Ixekizumab vs. Adalimumab in Psoriatic Arthritis

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The Annals of Rheumatic Disease reports a psoriatic arthritis study where in ixekizumab was non-inferior to adalimumab for achievement of ACR50 responses but was superior to adalimumab for achievement of PASI100 by week 24.

Anakinra Use in Hospitalized Gout Patients

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While the efficacy and safety of interleukin 1 (IL-1) inhibitors (e.g., anakinra) in the acute management of gout and pseudogout has been repeatedly shown, the cost efficacy of such biologic therapy has rendered it impractical for most. A new retrospective study has shown that IL-1 inhibitors may be effective and appropriate for some medically complex, hospitalized patients with acute gout or calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis.

Similar Outcomes for Hip Arthroplasty or Hemiarthroplasty in Hip Fracture

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The NEJM reports on a randomized comparison of hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty in displaced femoral neck fractures and shows no difference in function and quality of life over 24 months.

Ustekinumab Efficacy in Ulcerative Colitis

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The NEJM reports the results of a one year trial wherein ustekinumab (UST) was shown to be effective at inducing and maintaining remission in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. Ustekinumab, currently approved for use in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease, is a monoclonal antibody against the p40 subunit of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23.

FDA Approves Rituximab for Children with GPA

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Rituxan (rituximab) for the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in children 2 years of age and older in combination with glucocorticoids. This is the first approved treatment for children with vasculitis.

RheumNow Podcast – Cancer Risk in Systemic Sclerosis (9.27.19)

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

MMWR: Increased Opioid Use in Lupus

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Opioids are generally not indicated for pain in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other rheumatic diseases because of limited efficacy and risks for preference and adverse health effects.

Low Dose IL-2 Effective in Lupus

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A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of low-dose IL-2 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has shown that low-dose IL-2 induced was clinically effective while expandng regulatory T cells and NK cells, which may benefit immune homeostasis in SLE patients.

Arthritis Foundation Releases First CBD Guidance for Adults With Arthritis

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As the leading organization for people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation has just released the first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis. CBD, or cannabidiol, a plant-based compound, has become popular among people with arthritis seeking to ease chronic joint pain.

ACR Responds to CY2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

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Rheumatology leaders commend CMS for proposing E/M code changes and urge agency to make additional changes to final rule.d

Persistent Inflammatory Arthritis After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

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Braaten and colleagues from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have reported their experience with chronic inflammatory arthritis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, showing that in some, inflammatory arthritis persists after the immunotherapy has been discontinued.

Parenteral Out-Performs Oral Weekly Methotrexate

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A systematic review in PLOS suggests that parenteral MTX therapy is more successful than oral MTX in achieving optimal disease activity control.