Rheumatoid Arthritis News

Baricitinib was linked to increased rates of overall infections, including herpes zoster, among patients with rheumatoid arthritis but did not impact incidence of serious infections, researchers noted in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Depression symptoms were associated with unemployment among working-age adults with arthritis, with middle-aged adults most affected, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research.

Hydroxychloroquine was not associated with either benefit or harm regarding COVID-19 mortality, and the evidence supporting the effect of other antirheumatic therapies is inconclusive, noted data published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Patients with immune checkpoint therapy-induced inflammatory arthritis report significant social, functional and emotional impacts, compared with cancer and other side effects, according to findings published in BMC Rheumatology.

Glucocorticoid treatment for rheumatoid arthritis varies greatly among rheumatologists, with provider preference being the greatest predictor of its long-term use, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research.

Subcutaneous methotrexate is safe in clinical practice, and is continued longer and better tolerated than other therapy groups, particularly oral methotrexate, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research.

The risk for hospital-diagnosed COVID-19 among patients with autoimmune or immune-mediated disease may depend on age, specific disease and prior therapy, according to data published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Nature abhors a vacuum, and in the absence of evidence-based therapies to treat or prevent COVID-19, stem cell clinics with a menu of unsubstantiated direct-to-consumer therapies are more than willing to fill the gap.

Gilead announced the FDA has issued a complete response letter regarding the new drug application for filgotinib as a treatment for moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

Though data does not support alternative therapies in rheumatoid arthritis, many experts agree complementary therapy – both via lifestyle changes and supplements or nutrition – should be discussed with each patient individually.