CHICAGO—In the Thieves Market session at the 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, rheumatologists from around the country presented a slate of challenging cases that emphasized the importance of clinical persistence and attention to detail, and the need to consider diagnoses that might not be common or obvious. Three of them are summarized below. (Look for more…
Tacrolimus Use for Lupus Nephritis Raises Debate over Role in North American Population
The following summary regarding use of tacrolimus (TAC) in lupus nephritis highlights a number of debatable points. Although the role of TAC in lupus nephritis remains unproved for North American populations, it might be an excellent option in some clinical situations. These situations include lupus flare during pregnancy and also for lupus nephritis when the…
Adalimumab, Tacrolimus Effective for Treating Refractory Ulcerative Colitis
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…
Lupus Nephritis Therapies Compared, Plus Naming Guidance for Biosimilars
Comparing tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus was the most efficacious. Also, biosimilars may soon be easier to differentiate…
Tacrolimus Aids Joint Remodeling in Rheumatoid Arthritis
When added to a regimen of low-dose methotrexate, the calcineurin inhibitor was found to increase bone formation in a patient with erosive RA.