Preprint analyses of RCTs and 11 nonRCTs showed JAK-inhibitor use in COVID-19 reduced mortality (OR 0.12; 0.03-0.39) & ICU admission (OR 0.05; 0.01-0.26). Similarly Type I interferon Rx also significantly reduced mortality (OR, 0.19; 0.04-0.85, p=0.03) https://t.co/NqKCGzcfwF

Diabetes is a risk factor for COVID mortality; yet Metformin dramatically lowers mortality in a preprint, unreviewed paper - retrospective EHR review of 25,326 subjects COVID tested at UAB; metformin signif reduced mortality risk in DM w/ COVID (OR 0.33) https://t.co/DvZ4b3al1Y

NJ study of 764 ICU COVID-19 pts, 210 (27%) received tocilizumab. TCZ treated patients had a lower death rate (49% vs 61%) (HR 0·64, 95% CI 0·47–0·87; p=0·004). Similar results seen in those requiring mechanical vent. or CRP >15 mg/dL https://t.co/idZTDunG1a

RheumNow Podcast - The SARS-CoV-2 Update (8-14-20) Dr. Jack Cush highlights the latest numbers on COVID-19 and its impact on Rheumatic Patients. Also, Top 4 best sellers, new take on NR-Ax-SpA & enthesitis https://t.co/IJAHGynSNd

The RheumNow Podcast is up: The SARS-CoV-2 Update with info on enthesitis, nr-Ax-SpA, UAB, Blockbuster Rheum Drugs and use of ACE inhibitors. Watch it here> https://t.co/1WUZQJajgW or podcast listen here>> https://t.co/IJAHGynSNd

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Health Care Personnel in NYC - 46 117 were tested. Overall 13.7% were seropositive. For PCR-positive HCP, 93.5% were also seropositive; PCR-negative HCP 89.7% were also seronegative. https://t.co/ZjzQUK6jmW

3 pts w/ myasthenia gravis occurring after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), all were AChR antibody–positive. MG Sxs begain within 5 to 7 days after fever onset. They postulate neurologic damage from COVID may have autoimmune mechanisms https://t.co/YSy0SYoSmL

Ann Int Med reports that the use of ACE inhbitors or ARB use is not associated with more severe COVID-19 disease (High-certainty evidence), and these meds are not associated w/ pos. SARS-CoV-2 tests- based on observational studies w/ 23565 COVID-19 adults https://t.co/px0rMH1Pjz

COVID Testing study of 3046 NY Hospital employees (56% Ab testing, 20% RT-PCR, 12% both); found (9.8%) who tested positive for antibodies; Thus SARS-CoV-2 infection among Hospital workers is lower than that reported for the general public. PPE WORKS!

Virtual Video Joint Exam Pearl #5: Its easier to see gouty Tophi and rheumatoid nodules than nail changes of PsA or subtle rashes. For Rashes and oral lesions its BEST to have the patient take multiple pix with the cell phone and send them in by EMR or Email.