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PCR: Prevalence, Cost, & Risk (6.27.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from last week on RheumNow.com
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ARD's Impact Factor
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EULAR
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD) is the official journal of EULAR –The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology. An international peer-reviewed publication committed to promoting the highest standards of scientific exchange and education.
HLA-B27 Testing in Practice
A single center study shows HLA-B27 testing is often performed by both by rheumatologists and nonrheumatologists for a wide array of reasons and often along with other serologic tests. Optimal use of HLA-B27 testing has yet to be defined.
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A Review of Intracranial GCA
A comprehensive review in Rheumatology on intracranial giant cell arteritis (icGCA) stresses that GCA is both an intracranial and extracranial large vessel vasculitis, with the former having unique presentations, and outcomes.
FDA adds new warning for "myocarditis" to the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (prev mainly assoc w/ Moderna) - risk is 8 per 1 million people for those on 2023-2024 COVID shots, most common in males ages 12 to 24. Generally good outcomes seen. https://t.co/QZbTRaKGH1 https://t.co/1cAUw73eqF
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Jekyll and Hyde: which RA-ILD is it?
Dr. David Liew reports on abstract OP0329 presented at the EULAR 2025 meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
https://t.co/oH9nXaKRDz https://t.co/iUAJk2Q856
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Prospective KORAIL study of 138 RA pts w/ ILD on chest CT -60% had UIP ILD. After F/U of 2.9 yrs, 35% had RA-ILD progression. Baseline predictors of progression = UIP, ILD >10 %, DLCO %pred, CCP+, KL-6 levels, RA Dz activity. Useful to ID high-risk RA-ILD pts.
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Aortic aneurysms w/ GCA. TriNetX study of 7,294 Bx-proven GCA vs 265,948 controls w/ tension HA. GCA had signif higher 5-yr risk of aortic aneurysms (3.59%; aHR 1.98), including thoracic thoracoabdominal & abdominal. Carotid A stenosis also incr in GCA (aHR 1.59) https://t.co/15fwlHa0FG
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There's an App for That (and it works): the AXIA RCT
Dr. Aurelie Najm reports on abstract LB0002 presented at the EULAR 2025 meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
https://t.co/IRZ1L7BqLW https://t.co/Av2vVheShE
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JAMA Clinical Challenge - 34-yoF with Forearm Pain and Stiffness. 1 yr of progressive skin tightening over forearms, tibia, LOM of fingers & elbows. Denied DM, Raynauds. Worse after tennis, better w/ steroids. Increased ANA, eosinophils, CRP, aldolase - your Dx? https://t.co/ppuzIB4iRf
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What we need in very early arthritis
It's easy to think that in our current world that we've done it all for rheumatoid arthritis, that there's nothing left to be done after b/tsDMARDs have become relatively widespread and accessible. If we aren’t satisfied that we’ve done all https://t.co/v8T3JQwuhM
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Korean Health claims data study of 35,133 newly Dx, seropositive #RA pts (2011 to 2020) & 1,386 (3.9%) were Dx w/ new-onset stroke (CVA). Signif. lower risk of CVA w/ SSZ (aOR: 0.79) or HCQ (aOR: 0.83), but Increased risk w/ glucocorticoids (aOR: 1.71) & tocilizumab (aOR: 3.47) https://t.co/rPaj6cH74K
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Using Veterans Affairs data (2006 - 2020) on RA-ILD patients, a target emulation trial showed no difference in mortality or respiratory hospitalization comparing RA-ILD Rx w/ either RTX, abatacept, tocilizumab, tofacitinib. Does this mean? they Dont Work or the Do Work? https://t.co/MkQmKsE3WQ
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What would it take for JAKs to ROCK the boat?
JAK inhibitors have taken a beating over the last three years. The excitement and potential has been tempered by mounting cardiovascular safety concerns, but specifically in at-risk patients, compared to TNF inhibitors. https://t.co/tgfsU3uFVo
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post hoc MRI study from Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) of 210 knee OA pts (mean age 64) Rx w/ either IA corticosteroids or hyaluronate (HA). Bboth reduced pain post-injx (WOMAC -5.2 CS & -2.1 HA), CS had worse progression (cartilage, BM lesions, meniscus) vs controls & HA https://t.co/pbb1ePXob1
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Upcoming Lupus Nephritis Pipeline
1. Gazyva (obinutuzumab) – due for FDA/EMA decision
2. Saphnelo IV (anifrolumab) – now in Phase III (new indication for LN
3. Ianalumab SC (Dual-action B-cell inhibitor) – now in Phase III https://t.co/mTInV8JXzq https://t.co/3qg1FWzZRI
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Lichenoid rash vs SCLE? JAMA Dermatology case - 60yoM w/ https://t.co/xl11CwB1AJ problems & meds has pink-red papules (central hypopigmentation) on arms, chest, back (no fungus). Bx= lichenoid dermatitis. Rash worsened, red & annular; Dx now SCLE +ANA/Ro/La) from diltiazem. SCLE
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Promising role of Fc neonatal receptor blockade in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
During the Late-Breaking Abstract session at EULAR 2024, we learned about a novel mechanism of action therapy, nipocalimab in Sjogren’s disease (SjD).
https://t.co/5bjyaqTqSN https://t.co/i4mGMYfyNK
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National Psoriasis Found. Consensus Defines On-Treatment Remission in Plaque Psoriasis as 0% BSA and MD global=0 for at least 6 months while on treatment. For both clinical practice and clinical trials. https://t.co/QJg0ZIQ5Mv https://t.co/0FnbFcpXQB
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Survey shows only 1% of men are concerned about bone density; but 2 million men have osteoporosis, and 16 million men have osteopenia. https://t.co/DA4vSmj0vd? https://t.co/V4OChN022V
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