NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Rituximab seemed to be a safe and effective treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a placebo-controlled validation trial in Japan.1 “A number of studies have examined B-cell depletion therapy for systemic sclerosis, and many of them have suggested that [this] is effective in treating systemic sclerosis,” Ayumi Yoshizaki, MD, tells Reuters Health…
Cohort Study Reveals Patients Treated with Rituximab Have Poorer COVID-19 Outcomes
According to a recent cohort study, patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases receiving rituximab therapy experience more severe COVID-19. Researchers also found an association between rituximab use and prolonged hospital stays.
COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies Suggested for Patients on Anti-Rheumatic Immunosuppressive Therapy
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—U.K. experts propose evidence-based management strategies for rheumatology patients on immunosuppressive therapy, including delaying/postponing rituximab, as appropriate. “The aim of this viewpoint article is to outline the existing data on the effect of anti-rheumatic therapy on vaccine responses in patients with inflammatory arthritis and to formulate a possible pragmatic strategy for the…
A Year to Remember: Dr. Jinoos Yazdany Presents the 2020 Clinical Research Review
During ACR Convergence 2020, Jinoos Yazdany, MD, MPH, discussed innovative research into a potential treatment for lupus, medication tapering & more. These findings may influence the treatment of rheumatic disease in the future.
UHC Updates Rituximab Policy to Require Use of Biosimilars
As of Oct. 1, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) requires that patients fail to respond to both FDA-approved rituximab biosimilars prior to receiving approval for rituximab. Exception: Rituximab-pvvr (Ruxience) is not FDA approved for rheumatoid arthritis.
Rituximab as Maintenance Therapy for Difficult-to-Treat SLE
For some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, regular repeated treatment with rituximab may prevent disease flare, according to a study from Cassia et al.
Longer Rituximab Therapy Boosts Remission in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Long-term rituximab use lowers the chance of relapse of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV), compared with standard maintenance therapy, according to a report from the MAINRITSAN3 randomized trial. “Physicians should consider AAV to be a long-lasting, chronic disease which requires maintenance therapy,” says Dr. Pierre Charles of Cochin Hospital, Paris…
Coding Corner Answers: An Office Personnel Quiz
Take the challenge. D. When an infusion is ordered by the provider, there should be a signed order from the provider. If a prior authorization is needed, it should be obtained, with the number of infusions, along with the start and end dates of the authorization. Also, a prior authorization does not guarantee reimbursement; an…
Coding Corner Questions: An Office Personnel Quiz
A 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at multiple sites without rheumatoid factor has been ordered to have infliximab infusions. What should support staff do to ensure this procedure can be given to the patient? Make sure there is a signed order from the provider Make sure a prior authorization is obtained Make sure…
FDA Update: New Drug Approvals, New & Expanded Indications, & More
ATLANTA—New drug approvals, new and expanded drug indications, and important safety and other updates relevant for rheumatologists were presented by three physicians from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on Nov. 11 at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting. New JAK Inhibitor Approved for RA On Aug. 16, 2019, the FDA approved upadacitinib (Rinvoq), an…
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