Rheumatoid Arthritis ILD Complications

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I'm a pulmonologist at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, and I'm excited to talk about one of my favorite topics: treatment complications in rheumatoid arthritis- associated interstitial lung disease or RA-ILD. One of the reasons I think this is a pressing and important topic is what we're dealing with here is a group of patients who have really poor outcomes, even with the significant advances that the rheumatology community's been able to make in the management of the underlying synovial disease.

Methotrexate significantly lowers Systolic BP

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Australian researchers have shown that methotrexate (MTX) has another secondary, beneficial effect by significantly lowering systolic blood pressure, and contributes to its well docuented cardioprotive effecs.

Abatacept and Methotrexate may Lower Risk of Interstitial Lung Disease in RA

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A post hoc, pooled analysis of of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials shows those received abatacept had a lower rate of Interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Multi-omics, biomarkers, rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease, and approximately 30%-40% of patients develop pulmonary complications such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but the causal relationship between the two has long been unclear.

ACR Concerns on the Scientific Integrity at the CDC

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On behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), we express deep concern over recent developments at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that appear to undermine the agency’s longstanding commitment to science-based public health policy.

Crepitus Does Not Predict Earlier/Worse OA

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Young adults who experience grinding or clicking sounds in their knees post-surgery may be alarmed, but new research from La Trobe University suggests these sounds may not signal early-onset osteoarthritis. 

Higher Medical Costs with Corticosteroid Use

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Combined Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease

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Rheumatoid arthritis interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) represents a major therapeutic evidence void in our current treatment paradigm. RA-ILD is common, with clinically significant disease seen in 8% of patients. In the past RA-ILD was frequently under-diagnosed, leading to identification of a disproportionate volume of severe cases and subsequently inflating the mortality statistics. However, RA-ILD, particularly in the progressive pulmonary fibrosis phenotype, retains a poor prognosis. I would propose a new framework for RA-ILD treatment.

ILD Begins (8.29.2025)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from RheumNow.com. This week news on vaccines, safety of acetaminophen and more.

ACR Urges Alaska and Montana to Strengthen Rheumatology Care

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The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is calling on Alaska and Montana to seize the opportunity to address critical gaps in rheumatology care by accessing funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.

Long-term Lab Monitoring in RA is Inefficient

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Annals of Internal Medicine has published a retrospective study of long-term routine laboratory toxicity monitoring (lt-RLTM) in patients receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy showing that most very abnormal laboratory finding occur early in therapy (first 6 months) or are anticipated or only after dose escalation.

Osteoporosis in Older Men

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JAMA has publish an invited commentary on Screening for Osteoporosis (OP) in Older Men. They point out that a simple screening strategy for older men based on previous fracture history and bone density screening at age 70 or 75 years is a reasonable means of screening for OP in older men.