Biologic Therapy

Recent use of biologics or targeted synthetic DMARDs is not associated with an increased risk for mortality or readmission following hip fracture, abdominopelvic or cardiac surgery, compared with methotrexate, according to data published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Early biologic treatment is associated with improved outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease, according to study results.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Academy of Dermatology has issued a guidance on the use of biologic agents. The document was created on March 18, 2020, and is subject to change as the pandemic develops.

MAUI, Hawaii — The past year was marked by an increase in head-to-head drug trials in psoriatic arthritis, according to a presentation at the 2020 Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium.

MAUI, HAWAII — A novel study that examined the link between psoriasis and CVD was one of several studies summarized at Maui Derm for Dermatologists 2020 that examined psoriasis’ link to several co-morbidities.

Common sense might dictate that, in maintaining health and wellness, being proactive is generally better than being reactive. But the practice of medicine often demands more than just common sense — it demands data and evidence to support clinical decision making. The discussion of therapeutic drug monitoring for biologic therapies hinges on this conundrum. Proactive monitoring appears to be the common-sense approach, but the data supporting its use have not yet closed the case.

Differentiating patients with inflammatory bowel disease who have lost response to a biologic used to be considered a “gray zone,” according to Sushama Gundlapalli, MD, MS, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Suburban Gastroenterology Ltd. in Naperville, Illinois.

Results presented at the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society Annual Scientific Meeting showed enhanced biologic activity in human induced membranes for bone defects persists for longer than previously suggested from results in animal models.

A 90% reduction in Psoriasis Area Severity Index and a 90% decrease in body surface area may help pediatric patients with psoriasis reach optimal quality of life, according to findings published in JAMA Dermatology.

Women with inflammatory bowel disease were more likely to adhere to biologic therapy during pregnancy than other drug classes, according to study results.