Of all the questions raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, its effect on children has been one of the most perplexing.

Only 1 in 20 individuals with the disease report being referred for a Sjögren’s workup by their eye care provider, according to a patient survey supported by the Sjögren’s Foundation.

There is a clear need for more, and more effective, tests for antiphospholipid syndrome. The current battery of lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibody, and anti-β2-glycoprotein-I is far from ideal.

The skin can offer clues to help make the correct diagnosis for many pediatric rheumatology diseases, and a session at ACR Convergence 2020 shared some of the most important things to look for when making a diagnosis.

Traditionally used in research, patient-reported outcomes have expanded into healthcare quality evaluations as well as clinical practice since being introduced to rheumatology in the 1980s.

COPA syndrome is a dysfunction of lung epithelial cells producing surfactant that is virtually indistinguishable from a variety of rheumatic diseases on initial examination.

A better understanding of COVID-19’s pathogenesis, manifestations, natural history, and immunopathology will bring more safe and effective therapies.

New approaches that combine regenerative medicine, autologous stem cells and genome engineering can repair rheumatic joints and produce self-regulating anti-inflammatory treatment to prevent future damage.

A genetic signature for interferon (IFN) is the first key theme in the development of lupus, said Chandra Mohan, MD, PhD.

“To care for someone, we need to know who they are,” said Jillian Rose, PhD, MPH, LMSW, who spoke during the session Enhance Care for LGBTQ+ Patients.