Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Research Rheum

RISE Up & Learn: Opportunities to Learn More

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The Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry is a constantly evolving resource, and many valuable offerings are being made available at the 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in Chicago. Here’s a list of things you won’t want to miss: RISE Booth in the Discovery Center Join RISE at the ACR Discovery Center inside the exhibit…

Physical & Cognitive Function in SLE Patients

Arthritis Care & Research  |  

New research used multidomain function assessment to better understand the physical and cognitive functioning of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The pilot study found a high prevalence of impairment in SLE patients, similar to or exceeding the prevalence seen in the general geriatric population. Patients scored lower for lower body strength and low average for cognitive flexibility and attention…

TNFi Exposure in Utero

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Vinet et al. evaluated the risk of serious infections in children of women with RA exposed to TNFi’s in the gestational period compared with unexposed offspring of women with RA, as well as with children from the general population. Although the research did not demonstrate a marked excess risk for serious infections, the authors could not exclude a differential risk according to specific TNFi, with infliximab potentially resulting in a threefold increase in the risk of serious infections compared with other TNFi’s. More studies are needed…

Annual Meeting Preview: Rheumatology Research Foundation Activities

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Another exciting ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting is planned for this October. Show your support for the Foundation’s mission and enjoy your time in vibrant Chicago at one of the Foundation’s many events. Donations made to the Foundation support the extensive awards program that funds research, training and education opportunities for current and potential rheumatologists and rheumatology…

An Improved State of Mind?

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Evidence suggesting common inflammatory pathways in RA and depression is increasing. However, this study found that improved physical health through pharmacologic treatment does not by itself improve mental health. …

Insight into Endothelial Dysfunction in Early SLE Patients without Cardiovascular Disease

Arthritis Care & Research  |  

The early identification of endothelial dysfunction may be useful in clinical practice to prevent SLE patients from developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. New research evaluated the use of peripheral arterial tonometry in assessing endothelial dysfunction in patients with early SLE and no cardiovascular risk factors or disease. The results: These patients showed a high rate of endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffness…

The Choose Rheumatology Experience Addresses Workforce Shortage

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Medical students and residents are choosing careers in rheuma­tology, thanks to an annual event hosted by the Rheumatology Research Foundation during the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. The Choose Rheumatology Experience, formerly known as the Student and Resident Experience, is a daylong event designed to help future physicians and health professionals navigate the Annual Meeting. Cultivating interest…

Effects of Obesity on Sustained Remission in Early RA

Arthritis Care & Research  |  

A new study examined the independent effects of excess weight and obesity on achieving sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Researchers found that within three years of RA diagnosis, overweight and obese patients were significantly less likely to achieve sustained remission than patients with healthy body mass indices (BMIs). Higher BMIs were also associated with persistent disease activity…

SLE Is a Leading Cause of Death Among Women

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Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects women and can involve virtually any organ. The authors of this study analyzed secular trends and population characteristics associated with SLE mortality. Objective: Mortality statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are used for planning healthcare policy and allocating resources….