Rheumatology Commons^™

Ivig As Salvage Therapy In Refractory Antisynthetase Syndrome-Associated Ild: A Three-Case Series, Shine Vazhappilly, Julio Paoli-Gonzalez, Jose Herazo-Maya

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

International Myositis Assessment And Clinical Studies Guidelines For Risk-Based Cancer Screening: An External Validation In Patients With Dermatomyositis Seen At A Metropolitan Academic Center, Isabel Silva, Jasper Dayanan, Alexandra Nigro, Capriana Jiang, Ma Georgina Erfe, Trixie Rivera, Saakshi Khattri

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objective

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) characterized by muscle weakness, skin findings, and increased malignancy risk. Cancer risk is greatest in the three years before or after DM onset, termed paraneoplastic DM. The International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) set forth evidence-based guidelines for risk stratification and cancer screenings for newly diagnosed patients with IIM. '

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 413 patients with a known diagnosis of DM or clinically amyopathic DM at the Mount Sinai Health System (2019-2024). Demographics, clinical findings, laboratory results, myositis autoantibody panels, and cancer screening or diagnosis …

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio As A Marker Of Skin Disease Activity In Older Children With Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Shreya Swaminathan, Nidhi Naik, Susan Shenoi, Sarah Vandenbergen, Jessica L. Turnier, Zilan Zheng, Jessica Neely, James S. Andrews, Christian Lood

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. While the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with disease activity in adult dermatomyositis, its clinical utility in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is unknown.

METHODS: Demographic, medication use, autoantibody profile, disease activity markers, and laboratory data from 97 JDM patients was collected using retrospective chart review. Patients were age-stratified (0–9 vs. 9–21 years of age), as white blood cell count stabilizes at 9 years. The relationships between NLR with JDM disease activity measures were analyzed using spearman’s correlation.

RESULTS: Patients were primarily white (56.7%) and female (71.1%). Older children had …

Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma On Thumb Basal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review, Vrushank Shah, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential treatment for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, with studies suggesting it may offer more durable symptom relief compared to corticosteroids. A comprehensive review of four studies, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a retrospective study, and a pilot study, revealed that both PRP and corticosteroid injections led to short-term improvements in pain and function. However, PRP demonstrated significantly better long-term outcomes, with VAS scores decreasing from 75 to 20 in the PRP group at 12 months, compared to a modest reduction from 70 to 65 in the corticosteroid group. Additionally, PRP showed a …

The Gut Microbiome And Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review Of Emerging Pathophysiologic Links, Krisha S. Patel, Maduka Gunasinghe, Umer Shah, Kushkumar K. Patel, Zarif Ladak

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a multifactorial degenerative joint disease with growing prevalence in aging and obese populations, leads to disabling pain. Traditionally viewed as mechanically driven, increasing research implicates systemic inflammation and metabolic and neuroimmune modulation. The gut microbiome—an ecosystem of commensal organisms regulating host immune, metabolic, and inflammatory regulation—has emerged as a potential contributor to OA pathogenesis and symptom severity. This review aims to synthesize literature evaluating associations between gut microbiota composition and knee OA, focusing on inflammatory pathways, pain modulation, and emerging therapies.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion …

Re: Proteomic Exploration Of Potential Blood Biomarkers In Haemophilic Arthropathy, Quang D La, David F Lo, Don D Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

We wish to convey our reflections on the scholarly article titled “Proteomic exploration of potential blood biomarkers in haemophilic arthropathy” [1]. This investigation elucidates significant results concerning the plasma proteome of individuals afflicted with hemophilic arthropathy (HA) across a spectrum of severities, accentuating pivotal variations in protein expression correlated with disease severity and emphasizing the intricate nature of HA pathophysiology.

Association Between Mri Findings Of Facet Arthropathy And Synovitis With Health-Related Outcome And Pain Scores Following Therapeutic Lumbar Facet Injections., Michael S Green, Michele Van Hal, Matthew Onimus, Christopher R Hoffman, Dhruv K C Goyal, Valeria Potigailo, Khuram S Kazmi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Low back pain is a common complaint among adults. The facet joint is a major source of lumbar pain, and therapeutic facet injections have gained popularity as a minimally invasive treatment option. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization for diagnosing low back pain has increased significantly over the past few decades. Facet synovitis is an entity characterized by edema and inflammatory changes affecting the facet joints, adjacent bone marrow, and surrounding soft tissues. Although its underlying etiology remains poorly understood, recent reports suggest a high incidence in patients with arthropathy and arthritis. It is essential to explore potential correlations …

Metformin In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Investigating Cardiovascular Impact And Nephroprotective Effects In Lupus Nephritis, Yurilu A. Gonzalez Moret, Kevin Bryan Lo, Irene J. Tan

