A phase II study of patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) has demonstrated improvement in SSc skin outcomes by targeting T cells and fibrosis with the bispecific monoclonal antibody romilkimab (RMK).

Dr Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com:

There has been little science or evidence regarding the effects of COVID-19 infection on pregnancy and vice versa; and now the recent MMWR addresses the subject with two new reports

Dr. Rich Furie has lead a group of investIgators in reporting the significant efficacy of intravenous belimumab when added to standard of care induction therapy in patients with active lupus nephritis. This phase 3, 2-year study included 448 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis (class III or IV +/- V) patients who required induction therapy and have a UPCR ≥1 g/g. 

Arthritis and Rheumatology reports that a Mediterranean diet (MD) is capable of reducing the high risk of RA among women who have smoked tobacco. The results stem from the E3N Study, a French prospective cohort study that collects dietary data on 98,995 women since 1990. An MD score was derived from standardized questionnaires.

Drugs inducing lupus may account for nearly 30% of all subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and up to 15% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases. Moreover there are over 100 drugs capable of inducing drug-induced lupus erythematosus.

In this third excerpt from the ACR guidelines on managing reproductive health issues in rheumatic disease patients, we present recommendations regarding the use of glucocorticoids and guidance on lactation and medication use post-partum.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has published guidelines to manage reproductive health issues in rheumatic disease (RMD) patients before, during and after pregnancy.