Articles By Jack Cush, MD
BSRBR: Demyelinating Disease Following Anti-TNFα Therapy
Analysis of patients receiving anti–tumor necrosis factor α (TNFi) therapy in the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR) shows that the risk of demyelination is rare but is marginally increased by taking TNFi therapy.
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Increased Risk of COPD in ACPA+ Pre-RA Patients
The lung and its pathology is uniquely tied to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its pathogenesis. A new study shows that elevation of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) before diagnosis of RA increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD
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Raynaud and Microvascular Complications with New Migraine Meds
A new study of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists for migraine headaches found that a small subset manifested Raynaud phenomenon and other had microvascular complications, suggesting that CGRP antagonists should be used in caution in patients with Raynauds.
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Dr. Charles Christian of HSS Honored
In the current issue of Annals of Rheumatic Disease, Dr. Peggy Crow honors the life and career of one the great, historic rheumatologists of all time: Dr. Charles Christian. For those interested in the history of rheumatology, mentoring and leadership, this is a good read. For those interested in leading a truly good life, and being a real role model, this is a must read.
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Broadalumab Efficacy in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Broadalumab (Siliq), an anti-interleukin-17 receptor A monoclonal antibody, is currently FDA- approved for use in adults with plaque psoriasis; but a recent trial shows it to be effective in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
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New, Improved Therapy for Pompe Disease
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute will present data on a new treatment for Pompe disease at the American Academy of Neurology on April 20th; the results show that treatment with avalglucosidase alfa yielded substantial clinical improvements and a more favorable safety profile compared to the current standard of care (alglucosidase alfa).
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RheumNow Podcast – Combination Biologics
Dr. Jack Cush serves up this week's news and articles from RheumNow.com.
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Planes, Trains and COVID Distancing
MMWR reports the risk of acquiring an infection with SARS-CoV-2 is reduced 23% to 57% when the middle seat was vacant (compared with full aircraft occupancy).
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Autoimmune Risk of Death Up during COVID
A population-based study in the UK shows that patients with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RAIRD) were 44% more likely to die during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic (March - April) compared to either the general population or their pre-COVID risk.
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USPSTF - No Need to Screen for Vitamin D Deficiency
JAMA has published the new recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) stating that screening for vitamin D deficiency is unnecessary and unwarranted in asymptomatic adults.
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