The RheumNow Week in Review – Methotrexate CIRT Study (5.25.18) Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews this past week's news from RheumNow.com - the risk of Cutaneous and Systemic LE, increasing flu vaccination, higher risk of VTE, MPO predictions, new drug for GIOP and CIRT - MTX in cardiovascular risk patients.

1. Population study in Denmark shows the incidence of cutaneous LE to be 2.74/100,000 with a female:male ratio of 4:1 - the 10 year risk of these subsequently developing a dx of SLE was 12.9% (highest in women & SCLE pts) http://bit.ly/2IGoPQB
2. Registry of 509 women with SLE had 719 children showed that compared to matched controls, children born to mothers with SLE had No greater risk of a systemic rheumatic autoimmune diagnoses. http://bit.ly/2GO37V0
3. NEJM study of 1945 Kawasakis pts with >60% of pts < 4 months of age having onset in summer and fall in more. but > 60% of thos over 83 months had onset in winter and spring https://t.co/HAG9ZvQy8A
4. Sandoz announces the approval of its infliximab biosimilarZessly (infliximab) by the European Commission. It is approved for use in RA, , adult & pediatric Crohn’s, adult & pediatric ulcerative colitis, AS, PsA and plaque psoriasis https://t.co/V0PJHbeLSp
5. Not all that clear what is the best PFT for pts w/ Scleroderma Lung Disease, Some prefer the FVC, while others advocate for the DLCO or TLC. Do all 3! https://t.co/xNkpgGiYsv
6. >50% of RA pts fail to receive influenza vaccination (highest in Younger, infrequent visits, Hi ESR, negative vaccine views). The problem was cut in half by using a multimodal intervention (education, EMR alerts, weekly provider-e-mail reminders) https://t.co/H8BxrLVAri
7. Study of 85 RA patients demonstrates a prothrombotic tendency that is predicted by those with higher DAS-28, CRP, and platelet counts. https://t.co/wqU8XNzIDK
8. Based on the recommendation of the Data Monitoring Committee, Regeneron has halted its phase III trial of fasinumab (anti- Nerve Growth Factor mAb), in OA pts w/ knee, hip or low back pain. https://t.co/ZwyjJbNzjm
9. Paul Ridker, MD announced the NIH stopped enrolling the CIRT trial; MTX vs PBO in high risk (non-RA) pts looking at CV outcomes. DSMB rec. stopping after 4,786/7000 enrolled, not for safety, but because of enough efficacy data. Look for results in 11/18 https://t.co/n4PGybItkS
10. RA pts have a 2 fold risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. High titer CCP levels assoc. w/ lower BMD and lean body mass assoc w/ higher BMD https://t.co/3cxPaiNIn6
11. FDA Approves Denosumab for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis 
12. MPO Antibodies Predict Relapses in MPO-ANCA-Associated Vasculitis