Top in rheumatology: Fibromyalgia in US military, tapering TNF inhibitors

In the top story in rheumatology last week, new data showed that U.S. active-duty service members with PTSD had much higher rates of fibromyalgia compared with the overall population of service members who were awaiting deployment.

Those preparing to deploy — most of whom were men — also were found to have almost three times the rate of fibromyalgia compared with men in the general population, researchers said.

In another top story, new data demonstrated the safety and efficacy of treat-to-target tapering of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.

Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:

Fibromyalgia present in nearly 40 of US service members seeking PTSD treatment

The prevalence of fibromyalgia in U.S. active-duty service members entering treatment for PTSD is more than 10-fold higher than the overall population of service members preparing for deployment, according to data. Read more.

Treat-to-target TNF-inhibitor tapering does not negatively impact PsA, axial SpA activity

Treat-to-target tapering of TNF inhibitors in patients with psoriatic arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis does not result in any negative impact on disease activity, compared with the full dose, according to data published in Rheumatology. Read more.

ACR praises bipartisan letter urging US House leaders to avert impending Medicare cliff

A bipartisan group of 247 members of Congress have signed a letter urging their own leadership to address several looming Medicare cuts that would reduce reimbursements to providers by nearly 10% starting next year. Read more.

Biologic use in psoriasis may increase PsA incidence vs phototherapy oral therapies

Patients with psoriasis who use biologics are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis than those on other or no therapies, according to retrospective data published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Read more.

Physical activity may improve quality of life self-reported function in RA, PsA, SpA

Physical activity can lead to improved quality of life and self-reported function in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research. Read more.