News
Telemedicine Upside Interview with Dr. Alvin Wells
In spite of the transformative growth of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, rheumatologists use of telemedicine is waning, much like the use of masks. Dr. Jack Cush interviews telemedicine guru, Dr. Alvin Wells, on the current state of telemedicine and what the future holds for telehealth in rheumatology.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction, but interestingly this association has diminished in the last few decades with aggressive DMARD and targeted therapies..
Methotrexate and hepatic fibrosis: we must be doing something right
Methotrexate may be a rheumatologist’s best friend, but a key part of counselling any patient about its use has always been the risk of hepatotoxicity.
New Insights into Uveitis in Spondyloarthritis
Uveitis is the most frequent extra-musculoskeletal manifestation (EAM) in Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The prevalence of uveitis in axSpA is between 25-30%. Up to 50% of patients with an acute episode of uveitis develop recurrent anterior uveitis or iritis.
Cytokine Inhibitor Lung Disease in Still's Linked to HLA-DRB1 Alleles
Pulmonary complications in the setting of Still's disease (juvenile and adult) has seldom but consistently been reported, including reports of pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension and a severe or fatal lung disease, often associated with hypersensitivity to anticytokine therapy. A multicenter study reports that drug hypersensitivity and pulmonary reactions in Still's patients receiving IL-1 or IL-6 inhibitors is strongly associated with HLA-DRB1*15 haplotypes.
Prolonging the Controversy of Hydroxychloroquine
Since the start of the pandemic, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was forced into the limelight for the prevention/treatment of COVID-19. When it was found to be ineffective for COVID-19 and might cause potential harm, the drug came under closer scrutiny for its safety profile.
DORIS - Defining Remission in Lupus
Proponents of treat to target in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have all agreed that "remission" should be the goal, but defining remission may be tricky in SLE. A SLE Definitions Of Remission (DORIS)Task Force was convened in 2015 and first published their work in 2016.
Giant Cell Arteritis Novel Treatment Options
Giant cell arteritis is associated with significant treatment related morbidity due to the dependence on glucocorticoids as a treatment option. After sixty years of therapeutic stagnation, these are exciting times in the management of GCA. At this year's ACR Convergence meeting, encouraging data will be presented on options for GCA.
RheumNow Podcast - 60/40/20 Interview with Dr. Ed Keystone
Dr. Jack Cush interviews Professor Edward Keystone, MD (University of Toronto) on the origins and science behind the 60/40/20 benchmark and outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Risankizumab for Active Psoriatic Arthritis
The arsenal of therapeutics for psoriatic arthritis continues to increase. Risankizumab is an IL-23 inhibitor to the p19 subunit, currently being investigated for treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
