Conference Coverage

Combined dermatology–rheumatology clinics are transforming psoriatic disease care by streamlining communication, reducing patient burden, and enabling more targeted, effective treatments. To learn more about how these clinks work and why they matter for patients with psoriatic disease, tune in to hear from Dr. Eric Ruderman, Professor of Medicine and the Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs for the Division of Rheumatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

In a 2025 study investigating salivary metabolites as potential biomarkers in cystic fibrosis, researchers identified distinct metabolic patterns linked with key complications as well as correlations with lung function. In this AudioAbstract, Ryan Quigley discusses how a simple saliva sample could provide clinicians with an accessible, non-invasive tool to stratify patients, monitor therapies, and advance personalized care in cystic fibrosis. This topic was also discussed at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

Early genetic evaluation plays a vital role in identifying potential causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and guiding families on next steps, expectations, and recurrence risks. Dr. Jennifer Kalish joins us to share practical insights for recognizing when to initiate testing, selecting the right tests, and addressing barriers such as insurance and interpretation. Dr. Kalish is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Director of the Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition.

Recognizing how inequities can significantly impact pediatric care outcomes is essential to improving access, trust, and long-term health. Dr. Shelina Ramnarine is joined by Dr. Yolanda Evans to discuss actionable strategies that can help us deliver more inclusive care, from social determinant screeners to equity-focused frameworks. Dr. Evans is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist practicing in Seattle, Washington, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.

Childhood trauma can profoundly alter brain and behavioral development, making it essential to recognize how trauma differs from other diagnoses like ADHD. Ryan Quigley sits down with Drs. Heather Forkey and Wynne Morgan, who presented on this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, to better understand how to identify trauma responses, avoid misdiagnosis, and implement supportive treatment strategies that prioritize safety, routine, and caregiver connection. Dr. Forkey is a Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair of Pediatrics and Dr. Morgan is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts.

In a landmark study involving over 10,000 patients, the International MS Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) has identified the first genetic variant associated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Sergio Baranzini, a Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, explains what's next in researching this variant and working towards effective treatments. Dr. Baranzini also spoke on this topic at the 2025 Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).

Antibody-mediated demyelinating diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and MOG antibody disease, differ fundamentally from multiple sclerosis (MS) due to their association with specific antibodies. Dr. Michael Levy explains how these conditions progress, how relapses can drive disability, and why prevention is critical for improving long-term outcomes. Dr. Levy is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School working in the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and he spoke about this topic at the 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress.

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) in older patients presents unique challenges, especially as age-related comorbidities and common neurological findings often mimic MS. Hear from Dr. Le Hua as she highlights the importance of thorough clinical history, cautious interpretation of imaging, and the role of paraclinical studies in ensuring accurate MS diagnosis, particularly in patients over 50. Dr. Hua is the Director of Clinical Operations and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress.

Preventing serious infections should be a priority when treating patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, especially those receiving immunosuppressive therapies. By assessing patients’ level of immunocompetence, clinicians can better tailor vaccination strategies and optimize infection prevention. Hear Dr. Leonard Calabrese discuss how to evaluate immunosuppression risk and coordinate timely vaccinations for patients undergoing immunomodulatory treatments. Dr. Calabrese heads the Section of Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where he manages the Clinical Immunology Clinic and is on the staff of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases. He also spoke on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West conference.

Despite common misconceptions, lupus nephritis is part of a broader immune imbalance seen in systemic lupus, not a separate condition. This is why it's important to shift focus from organ-specific treatment to immune dysregulation targeting. Hear Dr. Joan Merrill, Professor at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program in Oklahoma City, discuss the spectrum of lupus and, based on that, considerations for treatment. Dr. Merrill also presented on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West conference.