2017
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Study of B cells gives new insight into SLE, other diseases
Abnormalities and dysfunction in B cell regulation have long been recognized as a central feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Less understood is what causes the dysfunctions seen in SLE and the roles that B cell dysfunction may play in other autoimmune diseases. “B cells…
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Science can improve implementation of rheumatology advances
Like the rest of medicine, the pace of clinical research and improvement in rheumatology far outstrips the pace of clinical practice improvement. Medical practitioners at all levels are far quicker to learn about innovations than they are to implement them. “Most medical innovations take over…
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Single session delivers best of the best in pediatric rheumatology
Pediatric rheumatology — one of the most vibrant and productive communities in the specialty — has several presentations at the Annual Meeting, but the best of the best are gathered in a single session, Pediatric Rheumatology Year in Review & Awards, from 1:00 – 2:00…
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Juvenile dermatomyositis management to undergo changes
Significant change is coming to the management of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) for the first time in decades. Two of the first-ever clinical trials in JDM, new therapeutic agents, and new work in biomarkers suggest that individualized treatment is finally on the way. “This is an…
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Effectiveness of new teaching methods still under review
Advances in technology have produced a growing variety of new educational tools and models. Learners generally like these new approaches, but there are very few studies that examine long-term retention and application compared to more traditional didactic teaching methods. “We have some significant unmet needs…
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ACR Government Affairs moves forward on legislative action in 2017
2017 has been a busy year in Washington. “We had the Obamacare debates in stops and starts that seemed to go away, Medicare payment reform, high drug prices, transparency in drug pricing, biosimilars, the projected rheumatology workforce shortage, and much more,” said ACR Government Affairs…
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Definition of reactive arthritis may require expansion
A Sunday State-of-the-Art Lecture will cover the latest findings related to reactive arthritis, including the biological mechanisms that link microbial factors to arthritis and some of the management implications. Emerging findings suggest that current definitions of reactive arthritis are probably too restrictive. Multiple forms of…
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Anatomy courses offer chance to improve pain management
While many rheumatologists recognize that pain is highly dependent on the physical structure of joints and supporting tissues, not everyone has the detailed anatomical knowledge of the ankle and foot, upper extremities, and shoulder needed to accurately assess pain or treat it appropriately. “Ankle and…
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Catch up on the basics at Immunology Boot Camp
A little fuzzy on innate versus adaptive immunity? Not quite clear on T cells and B cells, neutrophils, and macrophages? Looking for a quick catch up on the latest details of immunological function and pathophysiology? The three-part Immunology Boot Camp has it all. “You need…
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Can rheumatologists mend their relationships with PBMs?
It’s time to reshape the relationships between rheumatologists and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Many providers see PBMs playing a larger role in complicating patient treatment than in eliminating bottlenecks that can impair outcomes. “There is a probably accurate perception that PBMs have contributed to driving…