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Methotrexate and the Risk of Lung Disease

Kathryn Dao, MD

Rheumatology has a comprehensive overview of methotrexate (MTX) and the risk of lung injury, MTX-related pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Past reports suggest the frequence of MTX-pneumonitis to be between 0.3 and 11.6%; r

Hyperuricemia Predisposes to Coronary Artery Disease in Men

There are numerous associations between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). An analysis of the Swedish SCAPIS Pilot study shows that higher levels of serum urate (SU) are associated with an increase in coronary artery calcification score in men but not in women. SU is not associated with common carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque scores in either men or women.

Pregnancy Outcomes Improve in Lupus

Pregnancy for patients with lupus has long been considered high risk and associated with both medical and obstetric complications, but outcomes have improved over the last 2 decades and continue to improve.

No Cancer Increase in Psoriatic Arthritis or with Biologics in Psoriasis

JAMA Dermatology reports that psoriasis is associated with a slightly increased risk of cancer, particularly keratinocyte cancer and lymphomas.

RheumNow Podcast- Half-Empty Flu (2.21.20)

Dr Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com

Tofacitinib Effective in Refractory Still's Disease

Fourteen cases reported from mainland China suggest that tofacitinib (TOFA) may be effective in patients with refractory adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), further adding to a growing list of potential use of JAK inhibition in managing inflammatory, and now autoinflammatory, disease.

Seronegativity on the Rise in RA

Although the overall incidence rates of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have remained stable over recent decades, there has been a significant increase in seronegative cases, a retrospective study showed.

JAK Inhibitors Stimulate Osteoblasts

Science Translational Medicine has a report on how the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may boost osteoblasts to battle bone erosions in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Adverse Effects of Low-Dose Methotrexate from the CIRT Trial

Low-dose methotrexate (LD-MTX) was studied in high risk cardiac patients in the cardiac intervention trial (CIRT), but was prematurely ended for not showing a change in cardiovascular event rates. Nonetheless this trial studied the safety and adverse event rates of LD-MTX and those results are reported in the current issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

BSR Guidelines for Giant Cell Arteritis

NICE has commissioned an update to the 2010 British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the management of giant cell arteritis, and proposed a total of 19 recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of GCA.

Primary Care Visits Decline 2008-2016

A national claims-based analysis has shown a consistent decline, by commercially insured adults (18-64 yrs), in primary care physician visits from 2008 to 2016; with nearly one half having no PCP visits in a given year by 2016. 

RheumNow Podcast - RWCS Quick Hits (2.14.20)

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the highlights from the 2020 RWCS meeting in Maui, Hawaii.
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