Emerging Research and Reduction in Medication Use with Combination PsA Care

In " Emerging Research and Reduction in Medication Use with Combination PsA Care," Dr. Bakewell surveys the research pipeline before the panel offers its closing thoughts.

Dr. Bakewell highlights ongoing research examining incretin therapy across rheumatic disease. She names investigators building registry data on outcomes in patients with rheumatic conditions started on incretin drugs. That work looks specifically at psoriatic disease and reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular events. Experts mention that this call to address obesity is extending beyond psoriatic disease into rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, and even lupus nephritis. Dr. Perkins admits rheumatologists want to understand mechanism before fully embracing a new approach. Still, she argues that when a tool improves outcomes, it is worth using even before every mechanistic question is answered. Kameillia adds that the treatment gave her a new lease on life. She calls herself a better parent and partner who can now work and make things happen. Dr. Perkins agrees that the right medication at the right time can be the boost that lets a patient's own effort finally pay off.

Dr. Perkins then addresses a particularly meaningful outcome: some patients on combination therapy are able to reduce medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes. Seeing patients more frequently than their other doctors lets her catch improving numbers early. Dr. Bakewell shares a cautionary example of patients who became dehydrated after their blood pressure medication was not adjusted in time. Safety monitoring must accompany any medication reduction, she says.

Up next, in "Practical Advice for Patients Starting Incretin-Biologic Therapy," Dr. Perkins and Kameillia share hands-on advice for anyone considering this same path.