Rheumatoid Arthritis Archives - Infectious Disease Advisor

Upadacitinib Use Does Not Affect Pneumococcal Vaccine Response in Patients With RA

By

April 5, 2022

Researchers studied the response to pneumococcal vaccination among patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib and methotrexate.

$It is unclear whether disease control prevents RA-related bone loss, but data suggest it does in patients with early RA and high disease activity.1 Two systemic analyses of RA studies concluded that biologic DMARDs reduce generalized and localized bone loss.2,19 However, few studies were phase 3 trials, and most measured markers of bone turnover.2,19 High-quality trials that measure BMD change or fracture risk are needed. Bisphosphonates, denosumab, and parathyroid hormone are agents approved for osteoporosis and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates and denosumab appear to have similar efficacy at preserving BMD.1 In some RA studies, denosumab also prevented and repaired erosions.2 The ACR guidelines for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis categorize patients as having low, moderate, or high fracture risk.18 They recommend calcium (1000 to 1200 mg/d) and vitamin D (600 to 800 IU/d) supplements for all patients, plus an osteoporosis agent (preferably an oral bisphosphonate) for patients with moderate to high fracture risk.$

COVID19

Interruption of DMARDs Not Linked to Higher Disease Activity in RA After COVID-19 Vaccination

By

Sheila Jacobs

March 17, 2022

The association between DMARD interruption and RA disease activity during COVID-19 vaccination was determined.

General Infectious Disease

Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus May Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

By

Inga Back, MPH

March 11, 2022

Researchers determined the role of infection with Epstein-Barr virus on risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

COVID19

DMARD Combinations Have Deleterious Effects on Immunogenicity of COVID-19 Vaccine in RA

By

Sheila Jacobs

March 7, 2022

Researchers assess the impact of DMARD combinations and monotherapy on immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

General Infectious Disease

Differential Diagnosis: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or an Infectious Disease Mimic?

By

Nicola Davies, PhD

March 4, 2022

When making a diagnosis, rheumatologists must consider the fact that rheumatoid arthritis and some infectious diseases have overlapping musculoskeletal manifestations.

Risk of stroke after herpes zoster in patients with autoimmune diseases

General Infectious Disease

How Can Herpes Zoster Events Be Managed in Patients With RA and PsA Receiving Tofacitinib?

By

Amit Akirov, MD

January 14, 2022

Researchers evaluated the management of herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis receiving tofacitinib treatment.

COVID19

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Antibody Responses in Patients Treated With Glucocorticoids or B-Cell Depletion Therapy

By

Jessica Nye, PhD

September 29, 2021

Researchers conducted a study to assess the immunogenicity of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among patients with chronic inflammatory disease vs those with immunocompetence.

COVID19

COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Assessed

By

Emily Pond

September 28, 2021

Researchers evaluated the outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis vs the general population, and also explored the outcomes among patients with RA, stratified by sex, race, and medications.

COVID19

Seroconversion Rates Post SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

By

Estie Mermelstein, MSN, FNP-BC

September 27, 2021

Investigators conducted a systemic review to assess the effects of various medications on seroconversion rates following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with immune mediated inflammatory disease.

caregiver holding hands of older adult woman

COVID19

Self-Care of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By

Marissa Purdy

September 22, 2021

In a qualitative study, researchers assessed the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on the self‐care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.