RheumNow

1 week ago | rheumnow.com | Jack Cush

Genetic sequencing as a research and diagnostic tool has expanded in medicine and rheumatology. An interesting review in Arthritis and Rheumtology suggests, that despite currently modest use, there will be an expanded role for genetic sequencing in the field of rheumatology.  present and future applications of genetic sequencing to rheumatologiccare and argue for why this tool should become a consistent item in the “black bag” of the practicing clinician.

1 week ago | rheumnow.com | Jack Cush

Importance  Plaque psoriasis is increasingly managed using anti-inflammatory biologic medications, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)−α and interleukin (IL) 12/23, IL-17, and IL-23 inhibitors. How these differently priced biologics are used has implications for the overall cost of care in the US. Objective  To measure trends in the use and cost of first-line biologic treatments for plaque psoriasis from 2007 to 2021.

1 week ago | rheumnow.com | Jack Cush

A national commercial claims analysis of first-line use of biologics in biologic−naive plaque psoriasis patients found a near doubling of net treatment costs from 2007 to 2021 ($21 236 to $47 125). Despite the increasing costs, the 2021 average cost could have been 44% lower if the lowest-cost drug in the same mechanistic class were chosen. Biologic treatments for plaque psoriasis are numerous and includ inhbitors of TNF−α and interleukin (IL) 12/23, IL-17, and IL-23 inhibitors.

1 week ago | rheumnow.com | Jack Cush

A large scale genomic population study found antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in up to 14% of the population, most with ANA are asymptomatic and that ANA production is not associated with significant genetic risk. Asymptomatic individuals who were either ANA positive or ANA negative from the All of Us Research Program genomics were studied. A cumulative genetic risk score for lupus was constructed using previously reported genome‐wide significant loci.

1 week ago | rheumnow.com | Jack Cush

A single center, retrospective review patients undergoing knee joint fluid aspirations for presumed crystalline arthritis (CA) showed that synovial WBC may provide a useful diagnostic marker for SA with an optimal threshold of 50,000 cells/mm3. Distinguishing septic arthritis (SA) from crystalline arthritis (CA) or the coexistance of both can be diagnostically and clinically challenging.