In this video, Michelle Petri, MD, director of the Hopkins Lupus Center at Johns Hopkins University, discusses recent successes and challenges in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, with clinical trials results ranging from "wildly positive" to "completely negative."

A recent article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology presented new recommendations for screening of patients being managed with hydroxychloroquine that changed the previous monitoring paradigm. More importantly, it has repositioned hydroxychloroquine from one of the safest medications that rheumatologists use to a drug that can have potentially significant ocular morbidity (if used in doses greater than 5 mg per kilogram and or for prolonged periods of time).

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) reports that nearly 80% of those who have already suffered a broken bone due to osteoporosis remain unprotected against the risk of further disabling fractures.

The diagnosis of periodic fevers is unified by undiagnosed but recurrent fever. Unfortunately the diagnosis of these disorders is hampered by their infrequency, protean features and a lack of clear criteria. Even more problematic is knowing who should be tested and for which monogenic marker?

Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the journals and news this week on RheumNow.com.

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.

Singh and colleagues have published a systematic review and Bayesian network metaanalyses of clinical trials of immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids in patients with lupus nephriti.

Three new FDA approvals, proteomics, cancer, infectious risk, nonadherence and disappointing clinical trial results covered in this RheumNow Week in Review.

A year ago, physicians panicked with a new and formidable change in practice called ICD-10.  This newer and more complex coding system had the angst of Y2K and nearly as much true trouble - largely because of the "relaxed" stance taken by CMS with its introduction.  

Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights, news and articles from the past week at RheumNow.com:

Who makes billions in profits and millions in bonus monies? PBMs and insurers, thats who.

This week United Healthcare and Express Scripts announced new plans to restrict patient and prescriber access to popular, expensive, albeit FDA-approved, medications and biologics.

Who benefits, who loses?

A review of this week's news including the cost of opioid abuse, a RTX biosimilar, a new drug for scleroderma, a new shingles vaccine and a CPAP disappointment.

The Sept.16th issue of MMWR reports that many Americans over age 50 are not getting sufficient exercise, thereby increasing their risk for falls, fractures and comorbidities, if not premature death. (Citation source http://buff.ly/2cPAcq9)

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.

Nature reports that the Karolinska Institute and the affiliated Karolinska Hospital are being scrutinized for violations regarding stem cell research in patients without sufficient pre-clinical research, research ethics approval, or approval from regulatory authorities.

A recent JAMA Internal Medicine report on pharmaceutical-sponsored meals disclosed that a $20 meal provided by a drug company could yields 2-5 times more prescriptions.  (Citation source http://buff.ly/2cd58i0)

Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from this week in RheumNow:

The 2010 NHANES study suggests that the overall prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in the USA is ~10% or 10.2 million older adults (> 50 yrs) had osteoporosis.

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

It has long been observed that patients receiving monoclonal antibody based anti-TNF (TNFi) therapies for spondylitis or psoriatic disease have less inflammatory eye complications, such as uveitis. These agents have become common interventions based on these observational results.