The objective of this systematic literature review was to determine the association between cardiovascular events (CVEs) and antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)/psoriasis (Pso).Systematic searches were performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases (1960 to December 2012) and proceedings from major relevant congresses (2010–2012) for controlled studies and randomised trials reporting confirmed CVEs in patients with RA or PsA/Pso treated with antirheumatic drugs. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed on extracted data.Out of 2630 references screened, 34 studies were included: 28 in RA and 6 in PsA/Pso. In RA, a reduced risk of all CVEs was reported with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (relative risk (RR), 0.70; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.90; p=0.005) and methotrexate (RR, 0.72; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.91; p=0.007). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased the risk of all CVEs (RR, 1.18; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.38; p=0.04), which may have been specifically related to the effects of rofecoxib. Corticosteroids increased the risk of all CVEs (RR, 1.47; 95% CI 1.34 to 1.60; p<0.001). In PsA/Pso, systemic therapy decreased the risk of all CVEs (RR, 0.75; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.91; p=0.003).In RA, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and methotrexate are associated with a decreased risk of all CVEs while corticosteroids and NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk. Targeting inflammation with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors or methotrexate may have positive cardiovascular effects in RA. In PsA/Pso, limited evidence suggests that systemic therapies are associated with a decrease in all CVE risk.

These practical evidence-based recommendations can guide management of comorbidities in patients with RA, PsA, and PsO and optimize outcomes.

Adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab were associated with statistically significant reductions in depressive symptom scores using various scales in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Objective. To examine the impact of antirheumatic drugs on bone mineral density (BMD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and psoriasis using a systematic review. Methods. Electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. Studies were grouped based on disease, treatment, and site of BMD measurement. Change in BMD (DBMD) from baseline to end of study was recorded. Standardized mean difference (SMD) of DBMD between treatment and controls was standardized for meta-analyses and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results. Treatment effects on BMD were not the primary outcomes of the trials. Thirteen studies were eligible (11 RA, 2 AS, 0 PsA, and 0 psoriasis). For RA, significantly less hand bone loss was seen with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi; SMD DBMD 0.33 [95% CI 0.13, 0.53], P 5 0.001, I 2 5 0%) and glucocorticoids (SMD DBMD 0.51 [95% CI 0.20, 0.81], P 5 0.001, I 2 5 0%). TNFi had no significant effect on lumbar spine and hip BMD. Glucocorticoids were associated with a negative effect on lumbar spine (SMD DBMD 20.30 [95% CI 20.55,20.04], P 5 0.02, I 2 5 52%), but not hip BMD. For AS, a significant increase in BMD was seen with TNFi at the lumbar spine (SMD DBMD 0.96 [95% CI 0.64, 1.27], P < 0.001, I 2 5 16%) and hip (SMD DBMD 0.38 [95% CI 0.13, 0.62], P 5 0.003, I 2 5 0%). Data were insufficient to perform meta-analyses in PsA and psoriasis or for other antirheumatic drugs. Conclusion. In RA, TNFi and glucocorticoids appeared to attenuate hand bone loss. TNFi did not impact lumbar spine and hip BMD and glucocorticoids had negative effects on lumbar spine and no effect on hip BMD. In AS, TNFi was associated with improved lumbar spine and hip BMD.

Background: Treating nail psoriasis is challenging. Corticosteroid matrix injection with needle is a conventional treatment but pain is often a limitation. Objective: Evaluate efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide needle-free injection with the Med-Jet MBX in psoriatic fingernail. Methods: Seventeen patients were enrolled between January 2012 and January 2013. Four treatments sessions were scheduled every 4 ± 1 weeks. Clinical efficacy was evaluated according to Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score of target nail differences before and after the treatment. Results: Mean baseline NAPSI score was 6.5 on an 8-point scale (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.652–7.348) and mean final NAPSI score was 2.8 on an 8-point scale (95% CI 1.859–3.741), demonstrating statistically significant treatment efficacy ( p=.0007). NAPSI score for target nail from baseline to end of treatment was decreased by 46.25%. Conclusion: Treatment with triamcinolone acetonide delivered by Med-Jet MBX is a safe, minimally painful and effective treatment for nail psoriasis.