Agressive Early Treatment Prevents Rapid Bone Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The International Osteoporosis Foundation has established the Chronic Inflammation and Bone Structure (CIBS) Working Group to address bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the role of biologic therapies. They conclude that early and aggressive treatment with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs will help prevent progressive bone loss in patients with RA.

Do Statins Reduce Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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RA increases CV risk considerably. But whose responsibility is it to manage CV risk in RA patients?

Enbrel Approved for Pediatric Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

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Etanercept (Enbrel) received FDA approval Friday for use in children with moderate to severe, chronic plaque psoriasis.  Previously approved for adults with plaque psoriasis the new indication will be for chronic plaque psoriasis for those over age 4 years.

Decreased CD4 T Cells with Rituximab Infusions

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Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen on B cells and when administered causes a marked depletion of CD20+ B cells.

IgA ACPA and Plasmablasts Point to Microbiome in Pre-Clinical Rheumatoid

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Serum antibodies precede the development of clinical rheumatoid arthritis (RAby) by many years, and yet we still have much to learn about this preclinical phase.

When Cheap Generics Morph Into Expensive Prescriptions

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The Wall Street Journal has reported an alarming trend in generic drug pricing that affects many, especially the elderly and those with arthrtis.

Kawasaki Disease Pathogenesis Hinges on Interleukin-1

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Researchers from the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children have published in the Journal of Immunology that a polymorphism in the inositol-triphosphate 3-kinase C (ITPKC) (rs28493229) is associated with the pathogenesis of Kawasaki's disease (KD).

Seropositivity Increases Mortality Rates in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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It has been long known that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increased mortality rate, especially in seropositive patients and those with extraarticular manifestations.

Nor-Switch Study Shows it's Safe to Switch to a Biosimilar

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The results of the Nor-Switch study were presented at the United European Gastroenterology annual congress this week demonstrating no significant difference in effect, adverse effects or antibody formation in patients switched from Remicade to the biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13, Remsima).

Long-Term Outcomes of Aromatase Inhibitor Arthralgias

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Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are often given in the setting of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer therapy.

CDC Says Prevalence of Severe Joint Pain is Rising

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The October 7th edition of MMWR reports that severe joint pain (SJP) has significantly risen from 10.5 million in 2012 to 27.2% in 2014, based on recent NHIS surveys.

Biosimilar Reports – October 2016

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RheumNow will periodically review this subject with “Biosimilar Reports” providing updates, news, new publications, overview articles and research results impacting to biosimilar development and use.

The Arthritis Spectrum after Lyme Infection - Something New

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Symptoms attributed to chronic Lyme disease are the bane of a rheumatologist’s existence. We often see patients referred for a variety of nonspecific complaints that do not resolve after antibiotic therapy, including the so-called post-Lyme disease syndrome.

BUILD Study - Baricitinib Shows Rapid Efficacy and X-ray Protection

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Baricitinib is an oral, small molecule, once-daily DMARD, that specifically inhibits Janus kinase 1 and 2 and is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis. With much of the developmental clinical trials completed, the drug is slated for review and potential approval near the end of the year.

Recognizing Arboviral Infections in Rheumatic Disease Patients.

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What does sex have to do with it? Although the Zika virus infection is known to be sexually transmitted, the same cannot be claimed for Dengue or Chikungunya.

After the 1st TNF Inhibitor, a Non-TNF Biologic is Next Best

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Most US rheumatologists use multiple TNF inhibitors before switching. A new French study suggests that "other-MOA", non-TNF biologics are more effective after failing a TNF inhibitor.

Demyelinating Disease is a Rare Complication of TNF Inhibition.

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A recent review has shown that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi) rarely cause MS-like disorders.

Aspergillus Arthritis - A Rare Opportunistic Infection

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The International Osteoarticular Mycoses Consortitum has publist their review Aspergillus arthritis caused by invasive aspergillosis.

Their review identified 31 evaluable cases, 87% of whom were males and adults.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 9 September 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com, including IBD/TNFi and cancer risk, fracture nonunion, PMR worse in women, not treating asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and shingles followed by stroke.

Shingles Plus Autoimmune Disease Hikes Stroke Risk

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Patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases who develop herpes zoster are at increased risk of stroke for the subsequent 3 months, with risks diminishing thereafter, analysis of Medicare data showed.