Systemic sclerosis current therapy: - early dcSSc: MMF, CTX, RTX, TCZ - rapidly progressive dcSSc - ?Stem cell transpl? - SSc-ILD: MMF>CTX, possibly nintedanib, perfinidone - Raynauds w/ digital ulcers: CA channel block, PDE5 inhib, iloprost, Bosentan https://t.co/z4OzFklrcl https://t.co/bM01inV2QY

Long-Term Benefit of Rituximab in Systemic Sclerosis A small cohort trial of rituximab (RTX) in 29 systemic sclerosis patients showed significantly improved skin sclerosis and lung function after a follow-up of 96 weeks. https://t.co/qrtv9eK1Oz https://t.co/GdOyaCIPUA

Serum beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) in 100 #SLE pts - strong correlations betw B2M & 24 hr urinary protein, BUN, creatinine, disease activity, & damage score (p < 0.001), & negatively correlated with GFR, C3, C4 (p < 0.001). B2M predicted lupus LN https://t.co/wXCs0WlIYv https://t.co/vZPWtnqIta

Metanalysis of 3 RCTs & 19 observational studies, showed hematopoietic stem cell transplantation . (HSCT) significantly improved skin thickness and lung function. While HSCT had more deaths than IV CTX, HSCT had higher 2 yr survival rate https://t.co/FMWFfmYPod https://t.co/SFjlj1yV0x

Metanalysis shows Takayasu's arteritis pts are at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. (27 studies, 825 pregs) showed more miscarriage (16%), hypertension (37%) and pre-eclampsia (14%) in TA patients (p < 0.01) https://t.co/stVx5jvPsj https://t.co/LaftdsHmSz

Does Methotrexate Work in Alopecia Universalis? Alopecia areata totalis (AT) and universalis (AU) are the most severe and difficult to treat forms of alopecia areata (AA). https://t.co/x8EjMekMBJ https://t.co/ntejSJcG5M

CDC says EVERYONE should be tested for Hepatitis B al least once, w/ 3 lab - HBsAg, & Abs to hepatitis B surface Ag (anti-HBs), hep B core Ag (anti-HBc). At increased risk for HBV - persons in jail, +Hx of STDs, multiple sex partners or Hx of hepatitis C https://t.co/DRzAuhVJSJ https://t.co/9ma0I61xeD

Population study from Japan shows that Aging is an independent contributor for seronegative RA in patients who are female, have a nonsmoking history, and a BMI < 25. https://t.co/WWRGczmc4K https://t.co/ZHRIHlxDIK

1215 pts w/ refractory SJS/TEN (not responding to pulse steroids x 3d) compared subsequent plasmapheresis- vs IVIG treated patietns and shows similar mortality rates(18.3% vs 19.5%), but apheresis had more stays (45 vs 32 d) & cost ($34k vs $23k) https://t.co/QTnbPzf6Jd https://t.co/EgI2ueIhdz

Registration is still open! Join us at RheumNow Live on 3/18 and 3/19. We have a great agenda lined up including a panel on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Revolutionary Advances in Therapy. https://t.co/duAfKSDi1O https://t.co/JkbHa6b2Fg