Stop Counting Bugs (10.4.2024) Save

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.This week’s rants include the microbiome, PsA treatment choices and fishing for P-values in research.

1. FDA has approved Otulfi (ustekinumab-aauz), a ustekinumab biosimilar for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. Otulfi ismade by Fresenius Kabi and Formycon https://buff.ly/3XPCkS4
2. JAMA metaanalysis of psoriasis pts (40 RCTs, 21 438 pts) Rx w/ biologics: a >=90% PASI (skin) response was less likely with older age, prior biologics, higher BMI, and smoking https://buff.ly/3zM23CU
3. Pooled data from #PsA (n=914) & #AS (n=372) RCTs looked at outcomes in smokers (37% & 48%). Current or past smoking had NO EFFECT on outcomes (MDA, ACR50, ASAS40, ASDAS), but incr odds of D/C & some SAE (SIE) but not MACE, HZ, VTE https://t.co/WRflSVO3Ig
4. Study of oral microbiota & psoriasis (72 PSO vs 16 healthy controls) - 16S rRNA gene sequencing of saliva found (in PSO) signif incr Capnocytandophaga, Campylobacter, Acetobacter, but decr Bacteroides, Muribaculaceae. PSA pts incr Aggregatibacter, but decr Prevotella… https://t.co/GukbWkl1Gz
5. Study of 866 #AS pts shows those w/ lower socioeconomic status (SES) had longer Dx delay, higher BME, more structural damage, & permanent disability (31% vs 13%), compared to high SES AS pts; despite similar use of bDMARDs betw groups. https://t.co/x0dfFACUz9
6. Diagnostic delay of 7.4 yrs (median 4yrs) in axSpA. An Int’l IMAS cross-sectional online Pt. survey (2017–22) 5,557 axSpA pts (27 countries). The highest delay in S Africa & lowest in Asia. Longer Dx delay assoc w/ younger age, female, rheumatologist Dx, # HCPs, & Hx uveitis… https://t.co/sqf2uamKG6
7. Taiwan claims data study compared (2003-2013) 30,911 newly diagnosed #AS pts to 309,110 controls found significantly higher risk of motor vehicle accidents w/ injuries in AS, esp. 2yrs after Dx (IRR 2.0) https://t.co/Ca0LN675oj
8. ASAS Imaging Recommendations for Suspected Spondyloarthritis ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) has convened specialized task force to guide imaging request on patients with suspected/known axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). https://t.co/C95jGH2LLK                                                        
9. Korean population study shows RA was linked to a higher migraine risk, regardless of seropositivity. Comparison of 42,644 RA vs 213,370 controls - found higher risk of migraine (adj HR 1.21; 1.17–1.26). https://t.co/i3ggZ356Qh                 
10. Trends in Early Undifferentiated PolyArthritis presentation. Over 3 eras (1998-2004-245 pts; 2005-10 266 pts; 2011-22 329 pts) many Sxs & Rx same. But Sxs duration 2.9 to 4.1mos, seropositivity 54 to 42%, Erosion score 18 to 9, mostly in Seroneg pts; Steroids incr 18 to 33%… https://t.co/AZfjqB4xGI
11. NOR-Gout study shows Non-adherence to urate lowering therapy after 5 years is related to poor gout outcomes. 5-year Observational study of 163 patients showed overall good ULT adherence but nonadherent had more flares (33 vs 10%) & less at target (45 vs 87%)… https://t.co/xuIjBiuFHF
12. A randomized, controlled study of whole-body electromyostimulation (strength training) in 72 overweight symptomatic knee OA pts Rx w/ usual care vs WB-EMS (3x q 14d) for 7 mos. WB-EMS had signif improved knee pain (KOOS),(-9.0 points, p 0.004) & function https://t.co/UWs3YgYB9F
13. Declining Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Postmenopausal Women
14. RheumNow.Live Feb 8, 9, 2025 in Dallas TX