Einstein Health Papers

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by widespread organ inflammation. Metformin, commonly used for diabetes mellitus type 2, has been explored for its anti-inflammatory potential in SLE. This study investigates the association of metformin use on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with SLE.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study. We used the multicenter research network (TriNetX) database from 88 health care organizations globally. Patients with SLE aged 18 and above, admitted between January 1, 2014, and April 21, 2024, were included. Propensity score matching compared patients with SLE on metformin with those not on metformin, considering demographics, laboratory …

A Systematic Review On Belimumab’S Effectiveness, Improved Health Outcomes And Quality Of Life In Patients With Lupus Syndromes, Emily Meale, Alexandra Fontaine

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autoimmune diseases are prevalent disorders that many individuals within the United States suffer from. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease that has a high incidence in women of child-bearing age. Management for lupus depends on the anatomical location SLE manifests, the severity of disease, and the tolerance that one has for certain adverse effects. Glucocorticoids are commonly used to manage lupus. Currently, long term glucocorticoid usage is associated with devastating adverse effects, so current treatment options aim to mitigate corticosteroids use to improve quality of life while maintaining favorable health outcomes. New management for SLE include biologics …

Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, Rahyan Mahmud, Bianna Koutsenko, Kenneth Goich, Usaid Hasan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.

Case Presentation

A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke …

“Lupus, Marijuana, And Takotsubo: A Perfect Storm”: An Unusual Presentation Of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Matthew Orap, Parth Patel, Haitham Dib

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a type of myocardial injury that is marked with left ventricular contraction dysfunction. Various regions of the left ventricular wall may exhibit hypokinetic or hypercontractile activity. There is no exact mechanism elucidated for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but it is often associated with a triggering stressful event that leads to a catecholamine surge. We describe a 38-year-old female who presented with typical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, likely in the setting of worsening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exacerbations and excessive cannabis use. The patient described her pain as a tight burning sensation that started on her right side and traveled to the …

A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, John Gericke, Mary Zsolway, Chelsea Reyes, Pooja Patel, Saad Ahmed, Julia Hwang, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare pharmacologic intervention, neurocognitive therapy, physical therapy, and orthotics in treating the hypermobility subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and determine which has the most positive effect on symptoms.

Introduction: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inheritable connective tissue disorder which results from a genetic mutation that alters the body’s ability to produce collagen. The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is hEDS, which leads to hypermobility and hyperextensibility and can cause frequent joint dislocations.

Methods: A review of literature was performed to compare each treatment based on reported results. The types of studies reviewed …

Dermatologic Manifestations Of Rheumatic Disease: Cutaneous Manifestations Of Vasculitides, Julianna S. Kang, Julia Nunley, Tiffany Ho, Mavra Masood, Fnu Nutan, Beth Rubinstein

Open and Affordable Course Content at VCU

No abstract provided.

Dermatologic Manifestations Of Rheumatic Disease: Malignant Cutaneous Tumors, Divya Shan, Julianna S. Kang, Allison Cinats, Julia R. Nunley, Beth Rubinstein

Open and Affordable Course Content at VCU

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Viability Of A Microglia Attenuating Treatment Model For Fibromyalgia Patients, Rohan Yarlagadda

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Fibromyalgia refers to a rheumatic condition experienced as pain all over the body without a specific cause. This is considered a diagnosis of exclusion. This classification seems to suggest that any treatment options for it are purely symptomatic and are not disease targeted. Its complex diagnosis and underlying pathology contribute to the challenge of medically addressing fibromyalgia. Without a strict cause, fibromyalgia is often treated symptomatically with CBT and SNRIs. However, recent research suggests that existing therapeutic approaches are not very effective, especially when considering long term benefits for this chronic condition. This beckons for novel treatment options for these …

Dermatologic Manifestations Of Rheumatic Disease: Cutaneous Manifestations Of Sarcoidosis, Sarah Shapiro, Sindhuja Koppu, Mavra Masood, Beth Rubinstein, Huzaefah Syed

Open and Affordable Course Content at VCU

No abstract provided.

Septic Arthritis With Concomitant Pseudogout, Ravin Patel, James Schuck, Nicole Zucconi, David Aderholdt

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Monoarticular joint pain is a common complaint, however it demands a broad differential diagnosis. These differentials include fracture, dislocation, septic arthritis, gout, pseudogout and several others. The diagnosis of septic arthritis requires a high index of suspicion as early diagnosis is a vital part of initial treatment.

We present a case with multifactorial joint pathology contributing to a patient’s presentation, specifically septic joint and pseudogout. The incidence of these entities being present in the same patient, let alone the same joint, is not well documented in the literature.

