An updated systematic literature review has provided reassuring evidence regarding the increasing safety of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), European researchers reported. 

The issue of medication management is a complicated one, especially in complex rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking biologic or immunosuppressive drugs.

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.

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

Two current articles in the Journal of Rheumatology address issues surrounding mortality risk among those with new and established gout.

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).

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.

Low rates of serious infections were observed in pregnant women receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Higher rates may be seen with steroid use in pregnancy and SIE trend towards lowest with DMARD or TNFi use. 

Lyrica (pregabalin) was first approved in 2004 and since has been studied and approved for use in neuropathic pain (associated with diabetic neuropathy), postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury.

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

A comprehensive review of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was published this week in the NEJM, authored by leaders in the field, Drs. Ritchlin, Colbert and Gladman.

High points from their review inlcuded:

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.

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. 

SLE-related hepatitis (“lupus hepatitis”) and “lupoid hepatitis” are 2 different diseases. The term "lupoid hepatitis", now known as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), was first coined in 1959. AIH was initially called “lupoid hepatitis” by MacKay.  A review by Adiga and Nugent reviews, defines and distinguishes between lupus-related hepatitis and lupoid hepatitis.

A French population based study of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was report in the Journal of Rheumatology.

They analyzed the death certificates and cause of death in 2940 AS patients over 3 different decades (1969-78; 1979-99; 2000-2009).

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

Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights in the news from the past week at RheumNow.com.  News on hepatitis C in RA and risk of hepatotoxicity; TNF inhibitor persistence in PsA; unnecessary injections in pre-operative OA knee patients; and a delay in the FDA decision on abaloparatide.

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 March 2017 issue of the ACP Internist has reviewed the ubiquitous practice of medication adherence. 

CNN has reported that changes in immigration policies is but one of many factors that may add to an existing doctor shortage. This and other events now begs the the question, why the federal government doesn't train more doctors in the US?