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Review of Herpes Zoster with Immunosuppression and Autoimmune Disease
Researchers from the University of British Columbia reported on their systematic review and meta-analysis of risk of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients receiving biologics, DMARDs and/or corticosteroids for autoimmune diseases.
Read ArticleLow-Molecular Weight Heparin Does Not Reduce Pregnancy Complications
A Lancet meta-analysis has reviewed the preventative effects of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on placenta-mediated pregnancy complications include pre-eclampsia, late pregnancy loss, placental abruption, and birth of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate.
Read ArticleEffective Interferon-Free Regimen for HCV-Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
Rheumatologists have been challenged to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced rheumatic disease since discovery of the virus in 1989.
Read ArticleMichelle Petri Reviews New Therapies for Lupus
In this video, Michelle Petri, MD, director of the Hopkins Lupus Center at Johns Hopkins University, discusses recent successes and challenges in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, with clinical trials results ranging from "wildly positive" to "completely negative."
Read ArticleMy Take on New Ocular Screening Guidelines for Plaquenil
A recent article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology presented new recommendations for screening of patients being managed with hydroxychloroquine that changed the previous monitoring paradigm. More importantly, it has repositioned hydroxychloroquine from one of the safest medications that rheumatologists use to a drug that can have potentially significant ocular morbidity (if used in doses greater than 5 mg per kilogram and or for prolonged periods of time).
Necrotizing Myopathy is a Unique Form of Myositis
Muscle involvement in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) was more extensive compared with other inflammatory myopathies, according to a retrospective chart review.
Read ArticleLupus Nephritis Therapies Reviewed
Singh and colleagues have published a systematic review and Bayesian network metaanalyses of clinical trials of immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids in patients with lupus nephriti.
The Arthritis Spectrum after Lyme Infection - Something New
Symptoms attributed to chronic Lyme disease are the bane of a rheumatologist’s existence. We often see patients referred for a variety of nonspecific complaints that do not resolve after antibiotic therapy, including the so-called post-Lyme disease syndrome.
Read ArticleRheumNow Week in Review – 30 September 2016
Three new FDA approvals, proteomics, cancer, infectious risk, nonadherence and disappointing clinical trial results covered in this RheumNow Week in Review.
Read ArticleNo Difference in Infection Rates Among SLE Drugs
Rates of serious infection and mortality among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) did not depend on the immunosuppressive drug regimen they were on, investigators reported.
Read ArticleIlaris Gets FDA Approval for Rare Febrile Disorders
Ilaris was previously approved for use in systemic JIA and CAPS. The FDA has expanded this to include TRAPS, Hyper-IgD and FMF based on clinical trials.
Read ArticleThe Immunodeficiency and Autoimmunity Relationship
The world of PID (Primary immunodeficiency diseases) has changed remarkably over the past 5 years.
Read ArticleLupus Patients at Higher Risk for Heart Failure
Although cardiovascular disease and complications have been well-described in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the association between SLE and heart failure (HF) remains undefined.
Read ArticleThe RheumNow Week in Review – 9 September 2016
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com, including IBD/TNFi and cancer risk, fracture nonunion, PMR worse in women, not treating asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and shingles followed by stroke.
Read ArticleShingles Plus Autoimmune Disease Hikes Stroke Risk
Patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases who develop herpes zoster are at increased risk of stroke for the subsequent 3 months, with risks diminishing thereafter, analysis of Medicare data showed.
Read ArticleHMGB1 as a Biomarker for Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding protein that functions as a structural co-factor. HMGB1 is actively secreted by macrophage/monocytes via inflammatory stimuli and is elaborated during apoptosis.
Read ArticleNailfold Capillaroscopy Excludes Scleroderma in Raynaud’s
Nailfold capillaroscopy test had impressive 90% negative predictive value for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Read ArticleRheumNow Week in Review – 19 August 2016
Dr. Cush reviews the RheumNow.com highlights in rheumatology for the week ending 19 August 2016.
Read ArticleAutoimmune Disease as Harbinger of Myelodysplasia
Myelodysplastic syndrome may infrequently present with inflammatory or autoimmune symptoms. This literature review shows a variety of presentations and treatment options for such patients.
Read ArticleRheumatologists May be Unaware of New Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy Monitoring Guidelines
Rheumatologists are well-acquainted with the rules for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy screening: A) annual visits to the ophthalmologist and B) maintain HCQ doses at less than 6.5 mg/kg to avoid retinopathy.
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