Practice

@RheumNow abstract 2480. Can high-fidelity simulation help bridge gaps in pediatric rheumatology education? Pilot modules boosted learner confidence in core competencies. A promising approach to improve disease recognition and timely referrals amid workforce shortages! #ACR26

SLE can permanently alter employment. In a cohort 1800pts followed a median 18 years, 84.3% of pts initially receiving disability benefits remained in that state. Renal, neuropsychiatric, endocrine and musculoskeletal damage predicted disability. @rheumnow #ACR26 Abstract #1266 https://t.co/9tzmAlJcx1

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RITAZAREM: Three Things I Learned about AAV Maintenance https://t.co/hFiPkWfDOr https://t.co/XZWVlAlpca

RITAZAREM: Three Things I Learned about AAV Maintenance | RheumNow

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ACR 2026 Day 3 Report

Jack Cush, MD Nov 10, 2026

Today the ACR began with the Great Debate, an intriguing set of Plenary presentations, a never-ending poster hall and a plethora of stimulation oral presentation sessions. Here are a few of my favorites from today:

Article

Menopause and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Are we asking enough?

Mrinalini Dey, MBBChir, MA(Hons) Cantab., MRCP, FHEA Nov 10, 2026

Pain, fatigue and poor sleep are common concerns for people living with RA. In women approaching or experiencing menopause, joint and muscle pain, mood changes and sleep difficulties are recognised menopause-associated symptoms. A study from Mayo Clinic at this year’s ACR Convergence examines

Key takeaways for tx of hema manifestations in SLE: - asymptomatic leucopenia doesn’t always require tx w/ steroids or IS in the absence of systemic manifestations - r/o other etiologies - comanage w/ hematologist @RheumNow #ACR26 https://t.co/AXtDx4PZCO

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RheumNow’s expanded coverage of #ACR26 annual meeting is sponsored by UCB. All coverage content is independently selected by RheumNow and its faculty.

Abstract 2732: How do rheumatologists use and edit AI-scribe generated documentation? - HPI use is more common: (76.4%) incl. ~ 50% w/ edits - A&P use is less common: 77.1% non-use - A&P use including edits rose over time #ACR26 @rheumnow https://t.co/bzTbvdLbEm

In 12 European countries (n=8,475 biologic-naive PsA starting TNFi): current smokers less likely to reach ACR20 at 12mo than never smokers (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45-0.79), and ex-smokers slightly less (OR 0.76). Council for smoking cessation in PsA A#2312 @RheumNow #ACR26

Can brief tools diagnose fibromyalgia? Meta-analysis: 29 studies, 10,728 evaluations. FiRST sensitivity 79%, specificity 82%. At 10% prevalence, PPV only 33% but NPV 97%. Useful to rule out, not confirm FM. Positive screens need clinical assessment. #ACR26 @RheumNow

What drives differences in joint procedures? Abstract 2717 found that joint procedures • Varied more btwn hospitals (13.97-32.23) vs w/i (1.24-1.3) • Ultrasound tied to higher prices small(1.07), large joint(1.57) • Prices differed by payer and rurality #ACR26 @rheumnow

Sublingual Cyclobenzaprine for Fibromyalgia: A Win, But a Modest One At ACR26, Abstract #2546 looked across four randomized, placebo-controlled trials of bedtime sublingual cyclobenzaprine. BESTFIT and AFFIRM studied 2.8 mg, with 103 and 262 actively treated patients, while https://t.co/RcJB9Vx8Zr

RheumNow’s expanded coverage of the #ACR26 annual meeting is sponsored by Beeline Medicines, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Tonix. All coverage content is independently selected by RheumNow and its faculty.

EspAnde, Spain: an integrated primary care and rheumatology referral pathway in 328 patients. Key finding: axSpA diagnostic delay fell from 44 to 16 months, and referral wait from 4.0 to 0.4 months. @rheumnow #ACR26 Abstract#2540

Medicare should improve access, but in cohort of 176 pts with IA, including PsA, 50% d/c'ed b/tsDMARD after Medicare enrollment, and cost or access factors drove 45% of therapy changes. Does prior insurance type affects disruption ? Abstract #2714 @RheumNow #ACR26 https://t.co/LTbyVQi99v

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Cohort study by Bernatsky et al: SLE pts had incr cancer risk vs gen pop'n (SIR 1.96) esp for hema malignancies. 75 CAs in their cohort (IR 8.1 events/1000PY); top 5 - BRCA 16, NHL 13, lung 8, bladder 6, colorectal 4 Adopt CA screening strat for SLE pts. @RheumNow #ACR26 Abs2234 https://t.co/QeYljBpPZh

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More data is not better evidence. Even with AI, real-world studies need the right design: the right comparison group, timing, and dose-response. When reading big data papers, ask how closely the design mimics an RCT. Session: JC with editors @RheumNow #ACR26 https://t.co/vboIEag0tc

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A#1554 #ACR26 @RheumNow Survey of Canada Rheum 2012 v 2026 In 2026: more say Fibro disables (71% v 58% in 2012) BUT LESS say it's Rheum responsibility- ONLY 7% (was 29%), Less accept referrals (24% v 60%) Who treats? Per rheum: 2012: 89% said PCP 2026: 52% said pain mgmt, 39% PCP

If the immediate safety isn't tricky, do CAR-T pts have to be inpatients? It's starting to play out in practice. Appealling strategy: allo CAR-T off-the-shelf limited lymphodepletion infusion centre administration FT819 did in 4/5 pts early this year ABST1234 #ACR26 @RheumNow https://t.co/mEi1cy8xSB

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ACR 2026 RheumNow Day 2 Recap https://t.co/YNEmDFBdzv

Dr. John Cush

RheumNow’s expanded coverage of the #ACR26 Annual Meeting is sponsored by UCB. All coverage content is independently selected by RheumNow and its faculty.

In case you were in doubt, immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis can persist on, long after the culpable ICI has stopped. n=67 ICI-IA active >3mo post-ICI cessation @UChicago these pts need real care into survivorship @ReidMDMPH ABST1682 #ACR26 @RheumNow https://t.co/7zQJbFwp18

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Pred >40mg daily is probably NOT necessary for IgG4-RD Remission rates do not improve with higher vs medium doses Just more potential for problems #ACR26 @RheumNow https://t.co/MWMiDkfk4r

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GCA with normal CRP? French study of GCA > 50 yrs, dx w/ temp artery Bx 67% or imaging (US, PET) + nl Baseline CRP <10 mg/L. 74 pts (age 73 yrs) 84% filled 2022 Dx criteria. Low CRP pt had less fever, fatigue, wt loss, PMR Sxs & more ischemic Sxs and strokes. They were more https://t.co/olL8Vf93DW

Are clinical scenarios into AI chatbots useful? (both specialized eg OpenEvidence or generalist eg ChatGPT): performance will vary (platform but also model, effort) prompt structure critical users (patients & clinicians) need to know real limitations ABST0869 #ACR26 @RheumNow https://t.co/vPNvJlSXZY