Dr. John Cush
@rheumnow.bsky.social
Know-it-Now. Info on RA, Stills disease, Lupus, Gout, Pregnancy, Spondylitis, Psoriasis, Drug Safety, Rheumatology Research, Medical Education & Drug Evaluation
Rheumnow.com
Rheumnow.com
Obesity-inflammation axis in PsO & PsA: obesity is assoc w/ less remission& poorer drug responses; possibly from adipokines, biomechanical stress, gut dysbiosis, etc. Notably, weight loss can improve both psoriatic disease course and response to therapy. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The obesity–inflammation axis in psoriatic disease: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies - Nature Reviews Rheumatology
This Review explores the complex relationship between obesity and psoriatic disease. The authors highlight the underlying mechanisms that drive this association and propose a comprehensive approach…
www.nature.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Obesity-inflammation axis in PsO & PsA: obesity is assoc w/ less remission& poorer drug responses; possibly from adipokines, biomechanical stress, gut dysbiosis, etc. Notably, weight loss can improve both psoriatic disease course and response to therapy. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Study of 2280 dermatomyositis & polymyositis pts looked at short term (ST: <3 mos) vs long term (LT) steroid (GC) use. Vs ST, LT GC use assoc w/ higher risks of heart failure (adj OR 1.8), osteoporosis (1.9), all-cause & PM/DM-related admission (3.8) & higher costs link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Long-term oral glucocorticoid use is associated with complications, healthcare resource utilization, and costs among patients with dermatomyositis or polymyositis - Clinical Rheumatology
Introduction/Objective Oral glucocorticoids (OGC) are conventionally used as first-line treatment for dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). This study evaluated clinical and economic outcomes…
link.springer.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Study of 2280 dermatomyositis & polymyositis pts looked at short term (ST: <3 mos) vs long term (LT) steroid (GC) use. Vs ST, LT GC use assoc w/ higher risks of heart failure (adj OR 1.8), osteoporosis (1.9), all-cause & PM/DM-related admission (3.8) & higher costs link.springer.com/article/10.1...
BASDAI elevated in Fibromyalgia - 58 FM pts surveyed wtih FIQ, SSS, BASDAI. BASDAI was ≥ 4 points in 91.4% of FM (vs 13% controls (p < 0.001). BASDAI correlated w/ the FIQ (pain, fatigue, stiffness) & SSS scores (r = 0.88, p < 0.00). Could BASDAI be used in FM? link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Assessment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome using the BASDAI questionnaire: correlation with symptoms and potential clinical utility in a single-center study - Clinical Rheumatology
Introduction Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, generalized pain syndrome with symptoms that may overlap with those of axial spondyloarthritis, making differential diagnosis challenging. Since the Bath…
link.springer.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
BASDAI elevated in Fibromyalgia - 58 FM pts surveyed wtih FIQ, SSS, BASDAI. BASDAI was ≥ 4 points in 91.4% of FM (vs 13% controls (p < 0.001). BASDAI correlated w/ the FIQ (pain, fatigue, stiffness) & SSS scores (r = 0.88, p < 0.00). Could BASDAI be used in FM? link.springer.com/article/10.1...
2023 National Health Interview Survey studied arthritis-attributable work limitations in adults (18-64 yrs) - it was 38.8% (same as 2019). AAWL was higher in Hispanics (50%), American Indian/Alaska Natives (56%), & disabled (62%), & veterans (52%) acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1...
November 27, 2025 at 3:02 PM
2023 National Health Interview Survey studied arthritis-attributable work limitations in adults (18-64 yrs) - it was 38.8% (same as 2019). AAWL was higher in Hispanics (50%), American Indian/Alaska Natives (56%), & disabled (62%), & veterans (52%) acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1...
JAMA review of Peripheral Neuropathy - affects ~ 1% of adults worldwide and may cause sensory, motor, and autonomic Sxs. Diabetes is the most common cause. 1st line Rxs include gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, amitriptyline. (FOR AMA MEMBERS) edhub.ama-assn.org/jn-learning/...
Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review
This review discusses the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of length-dependent peripheral neuropathy.
edhub.ama-assn.org
November 27, 2025 at 12:55 AM
JAMA review of Peripheral Neuropathy - affects ~ 1% of adults worldwide and may cause sensory, motor, and autonomic Sxs. Diabetes is the most common cause. 1st line Rxs include gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, amitriptyline. (FOR AMA MEMBERS) edhub.ama-assn.org/jn-learning/...
