Articles By Jack Cush, MD
A Rare Disease Doctor
Yesterday was national “Rare Disease Day” in the USA, with many tributes to the patients, doctors and researchers dedicated to these disorders. Moreover, it was a great opportunity to shout about the many rare conditions that don’t often get enough press, praise or funding.
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Increased SLE Flares with Hydroxychloroquine Reduction
Concerns about the long-term safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) often results in dose reduction or drug discontinuation; yet a current study shows that, for those in remission, HCQ taper/discontinuation resulted in a significantly higher rate of SLE flares.
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Downside of Holding Methotrexate with COVID-19 Vaccination
A recent prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial has shown that a 2 week hold of methotrexate (MTX) following COVID-19 (Sinovac-CoronaVac) vaccination resulted in greater anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity; but there was an increase in flare rates after the second dose of vaccine.
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MMWR - NFL Study on When to Be Released if COVID(+)
MMWR has reported the results of the National Football Leagues (NFL) change in SARS-CoV-2 testing program that went into effect in December 2021, at the height of the Omicron variant surge, showing that among those with asymptomatic infection, only half were PCR test negative and could return to
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Diagnostic Delay in Axial Spondyloarthritis (2.25.2022)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week, rheumatologic problems incited by respiratory infections, air pollution and how you live, now where you live.
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COSMOS Study - Guselkumab Efficacy at 1 Year in Psoriatic Arthritis
Guselkumab, an IL-2319-subunit antibody, was studied in active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients who had a previously inadequate response (IR) to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and after 1 year was shown to significantly improved joint and skin manifestations and physical function.
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Low COVID-19 Vaccine Risks in Rheumatic Patients
Data from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Coronavirus Vaccine registry shows that patients with with inflammatory or noninflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease have similar adverse event rates as the general public.
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Medscape: Physician Burnout Report 2022
The annual Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression survey has been published for 2022 and Rheumatology burnout stats have improved, now ranking 10th (middle of the pack).
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Increased Odds of Arthritis with Social Risk Factors
MMWR has published the results of the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System showing that increases in the number of social risk factors independently increases the odds of arthritis and its burden in the USA.
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Positive Results from the DOA (Duloxetine in OsteoArthritis) Study
A pragmatic, open-label trial of osteoarthritis (OA) patients demonstrated that adding duloxetine treatment seems to be beneficial for end-stage knee OA patients with neuropathic-like symptoms (at risk of central sensitization).
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