Dr. Jack Cush reviews autoantibody testing in rheumatology.
A large observational cohort study suggests that monitoring hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood levels is effective in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with a target therapeutic range (for HCQ level monitoring) of 750-1150 ng/ml.
In orthopedic practice, missing the wrong fracture can significantly alter a patient’s outcome. Certain injuries may appear subtle on initial imaging yet carry serious consequences if not promptly recognized and managed. Below are five fractures that warrant a high index of suspicion due to their risk of displacement, nonunion, or long‑term degenerative change.
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal and regulatory reports from this past week on RheumNow.com. B cell drugs in SLE and ITP, biomarkers in GCA & PSS and great videos by APPs.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) announced today that 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match results show rheumatology fellowship positions continuing to fill at high rates. The Match uses a computerized process to pair applicant and program preferences, determining where physicians will complete subspecialty training.
Betsy Kirchner, DNP, shares practical tips for managing metabolic bone disease, including the importance of VFA imaging to catch asymptomatic vertebral fractures and utilizing fracture liaison services to close care gaps. She highlights key pearls like the doubled fracture risk in RA patients, ACR's risk stratification for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and a simple FRAX adjustment calculation that can improve treatment decisions.
Recent research and publications have underscored the use, efficacy, safety and limitations to the use of cannabis for arthritis and pain patients.
The New England Journal of Medicine has published a phase III clinical trial showing that a B cell targeting monoclonal antibody, ianalumab, was effective in more than half of the patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Moreover, treatment maintained safe platelet counts without serious bleeding episodes for at least one year.
In rheumatology, we're no stranger to uncertainty. In any diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, it's always our invitation to reconsider the diagnosis.
Dr. Cush provides a systematic approach to evaluating musculoskeletal and rheumatic complaints in clinical practice.
The British Society of Rheumatology has published an update to their previous 2017 BSR/BHPR guideline regarding the use and monitoring of DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) used to treat systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs).
Ready to bring a PA into your rheumatology practice? This blog post breaks down the key facts you need to know about PA training, scope of practice, and the recent changes to the profession's title.
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from RheumNow.com, including info on scleroderma, dermatomyositis and malignancy, rheumatologist and APP salary concerns.
Medscape recently reviewed off-label use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) in fibromyalgia (FM) and found it is deemed effective by some clinicians and patients, but 1) there is no FDA indication for LDN use in FM and 2) the data supporting its use is limited.
Use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was markedly lower among all major racial-ethnic minority groups in the U.S. compared with white patients, analysis of federal survey data indicated, even after adjusting for income, education, and other factors.
