New research examines the adherence rates for system-level performance measures in Canada. Using data from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort that spanned eight years, researchers determined the percentage of RA patients seen in yearly follow-up with the number of gaps between visits, the percentage of RA patients treated with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug and number days from diagnosis to the initiation of treatment. The results: High adherence to system-level performance measures was found in this early RA cohort, with small declines in performance with the increasing length overtime…
Risankizumab Promising for Psoriasis; Plus Canada Approves Brodalumab
Two Phase 3 clinical trials show that risankizumab is effective for achieving skin clearance in patients with psoriasis…
Lyme Disease Spreads Through Ontario
New research highlights the current geographic areas of Ontario, Canada, associated with Lyme disease and the presence of Ixodes scapularis. The study found the ticks are expanding their range at a rate of 46–55 km/year, with several sites showing the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. These findings may help target public health interventions in the areas at greatest risk…
Advances in Education for Rheumatology Health Professionals: A Review & an Opportunity
Educational opportunities for health professionals are expanding. At this year’s Annual Meeting, don’t miss a historic joint session from the ARHP and the Canada-based Arthritis Health Professions Association about the advances in and effects of these educational opportunities on rheumatology…
Opioid Investigated to Treat Acute & Chronic OA Pain; Plus New RA Treatment & More
In Phase 2 trials, the oral opioid, CR845, has proved promising in treating pain in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. Olokizumab is being investigated to treat RA, and in Canada, adalimumab has been approved to treat polyarticular JIA in 2–4 year-olds…
Pharmacy-based Arthritis Screening Debuts in Canada
Co-sponsored program between the Ministry of Health and pharmacy chain tasks pharmacists with screening people for knee osteoarthritis