Lancet Rheumatology has published the results of the TREAT EARLIER trial, showing the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis may be enhanced by risk stratification, particularly in anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-negative people with clinically suspect arthralgia.

University of Sydney research has found people over 65 are being prescribed antidepressants as pain treatment based on international guidelines that use limited evidence. The study found that in the last 40 years there have been only 15 trials globally focusing on the benefit of antidepressants for pain in older people. This study fills a much-needed gap in research by bringing together the information from these trials to look at the efficacy and harms of antidepressants for acute and chronic non-cancer pain in those over 65 years old.

A New York surveillance registry (Manhattan Lupus Surveillance Program) estimates higher rates of cardiovascular events (CVE) among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, especially amongst younger males, Hispanic/Latinos and non-Hispanic Black patients.

There are significant concerns about the safety of drug use during pregnancy and lactation, especially newer biologic agents. This is complicated by a lack of research. 

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) experts identified research suggesting that patient self-management is not a

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used in the treatment of pediatric inflammatory skin conditions, often for off-label indications. Consensus based recommendations were published to address 5 major subjects.

A network meta-analysis of pain outcomes in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) showed short-term success with calcitonin and NSAIDs in decreasing pain during activity, but long-term benefits were superior for teriparatide compared to bisphosphonates.

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week with a focus on fingers and better prescriptive follow through.

A new chapter may have begun in the exciting story of "immune reset" therapy for difficult-to-treat autoimmune diseases, with a patient with severe refractory lupus obtaining drug-free remission after treatment with an antibody product normally used in multiple myeloma.