Lupus & Connective Tissue Diseases
Conference Coverage
Obinutuzumab promotes renal preservation in lupus nephritis
A post hoc analysis of the NOBILITY trial showed improved outcomes for patients taking obinutuzumab (Gazyva), compared with placebo.
From the Journals
Short steroid taper tested with tocilizumab for giant cell arteritis
Results from a pilot study examining a shortened prednisone taper of 8 weeks’ length rather than 26 weeks suggest it may be possible to reduce...
Feature
Researchers link two genes to Raynaud’s disease
The discovery will hopefully lead to new therapeutic avenues for the condition, experts say.
News from the FDA/CDC
Approximately 20% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with arthritis
New data show disproportionate arthritis prevalence among women, veterans, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those aged 45 years and older.
From the Journals
Anemia, iron deficit common in rheumatic disease pregnancy
Low maternal levels of hemoglobin and serum ferritin in pregnancy were associated with adverse infant outcomes.
From the Journals
Anti-acid meds lower strength of systemic sclerosis drug
Weakened bioavailability of mycophenolate mofetil could require adjustments in treatment.
Conference Coverage
Are women and men with rheumatism treated equally?
Compared with men, women receive a diagnosis of rheumatic disease much later and are treated more poorly, research suggests.
From the Journals
More evidence shows COVID-19’s link to risk for autoimmune disease
Patients with more severe COVID-19 that required hospitalization in the ICU were more likely to develop vasculitis, alopecia totalis, and several...
From the Journals
PET scan at diagnosis may help to predict aneurysm risk in patients with giant cell arteritis
Patients with aortic inflammation detected by PET were at greater risk for developing aortic aneurysms, particularly thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Feature
Tapering lupus drugs in stable patients: Large study outlines risks, benefits
A recent multinational, observational cohort study found that drug tapering warrants careful consideration of risks and benefits and is best...
Feature
Are cellular therapies the future of autoimmune disease?
Promising results from small case studies and early clinical trials hint at the potential of CAR T-cell therapy to treat – and possibly cure –...