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faSScinate Study Shows Tocilizumab to be Effective in Systemic Sclerosis

The results of the faSScinate trial were published in Lancet showing that treatment with Actemra (tocilizumab) resulted in a reduction in skin thickness and an improvement in lung function in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

The RheumNow Week in Review – 6 May 2016

Watch Dr. Cush discuss the highlights from this week on RheumNow.com.

Risk of Steroid-Induced Diabetes Quantified

Glucocorticoid (or steroid) therapy is a well-known risk factor for diabetes. But what dose, given how and for how long?  Dixon and colleagues from the The University of Manchester have quantified the risk of diabetes associated with steroid use.

FDA REMS/Safety Panel Backs Educational Requirements for Opioid Prescribers

An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration met May 3rd and 4th to review whether the long-acting or extended release (ER/LA) opioid REMS programs approved in 2012 have had a meaningful effect on the opioid abuse problems noted nationwide. The FDA panel voted overwhelming

Methotrexate Yields No Added Benefit in Etanercept Treated Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

Despite a paucity of clinical trial proof, methotrexate is often advocated or mandated to treat psoriatic arthritis. A recent comparison of clinical trials outcomes fails to show any added value when MTX is given to PsA patients taking etanercept.

A Rheumatologist's Guide to Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is epidemic in North America, affecting nearly 76 million adults. Obesity is not only a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, it clearly worsens pain and function in most musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and has been shown to blunt DMARD and biologic resp

Simple Referral Rule May Lead to Earlier Referral and Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis

Early referral and diagnosis remains a challenge for many who care for patients with musculoskeletal complaints.  This is especially so in those with chronic low back pain (LBP) and the minority who will have ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis.

CDC Updates Arthritis Numbers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely surveys the population prevalence of certain chronic disorders, including arthritis.

Biosimilar Switching Shows Favorable Interchangeability

Interchangeability is a major issue that will determine the success of biosimilars.

Poor Outcomes for Dermato/Polymyositis Admitted to ICU

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) may be complicated with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.  The outcomes of such complications may be dire, but there are few series addressing the outcomes of those admitted to the ICU. 

Consensus Guideline on Drug Therapy After Osteoporotic Fractures

Silverman and a panel from the IOF Fracture Working Group reviewed the data and trials to develop guidelines for the use of osteoporosis medications after incident fractures or to treat delayed fracture healing.

Low Adherence to Biologics in Psoriasis Patients

Doshi and colleagues have conducted a retrospective claims analysis (2009 through 2012) of psoriasis patients on Medicare to examine the use and adherence to those initiating treatment with either infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, or ustekinumab.

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