Recently developed classification criteria for pediatric chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) await ACR and EULAR endorsement. Yongdong “Dan” Zhao, MD, PhD, RhMSUS, explained how point values are assigned for each of the 10 criteria.

Experts including Alen Zabotti, MD, reviewed a variety of methods to identify, prevent, and manage Sjögren’s syndrome. Dr. Zabotti discussed the assessment of glandular involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome through biopsy and imaging.

The ACR Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and the political action committee, RheumPAC, promote legislation that allows clinicians to stay focused on patient care. GAC Chair Blair Solow, MD, MSc, explained the committee’s current priorities.

In a joint session of the ACR and the Japan College of Rheumatology, experts including Keishi Fujio, MD, PhD, discussed recent advances in omic technology that pave the way for novel approaches to the translation of basic science discoveries into clinical rheumatology.

Panelist Madeleine Cunningham, PhD, highlighted the connection between streptococcal infection, autoimmunity, and molecular mimicry. She reviewed how antigenic determinants are shared between the host and invading organism.

Onyinye Iweala, MD, PhD, outlined bulk transcriptomics profiling and methods focused on characterizing individual cells. She explained that handling vast quantities of multidimensional data requires specialized statistical and data visualization.

Of all outpatient rheumatology visits, 17 percent are conducted via telemedicine. Only three specialties report higher engagement in telemedicine: psychiatry, substance-abuse disorder treatment, and endocrinology. Jack Cush, MD, and other panelists discussed the dynamics of telehealth for rheumatology providers and patients.

In the second of three sessions dedicated to better understanding how to use research statistics, Becki Cleveland, PhD, and Todd Schwartz, PhD, presented an overview of methods for modeling categorical variables rheumatologic researchers may encounter, which can greatly affect the impact and validity of one’s data.

In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of new agents for pediatric lupus nephritis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, and enthesitis-related arthritis. Amit Golding, MD, PhD, highlighted the approvals of belimumab IV, ustekinumab, and secukinumab, and Cmdr. Hyun Son, PharmD, discussed the FDA’s role when drug shortages occur.