Rheumatology
From the Journals
Extra-articular RA manifestations are in decline, but mortality is still a problem
The incidence of nonsevere extra-articular manifestations of RA decreased over time, likely because of a reduced incidence of rheumatoid nodules...
From the Journals
Early glucocorticoid bridging in RA supported by meta-analysis, but concerns remain
Conflicting view: A coauthor of the 2021 American College of Rheumatology guideline says glucocorticoid treatment should be avoided if at all...
From the Journals
Hydroxychloroquine blood level ‘sweet spot’ may maximize efficacy in lupus
Researchers identified a blood-level reference range linked with 71% lower odds of active lupus.
From the Journals
Colchicine still needed to prevent gout flares in allopurinol ‘start-low, go-slow’ strategy
Patients taking colchicine had fewer gout flares than did those taking placebo for the first 6 months, but the number evened out between the two...
Latest News
Precision blood test for rheumatoid arthritis receives Medicare coverage
The test helps to determine if patients with rheumatoid arthritis are unlikely to respond to anti-TNF therapies.
From the Journals
Osteoarthritis cases projected to balloon over next 30 years
In “a major challenge to health systems,” osteoarthritis may affect nearly 1 billion people in 2050.
From the Journals
Diabetes drug class appears to reduce recurrent gout flares
Previously associated with a lower incidence of gout, SGLT2 inhibitors for the first time also appear to reduce gout flare recurrence and excess...
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA approves canakinumab for gout flares
Canakinumab is the first biologic in the U.S. approved for treating gout flares.
Guidelines
ACR releases guideline for managing ILD in patients with rheumatic disease
“Guidance was needed for which tests to use for screening and monitoring this particular disease,” said lead author Sindhu R. Johnson, MD, PhD....
From the Journals
Slight weight gain, no blood pressure increase with low-dose steroids for RA
People with rheumatoid arthritis who take long-term, low-dose glucocorticoids do not appear to have significant...
Latest News
Rheumatology trials seem vulnerable to unblinding: Report
In an analysis of 14 published randomized controlled clinical trials of common rheumatology drugs, most had a high estimated risk for inadvertent...