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Secukinumab Use in Refractory Giant Cell Arteritis
In 2023, the phase 2 TitAIN study showed that the effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in 52 patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) who had an inadequate response to tocilizumab.
2025 EULAR/ACR Risk Stratification Criteria for At-Risk Arthralgia
A collaborative EULAR/ACR expert panel has established criteria for arthralgia patients at risk (clinically suspect arthralgia) to progress to chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
While there are trials in progress, there is no RCT data on the use of JAK inhibitors in Noninfectious Uveitis (NIU). But there is this metanalysis of many small case reports suggesting their potential efficacy in NIU. https://t.co/pBNsSmVjOz https://t.co/JrIGQGZjHt
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
MTX Fails Knee OA (6.6.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.
https://t.co/4FapDWtTIf https://t.co/lYoTXX9IEb
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
In 2019 there was an estimated 273,000 coccidioidomycosis cases in the USA; 23,000 hospitalizations and 900 coccidioidomycosis-associated deaths. Mostly from endemic states California & Arizona. https://t.co/JXPs8B4Dwb https://t.co/ddXIcub0pG
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Positive results from Phase 2b RENOIR RCT of Rosnilimab, an agonist targeting PD-1+ T cells. 432 RA pts on MTX or csDMARDs, Rx w/ 6 mos of PBO vs ROS (100 or 200 mg q4wk or 600 mg q2wk). All 3 doses of rosnilimab achieved significant reductions DAS-28 CRP at Wk 12 https://t.co/g7lqQYXeJd
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Systematic review of fibromyalgia & sleep quality - 47 RCTs, 11094 pts showed CBT for insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep quality; but CBT for pain had no impact. Only moderate improvement w/ pregabalin, sodium oxybate; but no effect w/ amitriptyline, milnacipran, https://t.co/bArizMLGR8
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Target trial emulation study data from British Dermatologists Biologics & Immunomodulators Register, compared 231 PSO Rx w/ MTX + Adalimumab against 1553 PSO on ADA. @1Yr MTX did not augment ADA only responses based on Rx survival (79% vs 78%) or PASI75 (49% vs 52%). https://t.co/Lrpuhfarsb
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Methotrexate Fails in Knee Osteoarthritis
We'll be blunt: methotrexate flopped in a randomized placebo-controlled trial among patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
https://t.co/Y9elFXTkhN https://t.co/rs8wP7A1bv
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
HLA-B27 Testing in Practice
Analysis of testing for human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) in a teaching center shows HLA-B27 testing was frequently performed by rheumatologists and nonrheumatologists for a broad spectrum of indications and primarily as a screening test. https://t.co/IabqHyi0rl
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The global regenerative medicine market is estimated to be valued at USD 9.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 22.05 billion by 2035 -- AMAZING, especially since the (lack of) science and most evidence does NOT support it's efficacy! https://t.co/2D2K1jrQZH https://t.co/UBMPgeZ25G
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The American Heart Association just published their alcohol recommendations today which line up with the report by the National Academies. Moderate EtOH intake, up to 7 drinks per week (1/day), is without risk (and may be beneficial for cardiovascular outcomes)
@American_Heart https://t.co/7c0IlmgZiv
Eric Topol EricTopol ( View Tweet)
Psoriatic Arthritis at Risk for Interstitial Lung Disease
A TriNetX EHR study shows that psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but not Psoriasis (PsO), patients are at increased risk for interstitial lung disease (ILD).
https://t.co/2zuxF1PY3Q. https://t.co/r28dY3T8nO
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Extract of purple sweet potato ANTHOCYANINS (PSPA) studied in CIA animal model of #RA; Rats Rx w PBO or PSPA (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) x14days. 40mg/kg dose reduced synovitis, altered gut microbiota (Akkermansia, Lactobacillus) decr RF & cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18) https://t.co/UjPFEuTU1S
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Uncontrolled pilot trial of frequency specific microcurrent treatment given to 17 pts w/ Raynaud’s & systemic sclerosis. Microcurrent Rx given for 45-60 min over 1-2d; w/ average improvement of 40% in hand function & Raynauds improvement ~18% p .016)- RCT needed!! https://t.co/4OUeODuj8Q
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Swiss Registry study of PsA outcomes when started on either TNFi (N 503) or IL-17i (n 341), latter w/ more severe PSO. IL-17i durability superior to TNFi (median 828 vs 445 d, P<.001), w/ less D/C in women (HR 0.57); but ACR 20 (14 v 33%) & ACR50 (7 v 24%) favored TNFi use https://t.co/R33bwSeB3E
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52 wk Phase 3 DBRPCT of daily anakinra (100 mg sc) vs PBO in 30 giant cell arteritis pts. At wk 16 (17 ANK vs 13 PBO) there was no significant difference in relapse rates (12% vs 23%; p = 0.63). Same at wk 52 (53% vs 49% relapse). ANK didnt reduce relapses or GC exposure https://t.co/RFkkaUchsW
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Global incidence of alopecia areata increased betw 1990 - 2021; from 20.43 million (19.77-21.09 million) in 1990 to 30.89 million in 2021 ( range of 29.95-31.82 million) - highest in USA 550/100,000. High in N.America, S.America, Southeast Asia, Australia. Lowestin Africa, Middle https://t.co/GxrZPY5NBc
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Review of Emerging Treatments for Vitiligo an immune mediated dz that affects QOL & has psychosocial impact. JAKi only ruxolitinib is FDA-approved, but Tofa & Bari show promise. Emerging therapies include simvastatin, afamelanotide, and metformin https://t.co/Rp2yYx6SyZ https://t.co/3RbDFVtJR5
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CMAJ reminds us that w/ parvovirus B19 infection, Arthropathy seen in ~60% of adolescents & adults, but the classic “slapped cheek rash” is uncommon. Symmetric, polyarticular inflamm arthralgias/itis affects PIPs, MCPS mostly. Sxs resolve w/in 3 wks. ~20% can last mos-yrs https://t.co/WXnuViSLbe
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
