Evaluating the Usage of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Rheumatology and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Risk.

Background/purpose Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been widely used in treating rheumatological conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Despite their efficacy, there are concerns regarding major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with JAK inhibitors. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of MACE, VTE, and the impact on lipid profiles in patients being treated with JAK inhibitors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of patients aged 45-65 years old treated with Tofacitinib, Baricitinib, or Upadacitinib in a rheumatology clinic. We collected data on demographics, comorbidities, medication use, laboratory results, and cardiac complications potentially related to JAK inhibitors. Results Among 100 patients prescribed JAK inhibitors, 71 were included in the study (with an average treatment duration of 2.5 years). The majority of patients were white (72%), followed by Hispanic (6%), Indian (11%), African American (10%), and Asian (1%). Patients were being treated primarily for RA (57%), followed by PsA (17%), colitis (20%), and alopecia areata (6%). There were no significant cases of VTE reported, with one patient developing a pulmonary embolism (PE) during treatment while also having COVID-19, making it difficult to attribute it solely to the medication. Similarly, only one case of atrial fibrillation occurred. However, 43% (31 patients) experienced worsening of their lipid profile, with increased cholesterol (18%), LDL (12.5%), both LDL and cholesterol (11%) or triglycerides (1.5%). In relation to diabetes mellitus (DM), 24 patients who experienced worsening of their lipid panel did not have a history of DM. Conclusion The study findings suggest that patients on Tofacitinib, Baricitinib, and Upadacitinib did not exhibit a high risk for MACE or DVT. However, there was a notable incidence of lipid panel worsening among patients, where 24 patients out of 31 did not have diabetes. Further research and monitoring may be needed to better understand the long-term effects of JAK inhibitors on cardiovascular health and lipid profiles in these patient populations. This real-world data reflects the current evidence that JAK inhibitors do not significantly raise the risk of MACE in patients with RA but do increase cholesterol levels in these patients that should be monitored closely.

A Case of Primary Biliary Cholangitis in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes demyelination in the brain and spinal cord, leading to significant neurological disability in young adults. Patients with MS are predisposed to other autoimmune disorders, though the co-occurrence of MS and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is rare. PBC is an autoimmune liver disease that affects bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and liver cirrhosis, predominantly in women aged over 40 years. We report the case of an 81-year-old woman with a history of MS and hypertension, bedridden for 10 years, who was admitted with a severe sacral ulcer and bacteremia. During hospitalization, she developed persistent itching, and elevated liver enzymes were detected. Imaging ruled out cholecystitis but revealed a large gallstone and hepatomegaly. Elevated M2 antimitochondrial antibodies confirmed PBC. The patient was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid, leading to symptom improvement. This case highlights the necessity for a thorough evaluation of autoimmune comorbidities in patients with MS and suggests a potential genetic and environmental link between MS and PBC. Further research is needed to explore this association and improve treatment strategies.

Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Manifestations of Inflammatory Myositis: A Tale of Two Patients.

Myositis is a group of rare autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscles that leads to a hallmark triad of muscle weakness, fatigue, and myalgia. Extra-muscular manifestations are sometimes seen and involve various organ systems, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this case series, two patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), both of whom developed dysphagia as a complication of myositis, are discussed. Case 1 was a female with a known history of biopsy-proven dermatomyositis who presented with progressive peripheral edema and weakness affecting all extremities. Concurrently, she displayed symptoms of pneumonia and dysphagia associated with frequent spontaneous or self-induced vomiting to alleviate retrosternal discomfort. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed esophageal dilatation and an absence of a contractile response, consistent with myositis. Treatment comprised intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), mycophenolate, and lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments and maintaining an upright position postprandial. The second case was a female with muscle weakness and dysphagia. Video-fluoroscopic swallow assessment was significant for pharyngeal dysfunction without a sensory response to penetrated material, and the patient was at high risk of aspiration with any oral intake. The presence of pharyngeal dysfunction and dysphagia prompted treatment with IVIG, mycophenolate, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. These cases have highlighted the upper GI complications observed in patients with myositis, accentuating the necessity for a personalized treatment approach. Timely intervention has shown promising results in symptomatic relief and improving patient outcomes. This emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when addressing myositis-related upper GI manifestations.

