News
Was this a Mistake? HCQ Dose Reductions per AAOS Guidelines
In the wake of the 2016 AAOS Guidelines, rheumatologists dutifully reduced the dose HCQ take by patients with SLE to some number south of 5mg/kg per day. Though I believe the ophthalmologists correctly interpreted a 2014 paper in JAMA Ophthalmology that quoted a much-higher rate of HCQ associated retinopathy than had previously been appreciated, they and subsequent guidelines published in the field of rheumatology lacked a critical piece of information: what actually happens when you do this?
SLE: Variability in Racial Disparities in Pregnancy Outcomes
Significant disparities exist in pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with previous cohorts identifying Black women as having a higher risk of maternal mortality compared to White women with SLE.
A Multidimensional Approach in the Management of Axial Spondylarthritis
There has been much focus on the pharmacologic management of axSpA. Despite optimal control of inflammation, symptoms of fatigue and pain can persist. Long term use of analgesics including opioids carries significant risks. Strategies to improve response to treatment in this population is critical.
Rheumatology Roundup: ACR22
On Thursday, November 21, 2022, Dr. Arthur Kavanaugh and Dr. Jack Cush reviewed the best and most interesting data and sessions presented at ACR22 in Philadelphia, PA. These are the research abstracts discussed:
Why treatment of pre-RA isn't ready for prime time
The ACR Great Debate was on "To treat or not to treat in pre-RA?". What is the clinician to do?
Imaging in PMR
Despite the fact that polymyalgia rheumatica is the most prevalent inflammatory rheumatic disease in those over 65 years of age, progress in its diagnosis, monitoring and management have failed to garner momentum in decades past. However, ACR22 has fostered significant promise for its future.
ACR 2022 Appraisal, Praise & Critique (11.18.2022)
It was great to be back at an ACR annual meeting, this one in Philadelphia - Philly was great. A walking town, rich in culture, history and good places to meet and mingle.
I loved the city, but not the convention center (not easy to navigate).
Familial Mediterranean Fever mimics
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and acute inflammation of the membranes lining the abdomen, joints and lungs. These attacks are often short-lasting, around 1-3 days.
Gender Differences in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Rheumatic conditions such as SLE and RA exhibit female predominance. In contrast, increasing evidence suggests that gender differences occur in axial spondyloarthritis in terms of time to diagnosis, clinical manifestations, treatment outcomes and quality of life.
RA-ILD takes centre stage
Interstitial lung disease is common in RA, occurring in approximately 8% of RA patients. It is associated with a poor prognosis, and a median survival of 3 years. This important condition has often been neglected within the spectrum of RA research. That is changing, with excellent research initiatives presented at ACR22. I am going to highlight two select abstracts from Monday’s dedicated RA-ILD session.
Sleep Quality & Psoriatic Arthritis
For people living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the comfort of a good night's sleep may feel out of reach for many.
