SGLT2 Inhibitors Reduce Gout Flares and CV Events

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A cohort analysis shows that gout patients initiating sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) had lower serum urate levels and fewer gouty flares requiring emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations.

Dr. Joseph Flood (1952-2023) - Past ACR President

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Dr Joseph Flood, a past president of the American College of Rheumatology, passed away on July 13, 2023 at age 70 due to complications of liver disease, diabetes and liver cancer.

MMWR: Arthritis Among Children and Adolescents

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The CDC estimates that nearly 220,000 children and adolescents had arthritis during 2017–2021.

"Ask Cush Anything" Returns (7.21.2023)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports and this week, takes on 5 cases/questions from "Ask Cush Anything"

Tofactitinib in PsA & RA: Nine Year Safety Data

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Tofacitinib is FDA approved for psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but long term safety outcomes beyond a year are limited. A real-world, post-marketing surveillance of tofacitinib in PsA and RA shows a consistent pattern of safety with no new safety concerns identified.

Voclosporin in SLE - Long-Term Safety and Efficacy

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The AURORA 2 study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of voclosporin lupus nephritis patients and, after three years, demonstrated long term safety and efficacy following the one-year AURORA 1 study.

Infectious Risk with B Cell Therapies in Lupus

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A UK registry study of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients showed that treatment with rituximab or belimumab was not associated with a greater risk of serious infection, when compared to standard of care therapy.

RNase Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders

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U1RNP complex, Ro/SSA and La/SSB are major RNA-containing autoantigens associated with autoimmune disorders. Immune complexes (ICs) composed of RNA-containing autoantigens and autoantibodies are suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of some systemic autoimmune diseases.

Danger with Hydroxychloroquine Nonadherence in SLE

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A large cohort study shows that severe non-adherence to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) results in serious risks for SLE flares, damage, and mortality.

Hold the Methotrexate for One Week

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In 2018, Park et al showed optimal responses to influenza vaccination in RA patients was best achieved by holding methotrexate for 2 weeks following immunization, with improved humoral responses. Now, a followup trial suggests that equivalent results are had by holding MTX for only 1 week with the "flu" vaccine.

SLE and Pregnancy Outcomes

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Obstetric complications and poor pregnancy outcomes are not uncommon in women with SLE, especially with active disease.  A large Spanish cohort trials shows that term pregnancy is more likely before the diagnosis of SLE and that poorer pregnancy outcomes were associated with antibody positivity to anticardiolipin IgG and anti-beta-2- glycoprotein IgG/IgM, but not lupus anticoagulant.

EULAR Points to Consider in Progressing Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis

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The transition from psoriasis to PsA – and the early diagnosis of PsA – is of considerable scientific and clinical interest. People typically have psoriatic skin disease for a decade or more before they begin to experience the joint involvement of PsA.

Anti-Drug Antibodies with Biologics (7.14.2023)

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Dr. Jack Cush Reviews the news and journal reports on CVA, TKA, PJP, ADA, and more!

Filgotinib Effects on Semen and Sex Hormones

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The oral Janus kinase 1 inhibitor filgotinib is available worldwide, but not in the USA, where the FDA held up its approval for use in RA due to unfinished studies of filgotinib's effects on sperm cells.  The results of 2 phase two studies (MANTA and MANTA-RAy) confirm that filgotinib has no measurable impact on semen parameters or sex hormones in men with active IBD or inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Antidrug Antibodies Impair Response to Biologic Drugs

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Monitoring for antidrug antibodies with biologic has not been routine in rheumatology but a new study suggests that antidrug antibodies correlate with nonresponse to bDMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.