This Month's Top Stories from Rheumatology Network

April 11, 2019

In this slideshow, we highlight some recent noteworthy advances in rheumatology, including new developments on the benefits of chiropractic care, how best to adopt methotrexate into a treatment plan, a possible new benefit for fatty acids, and much more.

Fatty Acids in Food Superior to Supplements. Dietary sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (but not from supplements), may help control gout flares. (©AdobeStock_Bill); (©Penton,Shutterstock)

What’s a rheumatologist to do in the absence of clinical guidelines for cannabis? Rheumatology patients seeking natural alternatives for pain relief are increasingly turning to cannabis. An industry survey shows that 80 percent of rheumatologists in Canada field questions from patients every week about cannabis use, but this puts physicians in a quandary. (©Africa Studio, AdobeStock)

Precautions for Medical Cannabis in Rheumatology, To help clinicians provide guidance to patients interested in cannabis therapies, the Canadian Rheumatology Association has issued a position statement. In this slideshow, we highlight the recommendations. (©Megaflopp, AdobeStock)

Biologics for PsA not Associated with Higher Heart Disease Risk. Study shows there is no substantial difference in cardiovascular risk associated with different biologic therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients. PsA (©AdobeStock_Viktar)

Research Supports Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Back Pain. In chronic low back pain patients, spinal manipulation therapy can be equally effective at relieving pain and better at providing short-term function improvement compared to recommended treatments, according to recent research. (©Sunlight19, AdobeStock)

Intestinal Tract Bacteria make Heighten Lupus Symptoms. Growth of bacteria in the intestinal tract is associated with increased lupus activity, particularly lupus nephritis, according to recent research. (©TL Furrer, AdobeStock)

Patient Trust Erodes with Physician Burnout. Burnout affects 42 percent of doctors, a survey shows. Loss of patient trust has been identified as a casualty of burnout. (©Syda Productions, AdobeStock)

Try Subcutaneous Methotrexate First Before Biologic. An editorial in today's issue of Rheumatology makes a strong case for trying subcutaneous methotrexate first before a biologic. (Methotrexate Injection. Photo courtesy of Pfizer Injectables)

Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid may be suitable as treatment for knee osteoarthritis, a review shows. The findings are inconsistent with many of the clinical guidelines. Knee OA (©PuwadolJaturawutthichaiShutterstock.com)

Rheumatologist as Family Planning Counselor. Reproductive-age female patients face potential pregnancy complications, but rheumatologists rarely discuss family planning. New research reveals barriers preventing rheumatologists from starting these conversations. (©AdobeStock_Chinnapong)