Blogs
Multimorbidity in RA
Multimorbidity is a little bit different than comorbidity, which may be a term that you're more familiar with. In comorbidity, we put rheumatoid arthritis as our focus, whereas in multimorbidity, we put the patient at the center of our focus.
A Brief History of Rheumatoid Arthritis Mimics
Imagine that 100 years from now, your great granddaughter, an eminent rheumatologist, reviews the history of rheumatoid arthritis mimics.
New ACR RA-ILD Treatment Guidelines – What Were They Smoking!?
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.
B Cell Depletion in RA: The future is bright
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).
Comorbidities in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Precarious Stack of Blocks
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.
What Happened to the Pharma Reps?
Dr. Jack Cush weighs in on changes in pharmaceutical "detailing" with suggestions for the future.
ICYMI: Changing the Conversation with Patients: Lupus
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.
ICYMI: A Shortage of Trust
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.
A Card-Carrying Optimist
I may be a snarky, opinionated curmudgeon, but I'm an optimist when and where it counts. And I think you should join me.
ICYMI: The Biosimilar "Buy In"
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.
