Yalamanchili et al. describe how trends in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) use have evolved for insured, U.S. patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Overall, the study found that from 2000 to 2022 in this patient population the use of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs rose, while the use of conventional synthetic DMARDs declined.

Virtual Reality: An Immersive Educational Experience
Virtual reality technology may be a unique and immersive avenue for educating patients on rheumatic conditions and their treatments, with the potential to enable more informed decision making and improve care.

Semaglutatide for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis?
Based on decades of data from dietary and other lifestyle interventions, doctors have long known that significant weight loss can be an effective treatment for people who are overweight and have knee osteoarthritis (OA). One meta-analysis showed that OA pain, function and stiffness scores improved by 2% for every 1% in lost weight.1 But the…

Rheumatology Influencers: Dr. Huffstutter Leads with Purpose
As president elect of the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA), J. Eugene Huffstutter, MD, FACP, FACR, MACR, a rheumatologist with Arthritis Associates in Hixson, Tenn., says one of his priorities as the new president of the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) is ensuring physicians can focus on practicing medicine without unnecessary obstacles. Dr. Huffstutter expresses concern about…

Rich Data: ARP Abstracts at ACR Convergence 2025
This year, rheumatology professionals in the U.S. and across the world will descend on the Windy City (Chicago) for ACR Convergence 2025. This meeting is the premier gathering place for up-to-date rheumatology education. Although the education sessions provide rich syntheses of evidence you can apply to your next patient, the real treasure is in the…

What Can I Eat or Not Eat to Cure My Arthritis?
“What can I eliminate from my diet to cure my arthritis?” is the question every client with arthritis asks me. Numerous case reports document patients who achieved lower markers of inflammation and reduced pain and stiffness associated with the removal of one or two food groups from a diet, but historically, no compelling evidence has…
ACR Monitoring HHS Workforce Reductions, Function Consolidations
Changes announced April 1 will cut 10,000 positions at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and consolidate many department functions. The ACR is monitoring how these changes may impact regulatory issues of concern to ACR members.

New Study Probes Risks Related to Acetaminophen Use
A new study questions whether acetaminophen is a risk-free pain reliever for patients aged 65 and older, including those with osteoarthritis (OA). Although acetaminophen is often touted as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, a population-based cohort study found it carried an increased risk of peptic ulcers, bleeding and other side…

New Communications & Marketing Committee Chair Gears Up to Amplify ACR’s Important Work
As the ACR’s megaphone, the Communications and Marketing Committee helps get clear and accurate information into the hands of those who need it, whether that’s clinicians, researchers, educators or patients, says chair Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS.
RheumPAC Q1 Fundraising Update
First-quarter donations have put RheumPAC in great shape to help build a Congress that supports the needs of the rheumatology community. Consider joining your colleagues today in support of the ACR’s Congressional champions.