NEJM: Actemra Effective in Giant Cell Arteritis

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On May 22, Genentech received FDA approval for the use of subcutaneous (sc) tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) – also known as temporal arteritis.

Withdrawal of TNF Inibitors Fails in Most RA Patients

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The 12 month POET study analyzed 817 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who achieved remission or low disease activity (LDAS) for ≥6 months and then randomized 2:1 to stopping or continuing their TNF inhibitor.

Alendronate Use in Steroid Treated Patients Lowers the Risk of Hip Fracture

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Among older patients using medium to high doses of the anti-inflammatory steroid prednisolone, treatment with the osteoporosis drug alendronate was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture, according to a study published by JAMA.

Lymphopenia and Steroids Increase the Risk of Pneumocystis Jiroveci in Systemic Rheumatic Diseases

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It is well-known that patients with systemic autoimmune diseases are at risk for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and although infrequent, it carries a high mortality. A new study shows lymphopenia and steroid use increases the risk of PJP.

2017 ACR Guideline on Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

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The American College of Rheumatology has updated its 2010 guideline for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The guideline provides recommendations on assessing fracture risk and treatment for adults and special patient populations, including women of childbearing potential, adults treated with very high-dose glucocorticoids, adults with organ transplants, and children ages 4-17.

The RheumNow Week in Review - 26 May 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush Reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com:

NLRP3 Activation in Still's Disease

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Adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) is usually regarded as an autoinflammatory disease, largely because of its symptomatology and responsiveness to IL-1 inhibition.

Anti-IL-5 Success in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

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The NEJM reports success when using mepolizumab (anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody) in a 52 week study of patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

The RheumNow Week in Review – 14 April 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the past week's news, articles and advances from RheumNow.com.

Mortality in Gout Increased

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

The RheumNow Week in Review – 24 March 2017

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

Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation's 2017 Sjogren's Treatment Guidelines

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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.

Limited Benefits with Intra-Discal Steroid Injections for Back Pain

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A a randomized trial published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that intradiscal glucocorticoid injection has limited (1 month) efficacy in treating low back pain (LBP) associated with active discopathy, yet decreased over time.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 17 February 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews this week's news and information from the 2017 RWCS meeting in Maui.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 13 January 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from this past week on RheumNow.com:

The RheumNow Week in Review – 6 January 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the first week of 2017 on RheumNow.com.

Happy New Year!

CanVasc Recommendations for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

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ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV) has undergone considerable study and advances in the last few years.

RheumNow (ACR16) Week in Review – 18 November 2016

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RheumNow Week in Review – 26 August 2016

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