Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Rheumatology for December 2018. 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.
Low-Priced Generic Drugs Most Likely to Have Shortages
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The lowest-priced generic drugs are more likely to experience shortages, according to a study published in the November issue of Value in Health.
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Initiative Can Cut Gender Gap in Medical School Faculty Salaries
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An institutional gender equity initiative (GEI) can reduce gender-based salary gaps among medical school faculty, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
Massage Offers Short-Term Relief of Knee Pain in Arthritis Patients
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Weekly massage sessions may provide short-term symptom relief for knee osteoarthritis patients, but the benefit is not maintained over one year of follow-up, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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FDA Warns Companies on Unsafe, Unapproved Stem Cell Treatments
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After infections tied to unapproved stem cell treatments sent 12 people to the hospital this past year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a stern warning about the products.
Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups Higher Than Expected
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite numerous difficulties, early figures show that sign-ups for health coverage next year under the Affordable Care Act are higher than expected.
Growth in Use of Telemedicine Seen From 2005 to 2017
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2005 to 2017, there was a substantial increase in telemedicine use, although use was still uncommon in 2017, according to a research letter published online Nov. 27 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Failure of Timely Stop to Certain Prescription Drugs Is Common
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Legacy prescribing of certain drugs, such as antidepressants and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), is common, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Several Factors Tied to Early Readmission After Hip Fracture Sx
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several comorbidities are associated with an increased risk for early readmission after hip fracture surgery, according to a study recently published in Injury.
Exclusion of Doctors From Public Health Insurance Up 2007 to 2017
Nearly Half of Adults With Arthritis Have Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitations 
COPD Tied to Increased Risk for Death in Patients With Arthritis 
Overactive Bladder Positively Associated With Arthritis 
Review Reveals Limited Effects of Exercise on Hip Osteoarthritis 
Bimekizumab Well Tolerated, Efficacious Over Three Years in Axial Spondyloarthritis 
Nonsurgical Procedure Tied to Improved Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain 
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use Tied to Reduced Risk for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Knee OA 
