Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incur substantial morbidity and complications that may lead to hospitalizations and increased cost of lupus care. Researchers from the University Health Network in Toronto have published a review of SLE hospitalizations showing thta while comm

 In the wake of the well-publicized "opioid epidemic", researchers report in the Annals of Internal Medicine (online July 31) that more than one third of U.S.

In March 2017, an outbreak of 41 cases of septic arthritis associated with intra-articular injections administered at an single outpatient practice occurred in New Jersey. A public health investigation identified multiple breaches of recommended infection prevention practices during the preparation and administration of PBP products. The intraarticular injections were done using fluoroscopic visualization. The CDC has reported the results of its investigation.

On August 2, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will convene a hearing of the Arthritis Advisory Committee (AAC) to review the safety of the novel IL-6 inhibitor, sirukumab, being developed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

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

Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement vie DEXA scan commonly used to assess bone density and fracture risk in postmenopausal osteoporosis provides us with approximate assessment of bone health while lacking sensitivity in vertebral fracture risk prediction.

Despite the approval of four anti-TNF biosimilars in 12 months, their introduction into the U.S. market has been slow and - until now - with paultry discounts compared to their introduction throughout Europe, where discounts averaged 50% and were as high as 70% (compared to the price of Remicade).

The presence of tubulointerstitial damage (TID) may provide a potential window for early intervention in lupus nephritis (LN) to ward off end-stage renal disease (ESRD), according to a data analysis.

Eli Lilly and Co disclosed today that upon further discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there would be a delay in further regulatory decisions regarding baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, that is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new subcutaneous formulation of Benlysta (belimumab) for use in active, autoantibody‑positive Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients.

The RheumNow “Live Vote” on the use, uptake and safety of biosimilars contrasts rheumatologist and patient views. Despite FDA approval and looming introduction, there is considerable concern, knowledge gaps and hesitancy regarding their uptake in the US. The survey's primary question demonstrates that less than one-third of US rheumatologists are prepared to adopt biosimilars when they are available.

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

Streptococcus pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adults; including patients with autoimmune diseases who are at particular risk.

Curbside Consults are cases submitted by our rheumatology colleagues as challenging therapeutic or safety issues. Answers are based on experience, with added evidence from the medical literature and published guidelines. Here are four new cases. 

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The cardioprotective benefits of aspirin (ASA) are well known and the ancillary CV and diabetogenic effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have also been shown.

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

Systemic inflammation (from underling inflammatory polyarthritis) clearly accelerates atherosclerosis with a resultant increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

The 12 month POET study analyzed 817 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who achieved remission or low disease activity (LDAS) for ≥6 months and then randomized 2:1 to stopping or continuing their TNF inhibitor.

Among older patients using medium to high doses of the anti-inflammatory steroid prednisolone, treatment with the osteoporosis drug alendronate was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture, according to a study published by JAMA.

Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been effectively used in the treatment of multiple autoimmune disorders for over two decades. But the response to rituximab has been shown to not be as effective in SLE as it is in RA.