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Treat-to-Target a Bust with Rheumatologists
Treat-to-target strategy is widely advocated as an important means of optimizing treatment responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Even though T2T is encouraged by most guidelines, a current report shows that US Rheumatologists fail to implement T2T in their daily practice.
Read ArticleIt's Rheumatoid Arthritis, not the TNF inhibitor, that Drives Lymphoma Risk
Evidence from multiple studies suggests there is an increased risk of lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is believed to be linked to the cumulative activity of the disease.
Read ArticleTherapeutic Update: 5 Questions on FDA Hearing for Tofacitinib in PsA
In this Therapeutic Update, Drs. Mease, Gibofsky and Cush answer five questions regarding the August 3rd FDA Arthritis Advisory Committee meeting that reviewed the potential approval of tofacitinib (Xeljanz) in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The panel was nearly unanimous (10-1) in favor of the efficacy and safety profile of of tofacitinib, and similarly voted 10-1 to approve this drug for use in PsA. Final decisions on these recommendations from the AAC panel will be made at a later date by the FDA.
Read ArticleThe Unregulated $37 Billion Supplement Industry
In 1994 there were 600 supplement companies, producing 4,000 OTC supplement products for a total revenue of about $4 billion. Today we have close to 6,000 companies, producting nearly 75,000 supplement products, bringing in $37 billion annually.
Read ArticlePegloticase Infusion Reactions Largely Seen in Non-Responders
The introduction of intravenous pegloticase (PEG) in 2010 was felt by many to be a major advance in the treatment of patients with severe, refractory tophaceous gout. But for some, concerns over infusion reactions and safety have limited its use.
Read ArticleThe RheumNow Week in Review – 18 August 2017
The RheumNow Week in Review discusses the past week's news, journal articles and highlights from RheumNow.com.
Read ArticleHow Much Testing is Enough?
I saw a patient this past week with new onset polyarthralgia, which led me to ponder how my fellow rheumatologists would utilize laboratory testing in such a patient.
Read ArticleNo Evidence to Support Use of Gabapentinoids in Low Back Pain
Management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) is often complex, requiring multiple modalities and meds to control pain. An analysis of studies shows that Gabapentinoids, including pregabalin and gabapentin, have little to no benefits but significant risk of adverse effects.
Read ArticleMarijuana Has Little Effect on Most Types of Pain
Cannabis has become a regulated product, and many states have made it available with the intent of treating a variety of medical disorders, including chronic pain. A metanalysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that while cannabis may help neuropathic pain, it is not proven to benefit other types of chronic pain.
Read ArticleDuration of Azathioprine Maintenance in AAV Does Not Alter Relapse Rates
A European multicentre study examined whether the duration of azathioprine (AZA) maintenance therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients would influence the relapse rate during long-term follow-up.
Read ArticleUveitis Events Reduced with Select TNF Inhibitors
Uveitis may occur in up to 40% of spondyloarthritis patients. Metanalyses have shown that treatment with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor may reduce the rates of anterior uveitis. A multicenter study from Sweden and Norway has confirmed that amongst TNFi, adalimumab and infliximab offer better protection against AU than etanercept.
Read ArticleKids with Crohn's have Profound MSK Deficits - but No Increase in Fractures
Crohn’s disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, is also known for its propensity to affect the musculoskeletal system.
Read ArticleThe RheumNow Week in Review – 11 August 2017
The RheumNow Week in Review caps the week's news every Friday. Dr Jack Cush reviews the news, journal reports and important events from the past week in rheumatology.
Read ArticleCriteria for Early Referrals from Primary Care
Early diagnosis and early intervention has been the mantra of all who manage musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases for decades. While the rules for referral may be clear to some, the lack of uniformity and promotion amongst primary care providers is less certain.
Read ArticleJIA Worsens Quality of Life Long into Adulthood
Adult patients with a history of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) showed poorer health-related quality of life decades later, compared with individuals who were healthy as children -- even if they were in clinical remission, reported researchers in Norway.
Read ArticleMycophenolate and Steroids in Neuropsychiatric Lupus
Beyond diagnosis, management of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) can be challenging. Moreover, there are scant studies addressing optimal management. In this issue of Clinical Rheumatology, researchers show the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and deflazacort in NPSLE.
Read ArticleTherapeutic Update: 5 Questions on Sirukumab FDA Hearing
Drs. Cush and Gibofsky answer 5 questions about the August 2, 2017 FDA Arthritis Advisory Committee meeting that reviewed the NDA for sirukumab use in rheumatoid arthritis. The panel voted against (1-12) the approval of sirukumab.
Read ArticleFDA Arthritis Advisory Panel Endorses Tofacitinib Approval for Psoriatic Arthritis
On Thursday, August 3, the FDA Arthritis Advisory Committee (AAC) met to consider tofacitinib for use in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The panel voted 10-1 in favor of approval.
Read ArticleThe RheumNow Week in Review – 4 August 2017
Dr. Jack Cush reviews new FDA decisions on sirukumab and tofacitinib as well as other news items from the past week on RheumNow.com.
Read ArticleArthritis Advisory Panel Votes Down Sirukumab
On Wednesday, August 2, the FDA convened the Arthritis Advisory Committee (AAC) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Janssen’s anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody, sirukumab.
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