Article
Rheumatology
Elizabeth R. Volkmann, Donald P. Tashkin, Richard Silver, Carol Feghali Bostwick, Shervin Assassi, DeAnna Baker Frost, Mei Leng, Holly Wilhalme, Grace Hyun Kim, Jonathan Goldin, Michael D. Roth
Summary: Observational studies have shown that men with systemic sclerosis have an increased risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and mortality compared with women. This study aimed to compare ILD progression and long-term morbidity and mortality outcomes in male and female participants of two randomized controlled trials for systemic sclerosis-associated ILD.
LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Brad H. Rovin, Y. K. Onno Teng, Ellen M. Ginzler, Cristina Arriens, Dawn J. Caster, Juanita Romero-Diaz, Keisha Gibson, Joshua Kaplan, Laura Lisk, Sandra Navarra, Samir V. Parikh, Simrat Randhawa, Neil Solomons, Robert B. Huizinga
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis, showing a superior complete renal response rate with voclosporin in combination with MMF and low-dose steroids compared to MMF and low-dose steroids alone. The safety profile was comparable between the two groups. This finding represents an important advancement in the treatment of patients with active lupus nephritis.
Article
Respiratory System
Justin M. Oldham, Cathryn T. Lee, Zhe Wu, Willis S. Bowman, Janelle Vu Pugashetti, Nam Dao, James Tonkin, Hasan Seede, Gabrielle Echt, Ayodeji Adegunsoye, Felix Chua, Toby M. Maher, Christine K. Garcia, Mary E. Strek, Chad A. Newton, Philip L. Molyneaux
Summary: This study found that the change in lung function after satisfying progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) criteria is closely associated with radiological progression of fibrosis. However, the impact may vary depending on the specific subtype of interstitial lung disease (ILD). These findings can inform future clinical trial design and emphasize the importance of considering ILD subtype when applying PF-ILD criteria.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Feng Ye, Shanzhi Wang, Min Wang, Huanan Wang, Feng Guo, Guoquan Li, Nan Liu
Summary: Multi-target therapy shows significant effectiveness in treating lupus nephritis, with better improvements in urine protein quantification, antibody titer, and disease activity index compared to cyclophosphamide and prednisone combined therapy. It also has a higher total remission rate and lower incidence of adverse reactions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qing Jia, Feng Ma, Jin Zhao, Xiaoxia Yang, Ruiling Sun, Rong Li, Shiren Sun
Summary: This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of different treatment regimens for IgA nephropathy patients. The results showed that compared with uncontrolled supportive care and CS + MMF therapy, CS + CTX therapy was safer and may be more effective.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Transplantation
Cihan Heybeli, Stephen B. Erickson, Fernando C. Fervenza, Marie C. Hogan, Ladan Zand, Nelson Leung
Summary: Relapse is common in adults with MCD. Patients treated with RTX may be less likely to require a change in treatment and more likely to discontinue immunosuppressive drugs.
NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Warangkana Pichaiwong, Suppachai Lawanaskol, Phichayut Phinyo, Tasanee Kitumnuaypong
Summary: This observational study compared the clinical outcomes of Thai patients with active proliferative lupus nephritis who received induction treatment of intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) versus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The results showed that both IVCYC and MMF had similar efficacy in treating LN patients. Therefore, treatment decisions should be made based on individualized therapeutic strategies and considering the balance between risks, costs, and benefits.
Article
Rheumatology
Debopoma Biswas, Deblina Dasgupta, Priyankar Pal, Rajiv Sinha
Summary: This retrospective observational study highlights the importance and feasibility of achieving complete response (CR) in childhood lupus nephritis in low/middle income settings.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Marwa Chbihi, Laurye-Anne Eveillard, Quentin Riller, Romain Brousse, Romain Berthaud, Pierre Quartier, Remi Salomon, Marina Charbit, Marina Avramescu, Nathalie Biebuyck, Laurene Dehoux, Nicolas Garcelon, Jean-Paul Duong-Van-Huyen, Brigitte Bader-Meunier, Olivia Boyer
Summary: This study compared the efficacy and tolerance of CYC and MMF as induction therapy for class IV LN in children. The results showed no significant difference in complete remission and relapse rates between the two groups, as well as in the number of treatment-related adverse events. However, long-term adverse events such as infertility could not be systematically evaluated in this retrospective pediatric study.
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Xiaohong Zheng, Xiaojun Ouyang, Cheng Cheng, Liping Rong, Lizhi Chen, Ying Mo, Xiaoyun Jiang
Summary: This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of multi-target therapy in 36 children with lupus nephritis. Multi-target therapy led to a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, anti-dsDNA antibody, and SLE disease activity index, and an increase in albumin and complement 3 levels. More than 90% of the children achieved partial or complete remission within 6 months. Adverse effects of multi-target therapy were infrequent and could be improved by symptomatic therapy.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Transplantation
Selcan Demir, Bora Gulhan, Seza Ozen, Kubra Celegen, Ezgi Deniz Batu, Nesrin Tas, Diclehan Orhan, Yelda Bilginer, Ali Duzova, Fatih Ozaltin, Rezan Topaloglu
Summary: This study found that male gender, failure to achieve remission at 6 and 12 months, and requiring dialysis at the time of diagnosis were the best predictors of poor renal outcome in pediatric LN. Therefore, appropriate and aggressive management is essential to achieve and maintain remission.
NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Young Ho Lee, Gwan Gyu Song
Summary: This study evaluated the relative efficacy and safety of TAC, CSA, MMF, CYC, and corticosteroids as induction therapy for membranous lupus nephritis. The results showed that TAC and CSA were the most effective induction treatments, while corticosteroids had the highest probability of reducing the risk of infections.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Qian Li, Xinxin Kong, Minle Tian, Jing Wang, Zhenle Yang, Lichun Yu, Suwen Liu, Cong Wang, Xiaoyuan Wang, Shuzhen Sun
Summary: This study retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics, treatment protocol, and prognosis of 8 children with anti-CFH Ab-associated HUS. The patients were mainly school-aged boys, and the disease onset occurred in summer and winter. Digestive and upper respiratory tract infections were common prodromal infections. Early treatment, including plasma exchange and corticosteroid therapy, was given to all patients. Some patients required immunosuppressive agents for maintenance treatment. The study suggests that plasma exchange combined with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil treatment can be utilized in children with anti-CFH Ab-associated HUS if eculizumab is not available.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Angela Yen Moore, Kara Hurley, Stephen Andrew Moore
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of using sarecycline in Hispanics with moderate-to-severe acne. The results showed a significant reduction in facial inflammatory lesion counts in Hispanic patients with acne treated with oral sarecycline for 12 weeks. Therefore, oral sarecycline shows promising results as a safe and effective treatment for acne in Hispanics.
Article
Rheumatology
Young Ho Lee, Gwan Gyu Song
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of voclosporin + MMF, tacrolimus + MMF, and monotherapy for induction treatment in lupus nephritis patients. The results showed that tacrolimus + MMF and voclosporin + MMF were more effective than monotherapy, with tacrolimus + MMF being the most effective. However, tacrolimus + MMF had a higher risk of serious adverse events compared to monotherapy.
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RHEUMATOLOGIE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nadia N. Hansel, Nirupama Putcha, Han Woo, Roger Peng, Gregory B. Diette, Ashraf Fawzy, Robert A. Wise, Karina Romero, Meghan F. Davis, Ana M. Rule, Michelle N. Eakin, Patrick N. Breysse, Meredith C. McCormack, Kirsten Koehler
Summary: This is the first environmental intervention study conducted among former smokers with COPD, showing potential health benefits of portable high-efficiency particulate absolute air cleaners in improving respiratory morbidity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ian M. Adcock, Surya P. Bhatt, Ronald Balkissoon, Robert A. Wise
Summary: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in combination with bronchodilators are commonly used in primary care settings for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, ICS-containing therapies may be less effective in COPD patients, especially in those who continue to smoke. Studies have shown that the inflammation in COPD is different from asthma, and exposure to cigarette smoke alters the functioning of glucocorticoid receptors and other anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, ICS treatment may be relatively ineffective in COPD patients, particularly in smokers. Inappropriate use of ICS therapies in COPD patients can increase the risk of side effects such as pneumonia and bone fractures. Careful evaluation and selection of anti-inflammatory/bronchodilatory strategies based on individual patient characteristics and current guidelines are crucial for the treatment of COPD.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nirupama Putcha, Han Woo, Meredith C. McCormack, Ashraf Fawzy, Karina Romero, Meghan F. Davis, Robert A. Wise, Gregory B. Diette, Kirsten Koehler, Elizabeth C. Matsui, Nadia N. Hansel
Summary: This study investigated the sensitivity of COPD patients to common indoor allergens and its association with symptoms and exacerbation risk. The results showed a significant correlation between sensitization and exposure with lower lung function, higher respiratory questionnaire scores, and higher exacerbation risk. Allergens are identified as an important home exposure in COPD, which could potentially be addressed through comprehensive home environmental modification strategies to improve outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Marcy B. Bolster, Shruti Chandra, Bart M. Demaerschalk, Christine D. Esper, Julian Z. Genkins, Emily M. Hayden, Aswita Tan-McGrory, Lee H. Schwamm
Summary: Virtual care, introduced as a replacement for in-person visits, is now being integrated into clinical care delivery models due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators need to design and implement virtual care curriculum in the learning environment, offering opportunities for novel teaching and assessment methods. It is important to ensure accessibility, equity, and professionalism in the virtual care environment.
