NEJM: Aortitis Due to Large-Vessel Vasculitis 63yoM w/ Hx HTN c/o 3 mos of CP, palpitations, abdominal pain. ESR-104, CRP 85 mg/L. CT showed thickening of the thoracic & abdominal aorta. After 6wks Rx w/ AZA, HCQ, Pred, ESR/CRP still high and pt stared on SC TCZ w/ improvement. https://t.co/1TBreptAFr

FDA has announced "Breakthrough Designation" for 3 drugs + 1 test being developed: ** Biogen: litifilimab (targets dendritic cells) for cutaneous lupus ** Novartis: Ianalumab (BAFF blockade) for Sjogrens ** J&J: Nipocaiimab (FcRn) for Sjogrens ** Encarta: pocket Lyme test https://t.co/RMKg14rejq

Air pollution ups ANA+: Ontariio Canadi study of 3548 serum samples (2010-13) corrlated particulate matter (PM2.5) w/ serologies. Highest vs lowest quartile PM2.5 showed higher risk of ANA ≥1:640 (OR 1.46) & ≥1:1280 (OR 1.54). Pollution has systemic immune effects! https://t.co/iyC68qh49R

Study shows half of FL autonomous nurse practitioners practicing outside their scope of practice. FL law allows autonomous NPs in primary care w/ 3K practice hrs. 194/328 NPs working in non-primary care: cosmetics, antiaging, IV hydration, vitamin infusions, hormonal Rx, https://t.co/WMksEb0Uyc

Always on exams, but I've never seen a case! JAMA Dermatology reviews Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis - pt w/ multiple nodules on hands & pain in shoulders, elbows, MCPs, IPs. Erythema over face, chest, & back & bead like Perionychial papules. Rx w/ MTX + Pred https://t.co/QgS5VBOB51

ALTO: Long-Term Abatacept Outcomes in At-Risk RA Lancet Rheumatology has published the ALTO results - long term outcomes of the APIPPRA trial, demonstrating that treatment with abatacept (ABA) in at risk patients can delay progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for up to 4 https://t.co/Lb8md9cYbG

Giant Cell Arteritis Outcomes in Canada A retrospective cohort study of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) demonstrates relapses are common and seen in nearly half of patients, were common after treatment is stopped and is not effectively averted by methotrexate (MTX). https://t.co/7hIpn6CJXg

FDA sent a complete response letter to AstraZeneca on their application (BLA) for anifrolumabs (Saphnelo) subcutaneous use in SLE. Despite a positive TULIP-SC trial & EU approval of SC-anifrolumab, FDA & sponsor still have to work things out. CRL reasons are unknown https://t.co/3dNwEyolrj

Congratulations to Anca Dinu Askanase, MD, MPH, who has been appointed Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Hospital for Special Surgery https://t.co/L5mbFloLpK https://t.co/gsZm9Is159

Hiring, Onboarding and Training APPs Tuesday Night Rheumatology: Hiring, Onboarding and Training APPs. Visit our Mission APP: Partners in Care site for more APP-focused articles and videos. https://t.co/CGrXSCrp9n https://t.co/wYkb6C1IEW

Which Fibromyalgia Drugs are Cost-Effective? A cost-effectiveness analysis compared FDA approved fibromyalgia (FM) drugs (pregabalin, duloxetine, milnacipran) with amitriptyline and found duloxetine was the preferred strategy across perspectives. https://t.co/5NZeYquGxs https://t.co/rhcwH2yLEm

Take home points from his presentation. Dr. David Karp lecturing at UTSW @drdavidkarp @utswrheum https://t.co/kDFrGi7iXt