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Best of 2018: Patients May Not Fill Your Prescription

A new study linking administrative claims and electronic health records (EHRs) shows that nearly 40% of patients fill and take newly prescribed methotrexate (MTX), tofacitinib or biologics. 

Kan et al set out to estimate the extent and predictors of primary nonadherence in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who received new prescriptions for methotrexate, biologics or tofacitinib.

Best of 2018: Ustekinumab May be Effective in Lupus

Ronald F van Vollenhoven and colleagues have reported in Lancet that ustekinumab (UST), an interleukin-12 and -23 inhibitor, when added to usual therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, was shown to be superior to placebo at improving clinical efficacy and laboratory param

Best of 2018: Unproven But Profitable Stem Cell Clinics

Stem cell clinics are popular and proliferating as they are largely a cash business and fall outside of FDA regulatory control. In lieu of scientific proof, most advocates use patient testimonials and the placebo effect to back up their claims.

Mourning the Loss of NIAMS Director Stephen Katz, MD, PhD

The following tribute to the late Dr. Steven Katz appeared on the NIH website. 

RheumNow Podcast – Rheumatologist Salaries (12.21.18)

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news from RheumNow for the week ending 12/21/18.

Zolendronate Protects Against Fracture in Osteopenia

The NEJM reports that the use of zoledronate significantly reduces the risk of nonvertebral or vertebral fragility fractures in women with osteopenia.

Reassuring VTE Data for Tofacitinib

No significant differences in risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) were seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tofacitinib (Xeljanz) and those receiving tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, analysis of administrative data showed.

Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Dermatomyositis

A study of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) finds abnormalities in more than half of patients suggesting this could be a useful clinical tool in diagnosing and managing patients with IIM. 

Rheumatologist and Physician Salaries for 2018

Medpage Today has published the results of their 2018 Rheumatology Specialty Salaray Survey.

TIF1-Ab in Dermatomyositis Linked to Higher Cancer Risk

Several epidemiological studies have reported that a diagnosis of DM or PM may be associated with increased cancer risk. The association appears stronger for DM than PM.

H2H: Ixekizumab vs. Adalimumab in Psoriatic Arthritis

Lilly has issued an advanced press release on its SPIRIT-H2H trial, wherein ixekizumab (Taltz) was shown to be more effective than than adalimumab (Humira) in a 24 week psoriatic arthritis study.

Rising Physician Exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid

JAMA Network Open has published that an increasing number of physicians are being excluded from Medicare and other forms of public insurance. 

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