Blogs

Lungs ILD

New ACR RA-ILD Treatment Guidelines – What Were They Smoking!?

Richard Conway, MBBChBAO, PhD
Rheumatoid arthritis related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is common, with symptomatic RA-ILD affecting approximately 8% of RA patients. There is a very limited evidence base supporting treatment and therefore the recent release of ACR guidelines is to be welcomed. However, the published guidelines appear discordant with the best available evidence base. 
bright lights

B Cell Depletion in RA: The future is bright

William FC Rigby, MD
The incredible potential of B cell depletion in rheumatic diseases was heralded by its activity in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 20 years ago. Rituximab (RTX) was cemented into the armamentarium of RA by its efficacy in TNF-inhibitor inadequate responders (REFLEX).
stack of blocks

Comorbidities in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Precarious Stack of Blocks

Cynthia S. Crowson, PhD

Comorbidities can pile up like a stack of blocks for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  At the time when RA is diagnosed, they already have more comorbidities than their peers, and after RA diagnosis they accumulate comorbidities faster than their peers.

Cush RheumThoughts

What Happened to the Pharma Reps?

Jack Cush, MD

Dr. Jack Cush weighs in on changes in pharmaceutical "detailing" with suggestions for the future.

Megan Clowse RT

ICYMI: Changing the Conversation with Patients: Lupus

Megan E. B. Clowse, MD, MPH
Dr. Megan Clowse from Duke University talks about changing how she talks to patients with lupus, exploring and treating two types of lupus. This RheumThoughts was originally published April 5, 2023, and is being shared again in case you missed it.
trust,dog

ICYMI: A Shortage of Trust

Jack Cush, MD
I wanted to complain about patients who complain, but guilt and common sense took over. I intended to declare the problem to primarily belong to the doctor, rather than the patient. To me, the solution to the patient’s consternation should begin and end with the source: me (you). My introspection, reasonings, and commandments were fine, but I kept running into the enigma of “Trust” – which can either be a speed-bump or chasm in our physician-patient relationships.
doctor,black,power,up,optimist

A Card-Carrying Optimist

Jack Cush, MD
I may be a snarky, opinionated curmudgeon, but I'm an optimist when and where it counts. And I think you should join me.
Biosimiars

ICYMI: The Biosimilar "Buy In"

Rachel Tate, DO
The landscape of biosimilars is vast. This year alone we are expecting 17 biosimilars in rheumatology. While some pharmaceutical company and payer contracts are still under negotiation, we need to start preparing ourselves and our patients.  Drs. Jack Cush and Arthur Kavanuagh shared insights into these key discussions during RheumNow Live 2023.
yes no positive opportunity

An Opportunity to Say Yes

Kathryn H. Dao, M.D.
Often, I am asked why I get to do all the fun stuff in rheumatology like blogging, traveling, meeting and interviewing interesting people, and collaborating in cool projects. How do I get those opportunities? Why am I involved in so many things? The answer: because I say, “Yes!”
No stop

No is a complete sentence

Rachel Tate, DO
No is a complete sentence. For context, I am a "yes" person, and I always have been.
Sherrer RT

Giving Good Care in Diversity takes Time

Yvonne Sherrer, MD

Dr. Yvonne Sherrer and second-year fellow Dr. Corin Agoris discuss a case where extended time led to improved patient outcomes.

Dao Gray Zone RT

My Life in the Gray Zone

Kathryn H. Dao, M.D.
For someone who grew up in a family of engineers, where logic and definitive answers were absolute, I live comfortably in the gray zone of uncertainty.  
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