COVID-19 risks in rheumatic disease remain unclear

Elevated COVID-19-related risks, many associated with comorbidities, emerged in a match-control study, whereas a systematic review delivers more encouraging news for people living with rheumatic disease.

Reassuring rheumatic disease patients on value of bisphosphonates

Dr. Marcy B. Bolster addresses common patient concerns about bisphosphonate use.

Strategic approach mitigates impact of antidrug antibodies in patients with rheumatic diseases

Consider dose escalation and adding an immunomodulator to overcome the impact of antidrug antibodies in rheumatic disease patients.

Dr. Len Calabrese gives advice on vaccinating adult patients with rheumatic disease

He highlights safety protocols and advises on recommended vaccines in rheumatology practice.

Take drug, patient-level factors into account for when to end antiresorptive therapy

LAS VEGAS – The agent and individual patient factors may affect the duration of treatment and the approach to resuming therapy.

PPI-fracture link can’t be ruled out

PHILADELPHIA – While observational studies provide some evidence of a modest association, a randomized trial published this month showed a lack of PPI effect on bone homeostasis in healthy, postmenopausal women.

Immunogenicity concerns for biosimilars so far don’t go beyond originator biologics

But there are few data available on the impact of antidrug antibodies to biosimilars across rheumatic diseases and on switching.

Early ankylosing spondylitis treatment stops transition from inflammatory to bone-forming fatty lesions

“The earlier we treat intensively, the better impact you have on structural outcomes,” according to Dirk Elewaut, MD, PhD.