ACR Journals On Air

With the growing shortage of rheumatology specialists in the U.S., healthcare systems face increasing delays, clinician burnout, and inefficiencies. In this episode, we explore a promising solution: the integration of physician assistants/associates (PAs) into rheumatology practice. We’re joined by Benjamin Smith, PA-C, Associate Dean and Program Director at Florida State University, and first author of "Profile and Attributes of Physician Assistants/Associates in Rheumatology" published in Arthritis Care & Research. He shares insights into the demographics, workload, satisfaction, and future potential of rheumatology PAs, highlighting their expanding role in addressing workforce gaps and enhancing patient care.

Dr. Laura Plantinga joins us to discuss her recent work on the APPEAL study, which examines how lupus affects activities of daily living using patient-reported outcomes and validated measures such as IADLs, BADLs, SLAQ, and PROMIS. We explore her methodological approach, key findings, and implications for clinical practice—particularly how physicians can better support patients in managing functional limitations. Dr. Plantinga also shares insights on translating epidemiologic data into actionable strategies and maintaining scholarly productivity in academic medicine.

In this episode, we explore a new approach to improving participation in lupus clinical trials by strengthening provider outreach and education. Our guest, Dr. Saira Sheikh of UNC Chapel Hill, discusses the TIMELY study, which focuses on involving healthcare providers and community health workers to better connect patients with trial opportunities. From roundtable discussions to changes in provider behavior, we highlight practical strategies that could improve how clinical trials are conducted.

In this episode, Dr. Kaur and Dr. Abhishek join us to discuss their recent study on acetaminophen, exploring how it compares to NSAIDs in safety and effectiveness. They break down their use of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), key findings—especially in arthritis patients—and what this means for clinical practice. It's an insightful look at how big data can challenge assumptions about one of the most used pain medications.

On this episode, we chat with Dr. Sho Fukui about his recent study on rising uric acid levels and what’s driving the increase. We dig into the links between weight, obesity, and gout, and hear how a huge health checkup database in Japan helped uncover some eye-opening trends. Dr. Fukui breaks down the findings in simple terms, shares how they compare to older studies like MRFIT, and talks about what they could mean for treatments like GLP-1s. Plus, we get a sneak peek at the exciting research he’s working on next!

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Atul Deodhar, a leading expert in the field of Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Dr. Deodhar shares insights from his groundbreaking research on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of AxSpA, particularly focusing on the efficacy and safety of IV secukinumab. We dive deep into his study, INVIGORATE-1, exploring the methods behind it, including the use of Interactive Response Technology, and the primary and secondary endpoints that shed light on this treatment’s impact. We also discuss the latest data on patient preferences for subcutaneous versus intravenous immunomodulators and the implications of these findings. Tune in for an informative and engaging conversation that blends cutting-edge science with thoughtful reflections on patient care.

This week, we explore the genetics behind the production of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in individuals without clinical autoimmune disease, using data from the All of Us registry. Our guest, Dr. Mehmet Hocaoglu shares insights into the significance of understanding ANA positivity and its potential genetic underpinnings, highlighting how large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can predict susceptibility to autoimmune conditions. We cover the study's methodology, the unique All of Us dataset, and the complexities of genetic analysis. Dr. Hocaoglu also discusses his personal journey in rheumatology research, offering advice for aspiring researchers, especially international medical graduates (IMGs).

In this episode, our host is joined by Dr. Peter Nigrovic, an expert in Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS). Dr. Nigrovic, delves into the complexities of MAS. The discussion covers the syndrome's history, diagnostic challenges, mechanisms of inflammation, and the latest treatment strategies, including cytokine blockade, JAK inhibitors, and chemotherapy options. Dr. Nigrovic also reflects on his unique career journey, offering valuable insights into combining clinical practice and research, while sharing his philosophy for a fulfilling life in medicine and science. This episode is a thorough exploration of MAS and provides practical advice for clinicians dealing with this complex syndrome. Macrophage Activation Syndrome

In this episode we explore the role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Dr. Mariana Kaplan, Chief of the Systemic Autoimmunity Branch at the National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, joins the discussion to break down the complex immunological mechanisms driving lupus, focusing on the contribution of NETs and Low-Density Granulocytes (LDGs) to disease activity and tissue damage. The conversation delves into the potential for these biological markers to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies, particularly in the context of lupus flares and cardiovascular complications. A link to this week’s article can be found, here: Exploring the Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Clinical Case Study and Comprehensive Review

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Victoria Werth, a leading expert in dermatology and autoimmune diseases, to explore the study Understanding the Role of Type I Interferons in Cutaneous Lupus and Dermatomyositis: Toward Better Therapeutics. Dr. Werth delves into the complex immune mechanisms that drive skin manifestations in cutaneous lupus and dermatomyositis, two challenging autoimmune conditions. She explains how Type I interferons contribute to inflammation and tissue damage, and how understanding these pathways could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatment

In this episode, we explore the findings of a groundbreaking study analyzing opioid treatment trends for adults with and without systemic autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases (SARDs) from 2006 to 2019. The study, based on national data from the United States, sheds light on how individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis are impacted by opioid use compared to the general population.

