ACR announces the agenda and faculty for the 2019 Annual ACR meeting (Atlanta) - Premeeting begins Octobr 19th and Scientific program begins Sunday Oct. 21, 2019. https://t.co/pNwEpgmCTX

A downward trend in Rheumatology fellowship positions reversed after 2013 and since (2014-17) there has been a 44% increase in fellowship positions (230-332), more than other subspecialties. More applicants per position, more US grads, higher salaries. https://t.co/STbmG4QnSA

Long term tofacitinib in RA shows lymphocyte #s dropped ~24% by 48 mos. Monitor ALC at baseline & q3 mos; ALC <500 seen in 1.2% of 2983 pts and was assoc w/ higher risk of SIE & Zoster. ALC <500 more likely with low ALC, age, higher dose Tofa & MTX https://t.co/5CHMmoGWJw

US Veterans Study examined 17,415 patients starting MTX - only 20.6% started a biologic w/in 2-yrs. Biologic use was significantly lower in elderly [aHR 0.20 ≥ 80 vs < 50], pts w/ comorbidities [aHR 0.79], CHF [0.68], cancer [0.78] & nonwhites [0.79] https://t.co/3LcPVQAgcp

151 pts w/ myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) were treated with either rituximab or PBO showing no effect of RTX!! Really? someone, somewhere believes ME/CFS or FM is an immunologic dz? Do NOT use biologics, DMARDS in such pts. https://t.co/1xXG94QEnP

Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n 4369) shows that fluctuating or persistent Knee pain over 1 yr had an increased risk of cartilage volume loss and structural progression over 4 years (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04–2.54) https://t.co/Inf4WsQ4Lz

17.6 million adult Americans, 1 of 12, have an alcohol-use disorder, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. https://t.co/duojLFsNjD

Analysis of CareRA, early RA 330 pt trial shows long term outcomes linked to initial response type rather than regimen. Best PROMs in the 42% with early persistent response. 9% were primary NR, 28% secondary NR, 21% delayed responders. https://t.co/ZDqYD3krtb

Long term safety study of 4481 tofacitinib pts w/ 9.5yrs exposure (16,291PYs). 52% discontinued Rx (4% insufficient response; 24% adverse events). AE incidence rates were 3.4/100PY for H zoster, 2.4/100Py SIE, 0.8 cancer, 0.4 MACE, 0.3 Mortality. https://t.co/Qv5keuKXr3

41 study Metanalysis on H zoster drug risk in psoriasis and PsA - finds an increased risk w/ steroids, tofacitinib, biologic +DMARD Combination Rx. But no risk with monotherapy. Insufficient evidence for IL-12/23, -7, -23 inhibitors or apremilast https://t.co/KRrTqIw7Ko

NSAIDS can reduce fertility in women - from Dr Sammaritano. #RNL2019

Dr Craig Leonardi's review of Effective biologics to achieve a PASI 100 in Psoriasis. The newer agents are far ahead! #RNL2019 https://t.co/p71hb58SAf