Which factors predict discordance between a patient and physician on a gout flare?

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with discordance between patient and physician on the presence of a gout flare.

Methods: Patients' self-reports of current gout flares were assessed with the question, 'Are you having a gout flare today?' which was then compared with a concurrent, blinded, physician's assessment. Based on agreement or disagreement with physicians on the presence of a gout flare, flares were divided into concordant and discordant groups, respectively.

Which patient reported outcome domains are important to the rheumatologists while assessing patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) aid in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, but it is not well understood which measures would be most relevant to the rheumatologists for making treatment decisions.

Methods: We recruited rheumatologists nationally to participate in moderated structured group teleconference discussions using the nominal group technique. Participants in each group generated lists of the elements from patient's history and signs that they use to make treatment recommendations for RA.

Severe arthritis and tenosynovitis caused by immune checkpoint blockade therapy with pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 antibody).

Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the immune checkpoint receptor-programmed cell death protein 1, has proven clinical efficacy in melanoma and other solid tumors. It increases the body's immune response against the tumor cells. However, because of an uninhibited immune system, immune-mediated adverse effects can arise.

Cardiovascular co-morbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a narrative review of risk factors, cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is markedly increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis partly due to accelerated atherosclerosis from chronic inflammation. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus and physical inactivity are also highly prevalent among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and contribute to the CVD risk. The impact of traditional risk factors on the CVD risk appears to be different in the RA and non-RA population.

Screening of Hyperlipidemia Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United States.

Objective: To determine the proportion of primary lipid screening among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare it with those among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and patients with neither RA nor DM, and to assess whether primary lipid screening varied according to the health care provider (rheumatologist versus non-rheumatologist).

Methods: We analyzed claims data from US private and public health plans from 2006-2010. Eligibility requirements included continuous medical and pharmacy coverage for ≥12 months (baseline period) and >2 physician diagnoses and relevant medications to define RA, DM, RA and DM, or neither condition.

Gastrointestinal Perforations with Biologics in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications for Clinicians.

Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations are rare events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but cause significant morbidity and mortality. Several studies indicate that RA patients may be at higher risk of GI perforation. Traditional RA treatments such as glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of perforation.