Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Intimacy & Rheumatic Conditions

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The side effects of rheumatic conditions and their treatments can cause symptoms some may find awkward or embarrassing to discuss with their physicians. But Ara Dikranian, MD, says rheumatologists must address intimacy issues, both physical and emotional, with all patients…

Moderate Alcohol Use Could Be Safe with Methotrexate for RA

Scott Baltic  |  

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—In patients taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), moderate alcohol consumption – that is, no higher than existing U.K. guidelines for the general population – was not associated with an increased risk of transaminitis, researchers say. The study is both the largest to examine alcohol and methotrexate (MTX) and the first to…

Obesity Associated with Increased Inflammatory Markers in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Will Boggs MD  |  

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Obesity and higher fat mass are associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), researchers report. “Physicians should recognize that C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are affected by obesity in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis, especially in women,” Dr. Michael D. George from the University of…

Maryland Lawmakers Approve Bill to Fight Drug Price-Gouging

Ian Simpson  |  

WASHINGTON (Reuters)—Maryland lawmakers have passed a first-in-the-nation measure that lets the state attorney general sue generic drugmakers that sharply raise prices in a move aimed at fighting what legislators call “price-gouging.” The bill overwhelmingly was approved by the Democratic-controlled legislature on Monday and hailed by Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh as a way to check…

Spinal Manipulation Might Help Ease Acute Low Back Pain

Lisa Rapaport  |  

(Reuters Health)—Spinal manipulation may work as well for easing lower back pain as anti-inflammatory medications, a research review concludes. Based on data from 15 previously conducted trials involving a total of 1,711 adults, the study team found that spinal manipulation achieved meaningful reductions in pain and improvements in function after six weeks of treatment. The…

Insufficient Evidence Regarding Osteoporosis Medications in Kidney Patients

Will Boggs, MD  |  

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—There are insufficient data to make evidence-based decisions regarding the benefits and harms of osteoporosis medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. “We found low to moderate evidence for the effects of some but not all of the medications, and the evidence was limited…

FDA Warns Mylan Over Quality Concerns at India Facility

Natalie Grover  |  

(Reuters)—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns over quality controls at a Mylan NV manufacturing plant in India, according to a warning letter from the agency dated April 3. India-based drug manufacturing facilities have been criticized by the FDA in recent years for violating quality standards, as the agency increases oversight of…

How to Be Heard: Tips for Efficient & Effective Advocacy

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Did you know that there are more state legislators in this country than practicing rheumatologists? There are more than 7,300 state legislators alone, and each represents tens of thousands of constituents. As providers, you have a unique expertise that can be valuable to legislators in making decisions on biosimilars, research funding, insurance reform and a…