The Rheumatology Podcast

Dr Chris Wincup asks Dr Giacomo De Luca (Milan, Italy) about his recent paper, which examines the real-life efficacy and safety of apremilast in treating oral ulcers in patients with Behçet’s disease. The study found that apremilast was an effective strategy against recurrent or resistant oral ulcers, leading to improved disease activity scores, less pain, and better quality of life. They discuss key findings, as well as future uses for apremilast. This paper is the Editor’s Choice for January 2020.

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Professor John McBeth (Manchester, UK) about his recent paper, which tested whether central sensitisation (CS) was associated with greater fatigue, independently of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Measured using the wind-up ratio test at the hand (WUR-H) and foot (WUR-F), the study found that fatigue was predicted by CS, independently of the presence of MSK pain, demographics, lifestyle factors and mental health. These findings suggest that medications and non-pharmacological interventions may be beneficial for improved fatigue management.

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Professor John McBeth (Manchester, UK) about his recent paper, which tested whether central sensitisation (CS) was associated with greater fatigue, independently of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Measured using the wind-up ratio test at the hand (WUR-H) and foot (WUR-F), the study found that fatigue was predicted by CS, independently of the presence of MSK pain, demographics, lifestyle factors and mental health. These findings suggest that medications and non-pharmacological interventions may be beneficial for improved fatigue management.

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Dr Helena Marzo-Ortega about her recent papers on the use of MRI in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Dr Helena Marzo-Ortega about her recent papers on the use of MRI in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The first paper, a systematic literature review, confirmed the diagnostic utility of MRI in axial SpA and showed that performance varied according to the characteristics of the cohort and the number and combination of MRI lesions considered. Informed by this review, the second paper reports that a joint rheumatology and radiology consensus on the acquisition and interpretation of MRI in axSpA diagnosis was achieved. Finally, a list of recommendations were developed which, when applied in clinical practice, should help standardize practice around MRI and ensure a more informed, consistent approach to the diagnosis of axSpA.

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Dr Helena Marzo-Ortega about her recent papers on the use of MRI in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The first paper, a systematic literature review, confirmed the diagnostic utility of MRI in axial SpA and showed that performance varied according to the characteristics of the cohort and the number and combination of MRI lesions considered. Informed by this review, the second paper reports that a joint rheumatology and radiology consensus on the acquisition and interpretation of MRI in axSpA diagnosis was achieved. Finally, a list of recommendations were developed which, when applied in clinical practice, should help standardize practice around MRI and ensure a more informed, consistent approach to the diagnosis of axSpA.

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Dr Harsha Gunawardena (Bristol, UK) about his clinical vignette, which reports a case of gastrointestinal manifestation of anti-SAE dermatomyositis. Dr Gunawardena discusses the presentation of the patient, the challenges associated with this type of diagnosis, and the treatment plan that was formulated. Dr Gunawardena also discusses how this case in particular relates to his interests in autoantibody subgroups in dermatomyositis and, finally, provides clinical recommendations for the management of this condition.

Dr Marwan Bukhari talks to Dr Harsha Gunawardena (Bristol, UK) about his clinical vignette, which reports a case of gastrointestinal manifestation of anti-SAE dermatomyositis. Dr Gunawardena discusses the presentation of the patient, the challenges associated with this type of diagnosis, and the treatment plan that was formulated. Dr Gunawardena also discusses how this case in particular relates to his interests in autoantibody subgroups in dermatomyositis and, finally, provides clinical recommendations for the management of this condition.

Dr James Galloway talks to Dr Abhishek Abhishek (University of Nottingham, UK) about his recent paper, which showed that the Gout Activity Score has predictive validity and is sensitive to change. This study used data from the Nottingham Gout Treatment Trial, which is discussed in more detail. They also identify the primary questions facing gout researchers in the near future.

Dr James Galloway talks to Dr Abhishek Abhishek (University of Nottingham, UK) about his recent paper, which showed that the Gout Activity Score has predictive validity and is sensitive to change. This study used data from the Nottingham Gout Treatment Trial, which is discussed in more detail. They also identify the primary questions facing gout researchers in the near future.