Pregnancy Flares in RA and Spondylitis
Despite the folklore, not all women with arthritis who become pregnant will improve or go into remission. Recent studies have suggested that up to one-third of RA patients will flare during pregnancy.
News
EULAR/EFORT Taskforce on the Management of Fragility Fractures
The morbidity associated with osteoporosis-related fragility fractures imposes tremendous socioeconomic and medical impact on patients and society.
Consensus on OP Drug Holidays
Extending bisphosphonate treatment beyond 3–5 years does not confer additional benefit in low-risk populations. Treatment re-initiation (usually 1–3 years after bisphosphonate withdrawal) depends on risk factors, new fractures and bone mineral density. The evidence regarding denosumab discontinuation is limited but caution is advised, as there may be a “rebound effect” with regard to fractures.
FDA Approves Renflexis as Second Infliximab Biosimilar
On the 21st of April, the FDA approved another infliximab biosimilar, called Renflexis (Infliximab-abda) following on the biologics license application of the South Korean manufacturer Samsung Bioepis Co. LTD. In early developmental trials this agent was also called SB2.
The RheumNow Week in Review – 21 April 2017
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com:
Paradoxical Toxicities with TNF Inhibitors
Something is curiously wrong when a drug induces the disease it is intended to treat. Yet this phenomenon has been described with all five FDA-approved TNF inhibitors.
Inconsistent ESR & CRP in Spondylitis Patients
Patients with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) can lack evidence of inflammation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but may develop evidence of inflammation over time.
Anti-IL-23 Therapy Effective in Crohn's Disease
Lancet has reported the results of risankizumab, an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor, in Crohn's disease. Risankizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, and is being developed for Crohn's disease.
The Cost of Not Taking Medicine
The NY Times points out "there is is an out-of-control epidemic in the United States that costs more and affects more people than any disease Americans currently worry about. It’s called nonadherence to prescribed medications, and it is — potentially, at least — 100 percent preventable by the very individuals it afflicts.
FDA Delays Baricitinib Decision
Eli Lilly and Company and Incyte Corporation announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delayed its' decision on baricitinib by issuing a complete response letter for baricitinib's New Drug Application.
The RheumNow Week in Review – 14 April 2017
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the past week's news, articles and advances from RheumNow.com.
Acute Steroid Use Comes with Risk
Steroids are known for their acute therpeutic wonders and chronic hazards. Hence most practitioners are comfortable using short term, limited dose corticosteroids for a variety of ailments.
