Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures - USPSTF Recommendations
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has done a systematic review on osteoporosis screening to prevent fractures and put forth its recent recommendations.
News
BACHELOR Trial - Baricitinib in Early Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Lancet reports a French study demonstrating the efficacy of baricitinib in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
2024 In Memorium
Sadly, in 2024, Rheumatology lost many of our greatest brethren, mentors, do-gooders and clinicians. These clinicians were responsible for the care of hundreds of thousands with MSK problems, while driving the scientific advances that will shape the lives of millions in the future. They did the painstakingly hard work of caring for the most complex patients and did so with zeal, wonder and love for their patients. Remember them, honor them, and invoke their names and memories frequently as they are the foundation upon which we rheumatologists stand.
Dazukibart Effective in Adults with Dermatomyositis
Lancet reports that the use of dazukibart, a selective monoclonal antibody against interferon B (IFNβ), was clinically effective in reducing disease activity in adults with active dermatomyositis (DM).
Eltrombopag, a Potential New Treatment for ITP
A pilot trial has shown a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, eltrombopag (Promacta), to be effective in connective tissue disease-related (CTD), refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Alive in 2025 (1.10.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush brings in the new year with a review of the latest from RheumNow.com
GLP-1 Agonists Alleviate Knee Osteoarthritis
In October, the NEJM published a randomized clinical trial demonstrating the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1ra) in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.
Does Colchicine Lower Gout Mortality Risk?
Data from a large UK database finds that gout patients starting urate-lowering therapy (ULT) will benefit from added colchicine prophylaxis by having fewer cardiovascular events.
EULAR: Considerations when Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Rheumatologic Care
EULAR has established guidance on best practices for delivering patient education in physical activity and self-management of pain during transitional care in rheumatology.
Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases in the United States
An epidemiologic assessment of the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the United States (US) finds that nearly 5% of the population has an autoimmune disorder, twice as many in women compared to men.
Anti-Zoster Drug Prevents Shingles in Lupus Patients on Anifrolumab
MedPage Today
The antiviral drug valaciclovir (Valtrex), given prophylactically, kept patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) under treatment with anifrolumab (Saphnelo) from having herpes zoster attacks, researchers said, offering a potential alternative to zoster vaccination.
Phase 3 Trial Results of Deucravacitinib in Psoriatic Arthritis
Bristol Myers Squibb announced recently the results from POETYK PsA-1 and POETYK PsA-2, Phase 3 trials pivotal trials of deucravacitinib (DEUC) in adults with active psoriatic arthritis. Both trials met their primary endpoint, demonstrating ACR20 efficacy after 16 weeks of treatment with DEUC compared with placebo.
Benefit of Achieving Target Serum Urate Levels in Gout with Chronic Kidney Disease
A cohort study of gout patients with CKD stage 3 found that lowering serum urate (SUA) level to less than 6 mg/dL, lowered the risk for severe or end-stage kidney disease progression.
ICYMI: VITAL Info on Autoimmune Disease (2.9.2024)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. Highlights are summarized by three songs: "Stairway to Heaven", "You're No Good", and "How Long (has this been going on)".
Sedentary Behavior Increases the Risk of Gout
NHANES national survey study shows that sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for gout, especially in those without hyperuricemia.