Curated News: Medical Meetings

Filters close
Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
American College of Rheumatology Announces 2020 Award Recipients
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) will recognize the recipients of its 2020 Master of the ACR designation and the Awards of Distinction during the College’s Business Meeting & Awards Ceremony. The Distinguished Fellow Award recipients will be honored at the Fellows-in-Training reception.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Artificial Intelligence Accurately Detects Radiographic Sacroiliitis in Axial Spondyloarthritis, Improving Diagnosis and Research
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that an artificial intelligence-based analysis model enables accurate detection of definite radiographic sacroiliitis in people with axial spondyloarthritis, an advance that could be useful for both diagnosis in the clinic and classification of patients for inclusion in clinical trials.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Romosozumab Substantially Builds Bone Density in Hip and Spine, With Even More Gains When Followed by Antiresorptive Drug
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College Rheumatology’s annual meeting, reveals that romosozumab, an osteoporosis drug, produces substantial gains in bone mineral density in the hip and lumbar spine within one year, and that transitioning patients to a potent antiresorptive drug can lead to even more bone density gains.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Patients Reported International Hydroxychloroquine Shortages Due to COVID-19
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

A new study shows that patients with rheumatic diseases across Africa, Southeast Asia, the Americas and Europe had trouble filling their prescriptions of antimalarial drugs during the 2020 global coronavirus pandemic, when antimalarials were touted as a possible COVID-19 treatment. Patients who could not access their antimalarial drugs faced worse physical and mental health outcomes as a result. Details of the research was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Black Patients with Lupus Have Three Times Higher Risk of Stroke, 24 Times Higher Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research reveals that, in the U.S., Black patients with lupus have a threefold higher risk of stroke and a 24-fold higher risk of ischemic heart disease. The study also found several lupus-specific symptoms that predict stroke and IHD in these patients. Details of the study was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Does Not Improve Remission for Patients Starting Infliximab
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College Rheumatology’s annual meeting, showed that patients with rheumatic diseases whose infliximab treatment was individually assessed and adjusted with a new strategy called therapeutic drug monitoring did not achieve remission at higher rates compared to those who received standard care.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Key Features of Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis, a Disease Affecting Children and Young Adults, Identified in Groundbreaking Study
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, identified key clinical features of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), which leads to an important step toward the development of much-needed classification criteria for a disease that affects children and young adults worldwide.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
COVID-19 Infection Rates Low in People with Rheumatic Diseases, Most Report Mild Illness
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

A new study shows that the COVID-19 infection incidence has been low in people with rheumatic diseases, and most of those infected experience a mild course of illness. Additionally, fatalities have been low among rheumatic disease patients infected with COVID-19. Details of this research was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Tuberculosis Screening Needed for Methotrexate Users in At-Risk Locales
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that tuberculosis (TB) screening and ongoing clinical care is needed for people on methotrexate who live in areas where the highly infectious illness is common. Methotrexate users who also take corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant therapies are at particular risk and need adequate TB screening.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
With Close Monitoring Throughout, Safe Pregnancy is Possible for Women with Interstitial Lung Disease
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

A new study shows that women with interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to autoimmune disease may not need to terminate their pregnancies provided they have close monitoring from their team of multidisciplinary physicians before, during and after pregnancy. Results of the research was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Global Survey Reveals that Few Children with Rheumatic Disease Report Contracting COVID-19, None Hospitalized
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

Results from a large, international survey shows that only a small fraction of children with rheumatic diseases reported contracting COVID-19. Those who did become infected, all had benign outcomes and did not develop significant complications, despite the fact that most children were taking immunosuppressive medications. The research was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Hydroxychloroquine Has No Significant Impact on Heart Rhythm in Lupus Patients, Even Those with Chronic Kidney Disease
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research shows that adults with lupus who take hydroxychloroquine do not have any differences in their corrected QT (QTc) intervals even if they have chronic kidney disease. The study was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
New Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Guideline Emphasizes Disease-Modifying Treatments, Urges Immunizations
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) will preview a new clinical practice guideline for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at ACR Convergence, the ACR’s annual meeting. The new recommendations include treatments for systemic JIA, oligoarthritis, TMJ arthritis, and recommendations for medication monitoring and immunizations.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Osteoporosis Is Underdiagnosed and Undertreated in Older Men
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

