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Wisdom of Medical Aphorisms
The American Journal of Medicine and Dr. Joseph S. Alpert have published a long list of smart, insightful and inspirational aphorisms from some of the greatest leaders in internal medicine. These aphorisms are timeless and should be passed from one generation of physicians to the next.
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Chondrocalcinosis Increases Osteoarthritis Risk
Analysis of data from two large, prospective cohort studies show that knee chondrocalcinosis was associated with an increased risk of incident knee osteoarthritis.
Rheums Speak: Changing Rheumatology Practices & Choices
RheumNow surveyed clinicians worldwide on how their rheumatology practice, treatment decisions, and career outlooks have changed over the past 20 years. 242 respondents (68% from the USA) shared their perspectives on the changing landscape of rheumatoid arthritis care, practice patterns, and professional development.
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2025 ACR Guidance on Diagnosis and Management of VEXAS
The ACR has published a formal international consensus guidance on VEXAS as a resource for clinicians seeking to understand the disease and its management.
PT in RA - Metanalysis of 17 RCTs, 1362 pts Rx w/ aerobic/resistance exercise, hydrotherapy, manual Rx, electrotherapy, multimodal Rx. 5 RCTs (n 307) signif reduced pain (SMD −0.347; interpreted as a small to medium effect favoring PT. https://t.co/UJGSGrgMV0 https://t.co/n4DzMSm9iJ
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Retrospective UK study of CPRD dataset (2012-2023) found 22 829 incident CTD Dx (81% F). Over time incidence SLE & Systemic Sclerosis fell, Sjogrens & MCTD stable, & IIM rose 3.23–4.31/100K. IIM had highest mortality (28/1000 py), followed by SSc, SLE, MCTD; lowest SjD (9.7)
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk goes up w/ age, obesity, estrogens; BUT a UK primary care database shows VTE risk signif higher in RA (n 23K) vs matched controls (n 94K): adj HR 1.46. Absolute VTE risk higher w/ age & BMI, but VTE higher in younger v older; normal vs. Hi BMI: https://t.co/htI2YqiF0c
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Advances in Still's disease Rx:
- using IL-1 or IL-6 inhibitors 1st line
- New FDA approval of emapalumab (IFNg) for MAS
- unclear if biologics can cause lung probs in Stills https://t.co/zSqTcOSVGE https://t.co/qefCt5b7qh
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
French OL trial of PCV13 vaccination in 248 early, DMARD Naive RA pts starting MTX @ same time or after 1 month delay. 1 mo delay in MTX resulted in significantly higher responses (46%, 65%) vs. pts vax while taking MTX. Signif responses seen 1 yr later. RA activity equal betw. https://t.co/AnqK89ZJtE
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
JAKne? Study of 2183 IBD pts on JAK inhib, 272 developed acne. Crude prevalence: 16% upadacitinib, 4% tofacitinib, 2% filgotinib (dose-dependent w/ UPA & Tofa). JAKne in pts 30–50 yrs; mild-moderate severity; in 1st 3 mos. Higher risk w/ prior hx acne vulgaris (OR 4.9) https://t.co/nz8F2lBwe5
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Repurposing & Pipeline (8.8.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, reports, pipeline and drug repurposing on this week’s podcast.
https://t.co/Hx1aAdiTOy https://t.co/gwyDweXIbS
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
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.
https://t.co/Dm85RL99UU https://t.co/zHVBreQi58
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Mid East/N African Survey on #SpA referrals.
- 190 Rheum responded (68% consultants, 53% tertiary,95% urban)
- 89% reported delay in axSpA presenting (most: Ortho, FP, internists)
- 2/3 Dx challenges
- > 60^ Pt non-adherence (side effects or Sx improvement) https://t.co/6jBdOqp2gM
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Mayo study of 659 incident RA pts finds Multimorbidity predicted 29% (OR:1.29) higher odds of RA flare, & 34% lower (OR:0.66) odds of remission. RA Flares assoc w/ female, smoking, younger age shorter Dz duration, but not seropositivity. Remission assoc w/ male, not smoking, https://t.co/yEwkQ63zIh
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Inefficiencies of ANA Testing
The Journal of Rheumatology has published an analysis of antinuclear antibody (ANA) multiplex testing showing its nonspecific utility and poor rate of return in identifying ANA-associated autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARDs). https://t.co/hojdPPtCcI
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
2025 BSR Recommendations for ANCA-associated Vasculitis
The BSR and BHPR have published a guideline for the management of adults with AAV; specifically three conditions: GPA, MPA, and EGPA.
https://t.co/nYpbBK7Ahr https://t.co/XcfL4KRHlj
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Novartis announced top line results of its ianalumab (VAY736;B cell inhibitor) in primary Sjögren’s dz. 2 RCTs, NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2, met met primary endpoints w/ statistically significant improvements in disease activity in Sjögren’s patients. https://t.co/cIBhF3YJh3 https://t.co/YRTq6LEFhm
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Rheums Speak - RA Treatment Survey
RheumNow's August 2025 “Live Vote” surveys will examine Rheumatologist impressions, knowledge and practices over the last 20 years when treating rheumatoid arthritis.
https://t.co/hJSQ5mMJ6b https://t.co/7sBXpzkVLg
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Aging Quiets Lupus
UCSF researchers have found that epigentic changes in interferon genes over time may lead to lupus being less active as they age.
https://t.co/MLBFLXnXOQ https://t.co/9aacdZPoED
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference
you want to make." – Jane Goodall
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
