Recent News
Current guidelines recommend limiting the use of glucocorticoids by coining the new concept of “bridging therapy”, that is, use GCs when the disease is active and get rid of them as soon as you can. This way of thinking is conceptually attractive, however, the formula for translation to real life settings is not included.Read Article
Best of 2025: Glossary for Giant Cell Arteritis
Dejaco and colleagues have published a glossary of terms often used in conjunction with giant cell arteritis. The glossary of definitions for 23 signs and symptoms of GCA was developed through a consensus process involving international experts.
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Best of 2025: Distinguishing Septic and Gouty Arthritis
A single center, retrospective review of patients undergoing knee joint fluid aspirations for presumed crystalline arthritis (CA) showed that synovial WBC may provide a useful diagnostic marker for SA with an optimal threshold of 50,000 cells/mm3.
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Best of 2025: Dermatomyositis Reviewed
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have published an open-access review of dermatomyositis (DM) - its manifestations, hallmark cutaneous features, etiopathogenesis and treatment options.
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EULAR Classification criteria for hemachromatosis, presented by Prof. Kiely shows clinical pearls in diagnosis - Hook osteophytes @MCP 2/3, & Iron Fist sign w/ elevation of MCPs 2&3. #EULAR2025 https://t.co/ICSDysexOR
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Review of IL-1 family cytokines in inflammation and immunity - including, IL-1, IL-18, IL-33, IL-36, IL-37, IL-38, IL-1Ra, etc. Full read -- Good Reference!! https://t.co/01o05qYPjU https://t.co/M02xrvxKre
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APP Pearls “Never stop learning—rheumatology is full of surprises” - Kayla Carlucci, FNP-BC
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Nerandomilast FDA Approved for Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis
The FDA has approved nerandomilast (Jascayd), a PDE4b inhibitor, to treat adults with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). Nerandomilast was approved to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IFP) in October 2025. https://t.co/G2SS0qJTfl
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Three Things to Know About Hiring, Onboarding, and Training APPs
As the utilization of APPs (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) in rheumatology becomes more prevalent, here are three things to consider if you are thinking about adding an APP to your practice:
Read https://t.co/24RVd09vcK
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Best of 2025: Vitamin D for Prevention of Disease
JAMA has published a clinical guideline on the use of vitamin D to prevent disease in children and adults.
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Best of 2025: Antifibrotics - A New Class of Therapies in Rheumatology?
Rheumatologists typically manage systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and associated interstitial lung disease with immunosuppressants. However, evidence increasingly supports also the use of antifibrotic agents in this setting.
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Telling You Where to Go (12.19.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow. Who would've thunk - a PsA FMF connection? Labs to diagnose SSc-ILD? IgA-RF may be important or RZV may not work in JAK inhibitor treated patients? https://t.co/bwF89L9Z7R
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APP Controversies and Misconceptions
In this Tuesday Night Rheumatology, panelists discuss a range of topics, including APP roles and impact; models of care; independence; seeing new patients and complex cases; and more. Panelists: Daric A. Mueller, PA-C; Lisa Carnago, PhD, https://t.co/t2PssfUNoV
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APP Pearls “You must assess sleep and mood- without this, even if you control all inflammation, you will not control pain and fatigue!” - Christine Stamatos, NP, DNP, RN
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Tricks of the Trade – Clinic Advice from APPs
December 2025 is focused on advanced practice providers, their impact, education and priorities. In seeking and soliciting the help and advice of leaders in the rheumatology APP world, I have been impressed by APP pride, dedication https://t.co/boyjytkUyq
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Best of 2025: Methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis
Methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly used DMARD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, there is significant intolerance to this drug among adult RA patients - especially at doses above 15 mg per week.
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Best of 2025: Overview of the VEXAS Syndrome
A current systematic review in Rheumatology addresses the clinical features seen in the VEXAS syndrome.
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Hidden in Plain Sight: IBD
As a PA with six years of experience in rheumatology and a background in gastroenterology, today I'm discussing the clinical overlap between inflammatory arthritis—particularly psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthropathies—and inflammatory bowel https://t.co/Aatc4jkbpH
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Disease Activity Criteria for Adult-Onset Still's Disease: EULAR Points to Consider
EULAR has published a "points to consider" (PtCs) guidance on the development of criteria for the assessment of the disease activity in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). https://t.co/3FikFiGgxM
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
NPs and PAs: Opportunities Outside of the Exam Room
Ben Smith, PA-C, Thomasville, GA, discusses scholarly and leadership opportunities for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as part of RheumNow's "Mission: APP Partners in Care" campaign during the month of December. https://t.co/Vzx6B1z2xJ
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow ( View Tweet)
From the blog
Podcasts
Comorbidity and Health Management
Telling You Where to Go (12.19.2025)-
APP Controversies and Misconceptions
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Reefer Madness (12.12.2025)
Therapeutic Updates
IL-23 Inhibition Across Psoriatic Disease* and Inflammatory Bowel Disease†
Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
Watch Dr. Khattri & Jennifer Labas, MSN, discuss IL-23 inhibition in adults with active PsA, moderate to severe plaque PsO, moderately to severely active UC, & moderately to severely active CD
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Underserved and Under-treated
RheumNow
Watch our Underserved and Under-Treated series as part of this month's Mission: APP Partners in Care campaign. Now available: Vaccine Pearls & Health Maintenance in the Rheum Clinic, Lifestyle Medicine and Pain Management.
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Poster Hall
Sponsored by AbbVie Medical Affairs + Health Impact
