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High Mortal Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Arthroplasty
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.
Read ArticleBiologics Are Safe When Used During Pregnancy in IBD
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.
Read ArticleFirst Head-to-Head TNF Trial Ends in a Draw
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.
Read ArticleStatin-Induced Autoimmune Myopathy
The CDC estimates nearly 71% of adults with cardiovascular disease and 54% of adults with hypercholesterolemia use a cholesterol-lowering
Read ArticleHemochromatosis Reviewed
Powell et al have published in Lancet a review of hemochromatosis; its genetics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and management.
Read ArticleDifferences in Diuretic-Induced Gout
Diuretics are frequently implicated causes of hyperuricemia and gout. And there are gout variants wherein age, renal dysfunction and diuretic use may give rise to gouty attack in the hands of women with nodal osteoarthritis.
Read ArticleAcetaminophen: No Effect in Osteoarthritis Pain or Function
A network analysis of multiple therapies used in osteoarthritis found that acetaminophen (paracetamol) does not meet the minimum standard of clinical effectiveness in reducing pain or improving physical function in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Read ArticleTNF Inhibitors Increase Perioperative Infection Risk
The use of tumour necrosis factor α inhibitors (TNFis) at the time of major surgery has been a challenge for surgeons, rheumatologists and those wishing to develop evidence-based guidelines for this clinical scenario.
Read ArticleNew CDC Guidelines on Prescribing Opiates for Pain
The use of opioids has become increasingly problematic in the last few years. First, the rising rates of use and abuse, followed by greater restrictions and regulations that have curtailed use, and, finally, a resultant increase in illicit drug use (heroin) and opioid overdoses.
Read ArticleLeflunomide and Weight Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Weight change can have substantial effects on the outcomes of patients with arthritis. It has long been known that weight loss and low body mass index (BMI) are associated with poorer arthritis outcomes.
Read ArticleACR Invites Comment on Perioperative Management Guidelines
The ACR is inviting members and rheumatologists to comment on their proposal to develop recommendations for the "Perioperative Management of Rheumatic Disease Medications in Total Joint Arthroplasty of the Hip and Knee".
Read ArticleCombined Dermatology-Rheumatology Clinics Benefits Patients
Healio reports that patients followed in a combined Dermatology and Rheumatology clinic in Canada revealed high patient satisfaction.
Read ArticleTocilizumab Induces and Maintains Remission in Giant Cell Arteritis
Lancet has reported the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tocilizumab in patients with new-onset giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Read ArticleIntraarticular Steroids Before Joint Surgery Increase Infection Risk
Hip and knee intraarticular injection of corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to alleviate pain or inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the period leading up to scheduled arthroplasty.
Read ArticleAAOS Guidelines on Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis
Three million Americans are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome each year.
Read ArticleMethotrexate Safety with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Chronic liver disease, and in particular hepatitis B infection, is a contraindication to methotrexate (MTX) use.
Read ArticleTNF Inhibition and Heart Failure
Clinicians often face the issue of using a TNF inhibitor (TNFi) in patients with heart failure or cardiac disease. Here are the facts and data necessary to make a cogent decision to use or avoid TNFi.
Read ArticleEarly Aggressive Treatment of Elderly RA Results in Less Joint Surgery
Two population-based cohorts from Ontario (ON) and Quebec (QC) were used to assess if early DMARD influenced the need for joint replacement surgery among elderly patients with incident rheumatoid arthritis.
Read ArticleLess Treatment, Responses and Safety in Elder-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
A recent review compared elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) to those with younger-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA) to assess treatment responses and safety issues with biologics and DMARDS. EORA is generally defined as the onset of rheumatoid arthritis after age 60 years.
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