Articles By Jack Cush, MD
U.S. Air Force - Basic Measures in Basic Training to Avoid COVID-19
By Jack Cush, MD
02 June 2020
In the current issue of MMWR, the CDC reports that among military personnel starting basic training, the use of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) may significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. NPIs advocated include screening measures, testing, administrative measures, quarantine, isolation, and source control, all as efforts to limit transmission COVID-19 in the community.
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FDA Approves Taltz for Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
By Jack Cush, MD
01 June 2020
Today Eli Lilly announced that Taltz (ixekizumab) has received FDA approval for the treatment of adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).
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First Look at COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry
By Jack Cush, MD
01 June 2020
Gianfresco et al have published the first peer-reviewed analysis of COVID-19 infected, rheumatic disease patients entered into the Rheumatology Global Alliance registry; showing that a) rheumatic disease patient can be infected with COVID-19, b) that DMARD and biologic use has no apparent effect on outcomes and c) steroid increase and TNF inhibitor decrease the odds of hospitalization.
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RheumNow Podcast - Rheumatic Patients with COVID (5.29.20)
By Jack Cush, MD
29 May 2020
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.
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TNR Grand Rounds - Cytokine Storm Syndromes
By Jack Cush, MD
27 May 2020
This week's Tuesday Nite Rheumatology featured Dr Randy Cron from the University of Alabama - Birmingham as he spoke and took questions on the immunology, immunopathogenesis and treatment of Cytokine Storm Syndrome, especially as they relate to COVID-19 and rheumatic disease patients. The program was moderated by Dr. Jack Cush.
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Boston and Wuhan Report Rheum COVID Patients at Risk for Respiratory Failure
By Jack Cush, MD
27 May 2020
Two current reports from Boston and Wuhan describe cohorts of COVID-19 (+) rheumatic disease patients who generally do well but appear to have a higher risk of pulmonary involvement.
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Hydroxychloroquine Improves Survival in Lupus
By Jack Cush, MD
26 May 2020
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has dominated the news in recent weeks, because of poor outcomes reported when used in COVID patients. Yet, a recent report reaffirms what rheumatologists have known for years - that HCQ use is associated with better outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus, including survival.
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Low Risk of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Rheumatic Patients
By Jack Cush, MD
25 May 2020
A current letter in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease details the rheumatic disease patient cohort outcomes from the University of Siena, Italy showing only 2 cases of COVID-19 among 859 patients treated with tsDMARDs and bDMARDs.
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Again, Antimalarial Use Fails to Benefit COVID
By Jack Cush, MD
22 May 2020
Today Lancet reported the results of another retrospective trial showing that hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, alone or with a macrolide antibioitic, offered no additional benefits to COVID-19 patients, but was associated with higher rates of mortality and arrhythmia.
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RheumNow Podcast - Preaching to the Choir (5.22.20)
By Jack Cush, MD
22 May 2020
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.
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