Does Antibiotic Exposure Increase the Risk of JIA?
According to the CDC, between 4300 and 9700 children under the age of 16 are diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis each year - the cause of which is unknown.
News
IL-1 Inhibition May Be an Alternative Treatment for Behcet's
Behcet's disease is difficult to manage, especially if the goal is to avoid corticosteroids.
Alpha-1-Anti-Trypsin-Fc Fusion Protein Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis affecting adults and, probably, one of the most underestimated.
Lithium May Have Chondroprotective Effects in OA
Several studies have suggested that lithium chloride exhibits significant chondroprotective effects on cartilage degradation (in animal models) in response to inflammatory cytokines.
The Spread of Lyme Disease in the US
It is estimated that Lyme disease affects nearly 30,000 per year in the USA. While it is is still a disorder of the Northeast and upper Midwest, there are more areas also considered to be high risk.
Intracranial Hemorrhage with Combined NSAID and Antidepressant Use
The British Medical Journal reports that the combined use of NSAIDs and anti-depressants were associate with higher rates of intracranial bleeding within 30 days of initiation (Citation source http://buff.ly/1gF3uEJ).
DSB Reports & Updates – July 2015
FDA Scours the Internet for Safety Signals. A Bloomberg News report shows how the FDA is using Google or Yahoo keyword searches to identify new safety signals or drug interactions, often more than a year before they were brought to light by the FDA based on prior methodologies de
Tribute to Dr. Norman Talal
The Journal of Clinical Investigation has written a tribute noting the sad passing of Dr. Norman Talal on April 24, 2015.
Dr. Talal was an eminent researcher and clinician known for his research and education on Sjogren’s syndrome.
The Use of Non-TNF Biologic Treatments in Uveitis Reviewed
A systematic review of treatments used in autoimmune chronic uveitis after failure of DMARDs and at least one TNF inhibitor identified few patients (12 children and 34 adults), and few trials examining rituximab (3), abatacept (3), tocilizumab (3), and 1 each with alemtuzumab and anakin
Xeljanz Warnings on Shingles Updated by FDA
The MedWatch June 2015 safety labeling changes were published yesterday, and updated the warnings for Xeljanz (tofacitinib). "The risk of herpes zoster is increased in patients treated with Xeljanz and appears to be higher in patients treated with Xeljanz in Japan."
IRB Conflicts of Interest Persist
Committees at academic institutions that make decisions on research and clinical trials may be conflicted, as nearly one-third of IRB members have some ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
21st Century Cures Act Passes in the House
On Friday, July 10th, the U.S. House voted overwhelmingly to streamline the approval process of prescription drugs and medical devices by the FDA.