CorEvitas ional registry of 3,696 w/ psoriatic arthritis (no hx of CV eents), followed for mean 3.7 yrs, showed that Dactylitis & enthesitis didnt predict future CV events. But Dactylitis & enthesitis & Synovitis were all significantly interrelated. Cureus 17(11): e97377. doi:10.7759/cureus.97377
November 26, 2025 at 11:44 PM
CorEvitas ional registry of 3,696 w/ psoriatic arthritis (no hx of CV eents), followed for mean 3.7 yrs, showed that Dactylitis & enthesitis didnt predict future CV events. But Dactylitis & enthesitis & Synovitis were all significantly interrelated. Cureus 17(11): e97377. doi:10.7759/cureus.97377
Betw 1990 to 2021 the global psoriasis burden had a slight increase w/ little difference betw men & women, roughly 57-61 100 000 (10% increase). Risk highest in N.America & W.Europe. PSO risk highest with higher incomes. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Global Psoriasis Burden and Forecasts to 2050
This decision model analsysis examines age, sex, and regional differences associated with global psoriasis incidence.
jamanetwork.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Betw 1990 to 2021 the global psoriasis burden had a slight increase w/ little difference betw men & women, roughly 57-61 100 000 (10% increase). Risk highest in N.America & W.Europe. PSO risk highest with higher incomes. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Tuesday Nite Rheumatology (on 11.18.25)
Replay of RheumNow Live 2025 - Spondyloarthritis
Replay of RheumNow Live 2025 - Spondyloarthritis
November 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Tuesday Nite Rheumatology (on 11.18.25)
Replay of RheumNow Live 2025 - Spondyloarthritis
Replay of RheumNow Live 2025 - Spondyloarthritis
Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: Is One Superior?
Patients with OA primarily affecting only one knee joint compartment did just as well with partial knee replacement (PKR) as with total arthroplasty after 10 years in a randomized trial -- and maybe a little bit better.
buff.ly/T6Bscs9
Patients with OA primarily affecting only one knee joint compartment did just as well with partial knee replacement (PKR) as with total arthroplasty after 10 years in a randomized trial -- and maybe a little bit better.
buff.ly/T6Bscs9
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: Is One Superior?
Patients with OA primarily affecting only one knee joint compartment did just as well with partial knee replacement (PKR) as with total arthroplasty after 10 years in a randomized trial -- and maybe a little bit better.
buff.ly/T6Bscs9
Patients with OA primarily affecting only one knee joint compartment did just as well with partial knee replacement (PKR) as with total arthroplasty after 10 years in a randomized trial -- and maybe a little bit better.
buff.ly/T6Bscs9
Zantac is Back! Ranitidine has been off the market for 5yrs, withdrawn over concerns about N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) impurity affecting shelf-life. The FDA has approved reformulated ranitidine tablets - the drug has the same prior efficacy and safety label. www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-s...
FDA Approves Reformulated Ranitidine Following Comprehensive Safety Re
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved reformulated ranitidine tablets, marking the return of this important acid-reducing medication to the U.S.
www.fda.gov
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Zantac is Back! Ranitidine has been off the market for 5yrs, withdrawn over concerns about N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) impurity affecting shelf-life. The FDA has approved reformulated ranitidine tablets - the drug has the same prior efficacy and safety label. www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-s...
Retrospective analysis of 2614 FM pts in the Italian Fibromyalgia Registry underscores the seasonal changes in FM pain, w/ signif. differences in FM assessment tools WPI p=0.042 & FASmod p=0.037); these changes were only seen in female patients, not males link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Seasonal variation influences fibromyalgia severity in terms of widespread pain among female patients: data from a large national registry - Clinical Rheumatology
Introduction/objectives Seasonal variation may influence musculoskeletal pain, and fibromyalgia is primarily characterized by widespread chronic pain. This study aimed to assess whether symptom…
link.springer.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Retrospective analysis of 2614 FM pts in the Italian Fibromyalgia Registry underscores the seasonal changes in FM pain, w/ signif. differences in FM assessment tools WPI p=0.042 & FASmod p=0.037); these changes were only seen in female patients, not males link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Colchicine prevents total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Study of 31,478 colchicine initiators, followed 4.5 yrs. W/ an overall 12% lower risk of TJA (HR 0.88 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96), and a 23% lower risk of TJA in those with knee/hip OA (HR 0.77) acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
The relation of colchicine to total joint arthroplasty among people with gout in a population‐based cohort study
Objectives To evaluate the relation of colchicine use to the risk of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in individuals with gout, the most common form of arthritis for which colchicine is prescribed. ...
acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Colchicine prevents total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Study of 31,478 colchicine initiators, followed 4.5 yrs. W/ an overall 12% lower risk of TJA (HR 0.88 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96), and a 23% lower risk of TJA in those with knee/hip OA (HR 0.77) acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Retrospective study of 39 pts w/ MDA5 + DM-ILD Rx w baricitinib. 31 (79.5%) had improvement in Gottron’s, heliotrope, dyspnea, HRCT score, ferritin, LDH, steroid dose & 6 mo survival (87% vs. 70%, p = 0.047). arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
November 24, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Retrospective study of 39 pts w/ MDA5 + DM-ILD Rx w baricitinib. 31 (79.5%) had improvement in Gottron’s, heliotrope, dyspnea, HRCT score, ferritin, LDH, steroid dose & 6 mo survival (87% vs. 70%, p = 0.047). arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
Vitamin D and Lupus Outcomes (11.21.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.
rheumnow.com/news/vitamin...
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.
rheumnow.com/news/vitamin...
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Vitamin D and Lupus Outcomes (11.21.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.
rheumnow.com/news/vitamin...
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.
rheumnow.com/news/vitamin...
ILD in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease
Dr. Janet Pope reports on abstract 0154 (Incidence and Prevalence of Connective Tissue Diseases with Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) in the United States) at #ACR25.
rheumnow.com/video/ild-pa...
Dr. Janet Pope reports on abstract 0154 (Incidence and Prevalence of Connective Tissue Diseases with Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) in the United States) at #ACR25.
rheumnow.com/video/ild-pa...
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
ILD in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease
Dr. Janet Pope reports on abstract 0154 (Incidence and Prevalence of Connective Tissue Diseases with Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) in the United States) at #ACR25.
rheumnow.com/video/ild-pa...
Dr. Janet Pope reports on abstract 0154 (Incidence and Prevalence of Connective Tissue Diseases with Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) in the United States) at #ACR25.
rheumnow.com/video/ild-pa...
RNL 25 Replay: Spondyloarthritis
Enjoy these excerpts from the RNL 2025 meeting, and join us for RNL 2026 in Dallas, TX - registration is now open! Visit rheumnow.live for complete details.
rheumnow.com/video/rnl-25...
Enjoy these excerpts from the RNL 2025 meeting, and join us for RNL 2026 in Dallas, TX - registration is now open! Visit rheumnow.live for complete details.
rheumnow.com/video/rnl-25...
November 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
RNL 25 Replay: Spondyloarthritis
Enjoy these excerpts from the RNL 2025 meeting, and join us for RNL 2026 in Dallas, TX - registration is now open! Visit rheumnow.live for complete details.
rheumnow.com/video/rnl-25...
Enjoy these excerpts from the RNL 2025 meeting, and join us for RNL 2026 in Dallas, TX - registration is now open! Visit rheumnow.live for complete details.
rheumnow.com/video/rnl-25...
Organ Involvement with Behçet’s
A review of patient data from the International AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) Network registry identifying those with mucocutaneous Behçet’s disease (BD) may progres to major organ involvement (MOI)m especially at later stages.
buff.ly/7BatMxI
A review of patient data from the International AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) Network registry identifying those with mucocutaneous Behçet’s disease (BD) may progres to major organ involvement (MOI)m especially at later stages.
buff.ly/7BatMxI
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Organ Involvement with Behçet’s
A review of patient data from the International AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) Network registry identifying those with mucocutaneous Behçet’s disease (BD) may progres to major organ involvement (MOI)m especially at later stages.
buff.ly/7BatMxI
A review of patient data from the International AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) Network registry identifying those with mucocutaneous Behçet’s disease (BD) may progres to major organ involvement (MOI)m especially at later stages.
buff.ly/7BatMxI
A New Disease Activity Score for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
APS is a systemic autoimmune disorder. It is characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and a broad spectrum of clinical features, causing obstetric as well as TMN symptoms.
buff.ly/o0GUN7b
APS is a systemic autoimmune disorder. It is characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and a broad spectrum of clinical features, causing obstetric as well as TMN symptoms.
buff.ly/o0GUN7b
November 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A New Disease Activity Score for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
APS is a systemic autoimmune disorder. It is characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and a broad spectrum of clinical features, causing obstetric as well as TMN symptoms.
buff.ly/o0GUN7b
APS is a systemic autoimmune disorder. It is characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and a broad spectrum of clinical features, causing obstetric as well as TMN symptoms.
