A retrospective study of dermatomyositis (DM) patients with COVID-19, shows that DM patients without comorbidities fair well (with regard to mortality and hospitalisation).

Can we predict the bad outcomes? Like when ITP evolves into SLE; or when psoriasis will develop arthritis; or if Sjogren's will develop lymphoma? Let's dive in and review these journal reports and this past week's news from RheumNow.com.

In comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the CY 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program proposed rule, the American College of Rheumatology applauded proposals that would provide more flexibility and improve care coordination, while raising concerns about proposed cuts to reimbursement for critical services provided by rheumatologists and other cognitive specialists.

A phase 2 trial using litifilimab, a humanized monoclonal antibody binding to blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2), demonstrated clinical efficacy in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By targeting BDCA2 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells, researchers were able to suppresses type I interferon, thought to be instrumental in the pathogenesis of SLE.