Articles By Jack Cush, MD
Romilkimab Effective in Early Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis
A phase II study of patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) has demonstrated improvement in SSc skin outcomes by targeting T cells and fibrosis with the bispecific monoclonal antibody romilkimab (RMK).
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Ustekinumab Early Risk for Cardiovascular Events
JAMA Dermatology reports a claims-based, case-time-controlled French study of 9290 psoriasis patients suggesting that ustekinumab initiation may be associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome or stroke in high risk cardiovascular patients.
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Livedo, Purpura and Coagulopathy in Severe COVID-19
JAMA Dermatology expands the spectrum of complications seen with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection describing cutaneous purpura and livedo lesions in patients with severe COVID-19.
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CDC Reverses Guidance for Asymptomatic COVID Contacts
Asymptomatic people who have been exposed to COVID-19 should be tested, the CDC said on Friday, in a reversal of controversial guidance the agency introduced in late August.
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CXCR3 and Restricted T Cells in Psoriatic Arthritis Inflammation
Research from Oxford University suggests a potential pathogenic role for the chemokine CXCR3 and clonally restricted CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) based studies of PsA synovial fluid samples obtained by arthrocentesis from 11 patients with large-joint oligo Ps
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RheumNow Podcast – Lupus Delights (9.18.20)
Dr Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com:
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COVID-19 Risks in Pregnant Women
There has been little science or evidence regarding the effects of COVID-19 infection on pregnancy and vice versa; and now the recent MMWR addresses the subject with two new reports
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Methotrexate-Pegloticase Combination in Refractory Gout - MIRROR Study
The MIRROR study, an open-label pilot trial in refractory, uncontrolled gout patients, showed that pegloticase given in combination with methotrexate was safe and effective and maintained responses for 6 months after initiation.
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Belimumab Effective in Lupus Nephritis
Dr. Rich Furie has lead a group of investIgators in reporting the significant efficacy of intravenous belimumab when added to standard of care induction therapy in patients with active lupus nephritis. This phase 3, 2-year study included 448 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis (class III or IV +/- V) patients who required induction therapy and have a UPCR ≥1 g/g.
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Has the Risk of Hip Fracture Changed over Time?
Data from the Framingham Heart Study has shown that hip fracture incidence has decreased over time, probably resulting from improved lifestyle changes (less smoking and heavy drinking).
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