Recent News
Read ArticlePatients with Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) positive dermatomyositis (DM) are complicated and prone to interstitial lung disease, poor prognosis, and a high mortality.
Facing challenges in diagnosing idiopathic inflammatory myopathies? Check out our recent webinar to hear from Stanley J. Naides, MD, FACP, FACR, as he explores the role of autoantibody testing in autoimmune myositis diagnosis and phenotyping. Sponsored by LabCorp Rx. #Myositis… https://t.co/FIccDv6C8V https://t.co/UyCDnoH3wc
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Deucravacitinib in Psoriasis - 5 Year Outcomes
BMS released new five-year results from the POETYK PSO long-term extension (LTE) trial of deucravacitinib in treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The data was presented by Dr. Marc Lebwohl at the Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference in Hawaii February 14-19, 2025.
Growing Physician Enthusiasm for AI in Healthcare
The AMA has just published the results of a U.S. Physician survey and shown MD attitudes have positively shifted regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
https://t.co/7nGn5XsfEI https://t.co/sH3yQtaQue
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
The Cartel is Coming for Rheumatology
At first glance, the pharmaceutical marketplace may not appear like a crime drug ring, but Dr. Feldman of Tulane University described how sinister forces of market manipulation have negatively impacted patient care for years.… https://t.co/nOllJFR9AQ https://t.co/IxyGaysOEe
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Japanese study of 781 RA pts (78 dx w/ ILD; most UIP pattern). Mortality higher in RA-ILD (SMR 2.09) vs RA (1.16) vs gen population. Mortality increased w/ ILD (adj HR 2.97), advanced age (1.08/per yr) , and low BMI (3.07) https://t.co/EYKfHotZPr https://t.co/xC6E0OLfFs
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Combination biologics in PsA: are we there yet?
Combination therapy is well-established in rheumatoid arthritis, but its efficacy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains uncertain. Despite effective treatment options, there is a need for solutions for patients unresponsive to… https://t.co/uqLnxLIktM https://t.co/awwaVPOZTu
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
February 5, 2025, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to ADI-001, an investigational allogeneic gamma delta chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for the treatment of relapsed/refractory class III or class IV lupus nephritis, & nd SLE with extrarenal Dz… https://t.co/ywXUTKSoB2 https://t.co/Es0F63MBrk
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
JAMA Review on Dx & Rx of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance. MGUS has NO Sxs or organ damage. MGUS & Dz associations (OP, Autoimmune) were likely overestimated; M protein testing should be done if malignancy or MGCS is suspected. Risk of progression to malignancy… https://t.co/Jikc5q3BJL https://t.co/hxhcD4bJ2X
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Targeting PD-1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis
The results of the large Phase 2b RENOIR trial showed that rosnilimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, was effective in moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
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Valentine RNL 2025 Review (2.14.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from RheumNow Live 2025 held in Dallas, TX on Feb. 8-9, 2025.
https://t.co/EDCqmtbkyC https://t.co/2GlrslkgGp
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
That's not my problem - or is it? Multimorbidity in RA
RA can look so easy on the television commercials where patients appear young, healthy, and vibrant on the advertised treatment.
https://t.co/4lSVKeRtyx https://t.co/Xa1UGbJigy
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
SLE pts have increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Systemic inflammation & glucocorticoid exposure are significant drivers of ASCVD in SLE. Screening recommended - Framingham Risk Score, ACC/AHA risk score & others reviewed https://t.co/jJHNJOU606 https://t.co/JJxiBczMwi
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Prevalence of Systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) was 49.8% - Chinese study of 223 SSc (F/U 8.1 yrs). Among SSc-ILD, 64% had progressive disease w/ elevated CRP at Dx as predictor. Overall mortality rate = 24.2% (pneumonia) w/ predictors of age,… https://t.co/Lb98KziPOj
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Full read review of association betw #RA & Chikungunya fever (viral infxn transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes). Theres no true link betw RA & CHIKV; but incidence of RA after CHIKV is 13.7% (based on 16 reports, 2879 pts, 449 RA postCHIKV) https://t.co/8fxIS846Nd https://t.co/YD1aLIVrrI
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Growing Physician Enthusiasm for AI in Healthcare
The AMA has just published the results of a U.S. Physician survey and shown MD attitudes have positively shifted regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
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NRMP Publishes 2025 Match Results. Rheumatology Stats:
- Ped Rheum #5 in # U.S. DO grads (30%)
- Adult Rheum #5 in Intl Med school grads (34%)
- Adult: 3/132 progr. went unfilled (Ped: 20/36 unfilled)
https://t.co/AsfOZMydMK https://t.co/Dim3hCLzXC
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
8 fold risk of incident ILD in #RA pts. Data from Korean National Health Insurance, 52,325 RA pts & 261,625 controls & 4.4 yrs F/U - ILD in 3.7% of RA vs 0.5% controls (adjHR 7.84); higher in seropositive RA (aHR= 9) vs seronegative RA (aHR=4.8) https://t.co/iIoZOwFYEN https://t.co/HBzSg9KrpZ
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Survey on Corticosteroid (CS) use in PFAPA syndrome included 144 MDs (67% pedi-Rheums); 92% use CS in PFAPA flares. 42% expected a response w/in 12 hrs. 31% use CS ‘routinely. Med literature cites Prednisone as most preferred CS (48%). Response to CS ~ 95% https://t.co/V1wkhNaNAP https://t.co/YILAlKrUcQ
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Lupus flares after ESRD? Metanalysis of 34 studies (29 on HD/PD; 5 post transplant/KT) - extra-renal flares seen in 36% of ESRD pts & were significantly higher w/ PD/HD vs KT (OR: 4.36; 1.66-11.47, p=0.0028). Recurrence of LN after KT was 3.4% https://t.co/tXlyxsfvXd https://t.co/tzsMCeRkz4
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
EGPA in 2025
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), the artist formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, remains somewhat of a rogue agent among the vasculitides.
https://t.co/4ofjQRYsMH https://t.co/PoVhaQ9QiZ
Links:
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
From the blog
One of the benefits of attending conferences aside from scientific exchange is meeting new people. At one symposium, I met a unique rheumatologist. This chance meeting turned into an interview, that turned into a blog. Holly Bastian, MD is a rheumatologist practicing without the restraints of being tied to a place. She is a nomadic rheumatologist, a rheum on the road who embodies Johnny Appleseed as she spreads her knowledge and skills to multiple places in need of rheumatologic services. This is her story.
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Podcasts
Valentine RNL 2025 Review (2.14.2025)-
Drug Naming Games (2.7.2025)
QD clinics - lessons from the Clinic - brought to you by RheumNow Live 2025-
Participation Is Up! (1.31.2025)
Therapeutic Updates
Autoimmune Myositis: The Role of the Laboratory in Diagnosis and Phenotyping
Sponsored by Labcorp
Hear from rheumatologist Stanley J. Naides MD, FACP, FACR, as he details the clinical features of autoimmune myositis, the associated phenotypes and autoantibodies, plus the methodologies and testing options to support a myositis diagnosis.
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Poster Hall
