The RheumNow Week in Review – 31 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the news and Advances in Targeted Therapies meeting in Mandelieu, France:

Tweeting this week from Advances in Targeted Therapies #ATT2017 in Mandelieu, France.

TNF Inhibitor Induced Psoriasis

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Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi) rarely have been reported to induce new-onset psoriasis.

Alcohol Use During Methotrexate Studied

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A recent RheumNow survey of 495 rheumatologists found that half of rheumatologists allow 1-3 alcoholic drinks per week and 6-7% has no alcohol restrictions while being treated with methotrexate (MTX).

ICER Report Claims RA Drugs are Not Cost Effective

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On Friday March 24, the nonprofit Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) presented its report on the cost and value of targeted immune modulators (TIMs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a meeting in Boston that included clinical experts, manufacturers, payers, and patients.

Biologics Do Not Increase Melanoma Risk

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk of certain cancers (e.g., skin, lung, lymphoma).  At issue is whether the newer agents modify this risk appreciably.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 24 March 2017

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

Rheumatic Manifestations Following Chikungunya Infection

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In the Makonde language, “Chikungunya” translates to “that which bends up”, descriptive of the twisted posture of those infected secondary to intense joint and muscle pain experienced during the acute phase of the disease.  

Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation's 2017 Sjogren's Treatment Guidelines

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Dr. Steven Carsons and an expert committee of the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation have published a clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations for the managment of Sjögren's syndrome.

Gadolinium Accumulation with Repeated MRI

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Clinical Rheumatology reports that the repeated intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), although clinically useful, may be associated with rare toxicity and the uncertain clinical effects of accumulation. 

Checkpoint Inhibitors Causing Rheumatic Disease

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Calabrese and Velcheti have reviewed the current understanding that underlies a new drug-induced rheumatic disease - checkpoint inhibitor arthritis and autoimmune disease.

FDA Invites Open Commentary on Biosimilar Interchangeability

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In January 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its draft guidance on the issue of interchangeability between biosimilars and originator biologic drugs. The window for your input will close on May 18, 2017. RheumNow encourages you to participate in this exercise and express your opinion.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 10 March 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com.  Sign up at RheumNow.com to received daily or weekly news, blogs and tweets on all things rheumatology

European Biologic Manufacturers Issue Warnings About Biosimilar Switching

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Reuters has reported that European drugmakers have taken the tact of warning EU physician contemplating the switch from existing (originator) biologic therapy to newer, cut-rate biosimilar.  Biosimilar use is widespread outside the USA.

Oral Bacteria Driving ACPA and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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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

Non-Ischemic Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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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

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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

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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.

Novel Mechanisms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology has reported mechanisms whereby synovial CD4+ T cells producing IL-21 can contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by activating synovial fibroblasts.

Rheumatoid Progression Slowing Down

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Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with onset in the modern era had significantly lower baseline and annual rates of radiographic disease progression versus those with onset before 2001, researchers in England reported.

High Level Rheumatoid Responses to the GM-CSF inhibitor Mavrilimumab

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Despite recent advances in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), MANY patients on existent biological therapy fail to achieve remission. Therapies with novel mechanisms of actions, great efficacy and well balanced safety profile remain an unmet need.