Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) axes have revolutionized therapy and improved survival in advanced cancers. However, these immune system modulators also lead to immune-related adverse events (IRAEs).1,2 In clinical trials, IRAEs mainly involved the gastrointestinal tract, skin, endocrine glands, liver and lung,…
Case Presentation A 45-year-old man with crystal-proven gout, poorly controlled diabetes and chronic kidney disease was lost to follow-up for six years and presented back to the VA clinic in the midst of a gout flare. He stated he had continued taking 100 mg of allopurinol daily, but his serum urate level was 13.8 mg/dL….
ATLANTA—At the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting in November, the ACR and the ARP honored a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care. This month, The Rheumatologist speaks with the winners of the ARP Merit Awards about their individual contributions to advancing rheumatology. You’ll also find a…
A farewell message from outgoing Government Affairs Committee Chair Angus Worthing urges ACR/ARP members to advocate for the rheumatology profession.
The new EULAR/ACR classification criteria for SLE offer improved sensitivity and specificity, as well as more accurately reflect the current tests used to clinically diagnose SLE. A positive ANA test is obligatory…
New research seeking to describe the characteristics of undefined, systemic autoinflammatory diseases may have identified distinct subgroups, including pericarditis and intellectual impairment…
Crafting clear and captivating messaging for patients and colleagues isn’t always easy. Here are some tips to improve your approach…
Patients with axial spondyloarthritis have a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that tends to localize to the sacroiliac joints and spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is, perhaps, the most representative of this group of diseases. Rheumatologists treat patients with axial spondyloarthritis with biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi’s), which can improve quality of life, activity and…
The opioid epidemic in the U.S. has destroyed thousands of lives and torn families apart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 130 people in the U.S. die each day from an opioid overdose. From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 died as a result of drug overdoses. In 2017,…
Scleromyxedema is a rare, mucinous skin disorder of unknown origin, one of a number of conditions that mimic systemic sclerosis. Although cases of scleromyxedema remain rare, a better understanding of its mechanisms of action could have implications for the research and treatment of scleroderma and related autoimmune conditions, says Laura K. Hummers, MD, ScM, co-director…