ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—This has been a busy year for research publications covering a number of pediatric rheumatic diseases, including the emerging multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with SARS CoV-2. Despite the many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, a healthy collection of publications covering a wide range of pediatric rheumatology research topics were published…
Three doctors reported on advances in research & treatments for lupus nephritis.
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—Rheumatologists and patients have struggled with a lack of new therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind the disease helps shed light on potential treatments. That was the theme of the ACR Convergence session State of the Art: Lupus—The Future Is Now, led by Peggy…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—Held Nov. 5–9, the ACR’s first fully virtual annual meeting is a wrap, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to catch the highlights. Dozens of research abstracts on various aspects of lupus were presented during the fully virtual event, and David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and immunology at Duke…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—The definition of cell type depends increasingly on a cell’s molecular features. On Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, Alex Kuo, PhD, senior scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif., described six technologies that are relatively mature and can be used for rheumatic disease research: Rapidly developing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq); Cellular indexing…
Certain nutrients or dietary patterns may affect inflammation and rheumatic disease risk in certain populations. Recommended nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, poultry or nuts. Following a Mediterranean or standard Western diet may affect RA risk too.
Experts say progress is being made on a variety of fronts in lupus nephritis. New data, for instance, shows that repeat biopsy beyond that used for diagnosis can help guide treatment and greatly reduce the flare rate. New treatments – including belimumab and the calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and voclosporin — have yielded improved response rates in LN…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—New evidence, though derived from small numbers, suggest that treatment with the TNF-inhibitor certolizumab could help improve high-risk pregnancy outcomes in women with antiphospholipid syndrome (with or without systemic lupus erythematosus) and lupus anticoagulants, an expert said. In the Phase 2 IMPACT trial, which has already enrolled 27 women and is continuing to…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—With an understanding of the key causes that are behind immune abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatologists gain insights into this disease. During the ACR Convergence session Immunology Update—The Decade in Review: 10 Steps to SLE, Chandra Mohan, MD, PhD, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Endowed Professor, University of Houston, provided…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—Although rheumatologists have struggled with a lack of new therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), recent positive trial results have brought renewed hope for more treatments. That was the theme of the ACR Convergence 2020 session, State of the Art: Lupus—The Future Is Now, led by Peggy Crow, MD, the Benjamin M. Cohen…