Article
Rheumatology
Meriah N. Moore, Beth Wallace, Jing Song, Lutfiyya N. Muhammad, Andrew C. Heisler, Daniel J. Clauw, Marcy B. Bolster, Wendy Marder, Tuhina Neogi, Alyssa Wohlfahrt, Dorothy D. Dunlop, Yvonne C. Lee
Summary: This study aimed to examine the correlation between the self-administered Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire (FSQ) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed a weak correlation between FSQ and QST, indicating that the two measures cannot be used interchangeably.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Brittany Weber, Dana Weisenfeld, Thany Seyok, Sicong Huang, Elena Massarotti, Leanne Barrett, Courtney Bibbo, Daniel H. Solomon, Jorge Plutzky, Marcy Bolster, Marcelo Di Carli, Katherine P. Liao
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Letter
Rheumatology
Marcy B. B. Bolster, Megan M. M. Lockwood, Rachel S. S. Wallwork, Philip Seo, Kaitlin Lima, Anisha B. B. Dua
ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Alexander M. Gorzewski, Andrew C. Heisler, Tuhina Neogi, Lutfiyya N. Muhammad, Jing Song, Dorothy Dunlop, Clifton O. Bingham, Marcy B. Bolster, Daniel J. Clauw, Wendy Marder, Yvonne C. Lee
Summary: This study aimed to determine if the degree of baseline fibromyalgia symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predicts RA disease activity after initiation or change of a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). The results showed that the baseline FSQ score was independently associated with elevated DAS28-CRP scores 12 weeks after DMARD initiation. The primary factor that informed the FSQ's prediction of disease activity was the spatial extent of pain, as measured by the WPI.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Alyssa Wohlfahrt, Lutfiyya N. Muhammad, Jing Song, Dorothy D. Dunlop, Tuhina Neogi, Clifton O. Bingham III, Marcy B. Bolster, Wendy Marder, Daniel J. Clauw, Yvonne C. Lee
Summary: This study used regression tree methodology to determine the mechanisms most predictive of disease activity after DMARD treatment. The results showed that lower knee pressure pain thresholds were the strongest predictor of higher posttreatment disease activity in patients with low/moderate disease activity. In patients with high baseline disease activity, less efficient descending pain modulation was the strongest predictor of higher posttreatment disease activity.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Joan Reibman, Bradley E. Chipps, Robert S. Zeiger, David A. Beuther, Robert A. Wise, William McCann, Ileen Gilbert, James M. Eudicone, Hitesh N. Gandhi, Gale Harding, Katelyn Cutts, Karin S. Coyne, Kevin R. Murphy, Maureen George
Summary: Purpose of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire (AIRQ) by comparing it with patient self-perception of asthma status and validated disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures. The results showed significant correlations between AIRQ score and patient self-perception, as well as scores from other validated measures. As the AIRQ control category worsened, scores from other measures also worsened. This study demonstrates that AIRQ can be a useful instrument to raise awareness of the impacts of asthma on patients' lives.
JOURNAL OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Rachel M. Wolfe, Faye N. Hant, Rumey C. Ishizawar, Lisa G. Criscione-Schreiber, Beth L. Jonas, Kenneth S. O'Rourke, Marcy B. Bolster
Summary: With the COVID-19 pandemic, a face-to-face rheumatology objective structured clinical examination (ROSCE) was transformed into a virtual format. The virtual ROSCE aimed to reproduce the educational value of the previous in-person ROSCE and provide valuable formative assessment for rheumatology training. The study found that the virtual ROSCE was innovative, feasible, and well-received.
ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Marcy B. Bolster, Jason Kolfenbach, Alexandra Poeschla, Lisa Criscione-Schreiber, Faye Hant, Rumey Ishizawar, Beth Jonas, David Leverenz, Kenneth S. O'Rourke, Rachel M. Wolfe, Lisa Zickuhr
Summary: To increase the confidence of rheumatology fellows in training (FITs) in delivering virtual care (VC) and prepare them for independent practice, educational materials were developed to address gaps in their skills. The materials included videos of mediocre and excellent VC examples, discussion/reflection questions, and a summary of key practices. Results showed a significant improvement in the confidence levels of FITs for delivering VC after the intervention.
ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
David A. Kaminsky, Jiaxian He, Robert Henderson, Anne E. Dixon, Charles G. Irvin, John Mastronarde, Lewis J. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sugar, Robert A. Wise, Janet T. Holbrook
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between four different definitions of bronchodilator response (BDR) and asthma control and symptom burden in participants with poorly controlled asthma. The study found that there was no association between BDR and asthma control or symptoms, regardless of the definition used. These findings question the clinical utility of BDR in assessing asthma control and symptoms.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Kelly Vogel, Lutfiyya N. Muhammad, Jing Song, Tuhina Neogi, Clifton O. Bingham, Marcy B. Bolster, Wendy Marder, Alyssa Wohlfahrt, Daniel J. Clauw, Dorothy Dunlop, Yvonne C. C. Lee
Summary: The objective of this study was to identify sex differences in pain intensity, pain interference, and quantitative sensory tests (QST) in patients with RA. Results showed that women reported higher pain intensity and lower pain sensitivity compared to men, but no significant differences were observed in pain interference, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation.
ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Nirupama Putcha, Antonio R. Anzueto, Peter M. A. Calverley, Bartolome R. Celli, Donald P. Tashkin, Norbert Metzdorf, Achim Mueller, Robert A. Wise
Summary: There is an association between body mass index (BMI) and adverse outcomes in COPD, with underweight individuals having higher mortality and exacerbation risk. Overweight and obese individuals are at lower risk or no additional risk. A holistic management approach is needed to improve the general well-being of COPD patients.
ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY
(2022)