Anti-Rheumatic Rx

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com.

In difficult times, it's reassuring to reflect on the similarities that bring us together. In the case of the EULAR and ACR COVID19 guidelines as discussed at #EULAR2020 by Drs. Mikuls and Landewe, the recommendations from both panels proved to be reassuring with a hint of "we are flying blindly into the unknown."

A Lancet systematic review and meta-analysis provides the basis for physical distancing and the value of making as measures to prevent infection with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19. The analysis included 172 observational studies, no randomised controlled trials and 44 relevant comparative studies involving 25 697 patients. 

NEJM has reported that the use of hydroxychloroquine did not prevent symptomatic COVID-19 infection when used within 4 days after SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Currently for persons who are COVID exposed, the standard of care is quarantine and there is no known preventative therapy.

This week's Tuesday Nite Rheumatology featured Dr Jonathan Kay (U Mass) who gave an update on Biosimilars and took questions the subject. The program was moderated by Dr. Jack Cush.