Baricitinib’s COVID-19 Efficacy in the RECOVERY Trial
Pre-print results of the RECOVERY Trial has shown that when baricitinib (BAR) is given to hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients, it results in significantly less mortality.
Tocilizumab Works Best in Non-Mechanical Ventilated COVID-19 Patients
JAMA has published a meta-analysis of 15 studies of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 treated with tocilizumab and corticosteroids, showing that a clinically meaningful mortality benefit from tocilizumab (and steroids) was best seen in those not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).
Downside of Holding Methotrexate with COVID-19 Vaccination
A recent prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial has shown that a 2 week hold of methotrexate (MTX) following COVID-19 (Sinovac-CoronaVac) vaccination resulted in greater anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity; but there was an increase in flare rates after the second dose of vaccine.
MMWR - NFL Study on When to Be Released if COVID(+)
MMWR has reported the results of the National Football Leagues (NFL) change in SARS-CoV-2 testing program that went into effect in December 2021, at the height of the Omicron variant surge, showing that among those with asymptomatic infection, only half were PCR test negative and could return to
Diagnostic Delay in Axial Spondyloarthritis (2.25.2022)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week, rheumatologic problems incited by respiratory infections, air pollution and how you live, now where you live.
Low COVID-19 Vaccine Risks in Rheumatic Patients
Data from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Coronavirus Vaccine registry shows that patients with with inflammatory or noninflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease have similar adverse event rates as the general public.
Hand OA and Heroes in Rheumatology (2.11.2022)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week in RheumNow.com. Interesting reports this week about dementia, who gets hand OA and a great list of women Heroes and Pillars of Rheumatology.
Recommendations on Telemedicine in Rheumatology
The integration of Telemedicine in to rheumatologic care was ignited by pandemic restrictions in early 2020 and since the advantages and disadvantages have been debated.
An Ounce of Prevention (2.4.2022)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. He discusses the GI side effects of IL-17 inhibitors, downstream revenues from rheumatology care and dietary prevention of gout.
ACR Newly Revised COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Guidance for RMD Patients
ACR
The ACR has updated its clinical guidance for the use of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSK).
Summary of Guidance documents and versions
The Last Word on JAK Inhibitor Safety & 1133 Study (1.28.2022)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week a trifecta of Gout reports and the last word on the ORAL Surveillance study...
MMWR: Booster Vaccine Efficacy in Immunosuppressed Patients
CDC/MMWR
For adults aged ≥18 years who received 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, a third dose increased vaccine effectiveness (prevention of hospitalization) among adults without (82% to 97%) and with immunocompromising conditions (69% to 88%), with near similar efficacy.
Social
Reflections on COVID-19 and autoimmunity: post-vaccination autoimmunity is not specific to COVID-19, autoimmunity is not autoimmune disease, the large numbers may result in the perception of increased occurrence of autoimmunity, Schulze-Koops H, COVID-19, #EULAR2023 @RheumNow https://t.co/Rm9OEWrBzo
Dr. Antoni Chan @synovialjoints ( View Tweet )
1 year 10 months ago
Factors related to having a flare of arthritis during COVID-19 include female gender, higher disease activity, no DMARD at time of vaccination. Stopping DMARDs need to be weighed up against risk of flares, Pedro Machado, COVID-19 #EULAR2023 @RheumNow https://t.co/3sd32tF2kW
Dr. Antoni Chan @synovialjoints ( View Tweet )
1 year 10 months ago
Lit review of 2236 articles found only 28 w/ Post-COVID autoimmune Dx (64% F; age 51 yrs) - that included 11 (39) IIM (w/ 4 DM); 7 (25%) SLE; 4 (14%) anti-synthetase syndrome; 4 (14%) SSc; 1 lupus/MCTD overlap. Mean onset 23.7 d post COVID https://t.co/jtRaqIBGH1 https://t.co/WilcRFNAL9
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
1 year 11 months ago
in 2022 COVID slid from the #3 to the #4 cause of death in USA, accounting for nearly a quarter million deaths, a 47 percent decrease from the 462,193 Covid-related deaths in 2021. Most COVID deaths occured in the first few mos of 2022 https://t.co/qervCp0P87 https://t.co/WN7DvsFhNC
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
1 year 11 months ago
COVID had a significant effect on mental health of inflammatory rheumatic Dz (IRDs) pts. UK NHS survey of 639 IRD (70% RA, 16% PsA) saw 40% w/ mod/severe pandemic impact on physical & mental health; 29% w/ depression, 22% anxiety; affecting Women>males https://t.co/kcAwa2Lks2 https://t.co/R6tk2aOrGQ
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
2 years ago
Industry Payments to Rheums Dropped During COVID
Having their clinics shut down and patients staying away during the COVID-19 pandemic was bad enough for physicians' finances, but now a new study finds that payments from industry dried up as well.
https://t.co/jsxw23tTyY https://t.co/5PiaRpiSa4
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
2 years ago
Anakinra Phase 2/3 study in severe hosp. COVID-19 pts (5/20-3/21) w/ pneumonia & hyperinflammation (incr levels IL-6, ferritin, CRP, LDH). 179 pt Rx w/ ANA or SOC - d15 need for Mech ventilation was 77% ANAK v 86% SoC (NS; RR 0.90; 0.77-1.04) https://t.co/CFcI1qTsU2 https://t.co/wAj4pHN5Dh
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
2 years ago
Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir) should be used w/in 5d of COVID Sxs onset. Drug interactions include: steroids, anticoagulants (Eliquis, Xarelto, warfarin), Flomax, Calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines. https://t.co/VZpS1z3OGR https://t.co/hR6JAJ3BBO
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
2 years ago
Autoimmune-Rheum Dz (AIRD) flares occur in 10% w/ COVID vaccination, esp in pts w/ comorbidities, autoimmune morbidities & mental health disorders & Moderna vaccine. 3453 AIRD pts who recv Vax 9.5-11.3% had clinical flares (Arthritis 62% & fatigue 59%) https://t.co/C0WA2Znixl https://t.co/vXzL8XR7kd
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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
2 years ago
Autoimmune-Rheum Dz (AIRD) flares occur in 10% w/ COVID vaccination, esp in pts w/ comorbidities, autoimmune morbidities & mental health disorders & Moderna vaccine. 3453 AIRD pts who recv Vax 9.5-11.3% had clinical flares (Arthritis 62% & fatigue 59%) https://t.co/RCtQnA9vc9 https://t.co/G5cXukkpUB
Links:
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet )
2 years ago
