Variations in First Biologic Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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A Canadian analysis shows that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are more likely to receive biologic DMARDs earlier if they are younger, female, and living in urban areas closer to prescribers.

Link Between Obstructive Lung Disease and Developing RA?

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We all know that the microbiome in the gut may be very important for multiple immune diseases. However, new findings from the ACR, 2019 in Atlanta reinforce how important the interface is between the lungs and developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Biologic Safety Guidelines from the British Society for Rheumatology

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In the United Kingdom, NICE has looked to the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) to develop evidence based guidance on the safe use of biologic DMARDs in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Smoking Cessation Lowers RA Disease Activity and CV Risks

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A multinational cross-sectional cohort study suggests that smoking cessation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is associated with lower disease activity measures, improved lipid profiles and lower rates of cardiovascular (CV) events.

Apremilast Reduces Oral Ulcers in Behcet's Syndrome

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A multinational trial finds a statistically significant number of patients with Behçet's syndrome showed a greater reduction in the number of oral ulcers with apremilast compared with placebo.

Systemic JIA-Associated Lung Disease

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A disease you’ve never heard of is becoming increasingly common and carries a very poor prognosis. 

Tapering Of Therapy In RA: Maybe Not So Aggressive Next Time

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This ACR has seen some more great work on tapering of therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a hot topic and one which I get asked about all the time by my patients.

RheumNow Podcast –Favorites of ACR 2019 (11.22.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush recaps standout presentations and information from ACR 2019 held in Atlanta November 9-12, 2019.

ACR 2019 - Report From Day 3 (Tuesday)

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Here's my summary of key studies presented Tuesday. 

Tofacitinib in Polyarticular JIA

Muscle Loss and Frailty in Rheumatic Disease

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At the 2019 ACR annual meeting, several abstracts looked at the importance of myopia (muscle wasting due to illness at any age) and sarcopenia (age related muscle wasting) in the setting of various rheumatologic diseases.

ACR 2019 - Report From Day 2 (Monday)

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Monday was another full day of sessions and studies here in Atlanta. Following is my roundup of day two.

The Safety of Methotrexate

ACR 2019 – Best of the Plenary Sessions

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The ACR Plenary Sessions featured some of the best research presented on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday in Atlanta. Here are my seven notable highlights from the Plenaries.

MRI in the Diagnosis and Management of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common condition seen by both primary care and in the rheumatology office.

RheumNow Podcast – ACR 2019 Round Up (11.15.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush presents his favorite abstracts and presentations from Rheumatology Round Up and ACR 2019.

RheumNow Podcast – Better Ways to Treat Gout (11.8.19)

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

In RA, Activity Protects Cognition

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Physical activity appeared to be protective against the development of cognitive impairments among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prospective cohort study found.

New EMA Warnings for Tofacitinib in Patients at Risk for Clots

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The European Medicines Agency safety committee (PRAC) has concluded that Xeljanz (tofacitinib - TOFA) could increase the risk of blood clots in the lungs and in deep veins in patients who are already at high risk for venous thromboembolic events. The PRAC is recommending that TOFA should be used with caution in patients at high risk of blood clots (VTE), regardless of dose used.

Year in Review - Psoriatic Arthritis 2019

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Major new insights into the treatment of psoriatic arthritis dominated the headlines during the past year, with a head-to-head trial comparing IL-17A inhibition with tumor necrosis factor blockade, another study considering whether methotrexate can improve outcomes with anti-TNF therapy in PsA, and an investigation into the effects of biologic therapy on bone.

Physical Activity Lowers Fracture Risk in Post-Menopausal Women

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An analysis from the Women’s Health Initiative study shows that postmenopausal women who participate in vigorous physical activity have a statistically lower risk of total and site-specific fractures