Rheumatoid Arthritis News

Despite a lack of trials demonstrating the efficacy of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19, promotion and use of the two treatments has led to shortages, self-treatment and fatal overdoses, according to a perspective published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. The perspective suggests that African countries “strongly consider” putting prescription monitoring programs in place to ensure that off-label use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is appropriate and beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19.

Baseline use of biologics and JAK inhibitors among patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and other related conditions, is not associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, according to a case series presented in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Treatment with biologic DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as protective calcification of noncalcified lesions and a lower likelihood of new plaque formation, according to data published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

The Arthritis Foundation is more than 70 years old, but its newest theme — Live Yes! — is in its infancy. Historically, the organization has zeroed in on key pillars, including access to care, advocacy in government and attention to the often-overlooked juvenile arthritis. Yet, the Foundation also understood the importance of interpersonal connections and support networks to patient well-being: An idea that laid the foundation for an online community that simultaneously educates and empowers patients, while cultivating their input to develop solutions for issues common to the arthritis population.

Older patients with chronic autoimmune rheumatic diseases — rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis — who have sustained disease activity or organ damage should be evaluated for cognitive deficits, according to a review published in Arthritis Research & Therapy.

A review of the available literature suggested that although preclinical results are promising, there remains little evidence supporting the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to prevent COVID-19, according to findings published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.

Despite large reductions in out-of-pocket spending from 2010 to 2011, Medicare Part D beneficiaries who receive biologics for rheumatoid arthritis saw more than half of those savings lost by 2019 due to annual list price increases, according to data published in JAMA Network Open.

The use of a wearable activity tracker, paired with counseling sessions with a physiotherapist, may potentially improve physical activity among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, according to findings published in Arthritis Care & Research.

The very idea of social distancing runs contrary to congregation and celebration, two things that lie at the core of New Orleans culture. It is for this reason, perhaps, that New Orleanians were initially resistant to quarantine measures to contain COVID-19. But as the death toll climbed and Mayor LaToya Cantrell canceled St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the city slowly awakened to the idea that this was serious business.

Federal and state regulators, as well as distributors and pharmacies, must act now to establish anti-stockpiling measures and expand mail-order programs, as well as other policies, to ensure access to needed medications in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an editorial published in JAMA.