In this episode of ACR Journals on Air, host Dr. Vicki Shanmugam returns to the mic and dives into the CLASS Project —an ambitious international study on anti-synthetase syndrome recently published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Joined by Drs. Sara Faghihi-Kashani, Akira Yoshida, and Giovanni Zanframundo, she explores the clinical characteristics, antibody profiles, and skin and lung manifestations of this complex autoimmune condition. The conversation covers everything from global collaborati...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 68
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 Ar...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 67
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 actionabl...
May 27, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 66
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....
May 13, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 65
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....
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 64
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...
Apr 15, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 63
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 ...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 62
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 d...
Mar 18, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 61
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, whi...
Mar 04, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 60
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 th...
Jan 21, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 59
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 und...
Dec 10, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 58
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....
Nov 26, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 57
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...
Nov 18, 2024•25 min
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 groundbreaki...
Nov 16, 2024•30 min
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.
Nov 12, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 56
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....
Oct 29, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 55
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.
Oct 15, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 54
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 S...
Oct 01, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 53
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....
Sep 17, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 52
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 t...
Sep 03, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 51
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 w...
Aug 20, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 50
The process of weaning our patients off biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b-DMARD) therapy is not unfamiliar in our clinics. However, when attending to our patients, many complications and questions arise. Specific guidance is needed, but where do we turn? Thankfully, our latest guest, Dr. Paul Emery, may have some answers. His latest study, Predicting Flare in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Biologic Induced Remission, on Tapering, and on Stable Therapy attempted to “identify...
Aug 06, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 49
To better understand the mechanisms that drive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Dr. Yu Zuo and his team, evaluated the presence of circulating calprotectin (cCLP) to detect any clinical associations or even the mechanistic role among a cohort of primary APS and aPL-positive patients. Dr. Zuo sits down with us this week to discuss whether calprotectin can be a functional biomarker for those with APS thrombocytopenia and what the future holds for this study’s conclusions.
Jul 23, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Benjamin Franklin once said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This week, we have the opportunity to see this realized in a recent clinical study entitled, Vitamin D and Marine n-3 Fatty Acids for Autoimmune Disease Prevention: Outcomes Two Years After Completion of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial . Our guest is the study’s first author, Dr. Karen Costenbader. She explains the results of this research, which suggests Vitamin D and marine n-3 fatty acids play a significa...
Jul 09, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Caring for our patients means reducing symptoms and occurrences of flare-ups. However, caring for their whole self means a watchful eye on how chronic disease symptoms impact their daily life and mental health. Discovering patterns between depression and anxiety and such chronic diseases, like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, was the focus of Dr. Alyssa Howren’s latest study. Today, we take a look at this study, titled: “What Came First?” Population-Based Eva...
Jun 25, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 46
When disease strikes, time becomes a critical resource our patients cannot afford to waste. For those with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), an inordinate amount of time often goes by before a proper diagnosis is made, resulting in delays for crucial treatments to be rendered. The reasons for this delay in diagnosis, particularly among those with axSpA are diverse, complicated and not well-understood. Our guest, Dr. Gregory McDermott, attempted to better understand this diagnostic delay with his ...
Jun 11, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a painful and debilitating disease that our patients suffer from. However, a newly published study has concluded that there are some self-management interventions patients can engage with that have shown to improve fatigue, particularly for those newly diagnosed with SSc. Today, we review the procedures, interventions, results and conclusions of this study, titled: Effects of a Resilience-Building Energy Management Program on Fatigue and Other Symptoms in Systemic Scl...
May 28, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 44
As the need and demand for quality care increases, time in clinic needs to become more efficient. Working smarter, not harder, is a daily challenge for all in our field. With mobile technology streamlining so much and improvements in patient reported outcome (PRO) collection among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) needed, it had Dr. Daniel Solomon asking “...is there an app for that?”. Today, we review the study A Mobile Health Application Integrated in the Electronic Health Record for Rhe...
May 14, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Recent research indicates that those who suffer from AxSpA may have some hope in protecting against events of Uveitis! Dr. Katie Bechman, first author Incidence of Uveitis in Patients With Axial Spondylarthritis Treated With Biologics or Targeted Synthetics: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis, explains her team’s research findings and how they came to this exciting conclusion!
Apr 30, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 42
“If I have seen further, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants” Sir Isaac Newton famously stated in a letter to polymath scientist, Robert Hooke back in 1675. Today, Dr. Mary Crow, MD, aides Arthritis & Rheumatology launch a series on immunology , for rheumatologists. She is the co-author of the article Standing on Shoulders: Interferon Research, from Viral Interference to Lupus Pathogenesis and Treatment. In this episode, we stand with Dr. Crow to look back at the achievements ma...
Apr 16, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 41
