A recent study found that the varicella zoster virus downregulates expression of programmed death ligand 1 and major histocompatibility complex 1 in brain fibroblasts, perineurial cells and lung fibroblasts. These effects may lead to persistent inflammation in the vessels and lungs, as well as promote subsequent infection of T cells and the spread of the virus…
Each rheumatologist’s path to the specialty is unique. Here, three practicing rheumatologists share what inspired them to become rheumatologists, what brings them fulfillment and how to bring others into the specialty…
A retrospective study showed that patients who have rheumatic disease and develop tuberculosis may be able to resume anti-TNF therapy and other biologic agents…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—There is minimal to no transfer of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor certolizumab (Cimzia) from plasma to breast milk, according to a new study. “These findings are reassuring” and imply that continuing certolizumab treatment is compatible with breastfeeding, Dr. Megan Clowse of Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina,…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Psoriasis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitors may have a lower risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events than those treated with methotrexate (MTX), according to a new study. “The findings do not surprise me. TNF inhibitors control inflammation better than methotrexate,” lead author Dr. Jashin J. Wu of Kaiser Permanente…
Patients with Parkinson’s disease may be at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). New research examined why patients with Parkinson’s have a higher incidence of CTS than that of the general population. The study found that those patients who underwent subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation to monitor them for neuropathy may develop CTS…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and no known heart disease may have subclinical myocardial inflammation, which improves with disease-modifying therapy, new research shows. “We know that patients with RA have higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart failure and we really don’t know why. Maybe myocardial inflammation is one of the…
Once the barriers to telemedicine are overcome, this modern approach to the practice of medicine solves patient access issues and increases physician productivity, says Daniel Albert, MD, a pediatric rheumatologist at the Center for Telehealth at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center…
Due to manufacturing deficiencies found during a routine inspection by the FDA, approval of sarilumab for treating RA has slowed until facility issues are resolved…
Classification criteria for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) have been approved by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), validating an international set of classification criteria for SS using standards set by both organizations. Those criteria can now be found in the 2016 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: A…