Recent research found 41% of pediatric patients with SLE are affected by at least mild disability, with higher pain scores correlating with increased disability. Mary Beth Son, MD, says determining how these children feel and what affects them daily is vital to “identifying targets we can hit as clinicians to improve their quality of life.”... [Read More]
(Reuters Health)—Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be more likely to become disabled if they’re obese, a U.S. study suggests. Researchers examined data on more than 25,000 patients with RA. Most were overweight or obese when they joined the study. Those who were severely obese were more likely to report some disability at baseline. Over… [Read More]
(Reuters Health)—People who undergo joint surgery, such as joint replacements for arthritis, are more likely to become dependent in the years following surgery if they are obese, researchers say. Further research is needed to know why this happens and how to prevent it, the study team writes in British Journal of Anaesthesia.1 “I think there’s… [Read More]
A review of the two most common disability insurance programs for people who can no longer work, and the healthcare worker’s role in assisting patients with their disability claims.... [Read More]
In September 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) granted fast-track status to FCX‑013, a gene therapy product developed to treat moderate to severe localized scleroderma (morphea). Previously, the treatment received an orphan drug designation for localized scleroderma, as well as a rare pediatric disease designation. Phase 1 and 2 studies will assess safety… [Read More]
Over the past few years, biosimilars and other new drugs have been introduced to treat rheumatic illnesses. Some of the conditions we treat have numerous drug options, others have few or only off-label options. This series, “Rheumatology Drugs at a Glance,” provides streamlined information on the administration of biologic, biosimilar and small molecule inhibitor drugs… [Read More]
“I think the ultimate sign of having achieved a level of significant skill and acumen is when other physicians seek you out to be their doctor,” says Dr. Calvin Brown, the master clinician featured in this installment of our series.... [Read More]
Recent research found that RA patients who began treatment with baricitinib experienced greater improvement from baseline than patients who began treatment with methotrexate…... [Read More]
The ACR’s nonpartisan political action committee is continuing to advocate for increased defense department funding for rheumatology research. Learn about RheumPAC’s efforts and how you can help.... [Read More]
RA patients who achieve low disease activity on tofacitinib and methotrexate combination therapy can safely cease methotrexate use, according to recent research…... [Read More]