No Extra Cancer Recurrence Risk with Biologics in RA

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Denmark with a history of solid tumor cancers, now in remission, faced no greater likelihood of cancer relapse when they were treated with biologic agents, compared with conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Rheumatology: Believe It or Not (4/25/2025)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. Should we believe the reviews and metanalyses?

Vitamin D for Prevention of Disease

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JAMA has published a clinical guideline on the use of vitamin D to prevent disease in children and adults.

Unmet Needs in Still’s disease

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In February 2023, an expert consensus panel of pediatric and adult rheumatologists met to address challenges in Still’s disease (SD), including systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset SD. They addressed four main topics: (1) early recognition and diagnosis of SD; (2) pathogenetic pathways and possible biomarkers for diagnosis and response; (3) refractory disease and risk factors, and (4) treatment of SD and its complications.

Better Responses with Chronotherapy for Baricitinib

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A nonrandomized, open-label, controlled trial has shown superior efficacy when baricitinib was given at night (instead of day); attesting to the benefits of chronotherapy - selective dosing meant to target the body's diurnal variations.

Post-treatment Lyme Syndrome

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Symptoms that persist long after Lyme disease is treated are not uncommon — a 2022 study found that 14% of patients who were diagnosed and treated early with antibiotic therapy would still develop Post Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). Yet doctors puzzle over the condition’s causes and how to help their patients through symptoms ranging from severe fatigue and cognitive challenges to body pain and arthritis.

2025 BSR Guideline for Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis

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The British Society of Rheumatology has published its 2025 Guidelines for the Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA); addressing axial and extra-musculoskeletal manifestations including acute anterior uveitis, psoriasis and IBD.

Senescent "Zombie" Cells and Low Back Pain

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In a preclinical study led by McGill University researchers, two drugs targeting “zombie cells” have been shown to treat the underlying cause of chronic low back pain.

ACR & Arthritis Foundation Denounce the Dismantling of Vital Health Programs

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As organizations representing nearly 60 million adults and children living with arthritis in the United States and the rheumatologists and health care professionals who treat them, we are deeply alarmed by this week’s dismantling of multiple branches of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that manage essential research and public health programs critical to the well-being of millions of people living with chronic conditions. 

Diabetes Prevention with Hydroxychloroquine in Sjogren’s

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A Taiwanese insurance claims analysis looked at hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and showed that HCQ exposure significantly reduces the risk of new onset dia

Osteoarthritis Risky Business (4.18.2025)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and Journal reports from this week on RheumNow.com.  Osteoarthritis patients have unique risks and synovial fluid WBC numbers can tell you when to worry about septic arthritis in gout and pseudogout patients.

Genetic Sequencing in Rheumatology

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Genetic sequencing as a research and diagnostic tool has expanded in medicine and rheumatology. An interesting review in Arthritis and Rheumatology suggests that despite currently modest use, there will be an expanded role for genetic sequencing in the field of rheumatology.