RheumNow Podcast – BandAids for Rheumatologists (5.14.2021) Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com - a website for rheumatologists, by rheumatologists.

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1. CDC study from 33 sites, 25 states showed vaccine efficacy (against Sx COVID) in HCP was 82% with ONEdose (Pfizer, Moderna) and 94% for TWO doses (same as RCTs). The efficacy of only 1 dose (of a 2 dose COVID vax) is likely to be 70- 82%. https://t.co/uQhUmjSsRd

2. CDC: Fully Vaccinated Can Shed Masks & Resume Travel The CDC updated COVID guidance so that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors, can avoid wearing them indoors in most places, and will not need to physically distance.  https://t.co/vqIZBEUo1Z

3. Clinical practice data study of 855 Psoriatic arthritis patients. With no differences in treatment, women has worse disease activity score (vs M) (PASDAS 3.5 vs 2.7; p < 0.001). Higher BMI assoc w/ no reaching Low Dz activity in Women, not men. https://t.co/CVAEHhjqCH

4. Johns Hopkins researchers suggest that treating refractory dermatomyositis with a JAK inhibitor may improve calcinosis. Based on 3 case reports, who had either NXP2 or TIF-1γ refractory DM, all improved their skin, muscle dz and calcinosis. https://t.co/P5k5y0HS6A

5. A retrospective cohort study of 419 gout patients compared low dose 0.6 mg qd (LD) vs regular 0.6 mg bid (RD) colchicine as prophylaxis when starting urate lowering therapy. Rate of gout flares were roughly equal (LD 14.3% vs RD 11.3%) https://t.co/8G6siQlHbI

6. Sulfasalazine may be in short supply. FDA shortage lists shortage with drug return in July or 4th quarter of 2021. ASHP site also notes several generic maker shortages but they suggest resolution mid-May or July https://t.co/XYyraO6Z4z

7. 5 Reasons to see Rheumatologist 1. Unexplained, worsening joint or muscle pains 2. Repeated, joint pain/swelling, fevers, rashes 3. Establish early Dx to your chronic joint complaints 4. Review abnormal labs, get a treatment plan 5. Attacks of gout https://t.co/gRVtnM4i7J

8. Bandaid counts in Scleroderma? Scleroderma skin scoring w/ Modified Rodnan Skin Score. But how to serially assess digital ulcers ? I do a Digital Ulcer count (open + healing) and a "Bandaid Score" - Pts use bandaids to tell you how many are problematic https://t.co/NEWC6e8ttb

9. Systematic review of the epidemiology of #RA shows average point and period prevalence of RA to be 51 to 56 per 10,000, respectively. Higher with rheumatologist diagnosis (81 per 10,000). https://t.co/5AeNdmBLJO

10. FDA Advisors Split on Avacopan for Vasculitis 

11. Higher Hydroxychloroquine Blood Levels Reduces Thrombosis Risk in Lupus 

12. Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease 

13. Tuesday Night Rheumatology – Highlights from RNL 2021- RA and Lung Disease