In this episode, Dr. Kumar and guest Lindsay Moy, DO, a rheumatology fellow at the University of Iowa, discuss the intersection of immunology and rheumatology. Answer their question on X @BharatKumarMD.
Case Report: Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare gastrointestinal pathological process defined by the presence of gas within the layers of the intestinal wall, commonly within the mucosa and submucosa of the small and large intestines.2,3 PCI has been described in the literature in association with various connective tissue diseases, including scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease,…
Immunology: What Is It Good For?
I was cleaning out an old storage closet in my parents’ house in Florida when I stumbled across some notes I took in medical school. As I leafed through pages and pages of notes filled with doodles and reminders, I found a statement that gave me pause: “Immunology—what is it good for?!” To be honest,…
Immunology Insights for the Rheumatologist
The ACR journal, Arthritis & Rheumatology has introduced a new educational series, with the complement system first in focus. “This isn’t simplified immunology for trainees,” says Dr. Bucala. “It’s for everyone.”
In Memoriam: Remembering Frederick Wolfe, MD
Rheumatology giant Frederick Wolfe, MD, passed away Sept. 5, 2023, in Wichita, Kan. The rheumatology community mourns his loss. Fred was born July 1, 1936, in New York. He graduated from Queens College, N.Y., in 1958, and was a social worker for several years. He earned his medical degree in 1966 from the State University…
Drinking Raises Risk of Hip Replacement Due to OA
Marchand et al. sought to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and hip osteoarthritis (OA) in women. By analyzing data from the Nurses’ Health Study cohort in the U.S., the researchers concluded that an association may be observed between higher alcohol consumption and greater incidence of total hip replacement due to OA.
Image Case Report: Glandular Swelling
The Case A 47-year-old woman presented with a one-year history of bilateral submandibular gland swelling, mild symptoms of xerostomia and xerophthalmia and arthralgias in her fingers. A review of systems was otherwise unremarkable. On physical examination, her submandibular glands on both sides were enlarged and had a firm texture. Her parotid glands were normal, as…
Treat to Target Lowers the Risk of Fracture in Patients with Gout
Using data from the U.K.’s Health Improvement Network, a primary care database, Wei et al. examined whether urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in a treat-to-target approach for patients with gout reduces the risk of fracture.
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Potentially Dampens Diversity
Rheumatologists consider ways to encourage racial and ethnic diversity among students and in the workforce in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s ruling that ends affirmative action in higher education.
Tennessee Rheumatology Society: Keeping Pace with State Growth
The Tennessee Rheumatology Society is helping rheumatology professionals in the state keep pace with a rapidly growing population by supporting both current practitioners and fellows in the state’s two rheumatology fellowship programs.
ACR Committee on Education Volunteers Get Things Done
Have you ever wondered who plans the ACR annual meeting, State-of-the-Art (SOTA) Clinical Symposium, Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium (PRSYM) and the ACR Winter Rheumatology Symposium? Who chooses the topics? Who invites the speakers? You may be surprised to hear that it’s ACR members—just like you. These members volunteer for the ACR Committee on Education and/or its…
ACR White Paper, Position Statement Address Rheumatology’s Benefits
A new white paper and position statement from the ACR address the clinical and economic value of rheumatology, including patient outcomes and healthcare cost savings.
How to Optimize Treatment for Aging Patients with Rheumatic Conditions
As patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal disease age, the number of medications they take may increase (i.e., polypharmacy), which can result in unwanted side effects and serious adverse effects. Lee et al. offer considerations and insights into caring for aging patients in a polypharmacy situation to better meet their health and lifestyle needs.
Octagam Trial Results Show Promise
Since the New England Journal of Medicine publication on intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for dermatomyositis late last year, the data have proved a major lift for patient care, offering crucial new insights into how best to manage patients and clues about how to minimize risks.1 The ProDERM trial results also seem to have opened up…
Updates in Vasculitis Criteria, Guidelines & Medications
BALTIMORE—2022 was an exciting year in the field of vasculitis, not least of all because the ACR and EULAR released classification criteria for several forms. This development came just one year after the release of ACR/Vasculitis Foundation (VF) guidelines on the management of a number of vasculitides. With so much new information to be absorbed,…
Are We Making Progress in Treating Lupus? Clinical Insights from Dr. Michelle Petri
At the 19th Annual Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Rheumatic Diseases course, Dr. Michelle Petri gave a presentation concerning the overall state of lupus treatment outcomes in the U.S.
Pakistani-Native Dr. Iman Qaiser Serves Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma
Some people may think Pakistan and Oklahoma share little in common, but one recent graduate of the rheumatology fellowship program at Louisiana State University, Shreveport (LSUS), School of Medicine disagrees. Iman Qaiser, MD, MBBS, a native of Pakistan who is starting a role as the only rheumatologist serving the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, sees natural…
Experience & Curiosity: An Interview with Dr. Herb Baraf
Editor’s note: Rheumatologists who are outstanding researchers, educators and/or clinicians, who provide consistently exceptional care to patients, have achieved a level of distinction in the field and serve as role models for colleagues and trainees are highlighted in this recurring series. Be curious. Listen to your patients. Demonstrate empathy. These traits, according to Herbert S.B….
Findings from a Clinical Trial of Dazodalibep for Sjögren’s Disease
St.Clair et al. found that patients with Sjögren’s disease treated with dazodalibep experienced greater improvement in key symptoms of dryness, fatigue and pain than patients who received placebo.