In this episode, Dr. Kumar talks about the myths, rituals and stories that are essential to the patient’s narrative, diagnosis and care.
Psychosocial Factors & Pain in Hand Osteoarthritis
Attention to factors beyond the standard nociceptive model of painin patients with hand OA, including psychosocial considerations &other comorbidities, may impact a patient’s pain perception &pain course.
Rheuminations: The Metaphors, Mythologies & Rituals of Medicine
“Doctor, I hate to tell you this but that shelf is definitely not made of wood,” my patient gently chided me as I knocked on a plastic piece of shelving. “I know … but you get the point,” I replied with a small laugh. It’s become a habit of mine over the past few years…
President’s Corner: The ACR & Pediatric Rheumatology
My first exposure to pediatric rheumatology came during my adult rheumatology fellowship, when pediatric rotations were part of our curriculum. This experience brought home for me the many differences between childhood and adult rheumatic diseases and the important role pediatric rheumatologists play in patient outcomes. This role has long been appreciated by the ACR/ARP, where…
One Rheumatologist’s Sabbatical for Contemplative Leisure
The year before my hike, I was extremely busy with various ACR workforce issues; meetings; presentations, locally, regionally and nationally; juggling medical missions and more. However, I had blocked time in my calendar over one year in advance to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain with a long-time U.S. Army buddy. I met Pat…
Lupus Nephritis: A Brief Review
Among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis is one of the more common health problems and a leading cause of mortality. In adults with SLE, as many as five of 10 will develop kidney disease. In children with lupus, eight of 10 will develop kidney disease.1 Lupus nephritis appears to be more prevalent…
Advocates for Arthritis 2025: By the Numbers
On May 6, more than 100 members of the rheumatology community participated in 118 meetings with lawmakers from 26 states—urging members of Congress to sustain research funding, address cuts and stabilize Medicare reimbursement, enact pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms and protect Medicaid funding. See photos and stories from the event.
Reactive Arthritis: Chronic or Self-Limiting?
Reactive arthritis has proved to be a diagnostic & therapeutic challenge due to its diverse presentations.
New Editor in Chief Has Expansive Vision for Arthritis & Rheumatology
Incoming Arthritis & Rheumatology Editor-in-Chief Dr. S. Louis Bridges Jr., MD, PhD, discusses his path to rheumatology and outlines his vision for the journal.
Gout Flares & the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Understanding the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in gout flares points to potential of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors as new treatment option.
New Analysis Reveals More Potential Contributors to Takayasu Arteritis
Recent research led to development of a cumulative genetic risk score for Takayasu arteritis, identifying differing susceptibility between groups with different genetic ancestries.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Your Post-Fellowship Career
A second-year fellow describes the process of searching for a post-fellowship job in rheumatology.
Incarcerated Individuals with Rheumatic Conditions
In addition to the impediments to consistent, high-quality care suffered by all incarcerated individuals, incarcerated patients with rheumatic disease face challenges specific to the treatment, management & monitoring of rheumatic conditions.
Summer 2025’s Awards, Appointments & Announcements in the World of Rheumatology
Sharad Lakhanpal, MBBS, MD, Receives India’s Highest Honor for Overseas Indians In early January, Sharad Lakhanpal, MBBS, MD, MACR, FACP, a rheumatologist at Rheumatology Associates in Dallas and past president of the ACR, was one of only three Indian-Americans to receive the 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA). The award is conferred every two years…
Cilnidipine Receives Orphan Drug Status to Treat Systemic Sclerosis
Based on research showing improved signs and symptoms of systemic sclerosis in patients taking cilnidipine vs. placebo, the FDA granted orphan drug designation for the agent.
SAP-001 Promising for Refractory Gout
Initial findings from a phase 2b clinical trial demonstrate the safety and efficacy of three different daily doses of SAP-001 to lower the serum urate levels of patients with refractory gout.