As our weekend here in Washington D.C. draws to an end, we turn our spotlight on an important and timely conversation from the "Sponsoring Women in Science" session. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann and Dr. Carol Feghali-Bostwick to explore the challenges women face in advancing their careers in the sciences. Our guests share insights on how to address the barriers that often impede career development for women, discuss strategies for fostering support and mentorship, and highlight the importance of growing awareness around these critical issues.

Get ready for an electrifying episode of Convergence 2024! We’re diving deep into the cutting-edge world of autoinflammatory diseases with renowned experts Drs. Grant Schulert and Arthur Kaser. Join us as they unravel the complexities of refractory and complicated systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Discover the revolutionary insights into SJIA at the single-cell level, explore the fascinating transcriptional diversity of normal and low-density granulocytes, and learn how groundbreaking approaches like UDON and SATAY-UDON are paving the way for novel disease programs. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your passion for innovation in medicine—tune in and ignite your curiosity!

This week we're joined by two leading experts in gout remissions, Dr. Nicola Dalbeth and Dr. Dansoa Tabi-Amponsah to explore the exciting advances in gout treatment, with a particular focus on Dual-Energy CT (DECT) imaging and its role in achieving gout remission. We dive into how DECT technology is transforming our ability to visualize urate crystals in joints, its implications for patient care, and the potential it holds for long-term gout management and remission.

In another installment in the ongoing Arthritis & Rheumatology immunology series, guest David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD, author of Unique Interplay Between Antinuclear Antibodies and Nuclear Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, takes us on a deep dive into research in SLE on how the combination of ANAs and immunologically active DNA can create new structures that can promote inflammation throughout the body as well as drive organ inflammation and damage.

This week, our next guest, ACR Master Dr. Joan T. Merrill, joins us to discuss her latest study which endeavored to evaluate the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib and elsubrutinib in those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Join us for an in-depth analysis of the SLEek Study, its findings regarding the efficacy of these medications and Dr. Merrill’s conclusions.

For those with rheumatic disease, everyday challenges can mean an increase in disease flare. However, research is increasingly pointing to the idea that psychosocial stressors could even heighten the risk of developing rheumatic diseases. Dr. Christine Parks looked deeper into this among those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in her latest study Life Events, Caregiving, and Risk of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study

This week, we explore a groundbreaking study on the prevalence of fibromyalgia and widespread pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis with first author and ACR Master, Dr. Philip J. Mease. In his latest article, titled: Prevalence of Fibromyalgia and Widespread Pain in Psoriatic Arthritis: Association with Disease Severity Assessment in a Large US RegistryUID , Dr. Mease explains what the presence of these conditions reveals about disease severity and how they converge.

As the dawn of the Ai revolution marches on, scientific research and clinical medicine are adopting new and more streamlined ways to investigate and serve our patients. Today, we look at how Ai-driven, large language models (LLMs) might aid our field’s researchers in analyzing data from patient interviews. Dr. Bella Mehta, corresponding author of A Novel Approach for Mixed-Methods Research Using Large Language Models: A Report Using Patients’ Perspectives on Barriers to Arthroplasty , joins us this week to give us her insights on this this quickly evolving technology and how it can be employed in both the research and clinical setting.

Genetic conditions, inherited personality traits, brain chemistry...these are but a few of the well-known biological determinants of health and are but a small sample of factors that can determine how severe disease may affect a patient. But what role can social factors play in determining a patient’s health? What of the ‘Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)’? Dr. Shivani Garg set out to identify these factors and understand how they play a role in determining the severity of symptoms in those with Lupus Nephritis (LN). What she discovered was that not only do these factors play a significant role, but each one added has a multiplicative effect on the patient’s reported outcome! Dr. Garg is our guest today and her study, published in Arthritis Care & Rheumatology titled: Multiplicative Impact of Adverse Social Determinants of Health on Outcomes in Lupus Nephritis: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review, will be the focus of our discussion.