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The Role of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Lupus Nephritis
In the U.S, lupus nephritis affects approximately 40–50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, contributing significantly to the morbidity and mortality of the affected individuals. However, significant differences in clinical approaches to lupus nephritis management still persist.
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Osteoporosis: Thinking outside the box
As rheumatologists, most of us manage osteoporosis in some form every single day. We have newer agents, newer sequencing strategies, and an increasing number of patients asking for “less medicinal” options that go beyond a prescription. At RWCS, Dr. Gina Woods opened her talk by reframing osteoporosis as a comprehensive approach to bone and muscle health rather than a narrow discussion about a DEXA report.
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Open-access Arthralgia Clinics
The early diagnosis in inflammatory arthritis (IA), particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hinges on efficient referral and screening of arthralgia patients.
Treat-to-Target and Cardiovascular Benefits in Gout
A new user cohort study of 109 504 gout patients, achieving a serum urate level less than 6 mg/dL, was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events.
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Missed #RheumNowLive 2026?
The full meeting is now available On Demand.
✔ 2 days of clinical updates
✔ Expert faculty panels
✔ Speaker slides
✔ Pre-learn modules
Watch anytime for $250.
Learn from the meeting that kicks off the year in rheumatology.
🔗 Access here: https://t.co/jRvmbf87cs
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Metanalysis of 8 articles, 2655 gout pts shows that ELEVATED neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; SMD: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.48–1.03) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR; SMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.24–0.79) showed significant value in predicting acute gout attacks https://t.co/RaArPdoc2s https://t.co/Qi2WDSPlde
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Open-label experience with upadacitinib in 27 Behcets pts (median 36 yrs) w/ median BDCAF 4 (2–7). At 6 mos overall response seen in 23/27 (85%) (16 CRs, 7 PRs) w/ signif reductions in BDCAF, CRP, ESR, & steroid dose by week 24. 3 pts relapsed during F/U https://t.co/VXkskVyWgT
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Treat-to-Target and Cardiovascular Benefits in Gout
A new user cohort study of 109 504 gout patients who achieved a serum urate level less than 6 mg/dL was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events.
https://t.co/SVT7C9vT1E https://t.co/frCn8MSk4n
Links:
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B cell Targeted CAR-T Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
The review by Qi Li and colleagues provides a comprehensive examination of the progression, clinical applications, challenges, and future directions of B-cell-targeted CAR-T therapy across multiple autoimmune conditions. https://t.co/09BnvVYfiZ
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Hydroxychloroquine Lowers SLE and RA Hospitalizations
A population-based study from British Columbia, Canada, shows that antimalarial adherence was associated with a lower risk of hospital admission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus https://t.co/YR8Zfw8pL6
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FDA has granted Fast Track designation to J&Js nipocalimab for use in #SLE based on the results of a Phase 2b JASMINE study in which nipocalimab demonstrated reduction in lupus disease activity and potential for steroid sparing https://t.co/puQN6ecScj https://t.co/au422eamLR
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Progress in GCA and Takayasu's Arteritis
Despite carefully planned taper schedules, about 75% of GCA patients remain on glucocorticoids after 4 years, and 74% experience side effects. In rheumatology, prolonged steroid use often leads to expected toxicity. https://t.co/l65ER5rGU8
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Retrospective, chart study of EGPA pts from 5 European countries (2015–2021). 381 pts classified as 36 prodromal; 220 eosinophilic; 125 vasculitic. Nearly half (185) were Rx w/ biologics. Vasculitic pts had most comorbiditie, clinical Sxs & hospitalisations. All on steroids and https://t.co/tgvjCFLHHj
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Observational study of 42 Mexican lupus nephritis pts on Immunosuppressives + Calcineurin Inhibitors (CNIs) @ 12 mos complete & partial responses seen in 26% & 36%, w/ signif reduction in proteinuria (2.89 vs 0.72 g/d, p < .001), & transient decrease in eGFR at 12 mo (109 vs 114) https://t.co/G70POtJwhS
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Retrospective study of 1553 IBD pts taking biologics or JAKi, w/ 5+ yrs of F/U, 6.8% developed MSK Sxs, with one-third subsequently Dx w/ SpA. HLA-B27 positivity (HR 3.7) and higher UC disease activity (HR 1.57) were associated with an increased risk of SpA. https://t.co/I2YSOLhkAb
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DERM on RheumNow PODCAST (February 2026)
The Derm on RheumNow podcast is a collection of Citations and Content curated for dermatologists – addressing Psoriasis, PsA, CLE, vasculitis, HS, and other CTD skin disorders. dermatology drugs, biologics, JAKs - their use, efficacy, https://t.co/1BPvxJrp7b
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SATISFACTION (2.27.2026)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.
https://t.co/IfbOUZV0dP https://t.co/nVxjdG8f26
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IL-23i fails in GCA? Small RCT of 53 GCA pts (age 71 yrs; 60% new; 40% relapsing GCA) 35 given Guselkumab vs 18 on PBO. Wk 28 GC free remission in 40% vs 33% (P .64), also w/ similar flare rates (31% v 39%). results didnt supportguselkumab use in GCA. https://t.co/AMTmiDBc94 https://t.co/KdWTX9K2Bo
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Diacerin, an IL-1β blocker, compared to placebo in a 262 pt RCT of knee pain, Knee #OA w/ inflammation. After 24 wks, 88% completed the trial & (vs PBO) diacerein did not improve knee pain (−19.9 vs −18.6 mm). 42% had AE/ GI Sxs were more w/ diacerein (42% vs 25% PBO https://t.co/QabS3xLN85
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CDC study of Death certificate data showed that btw 2018–2023, there were 14,936 #SLE deaths (43% w/ SLE as the underlying cause). Mortality rate per million: females 5.97 > males 1.16, blacks 10.7. Causes of death:heart disease (0.93), cancer (0.56), COVID-19 (0.51). https://t.co/qTe6O66wRO
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