The researchers observed large differences in the percentage of patients who achieved clinical remission (clinically inactive disease for six or more months). In addition, 67 percent of patients in the early combination group achieved clinical remission compared with 47 percent in the step-up group and 49 percent of the biologic-first group. Furthermore, patients in the early combination group spent significantly more time in inactive disease compared with those in the step-up group.
“This study shows that the treatment that poly JIA patients receive very early in their disease matters, even three years later,” Kimura said. “Physicians caring for pediatric patients should strongly consider starting a biologic in combination with methotrexate early on in the disease, probably before three months have elapsed, because this appears to be associated with better outcomes.”
Several authors disclosed financial ties to Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, and/or Sanofi.
ACR: Genicular Nerve Block Offers Short-Term Pain Relief for Knee OA
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Genicular nerve block offers pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to a study published online Nov. 11 in Arthritis & Rheumatology to coincide with the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held from Nov. 10 to 14 in Philadelphia.
ACR: Opioids Raise Risk for VTE in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Opioid initiation among patients with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with similar major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality risk versus nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug initiation; however, opioids did contribute to a higher risk for venous thromboembolism, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held from Nov. 10 to 14 in Philadelphia.
ACR: Long-Term Safety Demonstrated for Anifrolumab in Lupus
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) — For patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, anifrolumab is safe in the long term, according to a study published online Nov. 11 in Arthritis & Rheumatology to coincide with the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held from Nov. 10 to 14 in Philadelphia.
ACR: Holding Methotrexate for Just a Week After Flu Vaccine Works for RA Patients
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2022 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, temporarily discontinuing methotrexate for one week is noninferior to discontinuation for two weeks after seasonal flu vaccination to induce an immediate and long-term satisfactory vaccine response, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held from Nov. 10 to 14 in Philadelphia.
ACR: Low-Dose Hydroxychloroquine Tied to More Hospitalizations for Lupus Flares
Foot/Ankle Injury During Football Career Linked to Foot/Ankle OA 
Sex-Based Differences Affect S2-Alar-Iliac Screw Placement in Spinal Deformity Surgery 
Methotrexate Cuts Systolic BP in Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Features of Immunesenescence Present in Early Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Lentiviral Gene Therapy Shows Sustained Clinical Efficacy for ADA-SCID 
Cocoa Extract Supplementation Yields Significant Reduction in hsCRP 
Population Aging Contributes to Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders 
Digital Intervention Aids Psychological Outcomes With Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases 