Unmasking Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in a Patient With Lupus Nephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a persistent autoimmune disease where the immune system produces autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, leading to multi-organ involvement. Typically, nephrotic-range proteinuria is indicative of proliferative or membranous lupus nephritis. However, on rare occasions, patients with SLE and nephrotic syndrome may exhibit focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) lesions upon kidney biopsy. We describe a 28-year-old Middle Eastern male with SLE and biopsy-proven lupus nephritis who experienced a significant increase in proteinuria and creatinine levels despite treatment with mycophenolate mofetil. Further investigation revealed FSGS without active lupus nephritis. The patient's treatment regimen was adjusted to rituximab in response to these findings. This case underscores the importance of renal biopsies in SLE management to accurately diagnose and tailor treatment. It highlights the need to consider alternative renal complications, such as FSGS, which can coexist with lupus nephritis, necessitating a collaborative approach between rheumatologists and nephrologists to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Generative Artificial Intelligence in Patient Education: ChatGPT Takes on Hypertension Questions.

Introduction Uncontrolled hypertension significantly contributes to the development and deterioration of various medical conditions, such as myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, and cerebrovascular events. Despite being the most common preventable risk factor for all-cause mortality, only a fraction of affected individuals maintain their blood pressure in the desired range. In recent times, there has been a growing reliance on online platforms for medical information. While providing a convenient source of information, differentiating reliable from unreliable information can be daunting for the layperson, and false information can potentially hinder timely diagnosis and management of medical conditions. The surge in accessibility of generative artificial intelligence (GeAI) technology has led to increased use in obtaining health-related information. This has sparked debates among healthcare providers about the potential for misuse and misinformation while recognizing the role of GeAI in improving health literacy. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of AI-generated information specifically related to hypertension. Additionally, it seeks to explore the reproducibility of information provided by GeAI. Method A nonhuman-subject qualitative study was devised to evaluate the accuracy of information provided by ChatGPT regarding hypertension and its secondary complications. Frequently asked questions on hypertension were compiled by three study staff, internal medicine residents at an ACGME-accredited program, and then reviewed by a physician experienced in treating hypertension, resulting in a final set of 100 questions. Each question was posed to ChatGPT three times, once by each study staff, and the majority response was then assessed against the recommended guidelines. A board-certified internal medicine physician with over eight years of experience further reviewed the responses and categorized them into two classes based on their clinical appropriateness: appropriate (in line with clinical recommendations) and inappropriate (containing errors). Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to assess ChatGPT responses for accuracy and reproducibility. Result Initially, a pool of 130 questions was gathered, of which a final set of 100 questions was selected for the purpose of this study. When assessed against acceptable standard responses, ChatGPT responses were found to be appropriate in 92.5% of cases and inappropriate in 7.5%. Furthermore, ChatGPT had a reproducibility score of 93%, meaning that it could consistently reproduce answers that conveyed similar meanings across multiple runs. Conclusion ChatGPT showcased commendable accuracy in addressing commonly asked questions about hypertension. These results underscore the potential of GeAI in providing valuable information to patients. However, continued research and refinement are essential to evaluate further the reliability and broader applicability of ChatGPT within the medical field.

Acute Pancreatitis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy in COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and can be a plausible trigger for both disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and acute pancreatitis. We present an 85-year-old male patient who presented with altered mental status and tested positive for COVID-19 infection. He was hypoxic with an incremental need for oxygen. He had clinical as well as imaging evidence of acute pancreatitis. Clinical evidence of bleeding was noted and lab findings were suggestive of DIC. Despite aggressive initial management, his clinical status continued to deteriorate and comfort care was sought eventually. This case highlights COVID-19 infection as a possible trigger for acute pancreatitis as well as DIC. It also highlights some of the differences in COVID-19-induced DIC, which fulfills the diagnostic criteria of DIC but has atypical findings.