Recent News
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and recent journal reports on RheumNow.com.Read Article
“We may have all come on different ships; but we’re in the same boat now.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Arrhythmias in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease
A new review in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease (Tamirisa et al) synthesizes how SLE, RA, and SSc have an increased risk of arrhythmias and SCD attributable to shared immune pathways. These facts substantiate the https://t.co/j9AW26LE66
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Best proof of difference betw Seropos vs seroneg RA from TREAT-EARLIER 12 mos study 236 clinically suspect arthralgia pts w/ subclinical Jt inflammation Rx w/ MTX vs PBO. MTX prevented RA only the seroneg RA (9 v 35%); But no protection in seropos RA (58 vs 65%) https://t.co/ufY9ZJmKgf
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
In arrhythmias associated with autoimmune rheumatic disease, which condition carries the highest cardiovascular hazard ratio?
Test your knowledge in this week's RheumIQ quiz at https://t.co/yQn8cIT5Cw https://t.co/gaJ4uzcGGd
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
COLIPSO prospective study of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis adults starting ts/bDMARDs; MRI done serially. 35 pts f/u for ~29 wks - MASLD. Only Rx w/ IL-17 inhibitors improved liver fat and inflammation in psoriatic disease as well as clinical outcomes. https://t.co/MFjvh5OJg2 https://t.co/k0C7RSvaaR
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
In a Cohort of 410 #SLE pts, there were 37 MALES who demonstrated a high prevalence of renal (IV/V lupus nephritis 49%) and a notable incidence of Plaquenil-related retinal toxicity. 62% on HCQ, but 22% D/C HCQ due to retinal toxicity or drug intolerance. https://t.co/VISwHO1wcK https://t.co/6SoD6mD5tf
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
True or False: Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) was associated with a higher odds ratio for cerebral atrophy compared to age.
See if you got it right in this week's RheumIQ quiz at https://t.co/yQn8cIT5Cw. https://t.co/YjHwLFclv4
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
U Alberta Rheumatology study of GCAPS score in 62 new onset, suspected GCA referrals. GCA Dx in 39 pts excluded in 23. 50% had a High risk GCAPS (screening) score, 38% Intermediate & 13% had Low risk GCAPs. Intermediate or High risk GCAPS sensitivity 97%, specificity 30%, PPV 70% https://t.co/gKD1Je3QRH
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
True or False: In a 6-month RCT for refractory ITP, combining baricitinib with danazol achieved a durable response rate more than double that of danazol monotherapy.
Take this week's RheumIQ quiz at https://t.co/yQn8cIT5Cw to see if you got it right! https://t.co/MJSw1gYUob
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
New Avacopan Analysis Sent to FDA
After data manipulation allegations, the FDA has been calling for the vasculitis drug to be pulled from the market since January.
Amgen has submitted a third-party review of avacopan's (Tavneos) pivotal trial data and other analyses to the FDA https://t.co/zBg4pFBfSP
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Top 20 Best Rheumatology Hospitals
U.S. News & World Report has published its Best Hospitals for 2026-2027, listing the best among many specialties, including rheumatology. At the top of the list are Johns Hopkins Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), https://t.co/IjGwcDQehq
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
A Tribute to Daniel L. Kastner, MD, PhD (1951–2026)
The rheumatology, genetics and NIH communities mourn for Dr. Daniel L. Kastner, who died on July 28, 2026, in Bethesda, Maryland, at age 74.
https://t.co/Qti4Nay6NX https://t.co/gjmY7G4XAc
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
JAMA Review of Hip Fracture
The July 16th edition of JAMA reviews the highly prevalent problem of hip fractures - a major global health burden: 14.2 million occur worldwide annually (280,000 in the US), with global incidence higher in women (833.9/100,000) than men https://t.co/KBUovkYPB1
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Air Pollution Increases RA Activity and Flares
MedPage Today
In this study from Korea, levels of small particulate matter correlated with increased RA disease activity and risk for disease flares.
Read Article
Rethinking Treatment of EGPA
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) has long been managed by extrapolating results from microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis clinical trials. But new insights into EGPA's has lead to advances in therapy and new treatment paradigms.
Read Article
Cassi Calabrese @CCalabreseDO easy overview of vaccinating IMID pts. Vaccinating IMID pts. Stresses risk-based approach: RZV for all JAK-i/anifrolumab pts regardless of age; time COVID vax around rituximab; annual flu + PCV20/21 for all immunosuppressed; RSV ≥75 or younger w/ https://t.co/AHykuqJn2N
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Arrhythmias in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease
A new review in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease (Tamirisa et al) synthesizes how SLE, RA, and SSc have an increased risk of arrhythmias and SCD attributable to shared immune pathways. These facts substantiate the https://t.co/CSkRW7JRr1
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Best proof of difference betw Seropos vs seroneg RA from TREAT-EARLIER 12 mos study 236 clinically suspect arthralgia pts w/ subclinical Jt inflammation Rx w/ MTX vs PBO. MTX prevented RA only the seroneg RA (9 v 35%); But no protection in seropos RA (58 vs 65%) https://t.co/A5aFUgMPQR
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
COLIPSO prospective study of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis adults starting ts/bDMARDs; MRI done serially. 35 pts f/u for ~29 wks - MASLD. Only Rx w/ IL-17 inhibitors improved liver fat and inflammation in psoriatic disease as well as clinical outcomes. https://t.co/uHO8ldjLKJ https://t.co/RqKK5JCANt
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Video
From the Blog
At first, it seemed similar to many other such sessions – a circle of folding chairs, a group of colleagues whose visages exuded understanding and acceptance – but this was special. I started the meeting…. “Hi, my name is Artie.”
Read Post
Podcasts
Mentshlichkeit (8.7.2026)
A JAKi After TNFi Failure in RA: SELECT-SWITCH at Week 12
TU: Systemic Burden of Gout Part 2 (24 plus)-
Methotrexate Safety Tips (7.31.2026)
Therapeutic Updates
Make Rheum for Rads: Autoimmune ILD Diagnosis, Monitoring, and the Patient Experience
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Drs. Elizabeth Volkmann and Robert Suh explore the roles rheumatologists and radiologists play in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune ILD and hear from a patient about her experience.
Read Post
A JAKi After TNFi Failure in RA: SELECT-SWITCH at Week 12
Sponsored by AbbVie Medical Affairs + Health Impact
Dr. Christina Charles-Schoeman and Dr. Manish Jain are back to discuss treatment considerations after TNFi failure in RA. Join them as they review the latest data from SELECT-SWITCH, including post hoc results in primary and secondary nonresponders presented at EULAR 2026.
Read Post
Poster Hall
