Acute Steroid Use Comes with Risk
Steroids are known for their acute therpeutic wonders and chronic hazards. Hence most practitioners are comfortable using short term, limited dose corticosteroids for a variety of ailments.
News
Celecoxib Plus PPI Preferred in High Risk Patients
When do the risks outweigh the benefits of NSAIDs use, especially in those with prior cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events? The CONCERN study has tested the effects of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) in preventing GI bleeds when using NSAIDs and ASA.
Spinal Manipulation Equal to NSAIDS for Acute Low Back Pain
JAMA has published a review of 15 RCTs (1711 patients) analyzing the role of spinal manipulation therapy in patients with acute low back pain. The authors found modest improvements in pain and function at up to 6 weeks, with temporary minor musculoskeletal harms.
Stroke Risk Highest in the First Year of Lupus
Arkema et al has published in Annals of Rheumatic Disease a study showing that ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke (CVA) is elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with the general population, especially in the first year.
Osteoporosis Drugs of Uncertain Efficacy with CKD
More research is needed to determine the benefits and harms of osteoporosis medications on bone mineral density (BMD), fracture risk, and safety among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is important because complications of CKD include weak bones and increased fracture risk.
Osteoporosis Screening Indicated Following Non-Vertebral Fractures
The Archives of Osteoporosis have published the results of a cohort study supporting the use of osteoporosis (OP) screening in those sustaining a non-vertebral fracture in patients over age 50 years, independent of sex of level of trauma sustained.
Hydroxychloroquine Underperforms in a Cutaneous Lupus Trial
Hydroxychloroquine has become a mainstay in the treatement of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proven efficacy in managing many domains of lupus, including skin, joint, and other autoimmune features.
The RheumNow Week in Review – 7 April 2017
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from this week's meeting at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Biologics Summit VII; and of course a few other tweets and journal articles.
Biologic Safety Holds Up in RA
An updated systematic literature review has provided reassuring evidence regarding the increasing safety of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), European researchers reported.
Abatacept Use During Surgery
The issue of medication management is a complicated one, especially in complex rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking biologic or immunosuppressive drugs.
Healthy Bones Formed During Adolescence
An article in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research reports that physical activity during adolescence is an important determinant in bone strength. (Citation source http://buff.ly/2oph6vO)
The RheumNow Week in Review – 31 March 2017
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the news and Advances in Targeted Therapies meeting in Mandelieu, France:
Tweeting this week from Advances in Targeted Therapies #ATT2017 in Mandelieu, France.
