2015 Rheumatology Year in Review
Was 2015 a good year for psoriasis, IL-17, biosimilars, narcotics, the ACR and gout? Our year end review discusses the most impactful news and research from the last 12 months.
Blogs
11 Pearls for Pregnancy Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Best of 2015: #6)
Rheumatoid arthritis affects women in their child-bearing years and many will face the issue of pregnancy and RA management at some point. Here are11 considerations for those managing RA patients who wish to become pregnant.
5 Mistakes When Diagnosing Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (Best of 2015: #10)
Adult-onset Still's posses a interestng and diagnostic challeng when encountered. Here are 5 tips to improve your diagnostic acumen for this febrile disorder.
The Born Again Rheumatoid
While there are currently 9 biologic agents approved and marketed for the treatment of RA, and although each has a valued place in our arsenal, I would propose none has been as influential or dramatic as TNF inhibitors. The “born again” rheumatoid feeling is not well captured by any of the usual metrics or measures. It’s not found in the HAQ, DAS28, SF36 (either mental or physical), fatigue score, or any lab parameter. I believe it’s best described by my patient RH who wrote me a letter soon after starting etanercept.
Tried-and-True or Something New?
While decades of drug development have improved treatment options, some of our older drugs are harder to improve upon. The same can be said for old movies and new movies, or classic literature and current best sellers. Which do you prefer or rely on?
The Best Kind of Arthritis …..Revisited
A reprise of a prior blog on the "best kinds of arthritis" to have. This time with more commentary and good news.
Drug Safety Risk Communication: The 800 lb Gorilla Approach
Discussions on drug safety can be as treacherous as quicksand for the patient and physician. What the physician knows and what the patient perceives may not be in sync.
Hydrocodone: Then and Now
Today marks the one year anniversary of hydrocodone becoming a schedule II drug with more restrictive access. Has life been better under these new rules?
A Winning Season*
Winning is everything – in football and in medicine. Rheumatologists have achieved many successes but still struggle to win against a handful of rheumatic foes. This retrospective examines past wins and losses and helps us to look ahead to a new season.
Severe RA and Coccidioidomycosis
RA patient complicated by invasive fungal infection with coccidioidomycosis is discussed by Drs. Tesser and Cush
11 Pearls for Pregnancy Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects women in their child-bearing years and many will face the issue of pregnancy and RA management at some point. Here are11 considerations for those managing RA patients who wish to become pregnant.
Better Zoster Vaccine Options on the Horizon
The prevention of Herpes zoster infections can be challenging in patients receiving immunosuppressives or biologic therapies. Dr. Artie Kavanugh reviews a new, potential advance in vaccination for shingles.