I have always been dissatisfied with the apparent dichotomy between researchers and clinicians; this is a false divide. Yes, research includes laboratory-based investigation, clinical trials, and retrospective and prospective studies of disease entities, among other pursuits. However, clinicians also contribute to research by sharing clinical data and through observations of their patients. Clinicians’ daily contributions…
RA patients experience a higher rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events than controls. In a new study, Karpouzas et al. determined that current biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug use is associated with reduced long-term CVD risk, protective calcification of noncalcified lesions and a lower likelihood of new plaque formation in patients with early atherosclerosis.
I should have paid more attention in medical school. If I had, I might have remembered enough about basic pathophysiology to know why everyone was suddenly pulling their patients off of lisinopril. For those of you who need a quick primer: When the pressure in the renal artery drops, the kidney secretes renin. Working together,…
In a new study, Spiera et al. assessed the safety and efficacy of lenabasum, a synthetic, orally administered agonist of cannabinoid receptor 2 that modulates the endocannabinoid system to activate the resolution phase of innate immune responses, in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis…
My fellow was laughing at me. By itself, I don’t think this was an unusual occurrence. I am quite certain that my fellows laugh at me all the time. That said, when such laughter is called for, I am accustomed to a certain protocol being observed. In general, I expect the laughter to be contained,…
(Reuters)—Pharmaceutical companies have ramped up clinical trials in the past month, rebounding from a steep decline in activity following the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, though activity remains below pre-pandemic levels, according to new research shareS with Reuters. The research, which was prepared by clinical trial consulting firm Medidata, shows that new subjects entered trials…
In a new study, Baker et al. examined reference product and biosimilar orders, comparing data from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) to those from an academic medical center…
The ACR and Rheumatology Research Foundation hope a new report on rheumatic disease research can leverage more money for ACR members, funding future research…
NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters)—Three of the authors of an influential article that found hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) increased the risk of death in COVID-19 patients retracted the study, citing concerns about the quality of the data behind it. The anti-malarial drug has been controversial in part due to support from U.S. President Donald Trump, as well…
According to a new study, the prevalence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), the most common biomarker of autoimmunity in the U.S., has increased considerably in recent years among adolescents aged 12–19 years, in both sexes (especially in men), older adults (age ≥50 years) and non-Hispanic whites…