Great and Not So Great (9.30.2022)

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This week it's the great and not-so-great on gout, chondrocalcinosis, osteoporosis and misdiagnosis. We are good at many of those things - what's not so great? Let's review the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.

COVID-19 Arthropathy and Myalgia

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An online survey of random COVID-19 infected persons shows that arthralgia and myalgia are common consequences to COVID-19 infection.

2022 Lasker Award Winners

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The Lasker Foundation has announced the winners of its 2022 Lasker Awards, widely regarded as America’s top biomedical research prize since its creation more than 75 years ago. Here's a look at the award winners and their important contributions to biomedical research.

Opioid Crisis Costs USA $1.5 Trillion

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Reuters has reported the results of a Congressional report showing the economic toll of the opioid addiction and overdose crisis on the United States reached nearly $1.5 trillion in 2020 alone and is likely to grow.

Efficacy and Safety of JAK Inhibitors in Psoriatic Disease

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There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to a systematic review in BMC Rheumatology.

Uncommon Misdiagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Using long-term patient data from the BARFOT study of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, researchers at the Karolinska Institute have shown that use of the ACR-1987 classification criteria was highly precise.

NSAIDs Linked to Heart Failure in Diabetes Patients

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Short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with a first-time hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to research presented at ESC Congress 2022.

Are We Overcautious With TNF Inhibitors in Pregnancy?

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What may seem like a prudent approach to treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pregnant women actually represents an overabundance of caution, suggested researchers who found no increased risk from tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Immune Benefits to Sound Sleep

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The revitalizing powers of sleep are numerous but what are the consequences to inadequate sleep? A current report in the Journal of Experimental Medicine shows the connection between sleep and immune function as measured in mice and humans; specifically, a good night’s sleep promotes normal production and programming of hematopoietic stem cells. 

Rheumatology Leaders and Patient Advocates Convene on Capitol Hill

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ACR members along with rheumatology patients gathered on Capitol Hill and urged federal lawmakers to support the HELP Copays Act, Safe Step Act, and Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

Heavy Metal Rheumatology (9.23.2022)

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Below are this week’s highlights from RheumNow, as discussed by Dr. Jack Cush. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments and great reviews of our weekly podcast. Please let us know how we can improve by emailing me or recording your suggestion using the "Ask Cush Anything" link on our website.

Cancer Risk with Scleroderma

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Spanish Scleroderma Registry examined a large cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients showing an increased cancer risk, especially breast, lung, hematologic and colorectal cancer. The registry included 1930 patients with SSc and were compared to a matched general population to derive the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and independent cancer risk factors.