Infusion

ORLANDO — Although not every nurse performs infusions, understanding infusion therapy may be critical for rheumatology nurses moving forward, according to a presenter at the 2022 Rheumatology Nurses Society Conference.

An integrated ambulatory care model that had infusion capacity for pediatric refractory headache appeared feasible and beneficial for these patients, according to a quality improvement study.

The timing of rituximab infusion or cumulative lifetime rituximab dose did not appear statistically significantly associated with risk for hospitalization for COVID-19 among patients with MS who received the drug before getting COVID-19.

In an extension of the REDO trial, most patients with rheumatoid arthritis on ultra-low-dose rituximab — either 200 or 500 mg — maintained low disease activity for up to 4 years, according to data presented at ACR Convergence 2021.

The FDA authorized the emergency use of tocilizumab for certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This marks the fourth monoclonal antibody authorized during the pandemic.

Biologic infusions administered at home are associated with a 25% increased risk for hospital admission the same or next day, and a 28% higher risk for permanent discontinuation, compared with facility-given infusions, according to data.

The American College of Rheumatology has released an updated position statement declaring biologic infusions should be administered in a monitored health care setting rather than in the patient’s home, as some insurers have mandated.