Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Rheumatology for February 2019. 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.
FDA: Pulmonary Embolism Risk Up With Tofacitinib 10 mg for RA
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A safety clinical trial has revealed that tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR) 10 mg twice daily is associated with an increased risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) and death among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned in a safety alert this week.
Sustained Smoking Cessation May Delay, Prevent Seropositive RA
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — While smoking is a strong risk factor for seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sustained smoking cessation could delay or even prevent disease development, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in Arthritis Care & Research.
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Ultrasound of Calcaneus Efficient for Screening Bone Health
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Ultrasonography (US) of the calcaneus is efficient for screening bone health, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
2014 to 2017 Saw Improvement in Burnout for U.S. Physicians
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2014 to 2017, there was an improvement in burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among U.S. physicians, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
FDA: Gout Drug Uloric Increases Risk of Death
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The gout medicine Uloric (febuxostat) carries a higher risk of death than allopurinol, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
National Health Spending Set to Increase 5.5 Percent Annually
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — National health spending is projected to increase at an annual rate of 5.5. percent from 2018 to 2027, with fundamental economic and demographic factors the main drivers, according to a report published online Feb. 20 in Health Affairs.
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Most Patients Do Not Disclose Complementary Medicine Use
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Just one-third of users of biologically based complementary medicine (CM) disclose their use to traditional health care providers, according to a review published online Feb. 7 in Scientific Reports.
Guideline Covers Extracutaneous Manifestations of Psoriasis
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 
