NEJM has reviewed the common hematologic/immunologic finding of "monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance" (MGUS) - a common premalignant plasma-cell proliferative disorder found in approximately 5% of those over age of 50 years.
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
Not all difficult-to-treat RA will have rapid radiographic progression
A study of radiographic outcomes in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) and poly-refractory RA (pr-RA) show a subset in whom damage is rapid and in need of more aggressive therapy. https://t.co/WrwyeW5qsj
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
Systematic review of Still's Dz (240 articles, 95 sJIA, 134 AOSD, 23,136 pts); sJIA Dx by ILAR in 78% & AOSD used Yamaguchi criteria 98%. While clinical and lab findings were matched betw AOSD & sJIA, there was variability in MAS , outocmes & trajectory. Standarization needed
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
Optimizing DMARD Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
A phase IV trial from Spain demonstrates that optimization of therapy by lessening biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be feasible, with a low risk of flare.
https://t.co/37O3mAulGy https://t.co/y7OkkzRZUg
The NY Times has addressed the problem of osteoporosis in men noting a need for increased awareness and screening. Takeaways:
Analysis of a German psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients registry demonstrates sex-specific differences regarding clinical manifestation and treatment outcomes, especially with regard to drug discontinuations.
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
RheumNow is LIVE from #ACR25 Oct 24–29.
KOL perspective videos, clinical-trial highlights, daily recaps & live streaming—all in one feed. https://t.co/pPwJNOyEFU
The strong opioid painkiller, tramadol, is not that effective at easing chronic pain for which it’s widely prescribed, finds a pooled data analysis of the available research, published online in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.
A Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Systems study of older male veterans found benefits of a remote model of screening that significantly improved osteoporosis screening, treatment, and adherence compared with usual care, with high patient and clinician acceptance.
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
Associations in Rheumatology (10.3.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal reports and important associations in rheumatology from the past week on RheumNow.
https://t.co/pnLoquR4By https://t.co/PKJuxMGrZy
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
Prospective study of 62 lupus nephritis pts rx w/ induction therapy - MMF vs IV CYC x 6 mos followed by MMF for next 6 mos. At 1 year complete renal remission (CRR) seen in 77% MMF vs 29% CYC. https://t.co/wG2Qrn1PSU https://t.co/gP8XYO4q92
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
9 months 4 weeks ago
Ethnic Minority Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium registry study of 1315 RA pts (Dz duration 10yrs) incl 29% Blacks found Blacks in less remission(~2-fold by DAS28), more mod-hi dz activity, & frequently met active disease eligibility for RCTs. https://t.co/SfkVUB1GBz https://t.co/OwvmALHPFA
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
10 months ago
German survey of 124 AOSD pts - Dz duration 7 yrs (Dx delay 2 yrs), 2/3 on biologics, 84% responding, 81% inactive by CRP. MDs report 35% of pts Sx-free. More Patients report Persistent Sxs LBP (39.5%), fatigue/weakness (39%), & joint inflammation (27%). https://t.co/2FGUPrhB8H
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
10 months ago
Phase 3 RCT Cannabis sativa DKJ127 (VER-1) in 820 chronic low back pain (cLBP) pts. Primary endpt at wk 12 showed pain reduction of −1.9 NRS VER-01 vs −0.6 PBO (P < 0.001). Pain further decreased to −2.9 w/ 6 mos OL Rx. VER-1 was well tolerated. No addiction https://t.co/IeCV8tU2WR
Dr. John Cush RheumNow
10 months ago
Systematic review of obesity management meds - 56 RCTs (60,307 pts). All OMMs were better at total weight loss than PBO (P < 0.0001), >10% semaglutide & tirzepatide (both effective at NIDDM CHF). Semaglutide effective reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis https://t.co/nbdZfBDukE