A new study reveals that many older men who experience a fracture are still underdiagnosed with and undertreated for osteoporosis. Details of the study was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Black Patients with RA Less Likely to Receive a Biologic, More Likely to Be Treated with Glucocorticoids Than Whites
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

A new study reveals that Black patients with rheumatoid arthritis were less likely to be prescribed a biologic treatment and more likely to use glucocorticoids, which carry a risk of serious long-term side effects. This study highlights ongoing racial disparities in the care of patients with rheumatic disease. Details of the study was shared at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Children with Kawasaki Disease at Higher Risk for Heart Problems More Than 10 Years After They Leave the Hospital
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research shows that children with Kawasaki Disease remain at an increased risk for cardiovascular events more than 10 years after hospitalization for their condition, highlighting the need for long-term heart disease surveillance and risk reduction strategies for these young patients. Details of the study was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Warfarin Use Significantly Increases Risk of Knee and Hip Replacement in People with OA
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that use of warfarin, a vitamin K drug widely prescribed to prevent blood clots, is associated with a significantly greater risk of knee and hip replacements in patients with osteoarthritis.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Oral Methotrexate Significantly Improves Function in People with Primary Knee OA with Inflammation After Only Three Months
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

A new study presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that after three months of treatment with oral methotrexate, adults with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) had significant improvements in physical function and inflammation, a sign that this inexpensive, generic pill may be an important intervention for knee OA.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Steroid Injections Do Not Hasten the Need for Knee Replacement When Compared to Hyaluronic Acid Treatments for Adults with Knee OA
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research shows that corticosteroid injections for knee OA treatment do not hasten a patient’s progression to a total knee replacement when compared with hyaluronic acid injections. Details of this study was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Many with Lupus at High Risk for Adverse Reactions to Pneumocystis Pneumonia Preventive Drug
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research shows that adults with systemic lupus erythematosus, who receive trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) are at high risk for adverse reactions to the drug, particularly if they are also positive for anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies. Details of the study was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Hydroxychloroquine Not Linked to Longer Heart Rhythm Intervals in Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus Patients
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, discovers that use of hydroxychloroquine does not cause any significant differences in QTc length or prolonged QTc in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Telemedicine Reduces Cancellations and No-Shows for Rheumatology Care During COVID in Large Ohio Health System
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that expanded use of telemedicine during COVID-19 improved cancellation rates, no-shows and completed medical visits for rheumatology ambulatory clinics in one large Ohio health system.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
New Rheumatoid Arthritis Guideline Emphasizes Maximizing Methotrexate and Biologics, Minimizing Steroids
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) will preview its 2020 Guideline for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) at ACR Convergence, the ACR’s annual meeting. The comprehensive, clinical recommendations for pharmacologic treatment of RA includes important updates to the previous guideline released in 2015.

Released: 6-Nov-2020 9:00 AM EST
Minority Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Have Worse COVID-19 Outcomes, More Likely to Be Hospitalized
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

New research at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, reveals that people of color with rheumatic disease have worse health outcomes from COVID-19 infection, are more likely to be hospitalized to treat their coronavirus infection, and are more likely to require invasive ventilator treatment.

3-Nov-2020 12:05 PM EST
Studies Show Subcutaneous Methylnaltrexone Provides Safe, Effective, and Rapid Relief of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients with Cancer
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)

In a study of cancer patients treated with methylnaltrexone, about 50%–70% experienced relief from opioid-induced constipation within 4 hours without the use of additional treatments, compared with 15% of placebo-treated patients. In addition, more patients treated with methylnaltrexone maintained a response at 24 hours after dosing compared with patients treated with placebo.

