The Week in Review: 5 February 2016
Dr. Cush reviews highlights from last week's news and research in rheumatology.
Blogs
It Took Me 30 Years to Learn This About Rheumatoid Arthritis
I’m alot better at RA in the last 10 years than I was when I started to practice 30 years ago. RA has not changed, but tools, knowledge and treatments have progressed admirably. Decades have taught me that many aspects of RA were wrongly taught, misunderstood or not apparent when I first started in rheumatology in 1984. Here are 10 things I've learned.
Patients Believe Lab Tests More Than Doctors
Patients believe that a lab result is a numeric true representation their biology and a pivotal arbiter of wellness, yet physicians often dismiss such results as hanging chads in a meaningless election. Why do patients believe their labs moreso than their doctor?
How to Handle Latex Allergies and Biologics
What to do when a patient has a latex allergy and you prescribe an injectable biologic (many having latex allergy as a contraintication)?
TIPS for Arthritis Travelers (Best of 2015: #3)
Travel can be challenging for arthritis patients. Here are some useful tips to travel smoothly and pain free.
5 Things To Know About Antimalarials for Lupus (Best of 2015: #5)
Here are five things every rheumatologist should know about antimalarial medications for lupus.
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 Things To Know About Antimalarials for Lupus
Here are five things every rheumatologist should know about antimalarial medications for lupus.
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?
Should Lupus Patients Receive Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines?
I have a 21 yr. old lupus nephritis patient on mycophenolate, hydroxychloroquine and prednisone 40 mg per day. She says both her current nephrologist and her prior pediatric rheumatologist told her NOT to get pneumococcal and flu vaccines. I thought she is supposed to get them - any comment?
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.
