Oral Surveillance Study Alters Practice at VA

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Safety risks found in a postmarketing trial with the Janus-associated kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib (Xeljanz) appear to have influenced prescribing patterns across the class for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system, researchers found.

Cardiovascular and Venous Thromboembolic Risk With JAK Inhibitor Treatment of Skin Disorders

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A JAMA systematic review and meta-analysis has showed the use of JAK inhibitors (JAKi) in immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases was not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (compared to the placebo

Optimal Management of de Quervain Tenosynovitis

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The treatment of de Quervain tenosynovitis (DQT) was examined  by systematic review in JAMA, suggesting that local (US-guided) corticosteroid injection plus a thumb spica immobilization was associated with significant pain-relieving and functional benefits. 

Fast track clinics -the future of PMR care?

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Over the past year we have implemented a fast track clinic for PMR at our institution in Dublin. Patients are referred predominantly from primary care, and we aim to see patients within a one to two week window. Without a doubt, patient outcomes are far superior with the instigation of the fast track clinic as part of our service.

Choosing steroid sparing therapies in PMR

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Despite the official recognition of PMR as a distinct disease more than 60 years ago, patients with PMR are still largely treated with steroids (glucocorticoids, mostly prednisone). The persistent broad use of glucocorticoids in PMR is related to their quick initial efficacy in the majority of patients with PMR, their low price and the lack of alternative treatments and paucity of glucocorticoid-sparing treatments.

Blinkers and the Unseen Information Gap in PMR

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In my earlier blog, PMR: glad or bad tidings? I mentioned our PMR Voices 2021 public engagement project. This project brought home to me as a physician that although our expertise is essential, one unfortunate side-effect is that our very expertise can give us “blinkers”. One result of our “blinkers” is that we may fail to see the extent of the information gap between us and our patients with newly-diagnosed PMR. 

Why should rheumatologists discuss exercise in PMR?

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My colleague says, “I simply refer to physiotherapy. I don’t have time to discuss exercises, we need that time to discuss medications, side-effects, etc.” I sympathise. How do we promote activity and muscle strength among our patients?

FDA Approves Infliximab Biosimilar for Subcutaneous Use

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Another infliximab biosimilar has been FDA approved, but this new version of Inflectra can be given subcutaneously for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Subcutaneous Biosimilars? (10.27.2023)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews RheumNow's top entries the PMR Campaign, news, journal reports and regulatory actions.

Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies - Infrequent in Certain Groups

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Among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), high titers of anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies were most prevalent in whites and Latinos and less so for Black and Asian individuals, researchers found.

TNR - Controversies in PMR

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A TNR Panel discussion on controversies in PMR: diagnosis, imaging, PCP roles, Lumping vs. Splitting.

Featuring Drs. Sarah Mackie, Wolfgang Schmidt, and Len Calabrese.

Moderated by Dr. David Liew.

Recorded on 10/24/2023

ACR 2022 Guideline on Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

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The ACR has published its updated recommendations for prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) for patients receiving >3 months treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) ≥2.5 mg daily.