Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Rheumatology for February 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
MRI-Identified Damage Tied to Patient-Reported RA Function
FRIDAY, Feb. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is a consistent association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of damage in the wrist and hand and self-reported loss of function in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in sustained clinical remission, according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Reproductive Health Guidelines Issued for Rheumatic Diseases
THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an American College of Rheumatology guideline, published online Feb. 23 in Arthritis & Rheumatology, recommendations are presented for the management of reproductive health in women and men with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD).
Influence of Politics Has Not Waned in Opinions About ACA
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Public opinion about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains divided 10 years after its passage, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Health Affairs.
Mistreatment, Discrimination Still Common for Medical Students
TUESDAY, Feb. 25, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Mistreatment of medical students remains common for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Many Transgender Youth Intentionally Avoid Disclosure
THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most transgender youth voluntarily disclose their gender identity to health care providers (HCPs) outside of a gender clinic; however, almost half report having intentionally avoided disclosure, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Several Drugs Have Similar Efficacy for Plaque Psoriasis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Four drugs have similar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response rates for both short- and long-term treatment of plaque psoriasis, according to a review published online Feb. 5 in JAMA Dermatology.
Risk for Adverse Events Up With Low-Dose Methotrexate
TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Use of low-dose methotrexate (LD-MTX) is associated with increased risks for adverse events (AEs), including skin cancer, and gastrointestinal, pulmonary, infectious, and hematologic AEs, according to research published online Feb. 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Amlodipine Better BP Drug for Lower Long-Term Risk for Gout
TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The antihypertensive medication amlodipine is associated with a lower risk for gout compared with other antihypertensive agents, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of Hypertension.
Telemarketer Access to Medicare Information to Be Investigated
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — An investigation into how telemarketers may be obtaining seniors’ personal Medicare information will be launched by the U.S. Health and Human Services inspector general office.
AP News Article
More Information: HHS
U.S. Life Expectancy to Reach 85 by 2060
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Nearly a quarter of all U.S. residents will be older than 65 by 2060, and life expectancy will reach an all-time high of 85 by that year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
AP News Article
2011 to 2018 Saw Decline in Problems Paying Medical Bills
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2018, there was a decrease in the percentage of families having problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
S. aureus Colonization Increased in Skin Lesions in Lupus Patients
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Empathy Declines as Students Progress Through Medical School
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Students become less empathic toward patients throughout medical school, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in Academic Medicine.
Seniors Have Concerns About Affording Health Insurance
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Many adults aged 50 to 64 years are concerned about their ability to afford health insurance, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Biologics Tied to Greater Reduction in Pediatric Psoriasis
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Biologics seem to be associated with greater reduction in psoriasis severity scores and higher drug survival rates than methotrexate in pediatric patients treated in a real-world setting, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in JAMA Dermatology.
Number of Nurse Practitioners More Than Doubled 2010 to 2017
FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2010 to 2017, there was a substantial increase in the number of nurse practitioners in the United States, with a corresponding reduction in the size of the registered nurse workforce, according to a report published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
Reference Pricing Linked to Lower Prices Paid by Employers
THURSDAY, Feb. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Reference prices are associated with lower prices paid by employers and lower cost sharing by employees, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
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