buff.ly/o0GUN7b
In 2024, 77 pts referred to Rheum for possible PMR were ultimately Dx w/ B19 viral infx. 96% had arthralgia & 7% had PMR-like features (5/5 w/ BL shoulder/neck. prolonged AM stiff, fever & Hi CRP/ESR - none had hip pain. 4/5 were male, w/ mean age of 55 yrs. None were RF/CCP+ buff.ly/9oBF78e
November 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
In 2024, 77 pts referred to Rheum for possible PMR were ultimately Dx w/ B19 viral infx. 96% had arthralgia & 7% had PMR-like features (5/5 w/ BL shoulder/neck. prolonged AM stiff, fever & Hi CRP/ESR - none had hip pain. 4/5 were male, w/ mean age of 55 yrs. None were RF/CCP+ buff.ly/9oBF78e
25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels and Lupus Outcomes
Lupus patients entering a prospective cohort study with low vitamin D levels faced doubled all-cause mortality risk and tripled risk for major cardiovascular events during follow-up averaging 6 years, researchers said.
buff.ly/P05kLYj
Lupus patients entering a prospective cohort study with low vitamin D levels faced doubled all-cause mortality risk and tripled risk for major cardiovascular events during follow-up averaging 6 years, researchers said.
buff.ly/P05kLYj
November 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels and Lupus Outcomes
Lupus patients entering a prospective cohort study with low vitamin D levels faced doubled all-cause mortality risk and tripled risk for major cardiovascular events during follow-up averaging 6 years, researchers said.
buff.ly/P05kLYj
Lupus patients entering a prospective cohort study with low vitamin D levels faced doubled all-cause mortality risk and tripled risk for major cardiovascular events during follow-up averaging 6 years, researchers said.
buff.ly/P05kLYj
"Play the game for more than you can afford to lose... only then will you learn the game.”
- Winston Churchill
- Winston Churchill
November 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Play the game for more than you can afford to lose... only then will you learn the game.”
- Winston Churchill
- Winston Churchill
Lupus Nephritis study of 136 pts followed 121 mos. Median time to wean GC to 7.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day & D/C was 9, 12 & 29 months post-Dx. Predictors of shorter time to D/C= Sustained CR/SLEDAI-2K≤4, membranous LN, & HCQ. Prolonged GC & renal flares increase damage accrual
buff.ly
November 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Lupus Nephritis study of 136 pts followed 121 mos. Median time to wean GC to 7.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day & D/C was 9, 12 & 29 months post-Dx. Predictors of shorter time to D/C= Sustained CR/SLEDAI-2K≤4, membranous LN, & HCQ. Prolonged GC & renal flares increase damage accrual
PROSPERO meta-analysis shows an effect of diet on #RA risk. 8 independent studies (n=270,121) showed a reduced risk of incident RA with Anti-inflammatory (OR 0.56; 0.31–0.99), Mediterranean (OR 0.88; 0.78–0.99), and HEI (OR 0.60; 0.25–1.47), but not DASH diets buff.ly/lNp7m2U
November 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
PROSPERO meta-analysis shows an effect of diet on #RA risk. 8 independent studies (n=270,121) showed a reduced risk of incident RA with Anti-inflammatory (OR 0.56; 0.31–0.99), Mediterranean (OR 0.88; 0.78–0.99), and HEI (OR 0.60; 0.25–1.47), but not DASH diets buff.ly/lNp7m2U
Retrospective cohort study adult RA patients shows that TRIPLE Positivity (RF + /ACPA + /ANA +) was consistently associated with higher disease activity at baseline and 12 months of follow-up and lower rates of sustained remission compared to RF + /ACPA + /ANA- buff.ly/yAZTea8
November 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Retrospective cohort study adult RA patients shows that TRIPLE Positivity (RF + /ACPA + /ANA +) was consistently associated with higher disease activity at baseline and 12 months of follow-up and lower rates of sustained remission compared to RF + /ACPA + /ANA- buff.ly/yAZTea8
Did you miss RheumNow Live 2025? 👀
Don’t make the same mistake twice.
🔥 RNL 2026 Early Bird Registration is LIVE — now through Dec 1.
Where clinical science meets real-world rheum talk.
🎟️ rheumnow.live
Don’t make the same mistake twice.
🔥 RNL 2026 Early Bird Registration is LIVE — now through Dec 1.
Where clinical science meets real-world rheum talk.
🎟️ rheumnow.live
November 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Did you miss RheumNow Live 2025? 👀
Don’t make the same mistake twice.
🔥 RNL 2026 Early Bird Registration is LIVE — now through Dec 1.
Where clinical science meets real-world rheum talk.
🎟️ rheumnow.live
Don’t make the same mistake twice.
🔥 RNL 2026 Early Bird Registration is LIVE — now through Dec 1.
Where clinical science meets real-world rheum talk.
🎟️ rheumnow.live