Article
Editor's note: This article was originally published April 22, 2025, and is being shared again as part of RheumNow's 'Best of 2025' series as we close out the year. Enjoy!
All News
Article
More effective treatments in patients with rheumatic diseases have resulted in less need for major surgery, yet a substantial number of RMD patients will undergo surgery often in the setting of DMARDs use. A scoping review looked at numerous clinical practice guidelines/recommendations for the perioperative management of DMARDs and found inconsistencies and low quality evidence, with great reliance on conditional (expert opinion) recommendations.
Article
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) have published clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of connective tissue diseases (CTD) associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) in two simultaneous publications in the European Respiratory Journal and Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.
Article
Sattar et al. has published an informative overview of the effect of obesity on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). They estimate that nearly 70% of RMD patients are overweight or obese.
Article
Nearly 25 years ago, while lecturing on best therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I loudly stated that hydroxychloroquine was “useless” and, deservedly, I was “boo-ed” off stage. My point then was that rheumatologists needed to be aggressive, if not overly aggressive, in treating all RA patients. And my view was that HCQ was representative of under-treatment. I have reconsidered the use of HCQ in RA substantially in the last few years, based on its merit.
Article
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.
Article
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.
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
Comorbidity and Health Management: Tuesday Night Rheumatology Join panelists Vanessa Hill, NP-C, Lindsay Tom, PA-C, Barb Slusher, MSW, PA-C and Jack Cush, MD as they discuss comorbidity and health management in rheumatic disease. https://t.co/3KMgBW1Q4W https://t.co/4dVfKd7uy5
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
UK study of 1846 RA pts starting a b/tsDMARDs, ~30% on steroids & majority (2/3) continued use over the first year of new novel treatment. This suggests these aer either severe RA pts or that we are not vigilant in limiting/weaning/stopping steroids in RA patients - which is it? https://t.co/7NWeAWTjSy
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “It’s okay not to “fix” the complaint right away. Validate the patient, then watch and wait when appropriate. The urge to intervene quickly without confidence can be dangerous. See the patient back, keep listening, & continue good history-taking” - Jeannette Hart PA-C
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “Ensure a patient understands the weekly dosing instructions for methotrexate” - Ben Smith, DMSc, PA-C
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “When I’m explaining treatment options, I say “hey you are the captain of this ship, I’m your co-captain. I help to guide you along this journey… (I can help you) avoid that Hurricane.” - April Woodrow, APRN, ANP-BC
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “Steroids are not a long-term plan; AND One visit cannot fix everything” - Claudia Rivera-Salas, NP
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “Get to know your patients and any barriers they have that may impact their healthcare” - Natalie Lane, FNP-C
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
Rapid rituximab infusions are safe & efficient. Metanalysis of 7 RCTs, 538 pts w/ autoimmune/rheumatic dz, showed infusions(RTX 1000 mg) of 90-120 min (w/ premedication) had low risk (3-15%) of mild (Grades 1, 2) infusion Rxns; only 6 Grade 3 Rxns https://t.co/uVKuhhc80F https://t.co/9EhyBpSaAE
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “When seeing a new patient, never assume that their preconceived or prior diagnosis is the only rheumatology condition that they have” - Lindsay Tom, PA-C
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “Point out to every patient with gout that poorly controlled gout will increase their risk of CV events and mortality” - Emma Bavage, NP
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “Do not order a test if you do not know how to interpret the results whether normal or abnormal” - Madison Chastain, CRNP
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
APP Pearls “Never stop learning—rheumatology is full of surprises” - Kayla Carlucci, FNP-BC
Dr. John Cush
Tweet
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
