Methotrexate (MTX) remains the predominant medication used by rheumatologists to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Doses of 7.5–25 mg per week with daily folic acid are generally prescribed. Despite its common use, MTX must be prescribed cautiously given the potential adverse effects when taken incorrectly or without folic acid supplementation. Cases of MTX-induced cutaneous ulceration have…
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…
Autoinflammatory diseases are genetically diverse, but clinically similar, conditions distinct from autoimmune illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. Clinically, they are defined by recurrent episodes of inflammation that follow a characteristic pattern each time they occur. Some have a set length of time during which fever, peritonitis or arthritis manifest. Others are…
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome or allergic granulomatosis and angiitis, is a rare small- and medium-vessel vasculitis. This disease was first described by American pathologists Jacob Churg and Lotte Strauss in 1951.1 Although the vasculitis is often not apparent in the initial phases of the disease, EGPA can affect any…
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…
It happens all the time. We can see it coming—that quizzical look or the hesitant nod after someone asks what we do for a living. We are so accustomed to the next question that we often provide the answer before someone even has a chance to ask it: “What’s a rheumatologist?” The ACR has long…
Designed in the TED Talk style, In the Rheum sessions will feature the hottest topics and biggest scientific takeaways for rheumatology using a shorter, more casual approach during the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is more effective than treatment as usual for improving function and other outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia, according to a new randomized trial. MBSR is an extension of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intended to help patients change the way they experience symptoms, Dr. Albert Feliu-Soler of the Institut de…
Secukinumab therapy proved safe and effective for psoriatic arthritis patients with multiple co-morbidities and long treatment histories, according to recent research…
The ACR is known for excellence in rheumatology education—and 2019 will be no exception. This year’s annual meeting offers innovative session formats and user-friendly, interactive approaches to learning…