RheumNow Podcast – Great Associations (3.19.2021)

Jack Cush, MD

Mar 18, 2021 9:29 pm

Dr. Jack Cush rants on the journal reports, news and FDA actions featured this past week on RheumNow.com.

SPIRIT‐P3 RCT treated biologic‐naive PsA with ixekizumab x36 wks; those w/ MDA x 3 mos were randomized to continue or withdraw IXE (blinded). There were significantly more relapses when IXE was stopped; most regained control when started https://bit.ly/3s1euRW
Hydroxychloroquine studied vs Vitamin C (PBO) prophylaxis to households (n=671) exposed to COVID-19. 89% were COVD1-9 test neg at baseline. HCQ did not protect against progression to COVID (53 vs 45 events; adj HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.73 to 1.66]. A vit C Win! https://t.co/S5qjdIYaXq
Epi study of Scleritis in the UK (1997-2018) shows incidence declined from 4.23 to 2.79/100K persons/yr. Scleritis pts have 2 fold incr risk of IMIDs- esp GPA, Behçets Sjögrens, ReA, RA, SLE, Crohns, SLE & AS (OR 51 to >3). https://t.co/FzaCLRvmEX https://t.co/98M5o66fpD
Great full read NEJM review of Extrahepatic manifestations of Chronic HCV Infection; 1) mixed cryo vasculitis; 2)20-30% w/ HCV related Sicca (w/ SSA, SSB); 3) fatigue & FM; 4) AutoAbs: 70% RF+, <40% ANA+, 15% ACL Abs, 7% smooth muscle Abs https://t.co/YrIJbs8P8k
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) was slated for a psoriatic arthritis indication this month, but now that has been pushed back ~90days, pending further FDA review of the benefit-risk profile for upadacitinib in psoriatic arthritis https://t.co/FeBOrNIbTo
REMDACTA trial of Actemra plus remdesivir failed to meet its primary endpoint of improved time to hospital discharge for patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia (nor its key secondary endpoints) compared to remdesivir alone https://t.co/OyqpnwUVXU
β-blockers may lower risk of knee OA and knee pain. Matched cohort study of 100K pts from UK registry shows β-blocker use associated with 10-12% lower risk of knee OA, knee pain & hip pain consultations, moreso w/ Propranolol and atenolol (9-22%) https://t.co/38RoeP1Pmw
French review of 41 TRAPS pts w/ amyloidosis AA. AA dx preceded TRAPS in 96% of cases, 47% needed renal replacement therapy and 14% died at 23 most F/U. 19 pts took biologics, 10 improved, 7 stabilized, 4 worsened. AA pts should be screened for TRAPS https://t.co/tONNSRCoOU
Phase III RCT of apremilast showed no benefit in ankylosing spondylitis pts. 490 AS pts recv placebo or apremilast 20 mg or 30 mg bid 24 wks. The ASAS 20 was the same in all groups (PBO: 37%; 20 mg 35%; 30 mg 33). 2 yrs Xray changes were equal too. https://t.co/ILYtVMZp80
Apremilast Equals MTX in Palmoplantar Psoriasis
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