New research on complement activation in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis underscores its important role in the pathogenesis of this disease, an autoimmune condition defined by inflammation of small- and medium-caliber blood vessels.1 ANCA testing is commonly performed to help diagnose granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, both of which are forms of ANCA-associated…
A recently developed frailty index may be a valuable way to quantify vulnerability in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.1 When evaluating SLE, physicians consider a patient’s disease activity, organ damage and health-related quality of life. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/ACR Damage Index (SDI)…
Ironically, chronic exposure to minocycline has also been associated with a variety of autoimmune syndromes, including drug-induced lupus, autoimmune hepatitis, serum sickness and vasculitis.1 Minocycline is associated with an 8.5-fold increased risk of drug-induced lupus.2 Minocycline and nitrofurantoin are implicated in 90% of cases of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis.3 Minocycline-induced vasculitis is much less common and,…
A study examining familial patterns of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) found a greater decline in SLE recurrence rate by generation in childhood- than in adult-onset SLE, suggesting adult-onset SLE may be characterized by environmental risk factors.
Ultrasound may provide unique insights into the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors on the human body beyond the immune system. Research suggests synovitis and inflammatory tendon involvement are commonly seen in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis.
A code change in the ICD-10 classification for Sjögren’s syndrome was approved by the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee in July 2019 and becomes effective October 2020.
A study highlights the potential of fasinumab, an anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, as a pain treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Research into the risks and benefits of this therapeutic class for OA are ongoing…
In August, Abbvie submitted a new drug application for upadacitinib to treat ankylosing spondylitis. And in September, the FDA approved an oral solution of tramadol hydrochloride for pain.
Plasma microbial translocation, the composition of the microbiome and environmental factors may influence the development of autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study comparing SLE patients with their first-degree relatives and unrelated, healthy controls.
(Reuters Health)—Patients with a degenerative meniscus tear who get arthroscopic partial meniscectomy have similar five-year outcomes and increased risk of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) as without surgery, a small study suggests. Researchers in Finland randomly assigned 146 adults with degenerative meniscus tear confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to receive either arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM)…