Lupus & Connective Tissue Diseases
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA approves first biologic treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica
The interleukin-6 receptor antagonist sarilumab (Kevzara) will be indicated in adults who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or...
From the Journals
Autoantibodies signal reduced cancer risk in dermatomyositis
In patients with dermatomyositis positive for anti–TIF1-gamma autoantibodies, the presence of anti-CCAR1 autoantibodies indicate normal rather...
Feature
How to recognize and treat hidden inflammation
IgG4-associated inflammation can affect one or more organs or the surrounding connective tissue and cause fibrosis.
Conference Coverage
New tool better estimates cardiovascular risk in people with lupus
A tool to estimate cardiovascular risk in systemic lupus erythematosus incorporates disease-specific variables.
Feature
Health plans get very poor scores for access to autoimmune drugs
Three out of four insurance plans use policies that result in significant to severe restriction of access to medications for seven autoimmune...
Conference Coverage
Two biomarkers identify high-risk lupus nephritis
Two biomarkers, elastase-DNA and HMGB1-DNA, correlate with poor outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis.
From the Journals
Systemic sclerosis antibodies show link to interstitial lung disease in RA
Serum testing might aid in diagnosis of patients with overlapping rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.
Commentary
75 years: A look back on the fascinating history of methotrexate and folate antagonists
Dr. David Warmflash recounts how the meandering path of early research into chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies later led to methotrexate’s...
From the Journals
Topical CBD oil study suggests benefits for pain, healing in systemic sclerosis digital ulcers
A small study of the cannabis component is a ‘good first step,’ rheumatologist says.
From the Journals
VEXAS syndrome: More common, variable, and severe than expected
A large U.S. analysis found that this newly discovered genetic disease has a estimated prevalence of 1 in 4,269 in men older than 50.
Feature
Teamwork guides cardio-rheumatology clinics that care for unique patient population
Cardio-rheumatology programs are “the newest child” in a series of cardiology offshoots focusing on different populations, and such clinics aim to...