3-Nov-2020 8:05 AM EST
Neuromonitoring Enables Patients to Sleep through Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)

Neuromonitoring has been used in the fields of neurological and orthopedic surgery for years but has just recently made its debut in SCS implantation. There are limited studies observing neuromonitoring in this application, so doctors have shared the case study of a patient who successfully underwent the procedure and reported 90% pain reduction one week later.

3-Nov-2020 8:05 AM EST
Researchers Uncover and Target Specific Proteins Linked to Pain in an Animal Model
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)

Researchers are looking at the potential of a technique called differential target multiplexed programming (DTMP) to reduce chronic pain by targeting certain proteins linked to inflammation.

3-Nov-2020 8:05 AM EST
Promising New Treatment Identified for Diabetic Patients with Chronic Pain and Numbness in Their Hands and Feet
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)

A recent study conducted by physicians across the country shows promise for a new treatment option for patients suffering chronic pain from diabetic neuropathy. The treatment entails spinal cord stimulator implantation, a technique commonly associated with chronic back and leg pain treatment.

Released: 3-Nov-2020 3:10 PM EST
Researchers to Discuss Exercise’s Underpinnings of Health at APS Conference
American Physiological Society (APS)

Exercise physiologists and researchers from around the world will meet virtually next week for the American Physiological Society Integrative Physiology of Exercise conference.

Released: 2-Nov-2020 11:45 AM EST
Top Sports Medicine Experts to Address COVID-19 and Athlete Care
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Competitors at all levels have been impacted by COVID-19. Team physicians, athletic trainers and physical therapists now face unique challenges caring for athletes. Top sports medicine experts will address key issues surrounding competitive and recreational athlete care during COVID-19 at the 2020 Advanced Team Physician Course, a collaborative effort between ACSM, AMSSM and AOSSM.

   
Released: 29-Oct-2020 8:55 AM EDT
New analysis reveals ‘long-hauler’ COVID-19 patients with prolonged skin symptoms
European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Analysis of the largest registry of COVID-19 patients with dermatological symptoms has revealed a subset of patients, called ‘long-haulers’ or ‘long COVID’, who experience prolonged symptoms (lasting >60 days) on their skin.

Released: 28-Oct-2020 4:30 PM EDT
SoundWatch: New smartwatch app alerts d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing users to birdsong, sirens and other desired sounds
University of Washington

UW researchers have developed SoundWatch, a smartwatch app for deaf, Deaf and hard-of-hearing people who want to be aware of nearby sounds.

   
Released: 27-Oct-2020 6:05 PM EDT
Sexual Health Often Overlooked in Cancer Survivorship Care, Especially for Female Patients
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study points to a need for oncologists to ask their patients about sexual health after chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer treatments. In a survey of nearly 400 cancer survivors, 87% said they experienced sexual side effects, but most also said their oncologist had not formally asked about them. Female patients were especially unlikely to be asked about sexual dysfunction. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Released: 27-Oct-2020 5:05 PM EDT
Access to Radiation Therapy Has Grown, Especially in Densely Populated Areas
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

The number of radiation therapy facilities in the United States has grown by 17% over the last 15 years, according to a new study presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. This growth has disproportionately favored urban areas already dense in treatment centers, however; roughly 5% of the U.S. population remains more than 50 miles from the closest facility.

Released: 27-Oct-2020 5:05 PM EDT
Study Finds Need for Better Inclusion of Patients From Racial Minority Groups in Radiation Therapy Trials
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study finds that the racial composition of clinical trials involving radiation therapy does not match that of the U.S. population. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Released: 26-Oct-2020 5:15 PM EDT
Adding image guidance to post-operative radiation therapy can reduce side effects for women with cervical cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A phase III trial from India shows that an advanced radiation therapy technique leads to fewer gastrointestinal side effects in women who receive radiation after undergoing hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Findings from the PARCER trial (NCT01279135) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

26-Oct-2020 8:40 AM EDT
Radiosurgery reduces cognitive decline without compromising survival for patients with 4+ brain metastases
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Results of a new randomized phase III trial suggest that stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) should replace whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) as the standard of care for patients with four or more brain metastases. Results from the clinical trial (NCT01592968) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

