High-resolution computed tomography shows evidence of ILD.
The ACR/CHEST ILD Guidelines in Practice, a video
In collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians, the ACR released two new comprehensive guidelines aimed at improving the screening, monitoring, and treatment of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) secondary to systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Recently, Sindhu R. Johnson, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada, director of the Toronto Scleroderma Program and principal investigator for the guideline, and Elana J. Bernstein, MD, MSc, Florence Irving associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at Columbia University, New York City, and co-first author, presented a webinar to talk about how the guidelines were developed and present some of the recommendations and their rationale: Watch the recording now!
A minority of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) who were new to rheumatology practice were prescribed steroid-sparing agents through two years of follow-up. This is according to a large, U.S.-based cohort study, published in Arthritis Care & Research, which also found that nearly two-thirds of the patients remained on glucocorticoids beyond one year.1 “Our study…
Background/Purpose Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) treatment is primarily based on long-term corticosteroids, which results in significant toxicities. Studies have shown that patients with PMR are exposed to years of corticosteroid treatment.1,2 In a single academic center cohort, we found that 76% of patients remained on steroids at the end of two years.3 In a second cohort…
Background/Purpose It has been reported that 20–50% of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) have subclinical giant cell arteritis (GCA). The natural history of ultrasound-defined subclinical GCA in PMR is not known. Methods Twenty-five newly diagnosed PMR patients who met a clinical diagnosis for PMR, verified by two rheumatologists, were examined by ultrasound. All six branches…
Background/Purpose Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is typified by pain and stiffness of the shoulder and hip girdles. Previous qualitative studies have highlighted the importance to patients of additional symptoms, including fatigue and sleep disturbance. These features of PMR are less recognized by clinicians and have not yet been quantified in the literature. Further, the adequacy of…
The program will take place May 5–7 in conjunction with the ACR Advocacy Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. Fellows in training, program directors and ARP members passionate about advocacy and governance are especially encouraged to apply
Reimbursement has fallen below acquisition price for some biosimilar versions of infliximab, forcing practices and patients to make difficult decisions. The ACR is working to change this.
A bill approved last year by the House Appropriations Committee contains dire cuts to funding for the National Institutes of Health. The ACR is urging the House to revise this language and the Senate not to allow these cuts to go through. Contact your legislators to convey the importance of robust investment in the nation’s medical research enterprise and how funding cuts harm patient care.
Last month, the ACR’s delegation to the AMA House of Delegates discussed and advanced resolutions to address specialty workforce shortages, payment reform and access to care.
SAN DIEGO—At ACR Convergence 2023, panelists presented information concerning several policy issues that affect rheumatologists & their patients, including abortion access & the WHO’s Essential Medicine List.
SAN DIEGO—At ACR Convergence 2023, panelists provided guidance for reducing disparities and improving health equity for patients who are negatively impacted by social determinants of health.