Cause of Death in Ankylosing Spondylitis

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A French population based study of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was report in the Journal of Rheumatology.

They analyzed the death certificates and cause of death in 2940 AS patients over 3 different decades (1969-78; 1979-99; 2000-2009).

Checkpoint Inhibitors Causing Rheumatic Disease

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Calabrese and Velcheti have reviewed the current understanding that underlies a new drug-induced rheumatic disease - checkpoint inhibitor arthritis and autoimmune disease.

ACR Says the New AHCA is Insufficient for Arthritis Patients

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Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, MBBS, MD, President of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has issued a press release condeming the insufficiencies of the newly proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA).

The RheumNow Week in Review – 17 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights in the news from the past week at RheumNow.com.  News on hepatitis C in RA and risk of hepatotoxicity; TNF inhibitor persistence in PsA; unnecessary injections in pre-operative OA knee patients; and a delay in the FDA decision on abaloparatide.

FDA Invites Open Commentary on Biosimilar Interchangeability

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In January 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its draft guidance on the issue of interchangeability between biosimilars and originator biologic drugs. The window for your input will close on May 18, 2017. RheumNow encourages you to participate in this exercise and express your opinion.

The UnderManagement of Gout

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Most physicians believe they understand and can manage gout. Yet, the number of gout patients has risen at an alarming rate and the introduction of 4 new drugs has done little to close the education gap and improve the care and outcomes of gout patients. Misuse, misunderstandings and missed opportunities abound in the wide world of gout.

EULAR Treat-to-Target Guidelines for Gout

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Treat-to-target (T2T) works when they are pragmatic and conform well to daily practice.  

Gout is an ideal therapeutic area where T2T could be and should be applied.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 10 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com.  Sign up at RheumNow.com to received daily or weekly news, blogs and tweets on all things rheumatology

European Biologic Manufacturers Issue Warnings About Biosimilar Switching

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Reuters has reported that European drugmakers have taken the tact of warning EU physician contemplating the switch from existing (originator) biologic therapy to newer, cut-rate biosimilar.  Biosimilar use is widespread outside the USA.

Oral Bacteria Driving ACPA and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The current JAMA has a perspective piece on the role of the oral microbiome in the pathogenesis and references a recent article by Konig et al on "Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans–induced hypercitrullination links periodontal infection to autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)." (Citation

Targeting CD11b as Treatment for Lupus

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Researchers from Rush University Medical Center have reported in the March 6 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation that engagement of the integrin CD11b with a novel compound, may improved outcomes in patients iwth systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methotrexate and Folate Use by Rheumatologists - Survey Results

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The February 2017 RheumNow “Live Vote” surveyed US and non-US rheumatologists about their beliefs and practices regarding folic acid and methotrexate (MTX) use. A total of 495 responses were tabulated in 2 weeks. Here are the results, and comments from Dr. Kremer on his preferred answers to these questions.

Meta-analysis Reveals Numerous Pregnancy Complications Associated with Lupus

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On the heels of the recently published EULAR recommendations for the management of pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) comes a new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Autoimmunity on pregnancy outomes in lupus.

Psychologic Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Men

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Arthritis Care & Research has reported the results of a study that analyzed the perceptions and attitudes of men afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  The results are drawn from a series of focus groups involving 22 men with RA.

Novel Mechanisms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology has reported mechanisms whereby synovial CD4+ T cells producing IL-21 can contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by activating synovial fibroblasts.

Ophthalmic Giant Cell Arteritis and the Risk of Stroke

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Chronic inflammation is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Rheumatoid Progression Slowing Down

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Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with onset in the modern era had significantly lower baseline and annual rates of radiographic disease progression versus those with onset before 2001, researchers in England reported.

Obesity Associated with Late-Onset Psoriatic Arthritis

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A recent study reports that obesity is linked to late-onset psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).  By contrast being of normal weight may be associated with an earlier onset of the disease adn HLA-B27.

EULAR Recommendations on Reproductive Issues in Lupus and Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome

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There is a significant unmet need with regard to counseling and managing SLE and APS patients who become pregnant or who may be planning for pregnancy.

Can Marijuana Reduce Opioid Dependance?

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The Washington Post has reported on the variable laws, views and use of marijuana in treating pain.

Currently 1.4 million patients in 28 states use legal medical marijuana for a variety of medical conditions - chronic pain being one.