Rheumatology
Feature
Early weight change has no special effect on mortality in RA
The so-called obesity paradox does not stand up to new evidence looking at the timing of weight change near the time of RA diagnosis.
Conference Coverage
Evidence builds for long-term ineffectiveness of steroid shots for knee OA
SAN DIEGO – Injections may actually boost the risk that condition will worsen
Conference Coverage
Virtual reality enters the rheumatology realm
SAN DIEGO – New feasibility study aims to understand its potential for pain.
News from the FDA/CDC
Health disparities in rural America: Chronic conditions
Black and American Indian/Alaska Native adults most likely to have multiple chronic health conditions.
From the Journals
TNFi response evaluations may conflict when fibromyalgia, axial SpA coexist
The presence of both diseases seems to affect response to TNF blockers – but only in self-reported instruments used to evaluate patients.
Conference Coverage
Novel oral orphan drug tames pemphigus
The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor is also under study for other autoimmune diseases.
Conference Coverage
Flare of nonradiographic axial SpA occurs often after adalimumab withdrawal for remission
Many patients couldn’t get back into remission when adalimumab was reinstated.
Conference Coverage
Nonadherence to lupus drugs may play a role in frequent hospitalization
SAN DIEGO – A higher risk for hospitalization also occurred among young, male, and African-American patients.
News
FDA recommends voluntary recall of Limbrel
“Health care providers who are aware that their patients are taking Limbrel should advise them to immediately stop taking the product,” the FDA...
From the Journals
Arthritis prevalence higher than previously thought, especially in adults under 65
Two additional survey questions greatly improved sensitivity for arthritis.
From the Journals
Biosimilars and sources show mostly parallel safety profiles
Infliximab was the only active substance with more than one difference in safety concerns between the biosimilar and originator.