Way Behind in Pediatric Rheumatology

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While adult rheumatology fellowships have surged in popularity and become quite competitive, more than half of pediatric rheumatology fellowship positions went unfilled in 2024, according to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). 

Chikungunya marches on, at a cost

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A recent article from BMC Global Health suggests that between 2011 and 2020, the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya, has disabled millions and likely amassed close to $50 billion in healthcare and disability-related costs in 110 countries. 

ICYMI: SELECT-GCA suggests JAKis may be the new kid on the block

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Clinicians treating giant cell arteritis (GCA) have long had to contend with a disappointingly limited selection of drugs from which to select. A new group of drugs is finally showing promise in the treatment of GCA.

ICYMI: Evaluation of Bimekizumab in PsA

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Bimekizumab (BKZ) is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin (IL)‑17A and F. There have been more updates on the 2 year data on BKZ at #ACR24, and this is a summary of four studies being presented this year at ACR24.

Don’t Buy Guitars (12.6.2024)

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This year at ACR24, the RheumNow faculty and reporters were prolific, generating >800 Tweets, 56 written articles, 117 Videos and 28 podcasts – all in 4 days! You can best review and learn ACR24 by A) Rheumatology Roundup; b) Topic Panel videos; and c) Topic podcasts.

Infertility linked to post-childbrith onset of systemic autoimmune disease

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Women who experience infertility but do not use fertility treatments have a higher risk of developing a group of conditions called systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) in the nine years after a naturally conceived birth compared to women without fertility problems.

Challenge in Measuring Cutaneous Lupus Activity and Severity

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JAMA Dermatology features a discussion by Drs. McMichael and Frey on measuring lupus skin disease in clinical trials and practice using the validated Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI).

ICYMI: Reproductive Issues in axSpA: Fertility and Pregnancy

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Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) affects young patients with symptom onset occurring in early adulthood. Apart from pain and quality of life, reproductive issues also arise because patients who are diagnosed with the disease are also in their reproductive age. Two interesting abstracts about reproductive issues in axSpA will be presented during the poster sessions on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Inebilizumab for Treatment of IgG4-Related Disease

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Inebilizumab is an monoclonal antibody that targets and depletes CD19+ B cells and has been studied in adults with IgG4-related disease.

Phase 2b Study of Ianalumab in Sjögren's

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A 52-week has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ianalumab, a dual B cell depleter) in patients with active Sjögren's disease (SjD).

ICYMI: Improving the Value of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatology Care

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Unlike traditional imaging techniques, MSUS can be easily used at the point-of-care and offers high-resolution images of joints, tendons, and soft tissues, facilitating the early detection of inflammation and structural damage. On Saturday, November 16th at the ACR Convergence 2024, Dr. Veena Ranganath, Dr. Gurjit Kaeley, and Dr. Catherine Bakewell will present the “Proposed ACR Guidance for Use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis.” This is the first update in a decade since the 2012 ACR guidance on the reasonable use of MSUS in rheumatology clinical practice.

Will the Robots Save Ultrasound?

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Despite all its benefits, ultrasound’s daily clinical use remains the domain of only a subset of interested rheumatologists. If the benefits are so clear, then why is it not universal? In the late-breaking oral abstracts at ACR Convergence, the final abstract presentation was from the Danish rheumatologists behind ARTHUR and DIANA: the robot which holds the MSK ultrasound probe, and the artificial intelligence brains which empowers it. Perhaps the robots will save us?