News
Avacopan - Is it Really a Win for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis?
The NEJM has reported the results of a study showing that avacopan, a C5a receptor inhibitor, is as effective as steroids at treating patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV).
Alveolar Hemorrhage and Mortality in Lupus
Metanalysis of patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), show this to be a rare and life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), that is more apt to affect older, severe lupus patients with active infection.
Checkpoint Inhibitor Use with Pre-existing Autoimmune Disease
Annals of Internal Medicine reports treating advanced melanoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease (AID) was as effective and safe in those with AID compared to those without AID, although severe colitis occurred more frequently among pati
RWCS Highlights - Day 4
As another year at RWCS in Maui wrapped up, I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to participate remotely. Here are my day 4 #RWCS2021 pearls from the Novel Therapies Year in Review (RA, SLE, OA); novel concepts in pediatric rheumatology; and post-COVID telerheumatology sessions.ACR and Three Societies Agree on HCQ Eye Safety
Four major medical societies issued a joint statement of principles on safe use of hydroxychloroquine from the perspective of ocular toxicity.
MIRROR Study: Pegloticase With Methotrexate in Uncontrolled Gout
Botson et al has reported that the combination of methotrexate (MTX) and IV pegloticase is safe and effective in patients with uncontrolled gout. This exploratory, open-label clinical trial screened 17 patients and treated 14 patients (all men, 49.3 ± 8.7 years) with IV pegloticase with MTX (15 mg/week) and folic acid (1 mg/day) 4 weeks prior to and throughout pegloticase treatment.RWCS Highlights - Day 3
Day 3 report from the 2021 RWCS meeting in Maui (and virtually) includes pearls from the PsA 2020 Year in Review; fact vs. fiction on evidence based medicine: diet and rheumatic diseases; hot topics in allergy/immunology; and pediatric rheumatology highlights.RWCS Highlights - Day 2
As I attend RWCS virtually, I am always amazed by the amount of thought that goes into preparing great talks geared toward busy clinicians. Today, I am highlighting a few more pearls that you may find interesting as well.
Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Adults
NEJM has reported the results of a trial showing semaglutide once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, weight loss in overweight or obese adults; such that nearly one-third lost over 20% of their body weight.


