new guideline for treating acute, non-low back pain from musculoskeletal injuries in outpatient settings.
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Is Mortality Improving in Systemic Sclerosis?
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune disorder that causes premature death, usually from lung, GI, or renal disease. While treatment efforts have been frustrating advances in care may have altered the risk of death according to population data showing that while SSc mortality increased from 1968 through 2000, it has declined since 2001.
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Rheumatic Diseases, Drugs and COVID-19 Guidelines
Several recent publications have focused on the risk and outcomes of rheumatic disease (RDD) and autoimmune patients who become infected with SARs-CoV-2.
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Latest COVID-19 Numbers from CDC
Following are the latest CDC numbers for COVID-19 in the U.S., including total cases and deaths; the states with the highest number of COVID-19 deaths; and COVID-19 healthcare case numbers.
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Cachexia Common in Lupus
Cachexia is an underappreciated complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, researchers reported.
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Infliximab Use Near Surgery is Safe
Risk factors for perioperative infections include age, comorbidity, rheumatoid arthritis and steroids to name a few; whether concurrent use of TNF inhibitor (TNFI) therapy adds to this risk has been debated. In a study of elderly patients receiving infliximab infusions, infliximab use prior to surgery did not change the risk of post-operative infections.
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DMARD Use Does Not Increase COVID Hospitalization
An observational study of patients with systemic autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD) who also had COVID-19 disease shows that AIRD increased the risk of hospitalization, but that the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were not associated with hospitalization.
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Secukinumab Effective in Non-Radiographic Axial SpA
The PREVENT trial was a one year, phase III study that showed significant benefits when secukinumab (SEC) was given to patients with active non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr‐axSpA) for 52 weeks.
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ACR Applauds E/M Coding Changes, Telehealth Expansion in CY 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) today applauded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for taking steps to appropriately value cognitive care and expand telehealth access in its CY 2021 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule.
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RheumNow Podcast – Why Do We Love Rheumatology Fellows? (8.7.20)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews why we all love our rheumatology fellows and our best advice for them stemming from these articles.
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Long-Term Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
The Annals of Internal Medicine reports that biannual rituximab infusions over 18 months was effective at maintaining remission in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV).
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Lovastatin Fails to Lower CRP and Activity in RA
Ridker and colleagues have shown that statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG Co-A) reductase inhibitors) are effective at treating hyperlipidaemia and lowering C-reactive protein levels; Aranaow and colleagues have shown that lovastatin, when given to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with elevated CRP levels failed to significantly lower disease activity.
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Fighting Hydroxychloroquine Misinformation
JAMA Internal Medicine has posted an Editor's note on the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19; noting the sequence of dysfunction since the president promoted its use on March 21, 2020, when he said “What do you have to lose? I’ll say it again: What do you have to lose? Take it.”.
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More Rheumatology Fellow Advice from the Mentors
If you’re looking for some great advice to consider or rebuke, here is the generous guidance of nearly two dozen leaders in rheumatology who sincerely offer you their wisdom and best wishes.
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