New studies reveal predictors for avoidable RA hospitalizations, PsA transition in psoriasis & the impact of neighborhood on childhood lupus.
Ethics Forum: Mitigation Tips for Health Disparities Among Rural & Indigenous Peoples
A common case scenario in our practice in North Dakota is a woman with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate monotherapy. She is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate people and lives 90 miles from our rheumatology clinic. She currently has moderate disease activity, indicating the need for additional treatment. She does not have her own…
Mind the Gap: Working to Reduce Healthcare Disparities in Pediatric Rheumatology
How do healthcare providers enable positive outcomes for their pediatric patients while also addressing the disparities in care between patients of different ethnicities, gender and socioeconomic backgrounds? Experts addressed how changes in research and clinical care can improve outcomes for children experiencing healthcare disparities during a session at the 2023 Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium.
2 AC&R Study Summaries: Racial Disparities in Lupus Trials & Post-Discharge Follow-Up in Lupus
Racial Disparities in Lupus Clinical Trial Participation By Saira Z. Sheikh, MD Why was this study done? Lupus disproportionately affects Black and Latino populations, particularly women in childbearing years. Clinical trials of patients with lupus can advance the development of therapeutics and access to better treatments, as well as improve health outcomes for patients. However,…
3 AC&R Study Summaries: MoCA Screening in SLE, Pediatric Social Disadvantages & Surgical Weight Loss Interventions
MoCA as a Screening Test in SLE Assessing the utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) By Oshrat E. Tayer-Shifman, MD, Kimberley Yuen, BSc, MD, & Zahi Touma, MD, PhD, FACP, FACR Why was this study done? Cognitive impairment is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a prevalence of 40% based on…
Speak Out Rheum: Racism’s Impact on Patient-Provider Relationships
“I tell everyone who comes into her room now, ‘You will not disrespect my daughter again. No one will,’” recounts Sarah’s mother. “Every time a [provider] acts rude to her, Sarah tells me, ‘Ma, I’m used to it now,’ and I have to insist ‘No! Baby, you should never get used to that.’ … Dr….
3 New Study Summaries from AC&R: Obesity in RA, CPDD Risk Factors & SLE Disparities
1) Obesity & Treatment Response in RA Obesity & response to advanced therapies in rheumatoid arthritis Why was this study done? There have been questions regarding whether certain therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are less effective in patients with obesity, particularly for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, because adipose tissue is known to generate TNF,…
Improving Lupus Drug Regimen Adherence Among Minorities
Rheumatologists can do better at helping systemic lupus erythematosus patients from racial and ethnic minority groups adhere to their lupus medication regimens, according to a paper published in Arthritis Care & Research. Researchers from Duke University examined medication adherence barriers from the perspectives of healthcare providers and patients. Their findings suggest more attention should be…
New Findings on COVID-19 Vaccination, Race & More Shared in 1st Plenary Session
Researchers shared findings on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised patients, insights into cognitive impairment in SLE & more.
Healthcare Accessibility for People with Rheumatic Disease in New Haven, CT
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated wide disparities that exist in the U.S. healthcare system. During the pandemic, the clinical practice in the Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology at Yale School of Medicine (YSM), New Haven, Conn., rapidly pivoted from face-to-face visits to telehealth to keep our patients and providers safe. Many patients quickly adapted and…