In this episode, Dr. Kumar reflects on the value of physical touch in the clinical encounter, a key element of a holistic patient assessment that can reveal important diagnostic information and strengthen connection between doctor and patient.
Case Report: Complicated Presentation Eventually Explained by Rare Syndrome
Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), also known as Touraine-Solente-Golé syndrome or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare syndrome that can be inherited as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or sporadically. This progressive disease primarily affects males, who tend to have more severe features than females. PDP usually occurs during adolescence, often starting around puberty.1 The main clinical features are…
The Physical Exam Begins with a Handshake
During the height of the pandemic four years ago, I took every precaution to avoid, or at the very least, delay contracting COVID-19. I religiously wore a mask in all public settings, I washed my hands so frequently that my skin became dry and cracked, and I studiously maintained a six-foot distance from others. But…
Optimizing DMARD Use in Older Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis
SAN DIEGO—Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comprise two groups: those who have lived with diagnosed RA since an early age (young-onset RA) and those who have new-onset RA diagnosed at an older age (≥65 years), known as late-onset RA or, formerly, as elderly onset RA.1 Individuals with late-onset RA have more acute and systemic…
Research Review of Plant-Based Diet for Patients with Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis
About 30 years ago, early in his career as a rheumatologist, Dirkjan van Schaardenburg, PhD, says patients with osteoarthritis experienced terrible problems with inflammation. The landscape has improved to the point that “people can live with it now,” he says. But they still need help. For example, osteoarthritis affects 7% of the global population, according…
In Memoriam … Debashish Danda, MBBS, MD, DM, FRCP (1958–2024)
Dedicated to advancing rheumatology education worldwide On Feb. 24, 2024, distinguished professor of medicine and rheumatology Debashish Danda, MBBS, MD, DM, FRCP, was lost to the world following a tragic motor vehicle accident. Dr. Danda was highly respected both in his home country of India and on the international stage for his contributions to advancing…
In Memoriam … Robert James Lloyd Jr., MD, FACP, MACR (1943–2024)
A journey of excellence by a quintessential rheumatologist Robert James Lloyd Jr., MD, FACP, MACR, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2024, at his home in Falls Church, Va. Bob, as he was known to loved ones, was born in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 1943. He grew up in Providence, R.I., where he attended…
ACR Image Competition 2023 Results, Part 5
For the 2023 Image Competition, the ACR sought images representing a diverse range of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) or IIM mimics. Pneumomediastinum & Ulcerative Cutaneous Dermatomyositis These images depict a 22-year-old woman with a recent diagnosis of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) antibody dermatomyositis who sought evaluation of worsening skin rashes and pleuritic…
HR & Other Aspects of Private Practice: A Conversation with Tien-I Karleen Su, MD, FACR
Despite challenges, private practice has many rewards, such as more autonomy, says Tien-I Karleen Su, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR’s Community Practice Council.
The Roles of the Interdisciplinary Rheumatology Team in Patient Care Highlighted
To work together effectively, clinicians and rheumatology professionals need to understand the roles of every member of the interdisciplinary team. To enhance this understanding, the ARP Interprofessional Practice & Management Committee has undertaken a project to describe the modern roles of members of the interdisciplinary team in a series of fact sheets. The first three…
Reflecting on B Cell-Depleting Therapies & COVID-19
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, confusion and concern for immunosuppressed patients grew among rheumatologists and patients alike. Research has helped bridge the knowledge gap, and treatment options for COVID-19 have helped ease concerns.
FDA Issues Boxed Warning for Denosumab & Approves a Generic NSAID
In January, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved indomethacin in an oral suspension, a generic version of Indocin Oral Suspension. The agency also issued a boxed warning and updated label for denosumab, warning of the risks of severe hypocalcemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Can Repeat Injections Improve Knee OA Pain?
Promising Results from a Phase 3 Study SAN DIEGO—An investigational liposomal formulation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (TLC599) for intra-articular injection is being studied to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). George Spencer-Green, MD, MS, chief medical officer of Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC), Cambridge, Mass., presented recent data on this agent in a late-breaking abstract session…