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.

The Great Unknowns (8.5.2022)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, FDA approvals, journal articles from the past week on RheumNow; plus viewer questions. This week great hopes for vitamin D, the great unknows of CSA and the great big mess that is the gout.

ACR Updated Guideline on Vaccinations for Rheumatic Patients

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The ACR has posted a new ACR Clinical Practice Guideline Summary providing recommendations on the use of vaccinations for children and adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

The Approach to Difficult to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tan and Buch have reviewed the approach to difficult to treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T-RA), with a new EULAR definiation of D2T-RA to foster an approach rationale and concideration of treatment options.

Supplemental Vitamin D Fails to Lower Fracture Risk

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NEJM has published study results showing that vitamin D3 supplementation does not significantly lower fracture risk (vs. placebo) when used in generally healthy adults.

Not Still’s – Now What?

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Your patient doesn't meet criteria for Still’s disease (AOSD or sJIA), now what should you do or consider?

What you do or consider next can be addressed according to the stage of current disease: A) Hospitalized Febrile Disease, or B) Outpatient “Still’s” Disease.