Diagnostic Accuracy of Symptoms, Signs and Labs in GCA

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A systematic review and meta-analysis of 68 diagnostic cohort studies (14 037 patients) suggests that no one feature is more impactful that the combination of symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests to diagnose the presence giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Selective Biologic Responses in Seropositive RA

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The Journal of Rheuatology reports a pooled analysis of patients from 16 observational RA registries that examined the association between seropositivity (RF or ACPA) with biologic DMARDs responses; they showed better clinical responses when seropositive RA patients receive abatacept (ABA) o

RheumNow Podcast – The Bad News That’s Fit to Print (8.21.20)

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Dr Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow: filgotinib rejection, delays in diagnosis, metformin benefits COVID, Abx and IBD, and UPA beats MTX.

Canakinumab Tapering in Still's Disease

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You can reduce - but not stop - canakinumab therapy in patients who are in complete clinical remission in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Are Women in Rheumatology Closing the Gap?

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"Fierce, Formidable and Phenomenal" was the tag line used to introduce Vice-Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris. Her introduction followed a review of the increasing role of women in voting, society and politics in America. Has the same been realized by women in academic medicine and rheumatology? 

New Criteria for Discoid Lupus

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JAMA Dermatology has proposed an initial validation of classification criteria for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), primarily for research purposes, but with clinical applicatility.

Filgotinib Decision Delayed by FDA

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On August 18th, Gilead and Galapagos received a complete response letter from the FDA, which will delay consideration of filgotinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA.

Upadacitinib is Superior to Methotrexate in Early RA

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In a head-to-head trial against methotrexate, JAK1 inhibition with upadacitinib was shown to be more effective in early, DMARD-naive RA patients. Here are the primary results.

ACP/AAFP Guidelines on Managing Musculoskeletal Pain

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Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as first-line therapy in a new guideline for treating acute, non-low back pain from musculoskeletal injuries in outpatient settings.

Increased Lupus Anticoagulant Activity in COVID-19 Infection

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JAMA Network Open reports that after adjusting for inflammation, lupus anticoagulant (LA) is significantly increased (positive) in COVID-19 patients and that LA positivity was associated with incidence risk of thrombotic events.

Is Mortality Improving in Systemic Sclerosis?

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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune disorder that causes premature death, usually from lung, GI, or renal disease. While treatment efforts have been frustrating advances in care may have altered the risk of death according to population data showing that while SSc mortality increased from 1968 through 2000, it has declined since 2001.

RheumNow Podcast - The SARS-CoV-2 Update (8-14-20)

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Dr. Jack Cush updates the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com, with information on enthesitis, nr-Ax-SpA, UAB, Blockbuster Rheum Drugs and use of ACE inhibitors.