A UK population-based study suggests that autoimmune diseases affect approximately one in ten individuals.

A current review of the epidemiology of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in the USA shows a low prevalence with possibly increasing numbers, owing to increasing awareness of this unique immune-mediated condition.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) can be a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients. The 2023 EULAR Vasculitis guidelines recommends primary prophylaxis with antibiotics, especially in rheumatic disease patients receiving rituximab (RTX).

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports and addresses 3 viewer case questions.

Are antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular (ASCVD) event risk?  A cohort study has shown that aPL Abs are found in a substantial proportion of adults with ASCVD events and finding both positive aCL IgA and aβ2GPI IgA Abs independently predicted futur

BRIDGE-PMR proof-of-concept trial assessed the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and showed that a single 1000 mg dose of lead to a significant number of glucocorticoid-free remissions after 1 year. 

Analysis of commercial insurance claims suggests that patients with asthma or atopic dermatitis have a significantly increased risk of osteoarthritis.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disorder characterized by the buildup of immunoglobin A (IgA) in the glomeruli, which are bundles of capillaries that filter blood in the kidney.

A research report in JAMA Dermatology describes the use of the type 1 interferon receptor inhibitor anifrolumab in patients with chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). 

Researchers have revealed the modulatory effect of the anti-inflammatory metabolite itaconate (ITA) on T helper and T regulatory cells, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches to treating some autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the lastest journal articles, news, and FDA announcements from the past week on RheumNow.  This week, the importance of IFNa, Subclinical PsA and NSAID safety during Pregnancy.

A novel trial has shown that combination biologic therapy (guselkumab plus golimumab) to be more effective in ulcerative colitis than either biologic alone.

Periodontal disease (PD) is more common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially those with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs).  RA activity has been linked to the severity of PD and mucosal inflammation.

A BRASS registry study shows that specific isotypes of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) can be associated with incident rheumatoid arthritis-associated ILD (RA-ILD).

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and tries to stump the expert panel this week on the podcast.

Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have developed a single score to describe the level of cytokines in the saliva, and this score is linked with the severity of clinical gum inflammation, according to a study

A new study suggests that use of ELISA assays for CXCL-10 and IFN-α can predict which ANA+ individuals may progress to developing a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD).

Can something as simple as a cup of coffee with milk have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans? Apparently so, according to a new study from the University of Copenhagen. A combination of proteins and antioxidants doubles the anti-inflammatory properties.