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135 pts w/ neurologic autoimmune dz (MS, GBS, myasthenia gravis) who had cancer & Rx w/ checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) showed exacerbations in SOME - 18% of MS pts, but 67%of MG, latter often w/ hospitalization (50%) or death (17%). GBS faired well w/ ICI Rx. https://t.co/RksC6QXce0 https://t.co/mYjzgxbcdQ
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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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)
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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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)
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/oqDDVPGbh7
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
135 pts w/ neurologic autoimmune dz (MS, GBS, myasthenia gravis) who had cancer & Rx w/ checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) showed exacerbations in SOME - 18% of MS pts, but 67%of MG, latter often w/ hospitalization (50%) or death (17%). GBS faired well w/ ICI Rx. https://t.co/RksC6QXce0 https://t.co/HbwYDVrIAt
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/90e1TYxGoW
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Psychological Bulletin has published that invalidating (gaslighting) pts Sxs can have harmful consequences. Includes pts dx w/ Ehlers-Danlos, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, POTS, Gulf War, IBS, long Covid, multiple chemical sensitivity, SLE, and vulvodynia.
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Sacroiliitis is a rare adverse reaction of isotretinoin. Review of 67 pts finds median age 21 yrs, onset median 2.5 mos (0-24) post isotretinoin. Sxs: LBP 70%) & hip pain 45%. Dx by MRI (73%) w BME. Full recovery 81% isoretinoin D/C & NSAIDs (< 10% biologics)
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Review of ARF & Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) following Group A strept infxn. Early Dx & Rx of Strept can prevent ARF & PSRA. PSRA is a sterile arthritis, bimodal age onset, lower extrem arthritis, usually resolves without lasting sequelae https://t.co/ld208yf0Zk
Links:
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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/d3WA3CRFRC
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Save the date! RheumNow will be at EULAR '25 June 11-14. https://t.co/J0dq4PWf6q
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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/2SuL5igcnz
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Environmental and Geographic Risks for SLE
Dr. Karen Costenbader, a rheumatologist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, discusses environmental and geographic risks for systemic lupus.
https://t.co/UDMgB8f0WZ https://t.co/ec5S5wGr9C
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
