Intermittent fasting—defined as alternating between cycles of eating and going without food over a given period of time—has become popular with individuals seeking to lose weight or balance their lifestyle in recent years. During Ramadan (a period based on the Gregorian calendar that changes from year to year), able-bodied Muslims are obligated to observe a…
Lifestyle medicine interventions, such as dietary changes, movement and mindfulness, in combination with conventional treatment, may help alleviate symptoms of rheumatic disease, according to panelists at ACR Convergence 2023.
In 59,970 twins aged 35 years or older, Magnusson et al. compared how much genetics contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) with the genetic contribution to other rheumatic/musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in the same population, while exploring the role of shared genetics in OA and other RMDs. The researchers used data from the Swedish Twin Registry, in addition to the Swedish National Patient Register. They concluded that the heritability (i.e., the total genetic contribution to a trait) of OA is relatively large compared with other rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases.
As they usually are, the pediatrics are absolutely correct: A child is not just a little adult. The same can be said for the eldest among us: Senior citizens are more than just old adults; they have their own biopsychosocial considerations that we, as rheumatologists, must tend to. Among all the conditions that we find…
Editor’s note: Jan. 23, 2024. We have just learned that Dr. Paul Plotz passed away recently following a long illness. Come back soon for additional information. Here, we republish an interview with Dr. Plotz from 2019.
What Are the Therapeutic Alternatives When a Janus Kinase Inhibitor Fails to Work? SAN DIEGO—Treatment alternatives after Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor failure in real-life conditions were analyzed and presented at ACR Convergence 2023 by Pablo Francisco Muñoz Martínez, a rheumatologist at the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Sagunto, Spain.1 JAK inhibitors are newer, targeted…
Background/Purpose Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is typified by pain and stiffness of the shoulder and hip girdles. Previous qualitative studies have highlighted the importance to patients of additional symptoms, including fatigue and sleep disturbance. These features of PMR are less recognized by clinicians and have not yet been quantified in the literature. Further, the adequacy of…
Expressing empathy, engaging patients in conversations about their emotional health and having an overall understanding of grief can help rheumatology health professionals better care for their patients. During a session at ACR Convergence 2023, mental health professionals and patients highlighted how grief affects patients with rheumatic disease and how providers can respond.
SAN DIEGO—During ACR Convergence 2023 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 profiles the recipients of the ARP Merit Awards and ARP Master class, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology. The…
Rheumatologists who are outstanding researchers, educators and/or clinicians, who provide consistently exceptional care to patients, who have achieved a level of distinction in the field and who serve as role models for colleagues and trainees are highlighted in this recurring series. Fred Wigley, MD, MACR, is the Martha McCrory Professor of Medicine at the Johns…