Immunosuppression Increasing Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past 2 weeks on https://t.co/V10S4oVFsv; but begins with a discussion of what constitutes "immunosuppression" and how it applies to our patients. https://t.co/KvZIiKowox https://t.co/cbBYydVQbB

Single center study of 163 pts (mostly RA) Rx w/ tocilizumab found 41 hospitalized & 49% for serious infx. SIE were more common w/ eosinopenia (EC < 0.05 g/L; avg (0.06 vs 0.20 g/L) & low ratio EC/NC ratio (× 1000 < 11.8) (median (6.54 vs 48.50). https://t.co/88sbHBIhXt https://t.co/6wUeqSbVxx

No clear link between weather & MSK symptoms There is a belief that changes in weather conditions, such as impending rain or temperature, can trigger or worsen muscle and joint pain but Australian researchers have found no clear pattern between the two. https://t.co/V3rfCTWRBQ https://t.co/eFdZH4LoNA

CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy in Autoimmune Disease The NEJM has published the results of CD19 B cell depletion (by CAR-T cell therapy) in autoimmune disease patients, demonstrating it to be feasible, safe, and efficacious. https://t.co/ym3pAsI5Sf https://t.co/AnfKOISscV

RA BIOBADASER registry study of 1128 patients going on ts/bDMARD found 107 (9.3%) w/ multimorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity index ≥ 3). Multimorbid RA were older, more SJC & signif higher DAS28; ts/bDMARD retention rate equal groups https://t.co/am4Uoccla9 https://t.co/P7Ae2Jal2e

Feb 2024 EMA meeting approved biosimilar ustekinumab (Pyzchiva) for adult/pediatric psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; UC/Crohn's. & also approved generic Apremilast Accordfor the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and Behçet disease https://t.co/Cu9f4qQjgP https://t.co/qmH3ZkfReN

Congratulations to Drs. David Felson Tuhina Neogi of Boston University in being awarded a U19 5 yr grant to fund Novel Insights into Osteoarthritis, Pain and Function: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) Study. https://t.co/fGU9Zk2ECs https://t.co/dtT0hu7aA1

MMPs play pathogenic role in RA-ILD. Multicenter VA study of 2,312 RA pts, 96 had prevalent ILD & Incident ILD developed in 130 (IR 7.5/1,000PY). High MMP-7 increased ILD (adj OR 3.78) & incident ILD (adj HR 2.33). Higher MMP-9 did same https://t.co/3i49TsAQbt https://t.co/RA6Fu2jPeE

Eating for RA The majority of practicing rheums at RheumNow Live were unaware of the new ACR guidelines issued in 2022 regarding dietary and lifestyle recommendations for patients with RA. Dr. Monica Guma reviewed these guidelines during her lecture. https://t.co/9herN2musx https://t.co/P1xJn2lDrg

Serial plasma samples assayed for 92 inflammation-related proteins, during and after gout attacks. 21 were differentially expressed. Gout flares assoc w/ increased IL-6, CSF-1, VEGF-A & tumour necrosis factor superfamily 14 (TNFSF14 was highest) https://t.co/2p8vTFcmvD https://t.co/5z1gYdsKJO

Week 52 outcomes of 180 lupus nephritis pts (IV, VI, III) from AMP academic centers (rx w/ standard of care) showed 22% complete resp,  22% partial resp, 42% non-responder& 14% undetermined. 8/180 (4.4%) had CR sustained Wk 12 to 52; 10% PR. An unmet need! https://t.co/MJklf0Xhih https://t.co/w6a1fLKmoF

Cochrane Review: How Good is Ultrasound Diagnosing GCA? Is temporal artery ultrasound (US) equivalent or superior to the reference standard of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) when diagnosing giant cell arteritis (GCA)? https://t.co/AcETp0TJBF https://t.co/eKVmaro7D0