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Infectious Risk with B Cell Therapies in Lupus
A UK registry study of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients showed that treatment with rituximab or belimumab was not associated with a greater risk of serious infection, when compared to standard of care therapy.
Read ArticleRNase Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders
U1RNP complex, Ro/SSA and La/SSB are major RNA-containing autoantigens associated with autoimmune disorders. Immune complexes (ICs) composed of RNA-containing autoantigens and autoantibodies are suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of some systemic autoimmune diseases.
Read ArticleHold the Methotrexate for One Week
In 2018, Park et al showed optimal responses to influenza vaccination in RA patients was best achieved by holding methotrexate for 2 weeks following immunization, with improved humoral responses. Now, a followup trial suggests that equivalent results are had by holding MTX for only 1 week with the "flu" vaccine.
Read ArticleSLE and Pregnancy Outcomes
Obstetric complications and poor pregnancy outcomes are not uncommon in women with SLE, especially with active disease. A large Spanish cohort trials shows that term pregnancy is more likely before the diagnosis of SLE and that poorer pregnancy outcomes were associated with antibody positivity to anticardiolipin IgG and anti-beta-2- glycoprotein IgG/IgM, but not lupus anticoagulant.
Read ArticleAnti-Drug Antibodies with Biologics (7.14.2023)
Dr. Jack Cush Reviews the news and journal reports on CVA, TKA, PJP, ADA, and more!
Read ArticlePegloticase Plus Methotrexate in Refractory Gout - MIRROR Study 12 mos. Results
The 12-month safety and efficacy of pegloticase + methotrexate (MTX) in the MIRROR trial shows continued efficacy and tophi resolution after 12 months of therapy.
Read ArticleICYMI: New Laboratory Insights for the ANA+ Consult
A new study suggests that use of ELISA assays for CXCL-10 and IFN-α can predict which ANA+ individuals may progress to developing a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD).
Read ArticleWhat is Colchicine Worth? (6.23.2023)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week a new colchicine FDA approval, rising rate of IgG4 related disease and what's the safest biologic?
Read ArticleCancer Risk From RA, Not the Drugs
While it is known that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may be at risk for certain cancers, the question is which cancers and is this modified by therapy.
Read ArticleAbatacept Safety Outcomes Across 7 European Registries
A multinational registry analysis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving abatacept (ABA) has shown that the safety profile of ABA remains unchanged with no new or increased risks of infection or malignancy.
Read ArticleBiosimilars Match Biologic Originators in Rheumatoid Arthritis
A systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open has shown that biosimilars of adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept were associated with clinically equivalent treatment effects compared with their reference biologics for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Read ArticleEULAR 2023 Notes from Milan (6.09.2023)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlight abstracts and sessions - covering lupus, RA, gout, Still's disease, safety data, AI in medicine and more - from last week's EULAR 2023 Congress held in Milan, Italy.
Read ArticleLupus Landmark Study to Accelerate Personalized Lupus Treatments
The Lupus Research Alliance and its clinical research affiliate Lupus Therapeutics today announced the launch of the Lupus Landmark Study, a groundbreaking observational research study to accelerate the development of personalized treatments for people living with lupus.
Read ArticleAllergic Drug-Induced Arthritis (5.19.2023)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. This week we delve into some odd associations, repeat drug warnings and the consequences of antirheumatic therapies.
Read ArticlePeresolimab's Potential in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Peresolimab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that acts as a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) agonist (stimulator). The NEJM reports that PER met its efficacy primary endpont in treating patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Read ArticleB-Cell Stimulating Factors Tied to Lymphoma in Sjogren's
Genetic blood tests indicated that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and a cytokine called APRIL were overexpressed in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome who subsequently developed lymphoma, French researchers reported, suggesting that BTK inhibitors might be useful in this population.
Read ArticleOne in Ten has Autoimmune Disease
A UK population-based study suggests that autoimmune diseases affect approximately one in ten individuals.
Read ArticlePrevalence and Mortality of IgG4-related disease in the USA
A current review of the epidemiology of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in the USA shows a low prevalence with possibly increasing numbers, owing to increasing awareness of this unique immune-mediated condition.
Read ArticlePJP Prophylaxis Needed with Steroids and Rituximab
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) can be a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients. The 2023 EULAR Vasculitis guidelines recommends primary prophylaxis with antibiotics, especially in rheumatic disease patients receiving rituximab (RTX).
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