Oral Bacteria Driving ACPA and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Save

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

CDC Says 1 in 5 Have Arthritis

Save

In the United States, doctor-diagnosed arthritis is a common and widespread chronic condition (1,2). Arthritis is a leading cause of disability (3) and is projected to affect 78.4 million adults by 2040.

Non-Ischemic Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Save

The current issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports on the relative risk of heart failure (HF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation to ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Methotrexate and Folate Use by Rheumatologists - Survey Results

Save

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.

Psychologic Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Men

Save

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.

Ophthalmic Giant Cell Arteritis and the Risk of Stroke

Save

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

Obesity Associated with Late-Onset Psoriatic Arthritis

Save

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

Save

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?

Save

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.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 24 February 2017

Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com:

Higher Hip and Knee Replacement Revision Rates in Younger Patients

Save

Joint arthroplasty has grown into a billion dollar industry worldwide. However, optimal timing and the success of total joint replacements in younger patient groups has not been well studied.

Quarter of Patients Claim Diet Influences Their Rheumatoid Arthritis

Save

Patients often characterize certain foods as  “inflammatory” or “anti-inflammatory” as they combat their arthritis.

Drugs Contribute to Infectious Risks in Lupus

Save

Multiple patient- and disease-related factors -- including medication use -- were associated with the development of severe infections among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a Spanish study found.

Abatacept Efficacy Giant Cell Arteritis

Save

This appears to be the year for biologic treatments in giant cell artertis (GCA).

Biosimilar Reports – February 2017

Save

Biosimilar reports is an ongoing series dedicated to advances, discussions and developments in biosimilar agents intended for use by rheumatologists. Many of these items were compiled from news sources, journal articles and regulatory documents and are cited and linked within each section.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 17 February 2017

Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews this week's news and information from the 2017 RWCS meeting in Maui.

Top Ten Things Rheumatologists Should Know When Ordering Imaging

Save

As a musculoskeletal radiologist, I work every day with rheumatologists. I have been in practice for approximately 17 years and had a musculoskeletal radiology fellowship prior to establishing my practice.

Baricitinib Approved in the EU for Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Save

The European Commission has approved Eli Lilly's rheumatoid arthritis drug Olumiant (baricitinib) for use in Europe for RA patients with moderate-to-severe active disease in adults who have not responded one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Crohn's Arthritis Linked to E. Coli Infection

Save

Articular manifestations of Crohn's disease affects a significant number of patients with either oligoarticular or RA-like polyarthritis or spondyloarthritis.

Immunosuppressives Fail to Benefit Early Skin Scleroderma

Save

Treatment of systemic sclerosis is difficult, as there have few proven therapies capable of altering the course of the disease. Ideally, early intervention affords the optimal scenario wherein drug intervention can be proven to work.