Medical Bulletin 03/November/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

JAK inhibitors show promising efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis treatment

A retrospective multicenter study conducted by Japanese researchers has found that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a class of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, are highly effective. Traditionally, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been treated with biological disease-modifying drugs, often administered through subcutaneous or intravenous routes. However, these treatments can become less effective over time.

JAK inhibitors offer a promising alternative, as they can be taken orally. Previous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated their efficacy and safety, but concerns have been raised about their real-world effectiveness, particularly in patients with additional health problems that may affect their response to conventional treatments.

Reference: Real-world comparative study of the efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the ANSWER cohort study, Rheumatology, DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead543

Is high salt consumption linked to diabetes risk? Study sheds light

Those at risk for Type 2 diabetes may already know to avoid sugar, but new research suggests they may want to skip the salt as well.

A new study from Tulane University published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that frequently adding salt to foods was associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The study surveyed more than 400,000 adults registered in the UK Biobank about their salt intake. Over a median of 11.8 years of follow-up, more than 13,000 cases of Type 2 diabetes developed among participants. Compared to those who “never” or “rarely” used salt, participants who “sometimes,” “usually,” or “always” added salt had a respective 13%, 20%, and 39% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Reference: Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Incident Type 2 Diabetes, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.02.029

Is Paxlovid treatment for COVID-19 effective? Study finds answers

A retrospective target trial emulation study has found that Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment for COVID-19 showed limited effectiveness in preventing most post-COVID conditions (PCCs)but appeared to reduce the risk of combined thromboembolic events. The study focused on nonhospitalized veterans in VHA care who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during January to July 2022. The cumulative incidence of 31 potential PCCs was measured 31 to 180 days after treatment or a matched index date.

The study included 9,593 participants treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and their matched untreated comparators. The results indicated no significant differences in the incidence of most PCCs between the two groups. However, participants treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir showed a lower combined risk for venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism.

Reference: Effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir Against the Development of Post–COVID-19 Conditions Among U.S. Veterans, FREE A Target Trial Emulation, George N. Ioannou et al, https://doi.org/10.7326/M23-1394