Review of Restless Legs Syndrome
JAMA has published a full read review of RLS - restless leg syndrome - a frequent, but often unrecognized, cause of poor sleep and the resultant hazards of insomnia.
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Rheums! Have a Rheumatology question or case for Jack Cush? Record it here, and we may feature it on an upcoming podcast. Tell us your name and where you practice rheumatology.
https://t.co/RyalkevgRp https://t.co/DKfa52Cra7
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Emergency Department Visits by Rheumatoid Patients
A Canadian population study shows that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have 30% higher emergency department (ED) visit rates for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs) compared to age- and sex-matched population controls.
Nurse Practitioner Independence
A JAMA Viewpoint article reports on a March 2025 Nurse Practitioner (NP) Entrepreneurship Summit in Boston in March 2025 identifying barriers and opportunities to NP-owned medical practices.
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"I need the courage to start, the wisdom to say good and the religion to make it a habit"
- Ronan Kavanagh of Galway
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The 2025 Rheumatology Year in Review
The year 2025 presented numerous advances in rheumatology and related inflammatory and autoimmune disorders ranging from several new groundbreaking FDA approvals/indications, drug developments, game-changing guidelines and practices that will impact patient care for rheumatic diseases.
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Join us for STEP Talks at RheumNow Live! Big Ideas. Real Impact. No Filler!
https://t.co/vvLKFWatWe
Don’t miss these engaging discussions:
- Placebos in Rheumatology - Dr. Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Disease Modification in Osteoarthritis - Dr. Tuhina Neogi
- Helicobacter pylori https://t.co/lQRCLdMSh6
Links:
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Spread of Psoriatic Disease from Skin to Joints
Approximately 20 to 30 percent of all people who suffer from psoriasis also develop painful inflammation in their joints over time. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent damage to bones and joints. Why the disease progresses was assessed by researchers from the
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Nursing Shortage Could Worsen Due to Limited Student Loans
MedPage Today
In November, we reported on nursing groups that pushed back against a Trump administration proposal to de-list nursing as a professional degree for purposes of student borrowing. In this report, we look ahead to see what might happen as a result of the policy change.
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2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium
In 2025, rheumatology lost many of its most influential clinicians, mentors, and colleagues. This honor roll recognizes those who cared for countless patients, shaped generations of rheumatologists, and left a lasting legacy in our field. As Dr. https://t.co/MMa670vsoH
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Kick off 2026 with #RheumNowLive—two days of cutting-edge rheumatology, rapid-fire STEP talks, interactive Q&A, and real-world insights with Drs. Jack Cush, Arthur Kavanaugh, and a powerhouse faculty.
Register: https://t.co/MVgXnacU5q https://t.co/7ajH7Ry0Uj
Links:
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“The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade; a calling, not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head. – Sir William Osler
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium
In 2025, rheumatology lost many of its most influential clinicians, mentors, and colleagues. This honor roll recognizes those who cared for countless patients, shaped generations of rheumatologists, and left a lasting legacy in our field. As Dr.
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
AC&R metanalysis of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) in adults - 46 studies (n=23,000 pts). GJH required 6 or more Beighton criteria, w/ prevalence of 2%, but 5% in young adults (18-25 yrs). Propose Dx thresholds should vary w/ age = ≥6/9 (18-25y), ≥5/9 (26-65y) & ≥4/9 https://t.co/fgDGKwUozh
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2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium
In 2025, Rheumatology lost many of our greatest clinicians, compatriots, and mentors. This is an honor roll for those who cared, taught, advised and supported many patients, and many of us.
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Congratulations to Dr. Proton Raman - a world class rheumatologist and research scientist!!! https://t.co/ofzGLsofi0
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Obesity and Low Back Pain
EurekAlert!
A large patient population study finds weight gain, increases risk for low back pain - the risk increased 7% for every BMI unit or 10 pounds over ideal weight.
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APP Pearls “It’s okay not to “fix” the complaint right away. Validate the patient, then watch and wait when appropriate. The urge to intervene quickly without confidence can be dangerous. See the patient back, keep listening, & continue good history-taking” - Jeannette Hart PA-C
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APP Pearls “When I’m explaining treatment options, I say “hey you are the captain of this ship, I’m your co-captain. I help to guide you along this journey… (I can help you) avoid that Hurricane.” - April Woodrow, APRN, ANP-BC
Dr. John Cush @RheumNow( View Tweet )
Best of 2025: Targeting Obesity in Rheumatic Disease Patients
Sattar et al. has published an informative overview of the effect of obesity on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). They estimate that nearly 70% of RMD patients are overweight or obese.
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APP Pearls “When seeing a new patient, never assume that their preconceived or prior diagnosis is the only rheumatology condition that they have” - Lindsay Tom, PA-C
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Best of 2025: Hydroxychloroquine for Everyone
Nearly 25 years ago, while lecturing on best therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I loudly stated that hydroxychloroquine was “useless” and, deservedly, I was “boo-ed” off stage. My point then was that rheumatologists needed to be aggressive, if not overly aggressive, in treating all RA
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“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
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APP Pearls “Do not order a test if you do not know how to interpret the results whether normal or abnormal” - Madison Chastain, CRNP
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Best of 2025: Glossary for Giant Cell Arteritis
Dejaco and colleagues have published a glossary of terms often used in conjunction with giant cell arteritis. The glossary of definitions for 23 signs and symptoms of GCA was developed through a consensus process involving international experts.
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