Editor’s note: RheumMadness is the place for everyone crazy about rheumatology to connect, collaborate, compete and learn together. During RheumMadness, rheumatology concepts represent teams that compete against each other in a tournament, much like basketball teams do in the NCAA’s March Madness tournament. In a series for The Rheumatologist, readers will get a chance to…
During ACR Convergence 2021 in early 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 profiles the winners of the ARP President’s and Merit Awards. ARP PRESIDENT’S AWARDS The ARP president can choose to honor ACR/ARP…
Kelli Allen, PhD, believes strongly in the mission of AC&R, and as the journal’s new editor in chief, it’s now in her hands to carry that mission forward. Dr. Allen assumed the role on July 1, following the decade-long tenure of Dr. Hannan. “Everyone has been very generous with their time and the managing editors…
A recent paper illustrates how using different fibromyalgia criteria affects reports of its prevalence.1 Writing in Arthritis Care & Research, researchers found the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks–American Pain Society Pain Taxonomy (AAPT) criteria caused far more people to be categorized as having fibromyalgia than criteria put forth by…
PRSYM—At its heart, the practice of medicine in all forms is specifically centered on delivering compassionate, thoughtful and evidence-based clinical care. In the world of pediatric rheumatology, a range of issues, such as chronic pain, reproductive health and transitioning to adult providers, are of utmost importance to patients and physicians alike. These topics were addressed…
Have you ever asked a patient, “How’s your sex life?” If your answer is “No,” you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds healthcare providers don’t talk about sex with their patients for a variety of reasons: They feel uncomfortable discussing sex and sexuality with patients; They believe discussing sex will…
Younger individuals (<50 years) have a stronger genetic component in their fibromyalgia score than older individuals (>60 years), according to a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.1 Studies that suggest a strong familial component to fibromyalgia have often focused on individuals with primary fibromyalgia who did not have another accompanying disorder, the study authors report….
A recent pilot study explores the feasibility of virtual reality-based pain interventions for people with rheumatic conditions.1 Although the work is in its early stages, it may someday represent a new non-pharmacological tool for patients with chronic pain. VR for Treatment R. Swamy Venuturupalli, MD, FACR, is an associate clinical professor of medicine at the…
Dr. Schiopu has experienced the COVID-19 pandemic response from both clinical and research perspectives. She recently discussed her experiences with The Rheumatologist.
Case Presentation History of present illness A 66-year-old white woman presented with unexplained, recurrent episodes of high fever, abdominal pain, rash and arthralgias occurring over the previous three years. During typical episodes, the patient experienced flu-like symptoms, followed by fever, abdominal pain and non-bloody diarrhea without tenesmus. Her temperatures were 101–103ºF, with chills lasting up…