Top in rheumatology: COVID-19 vaccination in rituximab users; familial Mediterranean fever

Research has shown that breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections are common among patients using rituximab. However, a new study found that few rituximab users who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 develop severe symptoms.

The results “offer assurance to other clinicians who treat their patients with rituximab that this treatment appears to be generally safe in the context of a pandemic, as long as their patients are fully vaccinated,” Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof, PhD, MRCP, of the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Leeds, told Healio. It was the top story in rheumatology last week.

Another top story was about new research on patients with familial Mediterranean fever. Researchers found that some of these patients may be able to achieve colchicine-free remission.

Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below.

Vaccination reduces risk for severe COVID-19 in patients using rituximab

Although the breakthrough infection rate has been high in patients using rituximab during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a small proportion of those who are fully vaccinated develop severe outcomes, according to data. Read more.

Some patients with familial Mediterranean fever may achieve colchicine-free remission

A small minority of patients with familial Mediterranean fever may be able to achieve colchicine-free remission, according to data published in Pediatric Rheumatology. Read more.

High fevers, left ventricular dysfunction may predict severe MIS-C

Key risk factors that may predict severe disease in patients with MIS-C include fever greater than 103.1 degrees Fahrenheit, central nervous system involvement and left ventricular dysfunction, according to data published in Rheumatology. Read more.

Patients with high fasting blood glucose at risk for worse knee osteoarthritis symptoms

In patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis and comorbid central sensitization, those with higher baseline fasting blood glucose levels demonstrate worse knee symptoms, according to data published in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Read more.

Patients with more severe reflux in systemic sclerosis have worse lung outcomes

Patients with systemic sclerosis who report more severe reflux symptoms demonstrate worse interstitial lung disease outcomes despite receiving standard therapy, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research. Read more.