The RheumNow Week in Review – 21 April 2017 Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com:

1. Long term followup of RA pts on Norfolk registry demonstrate better SURVIVAL when DMARDs are started early (<6 mos) https://t.co/Wy2OVFuw7l
2. How Pfizer makes most of its $52.8 billion in 2016 - Surprisingly most from Prevnar 13 at $5.7 bill/year! https://t.co/bSy2GjLlj9
3. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio useful in assessing SLE w/ lympho/leukopenia from Rx or SLE? High (>2) w/ Dz activity https://t.co/NrbQaQ2xtA
4. Acute Arthritis study shows ultrasound gout findings show sensitivity/specificity for 1) double contour 42/92%, 2) Intraarticular aggregates 58/92%, and 3) tophi 40/100.; all with a PPV 88-100% https://t.co/pf2T3JBAeU
5. In animal models, high fat, high carbohydrate diet (junk food) promotes cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. https://t.co/70KgIrzh74
6. Corrona study 1,567 PsA shows patients w/ dactylitis or enthesitis had more Dz activity, Pain, Fatigue, low work,HAQ https://t.co/2UcTOZKhYf
7. Osteoarthritis Initiative 4367 pts shows 15% w/ recurrent falls, increased by 22-25% w/ opioid or antidepressant use https://t.co/LiIEANObvj
8. Lyme disease hits 2016 record high in Maine; 1464 cases, up by 21% from 2015. Most increased Penobscot Co since 201… https://t.co/3LPj5wdisM
9. Data from OP/OA mtg in Italy says Knee Osteoarthritis is associated wth a 13% higher risk of developing hypertension (P=.03) https://t.co/pEKJH0R7wj
10. Norway population study shows self-reported dx of RA & AS highly inaccurate, 19% RA, 16% AS verified by hosp records https://t.co/zc2zIb1ZZY
11. FDA Delays Baricitinib Decision
12. The Cost of Not Taking Medicine
13. Anti-IL-23 Therapy Effective in Crohn's Disease
14. Paradoxical Toxicities with TNF Inhibitors