Polymyalgia rheumatica: more than just steroids at ACR22

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After decades of having little else proven apart from glucocorticosteroids with which to treat polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), evidence for steroid-sparing options has grown in recent years, and this crescendo is set to continue at ACR Convergence 2022 in Philadelphia, PA.

SLE T2T - Lupus Low Disease Activity State Predicts Outcomes

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Treat-to-target management of SLE has been shown to protect against organ damage and to improve quality of life. Now a prospective study shows that T2T with a goal of lupus low disease activity state and remission has been shown to improve mortality risk.

Infection: a Leading Cause of Death in Lupus

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 Analysis of a national database of hospital discharges from Spain shows that infections accounted for 25% of lupus deaths, making infection the most common cause of death in SLE.

Second Efforts in Treating RA Partial Responders

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The results of a treat-to-target (T2T) combination therapy trial in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show that if patients fail to respond initially, then a second, more intensified regimen can turn initial nonresponders into responders.

Intravenous Immune Globulin in Dermatomyositis

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Few drugs have been studied well in the treatment of dermatomyositis (DM) and only recently has intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) been granted FDA approval for the treatment of DM, based on this pivotal trial.

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.

CD19 CAR T Cell Therapy in SLE (9.16.2022)

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The big news this week: the approval of deucravacitinib (a new class of drug?) for psoriasis; the 2022 ACR guidance on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis; a national poll of older adults over the age of 50 who claimed self-reported or doctor-diagnosed arthritis; and much more. Let's review these and other news, journal reports and announcements from this past week.

2022 New ACR Guidance on Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis (GIOP)

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The ACR has updated this guideline and includes recommendations on abaloparatide (PTHrP) and romosozumab, which are newly available since the ACR’s 2017 GIOP guideline.

NICE Guidelines on Gout Diagnosis and Management

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NICE (UK) has systematically reviewed current medical evidence and delivered a set of recommendations with consideration of cost effectiveness.

Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare blistering cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

As goes SLE, bullous disease typically affects women, especially those of African descent.

Hit Parade Review (8.12.2022)

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We've got a lot to discuss this week: psoriasis; fatigue; sleep; sural nerve biopsies; uveitis and SpA; diet and RA; tofacitinib and the ORAL surveillance study; what not to take with mycophenolate - and more. In what order should these items be discussed? This week the run down is based on popularity, measured by rheumatologist engagements on the website and social media.

Cytomegalovirus Increases Thromboembolism Risk in ANCA-associated Vasculitis

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Infection may play an important role in the genesis of vasculitis and ANCA seropositivity; this report suggests that past cytomegalovirus infection may be a risk in the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. 

Increased Mortality in Giant Cell Arteritis

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A population-based study from Ontario, Canada suggests an increased mortality risk in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), according to a recent report in Arthritis Care & Research.