26-Oct-2020 8:50 AM EDT
Group trial bolsters case for stereotactic radiation therapy for tumors that travel to the lungs
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study, conducted across 13 medical centers in Australia and New Zealand, strengthens the case for radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer that has begun to spread throughout the body. Findings of the SAFRON II trial (NCT01965223) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

26-Oct-2020 8:45 AM EDT
Treating spinal metastases with fewer and higher doses of radiation reduces pain more effectively
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

A new study shows using fewer and higher doses of high-precision radiation therapy is a more effective approach for treating painful spinal tumors than conventional radiation therapy. Findings from the Canadian phase II/III trial (NCT02512965) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Released: 26-Oct-2020 8:35 AM EDT
Adding advanced PET scans to radiation treatment plans for prostate cancer increases failure-free survival rates
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Adding the advanced PET radiotracer fluciclovine to conventional imaging to help guide radiation treatments for recurrent prostate cancer can improve disease-free survival rates, a new study finds. Findings from the randomized phase II/III EMPIRE-1 trial (NCT01666808) will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.

Released: 26-Oct-2020 8:30 AM EDT
Penn Study Supports Use of Radiation Before CAR Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Administering radiation therapy to multiple myeloma patients waiting for CAR T cells to be manufactured was found to be safe and undisruptive to CAR T therapy.

Released: 26-Oct-2020 8:20 AM EDT
New Clinical Advances in Gastroenterology Presented at the American College of Gastroenterology’s 85th Annual Scientific Meeting
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)

More than 7,000 gastroenterologists and other health care professionals so far will convene virtually for the premier clinical gastroenterology event—the American College of Gastroenterology’s 85th Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course (Virtual ACG 2020)—to review the latest scientific advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases, and clinical practice management.

23-Oct-2020 11:20 AM EDT
Resilience-Driven Care for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Leads to Sharp Drops in Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations
Mount Sinai Health System

A personalized program to increase resilience in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can substantially reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits, Mount Sinai researchers report. The research is being unveiled on October 27th in a plenary presentation at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG 2020).

21-Oct-2020 11:20 AM EDT
The Effects of Social Determinants of Health on Kidney Transplant Candidates
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• Social determinants of health are associated with patient-reported outcomes in adults who are eligible to undergo kidney transplantation evaluations. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.

21-Oct-2020 11:05 AM EDT
Study Reveals Details Behind Transplant Disparities Experienced by Black Patients
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• In an analysis of information on patients with kidney failure, Black patients are less likely than white patients to be placed on transplant waiting lists. • For patients on such lists, Blacks are less likely to receive transplants than whites. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.

21-Oct-2020 11:25 AM EDT
New Model Predicts Which Patients with Kidney Disease May Develop Heartbeat Irregularities
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• A new model that incorporates a type of artificial intelligence can accurately predict which individuals with chronic kidney disease face a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.

21-Oct-2020 11:15 AM EDT
Glomerular Diseases Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Conditions
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• Adults with glomerular diseases have a 2.5-times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than individuals in the general population. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.

21-Oct-2020 11:10 AM EDT
Model Predicts Likelihood of Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Dialysis in Patients with COVID-19
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• In a recent study, a new algorithm achieved good performance for predicting which hospitalized patients will develop acute kidney injury requiring dialysis. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.

21-Oct-2020 11:25 AM EDT
Why Do Minorities Have Higher Rates of Kidney Failure?
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• A new study indicates that Blacks and Hispanics have experienced higher rates of kidney failure compared with whites due to more rapid kidney function decline. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.

21-Oct-2020 11:15 AM EDT
“Patient Activation” May Improve Quality of Life in Individuals with Kidney Disease
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

• In individuals with chronic kidney disease who received online peer mentoring, improved patient activation correlated with improvements in various aspects of quality of life. • Results from the study will be presented online during ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined October 19–October 25.



close
2.95744