RheumNow Podcast – Pandemic Numbers (4.3.20) Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news on COVID-19 and FDA actions this past week. Be sure to check out:

1. COVID-19 Town Hall for Rheumatologists
2. ID Specialist Dr. Jade Le answers questions about COVID - PPE, Masks, Package deliveries, Managing rheum Pts w/ suspicious Sxs, Testing and consulting ID. Watch here>>https://t.co/o79FJ8QhDY or listen on iTunes or here>> https://t.co/7kwcnAmqaA
3. RheumNow interviews Dr @philipcrobinson about the rapid growth/impact of the COVID-Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry & how you can join and enroll your rheum patients with suspected COVID. https://t.co/pOlm58QkZD or podcast here> https://t.co/G2otSrIG1U
4. The US deaths doubling time is 2.6 days. Which = 100,000 deaths by April 11th and 200,000 by April 14th (you're hearing underestimates) Unless something gives via flattening. Here's @BMcNoldy's updated best-fit. We all need to hope this shifts downward. Soon. https://t.co/T8MXpKeNhf
5. 3/29 There are 122,653 cases of COVID-19 in the US, with 2112 deaths. On CNN Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said there could be over 100,000 deaths and millions of people infected - but added "Dont hold me to that", this is "such a moving target." https://t.co/SfEJwo6GgS (as of 4/3/20 there are over 5000 deaths in the USA)
6. Here are my thoughts about the irrational use of HCQ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's hit pause, develop a rational strategy to study benefit, and prevent harm to people with rheumatic disease. Thanks to @alhkim @rheum_covid https://t.co/o1bBhJmCVu https://t.co/gWDQ0FUiWH
7. Should Rheum & Derm pts stop biological during #Covid_19? Likely not as a flare may put pts at risk of seeking medical attention or adding steroids. The #outbreak won’t be over for awhile. Ontario Rheum Assoc says take meds unless fever/SOB. J Article review @RheumNow @RheumInfo https://t.co/KDFAq482jt
8. Corona infections are trending down in China, with no new cases reported in Hubei province, for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday. https://t.co/aY0SHzxyoJ
9. Lilly's Taltz (ixekizumab) Receives U.S. FDA Approval for the Treatment of Pediatric Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis - https://t.co/kDbNqo2Pii
10. FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine (Zantac) from the Market - based on its investigation of the contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine; the impurity in ranitidine products increases over time, esp at higher temps https://t.co/BJxLDfpbtS
11. The FDA has approved the investigational use of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma - allowing clinicians to use as single-patient emergency Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) - Must apply w/ form 3926 https://t.co/2oYWEYiB4f
12. On 3/31/20 the FDA granted "emergency use authorization" for the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19, noting circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of these agents https://bit.ly/3aFH2Ia
13. FDA fact sheet for patients and parent/caregivers regarding the emergency use autorization (EUA) of hydroxychloroquine sulfate for the treatment of COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients  https://bit.ly/39KqRYZ
14. Be careful, QT prolongation is a known effect of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Could be worsened when used with azithromycin. Death and problems reported from France. https://t.co/sKekD9A8Yt
15. CDC: Impact of Underlying Health Conditions Among COVID-19 Patients  
16. Universal Masking for COVID?