Lupus & Connective Tissue Diseases
From the Journals
Nearly 20% of lupus patients have severe infection in first decade after diagnosis
The study is the first “to evaluate the risk of severe infections in a large population-based and incident SLE cohort.”
Conference Coverage
Novel lupus therapies take center stage
Speakers at the 2021 Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium spotlighted new drug approvals and new mechanisms of action in SLE, as well as...
News from the FDA/CDC
Tocilizumab (Actemra) scores FDA approval for systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease
The drug received FDA Priority Review and is the first biologic to be approved by the agency to reduce lung function decline in systemic sclerosis...
From the Journals
ACR, AAD, AAO, RDS issue joint statement on safe use of hydroxychloroquine
Four medical societies issued a joint statement on the low risk of retinopathy and risk factor management.
Guidelines
COVID-19 vaccination recommended for rheumatology patients
The threat posed by COVID-19 for people with rheumatic diseases outweighs concerns about vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, says the American College...
From the Journals
Frozen sections can guide biopsies for giant cell arteritis, but are they feasible?
Mayo Clinic researchers describe their unique experience with the use of frozen section–guided sequential temporal artery biopsy carried out...
From the Journals
Outcomes have improved for PAH in connective tissue disease
Modern treatments and combination approaches may have contributed to overall improvements in survival in patients with pulmonary arterial...
Conference Coverage
Consider home subcutaneous immune globulin for refractory dermatomyositis
Patients prefer home subQ over IVIg, citing greater feeling of autonomy.
From the Journals
Tocilizumab may improve lung function in early systemic sclerosis
Treatment with tocilizumab may improve lung function in patients with interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis.
From the Journals
Checkpoint inhibitors’ ‘big picture’ safety shown with preexisting autoimmune diseases
A Dutch nationwide study in melanoma patients found relative safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors for grade 3 immune-related AEs but does not...
Feature
Women increasingly turn to CBD, with or without doc’s blessing
Women of reproductive age are increasingly turning to cannabinoids to treat gynecologic and other conditions. A study shows they’re not waiting...