Utility of Repeat ENA Antibody Testing Repeat serologic testing is not uncommon, but is it warranted? A retrospective study shows that repeated testing for autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens rarely changes the result or adds a new diagnosis. https://t.co/ncXqSMz0Qo https://t.co/FxHKjJsga3

Retrospective study of 99 Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) pts complicated by GI bleeding (61 mild; 38 severe). Severe GIB assoc w/ sufmmer Onset, facial rash, HI D-dimer (>0.89 mg/L) & neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR >10.56). https://t.co/sI5LoONWGf https://t.co/ySdswRfkMg

Should you do sural nerve biopsy (SNB) to Dx vasculitis? Study of 91 pts undergoing SNB suggests the SNB must be off sufficient length to improve Dx yield. 40/91 (44%) showed vasculitis. +SNB assoc w/ longer SNB sample, other organ Sxs & +ANCA https://t.co/6S00ySj0fL https://t.co/WbY400YsWX

More Bad Safety News for Xeljanz Another analysis of the mandatory postmarketing safety study for tofacitinib (Xeljanz) has confirmed what most observers expected: that rates of infection with the drug in RA are higher than with TNF inhibitors. https://t.co/iCrEofMjBR https://t.co/wAr1AuNGUw

Prospective study of 189 new non-infectious anterior uveitis pts, found a high prevalence SpA (56%), 93% w/ axial SpA, few (7) w/ peripheral SpA. 74/106 were newly Dx SpA. SpA predictors: psoriasis (OR 12.5), B27+ (OR 6.3),^CRP (OR 4.8) & male (OR 2.1) https://t.co/5UvH1oTFTb https://t.co/Zi6hH8q5VY

Lilly has announced that Taltz (ixekizumab) is now available as a Citrate-Free Formulation to reduce injection site pain for patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis & nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis. https://t.co/mTBl9siLED https://t.co/TCFqdK58dA

We've got a lot to discuss this week: psoriasis; fatigue; sleep; sural nerve biopsies; uveitis and SpA; diet and RA; tofacitinib and the ORAL surveillance study; what not to take with mycophenolate - and more. https://t.co/ctEQBEQpMn https://t.co/rLB6z2bhWc

Arthritis - a Leading Chronic Condition Among Young Adults (18─34 Yrs) MMWR from last week focused on chronic conditions in young adults showing they are common, costly, and major causes of death and disability. https://t.co/cIxmMqUrqK https://t.co/TbVpLXd7Zw

CMV Increases Thromboembolism Risk in ANCA-associated Vasculitis Infection may play an important role in the genesis of vasculitis and ANCA seropositivity; this report suggests that past CMV infection may be a risk. https://t.co/K8HzolqLJ9 https://t.co/2VUasoinnL

Cochrane review of Stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis (3RCTs w/ 125 pts). Non‐myeloablative & myeloablative selective HSCT had moderate evidence for improved survival, skin thickness & function. But these had high Serious AE rates. https://t.co/qUOfMVSxGZ https://t.co/4icaRdC2EI

Of 38 childhood SLE (12-25yrs) pts, 65% were non-adherent to meds. Those taking MMF, 33% had MPA drug level < 1 (nonadherent). 17% non-adherent by pharmacy refills rate. 46% pts c/o side effects; 33% remembering & 25% could not afford. https://t.co/vL6LtYzJWe https://t.co/RAwwg40Lfz

Cogan's syndr is a rare autoimmune dz, all ages (20-30s) & races (whites) w/ ocular (interstitial keratitis) & audio/vestibular Sx (deafness, vertigo). Less: HA, fever, myalgias, aortitis, heart. No Dx test; 1/3 have another systemic dz. Rx: steroids https://t.co/e3sstsxO5R https://t.co/CQ3UfBqO0e