Best of 2019 - New EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for SLE

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The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) have jointly developed new classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); prompted by the need for criteria that were both highly sensitive and specific. The net result is improved sensitivity and specificity, but the use of positive ANA requirement along with a longer list of weighted criteria ensures its utility in SLE research (including early or latent SLE), but not clinical practice.

Obesity Not Discussed by Doctors and Patients

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Reuters -  Doctors rarely talk about weight concerns with patients who are overweight or obese, and when they do, patients’ experiences tend to be negative, according to a new review of research based on interviews.

Domestic Abuse Linked to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

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Domestic violence was found to predispose to a higher risk of fibromyalgia and those developing chronic fatigue syndrome.

RheumNow Podcast - The Elusive Hand OA Problem (12.13.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush recaps the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com.

ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for IgG4 Related Disease

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IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a relatively new disorder since 2003, and may present as a diagnostic challenge as it can cause fibroinflammatory pathology in nearly any organ. 

#WomenInRheumatology: Is There a Speaker Gender Gap at ACR Meetings?

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Recent studies have quantified the gender gap among speakers at academic conferences. The largest study of 181 medical conferences held in North America over one decade found an increase in the proportion of female speakers from 25 to 34% over time, and that the underrepresentation of women was more marked at surgical compared to medical conferences.

IL-17 Inhibitors In Non-Radiographic Axial SpA

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This meeting sees new data on using anti-IL-17 agents in non-radiographic axial SpA. Up until now these patients have only had TNF inhibitors available, so data about the efficacy of IL17 inhibitors is really important.

Rheumatic Immune-Related Adverse Events: Not Just Another IrAE

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Rheumatic immune-related adverse events can start at almost any time after the commencement after immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for cancer, and are liable to persist long after the immunotherapy has ceased, according to data presented at ACR 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Pegradicase+ImmTOR SEL-212 Shows Promising Results In Active Gout

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Therapies targeting sUA accumulation or improving its excretion are widely used for treatment of symptoms and prevention of progression of gout for decades.

Herpes Zoster Vaccine Update

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Shingrix (GSK), the herpes zoster subunit vaccine (a two-shot series), was approved by the FDA in Fall 2018 and is currently approved for use in adults 50 years and older.

RheumNow Podcast –Favorites of ACR 2019 (11.22.19)

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Dr. Jack Cush recaps standout presentations and information from ACR 2019 held in Atlanta November 9-12, 2019.

Muscle Loss and Frailty in Rheumatic Disease

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At the 2019 ACR annual meeting, several abstracts looked at the importance of myopia (muscle wasting due to illness at any age) and sarcopenia (age related muscle wasting) in the setting of various rheumatologic diseases.

ACR 2019 - Report From Day 2 (Monday)

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Monday was another full day of sessions and studies here in Atlanta. Following is my roundup of day two.

The Safety of Methotrexate

Influenza Vaccine Updates And Pearls At ACR 2019

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As we enter flu season it is of the utmost importance that we remember to assess our patients’ influenza vaccine status at each visit.

PANLAR Ultrasound Study Group: Recommendations On Imaging Modalities In Gout

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Gout is a systemic inflammatory disease with high potential for joint damage due to erosive changes and MSU deposits resulting in disability and chronic pain. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are key to better long term outcomes and decreased disability.

ACR 2019 – Best of the Plenary Sessions

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The ACR Plenary Sessions featured some of the best research presented on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday in Atlanta. Here are my seven notable highlights from the Plenaries.

Looks like the latest ACR on Air podcast is up — episode 5 — recorded during #ACR19 with host @hausmannMD and @DrBhana and myself as guests. We discuss a couple of our favorite abstracts from the meeting. @ACRheum https://t.co/WHNiHuhenZ

FINCH3: FILGOTINIB studied in this cohort naive to MTX; interesting that safety data looks good! Maybe too early to tell. Abst# 927 https://t.co/AonswiGYG3 https://t.co/q3OU582WbT