Best of 2024: Mixed Long-term Effects of Calcium and Vitamin D in Postmenopausal Women

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A follow-up analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements among postmenopausal women was associated with decreased risk for cancer mortality, but increased risk for cardiovascular disease mortality. The analysis is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Best of 2024: Efficacy of Biologics in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

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A retrospective cohort study of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) persistence in rheumatoid arthritis patients with chronic kidney disease, shows the 3 year survival to be under 50% but that all studied biologics were nearly equivalents with regard to safety and efficacy.

Best of 2024: Consensus Statements on Vitamin D

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The “Controversies in Vitamin D” International Conference has published their proceedings on vitamin D metabolism, assessment, actions, and supplementation. Interestingly, optimal levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) are still being debated.

Bah Humbug Vitamin D (12.20.2024)

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

Best of 2024: Diagnosing Seronegative Sjogren's Disease

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Sjögren disease (SjD) is highly prevalent, but diagnosis may be challenged if anti-SSA antibodies or a labial salivary gland biopsy are negative. A recent cohort analysis suggests a novel autoantibody profile has predictive value SSA negative SjD and also in those with a positive labial biopsy.

Best of 2024: Determinants of Gout Flares

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Approximately 12 million US adults in the US have gout. Two recent literature reports in JAMA and Arthritis Care & Research highlight contributors to gout flares.

ICYMI: Beyond the Needle: Redefining the Assessment of Lupus Nephritis

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Lupus nephritis is one of the most silent and severe manifestations of SLE. When not captured early, patients are at high risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease, which would require dialysis or transplantation. Renal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and disease classification. However, the procedure is invasive and very painful. Non-invasive measures are critical for early detection and continuous monitoring.

54K Peptic Ulcers Annually (12.13.2024)

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

Safety of Acetaminophen in the Elderly

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New research, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that repeated doses of paracetamol in people aged 65 and over, can lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal complications.

Treat-to-Target LLDAS in Lupus

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Patients with highly active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) appeared to sustain much less organ damage and fewer disease flares when drug therapy yielded substantial relief, researchers found.

Challenge in Measuring Cutaneous Lupus Activity and Severity

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JAMA Dermatology features a discussion by Drs. McMichael and Frey on measuring lupus skin disease in clinical trials and practice using the validated Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI).

Phase 2b Study of Ianalumab in Sjögren's

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