The presentation of these diseases have a multitude of similarities and differences, …

Assessment And Treatment Of Down Syndrome-Associated Arthritis: A Survey Of Pediatric Rheumatologists., Anna Nicek, Nasreen Talib, Daniel Lovell, Chelsey Smith, Mara L. Becker, Jordan T. Jones

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Background: Inflammatory arthritis in children with Down syndrome (DS) was first described in 1984 and is now termed Down syndrome-associated arthritis (DA). Studies have shown that DA is under-recognized with a 19-month average delay in diagnosis. Additionally, most patients present with polyarticular, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) negative disease. Current therapies for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have been used, but appear to be poorly tolerated, more toxic and less effective in patients with DA. There is currently no standardized approach to the assessment or management of DA. The objective of this study was to describe provider perspectives toward …

Assistive Utensil: A Spork For Hand Tremors And Spatial Awareness, Ana Font Hernandez, Jacob Kabariti, Troy Taylor

Publications and Research

In this poster, we present a 3D printed solution for hand tremors and special awareness. Our spork is an assistive device designed and 3D printed for patients suffering from scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, drug withdrawal, etc. The scale-based handle will act as a counterweight to offset the contents on the other end and reduce shakiness. The larger grip allows an easy and comfortable hold. The product will be 3D printed for a customizable fit and at an affordable price. Lastly, the product will include a haptic feedback sensor to assist the visually impaired in locating food contents on …

Pilot Study Comparing The Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (Carra) Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Consensus Treatment Plans., Yukiko Kimura, Sriharsha Grevich, Timothy Beukelman, Esi Morgan, Peter A. Nigrovic, Kelly Mieszkalski, T Brent Graham, Maria Ibarra, Norman Ilowite, Marisa Klein-Gitelman, Karen Onel, Sampath Prahalad, Marilynn Punaro, Sarah Ringold, Dana Toib, Heather Van Mater, Jennifer E. Weiss, Pamela F. Weiss, Laura E. Schanberg, Carra Registry Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of studying the comparative effectiveness of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) using an observational registry.

METHODS: Untreated systemic JIA patients enrolled in the CARRA Registry were begun on one of 4 CTPs chosen by the treating physician and patient/family (glucocorticoid [GC] alone; methotrexate [MTX] ± GC; IL1 inhibitor [IL1i] ± GC; IL6 inhibitor [IL6i] ± GC). The primary outcome of clinical inactive disease (CID) without current GC use was assessed at 9 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT01697254; first registered 9/28/12 (retrospectively enrolled). …

Validation Of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Forms For Use In Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus., Jordan T. Jones, Adam C. Carle, Janet Wootton, Brianna Liberio, Jiha Lee, Laura E. Schanberg, Jun Ying, Esi Morgan Dewitt, Hermine I. Brunner

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: To validate the pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms (PROMIS-SFs) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a clinical setting.

METHODS: At 3 study visits, childhood-onset SLE patients completed the PROMIS-SFs (anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, physical function-mobility, physical function-upper extremity, pain interference, and peer relationships) using the PROMIS assessment center, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) legacy measures (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters [SMILEY], and visual analog scales [VAS] of pain and well-being). Physicians rated childhood-onset SLE activity on a VAS and completed …

Monitoring Change In Volume Of Calcifications In Juvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy: A Pilot Study Using Low Dose Computed Tomography., Maria Ibarra, Cynthia Rigsby, Gabrielle A. Morgan, Christina L. Sammet, Chiang-Ching Huang, Dong Xu, Ira N. Targoff, Lauren M. Pachman

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Dystrophic calcifications may occur in patients with J uvenile Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (JIIM) as well as other connective tissue and metabolic diseases, but a reliable method of measuring the volume of these calcifications has not been established. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of low dose, limited slice, Computed Tomography (CT) to measure objectively in-situ calcification volumes in patients with JIIM over time.

METHODS: Ten JIIM patients (eight JDM, two Overlap) with calcifications were prospectively recruited over a 2-year period to undergo two limited, low dose, four-slice CT scans. Calculation of the volume of calcifications …

Lymphotoxin-Beta Receptor Blockade Reduces Cxcl13 In Lacrimal Glands And Improves Corneal Integrity In The Nod Model Of Sjögren's Syndrome, Roy A. Fava, Susan M. Kennedy, Sheryl G. Wood, Anne I. Bolstad, Jadwiga Bienkowska, Adrian Papandile, John A. Kelly

Dartmouth Scholarship

In Sjögren's syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) is associated with infiltration of lacrimal glands by leukocytes and consequent losses of tear-fluid production and the integrity of the ocular surface. We investigated the effect of blockade of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTBR) pathway on lacrimal-gland pathology in the NOD mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.