Socioeconomic status (SES) often associates with poorer outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients; and a current study suggests this is unrelated to healthcare access issues.

A prospective, longitudinal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort study examined outcomes and showed that failure to control SLE was common and associated with poorer outcomes including organ damage, glucocorticoid exposure, poor quality of life, and increased mortality.

An interesting study in Lancet Rheumatology shows that psoriatic arthritis patients not responding to methotrexate alone can respond after adding or escalating adalimumab (ADA) on top of methotrexate (MTX) to reach minimal disease activity (MDA) response. 

Analysis of emergency department visits from two UK hospitals shows a high rate of hospitalization, and low use of urate-lowering therapies (ULT) and treat-to-target (T2T) management. 

Gout is common but disproportionately affects certain groups (e.g., the elderly, Pacific Islander, Blacks). Ethnic links to gouts were also shown to be linked to modifiable behavioral factors and such information maybe useful in managing gout patients.

A recent prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial has shown that a 2 week hold of methotrexate (MTX) following COVID-19 (Sinovac-CoronaVac) vaccination resulted in greater anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity; but there was an increase in flare rates after the second dose of vaccine.

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week, rheumatologic problems incited by respiratory infections, air pollution and how you live, now where you live.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is launching two new initiatives to reduce racial disparities in lupus clinical trials: Training to Increase Minority Enrollment in Lupus Clinical Trials with CommunitY Engagement (TIMELY) and new Continuing Medical Educatio

The annual Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression survey has been published for 2022 and Rheumatology burnout stats have improved, now ranking 10th (middle of the pack). 

Why did I end up a rheumatologist? Circumstance, personality types, horoscopes or what?  A current study in BMJ sheds light on why.

Interesting reports this week about dementia, who gets hand OA and a great list of women Heroes and Pillars of Rheumatology. Tune in as Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week in RheumNow.com.

The integration of Telemedicine in to rheumatologic care was ignited by pandemic restrictions in early 2020 and since the advantages and disadvantages have been debated.

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com.  He discusses the GI side effects of IL-17 inhibitors, downstream revenues from rheumatology care and dietary prevention of gout. 

Two recent analyses from the USA and Canada point to a significant unmet need with regard to pediatric rheumatologists.

Women who made at least four healthy lifestyle choices saw their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis reduced significantly, an analysis of Nurses' Health Study (NHS) data found.

This article was written by Dr. Milton Packer, who wonders why physicians are struggling to get their priorities straight.

The EULAR Coronavirus Vaccine (COVAX) physician-reported registry has shown that the use of COVID-19 vaccines in people with inflammatory/autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (I-RMD) is effective, safe, and well tolerated.

Our top 10 list of advances, game-changers, worries and those better medical practices that evolved during 2021.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from RheumNow.

Dr. Jack Cush tells his podcast story - the genesis, keys to success and recommendations on how to get into podcasting - for teaching, practice, fun or influence.