Todays NEJM: Ruxolitinib effective in glucocorticoid-refractory Chronic Graft-versus-Host Dz. Phase 3, 329 pts; wk 24 responses better w/ RUX (50 vs 26%; P<0.001). Important? as there is phase 2 data showing JAK efficacy in scleroderma https://t.co/ygLevqfuMW

In 2016, 552,230 RA adults were hospitalized -1120 for influenza, 590 H zoster, & 785 for S. pneumoniae. These infections constituted 0.5% of RA hospitalizations at a cost of $124 million & 13,750 hosp stay days. https://t.co/7vtsWafGvv

2020 saw record numbers of drug overdose deaths (93,331) a big increase (29.4%) over 2019, according to CDC & Natl Center Health Statistics (NCHS). Overdose deaths 69,710 primarily fentanyl, Rx pain meds and cocaine https://t.co/K9GlWAeALS

Telehealth has declined but still much higher than pre-pandemic. CMS is proposing to extend Medicare coverage of certain telehealth services until the end of 2023. A -3.75% payment adjustment has been proposed & will be debated https://t.co/ETK74d9uGT

Metanalysis shows that Ustekinumab (effective in IBD) may also control skin and joint extra-intestinal manifestations. Despite no effect on spondylitis, UST was effective at PSO, PsA, pyoderma gangrenosum, E nodosum stomatitis and uveitis https://t.co/NPxJdYUM7I

Systematic review of muscle relaxants use in nonspecific low back pain shows uncertain, small, but not clinically important reductions in pain in the 1st 2weeks. Muscle relaxants are 3rd most common Rx for LBP (30 mill Rx in 2016)(49 trials >6505 pts) https://t.co/zN5rvBF1HO

NHANES survey study shows adult psoriasis in the US was 3.0% (7.5 million adults). Psoriasis was most common in non-Hispanic White individuals, and the prevalence of psoriasis has not significantly changed since 2003 in the US. https://t.co/3yrlPu1GGi

FDA & CDC joint statement: Those who are "fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time". People who are not vaccinated remain at risk. Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. https://t.co/miqEJE4wgC

Doximity Telemedicine report estimates 20% of US medical visits via telehealth; ~$29 billion of medical services in 2020. Top 10 telemedicine specialites: 1 Endocrinology 2 Rheumatology 3 GI 4 Renal 5 Cardiology 6 GU 7 Neuro 8 Geriatrics 9 Hem/Onc 10 Pulm https://t.co/a8WBEHmNzs

6/24/21 FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for Actemra (tocilizumab) us in treating hospitalized COVID-19 (adults and kids) patients on steroids and who require, supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or ECMO https://t.co/YAVfbykcti