Top in rheumatology: COVID-19 treatment guidance, vaccination in rheumatic disease
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WHO strongly recommended baricitinib plus corticosteroids for the treatment of severe or critical COVID-19. The recommendation is part of an update to WHO’s Guideline on Drugs for COVID-19. It was the top story in rheumatology last week.
Another top story evaluated the prevalence of flares and breakthrough infections in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Researchers said the prevalence of both flares and breakthrough infections were rare.
Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:
WHO strongly recommends baricitinib plus corticosteroids for severe, critical COVID-19
The WHO has issued a “strong recommendation” for baricitinib, in combination with corticosteroids, in the treatment of patients with severe or critical COVID-19. Read more.
Flares, breakthroughs rare after COVID-19 vaccination in inflammatory rheumatic disease
Just 0.7% of fully vaccinated patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease experience a breakthrough COVID-19 infection, while only 4.4% demonstrate disease flare reactions, according to data. Read more.
Risk for ‘more severe, critical’ COVID-19 higher in RA vs. PsA, ulcerative colitis
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but not psoriatic arthritis or ulcerative colitis, are at a greater risk for severe or critical COVID-19 versus those with COVID-19 alone, according to data published in The Journal of Rheumatology. Read more.
Colchicine fails to reduce mechanical ventilation, 28-day mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia
Colchicine fails to significantly reduce mechanical ventilation or 28-day mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, compared with usual care, according to data published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.
Patients with gout 20% more likely to undergo lower extremity amputation
Patients with gout are 20% more likely to undergo lower extremity amputation versus those without gout, independent of comorbidities and other risk factors, according to data published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.