How Online Searches Reveal Patient Needs

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Managing health conditions is rapidly evolving as patients increasingly turn to online resources for answers—over 65% search for health-related questions online. Our study analyzed Google search trends for rheumatic disease topics, offering a fascinating glimpse into how online search behavior can reveal patient needs and experiences. This approach, known as "infodemiology," tracks real-time Google Trends data to understand symptom- and treatment-related searches for rheumatic conditions.

A Polygenic Model for Still's Disease

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Diagnosis and Management of Kawasaki Disease

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The journal Circulation has published a comprehensive overview called “Update on Diagnosis and Management of Kawasaki Disease,” summarizing data published since the 2017 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on Kawasaki Disease related to diagnostic criteria, risk scores and treatment options for children and adults with this condition.

No Increase in Cardiovascular Events with JAK Inhibitors in IBD Patients

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UMKC researchers have compared the use of JAK inhibitors versus tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, but failed to see an increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in JAKi vs TNFi use in IBD.

Weight Loss from Anti-Obesity Medications Prevents Gout

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A population based study looked at the effect of the weight loss drug, Orlistat, in obese individuals. Compared to those untreated, orlistat over 1 year was associated with significant weight loss and significantly lower risks of incident gout and recurrent gout flares among overweight or obese people.

Early RA Journey - Patient Perspectives and Uncertainties

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Canadian early RA (ERA) patients were interviewd to depict their perspectives from onset and diagnosis to referral and care. This report highlights the importance of patient pain and primary care physician (PCP) intake and referral. PCP and HCP delays in referral to a specialist still exist.

Biosimilar Slow Growth in USA

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A recent Forbes article, "Biosimilars Are Making Inroads In U.S., But It’s Still A Bumpy Ride", reviews the current state and reasons for slowish uptake of these significant cost-savings alternatives to biologic therapy in treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. The following are takeaway bullets from this informative article.

Gut microbiome changes linked to onset of RA

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Changes in the make-up of the gut microbiome are linked to the onset of clinically evident rheumatoid arthritis in those at risk of the disease because of genetic, environmental, or immunological factors, suggests research published online in the 

Genes Linking Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease affecting an estimated 17 million people worldwide. The disease is caused by immune cells attacking the joints and can result in pain, swelling, and damage to the cartilage and bone.

COVID-19 and Long-Term Risk of Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Disorders

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A Korean population based study found that people infected with COVID-19, especially severe COVID-19, had an increased risk of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders.

Long Covid Defined

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The National Academy of Medicine and New England Journal of Medicine have published a comprehensive definition of "long COVID".

Advances in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis

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Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, progressive liver disease caused by immune system dysregulation that targets the liver. If untreated, AIH can lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis and liver failure. 

EULAR Review of Lifestyle Improvements for Rheumatic Patients

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A EULAR taskforce has evaluated the effect of lifestyle behaviors in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and concluded that there is moderate evidence for a small benefit for certain dietary components, but overall, high-level evidence regarding dietary exposures on outcomes in RMDs is lacking.

Weight Loss Drugs and the Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass

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A recent commentary published in The Lancet journal highlights the critical importance of skeletal muscle mass in the context of medically induced weight loss, particularly with the widespread use o