Over the past few years, biosimilars and other new drugs have been introduced to treat rheumatic illnesses. Some of the conditions we treat have numerous drug options; others have few or only off-label options. This series, Rheumatology Drugs at a Glance, provides streamlined information on the administration of biologic, biosimilar and other medications used to…
Prior Authorization Is Under Review
I just couldn’t believe it. Like all of you, I receive many requests to see patients urgently. And like all of you, I can’t possibly accommodate all of those requests. So I triage: I look through the referrals and try to differentiate patients who want to be seen from those who need to be seen….
The ACR Is Instituting a New Governance Structure
In The Will to Govern Well, Glenn Tecker and co‐authors suggest that for associations, the term “governance” refers to “the decision‐making units of the organization and [the] relative powers, authorities, and responsibilities that each possesses, as well as … the composition of each unit and how individuals are selected to participate in each.” In 2019,…
Improving Lupus Drug Regimen Adherence Among Minorities
Rheumatologists can do better at helping systemic lupus erythematosus patients from racial and ethnic minority groups adhere to their lupus medication regimens, according to a paper published in Arthritis Care & Research. Researchers from Duke University examined medication adherence barriers from the perspectives of healthcare providers and patients. Their findings suggest more attention should be…
Vasculitis Guidelines in Focus, Part 5: Takayasu Arteritis
Andy Abril, MD, a lead author of the ACR/VF guideline for Takayasu arteritis (TAK), discusses the recommendations for TAK.
Top 12: Research in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at a Glance
Dr. Pisetsky’s picks for the top research in lupus presented at ACR Convergence 2021.
Eye-Opening Experiences: Tips from a Rheumatology-Ophthalmology Clinic
At ACR Convergence 2021, two doctors provided an overview of inflammatory eye disease and the overlap with systemic rheumatic illnesses.
The Great Debate: Belimumab vs. Voclosporin in Lupus Nephritis
ACR Convergence 2021—The Great Debate at the meeting sparked a thoughtful discussion on the future of lupus nephritis treatment strategies, with experts saying clinicians should be open to new ways of approaching patient care. In the past year, approvals of the monoclonal antibody belimumab and the calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin for use in lupus nephritis (when…
Advances in Rheumatology & Challenges that Remain Spotlighted in ACR Convergence 2021 Closing Session
The diverse topics, research & perspectives from this year’s ACR Convergence bring new insights for rheumatologists & all who care for their patients, according to speakers at the meeting’s Closing Session.
Early 2022’s Awards, Appointments & Announcements in Rheumatology
Alvin Wells, MD, PhD, Appointed Director for Department of Rheumatology, Advocate Aurora Healthcare Medical Group In July, Alvin F. Wells, MD, PhD, was named director of the Department of Rheumatology for the Advocate Aurora Healthcare Medical Group of Wisconsin. Dr. Wells, who holds faculty appointments at Marquette University, MCOW, Duke University, Durham, N.C., and the…
Does Switching from IV to Subcutaneous Tocilizumab Affect RA Disease Flare?
Researcher identified multiple factors for flare, including non-use of methotrexate, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had switched from intravenous (IV) tocilizumab to subcutaneous tocilizumab.
Insights into JAK Inhibitor Use
According to a German study presented during ACR Convergence 2021, treatment persistence with JAK inhibitors is comparable to TNF inhibitors and other bDMARDs among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.