(Reuters)—Manufacturers of duodenoscopes linked to recent superbug outbreaks at U.S. hospitals skirted a host of testing, manufacturing and reporting requirements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in warning letters to the companies released on Monday. The letters, sent on Aug. 12, cite Olympus Corp Pentax Medical and Fujifilm Holdings Corp with multiple violations found…
High-Risk Medical Devices Backed by Few Studies
(Reuters Health)—Many high-risk therapeutic devices get U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval with only one study proving their safety and efficacy before going to market. Studies of how the devices work once they are on the market are also few and far between, according to a new study that looked at all 28 high-risk…
Professional Athlete’s Arthritis Diagnosis a Wake-Up Call for Physicians
Major League Baseball player Matt Kemp’s condition is evidence that even healthy young people can develop inflammatory disease
TNF Inhibitors & RA
Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents may have cardioprotective effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Joint Smart Coalition Takes on Psoriasis in New York City
The Arthritis Foundation and the National Psoriasis Foundation launched the Joint Smart Coalition to focus on patient education, resources, and outreach. At a coalition-sponsored community-outreach event at Queens College in Flushing, N.Y., attendees were provided information on setting goals, stretching techniques, easy exercises, treatment options, and tips for a healthy lifestyle. (posted Dec. 13)
TNF-α Impairs Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
When researchers treated patients with RA with TNF-α–specific antibody, they were able to restore Treg cell function. (posted June 3, 2013)
Negotiating Tips for Careers in Private Practice, Academia, and Industry
Rheumatologists need to be aware of the fine art of negotiating contracts when seeking employment. Here are some tips.
Rheumatology Chooses Wisely
ACR identifies five practices, therapies, or procedures physicians and patients should question
The ACR Releases Top 5 Things as Part of Choosing Wisely Campaign
On February 21, the ACR–along with 16 other national medical societies–released its list of Five Things Patients and Physicians Should Question in Rheumatology.
Panel Addresses Drug Safety Issues in Rheumatology Products
Black box warnings, TNF inhibitors, and tofacitinib discussed