Although the true cause of systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, remains unknown, researchers have made progress in detecting the autoimmune disease’s early presence. Beyond the physiological signs of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a capillaroscopy can detect alterations in microcirculation and lab tests can confirm the presence of telltale autoantibodies, such as anti-topoisomerase 1, anti-centromere and anti-RNA polymerase…
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), scleroderma and lupus often require management input from both rheumatologists and dermatologists. Usually patients see the two specialists separately. Combining both in a single rheumatology/dermatology clinic appointment can improve outcomes and increase both provider and patient satisfaction. “Physicians talk about tearing down silos of care, where each specialist focuses on their part…
Congratulations! You’ve decided to become a rheumatologist and, in so doing, join the ranks of some of the most intelligent, empathic and dynamic physicians out there. But between your decision today and where you see yourself in three, five or 10 years, many more decisions must be made. Arguably, the most important is the decision…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. One hypothesis is that inflammation in the respiratory tract results in autoantibody formation that later leads to disease. Kronzer et al. set out to narrow the knowledge gaps related to the oral-respiratory factors that may mediate RA pathogenesis.
Type I interferon appears to play a role in disease susceptibility and pathogenesis in several classic connective tissue diseases, at least in some patients. Below, I present evidence supporting this connection, explore potential missing links in pathogenesis and discuss biological treatments that target the pathway. The Type I Interferon Pathway Interferons are a class of…
Research in type I interferon (IFN) driven mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggests the microbiome may play a role in the development of autoimmunity. Additionally, changes in diet may induce protective effects in the gut.1 “Microbes in the gut worsen a lupus model related to the interferon pathway,” says Martin A. Kriegel, MD,…
Colombia is a beautiful country with a rich cultural history that has made many social advances over the past decades. I was privileged to spend a month rotating with rheumatologists in San Vicente de Paul Hospital in Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring. As part of the ACR and the Pan American League of Rheumatology…
The ACR/ARP’s practice management division actively works to offer rheumatologists and their staff valuable, accessible resources to address practice issues. Our trained professionals provide the most up-to-date tools and resources to help improve practice efficiency and meet the myriad compliance obligations of the ever-changing healthcare landscape. The Practice Management Resource Center can assist with such…
Corrections to reimbursement system errors with Aetna and a Medicare contractor demonstrate the latest wins for all providers by the ACR’s Insurance Subcommittee. But the committee remains hard at work advocating for rheumatologists on several fronts.
The clinical sessions at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting feature cutting-edge techniques in rheumatology and enable attendees to hone new skills and explore medically relevant topics…