Top in rheumatology: Probenecid for COVID-19, breakthrough infections

A new study suggests that the gout drug probenecid could potentially be used to prevent or treat COVID-19 as well as other respiratory diseases. It was the top story in rheumatology last week.

Another top story was a commentary from Leonard H. Calabrese, DO, about his own delta COVID-19 breakthrough infection, which has led him to “double down” on his commitment to study the impact of COVID-19 on immune-mediated diseases.

Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:

Prophylaxis, treatment with probenecid inhibits 'virus replication' in COVID-19, flu, RSV

Probenecid could potentially be used to prevent or treat not only COVID-19, but other respiratory illnesses including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection, according to data published in Scientific Reports. Read more.

Notes from the field: My personal delta COVID-19 breakthrough infection

As many of you are aware, I have written and spoken on COVID-19 extensively over these past 20 months, and just last month wrote about the dangers of the delta variant. In July, things took an unexpected turn when I developed a breakthrough infection with the delta variant. Read more.

US patients with Behçet's disease mostly female, with more biologic use vs. endemic areas

The largest dataset of U.S. patients with Behçet’s disease to date shows that nearly 80% are women, according to researchers who published their findings in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Read more.

Losing sleep and the battle against rheumatic diseases

Jonas Salk said, “The mind, in addition to medicine, has powers to turn the immune system around.” Read more.

Concerns linger for ‘problematic’ 2021 ACR RA guidelines

While the 2021 American College of Rheumatology rheumatoid arthritis recommendations improved over the 2015 document, understanding the weaknesses and limitations of the most recent iteration can be beneficial, according to a presenter here. Read more.