Articles By Jack Cush, MD
Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies in the Anti-Synthetase Syndrome
Patients known to be autoantibody positive (e.g., anti- Jo1) for the anti-synthetase syndrome were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for other reactivities, showing antinuclear staining (ANA) or cytoplasmic staining (Anti-Cyt Ab+).
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Intra-articular Corticosteroids or Methotrexate for Oligoarticular JIA?
Oligoarticular-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis accounts for nearly half of all JIA patients. While many of these children will require DMARD therapy, many others are treated with antiinflammatory meds or intra-articular corticosteroids. But the evidence for this latter approach is scant.
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Novel Peripheral Helper T Cells in RA
US and UK researchers have identified a unique subset of helper T-cells called ‘peripheral helper’ T-cells in the synoviums that may be linked to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
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NSAIDs Ineffective in Back Pain
The George Institute for Global Health has performed a systematic review of drugs used to treat back pain. Their findings, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, shows that only one in six improve their pain with NSAID therapy.
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Modest Efficacy for Methotrexate in Psoriasis
Doubt remains regarding the appropriateness, efficacy and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of moderate to severe cutaneous psoriasis. Moreover, high dose, subcutaneous MTX has not been studied in a well-designed trial.
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The RheumNow Week in Review – 3 February 2017
Dr. Jack Cush reviews this week's highlights from RheumNow.
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Kevzara (Sarilumab) Approved in Canada for RA
Kevzara (sarilumab), an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor monoclonal antibody, was approved by Health Canada for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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Gout is Undermanaged
Gout should be one of the easiest and best managed of rheumatic disorders. However, numerous deficits exist with regard to the treatment and long-term care of gout.
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Limited Efficacy of NSAIDs in Spondyloarthritis
Prior to the biologic era, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the mainstay of drug therapy in thos with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Their role in the modern era has changed and the claims for efficacy have varied.
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Is the Jury Still Out on Triple Therapy vs. MTX + TNF inhibitor?
There are several trials that test the efficacy and safety of combination tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) plus methotrexate against triple therapy (methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine plus sulfasalazine) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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