Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

Celiac Disease in Pediatric Patients

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A retrospective study shows that some patients presenting for pediatric rheumatology evaluation test positive for celiac disease—some without showing any gastrointestinal manifestations. Treatment includes a gluten-free diet…

Adalimumab, Tacrolimus Effective for Treating Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Will Boggs, MD  |  

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—The human IgG1 anti-TNF antibody adalimumab is safe and effective for short- and long-term treatment, and the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus given short-term brings remission, in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis, according to two new studies in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis. In the first study, online Sept. 21, Dr. Tamas Molnar…

FDA Declines to Expand Approval of Pfizer Arthritis Drug Xeljanz

Reuters Staff  |  

(Reuters)—U.S. health regulators declined to approve Pfizer Inc’s oral rheumatoid arthritis drug Xeljanz (tofacitinib) to treat moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis, the drugmaker said on Wednesday. Pfizer said it received a complete response letter from the Food and Drug Administration. Such letters typically outline concerns and conditions that must be addressed in order…

Transatlantic Divide: How U.S. Pays Three Times More for Drugs

Reuters  |  

LONDON (Reuters)—U.S. prices for the world’s 20 top-selling medicines are, on average, three times higher than in Britain, according to an analysis carried out for Reuters. The finding underscores a transatlantic gulf between the price of treatments for a range of diseases and follows demands for lower drug costs in America from industry critics such…

Hospital Workers Often Transfer Germs When Removing Gloves, Gowns

Kathryn Doyle  |  

(Reuters Health)—Fluorescent lotion and black light revealed that healthcare workers often contaminate their skin and clothing while removing their protective gear, researchers say. This contamination can spread germs and place the healthcare workers at risk for infection, the authors write in JAMA Internal Medicine. “It was surprising for the participants in the study to see…