Latest stories relevant to rheumatology patients
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Arthritis Foundation video presents ways to tackle arthritis-related exhaustion and mental fog.
Inebilizumab targets and depletes CD19+ B cells and may be effective for treating patients with IgG4-related disease. In a phase 3 trial, Inebilizumab reduced the risk of flares of IgG4-related disease and increased the likelihood of flare-free complete remission at 1 year. (Stone et al. NEJM. Nov 14, 2024)
Rinvoq may have a role in GCA (Healio)
"A study of 407 people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis found those who got semaglutide had an average reduction of 41.7 points on a 100-point scale while those who got the placebo had a reduction of 27.5 points. (Obesity Drug Shows Promise in Easing Knee Osteoarthritis Pain. NYTimes 10/30/2024)
"As of June 25, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 44 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 1 state or territory, and are stable or uncertain in 5 states and territories. (CDC.gov)
Popular class of drugs used for diabetes type 2 and obesity were recently found associated with a form of vision loss. Lancet Rheumatol. 2024;6(1):e31. Epub 2023 Dec 5)
In a placebo controlled study of 99 fibromyalgia patients on low dose naltrexone (LDN), pain score improved only 0.40 in low dose naltrexone (LDN) patients versus placebo on a scale from one to 10. (Due Bruun K, et al. Naltrexone 6 mg once daily versus placebo in women with fibromyalgia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2024;6(1):e31. Epub 2023 Dec 5)
In a study tracking patients on hydroxychloroquine with electrocardiograms, the number who developed a prolongation of electrical conduction was neglibile in one year and very low in 5 years. This contrasts concern during Covid peak about risk of hydroxychloroquine cardiac toxicity. (Arth Care and Research. Jul 2023:1571-75.)
In a study comparing patients on rituximab who were treated with preventive antibiotic versus those who weren't and compared to those also on high dose steroids, antibiotic significantly lowered the risk of a severe infection with Pneumocystis jirovicii. (Park et al. Arth Rhuem. Nov 2023:2036-44.)
GLP-1 agonist drugs now being used widespread for diabetes type 2 and weight loss have shown ability to modulate addictive behavior. Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is now being studied in a 12-week trial for smoking cessation. (Lengsfeld S, et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues: a new way to quit smoking? (SKIP)-a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized controlled study. Trials. 2023 Apr 20;24(1):284.)
Although many genetic tests are approved for stratifying cancer once it is diagnosed and several are used to screen, multi-cancer screening tests that can test for up to 50 different cancers are not FDA approved. Like any new technology, the benefits and hazards are being weighed as the public adopts their implementation. (R Rubin. Questions swirl around screening for multiple cancers with a single blood test. JAMA 4/2/2024) JAMA
The FDA added a warning to use of Prolia (denosumab) an osteoporosis drug about increased cases of low calcium level. Low calcium or hypocalcemia can cause serious heart issues. An increase in this side effect was seen in dialysis patients taking Prolia (H Rosen. Denosumab for osteoporosis . Uptodate 2/5/2024)
The FDA approved Cosentyx (secukinumab) for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS is a drastic inflammatory skin disease and has long been a challenge to manage. Cosentyx is an injectable drug that inhibits an inflammatory mediator, Interleukin-17. (COSENTYX® Data Highlights Redefine HS treatment with the FIRST and ONLY FDA-approved IL-17A antagonist speaker program, 1/25/2024)
The FDA recalled eyedrops used for dry eyes made by 2 different manufacturers in Jan and Feb 2023. Products made by Global Pharmaceutical (EzriCare) and Delsam Pharma's artificial tears were recalled after cases of serious infection were linked to drops. (New York Times May 2023)
The first FDA approved drug for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a subcutaneous bi-monthly injection of a drug already approved for rheumatoid arthritis. It acts by inhitibion of the interleukin-6 receptor. (Pharmacy Times Mar 2023)
In an extension of a 1 year trial called DESIRE, people with systemic sclerosis had improvement in lungs and skin when continuing rituximab for average of 96 weeks. (JAMA Feb 2023)
In a comparison of people with symptoms persisting after Covid, immunology lab was similar to a control group. (Ann Int Med Feb 2023)
In a comparison of holding methotrexate (MTX) 1 week versus 2 weeks there was no difference in response to Flu shots but was more flare of rheumatoid arthritis in the 2 week hold group. So, stop methotrexate just one week after a vaccine. (Park et al. Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Parallel-Group Trial on the Effects of Temporary Methotrexate Discontinuation for One Week Versus Two Weeks on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthr Rheum Feb 2023)
