A panel of rheumatologists was convened to develop guidelines to assess adequacy of disease control, focusing on the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Rheumatology
Tocilizumab, the first IL-6 receptor antagonist, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with moderate to severe RA refractory to anti-TNF therapy. International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology
Smoking cigarettes appears to have a deleterious effect on vascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory outcomes in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), researchers reported online October 8th in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information
A new, larger study adds evidence that rituximab may be a safer option when treating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated (ANCA-associated) vasculitis. Medscape Rheumatology
Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women appears to affect neither the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) nor the severity of arthritis, researchers report in the March 15th issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information
Evidence is growing on the beneficial effects of exercise for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. Pediatric Health
