Mark L. Fuerst

(1) Inflammatory diseases raise risk of venous thromboembolism; (2) antiphospholipid antibodies play a role in MI; (3) persistent hyperuricemia predicts mortality.

Which additional bone traits, besides bone mineral density, can be used to determine fracture risk? Authors of a new study sought to find out.

Recent studies address two of the most troubling symptoms of fibromyalgia: pain and cognitive impairment.

What’s new: (1) Gut bacterium may trigger autoimmune disease; (2) pregnancy complications in SLE have declined; (3) childhood abuse raises lupus risk.

Contrary to current guideline recommendations, a new review argues against routine coeliac disease screening for osteoporosis patients. 

A new meta-analysis found no improvement in symptoms or in quality of life among more than 2000 participants treated for subclinical disease.

(1) Exercise limits bone loss but not weight gain; (2) BMD may serve as a biomarker; (3) men are at high risk for secondary fractures.

What’s new: biologic tapering, high-dose influenza vaccine, real-time patient input.

A new study found statin use is associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis, hip fracture, and vertebral fracture in stroke patients. 

A patient's genetic predisposition to low bone mineral density can increase their risk for osteoporotic fractures, according to a new genome-wide association study. 

What’s new: cannabinoids, mindfulness, and the depression-arthritis connection.

(1) Menopause worsens RA symptoms; (2) obesity increases disease activity in women with lupus; and (3) signs of cardiac disease appear early in SLE.

(1) Questionable efficacy of knee injections, (2) a dramatic increase in the prevalence of osteoarthritis, and (3) a promising molecular biomarker.

Authors of a new study devised a new algorithm that can help physicians identify and manage diabetic patients at increased fracture risk. 

Here: the impact of vitamin D, the Mediterranean diet, and psychological stress on disease severity.

Similarities between ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial SpA, a caveat about positive MRI scans, and the impact of obesity on disease outcomes.

Two recent studies underscore the key role of interferon in SLE; a third trial identifies a link between undiagnosed vertebral fractures and organ damage in women with lupus.

The gout-dementia connection, daily medication reminders, and the impact of interleukin-1β inhibition on gout attacks.

A bisphosphonate drug holiday linked to a 20% rise in hip fractures in older women, according to a new study. 

Drawbacks of bisphosphonate holidays, bone benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and a new weapon against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

What’s new: advances in serodiagnostic testing, role of T cell activation in Lyme arthritis, and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Researchers have set their sights on macrophage activation syndrome, pathways identified in renal cells, and mechanistic target of rapamycin.

Role of Epstein-Barr virus in autoimmune diseases, impact of consensus treatment plans, and the search for biomarkers for juvenile arthritis.

Which type of physical activity best relieves symptoms? What underlies the hypersensitivity of fibromyalgia? Recent studies offer answers.

What’s new: cognitive behavioral therapy can combat opioid misuse, virtual reality provides an escape from pain, and an app helps prevent painful sports injuries.

What's new: reliable outcome measures, overlap in treatment targets, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Among the highlights of 3 recent studies: insights into hormonal risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis.

Highlights of 3 recent studies that can affect your practice: a novel procedure for knee pain, cardiovascular risk in RA, and febuxostat in early gout.

An expanded role for MRI and 2 recently approved treatment options.

Menopause, obesity, and bacterial infection all have a negative impact on RA, according to 3 recent studies.