General Rheumatology

Aortic inflammation (Aortopathies) occurs in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) including Takayasus, #GCA, SLE, RA, AS, SSc, relapsing polychondritis, Cogan’s syndr, Behçet’s, & IgG4-related disease). Dx imaging options: CTA, MRI, & PET/CT. Underlying path may be granulomatous, https://t.co/paUlV4kdwJ
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Glucocorticoids: Use vs.Toxicity This review article addresses the recognition, prevention and management of GC toxicity in rheumatic patients. Despite guidelines and recommendations that GC be tapered, lowered or discontinued, they continue to be widely used with serious https://t.co/Tf8YkQ9iFB
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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FDA Approves Brepocitinib to Treat Dermatomyositis

Jack Cush, MD

Yesterday the FDA and Priovant annouced approval of brepocitinib (Lisraya), a JAK1/TYK2 inhibitor, for the indication of adults with dermatomyositis (DM).  This is the first oral (once daily) agent approved for DM.  Brepocitinibs efficacy was proven in the Ph III VALOR study of 241

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True or False: A meta-analysis of 61 studies found that exercise showed anti-inflammatory trends, including reductions in CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, in most chronic diseases. Test your knowledge in this week's RheumIQ at https://t.co/TBlB4pmnKa. https://t.co/7MxkveOuZE

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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
JAMA Review: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) POTS is a chronic autonomic disorder affecting an estimated 0.1%–1% of the US population, with peak incidence at ages 13–29 and a striking 90% female predominance. https://t.co/dAKlTp4VK3 https://t.co/A2UvgYOQN1

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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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NME: New Molecular Entities (8.28.2026)

Jack Cush, MD

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com. Take this week's RheumIQ and test your knowledge!

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The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) will konor John Stamos with the Bob Saget Legacy Award at this year's "Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine" ceremony that will take place Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. Proceeds will support the SRF https://t.co/VHIpBJrXd4
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Japanese study of 101 864 children shows fertility treatments (ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, invitro fertilization) increases the risk of Kawasaki Dz. Incidence rates per 100K PYs - 274 for spont conception vs 391 for assisted conception (adj HR 1.42; https://t.co/Ro0beSXAAq
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Guidelines for Adult-Onset IgA Vasculitis A EUVAS-sponsored expert panel of 37 specialists across rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology, and pathology published evidence-based guidelines for adult-onset IgAV, which behaves very differently in adults than the usually https://t.co/mNuL4TG9Ua
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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Secukinumab in Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Jack Cush, MD

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common disorder of the elderly that responds well to glucocorticoids (GC), but is plagued by an inability to wean off of GCs.
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Aortic inflammation (Aortopathies) occurs in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) including Takayasus, #GCA, SLE, RA, AS, SSc, relapsing polychondritis, Cogan’s syndr, Behçet’s, & IgG4-related disease). Dx imaging options: CTA, MRI, & PET/CT. Underlying path may be granulomatous, https://t.co/lKBhEnTcKB
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Sjogren,board

Insights into Sjögren’s Disease - A Rheum Survey

Jack Cush, MD

RheumNow recentlty surveyed rheumatologists about Sjogren’s disease (SjD) - how they approach diagnosis, treatment, and unique challenges; all important as new advances in SjD evolves.

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Gottrons,mechanics

Brepocitinib Skin Outcomes in Patients With Dermatomyositis

Jack Cush, MD

A secondary analysis of the VALOR trial has shown that the TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor brepocitinib was effective at cutaneous disease activity outcomes, delivering rapid, clinically meaningful, and remission-level control of cutaneous dermatomyositis (DM).

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🔥 Still’s Disease Awareness Day 2026 🐉 I Won’t Be Still: Making Still’s Disease Visible Show us a moment from your life with Still’s Disease. 📸 Share a photo/video + what “I Won’t Be Still” means to you. For 47 hours, let’s make Still’s visible. #MyStills #StillsDay https://t.co/B7VNmlIOQj

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AiArthritis @IFAiArthritis( View Tweet )
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JAMA Review: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Jack Cush, MD

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic autonomic disorder affecting an estimated 0.1%–1% of the US population, with peak incidence at ages 13–29 and a striking 90% female predominance.

