Various drugs are known to cause musculoskeletal symptoms, such as arthralgias, myalgias, drug-induced lupus and serum sickness.1 In the rheumatology world, the most commonly recognized drugs that can cause musculoskeletal symptoms are hydralazine, minocycline, fluoroquinolones and, recently, the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of medications. Although beta blockers also have a noted side effect…
TEP In February, Lisa Gale Suter, MD, joined the Technical Expert Panel (TEP) for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Measure Development Plan, supporting the transition to the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). She was nominated to serve in this role by the ACR. The panel comprises…
(Reuters Health)—The U.S. spends about twice what other high-income nations do on healthcare, but has the lowest life expectancy and the highest infant mortality rates, a new study suggests. More doctor visits and hospital stays aren’t the problem. Americans use roughly the same amount of health services as people in other affluent nations, the study…
In a Phase 3 study, ixekizumab proved safe and effective to treat adults with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)…
(Reuters Health)—Gout sufferers with major pre-existing heart disease face a higher risk of death if they are treated with the drug febuxostat, a large long-term study has concluded. The risk of death from cardiovascular disease was 34% higher with febuxostat than with allopurinol. When researchers considered deaths from any cause, the risk was 22% higher…
In 2018, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) will present the FNIH Trailblazer Prize for Clinician-Scientists (Trailblazer Prize), which recognizes the outstanding contributions of early career clinician-scientists whose work has the potential to or has led to innovations in patient care. This $10,000 honorarium and prize celebrates the achievements of medical doctors…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Children’s electronic health records (EHRs) are missing functions “essential” for managing children’s health, according to a multistakeholder work group that produced a “high-priority” list of EHR requirements. “Most doctors caring for children in hospitals or office practices now use EHRs, which benefit children and families by offering decision-support and other safety features…
ZURICH (Reuters)—Novartis plans up to 10 clinical trials over three years using a U.S. partner’s mobile technology to help free patients from burdensome hospital trips as the Swiss drugmaker aims to boost study participation and cut costs. Novartis said on Wednesday it would work with Science 37, a California-based company that provides technology including smart…
We are sad to report that Dr. Kaplan passed away on Saturday, June 23. We are reposting this story now to celebrate his life.
After reviewing a 10-year study, the FDA cautions that prescribing clarithromycin to patients with heart disease increases the risk of heart problems or death…