Best of 2022: Emerging Therapeutics for Lupus

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Impressive data on novel treatment for SLE were presented at the EULAR22 Congress. A disease that is difficult to study due to its pleomorphic presentation, unpredictable disease course, and high mortality rates, SLE is considered the dragon of all autoimmune diseases. Here are highlights of four exciting abstracts presented at the meeting with emerging therapeutics designed to slay the beast. 

Best of 2022: Methotrexate Side Effects

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Data came from the UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Study (RAMS), a prospective cohort of early RA patients starting methotrexate (MTX) shows that in the first year, adverse events (AE) were common, but not serious.

Best of 2022: Was this a Mistake? HCQ Dose Reductions per AAOS Guidelines

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In the wake of the 2016 AAOS Guidelines, rheumatologists dutifully reduced the dose HCQ take by patients with SLE to some number south of 5mg/kg per day. Though I believe the ophthalmologists correctly interpreted a 2014 paper in JAMA Ophthalmology that quoted a much-higher rate of HCQ associated retinopathy than had previously been appreciated, they and subsequent guidelines published in the field of rheumatology lacked a critical piece of information: what actually happens when you do this?

Anakinra in Pericarditis: A Systematic Review (comprehensive, full read) -Options include steroids, colchicine, NSAIDs, pleuropericardial window, IL-1 inhibitors. ANAKINRA - 11 studies, 259 pts, all showing significant rapid resolution. https://t.co/i0LRp4E1tH https://t.co/lGLjJRB1G9