VEXAS may be more common than expected

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A great study of a recently described rheumatologic/hematologic disorder VEXAS (vacuoles, E1-ubiquitin-activating enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome recently appeared in JAMA, describing the frequency and presentations of UBA1 variant. 

2022 Rheumatology Year in Review

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2022 was a year of recovery, discovery, and some losses.  While still dealing with the aftermath of COVID-19, rheumatologists were resilient as leaders for their patients and research in advancing rheumatologic care.

In Giant Cell Arteritis, Hospital Admission Is Bad News

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One-third of patients admitted with giant cell arteritis (GCA) were rehospitalized within 6 months, largely because of complications potentially related to corticosteroid therapy, researchers found in a retrospective cohort study.

JAK Inhibitor Potential in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated ILD

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The occurrence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in Systemic sclerosis portends serious morbid and mortal outcomes for those affected. This review examines the available clinical literature on the potential benefits and outcomes of JAK inhibitor use in SSc=ILD.

2022 ACR/EULAR Giant Cell Arteritis Classification Criteria

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Giant cell arteritis (GCA) has historically been a clinical diagnosis (visual loss, headache, jaw pain, scalp tenderness, etc) supported by labs and histopathology.

Inflammatory Arthritis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) (also called acne inversa), is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting apocrine gland-bearing skin in the axillae, groin, and under the breasts and is characterised by

RECITAL Trial: RTX vs. CTX in CTD-ILD

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A UK study suggests the equivalent outcomes when patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with connective tissue disease (CTD) are treated with either intravenous rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide (CTX), but with fewer adverse events with RTX. 

ACR 2022 Appraisal, Praise & Critique (11.18.2022)

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It was great to be back at an ACR annual meeting, this one in Philadelphia - Philly was great. A walking town, rich in culture, history and good places to meet and mingle. 

I loved the city, but not the convention center (not easy to navigate). 

Familial Mediterranean Fever mimics

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Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and acute inflammation of the membranes lining the abdomen, joints and lungs. These attacks are often short-lasting, around 1-3 days.

Women with Rheumatic Disease (11.4.2022)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com.  New regulatory decisions about JAK inhibitors and why do women with rheumatic diseases have unfair outcomes?

Increasing Risk of Lupus Nephritis

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Population based study from Minnesota shows that the incidence of lupus nephritis (LN) in the US has increased in the last four decades and that LN patients have poorer outcomes with high rates of ESRD and mortality rates six times that of the general population.

ACR Award Winners (10.21.2022)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. Highlighted discussion of implantable stimulators, urine proteomics and gut-immune responses to Prevotella in RA.

Miners Face Increased Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Add "hard rock" mining to the list of occupations associated with high rates of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a new study indicated, with silica exposure the presumed malefactor.

Tofacitinib shows promise in scleroderma

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Systemic sclerosis is one of the rarest autoimmune diseases, affecting roughly 100,000 people (primarily women) in the U.S. With no licensed treatments available for this subset of scleroderma patients, rheumatology researchers are searching for opportunities to use resources and technology that have proven beneficial in treating other autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

RheumNow Podcast – “That’s Not My Name” (10.7.2022)

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Dr. Jack Cush goes off on "Untitling" (not using proper names/titles) in the clinic, in addition to reports on rheumatologist salaries, new drugs in phase 1-3 development and the range of COVID-19 MSK symptoms -- all from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Causes of Death in Lupus

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The California Lupus Surveillance Project has longitudinally followed included systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases and shown that overall, the leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease (CVD), followed by rheumatic disease and hematologic/oncologic conditions.

Heavy Metal Rheumatology (9.23.2022)

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Below are this week’s highlights from RheumNow, as discussed by Dr. Jack Cush. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments and great reviews of our weekly podcast. Please let us know how we can improve by emailing me or recording your suggestion using the "Ask Cush Anything" link on our website.