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Rheum Scholarship (8.21.2026) Dr. Cush reviews the news and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow; talking about lumbar belts, scholarships and misdiagnosis. https://t.co/T6uggKb8n7 https://t.co/HJCMQqghaE

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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
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Age-specific Incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Jack Cush, MD

Epidemiologic estimates on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis are limited. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Lupus Registry network of population-based SLE registries has assessed and reported age-specific incidence of SLE

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A Tribute to Thomas A. Medsger Jr., MD (1936–2026) The rheumatology and scleroderma communities mourn the loss of Dr. Thomas A. Medsger Jr., who died August 15, 2026, in Pittsburgh, at age 89. https://t.co/GGC3pZVfJp https://t.co/n0ckoeQ3ZX

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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
purpura

Guidelines for Adult-Onset IgA Vasculitis

Jack Cush, MD

A EUVAS-sponsored expert panel of 37 specialists across rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology and pathology has published evidence-based guidelines for adult-onset IgA vasculitis (IgAV), which behaves very differently in adults compared to usually self-limited childhood form.

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Misdiagnosis of Still's Disease High fever, strange rashes, scary labs often lead to a consideration of Still's disease (AOSD or systemic JIA). Yet the dramatic onset of a systemic disorder may overlap with another, and possibly rarer, systemic disorder that should not be https://t.co/pSfSahO5Nw
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
JAK inhibitor Drug Market size (worldwide) was valued at $ 5.51 Billion in 2024 & is estimated to reach $ 19.81 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 13.66% from 2026-2033. https://t.co/1Krd1TeKv1 https://t.co/k0hx7iXTvn

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Registry Data Shows Liver Risk With Avacopan

MedPage Today

A new study may add fuel to the fire already burning around avacopan (Tavneos), approved in 2021 to treat anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), which the FDA wants drugmaker Amgen to pull from the U.S. market.

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steroid prednisone lab

Glucocorticoids: Use vs.Toxicity

Jack Cush, MD

This review article addresses the recognition, prevention and management of glucocorticoid toxicity in rheumatic patients.

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Efgartigimod Efficacy in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy Today Argenx announced the results of their Phase 3 "ALKIVIA" study; demonstrating efficacy and safety of subcutaneous efgartigimod for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (IIM, AKA inflammatory myositis). https://t.co/9tgAM8YVh1
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
In rheumatoid arthritis, which RA-specific factor is the strongest modifiable driver of venous thromboembolism risk? Test your knowledge in this week's RheumIQ at https://t.co/TBlB4pmnKa. https://t.co/L69CPXWqfl

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Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )

Therapeutic Updates

5-Year Results of an IL-23 Inhibitor in Patients With PsA

AbbVie March 2026
Dr. Alvin Wells and Dr. Shikha Singla share their clinical perspectives on using an IL–23 inhibitor to manage patients with PsA throughout their treatment journey in the context of 5-year data from the KEEPsAKE trial program.
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Sjögren’s Disease – What Are You Missing?

Novartis November RX Update
What could you be missing in Sjögren's disease? Explore hypothetical patient cases with atypical presentations, systemic manifestations, and overlooked symptoms. Gain expert insights and practical tips for clinical assessment from Dr Shereen Mahmood and learn how the ESSDAI can help you measure disease activity.
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A JAKi in GCA: Phase 3 Results Through 2 Years

AbbVie November RX Update
Listen as rheumatologists Dr. Anisha Dua and Dr. Ben Boone discuss the latest efficacy and safety results over 2 years from a Phase 3 trial in GCA, including remission, flares, and glucocorticoid use in patients continuing vs withdrawing a JAKi"
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Recent Blogs

ICYMI: Autoantibodies Anonymous

Artie Kavanaugh, MD
AutoAb.Token
At first, it seemed similar to many other such sessions – a circle of folding chairs, a group of colleagues whose visages exuded understanding and acceptance – but this was special. I started the meeting…. “Hi, my name is Artie.”
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Advanced Practice Rheum

Safety of Biologics and Novel Agents

Jack Cush, MD
APR Safety Video Cover
Dr. Jack Cush reviews safety of biologics and novel agents.
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Advanced Practice Rheum

Still's Disease and Fever

Jack Cush, MD
Stills apr video cover
Dr. Jack Cush reviews Still's disease and fevers.
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Podcasts

  • Systemic Burden of Gout Part 1
  • Gout Lessons from the Clinic Part 2
  • Upgrading & Maximizing the Classics (Colchicine, Allopurinol, etc.)
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