Noninflammatory Pain Persists in RA Despite Treatment

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Almost one-third of patients with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reported persistent unacceptable pain after 21 months of combination therapy, according to a study by Swedish researchers.A total of 29% of patients continued to have unacceptable pain.

U.S. Air Force - Basic Measures in Basic Training to Avoid COVID-19

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In the current issue of MMWR, the CDC reports that among military personnel starting basic training, the use of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) may significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. NPIs advocated include screening measures, testing, administrative measures, quarantine, isolation, and source control, all as efforts to limit transmission COVID-19 in the community.

FDA Approves Taltz for Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

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Today Eli Lilly announced that Taltz (ixekizumab) has received FDA approval for the treatment of adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).

First Look at COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry

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Gianfresco et al have published the first peer-reviewed analysis of COVID-19 infected, rheumatic disease patients entered into the Rheumatology Global Alliance registry; showing that a) rheumatic disease patient can be infected with COVID-19, b) that DMARD and biologic use has no apparent effect on outcomes and c) steroid increase and TNF inhibitor decrease the odds of hospitalization.

RheumNow Podcast - Rheumatic Patients with COVID (5.29.20)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Targeting the Wnt Pathway Fails in OA

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The Wnt pathway modulator lorecivivint failed to meet the primary endpoint in a phase IIa study for knee osteoarthritis (OA), but showed promise in certain patient subgroups, researchers reported.

TNR Grand Rounds - Cytokine Storm Syndromes

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This week's Tuesday Nite Rheumatology featured Dr Randy Cron from the University of Alabama - Birmingham as he spoke and took questions on the immunology, immunopathogenesis and treatment of Cytokine Storm Syndrome, especially as they relate to COVID-19 and rheumatic disease patients. The program was moderated by Dr. Jack Cush.

Boston and Wuhan Report Rheum COVID Patients at Risk for Respiratory Failure

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Two current reports from Boston and Wuhan describe cohorts of COVID-19 (+) rheumatic disease patients who generally do well but appear to have a higher risk of pulmonary involvement.

Hydroxychloroquine Improves Survival in Lupus

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Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has dominated the news in recent weeks, because of poor outcomes reported when used in COVID patients. Yet, a recent report reaffirms what rheumatologists have known for years - that HCQ use is associated with better outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus, including survival.  

Low Risk of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Rheumatic Patients

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A current letter in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease details the rheumatic disease patient cohort outcomes from the University of Siena, Italy showing only 2 cases of COVID-19 among 859 patients treated with tsDMARDs and bDMARDs.

Again, Antimalarial Use Fails to Benefit COVID

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Today Lancet reported the results of another retrospective trial showing that hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, alone or with a macrolide antibioitic, offered no additional benefits to COVID-19 patients, but was associated with higher rates of mortality and arrhythmia.

RheumNow Podcast - Preaching to the Choir (5.22.20)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.